graceful moments

Bedtime Prayer for Faith

2012-01-29T21:31:00.001-05:00

I shared a painting of a praying angel in a post of my mine some time ago...you can see it here. I wanted to do something special for my granddaughter Faith this year for Christmas, so I wrote a bedtime prayer for her and added it to a 8x10 print of my praying angel. She loved it! This will be available in my Etsy shop soon.

Love & Blessings,

Vicki

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T22:28:00.000-05:00

Noelle, A Christmas Angel

2011-12-06T23:01:00.002-05:00

Just home from Jekyll Island...lovely long weekend. Weather in the mid 70s...sand, beach, sun, shopping and lots of photos! Will share soon. In the meantime, here is my latest in my series of angel paintings.

Meet Noelle, a Christmas Angel. Noelle's face ALWAYS reflects the wonder of Christmas!

11x14 Giclee art print available at V Elish Art Studio

About Noelle: You might meet her in the check out line while Christmas shopping. She's the one in line behind you who reminds you of the real meaning of Christmas...at the very instant that you are seriously thinking of punching that dreadful woman in the line in front of you. The one who snatched that Christmas red, cashmere, sweater from the sales rack, just as you reached for it! Ever so casually and with no apparent intrusion at all, the delightful woman behind you strikes up a conversation and somehow gently reminds you, without even saying it at all, that Christmas is about Jesus. It's not about things you buy or the best gift to give. The best gift has already been given and it was free. You are already feeling better as you begin checking out. Finished, you turn to thank your delightful new friend and find that she is gone! She has disappeared---it is as if she had never been there at all! You shake your head in bewilderment and then with a smile on your face and real Christmas joy in your heart, you go along on your merry Christmas way!

Need a Christmas Angel to save you from yourself as you shop this Christmas? Hope not! Have a Merry!

Finally! I'm Back...Hopefully to Stay!

2011-12-02T18:12:00.002-05:00

Life often takes unexpected turns and I feel as though I've been on one of those roller coasters that are small but lethal with their abrupt twists and turns. Things have calmed down a bit at the moment and hopefully will remain that way. I have recently started painting in earnest and have revamped my Etsy shop and have listed several new items with many more on the way. I am still working full time so I have to squeeze my painting into the evenings and weekends. John works late every other week, so I have some time then to paint to my heart's desire without feeling that I am stealing time from my spouse. I do miss the late nights writing blogs and chatting with friends on Facebook and Etsy. Six o'clock a.m. comes too early for this night owl, so I have to get to bed at a reasonable hour...by 11p.m at least. But I love my job and there's much to be said for that.

Okay enough about that. I need to bring you up to date on my paintings.

I have been working on a series of paintings depicting angels in various forms. None of us know what angels look like. Well, perhaps you do but I don't. Not for certain anyway. I only know what the Bible tells us. My personal belief is that they are spiritual beings who normally have no physical body, but who might take human form when necessary in order to guide, inform, protect, rescue us from time to time. Perhaps they are even sent to test us from time to time.

Some may not believe in angels

Scripture tells us to entertain (welcome, be kind to, offer hospitality to) strangers, because by doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2.) With that verse of scripture in mind, I have painted various angels: some who look like humans and some that don't. I normally give them wings and halos to indicate that they are angels, otherwise many of them could be representations of almost anyone. Many are glamorous and beautiful by our earthly standards, many are plain and ordinary and some represent those we often pass by and ignore.

I find them worthy of my interest and imaginings

Some may not believe in angels, but I do. I do not worship them in any way. However, as God's higher creations, I find them worthy of my interest and imaginings. I am also fairly certain that I have encountered these creatures in the guise of humans, numerous times in my life. I wonder..have you?

Meet Kezia. Kezia (pronounced ke Zye ah.) Kezia (in Hebrew) means Cassia tree, a variety of which produces cinnamon. Cinnamon is a favorite spice to use in the Autumn months and into the Christmas season. Also, one of Job's very beautiful daughters was named Kezia (Keziah) Job 42:13-15.

Kezia, has a bit of a Mona Lisa smile. You will NEVER guess what she is thinking. However, she will tell you, if you ask her nicely. Often found helping out when Autumn leaves bring those pesky, nostalgic thoughts of autumns long past. She might be that lovely person who stepped in and led your mind to more current matters.

My painting is available as a lovely giclee print (12x12) from my shop on Etsy. Other sizes are available upon request.

P.S. My apologies for the Obama political ad that is appearing on my post. I am a conservative and am not an Obama supporter. . I have now blocked ALL political ads from my blog.

Silent Sunday - Revelation 4:11

2011-08-28T09:47:00.000-04:00

Design Gives Back- Miracle Makeover Reveal!

2011-08-14T17:42:00.016-04:00

How would you like to help make a miracle happen for someone by raising $'s for Friends of Kids with Cancer and Miracle Makeovers without spending a single dollar of your own? Sound too good to be true? Well, it's not. Here's how you can make it happen:

Visit and comment at one or all of the 5 blogs listed below to earn up to a $5.00 donation each day from now through August 18, 2011, to support Kids for Cancer and the next MiracleMakeover.

For each comment made each day on each of these blogs, Design Gives Back* will contribute $1.00 to the next Miracle Makeover. Plus, by visiting these blogs, you will meet Charlie and his family, this year's Miracle Makeover recipient and you can see the amazing video of this year's Miracle Makeover Reveal! It will warm your heart and bring a tear to your eye!

Sponsoring Blogs:
Design Gives Back
Between Naps on the Porch
How Sweet the Sound
Spiritual Sundays
Country Wings in Phoenix

Additionally, on Facebook:

Comments and "Likes" on the Facebook spots listed below will earn $2.00 from Design Gives Back

Facebook/Guideposts Magazine - mention the Miracle Makeover Video and Story that in the current edition.

Facebook/Design Gives Back - Press the "like" button on the center or left side bar. See more makeover photos there.

*Design Gives Back™ provides rooms for hope, health and happiness for those in-need. Since 1992, they have facilitated life-changing workshops, community programs and inspirational makeovers.

Be sure to tell your friends and ask them to tell their friends...we have until August 18th! Help give someone a miracle today!

Teeny's Mystery Club Giveaway

2011-07-13T01:09:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited to tell you about this fabulous giveaway! So simple to enter and the prize is the very latest edition of the Kindle. All you have to do is sign up to follow the blog, The World According to Teeny. Teeny is a real character and there is always something fun and exciting going on in her world. Follow her blog and you will automatically be enrolled in Teeny's Mystery Club and the giveaway for the Kindle. As a Teeny Mystery Club member you will automatically be enrolled in all of the great summer giveaways plus receive a host of other great benefits...like keeping up with Teeny's crazy adventures!
To enter head over to Between Naps on the Porch where Susan will give you all the details on how you can qualify for additional entries. Why the whole thing is as easy as Teeny's recipes for dressing up a store-bought dessert! So, go on now, get yourself over there and enter!
Publish Post

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T03:15:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July! Thank you to all of those who have served and are serving to keep our country free! God bless the United States of America!

A Long Time Gone

2011-05-26T12:42:00.000-04:00

Well, I've been absent from my blog for awhile now. So much going on and truthfully, I just haven't felt like writing about it. I have been visiting all the blogs that I follow though...usually between 11pm and 1am when my insomnia keeps me from getting enough sleep!

I do have some news that I wanted to share though. I will soon be selling my original art directly on my blog. I am excited about that! I have also set up a new shop at Zibbet called Graceful Moments and will be adding prints of my artwork and my photographs for sale there as well. I will continue to sell vintage items on Etsy and ArtFire.

My blog will also be undergoing a change and will have a new look soon. In the meantime, please know that I am visiting and reading and generally keeping up with what is going on in your lives and leaving comments when I have time. Hope each of you is doing well and I hope to be blogging again very soon.

Silent Sunday - Let's Hear it for The Mothers!

2011-05-08T00:51:00.001-04:00

The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia

2011-05-03T01:39:00.002-04:00

The wild storms that ripped through Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee on Wednesday night came a bit too close for comfort here in NW Georgia. My husband, my dog, Ellie, and I spent most of that night in our basement, wondering if our house would be blown away. We were told by our local news stations and various internet weather maps that we were in the direct path of the possibly two mile wide tornado that already had a deadly history in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. They were pretty close to being right since it passed less than two miles south of us, leaving a wake of destruction in its path and taking down a string of power poles, shearing roofs and toppling trees. It continued its destruction in an area of beautiful farms and country estates southeast of us, where it completely leveled many houses and barns. Shortly, after that one came through, another was headed toward us but hit about 4 miles south of us, leaving another path of destruction.

The Southeastern U.S. has been devastated by these powerful storms in the last couple of weeks. The last count I heard was that there were over 300 people killed in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee from the storms that hit . Thirty-five people were killed in a single parking lot in a very small town in Alabama. They were gathered there because the power was off and they stood in the mall parking lot with no warning of the approaching storm. I don't think they have any idea yet of how many homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.

In the county where I live, over 200 homes were badly damaged or completely leveled. Many houses were reduced to matchsticks. Tin from barns has been found wrapped around power poles and trees. Many people's lives have been turned upside down for a time, some perhaps forever, but there was no loss of life in our county and for that we are grateful. It will take many months to get things back to some semblance of order but there is an outpouring of love from our churches (people) and organizations that will be there to lift up, clean up, provide shelter, food, water, clothing, household items and whatever else is needed until the job is done.

Silent Sunday - Easter Morning

2011-04-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Good Friday - This is Love!!!

2011-04-22T22:20:00.001-04:00

He took our sin upon the cross. He carried it to the grave with Him. He left it there. Our sin covered by his blood for our salvation. What a wonderful King we have...to suffer and die for us...to cover our sin, so that we might enter the very throne room of God, so that we might have a relationship with God, our Father, so that we could become the children of God. I see my sin on that cross. Do you see yours? Yes, the big ones are there but those that we think of as small are there too. There is no sin greater than any other. They all put Him on the cross. He took them all...too many to list...for you...for me...for all those who repent and believe.

It is Friday and sadness fills my heart for what my King endured for me. It is Friday

but we know the grave could not hold Him, death could not couquer Him.

It is Friday, but Sunday is coming.

Tetelestai!

Silent Sunday Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T08:56:00.000-04:00

Fingerprint Friday - Peaceful Visit

2011-04-15T11:41:00.000-04:00

Sunday afternoon, we arrived home from church to find a breathtaking surprise---we had six white doves on our garage roof and one on our porch roof!

Isn't she/he beautiful? The feathers look like silk!

We were a little concerned when they extended their visit to a little over an hour because the roof had to be hot...it was about 85 on Sunday here and they appeared to us to be thirsty. I made sure there was water in the birdbath and even put some extra out in the shrubbery in case they were shy. Through Facebook and a posting on the Facebook page of a local group, we were able to find the owners. By the time the owner returned our call, the birds had left us, flying south. Their home is located about a mile south of us as the ~~crow~~ dove flies. The owner said that they are not supposed to land on buildings. I suggested they simply wanted to do a little sightseeing and she laughed and said that was okay but they were supposed to be trained to not land on buildings. These particular seven were part of a group of nine that were released about two miles north of us a few hours earlier. Two arrived at home on time but the others were late because of their little visit to our farm. While I was speaking with the owner, they all arrived home safely. What a relief for all of us and I'm sure the birds were glad to be home too. They are part of a group that are still in training to be released at weddings and funerals. I didn't tell the owner but I'm kind of hoping for another visit one day.

Seven white doves...seven is thought to be God's number...he created the world in seven days, on the seventh he rested. Seven white doves on the seventh day! Doves are a symbol of God's love and a universal symbol of peace. What a blessing to have them visit us...almost like a message straight from God remind us that all is well. What a beautiful fingerprint of God are these lovely creatures!!

I love the look that the one on the left is giving me...sort of like she's posing for the photo.
They were completely at ease with us, completely peaceful. They stayed with us about an hour.

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.
Fingerprint Friday was started by Beki at The Rusted Chain. To participate and/or visit all of the blogs that do, go to the Fingerprint Friday Post on Beki's blog and follow the instructions.

Fingerprint Friday - Spring!

2011-03-25T07:49:00.000-04:00

See! The winter is past;
   the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
   the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
   is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
   the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
   my beautiful one, come with me."

Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Today I see the fingerprint of God in my thoughtful and caring husband and these lovely tulips that he surprised me with this week. Tulips and daisies are my favorites. They added a lovely touch of spring to the home! I love spring! Birds singing, daffodils, tulips, fruit tree blossoms popping out everywhere... A time of renewal, reawakening, beginning again and a good time to reflect on the sacrifice made for us so that we may have eternal life.

Hope you have a lovely spring!

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know its true

You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.

Fingerprint Friday was started by Beki at The Rusted Chain. To participate and/or visit all of the blogs that do, go to the Fingerprint Friday Post on Beki's blog and follow the instructions.

P.S. I've been away for awhile. We had a death in my family and I will explain later when I can talk about it and when I have more time. Just wanted to say that I appreciate all the prayers and special thoughts from those of you who knew about it. Friends are such a treasure!

Silent Sunday Matthew 5:7

2011-03-06T15:04:00.000-05:00

I'm a Winner!!

2011-03-03T09:27:00.001-05:00

Wow! I was so surprised to hear that I won last week's giveaway at Christie Cottage! "What is my prize?," you might ask. A $15.00 gift certificate to PuraBella, an Etsy shop that sells handmade soaps, candles and other lovely fragrance items! Excited! Can't wait to get my hands on the Cedarwood and Sage soap that I ordered!
Check out PuraBella and be sure to visit Christie Cottage to see what this week's giveaway is going to be. I'm sure it will be great!!!

I am fighting what might be the beginning of the flu and this made me feel so much better! A great big Thank You!!! to PuraBella and Christie Cottage!!!

Giveaway at Christie Cottage

2011-02-23T09:21:00.000-05:00

Christie Cottage has a Giveaway every Wednesday. This week the prize is a $15.00 gift certificate to PuraBella's Etsy shop. Simple to enter with option for two additional entries. Winner will be announced next Wednesday and a new Giveaway will be offered.

My favorite from PuraBella's is this Cedarwood Sage hot process soap:

So, get yourself over to Christie Cottage and enter now...someone has to win and it could be you!!!

Have a blessed day!

Vicki

Silent Sunday Psalm 95:1-2

2011-02-20T09:14:00.000-05:00

Chocolate...Not Always a Good Thing!

2011-02-16T13:32:00.003-05:00

Chocolate...I love it...too much! If it is in the house, it calls my name. So, I don't buy it. But my dear husband does and he did last Friday. He went to Publix for me to pick up some BOGOs that were too good to pass up and decided to purchase another special...24 full sized candy bars for $9.85 (I think.) They were also some of my favorites...Snickers, Milky Way, Three Musketeers and my all time favorite, Twix! Okay, I had one that night and it was so good!

Fast forward to Sunday and an after service pot luck dinner (luncheon for those who don't have dinner at lunchtime) with some of our friends who make up the JOY (Just Older Youth) group at church. Enter Ms. Betty's chocolate cake (to die for) and Kay's cherry topped devils food cake both in the shape of a heart! And the dark chocolate brownies. Enter two cups of strong coffee (which I never touch after 10a.m.)

Fast forward again to Sunday evening when I could no longer resist the temptation of a Snickers bar and ate one with no regard whatsoever to the caffeine that was in it and all the other yummy things I had earlier.

Fast forward to 9:45p.m. when I began having an attack of Supra-ventricular Tachycardia. No big deal, I think and begin the maneuvers that usually stop it. The flipping and flopping of my heart had subsided but I was still in SVT with a heart rate ranging between 145 and 152. Blood pressure way, way up. So, my husband says, "get dressed, we're going to the E.R." I say, "no, I'm sure I'll be okay in just a few minutes." So he says, "I'm calling the nurse hotline (of our insurance company) and we'll see what they have to say." So he does.

Fast forward 15 minutes and we are on our way to our local hospital known for its excellent treatment of heart related emergencies. We enter the E.R. and go to the desk and within minutes I am in a room, with EKG pads all over me and three nurses and a great doctor. My heart rate is about 145 and my blood pressure is still up. The doctor talks to me and asks me if I have tried the maneuvers that usually work to get the heart rate back to normal and I told him that I had. He says that there are two ways to shock my heart back into normal sinus rhythm. One is with electrical shock (think "clear" and "bam") and the other is with a chemical medication given intravenously called adenisine. He chooses adenisine. One of the young nurses says, "Cool!"

Fast forward a few minutes and the I.V. port is in my arm and a young nurse comes in and says, "I need to see this, I've never seen this before!" The head nurse tells her she can stay and that she can hold my arm steady. They put the meds in the I.V. port and then I found out what they mean when they say "I.V. push" on TV. Literally, there is one guy pushing with all his might to get the meds into my vein. So, I have three people working on my right arm: one is holding it up, one is holding the IV port steady and the other is pushing the medication into the port. They tell me, "you're going to feel a weird sensation." About two seconds later, I feel as if I am falling into a hole...not a pleasant feeling. Then it was gone and my heart rate was at 75 and I was out of SVT. My husband was watching the monitor as they pushed the meds into me and he said my heart rate was 143 and instantly dropped to 75.

I had been confused about all the excitement about watching what seemed to me to be a rather unpleasant but otherwise, somewhat ordinary event.

Fast forward a few seconds later and the intern who was pushing the meds into my arm said, "That's the first time I've used adenisine where the patient did not flatline for a second before their heart rate came back up to normal." Ah ha! They all thought I was going to flatline and wanted to see it! I felt so bad that I did not give them the learning experience they were looking for. Uh, NOT! One of the young nurses said. "It's okay...it was still cool to see the heart rate drop like that!" So, the learning experience was not wasted after all.

It was refreshing to be in a hospital with a group of people who are excited about the profession they have chosen and are eager to learn new things. I have been to too many hospitals where the nurses and interns appear to be bored and more interested in themselves than their patients. I am so glad to see that there are young professionals who have a calling to be the best nursing and medical professionals that they can be. It is encouraging. I hope they don't lose the drive to keep excelling!

As for me, flatline or not, adenisine rocks!!! I would gladly take it over the paddles any day!!!

Oh, and one more thing...no more chocolate for me...no more coffee after 10 a.m. and only two cups max before...well, maybe one bite of chocolate here and there...and of course I could never give up Ms. Betty's killer (pun intended) chocolate cake forever...just a small slice from now on though...I just won't over indulge...I PROMISE...really, I do promise.

I am also considering having an ablation so I can get off the heart meds. I'll have to consider that for a little longer though and do more research into it but like that it is an option.

Now I need to get off this computer and get back to cleaning house.

Sunshine!

2011-02-12T09:28:00.001-05:00

Winter is still here but we are finally having a few sunny days here in Georgia and even though it is still brrrr cold, I am a happy girl! I can handle cold and sun but I do not function well in dreary! Maybe the crazy groundhog was right (only a 39% success rate) and winter will be done with very soon. We can only hope. In the meantime, I think I will indulge in some very early...........

Hope the sun is shining on you, wherever you are!

Silent Sunday - Isaiah 55:8-11

2011-02-06T02:30:00.001-05:00

Click on photo to enlarge

Fingerprint Friday - Friendship

2011-02-04T04:59:00.050-05:00

I am sitting here at 4 a.m. unable to sleep. I haven't participated in Fingerprint Friday in a while because I usually work on Fridays and never seem to have time to get one done in advance. So I took this insomniac moment to prepare a Fingerprint Friday post. As I was going through pictures taken over the last month or so, I stumbled across this one:

A photo of a gift basket that was sent to me by friends that I have never met face to face but feel I have known all of my life. I met Catherine and her wonderful husband through a Christian Team on Etsy.com. They are a delightful couple who share my love for the Lord. In early January, when we were awaiting a snow storm here in the not so sunny South, they thought of me and sent a basket of goodies. The card said they did this for two reasons: 1) They love me and my hubby and 2) wanted us to have some snacks while watching football (BTW, my favorite team is the Steelers! Have loved them since the 70s...Go Steelers!) How thoughtful and kind and generous! They often do things like this. They reach out in love with the perfect words to comfort, cheer and encourage and they know how to brighten a day with their wit!

Today Catherine and Hank are my Fingerprints of God. They are often God's hands and feet and I love them so much. Thanks for the caring, uplifting and wonderful surprises that make knowing you such a blessing! We will meet one day, here or on the other side of the river!

Friendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it. -- Cicero

When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends. -- Japanese Proverb

...but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. -- Proverbs 18:23-24 NIV (and/or sister -- Me)

I no doubt deserved my enemies, but I don't believe I deserved my friends.-- Walt Whitman

Giveaway from The Funner Life

2011-02-03T22:33:00.002-05:00

Aren't these just the sweetest bobby pins you have ever seen? There are more where they came from at Sweet Heart Studios on Etsy.com! The best part of all is that they can be yours. That's right! It's a Giveaway over at The Funner Life to celebrate Libbi's 16th birthday! Entries accepted until February 16, 2011. So get on over there right now and put your name in the hat...there are many ways to gain extra entries!

Window Shopping in Pink and Gray

2011-01-13T14:28:00.039-05:00

The snow has finally melted but the dreary days of winter are still upon us. So, I've been doing some window shopping on Etsy and ArtFire. One of my favorite color combos is pink and gray. Somber,cool gray with warm, happy pink,,,,sort of a yin and yang thing! So I went on a shopping excursion to find some beautiful items in pink and gray. Of course, I wanted to share them with you!!! So here we go....

Pink and Gray Hat for Women and Teens
Isn't this the cutest? If it has to be cold, you might as
well be stylish while being warm!

Don't miss this beautiful matching Scarf for Women and Teens...both
From MattsCraftyWife at ArtFire

Colored Pearl in Textured in Sterling Silver Ring
I guess sterling qualifies as Gray...it does to me! Beautiful ring!
From ElseeTee2 at Etsy.com

Vintage Shenango China Platter
Luncheonette Vintage at Etsy.com

A Titanium Rose Gold Inlay Ring
Want something different?...This is it.
I think it is simply beautiful!
From TitaniumKnights at Etsy.com

Pattern for this beautiful Hand Warmer.
Do you crochet? Well, who wouldn't want
to try their hand at this! I'm thinking how great
it goes with Matt's Crafty Wife's hat and scarf!
From Yoghi911 at Etsy.com

Handmade Floral Sock Bear
Soft, cuddly, beautiful...what else could you want?
From ClareBears at Etsy.com

Hamptons Wedding Invitation
I am a lover of paper and especially beautiful and unusual paper.
If you or someone you know is planning a wedding, check out
this shop. So many beautiful invitations.
From By Invitation Only at Etsy.com

Pink and Gray Minky Dot Baby Girl Bib
From Meg Baby Boutique/Meg Originals at Etsy.com

Small Notebook with Blank Paper
From Shana's Shop at Etsy.com

Hope you enjoyed window shopping with me and hope you will visit the shops here and find your own favorites! Have a great day!

Snow Day...Maybe Snow Week

2011-01-10T19:39:00.002-05:00

We are having snow in NW Georgia and it is so beautiful! Sub freezing temps may turn this into a snow week! We received about 5 inches of the white stuff! Love, love, love it!
Just a few photos around the farm:

Last night about midnight.

Another one taken last night. Yes, I did ask for the snow!!

Today...Container Garden, Bird Bath have been turned into cupcakes and mushrooms!

Winter Jasmine my harbinger of spring...blooming in January?
This shrub always blooms the first week in February.
Could this mean an early spring?

Untouched snow...so beautiful!

Peaceful, Quiet, Lovely Snow!

Snow "pillows" in rocking chairs...courtesy of the wind. The screened
porch was covered with snow.

Nandina with Snow!

Perhaps I'll venture out a bit more tomorrow.

Where ever you are tonight, hope you are safe and warm!

Living Your Faith

2011-01-05T15:07:00.002-05:00

Sometimes when life is hard we tend to push our faith away; thinking that God doesn't love us or care for us or He wouldn't allow bad things to happen to us. My husband and I are in a difficult financial position right now. We still have debt from our farm that we took out of production in December 2008. Energy costs are what killed our farm and they are still putting a big burden on us. We have been able to keep afloat by cutting expenses everywhere that we can and going back to work, continuing my online shops and renting our tenant house, BUT the rental house is currently empty and savings are rapidly disappearing. We know it was the right decision to take our farm out of production because it was no longer profitable. We know that somehow we will make it through this difficulty and come out on the other side with God's help, but each day is a new day in which our faith is tested.

I cannot say that I have not pushed God away at times during this difficulty, but I can say that I no longer do. He is very much a part of every minute of every day for me. Without Him in my life, I could not cope with the strain of our finances. Each day seems to bring some new challenge and it is really tough to put one foot in front of the other and march on, when many days I want to curl up into the fetal position and hide from the world. God is the one who keeps me from doing that and my faith assures me that God is who will carry me through this and to the other side of it. The key is that I must surrender all to Him so that He can work in my life and I'm not really all that good at letting go of the controls. I give it all to God and keep taking it back. Some days I wonder if complete and utter financial ruin is what He wants for us. Perhaps that would once and for all make us rely on Him alone. Other days, He assures me that financial ruin is not at all what He wants for us and that in the end we will come out the other side whole and better for the difficulties. That is a hard vision to hold on to but I do hold onto it, because each brick wall that jumps up in front of us is torn down as He finds a way for us.

I know there are many in the world whose difficulties are so much worse than ours and each time I forget that and start to complain, God shows me the riches that I still have and those whose paths are much harder than mine: those who have lost loved ones in what seems to us to be "before their time," those who are suffering from illnesses, those whose paths are more financially difficult than ours, those who are being persecuted for their faith and their beliefs and those whose faith remains steadfast through all of those difficulties. My name is not Job and I fear that I will never be able to show his patience, but with Christ, I can do all things and in that I rest my burdens. In the suffering of others, I see that my suffering is not so great. In the suffering that He offered up for me out of love, I understand that He loves me eternally and that even though I have failed Him many times, I have nothing to fear because He will never fail me and will walk with me through it all, if I will allow Him to do so.

I don't really like sharing our difficulties with the world but I feel certain it is what He wants me to do today. How can the testimony of how He will ultimately walk us through the valley, be truly beneficial to others, if we only share the mountaintop? No, I want to set the stage here and now for our deliverance from this financial misery, so that there will be no doubt that to God goes the glory for our deliverance from that misery. We have already changed so much. We have learned to live without many things that we once thought were essential to our happiness. We now find that we didn't need those things at all. They were nice to have but certainly not essential! Our values have and continue to change. We find great joy in the good things in our lives. Our focus is on Him and not on the world and for that I am so thankful. I am sure there will be more tough days, but I am also sure that in Him, we will get through it and be better for it. I look forward to the day when we are out of this valley and are standing on the mountaintop and I will give Him all the praise!

If you are walking through a valley of your own, let me encourage you to let Him walk with you and let Him show you the way to get through it, one day and one mercy at a time. You have no need to be alone, for He is with you and He will always be with you. Let Him ease the burdens of your pain, your loneliness, your financial woes, your loss, your heartbreak, your illnesses. Let Him surround you with His love and His mercy and His comfort and let Him walk with you through the valley to that place on the mountaintop that He has prepared for you.

The words that the Lord gave to Jeremiah still apply to each of us today. The Lord's plan is to prosper us and not to harm us. The difficulties that we face in this life are to draw us closer to Him and more steadfast in our faith and relationship with Him. I pray that any of you who are in despair will hold onto these words and know that God meant them for all of us:

Praying that each of my graceful readers, will seek Him with all of your heart in this new year!

Barn Owl Primitives Giveaway at Little Miss Momma's Blog

2011-01-02T22:25:00.002-05:00

Little Miss Momma is hosting a giveaway and the winner will receive a $75.00 shop credit to Barn Owl Primitives! I love BOP's wonderful typography signs and I'm sure you will too! Go check it out HERE...there are lots of ways to enter. Contest ends Monday, January 10, 2011 at 11:59p.m.

Blogging Blooper - Does Your Family Trust You?

2011-01-01T16:11:00.002-05:00

...enough to eat this bread?

This is an update to my original post. Susan at Between Naps on the Porch is having a New Year's Blogging Bloopers party! Did you have any blogging bloopers in 2010? Join the fun by going here!

Those who know me, know I love to make quick breads....breads without yeast that are sort of like "not too sweet" cake in a loaf pan...like banana nut bread for example. The only problem is that I am not satisfied in using tried and true recipes, I am alway tweaking and testing new ingredients. I have been looking for a base recipe for cherry bread but the only one I've found is made with maraschino cherries and they aren't my favorites.

So, I decided to make up my own this morning...cherry, pineapple, pecan bread. The only problem is that it turned out a sort of greenish purple color and fell in the middle. It looks poison, like one of the alien dishes served in Cafe World on Facebook...

I'm pretty sure I know why it fell...my ratio of wheat to white flour was off and I know how to fix that but what to do about the color? I think I mixed it too much after I added the cherries...and maybe I should use redder cherries...I used canned dark, sweet bing cherries. If I use redder cherries and then add the pineapple maybe I'll get sort of an orangey color instead of greenish purple... so back to the drawing board.

I must tell you that my husband truly trusts me because he didn't hesitate a second...he dove right in and loved it! He did agree that this was a bread for family...friends might not be that trusting. He also reminded me that this was not a failure, just the first step toward a successful cherry, pineapple bread...I love the way he thinks!

When I get it right, I'll be happy to share the recipe. I'm pretty sure you don't want this one!

Happy New Year Graceful Readers!!!

2011-01-01T10:18:00.002-05:00

Merry CHRISTmas!

2010-12-22T23:06:00.001-05:00

I'll be taking a break from blogland for awhile during Christmas. Hope you and yours have a merry and bright, loving and happy, memory-filled CHRISTmas!

Working at the Car Wash Blues! Not!

2010-12-21T12:11:00.003-05:00

I admit that I was a bit freaked out when I realized that my part time job was about to become almost or completely fulltime, depending on the weather, and that I might have to work the entire week before Christmas, including Friday! Oh, the horror of it all! Especially, since I have been sick for four weeks with two different ailments and I have yet to even decorate my house for Christmas (I do have two trees up and a couple of Christmas candles out and my wonderful husband decorated the outside on Saturday), Christmas shopping is STILL not finished, nothing is wrapped, the house is not cleaned and the only thing I've baked are some graham cracker squares (which ~~are~~ were heavenly) for a party on Saturday night. Then add the working Christmas week to the equation and it was, "Yikes! No! Can't be happening." It has been a long time since this entrepreneur has been bound by someone else's decisions about when I am to work. Yes, I admit it. I have been t.o.t.a.l.l.y s.p.o.i.l.e.d. (I'm sure that by now, someone out there is saying, why is she on the computer blogging when she has so much to do and that's a very good question. I was on here to order something and got side-tracked and this will only take a minute...hahahahha!)

Now, having said all that and whining like a brat, I must say that I love my job. It's not a job that is going to save anyone's life, make them smarter, make me rich or provide an outlet for my creativity. It is a very simple job cashiering in a fairly large car wash and lube shop. I was looking for a part time job and a guy that I go to church with was looking for some part time "mature" help. Voila! Our pastor put us together...he is totally amazing like that...so I knew it was a God thing! Anyway, I love that I get to meet new people each day and bring a smile to them---even if they choose not to return it (yes, I'm talking to you snooty lady with the Gucci bag and BMW, who would not even acknowledge my lowly presence....you did not ruin or even put a hiccup in my lovely day because for every one of you, there are a hundred who welcome a smile and friendly hello. But just in case by some incredible miracle, you were to read this, I want you to know I said a prayer for you because you need your cold, cold heart melted into a puddle of mush! It's Christmas for heaven's sake!) Now, where was I? Oh yeah, I was talking about loving my job.

I not only love my job, I also think my boss is the greatest boss ever--other than me, of course! (Is that laughter I hear from my former employees?) I love that we had the busiest day in a very long time (according to him, not me) yesterday and I had it to myself from 10 a.m. to 4:45 a.m. Now, did I mention that I have only been working a few days a week and one week no days, and that I've only been working there for a little over a month, and that even though the car wash business is not rocket science, there are a few variables involved and lots and lots of room for errors to occur and a lot of difficult procedures to go through to correct those errors, which is not easy when there's a line standing at the counter. I know you are thinking, "just get on with it, already" but I needed to paint the picture of the day I had. So, anyway, it was a very busy day and I was flying completely solo because my boss was tied up helping the traffic flow and supervising the crew. Okay, now, finally, to the greatest part: my boss called me last night after he got home to tell me that he was astounded that as busy as we were and with me working solo that the cash drawer was only 2 cents off. I was as amazed as he was, because even though I portray myself as amodel of self confidence, I had kind of a rough day and had to be a little creative in correcting a couple of goofs. So, I said he should probably look on the floor because the 2 cents might be there, since I dropped a whole lot of things during the day. But no, we were 2 cents over! Yay! What totally amazed me was that this man, after working a very long and tiring day, would take the time to call me and tell me that I did a great job! How amazing is that! I know, I know! Totally amazing!

So, I really can't complain about working this week for a guy like that, now can I? He is the absolute best boss I have ever had and one of the finest people you will ever meet. And no, he does not read my blog or even have a Facebook page, so this is not a "brown nosing" or "suck-up" blog post...it's just the truth!

Okay now, this is the absolute best part for any qualified candidates out there: he is single, mid-forties, tall, thin and good-looking. So, if you are a single, drop dead gorgeous woman (must be beautiful inside and out--the inside--mind and spirit--part is the most important) who is in her mid to late thirties to early forties, who enjoys the outdoors, skiing, hiking (think Montana in the winter hiking...I'm sure that narrowed the field somewhat) who has good moral values and who loves the Lord and did I mention is beautiful in mind and spirit, then my boss is the guy for you. So, if you meet these pre-qualifications and if you live in the NW Georgia area or are willing to move here (after passing a background check and other tests to ensure that you are a good candidate,) then I MIGHT introduce you to him. But, I'm warning you it will be a tough test because this guy is like a younger brother to me and is too great a guy to allow just anyone get the chance at meeting him! I might add that he is not lacking for women who want to date him, he's just very sure of what he wants (refer to previous pre-qualifications) and hasn't found her yet!

So that's all I have to say on this subject, except that I wanted to embed this You Tube video but it has been disabled, so you can link there if you are so inclined, and will add that I used to have that executive position that he's referring to (28 years) and I much, much prefer my job working at the car wash... fortunately, I am not washing the cars!

Hope you are having a great Christmas week. My day is pretty good since its cloudy and raining and I might not have to work today but am on call to go in at a minute's notice...and am willing to do that because I have the best boss ever. Please, people who know him, don't show this to him...I do not want his head to grow any larger...he's great just the way he is!

Silent Sunday - The Virgin Birth Foretold

2010-12-12T18:37:00.001-05:00

Home from Jekyll - Way Behind on Everything!!

2010-12-08T08:50:00.003-05:00

Home from Jekyll and it is cold, cold, cold here too! Of course, I expected it to be cold here.

I am so sorry that I haven't been able to get around to all my favorite blogs and say, "hello" and catch up on all that's going on in your lives. I do care and hope that tonight I can come home from work and snuggle up with my computer and see how all of you are doing.

In the meantime, here are a couple of photos from my trip that I hope you will enjoy!

Hope to spend more time here soon!

Silent Sunday - Isaiah 42

2010-12-05T11:04:00.002-05:00

Church Jekyll Island, Georgia

The Servant of the LORD

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

This is what God the LORD says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

“I am the LORD; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.”

Isaiah 42: 1-9 NIV

Kaboodling! Wish-A-Day Giveaway!

2010-11-29T13:35:00.001-05:00

Do you Kaboodle? I do, because I think it's fun! Do you even know about Kaboodle? It's a site that lets you save your favorite shopping items from your favorite shopping places into one central place. You can make styleboards grouping items that you love into a beautiful display for your blog (see one I did back in July here) or to share with friends on Kaboodle. I know, it sounds like something that you simply don't have time for and I agree I haven't spent a tremendous amount of time there myself but it's a great place to put your Wish List for birthdays and Christmas or ideas for gifts for others on your list. It's also a great place to save those home decorating ideas or items that you would ordinarily bookmark. Say you're redoing a room, you can add individual items that you've found from a variety of online shops and then pull them together into a styleboard to see if it all works together...the same thing with fashion too!

If you have a shop on Etsy or ArtFire, you can Kaboodle your own items into Kaboodle and share them with a whole new audience! Sounds good, doesn't it?

Right now is a great time to check it out because from now until Christmas Eve, they will be having a Wish-A-Day Giveaway and it's very simply to enter. You simply Kaboodle something from the featured store each day before 11:59p.m. and you will be entered to win daily prizes and will also be entered into the Kaboodle $5000 grand prize drawing. So go to Kaboodle, sign up at Kaboodle, get your Add to Kaboodle button and start Kaboodling...it's fun! You'll see...go now... do it...you could win!

See how nice I am...I should get paid for this, which I do not...but I just love my Graceful readers so much, I can't keep a good thing a secret from you...even if it means my odds to win are less! ♥

Love and Blessings,
Vicki

Silent Sunday - First Sunday in Advent

2010-11-28T10:12:00.000-05:00

Seasons

2010-11-26T16:35:00.003-05:00

Spending time thinking about seasons of the year. Here are some of my musings...

Each time it rolls around, I know that autumn is the season I love best. The crisp cool mornings that fade into sunny, lukewarm days with cerulean skies.The amazing landscape painted with colors that sparkle and glow in the sun. As the days become cooler and breezier, my heart is stirred as the leaves perform their vivid ballet: twirling and floating and lifting on the breeze until they gently alight upon the ground and then, perhaps, get swept up again! Praises and thanksgiving fill my thoughts and I am excited by the anticipation of the Advent season!

How quickly I turn my back on the orange and golden hues of autumn. My senses suddenly overwhelmed with shades of red and green and silver bells, appearing everywhere; fragrances of evergreens; and Christmas music filling the air! My heart feels as if it will burst with joy. Yes, this is my one true love: the season of my Savior's birth!

Then all too soon Christmas has come and gone and then winter winds begin to howl and the earth is dormant and gray skies are prevalent. Slowly, I surrender to the charms of cozy fires, warm down comforters, ice skating and hot cocoa. My breath is taken away each time I see the starkly beautiful bones of naked trees, where bright, red cardinals serenade me with their songs, against a silvery sky.

But the charm wears thin and soon, my heart is broken by winter's seemingly endless, cold, gray days and absence of healing light. How cruel its icy fingers feel as they grasp and try to hold on to me, but my love for this icy season has grown cold and longs for something new.

When all seems lost, the icy winds release their grip and are calmed and the rebirth of the earth begins and my fickle heart whispers, "Yes! I love spring the very best of all!" My heart feels light and dances and sings with each new bud that forms and blooms. My hands tenderly caress the warm soil as I gently set new plants among the old. Birds chatter endlessly as they ready their nests. This love is not without its pain, as I remember the wretched slaughter of the innocent Lamb, but love overcomes the grave and my spirit is renewed.

Then all too quickly, the passion of my spring romance matures. The long, hot summer days with sunlight glimmering through the lush and verdant leaves of giant oak trees, seduces me into remembering my first and truest love. The sun moves high into the sky. My feet, bare in the grass, my face warmed by the sun, recall to me, my innocent, childhood days of carefree play and walks down dusty, dirt roads with wild blackberries growing along the way.

I remember endless games of hide and seek, played until twilight settled on the land. I hear children playing as I once played, their laughter echoing across the lake. How I love days spent in guiltless pleasures with screened porch suppers, barbecues, lazily floating in the pool and all the freedoms from four walls that summer brings. As the summer days linger on, I begin to grow just a bit weary of this, my first, true love. Summer's endless heat begins to stifle me and hold me a bit too close with no respite. I begin to wonder if I should betray this best, true love of mine and, of course, I know that I will.

Eventually, I feel that first, faint hint of crispness in the morning air and notice the shadows lengthening as the sun slides lower in the sky. Summer hangs on and I truly hate to bid it farewell, but autumn beckons me and once again I heed its call. The jealous sun, sinks lower still and I wave goodbye and waltz away with my new, true love with leaves of orange and gold that glisten in the brilliant cerulean sky.

Fingerprint Friday - Bright Spot in a Gray Day

2010-11-26T11:22:00.000-05:00

There is no Fingerprint Friday linkup this week but wanted to share a Fingerprint of God, anyway! Hoping you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend!

Silent Sunday - Give Thanks to the Lord

2010-11-21T09:11:00.002-05:00

SILENT SUNDAY: None of my own words will appear on Silent Sunday, a Bible verse or an interesting quote and one or more photographs will be all you will find here on Silent Sunday. Every girl needs to keep her mouth shut sometime and we all need to be still and know that He is God.

Change is Good

2010-11-16T09:28:00.002-05:00

It's time to change things up again because change is good...sometimes anyway. I was wandering around over at my new friend's website yesterday: The Pioneer Woman. You really should check it out...she's a hoot! She had ten rules of blogging listed and they were great rules. I read every one. Many I had already discovered from two years of blogging but one stood out to me and I realized why blogging has become more of a chore for me and less of something that I love and look forward to everyday. I have forced myself into a box. I have set up too many fixed features and have quit letting the words flow from the heart. I have been lost...but now I am found. No more Favorites of the Week on Mondays...primarily because I usually don't have time each week to do the Favorites and secondly because I forget them and have to rush and put them together and then it's just not coming from the heart and becomes a chore. No more Wednesday Worship. I will definitely have posts that are are solely about God and worshiping him, but I don't want to do it because I must, I want to do it because my heart is full of love for Him...that's the best reason and it might be on any day of the week and anytime of the the day! I love, love, love participating in Fingerprint Friday, so I will keep doing that and Silent Sunday too, because I truly do believe that I should have one day a week when I keep my mouth shut and Sunday seems like a good time because God said we should rest and I think God is a whole lot smarter than I am and I would like to have one day a week when I impart His brilliance instead of my own rambling craziness. So there you have it: that is the big change! Not that big really...just a little different, just a little tweak! Will I still have favorites and post them here on occasion? As that controversial, little lady from Alaska would say, "Ya betcha!" I'm am simply not going to force myself to do it each week. In fact, I might not do it each month, but if I see something I really, really love, I will definitely let you know about it.

Okay, well, that was quite freeing and I will wager a bet that because I can now simply write about the random things that pop up in my brain, I will be writing a lot more or at least on a lot more days! I hope so anyway because I love it and I love all of my graceful readers who pop over here and read what I have to say, even though on some days it might not amount to a hill of beans.

I have to run now...busy day with errands and work to do but I'll be back, maybe tonight or maybe tomorrow, but I will be back. Until then, I send you...

Silent Sunday - Psalm 30

2010-11-14T16:03:00.001-05:00

Veteran's Day and Remembering My Mom Repost

2010-11-10T23:03:00.002-05:00

I've never repeated an old post before but I didn't want Veteran's Day to go by without thanking all those who have and are serving our country in the military and I didn't want the four year anniversary of my mother's leaving the earth to go unacknowledged. I don't have time to write anything new because I just started a new job, so I decided to repeat this post. Hope you don't mind too much. There is one change. I now have a grand nephew in the Army, who recently served in Iraq and is now stationed at Ft. Hood. I have added his photo to the post!

I wanted to take a few minutes to thank all of those who are serving and have served our nation in the armed services. My dad was a Marine and my uncle was an Air Force pilot (WWII) and my nephew is currently serving in the Army. There were quite a number of other military men and two women in my family's history.

My mother was very patriotic. She loved movies about WWII. I think she watched Kelly's Heroes about a hundred times. She was raising two little girls while my dad was off serving our country. She was only about 24 at the time. Times were tough but she scrimped and saved and did her part to help the war effort. Mom was a song writer and in 1945 she sang one of her songs on a radio show called "That's My Tune" on WGST in Atlanta. The song she chose was "My Bill, USMC." Part of it goes like this, "My Bill, USMC, though he gets his mail as Sgt. William. He's Bill, sweet as can be, the year that he's been gone seems like a million. He writes me every night...." Sounds kind of corny but a lot of what they were writing in the 40's sounds corny to us now. Anyway, it has a beautiful melody and I'm partial to it since it was about my dad. He literally did write her every night. I have all of the letters. They are tied up in ribbons and stashed in my dad's "foot locker" that was issued by the Marine Corps. It holds all of my mom's poetry, her songs and other odds and ends of hers and my dad's that came to me as the official family historian.

Anyway, I guess you wonder why I'm spending so much time writing about my mother, who was not a veteran, on a day that is set aside to honor veterans. Veteran's Day was always special to my mom. When I was a little girl, we would watch old patriotic movies together and she would tell me about how she felt when she heard the news about Pearl Harbor being attacked, about all the things that were rationed, how difficult it was to have her husband so far away for so long, the different projects to support the troops and buying war bonds. It was a time when women had to step up to the plate and do things they were not accustomed to doing. She taught me that serving this country and protecting our freedom is an honor and a duty.

So, for me Veteran's Day is not only about the brave veterans who have died serving our country and those who were willing to put their lives on the line for our freedom, but also the women and men who supported them back home and especially my mom.

Veteran's Day holds an even more important place in my heart because ironically and appropriately Veteran's Day, 2006, was the day my mom left this world. Mom, thanks for teaching me how important it is to care about our country and the men and women who serve it.

Grand Nephew PFC Richard Krauss, Currently Serving in the U.S. Army

My Dad, Marine WWII

Cousin Dot, Waves WWII

Uncle George, Air Force Pilot, WWII

Grandfather George, Georgia National Guard, Border Patrol, Fort Bliss, TX 1916

Great Uncle John, Navy, WWI

Last But Not Least, My Mom circa 1944

Labels: marines, patriotism, veteran's day, wwII

Favorites of the Week - Signs, Signs, Signs and more Signs

2010-11-09T13:17:00.004-05:00

Each week will choose favorites for my Favorites of the Week (FOTW) page. It might be one favorite or it could be 28. The item(s) will be featured on the Home page on Monday or Tuesday and will remain on my FOTW page until the following Monday. Hope you enjoy. I'm sure these shopkeepers would love for you to visit their stores and see their other great items! ♥

This week my favorites of the week are signs! Yes, all kinds of signs and all appropriate for the season or for giving.

One of my very favorite sign makers on Etsy is Barn Owl Primitives! Her
signs are completely handpainted and distressed a bit for that lovely vintage look
that we all love so much. This is one of my favs: Table Manners Dinner Rules $75.
If you hurry quick, you can enter her giveaway on Facebook here.

Also from Barn Owl Primitives is Baseball Typography $75.
Have baseball fans in the family? This sign would be a great addition to a family or game room or man cave. If you are thinking of a sign for Christmas,
please note that orders must be in by November 14th!

Personalized Name Custom Framed in Black $85.00
How about your name, special word or house numbers "written" in photographs of architectural details that resemble numbers and letters of the alphabet. The creativity of people never ceases to amaze me. This is simply brilliant! What a wonderful gift idea! Prints are available framed and unframed. I hope you will visit Java Jane Designs and see all of the lovely possibilities for creating a very special keepsake for you or someone special in your life! Think special anniversary, birth announcement, house warming...so many possibilities! If you would like to order something for Christmas, you must do so by December 10th. So make your plans now and get those orders into Jane.

Carved Personalized Wedding Sign $30.00
Signs of a Daydreamer offers fabulous signs that are carved with a router,or maybe the proper word is engraved since some of these signs look like engraved wedding invitations! After routing, the signs are hand painted and distressed. Scott, the daydreamer artist, has been making these signs since 1981 and has the experience and talent to create a beautiful and unique sign just for you and perfect for any occasion. Scott also has many fun signs in stock, so be sure to visit his shop! While you are there you must check out this fabulous Shabby Chalkboard and Magnetic Message Center!
If you are wanting a customized sign from Scott for Christmas, be sure to order it by December 5, 2010, to be sure you can get it by Christmas!

Hearts and Flowers Framed Bible Verse Board $28.00
If you know me, you know I LOVE folk art and that includes folk art signs, like this lovely little hand painted sign with words from Psalm 31 and a gorgeous decorative border! Jennifer's shop, Mulberry Lane Folk Art, is a favorite of mine where you will not only find other charming signs but bird houses, game boards and a variety of other folk art crafts. Jennifer does custom work too. Be sure to contact her to find out the last date to order to receive custom orders by Christmas.

Dance with Joy Handmade Tile $11.00

How about a tiny, tile sign? That's right, this sign and the others in
in Tile Smile are tiny handmade tiles. I love the beautiful, yet subtle colors of these kiln fired pieces. Many different words and phrases to choose from or have your own custom, one of a kind piece made just for you. Hurry to get your order in, in time for Christmas gift giving!

I hope you will visit all of these talented vendors on Etsy. Wish I had more time to feature more today. But you can do your own sign search and see what else is available.

I leave you with this blast from the past...I know, I know but I simply couldn't resist!!! Warning, a couple of the first signs are a bit risque but after that they're just funny!

Silent Sunday - LOVE

2010-11-07T09:40:00.002-05:00

Fingerprint Friday - Memories

2010-11-05T11:09:00.002-04:00

Taken right after we first brought Baby home from Dr. Dan's Sept 2004
She had a mouth full of rotten teeth, a vaginal prolapse and breast cancer.
She had probably been in a puppy breeder farm.
Dr. Dan fixed her all up over a period of weeks.

After her first professional grooming.

Baby Elish b. circa 1995 - d. October 12, 2010

The sweetest dog I ever had.

Never a minute's worth of trouble to anyone.

From abused and neglected to loved and cherished princess.

It was definitely a joy for us to love you.

We'll see you on the Rainbow Bridge.

"We long for an affection that is altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the form of canine attachment." ~ George Eliot

You were a precious Fingerprint of God!

Will do a longer post of Baby's story one day soon.

Silent Sunday - All Hallows Eve

2010-10-31T06:30:00.002-04:00

Verses from ABIDE WITH US, THE DAY IS WANING, words by Caspar J. Boye, 1834
Photograph copyright 2010 Vicki Elish Taken at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Pittsburgh,PA

Mini-Vacation Photos Part One

2010-10-30T13:57:00.001-04:00

I took somewhere around 350 photos on our mini-vacation to Pittsburgh. We traveled up through Tennessee (Chattanooga, Knoxville) through a tiny bit of Virgina (Bristol) and then through West Virginia. We normally stop over for the night in Beckley, W.V. but this time we left early enough that we decided to drive straight through. Ten hours in the car with only short stops...is a long time for these old bones!

I've selected a few of the trip up to Pittsburgh and next week I will post some taken in Pittsburgh and on another day I'll post some from our trip home.

Some of those on the way up were taken through the car windows...some were taken at places we stopped.

The next few photos were taken at the Virginia Welcome Center. A very nice

facility that has picnic tables and beautiful trees and clean restrooms and no

trucks. There is a separate facility for trucks a little way down the road.

Not that I have anything against trucks...really, I don't!

Love the trail from the jet, the sun spots and the brilliant blue of the sky!

There's a corn field in the distance on the other side of the fence. I tried to capture
the way the sun was shining on the stalks. Didn't turn out. I love the yellow
leaves against the brilliant blue of the sky in these photos.

I had to work on this photo in Photoshop. The sun was really bright and caused
a haze over part of the tree. This is a not a "technically" good photo but I kind of
like the way it turned out after playing with it a bit.

I love yellows and blues together and this tree was really breathtaking against the sky. The wind was
whipping around a bit and I tried to capture the falling leaves in a couple of shots but only managed to
get a couple of leaves in the them. They were moving very quickly!

I walked back down the exit to take a shot of the welcome sign...just in

case we forgot where we took the photos..kind of touristy but I like it.

This little girl was so cute entertaining herself by playing in the leaves. We ate our picnic lunch here and she played the entire time. She would gather up leaves into a big pile and then jump in it. Then she would pile them up and throw them up into the air. She was having a grand time using up her pent up energy while her parents were resting.

We stopped at the New River Gorge. This is one of my favorite places to stop on
our trips to Pittsburgh. I have photos from summer and winter but this is the first
time we've made the trip in the fall. We missed the color peak but it was still very
beautiful here.

View of the New River bridge. I don't have any of the statistics about the gorge or the
bridge but you can go here and here and find out all about it!

There were still some pretty trees...with late afternoon sun shining on them.

See the tree growing on the rock? There cannot be more than a few inches of
soil for those roots, yet there it stands! I never cease to be amazed by nature!

A nice contrast...beautiful poppies growing in the median and the autumn leaves!

One of my favorite things about being in the mountains is seeing the shadow of clouds on the mountain tops!

At first glance it appears that there is color in the rock where the mountain was cut to make way for the road. Nope,
the color is from trees in their autumn finery, growing in a bit of soil that has accumulated.
Nature always manages to recover from man's intrusions.

Dark, stormy sky and sun shining on the mountainside..beautiful! Love the way the houses are nestled into
the mountainside.

Stormy sky and sunlit mountainside...stunning!

An early moon rise over the mountain peak with the sun's last light illuminating the trees!

One of the many tunnels in Pittsburgh. I always take photos when we are going through. It keeps
my mind off of the fact that we are riding through a mountain. I am always so very happy and
thankful to come out on the other side of the mountain!!!

I like to experiment with photographs of lights at night. This is the Pittsburgh skyline...
looks a bit like pagodas to me. A little fun!

Well, that's the end of selected photos from day one. It took a couple of hours to narrow it down to these.

Tomorrow is Silent Sunday...I may use one of the photos from the All Saints Catholic Cemetery as the background for tomorrow's scripture...I think it will be appropriate for All Hallows Eve!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by...

Fingerprint Friday - Surprise Party

2010-10-29T14:12:00.004-04:00

J. and I took a mini-vacation to Pittsburgh to see his sisters and celebrate his oldest sister's 90th birthday. She won't actually be 90 until February '11 but the weather is so bad at that time of year, they didn't want to risk trying to have it then. It was a surprise birthday party and we were a little concerned with surprising her a bit too much, because she has had a bit of trouble breathing lately and is on oxygen. So, they asked J. to greet her to put her at ease, but still she was a bit confused because she was having difficulty seeing. The lighting was a bit dim.When she realized what was going on she said, "I need to sit down." She is an amazing woman and handled all of the excitement extremely well! The party was held at the Greensburg Country Club in Jeanette, PA. A lovely setting for a lovely party! I believe there were between 65-75 guests. The food was excellent, there was a champagne toast, open bar for beer and wine and there were many, many great walks down memory lane. It was fun to see photos of a woman who was "one of the guys" back in the day. She went hunting with her spouse and his friends and even bagged the biggest deer! She played golf up until a few years ago, is a champion Parcheesi player and loves to travel...she has never been known to turn down a trip to anywhere...she is always set on "go!" There were lots of stories and much laughter and a few tears!

Many comments were made about how she continues to correspond with everyone with birthday cards and letters. She was astounded by the number of people who came from all across the country to celebrate with her. She is such a beautiful and humble person, she did not "understand why all these people think I'm worthy of all this." But worthy she is! That is why I chose, my dear sister-in-law Dorothy as today's Fingerprint of God!!

She certainly does not look 89, does she? There are only three of the 8 siblings left and their ages are 69, 79 and 89 this year!!! Dot was still living in her own house until earlier this year when she decided on her own to move into a beautiful assisted living apartment. She wants to enjoy the rest of her life and not have to worry about maintaining a house. I am certain that she is the life of the party in her new home and I know she has made many new friends there! I sure hope that if I live that long, I will be as healthy, active and downright fun as she is!!! Happy 90th, Dot! We love you!!!

Note: I was lazy and took J.'s little camera and it doesn't take the best photos...thankfully, there were several really good photographers who took many, many good photos to capture this lovely event!

Favorites of the Week - Memories: Yellow and Blue,Sun and Sea

2010-10-18T11:34:00.001-04:00

Favorites of the Week(FOTW): Each Monday I feature a number of items on my FOTW page. I might choose 8 favorites or it could be 28. A portion of those items will be featured on the Home page on Mondays. The favorites for each week will remain on my FOTW page until the following Monday. Hope you enjoy. I'm sure these shopkeepers would love for you to visit their stores and see their other great items! ♥

Today's favorites were inspired by the colors of three of my favorite things: The sea, sun and sand. These lovely offerings are all handmade and all from Etsy shops. Enjoy!!

Romantic Olive Mint Green Rose Blossom Flower Brooch
From: Aya Wedding $9.00

Blue and Green Hydrangea
From: Laura Trevey Bright Bold and Beautiful $67.00

Sweet No. 3
From: Michelle Pryor Art $42.00

Vintage Antique Necklace with Original Design Little Blue Fox in the Rain
From: Birds of Oregon $24.00

Sea Glass Pendant
From: Mermaid's Tears Jewelry $28.00

Lovely Bag in Mustard Yellow
From: Bayan Hippo $29.00

Autumn Flavored Sterling Silver Glass Drop Earrings
From: Cindy's Art and Soul $27.00

Silent Sunday - What's in a Name?

2010-10-17T00:23:00.002-04:00

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38

Fingerprint Friday - Jekyll Island Fire in the Oaks

2010-10-15T13:14:00.002-04:00

Fingerprint Friday was started by Beki, at The Rusted Chain. It was inspired by the song by Steven Curtis Chapman that contains the line..."when I look at you, I can see the fingerprints of God." To participate and/or visit all of the blogs that do, go to the Fingerprint Friday Post on Beki's blog and follow the instructions.

I named these first two photos "Fire in the Oaks" because of the flaming orange of the small trees sitting among majestic old oaks, covered in Spanish moss. These were taken on Jekyll Island last December. Warm days linger long on the island and it always strange seeing this brilliant orange and the green of the oaks scattered about, while all of the historic "cottages" are dressed in Christmas finery.

Fire in the Oaks I, Jekyll Island, GA December 2009

Fire in the Oaks II, Jekyll Island, Georgia December 2009

Villa Marianne, Jekyll Island, Ga. December 2009

I chose these for Fingerprint Friday because I think they illustrate the variety of God's creation: the delicate little trees in their brilliant, orange glory; the mighty, old oaks with their still green leaves and gray moss; the ornamental cabbages with spring like flowers and green lush grass at Villa Marianne-- all living in harmony in winter, on a sandy, little island off the Georgia coast!

I shout praises to God for the glory of his creation! Hope you have a great day and wonderful weekend.

Links to information on Jekyll Island, Georgia:
June Hall McCash , gives an in depth look at the families that created the historic cottages of Jekyll Island in her book, "The Jekyll Island Cottage Colony."

Jekyll Island website
Jekyll Island /Revitalization/ Revitalization Sites/Conservation Programs
Support Jekyll Island Development

Visit Jekyll Island from Jessica Malnik on Vimeo.

Wednesday Worship - The Face of Love

2010-10-13T11:25:00.000-04:00

The Face of Love - Sanctus Real

Monday's Favorites of The Week - Featuring L. Janine Abbott

2010-10-11T01:00:00.038-04:00

This week’s Favorites of the Week all come from the same wonderful artist: L. Janine Abbott. Janine is a freelance journalist, former English teacher, artist, breast cancer survivor and the dearest and kindest friend that one could have! I am truly blessed to have her in my life and am more than delighted to be able to share her beautiful art work right here on my blog.

In addition to being a truly gifted, self-taught artist, Janine is a gifted writer who will, no doubt, be on the N.Y. Times Best Seller List in due course. In the meantime, you can read her sometimes funny, sometimes heart wrenching, always touching, beautifully written, hope filled and thought provoking posts at her blogs: Sniffles and Smiles and Been There, Done That. If you love God, life, beauty, honesty, with a bit of hyperbole and humor thrown in for good measure, I guarantee that you too will soon be a huge fan of the incredible woman who is L. Janine Abbott.

All of Janine’s work--blog posts, poetry, photographs and paintings--speak to the heart. Her paintings embrace and celebrate life! Paint comes to life as it flows over her canvases and light dances to the rhythm of the patterns she paints. Janine is always the storyteller. Sometimes the story is in words, sometimes in paint but there is always a story and it is always worth the hearing. The slideshow, below, of Janine's work is just a spoonful off the top of the soup that is her work. To savor the real flavor of the soup, click on any one of the paintings and it will take you to her Bubbling Brook Gallery where you may view the full painting, read its story and savor and even purchase the work of this talented and lovely woman! ENJOY!

Silent Sunday-Faithfulness

2010-10-10T11:45:00.001-04:00

Wednesday Worship - Psalm 139

2010-10-06T14:25:00.001-04:00

Music: The Feather Theme, written by Alan Silvestri

Life Keeps Happening!

2010-10-05T17:37:00.001-04:00

Once again life is happening and my blog is not getting much attention this week either. I have a sick and pitiful dog to care for today. So, rather than leaving this space empty, I am reposting a post from a couple of years ago. Actually, it was my very first post on Graceful Moments! I have revised it a bit to make it current and added a few photos.

Last week's favorites will just continue to be this week's favorites, which is fine...they were all beautiful choices!

New Month, New Season - Revised and Revisited

October! A new month and a new season on the way and it's one of my very favorites!

In the South, the promise of the cooler weather of autumn is always graciously welcomed after a hot and humid August! This past summer was definitely a scorcher and it stayed that way through September.

Most of us start thinking about lovely autumn weather long before it actually arrives in mid to late October.

It starts in September when the pace of life picks up speed with a flurry of activity brought on by school starting and the promise of football season kicking off. The vacations of summer are over and there is a revival of church activities - Bible studies, youth programs, picnics, outreach events and church suppers.

When October finally arrives there seems to be a bit of excitement in the air. Autumn breezes and crisp, cleaner air push away the inactivity of the lazy days of late summer and encourage us to head outside and plant a shrub, weed the flower beds, take a walk, go on a picnic, paint a porch or play a little touch football with the kids.

Parks and pastures are filled with apple festivals, arts and crafts shows, county fairs and fall rodeos. Neighborhoods become village markets with tag sales, garage sales, yard sales or whatever your particular region calls them. Houses are filled with the smells of home baked breads and pies and jellys and jams as we work to enjoy and preserve our late summer harvests.

Blankets and quilts are brought out of storage and aired out in the fresh air to be ready for soon to come cool nights sitting in porch swings. Firewood is cut and stacked and ready for the first cozy fire of the season.

The pumpkins are fat and are harvested for pumpkin pies and Halloween. The fragrance of fresh mowed hay brings to mind hay rides, campfires, spiced tea and s'mores! The trees are being painted in glorious hues of reds and golds and yellows to usher in our Thanksgiving observance and the Advent season.

It is a time to reflect on our past and our future and to recognize that no matter what our circumstances we have much for which to be thankful. It is a time to come together with family, friends and/or strangers to share our bounty and to offer up our praise and gratitude to God for all of our blessings.

It is a time of expectation and excitement as we await the day that has been set aside to honor the birth of the Savior of the world!

It is my sincerest hope that your fall season will be filled with a bounty of gratitude, family, friends and opportunities to serve, but most of all I pray that it be filled with the everlasting peace of knowing Jesus Christ.
Love and Blessings,

Vicki

Giveaway at My Heart and Welcome to It

2010-10-04T12:25:00.000-04:00

Great Giveaway at My Heart and Welcome to It! Check out details on my Giveaway Page or go directly to the giveaway by clicking the link above. You can always find great giveaways on my Giveaway Page!

Silent Sunday - Psalm 61 Our Refuge

2010-10-03T13:40:00.002-04:00

"It is for the sake of man, not of God, that worship and prayers are required, not that God may be rendered more glorious, but that man may be made better,--that he may be confirmed in a proper sense of his dependent state, and acquired those pious and virtuous dispositions in which his highest improvement consists.

-Hugh Blair

Psalm 61-Our Refuge from Psalms: Music to Soothe Your Soul,

Deirdre Neely Close (author) and Tabitha Fair(performer)

Fingerprint Friday - Seasons

2010-10-01T15:36:00.002-04:00

Fingerprint Friday was started by Beki, at The Rusted Chain. It was inspired by the song by Steven Curtis Chapman that contains the line..."when I look at you, I can see the fingerprints of God." To participate and/or visit all of the blogs that do, go to the Fingerprint Friday Post on Beki's blog and follow the instructions.

And God said, "Let their be lights in the expanse of sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark the seasons and days and years." Genesis 1:14 NIV

With all the beauty and incredible colors of nature that we find in this temporary place...how can one even begin to imagine the magnificence of heaven?

Happy Fingerprint Friday...look around, where do you see God's fingerprints?

Favorites of the Week - Better Late...?

2010-09-29T00:15:00.002-04:00

Favorites of the Week(FOTW): Each Monday (or if life happens, it might be Tuesday or Wednesday) I feature a number of items on my FOTW page. I might choose 8 favorites or it could be 28. A portion of those items will be featured on the Home page on Mondays. The favorites for each week will remain on my FOTW page until the following Monday. I'm sure these shopkeepers would love for you to visit their stores and see their other great items!

Okay, I know it is Wednesday and I missed another deadline. Seriously, lots of "life things" going on that just pushed blogging right out of the way. So sorry! Whew! Hopefully, we are back on schedule now.

This week I have taken a slightly different approach and have picked out two of my favorite Etsy shops and am showcasing four items from each. Then, I picked out my favorite ArtFire shop and four items from her shop too. This is the first time I have featured an ArtFire shop but since I am now on ArtFire too, I thought it would be good to feature someone who sells there and maybe learn more about ArtFire at the same time.

Satin and Birch is a wonderful shop of fabulous soaps! A friend of mine, suggested that I visit this shop. She was amazed, as I am, at the intricate details of these lovely gift soaps. They are so beautiful that I probably wouldn't want to use them. Each one is a lovely work of art...well, see for yourself...

Ginger Orange Gift Soap 2 for $10.00

Apple Cider Cottage Hearts 6 for $14.00

Soap Wedding Favors - Lily of the Valley Scent 2 for $4.00

Champagne Scented Fleur di Lis Gift Soap 5 for $10.00

The second Etsy shop that I am featuring is Sweet Heart Studios. Not only are there gorgeous gifts to be found at Sweet Heart, the proprietor is a complete sweetheart too! She is very meticulous with all of her beautifully handmade items. She packages them beautifully too, so that they are ready for gift giving...if you can bring yourself to part with them! You will find a vast selection of pendants, magnets, photo frames and uniquely beautiful hair pins in this lovely shop. You can also find this shop on ArtFire: here. The hair pins are a new addition to Catherine's shop and I think you will agree that they are truly lovely. Here's a tiny sampling of lovelies:

Jeweled Hair Pins Butterfly Crystals $13.00

One Inch Domed Glass Pendant -Royal Blue Winter $18.00

Jeweled Hair Pins - Silver Hearts & Swarovski Crystals - $14.00

Jeweled Hair Pins - Dragonfly with Teal Blue Crystals $13.00

ArtFire is new territory for me but I have just opened two new shops there so I'm trying to learn my way around. A lovely friend of mine has had a shop on ArtFire for quite a while now and she really loves it. She is a former Etsian who crochets beautiful, original designs and does custom orders too. Her shop is Matt's Crafty Wife and she has many wonderful items from cup cozies to Christmas ornaments to fashion accessories. Today I want to showcase some of her gorgeous, higher end and elegant fashion accessories:

Luscious Tan Merino and Cashmere Scarf $44.00

Heavenly Shawl in Tan $40.00

Chocolate Brown Shawl with Pineapple Scalloped Edges $ 45.00

Lush Black and White Wrap Shawl $40.00

Well, that about wraps it up...get it, "wraps" it up. I know, I know it's pretty lame! Remember, you can visit my Favorites of the Week (FOTW) Page any day of the week to see my latest favorites! Please stop back later for Wednesday Worship! Until then....

Wednesday Worship and Sweet Sweet Mary!

2010-09-22T12:08:00.001-04:00

First, I apologize for skipping Monday's Favorites of the Week. But my disclaimer does say that a girl has the right to change her mind now and then...so, let's just say that's what I did! I might do it tomorrow or maybe wait until next week...but I can tell you this, I did pick favorites and they will be worth the waiting.

Now, I am interrupting our regularly scheduled programming (for the second time this week) to bring you a special announcement: A dear friend and eternal family member of mine is having a birthday today! She is a very special person and I just wanted to take the time to let her know it! So, I wrote her a little poem (I use that term loosely) for her birthday..and I am apologizing in advance for it's amateurish quality but it was the best I could do in fifteen minutes which is all the time that I had! So Mary, this is for you!
(Our regularly scheduled broadcast will follow in its entirety.)

Sweet, Sweet Mary

Sweet, sweet Mary, is NOT contrary,
No matter what SOME may say.
Her heart is gold and I wish for her

To have a MOST chillaxin day!

She works so hard for God and man,
Doing anything and all.
Nothing slows her down or makes her stop,
Unless she takes a fall. 8 : (

Now, Mary dear, today is YOUR day
And I for one, would really LOVE to see,
You take this day and do what YOU want...
Sleep late, eat cake or watch old movies on TV!

For on this very special date,
Not all THAT many years past,
Was born a Princess of the great, high King
With a servants heart, steadfast.

She volunteers for everything,
We often hear her say,
"I'll do that!" or "I have one!" or
“Barry will bring it to you today.” 8 : )

She cleans the church, scrubs the loo
Serves food and cooks it too!
There is no thing great, big or small
That Mary will NOT do.

But, on this one day, take time to rest.
To play, or see what you want to see
Take the day, do what YOU want to do.
You could even try being CON-TRA-REE!

Just one thing more, that I need to say.
Along with these wishes for mirth and fun:
Over you dear Mary, God's blessings I pray
Until you are two hundred and one!

Love you so much! Happy Birthday!

Now we continue with our regularly scheduled Wednesday Worship!

Silent Sunday - Proverbs 30:8-9

2010-09-19T09:52:00.001-04:00

Fingerprint Friday - Butterfly

2010-09-17T11:39:00.001-04:00

"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always just beyond our grasp, but, if you sit down quietly may alight upon you." Nathaniel Hawthorne

Like most fingerprints of God, butterflies are better best enjoyed when one is sitting, quietly observing, instead of chasing them down with a camera like a crazy person. That's why I try to do a bit of both...sitting quietly for immediate gratification and chasing down for later enjoyment. This one did not like the chasing down bit, so I finally gave up after two shots and simply enjoyed the fluttering by!

Now, go look around you for your own Fingerprints of God and have a lovely Friday!

Wednesday Worship - Psalm 121

2010-09-15T10:33:00.003-04:00

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
         From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
         Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
         He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
         Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;
         The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
         Nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
         He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
         From this time forth, and even forevermore.

Psalm 121 nkj

Helpful Hint for Bible Study:
When studying the Bible it is helpful to read a verse aloud several times, putting the emphasis on a different word in the verse each time. It can sometimes change what you believed to be the meaning of the verse and help you understand the verse better. Sometimes it simply makes you realize how beautiful some of the verses of the Bible really are. This is particularly true of the Psalms.

Try reading some of the verses of Psalm 121 several times, placing the emphasis on a different word or several words each time... I think you will see what I mean. Learned this helpful studying tool from Rick Warren's book, "Bible Study Methods : 12 Ways You Can Unlock God's Word"

Hope you have a great day!

Pine Log Arts and Crafts Fair and New Etsy Friend

2010-09-14T12:57:00.002-04:00

My husband and I had a fun time this past weekend at the Pine Log Arts and Craft Fair held at the Pine Log United Methodist Church Campground . We try to attend this juried fair each year to see the quality arts and crafts that are displayed in the historic camp meeting cabins and what they call an “open-air tabernacle.” We are never disappointed with the variety of the arts and crafts, the food or the music and we always run into someone interesting!

We were browsing vendor to vendor when I looked up and saw a very professional sign that read, “Visit me on Etsy.com.”

Of course that stopped me in my tracks. That is how I met Etsian seller, Barbara Morgan of Aunt B’s Attic. Barbara had a lovely covered booth up on a hill with a fantastic view of the entire fair. We introduced ourselves and then had a great time chatting about Etsy and our shops. Barbara knits really beautiful and practical bags, scarves, caps, shawls and other items. She does custom orders too and makes these great stocking caps in colors of your choice. My dh is already planning to special request a Penn State cap!

Like a lot of us, Barbara started her craft as a hobby and for gifts to family and friends. Her family and friends loved her items so much that they encouraged her to sell them. A relative newcomer to Etsy, Barbara is coming up on her 1 year anniversary and has already made some sales. With the adorable items she has in her shop, I am sure many more sales will be coming very soon!

Here’s Barbara at the entrance to her booth..Isn't she cute?

It’s obvious that Barbara did her homework when it came to setting up her booth. I think she did an outstanding job with her signage, the lattice, and displaying her items…it was so professional and it looked like she had been doing this for years! She is such a lovely and energetic person and when I left her booth, I felt I had known her for years rather than the 15 minutes we spent together. Etsy seems to have that effect on a lot of us!

Here’s the inside of her booth-- so very cozy and inviting!

Some more of her beautifully displayed items…

Here’s one of the floppy, stocking caps from her Etsy shop.

Adorable bear too...but that's not included. Barbara likes custom

orders so if you want a cap or scarf of a certain length or color, she will be happy to work with you.

I bet you have seen enough to make you want to visit Aunt B’s Attic and take a closer look at her beautifully handmade and practical items…you might find a gift for everyone on your list!

Here’s a shot of Barbara’s booth from the bottom of the hill…it looks great doesn’t it!

Here’s a shot of a couple of the campground cabins…..you can see that the porches are used to display the artists’ wares.

Now, I have to tell you about this fabulous illustrator that I met at the fair. His name is Jarrett Rutland and he is a very talented young man. He writes children’s books and illustrates them, paints and has started a company called A.L.I.V.E. His company creates art programs for places that may not be able to afford one. I think that is really cool. You can read about A.L.I.V.E., view his wonderful and whimsical portfolio, find out about his books and view his sculpture too--I know...I told you he was talented--all on his website RutlandArt.com Now go meet him!

I will leave you with a few more photos of the fair, complete with the nearby cemetery.

Tomorrow is Wednesday Worship--changed from Worshipful Wednesday because it's just easier to say and type! On Thursday I'll share some of the other photos from our Sunday drive through the country and then, of course, there's Fingerprint Friday! Hope to see you later in the week!

Important Blog Update: This just in from a friend who knows: The wooden structures at the P.L.U.M. campground are not cabins. They are tents. Who knew? Well, obviously, not me! LOL Never knew tents were made of wood. Learn something new each day. I figure that only about .1% or probably less, of the people who read my blog would know the difference but since at least one person of that .1%, mentioned that I got it wrong, I felt I should correct it. I mean for all I know all Methodists call cabins, tents...and I am not putting down Methodists...I used to be one as a child and I love the Methodist church. Anyway, I like to get things right...it's important... so anywhere you see "cabin" in the above post, please read it as "tent." And just so you aren't confused, the white, canvas tents in the photos are tents, they are not cabins either. Thanks. : )