Honoring All Veterans

A few weeks ago I was privileged to spend some very special time in Washington D. C. with a wonderful friend, who happens to be a veteran of the Viet Nam war. Thanks to the phenomenal grace and mercy of God, my friend returned from his tour of duty with neither physical nor mental wounds to serve as a reminder of his sacrifice, and for that I am grateful.

While we were visiting the Viet Nam Veteran’s Memorial, a massive wall listing 58, 260 names of service persons who fought and died for our country, I lightly ran my finger across a few names, painfully aware that each etching represented someone’s child or spouse or parent who waited for mail from home each day and dreamt each night of the time they would return home to the ones they loved.

My mind wandered off to the spring day in 1969 when Chuck Lowe, the ag teacher at French High school, accompanied the officials to bear the news that Larry, the brother of my best friend, had been killed. God bless Mr. Lowe, who performed that difficult task so many times over the next few years. He always accompanied the officials on those dreaded visits so he could break the news to the families himself. Many are the times Mr. Lowe stood by the heartbroken and wept as he buried yet another of his former students.

Thanks to the unselfish sacrifices of countless veterans, we are blessed to live in the greatest nation on earth. To all those hero’s who have fought bravely, who have served our country, and to those who have husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandsons, granddaughters, nephews, nieces, serving now, I salute you and give you my heartfelt thanks and eternal gratitude for the sacrifices that you have and will make.

Tomorrow I will spend the afternoon baking cookies to take to a few elderly veterans in my neighorhood. The look of appreciation on their faces will be priceless. My neighbor, L.C. will be home Wednesday, at which time he will again share his experience of visiting the wall, a place he goes every Memorial Day to honor his brother who neither came home from Viet Nam, nor was ever found. A black POW/MIA flag flies from his porch this weekend.

In seeing the faces of these folk and listening their stories, you will gain a new appreciation for these men and women who have given so much for us. I encourage everyone to salute and honor a vet today, and everyday. I promise, the experience will not leave you unaffected.

My Six Word Life Story

"For sale. Baby Shoes. Never worn.”

Back in the 1920’s, the great writer, Ernest Hemingway made a $10.00 bet with someone that he could write a complete story in six words. He won the bet with the above words. Never have six words been more thought provoking, or conveyed such strength of meaning.

The online magazine, Smith, has used the Hemingway anecdote to inspire its readers to write their own life stories in just six words. This effort has resulted in a book of the best contributions, entitled "Not Quite What I Was Planning".

I began to think about how could I sum up my own life in six words. What is my six word life story? I’ve been many places and have had many wonderful experiences . . . some good, some bad, other’s boring and many were quite sad. A handful were heartwarming and exciting...well, at least they were to me.

Here are some of the wonderful examples of six word life stories that people submitted. I find them quite fascinating.

Even the stars look lonesome tonight.

Some days are better than others.

Life: Why do I even bother?

Conceived, implored, employed, adored, retired, ignored.

Still waiting for it to begin.

Stars shine brightest in dark skies.

If only I had turned left.

She loved. He didn't. How typical.

Waited. Met. Connected. Lived. Happily. Everafter.

Seventh Day, God rested, Satan didn't.

Strife? Regardless, we remain a team.

Dandelion never saw the weedwacker coming.

I lost everything. CEO got bonus.

And so this evenning I began to ponder what my six line life story would be. It’s a lot to take in. And though that sentence is just six words, that's not my story. And then it came to me . . . joy is coming in the morning.

That is my six word life story....

What We Pass On

As the birthday of my mother--who died unexpectedly at the age of 59-- nears, I am once again reminded of a sobering, yet simple, lesson I learned during that time. It was during that lonely, heartbreaking period that I truly realized what the old cliche “you can’t take it with you” really means.

I realized this as I said goodbye to her for the very last time. As I held her cold, lifeless hands---the soft, gentle hands that changed my diapers and dried my tears for many, many years. Somewhere, I thought, there’s a handbag with a MasterCard and probably a Visa in it, each bearing her name, but when you’re lying in a satin-lined whitewashed oak box with every drop of life sustaining blood drained from your body, no one accepts MasterCard.

We all know that life is ephemeral, but on that particular day and in the months that followed, my shattered spirit got a painful but extremely valuable look at life’s simple backstage truths. A soul shaking reminder of what’s important and what’s not. Things like, we come in naked and broke. We may be dressed when we go out, but we’re just as broke. Bill Gates? Going to go out broke. Warren Buffet? Going to go out broke. Oprah Winfrey? Broke. Not a crying dime.

All the money you earn, all the stocks you buy, all the mutual funds you trade—all of that is mostly smoke and mirrors. It is still going to be a quarter-past getting late whether you tell the time on a Timex or a Rolex. No matter how large your bank account, no matter how many credit cards you have, sooner or later things will begin to go wrong with the only three things you have that you can really call your own: your body, your spirit and your mind.

With that thought in mind, perhaps one should consider making their life one long gift to others. And why not? All we have is on loan anyway, and all that really lasts is what we pass on.

Charity indeed begins at home. If we are blessed to be able to pay for the college educations of our children then we have done a wonderful thing. If we can give them a further start in life—a place in business, help with a home, so much the better. Because charity begins at home. And up to a certain point, at least–-we are all responsible for the lives we add to the world.

Giving isn’t about the receiver or the gift but, rather, it’s about the giver. It’s for the giver. One doesn’t open one’s wallet or heart to improve the world, although it’s nice when that happens; one does it to improve one’s self. I give because it is the only concrete way of saying that I’m glad to be alive and that I can earn my daily bread doing something that I really enjoy. I love because, as the old addage say’s, ‘it’s not really love until it’s given away.’ Giving has way of taking the focus off ourselves and our own needs and putting it back where it belongs—on the lives we lead, the special people we love, the communities that nurture us.

A life of giving—not just time and money, but love—repays. It helps us remember that although we are going out broke, for right now, well, we’re doing okay. Right now we have the power to do great good for others and for ourselves and to love like we’ve never loved before. And why should we hold back? It's certainly can't be because we’re saving it to take with us.

As for me, well, I choose to give and to love now. With ever fiber of my being I will invest my soul. Because I have learned, nothing else really matters...

Be Back Soon...

All is well in this little corner of the kingdom, I've just taken a brief blogging break in order to spend time with my friends who have a need bigger than anything I can imagine. I trust God, in His infinite grace and mercy, will dry every tear and restore the peace and joy ten times greater than anything they could ever imagine.

A Baby is a Baby...

A great story...from a great friend who happens to be an Ob-gyn.

A worried woman went to the OB and said: "Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your Help. My baby is not even 1 yr old and I am pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.

So, the doctor said, "what do you want from me?" She said, "I want to end my pregnancy, and I am counting on your help with this." The doctor thought for a minute and after some silence said to the lady. "I think I have a better solution to your problem and it's less dangerous for you, too." She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request.

He continued, "You see, in order for you not to have 2 babies to take care of at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is amd there would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms."

The lady was horrified and shouted, "How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!"
"I agree," said the doctor, "but you seemed to be ok with it so I thought maybe that was the best solution."

The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that is still in the womb.

The crime is the same.

Just 18 days after conception the heart begins to beat at 6 weeks, brain waves can be measured, at 8 weeks the vital organs are functioning and fingerprints have formed. Before 9 weeks the unborn child is able to feel pain.

Girlfriends

A young wife sat on a porch in Waycross, Georgia, on a summer day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.


"Don't forget your girlfriends," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass.


"They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you'll have, you are still going to need girlfriends. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them. And remember that girlfriends are not only your friends, but your sisters, your daughters, and other relatives too. You'll need other women. Women always do."


"What a funny piece of advice," the young woman thought. "Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness' sake, a grown-up, not a young girl who needs girlfriends. Surely my husband and the family we'll start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile."


But she listened to her mother; she kept contact with her girlfriends and made more each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her mom really knew what she was talking about.


As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, girlfriends are the mainstays of her life. After 50 years of living in this world, here is what I know about girlfriends:


Girlfriends bring you casseroles and scrub your bathroom when you need help.

Girlfriends keep your children and keep your secrets.

Girlfriends give advice when you ask for it. Sometimes you take it; sometimes you don't.

Girlfriends don't always tell you that you're right, but they're usually honest.


Girlfriends still love you, even when they don't agree with your choices.


Girlfriends laugh with you, and you don't need canned jokes to start the laughter.


Girlfriends pull you out of jams.


Girlfriends help you get out of bad relationships.


Girlfriends help you look for a new home, help you pack, and help you move.


Girlfriends will give a party for your son or daughter when they get married or have a baby, in whichever order that comes.

Girlfriends are there for you, in an instant and when the hard times come.


Girlfriends will drive through blizzards, rainstorms, hail, heat, and gloom of night to get to you when your hour of need is desperate.


Girlfriends listen when you lose a job or a friend.


Girlfriends listen when your children break your heart.


Girlfriends listen when your parents' minds and bodies fail.


Girlfriends cry with you when someone you loved dies.


Girlfriends support you when the men in your life let you down.


Girlfriends help you pick up the pieces when men pack up and go.


Girlfriends rejoice at what makes you happy, and are ready to go out and kill what makes you unhappy.


Times passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Marriages fail. Love waxes and wanes. Hearts break. Careers end. Jobs come and go. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Men don't call when they say they will.


But girlfriends are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.


A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach.


When you have to walk that lonesome valley, and you have to walk it for yourself, your girlfriends will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.


Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you. Or come in and carry you out.


My daughter, sister, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends bless my life. The world wouldn't be the same without them, and neither would I.


When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead, nor did we know how much we would need each other.


Every day, we need each other still.


anonymous

Saving Soles

Once a week Father Book and other volunteers wash and scrub the feet of Atlanta's homeless.

ATLANTA — Bryan Flournoy sits in a downtown church, sipping coffee and taking inventory of his life: He's 33 and homeless. He's a stranger in Atlanta, where a bus dropped him off from California last month. He needs a place to live, and he needs it yesterday.

In a few minutes, he'll be hoofing across the city, looking for work.

For now, his feet soak in hot water as a preacher buffs them with a pumice stone.

Every Monday afternoon for the last year, the Rev. Bob Book and his wife, Holly, have transformed the Church of the Common Ground into a spa for the homeless. They scrub the feet of the city's forgotten, mirroring the act of Jesus washing his disciples' feet.

The service, repeated at clinics and churches elsewhere, isn't simply symbolic - it helps stave off foot infections, which affect the homeless disproportionately and can lead to more serious health problems. Men and women also leave with polished dogs and a shot of self-esteem that volunteers hope can help them turn their lives around.

Book says the ritual is patterned after services practiced by many Christian congregations leading up to Easter. He takes it further with about 35 homeless men and women each week: Five at a time, they get a soak, pumice, nail trim, massage and a fresh pair of socks. Volunteers wearing gloves provide apricot scrub, ointments, air freshener for shoes, nail polish and even insoles.

The church doesn't tackle medical issues; Book tells people with serious foot conditions to come back when there's a doctor volunteering time at the church.

"The worst ongoing thing is the fungus that goes on with people's feet. It eats away and destroys the toenails and just makes it very hard for people to walk," says Book, who once saw a black man whose feet were white from days in soggy shoes.

That was almost certainly trench foot, a common homeless condition that can lead to bacterial infection, says Dr. Jessie Gaeta, who practices internal medicine with Boston Health Care for the Homeless, which has operated a foot clinic for 25 years. Similar clinics run by religious groups and medical practices have popped up in Nashville, Tenn., and Orlando, Fla., among other cities.

The American Podiatric Medical Association estimates more than 75 percent of Americans have foot pain, with infections four times more frequent in homeless people.

"It's much more than cosmetic. These are really functional problems," said Gaeta, who has seen everything from fungal infections to maggot infestation. Foot problems often exacerbate other health issues in the homeless.

"Even a simple callus or blister in a diabetic patient is likely to become infected and can result in necrosis, and result in the need for amputation," she says.

Burly but gentle, Book massages Pamela Parks' feet on a recent Monday. He doesn't push religion. If visitors take an interest - commenting on a painting of Jesus washing feet, for instance - he may talk about his faith. And he always says a silent prayer over the feet, for their owners.

"Usually, the last thing I include is that they find their way to Christ," he says.

Between bites of a peanut butter-and-cookie snack, Parks explains her struggle with job loss, crack addiction and a bad relationship.

"Once he hurt me, I just gave up," she says.

She now sleeps in an abandoned house and makes money where she can, which lately means selling Barack Obama pens and calendars along a highway. It keeps her on her feet.

"Sometimes I walk two or three days because I'm scared to go home," she says before slipping on her boots.

When it's Anthony Barnes' turn, volunteer Rick Hutchison slathers a mentholated ointment on Barnes' tired feet.

"Everybody's got their own technique," he says. "And everybody's got their own challenge."

He'd know.

Two years ago, Hutchison says, he was "drinking and drugging." He bounced through Kentucky, California and New York before landing in a recovery center across the street from Common Ground. Eventually, he straightened up and began volunteering. He worries about men drifting like he was, and hopes sprucing up their feet motivates them to fix up their lives, too.

Barnes had a job at a car parts factory and his own home, but lost both in October. Finding a new job has been tough because he has a felony record.

In this moment, though, as he slides his feet into saddle shoes, he feels rejuvenated.

"Having my feet (done) gives me a little patience," Barnes says, "to keep walking."

Simple Questions That Can Be Answered In One Word...

101 Things About Me #5...I did not learn to paint until 4 years ago.


Where is your significant other? Waiting
Your hair color? Blonde
Your mother? Intellectual
Your father? Handy
Your favorite hobby? Gardening
Your dream last night? Dunno
Your long term goal? Secret
The room you're in? Cozy
Other hobbies? Crocheting
Your fear? Nothing!
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Ecstatic
Where were you last night? Hospital
What you're not? Selfish
One of your bucket-list items? Italy
Where you grew up? Texas
The last thing you did? Cooked
What are you wearing? Scrubs
Your TV? Nice
Your pets? Family
Where is your mobile phone? Ha!
Your computer? Dell
Your mood? Hopeful
Missing someone? Always
Your car? Pilot
Something you're not wearing? Make-up
Favorite bargain spot? Marshall's
Your summer? Hot
Love someone? Relentlessly
Your favorite color? Earthtones
When is the last time you laughed? Always
When is the last time you cried? Sunday

How Cool Is This...

Yes, He truly does have the whole world in His hands....

Wishin' N Waitin'

And speaking of Alaska...well, I'm countin' the days 'til June, when my best friend, Elizabeth, and I will be joining a group of six couples for a wonderful Alaskan cruise!

Typically, I'm not the type to partake of a 'tour group' adventure, but these traveling buddies are the same precious friends we journeyed with to the Holy Land in 2006, a trip we still talk about. We love these folk dearly and anticipate having a grand time of making lots of new memories!

On the flip side, I guess I really am getting a little older...or perhaps I should sweeten that a little bit and say 'more mature'.

The brochure from the travel agency says that the typical passenger on the Alaskan cruise is 55 years +.

**Sigh**

Am I looking forward to the gambling and dancing and comedy clubs and such on the ship? Nope, not even a tiny bit. In fact, chances are slim to none that I will even know the location where these events occur.

But I do know where you can find me at 6:00 a.m. every morning. Sipping tea on the balcony of our suite, wrapped in a blanket and watching the glorious sunrise.

And about the aging concern? Well, membership has its benefits.

From My Wonderful Friend, Tim...Thoughts On Investing

leisure time while ministering in beautiful Alaska


My simple thought for today is, 'good things come to those who are patient.'

In Ecclesiastes 11:1 we are told, 'Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days'....the waters are a type of people....it simply means to invest in people, but the important thing is the essence of time in this verse, after many days. That certainly doesn't sound like a get-rich-quick plan does it?

Ronny Milsap sings a song that says..."let's take the long way around the world...and lets take it real slow"....Proverbs 28:20 tells us 'he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent' and the message Bible says...committed and persistent work pays off; get-rich schemes are ripoffs....in your patience possess ye your souls...simply stated: just stay with the program and don't give up!

....if you stop, you'll drop,
....if you doubt, you're out,
....if you pray, you can stay,
...if you fast you'll last,
...if you can take it, you can make it.

Have a blessed day!

Answering some silly stuff...

Granmommy's babies...


1. Do you like blue cheese? Not a chance!
2. Have you ever smoked? Never! Can't stand the smell!
3. Do you own a gun? Nope.
4. What flavor Kool Aid is your favorite? Red...is that a flavor?
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Nope.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? They're great, if they're the good ones.
7. Favorite Christmas movie? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Diet Dr. Pepper!
9. Can you do push-ups? I think so. I haven't done them lately.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Idon't wear much jewelry, but I have a great watch.
11. Favorite hobby? Painting...and knitting...and blogging...and delivering babies.
12. Do you have A.D.D? Sometimes I wonder.
13. Do you wear glasses/contacts? Yes, ever since I hit the big 4-0!
14. Middle name? Lynn.
15. Name thoughts at this moment? Hmmm...I've got about 125 spring bulbs that need to be planted...
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Diet Dr. Pepper, tea.
17. Current worry? Worry??? My God's bigger than that!
18. Current hate right now? not hatin' on nothin.
19. Favorite place to be? At home, usually.
20. How did you bring in the New Year? delivered the New Year baby @ 1201
21. Where would you like to go? Tuscany, France and Alaska, for starters.
22. Name three people who will complete this? Just me, probably.
23. Do you wear slippers? Yes. I hate having cold feet.
24 What color shirt are you wearing? A black sweatshirt.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Nope, I'm an Egyptian cotton gal.
26. Can you whistle? A little.
27. Favorite Color? Red. And yellow. And all the earth tones.
28. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't shower. I'm a bath tub girl.
29. If you changed careers what would you be? A lawyer.
30. Favorite Girl's Name? Isabella
31. Favorite boy's name? Grayson
32. What's in your pocket right now? Nada.
33. Last thing that made you laugh? The new edition of the employee safety handbook, but lots of things make me laugh.
34. What vehicle do you drive? Honda Pilot.
35. Worst injury you've ever had? Does a broken heart count?
36. Do you love where you live? My home? Yes.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? I'm not much of a t.v. fan, so I'm ashamed to admit....4.

My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein

101 Things about me #4...I make the best apple butter you've ever put your lips on!


Benjamin Jeremy Stein (born November 25, 1944) is an actor, writer, conservative political and economic commentator, and attorney. He gained early success as a speechwriter for American presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Later he entered the entertainment field and became an Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, and game show host. He is famous for his monotonous yet humorous voice in acting.

Stein has frequently written commentaries on economic, political, and social issues, along with financial advice to individual investors. He is the son of noted economist and writer Herbert Stein who worked at the White House under President Nixon.


The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a crïeche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.

She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out.

How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein

The Time Has Come...

Well, this is the day. This afternoon, Barack Obama will take the oath of office as President of the United States of America, making today, perhaps, the highlight of American history up to this time.

I did not vote for Barack Obama, and if I had it do to all over again, I would still not. But because he will be my President, I will honor him.

I am quite sure I will not agree with many of his decisions, but I will trust that he is performing to the best of his ability.

I will not speak ill of Mr. Obama, and I will petition the Lord to bless the man from the top of his head to the soles of his feet, and to provide a wall of protection around him and his family that the enemy cannot penetrate or cross over.

God knows, better than we, that this nation does not need an attack on this high office---from home or abroad.

All eyes will be on the White House, and regardless of how badly Mr. Obama wanted this position, it is not going to be an easy task to fulfill the duties in a manner that is both positive and pleasing to the people.

As God fearing christians and Americans, it is our duty to lift this wonderful nation, and Mr. Obama, up in prayer. The task which looms before him is huge, and just as we are subject to feel the ripple effect of his success, so are we his failures.

May the blessings of God and the spirit of unity flow over our nation and it's leaders.

Monday Morning...

Outside My Window...it's a little dreary and gray, with quite a nip in the air. But the day is young and, hopefully, the sun will soon show its face and spread a little warmth and light.

I Am Thinking...how true it is that, aside from God and family, nothing can take the place of true friend. True is the key word here. Many call themselves 'friend', but really, true friends can be counted on 1 hand...with fingers left over.

I Am Thankful for...my wonderful friend, Elizabeth. We spent the entire day together Saturday, from noon until eleven p.m., and savored every single minute of it. We didn't do anything big or exciting, just laughed and talked and watched the inauguration fan-fare and played the piano and made tomato basil soup, and we even got in the mood to get out the oils and dabble a little on a canvas. I feel abundantly blessed to have one with whom I can share the contents of my heart! Someone who truly cares and is so in tune with me that she can feel my pain and cry
with me as though the sorrow were hers. God is so good.

From the Kitchen...Not sure yet. I probably won't be cooking much of anything for around here, but at some point I will be preparing food to take to a family who just lost a most precious member. It will be something special, for sure.

I am Wearing...It's seven a.m. You don't even want to know that one.

I am Creating...love on a canvas. True genuine, straight from the heart, warm, fuzzy love. Can't speak about the subject right now, just in case the special recipient is reading, but, hopefully, this gift from the heart will be extraordinarily special.

I am Going...nowhere special today. Just the routine stuff is on the agenda...the drycleaners, the grocery store, and Goodwill. I don't function well in a clutter filled, disorganized environment, so when the 'purging' mood strikes, the GW folk love to see me coming!

I am Reading...the Word, in the order outlined by the B.R.E.A.D. (Bible Reading Enriches Any Day) Program, which, if followed correctly, will take you through the entire Bible in a year. It's an ongoing program for me.

I am Hoping...for grace, mercy and restoration.
And hope maketh us not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us Romans 5:5

I am Hearing...A collection of Big Band music made for me by a dear friend

Around the House...all is warm and cozy and comforting and welcoming. Yesterday, I moved some art from room to room and also rearranged a few accessories. It's amazing what a difference these little things make.

One of My Favorite Things... is the weekly Sunday afternoon lunch date I have with a tiny handful of folk I hold near and dear. It's an old tradition that we all look forward to and rarely break. Sometimes we get so involved in sharing the events of our lives that, before we know it, we've been there 2-3 hours!

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week... Paint, paint, paint! Gotta meet a deadline. Other than that, I am only working two nights this week, Tuesday and Saturday, and that's a great thing, because I really do have a lot on the agenda! In the upcoming days I'll be meeting with a couple of ladies to plan the menu for our annual Ladies Conference brunch, shopping for carpet for upstairs and colors for trim paint for outside, and making a fun decision--whether to go to a conference in San Francisco or Los Angeles. The rest of the tasks will fall in place as time moves along.

Good News to Share...Saturday morning, I was notified that I was nominated and elected to the office of Treasurer for the local chapter of AWHONN (Assoc. for Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses). AWHONN is the national organization which sets the standard for nursing practice in this highly skilled specialty. It is, essentially, the 'golden rule' in the world of women's health care. Being elected for this position is quite an honor, as my chapter is the only one between Houston and New Orleans.

A Picture to Share... A blast from the past...Strawberry Preserves, made in July. Ahhh, 'summer in a jar'

A Recipe to Share...

Creamy Potato Soup

4 slices bacon

3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

1 cup chopped celery

water to cover

2 cups milk

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 teaspoon paprika

In a large saucepan cook bacon until crisp. Set bacon aside, along with 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings.

Add potatoes, onion, carrot and celery to drippings. Add enough water to cover vegetables and cook over low heat until tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in milk, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

In a separate bowl, stir together sour cream, flour and paprika. Gradually stir 1 cup of hot soup mixture into sour cream mixture.

Pour sour cream mixture into sour mixture. Cook until good and bubbly hot. Top with chopped bacon pieces

Sunday Morning Thoughts...Healing

The road to Jericho, Holy Land tour, March, 2006

We may not want to admit it, but we are in the midst of an onslaught from hell called sickness and disease, and Satan has attempted to rob us of the healing God has given us.

While the modern church dabbles in experimental theology and looks for new answers to old questions, there are suffering, bleeding, dying people in the world all around us. Where are the miracles we read about in the scripture?

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. Matthew 9:35

People read of God's provision for healing of the human body, but as they see the overwhelming amount of sickness and disease and observe an apparent absence of healing manifestations, their logic reasons that since they do not see divine healing, it must not be for us today.

God does not change. He was the healer in the Old and New Testaments and is still the healer today. When Jesus encountered the man sick with palsy, He told him that his sins were forgiven and announced, "Arise, take up thine bed, and go unto thine house" Matthew 6:9.

Is healing for us today? Will all Christians be healed? Here is what Christ declared:

"Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." John 14:12

We know that God has the power to heal, but we question if it is His will to heal us. The leper came to Jesus and said, "If thou wilt, thoust canst make me clean." Mark 1:40 In verse 41, Jesus was moved with compassion and replied, "I will: be thou clean."

Over and over when Christ healed those who were sick, He said, "Be it done according to your faith." Faith begins where the will of God is known. It is God's will to heal us.

Our Heavenly Father has one objective concerning our healing, and that is His will to heal us. Healing is not a promise, it is a fact.

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with his stripes we were healed." Isaiah 53:5

The same blood that washed away our sins took the sickness and pain out of our body. Jesus bore every disease---from the common cold to cancer. Whether the modern church likes it or not, the truth is this: Jesus paid an unimaginably high price for our healing, and according to the Word, it is our decision---our faith---which will open the floodgates and allow His healing waters to flow.

He is willing.

Faith, Prosperity, and The Word

101 Things about me #3...When I am downhearted, and life is not what I feel it should be, I call my best friend, Elizabeth, to come play wonderful music on my piano. Today was such a day. I thank God for true friends, for they are rare, indeed.


Painting by my wonderful friend, and once love of my life... John. The original work is in the Aladdin Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

In the midst of the economic recession, it seems that Satan has blinded our eyes to God's abundance. While we live in the land of plenty, he has given many a mentality of poverty. Satan wants us to see the hungry faces of third world nations and forget about the fact that trillions of dollar worth of minerals and precious materials will be extracted from the earth in the next few years. The problem, as I see it, is not the resources but, rather, the distribution.

Why does Satan want us to believe we live in a world of scarcity? Probably because he does not want the church to invest in a mission of global evangelism that will escort back the King of Kings.

Whether the world believes it or not, I serve a God who promises He will supply all my needs and who continues to release His abundance in my life everyday.

I. Opening The Floodgates

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10

II. Praying And Giving

As Christians, we need to stop being timid with our requests to the Lord. The giver of all gifts says, "Ask and it shall be given you." Matthew 7:7

The world has come to the conclusion that the only way to become financially prosperous is to lie, cheat and steal. The Lord has another plan.

Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over. Luke 6:38

It is time for God's people to say, "Satan you didn't give it to me; and you're not going to take it away. I am the apple of God's eye. I am righteous of God in Christ. Jesus shed His blood for me, and my God created more than enough for all of us!"

III. Jesus, Who Was Rich, Became Poor So Those Who Are Poor Could Become Rich

...For ye know the grace if our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go Isaiah 48:17

And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. II Chronicles 26:5

And he said unto me, The Lord, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my fathers house. Genesis 24:40

IV. Riches Must Not Be Our Priority

If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures Job 36:11

And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground and in the land which the Lord swore unto thy fathers to give thee Deuteronomy 28:11

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

V. Obedience Is The Key

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1:19

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:31,32

VI. The Purpose Of Divine Prosperity Is To Build The Kingdom

Then answered I them, and said unto them, the God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build; but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem. Nehemiah 2:20

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. Proverbs 22:9

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Proverbs 13:22

VII. The Gospel To The Poor Is That You Do Not Have To Be Poor Anymore

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Psalm 68:19

Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. Wealth and riches shall be in his house; and his righteousness endureth for ever. Psalm 112:1,3

That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and will fill their treasures. Proverbs 8:21

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2

Clarification: I am not, nor have I ever been a follower of the 'prosperity' theory, as I feel there are many, many more facets of the gospel which hold life-sustaining substance. I do believe, however, that when we align our lives with the Word, prosperity--physically, spiritually, and financially--is part of the big benefit package He wishes to bless us with. I believe that in order to bless, I must be blessed, and for that, I rely on His grace, mercy and abundance daily.

101 Things about me: #2...In my home, I prefer the comfort of my own paintings and handiwork, or those of my friends, as opposed to the 'showcase variety.'




In the Beginning, and Make a Joyful Noise, my very first oil paintings


A woman shall be satisfied with good
by the fruit of her mouth:
and the recompense of a woman's hands
shall be rendered unto her.

Proverbs 12:14 KJV (modified)

Ten Ways to Shorten the Duration of a Problem...

1. First and foremost, take responsibility for the problem.

If we give ownership of the situation to someone else, then we must wait for that person to repair the damage and we may wait from now to eternity for the problem to be rectified.

2. Be willing to work for what you want, no matter how impossible the task before you appears.

Put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6) and work as if your future were depending upon it. It just may be.

3. Don't waste time fighting over what you can not change.

Believe in the 'spilled milk' philisophy. Heartaches, disappointments and betrayals can not be changed, but through the grace of God, the outcome of these things can. Remember, it is not what we are 'going through' that matters, but what we are 'going to.'

4. When you are wrong, admit it. Take charge of your life.

Make sure that you never pay back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. I Thessalonians 5:28

5. Do not hold a grudge and refuse to forgive.

In Matthew 6:12, Jesus say's,"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Forgiveness liberates you from an emotional prison. When you refuse to forgive, you are the prisoner.

6. Be generous to those who need help.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.(Luke 6:35)
What God gives, gives. God gave the sun, the sun gives light. God gave the seed, the seed gives the harvest. God gave his son, He gives life. If what is in us resents giving or if we give without joy, it is not of God.

7. Let your mouth be ruled by the law of kindness.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22 Yes, even at home, not just on the job or with strangers. Be quick to say 'please' and thank you' and to express your genuine appreciation, especially to your mate, the one who is most often taken for granted.

8. Refuse self-pity when life gives you a raw deal.

Pick your self up and dust off your pants and move forward with the knowledge you are a child of the King. When royal blood flows through your veins, NOTHING is impossible, no matter how bleak and hopeless it appears at the moment.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philipians 3:14

9. Learn to listen..really, really listen. Try to understand the point someone else is making.

How often have we been in an 'intensive conversation' and not really listened, because in our minds, we were frantically 'rehearsing' our next remark? Listen to God. Wait patiently for His voice. Many times in the Word we read where the servant is instructed to 'listen to the Lord,' never do I recall the Lord being reminded to 'listen to the servant.'

Luke 12:11 "...do not worry how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."

Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

10. Be a peacemaker. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.

What have we gained if we win a battle, but lose the relationship or burn the bridge? Many times something must be broken before God can use it, therefore, He will sometimes send a problem that will break us.

From the broken clouds He brings rain, from the broken soil and seed He brings crops, from the broken atom He brings the power to make a bomb, from the broken alabaster box He brought the perfume which was used to annoint His body during the last 48 hours of His life. When the heart is broken, it opens and the Word of God penetrates it in a deeper measure.

Peter was broken when, three times, He denied Christ. The same Peter was used of God to speak in the midst of the crowd in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost, the glorious day the spirit of the Holy Ghost was poured out upon man.
(Acts 2)

Another phenomenal work from my marvelously, multi-talented friend, John...

What a wonderful lift on a dreary day...receiving a letter from my sweet friend, John.

Food For Thought

The greatest sin.........................................fear

The best day.............................................today

The biggest Fool.........................................the one who will not go to school

The best companion.......................................one who would not have you any different from what you are

The great bore...........................................one who will not come to the point

The still greater bore...................................one who keeps on talking after he has made his point

The greatest deceiver....................................one who decieves himself

The greatest invention of Satan..........................war

The greatest secret of production........................saving waste

The best work............................................what you like

The best play............................................work

The cheapest, stupidest and easiest thing to do..........finding fault

The greatest comfort.....................................the knowledge that you have done your work well

The greatest mistake.....................................giving up

The most expensive indulgence............................hate

The greatest trouble maker...............................one who talks too much

The greatest stumbling block.............................over-analyzing

The most ridiculous asset................................pride

The mose precious asset..................................faith

The worst bankrupt.......................................the soul that has lost it's enthusiasm

The most dangerous person................................the liar

The most disagreeable person.............................the complainer

The meanest feeling of which any human being is capable..feeling bad at another's success

The greatest need........................................common sense

The greatest security....................................knowing God

The greatest puzzle......................................life

The greatest mystery.....................................death

The greatest thought.....................................God

The greatest thing, bar none, in all the world...........Love

But, 'What If?"

The 'what if's' in life are the stumbling blocks that Satan puts in our path in order to rob us of what God wants us to have. 'What if's' always keep us focused on fear, not faith. 'What if's' continually distract us from our vision. 'What if's' turn us away from wonderful possibilities to dreaded problems, from positives to negatives, and from glorious hope to heartbreaking despair.

Just before the hill is crested and the problem is solved, just before the impossible becomes possible and the harvest is reaped, we are tempted to pause and dwell in the land of 'What If.' The longer we stall the higher the mountain seems, the greater the problem appears, and the longer we must wait for our answer. How many inheritances have been lost by those who lost sight and did not finish strong and hold on to the promise to the end?

I pray that God delivers me daily from the land of 'What If' and that He continues to remind me, when I have done all that I can in obedience, to press on in faith and prayer, standing firm against all attacks of fear and doubt until He fulfills His promise.

How blessed we are to serve a God who delights in giving us the desires of our heart.

"Therefore, I say unto you, whatever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24

Looking Ahead...On The Eve of the Eve..

This will probably be my last entry for the year 2008. Saturday morning I'll be leaving for an anxiously awaited trip, and there's much to do between now and then.

This post is sort of a re-run of a previous New Year's post which was derived from a questionaire I received in 2005. As those who know me would expect, my answers have not changed much. And though I've never been one to make, or perhaps I should say 'keep' New Year resolutions, I still resolve to do things a little differently in the coming year.

While on this remarkable journey called life, I've learned that sometimes there are no seemingly right or wrong answers in life, and that each decision leads to the here and now, where there are always more questions and more answers which seem to hold everything needed for the moment. I learned long ago to cling to the passage in Proverbs wherein we are told to lean not on our understanding, but to trust God. It's tried and proven and it works. I'm living evidence of that.

I wish you a blessed New Year, a safe New Year...and a New Year filled with Love and Peace and Joy.


1. In one word describe your expectation for the year 2009.

Favor---the God kind. I have faith that God will continue to bless all areas of my life and will fulfill the desire of my heart.

2. If you won the lottery tomorrow, who would you give the first dollar to?

I would give God the first ten percent. He can do more with the remaining ninety percent than I can do with the whole.

3. If you had to choose fame or fortune, which would you choose and why?

Fortune. Fame comes with too many pitfalls. Fortune would allow me to bless others who come my way.

4. What three words would you want associated with your name in memorial?

Faithful, loyal, loving

5. What does the word “time” mean to you?

Time is an illusion we use for our benefit when it suits us least.

6. What three guests (anyone) would you invite to a dinner party?

Assuming my significant other is already present, of course....my mother (if she were still living), my friend Mike Hayes, and author Mark Hanson, a most interesting and phenomenal man whom I had the pleasure of meeting in 1983 while in Napa Valley.

7. Name one work of art or literature you would hate to live without.

Proverbs. My absolute, all time favorite of the favorites. The wisdom of King Solomon is phenomenal.

8. What is your one weakest point of character? Your strongest?

My weakest is probably the fact that I am generous to a fault; my strongest is definitely loyalty, hands down, no doubt.

9. What one quality would you most like to give to your significant other?

His qualities are overwhelming and abundant so anything I could offer would be but an extra portion.

10. If a life affects all others, who would you say yours least affects? Most affects?

Least affects: I believe that would be impossible to say, not knowing which of our actions has the most rippling effect. I believe a simple smile to someone can and does change the world.

Most affects: My beautiful grandaughter, Savannah and, of course, my patients.

11. BONUS: Are you where you thought you would be when, ten years ago, you thought of your future?

Yes and no. I have changed, the world has changed and like John Lennon said, "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I am happy even though I feel I have much to discover, create, and more to experience in love. I am healthy, gainfully employed and have a roof over my head... all is well; all is getting better. I'm favored of God and, yes, all is truly getting better--one sweet day at a time....

Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you, you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

Luke 2:11-14

Outside My Window...
It's cloudy and gray, very windy, and there's quite a chill in the air. It's a great change from the mid 70's of yesterday which required the a/c to be on much of the day.

I Am Thinking...
About what I should wear for a special up-coming event ;-)

I Am Thankful For...
the wonderous soul cleansing, body and spirit healing, powerful blood of Jesus.

From The Kitchen...
It was 'semi-home made' around here today. Grilled boudain, baked sweet potatoes, field peas, cornbread and iced tea. Good old country comfort food.

I Am Wearing...
A gray sweatshirt with navy pants and my gray and red New Balance runners.

I Am Creating...
a more organized system for filing what seems like thousands of recipes! Part of the organization includes getting rid of all the ones I've hung on to for years but have never yet tried.

I Am Going...
to Macy's later on tonight! I think they are open until midnight and I don't expect the crowd to be too terribly bad. Maybe. This will be my absolute last retail experience until after Christmas!

I Am Reading...
How To Achieve Total Prosperity, a book given to me by the author, Mark Victor Hanson, when he and his wife, Patty, stayed in the condo next door to ours at the Silverado Country Club in Napa Valley, California. That was many moons and many memories ago!

I Am Hoping...
with the help of God, the dream deferred will be made manifest.

I Am Hearing...
A Hallmark Christmas movie is playing in the background. Don't have a clue what this one is, but I usually really enjoy these.

Around The House...
It's warm and cozy and 'Christmassy' around here! The fireplace is burning, candles are glowing and permeating the air with lucious fragrance, and I'm about to get busy in the kitchn making some fudge for my across the street neighbors. Too bad Mr. Wonderful isn't here...

One of My Favorite Things...
is having a few friends over for dinner. I love preparing a special menu and getting my home all spiffed up for my guests. The lights are dimmed and each room is filled with cozy throws, piles of fluffy pillows and wonderful triple scented candles. Lavender soap is at all the sinks and great music plays softly in the background. We have such a great time and get so comfortable that before we know it, hours and hours have passed by!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
I'm off work most of the week so winding up holiday preparations shouldn't be stressful at all. I'll be spending most of the day at my Dads house on Christmas Day and I'm still undecided about what I should take. I'll be preparing a side dish and a dessert, so hopefully I can come up with something pretty special that isn't too labor intense!

A Good Holiday Recipe...



Pumpkin Roll

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)


DIRECTIONS:
1. PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.

2. COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and slat in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.

3. BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.

4. BEAT cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired

The Ten Commandments of Intimacy

1. Love God first....Matthew 22:37

2. Always speak the truth to each other...Ephesians 4:25

3. Communicate clearly and honestly...Matthew 5:37

4. Resolve unhealed wounds from the the past and leave them
behind...Phillipians 3:13

5. Forgive your mate everyday...Luke 17:3-4

6. Resolve any anger everyday...Ephesians 4:26

7. When you are wrong, admit it...Proverbs 12:15

8. Don't blame or criticize your mate...Romans 14:13

9. Focus on the positive in each other...Phillipians 4:8

10. Serve your mate everyday...Galatians 5:13

Outside My Window...
all is peaceful and still. The ground is still a little wet from the melted snow which we received on Thursday. I'm thankful to see that my beautiful knock-out roses are thriving and blooming like crazy, even though their gentle stems were dragging the ground a mere 2 days ago.

I am Thinking...
there's much left to do and little time remains! I need to finish a little shopping, a little baking and a little wrapping. I am also reflecting on the wonderful day I spent yesterday with my friend Elizabeth...talking, eating, laughing, shopping and confiding while we perused the wonderful shops of the Galleria.

I am Thankful for...
that cold night in Bethlehem, long, long ago when a child was born. What a difference that event has made in the lives of all mankind.

From the Kitchen...
today would be a good day for chicken spaghetti. Savannah is here and that is one of her favorites. I'll serve a simple salad, garlic bread and iced tea with it. Desserts are rare around here, but today we'll have Almond Butter Pound cake, made from scratch yesterday morning.

I am Wearing...
what I slept in. Enough said.

I am Creating...
Im just beginning a beautiful little pink crocheted baby dress for the expected baby girl of my co-worker who is due just before Easter. Pictures will be posted as the project progresses. I've made many of these over the years and they are beautiful heirlooms, indeed.

I am Going...
nowhere until 7:00 p.m., then it's off to Labor and Delivery. Hope no creatures are stirring tonight.

I am Reading...
my favorite book of all, Proverbs. My, what a blessing it would be to be a true Proverbs woman. That is what I strive for everyday of my life.

I am Hoping..
that time flies at lightening speed for the next few weeks. Got some special plans happening which begin when I depart from George Bush Airport exactly three weeks from this very minute!

I am Hearing...
a commercial about how Nutri-System can change your life. Personally, I can think of much more interesting life change events.

Around the House...
all is calm, all is quiet, except for an occasional "Merry Kissmus!" or "Praise the Lord!" or "What's your name?" or "Where's Andi?" coming from the parrot. Much like a small child, she always wakes up joyful and ready to take on the day. She is so happy to see Andi each morning she can hardly contain herself.

One of My Favorite Things...
is spending Christmas day at my Daddy's house. I'm crossing my fingers that it will be a little on the cold side that day. The sights and sounds and fragrances from the woods are absolutely wonderful!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
finishing the Christmas shopping ranks top, and that includes the wrapping! Savannah has volunteered for that job and I'm glad to pass it on.

A Recipe to Share...



Peppermint Bark

1 lb dark chocolate, chopped
1 lb white chocolate, chopped
12 peppermint candy canes, crushed (about 1 cup)

Melt the dark chocolate and pour onto a jelly roll pan lined with aluminum foil or a silpat. Spread evenly to desired thickness. Place in refrigerator to harden. Sift peppermint candy to separate the large chunks from the peppermint sand. Melt the white chocolate. When cooled, fold the peppermint sand into the white chocolate taking care not to overmix (and getting pink chocolate instead). Remove dark chocolate from the refrigerator and spread the white chocolate on top. Sprinkle the peppermint chunks evenly over the white chocolate and gently press the pieces into the layer. Refrigerate until hardened. Break the bark into pieces.

A Picture To Share...



Did you ever have one of these? I was probably three years old when I had a sock monkey, and I still remember it. What memories flooded my mind when I saw this little guy dangling precariously from the branch of the Christmas tree in Cracker Barrel! I could hardly wait to give him a new home!

Outside my Window...
...it's a little windy and the temp is somewhere in the 40's. Nice little gettin' close to Christmas nip in the air!

I am thinking...
...visions of...well, I'll just say nice visions are dancing in my head!

I am thankful...
...for Jesus.

From the Kitchen...
...13 Bean Soup made with a leftover ham bone was on the menu today, served with cornbread and iced tea.

I am wearing...
...I'll plead the fifth on that one.

I am Creating...
...lists! So much to do, so little time.

I am going...
...somwhere very special in 32 days...

I am reading...
...a guidance book, or perhaps I should say a 'book of suggestions' by none other than Dr. Laura. I love her strong commitment to marriage, family, and doing 'the right thing.'

I am Hoping...
...for the favor of God in a giant mountain my dear friend, Jeffrey, is facing.

I am Hearing...
'All Because of Jesus' by Andre Crouche and Marvin Winans.

Around the House...
...it's beginning to look...and smell...a lot like Christmas. Lucious, holiday scented candles are burning this evening, permeating every little nook and cranny with scents of gingerbread, bayberry and cinnamon.

One of My Favorite Things...
...'I love you' texts from Savannah


A Picture...
...of two little boys who were born one year and five days apart. They call me 'Mom' and I love them more than life. This was taken when Jarad (L) had an emergency appendectomy at the age of 9. His brother, Justin, never left his side...or his bed.


A Favorite Passage...
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19

'The Baby' Is No Longer A Baby...

...Savannah, my only grandbaby, turned 12 years old yesterday. And though she really isn't a baby anymore, she'll always be this Granmommy's baby...



























Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Thanksgiving Food and Thoughts

I have several fancy-schmancy bundt pans, and today I chose to use 'The Rose.' Somehow, the food just seems to little taste better when the table is pretty, the candles are glowing and a few special touches are added here and there.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Buttermilk Icing

1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin (15 oz can)
3/4 cup buttermilk, well-shaken
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs

For icing:
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons buttermilk (well shaken)
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter bundt pan generously, then dust with flour and knock out the excess.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and salt in a bowl. Whisk together pumpkin, 3/4 cup buttermilk, and vanilla in another bowl.

Beat 1 1/2 sticks butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Then add eggs and beat 1 minute. Reduce speed to low and add flour and pumpkin mixtures alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour mixture and mixing until batter is just smooth.

Spoon batter into pan and smooth top. Then bake about 45 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick or skewer inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a rack 15 minutes. Then place rack over cake and flip the cake onto rack. Cool 10 minutes more.

For icing:
While cake is cooling, whisk together buttermilk and confectioners sugar until smooth. Drizzle icing over slightly warm cake, then cool cake completely.

Thanksgiving was rather simple around here this year. Jarad couldn't come home, and because I must work tonight I was not be able to go to my Daddy's house, the place we usually all gather for the holidays. So it was just me, Justin, Savannah, 2 of my clients and Andi, of course, who scampered around the table in search of whatever may have landed on the floor. A friend stopped by and brought a pumpkin pie, and another friend came bearing the biggest, prettiest poinsetta I've ever seen. I'm wonderfully blessed to know a handful of folk I can truly call 'friend.'

Regardless of how many or how few gathered around my table today, I know have much to be grateful for. I'm thankful to know and serve the one and only living God---the God who allowed me to be born in this wonderful country of freedom and plenty. May I never forget that my plight could have been much, much different. I have a wonderful family, a precious grand daughter, a sweet place to call home, and the ability to make a good living. I walk in good health and I'm free to gather with believers and worship God any time I so desire. God is good. All the time. And I am thankful.

Outside My Window...
...the sky is gray and it is cool this morning. It has been raining lightly, on and off, for the last couple hours. Not enough to flourish the garden, but just a little kiss for the flowers, with the promise of more to come.

I am Thinking...
...that in the blink of an eye Christmas will be here and I have done virtually nothing to prepare. Zero. Zip. Nada. I usually try to get a head start on my shopping, especially if I have taken a nice trip during the year, because that's often a good way to find unique gifts. Last April I was in Yellowstone and the midwest, but I was so mesmerized by the magnificent mountains that shopping was the last thought on my mind.

I am Thankful for...
...this morning I am thankful for my ability to generate a good income. With the economic state such as it is and nationwide financial uncertainy looming ahead, I am
grateful that I can feel secure in my career. Chances are slim that births will slow down and seasoned L & D nurses are few and far between.

From the Kitchen...
...it's soup day around here and I think today's selection will be corn chowder. My recipe includes potatoes, carrots and smoked ham and it's so wonderful it will knock your socks off!

I am Wearing...
...flannel p.j. bottoms, an oversized tee shirt and some warm, fuzzy socks. Oh, and my hair is pulled up and secured with a yellow pencil because I wasn't motivated enough to get up and get a clip. Lookin' good, I tell ya! Glad the one that matters isn't stopping by this morning...

I am creating...
...still making Santa caps. My goal is to have one for every delivery I have from now until Christmas. They're precious! I'll post a pic later.

I am going...
...nowhere but the routine this week...work, church, Central Market, Sams, Target, and I just may try to pick up a gift or two Friday if there is something unique that I feel is worth fighting the crowd for. Chances are slim I'll be that taken with any given item so I just may try to do a little shopping beforehand.

I am reading...
...I'm still enjoying reading 'The Message.' God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Psalm 23

I am hoping...
...at this point my hope is tucked in a little secret place in my heart, therefore, it is secret!

I am hearing...
...'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' from the Eva Cassidy 'Songbird' CD

Around the House...
...are indications every where that Savannah is here! A tennis shoe here and there, a Twilight CD in the stereo, empty Dorito bags and Dr Pepper cans in the bedroom waste basket and it seems that someone has been in my jewelry box...

One of My Favorite Things...
...is getting into my car when it is squeaky clean with 'armor-alled' tires and shiny wheels and sparkling glass and the hint of vanilla in the interior.

A Picture to Share...
...14 going on 20, with my friend Gayle...her twin Dayle took the pic. Guess which one is me?


fast-forward, uh, a few years...

Dayle and Gayle (on the right). Aren't they cute?

A Great Fall~Holiday Recipe...


Gooey Butter Cake

1 Golden Butter cake mix

1 egg

1 stick butter

Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a greased 13x9 pan.

Topping:

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened

1 stick butter

2 eggs

1 teaspoons of vanilla

1 16 oz. box of powder sugar

Beat cream cheese until smooth, add eggs, vanilla and butter and beat together. Add powdered sugar and mix well.

Spread topping over cake batter and bake for 40-50 minutes until top is a golden brown.

Cool and cut into bars.

The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe,
is the discovery of another human being with
whom ones relationship has a glowing depth,
beauty, and joy...

The innner progressiveness of love between two
human beings is a most marvelous thing; it cannot
be found by looking for it or by passionately
wishing for it. It is sort of a Divine accident.

Sir Hugh Walpole

Feeling A Little Romantic This Morning....

Sonnet XVII
Pablo Neruda

I don't love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as certain dark things are loved,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom and carries
hidden within itself the light of those flowers,
and thanks to your love, darkly in my body
lives the dense fragrance that rises from the earth.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving

but this, in which there is no I or you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close.

When Patch read this sonnet to Corrine in the movie 'Patch Adams,' I thought it was just about the sweetest thing I had ever heard. I wanted to know more about it, but finding it was difficult because all I could remember was the last line. Thanks to Google and Amazon, I located the work and within just a few days had my own copy of 100 Love Sonnets, a book of sweet, heartfelt sentiments inspired by the love Pablo Neruda felt for his wife, Matilde.

For Monday, November 17, 2008

Outside My Window...
...it's cold outside...at least by Texas standards! Though it's only 40 degrees, the 92% humidity puts quite a little nip in the air. It should be warm and sunny before long, great weather for some yard work!

I Am Thinking...
...how wonderful my day after New Year's celebration will be! Countin' the days 'til I can get out of Beaumont town and spend some wonderful, quality time with a wonderful, quality friend!


I Am Thankful for...
...Savannah, my sweet little grand-daughter. She spent most of the weekend with me and we had a great time Saturday evening perusing Barnes and Noble, choosing selections to add to her beloved book collection.

From The Kitchen...
...homemade split pea with ham soup is on the menu today. Monday is usually always soup day around here. Most weeks, anyway.

I Am Wearing...
...loose fitting gray Danskin exercise pants, a red long sleeve tee shirt with a Portland Oregon logo on the front and New Balance runners. Did I mention I just did 2 miles at the track? Clarification: I walked, didn't run!

I Am Creating...
...I'm crocheting sweet little Santa hats for all 'my babies' born in the month of December. Considering the exceptionally large number of births we've had in the last couple months, I better get to clicking some needles quickly!

I Am Going...
....to Joann's as soon as the store opens. My good friend recently found a beautiful antique dining room set and I am going to add some plush padding to the chair seats and recover them in a beautiful tapestry.

I Am Reading...
...'The Message'...the New Testament (with Psalms and Proverbs) in contemporary language...'You did it: you changed my wild lament into whirling dance: You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wild flowers.' Psalm 30:11

I am Hoping...
...that the God of second chances will shower His marvelous grace and mercy on the economic situation of this nation. I heard on the morning news today that Citicorp is laying of 53,000 employees. My heart goes out to these families who desperately need our prayers.

I Am Hearing...
...a gift from someone near and dear to my heart...'Bathtub Music'...a soul stirring, heart touching cd full of phenomenal selections. I absolutely love it.

Around The Cottage...
...much of today will be spent working in the front flower beds. I have 70 tulip and 50 daffodil bulbs I must plant soon so I can have a beautiful yard full of spring blossoms on Easter.


One Of My Favorite Things...
...the sights, sounds and fragrances of all things 'holiday'


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
...nothing firm on the agenda as of yet. I know for sure there's much to be done on the homefront in between catching babies.


A Recipe To Share...



Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole

5 large eggs
1/2 c milk
1 1/4 c frozen hashbrowns(small cubed)
1 c grated tex mex cheese
1 roll of pan sausage, browned & drained
1/3 red pepper, chopped
1/3 green pepper, chopped
1/4 c green onion. chopped
salt, pepper & seasonings to taste

Preheat oven to 350
Add milk to eggs and blend well.
Add all other ingredients.
Pour into well greased 8x8 pan
Bake for 30 min or until knife inserted comes out clean.

A picture to share...


An attempt at oil painting in the beginning days

Home

Wonderful music is playing, scrumptious candles are burning, fresh flowers are on the table and dinner is gently simmering. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed. My heart is full and my soul is content. The latest holiday magazines are on the old trunk/coffee table and a cozy throw is draped over the arm of the chair. I dearly love all things ‘home’...the place which should gather you up like a cashmere blanket, soothe your hurt feelings, and prepare you to go back in to the world and fight dragons.

Because I’m a nester, after spending an entire day making decisions and dealing with sometimes cranky people, I can hardly wait to get home. And when I come home I want my house to feel secure and beautiful, sort of like the way you feel when you get into a bed piled high with fluffy pillows—you just feel safe.

Like with most people, the heartbeat of my home is in the kitchen—-the place where my guests and I always end up. It has lots of natural light and just outside the breakfast room window is a lovely birdbath and a bird feeder where the cardinals and blue jays routinely gather for daily meals. Many are the secrets and hopes and tears and fears that have been shared at my kitchen table over a cup of tea. Mercy.

What few realize is that what makes a home feel warm and cozy and casual doesn’t just happen, but is actually quite deliberate. The key is finding what works for you and what appeals to all the senses of those who enter your world. But more than being captivated by delicious aromas and beautiful flowers and rugs, when entering my humble abode I want those whom I love to feel my warm embrace, which I hope will make them feel right at home. I want my guests to feel as comfortable as if they are family, a feeling that will always make them want to come back for more.

I Am More...

I'm more...Open than Closed.

I'm more...Up than Down.

I'm more...Work it out than Give it up.

I'm more...Staying up late on Friday night than sleeping in late on Saturday morning.

I'm more...Dr. Phil than Oprah

I'm more...Marble Slab than Maggie Moo's.

I'm more...Cheddar’s than Applebee’s.

I'm more...Smooth Jazz and Oldies than the new stuff.

I'm more...Tea than soda.

I'm more...Hot tub than Pool.

I'm more...Pedicure than Manicure.

I'm more...Seafood than Steak.

I'm more..."Where will we go eat?" than "Where will we go hike?"

I'm more...UT than Texas Tech.

I'm more...'au naturale' than 'made up'.

I'm more...Snow than Sand.

I'm more...Beth, Micki and Dee than Lindsey, Brittany and Paris.

I'm more...Makeup off than Makeup on.

I'm more...Thrifty than Impulsive.

I'm more...Foot massage than Back massage.

I'm more...Crochet than Knit.

I'm more...Giver than Taker.

I'm more...Selfless than selfish.

I'm more...Southern Living than Cosmopolitan.

I'm more...Granmommy than Saturday night with friends.

I'm more...Tender than tough.

I'm more...Brave than bitter.

I'm more...Courageous than Cowardly.

I'm more...Laughter than Tears.

I'm more...Fun than Boring.

I'm more...Loyal than Intrigued.

I'm more...Dog than cat.

I'm more...Mountains than desert.

I'm more...Trusting than Paranoid.

I'm more...Make you happy than Make me happy.

I'm more...Mom than I ever thought possible.

I'm more...Thankful than Thoughtless.

I'm more...Loved than lonely.

FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2008...

Outside My Window...
It seems that it's going to be another absolutely beautiful fall day, just like the weekend was. It's cool and crisp, perfect for a nice morning bike ride, and I will probably have to wear a light jacket if I stay outside very long. I love this time of year!

I Am Thinking...
About some wonderful plans I have for the first of the year. I can hardly wait to spend some special time with a friend who is near and dear to me. I'm counting the days!

I Am Thankful For...
My unmovable and unimaginably strong faith! I will go to God for anything and everything, regarless of how large of small, because I believe what's important to me is important to Him too. He's proven that to me time and time again.

From The Kitchen...
On the menu today is my wonderful, homemade chicken soup. It's a winner!

I Am Wearing...
Still in hospital scrubs right now. We had an extra busy shift last night which included 2 unscheduled c-sections, and those take a lot of time. I'm really tired. I'm about to hit the tub and change into something cozy and take a nap.

I Am Creating...
Right now I'm crocheting 100% organic cotton dish cloths. Once you try them you'll never use anything else...these things are just that wonderful! I've given away dozens of them and people are always happy to receive them.

I Am Going...
To the eye doctor as soon as I can get in. Hopefully, it will be this week. I lost my good glasses during the hurricane clean-up and I need to replace them as well as have a contact exam.

I Am Hoping...
That my banged up retirement account heals quickly and thrives for the happily ever after.

I Am Hearing...
The Early Show. They're showing some old footage and playing Little Anthony and the Imperials singing 'Going Out Of My Head.' Sweet song.

Around The House...
I see countless things that make a house a home. Lots of fluffy pillows, nicely framed art, books for 'arm-chair' travel, wonderful aromatic candles and lots of other treats to make my guests feel special.

One Of My Favorite Things...
Is surprising those I love with wonderful little things I find which make me think of them. These little gifts don't have to be costly or fancy, just special tokens, often with a little sentiment attached.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Nothing big or exciting is on the horizon at the moment. I'm working on cleaning out and reorganizing some closets and storage areas and, I almost forgot, I have 70 tulip bulbs and 50 daffodil bulbs I need to plant now in order to have a pretty showing this spring.

A Picture To Share...


I love vintage linens. I can't help but wonder about their history and the stories they could tell.


A Neat Recipe...




Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 eggs

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Combine the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll out the dough until it's half an inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes. Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

Andi loves me twice as much as usual when these come out of the oven!

The masses have spoken and now we await the upcoming crowning of this country’s next king. And though I have never hidden my feelings about not wanting Barack Obama as this nation's next President, I know that I am called to honor and respect the office regardless of who dwells within. Like countless others, I'm having a difficult time forcing myself to follow through with that challenge right now.

How, I ask, are we to stand firm in our own convictions and not abandon everything we believe, yet still respect the views of Obama? This comes as a deep struggle for me, as it should for all who claim to be blood bought christians. Acclimating to Obama’s views would mean abandoning everything we stand for and every conviction God has placed within our hearts. How do we rectify this problem? With so many questions and so few answers, my head is spinning.

In Romans 13:1, Paul proclaims that "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (NIV). Armed with this knowledge, we know there is no option but to respect the office of the president-elect. Did God specifically place Barack Obama in this office? I don’t know. But I do know that He allowed it to happen. And I also know that the word tells us this: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV). This passage alone assures me that though every event which will occur and every decision which will be made on behalf of this nation may not be good, the end result is they will all blend together for a good outcome for God's people.

So, today I pray that God will use Obama for His glory and that He will guide his heart and actions. I pray that God will convict Obama on his stance regarding abortion and marriage. I pray that God will use His servants to uphold a high moral standard for our nation and that He will guide Obama’s heart in making critical decisions and choosing necessary actions.

I pray that God will build a wall of protection around Obama that cannot be torn down. I pray that some less than stable person, disillusioned by the election results, will not take matters in to his own hands. An assassination attempt is the last thing our country needs right now. We may not believe in his proposed change, but our soon to be president is someone’s father and someone’s husband and I care about his safety.

No, the man I wanted did not win. Am I mad? No. Am I sad? No doubt. But no matter what feelings may come and go, we will have a new President. And I will respect the office and position that he holds. I will pray for the office and speak life over the office. It is the system that God intended for our nation and I will pray over that system no differently than I would pray had McCain won, Palin won or Elmo won. The office is to be respected. Period.

The only thing that matters now are my prayers. And he most certainly has them. I am honored to give them. As good and lengthy as they are. And sometimes as short and shallow as they are. But what I have, give I thee. I can't say I'm going to hang Joe Biden's picture in my house or send a Christmas card to the White House, but I am going to obey God's word. My life is good and my future is bright. My home is cozy and warm and I have a few dear friends who love me unconditionally. I have precious neighbors who watch over me and my home as if it were their own. I am thankful for my life here. In this country. In this land. And I am thankful to God for it. May He find me faithful in it, as well.

So, today I have hope. And my hope is that through it all, Obama will be a positive change for our country. We need change, no doubt, I’m just not yet convinced that he is the change we need. But through God, all is possible, and one thing I am sure of is that He is still on the throne, and He is our source. Through Him, we will make it through the next 4 years.

FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008

Outside My Window...
it's a gorgeous autumn day! The windows are open and the wonderful scent of fall is permeating my little domain.

I Am Thinking...
it's my time for favor. Actually, within my being I know it's my time for favor. God's favor. He knows the desire of my heart and He's creating something phenomenal and unimaginably wonderful from that. More later.

I Am Thankful for...
...every mountain and valley and heartache and disappointment I've ever endured. They have served to make me extremely grateful for the good times.

From The Kitchen...
...tomato basil soup is on the menu today and if time permits, I'll make a nice loaf of sour dough bread to go along with it. While in Montana last spring I visited Chadz, a quirkly little coffee house/cafe that served the best rendition of this soup I've ever had. I dropped them a note in the mail a few weeks ago and, lucky for me, Chad wrote back immediately, sending his recipe. Can't wait to try it!

I Am Wearing...
...hospital scrubs, which indicate there's gonna be a lot of work going on 'round here today. Upstairs, downstairs, in the yard and in the garage! The cleaning demon has latched on to me in a big way today!

I Am Creating...
...caps for pre-term infants in underpriviledged countries. As an L & D nurse, I am keenly aware of the necessity of maintaining the body temperature of these tiny people and little warm caps are essential.

I Am Going...
...nowhere special today, but Thursday I am going shopping in Houston with a group of girls from the hospital. It's a November ritual that we look forward to and we really love this little get-away! Nothing like a little 'girl time!'

I Am Reading...
...I'm about to start something new and at the moment I'm not real sure what it will be, though I have a pretty good idea. It has to do with the heart :-)

I Am Hoping...
...that my future will be so bright I'll have to wear sun glasses even in the house!

I Am Hearing...
...CNN talk about, guess what/whom? Obama and McCain. For a real eye opener, watch this...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odsDYodanxQ

Around The Cottage...
...it looks and feels and smells like fall! My absolute favorite time of year.

One Of My Favorite Things...
...is spending quality time with one who is near and dear to my heart.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
...Because I work the best schedule in the world, I have several days off every week so I think I may go spend some time with my Daddy. And I want to go to the cemetary too. My mom was buried 14 years ago today and I want to take some fall flowers to her grave.

A Recipe To Share...

Spiced Tea Mix

1½ cups of orange breakfast drink (like Tang)
¾ cup instant iced tea mix
1½ cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Add 3 teaspoons of mix to a cup of boiling water. Garnish with a lemon or orange slice and add a cinnamon stick to stir. Makes about 4 cups~

Sunday Morning Walk Thoughts...

Fredericksburg, Texas

As I took a pre-dawn walk through the neighborhood this morning, basking in the wonderous feel, sound and smell of glorious autumn, my mind was quickened to the thought that I am truly on a journey. A journey of continually searching for God and what that means in my daily life. I'm a 'God Chaser' as my my old friend from the teenage years, Tommy Tenney, would say. And through this journey I've come to realize it's not about rules or constraints, nor is it about unreasonable limitations but, rather, it's about freedom. It's about seeing my 'wants' become reality. It's about coming to realize that when the writer said 'I shall not want,' not only was he was speaking prophetic words, but he was speaking about me. Daily, God is supplying not only my needs, but my wants, also. I want to love with abandon. I want intense passion. I want to know that in all my relationships something exists beyond the visible. God knows my wants even better than I do and, in His perfect timing, they will be granted.
I love pondering the possibilities before my life, what could or will be, and what the necessary steps are before I see things begin to happen. I love the simple pleasures He has placed as mile markers on my journey. Pleasures such as long and straight-from-the-heart talks with my good friend Elizabeth, evening prayer walks in the summer, gathering the harvest from my awesome little garden, Saturday morning bike rides to Carlito's for a Mexican breakfast, the joy of finding the perfect gift for someone I love, spending hours in the bookstore (the new and improved libraries!), cool mornings and crunchy leaves in the fall, learning about love and life from those who seem to have found their way, the awe I feel when viewing His magnificent mountains, long aromatic & candlelit baths, being home alone with no tv or phone, just good music or a good book, and connecting with another heart. I am learning how to love, how to live, when to speak and when not to, when it's time to gather the stones, when it's time to let go. I'm learning surrender, forgiveness, discipline and, greatest of all, patience. I'm neither brilliant nor eloquent, but God has been exceedingly gracious in allowing me to cross paths with a few wise people along the way and I try to draw magnificence from all I've learned from them. And for that, I am grateful.

Old Love

Here are some things we know to be true about love---the most transforming, ennobling, life-affirming and self-transcending emotion any of us will ever feel.

Love shows itself in the long run. What we feel at first for someone we might want to marry could be love, or merely a transient passion. Only over time do we come to know that love is real. Loves requires sacrifice, patience, listening, compromise and most of all, courage--the courage to reveal yourself utterly to another human being. It takes only a moment to breathe heavily, but a long time to know if heavy breathing is born of love.

Love is not in you, but between you and the one you love. Love is not an idea, but a relationship, the force that bonds you together. In that space between you and your beloved, a brighter light shines than the one that emanates from your own soul. Because love is between people, it cannot be merely contemplated, but must be acted out and sustained so the bond never breaks.

Love is the only emotion that inoculates you against the cancer of selfishness. Love brings you out of yourself and your own obsessions into a world where you find yourself by losing yourself. The sacrifices people willingly make for those they love would never be offered for any other reason.

Love is the glue of families. Families don't exist to help us learn to love others, but because we love others. The love we learn in families is the greatest gift and most important asset we bring to our work in the world. In the best families, parents give more love than they need to receive. Children from such families grow up overflowing with with love, then slowly discover the reason they were loved so much: so they can love their own children the same way.

There's a special beauty to old love. People blessed with long marriages, and those lucky enough to see the children of their children's children, know secrets about love the rest of us can't comprehend. Old love is not just deep; it is wise, patient and knowing. The beauty of old love is the beauty a smooth face can never know. Old love is the closest thing to the way God loves us all.

Free Dirt

Besides being a gardener and a thrifter and a recycler, I am a composter. It seems, at least to me, that all of these activities just naturally go hand in hand. Whenever I'm preparing a meal you will find nearby a big red 2 pound former coffee container filled with goodies for the compost bin. Tea bags, egg shells, banana peels, onion skins, potato peels and apple cores never, ever go down the garbage disposal at my house but, rather, are tossed into the red bucket, along with any other organic, non-protein matter that will keep the compost cookin'. When the meal prep is complete, the contents of my red bucket are simply tossed into the composter. Besides kitchen scraps, leaves, spent blooms, a little newspaper (B & W only) and grass clippings make wonderful additions. A great freebie I take advantage of is the coffee grounds that Starbuck's will happily give you, if you only ask. Be careful with this one though, because the first time I requested some I was rewarded with a huge black plastic trash bag that was so heavy I could hardly lift it!

On the whole, composting is virtually effortless, as Mother Nature takes over and does the real work. It helps to gently turn it from time to time but, if you are unable (i.e. lazy) it will be just fine, though it will take a little longer to finish. So, if you want quicker compost, turn it. The key is to get the outside parts into the middle. With patience comes the reward, and within a matter of months you will have the most dense, rich, organic soil you could imagine. Your garden will thank your for it and produce prolifically in it's season.

A Simple Woman's Day Book

For Wednesday, October 14, 2008

Outside my window...
It's a little overcast, yet, pleasant and crisp. Two cardinals are feasting on sunflower seeds from my feeder...when the blue jay doesn't shoo them away. We're awaiting a cool front which is expected to come through later today. I can't wait!

I am thinking...
I'm thinking of how nice it is to be off work for the next 9 days! I'm thankful to work a very flexible schedule which generally allows me to have long stretches of off days.

I am thankful for...
Grace. Mercy. My family. My job. My home. My garden. My pets. Life is good.

From the kitchen... No big culinary plans for the day. Maybe some potato soup from a new and simple recipe I found which creates this wonderful standby from a box of augratin potatoes. Maybe some cornbread from, what else but...'scratch.'

I am wearing...
One of my favorite 'outfits'...flannel drawstring p.j. bottoms from Victoria's Secret, an oversized UT tee shirt and socks.

I am creating...
Today I will be creating a fresh, fall look on my front porch and flower beds by adding mums, fresh bark and, you guessed it, pumpkins!

I am going...
Gonna go to Home Depot. They have a great garden department!

I am reading...
The Shack by William Young. A fictional book where God invites Mack, the main character, for a weekend with Him at the 'shack', where previously a very bad thing happened to one of his children. I haven't gotten far in the book, but I understand it's quite a good one. I think I'll go to Barnes and Noble this afternoon and see what else grabs me, maybe I won't get too comfy in one of their big, overstuffed chairs and spend the afternoon perusing magazines!

I am hoping...
Short terms thoughts are that God will smile down upon us and deliver us from the potential horror of Barack Obama leading our wonderful nation. On a more pleasant note, I'm hoping that we have a real winter this year, rather than a 'Texas style winter.' I want to have a nice, cozy fire every night and a flurry or two would be especially nice, considering we only see that every 5-6 years!

I am hearing...
The background music from my blog page...Natalie Cole singing Everlasting Love.

Around the house...
Things look mighty cozy. There's a selection of nice magazines on my old postal service shipping trunk which serves as a sofa table and the pillows and throw on the sofa certainly look inviting. I need to stay focused rather than giving in to too much chillin' today!

One of my favorite things...
There are too many to count! Weekends with Savannah come to mind first. 'Just because' phone calls from my boys. Good gospel music. Laid back road trips.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Much of the week will be spent feathering the next. Cleaning, creating, cooking and rearranging, to name a few of the planned events!

Thought for the morning
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27: 13-14 "...and Lord in the midst of this election, we wait for You. We rely on our source: You, only You. Amen"

Here is a picture I thought I would share. This is my bestest buddy, Elizabeth, as created by our awesome and phenomenal art instructor, Gary Hernandez.


And a fun fall recipe...



Frito Pie...not the ball park variety...

3 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano (fresh)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/2 pounds beef brisket, cubed
3 cups onion, diced
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons oil
1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes
1 10.75-ounce can tomato purée
12 oz. beer - Mexican or Texas lager if you can
1 cup water
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Fritos
6 oz. Velveeta (diced)
green onions (for garnish)
Place a skillet over medium heat and add yellow cornmeal, chili powder, black pepper, salt, cumin, oregano leaf, and red pepper flakes. Toast for seven minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

In separate skillet, brown lean ground beef. Drain and set aside.

In large Dutch Oven or Stock put (around 6 qt in size), sauté chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of oil until pieces start to turn transparent. Add chopped garlic, ground beef and beef cubes. Add toasted spices and canned chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, the beer and the water. Simmer over low heat for at least 1 hour, stirring frequently.

Serve chili over Fritos corn chips. Top each serving with 1 oz. of Velveeta and green onions

Serves 6 to 8

Fall...Nesting Time

Short on time, because I'm nesting full force, I'm posting a re-run today of the nesting post I wrote in September 2006. It seems that when fall rolls around, with it comes a bout of the intense, incurable 'nesting urge.' Nothing cures this urge, you must simply go with the flow, which generally means feathering the nest 'til you just about drop. You have to be a true nester to fully understand what it means to be hit with a surge of this nesting urge. Our 'to do' lists become infinite. We scurry around to buy pansies and yellow mums and fresh bark for the fall gardens, which we finish off with big, fat orange pumpkins and cute little scare crow families. We pull out recipes for Baked Potato Soup and Broccoli Cheese Soup and any other steamy, creamy concoction that brings on that warm, comforting feeling. Our homes are filled with the delicious fragrance of candles called Sugar Cookie, Cinnamon-Vanilla, Harvest and Apple Spice and our crystal candy dishes hold, what else but...candy corn. We shop for yarn in warm shades of red and brown and gold and on those chilly autumn nights when we are not knitting we plan our holiday menus. We clean and fluff and feather our beloved nests and sprinkle our domain with little tokens of comfort and pleasure, anticipating heart-warming visits from those we hold dear. It may not be the latest trend or the cool thing to be these days, but, I am a nester...and I love every minute of it.


I am a nester. Nesters are those among us who feel a deep-down joy whenever we arrange flowers, or fluff a pillow, or stir the soup. We find something wonderfully fulfilling about tending our own space, something therapeutic about discussing life's challenges around our own kitchen table, something restorative about the quiet comforts of our own home. Whether we've been away from home for a month or a week or from 9:00 to 5:00, our hearts sing when we open our own front door. To identify the home of a nester, you seldom need to look farther than the entryway. As soon as spring arrives, a pot of pansies will suddenly appear on the front step, a rocking chair or wicker chair will find a place on the porch. In summer, look for window boxes overflowing with petunias or bright geraniums and Old Glory wafting in the breeze. Come fall, swags of Indian corn and crocks of chrysanthemums signal a nester-in-residence. And as winter holidays draw near, nesters will deck every window with wreaths, ribbons and candlelight. Whenever a nester doesn't know what to do with something she puts it in a basket. Our baskets hold mail, produce, toys, towels, magazines---even other baskets. Rearranging furniture comes as natural to us as changing clothes. Don't be surprised to find chairs and sofa in different positions---perhaps even different rooms---each time you visit a nester's home. This may be confusing for visitors, but it's normal for nester's. Pillows---lots of them---feather the nest. Whether faded, beaded, hand-made or tag sale finds, they serve as inviting antidotes to life's rough spots---physical or mental. Nesters believe in the power of books; their bookcases overflow with volumes they have read and reread, cherished and loved. Shelves hold childhood favorites, classics, volumes of poetry, and of course, tons of cookbooks. Coffee tables hold tomes devoted to art, home decorating, antiques and travels to Rio and Paris and Tuscany. Favorite magazines are stacked and kept for further reference because, well, you just never know when a nester may need further reference! In every room are candles. Tall, short, chunky, tapered, and usually triple scented delights are waiting to cast a warm glow. In the kitchen, a tea kettle and a coffee pot always stand ready on the stovetop. A nester takes every opportunity to invite others to relax with a cup of coffee or tea---or enjoy one in solitude. Some nesters collect things: blue and white china, copper molds, cookie jars, art or vintage linens. Finding and living with the objects they love is an indescribable joy to nesters. For the nester, decorative objects tell stories and hold memories. Children's plaster handprints from kindergarten may hang on a wall. A card from a special someone may be in a frame. Grandma's handmade quilt may adorn the guest-room bed. Each piece is significant and special. You might not recognize a nester when she's out of her preferred domain, camouflaged in a business suit or a uniform or dress attire. But it's a strange fact that on weekends, nesters often dress alike. Well worn denims and khakis are favorite pieces; they dress them down with t-shirts and dress them up with a string of pearls. There's reason to believe that nesters are born, not created. It will not be surprising if, in the amazing new mappings of our genetic codes, scientists someday note one peculiar little gene to designate the nester. It will probably be shaped like a house...

Ain't nothing like the real thang.....

I'm a nationally certified labor and delivery nurse, as well as lactation consultant, and I still get a laugh every time I run across this picture....

What To Do With A Big Box Of Apples....

My friend was given a BIG box of apples and was kind enough to share them with me!
I peeled, cored and sliced, then peeled, cored and sliced, saving all the waste for the composter....remember, waste not, want not, besides, the garden has GOT to be organic!
After rinsing the apples I placed them in a deep stock pot...
and added brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, salt and lemon zest..
...before pouring in the apple cider and turning on the heat.
Oops, someone's at the door! Oh, it's my best buddy Elizabeth! She brought me this sweet little honey pot. I guess she doesn't like that cute little plastic bear my honey is in. Imagine that!
The apples simmered while we visited, and the wonderful fragrance drifted throughout the house, smelling better than any candle I've had in a heck of a long time!
They slowly thickened as they simmered. S - L - O - W - L - Y is the key word here...
Gettin' there...finally, but it still needs to thicken some more. The instructions say it should 'heap' on the spoon, not level out. Better give it a little more time...
...while I wait I think I'll take Jack out of the garage and put him on the porch. Not in honor of Halloween but, rather, to celebrate the harvest and also fall, my absolute favorite time of year. Jack looks pretty happy to be out of that box!Time to bottle up the apple butter and place it in a cool place for a week to let the flavors blend and mellow. Nite-nite. I'll show the finished product in the morning....
Here it is, pure organic apple butter. I'm thinking this may make a nice little gift for someone around the holiday season. Maybe tuck a jar into a pretty raffia filled basket along with a hand crocheted dishcloth and perhaps some other hand made goodies...candy, a crocheted book mark, a nice aroma therapy candle...the ideas are infinite.

A Simple Woman's Day Book

For Monday, October 6, 2008

Outside My Window...It's a beautiful fall morning. The warm colors of fall are showing up everywhere, from the beautiful yellow crysanthamums to the indian corn on the door. A pleasant breeze is gently blowing, and there's no trace of evidence that a hurricane recently passed through.

I am thinking...That it's about time to begin planning holiday menus and start thinking about my gift list. I've waited a little too late to make many gifts, but maybe there's still enough time to create a few.

I am thankful for...The Word. True friends. My children. My home. My Source.

From the kitchen...Today I will pan sear the trout that Justin caught yesterday and gave to me. Maybe some roasted new potatoes with olive oil, rosemary and lot of garlic will be go well with it. The remainder of kitchen activity, if any, is still up in the air!

I am wearing...A pair of sky blue scrubs from the hospital, a wonderful stand by to have around for those extra busy days! I'm thinking about painting the entry hall today and this is the perfect outfit for that!

I am creating...Gardening tops my creation list this week. While in Austin I purchased spinach, brussel sprouts (yuk! but Savannah loves them!), brocolli and cabbage to plant in my earth boxes. I also want to plant carrots this year. Home grown carrots are like home grown tomatoes---they don't even compare to the grocery store variety.

I am going... Back to work tomorrow night. After years and years of working the day shift I decided to give nights a try and I absolutely love it! No more day shifts for this girl! Besides, the $1,000 monthly shift differential makes the deal just a little sweeter!

I am reading...Would you believe 'Jerry Baker's Garden Secrets'? This book is chock full of more natural and oragnic methods than you can imagine!

I am hoping...The the market will soon turn around. Reviewing the turn my financial portfolio has taken in the last week is a little unsettling. I must frequently remind myself that the market is not my source but, rather, my source is in the Lord. This morning my broker asked me to pray for him...his stress level right now is greater than any I can imagine. In Jesus name, let it be done. Amen

I am hearing... The morning show discussing, of all things, what color bra to wear under a white shirt. Duh. I thought that was a no brainer but, apparently I'm 'old school.' Somehow, I never thought of wearing a leopard print or hot pink bra under white. What a dummy I must be!

Around the house...The fragrance of 'cinnamon-vanilla' permeates the air. What a comforting, cozy fragrance this is!

One of my favorite things is...The art of creating, especially creating a cozy and inviting home. Whether it be a culinary creation or something created with paint, needle and thread, any art of creating, I love.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Many tasks fell behind during the time of 'power deprivation', but near the top of my list is taking the time to catch up on blogging and maybe spend a little time perusing the aisles of barnes and Noble, my favorite book store.

An easy and good recipe...

Garlic Bread

Ingredients
1 16-ounce loaf of Italian bread or French bread
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large cloves of garlic, smashed and minced
1 heaping tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)


Method 1 - Toasted

1 Preheat oven to 350°F.

2 Cut the bread in half, horizontally. Mix the butter, garlic, and parsley together in a small bowl. Spread butter mixture over the the two bread halves. Place on a sturdy baking pan (one that can handle high temperatures, not a cookie sheet) and heat in the oven for 10 minutes.

3 Remove pan from oven. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over bread if you want. Return to oven on the highest rack. Broil on high heat for 2-3 minutes until the edges of the bread begin to toast and the cheese (if you are using cheese) bubbles. Watch very carefully while broiling. The bread can easily go from un-toasted to burnt.

4 Remove from oven, let cool a minute. Remove from pan and make 1-inch thick slices. Serve immediately.

Method 2, soft

Preheat oven to 350°F. Make the butter, garlic, parsley mixture as above. Make 1-inch thick slices into the bread, but do not go all the way through, just to the bottom crust. Put a teaspoon or two of the butter mixture between each slice. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and heat for 15 minutes in the oven.


A picture to share...I LOVE ALL THINGS AUTUMN!

Caution: Lots of Pictures!

After two weeks without power, cable or internet, I was ready to get the heck out of southeast Texas for some serious 'dehurricanizing.' Nothing seemed more enticing than a solo trip along the backroads of Texas, with the gentle fall breeze blowing through my hair and some great music to remind me of better times...not to mention no one nearby wanting to discuss Obamo or Palin or inclement weather!
There are a lot of beautiful and serene settings along the backroads of the hill country...
First stop: Round Top, Texas, where twice yearly the farmers rent out their pastures and fields to antique dealers from all over the U.S. for the gigantic Round Top Antique Faire, a wonderful week long event. For miles and miles all you see are tents and booths and barns and lofts filled with spectacular goodies mixed with a little junque. I suppose you could compare this event to Woodstock, except it's for serious antiquers.

Lots and lots of good junk!
There were leggy ladies...
and some hot men!

Lots of stuff from yester-year...
and some pretty cool primitives.
I always spot the beautiful flowers!

A whimsical little coffee shop on wheels!
This vintage truck is now a planter!
On the road again....a beautiful Texas pasture. See the horns behind the bail of hay?
'For Sale...as is'
After passing through little communities with names such as Dime Box and Zionsville, I reached the big city...Austin, Texas. This is a birdseye view of the fabulous Driskill Hotel, where the President as well as all dignitaries stay while in the capital city.
My youngest son, Jarad, craving some Red Velvet from 'Hey, Cupcake!' This is a multi-million dollar business which operates out of an Airstream trailer. The key? Location, location, location!
Another view of the beautiful state capital.
Jarad took me to 'The Great Outdoors'--a garden center unlike any I've ever seen. There were roosters made from old recycled metal...
...and goats!
...a little peek at the skyline.
Art, Austin style. Maybe this is why the city is dotted with 'Keep Austin Wierd' bumper stickers!
On the road again. Only the sign remains...another business is on the property.
Another wonderful garden center is discovered, and this one has tons of statuary!
Maybe this guy could guard the cottage...
On second thought, this creature may be more intimidating!
It was great to get away but as always, it was great to get back home, too... energized and refreshed and ready to plan my next little road trip!

About Ike

He came in like a lion and went out like, well, a smaller lion, I guess, but thank God, Ike has come and gone and all is well. I feel as though I'm learning to blog all over again since I was without power for 2 weeks and without cable and internet until 3 days ago. I've spent a lot of time over the last couple of days reading and catching up on all my regulars, so anxious to move on and read more that I haven't stopped long enough to comment! It's true, you don't really, really miss it until it's gone. A few pictures from Ike's short visit:

...one of the medical transport planes which transferred the patients out of the area. It took lots of medical staff and lots of time to perform this huge task smoothly. .
Much of the Texas coast is now destroyed. My brother's primary residence (built in 2005) was on Crystal Beach and, unless you know a specific landmark, you can hardly find his neighborhood amongst the rubble. It may be many months before there is power, phone service, potable water or gasoline available in the beach area. The roads are washed out and most of the homes are merely 'heaps' in the sand. This pictures was taken about 18 hours before the storm made landfall in Texas. The water was already ferocious.
Scene from Bridge City, Texas, home of my late grandmother...
...then the caravans rolled in, 14,000 electricians from every state you can think of. What a welcoming sight it was!
A huge 'THANK YOU' to this crew from Pennsylvania Cable!
It was a huge effort, performed by thousands who arrived from near and far, but on this beautiful Sunday morning one would be find it difficult to believe what this area looked like 3 short weeks ago.

The scripture that gave me strength in the midst of this raging storm: 'For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.' Proverbs 23:18

Just Checking In....

Thanks to Ike, I still have no internet service at home! I'm in Austin for a few days visiting my son, so I thought I would check in for a minute or two. I can't even describe how much I miss not having a computer! My land line, internet and cable are combined in one package, and all are down, but the internet is the only thing I really miss. Time Warner has promised that all service would be fully restored by tomorrow and I can hardly wait. I've got lots of pictures and tale to share! My fingers are crossed in hopes that I can get online when I return.

The Word

I dropped in on someones blog this afternoon and the first thing I saw was this:

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I'm so very thankful that such a fitting word was sent my way at such a tense and uncertain time, as we await the arrival Hurricane Ike tonight. I don't believe it was by accident that I dropped in on this site. I believe my steps were ordered by God as an avenue for me to find peace and assurance. Yes, it's true, He even works through cyber-space. God is always right on time and He has never failed me yet, therefore, I have no doubt He will come through again. He's a big, big God! In Jesus name.

'Hunkering Down'

I mopped and dusted and scrubbed the bathrooms (and Andi) and changed the bedding. I double checked that all the dishes, as well as the laundry, are clean and put away. The plants are all moved in to assure that the pots will not fly through the wind like torpedo's and cause damage to persons or property. The generator is charged and there are 20 gallons of gas nearby which, hopefully, I will not need. I've got 5 bags of ice in the garage freezer and I grilled some shrimp, chicken and boudain to have on hand for upcoming days. The sun is not out today and there is a perpetual cool and, strangely enough, very pleasant breeze which serves to remind me of who's traveling this way. Ike. I'm all stocked up and ready for the visitor.

Oddly, these unwelcome visits always seem to come in the night, much like a thief, robbing you of not only your personal possessions, but also robbing you of your security and peace of mind. But I'm ready. Ready and waiting. Waiting and trusting and believing and thanking God that I know a name that is much, much bigger than this massive monster, the size of Texas, which is expected to make landfall about 80 miles away. Unless He speaks "peace" to the water, we're certain to be affected. Again, I'm glad to know THAT name. Jesus...Jesus...Jesus. Bigger than Ike, bigger than anybody, bigger than anything. I'm blessed to know all I have to do is whisper that marvelous name and He will be quick to protect me and supply my needs...no matter what the weather channel says.

The cell phone towers were never impaired during Hurricane Rita and I'm hoping they will withstand Ike also. If and when the power fails, I will at that time lose my computer service as well as my land line, as it is part of the package through Time Warner Cable. So there is a chance that I will---to a degree---be cut off from most of the world for a little while. The last hurricane left me with no utilities for 12 days then came back on October 5th, my 50th birthday. What a wonderful gift that was! I do still have an unused land line oulet downstairs and hopefully that will remain intact. I hope. Going through this again in just three short years has given me much to think about and I feel sure that I will soon make a big decision regarding where I want to live. And it won't be Texas. That's a guarantee.

The Word says there is strength in agreement when calling upon the name of the Lord and I really need all the unity I can scrape up right now. Until we talk again, hopefully soon ;) have a blessed weekend.

Wasilla and Green Thumb Sunday...

I noticed I had a visitor this morning from Wasilla, Alaska! It couldn't have been...well, I guess it may have been...I mean, I wonder if it really could have been HER?

One can only speculate and hope, but, I guess there's always the chance it could have been this wonderful powerhouse of a lady. Gee, what an incredible honor that would be!

Shifting gears...I used to participate in a project called 'Green Thumb Sunday' which was simply a group whose members would, each Sunday, post something on their blogs which was growing in their gardens. Well, life being what it is, that little effort sort of got lost by the wayside, but, today I am back at it!

A month or so ago I stumbled across a package of zinnia seeds in a cabinet which had been there for no telling how long. Not having a lot of hope for this little pinch of nothing, I simply tossed them in a front flower bed, never bothering to sow or tend them. As I recall, a fairly heavy downpour fell shortly thereafter, leaving me with even less hope that the seed would survive, much less prosper. I was pleasantly surprised when, last week, I noticed there were probably a couple dozen zinnia's sprouting up here and there, and I was even more elated this morning when I saw many of them blooming and, right smack in the middle of the multiple shades of pink and lavender blooms is one of the peppermint variety!



I'm utterly amazed at the will of these outdated and neglected seed which narrowly escaped the trash can, and their wonderful outcome has caused me to acknowledge just how much strength and determination is within us, those created after God's own image, we must simply draw from the well within.

The McDonalds Diet and Taco Trucks

Although I've never been a fan of the golden arches, when I first heard about the man who lost 80 pounds on the 'McDonald's diet' I thought, "Gee, I think I could tolerate McD for that!" Now I certainly don't need to lose 80 pounds, but I would be absolutely delighted and jumping for joy if I lost 15, so I decided to check this dude out! As I began to read, I quickly discovered that it wasn't the real McDonald's fare that he lost the weight with but, rather, salads and apples from Micky D's along with an occasional wrap from the menu. No Big Mac's, no Quarter Pounder's with cheese, no Filet of Fish and no hot apple pies. Not even a rare Happy Meal was mentioned. Well, duh, who wouldn't lose on that diet? Only a rabbit, I suppose. Here's the story:

AP) A Virginia man lost about 80 pounds in six months by eating nearly every meal at McDonald's. Not Big Macs, french fries and chocolate shakes. Mostly salads, wraps and apple dippers without the caramel sauce. Chris Coleson tipped the scales at 278 pounds in December. The 5-foot-8 Coleson now weighs 199 pounds and his waist size has dropped from 50 to 36. The 42-year-old businessman from Quinton says he chose McDonald's because it's convenient. His inspiration came from his two children and from the story of a blind war veteran who rode a tandem bicycle cross-country. Coleson says his goal is to get back to the 185 pounds he weighed when he married Tricia Summer. Their 10th anniversary is Saturday.

His success set the wheels in motion in my excessively creative mind, and I began to wonder, just how much weight I could lose if all my meals came off the taco truck?



Now, I seriously love me some taco truck fare and, to me, the best part of going to Hobby Airport (Houston) is choosing which of the countless taco trucks will get my peso's. The food is truly second to none, not the county fair quality one would expect for dinner coming from a kitchen on wheels. The menu, spanish words which don't mean a flippin' thing to me, usually scrawled in magic marker in uphill fashion on a poster board, leaves me clueless. I simply don't know the lingo. But the aroma of onions and peppers on the griddle, fresh homemade flour tortilla's, chicken and steak grilling on an open pit outside the back door, well, it gets my attention everytime. And I've had some pretty exquisite, delectable meals in my day, many from '5 star's' such as the Ritz Carlton Resort and the Silverado Country Club in Napa Valley to name a couple. But looking back, I can truly say they didn't beat the taco truck, where neither a wine list is available nor attire is suggested.


Fresh from the truck! No, the brewsky is not mine, I'm a Dr. Pepper girl! Jarad usually orders a beer and $10.00 worth of 'whatever's cooking.' He's never been disapppointed with his luck of the draw.

As far as the taco truck diet goes, I guess they would have to remove everything from the plate but the onions and radishes for me to lose any weight, and, I guess maybe a little cilantro on the side would be okay too...

THE DEWEY COLOR SYSTEM

This is quite an interesting concept and I was floored to see just how closely I was analyzed. The 'key words' fit me to a T! Find the test at www.deweycolorsystem.com

The Dewey Color System® is the world's first and only validated, color-based personality career testing instrument. Based on our experience and your interests, your best suited occupations are listed below.

Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Key Words:
Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional
These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.

Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries

hApPy bIrThDaY jOhN!

My wonderful friend John, aka the finest artist and musician on this continent!

hApPy bIrThDaY jOhN,
May you have a blessed birthday, filled with God winks and angel wing swishes and pressed down, shaken together and running over with all things good and perfect!

Changes

"Eat close to the source. The healthiest food doesn't come in a wrapper."
Quote by Terri Trespicio

I always try to schedule my annual medical exams around the time of my birthday, simply because that way it's easier to remember when they are due. My list seems endless right now with many appointments to meet:

1. well woman exam-----done
2. mammogram----done
3. bone density test----scheduled
4. annual eye exam----need to schedule
5. dental exam----done, but need a follow up

I recently read of someone who does not join the masses in making well intended new years resolutions but, rather, acknowledges and initiates lifestyle changes on her birthday each year. That sounds like a grand idea to me, and since the big 53 is just around the corner, I suppose I should give a little thought to some changes I could benefit from. Believe me, I won't have to ponder long before having quite a lengthy list before me!

As all southern girls know, especially those of us who are known to be wonderful cooks, as we mature, maintaining our desireable weight can be quite a difficult feat. We make biscuits, but it doesn't just end there. We slather them with REAL butter and delectable homemade preserves...and, of course, bacon or a little left over spiral sliced ham is a must have to go along with it. We make cornbread and sweet tea almost daily, prefer fried over baked, broiled or boiled, and we make the best gravies and sauces you'eve ever tasted. We have good intentions of eating more vegetables and less meat, but.......we just have to have a little bacon grease in the pot of beans 'less someone thinks they're 'missing something!' Holidays finds our tables groaning beneath the weight of the buffet. And birthdays? You'll never find a pound cake with fresh fruit on the side in our kitchen! No siree. We make scratch cakes full of butter, sugar and eggs. Red Velvet, Italian Cream, Better than Sex, Triple Fudge and Humingbird cakes, just to name a few. Layer cakes. Loaded with finger licking cream cheese icing to go along with that scoop (or 2!) of the phenomenal, Texas's own, Bluebell Ice Cream. Indeed, a southern kitchen is one of the best places this side of heaven!

But the truth is this: God has provided us with all that we need to maintain our bodies in optimum condition, and with a little creativity, we can prepare some marvelous meals using His provisions. If we take small steps and try to eat food as close to its natural state as possible, we are doing our bodies a favor. Example: the Bible speaks of 'fish on the fire', not crispy fried fish laden with tartar sauce. Olive oil can replace Crisco oil. Herbs---basil, rosemary, thyme---can substitute for what's missing when we cut down on the salt. We can actually make a gourmet fish entree when we prepare it in this manner. After eating wheat bread for the past 20 years I can't imagine switching to white bread. And If you haven't tried stevia, oh my, you're missing out on a marvelous herb. A little pinch of stevia in your coffee or tea is every bit as sweet as sugar...with ZERO calories. And it's cheap, too. I always have a little patch of it growing in my herb garden, along with various mints, chives, garlic, sage, thyme and marjoram. I know the right things to do, but I must discipline myself to enforce the change. That, with about 30 minutes of walking or cycling each day sounds like a good resolution, however, it will be such a huge change from my current life style that I don't think I will be able to implement another change anytime soon....

Rambling

Meet Lamar, a pretty, flaming red cardinal that shows up outside my breakfast room window at the same time each morning, then again in time for the evening meal. Savannah named this fellow in honor of the Lamar Cardinals, our local college athletic team. Lately we've been sprinkling seed on the driveway, so most days he has a few feathered friends join him. This photo was taken through the kitchen window and enlarged, thus the lack of clarity.

42 Tips for A Better Life
==========================
1. When you wake up in the morning, always start your day with a prayer/vision.
2. And then, complete the following statement, My purpose is to__________ today.
3. Take a 10 to 30-minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
4. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
5. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
6. Drink plenty of water and fresh juices. Eat blueberries, salad, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, etc.
7. Make at least three people smile each day.
8. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present.
9. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone, so give the best of your kindness.
11. Take yourself seriously.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others either.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. So, be happy.
16. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
17. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
18. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
19. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: In five years, will it matter?
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
20. Forgive everyone for everything.
21. Read more books and watch less TV than you did last year.
22. What other people think of you is none of your business.
23. God has everything you'll every need in life so hook up with Him.
24. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
25. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation; don't bring up the past.
26. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
27. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.
28. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
29. Keep believing that the best is yet to come.
30. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
31. Each day give something good to others.
32. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
33. Sleep for 7 hours every day or whatever your body needs.
34. Don't trust someone who doesn't close their eyes when you kiss them.
35. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
36. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
37. Do the right thing!
38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________
39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40. Trust in God, but lock your car.
41. Realize that as you get older, you are not approaching death, but heaven.
42. Know that GOD heals everything.



(from my MountainWings daily e-mail)

Thank You in Advance, Lord

Trusting in the name of Jesus as Gustav pounds at my door.





In that day they will say,
"Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the LORD, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."

Isaiah 25:9

Spring Wood

I'm about ready to make a BIG decision. A really big decision that was prompted when the wonderful little forrest that was behind my property since the beginning of forever was destroyed. No more trees. No more blue birds and cardinals. No more raccoons. Zero. Zip. Nada. Gone are the summer nights when I could sit on the patio and listen to nature's chorus. Gone is the late night skinny dipping in the hot tub. Now I must listen to the traffic and see neon signs when I am relaxing in the backyard. I so hate what has become of the beautiful, serene patch of woods that adjoined the property of my cozy little cottage that I found myself a beautiful lot....and it's loaded with trees.

'Spring Wood' is new addition just being developed that, I believe, will suit me just fine. All the property is full of beautiful hardwood trees and I have found a wonderful corner lot that I think is absolutely perfect. I am meeting with the developer in the morning to review the restrictions and, hopefully, will be signing a contract shortly thereafter. My cottage is truly quite a wonderful place and I have no doubt that it will sell very quickly. I'm so convinced of that that I will not be putting up a 'for sale' sign but, rather, the realtor will show the home to pre-qualified buyers whom she feels would love it as much as I do. She's already told me to be prepared to move quickly because once it is shown it won't be mine for long! A little scary? Yes. But really exciting too. For the sake of posterity, I probably need to go ahead and take lots of pictures.

So, I'm thinking. Thinking of French Country or maybe Texas Hill Country style with that wonderful Texas limestone, a shiny tin roof and a big ol' wrap around porch with rocking chairs and beautiful flowering baskets hanging from the eaves. I don't have a clue what the final decision will be, but as long as I have a wonderful kitchen, open and spacious rooms with high ceilings and lots of windows, big jetted tubs and wood and stone floors I'll be okay. And, of course, I must have a nice, sunny place for a garden.... And lots of closets. Sheesh. This list could be infinite...

So, that's all the excitment in my corner of the kingdom for now. They only have half of the streets in now, so it will be a while before the constructions begins on any houses. Nevertheless, I'm planning. And dreaming....



The temporary entrance to 'Spring Wood'
View from the west side of the lot..
and the south...
and another south side view.

Babes

School starts Monday and my feelings are a kind of bitter-sweet. Sweet, because the beginning of the school term ushers in fall, my absolute favorite season of them all, and sad because it marks the beginning of a new era in the life of Savannah, which, of course, effects me as well. I can hardly believe that my grandbaby is about to go to middle school. It seems like it was just yesterday when the long awaited ultrasound revealed that the desire of my heart was about to be filled...a baby girl was soon to arrive. I'm sure I would have been just as elated, well... maybe...had the stork brought a boy, but after having two boys of my own who are only 12 months and 5 days apart I was ready for some pink, some lace, and, of course, some big ol' hair bows in every color of the spectrum.

Savannah made her grand entrance on November 29, the day after Thanksgiving in 1996, and I don't believe she could have looked more like her dad and her Uncle Jarad if she had tried! I truly believe the minute Justin laid eyes on his little princess, every thought of having a son melted away. Savannah and Justin are big fishing buddies and her every conversation is frequently dotted with references to 'my Dad.' She is indeed a chip off the old block!

Savannah at birth.

Justin Matthew, 1 day old.

Shifting gears...just as unbelievable is the fact that my baby boy, Jarad, just turned thirty. Jarad was without doubt the sweetest little guy I've ever known in my entire life. Even as a little child he was extremely kind and tender-hearted and always concerned about the feelings of those around him. One would be hard pressed to find a child as loving and as sensitive as Jarad was.

Jarad in kindergarten...

From the memory bank....when Jarad was in kindergarten he came home one day and announced he wanted us to get some 'well-u-fare.' When I asked him to tell me about this 'well-u-fare' his explaination was quite simple: When you get 'well-u-fare' you get to eat breakfast at school and they have cereal everyday! That conversation came shortly after the announcement that he wanted to be 'lurgic.' Once again, I asked for elaboration, at which time I was told, "When you're 'lurgic' they give you juice with your lunch and you never have to drink milk at school again!"

Many, many sweet memories exist of those early childhood days. Sadly, it seems as though I merely blinked and they were gone.

Friday Thoughts...

"Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly." -Langston Hughes

TheCutestBlogOnTheBlock.com

Dozens and dozens of free blog page backgrounds are here! They're cute as pie, easy as heck to download, and best of all, they're FREE!!

A Rainy-Peachy Kind of Day

The rain is steadily falling, day 4, I believe it is. The garden is soggy and it's just too yucky to do anything other than indoor projects today. My friend stopped by early this morning, on her way to work, and shared with me a box of organic peaches she was lucky enough to receive from another friend. I wasn't in the mood for canning, so I decided to prepare them for the freezer. I once read somewhere that your freezer is like a safe deposit box and you should regularly make deposits as well as withdrawals. That's an interesting philosophy that seems to be true indeed. I'm sure on some nippy fall or winter day, in the near future, I'll make a 'withdrawal' from the bank and prepare a wonderful cobbler or homemade pie!

A sink full of really big peaches!

I didn't have any 'Fruit-Fresh' on hand so I crushed some vitamin C tablets and sprinkled the powder on the peaches so they would not turn dark. Works just like the expensive stuff!


Sliced, 'sprinkled' and almost ready for the freezer. My grandmother gave me this 'Texasware' bowl for my hope chest back in the early 70's and I think it came from Perry's five and dime store. I see these bowls on e-bay all the time now, usually labeled 'vintage.' Where, pray tell, did the time go and what the heck did I do with it?? Do girls still have hope chests? My, what fun that was!

Double bonus. This batch yielded lots of good organic matter for the composter.

I prefer to freeze fruit in single layers on cookie sheets before transferring it to freezer bags. That way, when I need 2 cups of peaches I can measure out exactly that, rather than getting a 'block' of peaches.

Outta Here...

A secluded lagoon at the beautiful San Luis Resort
One of the many wonderful gardens of San Luis

My bags are packed, the gardens are watered and the cottage is spic and span. The house sitter has instructions for the bird and Andi who, this week, refuses everything but rotisserie chicken. That's okay. The laundry is all done and fresh, crisp sheets from the line fit tight and smoothly on the bed, a welcoming pleasure to come home to. Gotta remember the charger for the camera. I'm out of here, off to my favorite spot on the island for a few days. Hopefully the weather will cooperate but, even if it doesn't, it will be wonderful.

Talent.

When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything you gave me."
~ Erma Bombeck

Home Ain't What it Used to Be!

There is a magic in that little world, home; it is a mystic circle that surrounds comforts and virtues never known beyond its hallowed limits.

I think I'm about ready to sell the cottage. I think. Actually, it was never really a cottage but, rather, a spacious two story home with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a great room, formal living & dining rooms, a kitchen & breakfast area, mudroom, covered patio and 2 car garage, sitting right smack in the middle of 2 beautiful lots. But what I longed for was a cottage, and that's exactly what I have created. A spacious, yet cozy cottage with a wonderful clothesline made by my Dad, 4 raised bed vegetable and herb gardens, 4 fruit trees, bird baths, bird feeders, a wheel barrow spilling over with brightly colored flowers, and an American flag hanging near the front door. The inside---which is filled with warm colors and lots of natural light---is brimming with antique quilts made by my grandmother, vintage trunks, a beautiful collection of rugs, stained glass lamps, wonderfully scented candles and handmade soaps, fresh flowers, lots of pictures of family and friends, my own personal art, overstuffed pillows and French country antiques---many with quite a story, I'm sure. Much of what I treasure is cast offs which I salvaged, pampered, and fell in love with. Pictures will follow in coming days.

But with time comes swift transition, and the wonderful little patch of forrest that was once beyond my back fence has been destroyed, only to be replaced with a high dollar gated community, with property being peddled by a smooth talking investor who is offering lots of bells and whistles to the prospective proud mortgagees. I'm sure the homes will be almost stacked one on top of another and one will probably be hard pressed to find even one garden or clothesline among the masses. Sadly, there will be few trees.

I miss the forrest and absolutely hate what I now must see when I'm gardening or hanging out laundry. But rather than gripe about something I can't change, I think I shall simply move on. Oh, I'll miss this place, no doubt about it, but life has taught me that homes are not built but, rather, homes are created. Created with lots of love and joy and filled with treasures that bring back sweet memories and offer comfort. I'm up for the challenge, I just have to decide when to take the plunge.

All that remains of this once beautiful, majestic old oak is this toppled down tree top, tangled in the power lines.

A wounded branch, rests near my herb garden.

Andi's favorite spot to sniff the flowers!

My absolute favorite color crepe myrtle. Pure crimson.

Peek-A-Boo!

Rita-baby loves banana peppers straight from the garden.

A sweet, tropicana hibiscus.

Some Plum Good Stuff

My friend was given a case of plums that seemed to come from an extra good crop and, lucky for me, she shared them! So what does a single girl who happens to be 'tween relationships do on a Friday night? Well, she makes jelly and jam, of course. Need you ask? Sheesh. So I boiled jars and lids and washed, cut and simmered those wonderful little jewel toned beauties until the juice turned to jelly, then sealed them in jars to be safely stored away for those nippy fall and winter mornings when you're just craving a little summer freshness. There was about half a jar remaining in the pot so I put that in the refrigerator and had it for breakfast this morning. Well...not just that. There was also a big, flaky biscuit. some REAL butter, a slice (or maybe 2!) of thick, smoked bacon, and some fresh squeezed orange juice. Sheesh, you can't eat jam all by its self!

A sink full of big, beautiful juicy ruby red plums...

Chopped and in the pot.

Simmering. The aroma is heavenly!

Beginning to thicken...

Seriously thickening. Sure wish I could bottle this wonderful fragrance!

The bounty, sparkling like rubies, in the windowsill.

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family...Proverbs 31:15

08/08/08

Almond orchard near the cave of John the Baptist, Israel, March 2006

Though I have never been a believer of numerology, I am a bit intrigued by today's date--08/08/08. In the spiritual world, the number eight signifies the time of new beginnings. Of further interest to me is the fact that we are currently living in the Jewish year 5768, the year which scholars have declared to be the "Year of Samekh Chet---The Year of the Full Circle of Life---A New Beginning is Yours." Upon realizing this, my mind was quickened to the passage in the book of Isaiah (43:19) wherein Isaiah declares God's mercy by repeating what God has proclaimed,
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." NIV

In our society we typically mark January 1 as the time for 'new beginnings'---the starting point for making positive changes in our lives, changes often related to physical, spiritual or financial matters. But why should we wait until January to start anew? What better time is there than today, 08/08/08, to start losing those few extra pounds or start setting aside a few more dollars? My, if I change my exercise routine and prayer life and a few other habits starting right now, I could be light years ahead when the new year rolls in! And maybe, just maybe, there really is something special for me just around the bend. Maybe today really will mark a new beginning. My new beginning. But it must start with me...

"But it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
I Corinthians 2:9 NKJ

Simply Beautiful...

'Evolution of a Rose'

This phenomenal piece of art from his series "Order from Chaos" was done my very dear and special friend, John, who just so happens to be quite a famous artist. World famous, in fact. I love this painting so much that it seems I can almost smell the sweet perfume of the rose when viewing it. For one who needs an explaination, John states:

It is my little slam on the theory of evolution. The same principal applies to this painting as it does to 'natural selection'. The same chance that all life and the amazing creativity and variety that is found there all happened by accidental chance, is the same probability that the rose in this painting just 'happened' out of the chaos of paint in the background. The paint in the background is the same color I used to paint the rose, its just a jumbled, haphazard, accidental application, not the 'masters touch', as it were. To add a little intensity and acidity to the argument, the painting is entitled, 'Evolution of a Rose.'

What a brilliant and special man John is---and he is truly as unique and wonderful as his breathtaking work. I am very, very thankful to call this man 'friend.'

Balance

The gathered debri left by Hurricane Edouard. Minor, indeed.
Today's harvest. The tomato vines are still producing like crazy. Pure, organic goodness.

God listens. And He speaks too. And when He said "That's enough," Hurricane Edouard calmed down and moved on, leaving hardly a trace of his early morning visit.

Gotta Add One More Day of Happiness...#31

What a wonderful day it was! Yesterday I met 50 of my dearest friends in the world at Pier 19 in Galveston for a day of fishing and fun aboard the "Capt. John Williams'--- the biggest, newest, fastest deep sea vessel on the island. We sailed about 100 miles out in the Gulf where we caught our limit of red snapper, then loaded the boat with what seemed like a ton of other types of fish which weren't limited. The boat rocked and reeled on the rather rough waves, which resulted in quite a number of whiter that snow faces frantically grabbing for an empty Wal Mart bag because making it to the bathroom just wasn't gonna happen because #1, someone had already beat you to it or #2, you were just too darn sick to walk, let alone on a such a quickly moving floor. But love runs pretty deep among these folk. We played and laughed and joked and fished and puked together for 12 hours, with neither a cross word nor any feelings of embarrassment due to the manner in which all dignity was lost in our public displays of, well, vomiting. Sheesh. Therefore, today I must proclaim that happiness is having wonderful friends who can puke with you Saturday and laugh about it on Sunday.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 30

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalms 91:11

Happiness---and comfort---is found in knowing there are angels watching over us night and day.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 29

from the field to the market, a rainbow of colors, unimaginably fresh and delicious...

Happiness is summer time grocery shopping!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 28

To me, the greatest happiness of all is that which is derived from the joy found in the simple things of life.

Vintage pillow cases from an estate sale in a marvelous, old home

Linens with a story, washed and hanging on my beloved clothesline
...sweet little surprises tucked in the flower bed.
Viewing the sunset from my Daddy's deck.

Rita-baby waking up each morning and boldly proclaiming, "I'm hungry! I'm reeeeally hungry! You hungry Andi?"
An exquisite bloom from the passion vine.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 27

"The secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life, and in elevating them to art."
- William Morris

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 26

Happiness is running into a little sweetie at the mall and hearing the mother say, "Hey! YOU'RE the nurse who delivered my baby!"

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 25

The little things? The little moments? They aren't little. ~John Zabat-Zinn

Happiness is realizing that sometimes the little things aren't so little after all.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 24

Happiness is perusing old picture albums and reflecting on fun times shared with special people. This picture was taken a few years ago in Colorado Springs at the family reunion of my then fiance. Although I typically accompanied him to 2 medical conventions a year in Colorado (I think he really wanted to ski!), I remember the clouds as being breathtakingly beautiful this particular time. Thank you, Matt, for all the wonderful times and for the heart-touching and humble manner in which you have come back into my life.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 23

It's comforting to know my little cottage is considered a soft place to land when a friend is in need of a listening ear.

A friend loveth at all times. Proverbs 17:17

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 22

Happiness is finding a quote such as this:

“Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, “Oh no, she’s awake.” -–author unknown

I love this!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 21

Happiness is knowing that on Sunday I will go to the house of the Lord. The unmeasurable comfort envelopes me before I even step one foot into the vestibule. There's nothing quite like standing on holy ground.

Thou has turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. Psalms 30:11-2

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 20

Happiness is finding a garden full of 'volunteers'--new plants which weren't planted, but sprouted up from seeds scattered by birds, wind and rain. And, of course, a sweet little volunter to help you tend the garden further enhances the happiness.

A 'Vinca Volunteer'
Baby Vinca's
Savannah, my favorite 'volunteer' of all

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 19

Happiness is knowing God is always there. When you can't see Him...He's there. When you can't feel Him...He's there. When you can't hear Him...He's there. Always there, ready to mend, heal and fill.

Montana sunset, May 3, 2008


When we walk to the edge
of all the light we have
and take the step into the
darkness of the unknown,
we must believe that
one of two things will happen....
There will be something
solid for us to stand
or we will be taught to fly.

~Patrick Overton

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 18

Flamingos is Progresso, Mexico

Happiness is beholding the magnificent, wonderous creations of God which are ever present in nature. These flamingos were spotted during a ground tour which was offered when on a cruise to Mexico last August. According to the tour guide, these birds are not born with this vibrant, peachy-pink color but, rather, they acquire it through their dietary intake. The water where flamingos reside is typically extremely high in iodine, which is thought to be a great contributor to their spectacular color. Simply beautiful.

The ABC's of Me

A is for ART. I love art--the ultimate expression of ones inner being.
B is for Babies. I've delivered more babies single handedly than I care to remember.
C is for Culinary, or here in the south, cookin'. One of my favorite things to do.
D is for Andi, the cutest little dog in the world.
E as in e-harmony. Note the lack of bold letters here. Been there, done that, don't need it.
F is for Faith. I have incredibly strong faith in God and know He will give me most anything I ask for, even it's the winning ticket for the hot tub at Shoe Carnival!
G is for GOD. God is always there, always ready, always on time.
H is for Hurricane. I stayed right here in my cozy cottage during Rita and will do it again if, God forbids, the event occurs.
I is for Israel. The grandest travel tour I've ever taken.
J is for John. A former boyfriend (and still great friend!) who is probably the best acoustic musician ever born.
K is for Special K with red berries. The greatest cereal on the shelf.
L is for Love. Without love life is but a dull, relentless episode.
M is for mountains, or Montana. Love 'em both immensely!
N for Needs. God supplies all my needs AND my wants!
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not WANT.
O is for Oscar de La Renta. A staple on my perfume tray that I dearly love.
P is for Pilot. I love my Honda Pilot and after 20+ years of owning an SUV, I can't imagine driving anything else.
Q is for Quilts. I love handmade quilts and have many which were stitched by my maternal grandmother.
R is for Red..an awesome color found sprinkled generously throughout the cottage.
S is for school! I love it, love it, love it! Although I have 2 degrees, I continue to take any class that piques my interest.
T is for Trust. Hard to earn, yet can be lost in a split second.
U is for Unless. "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain." Psalms 127:1
V is for Victory. I'm grateful to know I can life a victorious life through Jesus.
W is for Woman. Striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman.
X is for Xanax? Just kiddin'! I'm much too exuberant for that, but I'm glad it's available if the need ever strikes.
Y is for Yellowstone, the grandest sight I've ever seen here in the good ol' U.S. of A!
Z is for Zoo. Time for a day trip to the Houston's Hermann Zoo! Fun! Fun! Fun!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 17

Happiness is finding one more luciously scented gardenia blossom when you thought they were long gone.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 16

I've learned along the way that 'what is important to us is important to God too', and there's great happiness in knowing that He is not only involved in the big, monumental events of our lives, but He is very much interested in the little things too. A couple of years ago I mentioned to my friend, John, that it would be very nice if God would send a really good (and cheap!) painter my way, as I was--once again--ready to change some interior colors. That very evening I went to the track to walk my regular two miles, and as I was finishing lap 2, a Hispanic man that I had noticed there from time to time approached me. He spoke, I responded and he continued to walk. Then.....he slowed down, turned around, and with a thick Spanish accent said, "By the way, my name is Angel and I'm a painter. I work for so-and-so builder here in town, but I do side jobs too and I'll beat anybody's price." Wow. What a 'God thing.' And what reassurance to know He answers even when we aren't directing our desires to Him.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 15

Rub-a-dub-a-dub. Three generations of babies in the tub, or sink. My, how I wish digital photography existed in former days! Nonetheless, lots of happiness abounds in perusing old pictures. And as most any mother can attest, lots of love and happiness is derived from a chubby, squiggly, sweet smelling baby straight from the bath. I'm not sure of my age here, but Justin and Savannah were both 10 months old.

Rhonda
Justin
Savannah
A baby is God's way of saying life should go on...

...and even more lubby dub's

Finding these special rocks really makes me happy, and sometimes I feel He intentionally sprinkles them along my paths. Though many may look similar, I know exactly when and where I discovered certain ones.

Another 'lubby-dubby' rock

A few years ago I accidentally discovered a unique, heart shaped rock and I've been on the look out for them since. While in Montana recently I found about half a dozen of them, scattered here and there throughout that glorious mountainland, in a variety of colors and sizes. I left them with my friend, who promised he would keep them safely for me (one can only hope!). This morning I ventured to the local conservatory and gardens and while strolling through the herb garden I spotted this lovely white specimen. I like to think of my new findings as 'God winks'. I sure hope I find lots more!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 14

What An Iris Says About You

You are incredibly hopeful and courageous. Even when you've been challenged in life, you have faith that everything will work out. Your feelings run deep, and you are a very grateful person.

What Do The Flowers You Pick Say About You?

Happiness is taking a few of the fun little quizes on the internet. Hey, I know this is dorky, but it's Friday, it's been a long week and I'm tired! But it really is fun and sometimes they're pretty doggone accurate!

39 Wonderful Nuggets of Knowledge

These wonderful tips were passed on to me by a dear friend and I thought I would share them. I love this!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in the year before.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and PRAYER. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend some time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water... Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. FORGIVE EVERYONE FOR EVERYTHING!

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. GOD (or inner truth, for those who aren't spiritual) heals almost everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to Death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but happiness come through your door!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 14

Happiness is seeing this...
Transform to this...
or this.

I never cease to be amazed by what is birthed from the joining of a few tubes of oil, a pallette and a few brushes. Happiness, ahhh, true happiness.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 13

'...for the battle is the Lord's...' I Samuel 17:47

Happiness is seeing my statue of young David with his sling. A daily reminder that the bigger the 'giants' in my life get, the harder they will fall. Have faith!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 12

"There is no drop of water in the ocean, not even in the deepest parts of the abyss, that does not know and respond to the mysterious forces that create the tide." Rachel Carson

Happiness can be found in enjoying a work of art when I have the blues. I felt like I was all alone on a big, big sea this day. But the sun still shines and GOD IS, therefore, all is well.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 11

Happiness is a homemade baguette filled with 'just picked' veggies from the cottage garden!

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 10

"Good morning Andi! What doin? I'm hungry! Praise the Lord! C'mere Andi! Close that door, Andi! Where Andi go? I want kiss."

Happiness is being awakened bright and early every morning by Rita-baby, my African Grey parrot who talks without ceasing! Rita-baby was hatched during the chaotic early days following Hurricane Rita, thus her namesake.

The Cottage Garden...

Birds eye view from the fence...

Approaching the entry.
The fish pot, my favorite.
Corner of right front bed.
Front yard resident rabbit.
Blooms at the entrance.
Gotta plant the marigolds today!
Sweet potato vine...
Oops, got to fill the birdfeeder!
Sweet pink geraniums.
Society garlic in another favorite pot.
Need to spiff up the mailbox a little. Always a list of 'to do's.'

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 9

Happiness is surprising a friend with their favorite dessert.

Biking on the 4th!

The good ol' southern style sweet tea is made, the beans are baked, the potato salad is made and the Honey Bun cake is fresh from the oven. Got fresh tomatoes and crispy banana peppers from the garden as well as loads of roasted garlic for the homemade bread. Just waiting a few friends who will be bringing the meat for the grill. In the meanwhile, I think I'll take a quick ride through the neighborhood and check out the gardens. The weedeaters and mowers were humming bright and early this morning. Gotta have it spiffed up for the 4th.

Home of L.C., my friend and former POW. God bless our servicemen!


Freshly mowed, nice and neat.


Sweet little garden of my friend and neighbor, Hetty.


A nice little elderly couple live here, octogenerians, I think. You'd be hard pressed to find a blade of grass out of place.

Same home, different view.


We're a flag waving bunch around here...and not just on the 4th.


Back to my little cozy, eclectic cottage. Yes, the gardens do indeed need attention.


An old pressed back chair I salvaged from the curbside. Needs a little work...think I'll call my good neighbor L.C. for that task.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 8

Bubba's bible, with one of my favorites--I John 4:15--circled in red

In his glory days the packed stadium always cheered, "Kill, Bubba, kill!" "Man, I didn't know white girls could cook like this!" Comment by Bubba Smith after the first of many meals he had in my home-- smothered steak & gravy, rice, speckled butter beans, fried okra, sliced tomatoes & cornbread with REAL butter....with sweet tea, of course! Oh, and I forgot to mention the fresh strawberry cake with berries from my garden.

Happiness is reading the notes in the Bible of my friend, Bubba Smith--a real, tried and true Christian. Bubba, former Baltimore Colt and two time Super Bowl star, really knows the word! His mother, Georgia, was my homaking teacher in high school and was truly a mentor for me.

July 4 Colors of My Garden..

Red...
White...
Blue...

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 7

Sweet little heart shaped rock found by my friend, Stephen, while we were vacationing in Livingston, Montana.


Happiness is knowing that for every love there is a heart ready to receive it.

Family Pic's...Priceless

Hard to tell who is the proudest..


Savannah, Justin and, uh...Portus (I didn't name him!) That girl loves her daddy.

Some tired peeps...

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 6

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." - Milan Kundera

Happiness is ordering a new Visa with your sweetie's picture on it!

More Than One Side To A Mountain

"Little did I know that as I faced a mountain of insurmountable sorrow, and during the days and weeks and months I spent grieving beneath the weight of my monumental grief, God was bringing up joy on the other side." excerpt from Rex Johnson, With A Palm And A Willow

There is more than one side to a mountain. The same side of the mountain that shrouds us in darkness prematurely is also the side that first welcomes the sun. God works as well with darkness as He does with light.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 5

Happiness is finding relief for the mid-life crisis.

Can you spell power surge?

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 4

Dayle and Gayle

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

Happiness is reconnecting with friends you haven't seen since high school.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 3

'...the adversary does everything he can to exxagerate the feeling that things have changed. If we are not careful our closest friends will become strangers to us.'
excerpt from With A Palm And A Willow--authored by my friend, Rex Johnson, regarding the untimely fatal accident of his wife, and my friend, Denise

Happiness is looking at pictures which hold precious memories.

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 2

"Ronni, you have the kind of faith that makes angels weep."
excerpt from letter from John

Happiness is getting a surprise text from a former boyfriend who still addresses you as 'Beautiful'

Real Love

a gorgeous Montana sunset, April 30, '08

...real love is like God, you can depend on it to always be there. You may not always see it or be able to touch it or feel it, but it’s still there, unchanging and unmovable, just like God. Waiting patiently, interceding for His favor, hoping, trusting, believing, loving.
excerpt from an old love letter

Thirty Days of Happiness: Day 1

Elizabeth, my best bud

Happiness is having a trusted friend who will cry with you when it seems that your tears alone just aren't quite enough.

When Life Throws You a Curve...pray, without ceasing, pray.

...if we know that He hears us---whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of Him. I John 4:14

Sunrise....

Sunrise from my Dad's porch

Sunday Morning Glories...

How lovely was the stroll through my garden this morning. And some folk say there is no God? Amazing...

Earth Box Gardening

In my book, nothing beats 'Earth Box' gardening. Nothing. Zero-zip-nada. Because I was going to marvelous Montana around planting time I decided to put my spring/summer garden on hold until I returned. In this area, the summer gardens are usually harvested in mid-June so I could only cross my fingers and hope for the best when I planted in mid-May. I plant my 'Earth Boxes' annually, but this year I opted to use them exclusively rather than plant directly into the soil in my raised beds. Why? Well, take a look at the results! None of these plants were more than 3" tall when planted and now, just 1 month later, they are loaded with blooms and continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Last year I harvested 120 cucumbers off just one plant growing in this wonderful system and, best of all, no hoeing or weeding or prepping the ground is required. From start to finish, these 5 boxes were planted, fertilized and watered in less than thirty minutes. The boxes have an internal watering system and, the best feature of all is they are totally weed free!


Sweet Basil
Burpless Cucumbers
Beefsteak Tomatoes

Fathers Day Addendum

I spent the day with my Dad yesterday at his wonderful home on Lake Sam Rayburn. We had a delicious lunch of fried catfish--freshly caught from the lake--and spent most of the afternoon just sitting on the deck and visiting. It was a very nice day that ended all too soon, according to Savannah, who spent most of the time in the water.

Daddy enjoying my Montana pictures.
Cruisin'...
In his new toy, the 'Rhino'
View of the lake from the house...
and the house from the lake.
Andi, chillin' on the great grandparents sofa.

From Pampers to Pegasus!

Granmommy (me!) & Savannah, February 1997
Savannah's 5th grade graduation, May 2008

Where, oh where does the time go, pray tell? While viewing the pictures from 5th grade graduation it really hit me that 'Granmommy's baby' just isn't a baby any more. How sad! I remember when our trips to the mall involved loading the stroller and diaper bag and shopping for big hair bows and Tele-Tubbies and videos such as Mulan and Aristocats. My, how that has changed! These days it's Books-A-Million and Bath and Body and Macy's and, for heavens sake, please don't dare mention a pretty ribbon or hair barrette unless you're prepared for the eye roll of the century! And if you really, really love an outfit, just act as though she's a little too young for such and, only then, will she surely love it too.

Life being what it is moves swiftly, and with that comes much transition. It seems almost surreal to realize I'm the granmommy of a little lady who will be a teenager in a mere 17 months. But what a proud granmommy I am! Did I mention that Savannah has been an honor student since kindergarten? She sure has! And did I remember to say that she is going into the 6th grade but, because she tested at a much higher level, she has been accepted at an academy and will be starting with 8th grade level work? Yep, Savannah will be in the Pegasus class! My, how I wish I could see what her future holds!

But the greatest joy this precious doll brings me comes from her pure and tender heart and the kindness and sensitivity she has toward others. She faithfully believes God for anything and everything, be it big or small, and she truly loves God and her church. As she enters the next phase of her life it is my prayer that she holds to God's unchanging hand and nevers loses sight of Calvary. I pray that she is always mindful of the fact that the achievements and recognition we gain while on this earth mean absolutely nothing if we lose out with God. She's been taught that since before she was old enough to understand it's meaning and I pray that it is firmly imprinted on the facets of her mind.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Happy Fathers Day!

My Dad and me, 1958

Justin and Savannah, 1998

I was 3 years old when this picture was taken of me with my Dad. Fast track 40 years...Savannah, my wonderful grandbaby was 2 years old in this picture with her Dad, my first son, Justin. Yeah, I know, the math just doesn't quite add up. I was totally devastated when I received the news that Justin would be a father at the ripe young age of 19. Fortunately, God has a phenomenal way of making all the pieces of life's puzzle fit together perfectly, and I fell head over hills in love the day this precious baby arrived. In fact, I feel reasonably certain I was probably the happiest 41 year old grandmother alive! As for Justin, well, you would have thought he had been a Dad forever...in spite of the fact that Savannah was the first baby he had ever held in his life. And talk about genetics, I don't believe a twin could look more like him than his baby girl and fishing buddy, Savannah. A chip off the old block, with a bond much like that I still have with my Dad. Thank heaven for real fathers...they make a difference indeed!