A Closer Look - Where's Waldo?

 If you've been following my blog entries or Facebook posts this summer you will know that I have been enjoying many a morning's walk, what I've dubbed as "my appointment with the Son" - its been a combination of trying to capture beautiful sunrises as well as a time to visit with the Creator.

I find it truly amazing that a man made camera lens cannot do justice to what my "God-made" eye lens actually sees. So many times I'm disappointed that the colors and hues aren't as I see it. Of course, I do know that better camera lens come much closer than what I am able to capture with my iPhone camera, but it's what I have and I am thankful for it. And with that, I want to make a small disclaimer to the quality of the following photos....you'll understand in a moment...but look past the technicalities of the photo and really "see" the heart of what I wish to convey.

For example. Go back and glance again at the opening shot. This is the bay this morning on my walk. Yesterday we had a little rain, and actually today, just ten minutes after arriving home there was a shower.  I enjoy taking morning photos, it reminds me that each day is brand new. I have to admit, I really look for the "wow" shots - those days that the clouds are a beautiful formation, that the rays of the sun allow me to capture them...yes, you could say that I'm "heavenly minded" when I see such glory - glory that belongs to God alone.

My thoughts focused else where this morning...how I'm always looking forward to what God has in store that I sometimes miss the everyday things...for example...

When you looked at the scenery - did you happen to notice the little fishing boat in the bay?

(here's where the advance apology for grainy photos comes into play - zooming in doesn't always produce the best results, but bare with me. There's a point).

This little boat reminded me that on any given day I may or may not see a small boat. On occasion there's been a sailboat, some days shrimp boats. Some days nothing. Dare I suggest that this could be an analogy of the people that you meet, the ones that come and go in your lives....

Now look again - what else do you see?

A big ship on the horizon! Galveston Bay is part of the Inner Coastal Waterway which brings huge ships into the port of Houston and other various stops along the way. On any given day there could be hundreds of ships lining up across the horizon.  Again, this caused me reflect on "there's a big big world out there."

Shall we continue? I bet you have no idea what this is....

And you probably still don't (grin).  Okay, this is something that you'd really have to "be there" to notice, and if you aren't looking you probably would have missed anyway.  This is a wade fisherman. Yep. He's up to his elbows in the water. Most mornings when I make my way to the bay there is a fisherman either in the water or fishing off the pier behind me. My little community was originally settled by fishermen.

Want to try again?

Okay, so again it was a trick question - that's a second fisherman out there. As I said, on any given day there is between one and four souls out there enjoying what they enjoy (fishing) and I can't help but wonder if they too enjoy each new sunrise. Oh, and to continue my thoughts of what this reminds me of...when Jesus said "follow me and I will make you fishers of men".  Perhaps when I see these fellows I should be reminded to pray for pastors and missionaries, remembering too, that we are all called to be fishermen for Him...

I hope you are liking this sea-side Where's Waldo? adventure with me..how about another close up...

That one was easy. But I bet you missed it the first time? Admit it...ya' did. (grin). One of the many sea gulls, pelicans, and various other birds that call the bay their home. Neighbors, perhaps?

By now are you starting to take a closer look and wonder where my mind's eye is heading next?

To the obvious things. Things right in front of us that we tend to overlook. Continuing the analogy, could this be those near and dear for us - friends and family? Those that we take for granted that will always been there, our foundation, our constant?

One more and we'll call it a day...

Of course, the focus of the entire shot - the sunrise. Yes, today was a bit overcast, but the sun rose never the less. The one constant in all our lives. The Creator God has set the world into motion, the sun rises and it sets. Some days we see it, some days we don't - but it's there none the less.  My thoughts this morning? That my focus should be first and foremost on my Heavenly Father, and in the meantime I'm not to be so "heavenly minded that I'm no earthly good" He's given each one of us family, friends, neighbors, strangers....people. People who matter and are deserving of our time and our love.

Oh, and one more thing - did you see the flock of birds in the above focus closeup of the sunrise? Good for you!  Perhaps this means that you will join me in.....

Taking time to smell the roses!

Breakfast of Champions!

 We interrupt this quilting blog for a nutritional break. Actually, this quilting blog has been anything but quilting lately - but hey, it's summer! A time to relax, refresh, and try new things.

So my new thing is trying to eat more veggies. I'm a plain salad sort of gal, just a little lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli and croutons. Yep, pretty plain. Don't even do dressing, well, once in a while a little ranch, but pretty much a plain Jane when it comes to variety in eating, cooking or non-cooking as the case may be. In reality, the only other veggies I get is when we go out to eat and I'll venture out and get a fresh grilled mix...so when I say I need to increase my veggie intake, I truly need to increase my veggie intake.

So when my friend Tom Russell was over for a friendly studio visit last week our talk turned to his drinking green smoothies...I replied that I didn't care much for greens and couldn't see "going green" as I'm a fruit smoothie sorta gal. When Tom shared that I could mix the two, fruit AND greens,  it perked my interest!

So Tom & I went to Krogers. Seriously. Right then and there. We hopped in his car and away we went. I'm a very visual learner and I probably wouldn't have tried some of this if he hadn't of held my hand - well, actually instead of holding my hand he came back to my kitchen and made me one to try! Wow, I can drink veggies!

There's not a "set" recipe, but here's what I put in my Vita Mix this morning:

(1) Canned pineapple in it's own juice (never heavy juice - you defeat the "healthy" goal). Now for the record, this wasn't in Tom's version, he uses spring water for the base, but I've always liked this for my fruit smoothies so we went with it.

(2) Veggies - we added spinach, broccoli and shredded carrots, limiting the veggies for my "first taste" since I'm not big into greens and Tom didn't want a strong flavor to scare me away. Tom, you will be happy to know that in a week's time I've "grown up" and this morning added kale, bean sprouts, and cucumbers.  The truth is, you can add anything you want....

(3) fruit - in my Vita Mix today, in addition to the canned pineapple, is half a granny smith apple (my fav variety), a banana, frozen strawberries, frozen raspberries and a few frozen grapes. I like using a mix of fresh and frozen fruit - the frozen gives my smoothie a nice cool texture. Since I buy and eat a lot of fruit, more times than not, it will sometimes get over ripe. That's when I pop it in freezer bags for future smoothies. Bananas freeze well. Tom shared his secret of freezing - wrap in parchment paper and they don't stick to each other!

(4) a little protein powder, just because ... figured it can't hurt (grin)

Now normally I would slowly add the items as I increased the variable speed on the Vita Mix...but I didn't think that would photograph as pretty (grin)...oh and speaking of which, sorry the photos are a tad blurry - I used the iPhone and it's a cloudy overcast day in my kitchen...(and I don't have a magic camera like Tom).

 Ta da!  A wonderful concoction chalked full of good stuff!  Indeed a breakfast for champions!

And for the record, yep, it makes several servings - but it refrigerates well. I can either have another one later in the day or skip the prep tomorrow. And, if you have a Vita Mix, the clean up is easy! Just rinse out, fill half way with hot water, add a little dish washing soap and turn on high - clean as a whistle and you have nice sudsy water if you have more dishes to wash...

Cheers! I'm off to the quilting studio now - ready for a fun filled day!

Country meets Bohemian

Well, maybe.

It was time for a change. Again.

First it was the hand-me down blue couch that dictated the room blue, so I made blue curtains. Then it was the country floral stage - including curtains and the recovering of ONE of two rocking chairs (never finished the other one) as well as a beautiful pieced quilt for the wall that never got quilted and a matching (complete) quilt for the couch with pillows the same fabric as the chair...got tired of the earth-tones so it was back to the blue curtains...

But it just wasn't quite bright enough for me. I mean, after all I do love bright colors - I painted my studio "Tigger" orange with a hot pink flooring... the living room needed some color....but how to combine that with all my family antiques, including antique quilts and such....did I want a beach look? yes, cuz I love the beach - but those fun colors were more pastel than bright. nautical? nope - not bright enough, besides that went back to the blue and white, which I like but I wanted more color - something tropical... and goodness it's past time to do something with those wonderful rockers! At least make them match! (it was two years ago that I covered the floral one).

So on Monday, my birthday, my sister in law Jennifer agreed to help me tackle the project of recovering Ma-ma's 75+ year old rockers. (For the record I usually make a birthday quilt, have done so since 2004...I do have one I quilted the week before on my "day off" so that may lay claim to the 2012 edition).

In true rambler style I'm getting the cart before the horse....prior to my birthday, over the weekend I went to visit my mother and my sister - we went fabric shopping...they are a tad more calming in their color choices and urged me to go earth-tone to keep with the antiques, I wanted hot pink! I thought we blended rather well with the fabric I came home with - this beautiful tropical (spring) green to upholstery the chairs and a nice tropical shirting fabric for new curtains. Oh, I did get some hot pink flowers to scatter around the room...Okay..back to the step by step photos...

It seemed like a simple task, especially since I'd done one before....just cut, stretch, staple...and lay claim to the process...but it was all day!

 By the end of the day we had recovered one complete chair and the bottom of the second one (which was finished the next afternoon). It felt good! It looked good! I was happy!

It took longer than we'd planned, but in my defense I was rather distracted that day -  you'll remember, if you read my birthday blog on 7.23 that we were deep in thoughts and prayers for a family that was grieving the loss of a precious 16 month old twin girl.  In addition, what I didn't share in that blog, was the same morning of my birthday my mom called to share the news that her former home, the log cabin she and my dad built , was destroyed by fire the night before. 

Of course we were saddened by the loss of the home, as it was indeed built by a master-craftsman, my daddy - but we were rejoicing that the woman and toddler inside the house escaped without injury. The news report said they lost a family pet and "everything" as she didn't have renters insurance. More to pray about that day as we covered rocking chairs. Memories gone up in flames....

Yes, my birthday this year was a true reminder of my resolve to "stay strong" this summer - to rely on Jesus for my strength (and my sanity!) Sometimes there just are "no whys". Sometimes things get bad, and then they can get really bad. I wish I could remember who once told me that no matter how bad it seems that "they can't take away your birthday!" And that is sooo true. A lot can be taken, but my day IS my day!

I have to say that my morning walks have been a real reminder that "this is the first day of the rest of my life"  I love rounding the corner to catch my first glimpse of the bay.  I tell you no lie when I say that I take a minimum of 50 photos a morning -- and yes, if you were just glancing through them you'd think I was crazy for taking so many as they look the same -- but in just a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the scene before me changes. The clouds move ever so slightly, the sun peaks above the horizon, sometimes only a portion is visible due to the clouds - I remember seeing a PacMan shape this morning (yes, I know that dates me - but hey, it's my birthday week and I'm proud to claim another year!). Each day has it's own new beginning!

Anyway, this was the spectacular view this morning!

So after coming home and editing all the photos it was time for my "sew in" - a birthday present to myself...I've been joined by my friend Trish the past couple of days. While she is working on nursery items for her daughter I have managed to make new "tropical" curtains for the living room and cover some pillows for the couch (thank you Jake and Alena for helping me narrow down fabrics in my stash for this new look - yep, best part, I worked out of my stash!!)...

Admittedly, it's a bit bohemian, but I like it and I think Pixxie approves!

There's more planned for this room. The couch needs a tropical quilt for Miss Pix. Already in the works! Alena and I laid out some patchwork prints from Hawaiian shirts last night and perhaps soon I can piece it and put it on the list of "quilts in waiting" (personal quilts waiting to be quilted!)...Jake and I have made some plans for my walls....Here's his FaceBook post...

The 30 x 30 will be a tropical hibiscus (hot pink of course!) and the others will be left to his interpretation of tropical....well sorta (grin), I still have to approve...  It may be a while, but the transition of a room is always a work in process. Change a little here, update a little there. Add, remove...just part of being alive. The joy of creating...

One day left of the week long birthday celebration/vacation. Its been full of ups and downs, but I'm not complaining. Such is life. Wonderful life. I'm so thankful for another year!

More later...

Looking in the rear view mirror

Sometimes to know where you are going, you have to know where you have been... Today is a day of reflection...so I might as well journal my thoughts. Or at least add a few lines to go with all the beautiful sunrise photos I want to share with you!

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy 

and be glad all our days Psalm 90:14 

I love the numbers 7 and 23, I think it's neat that 7:23 comes around twice a day! On the mornings I don't have obligations 7:23 is my alarm time. And if I happen to notice 7:23 on my clock in the evening it just makes me smile.  

When I was a teenager working at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant my "number" as a waitress was 23. I've always been taught that God's perfect number was 7 - as that's the day of completion for His creation, the day He rested.

I'm not one to play the lottery, but if I did somehow there would be a 7 and a 23 in my lucky numbers. 

 I find it interesting that both of these numbers are prime numbers. Don't know if that's significant or not, but I think it's neat. 

Yesterday I was reading in my One Year Bible about King Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple and all the celebrating that the children of Israel did - I mean it was a big deal, days and days of celebration and praise....then I read this...

On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things the Lord had done for David and Solomon and for His people Israel.

2 Chronicles 7:10

Now I realize that the Hebrew calendar is not the same as ours, that's not JULY 23, but it's still the 7th month and the 23rd day - and the key words were joyful and glad in heart for the good things the Lord has done.

So why this fascination with 7 23 on this July 23rd? Well, if you haven't guessed by now - it's my birthday! So I can't help but like this number!

I mentioned that 7:23 alarm...well, I haven't needed it lately,  as I've had "appointments"  with the sunrise.

For the past several weeks I've made an appointment to walk to the bay in hopes to catch the "crack of dawn" and to have some quiet time to reflect on how marvelous God has been in my life.

Each day is a new beginning. Each morning holds new treasures.

So far I've not been disappointed in the keeping of my appointment.

Truly the Lord is worthy to be praised. And not just for His creation - although I am blessed each morning as I can hardly wait to see what beauty awaits me.

This morning I needed a special touch from the Lord.... for while I'm celebrating the joy of another year, there are others who didn't see the sunrise today.

Their story isn't mine to tell...I don't know them personally, but are connected through my sister, as this is her husband's extended family, and connected through our shared faith...

Yesterday little 16 month old Olivia joined her daddy in the arms of Jesus - and today Olivia's twin sister and mommy have empty arms.

My heart is saddened by this family's sorrow.  Sorrow in the empty spots in their hearts, yet I know they are rejoicing  that Olivia has received ultimate healing, and through faith in Jesus this family will be reunited once again. One twin is with daddy in heaven, one twin remains with mom here on earth. Awaiting that day. That blessed hope - when we either see Jesus coming in the clouds to claim His kingdom, or when He sends the chariot of fire to take us home.  The song "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman came to mind and has been a comfort...in fact, I set is as my alarm song this morning for my sunrise appointment

My walk today wasn't without tears....and today my walk took a different path as if the Lord knew I needed encouragement...There were new views for me to capture with my camera...

 
New thoughts as I processed this journey. Recognizing that we all have a path to follow, that life does have its twists and turns, it's joy and sorrow... but that Jesus is the center of it all..

Even when we feel alone, tired, or weary - that the sun rises and the sun sets - and His name shall be praised.

As I look in the rear view mirror of my life, I can't help but be amazed at all the blessings He has given me. Not "stuff" but substance. Peace, joy, family, friends...

In good times and in bad. 

I can't begin to understand why one is taken and the other left. Why some grow old and some die young. His ways are not our ways. He gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 

Psalm 90:12

Thank you Jesus for another birthday. I pray that you will comfort those experiencing great sorrow today, touch those who need a special blessing. Bring a new song to our hearts, let us sing to you when the day begins and end our day in song. Bless the Lord oh my soul....

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood

I've been pretty faithful so far this summer to have a morning appointment with Galveston Bay. I am so refreshed by the simple act of walking and being eager to see what the sky has in store to dazzle and amaze me once I round the corner and have full view of the water.

Lazy days of summer. A time of refreshing and reflection. Soon I will catch up on my quilting and post some photos.

In the meantime. I'm truly enjoying the walk.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

It began with a bag. Not just any bag. A Vera Bradley bag..bags...as in plural.

For those who don't know, I'm a self-professed "bag lady."  I love bags! I love to make bags, I love to buy bags, I will take any bag anyone gives me and find a use for it. My bags have bags! Don't believe me? Read the archives:  Confessions of a Bag Lady.

Okay, that fact established, on with the story!

Earlier this spring I found myself in San Antonio with Cousin Jimmy and his lovely wife Linda. Cousin Jimmy assisted me in a couple of A1 Quilting Machine set ups and afterwards Linda and I went shopping - I needed a bag (grin). Actually I did - a small shoulder purse that I could carry cross-body on my upcoming cruise. Our search lead to a Vera Bradley store.  Now I have always admired Vera Bradley bags - their construction, all the pockets - but quite frankly, I thought they were a little pricey and they just didn't have any colors that struck my fancy...UNTIL NOW! Ah....Safari Sunset...it's so me! so began the journey! My first Vera Bradley, Lizzy.  A big hit on the cruise - so much so I knew I was hooked.

Enter in another trip - this one a flight to MQS (Machine Quilters Showcase) in Kansas....I needed another bag - and not just any bag - a matching bag! The large bag in the photo is my Grand Traveler, and what you can't see is all the little matching bags inside (grin).

Okay...I could write an entire post about Vera Bradley bags, and I do have more to tell in the future....but on to the real story - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...

As a "frequent shopper" at the local VB store, I have bonded with a sweet young consultant who shares my love of Safari Sunset, and she told me about an upcoming sale....SALE? Did anyone mention SALE?!?!?!

So I gathered up my girlfriends and made plans to meet at the store on "sale day" when the store opened.  I had visions of taking all sorts of photos of us shopping for Vera Bradley bags, but alas, I was too caught up in the hunt that the photos were soon forgotten..at least in the Vera Bradley store...

As girls tend to do, once we met our quest and found our treasures we decided to check out another store...and this is where we got silly!

This is Trish, my partner in crime. She has a shoe faddish and the perfect size foot that she can try things right off the display rack. We fondly refer to the above style as "hooker shoes" - but mean it as a totally harmless jest. Her 80+ year old mother has three closets full of "hooker shoes"...the story goes that her mother's doctor told her she was at the age where she needed to wear "sensible shoes" and her reply - "just as soon as they make sensible shoes with a three inch heel I'm all over it!"   Notice the tiara? Trish really wants one of those .....

 This is my sister-in-law Jennifer - she said anything that Trish could do she could do better - balancing act extraordinaire.

 Not to be outdone, I feel back to my Tennessee roots and pulled a Minnie Pearl.  Trish isn't the only one that can sport a little hair bling!

The forth member of our girls day out is my only niece, Allison. Poor Ali - I think we totally embarrassed her on a few levels, but she was a good sport and joined in - trying on bracelets and several hats... We all think she looks best in a Fedora - but truly, she looks good in any hat!
  

I got a little serious for a moment and wondered if I could pull off blue? Needless to say, I put it back on the rack, having spent my dollars at the Vera Bradley store...

I do think the funniest moment, besides Trish starting off the silliness with the hooker shoes, was when Jennifer just had to show me a bracelet stating "now this I could use in the classroom!"

Hum...

We settled down, with some of us making small purchases...and parted ways - with promises of doing this again sometime soon!

I think I will cherish these photos, even the blurry ones (after all you can't expect miracles from phone cameras) and remember how we turned the ordinary into the extraordinary  - yep! Girls just wanna have fun - and need to do so on occasion!