All Hallow's Eve

Fondly remembering their love. 

#AllHallowsEve

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Tender Medicine

I'm still so enjoying my Soul Call "Story" Cards.  This reading is one that evolved over 

the span of several days.  Each day, I'd pull a card (or two) and see what unfolded.  

Today I spent some time with them to see what wisdom Mama Grace and the angels 

might be whispering to me for the upcoming days.  

.      .      .

The miracle is your dream is the dream of all of your ancestors.

Be open and curious, child, your dreams are the miracle.

The miracle, dear child, is that your dreams for healing and relief can come true, lifting 

you up to a new level of Grace.  You are becoming a crone.

.      .      .

The miracle *is* is isn't just a dream.  The Grandmothers and Grandfathers *are* calling

you to Listen, Listen, child.  They want to lift you up onto their shoulders.  They want 

to love and support you thru this holy Month of Remembrance. 

.      .      .

In time and with practice, dear child, you have learned to listen well for the medicine 

that is needed.  What if, for now, the Hope is in giving to yourself and letting the rest 

go?

.      .      .

Listening is the medicine that restores and heals, lifting me back up on the road, the

journey that is my life.

.      .      .

Notice what Graces are offering themselves to you now, listening and looking for those

unearned and unimagined.  Undreamed wonders can lift and heal your broken child's

heart.

.      .      .

Grace is providing the restorative medicine your tender, aching heart, body, and soul 

require to be healed.  To be ready and able to live the dream that you and your

ancestors are laying and have laid at your feet.  

It can be a burden if you don't allow room and time for you to be supported and lifted.  

Be still, child, and listen for Mama Grace's voice of love, protection, safety, cleansing 

antiseptics, and soothing salves and balms.

You are being restored and loved and tended and listened to and supported and loved.

The miracle is this time is a gift - time you didn't think you needed or wanted - and yet

here you are and here it is.

Bask and Abide and Trust.

Blessed Be.

.         *           .

Soccer Finale

Our soccer players and their trophies. 

We sure enjoyed watching both of them play this season!

.          *         .

Morning Glory

❤️   .     🍁   .     ❤️

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 21 ~ A Self-Portrait

Hubby and I had the pleasure 

of visiting a sunflower farm on Tuesday. 

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 20 ~ Soft

Ah, the pure pleasure of chilly fall morning moments 

snuggled up in a soft simulated suede down comforter. 

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 19 ~ Through the Window

And!!

There were yummy Wendy's chocolate Frostys 

to be picked up after we passed these roses. 

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 18 ~ I Made This

It brings me great pleasure 

to pull out this little fall-themed tabletop quilt 

that I made several years ago. 

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 17 ~ My Favorite Time of Day

One of my absolute favorite times of the day 

is my walk to the mailbox, 

especially on a glorious autumn afternoon. 

#shutterhappy 

#nofilter

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Black & White Challenge ~ Day 7

No people. 

No explanation.

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 16 ~ A Treat

Having long enjoyed watching cooking shows, 

I was delighted when Valerie Bertinelli started one. 

Her playful sense of humor 

and welcoming way 

makes spending time in her kitchen with her 

a real treat. 

#shutterhappy

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Black & White Challenge ~ Day 6 of 7

No people. 

No explanation.

.           *           .

Black & White Challenge ~ Day 5 of 7

No people. 

No explanation. 

.         *         .

Shutter Happy ~ Day 15 ~ View From My Rest

(so grateful my "time between jobs" allows for naps)

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 14 ~ Nature

Hands down, Fall is my very favorite season of the year. Growing up on the Texas prairie 

where there weren't many trees, we often made an annual family pilgrimage to New Mexico. 

We oohed and ahhed at the glorious golden aspens and took many a picture. Smiling fondly 

because even tho we knew from years of experience that a photo can never quite capture 

Autumn's beauty?  We still tried (and tried 😉).

I also very much enjoyed visiting what I came to fondly refer to as "The Cauliflower Hills." 

The reds, oranges, golds, and greens covering the large hills on either side of the road sang 

out to my heart. In my mind's eye, each bush resembled a cauliflowerette and, nestled 

together, they looked like a cheerful patchwork quilt in a "head of cauliflower" pattern.


I talked to Daddy this afternoon and he said that my beloved "Cauliflower Hills" are located 

on the small road heading south from Taos, NM to the tiny town of Mora, probably actually 

more south of Mora (on 518). He said he thinks all of the cauliflowerettes are probably 

scrub oak. 　

What a delight to now have leaves of many colors in my own front yard! Well, she adds 

with a twinkling grin, that is until leaf raking time. 😉

Who knew there were so many leaves up there?! 

❤️   .   🍁   .   💛   .   🍂   .   ❤️

#shutterhappy

.         *         .

Black & White Challenge ~ Day 4 of 7

No people. 

No explanation. 

.        *         .

Shutter Happy ~ Day 13 ~ Something Good to Eat

Last night's bowl of warm Roasted Butternut Squash Soup 

was nourishing to both body and soul, 

as was the time spent making it. 

Such good medicine for an aching heart 

to take a screen break 

and focus on peeling root vegetables, 

roasting them, 

and simmering them with vegetable broth and spices. 

. . . . . 

Garlic toast and a cup of milk 

were the perfect soul-satisfying accompaniments. 

#shutterhappy

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Fond Farewell, Fr. Ray

Rest In Peace, dear friend. 

Thank you for all of your love and support 

during a very brutal time in my life. 

I love you. 

❤️

Fr. Ray was originally from Vermont and was one of 3 priests that came from that diocese 

to serve in Amarillo where I was born and raised.

He was a priest in Perryton when I met him at a high school retreat.  A very kind soul who 

took an interest in me and we traded letters for many years. I still remember how nice it was 

to find a letter from him tucked up in my small college post office box that didn't see much 

mail. 

He was such a blessing in my life, supporting me in gentle ways at a time when not many 

folks knew how to, much less what to say. A true angel.

  💜

While I don't remember the words we shared, I do remember the deep solace and reassurance 

that I found in our relationship.

He'd been ill for a long while and Tadd and I tried to visit him while in town several years 

back but it didn't work out.

It was sad that he didn't remember me when we spoke on the phone but that's ok, she says 

thru tears, because I remember him and our friendship. And I was so touched that he was 

still his sweet self when we spoke, offering me a blessing. 

❤️

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Black & White Challenge ~ Day 3 of 7

No people. 

No explanation.

.          *          .

Black & White Challenge ~ Day 2 of 7

No people. 

No explanation.

.          *         .

Shutter Happy ~ Day 12 ~ A Hobby

It brings me great pleasure to pair a quote 

or a prayer that I love with pretty clip art.

Another favorite hobby of mine 

is collecting hearts. 

❤️

#shutterhappy

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Black & White Challenge ~ Day 1 of 7

No people. 

No explanation.

.          *          .

Shutter Happy ~ Day 11 ~ Lights

Twinkle lights, angels, and Grace, 

all calming balm

#shutterhappy 

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 10 ~ Prized Possession

This sweet little angel was a delightful surprise 

from Darlin' Hubby a few Valentine's Days ago. 

 Seeing her on the card shop's shelf, 

he thought she might be a perfect accompaniment 

to his annual promise of roses. 

I have cherished her ever since 

and she has become my teacher. 

I love the way she just quietly stands in her place and shines. 

She doesn't overextend or underextend. 

She simply, peacefully offers what she has, 

trusting it is enough. 

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 9 ~ Play

Something that is very much play for me is creating little vignettes especially, she

says with a twinkly smile, when I have new things to include. Archangel Chamuel 

is a new angel to me and I have a feeling that I shall enjoy getting to know him. 

With Peace being my word for 2015, perhaps he already knows me? ❤️

. . . 

This little scene speaks to me of "As best you can in each moment, Mirror Peace, 

Brave Heart, and Peace will come back to you. (Hope, Grace, and Mercy, too.)"

. . .

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 8 ~ Favorite Book

Being a cradle Catholic and a farmer's daughter, 

the ongoing cycle of the seasons of the year 

speaks to me in a deep way 

so the metaphor of the wheel of the year 

is a natural one for me. 

This book has been a lovely companion 

both honoring and cultivating that. 

I especially enjoy reading each month's intro 

where she shares more about the holidays and traditions 

that fall in that particular month 

and, when known, some of the origins of each one.

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 7 ~ [Pale] Yellow

🌻  . 💛

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 6 ~ Fave Spot in my House

My favorite place in our home is this corner where my comfy, 40-year-old rocker 

recliner lives. Brown tweed clad and already broken in just right when Granddaddy 

gave it to me, it's now covered in this beautiful mariner blue. Smiling fondly as it 

provides my favorite view, too.

The wooden side table parked between where darlin' hubby and I sit often holds a 

lit candle, an angel or two, and a favorite mug. Tucked on the shelf underneath are 

many current favorite book companions, all within easy reach. 

My treasured Grace tiles are on the south wall of our living room. Below them is 

the charming wooden heart quilt rack that my brother made for me one Christmas. 

Nestled on its shelf is a choir of angels, twinkle lights, and a lantern. Hanging below 

is the beautiful farm-themed quilt made especially for me by my sister several years 

ago.

In the far corner, above the dinette set that my father-in-law sat at as a small child 

is one of my most treasured angels. From her place of honor (I can see her when 

working in my kitchen as well), she peacefully reminds and reassures me of my 

Moma's constant loving presence in my life. 

In front of me and a little to my right is my cherished Quartet of Grace gathered 

around and always looking over their red oil lamp "daughter," quietly reminding 

me to Abide.

Blessed be. 

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 5 ~ Clouds

It's been cloudy all day today as the edges of Hurricane Nate's outer bands 

begin to sweep into our area. 

. . . . . . . . 

Sending warm thoughts and prayers to those in his path.

(It's looking like near Mobile, AL)

 🌬   .   🙏🏻   .   💜 

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 4 ~ Favorite Color

Remember when it was Orange that seemed to be winking at me 

every time I turned around? 

 🏮   .   🍊

Well now it appears that light purple is gathering around me
in a playful game of Ring Around the Rosies. 

☂️   .   💜

This makes me so very happy as lavender 

was my beloved grandma's favorite. 

(Plus I am so much more drawn to this color, 

a combination of my first and second faves, blue and pink. 😉)

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 3 ~ Someone Who Makes Me Smile

Taking a moment to say "hey" to Mary 

always brings a warm smile.

👋🏻   .   ❤️   .   🙏🏻

(As does finding a new angle of her) 

#shutterhappy

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 2 ~ Something that I Wear

It brings great delight 

to be able to wear one of the special word companions 

that have become quite dear to me on any given day.

...

And sometimes? 

 It's just the little Light I need to help get me thru. 

#shutterhappy

...

Grace - 2008 - 2011 

(plus my fond nickname for my HP)

(Mercy - 2012)

Enough - 2013

Hope - 2014

Peace - 2015

Abide - 2016

(Grounded - 2017)

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Shutter Happy ~ Day 1 ~ Favorite Morning Beverage

Today is the feast day of our Guardian Angels and this chilly, cloudy fall morning calls 

for a steaming cup of creamy chai.

As I silently sip and still, I am softly adding my voice to the melancholy chorus of 

whispered prayers.

Smiling tenderly as these 2 beautiful lovelies were a gift from my precious Moma. 

They remind me fondly of her and me. 

🕯. ❤️. 🙏🏻

#shutterhappy

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