On Your Mark, Get Set.....

Hubby and I are preparing for a little R & R get away. I so love "playing" with my husband. This year we decided to celebrate Octoberfest in the hill country of Texas. I decided I needed a drindl (traditional German garb for women) so started hunting for one my size. After seeing the price of the little darlings I decided to make one. Then after I finally found a pattern that appeared to fit I found a friend who tailors and make clothing sought out her help. She said, "yes" and we were off. I chose coordinating "clown" fabrics for the dress so that I could use it again when I got home! It's so adorable. Friends who can help and are willing to do so are so rare! What a blessing.

During all this fun I noticed hubby scanning the computer. Now mind you he does check email from time to time and writes articles for our ministry newsletter, but on the whole unless he has car issues he doesn't spend a great deal of time online. There was something different in his countenance while he surfed the web. I came over to where the laptop was set up and noticed he was on eBay looking for lederhosen (the traditional German garb for men). Boy was I surprised!!! I said, "Who are you and what have you done to my husband?" He was looking in earnest at them, but he just couldn't make himself press the "Commit to buy" button. Lederhosen are made of leather and are quite pricey! So just as it is with most of the larger purchases, I pressed the "Commit to buy" and the rest was downhill. He ordered a special shirt. Then he went to a local department store and bought knee highs in bright green. He had me find a traditional green fedora with the German accoutrement and order it. We ordered steins and now it's just a matter of a few days and we'll be off.

Oh I almost forgot. When I was looking for a hotel to stay at he said, "Find a B & B"! I'm still surprised at that one. So I found a tiny B & B cabin! Yay!!! The most exciting thing is that it has a tub. No more saying, "Calgon, take me away" in vain! I can actually buy bubble bath and use it! The idea of a couple nice long soaks in a tub is very soothing and yet exciting at the same time.

Last but not least I've collected everything I need to scrapbook the adventure. I have the album, paper, some embellishments and will put together a scrap kit this afternoon. I will take our little portable printer and print the pictures each evening. I don't know if I'll get any of it done while on the vacation, but I'll have what I need should the opportunity arise!

Oh, I almost forgot. I've been dreaming of German food too. I love jager schnitzel and wiener schnitzel and the "Lindenbaum" restaurant makes the best of both. I know there will be fun "oompah" bands, dancers, arts and crafts and so many other things to see and do. I can hardly wait.

It's almost time and I know both hubby and I are ready for this little trip.

Heralds Herald

God is the supreme gifter. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Everything we see was created by Him and given to us. His gifts are blessings or empowerments so we can accomplish His will.

As a herald I was created to herald whatever He wants heralded. To herald is to publish or proclaim. He wants His good news proclaimed. He has gifted me with many gifts in order to be effective in my heralding. I simply can not help but proclaim what He says to me.

It is challenging when folks either do not want to hear, are afraid of what is being said or are offended at the truth. I am tempted to be silent as far as the uninterested are concerned, but that isn't how God wants it done. He said "Go ye into ALL the world and preach the good news to every creature." I personally would give them just what they want...silence. Nevertheless, not my plan or way, but His.

The good news? That He loved the world so much that He gave (again with the giving) His only begotten Son. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have everlasting life. Sounds like a good deal to me, but millions are not taking it. Deal or no deal? It's up to each individual. To believe is to receive.

Blind Man Walking

Our bathroom nightlight is dead so it's become a challenge to find my way in the darkness each night. I was thinking about how most people walk in the darkness without God's will or ways in mind. His word tells us, "The entrance of His word brings light". I know personally when I have a real problem I can always go to Him and He promises to be with me in trouble. If I take the time to seek His will (in His word) He ALWAYS gives me an answer.

When you are blind you grow accustomed to the darkness. You begin to learn your dark environment and even grow "comfortable" with it. I would imagine you avoid new places and situations that require sight. You use your crutch in place of your eyes.

God sent Yeshua/Jesus to give sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf.Some say and believe that God is a crutch, but those are mockers and scorners. The fool says, "there is no God". Some choose to close their ears and eyes to God. I like being able to hear His voice and see the path ahead. May I never grow accustomed to darkness or silence. In all your ways acknowlege Him and He will direct your path!

All's Fair

It's the last day of the Permian Basin Fair and I've had a blast. I've met a load of wonderful people and made a bunch of cards. I've even had help from two young gals whose dad is demonstrating at the gem and mineral booth across from me.

I also had an opportunity to get to know my fellow Stampin Up rep, Donna Stanco! She's a sweet gal with loads of talent.




What a blessing to be chosen as a "Featured Artist". I thought I would demo a couple of times, but was given a booth for the entire fair.

Each day we have loaded and unloaded my art supplies in my trolley carts. Then we load up one of the three yellow wagons and so the day starts and ends. In just a few short hours it will be over. Tomorrow I will come pick up my artwork and ribbons. So fun!


I'm hoping to inspire my fellow PB & J gals to submit next year.

Fort Worth Fun

Time passes amazingly quick. A week ago Thursday I drove from Gardendale to Fort Worth for a Stampin Up Regional meeting. I don't love driving, but with a couple teaching CDs that hubby made and a new country gospel instrumental CD from Cracker Barrel I was set. I stopped in Abilene at their Cracker Barrel for lunch and before I knew it I had made my way to the hotel. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express which was a very nice hotel (all but their continental breakfast.) the staff was wonderful. I watched "dumb tv", ate yummy Chinese food that was delivered to the hotel, and vegged.

Friday morning I packed up my stuff, drove to the Fort Worth Convention Center and then to a close by valet parking garage. It was a strange sensation to surrender my car keys to complete strangers!!!

I walked a couple blocks (craft tote in hand) and found my Stampin Up people. I had a great time meeting more fellow reps, crafting, reinforcing business skills and getting away from all the routine of the farm.

Shelli Gardner was there and during a lull in the schedule she posed for snapshots. I used my cell (why didn't I use my camera?) and had a gal snap our picture.




I am enjoying this part of my life. I have so many wonderful girlfriends I am amazed. God has really blessed Jeff and I.

Afternoon Snooze

Ok I admit it. I love naps! There is nothing as refreshing as a power nap to finish the day off with "Vim" and "Vigor"! I personally have never met either, but without an occasional nap I wouldn't be able to be as artsy as I am.

I took a lovely nap this afternoon so now I can face a full evening of artistic endeavors.

My husband is not allowed to nap except in extreme situations. He also is not allowed whiskey or to fraternize with used car salesmen as all three have the same effect on him. (He is Cherokee, Lakota Sioux and Irish) Need I say more?

Naps are great for toddlers, wonderful for grannies and nit so great for certain husbands. I'm fired up for an evening of fun because I had mine!

Friday Artsy Fartsy Fun

How many of us get to take a day and set up art supplies and play AND meet people of like ilk? Tonight is the second to the last day at the 2010 Permian Basin Fair in Odessa, Texas. I was gifted with a booth of my very own at the fair. I set up my artsy fartsy supplies and play while people watch.

I'm not intimidated by people watching me create. If what I make stinks I simply file it in the trash. If it works I put it out for folks to see. I guess I have the attitude that it's just paper and paper is pretty temporary. Why sweat the small stuff or the temporal stuff?

I have a full day tomorrow of playing artist in public (again at the fair) and then it's back to "normal". What is normal for me? I don't have a real regular routine. I have 12 goats, 24 or so chickens (they hide so I haven't had a true count for a while), 2 ducks and cat and a dog. My husband takes the morning feeding shift sometimes and I take it others. He comes and goes as he is a "circuit riding preacher/missionary" so he leaves at different times to travel around his "circuit". When hubby is gone I care for the critters 24/7, when he is home he cares for them and I get my exercise by walking the farm and moving bales of hay or cleaning the chicken house.

It's the end of summer and I'm thrilled. I really dislike hot and Texas is hot during the summer.
I'm looking forward to fall as the temperature drops and life outside is more bearable.

I'm headed to town to play and then prep for more play tonight. It's going to be a good Friday. I see myself making cute owl cards tonight and maybe a bookmark or two. I know two little girls whose daddy has a booth. They get bored just sitting watching him, so they'll be over wanting to play with the artsy fartsy supplies as well. Should be fun times. Perhaps if I bring extra chairs more people will sit down and play with us.