Back to Nature

 We have decided to let large sections of our property 

go back to nature. For the first time in years,

our black eyed susans have come back which

I have been so excited about!

Also, fields of daisies have once again taken over

large sections of the land..

Mixed in are clovers of every color and variety.
Butterflies, bees and fireflies are enjoying their
new territory, while we get to enjoy the beauty.
 

Aurora

One day I would love to see an Aurora Borealis  

like this . I love the northern lights and could sit 

forever and just stare at them in amazement 

of the beauty that God has surrounded

us with. Painted on June 22,2020.

Where are you Richard?

About 30 years ago, I got to meet Richard Simmons

at a Town Hall presentation in town. 

What a hoot! He was so fun, and packed the house.

When done, he took pictures with anyone who wanted one

taken with him. I jumped at the chance.

I bought his Deal a Meals, watched him faithfully

on his television show.

I wonder what ever happened to him?

It's like he went home one day and decided to stay there.

Just doesn't seem right for a person who dedicated his life

to helping others with weight issues.

I hope Richard is doing okay. He was such a ray of sunshine

in the lives of so many that he touched with his genuine

concern for other.

I have been trying out different painting techniques that have

been a challenge to me. Like this basket of flowers. 

I was tempted to give up on it several times, as I 

just had a hard time mastering some of the new

brush strokes. I still have a way to go to reach

my potential, but I did learn this week that if I don't

keep trying, I'll never learn. 

I think that's a lesson we can all keep in mind

when tackling something new and different;

something out of our comfort zone.

Peace on Earth

The moon last night was bright and so beautiful.

I felt such a sense of peace when I looked out

the door at 4 a.m.  The world was silent,

nature was still. The birds hadn't awaken yet

so the quiet was deafening, the way it should be

when the nature is still asleep.

We need more quiet right now. 

We need time to heal, time to learn from

the events over the last few weeks.

May God give us that peace.

One Nation, Under God

1. 

Our world and our country are in such a state of disrepair right now.

Covid-19, racial injustice, overwhelming disconnect in our political

structure. Protests, violence, right versus left;

when will it all end?

What we have going for us though, We live in one nation,

under God. The eagle stand tall for our country, our freedom,

peace, strength, and faith that we will survive this too.

with God as our guide and shepherd. 

Let us continue to pray for healing physically

and emotionally as we move forward during such

trying times with faith, grace, and love for all regardless of

race, political affiliation and conflicting viewpoints.

We are all in this together.

Blessings and love to all.

The Old Apple Tree

 In our side yard, grows this special apple tree.

This tree is well over 100 years old,

and sits on our part of the property that was

a fruit orchard, complete wth pear , apple and

mulberry trees. All are still bearing fruit.

This tree however, is completely hollow.

There is still enough left for sap to continue

to flow through to its branches, thus still

bearing fruit.

 Looking up, you can see where squirrels, bids,

and even a family of owls have nested.

One of the main limbs has fallen, and appears

that it is actually holding up the rest of the tree.

And under that fallen limb, wild violets and 

and other wild flowers grow..

So this beautiful old apple tree holds a lesson

for us all.

No matter the age, as long as there is blood flowing 

through our veins, we have the power to bring

life, love, a caring spirit in which we can

share those fruits with those whose lives

we touch.

God Bless You!

Galations 5:22-23
But the fruit of the spirit is
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
Against such things there is no law.

What a beautiful day!

The air is warm

and the sky is blue

the leaves are green yellow

because they're new!

Your feet go skipping

the birds all sing!

The whole world is happy

because it is spring!

Fond Memories

My mother loved to go for rides, and on the week-ends

my husband and I would take her up the shore line

of Lake Huron. She loved those rides; we'd first

stop at A&W for lunch and her root beer float, her favorite.

From there we'd go to the roadside parks so she could

 take in the views of this beautiful lake. 

We  continued these excursions until she fell ill and 

could no longer go.

This is from her last trip, and I'm so glad I 

took this picture, to put into a painting.

I miss Mom, and miss our weeklydrives

up the beautiful coast lines of Michigan.

Mom passed in December of 2013.

But I'll always have this memory.

Contemplation

When we started a new decade, I wondered what 2020 would bring. A chance for new beginnings, new possibilities. I never would have thought this year would be this different. I don't think any of us saw this coming! Who would have thought three months ago our lives would be turned upside down by a pandemic. That it would put a stop to those new beginnings.  But here we are.

At first I thought maybe a couple weeks and things would return to normal. Instead, normal has taken a turn.  What would this new normal bring? How will we handle it? With anger? Frustration? Fear? Or will we take this time to make new beginnings and new normal's?

For me, I have decided to take this time for contemplation. I have found the solitude is the perfect way to discover who I am. 

I've gotten back into my art work. Painting is one way I can express myself.

It's meditative, and I enjoy putting my brush to canvas and seeing where it takes me.

I've enjoyed sitting with my husband in the evenings

watching old shows and movies, while sipping on our coffee.

I've also found that material things aren't important. 

What used to seem so important to have, really isn't  a necessity to make life happy.

Material things aren't what form us as a person. It's what's inside, what we share with

others that make a difference.  It isn't what we receive, 

but what we give of ourselves that is important.

I've found more time for studying the scriptures and bible study.

The life of Christ has been brought to life through watching

"The Chosen", available through you tube. It's free, and one of 

the most beautiful depictions of Christ I have ever seen.

Yes. In the quiet, I have discovered life.

Instead of the negative news on television and face book,

I am finding peace through the Good News of Christ.

During this time, what have you discovered

about yourself, and what are you doing to see yourself through?

Matthew 6:19=21

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

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Return to Sanity

Hello Everyone! 

It feels so good to back blogging. I can't believe

it's been over a year since I've been here.

There is so much to catch up on. 

My plans to become a minister had to change due to

health problems, but I'm still a lay minister and

enjoy being involved with my church.

I hope everyone is doing fine during

this covid-19 crisis. 

I'm so thankful for friends and family,

food and a home with an incredible husband.

I've been busy with my painting to keep

my mind occupied, and in a state of peace

and contemplation.

God Bless, stay safe, 

and Happy Mother's Day!