New Watercolor Technique

 I've piddled with painting since 1968. You'd think I'd be great at it by now but I did take all those years off raising my kids and pursuing other passions. Now, living alone, I started it up again. But, with such small space in my apartment I chose to do watercolor (of which I'd done a few in years past) not the oils I prefer. 

I was using a method I guess you could call my own. Then I started watching Magnolia Workshops on the Magnolia channel on tv. There's a watercolorist there that has directed me in a different train of thought about my painting. I am trying what they call 'wet on wet'. 

                               You can't see the first one I did!! 

                                    But, here's the second one. 

Honoring Those Who Gave All

                                           Today is Memorial Day

I have not lost a loved one in battle for which I am thankful, however I am so aware of those who lost their lives so that we may be free. 

                       I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice. 

My Bucket List

                             Do any of you have a BUCKET LIST? 

Well, I do. But, it changes from time to time as my needs, desires and ability change. Oh, there's lots of things I want to do that I know I will never get to accomplish. That's alright. Looking at my list, I see that I have already done some of them. Maybe time to start a new one!!

I'd love to hear about some things from your bucket list, if you have one? If not, what's something you'd love to do? 

A New Favorite Read

 I really was disappointed in my last post. Tried to get two pictures side-by-side but they just wouldn't co-operate. Guess I need to do more planning for my posts. 

               I just finished reading Charles Martin's 'Chasin' Fireflies'. 

I'd read two of his already, both good reads, so I figured I'd enjoy this one. It puzzled me in the beginning but I finally figured out who was who.

You see, there are two characters whose stories are very similar but are from 2 different generations. The author is jumping back and forth and I guess my brain just wouldn't wrap around which I was reading about at that given moment. 

I stuck with it and suddenly it got so interesting and had a surprise ending. I love that kind of book. 

As I said, I had read two of his novels, 'Long Way Home' and 'When Crickets Cry' and enjoyed his style of writing, his ability as a storyteller so I just ordered me another one. I usually read on my kindle but I got me a paperback this time. Only $2 more than the Kindle version. I read so fast that I could never afford to buy books full price very often. And, where would I store them? 

Have any of you read Charles Martin? If so, I'd love to hear your experience in Charles Martin land! 

The Beauty of a Butterfly

                                             Good Morning! 

   May your Sunday be filled with joy, hope, thankfulness and gratitude. 

I don't get out to make pictures like I once did. I don't do a lot of driving myself and it seems that everyone younger has their lives to live, jobs to do, kids to care for. I was there once upon a time 😀

I had butterflies on my mind this morning.

One of my Pinterest boards features butterflies. There are so many I have never seen and I'd give my eye teeth to see these. Oh wait a minute... I am already losing some teeth so maybe let's not take anymore teeth! 

But, these are so amazing that I just wanted to share them with you. 

How can anyone NOT appreciate their beauty and uniqueness. 

Have a wonderful Sunday, a wonderful week.

Hugs...

The Power of Stories

                

                          It's gonna be hot today... mid 90s. 

But, at least I live in a place that I don't have to go far to do most things. 

This morning we had a motivational, life-coach guy speak to us in the community room and I am so glad I went. 

                         He spoke on The Power of Stories. 

We all have stories. Our stories may all be different but they tell who we are, for the experiences we have had is what shapes our lives. 

The speech was very inspirational and when he finished, each person in the audience turned to the person next to them and shared stories about themselves. 

How much easier it will be to have conversation with others if we know their 'story'. 

I guess that's why I like blogging. We share stories, trials and happy times, too. That makes us friends and members of a community. 

Unfortunately, I find that a lot of people do not know how to have a conversation. While you are talking, they are not listening but rather forming in their own minds the story they want to tell you. I find that sad. 

Let us all LISTEN... Be interested in what people have to say, give people value, appreciation and care. The world will be better for it. 

                                        

Going To Heaven Half-dressed

 As I was checking out some blogs this morning I happened upon Far Side of Fifty. Her post today was about the differences in funerals long ago and now. 

As she wrote about the family purchasing underwear, a suit, flowers etc for her great-grandparents it brought to mind my own dear husband's funeral.

Knowing the end was near, I had a friend go to the base for me. I told him to buy a uniform with Lt. stripes on the sleeves of the jacket. I wanted Elbert buried in his Navy uniform. He was so sweet to do that for me. When he brought it to me, it was in a hang-up bag so I just hung it in a closet.

When my husband passed, his body was brought to the local funeral home. I get a call from them. Where's his pants? I had never looked inside the bag that held the uniform but the funeral home found that it only contained a jacket. I couldn't have my hubby running around heaven without his pants on, could I? So, I went through his clothes searching for a pair of pants that would look enough like a Navy uniform to pass. 

My friend, bless his heart, didn't hear the UNIFORM part of my request just that I needed Lt. stripes on a jacket and didn't even buy the pants. But, we made do. I am sure God doesn't require regulation dress up there. 

Feeling Very Blest This Monday Morning

 Since I was headed to the grocery store, I decided to get me a bite to eat at the Burger King first. You know what they say about never buying groceries on an empty stomach!😃

After getting my food at the drive-through I pulled into an empty parking spot. Half-way through my sandwich I noticed a cardinal pecking around in the grass. So, I tore a piece of bread off and toss it out my window. 

What I witnessed next really gave me a start. The bird took a few hops, all the time turning it's head back and forth looking out for danger. It would take another few hops looking rather terrified. Finally it got to the bread, snatched it up and flew to a nearby tree. 

I thought how blessed I am that I do not have that kind of fear in my life. It made me think of all those who do live in fear. Children who live with parents who mistreat them. Wives whose husbands beat them. Youngsters who have grown-ups who sexually abuse them. And, how about those poor people in Ukraine who are fearful of Russian bombs destroying their lives and being shot at from tanks. 

There is so much fear in this world and that little red bird reminded me that it is a reality for so many people. I pray for them. May their fear be eased. May they live in peace. May we all have compassion. 

                                 

It's Friday The 13th

 

It's Friday the 13th

Some people are very superstitious about this day, some don't give a hoot! 

I am not superstitious but there's a wee bit of me that likes to be a tad cautious on this particular date

Just to be on the safe side. 

But, today was a LUCKY DAY for me!

John and Shirley came to my apartment carrying a bag of Chi-fil-a so we could have lunch together. 

Then John found me some new (and much cheaper) car insurance!

Shirley was busy hanging new sheers in my office/guest bedroom. It doesn't even look like the same room. 

I hope everything went well for you on the 13th

If it didn't..... hang on, the 14th will be here really soon. 

Pretty Blossoms for Mother's Day

 Let's just say that sitting down to write a post is the least positive thing I can think of doing right now. 

You know what they say about writer's block! But, I will lay blame on the fact that I have been puny the last few days so my brain cells are busy at work trying to make me feel better. No time for words or phrases. 

So, I will show you some flowers that are bringing me joy today. 

First, the miniature rose in blushing pink that Shirley gave me for Mother's Day.

And, my African Violet put on it's second crop of blossoms for my Mother's Day celebration, as well.

Do you have a favorite flower?

I don't. I love them all.

Fishing in the Rain

 A pretty heavy thunderstorm just passed over the apartment building. I mean it was coming down!!

And, there that heron stood, rain coming down on it's poor back, while it waited for a fish to swim by.

It shook itself in an effort to get the water off it's feathers. 

                      It didn't give up. 

                                   

    But, I did... I had to get in from the balcony before I drowned!

The 'Big Band' Sound

                   Are you old enough to remember the Glenn Miller Orchestra?

      Not many people are... After all his plane disappeared over the English Channel during WWII. 

I first discovered his music during my high school years marching in the band to tunes like 'In The Mood' and 'American Patrol'. 

Last night, Shirley and I attended a concert performed by the current Glenn Miller Band. As the band director said, 'there are no original members of the band here tonight'.  That comment drew laughter. The music started with Sunset Serenade and the crowd went wild! There were a bunch of memories floating about the place. I had goosebumps!

The concert was held in the Cultural Arts Center. Before the show, we gals wandered about the two art galleries and enjoyed a great collection on art, carvings and photography done by local artists. There's a bunch of talent living in this neck of the woods! 

Who is your favorite Big Band? There were a bunch of them. Such great music that sets your feet to tapping, your body to swaying and you just feel good all over!