Hug a Tree

Finally Friday

2012-02-03T16:48:00.001-06:00

Finally, I was able to enjoy some of this good sunshine today. Finally, the wind calmed down a bit and it doesn't sound like someone is jumping on our roof (some of our shingles came loose from those big winds!) It's not that I haven't been out, it's more like I'm getting spring fever already. Purging closets this early? That's me. I'm almost expecting it to be warm, but I know it's still winter here. The geese are back at the pond today, the squirrels are out busily playing, and Emily wonders why there are books where her sunbeam is waiting for her to enjoy? A good day to be thankful for our simple joys, enjoying the sunshine is one of our favorites.
What art offers is space ~ a certain breathing room for the spirit. John Updike

Silly Photos on Saturday

2012-01-21T13:56:00.000-06:00

Emily was happy to see her sunbeam return after so many gray days, and we did get some more blustery snow flying yesterday, enough for it to drift up against my car and I had to break out my new snow shovel. It's much lighter than the one I had last year, but we are not getting the snow that we had here last year either. Small things to be thankful for, but I am. Emily was busy rolling around in the sunbeams, then discovered she could make the Wii remote move around too. I think she would have turned it on if she could, funny how she sits right in front of me when it's my turn to play.

I was actually trying to finish a book I was reading this morning, but she was making me giggle instead. This is a book I bought for Mary, but I ran out of things I wanted to read this week so I picked it up. It's called "Falling Leaves" and the author is Adeline Yen Mah.

Fingerprints on Friday

2012-01-20T14:50:00.003-06:00

Sweet little birds! Ok, not what Emily was thinking as she tracked them from her warm spot on top of the couch. There were many more than these all over the ground, and one really interesting looking brown one with spots on it, so elusive, but when I tried to carefully open the door, they all flew up in a hurry so I actually had to get this shot through the window. You can see what's left of all that snow we had flying around here yesterday, supposed to get another round today. Still not enough to go sledding yet, so we wait and watch the birds with Emily, sweet little fingerprints of God.

Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Snow on Saturday

2012-01-14T14:48:00.000-06:00

Snow is falling, a pretty light snow and everything is covered again today. I was looking forward to watching the snow clouds come in the other day but when I looked outside, all I could see was the snow flying and apparently the clouds were on the ground. I couldn't even see the field across the road. The sky is brighter now, the snow feels lighter and lifting my spirit.

I knew it would be another good day for baking and decided on this pan of brownies with chocolate chip cookies. I used to add chocolate chips to brownies, just for more chocolately goodness so when I saw this idea, I thought why not?

I also made some more dishcloths this week, while staying warm under one of my favorite afghans. We had some warm days this month, but now it actually seems like winter again, a good time to get some of my creative energy flowing and be thankful for simple joys.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T15:53:00.002-06:00

Time to Relax on Tuesday

2011-12-27T15:16:00.002-06:00

Emily made sure we had everything we were looking for this Christmas, she even looked under the wrapping paper. We had plenty of sunshine and peace in our day, no snow for Christmas, but it we had some today, just enough to make us smile. We will have plenty of time for relaxing with Emily, watching fun movies and having lots of hot chocolate this week.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T14:53:00.000-06:00

This has been one of those totally unexpected weeks. I didn't expect to get such a good deal on a huge Christmas tree anytime before Christmas, and I did put it off pretty late. Ok, it's not huge but definitely bigger than the little bitty tree I had last year that Emily kept tackling at every opportunity. Now she has to jump up to get the ornaments that entice her. I didn't put any ornmaments on the bottom, didn't really have enough ornaments to cover this tree so my mom gave me some more of her beautiful ornaments that she has made out of old cards, so I thought they would be a good thing to share today. Emily and I will try not to shed too much (stress!) over the holiday busyness and hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Thankful Thursday and Shadow Boxing

2011-12-15T16:51:00.000-06:00

Emily and I are always thankful for the sunshine, warming our home and our hearts. It's much nicer to take walks too, since we have been having some very cold, wet weather here (minus yesterday, we had thunderstorms and it was in the 50's?) Now it's back to cold and cloudy, good Christmas shopping weather, you just have to hang on to your bags, the wind carries you back to your car, if you plan it right. These photos were taken on a very sunny day, this past weekend, when Emily was enjoying her sunbeam and was making these poses, looking a bit like shadow boxing. Another simple joy of the week was watching Mary sing Christmas songs for her chorus concert. Lots to be thankful for this week!

Psalm 20:4
May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!

Silly Photos on Saturday

2011-12-10T15:43:00.000-06:00

Some silly photos from going to see Santa's reindeer last weekend...it was so cold that day, and rained a bit too but it was still fun. It was also a good place to buy a Christmas tree and we saw a few being taken down the path behind Mary, but we had a good laugh when we saw this antler tree, all decorated with glass bottle ornaments. Something we certainly don't see too often. These reindeer (in the last photo) all rubbed their antlers on their tree and looked around for something to chew on, and I think maybe that little fence was there to protect that little tree from getting knocked over by them. When we got too cold, we went inside their gift shop, which was all decorated for Christmas and that was fun too.

So this past week, I felt like Santa's elf, packing up remote control cars for Santa to deliver for Christmas. We were each given one to take home for our kids too, but I gave mine to another elf, for his kids, and that made my heart sing for Christmas joy.

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-12-08T19:24:00.000-06:00

Visiting Santa's reindeer last weekend lifted my spirit and made me smile. They have such a gentle look in their eyes, although they don't look nearly as graceful walking around as the usual deer we see around here. It was very peaceful walking around their ranch, very cold too, but I think these fingerprints of God are waiting for the snow, which may be falling soon enough.

Psalm 42:1
As the deer pants for water, so my soul pants for you, O God.

Macro Monday

2011-12-05T10:54:00.001-06:00

Could this be considered too pretty of a veggie to eat? I discovered this yesterday, thought it must be some kind of magical veggie, isn't lettuce usually grown when it's hot? The raindrops must have magic in them, certainly felt cold enough for snow though. If you want to see more macro Monday shots, visit lisaschaos.com.

Totally Distracted on Tuesday

2011-11-29T15:30:00.000-06:00

Cold and cloudy here, chance of snow? Feels like snow and the wind nearly blew me back down my hill on my walk up it this morning...well, more like a slope to most people but I like to say it's a hill since there doesn't seem to be any for miles. I had to wear my hat and put my hood up with my mittened hands covering my ears and with tears freezing on my face, I finally made it...all the distractions made me forget how cold that wind was getting or that it might snow. I walked passed a familiar house that usually has a few squirrels looking for a snack but today, you could just tell, these little guys were serious about getting their share. They were not busy chasing or chattering at each other, all were eating together peacefully. Then I walked close to a nearby pond and noticed this birdhouse. I thought that post was different, not the usual. Then I got close to home again and noticed all the little birds that Emily likes to watch...all huddled together on this truck. Definitely, a hot chocolate sort of day.

Time for Reflection on Tuesday

2011-11-15T16:20:00.001-06:00

Reflection is good for the soul, and although it looks like Emily is deep into her own thoughts, she is actually tracking some little birds. She was so quiet, sneaking up the couch, staying very low until they moved so close to the window that she had to peer down on them. Lucky for them, they were outside the window.

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon, the sun - how they move in silence...We need silence to be able to touch souls.
Mother Teresa

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T16:17:00.000-06:00

Twisting Turbines on Tuesday

2011-11-08T16:03:00.000-06:00

As I was walking one day, I couldn't believe the sight of these wind turbines that close to the edge of town. If I had been run over for standing in the middle of the road, taking this photo, I wouldn't have been more surprised. I have seen these wind turbines coming from the other direction and they really are massive structures, taking over the fields...what used to be actual farm land. There's supposed to be 94 of these things on that side of town? There are already at least 250 on another huge stretch of fields going the opposite direction. This is supposed to be helpful for our energy? What about all the energy that the land had to offer? And all those animals rethinking their habitat that just was taken over again, by the stewards of the land? Who knew the wind could cause so much controversy in a small town? The big company that keeps putting these wind turbines up claims that it is so helpful. I think they are helping themselves to some of the richest fields around, and that makes me sad to think these huge turbines will just become part of the man-made landscape, to capture the wind's energy for a while. These turbines are not even the most efficient style made, so how long will it take for them to be replaced with more efficient models when they decide these are not producing enough energy?

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-11-04T14:29:00.000-05:00

I must admit I haven't been all that faithful to my daily walks, the past few weeks anyway. I can come up with a million and one excuses...too cold, too dark, not enough time in the day, not enough energy in my step...blah, blah, yea, I know. God is merciful and gives me every day to get out and breathe, pray and enjoy life. But the good part about getting out every day is noticing the simple little joys and fingerprints that God puts in front of us to help us get through the day, no matter what time of day it happens to be. God is very compassionate so he listens to my prayers as I walk and lifts my spirit with a few squirrels who notice me passing by, hoping I will bring cookies in my pockets for them. As I was crunching leaves the other day, I happened to notice a leaf that wasn't a leaf at all...but a beautiful Monarch butterfly. What a wonderful thing to discover on an ordinary daily walk...you just never know what God puts in front of you.

Psalm 37:3-4
Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T18:45:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T12:56:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday: Covered Bridge Festival

2011-10-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-10-14T11:13:00.000-05:00

A very colorful week here, with the leaves changing their colors all around and it's a wonder there are any leaves left on their branches with these windy days. It's fun to walk on these nice sunny days, admire these beautiful fingerprints of God, and crunch the leaves that have fallen...why rake when the wind will carry them away? I used to think that the leaves changed their colors because of the lack of chlorophyll during the colder weather, but I learned that these leaves actually contain the pigments of the colors they will eventually turn. Red leaves are really special as this pigment is sensitive to the PH of the sap of the tree, so depending on the acidity and amount of light it receives, will determine if the leaves turn red or purple. I always wondered about the purple leaves...can purple occur naturally in nature? Something to think about as I take in all these different colors of the fall that God created with his glorious light, one pigment at a time.
Psalm 66:1,3
Shout joyfully to God...How awesome are your works.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T14:23:00.000-05:00

Tea for Two on Tuesday

2011-10-11T13:43:00.000-05:00

Hot tea solves everything. Well, that's not entirely true, but hot or iced tea certainly has a soothing, calming, and quenching effect on me. I'm not a tea expert by any means, but I do like to try new things and there are so many different kinds available...it's just exciting to a tea fanatic like myself. I do like chamomile tea when I'm feeling a bit on edge or achy, as it calms me down and lets me sleep peacefully. During the daytime, I usually choose a nice fruity tea or with a touch of mint...peach or raspberry teas are my favorites. Decaffinated tea is sort of a misnomer, but what I like in the mornings as I try to wake up...love the smell, the steam opens my pores and the hot cup warms my hands. I went to a tea room with my daughter this weekend and since it was another warm fall day, we decided to have our lunch out on the deck. She chose a green herbal tea to go with her portebella mushroom sandwich and salad (what's the difference?) and I chose peach tea to go with my fruited turkey sandwich and pasta salad. We thought they had mixed up our teas but they proved to be correct, even though my tea looked green and hers looked peachy. Looking at Bonnie's collection of tea cups and saucers was fun, and everything hanging on the walls had to do with tea. A tea room...maybe I should decorate with tea?

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-09-30T16:38:00.000-05:00

Psalm 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T15:44:00.000-05:00

Sunny Memories on Saturday

2011-09-24T15:11:00.001-05:00

It's one of those days here, when the sun is competing with the big fluffy clouds but we've had some really sunny days this week, all leading up to the first day of fall so I'm feeling rather sunny myself. And I'm not just saying that because I got some sweet deals at the city wide yard sales this morning, or baked brownies for Bingo, and made extras for us to share with our hot chocolate later. There are still some roses blooming and looking at their velvety petals always warms my heart and makes me think of wearing my sweaters again this fall. My favorite one this week was the golden flower that just beamed with the sunshine, telling me fall is on its way, get out your fall colors. I think it's time. We had some beautiful sunsets that really brightened the whole sky, even while the clouds were coming and as I was taking in my peaceful moment before going inside, I turned around to see Mary had already taken off her shoes, enjoying the cool air of the evening.

Wordless Wednesday: Chasing a Cricket

2011-09-14T09:49:00.000-05:00

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-09-09T12:36:00.000-05:00

A feeling of peace and calmness came to me as I watched these ducks swim around the lake at the park that we went to for the Sweetcorn Festival. It was a hurried pace throughout the festival of people, but these ducks were just the fingerprints of God I needed that day to slow down a bit and watch how graceful they were in the lake. They didn't seem to mind the noise all around the park and as I got closer to them, I could feel their quietness within, something good that we all need to feel amist the hurried pace.

Psalm 30:5
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Wordless Wednesday: Sweetcorn Festival

2011-09-07T13:48:00.000-05:00

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-09-02T14:52:00.000-05:00

Some days decisions are easier to make than others, and I find myself sitting on the fence a little longer than I probably should. It's the procrastinator in me, I'm sure. I recently read an article about decision making, and felt my eyes roll a bit when I read that sometimes your mind moves ahead of your body when busy..."the schedule is packed, the pressure is on..." So I take my walks, take in all the simple joys and all the wonderful fingerprints of God, breathe deeply, and try to leave the fence sitting for the squirrels.

John 14:27
I'm leaving you with a gift: peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T16:04:00.000-05:00

Macro Monday

2011-08-29T14:12:00.000-05:00

Among the many weeds that live next to my car, I found this pretty little flower that comes out during the early morning sunshine so it must be a morning glory. The star pattern in the petals opens up to a white center with petals of sky blue makes this one Heavenly Blue. Watch where you step, it just might be the simple joy of the day. If you want to see more macro Monday photos, check out lisaschaos.com.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T16:06:00.000-05:00

First Day on Monday

2011-08-22T14:50:00.000-05:00

Joyful, happy, elated are just a few words to describe some kids I saw this morning, including mine, on their first day of school. The only day of the year I won't have to wake anyone up for school...did anyone sleep is the bigger question. But these are teenagers so fashion is what they are planning all night, knowing that I took care of the rest of the boring stuff...do they have enough paper? Mary with her glittery nails, Ed with his 2 sets of headphones...they are going to make quite a statement on their first day.

There was another first day of school in this little town that I will always remember as a special day...Katie's first day of kindergarten. She's a senior this year in college (in a faraway land) so I missed taking her "first day of school" photo. This is Katie on her very first day of kindergarten and Ed (age 1) and while Mary wasn't born just yet, she was actually there too, 16 years ago.

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-08-19T15:01:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you really have to get close to nature to really appreciate the fine details that God has created. This is also true within ourselves...some days are more difficult than others to appreciate our own details so it is important to take care of yourself every day, just remember to breathe and let the simple joys of the day shine through and lift your spirit once again.

I Corinthians 3:16
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple, and that God's spirit lives in you?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T12:45:00.000-05:00

Macro Monday

2011-08-15T14:01:00.000-05:00

Some pretty blooms I found this weekend around the park that lifted my spirits. Enjoy these simple joys. If you would like to see more Macro Monday photos, check out lisaschaos.

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-08-12T15:18:00.000-05:00

A yard full of chickens really isn't one of my favorite things to talk about, but these particular ones live very close to me so I get to see and hear them quite often. There is a particular rooster that lives among them...I call him "Rusty" as his call sounds rather like an old timer clearing his rusty pipes, very coarse sounding, yet very commanding. Before they finished building their hen house and fenced in the yard, these chickens were all over the place. Talk about free range, they certainly had it for a while, at least. Rusty acted as more of a herding dog, making sure none of the hens ever got run over while they decided to chat in the middle of the road. He would sound off whenever anyone came down our road, and some days this was so often, I started thinking this rooster thinks he's a dog. He would sound off before any of the actual dogs joined in to warn of something coming our way. And stand courageously beside the road, in front of all the hens, until the danger had passed by. He also seems to like to follow the farmer around and gives him the latest report of the day. These chickens are organized, I tell you...and they are all fingerprints of God.

I Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-08-05T16:01:00.000-05:00

This is my little corner of the world...literally, we live on the corner opposite the first house in this photo. I have been taking my evening walks and enjoying the beautiful sunsets this week. This one really struck my heart as I could see and feel God's light in the rays reflecting through the clouds, a true moment of peace as I let God know how thankful I was for that wonderful day and let the stresses of the day pass by.

Psalm 28: 7-9

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his annointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

More Thoughts on Monday

2011-08-01T16:45:00.000-05:00

People travel to marvel at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and yet, they pass by themselves without wondering. ~ Saint Augustine

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-07-22T15:53:00.000-05:00

This seems to be one of those loud weeks for me, people talking, big trucks, even the rooster that lives on our road (that thinks it's a dog)...so very hard to find peace...the dust seems dustier, the air is hard to breathe, the sun is hotter than...well, the sun, but I'm looking everywhere for one of God's fingerprints.

I Chronicles 16:11
I will give you peace and quietness.

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-07-15T14:11:00.000-05:00

I went to a lake this week, one where all the cool geese like to hang out...it was so peaceful, even with all the splashing about and laughter. Just a simple joy, a chance to breathe, and made me think of this wish for everyone to find their gift of fingerprints of God in the sand, water or sky.
Ecclesiastes 3:13
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God.

Taiko Drumming on Tuesday

2011-07-12T14:01:00.000-05:00

Taiko drumming is a relatively new art form from Japan, coming to the United States in the 1960's for performances such as this one. This auditorium was kind of small so I could really feel this music too, and it was so fun to learn about this art form, both ancient and new from Japan, actually coming from the Chinese during the Yayoi period (500 BC -300 AD.) I think the more interesting version of taiko drumming's beginnings is this story...
According to myth, Taiko was started by Ame no Uzume, a shaman-like female diety. One day fed up by her brother, the sun goddess hid herself in a cave. The world became pitch dark and the other dieties tried to appease the sun goddess so that the world would be bright again. They held a big party in front of the cave, and Ame no Uzume danced an erotic dance, stamping her feet on a wooden tub. The other dieties laughed and cheered so loudly that the noise provoked the sun goddess to come out of her cave. And thus, the world saw light again.

Macro Monday

2011-07-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

Some of the beautiful colors of summer. Enjoy.
If you want to see more macro Monday photos, check out lisaschaos.com.

Time Machine for Tuesday

2011-07-05T15:26:00.008-05:00

It was like stepping back into time yesterday, not really sure which time, it was all sort of mixed up. At our park, there were so many interesting things for a fun 4th of July celebration...way before the fireworks. There were old tractors and new ones...really classic cars and not so classic (maybe because I remember these!) My dad's classic 1950 Chevy (the black one in the photo) really shined, even though he parked it in the shade. Then there was the "fur trader" who I thought resembled Col. Mustard trying to sound like an old prospector. He informed me that the black coat hanging up was from a bear (dating back to 1880.) I think he should have let the bear keep his coat then, since he was from a time machine.

Who would expect to see this in our park?

Thankful Thursday

2011-06-30T14:36:00.007-05:00

Roses and Dairy Queen are two of my favorites to be thankful for this summer and this barrel of roses with the flag was just the simple joy of the day...as well as having a yummy peanut butter topped something or other. I'm also thankful for getting to hang out with my teenagers whenever I can, even on a cool, rainy day (that was last week.) I was planning a nice outdoor kind of thing, hoping to walk around some pretty gardens too, but we made the best of it, looked at some mall type stores, explored an Amish "barn" that was filled with little stores (they took lots of photos...even blueberry syrup!) and had a very good day together anyway (something more to be thankful for!) Now they are gone on their own summer vacation so I'm very thankful for a wonderful silly cat...who understands me.

Thankful Thursday

2011-06-16T15:11:00.004-05:00

Bunnies seem to be abundant these days and we are always spotting little ones coming out of their little hidey places (their bower?)...a simple joy to watch and to be thankful for today. I usually see them around in the evenings while taking my walk, and there are also a few who seem to really enjoy the new grass my dad planted in his yard too (top photo.)

A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

Its lovliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

~ John Keats

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T13:17:00.002-05:00

Hug Your Cat on Saturday

2011-06-04T14:15:00.003-05:00

Today is Hug Your Cat Day so Emily and I are celebrating together. Don't you love these summer time holidays?

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-05-27T13:43:00.008-05:00

This week has brought another round of major storms across with tornadoes so it was with a heavy heart that I found these lovely lillies on my walk, afterwards. Of course, we didn't get the worst of it so I'm sorry for those who did. Hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day weekend.

Psalm 16:1

Keep me safe, O God,

for in you I take refuge.

Psalm 16:7-8

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;

even at night my heart instucts me.

I have set the Lord always before me.

Because he is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.

Emily's Words on Wednesday

2011-05-18T15:50:00.006-05:00

Mommy's home! Time to clean up again!

From Cat Facts: Cats do not think that they are little people. They think we are big cats. This influences their behavior in many ways.

Shakespeare on Saturday

2011-05-14T14:35:00.013-05:00

The May flowers have been blooming nicely and it just wouldn't be May without lilacs that fill the air with their beautiful scent as we take our walks...simple joys are all around. Emily and I have been busy this month, but we still like to take time to read the newspapers together and it was exciting to see a photo of my son too. He has a part in a Shakespeare play that opened last weekend, and actually, my son has a white shirt that he wears in the play. So this photo shows a brown shirt, just something they put on him for rehearsals. The girls also wore different gowns. They really chose the actors to fit the characters so they were all great at their parts. It was a wonderful performance...I laughed, I cried. I will go again for another performance tonight. Emily wanted to go to the play too, but I had to mention that there was a little dog in the play so she gave me that look...she will just wait to hear about it again.

Easter Memories for Monday

2011-04-25T18:58:00.008-05:00

Rejoice! These beautiful purple tulips seem to be singing as they bloom just in time for Easter. Such vibrant colors everywhere and simple joys, with Easter fun make wonderful memories.

Yes, it was a Happy Easter!

Spring Tulips for Saturday

2011-04-16T14:09:00.007-05:00

Tulips in bloom are one of the very best parts of spring time and a simple joy for me. I have never seen so many flowering tulip trees in one little town, but they seem to be on every corner around here and so pretty now that they are blooming. This was one tree I noticed on my walk around the park the other day, when it was not a cold, rainy day such as today. It gives off a light fragrance in the breeze, very pleasant as we walk. The other tulips are just coming into bloom, these are just around the library and they are all a vibrant shade of red, really stand out against the green shrubs. If you want to see some really beautiful fields of tulips, check out http://www.tulipfestival.org/galleries. These are some beautiful tulips in Skagit Valley in Washington.

More Art for Monday

2011-04-11T19:14:00.007-05:00

There just hasn't been enough hours in my days lately to be as creative as I would like, but luckily, another artist in my family has been creative so we enjoyed viewing his artwork, during an art walk this weekend. He's another classic car fanatic...well, anything mechanical, so that's what his artwork reflects. He even makes his own stands...out of car parts! I couldn't even make it through crocheting a set of dishcloths this week, but I also managed to bake some yummy banana bread...and Emily approved.

Spring is in the air on Saturday

2011-04-02T15:31:00.011-05:00

The air is still brisk, we can't quite put away our winter clothes just yet, but the feeling of Spring is certainly here and we enjoy every bit that comes our way. It is so wonderful to watch the sun setting and still be warm enough (just barely!) for an evening walk and the simple joys of the day catch my attention...beautiful daffodils are starting to come up when we have warm days. The view of the sky among the trees is more lovely when we are catching the breezes and having fun swinging together. This is how my daughter and I celebrate our warm-ish Spring weather...notice the winter coat and flipflops...simple joys.

We celebrated literature week by turning my daughter into a Chinese princess, just like her book, Princess Academy.

Today we celebrated with the youngest princess in our family...she turned 1 today!

A Few Words on Wednesday

2011-03-02T13:35:00.005-06:00

The snow is finally done for the winter (we think) but March is here (more unpredictable weather) and there is still work to be done. Emily and I have enjoyed hibernating, but I'm looking forward to warmer days for my walks and each new flower to blossom this spring, renewing my spirit.

Solar Flares

2011-02-22T12:56:00.006-06:00

It's snowing here today, but this is something to make everyone think warm thoughts...solar flares. I had never heard of these but apparently they are happening often...explosions of magnetic energy from the solar atmosphere. We went to the planetarium recently and saw some images such as these of the sun. Really never thought much about what the sun looks like on its surface or within (that's right, they showed us inside the sun too.) This will make you think with a different point of view. I appreciate the simple joy of feeling warmth from the sun, now I understand more of where this comes from. This is also what makes it possible to see the northern lights if you are in the northern parts of the world to view this colorful light show of nature. If you want to learn more, you can view the sun with NASA at http://sdo.gfsc.nasa.gov or read about space weather at http://www.spaceweather.com. There are more great images at http://www.space.com.

Thankful Thursday

2011-02-10T16:01:00.003-06:00

So many things to be thankful for today...thinking of a warm home in this freezing weather. You wonder how anything can survive in these conditions, but still it's wonderful to see the beauty in nature all around us.

Something that makes me smile on such days as today...a poem by my daughter based on the poem "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer

I think I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

When I go outside,
I hope you don't mind,
for when I see a tree,
please, let me be.

Then I climb to the top,
so far up I can't hear the horse's clip-clop.

Then, sadly, when I have to come down,
I fall quickly with a bound
on something round.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T15:51:00.002-06:00

Winter Blues on Saturday

2011-02-05T16:02:00.006-06:00

Winter blues are pretty common right around this time of year, and I look forward to days like this one, when winter blues takes on new meanings. Always good to see things from a new point of view. This photo is what I saw when I opened my door today...the neighbor's dog already came by for a visit and you can see his tracks didn't sink down very far for a big dog. This is new snow that fell this morning, underneath is mostly ice packed snow, and it's different to be able to walk on top of the snow. I couldn't get a photo of what it looked like when we had the blizzard this week, the snow was all the way up on the door so I couldn't even open the door. Taking a walk around the park today, enjoying the simple joys of these winter blue skies and winter fun, makes the snow sparkle and my heart sing.

Colorful Tale on Tuesday

2011-01-25T13:18:00.005-06:00

I recently read a good little story about the color gray, and I never thought too much about this color besides making a gradient or watching the clouds turn gray...you know it's ready to storm soon. I enjoy mixing colors and try not to mix too many to make it turn gray or "mud" as some call it. I thought mud was supposed to be brown, but maybe they are referring to the color of gray clay, which is a lot like mud when you mix water with it, then it's called silt. I am getting off track again. This happens when I look at all the colors of my prismacolors and start sketching. Terra cotta, orchid, and sunflower are all names that come to mind while searching for the next color to mix. These are a couple of my sketches that I worked on this morning but I tend to get distracted sometimes. Thinking in colors is one of my simple joys of the day and getting distracted by my beautiful cat is another.

Fingerprints on Friday

2011-01-14T13:29:00.010-06:00

More snow on the way...maybe these words are not what everyone wants to hear, but we all know that winter is here and plans to stay for a while. Snow is one of those fingerprints of God that we can see clearly, but to look at it from a different point of view can be fun and inspirational...the way God intended, I'm sure. Take a look at this burning bush, usually looking quite serious when it has its leaves that turn a beautiful color (looking like it's on fire) before it loses its leaves and looks bare for the winter. This view with the snow poking in the branches is not serious at all, and makes us giggle every time we walk passed. Then there are the many patterns God makes in the snow that is created with the wind, as the snow drifts. Sometimes we see a face, or a butterfly, or even a profile of a dog in the snow patterns, just as you can while looking at an abstract work of art, only the creator really knows what it's all about.

Proverbs 3:5

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him

And He shall direct your paths."

Thankful Thursday: Peaceful Moment

2011-01-06T10:28:00.006-06:00

Today is cloudy with a few flurries...I will not soon forget this stinging wind on my face...until I see the sun again. This was a moment I remember, just a couple of days ago, for looking at the sky at the end of a beautiful day, with bright blue skies and the clouds only forming during this lovely sunset. I like to see the colors as they pass through the trees and the way these clouds were forming, looking like its own landscape...see the peaks? This was a peaceful moment, giving me clarity and remember to just breathe and appreciate this simple joy for the day, for this I am thankful.

We do not remember days; we remember moments. ~ Cesare Pavese

Wordless Wednesday: Bunny Tracks

2011-01-05T13:16:00.002-06:00

Keeping Track on Tuesday: Happy 2011

2011-01-04T13:30:00.007-06:00

Some of the Christmas time things that have kept me occupied these past couple of weeks...shopping, wrapping, baking lots of cookies, making soaps with Christmas scents (peppermint, snow angels, and tinsel) Christmas programs and concerts, Christmas (had 3 of them this time) getting older (had another birthday on New Year's Eve) and shoveling snow again, only to have tons of rain fall on my birthday and the snow mostly melted. The last 2 photos show the snow a few days after Christmas, and I'm pretty sure those tracks are squirrel tracks. I have a feeling we are not close to being done with the snow storms here yet, it's only the beginning of the year.

New year, new beginnings...I want to wish everyone a Happy 2011. There are so many simple joys to be discovered on a daily basis and new ways to be creative. These are my observations for my new beginnings this year and I'm ready to get started and learn more new things. I'm not making any new resolutions this year. I'm a procrastinator so the process itself has to keep my interest or nothing gets accomplished anyway. I have never used a scratchboard before but found this process to be very satisfying, reminding me of my intaglio work but I didn't have to think about the sharp edges of the metal plate that tended to slow my work down at times (note to self...not a good thing to put cut hands into an acid bath!) I have to say that Emily has many more whiskers than the cat I drew, but I have noticed her staring intently on an object such as this little fuzzy ball. Maybe the next subject will lend itself more to colors and I can try out using the inks too, but I like the look of this scratching, reminding me of a certain black and white cat I know and love.

Wordless Wednesday: Icicles

2010-12-15T10:55:00.004-06:00

Thankful Thursday

2010-12-09T12:58:00.004-06:00

The wreath is on the door
and the snow is on the tree.
God has laid His holy hands
on all that we can see.

Be quick to raise your voice
and praise what He has brought.
Keep now His love in every choice
and Christmas in every thought.

Thankful for the beautiful colors and simple joys of preparing for Christmas during Advent.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-08T15:26:00.004-06:00

Shopping? Out there in the cold?

I will wait here.

Too Cold for Tuesday

2010-12-07T15:18:00.009-06:00

The excitement of the first few flurries of December was an understatement compared to the first snow storm we had just a few days later. We haven't seen this kind of snow for a very long time so you can imagine our fun of watching the snow falling and then getting out in it...wonder what was going on in Emily's mind as she watched from inside the house? We live on a road that doesn't get plowed so this will be a fun winter, I can tell already, but the field, blanketed in snow was beautiful. The simple joy of a snowy day is like nothing else and I haven't seen anyone so happy in zero degree weather (my daughter.)

Thankful Thursday

2010-12-02T13:51:00.003-06:00

Again That Time of Year is Here

Again that time of year is here
when wreaths, elves, lights appear.
The hue of Santa's suit and sleigh,
adding color the wintry skies of gray.
Until pansies, roses, tulips grow,
melting all of the Season's snow.
But I like holly, gifts, Advent more
than all that springtime holds in store.
For it's this I tell you I adore:
Again that time of year is here
when wreaths, elves, lights appear.

Thankful for the simple joy of decorating for Christmas today.

Few Words on Wednesday

2010-12-01T14:36:00.005-06:00

Frost in the mornings makes everything more peaceful. These were taken a few days ago, when it was still fall in November.

It's snowing today. They call it a few flurries here. I think it's time for hot chocolate...welcome to December.

Frosty Christmas Parade

2010-11-30T10:34:00.018-06:00

Some highlights of our Christmas parade this weekend...it started as all of our parades begin, with the VFW leading the way and then the usual characters followed. They were making all of us laugh. The theme this year was Frosty the Snowman and it was certainly a frosty day, but we also had some beautiful blue skies to enjoy this year's Christmas parade.

This was the cutest little "gift" being pulled in her wagon...by a Christmas elf!

There was a "bag lady" walking around, handing out big grocery bags with coupons!

My parents riding in their 1950 Chevy, all decorated for the parade.

The boy scouts braving the cold.

My nephew with the boy scouts...he has on some Illini earmuffs!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T12:33:00.007-06:00

Emily reminds me to be thankful for all the simple joys this fall...crunching leaves, the crisp air with the scents of autumn, walking and enjoying autumn colors and nature all around. I can clearly see how thankful she is for her sunbeam, especially after another round of storms and windy weather. She also likes looking at my treasured photos with me, usually sitting on my photo albumns to make sure I don't miss anything. This treasured photo is of my kids, much younger then, when they all had to be Indians (actually only my son was an Indian for a school play, but the girls couldn't be left out for Thanksgiving photo!) This photo is a simple joy that makes me smile...Emily too. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food,

For love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

Fingerprints on Friday

2010-11-19T13:07:00.005-06:00

Emily is more of a bird fancier than I am and she can be seen bird watching quite often...ears flat, eyes squinting in the sunshine and laying low on her perch on the back of her couch. So I'm sure she must have noticed this bird much quicker than I did. It was perched up high on the lamp post near the neighbor's house. There were 3 very noisy crows trying to shoo it away, but it just gave them this look. I'm guessing he was looking for a snack in the field. Did you know their eyesight is 8 times as powerful than humans? Beautiful bird to watch in flight, and their scream is a little haunting sometimes as they soar. This hawk is a beautiful fingerprint of God, found in nature, to be enjoyed on this sunny autumn day.

Psalms 119: 105

Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

Wordless Wednesday: Fire and Ice

2010-11-17T12:47:00.005-06:00

Manly and Merry Monday

2010-11-15T12:17:00.007-06:00

Time for a proud mom moment and more treasured photos...this is my daughter, all ready for her chorus concert. She sang a medley of Beatles' songs with her group and there were quite a few talented kids with solos, duets and quartets on that stage. They all did a great job of entertaining us. I don't think she realized the significance of the Beatles' influence on pop culture and music until now. I'm just happy she's learning here and having fun too. Then there is my son with his suit and tie, all ready for his speech competition. The last time he was seen wearing a tie was for his first communion, in 2nd grade. I thought they were both cute then too.

Thankful Thursday: Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T12:50:00.007-06:00

Some of my treasured photos to share on this Veteran's Day...my dad in 1954 and a sweet one of my dad holding me...long time ago. Then there is a recent one of my dad and my son, another treasured photo. Thank a Veteran and it will make both of you smile today.

Wordless Wednesday: Bird Watching with Emily

2010-11-10T13:20:00.002-06:00

Touch of Sunshine on Tuesday

2010-11-09T13:47:00.008-06:00

Days like this one don't happen very often around here in November...warm sunshine, bright blue skies makes me smile on my walk and notice the simple joys of nature.

Sunlit Interrogation by Judith Pordon

In an empty lot,

with motors, tires,

a congregation of tired feet,

beside bougainvilla

and once a week watered palm,

a lone chair waits.

Sink into white

plastic. Balance heels

on brazen cement.

Your shadow

will hint

of right or wrong.

Look closely,

Your sermon

is under foot.

Fingerprints on Friday

2010-11-05T12:39:00.003-05:00

This is one of the last of the beautiful hydrangeas this fall. Luckily, I took this photo before the hail storm we had yesterday. Most of the beautiful colors of autumn have all turned to brown now, but when there are sparks of colors like this, you have to take notice. My daughter likes these flowers in blue, and because they can be in shades of blue or pink, I think it depends on the acidity of the soil. I think they are pretty at the end of the season, their colors get muted as they become dry in autumn, a very nice fingerprint of God, and a simple joy.

Wordless Wednesday: Morning View

2010-11-03T14:05:00.002-05:00

Thankful Thursday

2010-10-28T11:44:00.003-05:00

Today I'm thankful for getting through the big storms and destructive high winds this week. I have been looking at the clouds a lot lately, and they appear different every day. This cloud formation may not look like anything special, but it also had what looked like a cross to me, so I took that as a good sign.

Wordless Wednesday: Max, the Library Cat

2010-10-27T12:30:00.001-05:00

Chief Illiniwek

2010-10-25T12:35:00.009-05:00

Chief Illiniwek, the Cherokee mascot for the University of Illinois' Fighting Illini, did his traditional dance at the Assembly Hall (the building that looks like an alien ship landed.) He had just made an appearance at the Homecoming parade the night before and again that afternoon for the Homecoming game...Illinois won 42-13...he was still very energetic and gets the crowd to rally around him, although there is a big controversy surrounding this mascot. The band performed, there were speakers in support of the chief and then there was also his dad, also a Cherokee, who spoke very well on the controversial subject and introduced the former chiefs and his son, before he gave his performance. He is a wonderful example of keeping a tradition alive and I enjoyed sharing that tradition with my kids too.
(the chief shouts) I-L-L (the crowd answers) I-N-I! The Chief Lives!

I had the privilege of meeting Chief Illiniwek and his dad after the chief danced. He does all his dances barefoot, whether inside the Assembly Hall (concrete floor) or outside on the football field.

It was an awesome performance. The Chief Lives! There is a website you can visit...it has better videos than mine and you can see lots of dancing...http://www.thechieflives.com.

Fingerprints on Friday

2010-10-22T13:40:00.007-05:00

Many of our leaves have already fallen, but it's always nice to walk around this conservation area to look at all the trees, the bright red one is a Sassafrass tree...very peaceful, it has God's fingerprints all over it. The geese, also fingerprints of God, are right in front of where the boats are supposed to go into the water, and there is a sign next to them that has "do not block boat ramp" but these geese probably didn't read that sign.

Thankful Thursday

2010-10-21T13:26:00.004-05:00

Bright blue skies, beautiful autumn colors everywhere...simple joys to be thankful for this fall. It's wonderful to feel the wind, crunch the fallen leaves and simply have fun today.

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. ~ John Muir

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-20T13:47:00.002-05:00

Macro Monday: Moth or Butterfly

2010-10-18T13:45:00.007-05:00

There are certain differences between moths and butterflies, and from what I remember about butterflies, besides their beautiful colors, are their antenae and wings...making me wonder if I saw a brown butterfly? I also saw this rose blooming in October and a web on this shrub that reminded me of a bridge, more simple joys of fall. If you want to see more Macro Monday photos, you can visit http://lisaschaos.com.

Wordy Wednesday: Covered Bridges Festival

2010-10-13T13:51:00.010-05:00

I went to the Covered Bridges festival in Indiana yesterday, and although it started out to be a very foggy morning here, the sun came out and was another warm day to enjoy. We found a good spot by the grist mill for lunch and then it was time to go through the covered bridge and look at all the booths. There were 6 different towns to stop in, with historical covered bridges, but we only went to one...no wonder it lasts for 10 days...that's a lot of shopping.

There were so many food vendors, it was hard to choose...no, I didn't choose pizza this time, but had to take this photo with my kids in mind...I am in the reflection in the glass (where the pizza is gone.)

I enjoyed reading all the signs that people made...this one made me laugh...

I purchased a few gifts for my kids, a jar of yummy apple butter from the Amish (why did I only get one?) and a sweatshirt that will certainly remind me to enjoy the simple joys of fall.

Monday in the Orchard

2010-10-11T17:47:00.009-05:00

A warm October day with bright blue skies, great for visiting an apple orchard. I think about a million others had the same idea, but once we managed to get through the crowds, we soon had our bags filled with apples. The little country store and cafe was filled with wonderful aromas of apples and cinnamon, so we also went home with some yummy apple doughnuts. I didn't have any time to take a picture of those...they were gone too quickly, but it was a fun time of enjoying some simple joys for all of us.

There was also a pumpkin patch...

Fingerprints on Friday

2010-09-24T12:06:00.004-05:00

Canadian geese seem to be everywhere this week, so the weather keeps changing and it must be time for their migration, just like all the Monarch butterflies we keep seeing everywhere. We saw this flock taking a well-deserved rest under this huge evergreen, and it was wonderful to observe these fingerprints of God, found in nature, to be enjoyed by us.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. ~ II Corinthians 5:7

The moon was so full and bright last night, it captured my attention so I attempted to take some photos through the clouds. The thin clouds showed a light orange glow, not sure if it's a halo effect or actual corona of the moon but it was beautiful and another fingerprint of God, a simple joy to watch last night.

Thankful Thursday

2010-09-23T08:04:00.005-05:00

Some thoughts for this Thankful Thursday...so many simple joys to be thankful for today, but what does a chair have to do with being thankful, other than having a place to sit? This chair, along with 3 others just like it, and a table (that resembles more of an altar!) was given to me recently by some friends. I'm ok with the minimalist look I have here, but the thought of having them made me almost want to cook again...almost. It was their kind gesture that I'm thankful for, along with the sunshine again so I can continue working on them. I already glued the legs (Gorilla glue is awesome!) and sanded them down so I can add some paint and new fabric to these chairs and they will look...well, not like new, but maybe better. Also thankful that my little plants had the chance to bloom before the torential rains pummeled them.

"Let us draw a lesson from nature, which always works by short ways. When the fruit is ripe, it falls." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T09:03:00.002-05:00

Macro Monday

2010-09-20T08:30:00.006-05:00

Yesterday my daughter and I had another good day of getting lost in the woods...umm, I mean collecting leaves and studying the trees. We found this beautiful oak tree, an American Oak, I think. Who knew there could be so many varieties of the same kinds of trees? This is a day of close-ups so I thought I would share these today...the American Oak, my beautiful daughter and my beautiful cat, Emily. If you would like to see more macro Monday shots, visit http://lisaschaos.com/.

Fingerprints on Friday

2010-09-17T08:38:00.007-05:00

Deer are truely God's creatures, so graceful and beautiful to watch. The skies were clear and blue, the breezes were just right that day we saw these beautiful deer grazing in the forest conservation area. We were there to collect leaves and study the trees, but seeing these deer really made my heart sing. It was a mother with her two spotted little ones, looking so peaceful. I could have watched these deer for the rest of the day, and it was amazing that they would let us be so close to them. I'm sure these deer must have seen all kinds of people there, and knew they were safe from harm. These deer are some beautiful fingerprints of God, found in nature, to be enjoyed by all of us.

This is from Psalm 96

"Be glad earth and sky! Roar sea and every creature in you: be glad fields and everything in you! The trees in the woods will shout for joy."

Thankful Thursday - Our Lady of Sorrows

2010-09-16T08:38:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was the feast day to honor Mary, "Our Lady of Sorrows" for her seven sorrows, so she is often depicted with her heart exposed and seven swords piercing it. She was such a lady of courage, strength, faith and love in her day, and that continues today in our hearts and prayers. Say an extra "Hail Mary" today in honor of "Our Lady of Sorrows" especially for those who need that intercession from the one who truely knows how to comfort the afflicted.

Hail Mary, full of grace!

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed are thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

St. Bernard wrote (1153) "Truely, O Blessed Mother, a sword has pierced your heart...He died in his body through a love greater than anyone has ever known. She died in spirit through a love unlike any other since His."

La Madre Dolorosa by A. Vonn Hartung

Wordless Wednesday - Emily

2010-09-15T08:39:00.003-05:00

Smile with a Caterpillar on Monday

2010-09-13T13:41:00.002-05:00

Each moment
of my gratitude-heart
is full of God-smiles.

This little caterpillar made me smile, so full of perserverance.

Shadows on Sunday

2010-09-05T14:38:00.007-05:00

These are some interesting shadows for this Shadow Shot Sunday. My kids were having fun with their shadows after playing mini-golf at night, so these shadows were from the overhead lights rather than the sun. Then there are shadows from the window when my big kids (my daughter and her boyfriend) were learning to play poker. The last shadow is from Emily's sunbeam from the window, which makes interesting patterns on the floor. If you want to see more shadows, visit Hey Harriet.

Fingerprints on Friday

2010-09-03T09:20:00.007-05:00

As usual during these hot summer months, there are always groups of people praying that the farmers get their rainy times at the right times for their crops. The ground was so dry that there were huge cracks...where living things should be growing...so the people prayed and the skies opened up with a good rainstorm this week, and God answered with a beautiful promise of better days with a rainbow. Then this morning, with a beautiful sunrise that colored the clouds a lovely shade of peach. The skies are a wonderful place to see fingerprints of God...some even refer to it as the heavens above and I still enjoy talking to the clouds, it brings me peace.

This is from Psalm 19...a psalm of David.

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into the earth,

their words to the ends of the world."