Stop and Think!

This blog post by Michael Hyatt really made me think:

A Tale of Two Coaches: What Kind Are You?

I definately want to be Victor, but I know that I tend to be more like Frank. Yikes. I hope this sticks in my memory and I remember to stop and think more before speaking!

Thanks Michael for a great inspiration post!

T.W.

Good in What We Think is Bad

Recently I was feeling overwhelmed and weary, and I thought, “I need a vacation.” BUT, I knew that was a very unrealistic need. (Can needs be unrealistic?) Where would I go, and moreover, I didn’t want to spend any money. So that was the end of the story.

But it wasn’t the end. In fact, life got worse, and after valiantly fighting and hoping, I got sick. Mostly I breeze through colds with mild symptoms, but this was a little worse and I had to stop and rest. But that is when the good, in what I thought was bad, happened. I only felt uncomfortable for about two days, and then while I definitely wasn’t well and still needed to rest, I could actually enjoy this break thrust upon me guilt free. Furthermore, spring weather arrived, and with it a renewing of hope. Here is a quote from an e-mail I sent to a friend:

“This morning as a cool breeze from the outdoors stirred through the house and sunshine shone brightly outside, I felt reenergized and renewed, the promise of spring outdoors resonating with an emotional spring in my soul. I have been weary, but these days of rest have been like a drink from a cold winter well.”

That is what is was like, and it was almost ethereal. Resting all day, letting myself forget all the work I should be doing and indulging in “fluff” reading while wrapped in a blanket to ward off any chill from the invigorating spring air. I made one exception to my “no working” rule and did some hand sewing to finish a project I had wanted to do since Christmas, but that was it. The rest I just let go for a few days.

So often if find it hard to let go and place things back in God’s hands, but this gift of a rest period, packaged with beautiful sunshine and crisp air was a reminder to me of God’s goodness, of his control of even the smallest things, and that he can use even bad things to good purpose.  

The foolishness of thinking that I can do a better job if I keep control boggles my mind, and yet in a blink I forget and want things to go the way I plan them. Why do I so often and so quickly forget to trust Him?

Sometimes a vacaction isn't where we go, it's how it makes us feel. 

T.W.

 

 

Leaving Things Behind

I vividly remember a story about a good friend of my grandmothers on a shopping trip when she purchased a pair of shoes for an incredible bargain -  but they weren't her size! She bought them simply because the deal was "too good to pass up."

In direct contrast, I love this post by Janice from The Vivienne Files: "It's Not In My Plan".

Is it greed to snatch something up that doesn't work and we'll never use simply because the deal is too good to leave behind? Maybe we need to stop and think, "I don't need this, so I'll leave it to be a blessing to someone else."

Do good buys catch you in their trap of being too good to pass up or do you find it easy to leave them behind if they won't work for you?

T.W.

Saturday Thoughts

_________________________________

Behind someone's back
Say something nice
    
______________________________________________________

Some of the words that I remember the most are the nice things someone said about me, not to me. If you have something nice to say about someone, why not share it? You never know when a good word will touch their life at just the right time.

Good weekend to you all!

T.W.

"A Grain of Truth"

Have you ever looked at a piece of toast and suddenly thought to yourself, “how many people were involved with this one piece of bread?”

Let me tell you something, you can get decent whole wheat bread from the store, but oh is it not the same as homemade. Unfortunately, with our living situation is such as it is, store bought bread has been a staple in our diet; toasted to be exact.

The toast

The farmer who grew and harvested the grain… (this probably included more than one person)

The driver who took it to the mill….

The flour mill workers….. (lots and lots of workers)

The factory with all the workers who made it into bread….(lots and lots of workers) I wonder what their day was like? Let’s just pull one out of the line and imagine that he woke up with a toothache but he took medicine and went to work anyway. Maybe because his two year old has an upcoming surgery and he needs to make sure they can pay for it. It’s just a thought.

Grain isn’t the only ingredient in bread, so think of all the other factories and workers who made the other ingredients. We’re talking about a lot of people.

Another truck driver takes the bread to a big distribution warehouse….

Yet another driver picks it up from the distribution warehouse and delivers it to the local grocery store…

Stock boys (it might have been a girl, a man, or a women, but a boy sounds so much more old-fashioned and cute)

One time I knew a cute lobbyist, and for some reason I always thought of him as someone who would have been a “bag boy” at the grocery store. It makes me laugh because he was a lobbyist for a grocery organization. I don’t think he would have thought it was funny. He would have been a cute bag boy. If I had owned a grocery store, I would have hired him. It would have given a good old-fashioned, all American feel to the store. I think about these things.

Back to the toast.

I wonder how many people work at an average grocery store in order for it to open and serve us every day?

One of us had to select the bread, and then there was the cashier that checked them out, and probably, well, for diversity sakes, we’ll say a bag girl put it in bags.

But backing up a little bit, somebody had to be the breadwinner (ha,ha!) in order to pay for that – bread!

So it comes home, in car that was manufactured by how many hands? It waits in a house with doors and windows, and a woodstove, and just think how many people had something to do with that house? It is then toasted in an oven (imagine that whole process) and then handed to me, all crisp and buttery. Should we go through the butter? Rubber boots, dairy barns, cows, all sorts of things come to mind.

I take a bite and stare at the bread, suddenly thinking how much was started with just a single grain.

Never think you’re insignificant.

T.W.

(Putting a damper on my imagination, I think that actual piece of bread came from a warehouse store, so adieu to the bag boys and hello to the “box people.” Oh, well. )

Personal Topic

Today, I’m going to talk about a very personal topic.

The weather.

Bats her eyes at the prince, “Very fine weather we’re having for this time of year.” -Esmeralda

“You really shouldn’t make such very personal remarks.” -Prince Charming

(By the way, I’m not so good at exact quotes, so those are rough estimates of what they said.)

No, I’m not really going to talk about the weather unless you factor in the analogy that my life is not always sunny days. It’s sunny, cloudy, mostly cloudy, stormy, icy (he!), light showers, snowstorms – well, you get the point. It’s like everybody else’s life!

Right now there is a part of me that is very frustrated because I don’t know what God is doing in my life. At least, I don’t have the full picture. Some inklings, yes, but then I think, what if I’m wrong?

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 KJV

Amen.

I keep planning things, and God keeps redirecting. I’m supposed to be working today and instead I’m sitting in bed with a cold. What is so frustrating about that is the fact that I’ve been sick with different colds for over a month and I’ve had to cancel and reschedule my job as a live-in caregiver many multiples of times. I’m really surprised they haven’t just found somebody else, but they’ve been very gracious and just keep telling me to just get well and then rescheduling. They are so very kind, but I feel very awkward about it. It feels like somehow I’m being irresponsible, but there isn’t much I can to about it.

While it might seem I just have a case of bad luck or a weak immune system, I feel it is bigger than that. I’m at a point in life where I feel it is prudent to focus a little more on earning money so I’ve been switching away from “stay-at-home” mode to seeking monetary gain. :) Some might judge that harshly, but I’m aware of a greater picture and it is the prudent, responsible thing to do. At least, so it seems. ;) My life has changed a great deal over the last few years and I don’t feel that I’m being as valuable in the home anymore. (Partly aided and abetted by the fact that we, um, don’t have a typical home to speak of. :)) Personally, I enjoy home duties and would be content fulfilling them, but that isn’t practical at the moment. Unless, does anybody know of a housekeeping job? (Warning: I don’t come cheap.:))

Last year I left home (and the chaos that was unfolding – sorry folks!) to stay with my grandmother for what turned out to be something in the vicinity of a four month duration. When I returned, life was really up-at-ends and I decided to get a job as quickly as possible. Which I did. But, an issue came up that I felt strongly about and decided I needed to decline the position. God, what where you doing? I felt God’s leading, and things seemed perfect, but I didn’t have a complete peace about it. I still feel that I was supposed to pursue that job, and that I also did the right thing in turning it down. (Most of the time, but sometimes I wonder) It doesn’t make any sense, I know. I’m not some great spiritual guru, so please don’t ask me to come up with a very deep answer.

So while that was not coming together, the job as a live-in caregiver did. I enjoyed doing the job with Bessie, but getting up four times a night takes its toll. At least it did for me. So while I was sad that it ended not too much later, it was probably a good thing. From Bessie’s I went almost directly to my brother and sister-in-laws for around a month to stay with them and help in any way I could. I loved getting to spend time visiting with my sister-in-law and hanging out with my nephew! Oh, and of course seeing my brother too, but he wasn't around as much. When it was safe for my SIL to leave bed rest, I went to join my sister’s in house sitting for a couple weeks. That brought me to about the end of November.

After returning to my grandmothers for ten days in December, I finally returned “home” (the cabin) and settled in for Christmas and the holidays. By the first part of January I was feeling like, ‘okay, take a breath, I don’t have any impending travel engagements, it’s time to work on cash flow. (a.k.a. - a job!)

If memory serves me correctly, it was the next day that I was asked if I would do the job with Bessie again. I thought about it, talked to my counselors (:)) and said yes. I hadn’t even had time to look for a job and God gave me one! The first part of January, they kept changing when I would start working as they had to bring her home from the hospital/nursing home and get her settled. I realized the delay could be a problem because with a cold going round the family, I was bound to get it. And I did. So fast forward to now and I’ve managed to work once during the entire month and a half this has been in the works. Do I think I blew it accepting this job? No. I keep feeling like God brought it along to keep me from pursing anything else. But he probably has more reasons than that, God isn’t limited you know.

Am I frustrated? Yes. Well, a little bit. More with the practical aspect of this journey, such as calling and saying, “I’m really sorry, but I have another cold and I don’t want to expose Bessie to it.” As far as focusing on the big picture and trusting that God is working? Yes, sometimes my own lack of faith leaves me frustrated. I want to know what he wants me doing, and what the next step is so I can get cracking. Instead, I feel like God has me in a holding pattern. Not “doing” is really hard for me. Not feeling top notch and being overwhelmed with everything I should be doing, is really hard.

The good thing is this has made me pull out my Bible and seek God. Ask him, “what?” Saying, “this is a hard journey, I don’t understand it, but give me faith and let me trust you.” That is good. God is always there, but I come and go. When I don’t feel him by my side, it means not that he has left me, but that I have wandered from him.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. I Corinthians 13:12KJV

I don’t know or understand what God is doing at the moment, but I need to trust him. I also feel that I need to go forth and strive, to try, and trust that he will lead and direct. I want to have faith, but I don’t want it to be without works. Works is a little hard while you’re sick, but there are things I can do. Sometimes it is hard to do them though, it shouldn’t be an excuse, but when you’re sick, it easy to not want to be bothered.

Okay, that’s some of the real me. :) It isn’t exactly a stellar ending, but that is because I’m sharing part of a journey and it still stretches before me.

I’m excited because I see God working. I’m frustrated because I don’t always understand. That is where faith comes in thought, right?

Next, I think maybe I should try to take a nap. :) That is one work that might help me get well! After a rest, then maybe some MotherAde.

It seems cloudy at the moment, but rain and snow are part of the growing cycle!

Cheerio!

T.W.

Update on Life

I suppose, after all the hullaballoo that surrounded the Blue Castle, I should give an update on what we are doing. Life is still an adventure! Behind us is the undertaking of living in the middle of a remodel project with only cold running water, no showers, and little insulation on the walls during a cold winter, but life is still, shall I say rustic?

We have sort of moved back to the property we left about two years ago, and are now “camping” in the if-I-really-stretch-it-I-can-call-it-a-three-room-cabin. A few of the kids continue to “bunk” down on the property, but showers, cooking, etcetera is done in the cabin. It’s interesting. We expect the “redneck” plumbing job to go out at any time, but I am so grateful that it has lasted thus far. In that light, I am even more grateful for a mild winter.

Except for a few possessions, beds, a few cooking things, some clothes and such, everything is in storage until a more permanent solution can be found to our housing situation. I’m not sure I remember what it is like to have drawers, and a closet, or even a bedroom, and a real kitchen seems like bliss! I’ve learned some really great things through this experience (really, I have!), I appreciate living with a lot less “stuff,” and I realize how much more freedom is possible when things aren’t cluttering your life. That being said, it would be so nice to have an actual place to organize “few possessions.” I’m just saying. There’s no place like home. You ain’t a’kidding me.

Okay, so the goal is to sell our country property and buy a place in town, but these things can be complicated. I have to say, though I don’t deny the situation is difficult and I would love to be settled in a home so every day living isn’t as difficult, I’m very grateful that we have a warm place this winter. It is especially nice since we seem to have had one cold after another for over two months. I don’t deny that it is a distinct possibility that the stress of everything going on has been hard on our immune system. I’m just trying to have a good attitude through it all and take one day at a time!


In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Yi’ah.
(That is a sound, not a word. I’m hoping I didn’t just swear in Arabic or something.)

I am content.

Perhaps that isn’t exactly the right word, but I think it expresses the correct feeling. While I truly desire a more stable living situation, I feel content with where we are. What I cannot change, I must accept.

“Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

It isn’t always easy. While some might think I sashay through life blissfully ignorant of the problems around me and doing little to correct it, I’m not. I’m very aware of the problems, the stresses, the pressures that are simmering in my vicinity. I don’t always have a good attitude and sometimes I get very frustrated. You might not see it though, because I try to keep it inside. That doesn’t mean I’m always grumpy and just hiding it, usually I’m pretty at peace with things, but sometimes they really get to me. It is hard watching my family struggle because of a lot of factors (beyond our living situation as well), that make this a difficult journey. As a sister and daughter, I wish there was some way I could make things easier, but I can’t. But I think it’s better this way, and here’s why:

We called our school, Cocoon École (English translation of École: school) and perhaps this is a time of struggling, just as the butterfly in order to show its splendor and beauty after growing in secret must work to come forth in order to build its strength for flight, so this is a time to build our character and strength for life. If I could wave a wand (or somebody would!), it would also be robbing us of the ability to fly; to fly high and far!

Now, I’d like to think that because I’ve tried to be positive, and “change the things I can,” I’ve at times been an influence for good things happening. Well, a girl can dream can’t she?

The family has stood together through some pretty tough times. For some it has been harder than others, but I really appreciate that everyone tries. No, we don’t always get it right, but when difficult times come calling, we draw together. That is a blessing from God in the midst of difficulties.

God never promised life would be an easy journey, he did say, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5.

Well, I guess that's an update! :)

T.W.

National Hot Tea Month

Ya'll, did you hear the news? It's National Hot Tea Month - the whole month of January (imagine that).

I drink tea everyday. It's close to national disaster status if I don't get my tea - horror of horrors, if I have to go for more than one day! I've been known to stuff tea bags in my pockets in case of emergency. It's a hundred and how many ever degrees? "Oh, I'd love a nice hot cup of tea."

I'm not an emotional person - unless "tea is the tears I never shed". Hmmm, I kind of like that quote. I just made it up and I must remember it. I'm so brilliant sometimes! Perhaps that is why the British are known for their stiff upper lip? It could be the tea.

I love it when people direct me to "goodies" on the internet, so....

The only thing better than a nice hot cup of tea, is a nice hot cup of tea with some delicous morsel of goodness to go with it! Have you ever heard of Tea Time Magazine? Miss Janice reminded me of them in this post. I confess I don't have a subscription (something to think about though when I live in a "house" again!), but I have had the pleasure of looking through some of their past issues. Beautiful, lovely, mouthwatering pictures, and recipes for the little delicousnesses!(Okay, I know that is not a word, but I wanted to use it SOOOO much. So I did.)

Pause for station identification....

Emergency supplies of tea come in handy - we're out of tea (gasp!) and my sister was just looking for some so I pulled my purse over, found the little zippered pouch and unzipped it. Inside was a tea bag and I gave it to her. I'm such a good big sister. I have one tea bag of good black tea still in there. Unfortunately, that is not going to last me through the day. Uh, what in the world was I thinking?

Back to Tea Time, their website is a sampling of their magazine. If you hop over using one of the links, under the Indulgences section, they have beautiful photos and delicious looking recipes. I think these look especially tasty; Basil-Lemon Scones and Blackberry Bavarian Cream Note: Only four recipes come up under each section, but click on the "More" down below and you get a whole list!

By the way, I think a subscription to Tea Time magazine would make a terrific gift. Birthday, Bridal Shower?

Just some inspiration in the spirit of National Hot Tea Month!

Hugs to the girls, scowls to boys,*smile* Just kidding. Well, maybe.

This is T.W.

In the interests of full disclosure, well full disclosure as far as this goes: This is my own personal, un-bribed thoughts and opinions regarding Tea Time Magazine. They don't know I exist - the nerve of some people! However, since they seem to have a picture of MY spoon, I'm getting suspicious.

Courageous the Movie

Fireproof and Courageous are both close to my heart because…

I have a brother that is a volunteer Firefighter . I was his “date” one year at their annual awards banquet where he practically walked away with everything. Volunteer Firefighter of the Year? Check. First Responder? Check. The award for stations? Check, his team got it. Go Volunteers!!!!

And…

I have a brother that was in law enforcement. Being an officer is often a thankless job, and a dangerous one. Tough? He gave the word its Teflon coating. ;) Need I say more?

Brothers. Men of courage. Real live heroes. Ooh, yah! Am I bragging? Yes, thank you. Over and out.

Soo…..Here are some thoughts. I’m looking forward to your comments! What do you think?

A round of applause to Sherwood Pictures for working to raise a standard for, clean, inspiring “entertainment!” I hope they keep up the good work, stick to the straight and narrow and press on higher. Fathers need to stand up and take the responsibility for their families! What a terrific message! I especially appreciate that they did it specifically in relation to law enforcement. It is so important that Christian officers stand strong in the Lord and set a standard with their own families. The importance of fathers being a part of their children’s lives is invaluable!

That being said, I'm not sure that a vow was the best course of action, though maybe it would be for some. If that is the biblical standard, just do it. Christ died to give us freedom, let’s not take on the bondage of lists, and lists of “to do.” We don’t want to end up like the Pharisees with all their “rules” completely missing the point of God’s instruction. It must be said though, that accountability between men is very important. Let’s step out ladies, and let the guys knock each other around a bit. *smile* I’m just saying. When the resolution was just between the men, I was less hesitant about it. But as soon as the wives and children were brought into it, I felt the dynamic changed.

I’m also curious to hear people’s thoughts on this: Adam studied God’s word, and he felt that the resolution was what God was calling father’s to do, but it was still his opinion. I’m not saying he wasn’t right, but he had personally studied God’s word to come to that conclusion. That meant he felt directly accountable to God. What about other men? If they sign that resolution, (and I’m still not saying that it isn’t biblical), who are they going to feel accountable to? On the flip side of the coin (though not in contradiction) I believe one of the reasons God wants us to have fellowship with other Christians is because different perspectives can lead us to a richer understanding of his word.

This is a terrific, thought provoking movie – I like that. I like that there are men behind this, trying to challenge other men to take up their righteous responsibility before God. Go for it! I don’t want to discourage this company, the men, and the standard they are trying to raise, but I think we do need to seek God personally, trying everything against the standard of his word. Believe me; do I do that all the time? No, no, and no. I’m human. I forget to do this so often it isn’t even funny. Now you and my uncle both know I’m not perfect. shhhh.

It isn’t all that important, but before I sign off: I don’t think an officer would say, “I have a really bad feeling about this,” and then turn casually around with his back to the door of the house. I think it is mildly amusing, but I’m going to cut them some slack because – I feel their pain! I’m writing a story with law enforcement and crime scenes in it and it isn’t exactly easy. I have done research, and tried, but let’s just say it is an area that I want to work on. Besides that, whenever I watch movies or shows with lawmen, I can usually be counted on to feel that something isn’t realistic. And I’m right? Of course - Well, I’m pretty sure - “He would not do that! That is so unrealistic! Oh, brother.”

I’m looking forward to their next movie. What about you? Have you seen Courageous? What are your thoughts?

T.W.

Hello 2012

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and New Years! Mine wasn't exactly what I would have expected, but it truly was pleasant. Pleasant? What kind of description is that? It sounds like I'm being cautious, which is probably true. :)

Inspiration struck and I had a nice post all typed out for my New Year greeting, but I never got to the Internet. However, I'm still going to share it with you.

.......................................

I confess that sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking of the Bible as simply history, and losing sight of not only its relevance to me today, but they very fact that it is history. Men and women experienced these things, it’s real.

It’s easy to do with any history, and I think it is important when it becomes real for us. I remember standing on a Civil War battle field once and pausing to think, “Men fought on this very ground - where I am standing!” It makes you think.

Sometimes when I’m reading through the Bible, it’s the little things, that make it come alive for me. I was reading in Romans chapter 5 the other day and this verse pretty much summed up a realization to me: For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Romans 5:19 KJV)

Because of Adams disobedience, we’re all born sinners. Because of Christ’s obedience, we have the choice to be saved from our sin. (Interesting thing, Eve ate the fruit first, but she isn’t the one that is held responsible for the disobedience in the grand scheme of our sin.)

One man. I mean think about that, one man? Adams decision has affected every single person that came after him. Everyone. One man made one decision and it changed the world, but not for the better. Then Christ came, one man. His sacrifice changed the history of the world again, this time for good. Through his obedience, “shall many be made righteous.”

Individuals make a difference. When we make a decision, for good or bad, it affects others; follow Christ.

Go forth and conquer!
Happy New Year!

T.W.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9 KJV

Knock

If you don't knock

no one will know

you're standing at the door.

Carpe Diem!

Inspiration for the day,

~T.W.

To Clarify....

I realized that my post “Paraphrasable” could be misunderstood, which might be a good thing, because saying just exactly what was running through my mind is probably best left off the record.

In the best interests of being more gracious, and etc., I hope that this will explain what I was thinking without becoming a full blown rant.

On to the point…

I didn’t mean that I’m hoping to be somebody’s first love as in, “where are you? I’m WAITING!” But more, should someone come along, I want to be their first choice. Not, “Well, all the other girls I was interested in didn’t work out, so I guess you’ll do.”

“Oh, take a damper, mister.” I don’t think I’d say that to their face, but I’d probably feel it, which would be worse - for them I imagine. My brother once said that I had a nitrogen cooled cold shoulder.

So in a nutshell, to clarify, I’m not pining for love. It’s just when I saw this blog post, the words resonated with me for a multitude of reasons. One being that I know a few girls that have sort of been left in the position of feeling they were second choice. I personally feel that is simply awful.

It brings Rachel and Leah to mind. Can you imagine being Leah? Really, think about what she must have felt! She may not have had any choice in the matter of her marriage, but it seems clear to me that she desired her husband’s love. She was always “the one he ended up with.” The late Princess of Wales springs to mind as being in this exact position. While I’ll cut Jacob some slack (wouldn’t he be relieved!:)) since he was tricked, I don’t give the Prince of Wales so much leniency.

It’s possible that Leah fell in with her father’s plan of deception willingly, and suffered the consequence of it, but it’s still sad. My advice to the ladies would be to think twice before in desperation to get married, settling for being second choice. I’m not saying absolutely don’t, because I won’t tell you what God has for your life, but do think about it.

That’s all I’m saying for now, I’ll save all further rants and good advice for a book. :)

A lovely Friday to you my readers!

~T.W.

I'll be back

Thought Provoking

My mother and I were in an antique store talking to one of the owners when the three hour train trip she would be taking soon came up in the conversation. Both her sons were flying in to meet her, only a few hours of flying in comparison to a three day ride on the train. But the story is….

One day when she was in Europe the plane was having a rough time of it and she told God, “if you get me out of this, I’ll never fly again.”

People ask her, “and you’ve never flown since?”

She looks at them and says, “Would you lie to God?”

Inspiration

Layla over at The Lettered Cottage posted this YouTube video called Dream Rangers. It made me smile. Go watch it - I think it will make you smile too!

The Office

I'm planning to spend a lot of time here over the next month, and I don't know if I really could have done it "as is". I suppose I could. Maybe. But how depressing.

This is another one of those areas that has a complete mish mash of things that were stuffed there when we moved. Not to mention that there are a lot of mice in here. Though I haven't seen one come poking its nose around lately, there is still evidence that they exist.

Before: Depressing, dirty, disorganized, messy, discouraging, disheartening, dismal, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. (Am I making it clear how I felt about this?)

After: I can do this.

After 2: As you can see, I removed the white circle from underneath the keyboard before taking this picture. I decided it was too much white in the wrong place.

My original plan was to put something over the "lovely" pink insulation, but time being of the essence, I decided to forgo that plan and do what I could with what I had. I'm glad all the computer equipment is black, it made life much easier. While I was at it, I decided to give my computer "desktop" a makeover too.

I think I'm going to like working here.

When I was putting the Hawthorne twigs behind the computer screen my little brother was grumbling that I was feminising the office. I glared at him and said, "You call putting branches with inch long thorns feminising!" Real story: Too pleased with myself I smiled and said, "yes!" I didn't even think of the thorns and feminising thing until later.

In other news, it is snowing today. I'm not sure how I feel about that. And I have a mild cold. I do know how I feel about that. I do not like it.

Melon Ball Caterpillars

I don't know if this is an original idea or not, but they are cute and simple to make!

For each caterpillar you will need:

1 toothpick
2 melon balls
1 grape
2 whole cloves

Spear the two melon balls and the grape (or three melon ball, or three grapes, your choice!). Push the pointed end of the cloves into the "head" to form antennas. Serve on a lettuce bed - or try a bed of sprouts!

Eat the little bug'gers!

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

A baby shower for my sister....

This is the sister that got married last fall, and not only does she love green, but she likes things more country. I'd originally thought about doing a retro, Radio Flyer themed shower, but especially after Roy was born, it just didn't fit. So Plan B, which I fell in love with, A Whimsical Woods theme.

Seeing as he's still a baby, and this was a shower, I wanted to bring in the hunting theme in a subtle light hearted way.

I used burlap coffee sacks for the tablecloth, then scattered branches, bits of wood, pine cones, bark pieces, etc. On the tiered tray are melon ball caterpillars and sandwich pinwheels. (The plan to make them into snails didn't work out in the end.)

Butterfly tea sandwiches!

The delicious scones!

The cake!

The beverage table - you can't see it well in the picture, but we served the punch in quilted canning jars placed on leaves.

And these were my favorite thing about the shower - hedgehog cookies! Too cute, easy to make and yummy. I saw them in a magazine several years ago and jumped on this opportunity to use them. I substituted toasted and ground sunflower seeds for the pecans and a pinch of cocoa for color, but if I'd had pecans I would have used them. Though the seeds worked well, I think they made the dough pretty dry.

Baby pictures for a game hanging from a ribbon.

The mini woods scene had the deer used as a cake topper at the wedding.

Another picture of the cake with Momma hedgehog and babies

And the meringue mushrooms (by Culinary Wending!)

I pulled all this together with the help of Roy's numerous aunts on both sides! Couldn't have done it without them and they were very gracious with my less than perfect planning!

In My Father’s Shed?

I dubbed it Camp Hope and our slogan is “we hope we’re not camping here the rest of our lives.” One has to have a sense of humor about these things.

I little would have guessed those many months ago, that the fire that put an abrupt end to our carefree volleyball game in the park would bring so many changes to our lives.

It was such a quiet, ordinary day. Well, as quiet and ordinary as you get the day after your sister’s wedding with friends and family still in town. One particular member of the family that was still in town was my volunteer firefighter brother. Just note that for the moment.

We also had a close family friend in town that played volleyball in college, so a game with our friends was a priority while she was here. I was sitting in the car with my sister-in-law and niece chatting out of the cold while the rest of them were enjoying a rousing game of speed volleyball.

That was when the commotion broke out, cell phones started popping out, eyes diverted to the mountainside. There was an ominous orange glow and smoke close to our place on the mountain which we could see across the more than twelve mile distance.

The Fireman finally got through to someone at the house and asked “is everything alright? It looks like there is a fire nearby.”

He was talking to Little Brother, who up to this point was in the dark about any potential danger lurking near. An attention getting question and he went and looked out the window and said in a suddenly alarmed voice “I gotta go,” and hung up the telephone. Just as a note, don’t hang up on a firefighter who has called about the fire that might be endangering your house, especially after such a cryptic message. You’re just wasting time. Really, HE WILL CALL BACK. Fortunately Mother answered the telephone the second time and was able to let him know quickly that they were safe, it was the neighbors and they were going down to see if they could help.

That was only mildly reassuring to my brother. He beat the fire department home. But then, so did we. Very slow response time. Mostly. That was pretty much it. I wasn’t driving, that’s all I’m saying.

We checked in at the house, started cider heating for the firefighters and neighbors and then bundled up to join the rest of the family stand by and helplessly watch the orange demon lick out and inhale what literally minutes before had been a cozy secure dwelling and a quiet evening. The heat from the fire warmed the cold night air as we stood with our neighbors watching almost all their worldly possessions and memories crumble into hot ashes.

For us, life stayed pretty much normal, except for helping to take care of the neighbors large herd of goats that had been left to roam the mountain at will and had turned rather wild. That in itself was rather an adventure for Mother, whose own herd of goats is completely tame and rather well behaved.

Months went by as we came and went, overlooking the charred remains of the neighbor’s house. The twisted metal and debris was a rather dampening sight. They decided a couple months later that they for sure were not going to rebuild for several personal reasons and we became interested in buying the property.

And after that for the next few months we began the cycle of going back and forth, debating, cogitating, thinking it impossible, hearing it had sold, not being sure how we would pay for it, only intending to buy part of the property, hoping to buy all fourteen acres, realizing it was impossible, etcetera. And then finally preliminary papers were signed to purchase it.

But it hadn’t closed. I’m a very cautious person, you know, and I didn’t hold my breath. But I definitely could see God’s leading and how with every potential obstacle, God would clear the way, even when it had seemed impossible. I’m not talking about road blocks that we had to beat our way around, which would be sign that maybe this wasn’t God’s leading, I’m talking about things that in our own strength would have made the purchase impossible, but God’s leading resolved.

Everything fell into place early and the papers were signed, the deed recorded and it is ours. Hello, hard work.

The 40 x 40 shed on the property that was formally used as a barn and for storage is currently in the process of being remodeled into a home. Ahem. If you think we’re a little strange, then go read a modern Shelter magazine, it really is very vogue right now. Besides, I’m the girl that admires silos as we pass them thinking what a neat house they would make. It isn’t necessarily a sentiment shared by my siblings, but I’m prepared to stand alone. It’s either that or a castle, I’m not really picky.

Thanks to the kind offices of friends and family; the roof has been redone, what was the finished area in the back has been partially undone in preparation for a concrete slab to match the rest of the building, the open end is now framed in and awaiting the door we just purchased and we are starting to move in camp style. Because you see, it’s like this, my oldest brother and his family are moving into what is our current house. And though they’re very flexible and easy going, two households of furniture just don’t fit comfortably together.

It’s just another part of the adventure in this adventure of ours. Is that
redundant? Try moving the same load of lumber a couple of times.

One Thing Leads to Another

I needed to write some thank you notes, I was pretty much out of note cards, and even though I've been given permission to raid my sisters stash (so she has an excuse to buy more), there wasn't just the right ones and being in mood to be creative, this is the one I sketched for my mother:

Inspired again by china, using elements of the design from her favorite teacup. That was after I'd tried drawing a puppy. No workie Charlie.

And one for two of my sisters. I love how the design came together for this card. Actually, it is the silhouette of one of the same sisters.

And I don't think she would be having a conversation with a bird. But, artist's liberty, you know

December 29th

Christmas Cookie Challenge

The snow is disappearing and rain has been falling a bit today, but I don't know how long it will last. Whatever, it is much warmer than it has been, which raises the question of just how many layers I should put on for a walk? Really, that does seem the most difficult thing about this whole propostion.