Discovering a new language!

I've been a little envious of my kids. Three of them are in college right now! Jordan just began studying for a business degree, Micah just began her accounting classes and Josh has been going to college for years and is closing in on a masters in organizational leadership, and is studying for an accounting degree. I'm thinking, "I would love to be studying something interesting!" Well, I do that a lot anyway in my own casual and sometimes all-consuming way. I love to learn about new interests. But I'm hankering for something more long-term. SO, when Josh was visiting he suggested learning a language through Duolingo.com. 

I signed up today (it's absolutely free!) to learn Hebrew!  I'm still learning the ropes, reading through tons of discussions and FAQ-type stuff. I've spent 50 minutes today doing (and re-doing) the first two lessons. One of the first obstacles to get over was finding a keyboard to type in Hebrew. There are many hi-tech options, but I really didn't understand how to install and use them. So, I went to a simple virtual keyboard where I type out answers and then copy and paste them into the Duolingo answer box. A little clunky, but it works for low-tech me. They sort of throw you in at the deep end and you have to do a lot of figuring things out without any explanation. (Like the sounds of the letters and female forms of words. But I'm just starting. That may change and there may be explanations I haven't come across yet.) Kind of like you would in real life if you were dropped into the country in a parachute, lol. I can't tell you how excited I was when I typed this phrase (.אבא אמא באה ) into the answer box and it was CORRECT! (BTW, it says, "Dad, Mom is coming.") I'm hoping to persevere and look at it like a game. They have every language imaginable. Join me?

I've been babysitting on and off for the last three days, so I was kind of exhausted today. Also, I walked 3 miles day-before-yesterday, and it usually takes a couple of days for that to hit me. I walked 2 miles today and I hope to keep doing that. (Three miles one day a week, and two miles several other days.)

My other activity for today was sketching out some ATC's. The one on the right was a request for a one-on-one trade. This gal does the Renaissance Fair type thing and she wanted a gryphon. I'll probably paint it tomorrow. The two on the left are for the September Bizarre Holidays swap. I'll paint them tomorrow and then make two more, probably.

 Now it's time for some Bible and other good reading. I hope you are all enjoying the end of summer as much as I am!

Not sure what happened to my usual font. I'll have to investigate. Sheesh.
Shalom! 
   שלם

Sorta finished...

My loon is...kind of finished. I may tinker with it a bit more before adding a clear coat to it. It turned out more folk-art-ish than realistic, but I'm okay with that. I'm trying to loosen up and enjoy painting more instead of stressing over the finished product too much. ;)

I also outlined the fish that I'm going to paint next. It bothers me that he's slightly off-center, but I'm going to ignore that OCD thing in my head. Folk art, folks!

I returned "The Intern" movie and rented "The Accountant" and "The Martian". Any more "The" films? Josh recommended The Accountant, though it is kind of a shoot-'em-up, violent tale. I've seen The Martian before and thought it was so intriguing I'd like to watch it again.

By the way, can anyone recommend a good photo editing site other than Picmonkey? I've loved Picmonkey for quite some time, but they seem to be trying to force you to do the Free Trial, which makes me think I'll be pressured to subscribe. Not so free any more. I'd like to make a new header but last time I edited a photo they didn't seem to want me to save it to my computer without signing up for the free trial. Any suggestions appreciated!

Almost forgot! Audrey and her cousin, Cali, turned six years old recently. Audrey's "other Grandma Lisa" (aka Grammy) and Grandpa Ken are taking them both to Duluth. They left this morning and will be gone until Sunday. I believe it's the first time either of them have been gone from home overnight. Hope they enjoy it and forget to be homesick!  Lisa and Ken are fun grandparents, so I know they'll keep the girls well entertained. Fun times! :)

The thunder is rumbling outside, so I think I'll get off of the computer.


God bless and shalom to all!

On his way home...

My sweet boy packed up his car and headed home last night. Thanks for all of your prayers. I think he's probably in Indiana by the time I type this. He lives near Berea, Kentucky, which is south of Lexington.

I checked my bank account this morning and found out that someone has been helping themselves to my debit card!!! They ordered three items from Ebay. I was shaking like a leaf as I dialed the bank. They quickly blocked my card. I followed directions and went in and got a new card and signed some papers. My money should be back in my account by tomorrow at the latest. My credit union did a great job! Scary stuff.

Right now I'm stuffing my face with a bean burrito topped with lots of guacamole. Just what I needed! :) (I LOVE Wholey Guacamole!)

Tonight I'm going to an AWANA BBQ for new volunteers. I look forward to helping and having some fun social interaction with kids and adults at church. I also signed up for Life Groups, which is our version of small groups. I'm hoping there is one near Nevis so I don't have to spend too much time driving back and forth to Park Rapids. It's only 12 miles, but in the winter it can be 12 miles too far, lol.

I'd better start thinking about getting ready for church. It's a rainy day. We sure do need it!

Love you folks! Thanks for your prayer support and kindness.
Shalom.

Checking in...

I'm enjoying my long visit with my dear son, Josh. I feel more sure every day that he and his wife will reconcile, so I'm trying to just enjoy and be thankful for the time I have with him. My prayer is that he will return home refreshed and ready to face all the challenges of a family dealing with bipolar and other mental health issues. He's been very strong for a lot of years and I think he needed this break, though I know he doesn't want to be away from his family. He's doing bookkeeping online and is becoming accustomed to his new job. He loves the flexibility it will give him to be home and help with children more. Please continue to pray for him and his family. Thanks so much!

I've been getting in some good 2 mile walks and I hope to keep it up. Josh brought a ton of good books with him and I'm now reading "Life With God" by Richard Foster. I'm reading a lot so I can return the books to him before he leaves. Not sure when that will be so I'm reading a lot.

 We enjoyed a movie last night called "The Intern". I've been wanting to watch it for a while but it wasn't available on Amazon. Josh found it at the local gas station/convenience store! I thought it was a really sweet movie.

I think a nap and a walk are in order. (In THAT order.) Thanks for dropping by!
Shalom!