Making dinner

Yesterday morning when we left the house, this was the view. What happened to spring?

But even snow and ice can't get me down today! Look what finally arrived!!

For years, I have blamed a faulty oven for the burnt offerings that we call food. It will be interesting now to see if I was right.

If nothing else, from this day forward, food at this house will be charred in style!

...I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

Remembering

One year ago today I learned that my son had taken his own life. I will never forget that moment in time... unbelievable that my second son, fourth child was gone from my sight, out of reach, until the end of time.

To give my hands something to do while my heart remembered, I made cards.

Throughout this year, God has confirmed Himself to us over and over again in the most incredible ways. From melodies deep in my soul to miraculous events that could only be from the hand of almighty God... I have had a small taste of just how amazing God is.

There are many things that I do not understand, but I do know that I am loved by God.

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8

Taking pictures

Today was interesting...I spent a lot of time taking pictures of the varied treasures I bought while antiquing on Saturday.

Then, while the tripod was set up... and the light was ok... and I was in the mood... I started gathering unique items around the house to add to my "photo shoot".

A couple of samples.

I spent the rest of the afternoon playing with my pictures and Photoshop - an experience both rewarding and frustrating. So I soothed my soul by looking at this bouquet of tulips. A good afternoon after all.

Give unto the Lord the glory due His name... worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. I Chronicles 16:29

Making a smile

I would love to be an expert baker. I dream of producing creations that dance in the memory of the recipient long after the special occasion is over.

When I found "cake pops" at Bakerella, I knew I had the perfect "yours-only" cake for the upcoming birthday celebration.

It started well. The littles balls flew together in no time, then into the refrigerator to chill.

I melted the bark, following the instructions on the package. I dipped and swirled. I drizzled and rolled. And then... I just put my head down and finished the job.


I gave up on the dancing memory. I went for a smile instead.


A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.... Proverbs 15:13

Good Friday

How is it, on a day set aside to remember the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, I can get so caught up in minor irritations?

I have a sewing project cut out and ready to start... and and my sewing machine will NOT sew!


It is Good Friday. It is the second full day of spring... yet it looks like this out my back window!


So, I decided to take pictures to share all this ummm, crumminess with you. I got the shot of the snow and was passing the front door, on my way to get the picture of the uncooperative sewing machine, when someone pounded on the door. I put my camera down, opened the door and a man handed me a big green box full of this...

What a reminder that God is intimately involved in every area of my life. From the huge (forgiveness of my sins provided by Jesus' death on the cross) to the minute (my frustration over my stalled sewing project) He meets every need.

So, thank you Lord for salvation, flowers, friends and the frustrations in life that remind me to keep my eyes upon YOU.

We love him, because he first loved us. I John 4:19

I could change the color, or maybe...

It isn't hard to multi-task. We do it naturally, more often than we realize. So, while chopping and browning, I pondered my leaf picture. (See March 17) Should the color be darker? Or lighter?

The assembled ingredients simmered as I wondered, could I change the color yet again? What size would look best? What embellishments would add the most appropriate visual interest?


The individual ingredients in the pot on the stove became spaghetti sauce while I manipulated colors, worked the "undo" command, saved, and printed... and then started over again. I wish I could produce the image I see in my mind, but after all the redos, I'm not so sure what that image is.

Today I held finished products in my hands - a big jar of spaghetti sauce and my first leaf card. The spaghetti sauce recipe I will leave alone, but maybe I could add some ink to the card stock, or try a vintage ribbon around the picture...


I love making cards.

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul. Psalm 66:16

Making pictures

I remember the day I started up my first computer. I sat there looking at a blinking cursor on a blank screen and wondering, when will it start doing something?

I recently invested in a photo editing program, loaded it on my computer and found myself asking the same question. I should have known by now that nothing is easy... computers don't do anything by themselves...

In an effort to master this program, I am working my way through 400+ pages of a how-to book. I have gained a little knowledge, used and re-used the "undo" command and honestly, I have had fun just playing around with my photos.

I turned this...

into this.

And I played with this...

until it looked like this!

You may be wondering, what good can all of this effort possibly bring?

Well..... someday, one of my photos+cardstock+a verse will wing its way across town (or country) to fill a dreary day with cheer. I will benefit first from the learning process and then from searching Scripture for just the right verse to add to the card.

Email isn't everything, you know.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Making plans

While the computer was away, I added to my possessions.

Some things old...

I found a blue canning jar filled with watches at an antique store. I envision photographs for stationery, and watch parts sprinkled into scrapbooks... prayer album pages... altered books...

My aunt gave me this curio cabinet. It has been in the dining room at my grandmother's house as long as I can remember. I am thrilled to have it. Right now it houses candle snuffers. Someday I'll find just the right things to display in this beautiful piece of history.

and, some things new...

The funny looking black/white thing is a tripod.
Officially, a Gorillapod.

The beads are picasso jasper, ocean jasper and soocho jade.

In my mind I'm designing a watchband... a cell phone strap...

earrings... a necklace...

And I picture myself using the Gorillapod to share the results.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Making repairs

Hi ho, hi ho.

It's to the shop I go.

My drawer is broke.

I just can't cope.

Hi ho, hi ho.

See you when it's fixed!