Under Construction

MaryJustice Competing at iPOP! LA 2010

2010-03-19T19:10:00.000-05:00

It has taken some time to get the videos uploaded from MaryJustice's trip to Los Angeles in January. Sorry, there has been so much going on around here! Excuses, excuses!
This first video was made during the stage performance audition. Ordinarily, contestants do not sing original material but something that is well know to the audience and judges. However, she was given permission to play guitar and sing a song she wrote last fall just prior to the auditions to attend iPOP! As you can see from the one minute performance....yes, one minute is all they could do as there were so many contestants...it was a big hit with the audience...and judges.

This second video of the same song was done on her call-back audition, which was the last audition for singing. Competition was stiff during the five days of auditions, workshops! MaryJustice placed in the top ten in iSING! And got ten call-backs in singing and two in acting. She also placed in the top ten in Commercial TV/Beauty.

That's all for now. Nothing happening on the sewing machine right now....need to sew up my purse that's cut out and ready for the machine. I do have a couple of knitting projects ...on needles and loom! But, finally the sun is shining here and it's starting to warm up after a very cold winter here. My PPS muscles do not take well to severe cold weather. I am most anxious to get into the yard...precious little that I can do there ... but I will get a couple more herbs planted and later a Roma tomato plant and some Basil. I'm all for some "knock out roses"... gotta go shopping for those.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-10T16:38:00.000-06:00

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas!

2009-12-06T12:36:00.006-06:00

Everyone NOT there missed a great show Friday night. Of course I was "bustin' my buttons" with happiness and pride because my girls were singing. I'm so blessed to have such a beautiful, talented daughter and granddaughter AND such great talented friends.

"My Girls, MaryJustice and Marcia"

Kenneth Cooper, Performing Songwriter, Musician, Rocket Scientist, Friend! He is also known as Coop and has written several songs performed by MaryJustice and Lisa. A music mentor and encouraging friend to MaryJustice (Thanks!). Coop jumps into several genres that will make you laugh, make you cry ... Country, Rock, Americana and Christian. The song at the bottom of this post was written by Coop and performed by the crew on this page.

Uncle Bethel...yeah, they look like serious business and tough customers, but don't let the rough exteriors fool you...they are really two of the sweetest "guys" you could ever meet and have as friends. Smart and talented, too! They are....

Lisa Carr, Performing Songwriter, Musician, Wife to Doug, as well as Rocket Scientist! Doug Budzak, Performing Songwriter, Musician, Husband to Lisa! Friends! In addition to these talents, Lisa and Doug own and operate Rockit Juice Audio Recording Studio. Does that make your heads spin? This couple has it all going and take the time to mentor MaryJustice and managed to pull Marcia back into the singing scene! Thanks, you two.

Tis The Season…

2009-11-28T18:45:00.002-06:00

The end of Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Christmas Season for me. I think the preparation is as much fun as Christmas Day. Planning gifts, goodies to bake and shopping are all part of the tradition. Christmas shopping with Mama is one of my most favorite memories of Christmases past. We would “catch” the street car, a block away from our house and take the short ride “downtown” … there were no malls back then. We lived in a neighborhood with our own shopping district, complete with grocery, mercantile , drug stores, movie theatre, etc. so an excursion downtown on the streetcar was special. I always looked forward to these trips downtown with Mama. She would sometimes take the three of us kids together, but made sure that she or Daddy took each of us shopping individually. Those were special trips for us… Oh, the memories I have! The stories I could tell… remind me later…
I think one of the nicest things about going downtown with Mama was stopping for a bite to eat, whether for lunch or just a bowl of ice cream.
To me this was and still is an important part of Christmas shopping. In later years as an adult, Mama and I would go Christmas shopping together “downtown” and even trekked off into the malls that started springing up, but we still found Woolworth or a similar place to stop, even if just for a cup of coffee, to reflect on gifts we bought and what was still on the list. I miss those times. I miss Mama even after all these years. I thank God for her, the time she gave, the things she taught….
Make wonderful memories today!

Time In The Kitchen

2009-11-25T15:34:00.002-06:00

This recipe has been a favorite around my house for 40 years. This batter will keep in the refrigerator for at least five days and you take out the amount you want to use. I mix the batter and store it in a 1 gallon plastic ice cream bucket ... you know the kind with the handle from the grocery store. It gives the dough plenty of room and the action of the yeast won't pop the lid off.

Angel Biscuits

1 package dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water
3/4 cup shortening
5 cups self-rising flour
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon soda
3 tablespoons sugar

Dissolve yeast in water. Cut shortening into flour. Combine buttermilk and soda (beat until foamy). Add buttermilk, sugar and yeast to flour. Mix well (I use a wooden spoon). Place in air-tight container and refrigerate. Will keep several days, taking out amounts as needed. Bake 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees. Makes 5 dozen.

This recipe is limited only by your imagination!

1) biscuits, 2) knead grated cheddar cheese and a dash of red pepper for cheese biscuits 3) roll out and spread butter, garlic and herbs, for a small herb loaf, 4) pat into pizza pan and top with everything you would put in an apple pie and make apple (any fruit pizza), 5) make breakfast pizza with sausage, pour beaten eggs and cover with cheese, bake....

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
God Bless You All

Sue

Jumping Rope!

2009-11-24T19:07:00.002-06:00

Come One, Come All ....

2009-11-08T23:18:00.003-06:00

and enjoy a great show on November 13th ... yes it's a Friday, but come on out at 7:00 to the Coffee Tree for two hours of fun and music. Performing songwriters, MaryJustice and Ken Cooper will be joined by The Brewers and The Wild Onion Gang. There is something bound to please and delight you in this great mix of music genres covering Pop, Inspirational Pop, Country, Southern Gospel and more.

It couldn't get any better... warm family-friendly atmosphere ... great food ... great coffee! The Coffee Tree is a locally owned and operated shop with home-made goodies!

This is a fund-raiser event to help cover expenses to send MaryJustice to Los Angeles for a week of competition at the International Presentation of Performers, iPOP!, January 2010. Please be generous to the tip bucket at the door! On behalf of "The Entertainers" and the Coffee Tree Books & Brew crew, we thank you! We'll see you there!

TESTING: 1, 2, 3

2009-11-02T11:01:00.006-06:00

By George Wells
October 28, 2009

On the afternoon of Wednesday, October 21, 2009, Barbara and I were in the doctor’s office to learn the results of my biopsy. The doctor’s words were: “I have bad news, YOU HAVE CANCER”. It was as if he had screamed those dreaded words at the top of his voice. I thought of how shocking it must be for Barbara. Not that I wasn’t shocked but I knew my father had that same cancer, and I have been fighting a prostate problem for twenty years or more. So, I was perhaps more prepared. But here comes the real sad part.

My last PSA was in 2006, more than 3 years ago. Why was I not tested? Because I did not want to be tested. Not the least bit smart. My family doctor would write on my chart: “Schedule George for a full physical.” I would ask the scheduling clerk to let me call her back. For three years I never called back. My recent PSA: 7.32. That in itself may not be enough but coupled with other factors it cried out for a biopsy. Why would I share this when It makes me seem less than smart? Because, everyone should be aware of potential problems and if there is a test possible and your doctor orders a test, TAKE THE TEST. You can read about the need for testing, hear it on the radio, see it on TV, but I think the best message comes from some one like me. These three words: YOU NEED TESTING, is whole lot easier to live with then these three words: YOU HAVE CANCER.

So much, for the physical and mental testing. Test 3 was a test of faith. My good friend, Randy Duck told me: “God has given you a great opportunity.” My first thought, I have cancer and that is an opportunity! Only a man with great faith himself would tell a friend that.

But when Randy had finished explaining, I too came to realize it is indeed a test of my faith. For years, I have written about the need for unfaltering faith, now I am about to find out just how deep my faith is. Right after the doctor told me the bad news, I started singing to myself two lines: IT’S A TEST OF YOUR FAITH SO YOU MUST UNDERSTAND. NO MOUNTAIN’S TOO HIGH WHEN YOU’RE HOLDING GOD’S HAND. I could not think of the song but later it came to me, it was from a song I had written 20 years ago.

So there are three tests we will all face sometime: Physically, mentally and spiritually. Maybe sooner, maybe later but the tests are coming. We need to pray constantly that God will provide us the strength to pass each test. No matter how difficult out tests may be, God will be holding our hand and providing us the strength to pass each test. To God be the glory.

George Wells is a sweet, wonderful “Man of God” who has written many, many Gospel Songs throughout the years. He is a faithful member of our Wednesday Night Songwriter’s Open Mic at The Coffee Tree Books & Brew. George is a quiet, gentle man who never brings attention to himself, but is there in the background quietly encouraging and helping fledgling songwriters. He has always been encouraging to my granddaughter, MaryJustice. I ask all of you believers to remember my friend in your prayers. I know you will be blessed by "The Higher The Mountain" written by George Wells and so beautifully performed by our friend, Randy Duck.

Sue

Johnny and June

2009-10-09T11:54:00.002-05:00

Heidi Newfield recently performed at Huntsville's Big Spring Jam. This video about Johnny and June Cash is awesome. I thought you all would enjoy it. Makes goosebumps!

Saturday Night at Sparky's

2009-10-04T15:02:00.008-05:00

If you were not at Sparky's Coffee House in Guntersville, Alabama, Saturday night, you missed a great show!

Thanks to everyone that came out to support MaryJustice in raising money for her iPOP! trip to Los Angeles in January. A big "thank you," to her sponsors, Rockit Juice Audio, Archway Enterprises and "Shades Of Gray" CD by Kenneth Cooper.

MaryJustice, the student,

and "Coop," the rocket scientist,

have become an entertaining team! They put together two-hours of original music, sprinkled with favorite "cover" tunes and a little "improv" dialogue thrown in for good measure.

Ken introduced one of his favorite songs from the 80's and teasingly asked MaryJustice if she remembered the 80's. Without hesitation, she replied, "Of course," causing Ken to do a double-take. He asked her what year she was born. She said, "1995". Of course, he then had to ask how she remembered the 80's if she was born in 1995. She replied, "Mom and Uncle Mike taught me to loooove Journey!"

Pictures of the show were terrible. I can't get good photos from MJ's camera like she does. I still miss my Nikon...I know, I know, I've been whining about that Nikon for months. It's still on my wish list! I hope to "clean up" enough pictures for MaryJustice to post to her blog next week...

And the videography! The girl has got to earn some money so she can hire a crew. I deliberately did not edit this video .... I must have had two or three things going at one time! Don't look at the floor...but listen to the girl and the crowd's response! LOL!

We had a special treat and great response when Marcia stepped up to the mic and sang harmony with MaryJustice to "Butterfly Fly Away" from the "Hanna Montana" movie.

MaryJustice said the song could have been written for the two of them. Ken did a great job on guitar for them. I'm happy Marcia's dad was in the audience as he seldom gets to hear her sing. I suppose you know how proud I feel with two beautiful, talented singers in the family!

MaryJustice is used to singing in coffee shops with people talking in the background and coffee grinders, cappuccino machines making noise. She is not distracted at all. I suppose this has conditioned her. She does her school work every day with the dishwasher or washing machine running in the background... telephone ringing. She does not miss a beat! We're proud of you, MaryJustice.

More to come later,

Sue

Side Tracked

2009-09-29T09:19:00.016-05:00

Hello, Blogger Buddies! I suppose you have forgotten about me by now! Well, I'm really "skipping stitches" right now.... Haven't done any sewing or knitting in months. First, I had to give my neck and wrists a rest. I have probably half the strip-quilt squares done for my daughter's quilt that I must get back to, but so many things need to be done right now...

I mentioned in an earlier post about needing more memory in my computer and the death of my sweet little Nikon camera. The computer got the memory but I have not replaced the camera, although I did get a FlipVideo that does a great job for short clips for Blogger and Myspace. I highly recommend the FV!

Speaking of Myspace.... This is what I've done, instead of sewing, for the past few months. Take a look at my handiwork. Blogger is a snap to design and maintain. Not so Myspace. All music on these Myspace pages is original and copyrighted.

This is a total rework of MaryJustice's Myspace. Take a look. Visit often as new photos and videos are posted. http://www/myspace.com/maryjusticesings

This Myspace was done as a tribute to our songwriter friend, the late BD Chase who passed away last year. I had fun making the background from a snippet taken from BD's shirt in his Profile Picture. http://www.myspace.com/bdchasememorial I have more songs to add to BD's playlist.

Charlie is one of our favorite songwriter friends. An award winner writing funny, sweet and sentimental songs. My favorite is "Through The Eyes of a Child." His Myspace is still "under construction" but check it out and listen to his songs. More pictures and videos will go up soon.
http://www.myspace.com/charlesburgess

Kenneth Cooper is our Rocket Scientist and songwriter. What a combination! He and MaryJustice have done a couple of showcases together. She recorded his "Are We Just Friends," that's on her Myspace Playlist as well as on Ken's page. In fact, MaryJustice and Ken are doing a two-hour show at Sparky's Coffee House in Guntersville, Alabama, Saturday, October 3, 6:00 - 8:00. If you're in the neighborhood drop in. There will be a "special" guest on a couple of the songs. Check out Ken's Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/takeaswingatme

Earl Watts is a great friend and awesome guitar player. His song, "Not Just A Name On The Wall," was written about his buddies during the Vietnam War. It's a wonderful song...wonderful tribute! Check it out at http://myspace.com/earlwattsguitar

Del McGee is a songwriter, singer and comedian. His Myspace is "under construction" but check it out at http://www.delmcgeebluesman/ The background picture was shot by Del on a recent trip to Alaska. Some great pictures in his slide show. I have videos but no music for his playlist. Come on, Del, get the tunes to me! He's a busy guy and we don't see Del often enough.

Andrew Velez is a young singer/songwriter who recently moved to Murphreesboro, Tennessee, to attend school and seriously pursue a career in music. http://www.myspace.com/andrewvelezmusic We'll miss having Andrew around and hope he will drop in when he's home visiting. We wish him great success in school and his music.

I enjoy building the Myspace sites for our friends. I am learning more and more about editing photos, HTML, editing videos, etc. Gives me another creative outlet (helps to keep my little gray matter stimulated) when I am "just sitting around"....keeps me out of trouble!

Now a commercial break!
The showcase at Sparky's Coffee House, Highway 431, Guntersville, Alabama
6:00 - 8:00 PM is a fund raiser to help off-set the costs of MaryJustice's trip to Los Angeles in January to participate in the five-day iPOP! Convention where she will perform and audition for TV/Movie Casting Directors, Agents and Scouts. Contributions are welcome!

Shine In The Moon

2009-07-17T22:18:00.014-05:00

It was an honor to meet Janet McLaughlin, a multi-talented performing songwriter. We met Janet, last year at a songwriting competition MaryJustice entered and several times since then. Alabama-born, but now living in Nashville, this lady wears a warm, sincere smile .... a very contagious smile that instantly puts one at ease. Janet seems to be a boundless bundle of energy who loves to ride horses and play guitar. "Shine In The Moon" is her third and, to date, most engaging work taking the listener on a wonderful journey. "Whispered Prayer" and "Where I Belong" give an insight into the challenge that delayed Janet's finishing this project.

On December 12, 2005, days after recording the first four tracks, Janet suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a spontaneous bleed between the brain and the skull. The next five days found her in the neurological ICU of Nashville's Baptist Hospital.

Her doctors credit her survival to her quick response and attention to what she knew was extremely serious. Although slower than Janet would have liked, her recovery was steady and she credits it to the love and support of her family and friends seeing her through this difficult and physically challenging time. Janet, herself, is a caring, giving person, who in addition to writing and performing, enjoys working with young songwriters. Janet has volunteered her time at the W.O. Smith Community Music School and for many years has donated her time to the Country Music Foundation and Museum's songwriting program for school age students. I know she has been very encouraging to MaryJustice in her songwriting and singing pursuits. Thank you, Janet.

Janet was in Huntsville for a Jim Parker Songwriter Showcase in June and we got to meet Carson, "My All American Boy" who almost stole the show. In addition to all the things mentioned above, Janet does agility training and competition with her dogs which I think are all rescues. "My All American Boy," AKA "The Agility Song," was played throughout the 2008 USDAA World Games in Scottsdale, AR.

The sidebar playlist will give you a sample of her great music, available from Janet's website, http://janetmclaughlinmusic.com/home.html where you may also order a personalized copy of the song with your special dog's name!

(Meet Carson everyone)

It was great meeting you, Janet, and hope to see you again soon. May God continue to bless you and may all that you touch prosper!

Still Here!

2009-07-13T12:03:00.009-05:00

I have not gone away ... still here and will catch up with everyone as soon as I catch up with myself! I (we) have been very busy and will tell all as soon as I catch my breath (pant, gasp, wheez, pant).

I need to add more memory to my computer!

.... pulling hair ....

...... beating head on wall!!!

I shall not, WILL NOT cave in to this.... totally! This too shall pass!

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE! USA!

2009-07-03T09:48:00.018-05:00

"My ardent desire is, and my aim has been, to comply strictly with all our engagements, foreign and domestic; but to keep the United States free from political connections with every other country, to see them independent of all and under the influence of none."
George Washington

God Bless America
Words and music by Irving Berlin©

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair, As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. "

God Bless America, Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America,

My home sweet home.

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death

Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

I have not fallen off the face of the earth!!!

2009-06-28T15:15:00.007-05:00

It's been almost two months since I updated this blog but, I have been very busy. Remember my last entry said my trusty little Nikon camera had died. I have not replaced it...don't know what I'll get. However, I have put the Flip Video to a lot of use. It is so easy to edit video clips and I can do a "snapshot" of a frame for a photo....not as good as a regular photo but it will do for a while.

I know...I know... this blog is supposed to be about sewing, sewing machines and knitting, etc. I have NOT done any of those things in some time. Partly, because of wrist and neck problems, fatigue, etc....those old PPS things that bite my ankles frequently! LOL! But, I have done some things that I've enjoyed with some rest breaks between projects and short "excursions" ... maybe I'll have to change the name of this blog...but, we will see.

I've spent some time with HTML code and CCS tables, digging into the real workings of Paint Shop Pro that I've had for years. I never tapped all of its capabilities and am learning all sorts of new and fun things I can do with it!

SEE!

If you haven't visited Live, Laugh, Love in a while, I urge you to check it out and see what MJ has been up to. She's also been so busy she hasn't updated her blog frequently, but the last entry is pretty exciting. I won't repeat it here. Just click the link. Also, please visit MaryJusticeSings (one of my projects) for her music, videos and slideshows. She wrote everything except "Are We Just Friends" written by Ken Cooper and "I'll Cheat" written by Lisa Carr of Uncle Bethel. Please leave comments here or on her blog. She will appreciate the feedback!!

MJ at Rockit Juice Audio recording "Are We Just Friends" and "I'll Cheat"...I'll cheat is a little mature in it's original format so the author gave her permission to change the lyrics to make it more age appropriate. This young lady has met some terrific people who are so encouraging.

In addition to singing at The Coffee Tree Books & Brew a couple of times a week, taking guitar lessons and practicing, writing songs, recording, helping to lay down tile and refinish hardwood floors in the condo, she went to Nashville and sang at The Bluebird Cafe and more recently sang at The Nashville Palace with Nashville Spotlight. The show was the week of the CMA Fan Festival with 58 kids from 9 states performing four songs each. It ran from 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday 'til 1:30 a.m. Thurday. She made friends with some nice kids who write, sing and perform....and better yet, young Christians. We met some great parents of those kids, also. I'll let everyone know when the videos are published on the web. She goes back in July to record for Nashville Spotlight Kid's Club which will be televised on a Nashville cable channel, which we don't get. Shows will be broadcast on the internet. She's been a busy girl!

So, while I've been doing a lot of sitting around, I was NOT just doing nothing...my sewing machines are getting lonely and my latest quilt is feeling abandoned!

Hardware/Software Problems

2009-05-07T10:05:00.018-05:00

For the past couple of weeks I've had real hardware and software problems. Solving problems would have been much easier if the "hardware" had been a sewing machine and the "software" some nice fabric.

These problems were with cameras and computer software. MaryJustice got a great camera for Christmas that will to photos and video with sound. I do the download, upload and whatever, except shoot the thing. It has too many little buttons on it for me. Marcia is learning how to control the camera. In the beginning, since she perfers to "view" through her eyes and not the camera while capturing her daughter digitally, there would be frames of the ceiling, her head cut off or just legs....or stuff at the beginning and end that is not for publication. Every camera seems to have a different format when uploading or downloading, whichever term we are using for garbage in garbage, out now-days, and not all are compatible with the various movie making/editing software on my Media Center PC.

We are blessed to know, Jared Allen, MaryJustice's Youth Minister who is a whiz at editing video. Jared bills himself as The Bald Youth Guy! Meet Jared.

We thank you, Jared, for all your help. We thank God for giving you a loving heart and very smart brain! When I tried to burn the video clips to a CD or DVD for Jared, my Nero software told me .."no longer support that function" and to "upgrade" (had to use a Flash Drive instead). When I tried to upgrade, Nero wanted the code from the software package. Since the software came on my computer as part of the operating system for Media Center, I did not have the code to type in. Therefore I downloaded the trial version of Nero to determine if I wanted to purchase the upgrade.

Ah Ha! Nero removed the old version when it installed the new version. The new version was a computer eating, file format changing, store everything on the web software. I removed it and now all my pictures have a funny icon on them.

Picture of what my Nero screen used to look like. It is no longer there! And....when I want to open a .jpeg file I have to select the program to open! That's a big pain! I have Nero that came with a CD burner I had installed in an older computer, but alas, that version of Nero is for that model of CD burner only!

Several months ago Marcia bought a Dazzle to convert VHS to digital.

It works great converting VHS to digital and uploading to the computer, but the software that came with this particular Dazzle was Pinacle. One of those programs that converts all of your media to something else and stores it on a website somewhere. I removed that.

What a headache! So since MJ's camera was at my house when she needed it and at her house when I needed to download/upload...in other words get the images off the camera onto my computer and to the web...I purchased a FlipVideo.

Slim, compact, for video only...USB connect flips out of the camera...software to operate is inside the camera. Editing is terrific. I love it. However, when one gives the camera to another person, who shall remain unidentified, to video an important event, one should give clear instructions on achieving the desired end-product. At the MOVA competition a couple of weeks ago, MJ entered three songs and I wanted each one on camera. They ended up in one long video .... waiting on the judges, waiting on the music to start, drinking water between songs..which was no problem to "cut apart"...but the camera "person" decided to turn the camera side ways after the first song. Therefore, the winning song, "Day By Day," was recorded with my granddaughter singing her heart out while lying on her side!!! Jared came to the rescue and flipped the video to get MJ back on her feet. This little camera is really for inside use and the sound is great up to 12 feet. I think it did a great job under the tent and with all the noise around us.

My trusty little Nikon has died. I am heart-broken. This little beauty has served me well for several years of heavy use at all holidays, special events and trips. It's taken trips to the the beach, Amelia Island (without me) and Mexico (without me). The cost of repair is more than buying a new one.

Now, I love a challenge as well as anyone ...... maybe more than most. I love learning new things and am tenacious enough to hang in there until I get it...maybe not mastered but enough to be dangerous! But give me a break! How about some compatibility? Technology is moving so fast! Us old folks need to keep talking about the "good ole days" with our grandkids. These generations have never seen a phonograph record and don't know you can turn it over and play the other side! Never seen a roll of film!

Picasa gave me a hard time when it wanted to "take over " all the pictures on my computer, but I have learned to bypass it's shenanigans and love it for creating things for blogging.

I use Paint Shop Pro (I have an old version of that also). I have not even tapped all of it's resources but have learned to edit and do a lot of neat stuff with it. I've learned to use most of the music formatting and editing software, from digital recorder, to computer, to CD, to web. Upload, download, whatever! I haven't attempted to remove a vocal yet...not sure I will...but one day if I have time to be slightly bored I may give it a try. I think I'll change my user name to ElectroTechnoCyberGmom! When you get a chance click MaryJustice and take a look at her MySpace.

Thank you Lord, for carrying me safely through the valleys and over the hills, "Day By Day"....

Winner!

2009-04-26T10:14:00.018-05:00

Our girl did it again!

MaryJustice's song, "Day By Day" brought home the First Place Ribbon in the Pop/Rock Division of the MOVA Songwriter's Competition, Saturday at Panoply. The second year in a row! Her "Live, Laugh, Love" won first place last year when the MOVA Songwriter's Competition was held during the Will Rogers Festival at Lake Guntersville.

She's been a busy girl .... She spent ten hours in the recording studio a few months back laying down tracks for six songs she wrote. Hopefully, she'll soon add vocals to the tracks for a CD, but right now she uses the tracks for performances. When "Grandmother" masters editing videos we'll get them posted. Soon, I hope!

MJ will give more details on her blog when she gets a chance to post. The month of April has been a hectic month for her with SATs, school projects and the myriad of activities winding down the school year. In addition to being invited to sing the "National Anthem" for the opening season ceremonies at McGucken Park one Saturday morning, singing at Open Mic, Easter and other events, we have had tornados whipping through our area several times which is unnerving to say the least.

As a "preemie," MaryJustice benefited from the medications and procedures researched and developed by The March of Dimes. She and Marcia were asked to televise a promo spot to advertise the April 18th "March for Babies" sponsored by March of Dimes and WAAY-TV.

Let's give it up for MaryJustice!

POLIO KILLS IN MINNESOTA TODAY

2009-04-15T08:01:00.006-05:00

POLIO TASK FORCE

International Centre for Post-Polio Education and Research

at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center

Englewood, New Jersey 07631 USA877-

Post-Polio 201-894-3724

For Immediate Release

DEATH GIVES “NIPP IT YEAR” NEW EMPHASIS

Tuesday April 14, 2009: The Associate Press today reported the death of a person infected with the live poliovirus used in the oral vaccine that was discontinued in the US nine years ago. The health department says the patient died with polio symptoms, but it's not known to what extent polio contributed to the death. The patient also had a weakened immune system and multiple health problems. The Minnesota department of health says the patient most likely became infected from someone who had received the live-virus vaccine before its use was stopped.

"For reasons we don't understand, the live poliovirus remained inside this person for fifteen years, mutated and became virulent, then contributed to the person’s death,” said Dr. Richard Bruno, chairperson of the International Post-Polio Task Force. "This death is the latest sad reminder that polio may be forgotten in the US, but that it is far from gone.”

Alarming Drops in Polio Vaccination in US Border States and Ports of Entry.

Unfortunately, rates of polio vaccination have decreased in the US in spiteof six other US polio cases since 2005 -- five of them in Minnesota -- caused by poliovirus imported into the US, and in spite of polio breaking free of vaccination efforts last month in Africa, with Kenya and Uganda reporting their first polio cases and deaths in twenty years.

“The latest Centers for Disease Control data show drops in polio vaccination in twenty states and in ten large US cities," said Dr. Bruno, who is also director of The Post-Polio Institute at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. “The CDC estimates that more than one million US toddlers are unvaccinated."

“Even Minnesota has had a decrease in polio vaccination, which is obviously disturbing,” said Dr. Bruno. “It is frightening that states with the largest drops lie next to Mexico and Canada, across whose borders the poliovirus is believed to have been imported into the US since 1997.” Seventy percent of the states that border Canada had drops in polio vaccination as did Arizona, Texas and New Mexico.City Children Living in Poverty Have Lowest Polio Vaccination Rates.Dr. Bruno is also concerned about cities that are major points of entry into the US -- New York, Philadelphia, Houston and Seattle -- where drops in polio vaccination were also reported.

“Toddlers living in poverty have the lowest polio vaccination rates -- below 87% in Boston, Indianapolis, Memphis and Phoenix, and below 85% in Detroit, Houston and Seattle -- rates lower than in Western Pacific countries that include Cambodia, Mongolia and Vietnam,” said Dr. Bruno. "I’m worried that those who recently had polio in the US are canaries in the mine shaft."

"NIPP IT YEAR” Underscored by Minnesota Death

The International Post-Polio Task Force proclaimed 2008-2009 “National Immunization for Polio Prevention in Infants and Toddlers -- or ‘NIPP IT’ -- YEAR,” to prompt parents, healthcare professionals and state health officials to ensure that all American children receive four doses of the injectable, inactivated polio vaccine by age two. “‘NIPP IT YEAR’ is intended to raise awareness of the need for polio vaccination, to stop state legislatures from allowing parents to refuse vaccinations for their children because of a “philosophically objection” to vaccines, and hopefully ‘nip’ America’s next polio epidemic in the bud,” said Dr.Bruno.

The polio vaccine has been a victim of its own success. Young parents do not vaccinate because they have not experienced the devastation, death and disability caused by diseases vaccines eliminated, or are unaware that polio remains a scourge transportable from Africa, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India.

"With the ease of air travel, what will happen when a polio-infected individual lands in one of America's potential polio pockets, like New York City, and passes poliovirus to the estimated 24,000 infants and toddlers in that city who are not immunized?” asked Dr. Bruno “We must do more to vaccinate America's children against this deadly and disabling disease. America's next polio epidemic could be just a car or plane ride away."

The Basic Rules For Clotheslines

2009-04-13T00:00:00.003-05:00

1. You had to wash the clothes line before hanging any clothes- walk the entire lengths of each line with a damp cloth around the lines.

2. You had to hang the clothes in a certain order, and always hang "whites" with "whites," and hang them first.

3. You never hung a shirt by the shoulders -always by the tail! What would the neighbors think?

4. Wash day on a Monday! . . . Never hang clothes on the weekend, or Sunday, for Heaven's sake!

5. Hang the sheets and towels on the outside lines so you could hide your "unmentionables" in the middle (perverts & busybodies, y'know!)

6. It didn't matter if it was sub zero weather . .. clothes would "freeze-dry."

7. Always gather the clothes pins when taking down dry clothes! Pins left on the lines were "tacky!"

8. If you were efficient, you would line the clothes up so that each item did not need two clothes pins, but shared one of the clothes pins with the next washed item.

9. Clothes off of the line before dinner time, neatly folded in the clothes basket, and ready to be ironed.

10. IRONED?! Well, that's a whole other subject!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A POEM

A clothesline was a news forecast

To neighbors passing by

There were no secrets you could keep

When clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link

For neighbors always knew

If company had stopped on by

To spend a night or two.

For then you'd see the "fancy sheets"

And towels upon the line;

You'd see the "company table cloths"

With intricate designs.

The line announced a baby's birth

To folks who lived inside -

As brand new infant clothes were hung,

So carefully with pride!

The ages of the children could

So readily be known

By watching how the sizes changed,

You'd know how much they'd grown!

It also told when illness struck,

As extra sheets were hung;

Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe, too,

Haphazardly were strung.

It also said, "Gone on vacation now"

When lines hung limp and bare.

It told, "We're back!" when full lines sagged

With not an inch to spare!

New folks in town were scorned upon

If wash was dingy and gray,

As neighbors carefully raised their brows,

And looked the other way . . .

But clotheslines now are of the past,

For dryers make work much less.

Now what goes on inside a home

Is anybody's guess!

I really miss that way of life.

It was a friendly sign

When neighbors knew each other best

By what hung on the line!

Photographs by K. Bruce Lane Photography and shown on this blog with permission. Thanks, Bruce.

I HAVE SEEN THE LORD

2009-04-12T00:12:00.003-05:00

John 20:1-18
The Rev. Dennis A. Steckley
April 12, 2009—Easter Sunday
Central Christian Church—Havana, Illinois
Revised from a message originally given at Howard Park Christian Church 4/12/98

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

INTRODUCTION

“I have seen the Lord.” Those words from the lips of Mary Magdalene capture the essence of this Easter morning. Jesus was not dead! There was no body lying in a cold stone tomb. The stone had been rolled away! Nothing could be found there except empty grave clothing. “I have seen the Lord.” It is this miracle which we mark and celebrate today.

Jesus was born for a purpose—to be a sacrificial lamb, to die for our sins, so that we might be brought into the proper relationship with God. The entire life of Jesus hinges on the resurrection. If Jesus does not live, then, as the apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15, we are not only foolish; we are still in our sins.

And so on this Easter Morning we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We celebrate, with Mary Magdalene, in the words, “I have seen the Lord.” Let me suggest to you three ways we can state with assurance, “I have seen the Lord”: first, through the objective reality of the resurrection; second, through the people in God’s church, and third, through those to whom we minister in the community.

THE OBJECTIVE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION

First, let us remember the objective reality of the resurrection. This was not some event that happened only in the minds of those who wanted something—anything—in which to believe. I saw a special recently on public television about Jesus and the early church. It was most disappointing, for it presented one outmoded view as if it were the latest scholarship. That approach to the Bible begins with the assumption (and, yes, I said assumption) that everything which looks miraculous or divine must be explained in purely human terms.

And so the resurrection is either reduced to some psychological problem in the minds of the believers or to a later idea thought up by the early Christians. The entire program was shot through with assumptions that grew out of 19th Century theological studies. It was not “new and trendy,” but the tired old ideas of a hundred-and-fifty years ago!

Please don’t swallow that line of reasoning as if it were unanimous and accurate and up-to-date. It isn’t. We are under no impetus whatsoever to doubt the miraculous, the divine intervention, of God’s plan for our world when it comes to the resurrection of Christ—or for any other part of our faith for that matter. I believe in an objective reality: that Jesus Christ was really dead, and was really brought back to life.

THE PEOPLE IN GOD’S CHURCH

Second, note that we can say, “I have seen the Lord” when we look at the people in God’s church. For all our faults, our shortcomings, our failures, we can see the reality of the Risen Lord in one another in a hundred acts of simple kindness, in a word tenderly spoken, a gentle touch, in our simply being present when a friend needs us.

One of my favorite hymns is a 20th Century one which I first heard a few years ago at a church in Pittsburgh. Titled “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God,” the hymn is a powerful reminder that the saints of God are not some special class of super spiritual people, but ordinary folk striving to live out their lives in faithfulness.

One line reads, “One was a soldier and one was a priest, and one was slain by a fierce wild beast,” which led a young wag in a parochial school to reword it slightly: “One was a soldier, and one was a beast, and one was slain by a fierce wild priest!”

Oh, well. But, you see, we’re too quick to think of saints as some angelic, holy types who lived in the long-ago past. In the Bible, every Christian is a saint, for the word means “holy,” and all who belong to God are the “holy ones.” The hymnist continued:

They lived not only in ages past,
There are hundreds of thousands still,
The world is bright with the joyous saints
Who love to do Jesus’ will.
You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea
In church, or in trains, or in shops, or at tea,
For the saints of God are just folk like me,
And I mean to be one too.

When I look at the people of God, I can say, “I have seen the Lord,” for the love of our Lord, the image of God, the Spirit of God, radiates from within. If you haven’t seen it, start looking! If you haven’t started doing it, then start living it!

THOSE TO WHOM WE MINISTER

Third, remember that we can say, “I have seen the Lord,” through those to whom we minister in the community. For me, among the most moving of all words from the lips of our Savior are those found in Matthew 25: “Whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.” The text makes it abundantly clear that service offered to anyone is service offered directly to Jesus; the haunting part is that the converse is also true: that to turn away or treat another wrongly is to turn away or wrong Jesus himself.

In the 6th Century, Benedict founded the Benedictine order on that principle. To this day, no one who knocks at the door of a Benedictine monastery or convent is turned away. Their “Rule of Hospitality” says that the stranger at the door is Christ, to be received in that spirit.

A few months ago in our Christmas program, we re-enacted an old story called “The Christmas Guest.” In it, a humble shoemaker dreams that Jesus is coming to his house on Christmas day. Conrad is so excited—but no one comes save a beggar who needs shoes, a woman cold and hungry, and a lost child. Disappointed, Conrad says his evening prayers before climbing into bed:

“Dear Lord, why did you delay?
What kept you from coming to call on me,
For I wanted so much your face to see.

--When soft in the silence a voice he heard,
“Lift up your head, for I kept my word.
Three times my shadow crossed your floor
And three times I came to your lonely door.

--I was the beggar with bruised cold feet,
And I was the woman you gave something to eat
I was the child on the homeless street.

Three times I knocked and three times I came in,
And each time I found the warmth of a friend.
--Of all the gifts, Love is the best,
--And I was honored to be your Christmas Guest.”

CLOSING

The season is wrong, but the message is right. Easter morning Mary Magdalene declared in confidence, “I have seen the Lord!” My prayer for you this Easter season and the year to come is that you, too, will “see the Lord” every day in the reality of the resurrection, in the people of God, and in those you meet and serve. “I have seen the Lord”—and He is risen and lives today! Amen.

Note: Dennis, a vintage sewing machine, pipe organ enthusiast and lover of cats, is my friend from the Yahoo Group VintageKenmoresSew.

We Are The Reason

2009-04-09T19:03:00.010-05:00

It Was Foretold

1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
(Please watch the video...but also listen as you read)

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53

.....think on these things.

Holy Week

2009-04-07T12:17:00.008-05:00

The most solemn week of the Christian year, Holy week is the week leading up to Easter, and is the week during which Christians particularly remember the last week of Jesus's life. Holy week begins on Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday commemorates Christ's triumphant arrival in Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowd. During the last few days, Jesus and His disciples had steadily journeyed from Galilee toward Jerusalem. On the sunlight hillsides of Galilee, Jesus was popular, the crowds were friendly and the future was bright. Even his entry into Jerusalem had been marked by a joyous welcome.

The great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, they took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!"John 12:12-13

Monday

Jesus cleanses the Temple and curses the Fig Tree. God prepares those who will accept His sacrifice.

Tuesday

Jesus teaches the last time in the Temple; God issues the invitation to come and enjoy His sacrifice.

Wednesday

Judas Betrays. Mary Perfumes. God waits for the response to the invitation.

But in Jerusalem there was a growing darkness as the crowds began to draw back from the man who spoke of commitment and servanthood. There was an ominous tone in the murmuring of the Sadducees and Pharisees who were threatened by the new future Jesus proclaimed. Later in that week many of the people in that cheering crowd would be among those shouting that Jesus should be executed.

Holy Thursday

Jesus offers His body and blood in the last supper. God offers His sacrifice.

There are a variety of events that are clustered on this last day before Jesus was arrested that are commemorated in various ways in services of worship. These include the last meal the disciples shared with Jesus and the betrayal by Judas.

39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:39-44

Good Friday

Jesus dies on the cross. God accepts His sacrifice (a sweet smelling aroma).

MAY GOD BLESS

2009-04-03T17:01:00.002-05:00

Mark 11:1-11
The Rev. Dennis A. Steckley
April 5, 2009—Palm Sunday
Central Christian Church—Havana, Illinois
(This sermon published here with permission of author.)

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

INTRODUCTION

It’s a strange event, isn’t it? I mean, we know the end of the story. We know what is about to happen. Here is Jesus coming into Jerusalem to the cheering adulation of excited crowds—and we know that in a few days, crowds will be chanting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” They were not necessarily the same people, by the way. In fact, I suspect they mostly were not. The Jewish officials who railroaded Jesus’ conviction had no doubt packed Pilate’s courtyard with folk who agreed with them—with folk who wanted to be rid of this Jesus, the troublemaker who kept upsetting the status quo.

And yet, we join the party, too. We have our palm fronds and every year we wave them in the air as we pause for a moment of joy before what we know is to come. Maybe for us it’s the peak of joy before the roller coaster of Holy Week plunges perilously to the black tunnel of Good Friday.

But I want you to notice three things this morning about this “Triumphal Entry” of Jesus into Jerusalem.

IT IS A CAREFULLY PLANNED EVENT

First, please note that it is a carefully planned event. Jesus clearly intends to make a definite statement with this entrance—and so he has made arrangements for the young donkey to be available. He even has a “password” of sorts for the disciples to use when they pick up the colt.

So what statement is Jesus making? First of all, he is coming in humility. Rather than a mighty king coming on a white stallion in glory, he rides a donkey—a young donkey. Some writers have suggested his feet might even have been dragging the ground. It’s almost a comical image—though it draws upon the historic precedent of a king who came in peace. Such a king would ride in on a donkey, not on the mighty horse. But Jesus’ entry is an entry that suggests a king—and, of course, a Jewish king would be expected to be in the line of David—which Jesus was. But while people might have expected a Davidic king who would restore the Jewish monarchy and overthrow the Roman overseers, we know, again, as people who have seen the end of the story, that Jesus had no intention of being a political king. His kingdom was to be a reign of God in individual hearts. And, if you think about it, whatever—or whomever—reigns in your heart is of much greater importance than who sits in the courthouse or the governor’s office or the White House.

So Jesus plans his entry carefully—and when the event is ended, what does he do? The text says simply:

Jesus went on into the temple and had a good look around. However, it was already late in the day, so he and the twelve went back to Bethany and stayed overnight there.

It’s rather anticlimactic, but the event was over. Jesus had accomplished what he intended to that point, so he simply goes back to Bethany—from where he had just come. The show was over.

IT IS A STAGED EVENT

I use the phrase, “the show was over” deliberately—because not only is this a planned event, it is also a staged event. It is very much theatrical in nature. That royal imagery of riding in on a donkey created a specific scene—and there was an expected response. When the king came to town—a popular king, people would respond as did the people this day—they pulled branches off the trees and waved them in the air; they threw the branches into the roadway and cast their clothing into the roadway ahead of the procession.

That’s the way things were done. If we knew that President Obama was coming to Havana tomorrow, we would not only line the streets to see his limo cruise by, some people would make signs to hold up with things like, “Welcome to Havana,” or “We Like Barack!” or whatever. We might wave flags and banners. Nobody would have to orchestrate those things or tell us to do them—we just “know” that’s what you do to welcome an important public official.

One commentator on the Triumphal Entry suggests that the theatricality of the event is much akin to a rock concert in our day: adoring fans scream in a frenzy, perhaps even passing out or “swooning” as ladies always seemed to do in the books of a hundred years ago. And, though I hate to push the analogy too far, items of clothing would be thrown before the performer.

This entry of Jesus is theatre at its best; it is a carnival of excitement and hullaballoo.

IT IS A SIGNIFICANT EVENT

But let’s go a step further. Not only is the entry planned and theatrical, it is also a significant event. Now think about that word, “significant.” Within it is the word, “sign.” Something that is “significant” is a “sign” of something else. Go out to Highway 136 and you’ll see signs. They either give you information about something—like a curve in the road or a speed limit—or they tell you where something is—turn left to go to Topeka, or that way to the fish hatchery or whatever.

Jesus’ triumphal entry is a sign pointing us to a greater reality than just somebody riding a donkey into town. It is pointing us to the reality that Jesus is a king, and that he is about to do something very important in this kingly role: Jesus is preparing to give his very life to save the lives of his loyal subjects. This is not a king of royal arrogance who thinks he is better than everyone else. Jesus is a kind and gentle monarch, one who loves his subjects with a deep and everlasting love. Jesus is the good and wise king you’ve always dreamed of. Yes, he is a king with all the royal power that implies, and a king is to be respected, but he is a king who is willing to die for you, and a king who will always act in love toward those who love him.

CONCLUSION

We need always to remember that Jesus’ life on this earth in a physical body was not merely some random event. No, it was planned by God as a means of redemption and salvation for all who would turn to God in humble repentance; for all who would seek to serve God in faithful trust.

The triumphal entrance of Jesus that is most significant to you is not some distant event on the dusty roads of Jerusalem, but rather that triumphal entrance of Jesus when you invited him into your heart. If you’ve taken that step, you already know that. If you haven’t taken that step, then today is the day when you can; today is the day when you can say, “Yes, I believe. Yes, I want to follow. Yes, I want to be buried in the waters of Christian baptism that I may identify with my Lord and be obedient to his example and his command.”

And you will be blessed—eternally—when you do that. As my fellow Vincennes, Indiana native, Red Skelton, used to say, “May God bless!” Amen.

Note: Dennis, a vintage sewing machine, pipe organ enthusiast and lover of cats, is my friend from the Yahoo Group VintageKenmoresSew.

Showers Of Blessings

2009-03-22T20:36:00.005-05:00

I know that I am blessed every day but there were "Showers of Blessings" poured on me today! Willowbrook Baptist Church is such a wonderful place for worship, hearing the Gospel of Jesus, and fellowship. I usually go to the five o'clock service which is the "same as the morning but different." That's been the slogan since the five o'clock service was started last fall and I do enjoy going at that time but went to a morning service today instead. My daughter, Marcia and her friend Denise rotate Sundays with another couple of people to lead praise and worship for the class. I was so happy when Marcia started singing again and volunteered to be part of the Praise and Worship Team. Our class rooms are large with platforms equipped with sound systems, flat screen TVs and kitchen areas. I love that the worship services and classes are scheduled so people have time to get acquainted over a cup of coffee and maybe a bagel or Danish before the class or worship service starts. The outpouring of love and fellowship at Willowbrook is clearly present.

Today was Marcia and Denise's Sunday to lead worship but Denise was out of town and Marcia asked MaryJustice to "stand in" for Denise. So, I decided to "crash" this class this morning since I am not in the 30 - 40 age range and I wanted to hear my girls sing together since thus far they have not sung in public together. I've been waiting for this moment!!!!

Denise

I looked at MaryJustice sitting there waiting for the class to get started and told her we were sort of out of place and she said, "Well, I am single!" You know me, I had to chuckle at the candid honesty of this 14-year-old-delight-of-my-life! Well, come to think of it.....I'm single too!

Earlier, I had noticed the sound man, Marcia, MaryJustice and Associate Pastor Steve Lacy, the teacher, praying for the service asking God to bless the music and class. Marcia and MJ went to the platform and opened with prayer and started the first song. Words are displayed on the wall on a flat screen television. We sang "Let My Words Be Few" and "We All Bow Down". It was such a blessing listening Marcia and MJ singing together. They sang beautifully together! The songs are in the Music Box in the Side Bar.

Marcia and MaryJustice

I wish I had a picture from today as well as a recording but I just didn't think I should lug all that equipment to church or start clicking pictures. Maybe I need a small pocket recorder...hmmmm.

I realize every day how God pours blessings down on me. It was difficult keeping my composure... my face wanted to crumple in tears of joy and thanksgiving when MaryJustice introduced the next song and how she came to write it. She told everyone she realized one day how busy she had become with singing, writing songs, modeling and school and found herself being too busy for God. She noticed that God had slipped almost to the bottom of her to-do list. She said that God should be first, all throughout and the end of our to-do lists everyday. Recently, as she started praying about this the words and music to this song came to her "in the coolest way" and she knows it was given to her by God. She asked everyone to bow their heads and search their hearts to see where God is on their to-do lists as she sang her new song, "Beautiful" in acapella. I don't have the lyrics .... they will be shared at another time. She sang of how beautiful it is to have God in our lives and how un-beautiful things would be without Him. More blessings were to come.

Steve's lesson entitled "The Power of Attitude" spoke to me. I felt that I needed a refresher course on the subject. I hope it will minister to you as it did to me. Here's the study guide:

The Power of Attitude

Your attitude reflects the real you.

Matthew 12:34-35 (NIV)

For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

Your attitude has a great effect on your relationships

1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (NIV)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Your attitude is your choice

Acts 23:5 (NIV)

5Paul replied, "Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.'"

HOW TO PRODUCE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Cut out the negative thoughts (talk)...tell yourself the truth

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Learn to look for the good

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)

17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Change the way you think

1. Fix you thoughts on what's true

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2. Filter out the garbage

Galatiians 5:16 (NIV)

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

3. Feed your mind

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

I truly had "Showers of Blessings" today. Thank you Father.

Pal

2009-03-04T09:20:00.014-06:00

I subscribe to "Taggin' For Fun" for neat tags by a great group of talented graphic artists. Today was "Taggin' N Snaggin'" and when I opened the email this morning and saw the first tag I knew I had to tell the story of Pal.

I was five years old, recovering from polio when the "Saga of Pal" started. I remember the sun was shining and I had started walking. We lived on a very long street and I suppose that everyone knew everyone on their street back then. I was walking down the sidewalk and a lady asked me if I wanted to see her new puppies. She bred Bloodhounds to sell and took me into her back yard and there was a litter of newly born black and tan Bloodhound pups. It became a ritual to walk to her house every day to check on the progress of the puppies. I was thrilled when she gave me the runt of the litter. Runt, but he grew into a magnificent dog we named Pal. Daddy and I had many discussions about Pal. He was a sportsman with a fishing and hunting buddy. If you remember the story about the carbide lantern from December...yes, the same buddy, Bill. Anyway, Daddy wanted to train Pal to hunt but he was my dog and I would not give him up. Daddy and Bill took Pal hunting one day and came back very disgusted saying, "This dog won't hunt." Of course not! Pal was a member of the family.

(Perry, Sylvester, Elaine, Pal, Sue)

This was during WWII and Mother had a garden, raised chickens and rabbits and we had a cat named Sylvester. Pal was taught to get along with other animals. One day our next-door neighbor frantically called Mother to tell her Pal was killing one of her rabbits in the back yard. Mother went out and there was Pal holding a small rabbit in his front paws bathing it. Big, bad Bloodhound! Tsk! Tsk! Daddy had organized our back yard by activities, each being cordoned off by it's own fence with gate. There was a chicken/rabbit area with a two story structure for chicken roost on top and hen nests on the bottom and the rabbit hutches on the bottom level so they were protected from weather but got sunshine. There was a vegetable garden and then the play area. Pal had run of the play area. We came out our back door and slid down the sliding board Daddy had built down the side of our steps. Such happy times! Thank you, God!

Daddy would soften an orange, cut a hole in one end so we could suck the juice from an orange, then open it and eat the pulp. He gave one to Pal one day and the dog held the orange between his paws and pressed the juice and licked it. He loved the orange and would beg for one with us kids. Hunting/Fishing Buddy Bill laughed at Pal "sucking an orange". The indignant dog picked up the orange and got behind the sofa to enjoy his orange without heckling. Daddy had a special fondness for Pal as we all did and he loved to play with him which was very entertaining for us kids. We would keep Pal in the house and Daddy would come in the back gate and walk all around the yard and hide in the huge fig tree in the backyard. We would take Pal to the back gate and let him loose. With nose to ground, Pal would track Daddy's trail as a good Bloodhound should. When he got into the fig tree all the branches shook as Daddy and Pal cavorted inside. Of course we were delighted and made as much noise as they.

Daddy said he could always tell we had dessert for supper because Pal would greet him at the front door with a "special tone in his voice" when he came home from work.

He would ask Mother, "Cake or Pie? Pal told me at the door that you ran the electric mixer." We will never know if Daddy smelled the fragrance of the baking or if in deed, the dog had a special "voice" to announce baking. Daddy had us convinced that Pal told him.

I fell in love with this picture when I saw it a few years ago as it has a special significance to me. I was thrilled when we were allowed to take our reading books home from school and had just gotten the first hardback "reader." I remember reading in the book and putting it down. After supper Mother told me to get my things together for school the next day. I could not find the book....my search led me to the back yard but I knew I had not read in the play yard....but there was Pal lying in a corner with the book in his paws...reading it? He must have really enjoyed that story as he had torn each page out as he finished it. Marcia and MaryJustice ran across a small print of this picture entitled "The Reading Lesson" as a gift for me. Thank you, again.

There are more stories about this wonderful Pal that I'll save for another day. Thank you, Miss Betty, for the tag that brought back such wonderful memories today.

A Series Of Events

2009-03-02T13:19:00.021-06:00

I started cleaning my study a few days ago when I noticed vast amounts of (cough, cough!) dust on the bookshelves....and (ahhhchoo!) dust on my many treasures displayed on those (cough, cough!) dusty shelves. Believe me, this kind of cleaning is a BIG EVENT for me!

Dragging the step-ladder into the house, stretching, lifting, lugging all the items to another room until the job is completed. This job has extended over a period of several days, an IRRITATING EVENT. I don't mind doing the task but I do mind the time it takes. During one of my many rest breaks, I visited Michelle's ~just simple joys~ and saw the neat things from her last "Good Will Hunting" one being a neat glass container. Since neat jars, bottles, boxes and books, are among my most favorite things to collect, I thought I would share some of my glass containers. So storing that thought, I went about the business of cleaning the study. I picked up a jar of rocks, a souvenir from the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin and headed toward the kitchen thinking, "I'll take a picture of these." As I entered the kitchen the glass container slipped out of my hand and smash! Rocks and clear glass marbles scattered everywhere. Yeah, this was an EVENT... I have no words to describe it.

I cleaned up the broken glass while holding off nosey Miss Baby Dog who wanted to investigate the disaster. I'll dig through my stash and find another container for the rocks....no biggie.

SWEET EVENTS...
Later, as I continued cleaning, I picked up a little box and remembered a discussion about treasure chests with MaryJustice. She was about six and had watched a kid's movie that brought up the topic of treasures and treasure chests. I told her I had treasure chests all over the house. She gave me a quizzical look and asked, "Really?" She's had full run of the house but has never been meddlesome. I told her that I had treasures all over and to look in any box, basket, tea tin or tiny drawer she liked. It was fun to watch her discover buttons, beads, old jewelry, colored thread, etc. Now, when I open little boxes that are laying around I am sometimes pleasantly surprised. MJ sticks little "I love you" notes in unexpected places!

I opened this little box today while cleaning

and, found this note tucked in with a little filigree butterfly. I don't know how long it has been there.

With frequent wrist and neck rests and revisiting the books on the shelves I don't know when I'll finish the BIG EVENT of cleaning the study!

I am, Grandmother, but when MJ was little she saw these "grandma" stories and bought them for me because they were messages for me! The green school book is one she and Marcia bought with a bunch of very old books at a street fair a few years ago because they know I love to read old books. They didn't know that "Down Our Street" was my second grade "reader".

Another gift book....

This book was one of my Christmas presents from MaryJustice last year. I highly recommend this book. The story about a young woman who is a tea expert takes place during the Victorian Era in London, travels to America and back to London. She picked the book because of the era, the hat on the front and because I love roses (growing, drying, preserving) and all kinds of teas, green, black, herbal. We have had many a tea party and will enjoy many more. The vintage hand-appliqued tea towel was a gift also.
There are several Bibles and reference books that belonged to Mother among my books. I picked up the big black one and noticed the spine was loose. When I opened it much to my delight it was LARGE print! My reference Bible has such thin paper and small print it's hard to read. I was thrilled to rediscover this one in my shelves. I reglued the spine and have it "pressing" so I can use it.
I love being with my little family....daughter, son, grandchild and me. When we are together it's a TERRIFIC EVENT. We recently celebrated the event of MaryJustice's 14th birthday. Everyday I give thanks to God for my loved ones...those who are near...those who are far....those who are gone. I am so blessed and know that I am loved. I pray the same for you.

I'm Baaack!

2009-02-28T23:08:00.009-06:00

For the past couple of weeks I've been away from my blog. I've browsed by to check things out and read a couple but just couldn't manage a post. It's been a hectic, painful several days. First, I made an appointment with a chiropractor I had heard of a few years ago that "knows" about PPS but had hesitated about seeing. For several years I had my fill of surgery, tests, trial and error medications and rounds of physical therapy and just got tired of the whole scene. But, lately the pain and spasms were beginning to interfere more and more which tends to make me sort of grumpy... well, let's be honest here....tends to make me go ballistic at times which is not a good thing. I don't recall if I mentioned my powerchair had died and I did more long distance walking than I should. Got new batteries and charged it up...still did not work and a loose connection was discovered and fixed. Then when it came time to recharge it the power cord had mysteriously been removed from the back pocket of the chair. Had to find a supplier locally for that! Frustration leads to muscle spasms and ill temper! Sorry, but it is true. Dealing with PPS and FMS simultaneously is the pits! Well, enough moanin' and groanin'. The new doctor was great and did understand about PPS. After a few days the pain was more a soreness and I did a lot of nothing to allow the muscles to rest. No sewing and very little computering because they are both bad for my neck and shoulder muscles....talk about withdrawal! Anyway, I bought one of these...

to massage the pressure points. The chiropractor's wife is a massage therapist and showed me how to use it. I had thought about ordering one from the internet a couple of years ago when I was doing a lot of research on pressure points or trigger points after massage therapy at that time. Glad I waited. I also bought one of these....

A sand filled heat pack which has to be boiled before the first use and then stored in water. It can be heated in the microwave. This heat pack is heavier than a regular electric heating pad and the moist heat penetrates the muscles better.

Since my insurance does not pay for x-rays done in a chiropractor's office he had sent me to an imaging center for a cervical spine and hip x-rays which told him that I now have arthritis in my entire spine. Whoopie! I already knew there is stenosis in the spinal column as that's what the cervical spine surgery was all about in 1998. A neurologist I've seen said the polio virus has caused a collapse of the spinal column causing stenosis. Sounds mysterious doesn't it? I've gotten used to it and have read and read .....anyway I was told that scar tissue from the surgery was causing the pain across my shoulders and electrostimulation was the best treatment for that. I already had this.....

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator or TENS Unit prescribed by my family doctor a few years ago to use for pain. However, it is very difficult attaching those sticky pads to the right spot on my back. The chiropractor checked my unit to make sure it was set properly and instructed me proper use since I had never been referred to a PT for instruction.

So the other evening I had on the trusty old Miami J while cooking supper and when I took it off to eat, my daughter, Marcia, had this shocked look on her face and said, "Mom, you didn't have a beard a while ago." The edges of the blue pads on the cervical collar are worn out and the thin layer of deteriorated foam had left a line of brown just under my chin that looked like a a thin line beard! (hmmm, sort of like Michael English's) Good grief! What next? Now I need to locate new pads for this piece of equipment. Those are things I must have, although I would rather buy somethine more exciting such a pretty fabric. And, those black splints I wear on my wrists need to be replaced! Ah, heck! Oh, well, grumble, mumble.....There is more to the saga of being away from the wonderful world of blogging but that will have to wait until another day.

But, I am in good spirits because I know this too will pass and that I am in the arms of my Lord Jesus. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. I praise Him and give thanks unto My Lord!

2009-02-22T09:34:00.000-06:00

Live At Willowbrook Baptist Church

2009-02-15T21:10:00.003-06:00

What a blessing! Anthony Evans visited our church today and led worship during all services. It was wonderful and when Pastor Mark stepped up to deliver his message you could feel the presence of the Lord all around us. After the sermon Anthony gave us a short concert. He has recorded 3 albums. After the release of his last CD, he was the number one download on iTunes for a Christian artist. Anthony has toured with TRUTH and with Kirk Franklin. He has performed on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Soul Train," the Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Award telecasts. Anthony has alwo worked with Billy Graham, Lifeway, Women of Faith, and Promise Keepers. His music is amazing, as is his heart.

Anthony showed us a short film on sponsoring a child in a remote African village. I hope that after the last service tonight all 300 children in one village will be sponsored by Willowbrook. At the beginning of the 5:00 service we were only 80 away from that goal. Our church supports several missionaries and in addition, our members (not trained missionaries) go into the mission fields all over the world. A Venezuela Mission Trip is in the planning stages now.

God is moving in wonderful ways in our church. We are growing and growing and constantly making changes to accommodate the needs of the church family. Pastor Mark commented tonight in his sermon, entitled, "Going Up" that we should not worship the building but should worship God. Worship God Only. In Luke 21:5-6 Jesus predicted the temple would be destroyed. We have a wonderful facility that focuses on all age groups with emphasis on our youth. We are blessed to have this building, but we enter to worship God and to minister to one another.
Note: Click the link "Willowbrook" in the sidebar and listen to Pastor Mark.
Music in sidebar is by Anthony Evans.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T14:24:00.003-06:00

Not good pictures, but I enjoyed doing these hand-made, computer-aided Valentines. I first bonded white fabric to both sides of buckram with stitch witchery, printed the image and transferred to the fabric. Lace and trim were applied with clear, flexible glue. The silver and gold glitter pen over the text doesn't show in the photo. Lesson learned: Do not use bold text in small font when transferring.....It looks good on the screen but looks smudged on the fabric.

We used to make our Valentines when I was a kid. Red art paper and white paper doilies....and white paste! Or punched them out of a book like paper dolls. Preparation was the fun part for me.

Lunch At The Regency

2009-02-10T14:39:00.025-06:00

The Not Dead Yet Redhatters were treated to an elegant luncheon today at the Regency Retirement Village.

The marketing staff went all out in the sunroom with Mardi Gras decorations of balloons, masks on sticks and beads of red and purple in honor of us Redhatters.

Everyone turned out in Red Hat Regalia.

Such an array of Red Hats and finery!

"The Ladies of the Eighties"

These two, along with our Vice Queen were all over the room cheerfully handing out membership cards and performing other administrative duties. There are so many that do a lot of work to pull our meetings together. Birthdays were acknowledged...we had door prizes ... And, small heart shaped boxes of chocolates for everyone. Thanks, Red Hatters!

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman don't have anything on us! We have our on "bucket list" of fun things to do. Becky, keeper of our bucket of lists.

Here's Lorrie, Senior Center Activities Coordinator. Queen Catherine says she is the wind beneath our wings. So true!

Lunch was served by the marketing staff who warned us they were not professional waitresses. They were terrific! Service was great! We had a choice of prime rib or spinach stuffed chicken breast served with scalloped potatoes, vegetable medley, salad and traditional Mardi Gras King cake. I got the piece of cake with the gold baby charm, supposing to bring good fortune! I thought there would be a "promotional" presentation on life at the Regency but the luncheon was not for recruiting purposes...just a warm friendly gesture from the staff to do something nice for the Not Dead Yet Redhatters! Thank you Regency!

My latest "re-engineered" hat.

'Til next time,

Bragging Nana

2009-02-04T22:53:00.013-06:00

Meet my cyber buddy and fellow polio survivor, Betty Inglima. We whine and cry on each other's shoulders occasionally, but more importantly, she's one of my prayer warriors. I'm in Alabama and Betty is in California. We get together frequently via cyberspace and on occasion via Alexander Graham Bell's wonderful invention that most people have forgotten! Betty is holding Archie and yes, she does brag about his antics and the things he and Earl, her granddog, get into. Oh, and her cat Meccio gets into the mix occasionally. But, Bragging Nana is about another object of her affection. Note: Bragging Nana is the title of her email to me...The credit goes to Betty!

So let's hear it for Vince Inglima! Betty's grandson who was a star basketball player for Sonoma State University. (Turn off the Music Box)

Vince now plays for the Dandenong Rangers in Australia. A reporter for an Australian newspaper had this to say about Vince, "In many ways, Vince Inglima is the antithesis of what Australian basketball fans have come to expect from their American imports. With Inglima, you don’t get the rim-rattling dunks, the showtime moves or the street-baller bravado. Instead, you get a fierce competitor; a hard-nosed defender who is willing to work for his scoring opportunities within a successful system. In other words, you get a ready-made Ranger."

SEAWOLF SPORTS NETWORK

Sonoma State is one of three schools in the California Collegiate Athletic Association providing web casts of its home basketball games. The web casts feature a pair of former SSU basketball stars, Vince Inglima (on the left), 25, and Kevin Christensen, 26, who handle the broadcasting duties while a rotating group of students serve as the cameraman filming from the top row of the stands at Seawolf Gym. Inglima and Christensen, both graduates of Sonoma State, wanted to have some fun and give back to the program, meaning they agreed to work for free. They took the idea to the SSU associate athletic director, who approved the project, found a web site, purchased a mixer and put together a broadcasting network at the cost of $200 for the season.

Vince heads back to Australia, today, for his third season with the Rangers. Have a great basketball season "down under", Vince! Your Nana will miss you!

Odds 'N' Ends

2009-02-03T14:50:00.013-06:00

Hmmmm.....I don't know where to start. I had a busy day yesterday and it was almost that busy today. I started some laundry early this morning.

Breakfast

Cooked breakfast in my electrical thrift store treasure I found yesterday. It worked great! I can't wait to cook a boneless chicken breast with something. This is great for recycling leftovers!

The potatoes were frozen home fries that I cut up, added a tablespoon of water and some onion. I used two eggs. One is plenty to fill of the well as it does rise up. Anyway, when finished cooking I added some grated cheese. Very good. I did't have to stand over it! Which I love.

The blue speckled jar and the clear jar were thrift store finds yesterday also. I don't know what will go in the speckled jar but it matches a cheese crock that stores coffee creamer. The clear jar now has dried Basil with a red shaker lid on top. You can't see the design in this picture but it's a diamond design in glassware I have.

Power Chair

Then I had to pick up my powerchair which I dropped off yesterday. New batteries were put in last week but it suddenly died again before I even used it. There was a loose connection. Jimmy, the technician at http://www.almedicalequip.com/ knows his business. Rodney, the owner is a classmate of my son, Michael. Thank you, son, for telling me about this group of wonderful people. I've been without my wheels for a month and it's so good to be mobile again!

Thrift Store

Then back to the thrift store for a second look at a table I am interested in. It will have to wait while I mull it over. But, I did find a pair of short curtains with a valance in a pale beige with a white, shadowy flower print. I couldn't get a picture but this is that "just right piece of fabric" needed to finish out the color scheme for Marcia's quilt. See...it eventually all falls together! I also found a couple of beautiful white pillow shams. They're very different and when I get them washed and ironed I'll show them off. These will be a great addition to the white quilted coverlet on my bed. It's been in service for years....when I like a "look" I keep it.

Lunch

This Fondue Pot was also a thrift store find several months ago. It was new, in the box, never opened. It's great as an electric sauce pan. The other day I made a chicken noodle casserole with broccoli. I used fresh broccoli so I tossed the stalks along with several ribs of celery, a garlic clove and a whole onion and pork neck bones with lots of meat on them into the stock pot and let it simmer away until all was tender. Removed the meat, separating it from the bones and any fat and returned to the stock pot. All went into the refrigerator. The next morning I skimmed off any fat, dipped out the whole vegetable pieces and pureed in the blender. Added back to the meat and broth, added one can of white beans, 1 cup of frozen corn, a dash each of Sage, Basil and Thyme and let it all simmer for some time. Then, I added milk and freshly ground pepper. This yielded three 32 ounce containers for the freezer. So today I heated one of the containers for lunch in my thrift store pot. I did not have to "watch" the pot! The part I love! I tossed in some grated Parmesan cheese, toasted some garlic bread and lunch was ready.

Dessert

I did treat myself to dessert. If you've never tried this you are missing out on a quick, tasty 5 minute chocolate cake.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons cake flour (that's plain flour, not self-raising)

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons baking cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3tablespoons chocolate chips(optional)

A small splash of vanilla

1 coffee mug (I used a soup cup)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well

Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips, vanilla, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (will serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

Also, great while warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

So it's back to laundry and some housecleaning for me.

That Little Voice In My Head!

2009-02-02T22:53:00.006-06:00

Today was sort of hectic. I had an appointment with a new doctor. (Stop at the thrift store.)I was tired from a busy week-end and NOT having my powerchair so my old bod was tired. After the appointment, I had to drive across town for x-rays, but first dropped my wheelchair off to be checked out again and stopped to fuel up the van. (Stop at the thrift store.) I also took a trip to the drive-up window at McDonald's for a medium coffee, two creams. Got the x-rays....it seemed to take forever. I sat and sat in the waiting room. No one else in the waiting room and no one came out while I was waiting. Wonder what the hold up was....anyway got finished with that and was on my way home. This little voice in my head keep saying, "Stop at the thrift store." Then I would think ...I gotta get home...I gotta get home...."Stop at the thrift store."

It seems if there is something I want it eventually shows up at the thrift store. Like the $60.00 pizzelle iron I had wanted for years. One day about five years ago, I was in the thrift store and lo and behold! There was the exact brand and model I had priced.....plugged it up....it got hot...paid $2.00 and brought it home. It has been put to good use. Then when I bought the cute little telephone table with chair at my favorite "junque shoppe", which just fit a spot in the foyer, I thought..."hmmm.... a cream colored, old rotary type telephone would be perfect for that little table." I could not imagine one of the modern wireless things there. A couple of days later I went to the thrift store and voila there it was. Paid one dollar, brought it home, cleaned it up, plugged it in and got a dial tone. I like that old-fashioned ring-ring instead of the buzz-buzz or bleak-bleak of the new phones.

So today, although tired, and anxious to get home....that little voice in my head kept saying "stop at the thrift store." So, I stopped and walked around a couple of counters and then to the appliance counter and absent-mindedly, as in a trance wondering why am I here, spotted the edge of something that struck a chord in my mind.

Have you seen these on TV? Express 101, complete meal maker with two wells inside. The lady who demonstrates puts chicken in one side, stuffing in the other, closes the lid and takes out a cooked meal in 20 minutes. I've never wanted to pay the TV price, but have been intrigued by this little gadget. When cooking for myself I like to use small electric appliances so I don't have to "stand at the stove." I have a small George Forman grill which although for hamburgers and such, I discovered it makes a great panini. So here was the little cooker I have wanted for a couple of years. Plugged it into the outlet, it got hot...top and bottom...very hot. Paid $2.00 and brought it home. It's in excellent condition. I'll clean it tomorrow and try it out with some hash browns (with onions) and scrambled eggs (with cheese).

I've learned to listen when that little voice in my head starts nagging at me!

Yesterday

2009-02-01T11:58:00.009-06:00

I've had a busy week with all sorts of "goings ons" and "busy-ness", but yesterday, although long, was fun and relaxing. MaryJustice, Marcia and I went to the recording studio. MaryJustice worked 10 hours on music, but I'll let her tell you about her experience when she gets time in a few days. She has been a busy young lady with LIVE at church, homework and planning her freshman high school curiculum for next year. Yep! It has to be done now...decisions, decisions. Sometimes her music has to take a backseat. We are working on a better plan. More on that later when final decisions and plans are made.

Remember this project from a couple of posts back? It was in a pile of knitting I started some time ago.

This ribbon scarf which was about six inches long went along with me to work on while I watched and listened as other people worked. You know what they say about idle hands.... So I sat on a very comfortable sofa with two pillows behind me. That sofa must have been selected by really big men because I could not lean against the seat back without my feet sticking straight out. I know that seat must be the width of a twin mattress!

So here I am all settled in to knit, watch and listen. I'm not photogenic so I hope your computer screens do not fizzle out when this pops up!

The scarf is now 87 inches long. I have about six inches more to knit and then add the fringe.

I didn't knit the entire 10 hours. My wrists wouldn't have held out that long. However, I'm so pleased at the amount done on this project from my stash of stuff to do. It was a relaxing day...comfortable sofa...plenty of good coffee...good company. The fully equipped recording studio is located in a church with wonderful facilities. It is awesome that God puts the people we need right in our path at the time we need them. We think we are in control of what we do but I realize more and more, that as long as I put my trust and EVERYTHING fully in His hands, wonderful things happen. I praise God in all situations giving Him thanks.

It Doesn't Always Take Three Decades!

2009-01-27T09:45:00.005-06:00

A few days ago I shared stories about my projects that were instant family heirlooms by the time I got them finished. Well, I have to give myself some credit...it doesn't always take quite that long...sometimes but.....you know how life gets in the way of fun things from time-to-time.

This quilt started out as a simple crazy quilt for MJ when she was about five or so. She selected her favorite things to be embroidered in each center motif such as the Little Mermaid, Flounder, etc. Fabrics were selected from my stash. Some of the fabrics were scraps from things I had made her, scraps from the baby quilt that was supposed to be her mother's up baby quilt per my earlier post! I love hand embroidery but remember "those things I wear on my wrists"...they are a big hinderance to hand sewing.

Anyway, the project was put aside and as I started working on it again, I decided it would be more of a memory quilt, depicting places she had visited as well as things she loves. It was a fun project! I used buttons from my collection, bows, charms, lace and crocheted things from my stash. Some embellishments I made as the inspiration hit while working a particular block. That's the fun of crazy quilting.

Click To Enlarge

Another thing I enjoy about making something for someone is that I pray for them as I sew along. I also pray for myself. I also Praise God as I sew along. It is never a task but a time to reflect, relax and plan ahead. I'm happy I can still "multi-task". Thank you, Lord!

I have a CQ vest I started 10 years ago....I may dig that out to see what needs to be done to finish it up. I seldom need to leave my house to find something interesting to do!

Tune In to WDUK Havana,

2009-01-26T05:00:00.003-06:00

Hello to all on this Monday, January 26th. I’m Pastor Dennis Steckley from Central Christian Church here in Havana. Last week was an exciting week with all the pomp and festivities surrounding the inauguration of a new president. Many of us were glued to our television sets for hours at a time.

I was so glad that the beginning to Inaugural Day was a time of worship—and on the day following was held the Inaugural Prayer Service at the magnificent National Cathedral.

We are blessed not only to live in the United States, but ever so much more blessed to see powerful leaders bathe their beginnings in prayer. The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 13 that leaders ultimately derive their power from God. Therefore, it is right and fitting that we should uphold them in our prayers—and this is true whether you agree with a given leader politically or not. All of us benefit from a leader who is filled with wisdom, compassion, and integrity—a person who lives out and models that life for us.

That, of course, is what Jesus Christ does for us; Christ is the perfect example of wisdom, compassion, and integrity—and as we see his life on earth through the pages of Scripture, it is our task—with God’s help—to continue that ministry here on earth. We, too, are to be people of love; people who share with one another out of whatever gifts and blessings God has given to us. And so it is also fitting that we pray for one another and for ourselves. Life is not always easy. I’ve heard of non-believers sneering at Christians for needing the “crutch” of faith in God. Well, you know, if you break your leg, using a crutch is a good thing!

And if life is hard and you know that you have difficulties, then believing in God and depending upon the Lord is an act of wisdom. Call it a “crutch” if you like—but I confess I’m a broken human being—and I am blessed to have Jesus as my crutch.

Shall we bow in prayer? Lord God, we give you thanks for our country, and we lift up our leaders in our prayers, for they have difficult jobs. And we lift up one another in our neediness. May we be filled to overflowing with your wisdom, compassion, and integrity that we may offer it freely to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m Pastor Dennis Steckley with Central Christian Church in Havana on this winter’s day. May God bless!

Skipping From One Project To Another...Someone Stop Me!

2009-01-23T22:56:00.016-06:00

Skipping Around

I think I mentioned in my profile or in an earlier post that I love anything to do with fibers whether in threads and yarns or fabrics. Sewing, looming, knitting, dyeing fabrics and yarns...do ya think it's an illness? An obsession? I also love learning new things, which can be a pain, as new things sometimes get in the way of finishing "old" things. But, I have to say, eventually I do get them done, even if they turn out to be instant family heirlooms! Before my Marcia came on the scene, I started a baby quilt with hand appliqued gingham check puppies, kitties, and such on white cotton sateen with hand embroidered butterflies, flowers, etc. All of the embroidery was done, the cute animals embroidered and positioned and she got here before the quilt was made. I carefully put everything away. Oh, I didn't mention that before I started the baby quilt I had started a Crewel embroidered wall hanging done in wool on linen. That also was put away with the arrival of Marcia. Thankfully, my grandmother was quicker and had a little more time than I did and her twin sized, hand embroidered and quilted youth quilt arrived just as my girl was ready for a youth bed. (Oh, I just remembered that I have eight squares Mama Perry made with appliqued tulips. I hope to make something from them...they are at least 50 years old.) I did get the Crewel work out from time-to-time at odd moments and would stitch as much as I could....I have to mention that I worked in between children. Michael came along six years later. I was busy helping to remodel a pre-civil war house, making school dresses and coats for the young miss and chasing a very active little boy that could push a chair against the door, reach the knob, open the door, move the chair and out he would go...before he was two....also could pull up into a chair and get on the dining table as a crawler. But he is really for another story....this is about my projects.

Stitching a Quilt

See, I am almost finished with preparation and will start stitching Marcia's quilt in a few days. I've cut squares and strips at odd moments over the past several days. A few more cuts and I'll start sewing. I know that Michelle can cut all this stuff in a couple of hours...I'm slow...I eventually get there. I do need a larger cutting mat. That's on my wishlist. I have instructions and supplies for making an ironing mat....oh, no! Another project I've skipped! I'll machine quilt this to hurry it up, but the quilt I have prepared for my room will be hand quilted...hopefully.

Stitching With Looms

Visit my friend, Graciela, at http://gracielandcrafts.typepad.com/my_weblog/. She's a wonderful teacher and whips out stuff with looms as fast as Michelle does a quilt. Yep, she works fulltime also! I enjoy loom knitting and have made many scarves, caps and shawls. The blue loom in the background and the set of round looms are my first looms made by Knifty Knitter Looms. The oval loom by DA Loom is for socks. I haven't made socks. I have yarn, patterns, instructions, videos but every time I start on socks I get interruped by something. And they are rather intimidating. The two little things with spikes are Knit-Wits and make neat flowers to decorate caps as well as to link together for shawls, etc. Loom knitting is fast and learning how to do the various stitches is fun...sometimes challenging! Oh, I forgot about the straw looms for making belts with long tassels and beads. And, forgot to mention the Original Knitting Board and that little thingy that makes cording.

This is an adjustable loom...yes, Graciela, that's your pattern and I have not made much progress.

Stitching With Needles and Hooks

I can't tell you how many scarves I've knitting with needles...fun fur, ribbon. There is a neat yarn shop several miles from here and I found yarn made from recycled soda bottles and cotton. (They spin a lot of the yarn and sell spinning wheels and I want one and want to learn that too!) The colors are terrific and it knits beautifully. The dark blue at the back is yet another sweater in progress, there is a ribbon triangle scarf on big needles and a narrow ribbon scarf on short big needles. I don't think the necklaces show very well, but they are crocheted with 13 mother of pearl discs. The green was more fun as I dyed the MOPs and the nylon thread to get the shade to match an outfit. These are fun and so easy to make. I put French hooks on a couple of the discs for a matching ear rings. Good for a spur of the moment gift!

Ever tried to knit yarn while wearing these things? Gets tangled on the velcro and rough edges! There's one on the other hand also. Wearing these while typing is no fun either and makes my fingers cramp. But, these enable me to use the rotary cutter and do a lot of things I couldn't do otherwise (Such as vacuuming or sweeping). I did too much knitting and looming last year and ended up getting injections in my right hand...now my left one screams at me when I've overdone. Don't want anymore injections! Wearing the splints to bed keeps my wrists from curling in my sleep....makes a big difference the next day. I have things like this for my knees I wear from time-to-time when they are misbehaving and a "whopper" of a device for my neck....and one that does traction... Old PPS makes itself know every day.

Sew, Skipping From Project To Project.... One day about 15 or so years ago, Marcia came in and there was the Crewel Embroidered Wall Hanging on the dining room wall . She exclaimed, "Oh, Mom, I've seen that all my life....in your sewing basket!" It was 25 years old when finished....instant family heirloom. Michael later had it framed for me. Luckily I have never changed my color schemes...started creams, blues, rose, cranberry years ago and still love it so things I've had 50 years still work in my decorating schemes. It's fun to retire something for a while and then "rediscover"....like getting something new.

Sew, Back To Marcia's Baby Quilt... As soon as I was told that MaryJustice was "on the way", I skipped over to my stash of stuff and dug out the quilt top and started working on it again. I was working fulltime, newly divorced and had plenty of time. I lovingly and excitedly finished sewing on the appliques, shopped for pink and blue gingham for the lining, had Home Depot cut four pieces of wood for me, got holes drilled, bought brass bolts with covered thumb screws (to avoid scraping my hands and tangling thread) and made a long lap quilt frame. Got the batting....Worked on this when I got home from work in anticipation of my first grandchild.....now this was during the time someone finally diagnosed my physical problem as being Post-Polio Syndrome, the after effects of having polio when I was five. Needless to say, my body was NOT cooperating very nicely! Well, guess what? Miss MaryJustice decided she would be born at six months instead of nine months. She weighed in at a hefty 2.6 pounds. I didn't have the baby quilt finished and it was already 30 years old!!!! But, she was in the hospital for almost three months and after she started growing and not having problems, I would rush home from work to that quilt so she would have it when she got home. Yep! Instant Family Heirlooms....slow, but I get there. But, it's by the Grace of God and His Mercy! Thank you, Father, I could not get through a day without you.

"Air On Simple Things"

2009-01-20T14:36:00.001-06:00

So beautiful. Listen for the strains from old anthems and hymns.

Altered Books 101

2009-01-19T19:16:00.016-06:00

In her Friday, post Amelia at ~amelias-musings~asked what should she do with all her cards, birthday, etc. and would anyone every read them? I suggested she do an altered book...so I'll share mine. It's a work in progress and a fun project. There are no rules...just some basic instructions. If you are into scrapbooking this will fit well and you probably have all the supplies you need. First, I decided I would use only Valentine, Birthday and Mother's Day cards from my children. I stacked my cards up (believe me I have a bunch stored in a square basket in my bedroom... some date back to the 70's) to determine the largest and went to the thrift store in search of a book with pages to accommodate that size card. With the volume of cards I want to use, the book had to be thick. It's fun if you can find a book that has a theme or title that appeals to you, but in my case the only book that would work for me was a college textbook entitled, "Intermediate Accounting". How exciting! But it has a great heavy cover and measures 3 inches across the spine.

Then, I collected supplies: 1 inch wide plastic ruler, exacto knife with sharp blades, rubber cement, a good thick white glue, acrylic gesso, lots of acrylic paints in all colorsand finishes, stickers, paint pens...buttons, lace, fabric scraps, ribbon, whatever strikes your fancy. To acommodate the thickness of your cards, pages need to be cut from the book. Do not cut right next to the spine but at least 1/2 inch to avoid losing a page on the other end of the book. The 1/2 space left looks good painted, decorated with tiny decals and stickers to reflect the theme of the card on the page. Also, because my pages were slick textbook paper I glued several pages together with rubber cement to give a firm page to glue the card. I glued cards to the right side and decorated the left side of the open pages. If you don't want any text to show through paint the entire page with gesso. In some cases I didn't mind if the text showed and put a shear coat of glaze...just play with it and get the effect you like. Allow time for each part to dry and if in doubt put a piece of wax paper between pages to avoid smudging. Hint: Prepare several pages before mounting card and decorating.

I cut this card apart as each child wrote a long message. The front of the card is on the left side. Part of the card is folded over on the right and opens out to view the flowers and message.

Not a good shot of this page. My kids know my tastes. Marcia gave me this Victorian Valentine in 1996. The facing page was deliberated "wrinkled" with metallic gold. I haven't finished the facing page. There is no way I can show all the cards that are dear to me with the sweet thoughts written by my children.

Michael is so funny. I tried to duplicate the crazy tatoo designs from the card to the facing page. The card reads, "Mom - as a gesture of love on Mother's Day, I'm going to have your name Tattooed on my behind...(open the card) MOM is tatooed on a big white rear end with the words "I thought it would be nice for a change for YOU to be a pain in my butt!

One of MaryJustice's first cards to me. She always drew a picture inside or on the envelope. She still does. Not sure this artwork will show up.

This is a pocket made from the front of a card. The Mother's Day Card is a small booklet given to my by Marcia and Michael around 1978. The facing page has lace glued over the painted page.

Since I had all the envelopes and they were in pastel colors and some mailed and some brought in person, I tore the names or addresses from the envelopes and glued on pages in a collage with patches of paint to write comments. Some pages are covered with torn pieces of printed tissue paper with gold butterflies and flowers. I sort of do what strikes my fancy at the time. There are decorated pages for "comments".

The page edges have been rubbed with gold leaf and I'll paint the cover in a shade of burgundy with gold lettering....I haven't decided on a title. That will probably be the last thing. The book sits up and the pages fan out...looks pretty neat on a table in the living room.

I am always blessed on each occasion when I open cards from these three. I know they put a lot of thought into the picture and the message. I treasure each of them. I plan another altered book. I'll use reproduced family pictures...some vintage and some recent...but all done in sepia. If this inspires you to do an altered book, feel free to ask questions...I'll help and also direct you to good information. Have fun with it!

Personality Test

2009-01-16T12:47:00.004-06:00

What fun, Michelle! I thought I would follow your lead and took the 'Are you a Jackie or a Marilyn' test. Well, I'm not Jackie OR Marilyn, either. I'm a Katharine Hepburn! Actually, the personality test hit "too close to home" and was an "eye-opener" for me as I am now. I'm not sure the child thing fits me though....hmmm...maybe I am like this. Wish I looked like her! I still enjoy her movies, especially if with Cary Grant! My test results:

You are a Katharine -- "I am happy and open to new things"

Katharines are energetic, lively, and optimistic. They want to contribute to the world.

How to Get Along with Me
* Give me companionship, affection, and freedom.
* Engage with me in stimulating conversation and laughter.
* Appreciate my grand visions and listen to my stories.
* Don't try to change my style. Accept me the way I am.
* Be responsible for youself. I dislike clingy or needy people.
* Don't tell me what to do.

What I Like About Being a Katharine
* being optimistic and not letting life's troubles get me down
* being spontaneous and free-spirited
* being outspoken and outrageous. It's part of the fun.
* being generous and trying to make the world a better place
* having the guts to take risks and to try exciting adventures
* having such varied interests and abilities

What's Hard About Being a Katharine
* not having enough time to do all the things I want
* not completing things I start
* not being able to profit from the benefits that come from specializing; not making a commitment to a career
* having a tendency to be ungrounded; getting lost in plans or fantasies
* feeling confined when I'm in a one-to-one relationship

Katharines as Children Often
* are action oriented and adventuresome
* drum up excitement
* prefer being with other children to being alone
* finesse their way around adults
* dream of the freedom they'll have when they grow up

Katharines as Parents
* are often enthusiastic and generous
* want their children to be exposed to many adventures in life
* may be too busy with their own activities to be attentive

http://www.helloquizzy.com/tests/are-you-a-jackie-or-a-marilyn-or-someone-else-mad-menera-female-icon-quiz

Hello!

2009-01-14T19:28:00.017-06:00

I thought I'd drop in for a quick "Hello!" Things have been sort of busy around here for the past several days. I won't bore you with all the details...will wait until I have something tangible to show you....then I'll bore you!!

Tuesday was the monthly Not Dead Yet Red Hatters get-together at the Senior Center. I'm new to this Red Hat Chapter and I understand why it's growing so large...in fact so large we've outgrown our meeting room at the center and are looking for a "home." Fortunately the lunchroom was available and we had plenty of room this month. There were large, round tables, with red table cloths, runners of purple with red hats and special center pieces by Agnes for the occasion. These ladies have it together. I mentioned in November about the beautiful quilt the Not Dead Yet Red Hatters made to raffle in December at a large Red Hat function. In case you missed that post here is the quilt (Queen Catherine also). A lot of loving stitches and time when into this quilt. There was a drawing with a winner...we are hoping the winner will donate the quilt back to the center to put on permanent display as it is a work of art. The squares are embellished in three dimensional applique.

As Pat and I selected a table with good natural lighting (for Pat's vision), we didn't realize we would be at The Winners Table! When awards were given for the top ticket sellers all but one were at our table!

Nona was first place winner with $300 in ticket sales. She also made two of the quilt squares. You probably can't tell by the picture but Nona uses a wheeled walker. Doesn't hinder this lady!

Betty was second place winner with $200 in ticket sales. Betty also made a quilt square. Not pictured is Becky, third place winner with $125 in ticket sales, who also worked on the quilt.

This is Patsy, no awards, but she could win one any day with that sparkling smile....but....there is a twinkle in those eyes that makes one wonder what kind of mischief she's thinking up. Betty agreed with me on that observation. You can see the same in Betty's face and I know they are "trouble" together!

Here's Miss Pat or Countess Rosa Capella. One day I'll do a write up on her interesting adventures.

Ahh...this is Elsie...look at that face...at that smile. On my first meeting with the Not Dead Yet Red Hatters, she and I were at the same table. After about two minutes of looking at her...not knowing her name I (yes, once again compulsively) said, "You know you look like Tina Turner." She laughed and said she had been told that. So see for yourself....

(Tina)

I can't wait for us to have a talent or fashion show....We are going to do this lady up and she's going to WOW everyone with a Tina impersonation. I believe she has the personality and pazzaz! Hmmm...I have the wigs and will love making the outfit. But for now, Elsie is concentrating on the upcoming May wedding of her daughter and has wedding dresses in mind instead of Tina fashions.

There is no picture of yours truly. I was behind the camera. It was a great day. Thanks, Not Dead Yet Red Hatters, for letting me be a part of this great group of talented ladies.

To The Wilderness & Back Again

2009-01-10T22:46:00.006-06:00

Mark 1:4-11
The Rev. Dennis A. Steckley
January 11, 2009—Epiphany Sunday
Central Christian Church—Havana, Illinois

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

INTRODUCTION

Most of us have heard many times the story of the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Moses led them out of slavery in Egypt, but because of their lack of faith, God did not permit them to enter the Promised Land for forty years—basically, until all those of that faithless generation had died.

I checked, and it’s 264 miles from Cairo, Egypt to Jerusalem, a little less than the distance from St. Louis to Chicago. Imagine taking forty years to get from St. Louis to Chicago, even on foot! That’s less than forty feet per day! It must have been more than a little frustrating. I do hasten to add that this is for purposes of illustration only, and I am not suggesting in any way that Chicago is the “Promised Land”!

And the prophet Elijah spent time in the wilderness, too. It was an established “tradition,” if you will to the people of God. They understood the idea of a “wilderness experience.” One went into the wilderness expecting the unexpected—and one returned from the wilderness a changed person. So it should not be unexpected that John the Baptist, an agent of change and certainly an odd duck firmly aligned in the prophetic mode would be out there preaching.

John was a gifted preacher, apparently of the hellfire and brimstone variety, and he convinced people that they needed to change; that they needed to repent of their sins and change their lives.

JESUS GOES TO JOHN

So Jesus goes to John in the wilderness to be baptized. Immediately, the question arises, “Why?” This was a baptism of repentance, and Jesus had nothing for which to repent. The answer to that “why” is twofold: First, Jesus is modeling that which he expects of us—humble submission before God. Second, this announces dramatically a change in Jesus’ life—he is about to begin his own public ministry. The heavens are opened and the Spirit of God descends like a dove, confirming Jesus’ divine Sonship.

Unlike those who originally saw Jesus in his public ministry, we are let in on the secret—we know from the beginning that Jesus is approved by God. And so we can read the gospel of Mark with a knowledge that this man, this Jesus, is God’s Messiah, the one appointed or chosen to save us from our sins. We do not read Mark like a mystery where all is revealed at the last moment, but rather we read anticipating a confirmation of that which we already know.

OUR WILDERNESS JOURNEY

When I look at this story, I begin to ponder the meaning of our own wilderness journey. Which of us has not had times when we felt we were in a wilderness, wandering lost and perhaps alone? The presence of God seemed distant, though that may not have been divine reality.

In the 16th Century a Carmelite monk called St. John of the Cross wrote a book called The Dark Night of the Soul describing a time when he felt that way. John felt his monastic order needed reform and his ideas were so rejected by his brothers that they literally imprisoned him— and it was then that he wrote his Dark Night of the Soul. Just recently, it has become known that Mother Teresa for years felt that she was having a similar experience; for all her saintly works, she did not feel the presence of God.

There are those who speculated that such a revelation would tarnish the image of Mother Teresa. I don’t know about you, but that makes me respect and revere her all the more. She was faithful to her call despite her dark night of the soul. She demonstrated in quiet simple eloquence that Christian faith is lived out in obedience to the call, not in some feeling-based emotional state.

What about you? Are you wandering in the wilderness today? Are you seeking a greater presence of God in your own life? Do you wonder where God is leading you—or even if God is leading you?

Then know this: When you go into the wilderness to seek God, you will find God. You may not find this God to be what you were expecting—in fact, you probably won’t! The Lord works in strange and mysterious ways. But Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount [Matthew 7:7],

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

And when you find God in your wilderness, your life will begin to be transformed. It may be instantly, but more likely it will be a process lasting years—and certainly it won’t be completed until that day you awaken in the very presence of God in heaven.

We are “becomers.” There’s a children’s song that says, There really ought to be a sign upon my heart saying, ‘Don’t judge me yet; there’s an unfinished part.’

CONCLUSION

If you’ve ever read J.R.R. Tolkien’s massive “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, you may recall that Frodo Baggins titles his story, There and Back Again. It was with that in mind that I titled this message, “To the Wilderness and Back Again”—because, you see, though you may enter the wilderness, you will not stay there forever. You will emerge from that wilderness, whether it’s a day later or a decade later or at the end of your earthly life, but you will come out. And if you are faithful to God as best you can, you will come out transformed.

And that’s a good thing to remember here at the beginning of a New Year. Remember that life is a journey, not a destination—and sooner or later it goes through the wilderness. But the Lord has been there before you, and will be with you on your journey if you ask. Praise his name. Amen.

Permission granted to post sermons by The Rev. Dennis Steckley. For subscription go to stitchingupasermon@yahoogroups.com.

Look At That Smile!

2009-01-09T20:46:00.005-06:00

Believe me, those wires were giving our girl some pain yesterday. The orthodontist tightened something on the bottom yesterday morning. By the time I picked her up at school she was suffering "Major Payne" and hit the bed as soon as we got home. Since I was left to my own devices and amusement, I cooked two chichen breasts, a potato, stalk of celery (shhh...don't tell her...she doesn't like celery) and a whole onion, fresh Thyme and a pinch of Basil. When everything was cooked thoroughly I removed the onion and celery and put the chicken and potato in the blender and pureed that chicken until it was smooth as silk. Back to the pot, added plain yoghurt, evaporated milk and more chicken broth. So, when my favorite granddaughter awoke she had homemade cream of chicken soup...gave her nourishment without the chewing pain. I have to admit it was very good soup. Today she was a lot better.

The brace thing has been a work in progress since MJ was 7 and I think she has a year or so to go. She's a good little trouper though and does not whine or complain...well at least not about the braces...there may be some other minor things that we won't go into here! Hey and she had a great report card today! Proud of you, sweetheart!

There is so much I want to write about and I'll get around to it. Remind me to tell you the story of the miracle of her birth! God is so wonderful and merciful. That story is for another day. I gotta go to bed. I didn't go to sleep until 1:00 a.m. this morning and was up before 5:00..a.m.

God Bless You And Keep You,

It's Friday....Loosen up!

2009-01-09T07:36:00.006-06:00

I've had a busy week...got lots accomplished but not necessarily the things on my list. However, I continue to press on.....I hope each of you have had a great week with lots of blessings.

Elvis - Yesterday was Elvis' birthday!
I still enjoy his music and have many favorites. I collected some of his sacred music earlier in the month for my Music Box and have played it off and on. I hope you will listen to these great songs. But, turn off the Music Box to view the video below.

Brains

You may not agree.....but you'll laugh! I think this guy has it figured out! I needed a good laugh today and thought this filled the bill. I hope you enjoy it! It's Friday.....loosen up!

Whew! I'm thankful all my wires are still connected! Thank you Lord!

I still have some projects to finish today so will go for now. Just wanted to Pop In for a quick visit. Have a great week-end.

Okay, Michelle, Here It Is...

2009-01-05T16:54:00.027-06:00

But, promise not to skip ahead....read and look at the pictures as I tell my story. Okay?

Table Toppers

I'm not sure if I mentioned a stop at the thrift store one day last week. I dug around in the bin of sheets and found just the perfect, almost new sheet to use as a lining for Marcia's quilt. I ran across this table cover. I started to iron it after laundering, but my arms are not doing well today, and since it was to be covered with yet another topper, I skipped the ironing. The "table" is my kitchen stool. It is used for leaning on while at the stove, a plant stand or whatever as you can see.

I love showing my thrift store and auction treasures. My friend, Lavadia, and I used go junquing and to estate auctions in Tennessee. I bid on boxes of junque. Honestly, I seldom paid over $10.00 for a box of junque. If the bid was only $1.00 for a box the auctioneer would put another box of stuff and then another. It was neat to get three or four boxes to browse through at home. You get to preview the boxes and I usually went for the old sewing stuff. Most of the auctions were old farmhouse estates, one being in the same family for over 100 years. Most of my auction treasures are really old. I love it! I do remember wanting to bid higher on a box of junky stuff where I had scoped out a jar of vintage buttons....but some guy had his eye on those buttons also and kept bidding higher and higher for the box. I dropped out of that bid. I miss going to auctions and I miss Lavadia, who died last spring.

Pin Box/Pin Cushion

This is an interesting, very old pin box. I think it's silver coated cardboard or very thin metal over cardboard. The other picture shows the inside. Stuck inside the bottom is a California Gold Rush 1848 Centennial 3 cent postage stamp. I love the box and the stamp was a surprise find.

Mother's Day Card

The detail of the card doesn't show well, but it was in the same box. The red pin cushion on the card is of real velvet with real needles. I framed it years ago.

I had a great time going through the box...vintage embroidery patterns, quilt patterns cut from newspaper, lace and crocheted items, a crochet book from the 1800's...cards and letters from WWII, but that's another story for another day.

Other Vintage Finds

This is another vintage pin cushion with prongs that must fasten somewhere on one of the older machines. This was another-box-of-junque find, as was this tiny sewing machine oil can.

Vintage Singer Pinking Machine

This is supposed to have a C-Clamp to fasten to a table. It works very smoothly. Since I serge or zigzag seams it is not put to use, but graces a table top near a Vintage Lady!

Other Treasures

The jar was purchased sometime during the 50's and contained mustard. So sad that things are in plastic now. It is now one of my many containers holding buttons. These are vintage Mother Of Pearl. I love MOP whether in buttons or beads.

The thread scissors were my grandmother's. I have no clue as to their age and they are on display only. The puppy is of cast iron. Don't know his age or origin....he is just here!

TaDa! Here it is! One of my Vintage Ladies....The Singer 66 Redeye!

This machine has fairly decent decals although they are faded. I refurished it with parts from another 66 whose decals were almost non-existent. Maybe some day I'll run across a nicer handwheel that still has chrome, but she's okay. I added the handcrank and this sweet old gem sews very well. It still needs a top coat of something to make it shine.

Uhhh...do you notice that nice base she sits in?

The Box

After the work of rebuilding and converting to handcrank, the machine was useless without this base. This particular Singer model doesn't have metal feet and the stuff underneath won't work without being nested in the box or in a cabinet.

The Detail
This is true craftsmanship. I am so blessed to have Michelle as my friend. Her talented husband made this box for me. Imagine, he went to the trouble to hand make this box for someone he has never seen. Evidently, Michelle whispered into Louie's ear that I needed the box for the machine and Louie made it! It appeared at my door via USPS one day. Such a wonderful surprise! Such a blessing! Thank you, Lord, for giving me these caring, loving friends!

Michelle and I have "emailed" for years and share in the love of Jesus, refurbishing old sewing machines, quilting and "hunting" junque. She's like family to me!
The Grouping of Treasures
For now, this is in the foyer and the first thing seen when entering. I enjoy moving things around and making new "scapes". Keeps me amused. That's why although I am physically limited I'm never bored.

Thank you, Michelle and Louie! I have enjoyed sharing this treasured gift which will become a family heirloom!

Love you!

Stitching A Crazy Quilt

2009-01-02T12:51:00.014-06:00

According to my profile....I sew. No sewing has been done in this house for some time. Not since I finished Michael's blue jean lap robe. Before that I made a pillow for Marcia's birthday. I'll show pictures of it later. But, as my title says this is about "stitching a crazy quilt", or referred to by quilters as CQ ...I love sewing CQ's...easy but with lots of detail....sort of like my days...hmmm. Let's see what's on this CQ.

(click)

Got the Christmas Decorations down but not put away
Watched and listened to MJ and Nathan work on music...lots of fun
Enjoyed a pizza with my girls
Learning to convert pictures to film strips...reading instructions...making some progress
Did a lot of "googling"
Learning to convert VHS video clips to digital...can convert but not successfully edit....yet
Still editing digital videos..reading and reading instructions
Sink drain is clogged...for days and days...working on it...hope I don't have to call a plumber
Talked to my dog, petted my dog, played squeeky toy with my dog
Did some laundry...folded...put away...HooRah!
Phoned friends to wish Happy New Year
Talked to my sister about genealogy into the wee hours

I didn't stitch the clogged sink into this CQ....too disgusting! Yuck!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A couple of weeks ago I dropped by my favorite thrift store. I found four lovely, matching pillowcases (like new) with ruffles. I kept digging in the bin for goodies and voila I pulled up a BIG valance that matched....dashed off (yeah you should see me dash!) to Hancock's to find fabrics to blend.

Next week I'll start a quilt for Marcia and will post progress. And I PROMISE to post pictures of my Singer 66 Redeye in its new base... I know, I know that I have promised, Michelle....this is a public promise. Then you may not hear from me for a while as I have soooo much to finish. Sew, until then, keep your seams straight...unless you are doing "freemotion"!

Happy New Year, Everybody!

2009-01-01T09:47:00.012-06:00

As a New Year dawns, I skipped into memories of the years that have slipped by...some slowly at first...but picking up speed with each coming year. You'll notice that recently my music has been secular, as each Music Box was selected for a particular reason. The current one is filled with upbeat music from the past, each bringing back a memory, but each with a good message that I hope will put a skip in your step as we go into this New Year. I also hope you will listen to the music and reflect on the lyrics.
I've never been good at keeping New Year's Resolutions so years ago I stopped making them. Each day is new with its own set of problems, successes, events, happy or sad, and I've learned to place each of the new days in the hands of God, asking Him to be in charge. I ran across the following poem I think is as good a New Year's Resolution anyone could make.

Another Year Is Dawning

Another year is dawning,
Dear Master, let it be,
In working, or in waiting,
Another year with Thee.
Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness
In the shining of Thy face.
Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.
Another year of service,
Of witness of Thy love,
Another year of training
For holier work above.
Another year is dawning,
Dear Master, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven
Another year for Thee.
Francis Ridley Havergal (1874)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We don't know what this new year will bring, but my prayer is that each of us will have high hopes, many friends, a smile on our faces... listen to "You Can Count On Me". It's done with an upbeat, happy tune I'm sure some of you will recognize as the theme song from an old television program....but just imagine Jesus singing that song to you. Yeah....He will do all of that and more in the days to come.

Happy New Year! God Bless You! Everyone!

Season of Giving

2008-12-27T18:42:00.009-06:00

During this Season of Giving at Christmas we all feel generous; shopping for just the right gift for someone special, or maybe even a gift of money or time to one of the local missions. Let me tell you a story of giving. This story didn’t take place during the Christmas Holidays, but this is a good time to tell the story about B. D. Chase who loved writing songs, singing songs and especially loved encouraging and cheering on fledgling songwriters of all ages. My granddaughter, MaryJustice, was among those B. D. encouraged to keep writing and singing. For 3 ½ years he hosted the Wednesday night Songwriters Open Mic at The Coffee Tree Books & Brew.

B.D. may not have been a famous musician, but he sang backup for several noted groups: The Platters, The Coasters, The Clovers, Clifford Curry, Maurice Williams and the Zodiac. Once he even did a two-week stint with a then, up and coming country music singer, Randy Travis. You can’t help but notice the change of tunes in my Music Box. The songs are for B.D. I don’t know that he played on these actual songs but they are by those artists and from that time period. He entertained for all kinds of occasions, co-wrote with many songwriters and in his later years wrote children’s songs.

In addition to entertaining with his music, B.D. was also a talented artist. I don’t have one of his vintage Coca-Cola delivery truck pictures to show as they have been sold, but they give that same “warm feeling” one gets from viewing Norman Rockwell’s work. Yeah, I would put his work in that category. Of course he loved caricatures. Click on Jim Parker’s Songwriters Showcase link on the sidebar and see the cover he did for Jim’s “Chicken Truck” song. Browse on through Jim’s site and you’ll see newspaper articles about B.D. and a gallery of his caricatures.

Kitty, manager of The Coffee Tree said, “Our friend B.D. Chase was a courageous, quiet, gentle man who touched lives, changed lives with his art, his music, his wit, his wisdom, with courage that sustained him as his failing heart could not. He faced life and death with honor and with humor.” B.D. Chase, whose real name was Donald Faulkenbury, died July 11, 2008 at age 61 of heart disease.

His only wish was for his ashes to be buried beside his mother in North Carolina. Kitty, Tom and Friends raised $6,000 to cover expenses to honor his wish by sponsoring several benefits at The Coffee Tree Books and Brew with performances by the entertainers and songwriters who loved and were encouraged by B.D. (See pictures in sidebar. Sorry I didn't get pictures of everyone.) We always enjoyed going to The Coffee Tree. Sometimes MaryJustice would sing and sometimes not. Now, she says that if she doesn’t sing she feels as though she’s letting B.D. down. He had that effect on most all of us and although we went there for great coffee and music it seems now those of us who show up on Wednesday evening are closer friends, more like family, because of joining together to give of time, talent and money to fulfill his final wish.

B.D. was laid to rest beside his mother in North Carolina, but his chair is still at the host’s table, his hat is displayed in a special place.

B.D.s friend, Ken Dupree, has picked up the microphone as host to carry on with Wednesday Songwriters Night at The Coffee Tree Books and Brew and to pass the guitar to be signed by first-time presenters. There are lots of signatures on that guitar....there will be more.

Christmas Day

2008-12-26T21:02:00.002-06:00

My family get-together was wonderful. It's been a while since Michael, Marcia and MJ have stayed over together for two days and nights. Work schedules, which at first seemed inconvenient, ended up okay. What a blessing to have all three of them here together.

I hope everyone else had a wonderful day with family.

New Blogger on the Block!

2008-12-26T20:40:00.008-06:00

Hello, everyone! Please welcome a new blogger, MaryJustice.

http://maryjusticesongwriter.blogspot.com/

I know that some of you hear me "speak" of her often, as she is my precious and talented granddaughter. I know, I know.....I'm braggin'....but give me a break, I am proud.

Her mother is raising this girl right and I have had the honor of lending a hand. She can go antique and thrift store hunting with the best of us and has an eye for those special treasures. MJ has kept me company during the summer and school holidays days since kindergarten. I always look forward to those days.

From time-to-time, I will chime in about her on this blog but she'll tell you what she's up to and what's on her mind.

And It Came To Pass

2008-12-25T10:12:00.003-06:00

1 .... in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:1-20 KJV

Lighting The Way

2008-12-23T05:45:00.027-06:00

Entry Lights

A pair of these lamps, light the way to my front door. They are made of copper, blackened by age, once powered by gas and rescued by a family member from a salvage yard, converted to electricity and used for many years. The lamps were given to me around 1966. I carefully packed, moved and stored them five times before finally getting them mounted on a house! I "a door" these lamps!

Lamps and Lanterns

Mother's Kerosene Lamp

I did homework by the light of this lamp many an evening. This lamp has served my family through the years during winter and summer power outages. This stately lady sits by beautifully, waiting to serve, evoking de"lightful" memories when I glance her way during most any day.

Daddy's Lanterns

Daddy was a sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. During his time, he and his fishing buddy used carbide lamps or lanterns fastened on caps similar to that of coal miners. One day, he and Bill, the fishing buddy, were preparing carbide lanterns for a night fishing trip to Lake Purdy. He told Bill to be careful not to drop a lump of carbide on the porch floor as "the baby" puts everything in her mouth. Guess who that baby was? Guess who found a tiny lump and popped into her mouth and had to be rushed to the doctor? (My father in his WWI uniform.)

Table Lamps

A pair of these found at my favorite junque shoppe.

Wall Lamps

Bagged for me by my daughter while hunting for lovelies in the wild.

Ceiling Lamps

Also scoped out by my daughter's eagle eye while browsing a pedlar's booth at the flea market.

Sewing Lamp

Lighting true colors to avoid sewing black slacks with midnight blue thread (also to light the stitches being picked out because of NOT using the lamp in the first place).

Candles
Come in all shapes, sizes, colors ... in all kinds of containers .... all kinds of fragrances, lending warmth and ambience to any occasion. Tall ones in corners and tiny ones on cakes. This light fits in most any place.

Christmas Lights

No words needed to describe this scene. Emily's smile tells it all.

The Light Of The World

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12 KJV

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV

And, may you feel the warmth of His light deep within you spirit during this season of the celebration of His birth. May the light of your salvation through Jesus Christ shine on others.

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"May the LORD make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.”

Numbers 6:25-26

Brrrrrrrr!

2008-12-21T15:45:00.018-06:00

There was rain here most of the week....not cold...just damp, drizzle, downpours, dreary rain which in no way put a damper on my Christmas Spirit. This morning, however, I awoke to a beautiful, sparkling day with a clear blue sky and golden sun. It was sort of deceiving though with a temperature barely above freezing and a bitterly cold, blowing wind. Still, it was wonderful looking out the window at the sunshine. Now as I sit at the computer, the sun is lowering in the west casting shadows on the sheer curtain, bringing to mind one of my favorite childhood memories of lying on the floor and watching shadows of leaves dancing on the curtains as the sun filtered through. That and watching a gentle, warm breeze billow the curtains outward..... But I am wandering.... There is no gentle breeze blowing now... it is cold! Wake up, Sue! It's Winter....Christmas is this week.

Really, I'm not complaining about the weather here...just commenting. My friend, Vicky in Illinois, sent this picture of the ice coated tree in her yard. As I said earlier, "Brrrrr." Vicky is one of my cyber buddies who enjoys sewing. I love my cyber buddies! Each has a special place in my address book as well as my heart.

Vicky and I met through a heirloom sewing group years ago and discovered we both have Schipperkes. Well, that created an instant bond. "What is a Schipperke?" Meet Miss Baby Dog (on the left) who has graciously allowed me to live with her for the past 10 years. She's a rescue from the animal shelter. The vet thinks she's around 13 or 14 now. Baby is my constant companion. I love my dawg!

The little lady on the right is Kiah. Kiah is still a youngster and she let's Vicky live with her to take care of her needs. Believe me, Kiah is a budding prima donna and has already cajoled Vicky into buying her an extensive wardrobe.

These are playful and sweet pups.

Time to sign off 'til another day.

Preparing For Christmas

2008-12-19T19:45:00.006-06:00

(Please turn off the Music Box to enjoy this video)

Last night I just happened on the beginning of a full-length performance of Annie Moses Band. Awesome music. The band is comprised of her parents and siblings. So talented.

Wasn't that wonderful? I love violins!

I'm sure most of you are busy with last minute shopping and preparations for Christmas. I have almost finished. No more shopping to do. Got some cards in the mail. It's been a busy but enjoyable week. I am so thankful for what I am able to accomplish. Believe me...I could not do it without God's Grace and Mercy. We did have a scare Wednesday evening when my kids had to dash off in the middle of the night for a 100 mile drive when their father was taken to the hospital with a heart attack. He had a by-pass many years ago and has done very well. A stint was installed in the collapsed vein and I understand he says he's "ready" to go home. God has His hands on us all the time and does listen to prayer. Praise His Holy Name!!!

That's all for right now. I just had to drop in to say hello and share the video. More later.

Stitching Up A Sermon

2008-12-13T22:06:00.003-06:00

May I present to you a sermon by The Reverend Dennis Steckley? In addition to pastoring a church in Havana, Illinois, Dennis collects and repairs vintage sewing machines. He loves pipe organs and cats. We vintage sewing machine lovers have been blessed by his sermons, amused by his wit, and benefited from his vast knowledge of vintage sewing machines for several years. Thank you, Dennis, for allowing me to share this message with others during this Joyous Christmas Season! (Note: Stitching Up A Sermon is the title of his weekly newsletter to subscribers.)

JOY-DREAMS
Psalm 126
The Rev. Dennis A. Steckley
December 14, 2008
Central Christian Church—Havana, Illinois

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

INTRODUCTION

As children, we learn to sing, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart!” But we soon find that “joy in our hearts” can be somewhat elusive. Like the young novice Maria is described in The Sound of Music we find joy a “will o’ the wisp.” “How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?”

It’s almost Christmas and we’re supposed to have “the Christmas spirit,” whatever that may be. A catalog recently advertised a Roly-Poly Nativity Set with the Holy Family, the Wisemen, the shepherds, sheep and camels all transformed into roly-polies! “Yes, kids, you, too, can knock the Virgin Mary down and watch her pop back up! See the sheep rock back and forth! Make the Wisemen bow to the Baby Jesus and then bob back up! And that’s not all! Order now and we’ll throw in—absolutely free—a stable outlined in blue neon lights, complete with blinking yellow neon star and two—count ‘em, two—neon palm trees in bright Christmas green!” Somehow, that’s just not the “Christmas Spirit” I’m looking for.

But some days, it just seems hard to tap into that well of joy that’s supposed to be “down in our hearts” somewhere. And holidays just make it harder for some people—because it’s the holidays when you really miss someone or you know that no matter how hard you try to create “THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS,” the same old family tensions are sure to rise again. Uncle Joe always drinks too much. Snooty Aunt Myrtle begins to snipe and criticize. Siblings that really do love each other chafe against old hurts and problems when thrust back together for too long. Well, you know the routine in your family. Families aren’t any more perfect than the people in them—and that includes us! So, as Karl Malden used to intone on television commercials, “What will you do? What will you do?”

FOUR THINGS TO DO

Let me suggest four things for you this morning. The first is fundamental to all of life and the other three derive from our text. Number one is simply, “Accept reality, deal with it, and move on—with God’s help.” In other words, you take what is and then DWIMO. Yes, dear hearts, it’s our old friend, DWIMO: Deal With It and Move On. In one way or another, that’s the Serenity Prayer, which wouldn’t be a bad way to begin the day:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can
And Wisdom to know the difference.

Hard to improve on that, isn’t it? Start with reality—and then with God’s help, do the best you can with it.

Now, notice in verse one of our psalm who restored the fortunes of Zion: the Lord. So, second, remember that restoration comes from God. When life starts crumbling down around your feet, turn to God. The 121st Psalm famously says, “I lift up my eyes unto the hills. [period] From whence cometh my help? [question mark (I’m beginning to feel like Victor Borge!] My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Don’t read it like your help comes from the hills—because it doesn’t! That doesn’t even make sense. Tuesday night at the junior varsity basketball game, Coach Blessman saw a frustrated player pound the bench. He said, “Why’d you hit the bench? That bench didn’t do anything wrong!” You can look at the hills all you like—but if you’re in trouble, pray to God. The hills can’t help you! Translations often don’t punctuate that passage correctly. Your help comes from God! Restoration comes from God!

Third, look at verse 5: “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” In other words, praise God in all things! I didn’t say “Praise God for all things,” but “Praise God in all things!” Big difference. God made this universe and built a lot of freedom into it. God made us and gave us free will. So lots of things happen that are not God’s will. God often does not intervene—after all, how could there be any true freedom in this life if God intervened every time there was the tiniest problem. So don’t blame God for everything that happens to you. That’s not fair! If you’re dumb enough to climb the scaffolding outside on the belfry and jump off to see if you can fly, don’t blame God for inventing gravity! Yes, God created gravity, but he also gave you a brain—and he expects you to use it!

“Those who sew with tears will reap with songs of joy.” In other words, keep on plugging away doing what God calls you to do even when times are hard, even when things aren’t going your way. In God’s time, you’ll reap a harvest of joy. Keep praising God. Humans are funny people. When things are going great, we think it’s due to our own efforts—and when things go wrong we want to blame God. Quit claiming and blaming and just do God’s work while you praise God! Joy will come in its season!

Fourth, trust God! That’s a theme I come back to again and again. I can’t get away from it. There’s a song that’s not in the Bible, but it certainly could be because it’s good theology: “I beg your pardon. I never promised you a rose garden.”

God doesn’t promise that God’s followers will live a life that is all “sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows,” to quote another song! Now I’m showing my age, aren’t I? There’s only one person who ever walked the face of this earth in absolute sinless perfection—and look what it got him!

If Jesus died on the cross for sinless perfection, why should you expect rose gardens, sunshine, and lollipops? “It’s not logical,” as Mr. Spock would say. What the Lord does promise is to walk with us on our journey. We do not wander alone in a wilderness. We have Jesus by our side, leading us, sustaining us, holding us up when we’re so tired we’d fall down without him. The Lord gives us, as the prophet Isaiah reminds us [40:31]:

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

So on this third Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Joy, don’t forget those four principles:
1. Accept reality, deal with it, and move on—with God’s help.
2. Remember that restoration comes from God.
3. Praise God in all things.
4. Trust God.

And then, though you may “go out weeping,” in God’s time—and for all eternity—you “will return with songs of joy.” Amen and amen

The Legend of the Candy Cane

2008-12-13T11:22:00.011-06:00

What do you see?

Stripes that are red Like the blood shed for me

White is for my Savior Who's sinless and pure!

"J" is for Jesus, My Lord, that's for sure!

Turn it around And a staff you will see

Jesus my shepherd Was born for Me!Many years ago, a candy maker wanted to make a candy at Christmas time that would serve as a witness to his Christian faith. He wanted to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry and death of Jesus. He began with a stick of pure white hard candy; white to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus; hard to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the Church; firmness to represent the promise of God.
The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. He thought it could also represent the staff of the Good Shepherd, with which he reached down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane - a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the true meaning is still there for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Author Unknown

My Week

2008-12-12T11:41:00.029-06:00

I've had a busy week but surprisingly I'm not too tired and hope to continue into a terrific week-end....well hopefully much, much longer than that! God has blessed me during this season with good health and more energy than I've had in a long time. Sometimes the PPS fatigue is very frustrating and has ruined many an otherwise good day. I give Him thanks as I work through each day.

Cleaned House

This was done in bits and pieces and there is more to do. Of course I got this "wild hair" to clean out the linen press to organize pillowcases, napkins, etc. when I got out the Christmas napkins. I noticed several white napkins with stains so I dumped those into a big stock pot with some detergent, bleach and boiled on the stove. No stains now, thanks to my mother and grandmother for a housewifery upbringing! Oh, that's not politically correct! There's more to do but it will be done in bits and pieces.

Put Up The Tree

This was no big deal as I now use a six foot fiber optic tree. I no longer get out the really big one that requires assembly. I do miss all those decorations that have adorned Christmas Trees all my life, especially those shared with my children. My arms no longer tolerate the task, but that's okay. I've learned to be flexible. Got the wreaths put under the outdoor lamps but I don't have the greenery on the railing but that will get done in the next day or so. I am confident that all will fall into place in the next few days. I put out the precious ceramic manger figures made by my grandmother so many years ago. As I unwrapped each piece such sweet memories came flooding in of those hands crippled with arthritis that lovingly cleaned the greenware, painted each piece of many sets to give her children. She was well into her seventies and had never done ceramics. I still miss her.

Did Some Sewing

I made a pareo from some heavy red fabric from my stash. I had planned to make a jacket but decided to make the cape instead. This project was decided on at about eight o'clock on Monday night and thanks to my trusty serger and the simplicity of the cape, it was finished in a couple of hours. Instructions: 60 inch fabric, double the length you want the pareo, fold fabric down center, starting at one end, cut two inches off the fold only half the length of the fabric, rounding off as you cut past the edge of the fold. Round off corners if desired. Finish edges as desired. Clear as mud?

Went To Christmas Luncheon

I wore my new red pareo (over my purple dress) Tuesday to the Not Dead Yet Red Hatters terrific Christmas Luncheon. This is a super group of talented women and I hope to get acquainted with each one of them. Santa was there, uh-hum, as you can see by the picture some of the Red Hattitude rubbed off on Santa. We did a gift exchange by drawing numbers. Afterward, I took my friend Pat shopping for purple and red things for her "red hat" wardrobe. Then later that evening.....

Went To School Choir Concert

My granddaughter, MaryJustice, sings in the Legacy Choir at school. The concert was Tuesday evening at our church as the middle school's auditorium is not very large. The church is decorated for Christmas with Poinsettias. Our lighting and sound systems make this more special for the young singers. There are three choirs and they all did a great job of singing Christmas and Winter Favorites. All three choirs (about 150 students) did a wonderful medley of Christmas songs entitled, "Christmas in About Three Minutes". (This is my sweet girl, MaryJustice with her choral teacher, Ms. Thompson.)

Went to Kroger

Senior Citizens get a 5% discount on Wednesdays at Kroger. I don't always take advantage of this day....but I should. However, this Wednesday I had to. I had several coupons for FREE items earned by my "card" that's scanned every trip I make to the store. I was out of all the baking items and extra things to prepare for Christmas. I had prepared myself emotionally for the price at the checkout though! GASP! I felt as though I was in that store all day and had to dash home (ha, ha, you have never seen me dash!) to get dressed for church later.

Went To Church

on Wednesday evening for the Christmas Service I missed Sunday Evening. I'm so happy it was repeated on Wednesday night. Such a blessing with the choir and orchestra. The cutest "Christmas 101" video was put together with a montage of little kids giving their interpretations of the Christmas story. I love the way our church uses technology with the large screens, sound, lighting. Some people think this is entertainment but I have to disagree as with every service in that building you feel the presence of God. Pastor Mark will sometimes forget to have the offering plates passed but he never, ever, forgets to invite someone to give their hearts and souls to Jesus.

Went To Coffee Tree Books & Brew

After church my girls and I, along with my friend J.B., went to the CTB&B for Songwriter's Night and some great coffee. Click on their picture in the sidebar and check out their website. Later I'll do a write up about all the singers and the benefit the owners, Tom and Kitty, hosted for one of our departed friends.

Meet Tom

Meet Kitty

I have pictures of the evening that I'll post later. Ken Cooper recently wrote a new song, "Are We Just Friends", that his wife thought should be performed by a female. MaryJustice was honored when Ken asked her to sing while he plays the guitar. They sang Wednesday evening and of course my camera ran out of memory just as they did their number. MJ sang one of her new songs. You can check out Ken through the CTB&B link in the sidebar. Ken recently cut a new CD. Thanks, Tom and Kitty for giving the local songwriters a place to share their new work. Tom and Kitty serve superb coffees from everywhere (I don't know all the coffee countries) and feature different blends each night. A couple of weeks ago I made the mistake of asking if a particular coffe was good. Tom looked me dead in the eye with a straight face and said, "None of our coffee is good. When I want a good cup of coffee I go over to the BP and get some four hour old coffee." I don't ask that question any longer.....

Made Bread

Last night around 9:00 I got "this wild hair" to clear out odds and ends of whole wheat and graham flour in the cabinet and made three loaves of bread. I read the recipe on the flour package, a very simple whole wheat recipe. No problem...I had all the ingredients. However, it was so late that I rushed the two risings and the loaves did not rise as I would have liked. The picture to the left is NOT of my bread. I found that for illustrative purposes only. But, the bread is okay and is nice toasted and since I like a hearty bread it will do. It was two a.m. when I got into bed but that's okay as I do a lot of creative things in the middle of the night....this not being one of them, however.

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Today is Friday and the week is not over. Have to sign off to make a run down the parkway to get MJ at school. I hope we can kick back for the rest of the afternoon and just enjoy being together even if we are each pursuing our own endeavors and mulling over our own thoughts.

I am so blessed! Thank you Lord!

For unto us...

2008-12-11T18:35:00.004-06:00

A child is born, unto us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
ISAIAH 9:6

Getting Into The Christmas Spirit

2008-12-11T12:32:00.005-06:00

Merry Christmas, everyone! Just wanted to say, "I'm still here....just busy." I have so much to talk about and will catch up later!

You may ask, "Why Skipping-Stitches-In-Time?"

2008-11-28T13:40:00.017-06:00

Honestly, when I decided to venture down this cyber path, that's the name that immediately popped into my head. I sometimes use SkippingStitches as a user name on sewing forums. One day a cyber buddy sent a message asking if SkippingStitches was me. She said it "sounded" like it would be me. It was. How freaky is that? I suppose it's a play on a bunch of words that mean something to me. These are just my thoughts today. There is but one illustration in this post. No other is needed. If you get bored just enjoy the music or just skip right on by.

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SKIPPING... I remember skipping as a child. Skipping from sheer joy of being able to run and skip. Skipping rope...Double Dutch and all those rhymes most of which escape me now. Maybe I remember skipping after recovering from polio (more about that later, but not today). Skipping and hopping at hop-scotch. Skipping a flat stone across a pond or creek. If you've never done this I recommend the next time you're standing beside a body of water, look for just the right, flat stone (you may discover other wonders of God's creation while searching) and give it a try. Come on, don't be shy, give it a try. psst..Maybe no one is watching! You have to hold the stone just the right way and get the hang of the wrist action when releasing skipping stones. This takes a little practice but is an important part of childhood that should be taught to every child!

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STITCHES... Sewing, knitting, embroidery, loom knitting, crochet...I love stitches...whether done by hand in embroidery floss, silk ribbon, crewel; by machine decorative or plain in things to wear or just admire, by needle or loom knitting creating scarves, shawls and caps to wear and share. Stitches to ravel for recycling the yarn, or pulling stitches in fabric for decorative effects or clipping to create fringe. The possibilities are without limit! I enjoy fabrics and fibers...learning, trying, testing and attempting to master new techniques, with some success and with some disastrous failures!

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IN-TIME... A stitch in time saves nine ...(we've all heard that old addage); Somewhere in time...past or future; In good times or bad times; Keep in time with the music, while singing, dancing or marching to the band. Times of the past...such wonderful memories of days gone by...Time we are living right now...Time in the future. I reflect with joy and some sadness of days gone but have rich wonderful memories woven together as in a wonderful sampler or tapestry stitched by each who shared that time with me. I'm from that generation who have enjoyed the best of times going from telegraph to internet, trollies to space shuttles and much more. Advances in technology so fast we barely have time to catch up before the next change. Time in the future ... I still plan and have hopes and dreams for the future not knowing what will happen from day to day. Oh, but the best part of time is the birth of Jesus so long ago, yet He lives and is our hope of eternal life in the presence of God Our Father.

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It's "Just Simple Joys" that make life so worthwhile and as I search through my memories for for those little threads of stitches, I give thanks to God for a those who gave me life, taught me with love and faith, those who have touched my life in many wonderful ways, each sharing and teaching, some unaware. There are some skipped stitches and torn threads in this tapestry and I am learning more as each day goes by to put the mending in God's most capable hands as I spend more time with Him while stitching.

Happy Birthday, Michael!

2008-11-26T15:06:00.018-06:00

We celebrated by treating Michael to lunch at his favorite Chinese restaurant, serving buffet style with every Chinese seafood, pork, beef, chicken dish you can imagine. And desserts! Oh, my! This year's birthday celebration was a little different than in the past because of his work schedule, but God has a way of putting things together when we least expect it. My granddaughter was out of school which was unusual to get the day before Thanksgiving as a holiday, and my daughter took a smidgen longer lunch so it all worked out just great.

I am so proud of my two children (and my granddaughter). They have always been so well behaved and there was good feedback and compliments from parents when they were youngsters, teenagers....well, I still get compliments on them. I have to brag that they were well-behaved children, a little lady and young gentleman in public and especially in restaurants. Alas, but now that they are all grown up....I have no control over them...uh, or the situation. They wouldn't cooperate for a good picture and I dare not publish all that were snapped. (Certainly none of me....gag!) We had a good time. In fact, I feared we would all be put out as there was a lot of giggling and laughter. Work schedules keep us from being together as often as we like so when we are together, sometimes things may get out of hand. They still play like children and yes, I have to admit I join in the frolic so I can't reprimand or give them "that look" to bring order. It would do no good anyway! I do love them. They are gifts from God.

My gift to Michael is a TV lap robe made from his worn-out jeans. I asked him to never throw away a pair of jeans but to bring them to me as I would put them to good use. I've had some of those jeans a long time! In fact, I started cutting squares six or seven years ago to reduce my fabric stash bulk. I think that's about the time Michelle introduced me to the rotary cutter and board. Thanks, Michelle! This is my third project with photo transfers and I'm beginning to get the hang of it. There are several good techniques and products on the market now making photo transfer easy and fun.

The jean pockets made great places to store snacks and I tucked in a box of Red Hot Tamales, a bag of Peanut M&Ms and some Gummy Worms, his favorite munchies.

Pictures are from Michael's Little League days, YMCA football, and basketball.

The favorite foot ball team (in my family) is Auburn University so the lining is of flannel with all the famous AU logos. Of course "the big game" is Saturday. Sorry, but I'm not a TV football fan. I'll find something else to do! Love them at the stadium but not on TV. Don't "boo" me, please.

I know. This is not a little league picture but one of my favorites. Michael's grandfather bought the overalls for him when he was 8 weeks old and it took a while for him to grow into them. He loved those overalls and crammed his bod into them until I feared they would burst at the seams. I had to hide them away. I should mention that his sister who is six years older also wore them. They now hang on a wooden peg in my kitchen. I remember those toddler days when I see them everytime I go out my back door.

I love making monograms with Microsoft Word and my computer. Any style, any size. Wonder Under and Stitch Witchery make the application-to-project a breeze. Lord, thank you for all this technology!

So, this was a truly a great day that the Lord did make and we did rejoice in it!

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

2008-11-21T22:34:00.009-06:00

For His mercy endures forever. For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Thanksgiving Day Proclamation by President Bush

WASHINGTON, Nov 21, 2008

Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together and express gratitude for all that we have been given, the freedoms we enjoy, and the loved ones who enrich our lives. We recognize that all of these blessings, and life itself, come not from the hand of man but from Almighty God.
Every Thanksgiving, we remember the story of the Pilgrims who came to America in search of religious freedom and a better life. Having arrived in the New World, these early settlers gave thanks to the Author of Life for granting them safe passage to this abundant land and protecting them through a bitter winter. Our Nation's first President, George Washington, stated in the first Thanksgiving proclamation that "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor." While in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition of proclaiming a day of thanksgiving, asking God to heal our wounds and restore our country.
Today, as we look back on the beginnings of our democracy, Americans recall that we live in a land of many blessings where every person has the right to live, work, and worship in freedom. Our Nation is especially thankful for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who protect these rights while setting aside their own comfort and safety. Their courage keeps us free, their sacrifice makes us grateful, and their character makes us proud. Especially during the holidays, our whole country keeps them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.
Americans are also mindful of the need to share our gifts with others, and our Nation is moved to compassionate action. We pay tribute to all caring citizens who reach out a helping hand and serve a cause larger than themselves.
On this day, let us all give thanks to God who blessed our Nation's first days and who blesses us today. May He continue to guide and watch over our families and our country always.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 27, 2008, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship with family, friends, and loved ones to strengthen the ties that bind us and give thanks for the freedoms and many blessings we enjoy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
GEORGE W. BUSH

Thanksgiving for God's Blessings

Psalm 65

To you we owe our hymn of praise, O God on Zion;

To you our vows must be fulfilled, you who hear our prayers.
To you all flesh must come with its burden of wicked deeds.
We are overcome by our sins; only you can pardon them.
Happy the chosen ones you bring to dwell in your courts.
May we be filled with the good things of your house, the blessings of your holy temple!
You answer us with awesome deeds of justice,

O God our savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of far distant islands.
You are robed in power, you set up the mountains by your might.
You still the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples.
Distant peoples stand in awe of your marvels; east and west you make resound with joy.
You visit the earth and water it, make it abundantly fertile.
God's stream is filled with water; with it you supply the world with grain.
Thus do you prepare the earth: you drench plowed furrows and level their ridges.
With showers you keep the ground soft, blessing its young sprouts.
You adorn the year with your bounty; your paths drip with fruitful rain.
The untilled meadows also drip; the hills are robed with joy.
The pastures are clothed with flocks, the valleys blanketed with grain; they cheer and sing for joy.

Not Dead Yet Red Hatters

2008-11-18T15:44:00.026-06:00

Today, I was invited to the Senior Center for the Not Dead Yet Red Hatters Thanksgiving Luncheon. I've been a member of two Red Hat chapters, both of which sort of frizzled out. It was disappointing as I thought I would meet women with similar interests. The luncheon today was entirely different. First, let me say that we have a terrific Senior Center with a beautiful, well equipped facility. It's a hub of activity with workout rooms, ballroom dance lessons, Pilates, computer classes, all crafts imaginable, gift shop and a sewing room. The sewing room is packed with vintage sewing machines and women gather to sew and quilt. There's a knitting room with spinning wheels, weaving looms and more. And yeah, it's packed with old people....busy, vibrant, happy, old people having a great time.

Meet Lorie, the Activities Director, who says she loves going to work because she plays all day. She's a busy lady who coordinates everything with a quick smile and bubbling personality. Behind Lorie is a story quilt made by the Not Dead Yet Red Hatters. It is truely a work of art and will be raffled December 18th. The quilt has had a lot of exposure with Red Hatters all over Alabama and will be displayed in a glass enclosure at one of our malls until the drawing. Some lucky person will get a beautiful quilt with pillow shams just for the price of a $5.00 ticket. er..hum. I have tickets to sell.

This is Queen Catherine who reigns regally and graciously. She's a busy lady who grows herbs, which by-the-way is another of my passionate interests...hmmmm. She brought in sprigs of several varieties of fresh Sage and Rosemary as garni for the turkey and dressing. In addition, were seasoned-creamed potatoes, two kinds of squash casserole, corn casserole, sweet potatoes, deviled eggs, cranberry relish and more. Some great cooks in this group of red hatters.

See that lady with the red dress on? (Where have I heard that?) Her husband baked a killer four-layer devil's food cake with a delectable white frosing and he let her take it out of the house! There was Old Fashioned Southern Banana Pudding, Pumpkin Pie and other confections but I only had eyes for the four-layer....yum, yum, yum. I wouldn't dare brag, but we Southern Belle's know how to put out a great spread most anytime and when it's a special occasion the table legs start to wobble. After we finished eating Catherine had each Hatter introduce herself and tell what she is thankful for. All said they were thankful for God and His Grace and Mercy, for the opportunity to live in this country, for their families, for healing. It was heartwarming. Catherine introduced a lady who selected the name of Lady Cougar last year when the chapter selected their Royal Titles. Her reason being she was 85 and looking for a younger man! She has been married twice and would be blessed to have a third husband! She has recovered from cancer twice. How awesome is that?!!

This is my friend, Fran. A lovely lady I met in Red Hats a few years ago. I have such a mouth and sometimes things just pop out very compulsively. The first day I met her, we were getting out of our cars at the restaurant for our luncheon and were introduced by a mutual friend. I glanced down at her shoes. They were the most awesome red, four-inch heels with ankle straps! I exclaimed, "Where'd you get those hooker shoes?" A man sitting in his car almost fell out his door laughing. She laughed and replied, "These old things?" Fran and I have been good friends since.

My friend, the Contessa Rosa Capella. Better known as Pat who was transplanted from Pennsylvania 42 years ago and became a Southern Belle. She liked it and stayed. We are so happy she did. Pat constantly wears that radiant smile despite losing 95% of her sight a few years ago. We are a sight to

behold, she with her long white cane in one hand and the other on the back of my powerchair while I try to go slow enough not to drag her to destination (I drive fast) or me with my black cane and us both tripping over those long sticks. Gives us something to laugh about. Why not?

Okay, I might as well show my face now and get it over with. This is me. I am not photogenic and get stiff as a board in front of the camera. Anyway, it was a great day. The sun was shining and I met 30 new friends who all like to sew, quilt, knit and cook. Each with a rich story to tell. Each with a warm smile. God is so good. There are blessings all around us. All we have to do is accept them and give thanks.

Just Pondering

2008-11-17T18:40:00.008-06:00

Finally! I have this blog "up and running". This project was started and stopped so many times but my cyber buddy, Michelle, jumped in and gave me the much needed boost to get going. Thank you, Michelle! I met Michelle several years ago through a vintage sewing machine group and she's been a special friend to me since. Check out her "Just Simple Joys". You will be blessed and you'll see some terrific quilts.

I've met so many talented people through internet groups who enjoy the same hobbies and interests and I'll mention these people by name on occasion as they have become as important in my life as those I can reach out and touch. I'll talk about sewing on vintage machines, repairing and refinishing them, making jewelry, quilting, loom knitting, and Post-Polio Syndrome. And Red Hats! Making them and wearing them! Also, I will write about my faith and how the love of Jesus and God's grace and mercy have impacted my life.

Notice My Music Box on the right of the screen. If you don't want music while you read just click the pause bars on the player.

Until another day.