Journals & Love Letters

 In sorting and cleaning out my Mom's home my brother and I discovered these two journals and love letters.  The journals span the years of 1984 through 1992.  Mom began the first one two months after her mother - my grandma had passed away.  She wrote about how much she missed her.  They had always been very close and the loss left a huge hole in her life.  

Some entries were brief describing the weather and the happenings in the family.  Friendships and gatherings filled many of the pages.   Travels and various adventures were described in detail.

The love letters were much older.  They were kept in a bottom drawer of Mom's vanity.  They had been written by two young people who were very much in love.  Those two were my parents.  Dad was in the Navy at the time and Mom in high school.  

Of all the treasures that were collected and saved during my Mother's life I believe my brother and I found the very best.

If anyone questions keeping journals or special notes; you are leaving a legacy to those who are left behind.  I know I am very grateful that Mom kept hers. 

Have a great week.  Tomorrow is the first day of March.  Will it come in like a Lion or a Lamb?

Hugs

Debbie

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children...Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."   Deuteronomy  6:6-7;9 (NIV)

Rest

In the business of living it often is a challenge to find time to rest.

We fill our days with to-do lists and rush about seeking new opportunities to inspire and motivate us.

We are busy doing one task while our minds are moving on to the next chore.

It has become a way of life to see how much work one can get done in a given day.

We are so focused on what lies in the future that we miss the wonderful miracles that are happening now.  Perhaps that is why God designed a day of rest. 

Resting is necessary for optimum health...mental and physical.  It restores us and gives us time to take in the daily gifts that are waiting for us to unwrap.

Hope each of you will find some time to rest today.  Have a blessed week.

Hugs


Debbie


..."Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."  Jeremiah 6:16 b 

Lesson about Possibilities

During vacation I learned a valuable lesson about being open to possibilities.

This computer armoire  was purchased many years ago.   At that particular time we had a desk top Dell with a printer, etc.  

Unfortunately computers do not last forever and in time we found ourselves replacing the larger model with a lap top.   No longer was the armoire needed to house a tiny portable Notebook.  Thus in my estimation it had become a white elephant.  

Hubby had the idea to re-purpose it for our television.   To put it mildly I was very dubious.   In the first place it is not a piece of furniture easily moved.   Secondly I liked the television where it was in the room.   Thirdly in order for the telly to fit there would have to be modifications made to the tv's base.   All of which made me a bit apprehensive.  With much persuasion my beloved was able to get me to at least give him a hand to see if it would work.  Bless his heart for not giving up when his partner was anything but encouraging.

After several hours the project was finished.

 
To say the least I was "eating crow".   Not only did it work but it gave this particular spot in our home a welcome change and made television viewing much more cozy.

There are moments in life when being closed to options can keep one from experiencing something better.  This small example made me realize that taking risks or even seeing things in a different light can lead to greater opportunities.

One of those opportunities might be to make my sweetie a coconut cream pie.   He certainly deserves it for teaching me a valuable lesson.

WIP

New Every Morning!

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail.   They are new every morning..."   Lamentations 3:22-23a  (NIV)

Hope all of you have a blessed Sunday.  

Working with Ink

 When I want to relax I often choose working with ink.  It is fun to just take a crow quill pen and some ink and doodle across a page and splash some ink here and there.
  
Inspiration for me often comes from nature.  What inspired this drawing was seeing dried weeds growing above the snow.   They lend a certain beauty to the white landscape.   In spite of winter's winds many of them still have seed pods and bits of leaves clinging to their stems.  

I have a great respect for that kind of tenacity.

It is marvelous to see how nature reminds us that even when life seems overwhelming if we hold tight to the Vine we will remain strong and bear fruit.

Hope all of you are holding on tight tonight.    God Bless!    

Celebrations

This first weekend of February was one of celebrations.   Both were milestone birthdays.

Hubby's sister turned 65 and my Dad 80.
In honor of these two special people there were surprise parties given.

There is such joy to see the look in someone's eye when they realize that friends and loved ones have gathered to say you matter.  You are important.  We are celebrating your life.

 Birthdays are wonderful times to celebrate.    Other occasions are lovely too...wedding anniversaries...retirement...moving into a new home...a great job offer or promotion.    All are worthy of recognition.

Time's way is not slow.   It rushes quickly by.   Maybe we don't need to wait to celebrate only those milestone moments .   Wouldn't it be nice if everyday we told someone they are important...I am glad you are my friend...you really matter to me.  

 Let's just celebrate because we have this day!

 God bless each and every one of you because You are important and you matter to me!

December

Welcome December!  You bring such lovely gifts.    Decorations...songs of joy...

snow covered hills...













and best of all the Christmas story ... the good news...."Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."   Luke 1: 11 (NIV)

May all of you enjoy this beautiful month!   God Bless!

Listening

I've been listening to the last notes of summer.   The crescendo is past...just a short measure remains.

     Here are a few final chords.

Squash on the vine

 \

Dried corn waiting for the harvest...

A Moth visiting  wildflowers 

 Goldenrod swaying in the breeze...

    and a couple of friends taking a moment to listen too!













Hope you are hearing summer's last strains.   God Bless!  

A Passage

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.   Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."    John 14:27 (NIV)

Wishing you a peaceful night.    God Bless!

Winding Down

There are signs that summer is winding down.

The sunflowers begin to bow their heads.

  Leaves start to gather on the ground.

Late blooming perennials perfume the garden.

Crickets can be heard singing in the night.   Day's arrival comes later and it's stay is shorter.

All these signs serve to remind me "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot."  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.

Thank you for taking some precious time to stop by.      May you enjoy the last of summer's interlude!

Making Marks

As an artist I enjoy making marks.  There are many tools one can use to form a line, make a shape or create a symbol.   Sometimes those marks can become a thing of beauty...others may be a dot, squiggle, doodle or simply a scratch on a blank piece of paper.

So it is with people.  Some leave small impressions while others large.

My husband and I lost someone special last week.   Martin was one of those rare individuals  
who never knew a stranger.   Everyone was his friend.

He was a disabled Vietnam veteran who loved God, family and his country.  Physically Martin struggled with a bad heart and other serious health issues.   Spiritually he was strong in his faith and values.

As an usher at our church Martin greeted everyone with a big smile, a twinkle in his blue eyes and for some of us... a hug!

In the brief years we knew him Martin battled death many times.   He never dwelled on his infirmities...he lived each day in a state of gratitude.  The smallest things became wonderful when he spoke of them.  He truly had learned how to be content in whatever circumstance came his way.

            

Each of us will make our marks on the pages of time.   Martin made his and I will make mine and you will make yours...may they become a thing of great beauty.   God Bless! 

Sunshine and Rain

 Some days God sends sunshine...

some days rain...













                                                                                                        

 some days a bit of both.

Every day He sends love.   We just need to look up.

  

                                                                                           Have a blessed day!

A Wonderful Prize

Today in the mail I received a wonderful prize.  Diane from Always Crave Cute sent me this lovely book by Clare Turlay Newberry.   Diane's blog is always the best.   She is one of my treasured blogging buddies.    If you have never been to visit her please do.  You will have a wonderful time seeing all the cute treasures she shares.  She has a lovely Etsy shop with great vintage items that are sure to bring a smile.

The story of Smudge captured my heart.  Any of you who visit regularly know I love kitties.

One of the beautiful drawings in the book was of Smudge's father Buster.    

His colors are so vibrant.  

Here is Smudge's Mom Muff.  












This book will be placed on the shelf with all my other treasured ones.   Hope you enjoyed seeing my prize.   Have a blessed day.    Thank you Diane for bringing me such joy!     

Palm Sunday

 Wonderful memories come to mind with the arrival of Palm Sunday.  

My childhood church had a lovely custom.  They would hand each child fake palm branches.  As we entered the sanctuary we were instructed to fan them and shout  Hosanna...Hosanna....Hosanna!   (I think that was the only time we were allowed to shout in Church - lol).

 

It was a happy time...it meant Easter was only a week away.  Generally there were flowers blooming and birds singing. 

 

As an adult I still love this special time.   Naturally the beginning of Holy Week symbolizes so much more than waving palm branches.   It means having faith in the humble teacher who rode through the streets of Jerusalem on a donkey.   He was the representation of hope, faith and love to anyone who followed Him.   He still Is!  

 

Thank you for stopping by and letting me share my memories and faith with you.

God bless!

 

 

Finding inspiration

  I found inspiration this week.  It came from a photo that I had snapped on a warm sunny day in January.

  I was attracted not only to the lights and darks but the texture.    It also appealed to me because of its abstract nature.

 

 

Thought it might be interesting to photo copy in black and white.    This helped me see the values.

Feeling adventurous I used india ink for the background or negative spaces.   Then experimented with a bag full of mixed media on hot press paper.  

It was fun to try something a bit different.   Also the subject matter was not my usual choice.

 

Sometimes looking down can lead to as much inspiration as looking up!

 

 

So glad you stopped by to visit.  May you have a wonderful day.

 

 

 

 

  

Reaping the Harvest

I am in the midst of reaping the harvest.   It is hard to imagine that just a few short weeks ago these tomatoes were small blossoms of yellow.   Now they are sweet juicy fruits waiting to be made into sauce.  

 

The Zucchini  has done well in spite of our dry weather.   Plenty for pickles and relish.

      Summer's hard work has given its reward.

 

 

 

The garden constantly teaches me about life.   It shows me that one does reap what is sown.  Whatever I plant, fertilize, water and give room to grow in my heart will be the fruit I bear and harvest for the coming season.   Hope I have planted well.

 

 May your harvest be bountiful - have a blessed day!   

"Art on the Green"

  Hudson, Ohio hosts Art on the Green every year in August.   Artists from all over the state display their work.   It is a juried show.   The art ranges from  acrylics, jewelry, oils, photography, pottery, watercolors and a variety of crafts.    There is food and drink available.   It is a festive atmosphere.  So much to see.

The town itself is a lovely place to visit.  In the square there is a Gazebo.

 

 

 

President Lincoln stopped here on his way to Washington for his first inaugural.   A crowd of 6000 greeted him at the old Hudson Depot.  

 

The art show is situated in the shady part of the town.       

 

 

 

 Dick and I have been coming here for several years.   He knows it is something I look forward to at the end of summer. 

How quickly the day goes.   It is wonderful to see so much talent in one place.   I come home tired but inspired.      

    

 

 

Hope you find some inspiration too!    

God Bless