the light

light, beautiful light...

*

*

*

without the light of the setting sun,

this is just another ugly weed in the yard.

but light gives it beauty.

that's what god does for us...

he sheds his love, his light, abroad in our hearts

and turns us into something beautiful. 

*

*

*

turns us into...

* 

 it takes time. 

we make mistakes. 

we make a bad decision.

we take a wrong turn.

 we hurt the ones we love. 

 they hurt us. 

only the love...and light...of god can heal us. 

*

*

*

his mercies are new every morning...

listening

this morning i made my coffee,

sat down on the couch

and started reading through the psalms.

i was thinking grieving about some relationship issues...

feeling frustration, sadness,

and a

realization

that i give up my power

in those relationships. 

i was pouring my heart out to god and he gently whispered: 

*

 figure out what you want...

and learn how to ask for it.

* 

wow.

 it was like a light bulb went on.

an "ah-hah" moment.

this scripture came to mind,

which i've read.

and know.

and forget about.

for god did not give us a spirit of timidity,

but a spirit of power,

of love,

and of self-discipline...

2 timothy 1:7

*

suddenly, it was like all the emotional toxins flowed out of me

and i was filled with power.

god's power

and my power.

to be me

and to ask for what i need.

feeling such freedom right now...

to god be the glory...

enjoy your weekend!!

xo

tie it on your heart strings

because sometimes...

we just need

a little reminder.

back in the saddle again

...in my shop...

*

*

*

i do believe this is the longest i have gone without posting. 

since i retired i have gotten out of a routine,

spent very little time on the computer,

and made very little art. 

i have been occupied with other important things...

lunches with girlfriends, reading, lounging,

time with the grandkids,

organizing closets(well, kind of),

 just about whatever i want to do,

i have been doing it! 

but i am really feeling like

i need to get some kind of routine going. 

i haven't worked for three months now

and i feel like i'm ready to settle down a bit...

i plan on visiting you once i get done with my post,

and re-connect with all of you, i have missed you...

yes, i have...

******

oh, i have to tell you! 

one of the most exciting things i did

***this summer*** 

is get my ride in a black hawk helicopter!!  

my husband has been promising me for years

(he is a black hawk mechanic/tech. inspector)

that i would get a ride,

and it finally happened.

had the best seat in the house,

right behind the pilot, facing the window. 

which i kept open the whole time.

it was a beautiful day, clear for miles.

the pilot flew us over to san francisco,

about a 90 minute ride there and back . 

                          

what a rush!

 thrill of a lifetime for me!!

*

*

*

happy friday to all of you,

have an awesome weekend!!

xo

wide open heart

my son wrote some beautiful words on his blog,

and i made art to go with it. 

we had never thought of collaborating,

it just happened. 

his words and my art come from a place of vulnerability.

 sometimes it's easier just to shut down, 

 not be vulnerable. 

not show the cracks.

not show the pain.

god's love transcends all of that...

keep your heart wide open to love

as god loves through you,

even when you are just. not. feelin' it...

xo

the good life

 *in my etsy shop*

yay! 

it's finally re-opened...

hello friends

*

*

*

my last day of work was june 30th,

and i have been going non-stop since.

i have missed my blogging family!

this week begins a slow down.

a sense of getting my routine at home.

i have to say,

not going to work is total bliss.

straight up total bliss.

*

*

*

my etsy shop has been closed since may,

i re-opened it sunday. 

i have just 4 pieces in there, but it's a start. 

 i am working on several things,

to include doing some encaustic work. 

i am just getting started on that,

it's total experimentation.

if anyone out there has any input,

let me know. 

this is all new to me

and it will be trial

and

error.

i am sure there will be lots of that...

ya know, the error part...

*

*

*

so far, my days have been filled with making art,

spending time with family and friends,

gardening,

having our grandsons over,

making raspberry sauce...

i went to lunch with my BFF and her mom on july 1,

my first day of freedom retirement. 

we had champagne spritzers

with the most delicious raspberry sauce

drizzled in the glass..

along with fresh berries

and thin slices of kiwi, orange and lemon... 

i had to make some myself,

and have been using it in my iced tea,

over vanilla ice cream...it's so yummy. 

and yes, i made a few spritzers at home as well...

*

*

*

other than that, i'm just coastin',

and loving every minute of it...

xo

signs

first star i see tonight,

wish i may, wish i might

have the wish i wish tonight...

big week for me...4 more days of work.

so, i'm on my way to work this morning, feeling on top of the world.  just kind of giddy.

i'm cruising down the road, just taking in the beauty that surrounds me.

i look to my left, and parked on the side of the road is a truck.  and it's parked with the front end in the wrong direction.  on the rear window are these words:

"don't put your dreams on hold"

really. 

just like that. 

 larger than life. 

and i just happened to look over and see it.
*
*
*

 god moment...