Quiet weekend...

Sully was sporting a beard yesterday. His "other Grandma Lisa" crocheted it for him. Now he looks just like his daddy. Well, if he had more hair on top...

 I've had a quiet, loafing kind of weekend. We've had LOTS of snow. My brother in Texas, and son in Kentucky have had lots of rain, so I guess we get the northern version. My snowplow guy has been here a couple of times, so I could have gone somewhere, but I didn't really NEED to go anywhere, so I putzed around at home.

I guess while I'm looking at snow, folks in Kentucky go to the zoo!

 I think this is a cute picture of Josh. He and Jess just celebrated their 9th anniversary yesterday.

 I think things are going well for Josh and his family. I'm liking the shorter beard, so I can see his face!

 

I did a few more stamps. This is supposed to be a feather, but looks a little like a leaf, lol.

 The white spaces on these fish are caused by the dips in the erasers I was using to carve. I think I'll switch to another type of eraser.

 I like the little coffee mugs. The cat...nah.

 These kitties are better, but the facial features are too hard to get right with these bad erasers. They're too hard to carve to do small details.

 So, these are the inferior erasers. I won't use them any more. They are pitted and have air bubbles in them. They have sort of a hard "skin" on the outside that resists carving. Maybe they're just old?

 These erasers (below) I can buy cheaply at Walmart and they cut very easily. Just wanted to share my experience in case any of you want to give this a shot. My carving tool is by Speedball. I ordered it online, but if you have a Hobby Lobby nearby they probably have them. My Hobby Lobby is about 35 miles away.

I watched Jane Eyre today; the Orson Wells version. That and the Toby Stephens version are still my favorites. I decided to watch the 1970 version with George C. Scott. (Is that enough "versions"?) I gave up part way through it. I thought they tried to make Jane Eyre too feminist-like. She was just too bold and uppity to be true to the original. Soon I'll probably re-read the book so I can decide which movie is closest to it. I've read it a couple of times, but it's been quite a while. That will have to wait until I finish Charlotte Bronte's biography. I'm getting there!

I heard some great preaching online at Upper Room Dallas this morning. And later I listened to more great teaching from a John Piper video. I know these don't take the place of going to a physical church building, but I think I can concentrate on the message better when I'm not in a crowd. I do need to get out and fellowship more, though.

Time to wind down for bed. Everyone have a fantastic week!
Shalom!

Stamping up some bookmarks!

You guys may remember I went crazy making rubber stamps a while back. Actually, I'd love to make some more, and I have a huge supply of erasers, so...
My problem was, I couldn't think of what to USE them for. They don't really work well on ATC's. It just doesn't look right to try to incorporate them into a scene. So the thought came to me to use them on bookmarks.
Since I needed to make a bookmark or two for a swap partner I just decided to keep going and make a few more. I even made bookmarks out of a couple of "mistakes"! I bought a 12-pack of tiny ink pads in multiple colors which makes it a lot more fun. This stuff is sticky and full of color. I got some extra on my working surface a couple of times and ended up getting it where I didn't want it. Hence, the "mistakes" I mentioned.

 

 

 

Some of my stamps and the little ink pads I bought at Walmart.

This is the card for a swap partner. Below is the back side of it.

 

 Here are some of the others.

Side #1...

Flip side. The one on the right is also for my swap partner.

These are two sides of a tiny bookmark. I hate to throw out stamped images!

And these are the two sides of another one.

They all got laminated and tossed into my pile o' bookmarks! After saying that I can't figure out what to use them for (above) several ideas came to mind. Notecards, stationary, decorating envelopes, stamping on gift wrap. Yeah, I'll think of some things to do with them. :)

Oh man. My stomach's grumbling. Must be lunch time!

I'm not going to make any controversial statements here on the blog about the scary situation in our nation's schools, but I would like to say I need to follow through on praying for my local school. I've seen groups that walk around their schools and pray, and I've thought it was a great idea, but I didn't really follow through. This is something that requires spiritual warfare (in addition to trying to solve things in the natural) and prayer against forces of evil. I know we all agree on that point. I need to be sure I'm holding up my end of the responsibility by not getting lax on praying. My kids are grown, but I have LOTS of grandkids in school. Let's surround them with angelic protection!

Love you guys! Have a fantastic weekend! I see I have some new blog posts to read. Woo hoo!
Shalom to all!

Thanks, Billy...

I just heard about Billy Graham going home to be with the Lord when I got home from church tonight. I vividly remember an evening in the summer of 1973. My folks had gone out to dinner and I was home alone scrolling through the TV channels. I stopped to watch a Billy Graham crusade. Very out of character for me at the age of sixteen. But as he preached his simple, unvarnished version of the gospel I knew I needed this Jesus he told me about. I gave my heart to the Lord right then and there. I owe Billy a lot, and I rejoice for him. He's now in the presence of Jesus. I'll see him and thank him when I get there. 

It's late, so I'll just say God bless us every one and shalom!

Saturday news...

Have I ever told you guys how much I love and appreciate you all? I glanced at my blog roll and noticed several new posts. It actually gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing I get to read your posts and catch up a little on your lives when I finish posting this! Thanks for being part of my life!

This post isn't news as much as it is a list of good intentions. LOL.

Item #1-singing
Yeah. I'm getting tired of opening my mouth at church to sing and nothing but a few squeaky notes come out. I've been a singer since high school in choir and at church. Singing solos for 30 years. Then I just slowly sang less and less. I'm not a sing-around-the-house type of person. Probably because of my introverted personality. I just don't emote openly without "good cause", lol. But I'm wanting to get my singing voice back, SO I need to make use of all of those YouTube Mixes of '60's and '70's Jesus music I've saved. Truthfully, I've been intending to do this for ages, but then I just forget about it. I'll keep trying!

Item #2-journals
These two journals have been badly neglected and I want to get back to putting things in them. This one (The Pink Journal) is about half full after four years. I try to only write "important" spiritual thoughts in there. It's for my kids, as the cover says, and I don't want it filled with what I had for dinner and negative thoughts. Just stuff to encourage them in their walk with the Lord.

The second one is Lisa's Scripture Journal. I started it about 6 years ago. It contains scriptures which I've illustrated with a little painting. I'd like to get back to filling it.

 Here are some pages from it. Some of you may have seen these in the past. I went through an "altered book" phase and this is the only one I did.

 The next two pages I did when my little step-great-grandson, Gabriel, died in childbirth. It was my little memorial for him.

Actually, those two things, singing and journaling, are the only good intentions I've been thinking about. Eating healthier is becoming more natural as I purge my house of no-no's. Walking would be another. I just hate exercising indoors. Come on spring!

I'm currently reading this for the Goodreads Challenge. I'm enjoying it a lot!

And I'm working on these ATC's for the Zentangled Cupcakes swap. Two of them are about halfway finished. I haven't zentangled in a while, so it's a nice change of pace. I'll take another photo when they're finished.  :)

I pray you all have a great weekend! I'm off to read blogs and maybe act on some of these good intentions.
God bless and shalom!

Cultural studies...

I was enjoying Gretchen's final blog post about her 7 week visit to Mumbai. She talked about the Dharavi slums that she was able to tour. I wanted to learn more, so I found a YouTube documentary about it. There are two episodes. Kevin McCloud spent a couple of weeks living among the people of the slum and it is quite an eye opening experience. Extremely squalid and gross, but the people are quite inspiring. YouTube is so great for finding out more about other people and cultures!


 In my quest for better health I discovered that I may be sensitive to MSG. I got a flushed face and little itchy spots after eating a salad with Ranch dressing. This particular Ranch dressing contained MSG. So, after getting rid of that and checking for MSG in other foods I've been doing pretty well. Unfortunately, I had to get rid of all my Campbell's Chunky Soups! I guess MSG is what makes things tasty! As it turns out, a diet of clean, unprocessed, natural foods is the best thing to avoid problems. Who knew? LOL. I guess there's no getting around it!

 I've been taking my ATC swaps one at a time and trying to enjoy doing art more. Here are my latest for a Cat swap.

 My dear daughter-in-law, Brooke, is launching a little business selling jewelry made by artisans from third world countries. It's not a big money maker, but instead, she's doing it to help these artisans to make a better living. I'm browsing around her site and will buy one or two things to be supportive. I really don't wear jewelry, but I keep hoping I might. :) If you'd like to look around I'll put a link here.
Brooke Richards-Noonday Collection 

At first the items may seem expensive, but they are handmade which is a labor intensive process. Besides helping these artisans, Brooke also works as a substitute ESL teacher for immigrants through Catholic Charities Diocese of Ft. Worth and as a grant writer for a non-profit out of Oregon. She really loves to do things to help people. I'm proud to be her mom-in-law!

My next foray into the culture of India will be to watch the movie "The Lunchbox". Looks intriguing! It can be rented through YouTube (and probably Amazon) for $2.99.

Time for bed! Thanks for tuning in, and see you next time!
Shalom!

Glennnnn!

My daughter-in-law, Brooke, just posted this Vimeo video of their wedding in June. I was so excited to see this! So, for my Daddy Glenn and brother, Mark, here's a little taste of their wedding. Spoiler alert: it's mushy! Ha ha!

The Wedding of the Century

That's all I had for now. I just had to share!
Love y'all! Shalom!

A diagnosis!

Hi, you guys and y'all!

So, you've had nearly 4 days with nary a mention of health related issues. Woo hoo! I just wanted to post something here in case any of you have experience with it. I finally called my doctor about the blood tests and ultrasound. It's been two weeks and I hadn't heard a peep. SO, he looked up my results and it seems my blood and urine tests showed all is well. The ultrasound showed that I have a renal cyst. My doctor sounded like a renal cyst is no big deal unless it really starts to bother me. In that case he can stick a needle in it and drain it. It sounds like that involves poking a hole in me? So, I'll just keep on keeping on. Have any of you had this condition? If so, please share your experiences in the comments. Thanks! Do I need to look for another doctor, or is it SOP to not call with results? I'm going to Google for info, but you never know what you'll get that way!

Otherwise, I got a visit from one of the ladies from my church with a Valentine card and a vase of flowers. We had a good visit. Another lady is coming tomorrow. I guess I'm on the "widows to visit" list. They are very kind. It's just a little awkward for awkward little me. But I need to practice sociability a little more often. ;)

Here's my latest ATC.

 Micah's younger sister-in-law and her husband and two boys are moving back to the area from New York state. They will move in with her dad while her hubby ships out to Afghanistan for nine months. She's planning to get a job, so Micah volunteered to watch her two boys (for pay; so not really volunteering) which should make things pretty exciting for her. If it's too much she will just make other arrangements, but it's a chance for Micah to earn some money, and she really likes kids. I don't know where she gets her fearlessness...

That's all the news for now. I'm following MK's kitchen remodel with great interest. I'll check up on everybody.

Sayonara and shalom!

An interesting Irish tale...

I've watched several videos about this lady. This particular video seems to be the most recent, but it's very short and doesn't give a lot of details. I'll link another video under it if you want to see more about her history in this house. I thought she was fascinating!



More about Margaret here.

That's all I have for now. Just wanted to share! :)
Shalom and have a great weekend!

Book sale haul...

Yup, book sale time again!
I was determined to exercise some self-control today. I did manage to buy less than usual, but I shopped among the slightly more expensive books instead of the 10 cent room. (Hardbacks 50 cents; paperback 25 cents; children's books 10 cents.) I got some bios, some literature and some children's books. (Some of those children's books are really art inspiration for me!)

I've read The Pilgrim's Progress a couple of times, but it's been a while. I've always wanted to try The Inferno.

I couldn't leave that little BP book behind! The other little book has pretty miniature paintings in it which I thought might work for collages.

For some reason I'm a fan of Skippyjon, the cat who thinks he's a chihuahua, lol. Audrey might like the nature stories and I'll read it, too!

I like stories of lady shepherds. Vicarious farm-work.

The Greece travel guide has lots of pretty pictures, once again for collage. The other book I've wanted to read for a while.

Grandkid books. (After Grandma admires the pictures.)

I think Audrey will enjoy these. She gobbles down information!

These are for me. Lots of cool artwork!

I read The Gulag Archipelago when I was a teenager, so I thought this might be good, too.

I'm doing the Goodreads Reading Challenge, so I can't complain about having nothing to read. My current book is The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen.

Yes, she's the same author I was complaining about for using sentences from Austen and Bronte books. She does a lot less of that here, though I did notice such surnames as Elliot and Willoughby. I have to admit she's done a fair amount of research, and this one is interesting. She's a Christian author, so the romance angle is refreshingly innocent.

That's all my news for now. Thanks for coming to visit!
Have a cozy evening!
Shalom.

Finished ATC's...

Just a quick drive-by post to put up pics of my finished cards. :)

No call from the doctor yet. I hope Nana Diana is right that that could be an indication that nothing really big is going on. I'm feeling pretty good.

I had a good visit with my old deli pals this morning. I'm so glad we've decided to keep in touch with each other. I really do miss their faces! We're sort of like a Band of Sisters. We've been in the trenches together for many years, lol. We're going to do a Secret Pal thing where we draw a name and send little gifts and notes, etc. to our pal throughout the year. Then we'll exchange gifts and reveal who our pal is at Christmas each year. This is a good bunch of gals! Thank you, Lord, for old friends.

I'm thankful for all of you blogging friends, too! I really enjoy keeping up with your lives!

God bless, hugs and shalom!

Bits and bobs...

Micah took this sweet picture of Adele the other day. She said she used an app on her phone to make it black and white. I think it's so cute. They were having breakfast together after taking the big sisters to school.

The "deli gals" monthly breakfast is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I'm looking forward to it! My doctor should also call me about my ultrasound results. I hope the two events don't interfere with one another. My brother was asking after my health and asked on a scale of 1-10 how much pain was I feeling. I'd say a "one". It really doesn't hurt much. Just the occasional dull twinge. But it just shouldn't be going on in that same spot for two weeks. But, I guess I'll see what he thinks in the next day or two.

I'm not a Super Bowl watcher, so I've been doing some drawing for an ATC swap. This particular swap is "open theme", meaning we can make the cards on any subject. His only requirement is that one card is of a NON-anime, NON-Disney cartoon character. So, I did all cartoon characters. These are some of my favorite characters from my kids' childhood. I only have them drawn. I'll paint them in the next little while. (I like to take a picture at this point in case I mess up when I paint them, lol.)

I finished The Ladies of Ivy Cottage and gently lambasted the author in my review. ;)

"In her author's notes at the end of The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, Julie Klassen says, 'I have attempted to honor a favorite author or two with fond nods to her work.' She refers to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. (Were there more?) I must admit that I was a little annoyed to find her pretty much lifting whole conversations and characters from these books. Did she step over the boundary line into plagiarism? I remember having my grade docked once in college for doing something much less obvious.

Having said that, I did finally get into the book, despite the occasional flare up of irritation each time she inserted another familiar sentence...or two. I came to care about the characters and wanted to see what would become of them. Dash it all! I'm looking forward to Book 3 in the series. There are a couple of characters whose lives are still dangling in mid-air." :)

I did give it four stars.

I think more reading is in order this evening. I threw my back out this morning! Micah said, "Gee, Ma! You can't catch a break!" Ha ha!

I hope your favorite team wins!
God bless and shalom!