Sunday, November 30, 2008

Listen To The Music

Welcome to my new Christmas setting. I hope you like it.

I've also added several Holiday songs, so turn up your computer's volumn...sit beside my fire and listen.

Blessings!

Friday, November 28, 2008

The Winner Is.......

The winner of the new pashmina shawl/scarf in the Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway is -Small Footprints. Please send me your name and address to: fatimastreasure@hotmail.com so I can send your prize.

Thanks a million to all of you who participated.

My next giveaway starts on Monday, November 30--just in time for Christmas!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Relay Writing--The End

---------------CHAPTER ONE----------------

(Linda R. )-Patricia Vender was a cautious woman. Her phone number was unlisted, which was not an unusual choice for a woman, but she would take a normal caution and go one step further. Where some women might not list their phone number, Patricia also never gave her name--not on her answering machine and not on her voicemail. Indeed, she wouldn't even give her name if someone asked her point blank on the other line, "Is this Patricia?" Her reply might be a simple, "Why?" Or, she might take it even further and ask back, "Who are you and why do you want to know?"

(Gumbo Writer) With all her precautions and safeguards in place, Patricia couldn't have been more surprised when she picked up her ringing phone in the kitchen and heard a deep smooth voice say from the other end, "Well, hello, Patricia. It's been too long."

(Small Footprints) The hair on the back of her neck went up. This was not a welcome voice. She was immediately tossed back to a different time ... a dangerous time ... one she'd rather forget.

(Willa Fae) And one she thought she had managed to forget...until now! Why had she not listened to her gut and let the answering machine get it? Much too slowly she said, "I'm sorry... you must have a wrong number."

(Pat) She put the phone back into the cradle and buried her face in her trembling hands. Her mind was racing in a dozen different directions. She could not still her wildly beating heart. She knew she had to organize her thoughts and decide what to do next.

(Linda R. ) She went up to her attic office and reached around in a back closet for a small wood box. She opened the lid and pulled out a picture. It was him, from a time when they were much younger. She stared at it for minutes, then she placed it back in the box and pulled out the letter.

(Joanne) There had to be a way to forget, to erase the memory. She took the letter back downstairs, set it carefully in the fireplace, and set a match to it. The paper curled at the edges, then melted completely into the flame.

---------------CHAPTER TWO-------------------

(Terri T. ) She stepped back, her spine bent with the weight of memories.Why now? She threw a warning at the phone; then grabbed it in her fist and thrust it to the floor causing spinters of plastic to race like water droplets over the tiles.

(Barbara) As Patricia stooped to pick up the pieces, she heard a loud knock on the front door. Every fiber of her being told her it was him. Robert had found her.

(Marilyn ) "What do you want?" Patricia said.

Robert let out a long, slow breath. "You're still angry with me after all this time."

Patricia wrenched her arm as she slammed the door. It bounced back and hit her in the cheek because one large cowboy boot had stopped it from closing. "Patricia, I need to talk to you," Robert said, "I'm getting married."

(Linda R. ) "Why did you come here to tell me that?" She asked, looking tormented by his arrival.

"I tried calling you, you didn't talk to me. It took me years to find you." He moved into the house.

She drew back further from him. "There's a reason I've avoided--even hidden from you all these years. You know as well as I do what it is. I can't believe you'd take such a risk by coming here. What if they saw you?"

(Barbara)Robert was as handsome as ever. He looked at her with those deep blue eyes she had once loved so much."You know I'd risk anything for you," he said as he reached out for her hand.

(Joanne)"Even a marriage? You'd put another woman at risk with you?"

"There's one way for this to be over. Just tell the truth, that I didn't do it."

She turned away. "How?" she whispered. "They won't believe me."

He paused before saying quietly, "They will if you marry me."

(Linda R. )"It's too late for that Robert. So many years have passed--I won't cover up one mistake by rushing into another."

"What's happened to you? You've changed."

"You happened to me, Robert--you and Tom, Joanie and the rest of them. Your crazy ideas." She paused almost stopping herself. "I should tell you, I destroyed the letter."

(Pat ) Her mind flew into a frenzy. Had he just asked her to marry him? How could that be? He told her that he was getting married. None of this made any sense and her head was throbbing with the flood of emotions, confusion, and fear that she was experiencing!

(Avily) Pushing at her temples in a vain attempt to block the whirling thoughts, she glanced up at him. "You might as well come in. Coffee?"

"You know I'm not here for coffee."

She nodded, leading him to the living room. "What did you tell her? I mean, about what happened?"


----------------CHAPTER THREE-----------------------



(Joanne)"The truth. Everything that was in the letter."

She poured the coffee with her back to him.

"You need to come clean," he insisted. "Your family needs to know who was driving the car that ..." His gaze shifted to the two suitcases standing at the back door. "You're leaving?"

(Willa Fae)"That's what I do best, isn't it? "

"NO! Not this time! You're going to stay and we'll face this together. It's time!......It's time for us!"

Her eyes widened and her mouth opened. She had no words. Was this the same person she once knew?

(Barbara)Patricia recoiled in disbelief. "Time for us! Time for us?" she screamed. "How can it be time for us? You're getting married?"She was close to tears.

There was sadness in Robert's eyes, too, as he looked directly into her weary face.

(Avily)"I was getting married... until I came here and saw you. There's no way I can go through with it."

The echo of her palm slapping his face struck her with the realization of what she'd done.She clapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh, Robert," she murmured. "I didn't mean to... But what do you mean by coming in here, after all this time, and telling me this?"

(Angie Ledbetter) "I had to get your attention, Trish." He slowly raised his calloused right hand to her shoulder, as if asking permission.

Trish felt rooted to the spot by the weight of so many years' heartache, instead of a mere man's hand. Her head swam with the igniting flames in her belly. The ones she thought she'd tamped down forever.

(Barbara)"I've searched for you" Robert said, touching a finger to a tear that ran down Patricia's face. "I never wanted you to leave me. I can't let you go. Never again! Please come back with me, so we can stop living this lie."

(Linda R. )"Did you really tell the investigator--what was her name--Ms. Marsh?--everthing that was in the letter?"

"Yes, I did." He answered."And, they didn't come to arrest me--how can that be?"

"I didn't tell them where you are. Your family doesn't even know where you are--only me.

(Pat) She knew that if Robert had found her, it would only be a matter of time until the investigator found her. She felt limp. She said, "What shall I do now?" She sat down with a look of resignation on her face.

(Barbara) Robert crossed the room to gaze out the window overlooking the backyard and the green hills beyond. His mood was thoughtful and steady. "You must believe what I'm going to tell you. The accident was not your fault nor mine. I know some of our friends said terrible things and you ran away before the investigation was finished. I sent the letter asking you to come back, but you didn't answer. After that I lost contact with you. I could never give up until I got you back.

"Robert, I burned your letter just before you came here today. I saved it all these years; it was the only thing I had left of you. When I touched it...when I read it, I could still feel you near me. But I had to let go of it, I had to get you our of my mind and heart."

Robert continued, "I hired a private investigator. She eventually found you here, hundreds of miles away from me, and gave me your address and phone number."

"You were always in my thoughts," Robert said, slowly moving toward her again. "It was almost too much for me when you disappeared. Now that I've found you, it's not important what the others think. Please... please forgive the things I said in anger; the things that others said. All that matters is that we are together now. The rest will take care of itself. We have to go back and face the results of the accident together. We'll get through it. You're going back with me.... I won't let you say no."

Robert took both of Patricia's hands in his and pulled her up to him; his eyes told the story.... whatever the future brought, he would protect and stand by her forever.

-----------------------------------The End---------------------------------

Thanks to all who participated in my Relay Writing. We'll do this again in the near future, so keep an "eye out" for the next project.

In the meantime, HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING DAY!!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

You're All Invited To My....

Hello!

I'm so glad you could come over on such short notice!!

Just open the gate... and come on in. It's windy out here today and there's quite a chill in the air. This cold air must be coming off that new snow up in the mountains. I heard on the news that several inches fell last night over the Pass.

As soon as we get inside we'll sit around the fire and have a cup of coffee. That'll warm you up. Some of the ladies are already there.

I know Thanksgiving is just a few days away, but I thought it would be fun for all of us to get together and do some writing...to relax a little before the big holiday.

I have a surprise for all of you. I hope you'll like it.

Are you ready?

I'm hosting a Relay Writing Party. I'd like for my "friends" to join me in writing a fictional story. Here are the directions:

1. I have asked Linda Reznicek to write the first paragraph. You'll find it below.

2. Add to the story as you wish--one or more times each day, is just fine. But you should only write 50 words or less each time.

3. Leave your addition under comments. Be sure to read the last comment that was submitted and add on to it.

4. The plot, settings, events, characters, etc. will develop as each writer's imagination unfolds the story.

5. Each day I'll add your segments along with your blog's name to the story until the entire work is finished. It's a great way to introduce readers to your work.

6. Your readers are also invited to our party, so please mention us on your blog. We want as many participants as possible. The more writers, the more fun we'll have.

7. Don't be shy. This is NOT a competition.


As I mentioned before, Linda Reznicek agreed to start our story with the following paragraph. So let's go.....


Patricia Vender was a cautious woman. Her phone number was unlisted, which was not an unusual choice for a woman, but she would take a normal caution and go one step further. Where some women might not list their phone number, Patricia also never gave her name--not on her answering machine and not on her voicemail. Indeed, she wouldn't even give her name if someone asked her point blank on the other line, "Is this Patricia?" Her reply might be a simple, "Why?" Or, she might take it even further and ask back, "Who are you and why do you want to know?"


OK...your turn. Leave your addition under "comments." Can't wait to read it.

Friday, November 21, 2008

5 Simple Pleasures

These are 5 of my simple pleasures. What are yours?

1. Spending an evening playing board games.

2. Burning a cinnamon-roll candle.

3. A bouquet of fresh flowers.

4. Hot chocolate with marshmallow fluff.

5. Warm brownies and cold milk

Tagging Brings Back Memories

Angie over at Gumbo Writer was tagged by a blogger friend and in turn tagged any of her readers who wished to take the tagging challenge. Since I don't have anything else to write about today, I'm going to attempt (yes it's not easy) to answer these questions about myself.

Five Things I Was Doing Five Years Ago (this one is difficult)
1. Serving on my town's City Council
2. Starting my own home-based business
3. Having good times with my family
4. Writing
5. Helping my husband through a health crisis

Five Things On My To Do List
1. Make up some hot roll mix
2. Do my business mailings for the day
3. Finish reading The Shack
4. Clean the kitchen
5. Get ready for Thanksgiving travel

Five Things I Like To Snack On
1. Fresh cauliflower w/ ranch dip
2. Fresh cucumbers w/ ranch dip
3. Apple slices
4. Anything sweet (I eat this more often...bad girl)
5. Chips and mild salsa

Five Things I Would Do If I Was A Millionaire
1. Give financial help to family and friends
2. Help build a new city library
3. Buy a new home
4. Buy a vacation home on an exotic island
5. Buy a houseboat

Five Places I've Lived
1. East Tennessee
2. California-twice
3. Maine
4. Las Vegas- twice
5. Alaska

Five Jobs I've Had
1. Store clerk
2. Owned a baton twirling studio
3. Managed a store in a mall
4. Managed a mall
5. Owned a mail order business

Five People I Am Tagging
Any reader who would like to participate. I hope you'll take the challenge and let us know a little about your unique self.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

A Hot Bath In Cocoa

Yesterday I came across this interesting recipe for homemade bath salts. It sounds like a nice, inexpensive gift idea. Just combine the ingredients, put it in a pretty jar, tie a ribbon with a note around the lid, and give it to a family member, friend, co-worker, or guest.

Cocoa Bath Salts De-Stress Recipe

Ingredients:

1/8 cup Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder

1/8 cup powdered milk

1/4 cup Epsom salts

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional: 2 to 3 drops lavender essential oil.

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined and then add as the bath water is running.

A hot bath in cocoa! What could be more relaxing than that?

***Do you have a favorite homemade gift you make for people on your Christmas list? Please share it with us. We would love to hear about it!!

READERS: Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina (soft wool) shawl/scarf.

Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend.
1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.
2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. Enter as many times as you wish, but remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."
3. When your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL.


Chocolate With A Zip

I've always loved hot chocolate, especially with marshmallows or whipped cream served on top. Yesterday, I came across an old, but interesting way to "change it up" a bit.

Try putting a little extra "zip" in your cup of cocoa with peppermint. Either melt a few peppermint candies into the hot beverage or add a peppermint candy cane as a stirrer. It's not only delicious, but also adds a festive touch for the holidays.

Gift idea: One cute Christmas mug from the $1.00 store, one packet of instant cocoa mix, and a candy cane. Wrap in red cellophane and add a nice holiday ribbon. (Especially nice for a child's gift.)

***What's your holiday drink of choice?

Monday, November 17, 2008

Unique Christmas Giving

We all love giving and receiving gifts at Christmas, but sometimes families grow so large that it's
impractical to give each member a gift. Our family is exploring new ways of giving this season. We're talking about all the family's adults (anyone 18 years or older) drawing names. We usually hear the Christmas story (read by grandpa), open presents, do a White Elephant gift/fun game on Christmas Eve after enjoying a big buffet meal.

My family is always looking for new ideas, so I would be interested in hearing how you and your family celebrate Christmas Eve/Christmas. Please leave your comment with details.



***Don't forget the THANKFUL TURKEY DAY GIVEAWAY. Details below.

Giveaway

READERS: Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina (soft wool) shawl/scarf.

Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend.

1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.

2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. Enter as many times as you wish, but remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."

3. When your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Quiet Change

The gardeners were here all afternoon --blowing and raking the moist golden leaves into mammoth stacks. Two young men piled and then gathered the leaves, while another hurried around on a riding lawn mower, cutting the viridescent grass for the last time this year.

But for the short, manicured grass, the lawn is now barren. The Serenity Garden is dusky, still, and quiet. It seems to be settling in for it's long, peaceful wintertime nap.

Just as our environment changes with each season, so does the flow and circumstance of our daily lives. I take comfort today in the beauty of God's Divine handiwork in nature and in myself.

***What daily, monthly or yearly changes have you seen in your environment or your life?


READERS: Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina (soft wool) shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend.

1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.

2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. Enter as many times as you wish, but remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."

3. When your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

Merit Badges

When Boy Scouts learn and become proficient at certain skills, they earn Merit Badges.

As wives, moms, daughters, sisters, citizens, friends and employees we are seldom given rewards or praise, so today I'm encouraging imaginary merit badges for myself and my blogging friends.

I'm going to give myself two badges.

1. Baking- I've won several baking contests and Best of Show ribbons in the past, so I think that can be called proficient.

2. Fishing- I've fished since I was a little girl and I'm pretty good at it. Even taught some of my grandchildren to fish, so I'll also call that one a skill.

Now... those happy thoughts make my day!!

***Give yourself imaginary merit badges. Tell us... what will they be? You can also bestow a badge on someone else. To whom would it be given and what would it be given for?



READERS: Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina (soft wool) shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend.

1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.

2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. Enter as many times as you wish, but remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."

3. When your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Past Recollected

A few days ago I wrote a piece on "1962" -- the year I graduated. I was married the next year, 1963, so I thought I'd continue recalling the past since I'm "on a roll" and the last posting seemed to be popular with some of my readers.

Let's see what happened the year Jim and I were married:

1. A loaf of bread was 22 cents

2. 1st US state lottery took place in New Hampshire

3. AT&T introduced the touch tone phone

4. Beattles released "I Want To Hold Your Hand"

5. The movie Cleopatra was released

6. Tatum O'Neal was born

7. Zip codes were introduced in US

8. Marten Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have A Dream" speech

9. JFK was assassinated

10. Robert Frost died

11. Maurice Sendak published "Where The Wild Things Are"

12. Betty Friedan published "The Feminine Mystique"



***What do you remember about the year you were married?

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Happy Birthday Matt

Today is our youngest son's birthday. Matt was born to Jim and I in 1980 in Maine. He was our fifth child and a delight to our growing family.

Matt was born in the quiet, early morning hours. When I looked out my hospital window after daylight, that morning, snow was heavily coming down-- the road was covered with it, and I could see children, wrapped in winter gear, getting on their yellow school bus.

It had been eight years since a baby had been born to us and when the nurse brought him to me, it almost took my breath away(literally)! It felt so good to hold that little boy in my arms.

Raising Matt was a delightful experience for his dad and I. He was truly a little bright light. He was always busy and was very active in sports. He always had lots of friends and still does.

Matt is a loving son and brother and we wish him a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

---------------------------------------------------------
READERS: Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina (soft wool) shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend.

1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.

2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. But remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."

3. If your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

Whole Latte Life Interview

The Whole Latte Life has a excellent interview today with our daughter Linda Reznicek. Linda is a horsewoman who shares her life experience and philosophy of living with horses in this thought provoking discussion with author, Joanne Demaio. Be sure to stop by Whole Latte Life today for a good read.

***What is your philosophy on life with animals?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Some Change is Good

You might have noticed some new additions to my blog. I've added several items which I think may be of interest and help to my readers.

1. Bible Search and Bible Study button. This is absolutely fantastic! Just enter a word you are looking for in the Bible and every verse with that word in it will appear. If you hit the Bible Study button, you will go to a page of Bible helps which include commentaries, concordances, dictionaries, and even tons of classic sermons!!! It's extremely easy to navigate.

2. Click on the Book Cover Art button and it will take you straight to Amazon.com.

3. Click on Make It From Scratch. It will take you to a fanastic site that offers inexpensive food and craft ideas.

4. Happy Housewife and Penny Pinching Mom offers information of numerous sales and deals around the country and such more. Take a look.

5. Scroll down to almost the end of this page for the wonderful C.H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotionals. It may take a little time (though not that much)--the devotional is well worth you time. I've already gotten a very special "message" from it this morning. You will not be disappointed.

***Let me know how you like the additions.



Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina (soft wool) shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend.
1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.
2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. But remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."
3. If your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

Monday, November 10, 2008

1962

I grew up in the 50's and 60's when rock 'n roll was in it's "hayday" and Elvis was every teenage girl's secret sweetheart. I bought all of his records, saw all of his movies and clipped movie magazine articles for my scrapbook. Those were the good ole days!!

I graduated high school in 1962. Today I'm remembering the events and the pop-culture of that year.

1. The Beattles released their first recording- "Love Me Do"

2. The first silicone breast implants were used

3. An electric sewing machine was $49.95

4. The average price for a home was $12,500.00

5. Gasoline was 28 cents per gallon

6. JFK was our President

7. We were involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis

8. Marilyn Monroe died

9. The first Walmart store opened

10. The first KMart store opened

11. John H. Glenn was the 1st American to orbit the earth

12. Elvis Presley starred in "Girls, Girls, Girls"

*** What do you remember about the year you graduated from high school?


Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina (soft wool) shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend.

1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.

2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. But remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."

3. If your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

A Pleasant Thanksgiving

A few days ago I read an article on what not to do at Thanksgiving dinner. I started thinking of things to do to make holiday dinners successful. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Arrive on time

2. Begin the dinner with a prayer of gratitude

3. Participate with an attitude of service

4. Practice the Golden Rule

5. Practice your table manners

6. Keep all conversation positive and upbeat

7. Be a good listener

8. Stay flexible

9. Practice thoughtfulness

10. Offer to help with clean-up

11. Respect the home of the host

12. Remember: Relationships are more important than opinions!

***What positive holiday dinner tips can you add to the list?



Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina (soft wool) shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend.
1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.
2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. But remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."
3. If your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

Home

Jim and I are back home from our trip to Linda (our daughter) and Mike's ranch in Spokane. We were there to stay with our teenage grandchildren while the parents were away on a trip of their own. We had a fun-filled 36 hours with Shiloh, Coleman and Jeff.

Friday evening Jim and I went to the children's hospital to see Kendyl Grace and her parents, Amber and Joe Jr. She's doing good and the doctors expect her to come home next Friday.

Saturday we all went out to Cabela's at Post Falls for an afternoon of eating and shopping. Our oldest daughter, Lori and her husband Joe, went with us. It rained most of the day, but no one seemed bothered by it. We were too excited about being together to worry about a little drizzle!!

Saturday evening, Jim and Joe, went out to Papa Murphy's and brought pizza home for everyone. We ate, talked and laughed the evening away!

Jim and I both felt like we were staying in a nice Bed and Breakfast while at the ranch. Before leaving on their trip, Linda and Mike had everything planned out beautifully for our comfort and the children were wonderful hosts-- always concerned about us. What gracious and well-mannered young people they are! I am so proud of them!

We were sad to leave everyone, but we are home now and one of the first things we did on this cool misty evening was build a nice warm fire and then sit down in our recliners to go over the stacks of mail that had been delivered while we were away. Now it's time to get back to business.

***If you could go on the trip of your choice, where would it be?

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Angels All Around

Still in Spokane....

Last evening, on the way home from visiting Kendyl Grace at the children's hospital, we encountered thick fog. Jim slowed the car as we inched our way through the white, ghost-like mist. With tense bodies, and eyes completely focused on what little we could see of the two lane road, we eventually arrived at the ranch.

Our dangerous trek home reminded me of times I/we have been close to disaster and were protected by the unseen spirit world.

Several years ago, Jim and I made a summer shopping trip to Spokane. We drove our usual 55-60 miles per hour on the highway, except when passing at speeds of over 70. After arriving home, our daughter, who was living next door to us, ask to borrow our car. She needed to take her son to his friend's house- a slow, short drive away.

Shortly after she left, she called with bad news. The front axle of our car had fallen onto the pavement as she turned into the friend's driveway!! It was unbelievable. Jim nor I had driven the car since getting back from the Spokane trip. Not only was it unbelievable, it was miraculous!! We realized, then, we had been only two or three minutes from certain death.

I've thought of that experience many times since then and thanked God for his protection. How many times have we been carried in the arms of angels and didn't realize it until later?

***Has there been a time when you looked back and realized God's protection had been with you?

Friday, November 7, 2008

The Power of Now

I'm at Linda and Mike's ranch today, enjoying the soft, gentle rain outside the window. It's almost a mist.

Last evening, I sat beside the fireplace, it's orange and blue flames calming and embracing me, as I read "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle.

An opening thought struck me immediately and remains with me this morning. I want to share it with you in hopes that it will give you encouragement and bring reflection for your day.

"You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are!"
-Eckhart Tolle

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Fantastic Favorites

There are some things we just can't live without. And since we are into November, here's a short list of my Fall favorites:

1. Yellow wet-look rain slicker

2. Red wool Sweater

3. A garden rake for the orange and yellow falling leaves

4. Clicking snow tires

5. Tartan plaid stadium blanket

6. Down comforter

***What items would you add to the list?


Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina (soft wool) shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend:
1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.
2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. But remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."
3. If your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Kendyl Grace (Update)

Kendyl's grandmother (our daughter Lori) just sent me this update on Kendyl's condition. This really makes me smile!

Hi everyone,

Here are some updated pictures of Kendyl Grace.

The little pink preemie outfit she is in was sent by Jimmy and Christina! We are just getting to be able to put her in front buttoned clothes and she got her first official bath yesterday.

The doctor is still hoping for her to come home by Thanksgiving. He calls her progress miraculous but we all know and give credit to Jesus Christ for answering the prayers of friends and a loving and faithful family unit.

Should she go home by Thanksgiving it will be 6 weeks ahead of what the doctors had originally expected.

Please continue to keep her healing in prayer because she is a living example of the power of our prayers. She is feeding from a bottle every 3 hours 60 mils and pooping A LOT!

This experience keeps reminding me how fragile life is. There are many many babies in life threating situations at this very minute and please remember them in pray as well. The hospitals are filled with little babies fighting for life and health.

Love, Joe and Lori

November Blessings

November things that make me smile:

1. Flannel PJ's

2. Golden brown baked turkeys

3. Hot Chocolate w/whipped cream on top

4. My electric blanket

5. Fresh cut firewood

6. Frosty evergreens

7. The first gentle snowfall

8. Homemade vegetable soup

9. Bacon frying in a cast iron skillet

10. Spicy pumpkin bread

11. Long lazy winter weekends

12. Toasting marshmallows over glowing coals in the fireplace

***What would you add to the list?



Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend:

1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.

2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. But remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."

3. If your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Where Will You Be?

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day!!

I'll take Riley for his grooming appointment in late morning, Jim and I will VOTE in the afternoon (hopefully the lines won't be too long), then go to lunch and do errands, and get back home for the election returns.

Becka and Tony will join us for a little Election Party in the evening. We'll have pizza brought in and, perhaps, play Spades.

It's going to be an exciting night, to say the least.

***What are your plans for Election Night?



Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend:

1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.
2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. But remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."
3. If your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Memories With KFC

Jim and I are going to Linda and Mike's next weekend, and since they're expecting snow, Jim had to put the snow tires on the car this afternoon. I hope it does snow while we're there, because we don't get much here it the valley and I love SNOW!!!

After the tires were on, we decided to go out to lunch at KFC. We hadn't been there in over a year, so it was a bit of a treat. Yum!! We usually go out several times a week, but somehow we always forget about Kentucky Fried Chicken.

As we sat in the restaurant, it brought back memories of when the children were little, and how we would all go to KFC with friends after church. We were an Air Force family, so we've eaten fried chicken all over the USA.

I would also eat at a fantastic KFC, several years ago, while visiting my mother in East Tennessee. It served everything buffet style--pinto beans, green beans, turnip greens, yams, mashed potatoes and gravy, chicken livers, cold slaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, and of course, fried chicken. They served much of the same food I was raised on and it was wonderful.

In the KFC here, we have only the basics--not that good, rich, southern fare that I so love and crave. But Jim and I did have a good time talking about the good old days and fried chicken memories.

***Where is your favorite place to eat and share memories?



Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend:

1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.

2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. But remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."

3. If your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

November 1st

We made it through "ever-changing" October and now we're into "family-friendly" November. I love the crisp weather, warm fires in our fireplace, and perhaps, even some snow, as we look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday.

But first..... we have to get through Tuesday's Presidential election! I just can't hold it back any longer....PLEASE VOTE!! This election is important in so many ways and I'm looking forward to going to the polls and casting my vote. I WILL be happy when all the stress is over and when we finally know who will be taking office in January.

How very fortunate we are to be citizens of the USA. May God continue to bless America.

Don't forget to enter The Thankful Turkey Day Giveaway for a new pashmina shawl/scarf. Contest ends on Thanksgiving weekend:

1. Your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers" in the right hand column where the pics are.

2. Once you have become a "Follower" I will enter your name into the drawing box, then each time you leave a comment, your name will go into the box again. But remember, your blog MUST appear in my community of "Followers."

3. If your name is drawn you will have 48 hours to send me your address. If I don't hear from you within that time, a second name will be drawn.