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.