Friday Happnin's

Me, a Budding Artist?

On Wednesday, I told you I was going to start painting.  Well, I have done my first canvas!

I told you that you would not be able to recognize anything in my paintings because I don't paint things.  I love abstract art!

There is also madness behind the reasoning or reasoning behind the madness.  Whichever!

I am not an artist and could really not paint anything recognizable at this point if I tried.  So, abstracts it will be.

This is my first attempt.  (The colors are not as accurate as they could be.)  I may add some more layers and touch-ups, but as of now, this is it.

I used colors that would go in my bedroom.  When it's hung, I'll show you.

 

I haven't titled it yet.  Any ideas?

Oh My Goodness!

We had a scary and potentially tragic event in our little Garden Home section yesterday morning.

A lady taking her grandson to school was evidently blinded by the early morning sun and in order to avoid hitting the back of another car ahead of her, swerved and instead of hitting the brake accelerated into the side of this house.

 The scary thing is that this is the room of the beautiful little four-year-old daughter who had just been taken to preschool.

This is inside her room.  We are praising God for protecting her, for had it happened a few minutes earlier, it could have been very tragic.

Thankfully, neither the driver nor her grandson were hurt either, so there is much for which to be grateful.

ANNOUNCEMENT!

 I am so excited about something new that I will be starting next week and just had to share it with you.

I will be featuring some of the special ladies God has brought into my life who exemplify Beauty Without & Within.

A different lady will share her interests, loves, inspiration, and home with you every other Thursday.

I hope you will look forward to meeting them as much as I look forward to introducing these special ladies to you.

Look for the first edition next week when you will meet a dear friend who is truly beautiful without and within.

Jobs, Contentment, Pickles & Painting

Do you remember lines from an old movie that went something like, "It's Monday we must be in France," or "It's Tuesday, we must be in Brazil,"  etc.  Anyway, to paraphrase those lines:  "It's Wednesday, I must be in Hodgepodge!"  Okay, that was weak, but regardless, I'm glad to be Hodgepodging with all you Hodgepodge Wednesday gals.  Thanks Joyce for hosting us.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Labor Day weekend (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year?
Relationships!  Nuff said!
 
2. What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?
RETIRED
 
3. What was your worst or least favorite job ever? Why?
While in college, I worked for a short time in a cosmetic studio in an elderly woman's home.  She had been doing this business for 50 years, and thought she was in need of an assistant.  I have never been so bored in all my life.  The make-up aspect was fun, but I hated doing inventory, and we didn't have any customers.  Oh heavens, I lasted maybe three weeks.

4. How do you measure contentment?
According to God's Word.  Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."  The writer of Hebrews wrote in 13:5, "Be content with such things as you have."  I think the secret to contentment is always seeking to put God first in all things and whether we have much or little, being content, knowing that "God will never leave us or forsake us...so we can boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear..."

5. Pickles-like or dislike? What is something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?I am not a big fan of pickles, period.  However, a good potato salad must always have chopped bread and butter pickles to be acceptable.

6. In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?My church, the Fitness Center, grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, friends

7. What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?Do a painting.  See next response.
 
8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
I have always wanted to paint and thought when the kids got older, that's what I would do.  Then, it became, when the kids leave home painting will be my first hobby.  At some point it became, when I retire watch out because I am going to take over the art world.  Well, its been two years and I didn't even own a paint brush much less anything else to go along with it.

NOT ANYMORE!

I did it!  Hubby bought me a canvas at an estate sale last weekend, so there you go.  First step!  Hobby Lobby was having a sale on acrylics, and other art supplies, so I just decided it was time to get started.  I even have an easel!

YEA ME!

 DISCLAIMER!

 Don't expect to ever recognize anything in any painting I may ever be brave enough to share on here.

Now, what are you going to tackle the rest of this summer?

A Visit to the Past

 Will you indulge me a trip back in time?

This was my second post on this blog two years ago.  I guess I'm in a nostalgic mood today and thought I would revise this earlier post.

Confidence

As I was sitting in an office waiting on my husband the other day, I couldn't help but notice a headline topic on the front of a magazine:  "What's Sexy Now!  85 Secret Tricks to Head-Turning Confidence."

Since I was the only one in the office, and for the sake of research for my blog, I decided to read the article.

Well, in reality, I was really not expecting to find the most wholesome or beneficial information inside this magazine.  I was not disappointed.

Let me show you just four of the 85 things on your must-have sexy checklist:

(I know, I've left you crying for the remaining 81, haven't I!)

So, with this enlightened take on "Sexy Confidence," I took stock of my current wardrobe.  It was quickly evident I had not, nor would I have sexy confidence any time soon based on this criteria.

Now, I must admit that for most women with whom I spend time, the wearing of these four items would totally destroy what confidence we might have managed to retain after shopping for swim suits.

For a very humorous image, try to imagine a bunch of near 70 year old women tottering around in strappy stilettos, wondering how to hide the cellulose and varicose veins while wearing that short skirt.  For me, that's enough imagery to keep me laughing for some time without even thinking about what would be on display to the world in the see-through dress.  And the backless dress brings its own set of issues.

Since it is obvious I will not benefit from "head-turning sexy confidence" following these suggestions, let me share with you three examples of what the Word says about confidence, then how God's special lady can demonstrate His confidence.

In 2 Kings and in 2 Chronicles, we find King Hezekiah being challenged by the King of a powerful opposing nation with a question we need to ask ourselves today:  "On what are you basing this confidence of yours?"

Hezekiah gave his answer as he addressed his fearful citizens:  "'Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because...there is a greater power with us...The Lord our God is with us to help us and to fight our battles.'"  And the people gained confidence."  (2 Chronicles 32:8)

The prophet Jeremiah wrote as recorded in verse 7 of chapter 17:  "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him."

Of course we could never leave out God's amazing servant Paul and what he had to say about this.  In Phillippians 3:3 he said, "We boast in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh."  Then in 2:24 of that same book he summed it up by saying, "I am confident in the Lord!"

Summary?  Godly confidence does not come from shoes or clothes or the lack thereof.

It is true that how we dress and appear in public relays to others our level of self-confidence.  But ladies, let me ask you.  On what are you basing this confidence of yours?  Is it on what you wear, whether your makeup is on or not, how you perceive someone else feels about you?  Or is your confidence in the Lord?

Lastly, from the immortal words of Erma Bombeck:

"Here's my morning ritual.  I open a sleepy eye, take one horrified look at my reflection in the mirror and then repeat with conviction:  "I'm me and I'm wonderful.  Because God doesn't make junk."

Whose mirror are you looking into?  Our culture's or our Creator's?

Walk with real confidence my sister "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."  (Philippians 1:6)

You are God's Special Lady!

Thanks for going back in time with me on this Monday.

Forty Four Years Ago Today

What is more momentous than the birth of a child?
Especially, your first.

Forty four years ago God gave us the most wonderful gift - a little 7lb. 3oz., beautiful, black-headed papoose!

Today, we celebrate the gift of August 22, 1969, and the amazing gift he has continued to be to us.

 Father and son began a tradition on that day that continued until the torch was passed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 But, there will always be those special Father Son moments!

Happy Birthday son, and we thank God for blessing us with the special gift of YOU!

Visible Monday - Shop in Your Closet

I am joining a new group on this Monday morning.

Visible Monday

A shopper I am not!  That being said, I did happen into a department store this past week and browsed their sales.

I found this cute little Alex Marie dress that I decided didn't need to remain in the store.

After getting it home, I realized I had a variety of little jackets that would take this little sheer dress into a Louisiana fall.

This little black jacket and chunky silver necklace bring out the darker tones in the pattern and dress it up a bit.

 I love the way this bright yellow shrug and gold jewel necklace, make the outfit more festive.

 This gray jacket adds a softer affect.  I combined it with
a necklace of pearls and silver.

 I have already found a couple more jackets that can change up this little dress.

Now, what do you think about adding these cute little yellow AK ballet flats?

Cute aren't they?  And a real deal from Macy's this spring.

Can you shop in your closet and come up with some new outfits too?

Have a great Monday.

"The Girl That I Marry" & the Girl John Married

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?
Oh geez, this is embarrassing.  I can't think of a thing I have mastered in the recent weeks or months.  Unless you want to consider the ability to sit and read without worrying about what is not getting done in my house.  This is probably not exactly what you had in mind.

2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?
The first song that came to mind was "The Girl That I Marry."  This was one of my dad's favorite songs because he knew he had married the perfect "girl" for him.  Written by Irving Berlin in 1946 for the musical "Annie Get Your Gun," it was sung and made popular by first Frank Sinatra then Eddy Howard in 1950.

"The Girl That I Marry"

I have precious memories of my dad waltzing me around the floor while singing this song.  He enjoyed playing this record and one time even played it and other selections over a loud speaker in our little Acadian community.  He loved music and enjoyed exposing us to a wide variety. 

3. What do you think about single gender groups and/or events? Should every group/event be open to both genders?  If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate?
I do not think every group/event should be open to both genders!  Let's face it, men and women are different and we need to be able to express that difference with members of the same gender.

In my younger years, I was part of a "Young Women's Missionary" organization that was specifically designed and tailored for women.  We never had a man express interest in joining.  Also, I am looking forward to joining a well established women's club this fall that meets on a regular basis to discuss various topics that affect and interest women.  I dare say, there hasn't been one man to ever express an interest in being part of this group.

That being said, I think it is equally important men and women have the opportunity to experience the coming together to enjoy groups/events where there is a common interest.  In my case, this is a Sunday School class.

4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?
Basil!  Favorite dish:  Tomato, Basil Quiche

5.  I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and asked if I could steal/borrow it for the Hodgepodge...thanks Marla!

Chevron patterns are everywhere!  Do you like it or think its just a little too much? Do you own anything 'chevron'?
Chevron, oh chevron, how I tire of thee.  I like it alright; don't have any; think its okay in very small doses.

6.  What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?
Being indoors!  As a child, I was a bit of a tomboy and wanted to spend every waking hour outside.  As an adult, I fully appreciate being indoors, especially when the thermometer is in the high 90's and low 100 degree range.

7. What can irritate you very quickly?
Repetitive sounds.  A woman's high-pitched voice.  Poor service.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Today is our son's wedding anniversary.  John and Michelle have been married 19 years.  She is truly our God-given Daughter-in-love, and we are so grateful for her.

Happy Anniversary guys!

And, if you just like to listen to lovely music, you might enjoy this selection by Mantovani:

Mantovani Orchestra Selection

Granddaughter & My Anchor

Granddaughter's Visit

What delights a grandparent more than to spend time with her grands?
This past week, we had the pleasure of the company of our oldest.

Chandler, an Education Major, will be a Junior at Texas A&M this fall.

She has always been a complete delight to be around, but oh the joy of sharing time with her as a young adult!

We loved watching her veg out while participating in some of the programing during Shark Week.

We shopped till we both dropped and enjoyed eating out some as well as offering her some good home-cooked meals.

Then, Friday afternoon, she indulged me with my camera.

SHOW OFF TIME!

My Anchor

In the last three weeks, we have lost a close friend because of a heart attack, another survived her heart attack, but had to have three stints, and another had triple bypass this past week.  I just learned that the 42 year old son of a close former co-worker died as a result of heart failure.  There are so many hurting people.

Where does one turn 

When sadness crashes like an ocean,

When fear is deeper than the sea,

When we are swallowed by the darkness?

For the believer in Jesus Christ, we turn to the "Anchor for the soul!" (Heb. 6:19)

If there is ever a time when you can't see the light on the other side, and feel all alone, seek The Anchor who is "firm and secure."

I can't seem to get enough of this beautiful song sung by The Tenors.

The Tenors - Anchor Me

Have a great Monday!