Prayer Need

Today I feel really bad, sent to get an ultrasound on my leg. Flu-like symptoms, achy, red, hot and painful spot. Keep me in prayer, thanks everyone.

Just Doodling, The Date 8-8-08

This is about the extint of my artistic ability right now. My doodle man was made one day while at work. I was playing with colored pencils and a new set of pencils given to me by a friend for face painting.

Many in the Christian realm realize that 8-8-08 is an important day in God's Kingdom. The number eight means "new beginnings." I've heard so many interpretations on this.

Numbers are significant to God. What do you think 888 will bring into the worldly realm? I know I am believing for new beginnings in my life.

I know You Through A Mother's Heart

My day did not go at all like I had planned. Day off - art yes!!! No not even remotely close.
I received an email about one of the boys killed in the car accident last week. Oh boy I didn't realize he was the son of a member of the church we had attended. So......
a friend had scheduled prayer time for her and invited me. There are people around the world praying for her son to be resurrected. I know God can do it. He's done it before.

On a personal note - I am tired of doing "the religious church" thing. I want to see the power spoken of in the Bible. I want to see The Power moving in the body of Christ. Why is it in other countries you hear of people raised from the dead, lame get up and walk, blind see. The church of America seems to be limp. I don't want a bunch of don'ts, don'ts and more don'ts.

Where is THE POWER to heal the broken, the lame, the blind. Does it only exist in other countries? What do we really believe. How many of our disillusioned youth have to be destroyed before we get serious about moving in the Power of God?

I need to get into the WORD more. I need to meditate on it and memorize it. It needs to become my food source. I'm hungry for more of the Lord - HIS WAYS not my own.

I saw the most amazing thing today - a mother not grieving for a dead son, but a believer waiting on God to move. Listening for Him, waiting on Him, watching for Him, looking to Him. Her eyes fixed on Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith.

Hangin' On By A Thread

Or A tendril

how's that for horticulture lingo?!

I've often wondered what that meaning felt like. Well, today another wowser, unusual questions in the ticket booth, a void, an "attitudal" man (shoved tickets and money at me). He ask for 13 and that's what he received. But a changed mind in a minutes notice can send a backlash. Not a pretty site!! Anyway all is well that ends well, or so another saying goes.

What does that mean?!! Cliches, I think I am beginning to hate them.

After this trying day and a headache to boot hubby wanted to drive to his home town and visit the carnival. Mainly for a burger and their fries. One hour of driving and we arrive to find out we are a week too early. Don't you just have to laugh about it all. We took our doggie to the water to swim. So all was not wasted, but the ride down with hubby was great. Spending time with him not in front of the tv was awesome. The setting sun was fabulous and the smell of clean air fantastic.

Off to bed me thinks, after I take something for my headache. I reminded myself God is in control. What the Lord is teaching me - relax, stand in confidence in Him not myself. I realize
how much my hubby has been gifted with teaching and being great at it. Two of his students in their critic commented he needed a raise. He really does have a special touch of teaching and being gentle at it.

Design and Pattern

MOTH DESIGN

I forgot I had paper towel pressed this moth I found one day at work. The design on this creation is wonderful. I wonder if I
could recreate the pattern on a quilt block?

Son's Phone Call

I forgot to turn off my cell phone today while at work. My son called and was so excited about another song he recorded last night - he wrote the lyrics, the words - well he composed it all.
He is so excited at what God is doing through him. His church is considering using it as a feature song.

and here is another "that's interesting but unusual thing" for you to ponder.

RUBY

I was reading my Bible today in Proverbs 27 and then I worked on one of my search -n- circle word puzzles. It was Famous Animators and the funny thing about it was my last name was in the search words and another word "Ruby." When I circled the word "ruby" I felt impressed with the word. One thing that struck me was the ruby is my birth stone. I briefly thought of a little girl that had played on the course several weeks back.

When it came time to take my break I left and came back 15 minutes later. My relief person said he had four new players on the course. As the group got closer to the holes where I could see them - well guess who was in that group?

Ruby - the cute little girl from several weeks before. I remembered her and her mom. When she came up to the window I called her by name and ask how she was. Her mom told me she loves to come play there. What are the odds!! Actually odds don't have anything to do with, but God does.

Showing Kindness

During the evening hour I had a break in work long enough to
capture the sun setting. I had taken my camera to work with me.
I love watching the sun rise and set. Its so magnificent an act that
God automatically does every day. He created everything for His pleasure and I get to enjoy it too.

I also, if time permits, like taking pictures of families and friends as they are ending their fun time playing miniature golf. So many times one person takes all the pics and is never in the family photo. Its one little small gesture I can do when possible.



I was reading Proverb 25 last night at work. Verse 21 and 22 are very hard to do. It reads:

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;

if he is thirtsy, give him water to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,

and the Lord will reward you.

What does your enemy need? When you show kindness to someone who does not deserve it, you're exhibiting a characteristic of God.

Deadly News

Saddened when young people make unwise choices that cost them their lives and lives of friends. It was very sad to hear about two young men - a junior in high school and a graduate of high school last year - that made bad choices - to drink and drive; and to accelerate their car speed on a windy road. They were pronounced dead on the scene after flipping their car. One of the young men I work with is devastated bc he went to school with them.

Poor choices make for bad results.

Olympic Medal

One Dream - One World

This is the Olympic slogan.


I am working on my FAT Olympic inchies - one is going to be a 1 1/2 inch coin or gold medallion medal made from my paper/muslin/tissue paper collection. The center is a round felt pad to put underneath your chairs to protect your floors.

Here is a sample but I am going to build up the face of the medal a little bit more. And if everything goes my way the inchies will be wired together to make one symbol. We'll see how that goes.

God IS Listening

My oldest son just called to tell me this happening in his life. He had forgotten his ID to cash his company check so he went home and was traveling back to his work. On the way he was thinking how great it would be to have a Starbuck's treat but he knows that is considered a luxury in his life right now. He stopped in the bank to cash his check and there is a wonderful lady in there that just loves my son.

She said to him, "Wait I have something for you. I know how much you love Starbucks so I have a $20.00 gift certificate for you." He said to me, "Mom, not only was I able to buy myself one but buy one for a friend too." Now I have to share with you he had me in tears. My son was able to bless someone else through a gift God sent his way. How AMAZING IS OUR GOD!!

Growing Tiny

I have never been able to grow tomatoes in my yard. Don't they require acid? I had beautiful azaleas in my yard - don't they need acid? I guess too much acid is not good. Like veggies/flowers we need alkaline too?!!?
I decided to try growing cherry tomatoes to see if I would have any better luck with them. Well I actually have blooms and now fruit from my labors. I left this little vine in a big pot.
I think I 'll go out and pick one and eat it straight off the vine. There is something about picking and eating fruit/veggies straight from the vine that is so rewarding and the taste seems to be better.

On Another Note

I just feel this really deep need to go deeper in my prayer life. I'm not satisfied - no its not that I'm not satisfied. Its that I feel something pressing in my spirit to cry out before the Lord. But for what?!!! I find myself weeping and falling on my knees before Him more.

I came back from grocery shopping this morning and being drawn to turn on the tv. Danette Joy Crawford of joyministriesonline.org was teaching on "Suddenly" when time finally comes.

I just began to weep and weep. I knew she was hitting on something between me and God. Am I ready for my suddenly to come? I know promises yet to be fulfilled that God gave to me, BUT am I ready for them.

EXPECT YOUR SUDDENLY

Nature's Art - The Butterfly Bush

Since I don't have any new art to show I will post this morning's video I took standing on my front porch. The view was fantastic - a butterfly feeding on a butterfly bush. And you may be able to hear the birds in the background. What a great day to be alive.

Off to work in a bit, but for now I will enjoy God's art in my yard.

Transactions - In the Negative

I am one that needs to balance my checkbook and make it equal to the penny. But in my training at my job the "drawer" is something else. I didn't like leaving it out of balance. My trainer said I would get used to it. Just leave it at work and walk away. But after getting home I went through everything I did in transactions in my head. I know where I was off in the drawer. She said it was an unusual and small amount. But really it wasn't unusual. Two transactions threw me off.

Can you live with being off even a little bit? not just in money, but in other areas of your life?

I know "but for the grace of God go I" is true. And I know He has a plan and purpose for my life. So I will let Him work through me and out of me what is necessary to be more like Jesus.

Off in balance $6.50 and hating it!! Balance in life something God is working on and that's where I'll leave it. As for my art - standing still!!

On Bended Knee

Here is where I need to stay.

On my birthday I received this Willow Tree "Angel of Prayer"
from my son's girlfriend. She knows how much I love God and
I am always sharing intriguing stories with her of when God
does unusual things in my life. The little tag says "for those who
believe in the power of prayer." Boy, I do, yes I most certainly do.

I made it through another night of training and tomorrow they try
me out all alone. The great thing is one of my teacher's will not be
far away if I need to call on her. So I will say "good-night and good-day"
all in the same breath. I pray God will be gracious and merciful to you all.

Coarsegold, CA dotee

Constance sent me this cute little icicle shape dotee from a FAT trade. Along with dotee came info about the Coarsegold area. It is a small town in the foothills of Yosemite National Park. They have mild winters with rain and a little snow. Warm spring days full of green and wild flowers. They have very hot dry summers and by end of May everything is brown with the ground rock hard. Fall brings the turning of the tree's colors and if they are lucky they have rain. I love all the information we learn by participating in groups.

I can just imagine a beautiful green, lush field full of wild flowers blooming. Can't you!

Birds Of A Feather

flock together. Did you know a group of chickens is called a PEEP.

or

that a group of hummingbirds is called a TROUBLING?

or

a FLIGHT of cormorants

or

a MURDER of crows

or

a DULE of doves

or

a covey of quail

or

a ballet of swans.

Most bird-watchers learn to identify birds by their vocalizations, which tend to be specific to a species but some birds mimic other birds. Catbirds or mockingbirds copy songs of other songbirds. Starlings will mimic car alarms and even human voices. info taken from Grandfather's Book.

I found this most interesting and even amuzing as last night I was reading this info and watching a show called "NUMB3ERS". What I found more intriguing was the guy on the show was explaining how like birds have distinct sounds they make so do airplanes on the radars. So different planes can be detected in the air by their sound.

I'm not sure if this is true or just part of an intersting story line but what are the chances that I would be reading this info just as a show comes on talking about the very thing?

BELEIVE IT OR NOT!!

Now I'm off to work; more training!!

An interesting book I am reading:

The Unplanned Career-How to Turn Curiosity into Opportunity

aren't you curious even a little bit?

Good Medicine

A cheerful heart is good medicine

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

This beautiful rose was given to me by my son's girlfriend. I am so enjoying my bouquet. Too bad they have to fade away.

This saying applies to me today

"Feeling under the weather"

Hope all are doing well and enjoying life.

Fragrance of A Rose Bloom

A journal post I did with my calligraphy pen. I also dried a few petals from the roses by pressing them in the journal. My rose bush was given to me from a friend when my FIL died. This sweet reminder is enjoyed every year from the front yard swing. My hubby and I sit and enjoy the blooms and reminisce about dad and what he would be doing if he were still alive. There are so many sweet memories about my FIL. I was amazed last year when my rose bush bloomed two separate times. Do they normally do that?

Oh my, I have to tell you I made it through the first night of training in the ticket booth. What a busy Wed. night. My manager said it was a very unusual night. Of course it was, I pray, "Lord give me everything you want me to learn." BUT rapid fire is not good. lol, it was standing line only. Like herding cattle through a stall - everyone was buying tickets to enjoy their vacation with family. One mom explained, "Give me 50 tickets I am going to spoil my son tonight and enjoy him." Now that's what it is all about!!! Off to work this morning.

A Crushed Petal Gives Even More Fragrance

What is crushing you in life?

Spread Your Sweet Fragrance!!

Dotees

When making the dotees I am reminded of many young women in other countries caught up in sex trade and prostitution. Forced by their captors to do and live ways God never intended for any of us to live our lives.
Also of the millions of women in the US that allow themselves to
remain in abusive situations bc they believe they don't deserve better. The creator of dotees has women all around the world making dotees to give to women's shelters as a little tangible gift to cling to for comfort. It's simply amazing how something so small can have such power to heal.

I think I will bead the "yoda" doll around the feather edges. The purple fabric is a new ultra suede that is oh-so-soft. I need to add beading at the bottom. For kitty I wonder if I can add a fiber tail?

Its so important to renew our minds with the Word Of God everyday. What thought holds your mind captive and back from not being all God created you to be? Or do you have freedom in Christ?

Birthday Celebration in Heaven

My FIL was born on July 16th and if still alive would have been 83 years young. He always remembered my birthday and would give me a $50.00 bill and tell me to go spend it on myself. He would say, "Make sure you spend this on yourself and not on anyone else." He never forgot my birthday bc it was one day before his.

He is so missed even though it has been 12 years since his passing. Dad I guess you are celebrating in Heaven. Sometimes I imagine him going to the Father and saying,

"Look there, there's my girl."

Happy Birthday Dad.

Special Day

I am so blessed on this special day and every day. Here is a beautiful bouquet my hubby brought me for my b-day. Aren't they wonderful!! He picked out 3 cards for me: one for his wife, one from my doggie, and a special one from an admirer.

Here is the front of the "admirer" card.

And I could not resist a close-up of a few of the flowers in the bouquet.

Back To Drawing Board

Starting over - yes that's what I'm doing. Remember the girl I did several posts back, well, I made a huge decision - to gesso over her. While I do have some regret it was freeing. Now what!! Don't you wish sometimes it was that easy to wipe the slate clean in your life?

But onward today - NO REGRETS!!!

Here it is and here is where it still is! Maybe today since I am off from work I can make some play time. It looks like a monkey modge. In other words a mess. I just love it bc of what it represents - freeing me and absolutely nothing. I am so laughing right now.

My quote for today:

Laugh more even if the wrinkles do come they will be for a great reason.

That Turtle

This is my little watercolor and glaze pens turtle. His shell almost looks like a crab coming out of his shell.




Its early but my dog woke me up bc he was sick and throwing up.
Man! does it stink, reminds me of when my boys would be sick and
not make it to the bathroom. That was an hour ago and here I
am checking my mail. Actually Sue I will rest Monday morning but work at night til 11pm again. The day went rather fast. I think I like working double days and having less days interrupted with work. Then I could have more free days to do art. But I don't think that will become a regular thing with my schedule. Have A Great Day!

Oh I met the cutest, chatty little girl yesterday at work. Her name was Ruby! She was absolutely adorable and it was her first time to play miniature golf. I love the little children like her. Funny I was reading in Mark 10 about The Little Children and Jesus too. When Jesus' disciples tried to stop people from bringing their children to Jesus, Jesus became indignant and said,

"Let the little children come to me,

and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Flourishes and Ornaments

I love flourishes and ornaments. So

I've been practicing with the new glaze

pens I bought on Friday. I love the feel

of the pens and the colors are great. I wonder if I can incorporate these into some of my works?

This post is short bc I work from 10am until 11pm today. See you later!

My oldest son came home yesterday for a short period of time. But it was great seeing him, he changed his hair style and color. He looked great. I loved listening to him practice his music for church today. One day I want to go down and surprise him during the church service. I want to see him leading worship in song. Have a God-day bc He created it. Look for the good in all.

I found Charlotte or Not!

Last night hubby called me out on the back deck to see something. When I walked out there, a spider had built her web connected to the tree and deck. So I took her pic. She's my Charlotte. Wonder what she could write in the web? lol. It was a little too big for my comfort zone.

I looked out this morning to see the web and she was gone. I think the most amazing thing I have ever seen was a spider eating/undoing its web. I wish I could get that on video. Maybe if I had stayed out on the deck last night I could have captured her undoing her web. Oh well, next time!!

Sold & Shopping

Quilting Adventures

Today I am off so I drove to Richmond early this morning to shop. But not just any shopping. I went to my favorite quilt store bc I had a store credit of $35.00. Here are all my goodies. And you know I am so glad I went early bc on my way back the interstate was bumper-to-bumper traffic going into the quilt store area. I had clear sailing up and back. I can't wait to play with some of these fun things. The shop had all kinds of new treats, esp. Noel's shrinking thread. And all the directions are in Japanese. lol

And another kind of sale - my youngest decided to sale his motorcycle today. He and his dad are finalizing the deal as I type. He needs a car to get back and forth from college. I think this is a wise move, although the wisest move would have been to never buy it two years ago. But he was young and determined to own a bike. Now that phase has passed and he is a settled young man with a great determination to achieve his goals.

Hail Storm

Ice Balls

We had an actual hail storm and here is the proof. My son reached out on the deck and picked up one of the ice balls. Here it had already melted somewhat but I put a penny beside it just to show you how big it still was. This week we have had storms every day except today. It was a gorgeous day.

Behind the Mask

Masked

I spent a little time this morning doodling with my color pencils and stencils. I haven't finished it bc I think I will gesso it to "mask" her a little bit more. Then color over it. I want to play with layering and texture. I did give her purple and red hair. It is so much easier than a box to change your hair color with a pencil. lol.

Abstract and A Sunset

Corvette Grill

This is my abstract of a corvette grill, with license numbers and the feel of a gravelled roadway.



This is a workshop with acrylic paints scraped on muslin. I could add only three different shapes. So I added a number 3 cutout of fabric paper. The circle has painted cheescloth underneath with fabric paper spiral on top. The graveled rectangle piece is watercolor paper. There is no reason to this madness, just a play time. I continue to work on the theme "Cars."

Sunset

At the end of my work day, the sun was setting behind these amazing clouds. I was able to snap this pic outside my door at work. The tree line is the darkest, then the clouds and at the top of the pic is the sky with a little bit of
sunset showing.

Up A Tree

My son was watching a squirrel fortify her nest and called me to watch too. Have you ever seen a squirrel do that? She had a large nest in my holly tree. She moved down to the end of a limb and chewed a smaller branch off then carried it back to the nest. She placed it around the outer edges for protection. She was really interesting to watch. I wanted to get her on video but my camera battery died. If you look at the pic you can she her fuzzy tail and the nest. What amazing creatures! My dog has high hopes of catching one but they are just too fast for him.

I continue to be amazed at God and all his creation. I am working more hours so I have less time to create my art. But I am enjoying taking a few pictures with my camera. More to come.

Now I must close and go look at my friends' blogs and all their wonderful posts.

Beauty

I love this scripture "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30

I take my True Identity-The Bible for Women-becoming who you are in Christ

with me to work everyday. When I have a quiet moment that is what I usually read.

A little note on the side of the page states "8.7 million Americans received some form of plastic surgery in 2003 - a 32 percent increase from 2002. -American Society of Plastic Surgeons

I wonder what it is in 2008?

I hear of many young girls in their late teens getting face changes, and breast implants. Seems their parents have no problem forking out the money to do it either. What does all this say about our society? What are we really worshipping? Where is our focus?

Maybe its time we examine our own heart to decide whether our beauty comes from "outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles, wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes" or from "our inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

1 Peter 3:3-4

I was pondering this after reading the topic and began to people watch again. The way a person carries their body speaks volumes. Yesterday a family with 3 little girls came in. They were absolutely adorable. And the little dresses and shoes they had on made them so much more noticeable. But their faces were the part that captivated me the most. Their smiles and demeaner definitely let me know they were happy, confident little girls. Their mommy and daddy have nurtured them in a safe environment. The poise of one of them in particular was very noticeable. She was just so care-free and happy-go-lucky. What a joy to watch!!

Native Spirit

Native Spirit

I ironed the pieces permanently to this background. And I went shopping yesterday to find a border trim. I found a beautiful green velvet ribbon and added it as a narrow border. Now to work on adding more gardenias. I also added a face. It is taking shape.

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day!!

REMEMBER

LET FREEDOM RING

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" Jefferson

Post 300 and Counting

I pulled pieces off my angel quilt and am redoing it. Here is what I am trying so far. Thought I would add more gardenias around the corner edge and down the side. Between the two fabrics I am thinking of using a ribbon border. This may all change by tomorrow.

And here is another biggie in the blogging for me - this is post 300!

Blessings

Bird Watching

This is a little blurry but I loved watching this bird get his food. The feeders have been full this week. One flits away and two more come back.

Blessings

My oldest has been so blessed with a personal touch from God this week. He has shared some great stories with me that just make me cry and bring me to my knees. Here's one:

Today we were talking and he hasn't had much work this week so money is slack. He was praying and telling God He had to do something bc my son was doing all he could do. A friend here called him and said he wanted to come down to church tonight. And that he had a card to give him that he had been carrying for months from his parents. When my son opened the card there was a $50.00 gift card from Wawa for gas.

My son called to share the story of his gift from God through this family. Why are we surprised when God answers our prayer and quickly at that? Why?

Give Me Grit

LTC workshop

This is an experiment with gesso, sand and acrylic paints on 140lb watercolor paper. I don't have a clue what I am doing. But I loved the colors and the texture of the sand. I took it outside yesterday and did a 360 turn taking pics at different angles in the sun. What a fun project.

Getting My Attention

What does God do to get your attention? or does He always have it? Yesterday I was reading in Acts about Stephen chosen as one of the seven to minister to the widows. I knew God was impressing on me something in this story. But what?! When I awoke this morning I took my doggie out but not for a walk. He has hurt his leg again and can't put pressure on it. So we allow him to heal but are contemplating getting an xray on it.

I don't usually turn on tv but today I did and a show was discussing "Rich Women." The author made a comment on a study that said baby boomer women will outlive their husbands by 15 years. And that in the elderly 95% will be women living in poverty. Now that got my attention. She said women need to educate themselves on money matters including investing and saving. Its never too late to learn. Then I read a friend's post she sent me from a pastor on "Serving One Another." \I took two bags of clothing to DAV but while there I felt impressed to go inside and was drawn to the books. I actually purchased two books: 1) American Women Artists by Charlotte Rubinstein and the other book 2) Widow to Widow - Thoughtful, Practical Ideas for Rebuilding Your Life by Genevieve Ginsburg. I have wept quite a bit this morning pondering this topic. I know widows and orphans are dear to God's heart.

Now what do I do with all this churning within my spirit? Ponder and listen for direction.