B. Meandering

Barn Charm #25

2012-01-30T22:00:00.001-05:00

I still have more barns left to show

from that drive on Rt. 40 East from Dayton, Ohio.

I hope to get out on the back roads around my small town

and take more photos of local barns.

I love this hilly terrain--the foothills of the Appalachian Mts.

The barns and farms that I have been showing are certainly nice;

I just miss the quirkiness required to build a barn into a steep hillside.

I was several fields over on a side road that bordered

one side of the property,

when I took these photos.

I didn't have my camera, so I don't think these photos are my best.

I took a photo of the cows that would have been wonderful on my camera,

but they looked cartoonish with my husband's old one.

So you don't get to see the cows. Sorry.

For more barns click below for Tricia's site.

The One who holds it all together

2012-01-29T23:41:00.001-05:00

Dear Lord,

I cannot hold everything in my life together

and keep it from spinning out of control.

our Word says that You have the power

to hold all things together,

so I'm putting it all in Your hands.

Amen.

by Sandy Lynam Clough

He was before all else began

and it is His power

that holdS everything together.

COLOSSIANS 1: 17 TLB

It was a tough week,

but I am okay.

Praying for a better one.

Blessings to you all as you begin the new week!

Mother and Daughter

2012-01-22T01:23:00.002-05:00

These were taken the day after Christmas.

My daughter Sara and her family had come back over for another visit

before they went back to Texas on Tuesday, the next day.

I got the privilege of giving Abigail her bath.

She did well,

but there came a time when she wanted her mama.

She had recently learned to clap

and was quite pleased with the action.

Abby does not sit still for long if not fastened into a high chair or car seat.

She loves to explore.

She smiles readily for Grandma and her camera.

Actually, she smiles for any camera.

I love her feet sticking out of her jeans

and just an ear, a patch of hair, and a touch of face showing.

My husband Mike, son-in-law Jory, and two-year-old grandson Aaron,

and I had gone outside.

While we were out, Sara rocked Abby to sleep.

I very quietly snuck a picture.

Having a mother who loved me deeply and sensed when something was amiss,

having a daughter with whom I am like my mother in the above sense,

and seeing the love evident in this next generational relationship,

I find truth in the following quote:

A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart. ~Author Unknown

I love the way this photo came out--the softness especially.

I think the following quote fits nicely here.

The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks.

Carrie Latet

Abigail Elizabeth has inherited gorgeous blue eyes from her paternal grandmother, Kim.

Kim is blond.

Abigail has light-brown hair.

That makes these incredible, blue eyes even more startling.

I cannot take credit for this photo; a friend of theirs took it for them.

A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future.

Author Unknown

Thinking of my mother, my daughter,

and my granddaughter and grateful for all three.

Blessings to you as you finish up your weekend.

Corner View: Black and White

2012-01-18T04:30:00.000-05:00

Here are two of my favorite examples of black and white.

George is now nine years old in people years.

Tasha has been gone eight years now.

One of the top priorities when we get the next home

is to rescue another dog like I did Tasha--actually two.

By the way, Tasha was named after one of my favorite illustrators: Tasha Tudor.

For more corner views check out Francesca's Fuoriborgo.

(Francesca's is a bit unusual this time esp. for this Ohian.)

Peeking out

2012-01-16T14:37:00.000-05:00

Just as George is peeking around the corner,

I am checking out what's out there for me:

changes in curriculum;

looking at house plans;

knowing I need to progress with my other blog--

---the one on chronic illness;

figuring out what to do with this blog;

contemplating Face book so I can see pics of my Ohio grandkids;

To Kill a Mockingbird or Lord of the Flies for advanced freshmen English;

writing some letters--what to say.

So much to decide.

I made the decision for George:

he is not an outdoor cat, so I called him back inside.

But I also have someone looking out for me--

--actually three: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Blessings.

(I'm enjoying our day off from school.)

Corner View: Ring out the Old; Ring in the New

2012-01-11T20:53:00.000-05:00

These are some of the shelves in the library at the school where I teach.

The library is small, our funds are limited, and some of the shelves sparse.

However, we have a super librarian who stretches her dollars well.

She also can order from other libraries most any book a student or teacher wants.

I check out most of my books from my small town library.

I carry a tote in and lug it out full of books.

I have resisted a Kindle or Nook,

because I wanted the feel of paper under my hands.

But during this past holiday's shopping trips

when I would take a break and sit,

I would think how nice it would be to have a Kindle,

because it would fit in my purse.

The book I was reading at the time was big and heavy

and thus waited in the car for me.

I thought my husband would laugh and tease me

if I asked for one for Christmas (not maliciously).

I'm not the brightest bulb when it comes to technology,

so I thought he would raise an eyebrow

since I've yet to master all the apps on my phone

or figure out every little detail of my camera.

Alas, he surprised me.

Totally.

A mutual friend, who was a 'diehard' book fan,

succumbed to the Kindle and loves it.

His wife used his, loved it, and got herself one.

If voracious reader Leo prefers a kindle over a hardback,

well, that was enough for Mike.

I was puzzled at the wrapped package,

then dumbstruck,

then thrilled.

He bought an attractive cover for it.

Now, I will not be needing to head up to the library check out counter.

Of course there will be those books that I will want to write in and cherish,

such as Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts,

so Barnes and Noble will still get some business from me.

But for the most part when it comes to reading novels,

it's out with the old and in with the new.

For more on this theme, check out Francesca's.

Thanks Renee, for the topic.

Barn Charm #24

2012-01-09T22:50:00.001-05:00

Here is another Mail Pouch barn

that we found on our drive from Dayton.

I took the photos from across the road.

The light wasn't the best

and I was using my husband's old camera;

I had let the battery run down on mine.

But I think you can still see some of its charm.

As you can see, it has several out-buildings on the slight slope behind it,

and there is a road running from Rt. 40 up into the farm.

It was probably there before Rt. 40 was built.

I wonder what the owners thought of the 'new highway' being built

so close to their barn.

They probably 'lost' some land in the deal.

For more barns, click below:

Some Emerson wisdom

2012-01-05T06:14:00.000-05:00

From our Ireland photos archives:

in the Conemara region

WHAT LIES BEHIND YOU

AND WHAT LIES BEFORE YOU

ARE TINY MATTERS COMPARED

WHAT LIES WITHIN YOU.

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Blessings.

Barn Charm #23

2012-01-03T05:17:00.000-05:00

We discovered this barn on that trip from Dayton, Ohio on Rt. 40.

It was off the road and down a hill,

but I was still able to get some good shots

from where we were able to park.

My husband got a kick out of the advertisement for Mail Pouch

being on top of one for Red Man tobacco.

Both ads are old,

but the Mail Pouch one is still in good shape.

Off to the side of this barn were these barns (one is most likely a shed).

My zoom captured a glimpse of them.

Nature is taking over these buildings

and reaching them would be a tough hike in unknown territory.

I passed on that challenge.

For more barn charm, click on below.

Recap of Favorite 2011 photos

2012-01-02T11:24:00.000-05:00

I took an idea from Mari and adapted it for me.

I chose a favorite photo from posts of each month,

featured them, and wrote a little something about them.

Here is the recap of favorite photos from my 2011 posts:

January

This is the door to a shed/garage on my husband's aunt's property.

I like the texture of the wood and the rusted hinge.

I like how the neutrals blend yet hold their own.

February

The park lake/reservoir: you can glimpse the ice through the trees.

I like the 'peek-a-boo' effect.

March

Although this was taken several years ago, I featured it in a March post.

I think it is Ash Cave. I know it is from Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio.

April

I was exploring the exceptionally early Lily leaves with my new camera,

and discovered a spider and a lightening bug fighting.

I am not sure of the outcome, but I would bet on the spider.

May

This was for a "Corner View."

It's one of the bulletin board displays in a teacher friend's room.

June

I love this snapshot of love in action: my husband building me the low wall

that I wanted beside the back walkway.

July

They came in June: my daughter, her husband, son, and daughter.

However, I posted this photo in July.

This was actually my daughter's second visit close on the heels of the first,

and Mike and I got to babysit two-year-old Aaron and four-month-old Abigail'

while Sara 'trouble-shooted' at the family company.

This was the first we had seen Abigail.

I love her blue eyes and her attentiveness.

August

George claimed my slip-ons after I had been out watering the plants.

They smelled of all sorts of plants, bugs, earth, --all scents he adores.

September

This is the display two students and I put up for

the ten year anniversary of the September 11th terrorism.

October

This is one side of my front porch which is decorated for

the annual Pumpkin Festival.

November

This is the park lake/reservoir again;

this time most of the leaves have turned although not all have fallen.

December

I featured this quite recently.

We had not seen Abigail, Aaron, and their parents since June.

My, how she has grown!

I love this photo of her sound asleep in her Uncle Doug's arms.

I have some thoughts about the new year

that is now on its second day.

But I will save them for later.

There is much to do on this last day of holiday break!

School resumes tomorrow.

Blessings!

Family Christmas Review

2011-12-31T16:46:00.002-05:00

Sara, her husband Jory, and her two children arrived first. They wanted to get two-year-old Aaron down for a nap before my son's 'crew' arrived.

Here is Sara with Abby. They wanted Abby to take a nap also, but held out little hope for that. (Previous blog shows how it finally did occur.)

In a 'snug' home you improvise. Abby had dinner in her car seat (the booster chair was at the lake place where it is most used) on top of a cooler full of pop, water, and juice.

This shows how this tiny house managed five adults and five children for a holiday dinner on Christmas eve.
From bottom left clockwise: Aaron, Jory, Peyton is hidden, Mike, Doug, and Addy. Peyton is Doug's 8-yr.-old and Addy is his 4-yr.-old. My seat was between Jory and Peyton.

Here shows the opposite end. We moved out the recliner from 'my grading corner' and expanded the table with two leaves.

Doug, Addy, Dillon-his 6-yr.-old, Sara, Abby hidden on the cooler beside Sara, Aaron, and Jory.

I did not get fancy. The pots went directly from stove to table. Paper plates were used as well as a paper tablecloth. The whole idea was for me to be able to relax and enjoy being a part of the celebration with little clean-up required. It was a success!

                 This photo documents a momentous occasion! Aaron got to eat a cookie.
   He has not had dessert except for a tiny taste at his birthday party and once when his Uncle Doug
       (visiting them in Texas)gave him some Reese cups not realizing he wasn't supposed to.

Here Aaron watched his cousins grab cookies, then he chose one, held it up, and asked, "What's this?"
                             We laughed and told him it was a cookie.
              His parents allowed him to eat it and a Buckeye (an Ohio favorite).

This is the living room before all the presents were open. Mike and Jory moved the couch against the fireplace so we would have room for everyone.

Each child took a turn at opening a present beginning with the oldest then going clockwise:Peyton, Addy, Dillon, Aaron, and Abby.

Aaron's big present from us was a Tonka bulldozer complete with movement and sound.

Uncle Doug was a favorite go-to person for both Aaron and Abby. Aaron took the truck to Uncle D. to open for him. (Of course Daddy was video-taping it all, so his hands were full).

This is the big moment for Doug's kids. They were to open their big present at once.

I had ordered a twin fleece blanket made for each of them in a favorite patten.

A lady at the Barnesville Farmer's Market makes them

and she had waited and bought the copyrighted material when it was on sale.

She then made one for each of Doug's kids and his step-son.

His kids like to wrap up in regular blankets to watch TV.

Peyton has been using a queen-size one

that I had given them when Doug set up his own household.

I tied the string a little too tight, so Peyton was the first to get hers out

(with my help).

It has peace signs and hearts on it in several pink shades, and lavender, and blue.

Dillon's is from the Cars movie.

Addy's is of Disney's princesses.

Dillon pulled his over his head.
Each one has a solid fleece background sewn onto the back of the print.
The lady does an excellent job
and her blankets are a popular item especially at her Pumpkin Festival booth.

Not shown is Colton's Ohio State one.
Doug's stepson was unable to be there.

Peyton wasted no time wrapping up in hers. Addy draped hers over her legs.
Aaron came over to touch and admire Dillon's.

This is after all the children's presents had been opened

and before the paper was picked up.

Aaron found a free corner and proceeded to play quietly with his new toy.

This is a view from the front of the house and front part of the living room

towards the back and the dining room.

The couch is normally facing this way.

Mike is opening a present from Doug, his girlfriend, and his kids

                              Here Doug has taken on the challenge of rocking Abby to sleep.
                                He is determined to succeed and show off his prowess at this.
                                             He did succeed as my previous post showed.

                    That's a recap of our Christmas Eve celebration with my kids and our grandkids.
                    It was hectic, chaotic,and truly wonderful and we all were blessed to be together.

                                                               Tonight is New Year's Eve.
                                            May you all have a safe and happy celebration
                                       of the end of one year and the beginning of a new one.
                                                                   Blessings to you all.

                                        For last year's words belong to last year's language
                                            And next year's words await another voice.
                                             And to make an end is to make a beginning.

                                                         ~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"

We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.
                                                                 ~Ellen Goodman

All Tuckered Out

2011-12-30T01:31:00.001-05:00

My son was determined to get his niece to sleep.

He had had lots of experience with his first daughter,

who squirmed and moved her arms and legs and fought sleep.

He succeeded. Abby fell asleep. So did Doug.

Abigail Elizabeth is 10 months old.

Mike and I got our naps after they all left.

Barn Charm #22

2011-12-26T22:54:00.000-05:00

On our drive back from Dayton, Ohio

when we got on Route 40 to photograph barns,

these were our first two close-ups.

We drove down a side road to get closer shots of them.

They were almost back to back.

We turned around and drove back toward the main highway;

it is from that direction that the shots were taken.

I did not see any evidence of animals or crops with either barn.

This one is obviously being maintained;

there is a 'pride in ownership' feeling about it.

I would be proud too if this belonged to me.

This one has seen better days and looks like it's being used for storage

and possibly as a makeshift garage.

There was a car on either side of it.

You can catch a glimpse of the farm house in the background on the left.

It was not a huge house, but it had some pretty detail around its porch.

Both barns were fairly close to the country road although not right on it like so many I see.

I noticed that about this part of Ohio--the barns were not so close to the roads.

I'm not sure why--perhaps the lay of the land factors in somehow.

I hope you have been enjoying the holidays.

Being a school teacher, I am on break.

I am taking my daughter and her husband and their two little ones

to the airport in Columbus tomorrow.

They are heading back to Texas.

For more barn charms, click below.

Manger scene and Christmas plans

2011-12-24T02:31:00.000-05:00

This manger set is 65 years old and too precious to me to replace.

It has a place of honor on this antique dresser in our 'cozy' living room.

Two plates flank it.

One has Mary holding Baby Jesus on it.

It was a Mother's Day gift to my mother.

The other one is one I bought myself.

I love the scene that highlights one of my favorite Christmas hymns.

The plaque above is there year round.

It belonged to my parents and is part of a bigger arrangement

that is not shown here.

Tomorrow our snug house will be filled to overflowing

with my two kids and their families.

We're having a non-traditional dinner of lasagna and spaghetti

because I can fix them ahead of time.

It will be crowded and a bit crazy, but wonderful.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Blessings.

Corner View:Seasonal

2011-12-22T01:36:00.000-05:00

"Tis the season to be jolly. . ."

I thought I'd give a glimpse of Christmas season decorations

here in our snug home (sounds better than tiny, doesn't it?).

This is my grading corner.

The fall touches are put away and now snowmen grace this corner.

This is one of my favorite snowmen greetings.

A Santa wreath adorns the front door (from the inside).

A view of part of our cozy living room.

Scruffy is hiding under the tree in the right hand corner of it.

The whole house is decorated, but I thought a few photos were enough.

I love the mix of Santas, snowmen,

and angels in vivid and subdued colors and all sorts of materials and textures

throughout our home.

I can't help but smile!

Join Francesca for more seasonal corner views.

Blessings to you all as we draw closer to that wonderful day.

Barn Charm #21

2011-12-20T00:13:00.002-05:00

Awhile back, we attended a wedding in Dayton, Ohio.

On our way home, we got on old Rt. 40 east of Columbus,

so that I could take photos of barns.

(Such a patient husband I have.)

It was a gorgeous day and I got lots.

But I've just started blogging again

and am behind on reading and commenting on others' blogs.

Therefore, I will keep this barn charm short.

The above photo shows off the main barn.

The next photo reveals some of the other outbuildings

and a glimpse of the house and misc. vehicles and equipment.

A lone sheep completes the pictures.

I like the uniform white paint and that the roofs are in good shape.

I'm fascinated by all the doors in the big barn

and that every building either has a multitude of windows or doors

or one or two huge openings (the smaller sheds).

Also, the grass is cut and the leaves raked and collected or mulched--

all in all a well-maintained set-up.

The land is flatter in this part of Ohio.

There is a hint of the beginning of hilly countryside,

but nothing like what we have down here

in "Little Switzerland."

A note to friends: I took a personal day and that has helped.

Blessings to all.

Click below to check out more barns on Tricia's Barn Charm.

Update on thin ice

2011-12-12T06:23:00.000-05:00

Am doing better.

Thank you for

your concern,

your encouraging and uplifting words,

and

your prayers---

for the bridge you provided me.

On Friday, the bear's paws were healed.

Please pray that they do not become injured and sore again.

(Especially since he will be evaluating me, among others.)

Some respite from severe pain.

Also experienced healing memories this past weekend.

Am off to begin another school week,

but I wanted to leave a quick post

to update and express gratitude.

Blessings to you all.

Thin ice

2011-12-08T06:01:00.001-05:00

Frozen Seneca Lake, Senecaville, Ohio

taken by husband Mike several years ago.

High level of pain

Low level of sleep

Emotions running wild at school

Staff's morale is low

Principal is a bear with a sore paw--

perhaps all four

growling at us teachers

so that we stay away

even when faced with a troubling student

We are trying to work together

to handle the problems

Some days we are more successful

than others

Me personally?

I'm walking gingerly on thin ice

praying it doesn't crack

and plunge me into bone chilling

life-sucking cold.

Just letting those who wonder where I am

know that I'm still here--

just not up to cute posts right now

or uplifting comments on others' blogs

However, I would draw your attention

to the shaft of light high up in the photo:

I'm still looking at it

and that helps tremendously.

Barn Charm #20

2011-12-06T05:12:00.001-05:00

The following are glimpses at barns--all I could get.

The first one is on my way to and from Seneca Lake from my home.

The house is across the road

and the only place to pull off

is smack dab in front of it (no long, winding lane for privacy).

Both ways afford little chance to get more than a quick glance

with my eyes, I was lucky to get even this shot with the camera.

Outside of Quaker City, Ohio

This is on Mt. Olivett Rd out of Barnesvillve, Ohio

The house was immediately to my right as I was facing the barn.

There were two doors in the basement that were

even closer to the road than the barn's door above.

I do not see how one could exit either door

without risking getting hit by a passing car.

The house was built into a hill,

so the folks could exit from a door

that permitted entry into a sloping back yard.

Apparently they are concerned about 'speeding' cars:

read the sign scrawled on the barn's side.

For more barns, check out Tricia's place.

Corner View: Joy!

2011-11-30T21:42:00.000-05:00

Fresh catnip--recently cut and given as a treat to my two cats.

Scruffy loves to chew on it, but not eat it.

Then there's George--he's a 'roller'--over and over again until

the leaves are flattened and limp.

Feeling Good.

Freshly-cut catnip = Joy!

Thanks to Karyn for the topic.

Check out more corner views at Francesca's.

Barn Charm # 19

2011-11-29T05:55:00.000-05:00

This barn and outbuildings are part of a farm that sits across the road

from the high school where I teach.

There is big farm house up the hill from the barn,

but I don't have a photo of it.

This has a fairly long driveway up to the house.

There is a section that floods and then they have to go in and out

by a rough back road through another's property.

We (at school) know when their drive-way begins to flood

that there's a good chance we will have an emergency dismissal

due to flooding conditions.

(We get as many flood days as we do snow days).

I used to have a daily view of this farm.

I remember being thrilled at the view

when I first saw my room

after being hired.

I had spent six years in a second floor class room

with no windows.

To have a window was great,

but to have this view was fabulous.

Alas, I was laid off for a year,

and a special-ed teacher got my room.

I was brought back as a replacement

for a teacher who had retired.

Now I get to look at the science rooms.

Sigh.

But on the bright side, I still have windows!

Joining Bluff Area Daily

Various authors' thoughts on thankfulness, then a song

2011-11-27T23:16:00.001-05:00

To give thanks in solitude is enough.

Thanksgiving has wings

and goes where it must go.

Your prayer knows much more about it

than you do.

Victor Hugo

There is not a more pleasing exercise

of the mind

than gratitude.

Joseph Addison

Never lose an opportunity of seeing

anything that is beautiful;

for beauty is God's handwriting -

a wayside sacrament.

Welcome it in every fair face,

in every fair sky, in every fair flower,

and thank God for it as

a cup of blessing.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The question is not what man can

scorn,

or disparage,

or find fault with,

but what he can

love,

and value,

and appreciate.

John Ruskin

When you arise in the morning,

give thanks for the morning light,

for your life and strength.

Give thanks for your food,

and the joy of living.

If you see no reason for giving thanks,

the fault lies with yourself.

Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief

This is the day that the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

I am heading into a night's sleep

on a Sunday night,

facing the week ahead

with much gratefulness.

The last two days were restful and rejuvenating.

Blessings to you all as you begin your new week.

I'll leave you with this video and song.

http://youtu.be/hZCraZvCGC8

An interview with God

2011-11-24T22:15:00.000-05:00

I went searching for some inspiration

and found the following 'story'.

On the day when many of us gather together

and hope to get along at least through dinner,

perhaps these are things we need to think about.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I dreamt I had an interview with God. "Come in," God said. "So, you would like to interview Me?"
"If you have the time," I said.
God smiled and said: "My time is eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?"

"What surprises you most about mankind?"

God answered:

"That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.
That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health.
That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future.
That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived…"

God’s hands took mine and we were silent for a while and then I asked…"As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?"

God replied with a smile:

"To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved.
To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives.
To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. All will be judged individually on their own merits, not as a group on a comparison basis!
To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.
To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.
To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.
To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings.
To learn that money can buy everything but happiness.
To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it totally differently.
To learn that a true friend is someone who knows everything about them…and likes them anyway.
To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they have to forgive themselves."

I sat there for a while enjoying the moment. I thanked Him for his time and for all that He has done for me and my family, and He replied, "Anytime. I’m here 24 hours a day. All you have to do is ask for me, and I’ll answer."

People will forget what you said.
People will forget what you did,
but people will never forget
how you made them feel.

~ Source Unknown ~

I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Barn Charm #18

2011-11-22T05:51:00.000-05:00

There is a bend in Rt. 147 that has seven barns.

Four are all one farm.

The other three are two separate farms.

Alas, I have not been able to get photos of them,

because: a) it's a dangerous curve and

b) I have to pull right up to one barn to get good pictures.

However, one day I was able to slow down and take these photos.

These are two of the set of four.

They are built literally on the hill with the use of 'stilts'.

It's a busy, thriving farm with cows 'nodding hello to me every day'.

I like them because they are a good representation of southeastern Ohio farm living---

making the lay of the land work for you.

For more barns,

check out---

. . . knock, and it shall be opened to you . . .

2011-11-20T22:28:00.004-05:00

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. . ."

Matthew 7:7

This verse has been on my mind ever since I saw this door in my photos.

It was one of many I snapped one Sunday afternoon.

But my attention was recently riveted on it.

I have had many thoughts racing through my head

and wish I could take awhile and put them to type.

But I have a due date tomorrow for my principal--

more educational red tape.

So I will just share briefly.

There is a boy who has been a problem to us teachers in his three years with us.

I was hoping I would have a better year with him.

He started out decent, but then started to act up---some of it really inappropriate stuff.

One day we had a free day and I sat down next to him.

There was a sweet boy who's a good friend to him, sitting in the next seat

and two girls whom I respect.

They came into the conversation later,

chiming in on some stories.

However, in the beginning it was just L. and me talking about hunting.

I asked questions and I listened---

really listened.

I became fascinated with the boy that was emerging as he talked about

his dad and him bear hunting out in another state.

The stories shifted to training their hunting dogs

and trapping a raccoon, but being kind to it.

It did its job and then was set free.

The "Wow!" from me was genuine.

Do you know that L. is no longer a problem for me?

And that when he got a deer with his bow and arrow,

he asked if I wanted to see it

and trustingly pulled out his cell phone to show me

after I said, yes.

(I could have taken it from him.).

I complimented him and was not grossed out.

(After seven years of teaching in a poverty-stricken area,

I no longer see the deer as 'Bambi',

but as the difference between a family going to bed hungry or not.

However, in the lens of my camera, it's still a Bambi.)

I'd been knocking my head against a door.

It would not open.

Some have pounded it or kicked at it (not literally)

and managed to split open a spot or two,

but the door itself remained shut.

And just as the leaves grew over parts of this door,

L. devised his own 'curtain'

that blocked our view of the boy who lived within.

He faced surgery on a badly injured leg (football)

and spoke to me of his fear of getting the anesthetic.

He was afraid he wouldn't fall asleep fast enough.

With my experience with surgery, I could reassure him that he would.

I checked on him through his girlfriend,

when he was absent

and have worked with him to get him caught up.

I make a point of asking about his leg.

I prayed about L. and God showed me what to do.

I used my heart and the door opened wide.

On a lighter side---

I found this when looking for the verse on the Internet,

which is quicker than thumbing through my Bible.

"A pastor went out one Saturday to visit his church members. At one house it was obvious that someone was home, but nobody came to the door even though the pastor had knocked several times. Finally, the pastor took out his card and wrote "Revelations 3:20" on the back of it, and stuck it in the door.

{Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and him with me.}

The next day, the card turned up in the collection plate. Below the pastor's message was the notation "Genesis 3:10".

{I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.}"

anonymous

Blessings to you as you begin the new week!

Corner View: Where has the time gone?

2011-11-16T21:19:00.004-05:00

On the wall in my dining room, I have three photos of little girls at age two.

One is of me,

one is of my daughter, Sara,

and the third one is of my first granddaughter, Peyton.

Peyton, from the start, had a resemblance to me.

People would comment on it.

Then the photo was taken of her at two,

and it was placed beside that of Sara at two---

again, a resemblance.

After Dad died, I got my photo of me at age two.

Thus emerged the photo arrangement.

Sara --- two

Me, Beth -- two

Sara -- age 35 and me -- age 57

This was taken during a visit last summer.

Peyton -- two

Above is Peyton at age 8 last summer. Below is Peyton, still 8, last Sunday during awards after her gymnastics meet

Where has all the time gone?

Now my daughter has her own daughter, Abigail or Abby. Here they are at a photo shoot this past September.

Here is Abby sitting prettily by herself. She is 7 months in these photos. She just turned 9 months.

Although I also have three grandsons, this post is mainly about the females in the family, so I will include my third granddaughter, Addison or Addy. (The grandsons can be featured another time).
Here Addy is being held by her Daddy, my son Doug.

Last summer I snapped this photo of Addy or Addy Jane as I call her, at age 4 with her daddy, now 33 and a father of three and stepfather of one.

My children have children.
Where has the time gone?

Bits and pieces of our lives have been recorded over time on slides and on Kodak film glued into scrapbooks. I have approximately 12 journals recording the small and the humongous events in our lives. But where it all resides, together as one, is in my heart.

Some day, hopefully, we will take a family photo of us all with the grandkids grown up and possibly with children of their own.
We will look at each other and say, Where has the time gone?
Then we will smile because we had that time together.

For more corner views, check out Francesca's Fuoriborgo

Barn Charm #17

2011-11-15T06:15:00.001-05:00

Beavercreek, Ohio

(a suburb of Dayton)

My sister-in-law and her husband and daughter

have owned all sorts of animals over the years.

This barn was used a long time ago for a horse they had.

It is now mostly used to store feed for the swan and chickens

and misc. equipment.

It is small but useful.

The neatly bricked sidewalk was added after they sold the horse.

The horse may be gone in acuality, but its presence is still remembered.

A bit of 'Americana ' decoration. The stove is real and old, but now is used for decoration. Farm equipment is used to display perennials that are now fading and preparing for the winter.

This is a back view looking up at the house. Dooley is standing guard.

Certain bits of clutter enhances a barn, don't you think.?

This is the looking down at the pond. I'm standing at the back of the barn.

They have a beautiful and functional cooking and eating area under that pavillion.

This is not my usual barn charm.

But I was there this past weekend and wondered away

from the noise of loud family

to explore the grounds.

My previous post features the swan.

For more Barn Charm, click below.

Photos to make you smile and words to make you think

2011-11-13T22:40:00.000-05:00

I have an Amplified Version Bible.

It's The Everyday Life Bible

featuring notes and commentary by Joyce Meyers.

On a page next to verses 1 -10 of Psalm 143

J.M. wrote a "Biblical prescription for depression."

I thought I'd share the verses and her commentary.

They will be interspersed with photos taken Saturday

at the home of my husband's older sister and her husband.

We were there for brunch,

the morning after their only child's (a daughter) wedding.

His family can be overwhelming at times.

Sometimes I flounder.

But this time, I grabbed my camera from the car

and took a walk.

(Funny how a person is not being anti-social

when she walks away pointing a camera at nature!)

They obviously have a pond.

The houses behind the trees weren't there six years ago

when we last visited.

It was just open countryside.

Look at the speck of white.

It will get bigger.

"Psalm 143: 3-10 gives a description of depression

and how to overcome it."

vs 3: For the enemy has pursued and persecuted my soul,

he has crushed my life down to the ground;

he has made me to dwell in dark places . . .

"Identify the nature and cause of the problem

The source of the depression described her is our enemy,

Satan, who attacks the soul."

vs 4:Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed and faints with me

[wrapped in gloom];

my heart within my bosom grows numb.

"Recognize that depression steals life and light."

vs 5: I remember the days of old;

I meditate on all Your doings;

I ponder the work of Your hands.

" Remember the good times."

"Remembering, meditating, and pondering are all functions of the mind.

David obviously knows that his thoughts will affect his feelings,

so he gets busy thinking about the kinds of things that will help overcome

the attack upon his mind.

He thinks about God and the good things He does."

vs 6: I spread forth my hands to You;

my soul thirsts after you like a thirsty land [for water].

"Praise the Lord in the midst of the problem."

"David knows the importance of praise; he lifts his hands in worship.

He declares what his need truly is: He needs God."

vs. 7: Answer me speedily, O Lord . . .

"Ask for God's help."

vs. 8: Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. . .

"Listen to the Lord."

vs 9: Deliver me, O lord . . .

"Pray for deliverance."

vs 10: Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.

"Seek God's wisdom, knowledge, and leadership."

I'm not sure why I felt led to share all this.
But I've known since Thursday that I was to do so. However, I've not been home to do it. I hope it ministers to someone.

The last three photos were taken this afternoon (Sunday) at my granddaughter
Peyton's gymnastics meet.
The older girl is Addy Jane, Peyton's 4 year-old sister. She is sharing hugs with the daughter of the step-brother of my son and daughter.

Below: Leah is tweaking Addy's nose.
I chose these photos because they made me smile. I am not depressed--the opposite.
It was a tiring weekend, but a good one. I trust this coming week will be good also.

Blessings to you all as you begin the new week.

Corner View: Home Sweet Home

2011-11-09T06:26:00.000-05:00

Every night I come home laden with a rolling office tote,

two bags of binders of bureaucratic education standards work

and folders stuffed with papers to grade.

At school, I deal constantly with the noise of teen-agers

and their quick (sometimes sneaky) movements.

Every one of my senses are in full operational mode.

So when I come home, I need a quiet, familiar, peaceful, and comfortable setting.

I have 'carved' out several areas in this tiny home for just that.

This is one of my work areas.

It's a computer armoir that has all the essentials for

blogging, emailing, researching, and entering grades.

On the top shelf lies my comfort:

a photo of mom and dad,

mother's Bible with an "Angels on Duty" memento,

a plague reminding me of an important aspect of living a good life--

this sits in front of the POW scrapbook I made for my father,

and

my father's WWII books

flanked by two precious figures--

the old-time preacher

and the sea captain.

The first represents my father

and the second represents the man who was like a father to me.

On the very top are photos of my son's family

and a container of potpouri and an electric candle.

There are also the two framed pics of dad:

one of him early in his ministry

and one taken for his 80th birthday celebration.

This is my 'grading corner':

a comfortable recliner complete with throw blanket,

a chest of drawers with essentials like stapler and staples, pens, etc.

a glimpse of outside (through the French doors which open onto a screened-in porch),

floor space for my bags full of work,

and more comfort: mom's collection of Precious Moments figurines

and Dad's POW plaque.

The flickering images of the TV in the living room can't distract me---

my eyes constantly track movement at school and can't stop at home

and due to my husband's headphone I can't hear the TV either.

This is where I lay out my clothes for the next day.

It's a tiny hallway connecting the bathroom and our bedroom

with the living and dining rooms.

More comfort reside in this cabinet: precious books and figurines

as well as a lower shelf full of favorite childhood books for the grandchildren.

To the left is a glimpse of the dining room table,

which is usually stacked with textbooks and more papers.

It's where I can spread out work if I need to.

It's also where Mike and I eat supper.

So you've gotten a glimpse of just a few spots

that make this tiny Craftsman style bungalow

home sweet home.

For more corner views

check out Francesca's fuoriborgo.

Barn Charm #16 Southeast Ohio

2011-11-08T05:46:00.001-05:00

Outside of the little village of Sarahsville,

which is a hop, skip, and a jump from my high school,

is a small building filled with antiques.

My hairdresser built it for her salon.

She and her family used to live up the hill,

but they sold the house

and restored a small Victorian in 'town'.

However they kept most of the land for their horses

and of course the salon building

and most importantly:

the BARN.

She had closed down for several years,

but recently reopened.

She does my hair the best, so I'm back with her.

All the time I went to her before, I didn't pay much attention to the barn.

But now, my viewpoint has been changed--thanks to Tricia and you other barn lovers!

So my camera and I went exploring.

This if officially the front of the barn.

As you can see, it is built into the hillside.

Many barns in hilly southeastern Ohio are built this way.

We park our cars here.

The barn is very much in use as
shown by these two rooms,
which you enter in the lower front part.
You can see through to the back thanks to a huge gap on that side of the barn.

There is this huge gap where you can peer in from the top side.

She told me that there is a wonderful loft.

(It was closing time, so I didn't ask to see that.)

I am intriqued by 'weather vanes' and I think this one is especially cool.

These are views from the back side that faces the hilly fields where the horses graze.

And last but not least: the inhabitants of the barn--well two out of three of them.

I'm so glad my eyes have been reopened to the beauty that lies around me.

I always admired barns, but never thought to photograph them.

I didn't think to photograph at all, really.

Now, the camera has given me a renewed awareness and appreciation for

all that surrounds me.

For more barns,

join Tricia and others at

Bluff Area Daily

moments at the park lake with camera

2011-11-06T21:50:00.001-05:00

i drove to the park lake reservoir on Saturday

enjoyed my twist ice cream (choc. and vanilla) cone with sprinkles

with window down

and wisp of chill air

swirling in

thoughts wondered

'til i glanced at the clock

and remembered the pharmacy closed soon

i was already overdue

for a dose of a regular prescription--

i had to get there on time

so i grabbed the camera

and shot some quick photos

at some point i messed with the buttons

the result being a whole different light

and format

unfortunately, like a lot in my life

i'm not sure what i did exactly

Corner View:Dream

2011-11-02T05:21:00.000-04:00

What is one of my biggest dreams?

To have a studio room all to myself.

It will be planned out and have nooks and crannies,

a big window with oodles of light and a lovely view,

an artist's desk,

a soft, cozy spot to snuggle up under a lap blanket and dream,

and of course all my collection of materials---

brushes, paints, sequins, pens, special paper, scrapbooks,

and on and on.

They are all downstairs piled and stuffed into a dark section of the basement

patiently waiting a new home.

The pictures are of some wonderful studios,

any of which I'd consider myself highly blessed to have.

I have this desk, disassembled and piled in the garage.

I love bulletin boards and consider this huge one a dream.

These feature another woman's dream.

These are just two versions of a smaller craft studio area.

Scruffy had to get involved.

As soon as I laid out open the books to photograph,

she sprawled on top of them.

I scooted her aside,

but then she ended up sleeping close by.

The smaller craft areas were taken from the above books.

The studios were from the book below.

As we head into another winter here in this tiny home,

Mike and I are getting a clearer picture of what we want in our future home.

He understands my need for a studio.

I understand his need for a man-cave.

It will be in the basement and the walls will be soundproof.

That way he can watch a football game or blast ACDC on the radio

and I won't be disturbed.

It will be warm and comfortable and near his workroom.

We support each other's dreams

and are leaning more and more towards building.

Anyhow, for more corner view dreams,

check out Francesca's Fuoriborgo.

Thanks you Tzivia for providing us with this week's theme.

Next week's theme is "Home Sweet Home"

from .Bonnie.

Corner View:Exotic

2011-10-26T06:36:00.000-04:00

This week's corner view's theme is exotic.

About 45 minutes from us is an animal preserve called The Wilds.

It is run in conjunction with Jack Hanna and the Columbus Zoo.

We took the grandchildren there last summer.

Here are some photos of the zebras, animals which I consider 'exotic'.

You can take an excursion where they drive you out into the fields for one on one experience

with the animals.

We took the open-air vehicle as we had four grandkids ranging in age from 4 to 12.

We have a membership, so I hope we can take the two oldest on the more interactive one.

I forget what this fellow is, but he is coexisting well with the Zebras.

Of course there has to be a gift shop and restaurant.

Actually the food was decent, the view magnificent, and the merchandise good.

I'll leave you with these two guys checking you out.

BTW I live about 40 minutes

from the exotic animal farm that made world-wide news recently.

Very sad that the animals had to be shot.

But one was found on a near-by college branch campus.

The man had a variety of animals that he let loose before he committed suicide,

however 18 of them were Bengal tigers.

Nightfall was approaching and some of the animals had breached the boundaries,

so tranquilizing was not an option.

But having a person, especially a child out playing in his/her yard,

being eaten or malled was also not an option.

The animals don't necessarily drop right there in front of you

when tranquilized.

They can wander off and hide in the woods.

In fact one tiger went berserk on a vet

and had to be shot at close range

as it charged her after being shot with a tranquilizer.

A deputy had to shoot it with his side-arm.

The Wilds is only about 30 minutes from the farm,

so had he left them in their cages,

the folks from the Wilds and the Columbus Zoo could have rescued them.

Not all had to be killed, thankfully.

The local deputies were shook up and sickened by this particular duty.

Check out more exotic ideas on Francesca's Fuoriborgo.

Thanks Elsa for the theme this week.

Next week's is dream from Tzivia.

Barn Charm #15

2011-10-24T21:42:00.002-04:00

I imagine many of you can relate to this photo!

This is the third post I've managed to get from that Sunday drive

with my husband several weeks ago.

A quick glimpse is all you get because that's all we were able to get.

But you also get to see some of the beauty of southeastern Ohio hill country

during the early stages of autumn,

and hopefully that's pleasing to you!

This is looking back at part of the farm from another curve in the road.

For more lovely barns join Tricia and others at Barn Charm.

Beauty found in my drive to and from school

2011-10-21T00:43:00.001-04:00

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing

anything that is beautiful;

for beauty is God's handwriting --

a wayside sacrament.

Welcome it in every fair face,

in every fair sky, in every fair flower,

and thank God for it as

a cup of blessing."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are several sections of Seneca Lake

that have been isolated by roads and bridges

built to grant access to beautiful land that would otherwise

only be reached by boat.

Seneca Lake is a man-made lake

that despite good planning

left parts of original farms inaccessible.

So now with the bridges, there are areas of the lake

that big boats can't reach.

However, I doubt that the folks living in those areas mind.

Below is an area I pass every day to and from work.

I enjoy observing the seasonal changes of this particular spot

with its abundance of lily pads.

I zoomed in for the next shot.

I apologize for the haziness of parts of these photos;

I'm still learning with this camera.

"The question is not what man can scorn,

or disparage,

or find fault with,

but what he can love,

and value,

and appreciate."

John Ruskin

Corner View: Whatever Strikes My Fancy

2011-10-19T06:17:00.001-04:00

Ninja supplied the theme this week.

Whatever strikes my fancy: Hmmmm.

I decided to exhibit some of my note cards.

I am always on the look-out for pretty, colorful, and different note cards.

I keep a basket full on a dresser in the dining room

and a folder full in a desk drawer at school.

I use them to jot a note form of a letter

a short "thinking of you" encouragement.

They are one of my trademarks at school.

The O is the initial of my last name and I got through Thirty One,

which I sell.

At Half-price Book stores, I pick up tins of flowered note cards with info about them.

This is from "Queen of Hearts" --a blogger who sells her work on line.
She's the one from whom I bought the stones with words of encouragement on them.

This one is from my dear blogger friend S. Etole. This picture doesn't do it justice, but I included it anyway.
She sent two of her beautiful note cards to me along with an incredible copy of a photo that I loved.

I bought these at a country store in the Hocking Hill area of Ohio

on vacation two years ago.

This is from the artist foundation in a near-by town.

I love the vibrant colors and abstract design.

Some of the note cards I have a hard time parting with.

But I do eventually.

For more on "Whatever . . ." check out Francesca's Fuoriborgo.

Barn Charm #14

2011-10-18T06:01:00.000-04:00

This series was taken two weeks ago on that lovely Sunday drive

my husband and I took.

This barn belongs to the family of barns around here

that set back up on a hill.

I particularly like these because they show off the lovely countryside

of the rolling southeastern Ohio hills.

Look in the upper left-hand corner at the view behind this barn.

This area is full to the brim of such views.

Imagine walking this hill several times a day!

I was able to catch a quick shot of the silo.

As I said in last week's post, the roads were busy that day,

so I was unable to get out of the car which would have helped me discover this

other than at the last moment as we headed away from this barn setting.

It was a "Wait! Stop! I have to get a shot of the silo!" moment.

My husband patiently hit the break, I snapped the pic,

and off we went.

Click below to visit Tricia's blog to view photos of more lovely barns.

A disagreement among three seasons

2011-10-16T23:24:00.001-04:00

There is confusion among the seasons

in my part of Ohio.

They appear to be disagreeing over which one should have the 'stage' now.

The thyme is still thriving quite well--- a summer staple,

although it does usually last in 'scraggles' until first snow fall.

Some summer flowers are enjoying the fall coolness at night, and thus blooming brighter

in the heat of the daytime.

This particular batch is showing the wear and tear of a long, hot summer
in the leaves and stems,
but the blooms are stubbornly
colorful with new blooms thrusting forth into the light each day.

The morning glories open up in beauty ignoring the raggedy leaves as well as the dead ones

Nearby the catnip flaunts its four-season hardiness---It's one of the first perennials to show its face in

the spring and one of the last to hide it. A lengthy and harsh cold spell must occur

before it will burrow under for the winter.

The other flowers are scraggly, and they long ago lost their yellow blooms.

However, their fall rustiness still calls to me, so I haven't taken the cutters to them yet.

The cherry tomatoes are still chanting, "I think I can, I think I can."

But they are "slipping backwards down the hill."

The mums' assignments

for the Pumpkin Festival are complete,

so their colors are quickly fading.

They are willingly conceding to winter's advent.

Meanwhile high up the hill

in the neighbor's yard, the trees are arguing.

Some are persistent in their green,

while a few are showing orange,

and several have faded to a dull brown

ready to drop in a heap on the ground.

Apparently the temperatures and thus the plants

have forgotten their Sunday School verses,

especially Ecclesiastes 3:1:

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."

(Many folks are hearing this scripture and companion verses this weekend

and will continue to as long as the updated version of Footloose

is shown in movie theaters and then released on DVD.

I love watching Julianne Hough dance,

so will most likely see the movie at some point.

Though I like some of Blake Shelton's songs,

I don't think his version of the title song

has the oomph of Kenny Loggins' original.

But the scripture holds true no matter which actor recites it!)

Blessings to you all as you begin the new week!

Corner View: October

2011-10-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

My little town of Barnesville, Ohio

has an annual Pumpkin Festival.

It has been going on since the 1960s

and is a celebration of fall and harvest.

It is actually the last full weekend of September,

but to me and many in our town,

it has more of an October feel to it.

The stores compete in a storefront decoration contest

as do residences.

This Victorian village is a cornucopia of front porches and front yards

ideal for huge displays of scarecrows, hay stacks, pumpkins, and the absolute 'must':

mums.

There are many activities throughout the four-day celebration,

such as hog calling, tobacco spitting, pie-eating, best fudge, pumpkin pie, other delights,

best pet costume, all kinds of bands, and a big parade on Saturday afternoon.

Here are some high lights:

Scenes from the Pumpkin Festival Parade:

Part of my front porch.

The other side of my front porch.

A display I walk past to and front the festival. It's just one block from my home.

I don't know these kids; I just needed a photo of King Pumpkin and its runner-up,

so I ended up having them in the shot.

King Pumpkin was small this year.

Two years ago, it hit almost 1500 lbs.

I didn't get the picture taken until they were dismounting the display,

so the third biggest has already been loaded up and taken away.

The seeds of King Pumpkin are auctioned off each year.

Our local grocery store usually buys the pumpkin.

Here are photos from last year.

I'm late posting this week,

but you can still check out others' corner views

on Francesca's host site.

Barn Charm #13 Southeast Ohio

2011-10-10T23:06:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday was a beautiful end of summer, beginning of fall day.

The temp was in the high 70s,

but there was the undefinable something that lurks here in Ohio

this time of year,

that makes you put a light jacket or long sleeved shirt in the car.

Many people were out for drives, so it was more of a point and shoot day.

The road we were on, where we saw this barn,

was narrow with few spots to pull over and let other cars go by.

I didn't feel comfortable getting out of the car for exploration.

Also, folks were out and about their barns and on this particular road

the barns were right beside the road

so I couldn't hide behind long camera shots!

This barn is typical of many around here---it has the slope leading up to the main entrance.

On the sides are entrances into the 'basement' floor.

However, the bottom section is wood

instead of a stone foundation--somewhat unusual here.

There is a stone support under the grass slope though.

They're using it, but yet it needs some care.

Coming up on this character.

Closer . . .

Smack dab in front!

It's packed to the brim with hay.

Past it!

The blue storage trailer spoils the 'set' somewhat, but such is life!

It was a wonderful Sunday drive with my husband on the back roads around this small town

I call home.

10-9-11

Click to further enlarge any of them.

Check out more barns on Tricia's Bluff Area Daily.

Time and a Sunday afternoon

2011-10-10T00:12:00.005-04:00

Preacher's Regret:

"Being in a hurry. Getting to the next thing

without fully entering the thing in front of me.

I cannot think of a single advantage

I've ever gained from being in a hurry.

But a thousand broken and missed things,

tens of thousands,

lie in the wake of all the rushing . . . .

Through all that haste

I thought I was making up time.

It turns out I was throwing it away!"

This is an excerpt from AnnVoskamp's book

one thousand gifts.

Her footnote tells us that it's from

Mark Buchanan:The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by

Restoring Your Sabbath (Nashville: Nelson, 2007), 45, emphasis added.

I have been reading her book slowly, carefully, underlining and then journaling

as I journey through it.

Much to reflect upon.

This section dealt on the busyness of life.

One comment of hers really struck me:

". . . the busyness of your life leaving little room for the source of your life."

The source she refers to is God.

Busyness in every day responsibilites can mislead us.

We need to start looking around us

and seeing new out of old--

beauty out of every day tasks--

turning drudgery into discovery.

(These are my thoughts.)

With that in mind, I went for a drive with my husband this afternoon.

We took the hauling trailer out to his dad's barn

and then he took me out to show me the work he and other men

had been doing on one of the men's barn.

After that, he took me on a driving tour,

pointing out where people from our high school days now lived,

the old reservoir, and so on.

At the barn, which is now ours as is the acre it's on,

I went exploring with my camera.

Below are some of what I found.

(click on any to get full page enlargement--will really show the deer)

I liked the iron gate and also the long one just resting there.

His aunt came over and pointed up on the hill.

My eyes and my camera followed.

The little one on the right was getting nervous and wanting Mama to leave.

It had already flicked its white tail several times,

communicating its concern about possible danger.

Mama and friend were in no hurry.

But they did eventually leave

and I went exploring again.

This is just one of many discoveries.

There are lots of things hidden in this bush: old machinery, tools, car parts, wood,

and "Who knows what else?"

That's part of this place. It's the mystery, the attraction, and the irritation too.

Junk or treasure?

I guess the answer depends on the perspective of the person answering.

It was a great few hours away from books and the computer.

Time apart.

Time to look, discover, and enjoy time with my husband.

We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.

Psalm 39:6

I wanted to be more than a moving shadow today and to savor the gift of time

and of sharing life with a wonderful man.

Blessings as you begin your new week.

Corner View: The last thing I've learned

2011-10-05T07:01:00.000-04:00

I learned at last week's Pumpkin Festival

that a person's choice of type and location for a tatoo

can still surprise me

(and gross me out).

This week I learned that I have some budding poets in my freshmen Advanced English class.

For more Corner Views on some last things learned

check out Francesca's Fuoriborgo.

Barn Charm #12 Southeast Ohio

2011-10-04T05:23:00.001-04:00

This is a cattle farm of 86 acres of hills and woods

that I pass every day on way to and from work.

Sometimes the cows are down by the road, but not on this day.

They were scattered up into the surrounding hills of lovely southeastern Ohio.

Check below for more barn charm.

Words to Ponder, then Prayer and Scripture

2011-10-02T18:45:00.005-04:00

"When I am alone in my head,
I am in the most dangerous
neighbor-
hood in America,

far worse than any gangster neighbor-hood.

I want to stay in the best neighbor-hood in town----
the 'hood of gratitude,
surrender, and prayer."

"In the bad times, fear is my Higher Power."

"All the power I have comes from admitting my own powerlessness."

"I am well off when God is my Higher Power, and those are the good times."

"You are always safe when you are in gratitude."

"It is good to have a vision of who you want to be.

My vision is to be calm and trust in God."

"Stay in the warm pool

faith, trust, hope, and love.

That pool will be calm and safe and warm no matter what.

And if it's a really good pool,

it will also have friends in it."

Sayings are compliments of Ben Stein from his book

The Gift of Peace, Guideposts on the Road to Serenity.

Lord, I lift to You the situations of my life that concern me,

I lay my worries before You and

ask for Your mighty Intervention

to show me what's right when I can only see what's wrong.

I am determined to see the good,

so help me not to be blinded by my own

fears, doubts, wants, and preconceived ideas.

I ask You to reveal to me

Your truth in every situation.

In Jesus' name I pray.

-------------God's Promise-----------

And we know that all things work together

for good to those who love God,

to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

From Stormie Omartian's

The Power of Praying, Help for a Woman's Journey Through Life.

The blue flowers are my morning glories.

The pink is ???I can't remember, but I like them.

The white flowers are part of a climatis

that takes over a corner of my porch.

Blessings.

(I was sick again, but I'm feeling better.)

Corner View: Music

2011-09-28T05:48:00.001-04:00

Music to my ears is listening to Peyton tell me about her day

and tell me she made this picture for me.

It's picking up the phone to hear her say,

"Grandma, are you buying your house?"

She had remembered my reaction when she and I drove by the Victorian home

and I squealed in delight at the for sale sign.

It was she who waited patiently while I called the realtor to set up a viewing time.

And it was she who remembered to call the evening after the viewing

to ask me about my dream home.

She's eight.

Music to my ears is hearing Aaron jabber and sing in the car.

Also it's aswering the phone to hear him chattering to me.

Music to my ears is the laughter of my daughter holding one of the children

she always dreamed of having

and the laughter of that little girl in her arms.

Music to my ears is the joy erupting in laughter from my grandkids.

Join Francesca for more "music."

House Explanation

2011-09-27T06:11:00.000-04:00

These first two photos show some of the best of this home. I would love waking up and getting to pass by
this window on my way down to my morning coffee!

This window contributes so well to one of the warmest, most welcoming foyers I've seen in awhile.

But these show only the beauty---only what's so right about this home.

However, there is much wrong.

All the beautiful hanging light fixtures have pull strings attached.

Yes, even this lovely gem below.

You cannot flip a switch in any room to turn on a light.

The house needs all new electrical wiring.

They attempted to update the kitchen with a dishwasher but stuck it at the end of the long counter, adding another part of a counter (doesn't match well) and butting everything up too close to the door of a beautiful floor to ceiling wood pantry. Getting into it is a physical acrobatic act.

You can't see the other side of this middle counter but it's open and is plywood. The entire kitchen is a hodge podge of what seems to be "after thoughts" or half-hearted attempts to modernize which only result in making this room more of an eye sore, esp. compared to the rest of the house. The entire kitchen needs to be redone---ENTIRE.

This is just a glimpse of some problems outside. Most of the gutters are rotted or not connected to anything or both! Lots of shingles are missing on the roof. Sooooo--new roof, major gutter repair. None of the windows upstairs have storms and some are in terrible shape: new windows.

One of the ornaments from the roof has been left to further deteriorate on the front porch.

The porch is rotted through not only on the floor but in the banisters and well---everywhere: whole new porch --- to fully restore it to original beauty would be quite costly.

Corner View: Silly

2011-09-21T07:07:00.000-04:00

Silly playing around makes for good memories.

For my husband Mike's retirement party silliness was the theme---

well that and pork (Mike retired from a company that sold pork products).

I had to put this pic in after seeing Francesca's post on silly t-shirts.

For more "silliness" check out Francesca's Fuoriborgo

My Victorian Dream House

2011-09-19T23:37:00.003-04:00

For those pics not already enlarged, simply click on them to enlarge them.

I grew up in a Victorian parsonage house across the street

from this house.

I grew up loving this house.

Every time I would go by in these past two years,

I would think

or say to Mike if we were together

that I wish this house would come up for sale.

Then one day I was driving back from a grandma/granddaughter shopping day,

and I saw the sign.

It was not there that morning when we left.

I cried out, "My house is for sale! My house is for sale!"

I jarred Peyton awake from her nap.

"Grandma, what's wrong?"

Then I explained about this house

and how I dreamed of owning it one day.

I called the realtor when we arrived at my home

and set up an appt. for Labor Day; (it was the Sat. of that weekend.)

These windows are in the third floor
attic which is huge and tall and full of
possibilities.

This top window is high up on the front wall of the attic and there is no way to get to it.

But I told Mike I'd have to be able to look out of it and he said he'd have to build me a ladder.

The porch is off the master bedroom
and a huge front upstairs foyer.

This is the front porch complete with
swing.

This is an outside view of the stained
glass window on the landing of the staircase. The other windows are:
upstairs bedrooms and another attic window.

This is part of the foyer. I posted a close-up of the oval stained glass window in a previous post.

And----This is the staircase that I've shown before. The door opens into the dining room then into the kitchen.

This is the family room. Behind the fireplace is a half-bath and laundry room.

This is another view of this room---I had to show off the piano.

This is the side door that comes into the family room. Note the leaded glass.

This is the dining room with a built-in china closet.

A view of the front parlor from the family room.

Looking into the hallway and up the staircase from the parlor or living room.

We had some fun figuring out this window. We were on the back kitchen steps and could not figure out what we were looking at. It turned out to be the pantry.

Beautiful wood throughout.

Then we all three (Mike, the realtor, and I) halted abruptly when we came to the kitchen . It's not added on ---it's on the original foundation and it just---
doesn't -- fit.

A view of the roof line of the back mudroom.

Looking up North Chestnut Street-- one of the two main ways into and out of Barnesville.

This is the other side of the street.

This is looking toward town. The big funeral home is catty-corner from this house.

The stained glass windows are in the walk-in closet of my old room in the parsonage.

(For those of you not familiar with the word parsonage:

it is a parson's or minister's house and is owned by the church.)

My parents room is to the right. My front windows are to the left.

My Grandpa Jarvis built in a vanity area for me under those beautiful windows.

The roof line is all messed up.

When "they" (a committee) had the roof replaced,

they had the attic windows covered up

and all the beautiful Victorian angles were removed.

It sickened me when I saw it and realized what had happened.

My dream house is directly across the street.

Someone else occupies the parsonage.

As for my dream house---right now it's a "No."

I will tell you the rest tomorrow.

(Hint: Though they have kept the woodwork and such looking good,

they have been negligent.)

I must go to bed.

Blessings and goodnight.

The house continued

2011-09-18T22:13:00.000-04:00

Something to tease you!

This has been a crazy weekend: good but crazy.

Tomorrow evening,

I will post the rest of the photos of the house and the story behind it.

Where is this?

2011-09-15T22:20:00.000-04:00

This past week I posted photos of this window on this staircase landing.

I've been asked about it.

This weekend, I will post more photos and tell you the story of this place--

a special story for me.

Check back on Saturday.

Corner View: Iconic

2011-09-14T05:48:00.002-04:00

Laying on its side, it may not look familiar, but I like the wood grain against wood grain effect.

Upright it's more recognisable: a chalice---a cup for communion--the symbolic act

of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for us humans. It's an iconic symbol to many all over the world.

This was brought from Israel. It's beautifully carved.

It was my father's and I cherish it even more

because my father was a devoted minister

who reached out in love to so many.

To many the cup of wine representing Christ's blood is

representative of Christ's love to the point of sacrifice on the cross,

so that we might live.

Iconic sustenance.

For more iconic views, check out Fuoriborgo.

God's Promise and a Prayer

2011-09-12T05:23:00.000-04:00

---------- God's Promise ---------

This is the message which we have heard from Him

and declare to you,

that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with Him,

and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,

we have fellowship with one one another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son

cleanses us from all sin.

I John 1: 5-7

Dear Lord,

You are the light of my life.

Because You are unchanging,

Your light is constant no matter what is going on around me.

Help me to trust that the light You give me

is just the amount I need for the step I'm on.

In Jesus' name I pray.

From a Stormie Omartian prayer book.

9-11 Display

2011-09-11T14:16:00.002-04:00

As I've stated in previous posts,
I took on the responsibility of
commemorating 9-11 at our high school.
The three girls who cut out the initial back ground paper and then cut out and arranged photos on it, unfortunately didn't open the glass doors to measure the inside of the display case. I didn't think to check if they did; I assumed.
Never assume when dealing with teen-agers.

Enter two junior girls who took over the project when the others' study hall and lunch periods were over.
They realized the mistake.
They correctly measured and restarted
the project. They had to cut out already pasted pics to now put on the new paper. This was the resulting
arrangement laid out on a table in the library. The background paper was already in the display case at this point.

Here are some close-ups. I had a World Trade Center calendar that I had saved. We used only one pic,
because I didn't want to cut up the calendar,
Our color printer at school is not working, so I had to use my little one at home. I was able to make a copy of the back of the calendar and the girls designed the string of pics you see here. I liked their idea.

I wanted all three areas hit that day to be covered. Photos of the Pentagon
were the hardest for me to find .

This is the only black and white photo,
except for the newspaper covers.
A student handed this in as part of his English assignment in our computer lab, and I liked the "Never
Forget."
A blogger friend provided the quote that I glued on the bottom of the photo.

Due to starting over, the project ended up being completed

after school by me.

(I did not procrastinate. I worked on this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

I did not get the 'go ahead' from the principal until Wed.)

One of the junior girls had newspapers at home of the day after. Her father was in NYC on 9-11 and several days following it. He bought four papers and they have kept them. I only copied the front pages and they could not be in color because I had to use
the BIG printer at school to get a decent copy.

Part of the Flight 93 section.

This is something I cut out the following year from The Cincinnati Enquirer

and have kept.

These are more newspaper front pages bought and saved by the girl student's father.

The one paragraph is from a blogger friend from another country.

The article was on the front page of one of the newspapers.

Another blogger submitted this.

I apologize for the blurry pic, but I wanted to include it

because it goes so well with the following pic.

The entire song is on the bulletin board, but I only shot part of it.

This can still make me tear up when I hear it.

I wanted a blue background because it was such a beautiful day.

The junior girls came up with the idea of the clouds and writing a caption on them.

Another final photo.

I left at 9 PM Friday night, exhausted but glad I'd taken this on

and completed it.

It's not my most creative work, but with the time and material constraints,

I think it turned out well.

The kids and staff will see it as they walk in tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow morning at the moment the first tower was hit,

two senior girls will begin reading over the loud speaker.

I realize it is a day late, but a lot of schools are commemorating on Monday

out of necessity.

First read will be the short basic "Time Line"

beginning with the first plane hitting

and ending with Flight 93 plowing into a Pennsylvania field.

Then a verse and chorus from Allen Jackson's song will be read.

A moment of silence will follow.

A short poem will be read next.

The chorus of Lee Greenwood's "I'm Proud to be an American"

will be the final reading.

It will occur during the last ten minutes of first period.

I'm praying all goes well.

I taped one of the network's coverage of the ceremonies today

in order to show parts tomorrow in class.

I also DVRd it.

Overall, I thought the commemorations were well thought out

and excellent tributes to those we lost that day.

The families seeing their loved ones' names

on the wall of the World Trade Center

for the first time

was especially moving to me.

Thank you again, to those who wrote me their thoughts and responses

of that day.

Blessings.

9-11 project update

2011-09-09T00:17:00.000-04:00

I have two classes working on the project and three wonderfully artistic and responsible girls in my 4th period study hall who are taking my ideas, suggestions and materials and running with them for the collage.
They will complete the display tomorrow.

I would still like to hear your thoughts and reactions to that day or anything else I mentioned in my previous post.

We have to commemorate it the day after at school and it will be simply done over the loud speaker. Our channel one news for kids will have a segment on it, so that will give kids visual footage. The collage of photos, poems, song lyrics, etc. will be in the display case in the lobby.

My advanced junior English class has an interview assignment due Monday where they interview someone 25 years or older about that day. We as a class came up with questions with some additions from me.

Some kids are quite blase' about that day, but most are responsive to discussion about it and assignments on it. I keep in mind that some were as young as 4.
I think a lot of them don't have a clue as to the seriousness of that day and the lasting effect on our country and that's one reason why I won't ignore it. English class is the perfect class for it.

Off to bed. Thanks for any comments, suggestions, or encouragement. I hope to have photos for you.

I Need Help/a Favor

2011-09-08T05:52:00.006-04:00

I have volunteered to do a display for 9-11in our showcase in the lobby. I have two days to do it. I also want to have some 'readings' for that morning. I have some students who will read them over the loudspeaker. I plan to have one do a brief time schedule of the events.

I would like reactions to that day from all of you who visit my blog---those who live in the United States, but also from those who are from other countries.

What do you remember most?
What was your first thought?
Did you stay glued to the TV? Why or why not?
Do you think that more movies or songs or continual coverage of those who were and continued to be in involved in the aftermath and of those who died should have been done? Did we shut down on it too soon?

Is there a poem, book, or song about that day or that pays tribute to the loss or simply touches you?
If so, what is it? Who is it by?

Are their any books you would recommend on the subject? If so, please write the title and author and brief account. I'd like to make a list for the display.
Any songs? Title, writer, singer, and if possible lyrics, and a YouTube connection or better yet a way for me to download it because YouTube is blocked at our school.
Poems? Title, author, and if possible the words.
Short stories? Same as above.

Photos that represent to you something about that day.
Personal poetry: please share your own thoughts in poetry form or even short vignettes.

I do not want to get into the blame game and the "What ifs?". I want a simple tribute and remembrance of that day and how we as Americans reacted and 'survived'.

What emotional toll did it take on you---are you different in some aspect?

Please respond to all or even just one of the above and please give me permission to share. Let me know if you want your name given or you want to be anonymous or simply identified by an initial or first name.

LAST: What is an American (to you)? Please either write a brief five-sentence paragraph or a four-16 line poem (give or take a line). Or a Haiku or . . .? You decide.

If you think of anything else, I'm open. I need it ASAP. Why so late? We just started school Tuesday and no one thought to plan for it. I was the first one to start asking if we had anything planned, so then I told the principal I'd put something together. We will not be having an assembly, but I feel strongly that we stop and remember that day and all those folks who died and who lived through it.
If you disagree with me, fine; just don't participate. I really don't need negativity right now.

Either submit response in comment column or supply a link to your blog or your photography, etc. that I can access, please. Keep in mind that I'm not all that 'blog savy' so I may need instructions.

Also, please mention this in your blog if you're so inclined --- pass it on.

Thank you for any help you can give me.

♥Beth-- the high school English teacher from Ohio

Corner View: Indispensable

2011-09-07T05:05:00.001-04:00

Even when my perspective gets blurry or hazy,

I still have my faith in God, His Son, and His Helper--The Holy Spirit.

With my faith, the blurriness eventually leaves.

My help cometh form the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:2

He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches." Matthew 13:31-32

I have gone through much in my life

and I can honestly say that I would not still be here without my faith.

But faith has sustained me and continues to one step/one day/ one week . . . at a time.

For me, faith is indispensable.

For more corner views on indispensable,

check out Francesca's .Fuoriborgo

Barn Charm #11 Southeast Ohio

2011-09-05T23:10:00.001-04:00

This was taken on that long ago Sunday drive back in June.

I haven't gotten any good shots lately,

so this one will have to do.

I'm not quite sure what's going on,

but it doesn't look like it's falling down on its own.

Is someone tearing it down

are they in the process of rebuilding it?

Check out more barns at Tricia's.