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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Memorial Day in Mountain View, AR


We spent Memorial Day weekend in Mountain View, AR with some friends. This is one of our favorite "go to spots."  It's the perfect place to relax and if you want some action, there is plenty to do.  What I love about Mountain View is the preservation of the arts.  This weekend we crashed a wood working class.
 
 
These fine gentleman from Mountain Home, AR were here learning how to use a lathe to make bowls.  They gave me permission to snap some photos of the transition from a raw piece of wood to a work of art.

It goes from something like this...............

 
 
to something like this..................

 
 
 The beautiful veining in this bowl is actually where the wood had started to rot.
Bring on the rotting wood!!!!


We did some shopping in the down town area.


This chandy caught my eye...it was breathtaking. 


And music is always a part of the scene in this little mountain town.
This talented guy was seated in an antique store playing Celtic music on the dulcimer.




We landed at Wood's Pharmacy for some frozen treats.


This place is always packed but we were lucky enough to find a couple of tables to have lunch one day and just an afternoon ice cream break another.  It's worth showing up here twice in one trip!!


If only for the Blue Moon Flavor.

There were camp fires...



and creek time.....


 It's such an alluring little spot to hang out


It's called Sylamore Creek and we can walk right down to its banks from our campsite.


Gorgeous....

Kenneth dug around and found some of these....




Crawfish..or mudbugs (as we call them here in the south.)

We let the little guy go free.  After all, one's not enough to have a broil.





We took some naps here.


and played spoons.


This guy here makes all the magic happen.
He works hard setting everything up.....and four days later, tearing it all back down.
He's patient when I want to add a chalkboard...
And a 50 gallon tote of linens...
and lights here.....and lights there......
Without him I'd miss out on all these adventures.
Thank you Mr. Magnificent :)

My dad passed away in December of last year.  I miss him so much.  I think about him every time I take his camper out and how he use to tease me about selling it for a profit.  I would threaten him with bodily harm if he sold that camper....
He makes this all possible too.  I could have a huge Montana with all the bells and whistles....
but I wouldn't trade this camper or these moments for anything.  He's helping me build memories with my family.




Until next time................make some memories with your family.


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Thursday, May 9, 2013

The Birthday Girl


Today is my sweet friend's birthday.  I have to take a minute to brag about her on her birthday.  Lori is one of a kind. She and I are spontaneous sisters.  She calls, I come.  I call, she goes.  We are partners in crime.  She has a great big heart, cooks great lasagna and makes the best Panchos dip EVER.  She manages an office full of women and for me that makes her a super hero with a cape that gives her extraordinary powers.  We've rode together in a car for nine days straight.. across 7 states.  I think we are committed.  We've made it through some "tell it like it is times"  I think that qualifies us.  She's beautiful....on the inside too.  Don't hate on her.  I've often felt her hand on my back or reaching out to take mine in hers as I've knelt at the altar to pray.  I had surgery last year and she offered to use her vacation time to stay home with me the first few days.  Abnormal mammogram?  She's right there with me.    Potentially flooding house?  She cancels her plans and shows up to help....and brings her family too!!!  She's loyal people. They just don't make many like her.  I am so blessed to call her my friend and today on her birthday I want her to know that I love her with all my heart and am so glad that the Lord chose us to encourage, support, play and pray together.
 
Happy birthday beautiful lady....You are a gift to my world :)

Monday, April 29, 2013

Camping Premiere


We camped this weekend.  We've had this trip planned for months.  It was our season debut.  The camping premiere.  All week we watched the weather forecast and every day the chances for rain increased.  Most people would cancel at 70% chance of rain.  Not us.  We loaded up and headed for the beautiful Village Creek State Park in our home state of Arkansas. It's about an hour and a half from our house and we left Thursday night.  3 day weekend..yeah!  It did rain.  But we had the best time in spite of that. There were 28 of us and we hiked, fished, swam in freezing cold water and we ate.............. ALOT. 



We take camping very serious.  My son says we have all the camping equipment from any aisle in any sports department.  I'm sure there is something we are missing that I could find though :)


I have a confession to make.  I have a 50 gallon tote that holds decorative pillows, quilts, pretty sheets and wool blankets. 
AND THAT'S ALL IT HOLDS......................................................................................

Sigh.................



Of course you have to have a chalkboard at camp. And cards.  Because that's what we do late at night.  Play cards. And sit around the campfire and make new memories.
With old friends..............and family. To be honest it's hard to tell who is who.  Friends blend into family and family can make the best of friends.

 We blend into a beautiful tapestry of diverse personalities.  And the new members of our crazy clan bring there own special talents.
Take this guy for example...Can you say COOK?  Anthony was the camp chef and he has mad skills at the griddle AND grill.  He was amazing!!!!!
Have you ever noticed that camp food is some of the most amazing meals you have ever consumed?
We had steak, foil packs, homemade ice cream, huge breakfasts, dutch oven  peach cobbler, beans, coffee, hot chocolate, camp potatoes and the occasional sandwich.... but for the most part, Anthony kept the grill and griddle hot.  (Much to our delight!!!)
We have some beautiful parks here in Arkansas. Everything was a beautiful dewy shade of green this weekend as we hiked the trails.

 God is the ultimate artist is he not?

 Being in his creation and sharing it with the special people in your life is a wonderful blessing.
Even in the rain.


Because even when you're wet you can cozy up to the camp fire.


and make smores.



Or just play in the fire..............


My son is 20 years old now.  We have many memories of camping and he has a great love for the outdoors. To quote his four year old self on our first camping trip to this very park.....

"Mom, this is the greatest day of my life."


 It's been some of the greatest days of mine too.

  Because moments like this are priceless ;)))))))))

(That's my husband and one of my best friends btw)

Hmmm.






We are home now and the camping equipment is set up all over our yard to dry out, 10 loads of wet laundry are still being washed, the camper is being replenished and we are exhausted and full.  BUT...Memorial Day is right around the corner and me and the loyal camp dog Ginger are counting down the days to our next trip.




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Saturday, April 6, 2013

Spring Saturdays





Seven Acres Flea Market
 
Such a beautiful day here in the south although the wind is kinda high.  Mowers are busy, yard sales are plenty, spring is finally starting to show up around here.  I slept in a little late this morning and then drug myself out of bed and hit some of my favorite local spots.  Seven Acres Flea Market had plenty of rusty treasures to choose from but I didn't go home with anything. 

My husband called to meet me for lunch once he got in from work and we hit this dive.  Believe me when I say this place is a local favorite.  They make the best BLT in town!  If you didn't know about it and you were new to town, you'd probably just drive on by.  But if you stop and they slide the window and take your name and your order...you'll be glad you did.




            I had a late breakfast so I just ordered the onion rings and saved the BLT for another time.

 
 
Ken, however, landed this HUGE burger.  Delicious! They EVEN toast the bun!!!
 
 
 
Later we went to Amazing Things.  It's a flea market owned by a sweet couple (Greg and Patricia) here in Paragould.  I love this place.  Any time you visit there is gospel music playing softly in the background.  Not open on Sundays or Mondays but open until 6:00 through the week.
 
 
These plaid thermos' have been catching my eye lately.  I scored one for $3 a couple of weeks ago.  By the way, while I was taking this photo I backed into a small picture on an easel and broke it!  Cost me $5.  My husband later pointed out a sign that said "I break I buy, you break you cry."  Of course I had already paid for the one I broke and he was just rubbing it in with a smirky smile. 
 
 
Beautiful display of blue crockery.  I have a thing for cobalt blue anything!
 
 
These old bottles are fabulous.  I have my own collections sitting in the shed, waiting to be cleaned up....sigh.
 
 
Beautiful couch..it would be great in a shabby chic designed home.  Love the nail head detail.
I can also envision it in a modern print upholstery as well...bold geometric shapes that would modernize it a bit.
 
 
 
This chalkboard is SWEET. As a matter of fact this whole booth is usually a wonderful mixture of unique vintage finds.
 
 
The only thing I went home with today were these linens.  2 quilted pillow shams and a vintage tablecloth.  I bought them at a yard sale 1 block behind my street.  $4 bucks total.  Big spender.  I ADORE them and I think they are going in my camper. Where everything goes lately.................................................
 
 
Now this is what we are doing...........
 
 
Have a great weekend everyone!
 
 
 
 
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Sunday, March 24, 2013

Never, Never, Never


This is the final week. Friday marks the day that Jesus gives his life.  On a tree that he created and grew with that very intention. If we didn't know that Sunday came, the forecast may look somber and bleak.  However, we have the privilege of hind sight and we know that the grave could not contain the love that death so eagerly anticipated conquering. 
 
 Today we celebrate Palm Sunday..the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem..the beginning of the week that would bring to fruition the entire reason for Jesus' existence on Earth.  One key player stands out in my mind. He's the loud mouth, the walk on water show off, the one who encountered Jesus on the Sea of Galilee and left it all behind, never looking back....before I give him too much credit I should point out that he also wanted to know what was in it for him...."We've given  up everything to follow you.  What will we get out of it?" (Matthew 19:27 NLT) 
 
Peter.  The never, never, never guy.  As Jesus set about preparing the disciples, Peter, the stand out guy, pulls Jesus aside to correct him.  "Heaven forbid Lord," he said.  This will NEVER happen to you!" (Matthew 16:22 NLT)  and later as they gather in the upper room as Jesus predicts his denial.."Even if everyone else deserts you, I NEVER will. Peter, Jesus replied, the truth is, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."  No!, Peter insisted. "Not even if I have to die with you!  I will NEVER deny you!" (Matthew 26:33-25 NLT, emphasis mine)
 
 
 
All his adamant confessions of loyalty sounded good at the time, but we know that Jesus was right (big surprise there) and Peter caved under the pressure.  We also know that Peter wept bitterly. I bet Peter was thinking...It's over.  I failed.  He knew I would.  Guess he'll have to find a new rock to build his church on. There went my throne he promised me.  Someone else will have to serve as judge to the twelve tribes of Israel.  I'm an EPIC FAILURE.
 
What I love about this story is the upcoming beach scene.  Man, Jesus always has an awesome come back scene doesn't he?  We look at ourselves and we see failure.  He looks at us and he sees potential.  The beach scene is one of the most amazing pictures of restoration I see in the bible.  It's heart wrenching.  You know why?  Because I see me in Peter. An epic failure.  I have all these lofty ideas of loyalty and devotion..commitment and never, never, nevers...and Jesus assures me that in looking at myself, I too am nothing but a failure.  "But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! (Psalms 14:3 NLT)
 
 
Let's travel to the beach, back to where it all started, at the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus has died, and been resurrected.  He's appearing to his disciples again.  Filling their nets once more. He's playing host, serving breakfast and when Peter hears his voice and John assures him it is the Lord, he can't wait for the boat to dock.  He swims to shore.  He's not hiding in shame, or guilt or regret.  He's running to the Lord. (John 21)
 
 
 
 
Jesus doesn't even breathe a word of "I told you so."  "Come eat some breakfast", he says.  After the physical needs had been met, Jesus set about meeting Peter's spiritual needs.  I don't know if you ever noticed but Jesus asked Peter if he loved him...and you know what I noticed?  He asked him THREE times.  I find that significant.  Peter has pledged his undying love to Jesus before... but in the end he denied it THREE times.  So here we are and Jesus is asking him "Peter, do you love me?"  "Peter, do you love me?" "Peter do you love me?" Of course Peter tells him he does....and then..."feed my sheep."  No lecture, no recap, no request for an apology...just "feed my sheep." In my mind essentially he is saying, get busy...the past is the past, east to west..forgetting what lies behind...be about my father's business.  And just like that, Peter is redeemed, refocused, reaffirmed.
 
It's the same with us.  As Good Friday approaches and we recall our epic failure to make ourselves right with God and his  great sacrifice to right our inadequacies,  know that he isn't standing on the beach waiting to chastise us for our failures... but to ask us that same question..."Do you love me?" 
 
 
FEED MY SHEEP...................