Christmas Music? Already!?

Yes, I know it's early, but I love Christmas! Our local radio station plays all Christmas starting the first of November, and naturally, I'm there! So, if it's still too early for you, please don't leave me, just turn off the volume! I'll understand!!

The Election is Over, The Task Begins

On a day when this country has witnessed a true moment in history, I can't help but wonder, when does the battle end? Are families still divided; are friends still not speaking, is the battleground still bloodied with words of discontent, malice, anger, and the unbelievable disconnection caused by them? Are we ready to put our differences aside? Are we ready to embrace the moment, welcome our first African American president, without malice, discourse, and bitterness? Or are we going to allow the past 2 years, since this process began, to forever drive a deeper,and more permanent wedge? As Christians, are we going to rise up, face our fears, pray for our newly elected leaders, and give thanks to God for a new beginning, or are we going to continue to stew in our own bitterness, inhibit our spiritual growth, and blame one another for the outcome? Democrat or Republican, we are ALL Children of God. We now need to move on as Christians, the way our Saviour would want us. After all, he is the true "Commander and Chief", and He will be there with us every step of the way. It is our duty, to pray daily for our elected officials; for wisdom,faith and the courage to lead our nation effectively and in a way that is pleasing in His eyes. Please, it's time to start anew, time to come together again, and reunite as a nation, regardless of race, religion, or status. As my husband Ken said: "What they( our elected officials) do with this opportunity, and what we as a people do to support them and this country is to be seen. Let us not disappoint them, our country, or ourselves. "
Blessings to All,
Laurie

Lessons We Learn From Geese

I had read this several years ago, and thought it worthy of sharing.

Fact 1:
As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson:
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact 2:
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
Lesson:
If we have as much sense as a goose we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

Fact 3:
When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson:
It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.

Fact 4:
The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson:
We need to make sure honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

Fact 5:
When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson:
If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

November Blooms

We call them miniature Hollyhocks, I don't know the actual name. But they're still blooming. The colors are so beautiful, and add to the landscape.

Wood Harvesting!

My great niece Kayla, helped her Uncle Jason collect logs from the downed trees on the property today. What a cutie!

Box to Clocks

My husband bought two of these shadow boxes from one of the dollar stores, and hung them in the kitchen. I thought they looked more like a craft overhaul in the making!
So I removed the 3 D flowers on the inside, sanded and painted the frame, took shells and some watery looking fabric and sewed it to look like my interpretation of the sun setting over water, and made a clock for my bathroom instead. This is the result. I don't know what the other box will become, but I'm anxious to find out, and I'm sure crazy quilting will be involved.