Waterfall

The Alluvial Fan waterfall at Rocky Mount Nat'l Park was definitely one of my favorite sites.  I could have watched and explored it for hours.  There is just something special about seeing the water cascade down.  Of course, I'm a rock person..love rocks of all sizes so I couldn't resist all the cool shots of rocks that I could take with my camera.  . . . And no I did not take a rock sample home with me.  I did buy some polished rocks at  the visitor center though. The fan and waterfall was created in the 80's I think by a very large flood caused by snow melt. 

There's No Place Like Home

It is always wonderful to get a way for a while.  To see someplace different.  But I always find that after I am away from home I seem to appreciate home a little more.  The picture below was taken at Rocky Mountain National Park by Estes Colorado.  It was so wonderfully scenic and beautiful.  I enjoyed every moment....but then it was time to tap the ruby slippers and say, there's no place like home. Whether its a mountain , or the Oceanside, I will always savor the moments of relaxed realization of wonder I get from those places.  But seeing the daily beauty The Lord has surrounded my life with is the true wonder.  

Rose

In My World...rose for Mary.

Fall

Just a few thoughts about FALL. IT"S here...love the freshness in the air. But I am not liking the shorter hours of sunshine, and the threat of what is to come....cold, winter, and ice. So, I'm looking carefully for all the things I like to make sure they don't slip by me too fast before winter. One of my favorite things in the fall is to take pictures of the beautiful leaf colors on the trees, shrubs and flowers. Just beautiful brilliant colors. I also like to walk when there is a brisk breeze with freshness blowing all around. Very invigorating. Another favorite is going out at night after dark and seeing the brilliance in the sky. The stars are flickering and glimmering much brighter this time of year. Just AMAZING. So, take a walk, take a camera, and ENJOY some of this special time.

The Trundle Bundle!

I finally made a decision on very needed "sleep" beds for when the kids are all home. For the last couple of years we have been using air mattresses when they come home because we did not have enough beds for everyone. The air mattresses work, but are kind of a hassle. I have been looking at futons and sofa sleepers. A while back Kristin suggested a trundle type bed to me. So when I was able to go to Nebraska Furniture mart I compared all three items, and decided the daybed with a trundle underneath it would work the best for the space I have. I love the look of the day bed. I covered it with an old hand quilted Dresden Plate quilt that I purchased on an auction for $7.00. Amazing. The quilt is so comfy, and I know has many stories of its own.

The amazing thing about the daybed/trundle is that it can work as a single bed, or pull out and lift up the trundle bed and have a queen sized bed, or it can also be 2 separate twin size beds, separated between the beds. It worked great this weekend.

Kristin also brought a new book for me to read, and I thought it looked great laying against the pillow on the quilt. The story title certainly fits. So, many thanks to Kristin for the idea, I think it's a winner!!!

Reflections

Lunch at the park was such a uplift for me today. Puzzling over some life situations in my mind. Because there was not much of a breeze, there were beautiful reflections in the lake. I love trying to capture reflections with my camera. I even tried my timer on my camera to take a picture of myself. I'm not very brave about taking pictures of myself, but my daughter Kristin has shown me what fun that can be. She has a great eye for photography. She is of course, a much better subject for photo's than I am!!!

Back to Reflections, in life...BE FEARLESS, DON'T LET YOUR FEAR HOLD YOU BACK FROM TRYING TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL. There may be ups and downs along the way, but hang onto the Up moments to get through the Down moments. There is a quote by Teddy Roosevelt "We have nothing to Fear, but Fear itself. " and he is so right. We create so much fear in our mind that it makes us not capable of keeping oneself free to move forward. So I am working on letting go of my fears, and working on positive thoughts for what I want.

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow."

"Life is Tough, but I'm tougher"

Ok enough quotes..but that's how I roll, quotes and sayings help motivate me!

Life is Like Jam

Sometimes life's best lesson are learned through some of the simplest everyday tasks. Saturday Chelsee and I made homemade Peach Jam. Through the process of preparing and making the jam I felt like there was a little lesson to be learned. Not just in the jam making, but a life lesson. Preparation, having a plan, adjusting the plan if needed, having all the ingredients needed, and of course enjoyment of the finished product. We haven't made jam for a couple years, so the search was on for all the utensils. Once everything was gathered, and the instruction read, we began. Most of the process went pretty smooth, but there were some little bumps along the way. No matter... we worked it, figured out how we could adjust and kept going. That is exactly how life is. We have a recipe, or plan for our life. Many times along the way things happen that make it necessary to adjust or change our plan. If we let it happen, we find that the change or adjustments actually can be challenging, but often work out very well. So, enjoy the process, and have a slice of fresh Peach Jam, and don't let the "sticky" times keep you from enjoying your life.

Cuming County Fair Super Saturday

Every Cowgirl needs her own cowboy hat, and Briana even had cute pink top leather cow"girl" boots. She didn't call them cowboy boots, they were cowgirl boots.

Alyssa, Lonnie, and Briana enjoyed watching the Bull Riding and cheering on the cowboys

These little guys look like they are anxious to give bull riding a try, or dreaming of the day when they can.

Ok..explanations here...the picture above is the shot I was trying to get, of the cowboys, (local and from elsewhere) getting ready for the bull riding right before their names were announced to the crowd. Well, I was taking pictures without my glasses, (which apparently is just as bad as when I text without my glasses) and zoomed, but did not see what was being zoomed in on, I just kept shooting pictures, because with the bright sunlight, you can not see the screen on the back of the digital cameras..so I kinda lined up and shot pictures. The lower picture is what I got...believe me, I did not mean to take it, but Briana saw it and thought it was hilarious...ok..seriously MB....I feel a book mark "Cowboy Up!" design developing !!!! just kidding.

Cuming County Fair Friday

My top two favorite finds for Fair Friday were easy to spot. My number one find was the book " Images of Nebraska State Fair" by Mary Maas. The author was sitting in a shady spot welcoming anyone interested in her book. I was lucky to get to chat with her for a bit, and she also autographed my book. The book is full of interesting facts and photos from years of Nebraska State Fair. One of the most interesting facts so far is that the Wright Brothers brought one of their planes to Nebraska and performed at the State Fair. Pretty cool.

I have always wanted to try Watkins products. I've heard by word of mouth of the quality of this product. Since there was a local vendor of Watkins with a booth at the fair it was easy to check it out. My Mom wanted me to pick up a container of Watkins Cinnamon for her, so I thought it was about time I tried it. As you can tell by the picture I splurged a little bit. I just love the look of the containers with their nostalgic design. Also, Watkins has a "gold" card that you get a punch for the items you buy and when it's full, you get $10 off of their product...that's a great BONUS!

Puppy Charm

I've always thought that there is nothing sweeter in the animal world than a new puppy, at least sweet when it's behaving! We have added a cute little Border Collie to our family. He was born May 24, 2011. We still have not decided on a name for him. Nothing is really feeling right yet. Which is surprising. We've tried a couple names, but just didn't seem right. Chelsee & Lonnie said NO to the name Scoundrel...I thought it was cute, and you know puppies, sooner or later he will be in trouble. He discovered the little squeaky mouse toy for our cat and claimed it for his own. He absolutely loves playing with the squeaky mouse. Tossing, and flipping it and pouncing on it. So much fun to watch him.

We picked a pretty bad time weather wise for getting this little guy. The heat index is expected to be over 100 with the temps in the upper 90's, and very high humidity. So....we kept him in the house with us last night. Today, in and outside to play etc. After church we made a stop at the local Pamida for Puppy Chow, chew toys, and of course a little hard plastic wading pool that was on sale there for some splashy cooling playtime. All set up to have some wonderful fun with this little guy. So, if you have any name suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Hopefully we will come up with one soon. He needs to have his own name.

Simple Thoughts

This picture makes me think of the "glow" that comes from God's creations. All around us there are things of beauty. On my way to work this morning I noticed the beautiful periwinkle blue blowers that bloom in the roadside ditches. Each summer I am waiting for them to bloom. Time to get the camera out and take a walk and gets some nature pics of them. It always amazes me when I see so much beauty that is naturally there. It is not planted, or pruned, or watered except by nature and our Lord. That is pure JOY and Bliss to see.

Here is a favorite quote of mine that I found about 6 months ago. Enjoy.

When you come to the edge of all the light you have known,

and are about to step out into the darkness.

FAITH is knowing one of two things will happen...

There will be something to stand on

or

You will be taught to fly.

I try to remember that when I am struggling with life's circumstances, I will either be guided to stand firm. . . or . . . learn to fly.

Happy 4th

Just a little FYI, my Internet has not been working right for quite some time so I have not been able to post. Finally, it seems like the techs have fixed the issues that were plaguing the tower we received out signal from. So, keeping my fingers crossed, it seems good right now. I realize, that can change again...usually does. haha.

This time of year usually gets me thinking of one of my favorite songs by Lee Greenwood, "God Bless the USA". Very nice sentiment. I remember one of my daughters ( I won't name names...) being very little, sitting on the "potty". I could hear her singing in there, and went to check on her. There she was proudly singing "God Bless The USA" loud as she could, and clapping her little hands onto her legs to make a clapping sound. It was so funny and sweet at the same time.

Now I look back reminiscing and remembering what a wonderful time that was in my life. I was an at home housewife, and mother. I know I was always busy, never bored to be home with my family. I consider myself so lucky to have had that opportunity. I would go back to being an at home wife if I had my choice. I miss that lifestyle. Just seems like there is NEVER enough time to get everything accomplish since I work outside of the home. Farm life is busy. Well, I don't mean to sound complainy...not meaning to at all. Just a fact of life, we live in a faster paced world now.

So for now...I'm PROUD to be an AMERICAN, where at least I know I'm free. Happy 4th everyone.

"You Are Loved"

Lucky, that is exactly how I felt when I was asked by Lois O to join her in attending a Josh Groban concert in Omaha. She won 2 tickets from a local TV station. She remembered that he is a favorite of mine. WOW what a concert! I heard some of my favorites by Josh..yes we are on a first name basis..silly me! Fav's "You Are Loved" everyone needs to hear this song, and his Grand Finale.."You Raise Me UP" The concert was impressive, his ability to connect with the concert goer's with his music, sense of humor, and his genuine personality. Amazing to see him play the drums with such power! Also..he sang in 4 different languages, English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. I didn't care that I didn't understand every word...I along with all the others there "felt" what Josh was singing through the power of his voice and emotions. Again WOW WOW WOW ! The "opener" was a performer named Elew. I have never see anyone perform music playing a piano in the manner that he did..again impressive, powerful music. He played a different song with his right hand, and another song with his left hand simultaneously and it sounded fantastic. Thanks again Lois O for inviting me. It was a night to remember!

A Special Tribute

Here we are, the Stitchin B group, with the Mary Brunsing tribute quilt we made for the upcoming Cattleman's Ball. We wanted a special picture of us with the quilt by the street sign for the alley named in Mary's honor. Our quilt will be featured on the Cattleman's Ball "Big Auction" held right before Sara Evans performs on Saturday night , June 4, 2011. Pretty exciting. Hopefully it will bring a nice sum to help fight off that monster CANCER. We miss you everyday Mary, but as you can see, you are still in our lives.

UPDATE: Our quilt sold at the Cattleman's Ball Main auction for $3,500. We are all so happy to help the cause to raise funds for the fight against cancer.

Time in a Bottle

On Feb 7, 2011 Lonnie & I celebrated our 35th Wedding Anniversary. WOW..that went fast. The song "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce was one of our songs..and of course another favorite..."The Wedding Song" and a song from Fiddler on the Roof...I can remember a line from it,but not the title..."Where is the little girl I carried"..... Seems like only yesterday we were saying I DO! and after all this time I'm still glad we did! Remembrances of that day. Beautiful sunny weather...72 degrees. We didn't even need to wear coats. I remember Lonnie's Mom saying to me.."Happy the bride that the sun shines on". It made me feel so special to hear her say that because she didn't say sentimental things very often. I felt so welcomed to her family by those words. Walking down the isle with my Dad..John, he was such a special man in my life. He was my step father, but the only father I knew and he always made me feel special and wanted as his daughter. My Mom wishes for a happy marriage, and love in my life. And my Aunt Rosie opening her home to us for me to get ready for the wedding, and for taking some pictures before the wedding. All in all a wonderful day.

Blog Slacker

Oh, the dreaded words. Blog Slacker. That is what I have been. I check in from time to time, but didn't feel I had anything to share. But I did, I do, and I am. Sorry for the lack of attention dear Blog, while you are named Inspired Muse, sometimes the inspirator is slacken'. haha

Things have been just a little crazy of late. Daughter Chelsee had a kidney stone and headed to the ER in much pain. After a night of IV therapy and heavy pain meds, they transferred her by ambulance to a larger hospital in another city. Stone removed...life getting back to normal...but it all lingers in the mind.

So, an activity that my girls and I have been planning for the end of February is fast approaching. My daughters and I are having a "Scrap-Mania" weekend. We are all pretty excited about it. Everyone is suppose to have a little demo to show a technique, or show a sample of a technique that you have tried. The girls are waaaaaaaay ahead of me in this department....wow, the cool things they think up. But I have to admit, there is something Chelsee and I worked on together that turned out pretty cool...more to follow, I can't reveal any secrets yet...but soon.

Lifeline

Life is a Patchwork of Friends.

I just completed, well almost completed this wallhanging. I still have to layer and quilt it. I received it as a Christmas present, already cut into pieces and ready to sew kit. What a wonderful way to get me kick started again to get sewing. The name of the wallhanging is called "Lifeline". (notice the zig zag rick rack "lifeline". This quilt reminds me that our Faith, family and friendships are our lifeline through almost anything, happy, sad, funny, or struggles, you just have to let them in. Thanks for the kit Mary Beth. The fabric is very special because MB chose it from the fabric stash of our dear friend Mary Therese B, She just keeps on giving and keeping us moving forward whether she is here physically with us or not. Yesterday Chelsee was looking at some of my fabric. She found my squirrel fabric and asked. Where did you get this, and why did you buy it?? lol. Well, I just told her the truth, it's Mary's fault, she sent me a "Mary Wink" and made me buy it. Mary and I always had a special squirrel joke..that just went on and on and on. Our Stitchin' group had lots of squirrels laughs because of it. So..moving forward, and keep lovin life. There will be something squirrely sewn in my future.

Oh Christmas Tree!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree.

And the winner is....I finally found a tree I like. It is a pre-lit (all white lights) slim tree. I think sometimes I will add a string of colored lights too, because I also like the multi colored lights. It fits perfectly in the corner, not much room for gifts, but that's ok. So far Fat Cat Riley has not attempted to climb it. Even if he tried while I was at work I would know if he climbed it. If he tried, it would probably would be laying on it's side. It's not quite as sturdy as the old tree. I do love the angel on top of the tree. I've had this angel for quite a number of years, and never had her on top of the tree. I have a variety of ornaments on the tree..all different (they each hold a memory) and that's what we like.

TODAY

In my previous post I wrote about the "unsettled fall feeling". I went to the 5p.m. LifeTeen Mass this afternoon...it was just what I needed. They sang

one of my favorites...here are the lyrics. To hear the music you can view and listen on YouTube. Just type in Word of God Speak...it will be there, as HE is here. Just what I need to hear today.

Word of God Speak

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's okay

The last thing I need is to be heard

But to hear what You would Say

(chorus) Word of God speak

Would You pour down like rain

Washing my eyes to see Your majesty

To be still and know

That You're in this place

Please let me stay and rest

In Your holiness

Word of God Speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You

Beyond the music beyond the noise

All that I need is to be with You

And in the quiet hear Your voice

Chorus

FALL

In my world, Fall has always been a unsettling time. I remember growing up feeling a "wanderlust". Wanted to go follow the highway and just keep driving. See where the road takes me, and back again. I have always had the feeling in the fall for some reason. Get in my car, roll down the window to feel that freshness that is in the air, and drive, music blasting. I want to go for fast, long walks and take in every bit of "fresh" in the air. What and why do I feel that? I haven't told many about it, just a few, so now on my blog, the secret is out!