“either you take in believing in miracles or you stand still like the hummingbird.”
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A simple watercolor project with watercolor paper and I expensive paints, a big brush and a fine brush, (papa bear and baby bear brushes) water, and a stencil.
Because I am a hoarder… I mean, a collector of anything that can be used for an art project, I had some sticks and twigs from my yard or from flowers that I’ve received as gifts. Never waste a fine stem.
“Life is one grand sweet song, so start the music.”
~Ronald Reagan
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It was a grand sweet week, and “the band played on.”
A week in a grand peek…
“Life is one grand sweet song, so start the music.”
~Ronald Reagan
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It was a grand sweet week, and “the band played on.”
A week in a grand peek…
“Goodness is something chosen. When a man cannot choose he ceases to be a man.”
― Anthony Burgess
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Another awesome Sunday. My heart is full with so many blessings and wonderful people in my life. You know who you are.
Today’s Gospel was the story of the Jesus replying to the Pharisees and scribes who questioned why some of His disciples were not respecting the tradition of washing their hands before eating. He called them hypocrites who honor with words but not their hearts. They teach lessons of human commandments….
8 You put aside the commandment of God to observe human traditions.’14 He called the people to him again and said, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand.15 Nothing that goes into someone from outside can make that person unclean; it is the things that come out of someone that make that person unclean.21 For it is from within, from the heart, that evil intentions emerge: fornication, theft, murder,22 adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride, folly.23 All these evil things come from within and make a person unclean.’
My take on it… God knows what’s in your heart. Actions speak louder than words. Goodness comes from within, not from what appears on the outside.
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After Mass, a quick stop for coffee and conversation with Helene and Jerry. Oh, and lots of silliness and joking around. The rest of my afternoon was awesome and quiet.
Before I knew it, it was time for an evening walk. I got in 2.2 miles and captured another awesome sunset.
Look at those stunning clouds. Wow! Happy Sunday, my friends.
”The sun shall shine in ages yet to be, The musing moon illumine pastures dim, And afterwards a new nativity for all who slept the dreamless interim.”
~Natalie Crane
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Thursday afternoon, I spent a couple of hours or more sketching in the Sanctuary. I’ve already done all the Rose windows, a sculpture, the mosaic dove, and the crucifix. So, after lighting my candle, I walked the side perimeters of stained glass windows in search of my next religious reference. So many choices. I finally was inspired by the window of The Nativity. A perfect choice.
“Be willing to share your blessings. The only riches that last are the ones that are given away.”
-David Khalil
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Tada! Today was our Towne Creek Senior Art Group. Such a nice group of ladies who love to learn new painting techniques and draw and just have fun with arts and crafts. Helene and I bring food and drinks and snacks and we just party all afternoon, 2-6 pm.
Around 5 pm, Helene and I prepare our feast. But, while they are working, we have snacks and cookies.Today, the feast was pizza 🤦♀️, lemonade, unicorn pudding (rainbow cupcake flavor), and root beer floats for dessert.
I set the oven for 380, and popped in the pizzas around 5pm. About ten minutes went by, and the smoke detector above the oven started to sound with a piecing chirp. Oh no! There was no smoke, so we opened the door and started fanning the ceiling with large plastic trays. Chirp! It continued. Helene and I took turns fanning at the annoying detector. We were afraid it would set off the alarm and then the cute firemen would have to come and all 50 residents would have to evacuate. We kept fanning. I turned off the oven when the pizzas were almost done. Miss Fay went up to her apartment and got a big fan and we placed it on the floor facing up and the annoying chirping alarm. What gives?
Well, you probably guessed. We finally figured out that it was the low battery chirp because it never did stop. 🤦♀️ what are the chances it would happen when we started baking pizzas. Maintenance is gone until Monday, so it will keep chirping until then.
It was a good day. A little strange, but good. I was so tired when I got home, I threw myself on my bed for an hour, just to get off my feet. Did I mention that I also entertain the ladies with dancing the “Cupid Shuffle” and singing “Proud Mary?” I brought my karaoke microphone. I told them that I would keep singing until they paid me to stop. I got a few offers. That’s my new idea. I think I could make good money by singing, and people would pay to stop. My new career.
Happy Friday, my friends. CHEERS!
Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It’s the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.
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I love this quote. It sounds like something I would write. I guess Miss Sharon beat me to it. It’s been a nostalgic week, looking back at old photos and videos.
“It’s amazing all the sights and sounds you will encounter if you get out of bed before noon. Just sayin’ for a friend.🤦♀️”
I actually went to bed before midnight last night. That doesn’t happen often. My eyes opened somewhere after 7 am, and I got myself moving by 7:30. I decided that it would be a good idea to get a morning walk in before the treacherous Texas heat swooped in. Then, I could walk a little in the morning and a little at night.
Well, I was pretty proud of my walking activity today. So many sights and sounds.
“Maybe you can’t go back in time, but memories and photos can take you back there for a little while.”
Toni Armenta Andrukaitis
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This morning, I went upstairs to my library/office to look for a large mailing envelope and a book. I promised my granddaughter that I would send her a unicorn bandana. One for her and one for her sister. As not to waste all that postage on just two bandanas, I decided to mail one of the many children’s books that I’ve collected over the years… even before I had grandchildren.
While looking for just the right book to send, I ran across several boxes of old photos. Oh no! I opened each box and reminisced and smiled at old friends, family from years ago, previous homes, sunsets, and old art projects. Then, I ran across a photo that really made me smile and I wanted to share.
The time sure does fly by, but as long as I have these photos and fond memories, I can TIME TRAVEL anytime I want to. LOVE YOU GUYS!
“It happens to everyone as they grow up. You find out who you are and what you want, and then you realize that people you’ve known forever don’t see things the way you do. So you keep the wonderful memories, but find yourself moving on.”
― Nicholas Sparks
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Today is the 7th anniversary of the day I moved into my new house. August 23rd, was also the day that I got married in 1975. The marriage didn’t last, even though 39 years is a long time for someone to decide, “Gee, I’m just not happy. We got married too young.” Ya think that would have come up in 39 years? But, as is my good fortune, I landed on my feet, moved into my brand new house, and started my new life. One of my miracle days. I have to say, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Here’s a week in a peek… and a flashback….
Toni Andrukaitis 