Monday, June 27, 2011

IA Weekly Challenge: Nursery Rhymes

My favorite nursery stories were always the Beatrix Potter books.  Each book tells the story of a different animal, each with their own unique personalities and adventures.

This canvas growth chart combines some of my very favorite characters;

Squirrel Nutkin

Peter Rabbit
Jamima Puddleduck

Jeramy Fisher



 This particular chart was a custom order.  If you'd like one of your own, or if you have another idea for a custom canvas growth chart, then drop me a comment or visit my Etsy shop;







Monday, June 20, 2011

May 26, 2011; The Progressive Loon Hunt


When I arranged with my sister to come and spend some time with her at her beautiful home in Western Maine, one of the questions she asked me was, "What is one thing that you really want to do or see?"


It didn't take me more than a minute to respond, "I want to see and/or hear a loon!"  I've been a birder most of my life and although I'd been to Maine a couple of times already, I'd never seen or heard a loon.

A couple of days after my request Ginni emailed me the exciting news,  "I have some friends who live on lakes.  We can go kayaking and they guarantee you'll see a loon!"

(Now, I'd never met her friends, but I've lived with me all my life and I know, when hearing a phrase like that I'm pretty much sure I won't see a loon.)  But, ever hopeful, I got excited and looked forward to not only seeing my loon but meeting my sister's friends as well.

Ginni, as I mentioned in an earlier post, is a yoga instructor and the ladies who so fervently assured me of a loon viewing are all members of her Thursday afternoon class in Rangeley, Maine.

Our first stop was to visit Jeannine, (a poster artist) who lives on Long Pond, in a wonderfully funky cabin that was originally built in the 1960s.  It's filled with wonderful art, a mad collection of fabulous antique furnishings and the most amazing view of the lake!  Dawn,  another yoga enthusiast joined us there as well.
Long Pond (aka Bear Mountain Lake)

Notice the ripples in the water?  It was very windy all day long.  Not a good day for small craft boating!  80(  But we got the binoculars out and scanned and scanned.  And Ginni was pretty sure she saw one!  Just near this lovely point.  But look as I might, I couldn't see one.  But what I did see was wonderful!  And Jeannine was a gracious host, providing wine and snacks and introducing us to her newest small furry doggie friend.

After this, the first leg of our adventure, we jumped in our cars and drove over to the home of Ainsley and Dolly.  They live on Loon Lake.  (Sounds like a likely spot, eh?)  Ainsley and Dolly live a log cabin, right on the edge of Loon Lake, with their four dogs.


Ainsley is an artist, working as stone turner.  She makes exquisite bowls, bottles and vases.  Her studio is in a little cabin that sits right next to her home.  www.sherocks.net
alabastersteuben
loon





We walked through the pines to the edge of the lake.  We steppped out on the boulders and we ventured onto the dock, but, search as we might, there were no loons!

Loon Lake



Left to Right;
Jeannine, Ginni, Dawn, Me and Ainsley
Porter is in front.
This is Dolly.
She took the photo



So, intesad of standing around feeling sorry for ourselves, we went inside and had a little wine!






The next stop on the Progressive Loon Hunt was to Dawn's house.  She lives on Quimby Pond.




She is a scientist and world traveler and makes stained glass as a hobby.
Quimby Pond




Well, the wind still hadn't died down.  It was late in the afternoon, really more like early evening.  We stood on the dock and scanned the coves for signs of loonage.  We did actually think we'd seen a couple, but they turned out to be something in the water that wasn't moving.  That's a dead giveaway that they aren't alive.  But we went inside, met Mr. Dawn and got to see her little cubby of a stained glass space.  And we got hear about the time her cats cornered the mink in the cellar!

After that it was definitely time to say our farewells.  No loons. 80(
But I had a wonderful time.  I feel that I really got a chance to know the great folks my sister hangs out with.  They are all such special people, each with their own unique artistic leaning.

As I've mentioned before, Ginni has an incredible gift of hospitality, truly an artist in her own right!

On the way home we made one last stop at Rangeley Lake, just a stop at the scenic pull over, but by then sun was setting, the wind was still blowing and there wasn't a loon to be seen.

Rangeley Lake




Ah well.  What a wondeful day I had!



Sunday, June 5, 2011

Smalls Falls, Madrid, Maine


The week before Memorial Day my hubby and I took a road trip to visit family in New England.  Our first stop was Madrid, Me, home of Star Barn B & B the most wonderful Bed and Breakfast Inn I've ever visited.  (And that has nothing to do with the fact my sister owns it!)

On day two of our visit Ginni and David took us to a local state park called, Smalls Falls.


Under the canopy of fragrant balsam we climbed the path that led us up to the top of the falls, which careened down over a series of steep cliffs.







Being unusually hot for Maine, the mist that the falls sent shooting into the air were delightful!



















The falls take several steps down the side of the mountain, each creating a new and fascinating
cascade, some of which  plummit into natural bowls created by centuries of pounding water.






















We saw lots of wildflowers.







I don't know what the other flowers are called,
but these are "Stinkin' Benjamin"!









Our generous hosts;
David and Ginni











Judy!!  Get down from there!!






My honey and me!

A quiet moment's grateful "thank you"
 to the Creator of all this beauty.


Friday, June 3, 2011

IA Weekly Challenge: Over the Rainbow!

Hi all!  I was away on vacation last week but now I'm back!

And here's my submission for the weekly challenge;
 The very first ever Rainbow! 






If you like this hand constructed, hand painted canvas growth chart, you can purchase it at Measure Me Charts



Thursday, June 2, 2011

Star Barn B & B, Madrid, ME; My first vacation blog post...

...and the first leg of my "whirlwind" weeklong vacation!



Madrid, Maine is waaaaay out in the western part of the great state of Maine.  Near to skiing, hiking,  antiquing,  but right smack dab in the middle of the most beautiful, peaceful and restorative place on earth!

This is the unlikely place that my New Jersey suburban bred and raised sister chose to call home and where she and her husband created a destination spot for those who crave natural beauty and a place to partake in all the wonders of an active outdoor life.
















For this where they bought an 1860 farmhouse with a big ol' barn and over 100 acres of woodlands, streams and ponds.  They renovated the farmhouse into a Victorian showplace, filled with antique treasures that were left by the previous owners.  The first time I visited and saw all the splendid furniture and curios I felt like she had certainly hit the jackpot!  The barn was turned into a five bedroom bed and breakfast, large enough for her to offer single rooms as well as use as a retreat center for folks who come together there for interests from  bible studies to quilting to yoga.



This is Ginni's yoga studio in the "barn"


This is my sister Ginni and her husband, David.

If you'd like more info on Star Barn Bed and Breakfast, Madrid, Me., then visit their website;


Tuesday, May 31, 2011

God's Promises to His righteous people


Promises of God to His righteous people.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plan I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Gen. 15:1 God is my exceedingly great reward.

Exodus 23:22  If I live righteously then God will be the enemy of my enemies and the adversary of my adversaries.

Deuteronomy 33:27 God is my refuge.  He upholds me in his everlasting arms.

2 Chronicles 16:9  God looks for those to whom he can show his strength, to those whose heart is perfect towards him.

Ezra 8:22 The hand of God is upon me for good.

Job 11:15-19 ...then you will lift up your face without shame, and you will stand firm and without fear.  You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.  Life will be brighter then noonday and darkness will become like morning.  You will be secure because there is hope; you will look about you  and take your rest in safety.  You will lie down with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.

Psalm 25:10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to those who keep his covenant and testimonies. 

Psalm 32:7  You are my hiding place; you shall preserve me from trouble; you shall compass me about with songs of deliverance. 

Psalm 34:15  The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.

Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

Psalm 37:4,5  Delight yourself in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord, trust in him, and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:18  The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.

Psalm 37:23,24  The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delights in his way.  Tho he fall he shall not be utterly cut down, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 50:15  Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.

Psalm 55:22  Cast your burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain you; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 62:8  Trust in the Lord at all times, pour out youf heart before him, God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 84:11  For the Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will be with hold from them that walk uprightly.

Proverbs 3:5,6  Trust in the Lord with all your  heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.

Isa. 26:3  You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Isa.40:31  But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint

Isa. 10,13  Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you,yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness....  For I the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you, fear not, I will help you.

Isa. 54:14  In righteousness shall you be established; you shall be far from oppression; for you shall not fear; and from terror; for it shall not come near you.

Nahum 1:7  The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him.

Matt. 7:7,8  Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.  For everyone who asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.

Matt. 18:19,20  If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.  For where two more are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them.

Mark 11:23,24  Whoever shall say to this mountain, Be removed and thrown into the sea, and shall not doubt on his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says will come to pass; he shall have whatever he says.  Therefore, I say to you, what things you desire, when pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them..

John 9:31  Now you know that God does not hear sinners, but if any man is a worshipper of God and does his will, He hears him.
John 14:12-14  Truly, truly I say to you, any man who believes on me the works that I do, he shall do also; and greater woks than these shall he do, because I go to my Father.  And whatever you ask in my name, that will I do, that my Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in my name, I shall do it.
John 16:32  These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace.  In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Romans 8:18  For I reckon  that  the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that  are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:34  … It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
1 Cor.2:9  Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the hard of man the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.
2Cor.1:20  All the promises of God in Him are yes and in Him Amen to the glory of God.
Phil. 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 9:16  Let us therefore come boldly into the throne of Grace, that we  may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and does not upbraid; and it shall be given him.
1 Peter 3:2  The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers…
1 Peter 5:6,7  Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time; casting all your care upon Him: for He cares for you.
Scriptures of Hope
Ps. 9:18  For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.
Ps. 33:22  Let your mercy O Lord, be upon us according as we hope in you.
Ps. 38:15  In you, O Lord, do I hope:  you will hear O Lord, my God.
Ps. 43:5  Why are you cast down, o my soul?  And why are you disquieted in me?  Hope in God for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God.
Ps. 78:8  …That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God,  but keep His commandments.
Ps. 146:5  Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for His help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.
Prov. 23:18  There is surely a hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Jer. 17:7  Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
Romans 15:4  That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Hebrews 11:1  Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Scriptures that let me know God understands and protects me.
John 3: 35  The Father loves the Son and has placed every thing in His hands.
Phil 3:21 – 4:1  Jesus is given power to bring everything under His control, to transform my lowly body.  I can stand in the assurance that Christ is transforming me.  I am safe in this transformation.
Col. 2:2,3  I am encouraged in heart and united with Christ in love so that  I may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that I may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
1 John 2:7  Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray.  He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.
Hebrews 2:18 Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
Jer. 20:10a, 11, 12  I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!”  But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.  They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced, their dishonor will never be forgotten.  Oh Lord Almighty, you examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance against them, for to You I have committed my cause.
Zeph. 3:15b  The Lord, the King of Israel is with you.  Never again will you fear any harm.

LIFE IS JUST SO FULL OF COOL STUFF!

My photo
Manchester Township, New Jersey, United States
My nane is Judy and I've been a christian for more than 3/4 of my life. I believe in redemption through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, that God, the Spirit lives in me and gives me the power to do His will and to live a joyful life. I have a Godly husband, a grown son and daughter. I live on a farm with 3 goats, 2 chickens, 2 horses, a cat, a dog and a python. I am an artist and a singer. I was a full time stay at home mom, the hardest job you'll ever love! I have two handmade shops on Etsy. Leaning on the Promises www.leaningonthepromises.etsy.com (Hand Painted Walking Canes) and Beaver Creek Pottery www.beavercreekpottery.etsy.com and an Etsy shop for selling Vintage and Antiques. Jersey Pine Pickers www.jerseypinepickers.etsy.com I post about my relationship with God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, about the things He teaches me, delights me with and how He uses me.