Thursday, December 31, 2009

A New Year




I wish you PEACE, LOVE, and GOOD HEALTH in the New Year! If we have these, we can deal with just about anything that comes our way.
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WILLIAM !!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Pictures of Patrick





























Well, I have talked about him enough, so I thought you might like to see some pictures of Patrick. These pictures range from current back to 1951. It appears we were close even back then... Eating ice cream cones in 1951... building an igloo in 1956... fishing in 1954. I have always liked his Air Force picture from the late 60s and wasn't he a cutie back in grade school?

Patrick is home from the hospital now and doing very well. Our prayers were answered.

Heather's Give-away


Heather, at SHABBY VINTAGE BLISS is having a beautiful give-away. Stop by http://shabbyvintagebliss.blogspot.com/ to visit her blog and sign up for the give-away. Pretty!! Pretty!!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

DECEMBER 28th ~ ANNIVERSARY GIVE-AWAY















One year ago today, I entered the world of Blogging! Little did I know that I was at the start of an exciting journey!
I didn't know that doors would open to new ventures... that I would meet artists and photographers... that I would learn new techniques in the art world... that I would have a forum to share my art, my photos, and my thoughts... that I would make wonderful new friends... that these friends would be happy for me during the good times and support me through the bad... that I would realize that there are so many others out there with my same interests, same worries, pains and loves... that my daily readings would often make me laugh out loud... sometimes bring me to tears...
Reluctantly, I began my Blog. Now, just one year later, I couldn't imagine my world without it.
So, my dear Blog friends, to celebrate my 1st Anniversary (and 300+ posts), I am having a Give-Away!

1. Leave a comment at this post for one entry
2. Post a link to this give-away on your blog for a second entry (let me know you did this)

Entries will end at midnight on Sunday, January 3rd, and I will use the random number generator to pick the winner on Monday, January 4th.
Items I have purchased and collected for this give-away:
* Versailles box of 10 notecards ~ Graphique de France
* Glass Bird ornament
* First Edition ACEO deck of cards
(the card I designed is an angel) - on the card it has eBay ID: moonsfolly
* Big clicks magnet with bird design
* Shabby chic notepad
* Button assortment
* Silver metallic thread
* Gold metallic thread
* Birch Hill bracelet
* Cherry Pie candle
* Coffee cup napkins
* Winter 2010 Fabric Trends for Quilters
Good Luck!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Don and Carol !!

My Back is Screaming At Me


This is exactly how I have been walking around since late yesterday afternoon. It is strange how you can be ok one minute and then suddenly you can hardly walk. I sat on the floor next to the Christmas tree for a few minutes and when I tried to get up.............YOW!! My lower back started screaming at me!!! I was worthless the rest of yesterday, and this morning I am just a little better. I won't be getting much done today.

I carried a carton of water out of the drugstore to the car on Christmas Eve. I am thinking I must have strained my back then. It didn't show up until yesterday when I sat on the floor ~ must have been the position I was in. Whatever.... it hurts and I am not moving about well at all. No telling how long this will last. I know better than to lift heavy things. I did this before ~ lifting heavy boxes during our move. It took several days for my back to feel normal again. So, I wait and hope it stops screaming soon!!!

Happy Sunday!!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

The Day After

Today is the day when throngs of people are out and about looking for those post-Christmas deals. After all the preparations and running that went into getting ready for Christmas, the last thing I want to do is fight the traffic and the crowds. I know there are sales and deals to be had, but no thanks. I prefer to stay inside today, enjoying the warmth and quiet. Today, I have no plans, no place I have to be, nothing I have to do. The rain that lasted most of Christmas Day and washed away the top several inches of snow from our big storm last weekend, has stopped, but there is still a layer of snow on the ground. It looks to be very calm out there, but I know there is a definite chill in the air.
Patrick was finally moved out of ICU and into a regular room late yesterday. I am looking forward to talking with him today. He has been in a lot of pain, but he is doing well and is on the road to recovery. I am trying very hard not to call him as I want him to call when he is feeling well enough to talk. I am so eager to hear his voice.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day. There was a lot of talk of peace and love this season. My hope is that we will hold those thoughts in our hearts and truly love one another in all the ways that really matter. I hope we will be kind to everyone we know and meet in the New Year. I hope we spend more time bringing happiness to others. And, I hope that we will keep Jesus in our hearts each and every day.
Christmas Day has passed, but we can try to keep the feeling of Christmas in our hearts all year!!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas Day


For unto us a child is born ... and His name is Jesus ...
Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Robin's Egg Blues GIVE-AWAY







Sometime before midnight Friday, make a stop at Linda's beautiful blog ROBIN'S EGG BLUES. She is having a fabulous give-away: http://whitelinenlavenderfield.blogspot.com
Her blog is filled with wonderful thoughts, pictures, writing, and the most calming shades of blue.
You won't be sorry!

Christmas Eve

And so we have come to the eve of another Christmas Day ~ the greatest celebration of each year ~ the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a blessed time, a peaceful time, a time of forgiveness, happiness and love.
This Christmas, I wish you abundant blessings, love, and joy. Cherish the time you spend with your loved ones celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD HAS COME!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! audrey

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Giving



"It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one's fellow man that makes giving worthy of the spirit."

~Isabel Currier

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Love


"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!"


~Hamilton Wright Mabie
Surgery is Over
It was a long, long day and evening. Patrick went into surgery at 3:30. I was told 1:30, so when I still had no news at 8:45, I was very, very nervous. To make a long story short, I got news at about 9:45 that the surgery was over and Patrick had been taken to the ICU. The Dr. was pleased with how things went. He reinforced Patrick's bypasses from 8 years ago and he did the two new bypasses. At the start of surgery, Patrick's heart was only being provided 15% blood and oxygen. After surgery, it was up to 45% and by the time healing is complete, the Dr. said it should be 100%.
It was a long, agonizing day, but all is well, and our family has received the best Christmas gift ~ Patrick.
Thank you, my friends, for your concern and your prayers. I will not forget your thoughtfulness in my time of need.
♥ audrey

Monday, December 21, 2009

Update on Patrick
Patrick's surgery is scheduled for early this afternoon. It helped me so much to talk with him this weekend. I am overwhelmed with how many friends are thinking good thoughts and praying for him. I thank you and Patrick thanks you. I feel in my heart that he is going to be ok.
I haven't been posting much else but news on him. His plight has been heavy on my heart and I have been trying to prepare for Casey and Amanda's arrival. It will be good to have them near.
♥ audrey

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Update on Patrick
Patrick called me this morning from the hospital in Texas. It was SO good to hear his voice. We talked for quite a while and he explained exactly what the surgeon has to do and why they couldn't do it via the heart cath. He has two blockages and one is in a very dangerous area ~ in the main artery at the top of the heart and very close to the heart. So, Monday they will do the open heart surgery and he will then have a lengthy recovery period. I felt so much better after talking to him and hearing his positive attitude. I talked with him again early this evening and I will talk with him again tomorrow. They are giving him a special medication to keep his blood thin so he will not bleed during the surgery.
Again, I want to thank each of you for your prayers. I appreciate it SO much as I truly believe in the power of prayer.

SNOWSTORM




































































It is a Winter Wonderland outside!! The beauty of fresh snow is untouchable. We used to get snow like this in Ohio ~ it was normal and we were used to it. I always loved a big snowstorm. I am posting a few pictures to give you an idea of how much snow fell yesterday and last night. Notice how high the snow is on the legs of the deer in the yard. Since this area is not used to this much snow, everything shut down.... all stores and restaurants closed last night. There isn't much movement yet this morning. But it is most definitely a beautiful thing to see. There is a peacefulness and calm that comes with it ~ something that might have been sent just for me at the right time.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Update on Patrick
He did not have open heart surgery today as we originally thought he was going to. The surgeon that he wants was not available until Monday or Tuesday. So, he is in the hospital with monitors on, waiting. It is going to be a long weekend and a tense beginning to the week.
Thank you, everyone, so much for the prayers and concern. After many tears and a very upsetting day, I have put this outcome in God's hands. I believe He will help Patrick through this.
My son and his fiance are coming on Monday from South Carolina to have our early Christmas celebration. Patrick's surgery will be heavy on my mind, but I will be happy to be with my son and Amanda again.
♥ audrey
I just got news. Patrick's heart cath showed he has a lot of blockage and his heart is very weak. They are doing Open Heart Surgery today. Please keep praying.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ISABELLA !!

Prayer Requests


My dear Friends,
I would like to ask a favor of you. Could you please take a minute today to say a little prayer asking that my brother's heart procedure goes well tomorrow? He had open heart surgery 8 years ago and he has some blockage that needs tended to. Tomorrow they will do a heart cath to see what they can do to remove the blockage. He lives in Texas, so I can't be there with him. I will be here praying and if you pray, too, I'm sure the good Lord will listen.
Thanks so much. I love him dearly and hate that he has to go through this. On Saturday, I will let you know that the doctors were successful in removing the blockage.
♥ audrey

Comfort and Joy


God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Saviour
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Photo ~ Ideals Christmas Magazine 1982

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Look and Feel of Christmas







Well, I finally got the tree up and decorated this weekend, I put the Nativity up today and I've spent the evening writing Christmas cards. So, I am feeling less stressed and I'm loving the look and feel of Christmas that is now a part of our home.

Holy Mary, Mother of God



Holy Mary, Mother of God

This picture depicts Mary looking at the baby Jesus after His birth. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.

What a beautiful picture ~ it makes me feel calm and serene just looking at it.

The Wonder of Christmas



The Wonder of Christmas

Ideals Christmas Magazine ~ 1985

Three Lions Photo


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HOLLY !!!

Monday, December 14, 2009

The Trouble Tree


Yesterday, I received an email from my sister. This story was in that email and I liked it a lot. I think you will, too.
















THE TROUBLE TREE

I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one ton truck refused to start.
While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence.
On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.
"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied, "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children... So, I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again."
"Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."
God Bless.
WE ALL NEED A TREE!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

An Early Visit

Since Casey and Amanda will be spending Christmas Day with Amanda's family this year, they were going to be coming to our house a few days later to celebrate Christmas. Last night I learned that they will be coming on the 21st!! I am in BIG trouble. Not ready for this!! Since I am behind on Christmas preparations, I guess their early arrival is a good thing as it will get me moving a bit faster. I will be spending the day decorating the Christmas Tree and wrapping gifts. It also means I get to be with them sooner than I thought!! I will post pictures when I finish Christmasing the house.

This is a good day to stay in. We are having freezing rain ~ it is dark, gloomy and foggy!

I hope you have a blessed day. Stay warm and play some Christmas music.


Saturday, December 12, 2009




I mentioned that I was going to put a Nativity Set on the front porch.
This is it.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Christmas Quote






"Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts ......... when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes."

~Joan Winmill Brown