August Break :: August was . . .

. . . my third year to participate in the August Break 

which really feels like play. 

I so enjoy the treasure hunt and creativity of working with prompts, 

looking back at the everyday moments captured over the past month, 

and sharing the journey with others. 

❤

Thanks for tagging along!

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Unicorn

 Don't have one so thought I'd try drawing one!  

🦄

#augustbreak2016 

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July 13 :: Photo at an Angle

Cherish Heart(s)

💕

.          *         .

It was interesting to notice How. Much. I. Struggled. with this prompt!  I had such a hard 

time settling on something I was willing to let be at an angle.  

The angel hanging from my rear-view mirror?  No. She looks like she's flying crooked. 

My mug?  Nope. Looks like my water will all spill out. 

The trees on my way home? Well, that's jus' wrong!  🙃

And those are all photos I actually tried!!  😉

It's all grist for the mill.  

💕  

Meaning it's good to be aware of my discomfort and, when I can, it never hurts to try 

nudging myself a little bit outside my comfort zone. 

And on the days when I just can't because I find order to be a soothing comfort that 

I need?  

Well, that really is ok, too. 

Because you know what?  There will always be another opportunity. 

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July 10 :: Colorful

This is my beautiful patchwork quilt made especially for me by my sister, Lisa. 

With so many of our other family members, as a gift of her time and talent, she's expertly 

guided each one in making a quilt of their very own. From helping them to select well-

coordinated fabrics, carefully cutting out all of the pieces, and then patiently sewing them 

together, she's been there every step of the way, always the enthusiastic and encouraging 

teacher. 

With us living so far away and our visits back always going so fast, she delighted me with 

this wonderful surprise several years ago. 

Knowing how much I miss our family and our shared history with the Texas prairie, she 

intentionally chose farm-themed fabrics and stitched them together with love.  I'm so very 

proud of her sweet gift and enjoy seeing it hanging from its place of honor every single day 

from right here in my chair. 

❤️

And would you believe, she asks with a warm twinkle, that I'm still finding the smiles she 

so thoughtfully pieced, pressed, and tucked inside?

Yes. 

I thought you might. 

😉

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Everyday Beauty :: Evidence of Where I Came

. Growing up with peacocks on our farm was always such fun. I love that Daddy still keeps 

  them on his homestead and I'm so grateful he thought to send me home with a handful of 

  feathers one year.

. My First Communion book says the special day was April 13, 1969 and my faith remains 

  an integral part of who I am.

. The gold "D" on the same chain as my cross was Moma's last (tangible) gift to me. Before 

  she died she had the diamonds from the wedding ring Daddy gave her mounted on each one 

  of our initials and gave them to us on Christmas Eve 1996.

. Angels have long had a very special meaning for me and I chose this one because we prayed 

  before every meal as a family and still do.

. I love the blessed peace of candlelight which always speaks to me of hope (whether I realize 

  it in the moment or not).

. My black lantern has Stars on it, reminding me of the vast Texas Prairie sky that I grew up 

  under.

. The piece of cement "stone" anchoring my tableau is from the old farmhouse where I did 

  most of my growing up and still have such fond memories of.

❤️

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Being Seen :: Mirror Meditation

Ever since I bought it over 3 years ago for my first time taking Liz's mirror meditation 

e-course, my black, handheld mirror has been right here beside my blue chair. Because of 

our visit to Texas to see my family last week, today is the first day I've actually taken some 

time with it since we began. 

Having been at it awhile, I've come to deeply appreciate this practice and it brought a soft 

smile to really see myself again this afternoon.  Smiling because as soon as I looked at my 

reflection I found myself greeting my eyes with a warm "hello there!"  

I like this picture and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the black side can be used 

as a mirror too!  I really love that my quartet of guardian angels surrounding my sweet red 

oil lamp (my little altar reminding me of my word for this year, Abide) can be seen in the 

image as well. 

I wanted to tuck in a little encouragement, too, since I really do know that it can be quite 

uncomfy to take self-portraits, especially at first. 

For whatever it's worth, finding new ways and angles to take photos is like creative play 

for me. I just happen to be the subject. 😉  And for this eldest girl child, who has spent 

a lifetime focusing on seeing others and tending to their needs first (and often 

"exclusively"), this has been a very good practice for me. 

I also wonder if focusing on composition (how I'm setting up the photo - so what gets 

included in the frame and what doesn't) helps to take some of the pressure off. 

As I press "post," know that I am sending a little love to all of us as we find our way 

... together.

 ❤️

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It's a Party!

We celebrated our 2 nieces (ages 3 and 5) January birthdays today! Yay! 

I enjoyed cross stitching these sweet little bear ballerinas 

and had a grand time dressing up their gift bags with them. 

And boy, oh boy!, did they both enjoy

the pink kiddie cameras tucked inside.

.              *           .

Trust (in) Grace

The core values that light my way.

#livingbrave

.          *           .

Nativity Surprise

Who says a chicken can't be part of a manger scene?

(See him on the roof?)

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9 of My Favorite Moments in 2015

1. Time with my sweet Tadd (always)
2. Our St. Augustine beach trip in June
3. Wearing my special necklace made by my sweet girl
4. Warm smiles when I see that my swing is back up thanks to my Daddy
5. Peace has been my gentle word companion and teacher this year
6. Watching and witnessing Little Sister's Fall transformation
7. Daddy & Brenda's visit in October
8. Praying in Color while sitting with my wooden spiral Advent wreath
9. Spending the month of remembrance (November) with 4 dear women who have 

    passed beyond the veil 

.              *            .

Our Advent Journey is Complete

.           *           .

Operation Chocolate Chip Cookie

Smiling and remembering 

my dear, beloved Grandma 

as I tell you that, 

between yesterday and today, 

I made 13 dozen plus 3 

chocolate chip cookies.

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Morning Advent-ing

.               *               .

3rd Sunday of Advent

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Blessing Basking :: Day 30

Today I am grateful 

for my beautiful, wooden Advent spiral wreath 

and 

for another lovely "Praying in Color" Advent calendar. 

#prayingincolor

It's not too late to join me.

http://prayingincolor.com/advent-calendar-templates-a-countup-to-christmas

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Beginning

Potholder experiment

.            *           .

Morning Buttons

Buttons

on my favorite, faded, summery gown,

our alarm clock (boo!),

and my curling iron.

 

.      *      .

 

One of our tween goddaughters now has her first phone!

Grinning because she went and found another photo challenge

for us and invited her aunts (my sisters)

to join us.

 

While I won't be able to be as regular as last month,

I told her I'd play when I could.

 

(How can I resist?) 

 

.             *              .

 

 

Beautiful Late Summer Morning Haiku

 

Warm, moist heaviness

Summer's palpable presence

Caressing bare skin

 

.              *             .

 

August Break 2015 :: Last Year

  

This is my very favorite mandala 

that I made last year.

(And it was a very happy surprise!)

I so love the notion 

of Grandmothers watching over 

and caring for our earth, 

holding us all 

in their circle of love and prayers. 

.            *             .

August Break 2015 :: Notebook[s]

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