Remembering 9-11

Remembering the tragic events of September 11.  May we always cherish the memory of those who were lost on that fateful day,and support and uphold the families who lost loved ones.  May we never let the importance and relevance of 911 lose its intensity.  Long may our flag wave o'er this land of the free and the brave.  And long may we treasure our country and the countless blessings that we have in this most wonderful of countries in the whole wide world.  Never let us become complacent.  May God continue to bless America.  And may He raise up God-fearing, Christian leaders to direct our nation to its once- glorious state.  Hold your families close and keep your eyes lifted up unto the hills from whence our strength comes.  May you all have a blessed and reverent Sunday.

Praying for RAIN

Please join us here in Texas and other parched areas of the South as we pray for much-needed rain.  Thousands of acres of land and over 400 homes were burned in East Texas over the holiday weekend. A young mother and her toddler were killed in their home.  They were found with the mother's body covering her baby to protect her.  We have been having high winds from the last tropical storm to make the fire situation worse.  This is the worst dry situation I have ever seen in my life.  We need rain.  Animals are dying, ponds & lakes are dry or drying up, our water is being restricted.  It's bad.  People are losing their livestock - there is no feed to be had.  And now the fire situation is getting out of hand.  All your prayers are so appreciated...  The Lord knows what we need and He will send it in due time. Thanks..

Commentary by a Friend

http://doublenickelfarm.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-wonder_27.html

You simply MUST hop over and read this post by Jennifer.  It came from 2009, I believe, but she reposted it. It's simple, to the point, and highly thought-provoking.  I stand and applaud her.  She put very eloquently what I think and feel every single day.  Tell her I sent you... Thanks!

California, HERE WE COME!

Hey, all you wonderful friends out there in blogland!!!

My husband and I are planning a getaway to California in the near future!  We're going to fly into LA, rent a car and drive up the coast to San Francisco (with a little side detour to San Juan Capistrano).  Tell me what we need to see!  We're not into fancy expensive stuff - but inns, B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, beachy stuff, the usual points of interest?    Art, other missions, museums? 

Do we want to mess with Hollywood and all that?  I'm kinda thinkin....  ehhh...
Do we want to visit the Carmel area?  I've heard there's lots of artsy-fartsy stuff there and since I paint, that might a good place to stop...
Malibu beach?  or is there another nice beach area?
Drive up Hwy 1 of course...
Going to take in Napa Valley/vineyards area...
Points of interest in San Francisco - GGBridge, Fisherman's Wharf...

I've never been to Cali, so I'm really looking forward to doing that.  We thought about a long road trip, but started adding the fuel and lodging and food costs and it was alot cheaper to fly.

Any and all comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!!!   Thanks so much!!!

EDITED TO ADD:  OOOOO-WEEEE!  I'm getting such great suggestions already!  Keep 'em coming!

My Friend Tara at New Day New Seasons!

I've been friends with this gal for awhile now, and we've actually got to meet up and hang out a couple of times now with another blogger friend, Debbie at Wisdom.  Today, I need to tell you all to go meet Tara at New Day New Seasons.  She is an absolute doll and a dear bloggie friend to me!  We three girls have had the bestest times the twice that we've gotten together. Of all the laughing and joking and discussing serious subjects - you just wouldn't believe.  And eating, of course, lots of eating.  This time it was Mexican food!  I feel like I've known both of them forever and we had a blast at Papacita's and Dressin' Gaudy.

Tara is a school teacher and has a beautiful family.  She is also a Christian lady and her love for Christ shines through when you get to know her.  She is also a very talented artist - you should go by and visit her and see some of her creations!  They are amazing.  I've been quizzing Tara about her work and she's been giving me little hints.  Her sister is also talented and together they make an amazing pair!

Here's just a sneak peak at one of her creations.  Tara puts layers upon layers of mixed media into her work.

Gives it alot of depth and detail.  I know Tara's making some big plans with her artwork, but I can't tell... shhhhhhhhh... you'll just have to wait and see!  Pop over and say hi and tell her I sent you!