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.

Dream Retreat

shouldn't everyone have a place where they retreat to dream?

Here is another of "N"s book pages. This is my pic for the day
and Leilani approves of this message. I just had to say that.
She did look at the pages I have made since she is my inspiration
for doing them. Have you bought your Cloth,Paper, Scissors
issue for Nov/Dec?
The background on this page is from a class with Lisa Engelbrecht I took in April. Check out her Book of Intentions - our class was the first to view the book before she took it to Italy to teach. She is a wonderful teacher and great inspiration. I love her work.


You can't see it but the green star with dots is a fancy, sparkly fabric. The star just glitters. I beaded the other star. Added words in paper and wrote words with a calligraphy pen. I really must do more of the backgrounds to keep on hand.

Day 7 - grateful things

1) my hubby's devotion walks in the night

3) vacuum cleaners cleaning house

5) grocery store near by choices

7) freedom to speak my opinion God's timing

9) the night sky with stars beauty of God's handiwork

11) my sons all being home for another day to live

13) meds dog is on a mind that can contemplate

15) the cars we drive the ole' pickup truck from dad

17) a backyard to sit in covers to wrap up in when cold

19) paid the bills friends that pray

Sunlight & Prickly Spinach

Prickly Spinach is another page going into "N"s book. One more page and its off to Tasmania. yahoo. What a blast working on this book. I love orange so this was a joy to work in. It brought laughter to my heart. The background is fabric with garden words. I put a
skeleton leaf on it given to me by Sherry for another class we took together online. I used felt pieces, yarn, paper and thread leftovers.

Here is a poem I wrote. I am reading Poemcrazy suggested by Leilani. So glad she mentioned this book.

SUNLIGHT

hear the chirping crickets

feel the heat upon thy face

the touch of a dew-filled seat

a waft of smoke lingering in the air

sleep comes easy to the aged one.

minutes tick by - a peaceful cat nap.

no reminder of pain as she dreams

legs wrapped in cloth, body in mummified jacket

adrift on the clouds passing by.

awakened by a strange sound suddenly gone;

what was that disturbance - she snores.

I could not resist having fun at the end of the poem - laugh - don't take life so seriously.

and

Day 6 of 20 things I am grateful for:

1) Janice letting me know I won a gift from Pokey Bolton's blog givers

3) the early morning hours quiet

5) reading the Bible having my sight

7) God's creativity enjoying the creativity

9) laughter children at play

11) raking leaves leaves that are falling

13) the wind a soft breeze blowing through

15) being able to walk life without pain

17) testings faith

19) believing in God believing in what He's given you

Keni Thomas

I was listening to Keni Thomas, a service man, turned musician. He was part of Black Hawk Down. What an amazing bunch of men and women - valor, honor and conviction. Again thank you for serving to protect me.

Take a listen to one of his songs.
http://www.cbn.com/media/index.aspx?s=%2fvod%2fMUS20v1

and take a listen to this one - to the ones in life that never thought their life would go in this direction. Take Care
http://www.cbn.com/media/index.aspx?s=%2fvod%2fMUS20v1

VETs day for some Remembrance Day

Today I am thankful to all the men and women who have served in our armed forces to keep our country free and help other countries create a democracy. Both my dad and FIL served. I have nephews and nieces that are serving now. So to them I say

"Thank You and God Bless You and Keep You Safe."

Now I will be headed off to another vets day, the veterinarian to have my dog checked again.

20 things I am grateful for today

Before I begin - here is a little book tag for Carol of London's altered IW book. I punched out holes and added charms that read "HOPE". There is also a pink ribbon charm to represent the survivors of breast cancer. I am beginning to learn layering. HOPE FOR TOMORROW.

1) to feel the cold outside warm blankies

2) precious blood of Jesus and for His dying for me
3) heat in my home being willing to help others
5) you that are reading this that you have eyes to see
7) my son coming up to work his friend giving him work
9) my hubby praying as i am typing this now reading the Word of God
11) God's promises my freedom to believe and be a Christian
13) living in Va being able to have a vet for my dog
15) a gift cert from work and buying family dinner with it
17) small business people my DIL working overtime
19) that God blesses your day His amazing love for all

Great Full or Grateful

20 things I'm grateful for today:

1) my son's truck money to buy gas
3) prayers being heard a God who listens
5) quick trip to NN no backup on interstate
7) vets antibiotics for my dog
9) diagnosis - inflammation/fluid hope and prayer
11) love of hubby caring family
13) caring strangers their words of encouragement
15) receptionist and her kindness
17) fees not charged a kind doctor
19) being able to make dinner tonight and have food on the table

Off To The Vet We Go

another round with my doggie. Saturday he took a nose-dive in his recovery. It has been a month since his second surgery. He was doing great! Then - in the afternoon he became lethargic, feverish and not wanting to eat or drink. He stopped putting his leg down and withdrew it up into his body. I had put heat on him, but ice is what the inflammation needed.




By Sunday he was really going through something. We could not figure out what. He hadn't hurt himself and I hadn't gotten tangled in his leash. We were
doing everything the vet had said do. I kept applying ice but his leg was looking not so good.

Last night I stayed awake and at 3:30am he wanted to go out. I thought to empty but he wanted to sit in the cold ground. I felt like he was saying "I give up, leave me alone." I wept and wept. Then I got angry. I began to pray for my dog. If everything in my home is under the domain of God then I was not exercising my authority over the situation. So I continued to pray and read scripture over my dog. My husband was truly beside himself with grief too. Since our
son was home last night hubby and I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood.

I listened to my husband begin to pray as we walked. He prayed for me, each one of our sons, our extended family and friends, and then our dog. He began to weep and repent for his attitude and negative words he had been speaking. What a cleansing for him and me - a fresh, crisp breakthrough; like the night air - the feeling of cleansing, a washing away of all the desperation we were feeling, the struggling with money and other issues. When he had finished I stood in amazement at the heart of my husband and the desire to please God that he so wants to have.

ART BOOK

here is another two pages for the little 5x5 book for "N". This is so much fun.

So freeing and full of exploration of what the next page will contain.

I found an article on "lumpy tomatoes" from Monticello, Thomas Jeffferson's home here in Virginia. The background burlap sack from Argentina.

And a page of song - Aunt Rhody and Shoo Fly - wish i had a plastic fly. I did add more after this pic was scanned. How do you like the shoes? Maybe they should have been fairey slippers or ruby reds!! lol

Snow What's Happening?

My friend Leilani has an article published in CPS this month. She inspired me to work on a fun book for "N". Plus my hubby ask me if we could start praying every morning like we used to. His prayer for me - to express my creativity more and be able to enjoy the giftings God has given me. Wow! I must say it worked quick - here are two pages I just pulled together.

The little book pages are 5x5. I began by using a children's book -
Chicken Little. I folded one page in half to use for the roof. I am going to use 1" hooks to hold it all together. Of course I have so much fabric, so I am beginning with that and adding in paper and words. Again thanks to Leilani for suggesting a book she loves - Poemcrazy.

The 2nd page will have an ATC "Fairey tales" on top. This is on photo paper using gel pens to color in the pic. When you flip it up the words "can come true" and a little duck with words "Oh No! i'm still a duck is placed at the bottom of the page.



I still have not forgotten my 400th blog post commitments. They will be coming. I promise to each person that left a comment. My attention span to mass produce does not exist. But then is it suppose to?

20 things I am grateful for

1) a praying hubby my son's commitment to volunteer fire dept
3) caring people my youngest helping today with doggie
5) listening to God wanting to hear what He says to me
7) fulfilling one commitment the post office being open today
9) library inter-library loans books
11) volunteers my hubby's truck
13) herbal meds God's faithfulness to humanity
15) contemplation poemcrazy
17) expression my job this summer
19) God's love His drawing me closer to Him

20 Grateful Things

oops forgot to post my 20 things I am grateful for today


1) for early morning wakeup for my doggie
3) being able to type being able to see
5) going outside feeling the coolness of the day
7) decluttering realizing what is really impt.
9) getting back on track able to travel
11) laughter challenges
13) evaluation/thinking my neighbors
15) feeling the sun on my face my son's willingness to facilitate a life group
17) walking/running freedom to express
19) the delete button security programs



"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." Corrie ten Boom

Burp My Baby

Well my computer burped and deleted my oldest "favorites". I know them by heart so have no fear fannie and jacq i will add you back on. But while noticing that I decided to examine the list and deleted many of them. I liked looking at them when I made them favorites but for many i've never been back to their sites.

I was on an early morning roll; it began with a wake-up call at 1:23am. A dream I was having awoke me. Now I am decluttering my computer docs that are taking up lots of space. Why stop at my home when it all needs to go.

Toni's Altered Book IW

Before I put Toni's book in the mail to Christy I finished my tag.

I decided to use two pieces of jewelry instead of fiber/yarn for

a pull tag. This is my mother in her younger days. I added a

large safety pin with pearls to hold the double tag together.

This is a coffee-stained tag I did ions ago in another technique

class. I inserted one of my oldest ATC's inside. The name of

the ATC is "Safety". Because the book I am altering is an ole'

typewriter book I decided to use typewriter key stamps to spell

out the word "lady". i enjoyed working in this book very much.

Love Affair

For now America has a love affair with our new President-elect. All their hopes, dreams and expectations are wrapped up in this one man. But my love affair is with one even greater - Jesus.

I am reading the book

Finding God Beyond Harvard-The Quest for Veritas

by Kelly Monroe Kullberg.

In it she quoted

"Jesus' offer of forgiveness and new life is the answer to sexism, racism, consumerism, injustice and cynicism. Where there is forgiveness and love, the cycle of evil is broken. Bitterness dissolves and gratitude emerges. With Jesus as our best friend, the world begins to look new and full of possibilities.

Full of Hope."

She spoke these words amidst an angry mob of socialist, NOW, Bi-Gay-Lesbian Rainbow Coalition and marxist members attempting to derail her talk on 'God's Word Speaks to Feminism" at SUNY Albany.

Again I am fascinated and ponder people's mindsets that are all for free speech as long as it sounds like their rhetoric.

I've tried the American way and quite honestly I know I have a better opportunity with the one who created me and loved me enough to send his son to die for me and all mankind; even when they don't know it.

I close with this scripture verse: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”Ps 20:7

words = power

words - powerful - life giving

help you see clearly - C

give life a definition in color

words - tear me up - i cry

where is that one i can't find

lost in the inner recesses of my mind.

words - i can't speak them anymore

topsy turvy - jumbled up lost 4ever

they redefined what i thought was mine.

The night of the election I went upstairs and made this collage. I knew the final result would not be the way I voted. But I knew the relief of it being over. I feel - Coronation of a Tulip. The USA made history - a history EU countries stated they would never have gone with. So funny they wanted the US to do what they blatantly stated they would never do. Life is Funny.

A group of Inspired ladies are posting 20 things they are grateful for each day.

1) freedom still to voice my opinion being born in a free society
3)my husband's love my police community where i live
5)my son's needing a job my DIL's tenderness
7)my son's college paid for each semester friends that can c me
9)my home my breath i breathe today
11)my health my messy art room
13)my stuff, lots of stuff my friend that calls me to pray
15)my arms, that i can lift my frustration with myself
17)my hubby's sacrifice to work raking leaves
19)the rain and that God never changes

Web of Love

World Wide Web of Soul Journalers

Our prompt - a web. The first one I did was white with orange background.

A spider web isn't black so I couldn't bring myself to use black.

Have you ever seen a spider undo its web? I have and it was so amazing
to watch. It went up and down each strand until it was hanging on by one
thread. Perfect balance.



On the second web I actually awoke the next morning with this web idea
running through my mind from the world wide web. Take all the journal
addys and make outer bands of the web then with words from each blog
site make the circular bands.

The words were too wet when I calligrahped them. So I will attempt this one again. The base is a copy of a world map.


I am going to attempt this out of fabric. I think it would be a really cool piece.

After My Vote

Here is a two-page spread of Jackie O for Linda's ABRRIW.

I used organza to copy the pic of her as a young child on to and then surrounded it with ribbon. Wow just think what would the world be like if she had been aborted, or if Obama had been aborted, or Einstein had been aborted or Hitler had been aborted or Hugo Chavez had been aborted or all the young who voted had been aborted?

No history in the making or the history making would be totally different. Oh how we have changed history through abortion. We just don't realize how much!

The second 2-page spread I chose to do was on Rosa Parks.

The rose is fabric painted. I used scrim and paint.

The pic is a sample page from a beading book.

What would the world have looked like if Rosa Parks

had been aborted or Abe Lincoln had been aborted?

Justice Loves Babies

Twin siblings wrote this book. Young entrepreneurs. You should read it.

I came home after my vote and wept like a baby. No pun intended. I wept for the ones not totally represented in this country - The UNBORN CHILDREN. Someone's grandchild, daughter/son, the next President, the next artistic genius not allowed to even live. And even the ones I may not have agreed with not allowed to be born. Not given the opportunity to fulfill their destiny.

They may take a breath - but it will be snatched from them. They may be born into the world only to be murdered at the hands of another person.

One Christian blogger ask how someone could vote only on the sanctity of life - ProLife. And to that I say it's the only decision that can not be undone or changed . Once you kill a baby you can not undo it. Someone can have the opportunity to make money if they want. The stock market can change, your job situation can change, your life can change - BUT you must be living in order for that to happen. You can change your hair color, your clothing, your status in life - but this CHANGE CAN NOT BE UNDONE - IT IS FOREVER.

I believe this is one area God is clear about. It's murder. HE values life because He is the one that created it not scientists in a lab for the taking/making.

Money matters - the taking of unborn children is a billion dollar business - all for convenience.

The CHANGE America wants.

I Voted

What an honor to see all my sons vote today. My hubby and I just returned from the polls with our youngest, who voted for the first time. He made history in more than one way. He could have slept in and voted later, but he wanted to go with us. love that son!!

We had a little line outside. It was raining - a refreshing rain. I loved standing there in the rain.

I hope all will go out an vote - I hate to hear that apathy has set in and a person won't vote for any of the candidates. There were five to chose from on my ballot.

Parched In A Dry & Thirsty Land

My art process on the Round Robin Altered Book of Inspirational Women.
Linda's book was my first one. I chose Jackie O in organza fabric and lace
edging along with a quote from her mother, I think. The opposite page is
a quote by Tina Turner about her queen. Bc she lived up north I put a few
stamped fish on the page. The pages are not fancy but they are my first.
I didn't scan the direct pages, so the pics were scanned and added to my blog.

Weights Lifted Off

Last night I tuned in to Wave Church, my son's home church at the beach.
He was on the praise team, singing and playing the guitar. I just love watching the excitement as they worship the Lord.

When the pastor, Steve Kelley, stepped up to speak on healing I began to weep like a baby. The flood gates opened and I could not stop the tears from gushing out. My hubby, who was in the other room, heard me sobbing, and asked me was I ok. He is used to me crying over little things
that touch my heart but this was more like wailing deep within my soul. After a while I just
stopped crying like I had started except -- I felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off my chest.
I think the decision to go back to my spiritual roots of blogging brought this on.

The pastor was speaking on healing and ask ones that had been hurting for a long time to stand. He wanted the body to minister prayer to the people. When my hubby ask me what was wrong I told him to stand up and why. He didn't even question it - just came into the room where I was
and listened and remained standing too. He has hurt for so long - I know God can heal him -instantly. God's ways are not our ways!!

My blog title today said it all for me - I felt like I was walking down this road full of dust that was being constantly stirred up and could not get my breath. The grit and dryness on my tongue was horrific. I was beyond parched. No amount of water could have brought refreshing to me BUT the WORD of GOD (the living water) made all the difference in the world. Thank you GOD.

DeCluttering

My oldest still has not found a job. So his dad and I put him to work.
Deep Cleaning - Hooray!! We started in the attic - rearranged, threw
away, gave away stuff.

A careful look

at what I have,

what I need,

what I want to keep

and why.

Then Saturday he moved outside - temp 70's - a gorgeous day. He moved
through the yard, piling up stuff. One pile of tree cutting, natural debris -
off to the dump. Another pile of metals - free - no charge at the dump -
it can be recycled. And then the last pile - landfill. My yard clean - clear
of junk.

A careful look

at what I have,

what I need,

what I want to keep

and why.

Now on Monday - he returns to help with the biggest decision of all -
my personal stuff - my fabric, my books, my art supplies.

A careful look

at what I have,

what I need,

what I want to keep

and why.

As this surface cleaning is coming about, so is my spiritual decluttering -

A careful look

at what I believe,

why I believe and

does it match God's Word.

If not it has to go

no matter what others might think,

no matter how others might act
toward me.

I too like Fannie made a decision to begin anew. My heart's desire when I began my blog one year ago in October - to journal everyday with God - a real life relationship shared on a blog
- an extension of my writing/journaling in my private journals. Somehow I have gotten far away from my deepest desire and it shows in my life - a reflection - I choose to "declutter".

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Fannie and Jacq

On this 1st day of Nov. you both

were born into your lives.

I pray you have a long, healthy,

and prosperous life.