Shout

Hallelujah to the Lord Almighty for all His wonderous works in 2008. It has been a great 8 for me!!:) Thank You Lord God for all You have done for me personally.

New Year's Eve Day

has been very hectic. I went to bed last night with a migraine and boy was it a doosey. Today has been my "sick day". But hubby came home to a house still in disarray and was not very happy. I am grateful I have a home, the warmth of heat and a bed to lay my this tired body in at night. Perspective - its all about perspective.

I doubt I will be up to see the new year 2009 roll in. Father Time is running so very fast.

Too Funny

Yesterday oldest son began the work on our bedroom. Needless to say stuff is every where.
My middle son decided he would mess with his dad. They love sending pics back and forth to tease each other. I received a call from hubby saying, "I've seen the bedroom so I think I will be staying another day to play golf." I laughed about the whole thing.

Truly it is better he delay coming home another day to give us a chance to put everything back in and clean up. He would be so behind us picking up things that we would need to use. I guess
that's what a perfectionist does. I wouldn't know bc i am the slob, so they say, in the family. But i can find everything i need in my piles.

This is giving me an opportunity to weed out stuff, esp. old books. They are going to the library and DAV. Walls primed, getting ready to paint(check). Keep sorting clothes, books, stuff.(check)
focused(check). See you all later, the new year is fast approaching.

Word 2009 - Healing

I loved the display to celebrate the birth of Jesus in SanJuan. Even on government land you could see the joy of Christ's birth.

Last year my word for 2008 was prosperity. This morning I began to feel the Lord wanted me to focus on the word "healing" for 2009. Ironically or not I am listening to a service on TBN about that very word. Many are sharing their healing stories. I heard an interesting word - healing is not the same as being cured. And the example was the 10 lepers - all were healed but only one was cured. Interesting thought.

Ornaments

I read this post from Julia today on StreamLiving. I realize I had many ornaments I did not unbox and put out this year. Some are tarnished and quite honestly I just love them bc they are so old, from hubby's childhood. They remind me of my elders, who carry so much wisdom, but are often ignored bc they are not so polished anymore. The young people overlook them many times bc they think they are too hip/cool/with-it to bother with their elders. Many of their attitudes is "what could that ole' person teach me?"

An Ornament for Christ by Julia Bettencourt

When we think of Christmas ornaments, something beautiful usually comes to mind. Shiny, bright, glistening, sparkling, and pretty are just a few words we use to describe them. The dictionary meaning from Webster says that an ornament is "anything serving to adorn; decoration; embellishment."

How well do we embellish the body of Christ?

"But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. " I Peter 3:4

Everything we say and do comes from our heart. Just like a Christmas ornament, hanging on a tree, our lives are dangling out there for others to see. How well do we embellish, adorn, and serve the body of Christ?

What type of ornament are you?

A Tarnished Ornament.

Have you seen those Christmas ornaments that are beautiful, you pick them up and all the paint, and glitter comes off in your hand? Are you that way? Have you been rubbed the wrong way a few times? Maybe you've been slighted by another Christian or had a disagreement with a friend and never made up with them. That paint and glitter has come rolling off you and your heart life shows signs of wear.

An Ugly Ornament.

There are just some ornaments that are just that, plain ugly! You may not be ugly on the outside but inside there's some sad ugliness. Got an ugly attitude? Do you speak ugly words? Do you wear ugly expressions? Do you just reflect ugliness? These types of ornaments hang on the tree all by themselves because nobody wants to be around them.

A Broken Ornament.

Are you broken and falling apart? Some people just radiate the fact that their life has problems. In reality we all have problems but we all don't wear those problems as our wardrobe like some. We get our lives all broken and falling apart because we don't have our priorities in the right place or we don't depend on Christ as we should. In turn we get cracked and broken because we're trying to hold ourselves together on our own.

A Packed Away Ornament.

These ornaments no longer are useful and are packed away in a box, put up in the attic or a shelf in the closet and are never used again. Got some dust on you? Can you feel the cobwebs just crisscrossing your spiritual life? Stopped reading your Bible? Stopped praying? Stopped witnessing? This type of ornament scares me the most. Never doing anything for Christ. Not only would it be a boring life but it would also be such an unhappy and lonely one as well.

A Perfect Ornament.

This is the type of ornament we all would like to strive to be. The kind that builds up the body of Christ and reflects all that is lovely. An ornament that beautifies and adorns.
"An ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price"

We can choose how we embellish and adorn the body of Christ by how we act as a reflection of what's in our hearts. Today, ask yourself: How am I hanging?

Sunset and Headed to SC

Don't let the sun set being angry.

I captured this sunset at the

end of our first cruise day.

I packed my hubby's bags and off we went this morning up the interstate to meet his dear friend. For the last three years they have headed to SC for guy time and golfing. I gladly wish him good health and traveling mercies. My hubby deserves this time. He is so busy throughout the year working for all his family. I hope they have the best time ever.





On the other hand he left us with a list to do. My oldest plans on heading up Monday to redo the closet (hubby needs more clothing space) honest!!! lol and my son will prime and paint our bedroom. Oh boy, hubby says to me, "I didn't plan on leaving you to be bothered with any of this." Right!! who is going to remove all our stuff from the closet and bedroom. The one that
wants to be able to find everything to put it all back. So my house will be in upheaval for the New Year. What a beginning!!

I am grateful I have my health and a willing son to be able to do this. Down with the Christmas tree and all the trimmings packed away before I begin. So today will be busy, busy!!

Closest Book Quote

Sue had this fun challenge on her blog. Closest Book Quote Challenge

How to play:* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.* Find the fifth sentence.*
Post that sentence along with these instructions in a note in your BLOG.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual... Use the CLOSEST.


It just so happened when I read Sue's blog that a dictionary was sitting in my lap. So the 5th sentence on page 56 is

"bakelite"

- a synthetic resin used for the same purposes as hard rubber, celluloid
- named after Belgian chemist

Thanks Sue for the light fun; a great amuzing thing to get your juices flowing. Jouranl that why don't you?!?!?! lol

SanJuan Kitty Brigade

Sentinel Cat Guarding the Entrances.

During our visit to San Juan we walked the long sea-side path to the end where you could see the fort. All along the route were stray cats being taken care of by the national park service. You could see kitty food and bottles of water with trays for them.


Look closely at the top picture - do you see the small opening in the rock wall. Amazing that a cat could jump up there but in the bottom pic you can see his little face peering out to the unwelcomed guesses along the path. This was really fascinating to me.

Even in the sidwalk that was poured with concrete you could see kitty paw prints. I have two pictures of that too. So to all my kitty-lover friends this is a tribute to your furry friends.

Christmas Memories

God so longs to give us the desires of our heart when they align with His Love for the world. My hubby had longed to see a friend from childhood. He had finally given up on trying to reach him since he had moved away to Key West, Florida.




Well you know God. Yesterday hubby went home to walk the streets of his beloved homeplace. He spotted a person in behind his friend's mom's home. And guess what!! He was able to spend several hours visiting with his friend.

His friend has reconciled himself to the fact that his days on earth are not too much longer. He is only in his late 40's. He realizes his organs are shutting down and he is heavily medicated. His wife just lost her job. But his outlook is so positive. My hubby needed to see and hear this coming from his dear friend. We hope to visit him for a little while on Friday.

This is another pic from days gone by. My hubby still has this classical guitar he received that year for Christmas. And now all my sons share the joy of music and playing too. If you were to enlarge this pic in the bottom left hand corner you would see an Easy Bake box. His sister obviously received a very popular gift that year too.

REMEMBER: every day is a blessing from God

and

Merry Christ-mas

Christmas Long Ago

I found these pics in the bottom of my hubby's chest drawers. Aren't they adorable. It's so funny that I have similar ones of each of our sons. Ironic!! My favorite pic of my youngest son is of him wearing the footie pjs my hubby has on in the lower bottom corner. Do you remember the trees?

Thanks for the memories. Look at that black/white tv. And the
bike has come back in style I believe.

Wishing You All A Very Merry CHRISTMAS

Blessed 2008

I am so blessed. Early this morning around 6am I went to Walmart to finish shopping for Christmas dinner. Right in the crossing lane before the front door lay this penny. I had been
praying and talking to God as I was walking from the truck to the store. Isn't God great!!!

Every day is a blessing from God. And isn't it ironic the year is 2008 on the penny. In God I want to trust more than ever for 2009. Merry Christmas Eve day. I hope you feel the love!!

Twelve Days Of Christmas-Continued

Nine Ladies Dancing made its way from Chicago from an artist who has been featured in Cloth,Paper, Scissors and Quilting Arts magazines. She thinks so outside the box. I love her view, how about you? Her little ballerina is so delicate. Look at the detail in the tutu and the way she wrapped her body and arms. She also
included a piece of her fabric paper. She is my poet-in-residence, who is teaching me so much about words.
The scan does not do this little ballerina justice.





Ten Lords A Leaping made its way from The Netherlands. Don't you
just love the frogs - reminds you of the frog and the prince.

Blessed

I awoke this morning in my own bed with our doggie laying at our feet. Something not allowed by hubby, but he did make an exception since we were away for a week.

I have been reflecting on life. I am so blessed, most of us in the US are blessed beyond measure. We just don't realize it and begin to complain and moan and groan about anything.
When I found myself complaining while away I was constantly reminded that the purpose for this trip was different. "CHANGE" being willing to accept what-come-may AND thanking God for that moment. Of course I failed so many times but kept getting better about what was most significant in my life bc God would not leave me alone - in a good way of course.

Friendships, family, relationships - all the God-stuff. One of my best purchases was on Grenada - a Caribbean gospel cd - which i am playing right now.

If you are reading this at any time consider yourself a blessing in my life. One I am grateful and don't want to take for granted.

On Our Way Home

Hopefully by the time you read this we will be through customs and on our way to San Juan airport to catch our flight home. See you soon, know i have a ton of emails to catch up on. missed everyone.

Happy 28th Anniversay

I forgot to wish my hubby a Happy Anniversary online. I bought him two cards before I left home to give him on the ship. One funny, which he really enjoyed, the other will be given at dinner tonight.

Happy Anniversary 28th and many more.

Sea Day

well our bags are packed, we're ready to go. Actually they begin taking bags at 6pm. I'm so efficient. lol. Hubby is suffering with a terrible sore throat. We see some problems with weather in Chicago and parts of the northeastern country in US. Hope JFK is moving on time tomorrow.

Aruba's Water Park

Sanka - when asking for coffee in Aruba don't ask for sanka. Why bc it means derriere. lol
Our driver taught us many different words but of course that one stuck in my hubby's mind. Any wonder?!! We are back aboard ship and leave the port in less than two hours. Boy am I tired!! Almost 800 pics and I forgot my camera in town of Aruba, so borrowed my hubby's against his wishes. I am a camera hog.

Bonaire Today

Bonaire is known for its sea salt and pink flamingos. What a combination. We won't be there until 12 noon today. So what's a girl to do? Spa! art auction! checkout the boutiques! or play bingo? Probably none of the above but relax on our balcony. More to come later, hitting around 600 pics and two more days to go. Wowser!! hope everyone is doing great.

Maids-a-Milking and Breast Cancer 5k Walk Aboard

We toured a different part of Grenada than we had visited 2 years ago. The island's economy is worse. Their banana trees are being destroyed by some kind of insect. I love this island bc of the beautiful colors in the homes. All colors of paint - a true melting pot.

Before we could get off this morning they had a medical emergency - it seemed to be a heart attack. We prayed for this older gentleman and his family. Hopeful it turned out to be nothing.

The 12 Days of Christmas ornaments are amazing. So far GvN's "maids-a-milking" touched my heart the most. She gave tribute to Breast Feeding mother's. And today on the ship they will have a 5K Susan Koman Breast Cancer walk. Each ornament holds a special place in my heart bc of the artists making it. Which brings me to what I buy on the islands and why. I look for local artists and purchase a piece of their art -whatever that might be. Today I bough a poem book and yesterday I bought a hand carved nativity ornament plus a beautiful native doll.

The Dominican artist shared if the doll has one know in her hair scarf it signifies she is single, two knots and she is engaged, if the scarf knots are three you are married. My doll has three knots bc the artist was married and makes only 3-knotted dolls. How interesting.

Dominica Set Sail

Today was wonderful bc our excursion wasn't shcheduled until 10:30am. We were able to see the Mother and Father Falls in the rainforest. The flowers were beautiful and to be honest I could have stayed there listening to the water all day. So peaceful

We were very blessed to be put in the two front seats of the van. Usuall we are in the back and can't see anything. I felt like a queen. lol. We are headed for Grenada.

See you Under The Stars where P.S. I love You is not playing. Heading off to meet my hubby who is watching the ship pull out of port.

St Thomas-God Challenging

You know how you just want to have everything work out as planned. Well I have to laugh bc that is not what God has planned on this cruise. We are enjoying each other - the most important thing. Last night saw a comedian - don't we need to laugh more?!! We were an hour and half late leaving port - waiting on folks to board - so after 12:30 we went to bed. Didn't get to see ship leaving port.

Today we did go to Peter's Great House - but - you know when you have experienced something and then changes occur. Things are just ever so slightly different. Well - we did get to see the Botanical Gardens but they stopped the tours inside the home. Bummer bc this house is gorgeous. God had other plans for us. At the top of the mountain we took pics with some unsavory characters - pirates and scalawags. lol

We are not back on ship where we will probably stay for the rest of the day. We are both tired and wanting to sit on our balcony. But we should found out our excursion for tomorrow has been cancelled so another change.

Hubby hates change. God loves to lead with us following.

San Juan and All Aboard

Well we made it and now are on board the ship. This morning we were up early and walked over 2 miles to the Fort and all around San Juan. I love the architecture and the colorful town. Found a great shop The Poet's Gallery. Off and running, or shall I say relaxing with hubby.

Eleven Lord's Leaping from Scotland

This is another tartan-astic ornament exchange. The detail

in this little book is amazing. I love the stamps and the stamped Lord's.

The teeny, tiny beads and buttons and wool w/embroidery

is wonderful. Is it any wonder why I enjoy trades/exchanges so

much?!?!!?!

Drummers Drumming

how unique every ornament is. This little ornament has paper

musical notes, a felted drum with beading and the crazy "pom pom" yarn, which I love. On the back lk put the little song with the cutest bunny fabric for backing.

Today is it, i have run out of time. I have so much to do before i leave early in the morning. Hubby has given me a list to try an accomplishment while he is at work. Oh boy! rushing around like

a chicken with my head cut off. i did begin a list - a very important list of addys to send postcards - if i can find them from each island. The hunt will begin tomorrow. We will be visiting 2 new islands.

Hubby may one day get his wish - to visit every Caribbean island.

Sent To Me

Actually I forgot to say there are 14 of us in 12 Days of Christmas. So

True Love and Sent to me were added days. Yes! more fun to open

wonderful handmade gifts. Sent to Me is this wonderful brown paper

bag painted cover and each page is one day of Christmas. Here is

Day 4 and 5. It was gold-edged with paint and thread. i love it!!

True Love

gave to me Day 1 of The 12 Days of Christmas. Here is the

very first one opened. Its an embroidered heart attached

is an altered key and wonderful tag using wall paper. It

was sent in a cute handmade little bag. Boy, this is a hard act

to follow. Thank you Nj.

Rough Day

Today has been a rough day. I may have picked up a bug from my DILs mom. I've pretty much slept all day. I did get one of my blog winner prizes finished early this morning and its to be mailed out tomorrow.

Grateful for

1) Christmas cards family updates

3) warm day comfy bed

5) being able to rest water

7) son helping out travel mercy for son

9) sons being off today sons having fun together

11) hubby taking his mom to dinner family

13) quiet sleeping

15) smell of fresh air hubby working

17) paying bills order

19) friends God's faithfulness

Grateful for

Day 9 - 20 things I am grateful for

1) you and you
3) a great day early morning star twinkling again
5) my doggie getting better my sons all being home
7) God's answers to prayer He has better ideas
9) friends family
11) deviled eggs macaroni salad
13) grocery store near by hubby's work
15) my health a good life
17) God's provision God's protection
19) it doesn't look like what I expected saying Good Night

Headed To London

here is the AB IW book page for Carol from London. Pocahontas

is a quilt I am working on from my guild angel quilt challenge.

I transferred her to paper, since feathers are not allowed to travel

through customs, made the clay face and added a Native American

choker for the border. She's one thing England and Virginia have

in common. Pocahontas was buried in England after she became

ill traveling back across the pond.

Day 8 - 20 things grateful for

1) friends invite to dinner a sweet new puppy

3) helping a friend figure out how to cruise a great dinner

5) son's safety the hard places

7) my migraine going away meds

9) visiting with son and his girlfriend the hard places

11) long years of marriage working through differences

13) the morning stars the cool of the day

15) The Lord's Day being able to focus on what is impt

17) furniture in my home a home

19) good conversations having fun and laughing

FiberArts

I won this issue on FAT Gadgets and Gizmos night from Leilani.

Thank you dear friend. How thoughtful of you to give some really

great magazine issues away as gifts. I can't wait to dig into this

issue. I usually look at the mag when I go into B&N but nothing

ever inspires me to buy the mag. I had not seen this issue and

there are lots of interesting articles - anyone for snow dyeing?!

Day 7 - 20 grateful things

1) shopping - not how about it being at your fingertips is necessary

3) clothes on ridiculous sale price pair of shorts $3.20

5) dinner with hubby being able to buy son on duty his dinner

7) safety of my son while working road God's protection

9) conflict situations that build character God knows best

11) trusting in God's decision not going my own way

13) sticking in there to work it through friends offer for dinner

15) hubby helping others another work week for hubby finished

17) doggie going for a walk after months of not waiting to see vet

19) conversations with sons my son's sweet girlfriend and her love

Scale

I learned quite a bit about scale by doing a project for Inspired.

The larger square is 4 inches and looked great with the items

I had placed on it but when you reduce it down to 1 little inchie.

Well it appears to be too much to make a great visual. So back

the drawing board. Reduce and reuse. This is the letter "D"

for the alphabet inchie trade I am participating in with Inspired

participants.

I am Artiste

"N" sent me this great little book made totally of threads and such. I love the brown paper bags recycled into pages with cute little kitty stamps on each page. On the cover "I love dogs." Thank you "N" for the gift of creativity and inspiration. Artiste live on.

Saying Yes is a great book. Pope John Paul wrote a letter to all artists in 1999.

It begins like this

"To all who are passionately dedicated to the search for new “epiphanies” of beauty so that through their creative work as artists they may offer these as gifts to the world.
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Gn 1:31)"

What a wonderful legacy to be reminded of and to keep one focused as an artist. What is the earliest creative thing you can remember doing? God has requested my presence as an artist. The Artist of all the ages, the Creator, Himself has put everything in me to create and express His love to the world.

Who along the way has influenced your artistic tendencies? Who are your believing mirrors?

After reading halfway through this book something inside me has changed. I can now give myself permission to "fan into flame the gift of God" inside me. My presence is requested and its never too late to show up. In Saying Yes there is this statement that I love:

"His (G0d)'s laughter rolled through the heaven as He watched from His studio."

I stood out on my deck in the early morning and gazed up at the sky filled with sparkling stars. Diamonds exchanging glances from one to another and then exploding on the scene for man to experience God's wonderful light show in the sky. What a treat and a great way to begin the day.

"N" my secret "Bond" agent

"N" sent me this wonderful little jean pocket purse all the way from

Tasmania, Australia. Isn't she the bomb? i just can not stop looking

at her. She is captivating. I have bunches of jean pants I've been

collecting. I'm wondering.....

Day 6 again - 20 grateful things

1) a great morning the night sky filled with stars

3) challenges in life a free spirit to soar

5) not thinking just enjoying life freedom

7) craziness of laughter potato skins

9) wonderful you wonderful movies

11) the wonder of it all another day

13) fast typing finger joy of the Lord

15) fast work a pace to enjoy life

17) Christmas lights tour of the Birth of Christ

19) letting go and saying no

I wanted to type fast and see what would pop into my head and just be grateful for. This was an

exhilirating exercise in gratitude.

Saying Yes

I was in B&N this afternoon for my Artist's Date, found a great

applique book with daisy in it; cost $5.00. Then I went into a
different section where I was drawn to a protruding book. Beside
that big book was this smaller one. I pulled it out, the title was
interesting and when I opened it to begin reading I began to weep.
Boy am I glad hubby was not along and no other patrons were near
me. As I read I kept weeping. So needless to say I felt very
impressed to purchase this book. Wonder what all the weeping is
about? Ask God; He will share His creative ways with me. This
journey i am on; I like it; just don't know where it's leading me.





Early this morning I went to Walmart to grocery shop. On the way there I was listening to the song about the little boy buying his mommy a pair of shoes before she goes home to meet Jesus.
All of a sudden I felt very convicted about; not the outer appearance; but my inner heart attitude. Dare I say I spent the rest of my drive over asking God's forgiveness for some not-so-nice heart issues. I don't think he will care if I am wearing stilettos or tennis shoes or sandals on the day I meet him. But he will definitely be looking at the heart.

Day 5 - 20 grateful things

1) received 9 12 days of Christmas gifts 3 more on the way

3) paying our bills mailing fee for artist's piece i ordered

5) a beautiful day listening to God

7) my doggie's love my doggie's friendship

9) 4th son's job favor for him in the new job

11) son off for a much-needed day getting shopping done

13) preparing spaghetti for dinner tonight aroma

15) sense and cents

17) online FAT gadget party laughter

19) cool sayings cool beans and sense of humor

SewPrettyChristmas

I absolutely loved the front cover of this book but the project pics

inside are even more alluring. I said a while back I had never been

a pink-sort-of-girl but again I am drawn to the pink projects.

Sew Pretty Christmas was first published in Norway as Tildas

julehus.

There are angel, dove, pig, geese, muffin, heart, apple and slipper

projects. They are all so wonderful. I want to try them all. The

chapters are divided by the rooms in a home - living room, kitchen,

entrance hall, etc. This is definitely eye candy worth purchasing

just for the inspiration.

Look at the Babushka dolls project. Isn't this fabric to-dye-for!!
She fits in under the "Little Girl's Bedroom."

Day 4 - Grateful Things

1) beautiful books the color pink

3) sons home safely the end of the day

5) late night projects fun art projects

7) peace and quiet

9) hubby home this past week holistic meds

11) project complete beginning on others

13) giving bloggers faithful blogger friends

15) i can post grateful things strong arms

17) healing power of journaling working w/ new medium

19) opportunities developing a plan The Creative Entrepreneur

Creating Art

Nadia had this cute little art show and song I thought i would share.

and

here is one piece of Pokey's hand-dyed fabrics I received.

I am finished my Three French Hens project now on to finish my

400th blog give-away gifts and get them in the mail. I will post

my hen ornaments after the 10th of December. Go Create!!

Day 3 - 20 things I am grateful for

1) the early morning hours cleaning my studio

3) a finished project being able to begin anew

5) cleaning up clear desk

7) fun projects inspiring people

9) my postal workers she said you can't use paint on envy

11) rain today its raining

13) sound of rain sound of doggie patters

15) remembering and friends i met in guild

17) celebrating a life lived memories
19) my family God's love - its His day

Thank You Pokey

for sponsoring a give-away on your blog. Here is the wonderful quilting

and technique book I won. Its compiled with different artists' work

and techniques for art quilts. Thank you so much. I'll show you my

wonderful fabric she hand-dyed and altered tomorrow.

I am almost finished the ornaments for 12 Days Of Christmas. The

last two will be mailed out today. I will show them to you later after the recipients have opened them at the end of twelve days. They are traveling to Tasmania, Holland, Scotland and all over the US. This was a fun project to work on bc I will receive 12 that I am hanging up in my studio to open each day.

The anticipation is growing and growing. I think I'm going to bust before it gets here. No not

really - growing up in a home with 5 children and a single mom you savored every moment on Christmas day opening the few presents given. I'm not complaining bc the few I received were ones I really, really wanted. I was grateful for what I received.

Day 2 - Grateful Things

1) my arms not being too sore cleaning son's entire yard

3) my two son's and hubby working together tools

5) a grateful son an overworked son having a job

7) God protecting the police officers tired, overworked service people

9) our military personnel people who consider it an honor to serve

11) living in USA special people-young girl inspiration after losing legs

13) the Word of God mom taking me to church to learn about God

15) sister and her heart's desire family

17) God being in control cruise coming up

19) smelling a fire/chimney buring wood cushy chairs at B&N

Black Friday

Well its 1:06am Friday and the mall near us opened at 12. The parking spaces were all taken within the first 30 minutes. That's a problem for the adjoining neighborhoods. Our little cul-de-sac has never seen so much traffic flowing. Two police officers were assigned to our neighborhood just to enforce no parking.

The people trying to park here are so rude, playing their loud music and hitting their lock buttons after getting out of their cars. They really are not thinking about the people who live here. Tomorrow all around on the streets will be trash where they have dumped it, ruts in grassy areas, and another night of disturbed sleep for us and our doggie; who hears everything.

What was our county supervisors thinking when they approved the mall to enlarge without appropriate parking? The mall has over 22 officers assigned there just for Black Friday from midnight to 6am in the morning.

Its led me to want to get more involved in our county politics regarding growth.

Starting over -----------Day 1 - 20 things I am grateful for

1) Thanksgiving with family food on the table
3) doggie bringing me his collar then bringing me his leash
5) not overeating cleaning all the dishes right away
7) joy of the Lord trusting Him for all things
9) 25 days of Christmas shows working on my project
11) living a quiet life reading my books
13) a warm home plenty of covering to keep warm
15) my children respecting their dad playing with their dad
17) my new DIL their marriage
19) breathing being able to weep for others and help them

Happy Thanksgiving

Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer

and supplication with thanksgiving let your request

be made known unto God. Happy Thanksgiving everybody.

May God bless you each and every day with his mercy and goodness.

Finger painted turkey hand on the knees. Don't you see it?! lol.

My son's sweet girlfriend baked a pumpkin pie and they brought it over last night. She's such a sweetheart. I am so glad my son has chosen her to one day be his wife. She was so cute - when we started talking about children in third world countries she mentioned she wanted 5 children. Two adopted from Mexico or Nicaragua.

My son's eyes became as big as saucers. This is an important subject they should be

in agreement about. This little petite young lady is probably 90 lbs if that and I'm

guessing about 5' 2. She looks like the porcelain dolls you want to buy for your daughter

but put on a shelf, not play with and protect so it does not get broken.

They have shared missions trips together. You should see the pics of them attending to

the children. With my son being so tall the children just love being picked up by him and loved on. Oh that all children had the security and comfort to grow up in a loving home.

Creative Entrepreneur

The Creative Entrepreneur is about setting up a visual journal

to gain insight, solve problems and explore new ideas w/o the

pressure to produce a product or something that has to look good

or make sense to others. That is pretty much the first thought Lisa

Sonora Beam puts into place for the reader.

She discusses her four path ways to designing a viable creative business. Heart/Meaning, gifts/flow, value/profitability and tools/skills. I've tried to read this book twice and it just did not flow for me. The third time must be the charm bc now it is getting through.

Day 20 - 20 things I am grateful for

1) a sharp mind meaning that flows

3) all of my sons how different they are

5) creativity flowing through people their willingness to share

7) others that have already been there/done that generosity

9) the rain yesterday phases of life: birthing thru death

11) seasons in nature seeing the difference in each stage

13) being grateful for where I am in life enjoying my life

15) gathering information putting that info to work

17) challenges working through problems

19) a new day a fresh beginning

IRRITATED RUB

Tomorrow is THANKS-GIVING. I wonder what would happen if that day really became a day of giving; everyone giving something to another person? Even a challenge that came from a desire to give to strangers.

In Life Is A Verb there is a cute story of her daughter holding a sign up in the town square that said "FREE HUGS". She wanted to see what people would do, how they would react and respond to her sign. One discovery the mother made: the people she thought would not give a hug came over and responded by giving the hug. 'Tis true - you can't judge a book by its cover.

I leave you with this saying from

Rumi -

"If You Are Irritated By Every Rub,

How Will You Be Polished?"

Relationships and Life Is A Verb

LIFE IS A VERB

37 days to Wake up, Be mindful and Live intentionally

by Patti Digh

Here is another great book. I just loved the front cover and that is

what drew me to this book. How are you doing in life? are you enjoying
all that God has placed around you? how are you interpreting it all?

One saying in the book is by Erich Heller


"Be careful how you interpret the world: it is like that."

Day 19 - 20 things I am grateful for

1) all leaves taken to dump before rain its raining
3) i can hear the rain i love the sound of rain
5) friends i saw yesterday God's faithfulness
7) we have a truck tickets for the dump
9) my lucy is a homepage i can clean my room today
11) hands and legs strength to pickup lots of leaves
13) our dog being able to ride with us my doggie's devotion
15) DIL and son living next door they can borrow stuff
17) i can make DIL stocking that she wants one
19) DIL and friend spent time in art studio looking at things

even if they don't understand me they enjoyed my work

19 and 20

Elaborate - It was great after dinner the other night "C" and Dil came up to my

room. We talked about many different things. DIL went through my fabric, pulled out ones she liked, and wants a quilt made from. Yes! She loves scrappy. And then she said she would
love a stocking. So I am going to make one for her, son and two kitties. They can hang them over their fireplace.

Afterwards my youngest son's girlfriend came over and we talked about all kinds of things. She wants to be a social worker. She has so much compassion, I just love this young lady. Each young girl has been so suited for each of my sons. Its so wonderful to watch. And my oldest right now needs to focus elsewhere; which he has been faithful to do. Have a great day!

The Gift of Love - Pjs

Friday was my hubby's last day of work for a week. On Saturday his sister came down and they went shopping. Well I should say hubby decided to go shopping and sis tagged along. My hubby never shops so for him to want to do that was a real treat to hear about.

While out he came across a new pair of pjs for me. Here they are: purple stripe pants and solid top. They feel so soft. That's what attracted him to the pjs. He loves soft plus I was long overdue for a new pair.

He was so proud of himself. He was like a little boy in the candy store when he came home with his purchase. Pants were too big but easily exchanged for m's.

Day 18 - 20 things I am Grateful for

1) a loving God He leads us if we are willing

3) piles of leaves raking/blowing out in the cold

5) a workout w/o going to gym strength to carry dog

7) soft, new pjs great color

9) blogging bloggers wonderful art

11) a wonderful dinner made by DIL and hubby great food

13) sitting at table to enjoy company all my family

15) a great conversation deep discussion

17) a listening ear open mind

19) a new day His mercies are new every morning

Scrapbook Advent Jrl Prompts

Here are six prompts I did with a scrapbook program. The backgrounds are ones I created or loaded from an ole' calendar.
Then I used a charms choice to place objects downsized and picked text to put on each 2x2 advent block.

It was interesting to play with the program and figure it out. BUT
I would much rather use ephemera, papers, and other collectibles
I have and physically make them. Plus for some reason when they were all finished many of the backgrounds became fuzzy.

Day 17 - 20 things I am grateful for

1) my SIL coming down to visit her love for our doggie

3) watching my hubby and sis play together laughter

5) the cold weather the miracles of God

7) beautiful decorations and being able to see them

9) my doggie enjoying his life right now the mental change

11) son's friend working him Fri/Sat being paid asa work is finished

13) sons arriving safely at their destination good cars

15) my son's DUI arrest wisdom to check the car for guns

17) my son's safety last night his zeal for life

19) God knowing every thing before it happens His loving kindness

PROTECTION

I am so thankful God keeps watch over my son always. But especially when he is on duty. He called last night after making an arrest to say he had confiscated two guns on a DUI stop. Thank you God for giving him wisdom and for his backup. It brings tears to my eyes and comfort to my soul to know how much God loves him. The Bible talks about God giving his angels charge over us.

Life is One Big Collage Journey

I realize life is like a collage journey. You are the substrate and all
these events are the ephemera, doodles, paints and layers upon
layers being added on to make us who we are. Each person is a rich source of inspiration. We are full of imagery, color, texture, text and ideas of our own. What type of substrate are you? an ole' ancient
book, a piece of worn wood collected from the seashore - touched by
the scorching sun, an archival elegant piece of paper or maybe you are the delicate handmade paper.

I love this book with easy to follow projects, information and ideas to get you thinking for yourself about creating a collage. The pics alone are reason to purchase this book and add it to your library.

Day 16-20 things I am grateful for

1) artists and authors

3) pics easy reading

5) family SIL visiting today

7) breathing seeing the world thru God's eyes

9) not being left to my own God caring enough to love me

11) closer to finishing 12 Days of Christmas a fun project

13) laughter tears

15) son working today son scheduling his collage classes

17) son's safety traveling a friend to share the ride with

19) peanut butter/jelly sandwich childhood memory bologna

Kristin's Blog Give Away

I forget who has a blog just for giveaways but kristin is having a great stash giveaway. Check out her blog for the eyelets bundle. leave a post by Nov 30 and you could be the winner.

Clothing Memory Quilt

Another gel pen sketch. My little bird was done on cardstock.
Which works so much better than regular sketch paper.
You can blend the color with your finger. This is a great block
breaker. Its small and if you mess up no big deal. I can do this.

This particular gel pen is available at Big Lots in a nice case of 52 pens for $10.00. I may ask Santa for another case of pens.
Young artists would love these.

Day 15 - 20 things I am grateful for

1) life is a verb books

3) my vet being so concerned the surgical vet giving us all the info

5) my doggie walking some decisions, tough decisions

7) but being able to have choices tears

9) my neighbor who lost his wife his tears; its ok to cry

11) her clothes being made into a quilt her granddaughter living on

13) memories laughter

15) my hubby's concern for all his sons his prayers for them and me

17) eyes to see and ears to hear

19) journaling son letting me borrow his truck yesterday

Memories

Let me elaborate on #9. My neighbor brought over the special clothes his wife wore. He also brought over clothes his wife had bought for their first granddaughter. She had out-grown these. So now to pray and see what the quilt will look like for him and hopefully one for his

little granddaughter, who is not one year old yet.

It is ok for a man to shed tears. Memories - that's what we have left of our loved ones. We can reflect on times we have shared with them and pass them on to the next generation. The color theme seems to be shades of red and pink. From a little girl to a young married woman into the senior years of our lives. She lived gracefully, she loved, she cared. The times she and her daughter shared scrapbooking will mean more to her daughter in the days/years to come as she passes that on to her daughter.

What will you pass on to the next generation? Do you even care about passing on anything to your grandchildren? One thing my neighbor shared with me - he will make a beautiful cross and pin out of his wife's rings for his granddaughter. What a wonderful keepsake. I know how special that can be. When I was to be married my mother gave me my dad's wedding band and I had it cut down to become my wedding band that I wear every day. This ring will go to my youngest son who bears my dad's name.

Sunset Over The Rainbow

Cruisin'

In less than a month hubby and I will be cruisin' the Caribbean
for our anniversary. I think we both need the break. I pray God
would give my hubby a deep peace and settle his spirit to know that God is in control of our lives. Somewhere over the rainbow
there is a gorgeous sunsetting. Have A Glorious Day!!

Day 14 - 20 Things I am Grateful For

1) being able to sleep argh telling son to turn game off

3) son getting parking he wants at college processing over net

5) Scott sweet young man that helped me son's love of working out

7) oldest son needing a coat out of closet clean closet yes

9) being able to give clothes/coats to DAV they pick it up

11) hubby's short work day being able to enjoy meal out

13) encouraging a working mom i can pray for her

15) a great work ethic not waiting for handouts carrying enough to work

17) God's goodness and God's mercy

19) vet visit today my dog being able to walk

Gel Pen Ruby Girlie

I used my gel pens on a small cardstock paper and created my

Sparklin' Ruby. I realize you have to let each color dry completely
before doing the next; otherwise it may smear. What do you think?

Day 13 - 20 Grateful Things

1) my art supplies having fun playing

3) colorful lights on tree hubby caring about our lives

5) a great haircut today my stylist

7) the new employee there a retired school teacher i met

9) laughter prayer

11) gas station owner's kindness my son coming to my rescue

13) a spare car key doggie healing

15) Big Lots being able to browse for fun w/o purchasing anything

17) food in the pantry leftover lasagne

19) paycheck cell phone

If you remember last night a conversation between God and me about dad. Well, the new employee at my stylists was my ex-neighbor from 20 years ago. She remembered my dad(FIL) and ask how he was doing. She didn't know he had passed away. I thought that was ironic that she had been working there for 2 months. It was great seeing her after all that time. God does work in mysterious ways. I love my new haircut. It feels great!! 20 lbs of hair gone.

This morning I am reading Romans 4 about Abraham and Sarah. He believed what God

had promised him. He would be the father of many nations. Of course, Sarah sought to do it her

own way after years had passed. But God was Faithful to Fulfill His Promise to them.

What promise has God given you maybe many years ago and you still have the faith believing?

I love this "being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Abraham did not waver through unbelief but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.

Give God the Glory for All the Great Things He has Done.

Rick Rack

My mom last year gave me a box of goodies from a ladies home she cleaned

out. I forgot about all this great stuff. Here is a bunch of rick rack - great

ATC edgings. Any other suggestions on what to do with it? Most I have taken out of the package and washed, rolled on a cylinder and put away - waiting for a fun project.

I am working on my Christmas ornament exchange - 12 Days of Christmas

but I will wait to show more - wouldn't want one of the participants checking me out. lol.

20 Things I Am Grateful For

1) listening to God speak weeping while cooking lasagna

3) dishwashers running water

5) money to buy my friend needed items my closet full of jackets

7) being able to give away many coats helping others

9) my DIL shopping at grocery store for me Reynolds wrap

11) being able to prepare dinner exercise

13) son able to climb in attic putting up the tree

15) my journals over the years writing

17) words to express myself with thinking clearly

19) visiting sick people a good vehicle to drive

I have to elaborate on number 1. Last night I was standing in my kitchen minding my own business when I felt like God was speaking to me that He was sitting talking with my dad(FIL).

What I felt impressed in my spirit with: I want to bless you with something that will remind you of your dad.

Well I began to weep like a baby. Honestly the tears would not stop - it was like Niagara falls.

I'm sure someone last night was eating my tears in the lasagna. What does God speak to you when you are listening?

When I told my hubby my experience, he teared up too. Dad is missed so much, even though it has been years since his passing. Maybe I saw so much of my dad in my middle son yesterday.

Take Time to Look and SEE All the Great Things God has Done!

Gingerbread House

I watched my neighbor, my son, decorate his home for Christmas. I call it the Ginger Bread House. They bought a tree and placed red, white and blue balls on it. I remember when this young man loved decorating our home. One year he even ran the lights up over the roof and back down across my fence to the end of the property. Even my hubby wants to get our tree up. That's so unusual for him.

Now he makes a new memory for himself and his wife. I love it!! So after dark I went over, stood in the yard and took firsts. Pics to put in their book of firsts. This year for Thanksgiving my DIL will be working. I hate that but I am glad she has a great job. So we will just make dinner early enough for her to enjoy before going to work.

Day 11 - 20 Things I Am Grateful For

1) my herbalist recommending alter. meds for doggie him getting better

3) dreams God places in your heart visions

5) a vocabulary a woman who taught her hubby to see all as God's creation

7) the library interlibrary loans

9) cool days and raking more leaves

11) my hubby spending time with each son my children

13) the soul journaler, Kathryn great prompts

15) the love of a daughter working through loss of mom

17) being able to help her so care for others

19) early morning time along reading my Bible

The Lord's Day

Day 10 - 20 things I'm grateful for

1) today is the Lord's day i can celebrate however i want

3) freedom of religion still a caring God

5) friends who ask me to pray the healing power of prayer

7) churches everywhere pastors who care no matter what

9) choirs the voice-singing

11) worship in many forms a merciful God

13) the Word of God Bibles in abundance

15) the body of Christ different body parts

17) functioning as one unity because of Christ

19) Jesus being the Truth, The Way Jesus caring for me a sinner saved by grace

Secret Project - 12 Days of Christmas Exchange

I'm Three French Hens. Since I hate repeating myself in creating

something I changed directions. This is a new one. I thought I was finished with this one. So I took a picture and scanned it for you to enjoy. Here it is

BUT

then I didn't quite feel like it was finished, so I did this. What a difference a few embellishments make. I am learning about layering

and color. Something I truly knew nothing about.

The base is pellon, with next layer being mulberry paper. I cut out the center hole and used it as my doors. The center partridge heart is paper and the finishing touch the word "Love" is a rub-on.

I hung it by inserting a wire and beading it.

More to come tomorrow on this little piece of art.

Have a great day in the Lord.

Leaves and Pitch

The wind and rain have removed just about every leaf on the
trees in my yard. I had to gather up a bunch and scan them
for a remembrance. Yesterday my son and I blew and bagged
before my hubby arrived home from work. It was a wonderful
gesture on my son's part bc hubby would have come home dogged
tired and tried to do it. But for him it is also a time of therapy after
a long day at work. Meditative for him, a time to reflect.

My son had 40 minutes left before he had to leave for work. So I fed
him lunch and he went home, next door, to prepare for his evening of
work.

Here's one stanza of a poem I am working on.

Pitch

Early morning expanse

And Cool night air mix

Giving you a feel

For its coming new day.

That time of morn'

When Pitch is the color

Dark, black, void of light.

And then light bursts through

For to discover come what may.

Day 9 - 20 grateful things

1) early morning pitch a new day

3) seeing colors bright and beautiful

5) exercise bagging leaves

7) my arms/legs working productive day

9) my son's love my son's compassion

11) my youngest bought movie tickets a short line

13) my date with my hubby a hot tea

15) friends jokes friends laughter

17) 2 navy men headed to Kuwait their love of country

19) obedience the desire God placed in my heart

Burlap Sack

Another book page for N. I cut a piece of burlap from an Argentina peanut sack for the background. It was Sunday when I created this page bc I had the comics section of the paper. I used the word "peanut" to play on the burlap sack usage. The little stick figure also has a 3-d little square pillow man I added to the page later. It was a bleach figure on batik fabric. I love the texture of the burlap.

Life's happenings can be comical at times. Slang for the word money - "peanuts", "pocket change". And just for the fun of it I used a french phrase under the little stick man. "N"s book winged its way to Tasmania in a torrential downpour.

Day 8 - Grateful for

1) sleep without waking during the night trusting God for all things

3) courage to do tough things friends who care no matter what

5) long lines at the grocery store time to think

7) comfort and convenience

9) water at my finger tips a mix of water and milk for my dog

11) a young couple stopping by to eat her expertise in animals

13) rain and wind feeling cold

15) my son's generosity a new job for our 4th son/son's friend

17) being able to create a poem putting words together

19) seeing good in people my son & DIL coming home safe

I am truly grateful for today being Friday. It ends another week of work for my hubby. I grow to appreciate him more and more every day. Thank you God for my years of marriage and every phase we have been through together.

FAITH UNDER FIRE

'Christians ought to have pit-bull faith under fire. The Bible says in Psalm 91,

"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee."

We can outlast, outrun, and overcome the enemy's schemes of destruction. All it takes is the power of faith, not in a person, or material things, but in the true and living God. Keep praising and worshiping Him, even in the face of a fiery furnace.

There are seven points to learn in Daniel chapter 3

1. God deserves our worship. 2. In life, our faith is going to be challenged. 3. Acquire a "No matter what" confession. 4. When the heat is turned up it's important that you don't panic. 5. Even in the fire, remember you are not alone. 6. God uses the drama to get you to the next level. 7. Your faith will pay off eventually. God has already pre-wired you to win.

YOUR PROBLEM DOES NOT HAVE POWER OVER GOD,

BUT GOD HAS POWER OVER YOUR PROBLEM.'

taken from a devotional by Dr. Zachery Tims.