Fondly Remembering With Love

My Brother in Law, Bill.

Visitation 6-8 P.M. Today

Celebration of Life 11 A.M. Tomorrow

The special place that Bill filled in our large and loving family is empty.

Please keep my sister Donnie and their children in your prayers.

I love you Donnie.

If A Picture...

...paints a

thousand words

then why can't I paint you?

In Loving Memory

My Daddy, forever reunited with my mother, one year ago.

September 27, 1915 - January 28, 2007.

I love you Daddy.

Farrah You've Won!

How awesome is it that Farrah won? When the "official winner picker" chose her, and I reread through her comment, she had left a couple of really neat household tips, AND she collects ME stuff. So Farrah, email me your address, and the ME tea towel will be on its way to you!!! Congratulations!

It was so fun to participate in the bloggy giveaway, hosted by Rocks In My Dryer.

Bloggy Giveaway

Hey faithful readers, I'm participating in a "giveaway". Please leave a helpful household tip in the comment spot on this post to have your name entered into a drawing on Feb. 4, 2008 (USA address only please) If your name is drawn you will receive this beautiful linen weave Mary Engelbreit tea towel. It's new with tags.
Visit Rocks In My Dryer for a bunch more bloggy "giveaways" this week.

Frozen Waterfall

My husband took this picture for me yesterday. The waterfall is frozen, but the water continues to flow underneath. Sometimes in the seasons of life our circumstances may appear to be frozen and ice cold, but God is still at work with his purposes, always. His love for us continues to flow without end.

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Psalm 91:2 NIV

Rest today. Hug your family. Let them know how much they mean to you.

Donnie, you are in my prayers. I love you very much!

Phdogo, You're a Winner!

You all are great "guessers". It is a drawer and pull on our living room cabinet. The "official winner picker" picked Phdogo, who is requesting a drawer full of 3 muskateers. Phdogo please email me your address, and I will have them on the way to you! Well maybe not a drawer full! Thank you everyone for joining in on the fun!

Today's Mystery Object

What in the world is this? I will return in a little while to check on your guesses, and tell you what it is! It was wonderful fun to do a drawing last week, so with your guess, tell me your favorite candy bar. I'll send one to the winner again!

The Power of Music

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to memorize words when they have a tune. For many people a song is easier to memorize than a poem or scripture. Music and singing has the power to heal, to soothe, and transport us emotionally to a different place or time. In the Old Testament, of the Bible, II Chronicles, Chapter 20 recounts a story of deliverence through singing that fascinates me everytime I read it. So go ahead and make some music! Exercise your vocal cords and join in a song! What song is stuck in your head right now? (uumm, yes the picture is blurry, it's not your eyes) For me it is the theme song to "Jay Jay the Jet Plane"! Unfortunately, I'm not recalling all of the words in my head, so there are lapses where my brain is just going zzzzz zzzzz zzzz zzz zuh...making a "plane sound" or is that a misquito?...so I'm off to find the video, and LEARN that song! Happy singing!

A Way of Life

I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being...Let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. author unknown

Polka dots: in life the special occasions, main events, everyday happenings. Stripes: the lines of routine occurrences, schedules kept, consistant love shown to others. The lines connect the dots...the shape of life!

Life is a work of art, a thing of beauty. Live each day to the fullest.

Yesterday while rubbing lotion on her red chapped hands, our little one said with a dejected tone in her voice, "My skin is all worn out." Her 4 year old skin ALL worn out!!! Of course, I laughed inside as I rubbed her hands, and contemplated what she had said. She'd been busy living! ... "let me do it now! Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

Have a full and happy day!

P.S. Have your children or grandchildren or any child for that matter, said something that made you laugh? I'd love to hear it. There's nothing cuter that an innocent voice speaking their perspective.

A Faux Fire

I've tried and tried to get a good picture of the fire in the fireplace so I could show you where I enjoy sitting and pondering new ways to rearrange the furniture (and anything else that strikes my fancy) in our home, or read decorating magazines, of course. The fireplace is in the foyer/music room, so it's a great place to "sit and ponder" or read. What do you like to do while sitting by the fire?

In 2004 when we were working on the restoration of the fireplace, a dear friend of one of my brothers had an old rusty fireplace insert and asked my brother if he knew of anyone who could use it, because he was throwing it away. Paul thought of us, and brought it to us. I scrubbed and scrubbed to clean it, then covered it with shiny black enamel to match the black granite surround and hearth that my husband had installed. When everything was finished, my husband slid it into place and it fit perfectly!! I treasure this piece of the fireplace because this wonderful friend of my brother lost his battle to cancer last summer.
Until we complete the restorative process of the chimney, we don't burn an actual fire in the fireplace. For many months I sat jars of candles inside the firebox, because it's just so much more cheery to see the reflective glow of the flame through the grill of the insert. This winter I thought to use this string of Christmas lights instead of the jars of candles. I purchased them from a yard sale for 25 cents, brand new still in the box! I'm thrilled with my "faux fire". It's not very warm in our frigid temps, but it is super high on the cozy meter! I'm enjoying it immensely, and I don't have any candles to light or ashes to carry out! What do you do in your home for cozy?

For more "Works for Me Wednesday" ideas visit http://www.rocksinmydryer.net/.

A Group of Ladies. Help! I've been Tagged

The picture on this vintage card of needles, reminds me of this big wide world of blogging where ladies and gentlemen of similar interest come together for a chat, sharing, caring or just having fun. Notice how dressed up these ladies are. In the world of fashion, the "CUTE" trend is coming back around. I'm so happy. I love cute!!!!!

This picture also makes me think about Hope at Second Time Around. She tagged me. I guess if we were sitting together doing needlework, she'd be interested in knowing 7 random things about me, so I'm gonna see what I can figure out to say that might be of interest to the rest of you. If you're not interested, it's OK to stop reading here, and have a fun day! For those who do want to keep reading, here goes!
1) I'm the youngest of 5 daughters. All 5 of us have 5 brothers, and I'm the youngest of all of those too! Make sense? Think about it. One of my brothers made that riddle up!
2) I learned to spell my middle name in 2nd grade. It's Ernesteen! Ever heard of it? I love the little ring that it makes, when you say it, NOW that I'm an adult. Well, say it! Rachel Ernesteen. See what I mean. I am proud to be my mother's namesake. Her first name was Ernesteen.
3) I was born and raised in Arkansas. Gotta love a place with a Spring and Fall like no other.
4) Because I was raised in Arkansas, I'm really, really good at milking goats!! Yes, I promise.
5) I made my first "doll" when I was four. 2 pieces of fabric cut in the shape of a person, stuffed in the middle with more fabric scraps and sewn around the edges by hand with several strands of red embroidery thread. Well the thread HAD to be red because the fabric was white with red flocked cherries on it. I still remember sitting under the dining room table working on it, while mother cut out another sewing project for herself. My intense desire for creating and designing, has never gone away from that time till now.
6) I love puppies!
7) My favorite colors are pink, pink, pink, pink, and green, green, green, green.
Whew, yep, that's 7. Hope, now that is hard. Makes me think, "who am I really"? I'm supposed to tag 7 more people, but since I'm so new to this, I've got to figure out who I want to do.
Until I have more to say, have a super fantastic day!

Sweet Cherub and A Tiny Bit of Soap!

If I live each day with my hands open and outstretched, I can give love and receive love. BUT if I keep my hands tightly closed, clenching desperately to hang on to what I have and keep what is rightly mine, then that is all I will ever have...just what is rightly mine, and that slowly slipping away with the passage of time. What a miserable existence. The outstretched-hands-way-of-life sounds a lot more fun!

On a lighter note...I'm still trying to learn this picture thing, and the one at the very top (supposed to be here) is in honor of my LOVE for high heels. Well yes...I do wear then every day, don't you? Oh, I thought everyone did. My sweet friend Diane, thought of me when she saw this "high heel" soap dispenser and I love it. Carol, the beautiful vintage hankies were from the collection you gave me of your mother's. Thank you so much dear friends. I love them both, and they look awesome in the... um...powder room!

A Blessing for Today

May your Sunday be a day of rest and reflection and worship of HIM. Think about HIS love for us.

Kathy, this tapestry pillow is beautiful. Thank you so very much. I will keep it as an awesome reminder "With God All Things Are Possible".

Our Winner is MARTHA!

The "Official Winner Picker" chose Martha's name from all of the correct answers! Yes, indeed it was a close up of the inside of the beaded glass bell hanging on the stairway banister. I appreciate all of your comments and guesses, and it is so fun to know your favorite candy bar choices. Well except for LSH. I'm not sure about hers!!!!!!!! Martha, your Reese's will be "in the mail" right away! Please email me your address! ;) Happy Birthday, Paul.

Today's Mystery Object

I love hearing from all of you my new friends and loving family, so leave a comment and I'll be in touch! If you think you know what this object is, tell me that too!

I'll be back in a while to see what you've said to me AND reveal the identity of this mystery item. Have fun guessing!

P.S. Happy Birthday, Denise!! I hope it's fantastic. Melody you are in my thoughts. I want you to be on the mend soon.

P.P.S. hhumm, or is it P.S.S.? Do you want me to think of something else to give away in a drawing of all the correct comment answers?...oh say like the winner's favorite candy bar. Yeah, yeah, let's do that. Enter your comment. The correct answers will go into a drawing, and the one person chosen, will get their favorite flavor of candy bar. Oh I'm excited!!! This sounds so fun. In your comment, go ahead and tell me what your favorite candy bar is, so I will already know.

There's A Winner Here!!!

I'm standing on the backporch ringing the dinner bell (we used to do that down South) to get everyone's attention. Ringalingaling......the winner of yesterday's comment drawing is... Elizabeth from The Shabby Romantic. CONGRATULATIONS, Elizabeth!! Please email me your address, and the little faux crystal ornament will be on it's way. You guys run, don't take time to walk, to your favorite magazine stand and find the latest issue of "Romantic Country". Her beautiful home is featured there, in the magazine, not at the magazine stand:), and I promise you won't be disappointed.

It was a ton of fun to put all the names of the "commenters" into a bowl (sorry the picture is blurry and supposed to be here NOT up there) and draw a name. I could hardly stand the excitement as I waited for the "official winner picker" to draw a name so I could see who would be chosen and I appreciate each one who took time to comment. It looks like the majority vote was for the lights to stay in the fabric, and so I thought after Valentine's day, I'll probably be changing the look up a bit for Spring (my all time FAVORITE season), but until then, the lights and candles and any other thing I can coax into sparkling and shining, are so comforting on these long Winter evenings. See the very first sparkling picture at the top...I wanted it here, Oh well, sigh... Karla, Martha, anyone?...help!

However, that brings me to the last thing I wanted to tell you. What I LOVE about January. Every year after Christmas has passed, I start to pay attention more closely to when it begins to get dark. Already, I can tell that it is starting to stay light a wee bit longer. Where we live, it is still fairly light now by 5:45 p.m. Just a few short weeks ago, it was dark closer to 5:00 p.m., and I'm celebratin' that fact, WOO HOO, by telling all of you! That friends, is my favorite thing about January. I really do, feel a little flutter of excitement in my chest, each time I notice it. Of course, I suppose my family may get tired of hearing me say, "Look, It really is staying light longer!! See!?"

I'm curious. What is your FAVORITE thing about January?

Have a fun day! Just incase you couldn't tell, I amused myself with all the font, bold, italics thingies today! And once again, thank you for taking time to comment yesterday! and today for that matter;)

VOTE...To Stay or Not to Stay

If you would like for your name to be placed in a drawing to be chosen to "win" this faux crystal hanging ornament...

...and insure that I can continue to enjoy these beaded glass lighted bells a while longer...

...then just leave a comment and "vote" to stay or not to stay about the lights in the organza swag draped on the stairway.

Although, the swag doesn't just jump out and say Merry Christmas, it DOES have white Christmas lights in it...SO I'd enjoy knowing what you think.

Hurry - cast your ballot! To stay, or not to stay for the white lights. I'll reveal the randomly selected comment winner tomorrow and it will be one of YOU, so don't delay!

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone and thanks for participating in the comment drawing!

Heartfelt Thanks

Sweet Laurie gave me this hilarious book by David C. Barnette, "The Official Guide to Christmas in the South, Or If You Can't Fry It, Spraypaint It Gold". It's a comical rendition of Southern Culture, just perfect for the Southern Girl transplanted Hoosier that I am. My children have been fortunate to not be spraypainted flat white!

My dear and very talented mother in law gave me this beautiful red gingham apron that she made me for Christmas. I recently decided that I should wear an apron, to eliminate the need for standing 3 feet from the stove and reaching to the pan so I won't get splashes of food on my clothes! Thank you, Mom!

Our wonderful friends, Linda and Randy, in Florida sent us the beautiful porcelain praying angel clock. Each time I look at the time, I think of them.

Thank you for the special gifts from your heart! It means SO much to have the love of family and friends.

The Reflection of Words

This mirror is in the mantel in the foyer. I just love mirrors. They reflect light and beauty in front of them and beyond. I can even see a reflection of my smile if I will take time to stop and smile as I pass by.
The reflection of words never ceases to amaze me. I have enjoyed writing my thoughts for a long time. In high school, my English teacher (I had the same one 9-12 grade) required us to keep a journal, EVERY DAY. Several years ago, I felt the need again to get my thoughts on paper. Now as an adult I have notebooks full of writing and when I go back and read the words, they are a reflection of the thoughts, emotions and plans of when I wrote them. I keep notebooks (I call it a hug book) for my children and write in them from time to time, so they will have some of my thoughts about their lives as they grow.
Hopefully I will never outgrow the excitement of the miracle of words...as I type, small images appear on the screen, and as you read it, your brain translates those images into sounds that become words which enables you to know what I'm wanting to say today. And in other languages those small images will appear in a different sequence or may even have a different shape, but it all translates to the same thought...hhm, the reflection of words.

Boy OH Boy, I Wanna Be Healthy

The long narrow picture in the collection above says, "Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much". In this process we call life, it always amazes me to see people who go around laughing at everything. Makes me wonder, do they automatically see everything as funny and humorous or do they have to work at seeing the humor? I have no problem seeing funny and humorous situations, however today, I will laugh about them.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) ...uugh, I need 'dem bones, NOT dry bones!

P.S. If you see me bent over slapping my knee with my hand, my mouth wide open, tears running down my cheeks, just give me a minute. I'm laughing.

Imagine My Surprise...

...when reading Karla's blog at Ramblin' Roads, and saw her "breakfast" displayed on a small dessert plate like this blue one. I have 4 pieces of the blue china which I acquired from a yard sale about 12 years ago. Then I found this green pattern about 2 years ago, and have 2 plates. For some reason I just love these patterns, but obviously, I don't see them around much. I'm pretty sure I've seen it in pink, lavender and yellow also. I wouldn't mind running across some of that while thrifting!

Does anyone know anything about these china patterns? The blue platter is marked "Homer Laughlin", but there are no other markings on the blue or green pieces. Dear Penny at Lavender Hill Studio may be able to tell me something. Visit her too, you must see her amazingly beautiful mosiac artwork.

CONGRATULATIONS! You guessed it!

Wow! Ya'll are a ton of fun! Congratulations to all the correct answers. And thank you for participating in the "mystery object" guessing game! Yes, it is an antique glass doorknob. I collect them. They look gorgeous in our dish, but they work the best when correctly installed on the door! You probably already knew that though. I'm going to try to find some oval glass doorknobs. I've only seen them one time in an old house. And they weren't available to be collected by me! They were in use. Let me know if you've seen any!

Today I will worship and rest and be thankful for a healthy family. Have a Happy Sunday!

Mystery Object?

Please leave a comment about what you think this object is. In a little bit I will reveal it's identity! Happy Guessing, and have a fun Saturday.

There's More Than Corn in Indiana

Hoosiers boast of great corn crops, however, I can't help but brag about our snowball. Mid December we had snow and this was a result of play (not mine, but kiddos!) in the backyard. The temp was frostbitingly cold, but in a few days everything warmed up a bit and the blanket of snow covering the ground was gone. Our four foot snowball stood frigidly and firmly frozen for a fortnight (just couldn't resist using another "f" word [yikes, that sounds bad] , but I meant 2 weeks). It really did!

....hhhhmmmmm, this summer, when it's 100 degrees, and the farmers are discussing their amazing yields of corn, maybe I'll show 'em this picture, and say, "EVERYTHING grows big in Indiana."

Snowball fight, anyone??

The Hats We Wear

Wow! Thank you everyone who commented yesterday or emailed me. I was truly amazed and touched by your kindness. Jennifer, Karla, Kim and Penny all let me know that they were adding "A Romantic Porch" to their favorites list, and I'm SO appreciative. I have been truly amazed with this whole process, and how much it has changed in just 10 days.

Hats come in many shapes and sizes and serve many purposes. I LOVE hats!

People come in many shapes and sizes and serve many purposes. I LOVE people!

I'm curious...what is your purpose today? Think about it and let me know.

For today, my purpose is to show kindness and encouragement to others, to watch what I say and how I say it.

Always hope for a better brighter day. If hope is slipping away, hold on tightly. It may be with the ragged edges of your fingernails and the last bit of strength you have but hold on and don't let go! NO! Don't let go.

Laurie you're in my thoughts and prayers today. I'm "hoping" you'll soon be good as new.

Motto to Live By

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride". author unknown

Now, who said diets were necessary anyway?!

Cheery Splashes of Color

Each morning when the sun shines through the old beveled glass window in our foyer, splashes of rainbows dance across the floor and walls. If I want a picture, I have to snap it in a hurry! They move quickly and are gone. Makes me think of life...each moment is a distinct opportunity to shine, seek adventure and change...moving along at quite a fast pace, it seems.

Rainbow, pronounced "bainbo" in toddler talk, is one of the first words all three of our children said. They were greeted with cheery polka dots of color as they sleepily dragged their "blankey" downstairs to meet the morning!

Laura, Happy Birthday, we were overjoyed with your arrival! Have a super duper day!

Esther, I love, loVE, LOVE the pictures you have taken. Thank you so much.

Happy Birthday, Mother!

Though you've been gone now for nine and a half years, I still think of you everyday, and wish I could ask you how you navigated so gracefully through each phase of life. As I usually do on your birthday, today I will do something special. Laurie has an adorable sign in her store with the quote, "Just Do Your Best". Oh my, Mother so many times when I would be stressed out about issues that concerned me, you would always say, "Just do YOUR best, and then don't worry about the rest." When I saw the little sign in Laurie's store on Saturday, it was a great reminder to me. So today, I believe I will buy it. I need that reminder. Happy Birthday Mother! I will continue to do MY best and TRY not to worry about the rest. I'm working on that, really I am...yes Mother, I AM.

A Sensational Sunday

Take time to rest, reflect, relax, regroup. Enjoy the company of family and a few dear friends. Eat good food, take a nap, and embrace the promise of a new week! Cheryl, thank you for your kind comments today. May you be blessed abundantly.

Candlelight

Don't you just love going from room to room and lighting all the candles? This seems especially comforting on cold winter nights. The ambiance of the shimmering candle glow is so relaxing. I just love to nestle down in a cozy soft quilt and read decorating magazines, while sipping hot chocolate.

Passing Through

I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being...Let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. author unknown

Lifesaver

Oh Karla, thank you for all your help to me lately. You are such a dear. Couldn't have done it without you!

Have a great day, friends.

A Blue Gray Day

What a fun day, can you believe 2008 is 2 days old? And dear sweet Martha, well...I will say Happy Birthday to you on this gray blue Indiana wintery day. You are in my thoughts today.

Happy New Year, 2008!

This week in our mailbox was a thank you note from our 90 year old neighbor thanking me for a random act of kindness. Among other things, she penned, "We are standing at 2008's door. I hope it will be wonderful for all of us!"

At 90 years of age, isn't that an inspiring thought? I want to face this new year with excitement! So...this year, I will be doing several things I've never done before, such as entering this big amazing blog world. I've had several new friends and some dear family members, who already blog, encourage me to start my own.

Just look at me! I'm standing at the door of 2008, and here goes! I've stepped through to your world. Happy Birthday, 2008.