Funny that BLUE is not my Favorite Color

You Are a Blue Crayon

Your world is colored in calm, understated, deep colors. You are a loyal person, and the truest friend anyone could hope to find. On the inside, you tend to be emotional and even a bit moody. However, you know that people depend on you. So you put on a strong front. Your color wheel opposite is orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying.

What Color Crayon Are You?

The Next Best Thing to Being There, Venting, and Watercolor Class

1. It is still remarkable to me that through the modern invention of the telephone I can talk to someone 1500 miles away and they will sound like they are in the same room with me! It truly is a blessing that my dear and long-time friend, that I have not seen or spoken to in years, rang me up this morning and it just felt like old times. She sounded the same as I remember and I'm pleased to know she is happy and doing so well. The telephone. It really is The Next Best Thing to Being There!

2. According to my dear hubby, I can cook up a batch of old-fashioned Fried Chicken tonight. The contractors are here, as I write, installing a range hood and vented outside through the roof. I never liked cooking in a kitchen without a fan to draw the odors and fine grease spatters out! After all, I just painted. So, dear hubby may be correct....Fried Chicken may be on the menu tonight.

3. Am always happy and excited when another round of watercolor classes begins! Starting Tuesday I will be back at it and am anxious to learn new techniques and striving to perfect the skills I have.

To all of you who cast your vote to name my studio......the winner is:

Thank you very much and I hope you enjoy this little illustration I have created.

Art Paint Scribble #1 (click here)

Writing Letters, Job, and More Fun

1. Poured myself a cuppa tea and sat down to write a letter to a long-time friend. A pen, a sheet of paper and a postage stamp......yup! an old-fashion hand-written letter! It felt good and I think I'll do it again!

2. My dear son arrived home this afternoon, with a smile on his face, and announced that he has a new job! Wonderful! New and fresh starts are always good for the soul!

3. Found something fun for you, my friends, to do while you're here visiting! In the sidebar there is a new gadget (really a widget) to play with. Go ahead scribble in it, draw me a picture (a nice one) and click the save button. It will be saved online.

Found something new and fun!

Hey if you like to sketch, check out Sketch Swap

The Coffee or The Cup

My father sent this to me and I'd like to share it with all of you. There are times that I do not enjoy "looking into the mirror" and seeing my reflection, but we all must do so, if we are to mature and find joy and happiness in this life here.

The Coffee or The Cup!

This really is profound, I am going to try and keep this in mind the next time I feel "stressed".....

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us." God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee!

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything." Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Fresh Bread, Little Helper, and Puppy

1. The aroma of fresh bread (foccacia w/parmesan, to be exact) from the oven. Mmmmm...so good, in fact, I bought one and when I got into the car, I tore off a large chunk and proceeded to eat it right away! So much for dinner...................:)

2. I went grocery shopping this morning and a young boy of about 12 approached me in front of the soups and asked "Where is the tomato soup?" I pointed it out and he grabbed two large cans and took off running. The next aisle over there he was again and asked me where another item was, grabbed it and took off running! This continued throughout my shopping and I observed him several times with his arms loaded down. When I got to the check-out stand there he was with a shopping cart piled high. He was alone, so I asked him if he got all of his shopping done, to which he replied "Yes, but I am worn out." As I pushed my cart out to unload my groceries, there he was again! This time unloading them into the back of a beat up pick-up. As he climbed into the truck (on the passenger side) I heard him say to the elderly woman in the driver's seat "That was sure fun, Grandma!"

3. A small yellow lab puppy on a leash, running round 'n round his owner's legs! I had to laugh!

My parents, Drive, and Memes

1. I believe that my parents are wonderful! I'm thankful that the good Lord placed me in their care and that they gave me the knowledge they have, that they love me, and now that "I'm all grown up" I can recognize it. Thank you, Mom and Dad!

2. After yesterday's overcast and soggy skies, I was thrilled to awake to sunshine! Driving in the beautiful sunshine is always refreshing!

3. I have been looking at several "Memes" to use on my blog, but was always a bit disappointed to find that they had no real value, no purpose, no meaning to me. What is a “meme”, you ask? According to Merriam-Webster Online, it is: An idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture.
In my opinion, that may be good...or, it may be bad! I wanted to find one that I could learn something from, that would cause me to think and maybe, just maybe, may cause my readers to think also. Finally, I believe I have found one that could be of use here. So, every Tuesday will be devoted to the Meme of my choice. And the winner is....................................Starting next Tuesday!

Is It a Bird?, New Blog Friends, and a little Jaunt

1. The little neighbor cat, whom I have aptly named Little Bell (since she wears a little bell on her collar) came to visit this morning. After saying hello and getting the daily pet, she jumped onto the fence and into the tree where she sat like a bird and watched the traffic meander by for 1/2 an hour.

2. I am enjoying a couple new friends I have met at Blog Catalog . Be sure to visit!

3. What a treat to go visiting loved ones!

Summer Showers, First Day of the Week, and the Votes Are In

1. All through the night, I could hear the water trickling down the water-spout outside my window. Not hard, but steady. Over my morning cup of coffee I watched the birds bathing in the "street baths" and puddles and acting happy as a lark (giggle). Summer showers are such a blessing. Giving life and refreshment to all that is living!

2. Today is the Lord's Day! Today I am blessed to assemble with the Lord's people and worship the one and only, true and living God.

3. Thank you to all who have cast your vote in order to help me name my painting studio. It has been neck n' neck throughout the last 2 weeks, but this morning one name has pulled ahead.............................(drum roll)........................THE WATER BUCKET STUDIO!

Rooster

Rooster, watercolor, 11 x 15

Whew! It's been awhile since I've posted a watercolor painting. I hope you enjoy this one I finished this morning.

Manners, Growth and Little Pilots

1. Today, my son brought home a very nice young man to meet me. A young man from the midwest with the nicest manners a mother could hope for. My son is polite also and I am happy to see that he is befriending young men who are aware of their place and show respect to others.

2. My own personal growth has become a priority and focus for me. Especially the use of my tongue. I don't have a problem with the language I choose to use, but where and when I voice my opinion or thoughts. It feels good to be able to walk away from a conversation without kicking myself for the things I have said that were destructive, uninvited, or even useless to the other person.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:35-37

Notice, the Lord said "...........every idle word..............." Sure, makes me want to be careful!

3. This past week when I go out to the porch in the mornings, I have been watching the hummingbirds. They are frantically storing up "fuel" for the long migration in the fall. They are fun to watch and amazing little pilots too!

Liberty, Mary, and Thursday Tacos

Name my studio! Only 2 days left to cast your vote!

1. My elderly neighbor, Liberty, is a wonderful little gal! Such a joy to talk with and she is the proud owner of my "alarm clock".....Cuthbert, the rooster that I wrote about in an earlier post.

2. I received a sweet comment on yesterday's post from Mary over at Across the Pond . I really do enjoy hearing from my readers, so keep the comments coming!

3. My dear hubby and I really like homemade tacos. We were talking this evening and we find it funny that we always seem to fix tacos on Thursdays and it's just one of the meals that we both enjoy fixing together.

To Know Me is to Love Me

I'm not a snob, but, I may be an INTROVERT. I found this description of myself at Crazy Dust in My Coffee

Introversion

"Remember, someone you know, respect, and interact with every day is an introvert, and you are probably driving this person nuts."

~ Jonathan Rauch

"I am an introvert.

This means that I prefer to be by myself. It’s not that I can’t or won’t talk with other people, it’s just that to recharge my batteries I need lots of time away from people. In solitude and quiet self-reflection. Alone.

This does not mean that I am weird or strange. It just means that I process information differently than extroverts do. Introverts think then speak, while extroverts think while speaking. It’s that simple.

This does not mean that I don’t care about others. It just means that hearing about the details of day-to-day existence for someone else tires me, so I don’t clamor to hear about someone else's life. Hence, you’ll get very few phone calls and very little chitchat from me. People wear me out.

This does not mean that I never socialize and that I am shy. It just means that I prefer smaller groups of people over larger groups of people. When faced with parties and big events I tend to fade into the background and/or get very quiet because I feel uncomfortable with all the movement and shallow talking that is going on around me. I get tired.

And finally, this does not mean that I am aloof or haughty. It just means that I look at things more deeply and then measure my words more slowly than extroverts. In reality, I’m the flexible, independent, responsible, creative and reflective soul who sits on the curb watching the parade go by, cheering the extroverts on, trying to make sense of it all. . . and wondering when I’ll be able to get back home to recharge."

Yard Work, Cast Iron, and Myrna Loy

1. Nobody can say that I am an avid gardener or even one who spends very much time with my fingers in the dirt, but it is a joy to awake on a summer morning and be blessed with the energy, time, and desire to do just that. Yesterday was glorious as my dear hubby was painting a bench for our porch (not too difficult of labor as to break open the cut he recently acquired) and I was trimming the shrubs, pulling weeds and "sprucing up" the yard! It is just a blessing to have a yard that I can call my own! Can't wait for spring!

2. Mmmmm..... a scrumptious pot roast cooked in an old, deep cast iron roaster (my latest garage sale find)!

3. Has been a treat to watch some old Myrna Loy movies. One of my favorites is Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. Go to MSN Myrna Loy
for a full listing of her films and other information.

Access, Birds, and Simple Things

1. Several days ago I woke up to find that my computer monitor had died in the middle of the night and I have been without internet access ever since. I know you all know how that makes one feel.......panic, at a loss, confusion, etc.! I quickly called around for prices and to my dismay found that the only thing that will fit into our budget at the moment, is an old CRT! Horror!!!! No Way!!!!! So after several days of being "detached", today I quickly ran to purchase the dreaded monstrosity (a box, 15 x 19) for $1 and placed it on my desk. It takes up my entire desk, so that I have to hold the keyboard on my lap, BUT I am connected again and I can write to all of you and let you know what I have been enduring. :) LOL!!!!! It is good to have internet access, once again!

2. Birdies, birdies, birdies! They are flying up and trying to get inside the birdhouses, even as my dear hubby is in the process of hanging them! They must make claim to the new homes before winter is upon them, I guess.

3. Why must the world make the simplest things in life so complicated? I must remind myself to BREATHE slowly......BREATHE slowly.......this is a simple thing.

My son, Ladies who know when to give a hug, The End Call button

1. I love my son. I will support my son. I know my son will make right and good choices for himself and they will be pleasing to God.

2. It is wonderful and endearing when with a group of ladies, one will just know, instinctively, when you are in need of a hug, a squeeze of the hand, or just a kind word.

3. I am so thankful for telephones. They are very handy when you need to call a friend over for a cup of tea and crumpets, ask the doctor for an appointment, find out what movies are playing, etc. But I also am thankful for the End Call button! I don't know about of you, but I have noticed a new fad in telemarketing. The incessant "Customer Appreciation" calls are on the rise! You know how they go......."Hello Mrs. So-and-So. I'm Buffy with such-and-such company and I am not selling anything today, but our company noticed you are such a wonderful customer we would like to show you our appreciation by sending you free coupons in the mail. I assure you there are no strings attached. In 30 days we will enroll you in our free coupon program that will be delivered promptly to your home every month to use as you wish. Your credit card will only be charged $5.99. " The first 4 or 5 calls like this I was very polite, but when every company you have ever heard of begins calling with the same blathering, I will be honest, I have lost my polite tone with them. Just today I interrupted the caller and told her to not bother with her speel, as I was not interested in her offer and that I was only interested in her taking my name and number off her list. Her reply? "Oh! Don't get upset! I'll call you back tomorrow!" So much for customer appreciation. Needless to say, I am thankful for the End Call button.

New window coverings, Bell, and Solitude

1. Had a lovely pair of vintage drapes and nowhere to hang them. Since they were 96" long, I didn't want to be cutting them up. I knew I would be able to use them one day. They measured 42" wide at the bottom and 24" wide at the top w/pleats. Well, in the new home I didn't have any coverings for our sliding glass door off the dining room, so I had a FLASH! I opened up the pleats, cut 9" off the top and sewed these into tabs and TA! DA!, I now have a beautiful window covering for the dining room. :)

2. The cat that lives across the street is a fun one to watch, especially in the morning. We have alot of birds in the neighborhood and she sits under a wooden bike jump ramp, waiting for the birds to fly in close to her. She comes flying out from under it, with paws swinging! The problem is she can never catch her prey.........she wears a bell (thus, the name I have given her).

3. For the past 1 1/2 years we have lived in the noisiest places! One block off a major highway, in the middle of town, and 1/2 a block from the local "watering hole". Then on a major thoroughfare, where the speed is posted 45, but the drivers travel at 60 and up. Today, I am taking in the peaceful quiet and solitude on our block (other than Cuthbert crowing and Bell's bell) ............. mmmmm, it's very refreshing!

Word from a friend, Visit from a friend, and Painting Time

1. Yesterday I opened my email and was thrilled to have received word from a dear friend that she would be arriving today and would stop in for coffee and a nice visit. Who would pass up on that?

2. And yet, another friend (a new one) called this morning and announced that she would be visiting today also! In fact, she just left and I'm so glad she came by. It is so good to have friends!!!

3. I love my new studio and have finally wet my brushes again! Will post a new painting in a couple of days, so check back.

Cuthbert in the A.M., Sunshine, and My Studio

To those who in the past became loyal readers of my blog, only to find out that I did not keep up with it, I apologize and hope that you will come back again. After several months of steering away from my 3 Blessings a Day, I am re-committing to meditating on the blessings I receive from The Lord daily and posting here more frequently. I also want to begin posting more paintings also. I have so much to be thankful for and I could never count them all.....they are innumerable!

1. In our new home, waking up in the morning is such a pleasurable treat! The little elderly lady that lives behind us has a pet rooster named Cuthbert. Besides the fact, that I love those old names, I also appreciate Cuthbert. Anywhere between 4:30 and 6:30 AM every morning, he starts off his crowing and sometimes it can go on for an hour. So far, Cuthbert has caused me to awake with a smile on my face every morning!!!!!!! There is something so sweet about awaking to the sound of him crowing; it is far better than any man-made alarm clock.

2. Bright, beautiful and healing light streaming in through the living room window in the morning!

3. I have spent the last year painting at the kitchen table. Dragging my paint and supplies out and then stuffing it all away when the dinner bell rings. I've had no where to store my paintings. But, today, I have my own room. My own painting studio, where I can leave it all out and paint whenever I want! WOW! Please, help me name it by voting in the Voting Booth to your right.

I DIDN'T LIFT A FINGER TODAY!

Well, of course, I have lifted a finger today! BUT, I did not do any heavy lifting, hammering, shoving boxes, or any labor involving anything beyond what I wanted to do. Wonderful! Once in awhile and especially after spending the last 2 1/2 wks prepping our new home (scrubbing, painting, carpeting, and did I say, scrubbing?) and of course the enjoyable moving itself, one MUST have a bit of respite. And, I am very pleased with the outcome of our new home; it does feel like a place of refuge. Above and below gives you a small peek of the parlor ( giggle.........the living room ).


This morning, a new and dear friend came for coffee and she brought the muffins and we just sat and talked. Getting to know one another better is so important in order for a friendship to grow, I think. I was so surprised and pleased when she brought me a gift of a teacup and saucer from her own collection; what a sweet gift! She also brought me a dishcloth hand crocheted by her daughter. Who could ask for a more lovely friendship?

Let's see.......I did a load or two of laundry, put 3 artichokes in the crockpot to cook, ran a few quick errands, and then curled up on the sofa to begin a new read.

A few minutes ago, I got up and entered my "new watercolor studio" and checked out a blog I've been enjoying reading....Lynne's Little Corner of the World . It's a book blog and if you are a reader, you should visit her there. I think you might enjoy it too.

BTW, I have been contemplating a name for my watercolor studio. I have narrowed it down to 2 possibilities and I would like your opinion. Just so you know, as you can see in the pictures of my studio, on my painting table my water bowl (dish, receptacle, whatever) is an old porcelain enamel "potty", so that is where the inspiration for my 2 choices have come from. I've placed a voting poll on the side, so PLEASE VOTE and help me out!


I wanted to tell you that soon I will have a new 37" Flat-panel LCD HDTV from Best Buy! How's that for positive thinking? LOL! Really, you can enter to win one at 5 Minutes for Mom
Go ahead! Someone will win it!

It is so good to be back! I have been away from my blog for so long and I am planning to blog and paint more frequently now, so keep checking back!