Photo Friday...

A sweet note from my daughter!

Photo Friday...

A handmade chime I made for myself... I love it!

This is a cooperative blog I participate in with a friend. If you would like to see her Friday photo - here is her blog

http://gentlegull.blogspot.com/2016/01/photo-friday.html?m=1

A Rainy Day Beauty...

This is a cooperative blog - here is Pam's blog, check out her Friday photo! http://gentlegull.blogspot.com/2016/01/photo-friday-bird-watching.html?m=1

Why you, do or do not, watch the news...

 I have never been a big TV fan or a fan of reading the newspaper, even when I was a child and I haven't watched the news since before Princess Diana died. Her event always stands out in my mind because it was such a monumental headline and I didn't know about it until someone told me. Nothing has really changed since then. My life has always been ( since I was a child) full of drama, death and and dysfunction and watching and listening to the worlds issues has always been to much for me. I am aware of many things around me in my town/state/country but I can't be fully engaged with it. I try every once an awhile to watch the news and it sends me into a downward spiral of sadness and depression. I have always felt that if I choose to focus on the good in my life, the lives of those around me and always reading "good news" stories ( http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ ) that will do more good for the world then I could ever do drowning in and contributing to the other side.


This is a cooperative blog that my friend and I started to give us deeper things to thing about and ponder. If you would like to see what her opinion is on...  "Why or Why not" head on over to her blog: http://gentlegull.blogspot.com/2015/11/why-you-do-or-do-not-watch-news.html

Most Memorable Meal...

 

    I would have to say, hands down, the Thanksgiving meal. I have not taken jobs because they couldn't assure me I wouldn't get Thanksgiving day off. And anytime I've worked somewhere, I always tell them Thanksgiving is the "only" holiday I value and need off. It is to me, a pure holiday of no hype and centered around togetherness. And it's not so much the food as it is helping prepare it and coming together to gather with family and friends sharing the meal with one another.
    But with that said, I have to say a lot of my fond memories ( besides Thanksgiving) that stand out in my mind are gatherings where friends come together to share food and friendship. I just think there is something about food that connects people and offers comforter and nourishment to all those who come. Maybe that's why I enjoy preparing food for my family and friends. It connects me with happiness, joy, conversation, health, nourishment, caring, so many of the things I value in my life.

Dear "Former" Mother-in-Law...

Dear Former Mother-in-Law,
It is with bittersweetness that I write you this letter. You were in my life for more than twenty years. I knew you before I knew your son. Things were never perfect but what family situation is, but I always felt you were my cheerleader in my life. You were what my mother was unable to be for me, and I thank you for that. You enjoyed the grandchildren and family time, you rose to the occasion even when you didn't always feel good. We have been through a lot together and it is the good that I hold dear.
Things did not work out as I had hoped and I know it was not the outcome you had anticipated either, but always know ( and I know you do, deep in your soul,) even though we do not speak to one another anymore, that you are loved and hold a special place in my heart and the heart of your grandchildren.

Loving Always,
Nancy

What Really Matters...

"By making art, you will be recording what you are living through and what you are learning about it. A drawing and a sentence or two in a sketchbook turn those everyday moments into something significant. Your art will set a frame around it and give you perspective on what really matters."

I came across a book called "Art before Breakfast" (A billion ways to be more creative no matter how busy you are), by Danny Gregory. It was in my local library, which anyone who knows me knows how much I love the library. The quote above is from a sentence he wrote at the beginning of the book that I loved. I will probably write a few more as I continue to read the book. So far I'm enjoying the book and if nothing else it is a good reminder to what really matters!