I Believe.....

"God said, one man and one woman.  If you are the Christian you profess to be, you would feel the same way too."  This is part of a very nasty e-mail I received from a person that belongs to my church. 
Besides being shocked and hurt by many of his comments to me that left my jaw on the floor, all because I told him to send me no more political e-mails, as he and I are in two totally different camps politically.  But of all the insults this one bothers me the most.  The operative words here for me are "if you are the Christian you 'profess' to be".  So.  In the opinion of many, you must be a cookie cutter Christian, all have the same beliefs and values, and if you don't then you are not a true Christian?  I was told of his many offices and accreditation's, President of this, chairman of that, but what have I done to profess my faith and belief in Christ? I didn't realize you had to have titles before your name and fancy credentials to enter the kingdom of Heaven. 
My faith is extremely important to me.  It has gotten me through some terrible times, and helped me to cross many a stormy sea.  I can't imagine my life without Christ as my redeeming Savior.
I guess what I'm trying to say, is be true to your God, and true to your values and moral standards.  We are all different.  We all worship in a way that is glorifying to our Savior.  To be told you are anything less, is an insult. 

A Special Birthday

August ninth is a special day to me, the 100th birthday 

of famous author and illustrator Tasha Tudor.

Besides her obvious talents with a pen, she had a great love for her gardens, 

and her sweet corgi's.

Her illustrations in so many children's books were and are the best in my eyes,

These are some of my favorite pieces,

showing her amazing talent.

I just love this one of a sleeping child on Christmas Eve.

This one touches my heart because

this little girl reminds me of me.

And who can forget her art work in "Wind in the Willows"

Happy Birthday in Heaven Tasha,

your talent will live on for many generations.

Sun Bathing

A beautiful day today, the sun is shining, temps in the 70's, just perfect! Toby and Tyler seem to be enjoying it also, laying in the sun on our four season porch. Tyler, on the wicker, and Toby on my grandmother's rocker, were just a little annoyed with me for disturbing them for a photo. But where is Andy?

Well he likes a little more direct heat, so he prefers the windowsill behind the curtain!

The Little Colonel

 When we were growing up, we had a book case upstairs that had so many books,

many of them quite old.  We never ran out of interesting and good  books to read.

Though it sat in that book case for years, I never picked this one up.

Published in 1922, "The Little Colonel" never interested me as a child.

But over the last few days, I finally picked it up.

A fast read, I found it quite fascinating that in those days,

there was no filter, like there is now, on socially accepted

terms especially for those of different races.  Words today

that raise many an eyebrow, were totally acceptable.  I loved

the book and the lesson behind it.  I just had to realize those

names were normal back then.

I had recently read something that stated when you read a book,

memorize one line to heart, that summarizes the plot. 

I had no trouble recognizing that line, and as soon as I 

read, I memorized it.  The story is about forgiveness, a father

who tosses his daughter out of his life for her choice in

a husband, a yankee.  Lloyd, his grand daughter looks at

a picture of her grandmother, then small, and exclaims,

"Then I just know that if my beautiful grand mother could come down out

of that frame, she'd go straight and put her arms around

my mother and kiss away all her sorry feelings."

I take this book to heart, and when I have those feelings 

where I find it hard to forgive, I'll remember the words

of the Little Colonel.  And forgive.

From Trash (Firewood) to Treasure!

When I go up north to visit my brother and sister-in-law, Cheryl and I usually work on a sewing project. Not this time! On our usual trip to Mikado Mall, well actually it's a St.Vinny's thrift store, but everyone calls it the Mikado Mall as it's the only big shop around for miles, we came across this thing. We aren't sure what it is, but thought it would make an interesting project, so we loaded it in my trunk and headed back to the house. I mean it was only $5, what the heck.  My brother Jay had a different reaction, he laughed!  Thought we brought it home for the burning pile!

It was something at one time, we just don't know what! 

The front looked like this, and at one time had a

lid on it, something was there, Cheryl said she''d

like to make it into a drink holder for their deck

parties.  When my sister Wendy saw the open back,

the plan changed.  Why not the top for beverages, and

use the space for holding the extras!

So off to the hardware store for paint.  It took FOREVER to cover it with tinted primer!  Then, we thought how about mosaic tile for the lid!?  And a wine rack, a bar towel, wine glasses (found at the Mikado Mall for a whopping 25 cents a piece) and a bottle opener, still trying to fine one of the coke ones.  Well after I left, with the mosaic top done, Cheryl took over from there.

And here is the finished piece!  It turned out amazing!!!  

Awesome job Cheryl!  I wonder what my brother thinks of our firewood now!!!

Summer Memories

 http://heartsdelights.blogspot.com/spot.com/  Marilyn  asked our favorite summer memories, and I thought I would share one of mine with you.
When we were growing up, we had several apple trees in our yard.  Three or four lined our driveway, all which had the tastiest apples.  We loved them green, and waited til they were just the right size to pick.  My siblings and I would find the perfect apples, and grab the salt shakers and sit on the front porch steps, and devour them one right after the other.  We totally ignored our mother's warning that if we ate more than a couple we would get a belly ache.  I don't recall that ever happening!  We also had a rhubarb patch that we would pick from, and sit on the wood pile with either a bowl of sugar or salt, depending on which we were in the mood for, and eat to our hearts content.  Along with the pear tree we were set for fruit for our school lunches.  But the one I really loved was the neighbors cherry tree that hung over our garage roof.  We would climb my father's ham radio tour, and sit on the roof to tan, and eat our fill of the best cherries.  I miss those days, and would give anything to sit on the porch steps or the garage roof again, and bask in the memories of a warm summer day.

Cute, Cozy and Comfy!

I am totally in love with tiny vintage campers.

The smaller they are,

the more quaint and cozy they are,

the more I love them!

Like this little one that has stolen my heart!

I could absolutely live in one, no problem!

Yes, park it on a beach, in a campground,
or out in the country,

put out the awning, and I'm there.

This one has me drooling; yellow, red and white. There I go!

And, I wouldn't have to leave the yard!  Just

plant a little garden, add some personal touches,

and there is my home away from home.

Perfect!  Isn't it just the most charming!?

Even the insides are made to look so inviting.

Isn't that the cutest!?

So bright and cheery!

And so me!!

Yes this is my dream.

One day, I hope it comes true!

New Passion?

I was invited by a friend from church to attend the painting days at at the library. I went to see what it was about, with basically the intention of just watching. Well, that didn't go well! I was immediately given a sheet of water color paper, some paints and away I went. This is what I did, not overly thrilled but I guess not bad for a first time. All I know is I'm ready to go to Hobby Lobby with my 40% off coupon and get an art set. Then wait for the next paint day!

The Path

I have always been intrigued by paths. 

Garden paths, nature paths,

Paths that draw 

me in to an unknown

destination,

I love the textures they create,

making the journey through their winding

trails more beautiful.

Through garden gates,

lined with stone,

or soft floral carpets,

I trod on to reach quaint little places

 tucked away where least expected,

 and find a peace and tranquility

meant just for me at that moment.

Okay God! Your Answer Is!?

Last night while walking through an old cemetery with Ken, I noticed as I looked down at a very unusual grave stone, that my legs were covered with mosquitoes. I quickly brushed them, off, and we headed back to the car.  This morning I started walking down the path in the wooded part of our yard, and immediately was being attacked by these pests looking for some fresh breakfast, so that ended that walk.  On my way back to the house, I contemplated this whole mosquito thing.  Why would God create such a pesky creature that spreads disease, gives our dogs heart worms, causes unbearable itches, and makes outdoor life miserable!  After all, they were created by God, but for what purpose!?  When I came indoors and turned on my face book page, this was the first thing that popped up!  So I'm not the only one to question this!  God, you have some explaining to do!!

Peace and Quiet

Over the years, I have become a person who loves peace, quietness, and being in touch with nature. Particularly, I would love to have a cottage to go to where I could just sit back, relax, meditate, and enjoy the sites and sounds that nature has to offer.

I could see myself in my little cottage, tucked away in a glen in Ireland or England,

where the scent of flowers and the rich green grasses are intoxicating.

Or, I could spend a summer tucked away in a small

beach front cottage, where the lake air and gentle

breezes would soothe my soul.

Nothing huge for me, no,

just a little space to call my own.

I can easily see me sitting on a deck or sun porch,

with only the sounds of the waves kissing the shore,

and birds singing to me all day.

Just little.  Just for me,

and my spirit.

What would be your special space?