A Sparkling Christmas

This photo is from last year's tremendous snowstorm. The sun came peeking through the clouds to  illuminate the world wearing its snowy coat. 

This Christmas will be so different without my darling husband who flew away to heaven just under two months ago.  Our children and I are heartbroken--but we know we will see him again someday, along with my Dad, brother, grandparents and many precious friends.

Some of you have experienced even greater grief, sadness and loss--my prayers are with you.  Dear friends, may God bless your Christmas with unexpected sparkles of joy and gladness.

Here is a promise from the Prophet Isaiah, who speaks of God's anointed.  He is the One Who has been sent to bring comfort, hope and gladness to those who are brokenhearted.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

Because the Lord has anointed me

To bring good news to the afflicted;

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to captives,

And freedom to prisoners;

To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord,

And the day of vengeance of our God;

To comfort all who mourn,

To grant those who mourn in Zion,

Giving them a garland instead of ashes, 

The oil of gladness instead of mourning,

The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.

So they will be called oaks of righteousness,

The planting of the lord,

That He may be glorified.

~The Prophet Isaiah

The Old Testament of the Bible

Isaiah 61:1-3

Goodbye My Darling

Early Thursday morning, October 30th, I lost the love of my life.

I know lots of people are not comfortable with the loss of a loved one and the story of what happened.  However, my husband left in such a beautiful way, I wanted to share it with you.  If you are uncomfortable with reading this account--I truly, deeply understand.  ((HUGS))

I knew something was wrong and I felt uneasy that night, so the cat and I sat beside him, as he slept in his big chair.  Suddenly he clutched the top part of his chest and said he was in awful pain.  A moment later, his eyes grew large, and he gasped as though he saw something indescribably wonderful.

I called 911, and I performed CPR until the ambulance came.  Our dear children were able to arrive before he left for the hospital, and we were together there when he flew away to heaven.

As we were hugging and kissing him goodbye, telling him what a wonderful Father and Husband he had been, what a good job he did and how much we loved him--to be at peace and to not worry about us, the walls of the emergency room were lined with those who had fought so hard to save him.  We sang his favorite songs and held him as long as we could.  Those wonderful people surrounded us...their heads bowed, hands folded, many with tears running down their faces.  After a time, they trickled from the room--but stayed close by in the hallway.

As we were getting ready to leave, the head RN came in and said, "We see a lot of these, but it is rare for a family to handle this moment with such great beauty, love and dignity."  Then he gave us his card and said, "If you need anything let us know."

I have been married to this wonderful man for 31 years--and it has been a great adventure.   Alan is the love of my life.  I want to share something beautiful that happened to me early Saturday morning. As I lay trying to sleep, a small sweet breeze slid across my face...and then his dear lips pressed against mine.  My husband kissed me goodbye.

Alan was a servant of God and He loved people. He wanted everyone to know God loved them too, and so I am passing his message on to you--God loves you.  He longs to know you, God wants to share His Son and the world He created for you--in a whole different way than you've ever known.  

My precious friends--so many of you who have experienced such terrible pain and loss, may God bless you with joy--even in the midst of great sorrow.

The Forests of my Childhood

The beautiful forests of my childhood, a pocket of green amidst the ever-encroaching city, is still there.

Here is the tree were we used to sit and swing.  It is still there--but it is much too tall and big to swing in these days.

Here is a view down into the canyon.  If you look closely, I believe you can see the creek peeking through the foliage.

Here's another view down into the canyon where we played as children.

I look at this photo, and I want to walk down into that cedar and moss forest...surely something magical lies beyond.

The sun comes out for a brief moment--filling the leaves with bright color.

Sometimes, standing at the edge of the canyon, looking down into the places we played as children, I can almost hear the echoes of those times--one moment from the past, superimposed upon the present.  For a few moments I am sure I can her children laughing. 

Yolk Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I was cooking breakfast--cracked the egg, plopped it into the cast iron skillet--and walah!  An egg yolk heart!

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

Blue Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I'm a bit early for Guest Heart Thursday, but I couldn't resist posting this amazing photo today!  Yesterday I spotted this heart from my office window just over the fence on the alley.  I was SO glad it stuck around until I could run outside with my camera--which is always within arm's reach.

We are expecting a doozy of a rain storm tonight.  Where we are here in the valley, there will be 2-3 inches of rain and gusty winds.  But it will be worse at the coast--3-4 inches of rain with high winds, gusts hitting 60 and above!

It is always kind of fun when the power goes out--one can always hope and dream it will.  I guess I'm just a kid at heart.  

For those of you who see the storm clouds of life heading your way, watch for the heart of the storm.  God's heart of love for you resides there.  Look to Him for guidance, strength and comfort. You won't be disappointed.

Have a lovely rest of the week!

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

Glad Foxgloves in the Forest

Last Spring, my darling husband Alan and I were on our way back from celebrating our 31st anniversary.  When I saw these growing near the forest, I had to stop to take a picture.

I love foxgloves.  When I was a child, my sisters and I would put them on the ends of our fingers and pretend we were grand ladies wearing beautiful pink gloves.  Of course, we were warned not to eat any part of the flower as it was poisonous. It is my understanding digitalis is made from foxgloves.  Used in the right way, digitalis saves lives. There is so much to learn about the dangerous beauty of nature.

My prayer for you today, dear friends is on the side of beauty.  That in the mist of danger and trials, you will find that incredible beauty, gladness and hope are yours.

To grant those who mourn in Zion, 

Giving them a garland instead of ashes, 

The oil of gladness instead of mourning, 

The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. 

So they will be called oaks of righteousness, 

The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.  

~Isaiah 61:3

Sun Star -SkyWatch Friday

I took this wonderful photo of the sun sparkling through the clouds.  Do you see the jet?  I think back over the centuries, and wonder what Native Americans would have thought of such a sky.  

I also think of all the people who watch the skies as I do.  

I watch the news, and my heart is sad for simple folk like me around the world who see things in the skies I have never experienced.  Our prayers are with you.

Happy sky watching!  If you love clouds as much as I do--join SkyWatch Friday to see all the amazing things to be found by looking up.  Happy SkyWatch Friday and have a lovely weekend.

Art Nouveau Door Lock -Guest Heart Thursday

We live in a house that was built in the late 1890's.  Between my office and the "great" room, there are pocket doors which slide out from the wall.  This is the beautiful, decorative door lock on those doors--such lovely attention to detail.  These type of decorative metal plates are on most of the doors in our home.  They are seldom noticed, but much appreciated by me--and  now  by you.  Do you see the hearts?

Have a lovely day, and Happy 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.

Waning Super Moon

I have been experimenting with the settings on my camera and for the first time was able to capture the moon in detail.  It hung low in the late afternoon sky, a sea blue all around.  You can see sunlight highlighting the craters.  I love space.  The whole idea of planets and moons hanging effortlessly in a vacuum of nothing fills me with awe. 

That we have a moon which guards our planet boggles my mind. Without the moon, tides would become nearly non-existent and sea levels would rise.  The ocean's currents are the way the it oxygenates itself, sea life would starve for air without the moon's influence.  Currents such as the Gulf Stream bring life-giving warmth and nutrients all across the world.  The moon also affects vital currents which circulate cold nutrient-filled water around the Atlantic and into the Indian Ocean.

Without the moon, our earth would become a gigantic snowball.  The "pole" of Earth's magnetism would change--people living in the mid-latitudes would see the Aurora Borealis.  The steadiness of the Earth's rotation would be effected.  The moon actually keeps the earth from wobbling, rocking and rolling.

The perfect balance created by the moon's presence seems miraculous to me.  The moon is an important part of our survival here on earth.  I am grateful to our Creator for setting it into place.  

The Same Moon...

I caught last night's super moon through the hedge where the grape vines grow wild.  I could not help but think that people all over the world see the same moon I do.

Our prayers are with you, dear ones.  You are not alone. 

 

Praying for You

We are praying for you.  Do not give up hope.  You are not alone.  You know who you are.

Fireworks and Baseball -Guest Heart Thursday

Last weekend, my husband and I were invited (last minute) to view a baseball game on a night where ordinary folks who accomplish heroic things are honored.  This is a special yearly event put on by the Red Cross.  It was a wonderful game even though our home team lost.  The company was unexpectedly lovely and the fireworks afterward were amazing.  As you can see--there's a heart in them thar fireworks!

 Here is the pitcher for our team--he has such a fierce look on his face!

Here's one of our guys. Good form!

Here's a great picture of the opposing team's pitcher.  I have discovered I love taking action shots with my camera. 

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

Red Blossom Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

This beautiful flower grows on a plant which also sports white and yellow flowers.  I planted them around my little waterfall next to the goldfish pond.  They are so pretty and vibrant.  Do you see the heart petals?  Just perfect for Guest Heart Thursday.

Have a beautiful day--enjoy summer while it lasts! 

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 the Morning

Early this morning I awoke to a luminous light.  The sun hadn't come up, yet the air was golden.  Grabbing my camera I ran outside.  I caught my breath at the beauty I saw.

I watch the news each morning and I find myself praying for folks I've never met.  They are going through things I can hardly think about.  I am in anguish for them.  I wonder how God could possibly work out these complicated and awful circumstances.

Then I see something like this--the glory of nature, spread across the sky by the hand of the Creator.  This reminds me that He--the One who created the universe, is infinitely capable to watch over those who turn to Him in their time of need.  He will hear their cry and He will answer.

Give ear to my words, O Lord,

 Consider my groaning,

Heed the sound of my cry for help,

My King and my God,

For unto Thee will I pray.

Oh, Lord in the morning,

Will I direct my prayer, unto You

And will look up.

~A Psalm of David

Psalm 5:1-3

God blesses the downtrodden and brokenhearted--look up and expect a miracle.

Purple Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

In the forests of my childhood, the ground was often carpeted with a bright green clover-shaped plant called sour grass.  It wasn't really grass--it actually looked closer to clover and had yellow blossoms which were also quite tasty. 

I found this beautiful purple variety at a store in Canby, Oregon.  It grows quite happily out by the pond in the back yard.  It also tastes sour, but has a sweet taste, too.  I adore this plant--and since the leaves are shaped like hearts, I thought it perfect 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.

Gleaming -SkyWatch Friday

It was a lovely surprise to emerge from the kitchen door on the alley, to see this extraordinary sun and cloud over the back fence.  I was filled with awe, and was so grateful I had my camera in hand.  

Happy sky watching!  If you love clouds as much as I do--join SkyWatch Friday to see all the amazing things to be found by looking up.  Happy SkyWatch Friday and have a lovely weekend.

Heart in Ripples -Guest Heart Thursday

I was out for a walk to the park with my darling little niece, when she pointed out this heart in the ripples of the Willamette River.  In the sparkling sunshine--the heart made quite an entrance!

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

T-Rex Cloud -SkyWatch Friday

When one of our recent thunderstorms rolled through I caught this cloud striding across the horizon.  This cloud could be many things.  I think he looks like a T-Rex, but also, as I was typing away here--I realized this cloud could also be a kindly profile of a man.  He has huge eyebrows and a very odd nose.

I know...I have a GREAT imagination!  Happy sky watching!  If you love clouds as much as I do--join SkyWatch Friday to see all the amazing things to be found by looking up.  Happy SkyWatch Friday and have a lovely weekend.

Hearts and Fences -Guest Heart Thursday

This is a home near where I live.  I call it the curly house--I've loved it from the first time I walked by.  I finally met the man who once owned this place.  He lives next door now.  All the intricate wood work on the house, fence and archway were hand cut and put into place by this extraordinary artisan.  If you enlarge the picture, you can see a heart right over the front doorway. 

To see more wonderful fencelines, visit TexWisGirl at Good Fences.

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

Red Brilliance -Guest Heart Thursday

Sissy has injured a nerve or bone in her neck, which affects her ability to move.  She can't sit at her computer for more than a few moments.  Because of that, she also was not able to come down for the Fourth of July this year.  So, of course, I watched for hearts to share--this is a heart from the fireworks display in our town.  (This one's for you, Sissy!)

It was a lovely time, but I must admit to missing my darling Sis.  I know, though, that Clytie was there with us in spirit!  Please pray for her quick recovery.  She does so many things for so many people, I know she must be incredibly frustrated.  Thank you in advance for the gift your healing prayers!

Happy Guest Heart Friday!  

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

Firework Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

This is one of the firework hearts I caught with my camera last year.  I'm so excited about this year's display.  Our hometown celebration is so perfectly marvelous.  Every year thousands of people flood into town for the festivities.  There's a lovely waterfront with food, craft booths, live music--and then in the evening fireworks over the river.  It is spectacular!  

Have a great weekend, happy Fourth of July and Happy 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.

Onion Ring Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

I was working very hard outside, when my darling husband brought me some lunch.  Notice the heart?  What an unexpected surprise!  Just perfect 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.

Gorgeous Heart -Guest Heart Thursday

We were climbing the rocks along the bottom of the cliffs.  It was an especially low tide, so I'm sure that is why I found this vibrantly beautiful heart--the sun was in just the right place.

The waves were amazing--though this was taken at the same spot a few years ago, it brings back memories of this year's lovely time at the beach.

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