Sand Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I love the Subtle greys of sand.  One of the places where Sissy and I love to visit is the Coast.  We are so blessed to live this close to beaches and sand, though the waters of the Pacific Ocean are always chilly.  I took this picture the last time Clytie and I were able to make a trip to the beach.  What a wonderful time we had with Cheryl, her husband and dear friends. 

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

 

Heart of Hope -Guest Heart Thursday

My husband was in surgery for quite some time, when I noticed this perfect heart reflected onto the ceiling of the waiting room.  I couldn't believe my eyes--neither could anyone else in our part of the room.

Turns out it was the sun shining through the window, reflecting off my phone, which was sitting on a coffee table.

I believe it was when I saw that beautiful unexpected heart, that I knew for sure all would be well.  Indeed, the surgeon removed all the cancer and my husband, though still in pain, improves every day.   There is a lot for him to do yet, in this life.  I am so thankful for a heart filled with hope.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Leprechaun Valley

This is from down in the Canyon where a small stream cuts through Leprechaun Valley to join the creek below.  It is a beautiful place.  I have a yearning to walk through these amazing forests.  In winter they are quite different than at any time of year.

Thank you again for your kind thoughts and powerful prayers for our family as we faced the loss of our precious Father and for my darling husband as he faced surgery for cancer.

May the Mighty Creator bless you all with the warmth of His embrace.

She's a Mountain Lion

Here is Toez the Polydactyl Cat in her Mountain Lion mood.  The insanity hits her every morning and every evening.  When she is in mountain lion mode, no one is safe.

She lurks upon the counter chair intent upon catching an arm or hand in passing.  She leaps over the firewood beside the wood stove, looking for spiders. She springs onto my shoulder to tickle the side of my face with her whiskers. She runs in front of our feet as we are walking.  Then she gallops through the upstairs rooms and down the stairs and back again.  She is large and heavy enough she sounds exactly like a miniature horse!

This picture made me laugh.  I hope it makes you grin, too.

Have a lovely day!

Glowing Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

Yesterday on our drive to the chapel to make arrangements for Dad's memorial, there were thunderstorms everywhere.  We noticed a little sunbeam following us all the way into town.  Even when it was raining, the sun shone.  I just happened to catch this glowing heart in the skies.  I'm sure it must have been Dad blowing my sisters and me, his granddaughter and sweet Mumsie a kiss.

 
I could not resist putting up this picture of my beautiful sister and niece.  Yes, there was this electronic chair lift which went from the bottom of the stairs to the top.  I was lying in wait at the top.  Isn't this just the sweetest, most lovely picture of them?  They are both QUITE photogenic.

I took this picture last Friday.  It was so bright and beautiful--it reminded me of heaven and of joy.

Have a lovely Thanksgiving everyone.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Birdman

Daddy loved birds.  I like to think my ability to whistle came from Dad.  He had such an affinity for the feathered folk, when he would whistle, they'd come running.  There were times I thought they might be brave enough to land on his shoulders.

Daddy was the Birdman.  What a lovely memory.

It is Well With My Soul

Daddy is getting ready to slip into heaven any time.  When I was there a few days ago he was having a hard time breathing, before the nurse came in with his medications.  So I sang his favorite song to him, holding his hand.  As I sang It is Well With My Soul, Daddy squeezed my hand.

I want to share this song with you--the words are so beautiful.  It was written by Philip P. Bliss in the mid-1800's.  This man had just lost his entire family at sea.  Philip Bliss knew terrible, unrelenting grief.  Yet he penned these wonderful words:

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll

What ever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, 

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more'

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Oh, my soul.

And Lord, hast the day, when my faith shall be sight

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll: 

The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well...with my soul

It is well...with my soul

It is well!  It is well!

With my soul.

God bless you all.  Please be praying for my family at this time.

UPDATE:  Daddy flew away to heaven this evening.  He took a piece of my heart with me.

My Heart, His Rainbow -Guest Heart Thursday

Yesterday the skies were filled with spectacular piles of scattered thunderheads.  I was on my way to Gleaners, when a rainbow stretched its length across the skies.  I gasped when I saw the heart.   I turned off the road to take this amazing photo.

Rainbows always appear when something momentous is about to happen.  I was reminded again of the rainbows I saw in the clouds when flying in an airplane.  They're round--a circle which doesn't end.  Their message is God's Love Never Changes.  His promises are sure and true.

Today my husband is seeing the surgeon who will be removing his cancer in the days ahead.   Today, our family weeps as Daddy becomes weaker and weaker.  He will soon leave this world.

Yet somehow in the midst of these frightening, heartbreaking moments. God is there, filling our hearts with hope.

My heart, His rainbow.

(This heart is yours, too, Sissy)  I love you.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Just a Little Jealous -Guest Heart Thursday

I was sitting on the couch at my parents' home.  Sissy Clytie was off to the left.  Ribet was peacefully sitting in my lap dozing away, when Mika the Dragon Cat insinuated herself between Ribet and me.  But her motive wasn't to be close to me.  Mika is Sissy's cat and SHE was trying to make Sissy jealous.  What a riot.  After a few hours, all was well as she perched on Sissy's shoulder nuzzling her neck.  If you notice--Mika's nose is shaped like a heart.


Daddy Update:  Dad is in the VA Hospital.  He still can't speak or swallow.  He consented to a feeding tube a few days ago, but pulled it out in the night.  I don't know if they've been able to put it back.  Mom has been with him most of each day.  They sit and hold hands--he kisses her fingers and by this he tells her how much he loves her.  I don't know how much longer Daddy will be here--he's a grand old soldier and he is a fighter.  I would especially appreciate your prayers not only for Dad, but especially for Mom.  Also please pray for my darling Sissy--since I can't be there as much as I would normally--because of my husband's condition--she will be doing a LOT to help our parents.  Thank you so much.

Hubby Update:  My Beloved has cancer.  It is worse than we first thought.  He will be having surgery in early December.  His cancer is pervasive, so they'll need to remove the entire prostate.  They won't know, until surgery, if it has spread to other areas.  We are deeply thankful his surgeon's reputation is the best in the Pacific NW, USA, in robotics surgery. Please pray for my husband's peace of mind and that I will have strength to do what must be done to help him.  I am so grateful to you dear friends for your loving thoughts and prayers.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Glory Light

Thursday I was visiting my parents and just before lunch Sissy and I took a walk.  The forest was beautiful, almost ethereal.  For the first time ever, I was able to capture the feel and magic of this place. 

Looking at those pictures now--it is almost as though the beauty I caught was a small bit of heaven's glory. 

Dad had a major stroke that afternoon.  Sissy and I were talking with him, he wanted me to read a couple of westerns, he handed me one of the books and then started to growl.  His eyes were wandering, his mouth sagged, he tried to talk and couldn't.  He couldn't lift his right arm and kept trying to get up, so Sissy and I held him steady in the chair while Mom called 911.  

He is in the hospital now.  The prognosis isn't very good.  I would appreciate your prayers for our Dad and for our Mom and family.  There has been so much heartache lately.

There is a hush in the air--heaven's glory light awaits our Daddy soon, I think.  Ah, our hearts are breaking.

I love you, Daddy.

Sissy Clytie said it best,  "So many people from around the world are directing their thoughts and prayers toward Dad and Mom; and our entire family. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you."

Sea Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I posted this long ago--we were at Fort Stevens in Washington state.  This was taken inside on of the bunkers, looking out at the sea. 

We have had some bad news.  My husband has been diagnosed with cancer.  He has an appointment next week with the doctor to discover what our options are.  We are trusting God.  Our future in in His hands.

In the meantime, our hearts to yours.  Sometimes it is dark and hard times that our hearts shine the brightest.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Heart Reflections -Guest Heart Thursday

This is the Willamette River, taken from the bridge.  It is a very large span for such a small town--but we love to walk over it occasionally.  Here you see an upside down heart reflection in the swirling waters.

...So, if I were standing on my head, here's what this river heart reflection would look like.  It could also be ET. (grin)  Have a lovely day everyone!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Bacon Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I was making breakfast for my darling husband and I, when I noticed the bacon had curled itself into a perfect heart. 

Just what I needed to post today for Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Magic in the Ancient Forest -Guest Heart Thursday

Sissy and I were on our way back from meeting our buddy Cheryl, when we stopped for a break in the forests of the Coast Range.  The area is amazing--there are old growth cedars and firs there which are as big as some houses.  The picture above was amazing to me.  I've never seen a green ring of light around the sun before.  Such an unexpectedly beautiful picture in that magical place.

Here is another shot of that beautiful ancient forest.

The waters were full of hearts, when you enlarge this picture, you'll see quite a few hiding in the reflection of the ancient trees.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Glory Light in my Garden

I did a photoshoot Saturday in my garden.  What a magical day.  This is my favorite picture of all.  This was the last picture I took--what an unexpected surprise to see the glory light streaming down to touch my lovely young Friend's hand.

 

This is my second favorite.  I love the look on her face.  Can you believe it?  This girl has NO makeup on!  She is a natural beauty.

 

Here is another magical moment.  I could not believe what I was seeing in the camera lens.

I was amazed when the light flashed down once more.  I asked my beautiful model to raise her sword--she did and here is the result.

It was an unexpectedly beautiful day--with beauty all around unimaginable, mixed with a kind of lovely magic. 

Queen Anne's Sunny Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I was amazed to find this lovely heart of Queen Anne's Lace, glowing in the sunshine against the fence.  To find it delighted my heart and made my day.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Flutterby Wrens

Quite by accident, I caught these house wrens unexpectedly fluttering on the tips of the old blue spruce.  I love these little guys.  They are so musical and friendly.

I'm sorry I've been kind of out of touch lately.  This has been a difficult summer with some heavy things to deal with.  I'm hopeful.  There's always hope.

May all good blessings be yours, dear  Friends.

Photo Shoot Heart -Guest heart Thursday

A few days ago, I had the wonderful privilege to company with these lovely young ladies.  They modeled for me in a photoshoot.  I often use photos as reference pictures when I draw.  For their efforts they receive a signed, numbered copy of the artwork.

Here they are running from the bad guys.

Aren't they lovely as mermaids?

Of course, it was no surprise when I spotted this heart twirled in amongst all those costumes!

I couldn't resist adding in this picture of those goofy girls.  As you can see, we had a GREAT time!  lol

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Lil' Sissy's Birthday Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

As a birthday gift, I took our youngest sister on a nature walk put on by Life Source in Salem.  They taught us about various native plants which can be used as food, or medicines.  You wouldn't believe how many our our native plants and trees can be used!  It was a fascinating study.  We both enjoyed the walk thoroughly. 

Anyhow--SissyClytie told LilSissy and me that she was sending us a special heart and to be watching for it.  Our Friend TJ spotted it first.  Isn't this great?

Here's a closeup of Lil'Sissy's birthday heart.

Thank you for sending us such a special birthday gift, SissyBoo! 

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Queen Anne's Lace -Guest Heart Thursday

This is actually a Queen Anne's Lace about to bloom.  This picture fascinated me, because of the tracery of green silver leaf beneath the flower. Something about it, just fills my eyes.  The actual flower turned out to be bigger than my hand.  When I visit there next, I shall try to get a photo of the same flower.  It is HUGE.

There are many hearts in this photo--can you find them all?  I love their delicate line.  Have a lovely day!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!
 

Cedar Heart - Guest Heart Thursday

On our walk to Pioneer Park, my darling little niece found this wonderful little heart--for "Auntie Honey," she said.  I thought this heart was magical!

Especially when we found this nest--which, if you look closely is a heart.

What joy!  To be twirling in the water at river's edge with my darling girl.  It is no wonder hearts appear when my sweet girl is near.

Have a lovely day, everyone!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!