Change

Notes to self:

1. Nothing stays the same.
2. Be genuinely interested in the people around you.
3. It's not about you.
4. Learn to do things ... and don't ever stop learning.
5. Love the Lord with all your heart and mind and soul.
6. Find a reason to be thankful ... no matter what is happening.
7. Growing old can be beautiful. 

Clematis vine in my yard late May -

The same vine this week -

Oh so different, but such a joy to discover.

The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:11

Mission accomplished

My big project for last week was to make a journal. I made a similar book for myself a couple of years ago, so this was a bit of a rerun, but different enough to require checking the instructions often.

Cover paper is handmade paper from Hollanders. 

Inside pages are vintage ledger paper cut to size. The pages are as different from each other as possible - accomplished by individually cutting each piece of paper in order to move the numbers, headers and footers around.

I even found a way to include one of my favorite prints from my gelatin plate. A fun way to end the book.

The best part of the project is that it was a request from my grandson. He needed a journal for notes from his Bible study. This made the effort pure joy.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalm 119:9

Duties and delights

There are times when the duties and responsibilities of life - even when it isn't your own life - seem to crush any creative thoughts.

The moments for paint, paper, fingers sticky with gel mediums ... beauty(!)... are crowded out by decisions regarding nursing homes, wheelchairs, and money. The serious nature of the latter pushes out the sheer joy of the former.

But I have discovered in recent months, that the creative spirit is a force that will not be squelched by overwhelming duties. How do I know?

The meals around this house have been as varied as the colors in my paint box. Creativity will seep through, like flood waters that will not be held back.

Life is beginning to return to normal here. There is time to look around, and be astonished, and enjoy the beauty of God's amazing creation. It was always there. I just forgot to pay attention.

Silly me.

Rejoice evermore. I Thessalonians 5:16