tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12512399569200667412024-03-13T05:41:17.502-07:00Teresa Ryan Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-66966929263156888572014-02-23T20:28:00.000-08:002014-02-23T20:35:52.359-08:00Girls and HorsesHey, Can we do a photo shoot today with the horses? Oh I suppose.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2MJ-g6Yaqxk/Uwq0-dn9TvI/AAAAAAAACsk/uW4uYwLaayE/s1600-h/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 horse kayla" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fqysv0OT54Q/Uwq0_NvTMFI/AAAAAAAACss/sAAqvHDOwNI/022314%252520horse%252520kayla_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="720" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 horse kayla" width="604" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ohxWbQTLumM/Uwq0_y_1OII/AAAAAAAACs0/l6GtzhiUCuw/s1600-h/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 horse kayla 002" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YI3gYSacKTo/Uwq1AloxMBI/AAAAAAAACs8/Ua7tdyn9lho/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 horse kayla 002" width="604" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3tCjFYNajZE/Uwq1AwrCUaI/AAAAAAAACtE/sko16TO1XAg/s1600-h/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 horse kayla 003" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9nbJHawFbD4/Uwq1BUiCORI/AAAAAAAACtM/Mh0Xw-Iyqv4/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 horse kayla 003" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NH1eWJL_wFk/Uwq1CK03-0I/AAAAAAAACtU/2ElM0t6Kjeo/s1600-h/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520taylor%252520175%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 horse kayla taylor 175" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vtBXpIX-SR4/Uwq1Cm_K0VI/AAAAAAAACtc/gp3XTQoAF40/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520taylor%252520175_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="904" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 horse kayla taylor 175" width="604" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9troZVqmgj0/Uwq1DJtcGTI/AAAAAAAACtk/JvK6JWdcWwU/s1600-h/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 horse kayla 004" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0BrTLUsZL6c/Uwq1Dw5HdtI/AAAAAAAACts/UQLipTurX7A/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 horse kayla 004" width="604" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tEukwGSOlck/Uwq1ETJ2gQI/AAAAAAAACt0/SE8vT1wRS4w/s1600-h/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520painting%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 horse kayla painting" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OJGu5epk7rM/Uwq1EidR2ZI/AAAAAAAACt8/Z5lDXp3MzUY/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520painting_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="569" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 horse kayla painting" width="604" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V80lYw0rx2U/Uwq1FH283-I/AAAAAAAACuE/3r_9fuWn3F4/s1600-h/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520taylor%252520086%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 horse kayla taylor 086" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IqpXE_xnjgo/Uwq1FleL-mI/AAAAAAAACuM/rD3XtZHnuCo/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520taylor%252520086_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 horse kayla taylor 086" width="604" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JHoqqC6RAYs/Uwq1GNxHtXI/AAAAAAAACuU/yn4n4-oSWk4/s1600-h/022314%252520Taylor%252520%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 Taylor " border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K-7x9TswEqw/Uwq1Gr3VzgI/AAAAAAAACuc/6W-fI_dunNk/022314%252520Taylor%252520_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="904" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 Taylor " width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sWNaW4XelD0/Uwq1HaricbI/AAAAAAAACug/wE6JB_mJhlI/s1600-h/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520taylor%252520052%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 horse kayla taylor 052" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ub967KgWSjo/Uwq1HlZBT4I/AAAAAAAACus/h6zshKa4H9k/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520taylor%252520052_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="904" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 horse kayla taylor 052" width="604" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PGjVS_M-f9A/Uwq1IF_VVLI/AAAAAAAACu0/wQOj-3vA5eI/s1600-h/022314%252520Taylor%252520and%252520Man%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 Taylor and Man" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v6vwVa-eNCI/Uwq1I1yiajI/AAAAAAAACu8/J_GEarsiw9E/022314%252520Taylor%252520and%252520Man_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 Taylor and Man" width="604" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qszCo6um5_8/Uwq1JfL656I/AAAAAAAACvE/rC_AU6dwJP4/s1600-h/022314%252520Taylor%252520and%252520Teddy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 Taylor and Teddy" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rgl7vMcKqRg/Uwq1J6YQyOI/AAAAAAAACvM/BWzWXoPpC_k/022314%252520Taylor%252520and%252520Teddy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="619" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 Taylor and Teddy" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-01TrZVQwj2Q/Uwq1KaViCKI/AAAAAAAACvU/A2wSrEY-Z1M/s1600-h/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520taylor%252520163%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 horse kayla taylor 163" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jlqf8fQXgJk/Uwq1K9LgQ5I/AAAAAAAACvc/VC2GQ7Qk_2A/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520taylor%252520163_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="904" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 horse kayla taylor 163" width="604" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z4IWMVFnD_c/Uwq1LUaopJI/AAAAAAAACvk/Eo4jgHOEUR0/s1600-h/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520taylor%252520141%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="022314 horse kayla taylor 141" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n3E1cBzHBmw/Uwq1L5mlKlI/AAAAAAAACvs/r6ORzxLrxTA/022314%252520horse%252520kayla%252520taylor%252520141_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="022314 horse kayla taylor 141" width="604" /></a><br />
It was pretty fun!Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-30036549847007580172013-11-21T08:37:00.003-08:002013-11-21T08:50:16.852-08:00Pine Mountain Settlement School {Dry Stack Stone Workshop}<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YhLRpN71sm4/Uo40kIM8GBI/AAAAAAAACjk/Sf2n-y-YA54/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%25252022%252520teresaryan%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 22 teresaryan" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iSIBiv1YyIA/Uo40kiWuYkI/AAAAAAAACjs/ZFFDFM8gbhY/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%25252022%252520teresaryan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 22 teresaryan" width="604" /></a><br />
Last month Jeff and I took a trip to the hollers of Kentucky to attend a heritage workshop at the <a href="http://www.pinemountainsettlementschool.com/">Pine Mountain Settlement School</a> near Harlan Kentucky. The weekend was one of those dreamy perfect fall weekends when being outside is wonderful and refreshing.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wz2Lsu1NCFM/Uo40lWlc7AI/AAAAAAAACjw/cO4-XCOr6vY/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%25252013%252520teresaryan%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 13 teresaryan" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-54rF5G0jMoE/Uo40lubthgI/AAAAAAAACj4/0VLTPXe9VHs/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%25252013%252520teresaryan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 13 teresaryan" width="604" /></a><br />
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When we have traveled through Ireland and the United kingdom, the stone fencing always saturates our trip with one of Europe’s visual attachments to the past. For Jeff, it sparked a dream to learn more about this ancient method of fence construction.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-19n65Ov2mHM/Uo40mYJdsVI/AAAAAAAACkE/9FxcIYXLUks/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525207%252520teresaryan%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 7 teresaryan" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nVwpFuJNKBQ/Uo40nNhOyJI/AAAAAAAACkI/4mKTQln6ntk/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525207%252520teresaryan_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 7 teresaryan" width="604" /></a><br />
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Our instructors were eager to provide us with their knowledge and skills. The main instructor is Richard Tufnell who is from England and is an expert in the craft of dry stone masonry. His assistant, Keeland works for the Kentucky extension office in the area and has been working with Richard for many years. The program to rebuild the stone walls at the schools has been headed up by these two men for over 12 years.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XX5w0M_ckdw/Uo40nh43LzI/AAAAAAAACkQ/q87rl8Ak94k/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525203%252520teresaryan%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 3 teresaryan" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F42CGkHOwgY/Uo40oCzfz5I/AAAAAAAACkY/IlX9JlMeGV4/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525203%252520teresaryan_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 3 teresaryan" width="604" /></a><br />
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Our class included a group of college students from the University of Kentucky. They were attending as part of their studies in historic preservation. They were all young and spry.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GmeUsqLVFvQ/Uo40opgmDeI/AAAAAAAACkk/kBDrZhMqv98/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525204%252520teresaryan%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 4 teresaryan" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L8PRtR0DVgw/Uo40pdDBIZI/AAAAAAAACko/ZE3I6iay_cM/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525204%252520teresaryan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 4 teresaryan" width="604" /></a><br />
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Half of the students were women and they didn’t hesitate to pull their load when it came to doing the strenuous duties of constructing these walls. I like to get dirty and work hard too, which was frustrating for me because of the injury to my arm. But, I was able to learn a great deal, and handed out tools and small stones as needed.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OOxrIfxKfb8/Uo40p31b-sI/AAAAAAAACk0/5bQ27TRJuLg/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%252520teresaryan.blogspot%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall teresaryan.blogspot" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1chUxMZvIbw/Uo40qS0uDQI/AAAAAAAACk4/sz28EEokY5o/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%252520teresaryan.blogspot_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall teresaryan.blogspot" width="604" /></a><br />
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Jeff really loved the process of learning and being a part of this workshop. I am also proud to tell you that he had no problem hanging in there with the young guns.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jrb3ZQcLiDw/Uo40q734FvI/AAAAAAAAClE/pwUV3eSMF1g/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525202%252520teresaryan%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 2 teresaryan" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s_6ZaRKsGNg/Uo40rexstUI/AAAAAAAAClI/hJv6WvVwGmA/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525202%252520teresaryan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 2 teresaryan" width="604" /></a><br />
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This is what we had to work with. Nothing special, just gathered rocks from the property. We learned how to look at the rocks and determine which pieces would work best based on their size and shape. When we finished, we had used almost every piece in this pile for the wall construction.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Nb0em1Ct3nw/Uo40r62Ws4I/AAAAAAAAClQ/e2qGe5m3cYU/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%25252010%252520teresaryan%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 10 teresaryan" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bP8D2pGctKk/Uo40sUo1X1I/AAAAAAAAClY/RG9KX4D_l3c/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%25252010%252520teresaryan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 10 teresaryan" width="604" /></a><br />
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There are no special tools required either. It is an art, like any art, that can be developed with very little training, but it takes years to perfect the skills of the masters. Years and passion, make masters of an art. Although, in years past, it probably wasn’t hailed as an art. It was a necessity. The rocks littered the fields that needed to be planted, the rocks were in the way and had to be moved. And, the farmers needed fencing.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Aharoni;">Dry stack stone masonry is an artistry crafted by obligation. But when I look at the ancient stone walls, I somehow don’t see obligation, I see beauty, I see art</span>.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ktRakO-a_Yw/Uo40tkYYYsI/AAAAAAAAClk/W-0q3obMgcg/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525206%252520teresaryan%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 6 teresaryan" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B5LPNJaI4z8/Uo40uL7elRI/AAAAAAAAClo/UwZqxifwWTQ/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525206%252520teresaryan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 6 teresaryan" width="604" /></a><br />
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This is the stretch of wall that our group built over the course of the two day workshop. It was a brilliant weekend which included work and laughter and learning. That right there is my kind of weekend.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-msv6ewxBt8I/Uo40uucTn9I/AAAAAAAAClw/eVC4mgE3Aak/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525208%252520teresaryan%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 8 teresaryan" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fDHdONeGVuo/Uo40vONuulI/AAAAAAAACl4/b3COJehGTos/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525208%252520teresaryan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 8 teresaryan" width="604" /></a><br />
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There were also beautiful images on the property to capture.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vl-vRMkKRL4/Uo40vvKBxSI/AAAAAAAACmE/-bA2Jp1tdNQ/s1600-h/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525209%252520teresaryan%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 9 teresaryan" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kryA8fDpoDY/Uo40wcQm5gI/AAAAAAAACmI/0dz5cs77un0/pine%252520mountain%252520settlement%252520school%252520dry%252520stack%252520stone%252520wall%2525209%252520teresaryan_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pine mountain settlement school dry stack stone wall 9 teresaryan" width="604" /></a><br />
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I told you, it was my kind of weekend.Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-81087426769275009812013-10-23T10:14:00.000-07:002013-11-20T12:34:04.555-08:00A Return to Life {Part 2}If you missed the first part of this post, you can find it <a href="http://teresaryan.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-return-to-life.html">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8r0ekEjisM/UmVD7u0bzVI/AAAAAAAACiA/Bz_ZFCvmlUw/s1600/IMG_6571_thumb1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O8r0ekEjisM/UmVD7u0bzVI/AAAAAAAACiA/Bz_ZFCvmlUw/s640/IMG_6571_thumb1" width="640" /></a></div>
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My sister Pam and I drove from the Surgeon’s office to the hospital to complete my admissions forms. On the drive, fear was having his way with me. Pam knew better than to try to stop him; she was very familiar with fear. He had tormented her two years earlier.<br />
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Are you one of those people who enjoys the casual chat with a stranger? Not me. My husband, he will talk to anyone. By the end of a long or short flight, he will have planned our next vacation with complete strangers. Not me. When waiting for appointments or at the airport, I prefer to bury my head in a book or magazine and not chat. And today, of all days, I certainly didn’t want to chat. So, when the girl decided to sit right next to me in the waiting room, when there was a whole room of empty chairs, I was not pleased. And then, when this girl, the female version of John Candy in “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” started to cheerfully start up a conversation, I was really not happy. Not now!<br />
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Her first question for me was, “Did you break your elbow”. Cue the heavy sigh and grunt from me. “Yes”, is all I harshly groaned. “Who is your Dr.?”, Miss Cheerful 2013 wanted to know. “Dr. Mighell”, I resented having to say. “Oh Wow, she says, “He was my surgeon too”. My head is still lowered and I notice a very large pair of shoes walking towards me. She went on to tell me how she had fallen with a small child at home and had also shattered her elbow. Her joyful voice described how wonderful her/our surgeon had been and how fortunate I was that he would be working on me. I lifted my eyes, looked at her sweet face, and asked her if she would show me what she could do with her arm. In a very animated, overly exaggerated manner, she proudly showed off the movement of her hand and elbow.<br />
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It was a broken halleluiah moment.<br />
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The tears of relief poured from me like a stopped up faucet that had been repaired. I was turning to her and turning to my sister; they were smiling and crying with me. “See”, Pam said, “you are going to be fine”. It was the first words of reassurance that she had offered. Wisely, she knew that there would be a time for words. A time when I would be comforted and prepared for the healing to begin.<br />
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My relief was NOT delivered to me because I knew that my arm would be good as new. I didn’t know. What I did know and was reminded of by the precious girl who was sent to sit next to me was that I am His. I am HIS! Nothing that mattered would ever be taken from me. In fact, take my hand Lord. Take it all! You lead me and I will follow; no matter the cost. That precious reminder of my faith and seeing Christ’s Love at work in my life is a moment that I will remember always. Had I never slipped on that porch, this moment, this painfully precious life affirming moment, would have never been mine.<br />
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Just before I was called back to the admissions cubicle, I looked to that sweet child of Christ, and said, “are you an angel?” I really thought she was. She said, “No, I just knew that you needed someone to talk to today, so I came to sit beside you”. It grieves me that I allowed fear to overwhelm me; my frailty and despair shames me. Thank God, fear was removed from the building that day. My brokenness had sidelined my Faith, and my Faith was renewed. It still gives me chills and boundless gratitude for my Savior. His love sent her and He rescued me!<br />
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On the scale of tragedies and struggles, my injury, surgery and rehab, ranks very low. I have people in my life who have lost limbs and loved ones; they aren’t getting them back. Humanity is hurting and everyone is battling something. There is only one way to conquer fear and his band of thieves. It is through faith in the life giving power and the love of Jesus.<br />
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A few weeks ago, I couldn’t resist the urge to pick up a pen and draw.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H4Z-NzHTKL4/Umf-50tJ0AI/AAAAAAAACic/YYzfiuwUfDw/s1600-h/1305526_10200380755949425_512322029_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="1305526_10200380755949425_512322029_n" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KTg9SegAGt4/Umf-6yYkf_I/AAAAAAAACik/OCDAKfC_AIw/1305526_10200380755949425_512322029_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="1305526_10200380755949425_512322029_n" width="604" /></a><br />
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My hand was still not good. For example, I couldn’t use it to eat or open doors or wash my hair. So you can imagine my astonishment when I could use it to draw.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tFrJZIO4c40/Umf-7Q4WoHI/AAAAAAAACio/KvKeiyvJxzk/s1600-h/Pumpkins%25252091313%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Pumpkins 91313 (2)" border="0" height="439" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v30iikDOiN4/Umf-7vvIPXI/AAAAAAAACiw/bva5-8FulFs/Pumpkins%25252091313%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pumpkins 91313 (2)" width="604" /></a><br />
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Excitedly, I grabbed watercolor paper and paint, and created art. My God wants me to make art. Not necessarily with pen, ink, pencil, or paints. He wants me to make art by being present in my life, loving my life and the people in it, and showing others His glory. That is art.<br />
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One more thing. As we were sitting in the admissions cubby, the generous messenger gave me a post it note that she had written with a scripture chosen for me. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ieFE220x-dc/Umf-8BD1URI/AAAAAAAACi4/5Zy0dtUoRXs/s1600-h/Post_It_Note_clip_art_hight%25255B4%25255D.png"><img alt="Post_It_Note_clip_art_hight" border="0" height="665" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BMtlJZfyETc/Umf-8oyRq4I/AAAAAAAACjE/Hqwc4X3DXuU/Post_It_Note_clip_art_hight_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Post_It_Note_clip_art_hight" width="571" /></a>Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-38595888250923165132013-10-21T08:10:00.001-07:002013-11-20T12:35:29.399-08:00A Return to LifeIt has been over three months since I have assembled my words and my images into a blog post. I have been on a break, a break that I didn’t see coming.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cCeQleHlR90/UmVD4iFmpXI/AAAAAAAACh0/Bw_KtINRWhw/s1600-h/IMG_65713.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6571" border="0" height="449" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O8r0ekEjisM/UmVD7u0bzVI/AAAAAAAACh8/0VC95MVsTmA/IMG_6571_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6571" width="604" /></a><br />
This watercolor was painted by me the day before my break began. It needs some corrections. The perspective between the books and the vase is all wrong; I also tried to do a wash, which failed, I wasn’t happy with it, but with all it’s faults, the piece was an improvement for me, for sure, and I planned to do the reworks over the 4th of July holiday.<br />
I never did. I fell on a slippery porch; and my right elbow and wrist were broken. <a name='more'></a><br />
None of us are immune to struggles, some are mighty and profound, some are the ordinary everyday trappings of life. But I’ll tell you this, as painful as it is at times, I am thankful for my bumpy journey and the lessons of life that I have gathered on the way. This post isn’t the story of a broken arm, although the tedious details are in here (sorry); but this is the telling of the journey of repair to a broken heart and a broken spirit. <br />
As soon as my feet left the porch, I knew there would be trouble when I landed. We had just arrived at our home in Tennessee, it was early evening and raining. I decided to get one more item from our truck and was hurrying when the disastrous combination of a slippery porch and slick bottom Toms shoes launched me into the air. When I hit the ground, I felt my elbow crunch and knew that I was hurt. I would not like for this to get around, but I am not good with pain. Actually, I am a sizable wimp! My poor husband was loving and heartbroken and kind. He’s a good man. If you want to see a picture of love, examine my x-rays because behind my arm, if you look real close, you can see the image of a man who is holding his wife and with every whimper, he is praying for her. In the waiting area, before seeing the Doctor, he took my hand and said let’s pray. And, we did.<br />
We were told that surgery was necessary and should be postponed until the next week because of swelling. I was then sedated so that the bones could be manipulated into place. Logistically it was going to be hard to arrange the post surgery care that I would need in Tennessee, so it was decided that I would fly home to Florida. At home, I first met with an orthopedic surgeon who is a family friend. He looked at my x-rays, then told me he had concerns about the severity of my injury. I had been told that my elbow and wrist were fractured and surgery would be needed on the elbow only, but it was never described as severe. He referred me to a surgeon in town who specialized in complex fractures to the elbow and decided that a CT scan should be done.<br />
My daughter in law, Amanda, was with me when the CT scan was ready to be viewed by the orthopedic specialist. Standing next to the monitor, I sensed an uneasiness come over the Doctor as he started the animated video. His voice became strained, maybe even high pitched. I started to hear warnings about debilitation and impairment, advising us that we had one chance. Wait, one chance for what? That’s when the room started spinning with every turn of the shattered likeness of my elbow on the screen. As he counted the breaks, he went on describing the damage and the devastation to me, to my arm, to my right arm. My head was woozy and my knees collapsed and I had to find a chair.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1LndKcDAoSc/UmVD9s-OVII/AAAAAAAACiE/YRrBWKkBBHU/s1600-h/IMG_65727.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6572" border="0" height="452" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LtSr6BD2moI/UmVD-VWCosI/AAAAAAAACiM/LT7GNK0tep0/IMG_6572_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6572" width="604" /></a><br />
I think it was at that moment that the door burst open and a strangely familiar man exploded into the room. The bony stranger had hair that appeared greasy and clothes that were dirty and unkempt. He glared at me as he walked my way and accompanying his glare was a spiteful grin. He was ugly. I crouched down in my chair as he snaked his way to where I sat; helplessly, I remained there as he lowered his foul mouth to my ear. He spoke, and with his hot breath assaulting me, he sneered “my name is fear”. <br />
The memories I have of the rest of that day are few, but I do know that fear was with me. <br />
Referred by the orthopedic specialist in Winter Haven, the next morning my sister Pam drove me to see a “superstar surgeon” in Tampa. He was my one chance. Pam and I were listening to the surgeon explain the procedure, when I raised my head and boldly proclaimed to the Doctor that I am an artist, so when this is over, I will be able to use my hand, right? I wasn’t even looking at fear who was very rudely stretched out in the corner of the room. I wanted the Doctor to kick him in the teeth and throw him out of the room. Instead, he looked at me and without emotion informed me that he operates on engineers, athletes, people who use their hands; and that he would give me the same care that he gave to them. But, he continued, sometimes people have to reinvent themselves.<br />
So, there it was. Reinvent myself, Ha, I’ve done that before. Here we go again. The economy had snatched our business from us, I thought. And now that I had time and dreams of new creative goals, writing, drawing, painting, photography, all of these were going to be taken from me too. I am right handed, these things cannot be done without my right hand. I was weak and cynical; and fear, repulsive and loathsome fear, was my companion.<br />
TO BE CONTINUEDTeresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-50625974283761578872013-07-02T19:25:00.000-07:002013-11-20T12:37:40.140-08:00Image Dump<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hGNSK8jstMc/UdOJmvfdwoI/AAAAAAAACdg/qtyrNn8uOqU/s1600-h/junk%252520yard%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="junk yard" border="0" height="422" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c60WcYcHOXY/UdOJnDA95rI/AAAAAAAACdk/nOm67I_VODQ/junk%252520yard_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="junk yard" width="604" /></a><br />
Some times you have to really look to see beauty. It is so easy to overlook. And then there are the times that we work so hard to make our lives and surroundings beautiful, that we junk it up and see right past the simple loveliness that is already there. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RyRSy2nMUn0/UdOJnpfzZlI/AAAAAAAACdw/aA5lAGP_kZk/s1600-h/pink%252520junk%252520yard%252520wild%252520flowers%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pink junk yard wild flowers" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mEx2uvt1Y2o/UdOJoGbTDVI/AAAAAAAACd4/gvSSm6WUDiI/pink%252520junk%252520yard%252520wild%252520flowers_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pink junk yard wild flowers" width="620" /></a><br />
This picture was taken in the junk yard above. That’s right! It is a photo of the pink wild flowers that were growing amongst the garbage. What beauty are you missing by focusing on the garbage? <br />
I am dumping some images on you that I took this last month here in the garden state. Some are in gardens and some are in dumps. Enjoy!<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KVKIEWT_waI/UdOJoUYOl4I/AAAAAAAACeA/TSA-ZEHXNeM/s1600-h/blue%252520patina%252520front%252520door%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue patina front door" border="0" height="914" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6n1HP8GbOLg/UdOJo3ZDe5I/AAAAAAAACeI/PaGfR3GON7s/blue%252520patina%252520front%252520door_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="blue patina front door" width="620" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wfCP3NrdzP0/UdOJpXJRYII/AAAAAAAACeQ/BwduyD5l73E/s1600-h/blue%252520trailer%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue trailer" border="0" height="920" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rVPk_U7eLcA/UdOJqEGKCkI/AAAAAAAACeY/q_SGMp1Zm68/blue%252520trailer_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="blue trailer" width="620" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZOju_yTGQ-U/UdOJqh1VEtI/AAAAAAAACeg/E_s5RKlY70U/s1600-h/french%252520garden%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="french garden" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JJnazABEYEQ/UdOJrLZ4WwI/AAAAAAAACeo/jiHKJUz0HS0/french%252520garden_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="french garden" width="620" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_6wbZwvdlFo/UdOJrkLpxII/AAAAAAAACew/_Fv2h4HH00o/s1600-h/maine%252520house%252520chipping%252520paint%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="maine house chipping paint" border="0" height="392" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iifwcFBwfSM/UdOJsBjR6bI/AAAAAAAACe4/ntn-tv8_U98/maine%252520house%252520chipping%252520paint_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="maine house chipping paint" width="620" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tZ70jJGJQ_U/UdOJsouvQUI/AAAAAAAACfA/UdvVySyot7Q/s1600-h/olive%252520jar%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="olive jar" border="0" height="920" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-viqix916tGM/UdOJtNeSKrI/AAAAAAAACfI/Tc_4_6kv_ww/olive%252520jar_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="olive jar" width="620" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y9SyBhO_9AI/UdOJtjW_c-I/AAAAAAAACfM/OqfoAudxn6I/s1600-h/purple%252520flowers%252520garden%252520cloche%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="purple flowers garden cloche" border="0" height="920" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GLHFpNCP5dM/UdOJtwssStI/AAAAAAAACfY/zyVHKw3JcPo/purple%252520flowers%252520garden%252520cloche_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="purple flowers garden cloche" width="620" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DQYdGmrfXko/UdOJuuS4itI/AAAAAAAACfg/TxJJCr7QIiQ/s1600-h/rusty%252520farm%252520implement%252520lavendar%252520bucks%252520county%252520pennsylvania%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="rusty farm implement lavendar bucks county pennsylvania" border="0" height="415" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ENI4N7pPNlQ/UdOJu7dGIGI/AAAAAAAACfo/VMOS5Mk--vI/rusty%252520farm%252520implement%252520lavendar%252520bucks%252520county%252520pennsylvania_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rusty farm implement lavendar bucks county pennsylvania" width="620" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3oucFSDkgxE/UdOJvdOfXbI/AAAAAAAACfw/QHH6ajl_ka8/s1600-h/sea-lan%252520trailor%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sea-lan trailor" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O9Cj1-ghfYw/UdOJv3xrBVI/AAAAAAAACf4/gSIBP7SXCUo/sea-lan%252520trailor_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sea-lan trailor" width="620" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sGxAHlPsK2s/UdOJwRiDreI/AAAAAAAACgA/jvsWeuGfr_Y/s1600-h/secret%252520garden%252520maine%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="secret garden maine" border="0" height="920" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8dSHi2HPVqI/UdOJwxWz4lI/AAAAAAAACgI/8gq3CxhKzfQ/secret%252520garden%252520maine_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="secret garden maine" width="620" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tdR7IQIt56g/UdOJxlab6LI/AAAAAAAACgQ/9JoN3_SbPTI/s1600-h/stone%252520tub%252520pitcher%252520pump%252520faucet%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stone tub pitcher pump faucet" border="0" height="920" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eMdwdeThKZw/UdOJyCUOocI/AAAAAAAACgY/xvdVTh-Nlm0/stone%252520tub%252520pitcher%252520pump%252520faucet_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="stone tub pitcher pump faucet" width="620" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GRo15-CyJig/UdOJyT5uapI/AAAAAAAACgg/TyBTlT0h_8o/s1600-h/vintage%252520car%252520trio%252520monte%252520carlo%252520chevy%252520super%252520sport%252520impala%2525201966%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="vintage car trio monte carlo chevy super sport impala 1966" border="0" height="192" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u1_JlpNNBw0/UdOJzPgxWbI/AAAAAAAACgo/WS6A4WUPA4Y/vintage%252520car%252520trio%252520monte%252520carlo%252520chevy%252520super%252520sport%252520impala%2525201966_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="vintage car trio monte carlo chevy super sport impala 1966" width="620" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MpqN-YHg5lg/UdOJzsvwErI/AAAAAAAACgw/eZsfvc_CF_c/s1600-h/warehouse%252520door%252520paint%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="warehouse door paint" border="0" height="920" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZBGWvuivx34/UdOJ0cgdHtI/AAAAAAAACg4/so3nyD328eM/warehouse%252520door%252520paint_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="warehouse door paint" width="620" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7UXQEX0AMZ0/UdOJ0g3Uq7I/AAAAAAAAChA/zUG9zAr6CLA/s1600-h/Wildflower%252520collage%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Wildflower collage" border="0" height="620" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-05DRG3p_Vc8/UdOJ1GKLLOI/AAAAAAAAChI/1iJldVtCEyc/Wildflower%252520collage_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Wildflower collage" width="620" /></a><br />
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<span class="text Phil-4-8" id="en-KJV-29451"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 KJV</span>Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-86666620737347509202013-06-13T12:56:00.000-07:002013-11-20T12:45:41.570-08:00Country Living Fair 2013 Rhinebeck New York<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ybVAwhNu7FE/Ubn46jLn1OI/AAAAAAAACXw/rRDlnLMaQPE/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B23%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zc81OPHxflk/Ubn471d9bLI/AAAAAAAACX4/1QRYwaPFt68/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B41%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013" width="604" /></a><br />
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I subscribed to Country Living Magazine years ago, and now excitedly anticipate each month as it pops into my Kindle. Their style appeals to me: simple, collected, a nod to the past, a touch bohemian, with calm hues of traditional colors. They champion the people who are making a go at the good life and feature their homes, products, and stories.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MxLq-Jzmarw/Ubn49eA2FvI/AAAAAAAACYA/ZJ7YJlquROg/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos 20" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G-Jkp74QB14/Ubn4-DoVydI/AAAAAAAACYI/wRj1jNyQrtk/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B47%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos 20" width="604" /></a><br />
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I read that they were having a fair in Rhinebeck NY, and I started calculating the distance from where I am in New Jersey. Lucky for me, it was a short two hours, so this past Saturday Jeff and I spent a fun day at the Country Living Fair.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-trwJqXAT6j4/Ubn4_bJrrzI/AAAAAAAACYQ/P20v6KIuN6M/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos" border="0" height="312" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hImZIFDfMfc/Ubn5AojYVfI/AAAAAAAACYY/DIlKLV_6Rvk/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B39%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos" width="604" /></a><br />
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Their was a small admission price, and this right here was worth the price of the ticket. These ladies grabbed my husband for their instagram shots and at one point I saw him with two iphones in his hand. This is funny to me on so many levels. He carried a flip phone until last year. I hope the ladies checked, they may have a bunch of pictures of Jeff…or just the cow.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l_SPyoHt6Wo/Ubn5DLf-y3I/AAAAAAAACYw/mJLCYdbZMAY/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 phone photos" border="0" height="482" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kbz_V17gsBs/Ubn5ExRfF8I/AAAAAAAACY4/cQfr92lYsMc/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 phone photos" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1v48f3ip1rg/Ubn5FuwsAyI/AAAAAAAACZA/_WAcBlxP5h4/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B32%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos16" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T7c9ZEYvymo/Ubn5Gh2n-QI/AAAAAAAACZI/rkHeLN2cdUY/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B37%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos16" width="604" /></a><br />
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There were several of these vintage caravans restored and furnished in funky retro style. I want one in a bad way. Like, I have a dream of setting up a group of them on the mountain and renting them out to fabulously cool people. We would sit out by the campfire at night and have brilliant talks about Jesus and poetry and art and life. There are guitars and fireflies at this happy hippy hangout. Ah to dream….<br />
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And….back to the show. Let me show you around a few of the booths<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-08qEAbF14sc/Ubn5HxcQekI/AAAAAAAACZQ/-gcL3-2rjJ8/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B44%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 cash and cari" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DuKkfZRifbE/Ubn5I4S3WEI/AAAAAAAACZY/PhBGesPTSvk/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 cash and cari" width="604" /></a><br />
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Cari Cucksey of <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/cash-cari/show/index.html?vty=CASHANDCARI">HGTV’s Cash and Cari</a> had a large booth with many treasures from her <a href="http://www.repurposeshop.com/">Repurposeshop</a> and was on hand to meet and greet. She also had a demonstration of repurposing at one of the demonstration tents.<br />
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I am a big fan of repurposing. My dog's food is kept in an old zinc milk box and wooden boxes and vintage suit cases house my art supplies. It's easy if you look around to find ways to avoid using mass produced plastics for storage.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_l1OjaNWTP8/Ubn5J0MqH5I/AAAAAAAACZg/Lb70Iht4jLg/s1600-h/red-hook-board7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="red-hook-board" border="0" height="640" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_i7T5SDvyEY/Ubn5K6c4PII/AAAAAAAACZo/h_sLK9nRX2k/red-hook-board_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="red-hook-board" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.livingedgedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Via Living Edge Designs</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EWPF-w0bb3E/Ubn5LotT5gI/AAAAAAAACZw/1s2kEsQP71E/s1600-h/walnut-carving7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="walnut-carving" border="0" height="640" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_BjTdOFHWsI/Ubn5M7Ch5LI/AAAAAAAACZ4/eD4gHvIdoco/walnut-carving_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="walnut-carving" width="479" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.livingedgedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Via Living Edge Design</a></td></tr>
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Todd Young of <a href="http://www.livingedgedesigns.com/">Living Edge Designs</a> gives new purpose to wood that is considered unworthy for most typical wood products. Seeing the beauty in these castoffs from nature, he makes furniture, cabinetry, and these stunning culinary boards. He is located in Rhinebeck and had a booth at the fair. Jeff and I were impressed by his artistry and charmed by his product and hopefully didn’t try his patience as we wanted to know all about his process of salvaging the fallen wood from the forest near his home. Great guy, great boards, so glad we met him!<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gqiFt6mobso/Ubn5NqSbDmI/AAAAAAAACaA/Y5pB0TUBvH4/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B38%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 Stash" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LgbC2pr6Nq4/Ubn5OQK_b1I/AAAAAAAACaI/LceRTSya7Xg/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B25%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 Stash" width="604" /></a><br />
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You need to not be so jealous of me right now. I know you are. This booth was loaded with fun finds and is owned by a cute gal named Shannon Check her out at her website <a href="http://stashstyle.com/">stashstyle.com</a> She travels to all the best markets and shows, so if you are lucky you may run into her. Then I’ll be jealous of you.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GYCsCAxKaww/Ubn5PkMjDFI/AAAAAAAACaQ/BiOmcE2I64Q/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos 15" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R3xCste22k4/Ubn5Qti6ThI/AAAAAAAACaY/xMnyYkCfhUk/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos 15" width="604" /></a><br />
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When I saw this booth, I said “It can’t be true”! How can one booth be packed with so much good stuff? I talked to Paul on the phone this week. Yeah, he called ME…See, I had contacted him to make sure I could share a photo of his booth. I don’t ever take photos of someone’s product and then publish a post without getting their permission. I think that’s the way to run a blog. So, anyway, Paul calls me and says he would love it for me to post my picture. While we’re chatting he tells me that his store <a href="http://www.greatstuffbypaul.com/">Great Stuff by Paul</a> in Frederick MD has over 50,000 square feet filled with stuff. He buys antique and vintage pieces from all over the WORLD! I told Paul, “I’m coming to your store, Man!” You should go too! Let’s go together, tell me when and I am there.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wOXpdiAT_Lg/Ubn5R5qatFI/AAAAAAAACag/bupX7BWz4ys/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos8" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0-XVOsnj_aw/Ubn5S8c4ZcI/AAAAAAAACao/LrCwmMr3VIE/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B46%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos8" width="604" /></a><br />
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I simply adored this booth and am a huge fan of this designer’s style. This exquisite space belonged to Lisa of <a href="http://lisabatesdesign.wordpress.com/">Lisa Bates Design</a>. I'm less than impressed with my photo, but I really wanted to include her booth. Her style is a favorite of mine, edited and clean with a great balance of color and textures. Her appreciation of simple and beautiful is tastefully realized in the interiors she creates; which is why she has been featured in numerous design publications. If you are partial to collected, but not cluttered, check out her website. You will be a fan too.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ESkdmJk6U6Y/Ubn5TyUajFI/AAAAAAAACaw/8NZaPjvx0Sk/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B40%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos10" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MJ3PuRyTonA/Ubn5U3GqsXI/AAAAAAAACa4/eCV5wMZB0nE/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B45%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos10" width="604" /></a><br />
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Who doesn’t love a cottage industry story. Jan Blough took her hobby and creative ideas and turned them into a very successful business. You’ve probably seen some of her unique items if you’ve been in a gift store recently. Her pieces are sold in stores all across the US and abroad. The name of her business is <a href="http://silhouettesandmore.com/">Silhouettes and More</a> by Jan Blough. With the popularity of silhouettes right now, I think her industriousness has served her well. I know she loves what she is doing, it shows.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FVwoKGw8gvI/Ubn5WBwEKuI/AAAAAAAACbA/RT6nMnZq76I/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B35%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos french vanilla2" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ssr_kcKnHaQ/Ubn5W6O1lrI/AAAAAAAACbI/BB-a4Dk3Wxo/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B51%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 photos french vanilla2" width="604" /></a><br />
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Do you know Peg, from French Vanilla? I am so glad, I met her. She and her husband had one of the most fabulous booths. She was telling everyone how her husband painted the canvas that was covering one of the tables in her booth, and she was smiling, and you could tell, enjoying meeting the guests of the fair. Lovely woman, I tell you. I started up a conversation, and guess what? She’s in New Jersey. So, I’m definitely planning a trip to see more of her stuff. Peg keeps it real simple. She doesn’t have a shop or a website, but she’s done this for quite a while, so who’s questioning her business plan. Not me…She also shows at the <a href="http://www.clovermarket.blogspot.com/">Clover Market</a> outside Philadelphia and probably other shows too. When I see her next, I’ll find out. <br />
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Do you see that flea market cart in the lower left of the picture? That’s what you needed to bring to this show.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bpx8aC5ePPs/Ubn5YJIEHuI/AAAAAAAACbQ/Fj8BlOe_Ka0/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 music" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QiAwB9jzGok/Ubn5ZKiYOWI/AAAAAAAACbY/5DTKccsnC98/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B20%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 music" width="604" /></a><br />
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Hold on, I’m not finished. There was music. Really good music.<br />
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s all welcome <a href="http://www.stumpsongs.com/">Bob Stump and the Blue Mountain Band</a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vW5exQ8aR80/Ubn5Z0-rv4I/AAAAAAAACbg/v_v9R56o5OI/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B48%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 spinning2" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MX0he06D9qw/Ubn5bsIq7UI/AAAAAAAACbo/8JQsVonJnuI/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 spinning2" width="604" /></a><br />
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There was a very interesting fleece to shawl demonstration by the Elmendorph Hand Spinners guild.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A6B0_ZtsvFY/Ubn5chzfmhI/AAAAAAAACbw/Q6tVrMeE2JU/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 museum" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eA8lvMtwot8/Ubn5dfLvBnI/AAAAAAAACb0/R5SmgylhBek/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 museum" width="604" /></a><br />
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Hudson Valley History was also on display in the Century Museum antique village. The village was incredibly well done and I could have spent hours looking at all the exhibits. The volunteers were gracious and knowledgeable and the items curated was extensive.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XQZxicuFLpI/Ubn5eTbLxEI/AAAAAAAACcA/ZoW5m5khD4M/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B34%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 fair food" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-86C1rtU6OpA/Ubn5fYE6OaI/AAAAAAAACcI/cenYqrQ2Fro/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 fair food" width="604" /></a><br />
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There was one road dedicated to food vendors. I honestly can’t comment, but I’m sure the food was delicious. I made the decision not to go down that road because I’ve been down that road before. My sister Kim and I once ate $80 in fair food at the Florida State Fair when she was pregnant with her oldest son. You didn’t read wrong, EIGHTY DOLLARS on fair food. That's a lot of fair food. <br />
Hi, my name's Teresa, and I'm a fair foodaholic. Hi Teresa.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tvvh_0U5xsk/Ubn5gQpkZvI/AAAAAAAACcQ/8YI_RxljgIU/s1600-h/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B24%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 food truck6" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5FCWxIz1kow/Ubn5hfxfogI/AAAAAAAACcY/to2qtt9kMf4/Country-Living-Fair-Rhinebeck-NY-201%25255B33%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 food truck6" width="604" /></a><br />
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Cute, huh? Probably real tasty too. Can’t comment.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yMlCZERSs60/Ubn5icd_YqI/AAAAAAAACcg/KXHdAHc32Ds/s1600-h/Country%252520Living%252520Fair%252520Rhinebeck%252520NY%2525202013%252520Visitors%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 Visitors" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qm5N7Rx8Lug/Ubn5i-XKWII/AAAAAAAACco/YfaZVbPramQ/Country%252520Living%252520Fair%252520Rhinebeck%252520NY%2525202013%252520Visitors_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 Visitors" width="604" /></a><br />
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We walked, and looked, and shopped, and talked to vendors; it was a good day at the Country Living Fair. I was certainly inspired by the creativity and industriousness of all the exhibitors. It was impressive to say the least.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9kHvXJjrbQM/Ubn5jb9nRYI/AAAAAAAACcs/0GJBDhRYtbw/s1600-h/Country%252520Living%252520Fair%252520Rhinebeck%252520NY%2525202013%252520hudson%252520river%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 hudson river" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lmL3lHpH6uo/Ubn5jn6KhDI/AAAAAAAACc4/zLWzGwt7fIA/Country%252520Living%252520Fair%252520Rhinebeck%252520NY%2525202013%252520hudson%252520river_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Country Living Fair Rhinebeck NY 2013 hudson river" width="604" /></a><br />
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We didn't have time to explore the area of Rhinebeck and the Hudson River Valley, but plan to return. This is a parting shot that I took of the Hudson River...beautiful...such a nice day.Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-81322803978885965962013-06-03T17:46:00.000-07:002013-11-20T12:39:48.874-08:00 Vivez Joyeux {Live Joyfully}<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xFnnYb-zVmc/Ua03WEAGYlI/AAAAAAAACUU/mCZas87vlx0/s1600-h/0658.jpg"><img alt="065" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IYki10owkGU/Ua03XWiHFCI/AAAAAAAACUc/jKtCYiofcYE/065_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="065" width="604" /></a><br />
I was looking around my blog, trying to decide what it needed. “It needs something”, I said. And then it came to me. What this blog needs is a series of adorable boy photographs. Just so happens, my grandson Conor is an adorable boy. I am intensely…no insanely smitten with this little guy. These pictures were taken on a recent day that I had the wee rascal all to myself. <a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8DRttd30p74/Ua03YOdH4CI/AAAAAAAACUk/sOCLJufnCKg/s1600-h/0544.jpg"><img alt="054" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lgNBKESuUg8/Ua03ZGXAC0I/AAAAAAAACUs/oBP_S7yPT-4/054_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="054" width="604" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GLwOUrGLKko/Ua03ZwRgX1I/AAAAAAAACU0/tjwRXWWHG14/s1600-h/0584.jpg"><img alt="058" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gI6T31eScX8/Ua03af0Y7qI/AAAAAAAACU8/paZ8r_zcT-w/058_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="058" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0-mLwjvF7fM/Ua03bbF54kI/AAAAAAAACVE/zUSLfqvXilM/s1600-h/0604.jpg"><img alt="060" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eJbPM0r5Sk4/Ua03ccEXTbI/AAAAAAAACVM/Walo6dmvmr0/060_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="060" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gIY0oyw6LGc/Ua03c-ll3tI/AAAAAAAACVU/dtGxgToZD7A/s1600-h/0644.jpg"><img alt="064" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qqdrhgdj3Fo/Ua03dmYMSKI/AAAAAAAACVc/Szyqpag-RsM/064_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="064" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hV6B8V_NJN4/Ua03eT4f4NI/AAAAAAAACVk/-fFfbwpF1Fg/s1600-h/0774.jpg"><img alt="077" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IfEIqAN46CY/Ua03fLQkxtI/AAAAAAAACVs/ExKZ80MNzos/077_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="077" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VX18557vNL4/Ua03fgedG_I/AAAAAAAACV0/Dxf6X8u3J6M/s1600-h/0894.jpg"><img alt="089" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WbpmWlggfes/Ua03gEoU8eI/AAAAAAAACV8/Db_-_D0lVv4/089_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="089" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PMDcnTU9YtA/Ua03gqNIXpI/AAAAAAAACWE/UKLibnVYxkI/s1600-h/0914.jpg"><img alt="091" border="0" height="406" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xi9tmUL_S28/Ua03hUxvxEI/AAAAAAAACWM/gJ5Hgqpv44I/091_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="091" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Px5I1Es8zM/Ua03h-GORlI/AAAAAAAACWU/-BZ2IlxEVMg/s1600-h/0859.jpg"><img alt="085" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q1WVMP2f4DU/Ua03iecw92I/AAAAAAAACWc/YChCbhSOX5M/085_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="085" width="604" /></a><br />
Wha? Grammie?<br />
This face, it cracks me UP and I was unfazed.<br />
“But, You heard me, fun’s over. Now, pack up your bubbles and let’s get to work cleaning the barn”.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7uoaWG1SxII/Ua03i6HSA7I/AAAAAAAACWk/ukbIosIqNJ8/s1600-h/Untitled-24.jpg"><img alt="Untitled-2" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qtB2T-VBC60/Ua03jiWNFCI/AAAAAAAACWs/i9GNgLyzo6I/Untitled-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Untitled-2" width="604" /></a><br />
I’m playing with you, he loves to work in the barn with me. He was saying he was ready to go work in the barn and I was discouraging him saying “it’s too hot right now, buddy.” In Florida, late morning to mid-afternoon is not the time to be hauling muck, if you can help it. He won, we did, antsy barn assistant that he is.<br />
Earlier this year I read this book, <a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/The-Greater-Journey-Americans-Paris/dp/1416571779/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370303101&sr=8-1&keywords=the+greater+journey">The Greater Journey, Americans in Paris by David McCullough</a>. I know, I referenced him <a href="http://teresaryan.blogspot.com/2013/05/history-and-founding-mother.html" target="_blank">last post</a> too; he’s a great writer. He described in his book the affection of the French for children, and how the children are encouraged to Vivez Joyeux, live joyfully. I love the French.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TE6tTQPfX7U/Ua03kP_dkqI/AAAAAAAACW0/iDL97_oSh48/s1600-h/862776%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="862776" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BgAI0Eyk3Pg/Ua03k42iakI/AAAAAAAACW8/udYRL6b6Ogc/862776_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="862776" width="604" /></a><br />
Barn work all done, we finished our perfect day with a meal at Conor’s favorite beans and rice place, Azteca Mexican Restaurant D’Oro. !<strong><em>Vivir gozosamente! Live Joyfully.</em></strong><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HmEO9nXQsfw/Ua03lvuD5dI/AAAAAAAACXE/t-iyXYX9Uq8/s1600-h/Grandchild%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Grandchild" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JMjGuNzw9Do/Ua03mYXbDII/AAAAAAAACXM/AfQvpd_jMcA/Grandchild_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Grandchild" width="604" /></a>Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-37219839059842235592013-05-29T09:49:00.000-07:002013-11-20T12:40:43.200-08:00History and a Founding Mother<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cu-_hTkkHWA/UZjKOw-_jHI/AAAAAAAACQ8/RvYX-W_XOKc/s1600-h/harpers-ferry-wv-old-welcome4.jpg"><img alt="harpers ferry wv old welcome" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9S5pjUXaaU8/UZjKQ7nTBpI/AAAAAAAACRE/v6tG1DvV0W8/harpers-ferry-wv-old-welcome_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="harpers ferry wv old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On my way to New Jersey this month, Jeff and I met up in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. History provokes the imagination, don’t you think? We romantically yearn for the good old days, when times seemed to be simple and virtuous. </span><a name='more'></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YXBiXcLOQ98/UZjKSDpSwhI/AAAAAAAACRM/Wx91b_9yXJg/s1600-h/street-scene-harpers-ferry-wv-old-we.jpg"><img alt="street scene harpers ferry wv old welcome" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-48bXkMG1lHI/UZjKTtD2EwI/AAAAAAAACRU/lBbfVc-O0Uk/street-scene-harpers-ferry-wv-old-we%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="street scene harpers ferry wv old welcome" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The truth is that the colonial families existence was brutal and uncertain. The early Americans sacrificed and suffered heartaches repeatedly, again and again, time after time, day after day.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hDdgPDGetag/UZjKU_3BhJI/AAAAAAAACRc/ZEYmZiMXWus/s1600-h/town-view-harpers-ferry-wv-old-welco%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="town view harpers ferry wv old welcome" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mBgADgPzUgU/UZjKWPCRaZI/AAAAAAAACRk/RMTvtf-VvR8/town-view-harpers-ferry-wv-old-welco%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="town view harpers ferry wv old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What most intrigues me about the early history of this country is the tenacity and resolution to survive and prosper of the people. Living souls who at their core are no different than us. They concealed and proclaimed the same dreads and aspirations that are basic to all men and women; undistinguished from the dreams and worries in the hearts and minds of those who are walking the grizzled streets of Harpers Ferry today.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-72HqXV_PQXI/UZjKXqcaROI/AAAAAAAACRs/gw9vhDxyGMU/s1600-h/john-browns-fort-harpers-ferry-wv-ol%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="john browns fort harpers ferry wv old welcome" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U6RVYKjlVvU/UZjKZRRfZFI/AAAAAAAACR0/gCd8B9DKb04/john-browns-fort-harpers-ferry-wv-ol.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="john browns fort harpers ferry wv old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Harpers Ferry was the site of the John Brown raid which precipitated the Civil War. John Brown, he was a man of such passion and principles that he was hanged for his stance against the horror of slavery. In our beings still, there is a creed that we would die for, though most of our lives will remain protected from the act of mortal sacrifice.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7MR9ylXlIAU/UZjKahegliI/AAAAAAAACR8/AWd6kiq6CLA/s1600-h/colonial-style-canned-goods-harpers-%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="colonial style canned goods harpers ferry wv old welcome" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tKcVNl-VzPc/UZjKcemCiMI/AAAAAAAACSE/S-IonEhws88/colonial-style-canned-goods-harpers-%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="colonial style canned goods harpers ferry wv old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their store houses were lined with values that don't seem to have been corroded by passing trends or popular beliefs, and their lamplight was the scriptures. It’s just who they were; that dimension of their lives was simple and quiet. Ours is complicated and noisy which arises our longings and looking back. But, the truth,.. behind these early walls lived the the brave and the cowardly, the industrious and the lazy, the virtuous and the corrupt, just like today.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yhNE2HvTLt8/UZjKdysUdUI/AAAAAAAACSM/JBZwIvk9b5o/s1600-h/harpers-ferry-wv-historical-marker-o%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="harpers ferry wv historical marker old welcome" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZKnmSxG9vGE/UZjKffFDtaI/AAAAAAAACSU/gEpl62aIo6A/harpers-ferry-wv-historical-marker-o.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="harpers ferry wv historical marker old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Similarities aside, the period of our nation's early days was rough and the citizens were remarkable with a vision that was clear. Freedom from tyrannical rule could no longer invade their enterprises and compound their hurdles in this new land.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Currently, I am reading the John Adams biography by David McCullough. I am certainly impressed by this man who served as the 2nd President and is remembered as a founding father of our nation. He sacrificed for his country and went to battle to ensure that the rights and liberties being attained by the revolutionary war soldiers would be incorruptible and strong for the generations to follow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I enjoyed the writing of this biography and garnered great respect for John Adams; but, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was as affected by the correspondence between he and his wife Abigail. Through her writings she exhibited impressive strength of character, intelligence, and perception equivalent to that of her famous husband.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abigail Adams wrote in a letter to her son, the future president, John Quincy Adams, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed ... The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. All history will convince you of this, and that wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience, not the lessons of retirement and leisure. Great necessities call out great virtues".</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica;">We enjoyed our day so much, it's our favorite kind of day actually. The visual examples of the past and the history of this country move me. Hopefully, it teaches me the lessons and I have the strength to apply them as I pilgrimage through this interval of history granted to me.</span>Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-51908824014691745062013-04-30T08:02:00.001-07:002013-11-20T12:41:18.537-08:00Home {On Purpose}<br />
I follow these bloggers that are just incredible. I mean they blog, they homeschool their kids, they have fabulous homes, their projects are beautifully photographed, they write <a href="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/31-days/" target="_blank">e-books</a> and they teach <a href="http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/item_431/The-Journey-of-Letting-Go-Creating-Beauty-from-Ashes.htm" target="_blank">e-courses</a>. I mean really incredible what these ladies get done in a single day. Me, with children who are grown and a husband who is away periodically, I have trouble with simple things, like pulling together <a href="http://teresaryan.blogspot.com/2013/03/45mm-isnt-very-funny.html" target="_blank">a spring table</a> or <a href="http://teresaryan.blogspot.com/2013/04/old-school-easter-sunday.html" target="_blank">dying Easter eggs</a>. But, I keep trying. So, when Edie at <a href="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/" target="_blank">Life in Grace Blog</a> announced that she was hosting a life on purpose (home edition) link up, I thought I’d look back and see what I had done at home this past month, on purpose.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jV9sC0O4lBQ/UX_asdE6q7I/AAAAAAAACMA/OjoFMj4zVow/s1600-h/green-flowers-old-welcome4.jpg"><img alt="green flowers old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-npee2GTSW1I/UX_as_oePAI/AAAAAAAACMI/vOctzVmiTKQ/green-flowers-old-welcome_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="green flowers old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Color was big for me this past month, especially green. I loved these flowers that were on special at my local grocery.<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fW9pNlohhA4/UX_atjXM4gI/AAAAAAAACMQ/z8IOSM9BsKA/s1600-h/Spring-table-old-welcome-pink-basket.jpg"><img alt="Spring table old welcome pink basket" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pEEMGioPmAo/UX_aubAvR0I/AAAAAAAACMY/YEJT5oXQ2NM/Spring-table-old-welcome-pink-basket%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Spring table old welcome pink basket" width="604" /></a><br />
I had big plans for this spring table arrangement. I completed it to a point, but never got around to using the blingy jewelry on the place settings like I envisioned. I left them displayed in the pink vintage wicker basket with the linens and twine that I was going to pair them with. <br />
Anyway, moving on.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JCd64gtv_Yk/UX_a0Zvs-uI/AAAAAAAACMg/_8EP_QNNWNM/s1600-h/vignette-antique-store-old-welcome5.jpg"><img alt="vignette antique store old welcome" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B8Uf3gL1cZo/UX_a1dW3YFI/AAAAAAAACMo/xhaF13cQB_Y/vignette-antique-store-old-welcome_t.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="vignette antique store old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Staying with the green theme, I’ve been doing a lot of vintage shopping. I’m gradually changing up my accessories. Gradually because I know how fast things change, and I don’t want to spend money for something that will be very silly looking to me in a couple of years. I’ve got my eye out for the perfect kicked to the curb dresser to paint and place in the foyer.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-226E0UqPG4I/UX_a12xLV7I/AAAAAAAACMw/KN6NaPPrOZU/s1600-h/spring-vignette-croton-old-welcome4.jpg"><img alt="spring vignette croton old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lic9Lj_hSRg/UX_a2gmGozI/AAAAAAAACM4/gakkxdQeKuI/spring-vignette-croton-old-welcome_t.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring vignette croton old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
I currently have a table in the foyer where I arranged an assortment of spring accessories.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SshbL8qQNNo/UX_a36axomI/AAAAAAAACNA/Xu-YXU-iFvE/s1600-h/kitchen-towel-pillow-bird-turquoise-.jpg"><img alt="kitchen towel pillow bird turquoise yellow embroidery old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dVXoWmd-dyc/UX_a4hrLgEI/AAAAAAAACNI/WLs3RpkTcZk/kitchen-towel-pillow-bird-turquoise-%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="kitchen towel pillow bird turquoise yellow embroidery old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
In my living room, I dressed my sofas in their white slip covers and added a few new pillows. The embroidered pillow is a kitchen towel that I recently purchased at a gift shop. I folded it in half and sewed it. I love the bright teal and yellow stripes especially. The other fabric was a remnant at Joanne’s made into an envelope pillow cover.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zlivxJMzEiI/UX_a5WZ23yI/AAAAAAAACNQ/PL5lJBNZw_M/s1600-h/embroidered-kitchen-towel-pillow-old%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="embroidered kitchen towel pillow old welcome teresaryan.blogspot.com" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kDn2mDqBwQ8/UX_a6CBs1vI/AAAAAAAACNY/lcgrBSoWxPQ/embroidered-kitchen-towel-pillow-old.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="embroidered kitchen towel pillow old welcome teresaryan.blogspot.com" width="604" /></a><br />
This is a picture of a few more remnants and the back side of the kitchen towel pillow.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f3gFI_IPN7M/UX_a6oIMEXI/AAAAAAAACNg/BJ0OOGTi_9k/s1600-h/sofa-slip-covers-pillows-old-welcome.jpg"><img alt="sofa slip covers pillows old welcome" border="0" height="921" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AhPyir1sNWo/UX_a7VR-5LI/AAAAAAAACNo/ykqpBsy5srE/sofa-slip-covers-pillows-old-welcome%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sofa slip covers pillows old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Here is a peek into the room, bright and sunny for spring and summer.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R9oJIj4QJF4/UX_a8kPzzGI/AAAAAAAACNw/EOltUnNR1L4/s1600-h/Simple-Bed-linens-blue-white-old-wel%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Simple Bed linens blue white old welcome" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Cx5rOg6Vaoo/UX_a9V6EhTI/AAAAAAAACN4/qyFbmJTuulE/Simple-Bed-linens-blue-white-old-wel%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Simple Bed linens blue white old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Now I realize there is not a lot to see here, no beautiful designer eye candy. But, what I did, on purpose, was to eliminate stuff. I pared down the bedding to a minimum and added crisp, soothing linens. I’ll still tweak the combination, but plan to keep it restful. Even the walls have been stripped while I carefully consider what to put in those spots. I’m thinking about silhouettes of my boys. I would really like to paint the bed, it is too formal for my taste right now, but I don’t know, it’s pretty wood, and painting over it is a big commitment.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hMeIUVPCpxg/UX_a-AWSJWI/AAAAAAAACOA/G5hnKl09B10/s1600-h/potted-flowers-old-rocker-front-porc%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="potted flowers old rocker front porch old welcome 2" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6mABrKpeCzI/UX_bD8RKEhI/AAAAAAAACOI/My7MX1LXYEY/potted-flowers-old-rocker-front-porc%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="potted flowers old rocker front porch old welcome 2" width="604" /></a><br />
I spent a few days early in the month, freshening up the porch with spring pots of flowers. My rockers have weathered nicely, don’t you think? One thing about the new trend in vintage patina pieces, less work. I’ll paint the chairs when the trend shifts to perfect. I hope that’s a few years down the road.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k0ErsMbFp3Y/UX_bE1cqM8I/AAAAAAAACOQ/M8F_Na9QTI0/s1600-h/907598_4503133784367_522757737_n3.jpg"><img alt="907598_4503133784367_522757737_n" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dCDgZZmcwwc/UX_bFj7j_NI/AAAAAAAACOY/7J1hDguRjGI/907598_4503133784367_522757737_n_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="907598_4503133784367_522757737_n" width="604" /></a><br />
Dinner on the lanai is a nice end to the day, even if I’m alone. I have added some geraniums and herbs in pots in this space.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ECd1CWoU5GU/UX_bGJSfu_I/AAAAAAAACOg/pfP9jFg2f_s/s1600-h/art-studio-metamorphosis-old-welcome%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="art studio metamorphosis old welcome" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--IZc9rXik2c/UX_bGjepknI/AAAAAAAACOo/G5vBvj5PZUM/art-studio-metamorphosis-old-welcome.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="art studio metamorphosis old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
The art studio went from clean and organized to chaos, but I created a few pieces that I’m happy with. She is on the cover of an art journal that I learned techniques for in Jeanne Oliver’s e-course, <a href="http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/item_431/The-Journey-of-Letting-Go-Creating-Beauty-from-Ashes.htm">“The journey of letting go”.</a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DhzDruX6uWU/UX_bHS8cb8I/AAAAAAAACOw/0zjiaZeM2Js/s1600-h/803370_4381605066225_958900074_n3.jpg"><img alt="803370_4381605066225_958900074_n" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Eq7Jhbowwlw/UX_bIOQ_gzI/AAAAAAAACO4/5gPvmc_S6OA/803370_4381605066225_958900074_n_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="803370_4381605066225_958900074_n" width="604" /></a><br />
I spent some time out at the barn every morning and afternoon. Some mornings I would take the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-Spiritual-Creativity-Anniversary/dp/1585421464" target="_blank">“The Artist’s Way”, by Julia Cameron</a> and read while the horses ate their breakfast before their turn out for the day.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7lDNnZ_pERw/UX_bIyyYIDI/AAAAAAAACPA/cz_C6NF14rg/s1600-h/green-bench-old-welcome-front-porch-.jpg"><img alt="green bench old welcome front porch sun flare" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x8JuEa7Aukc/UX_bJlA9p1I/AAAAAAAACPI/ZdmMWVrGv-Q/green-bench-old-welcome-front-porch-%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="green bench old welcome front porch sun flare" width="604" /></a><br />
Finally, I purchased this garden bench that I plan to take to Tennessee, but right now it is pretty cute on my side porch. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-llUr41xWKU4/UX_bKj20d2I/AAAAAAAACPQ/Dz0DirrrQ1Q/s1600-h/IMG_30644.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3064" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2Ieer6Up14Y/UX_bLrCIr4I/AAAAAAAACPY/sf1rCNIRQqc/IMG_3064_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3064" width="604" /></a><br />
This is a photo of my deck that it will sit on. I was inspired to use green furnishings from the pinterest photo below. That’s not my deck in the pinterest photo, but it looks so much like it. <br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/232076187017664609/"><img alt="f0b9fd462c635413bb33d2ab494289e9" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W6ELK7f2lwI/UX_bMaPQ-RI/AAAAAAAACPg/P2PeAOFSBZg/f0b9fd462c635413bb33d2ab494289e9.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="f0b9fd462c635413bb33d2ab494289e9" width="604" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/232076187017664609/" target="_blank">Via Pinterest</a></div>
That’s pretty much what I did last month. Some successes, some not, some work in progress, and lots of living in my home, on purpose. I’m linking this post to <a href="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/2013/04/home-on-purpose/">Life In Grace blog</a>, and if you want to see what others have done in their Life on Purpose {Home Edition}, click on the following link.<br />
<a href="http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/2013/04/home-on-purpose/"><img alt="2013words3" border="0" height="152" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I9v0t2p-NoY/UX_bMi6SERI/AAAAAAAACPo/YChyImWY19Y/2013words3%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2013words3" width="404" /></a>Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-53673708080204181712013-04-16T09:22:00.001-07:002013-11-20T12:41:43.923-08:00Swamp of Sadness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PDgXrkWZy0/UW2Ad8qrORI/AAAAAAAACLw/y8KiFb3dVPE/s1600/pine+trees+old+welcome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PDgXrkWZy0/UW2Ad8qrORI/AAAAAAAACLw/y8KiFb3dVPE/s640/pine+trees+old+welcome.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday I awoke and found myself in the swamp of sadness. I was hopeless, miserable, and sad. Dullness clouded my morning. My frame of mind on this terrible gloomy morning was despair, I planned to just go back to bed. My dreams are useless, they will never be, I should just do myself a favor, settle in, and wait to die. It was a blue funk morning.<a name='more'></a><br />
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Faltering and floundering around, trying to "snap out of it", but bankrupt, absent, and destitute, I received a call from my niece, asking me what I was doing. "Umm, nothing", I said trying to sound like her cheerful aunt. She wanted to know if I could help her with a paper that was due today. "Sure, I said". I needed her to come by. Before long she and I were laughing and talking about what junk we were going to eat for lunch. On the way back, we trespassed on some property down by the railroad tracks, me pretending shock and outrage, but saying "hey, what's over there?" She had rescued me from the swamp.<br />
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Later I received the call from Jeff asking me if I had been watching the news. "There appears to have been a terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon", he said. No, is all I could think. I was heartbroken, not wanting to know the details. Please, no more. no more. Where has our love and compassion for the innocent gone? How can someone have so much hate in their heart that an unoffending person could be targeted? An earnest runner going for a goal, a dream, then mangled, marred, or killed by a bombers attack. It's not right! How sad and senseless!<br />
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I don't know about you, but I can't watch the news. Some may call it burying your head in the sand. Maybe so. But I have heard about the heroes from yesterday. I heard that there were people running toward the bombs to see, to help, no matter the cost. Some of them weren't runners, they were cheerleaders. The supporters that were there to say "You did it, I'm proud of you". "I told you, you could do it, and you did." Instead they were saying "Oh my God!"<br />
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Pardon me a moment while I cry. <br />
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My prayers go out for the injured and killed, the families, the city of Boston, and our country. Only God can change our hearts and our intentions. I pray that prayer.<br />
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Later, as I was battling the sadness again, I read a blog written by my friend <a href="http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2013/04/15/there-is-room-for-all-of-us-give-it-away/" target="_blank">Jeanne of Jeanne Oliver Designs</a> about the cheerleaders in her life. The supporters that have been there for her saying "I told you, you're talented, go do it". It made me think about all the people that are so encouraging of me and my gifts. It made me want to write about being sad and being pulled out by my friends.<br />
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My friends are my lifeline. Topping that list of cheerleaders would have to be my precious husband Jeff. He is always the first one to support my dreams. I do remember him recently saying "That sounds pretty goofy to me, but you've done goofier, so go for it". Does that count as support? I think so.<br />
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I dreamed a dream of sons, and my dream came true. Todd and Scott love their mother and think great things are in store for me. Back at ya guys! You're talented, creative, and you have blessed my life immeasurably.<br />
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And then there's my circle of family of women Bonnie, Cyndi, Amanda, Luba, Erin, Chelsea, Kim, Pam, Mama, Dorene, Jennifer, Kristin, and Aunt Joanne. You all have been so supportive and complimentary of everything I do. You all are the talented gifted ones, so your encouragement is essential to me. Your smiles light my world, I want to be that for you too.<br />
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I am blown away when Mindy, Robin, Edith, Anne, or Julie comes up to me and says how they read my blog and they love my photography, that it speaks to them. All I can offer them in return is a hug and a sincere Thank you. I love, love, love you all.<br />
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Every time I write a blog, I can be sure that my dear childhood friend Merita will have a comment. She inspired me to write more a couple of years ago. Her journey and mine are very similar at this time of our lives and I treasure her connection and wish I could see her more. There are also other childhood friends Patti, Karen, Mary Jo, and Michelle that are encouraging me with their "likes" and "comments". Thank you! May I always be to you, what you have been for me. I haven't listed many, many names. But I know you, cherish you, and see you when you show me love. May your love be returned by me.<br />
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Finally, I am thankful for the encouragement and connection with people I have met through the blog world, and my new friends Ana, Candace, Susan, Cindy, Cassie, Amber and Lynne who I met at Serena's recent <a href="http://teresaryan.blogspot.com/2013/03/nurture-your-creative-seed-art-retreat.html" target="_blank">art retreat</a>. You can be inspired by some of the people I follow at their links <a href="http://www.christytomlinson.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Christy</a>, <a href="http://www.timssally.com/" target="_blank">Mindy</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ellaandrubys" target="_blank">Alissa</a>, <a href="http://yesandamenblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Junelle</a> and <a href="http://www.lisasouersdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Lisa</a>, genuinely creative individuals and artists. I love following their work and it gives me a push and a pull when I hear encouragement from them.<br />
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My children and I watched "The Never Ending Story" so many times while they were boys. The scene of Artax and Atreyu is so moving and sad and it speaks to me. I don't know what my future is, but I know who holds the future. Heard that before? It's a rock I lean on and I feel no shame for the days when the sadness takes hold. It happens to everyone, and we need each other to pull, and pull, and pull, and say "I love you", you're my friend". Who is your encourager? Who pulls you out with their love? <br />
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<br />Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-54371131817872279202013-04-11T09:39:00.001-07:002013-11-20T12:42:44.880-08:00DUH PensacolaIn the last two weeks I have taken four Florida road trips. Twice I have traveled to Pensacola…or I should say Pensacol-AHHH. Amazingly nice, seemingly slow paced town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with incredible white sand beaches. Unfortunately, the two days I was in town weren’t beach days. My visits were for family and the weather was cold and rainy, but lucky for me, we did have the opportunity to check out a local antique and design showroom. <a href="http://www.duhpensacola.com/" target="_blank">DUH Pensacola</a> left me speechless, which may be why they named it DUH. I never asked the origin of the name, but I did ask the associate if I could photograph their shop. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CbaPQcR8yLk/UWbldX5iBuI/AAAAAAAACEU/cQmR3QrsyTM/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola old welcome" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o7WNZjLMldw/UWblfN5JD-I/AAAAAAAACEc/O8646hZXPj0/duh%252520pensacola%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
If you are like me and love smart, classic, and a little trendy, you’re going to love this shop. I was in inspiration heaven. Lucky you Pensacolans to have this gem in your town. <a name='more'></a>The furniture and accessory selections available in the store appear to be found items. Some of them are, but many are new pieces by the best names in the industry. Check out their <a href="http://www.duhpensacola.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for a complete list of the lines they carry.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CsueLfzuC4w/UWblfmehd9I/AAAAAAAACEk/8cdNAw0XoOQ/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520professor%252520chair%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola professor chair old welcome" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-smAimYfqd_M/UWblgGdqujI/AAAAAAAACEs/aTG0CLO6eFo/duh%252520pensacola%252520professor%252520chair%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola professor chair old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
The neutral color palette in this room is brilliant. I sourced a pair of chairs like these leathers for a customer in NJ in a suede fabric, but aren’t they divine in leather. I also love the turnings on the wooden side chair. I have a few pieces of English oak antiques in my Tennessee home with similar turnings; it’s called barley twist. I don’t know if this is a reproduction, but isn’t he handsome?<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L4DQ6Jx0TrA/UWblg6KdrjI/AAAAAAAACE0/YCq2J6CHRmk/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520bakers%252520rack%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola bakers rack old welcome" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vnUV8DkBahw/UWblhSTlcJI/AAAAAAAACE8/YyYvkcCS1k4/duh%252520pensacola%252520bakers%252520rack%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola bakers rack old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
We walked through each room and everywhere you turned there was something that caught my eye. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wazrKftsse8/UWblh7oqJyI/AAAAAAAACFE/LyTP9lrpAGU/s1600-h/audubon%252520type%252520print%252520duh%252520pensacola%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="audubon type print duh pensacola old welcome" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--yB_kemJrQc/UWbliaMNK2I/AAAAAAAACFM/p7gDgZAcn_g/audubon%252520type%252520print%252520duh%252520pensacola%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="audubon type print duh pensacola old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
The muted colors in this vintage butterfly print are my favorite. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JKOIbxDhiqs/UWbliwAO_AI/AAAAAAAACFU/uxwdaaJZodI/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520all%252520you%252520need%252520is%252520love%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola all you need is love old welcome" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sNt6sxdpolw/UWbljt25KDI/AAAAAAAACFc/RaIwo1VwEog/duh%252520pensacola%252520all%252520you%252520need%252520is%252520love%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola all you need is love old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
All I need Is love and those metal corbels. WOW! <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nvajL-HgQvA/UWblkJK9sSI/AAAAAAAACFk/vxd_6DWM1vY/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520dining%252520table%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola dining table old welcome" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R-Oj5ZlQlqY/UWblkpCIjpI/AAAAAAAACFs/sUpcVt-tQ5k/duh%252520pensacola%252520dining%252520table%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola dining table old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Man, oh man!!! That pedestal table needs a lanai.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jr2LaK4SfGA/UWbllZltKLI/AAAAAAAACF0/Wm9A_qEsBX0/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520bird%252520painting%252520credenza%252520side%252520board%252520old%252520welcome%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola bird painting credenza side board old welcome" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hog7ZU5mZY0/UWbll0KwMWI/AAAAAAAACF8/G0LdZXr5MxI/duh%252520pensacola%252520bird%252520painting%252520credenza%252520side%252520board%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola bird painting credenza side board old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Vignette to the Max. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zev5ggt5bTk/UWblmuMlpQI/AAAAAAAACGE/Eq3A0a0RLhE/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520chicken%252520wire%252520lamp%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola chicken wire lamp old welcome" border="0" height="1054" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X2FTiVyIMWs/UWblnBeer0I/AAAAAAAACGM/oGl9g4pRVg8/duh%252520pensacola%252520chicken%252520wire%252520lamp%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola chicken wire lamp old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
Here’s a close up of that lamp. Who knew that chicken wire would ever be this elegant? Lamp…sold, print….sold, of course!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iRZ72R3XpVc/UWblnizETeI/AAAAAAAACGU/4Sw3eThz0mg/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520linen%252520chairs%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola linen chairs old welcome" border="0" height="1054" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G1WLaH3fu_k/UWbloM-fM4I/AAAAAAAACGc/QLYI2cz8GIY/duh%252520pensacola%252520linen%252520chairs%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola linen chairs old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
These chairs were also purchased for a client in NJ but in a white duck cloth. We put it in her husband’s <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://teresaryan.blogspot.com/2012/05/zen-man-cave.html" target="_blank">ZEN MAN CAVE</a></span>. There is not a single thing in this room that I wouldn’t love to have in my home.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MINHZBtO4F8/UWblotzp--I/AAAAAAAACGk/_dB9nsPEg9g/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520patchwork%252520wall%252520hanging%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola patchwork wall hanging old welcome" border="0" height="1054" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RaZGwmOuvSc/UWblpRkRx0I/AAAAAAAACGs/wsT3MG1eya0/duh%252520pensacola%252520patchwork%252520wall%252520hanging%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola patchwork wall hanging old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
Look at the textures in that wall hanging or rug.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GjSjbFVyjGo/UWblp3vHsaI/AAAAAAAACG0/TXjTYnKGrVM/s1600-h/bed%252520linens%252520duh%252520pensacola%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bed linens duh pensacola old welcome" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tMi_IG3GcHY/UWblqUV9KjI/AAAAAAAACG8/I_hSDXHFYTI/bed%252520linens%252520duh%252520pensacola%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bed linens duh pensacola old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
The bed linens were delicious and varied. Mix it up!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BGd72mJ24xA/UWblrPpmdwI/AAAAAAAACHE/OMAftAOdTyo/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520french%252520style%252520bookshelf%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola french style bookshelf old welcome" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hdaDu2rHGRg/UWblrT44VwI/AAAAAAAACHM/beRRXnbs4Vw/duh%252520pensacola%252520french%252520style%252520bookshelf%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola french style bookshelf old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
I don’t even know what to say, except that I love it all!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FVkwBwlVPno/UWblrzGLAdI/AAAAAAAACHU/SyISsfKl1kg/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520old%252520welcome%252520horse%252520vignette%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola old welcome horse vignette" border="0" height="1054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7X1IhQbsqFA/UWblsRR4ErI/AAAAAAAACHc/KOFABW02nxQ/duh%252520pensacola%252520old%252520welcome%252520horse%252520vignette_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola old welcome horse vignette" width="704" /></a><br />
duh…, just duh….<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QaVtJ6dO95c/UWbltO3amGI/AAAAAAAACHk/w-Ek7bFdWTc/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520textiles%252520rugs%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola textiles rugs old welcome" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zPbPHPYeuu0/UWbltgxTAYI/AAAAAAAACHs/LSfDbE8YvwI/duh%252520pensacola%252520textiles%252520rugs%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola textiles rugs old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
A textile room? Stop it!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G6o3V_y0GBc/UWblt-ByqQI/AAAAAAAACH0/U2JQwiUPG4U/s1600-h/textile%252520rug%252520pillow%252520woven%252520old%252520welcome%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="textile rug pillow woven old welcome" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--nfWvBVehkU/UWblueX3CXI/AAAAAAAACH8/aSV-vUEZi6Q/textile%252520rug%252520pillow%252520woven%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="textile rug pillow woven old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
I wish I could say the ladder was there because they were assisting me. I’ll take that mustard striped rug on the right, please. Yes ma’am, we’ll get that down for you. OK love, I’ll be in the next room giving the assistant my pretend cash. And grab those long striped pillows too while you’re up there. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ittTLZknGhQ/UWblu9FP6WI/AAAAAAAACIE/lxSCfcLmR9g/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacol%252520garden%252520shop%252520clay%252520pots%252520old%252520welcome%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacol garden shop clay pots old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kw6_Rg7XmbY/UWblvRrbCLI/AAAAAAAACIM/egxotzB2Msk/duh%252520pensacol%252520garden%252520shop%252520clay%252520pots%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacol garden shop clay pots old welcome" width="604" /></a>There was also a gardening area, and a fashion accessory room. I know!!!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0PJsPqgjKi0/UWblv2OiL_I/AAAAAAAACIU/0nOYYOXAiyE/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520leather%252520goods%252520old%252520welcome%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola leather goods old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lnGToWZpFN8/UWblwWcbRDI/AAAAAAAACIc/a6LIA2Ig6AI/duh%252520pensacola%252520leather%252520goods%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola leather goods old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IR9RH6WuvDQ/UWblw5jAMMI/AAAAAAAACIk/LZN48I7G4bY/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520art%252520work%252520wall%252520hangings%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola art work wall hangings old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qWViW_gBtg0/UWblxYQM3MI/AAAAAAAACIs/z_ZJOu2oVYM/duh%252520pensacola%252520art%252520work%252520wall%252520hangings%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola art work wall hangings old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Wall hanging gallery…<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o5kWXOUiM_g/UWblx2TS59I/AAAAAAAACI0/WU5g6uaYM7s/s1600-h/duh%252520pensacola%252520wall%252520hanging%252520life%252520is%252520beaty%252520ful%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="duh pensacola wall hanging life is beaty ful old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S_aU-BysB74/UWblyd-f26I/AAAAAAAACI8/EfkCY5NI634/duh%252520pensacola%252520wall%252520hanging%252520life%252520is%252520beaty%252520ful%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="duh pensacola wall hanging life is beaty ful old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Want to know what I bought? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5wbcY-I0VT0/UWblyxSdxTI/AAAAAAAACJE/-BvQ39-9hJ0/s1600-h/907212_4466592950869_313677760_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="907212_4466592950869_313677760_n" border="0" height="804" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CRUtVf4BocA/UWblzbzz8FI/AAAAAAAACJM/vfAJiS2OQGU/907212_4466592950869_313677760_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="907212_4466592950869_313677760_n" width="604" /></a><br />
A sketchbook…$4.99. Yup, didn’t go away empty handed. What kind of décor is your favorite? See anything in here that you would love to add to your home?Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-17323244089492029332013-04-10T10:13:00.000-07:002013-11-20T12:43:20.182-08:00Roasted Sweet Potato Hash<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ui1RXAcc9jQ/UWWcZBK8ciI/AAAAAAAACBA/3oDpJOd_HJo/s1600-h/roasted%252520sweet%252520potato%252520hash%252520old%252520welcome%252520cover%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="roasted sweet potato hash old welcome cover" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OJqYBezIQAM/UWWcZctv95I/AAAAAAAACBI/i60VYSP2xzw/roasted%252520sweet%252520potato%252520hash%252520old%252520welcome%252520cover_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="roasted sweet potato hash old welcome cover" width="604" /></a><br />
A couple of weeks ago I was in Pensacola for a reception for my niece Chelsea and her new husband Brad. The next day I had lunch at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DolcePensacola" target="_blank">Dolce</a> and was served this delicious savory sweet potato dish. <a name='more'></a> Dolce uses all fresh ingredients and they cater to the whole foods consumer. All their gelatos are homemade and they also have a nice selection of dairy free flavors. I asked the owner if she would share the recipe for the hash and was so pleased when she said yes. It is so good and I hope you will try it. You could change it up so many ways, but I’m sharing the recipe exactly as it was served at Dolce. And if you are ever in Pensacola, go there. Tell them I sent you, Chelsea is the barista. They also have a chai latte made with almond milk. Oh I could go on and on but here’s a peek at their cute restaurant and then the recipe. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0Dp7TjGtmnA/UWWcZ_IVcbI/AAAAAAAACBQ/cknjZZYxW78/s1600-h/dolce%252520pensacola%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dolce pensacola old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L_9nslsYXOE/UWWcab5KQdI/AAAAAAAACBY/_mVBbkXUoAo/dolce%252520pensacola%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="dolce pensacola old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SEuP4FlnSB4/UWWcap8BPrI/AAAAAAAACBg/UjzMsqUOsHQ/s1600-h/sweet%252520potato%252520hash%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sweet potato hash old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wO8W98lMM44/UWWcbCvyW0I/AAAAAAAACBo/XMH45SZi1J8/sweet%252520potato%252520hash%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sweet potato hash old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Sweet Potato Hash</span><br />
2 Medium Sweet Potato (cubed)<br />
2” wedge of purple onion<br />
2-3 slices of cooked bacon<br />
1.5 tablespoons olive oil<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
Makes four 1/2 cup servings<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IxpFI4s67Es/UWWcbliJHSI/AAAAAAAACBw/61pDtEoNeaY/s1600-h/bacon%252520in%252520the%252520oven%252520five%252520star%252520range%252520old%252520welcome%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bacon in the oven five star range old welcome 2" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KfXYkVz6WN0/UWWcbwI1wVI/AAAAAAAACB4/AsQzEUgz6Zg/bacon%252520in%252520the%252520oven%252520five%252520star%252520range%252520old%252520welcome%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bacon in the oven five star range old welcome 2" width="604" /></a><br />
Are you cooking your bacon in the oven now? If you're not, you should try it. So easy!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iGXFt3tpv1A/UWWccSeyiWI/AAAAAAAACCA/41Xk9SPQQZY/s1600-h/bacon%252520in%252520the%252520oven%252520five%252520star%252520range%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bacon in the oven five star range old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H-gJbtpX8-c/UWWccmIb_kI/AAAAAAAACCI/ba5fybtIyck/bacon%252520in%252520the%252520oven%252520five%252520star%252520range%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bacon in the oven five star range old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Place the bacon on a foil lined sheet and place it in the cold oven. Turn the temperature to 375 degrees and cook for 15-20 minutes. That’s it. Take it out and place it on paper towels to cool.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NYIylz5LdD8/UWWcdGMqHxI/AAAAAAAACCQ/V8RHuZ56rxQ/s1600-h/diced%252520sweet%252520potato%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="diced sweet potato old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iusZOXJ5XqI/UWWcdaUtbYI/AAAAAAAACCY/89Pnb89CJ9E/diced%252520sweet%252520potato%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="diced sweet potato old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Dice up the sweet potatoes into one inch size cubes.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cDQAjCTHgCI/UWWcdwdZqOI/AAAAAAAACCg/M93gp28cu7Q/s1600-h/olive%252520oil%252520sweet%252520potato%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="olive oil sweet potato old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qPSodxkxd6E/UWWceGsvoII/AAAAAAAACCo/8CP-Xc2-1oA/olive%252520oil%252520sweet%252520potato%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="olive oil sweet potato old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Place the cubed potatoes on a foil lined pan and drizzle with the olive oil. I was trying to get a fancy shot of the oil drizzling, but instead I got a shot of a puddle of oil. Well if you came here for food photography, you have made a wrong turn. Move on, nothing to see here.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QmzAuM_jzqQ/UWWceXtUVVI/AAAAAAAACCw/PLCDpgR953k/s1600-h/salt%252520and%252520pepper%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="salt and pepper old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1SHuxrTlmiY/UWWce9b6uuI/AAAAAAAACC4/5jIZUfOZFpQ/salt%252520and%252520pepper%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="salt and pepper old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
I also didn’t realize that white salt wouldn’t show up in a white dish. What’s up with that?<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jtf6Os_yJhY/UWWcfFrQt8I/AAAAAAAACDA/y848a52s-Q8/s1600-h/salt%252520and%252520pepper%252520sweet%252520potato%252520hash%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="salt and pepper sweet potato hash old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jnmax0Cq3ek/UWWcflbIwpI/AAAAAAAACDI/uqvDM9LddwQ/salt%252520and%252520pepper%252520sweet%252520potato%252520hash%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="salt and pepper sweet potato hash old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
If you were following closely, you have a puddle of oil so you will need to toss the potatoes to coat. Then, sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper to taste.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gjTAsO_zskk/UWWcf8i1IEI/AAAAAAAACDQ/bbuokjDjR1M/s1600-h/bermuda%252520red%252520purple%252520onion%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bermuda red purple onion old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ksKUf8kQZBs/UWWcgYAiCQI/AAAAAAAACDY/WrIVnZRq-O0/bermuda%252520red%252520purple%252520onion%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bermuda red purple onion old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Dice about a 2 inch wedge of purple onion. You could also leave it in strips which would look pretty in the hash. I didn’t do that, but I might the next time. Purple onions are something I eat almost every day. I don’t know if it was Dr. Oz or Daphne that told me that very colorful food is really good for you. Love color!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uyfyPTAnOb4/UWWcg2huKfI/AAAAAAAACDg/60_nmEr3yH0/s1600-h/Roasted%252520sweet%252520potato%252520hash%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Roasted sweet potato hash old welcome" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kO-Mg1kHIXA/UWWchId-YbI/AAAAAAAACDo/GxPCpR4XPRs/Roasted%252520sweet%252520potato%252520hash%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Roasted sweet potato hash old welcome" width="604" /></a><br />
Roast the potatoes in the same 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until fork tender.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_1C9DZPBsPs/UWWchuv6OEI/AAAAAAAACDw/Rqxooy3e0YQ/s1600-h/roasted%252520sweet%252520potato%252520hash%252520old%252520welcome%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="roasted sweet potato hash old welcome 2" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OHcWTLuaLH0/UWWciN7blzI/AAAAAAAACD4/rUJujOQf4iY/roasted%252520sweet%252520potato%252520hash%252520old%252520welcome%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="roasted sweet potato hash old welcome 2" width="604" /></a><br />
In a bowl mix together the potatoes, onion, and bacon bits. So good! Let me know what you think or how you would change it up. I’m thinking some bits of herbs for more color!Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-69227103595344239072013-04-08T18:09:00.001-07:002013-11-20T12:43:59.064-08:00Quiet and Alone, With Him<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k5Yvqb4PuFY/UWNqJrYm9RI/AAAAAAAACAE/dXTYjFGWtXE/s1600-h/bird%252520house%252520live%252520oak%252520spanish%252520moss%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bird house live oak spanish moss old welcome" border="0" height="1054" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KPlyyxEaj1U/UWNqKBI6M0I/AAAAAAAACAM/52g3U-sNZAA/bird%252520house%252520live%252520oak%252520spanish%252520moss%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bird house live oak spanish moss old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Euphemia; font-size: medium;">“Be alone”, He said. “Be ready”, He said. “Be you”, He said. “Be with me”, He said.</span><a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sY8efQCbN88/UWNqKT3FJoI/AAAAAAAACAU/E7iFZ-bIW5o/s1600-h/crepe%252520myrtle%252520porch%252520rocker%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="crepe myrtle porch rocker old welcome" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2ccxFsgmC_U/UWNqK5Zuy-I/AAAAAAAACAc/GhBYznvxhgo/crepe%252520myrtle%252520porch%252520rocker%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="crepe myrtle porch rocker old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Euphemia; font-size: medium;">“Come sit with me in the morning, I have some things to tell you”, He said</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UiHOhlROu3g/UWNqLQUoUJI/AAAAAAAACAk/dyqGbBBqszg/s1600-h/dirt%252520lane%252520live%252520oak%252520spanish%252520moss%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dirt lane live oak spanish moss old welcome" border="0" height="1054" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SOdQvr0-K_w/UWNqL-7GFJI/AAAAAAAACAs/SiRB4CojXpU/dirt%252520lane%252520live%252520oak%252520spanish%252520moss%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="dirt lane live oak spanish moss old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Euphemia; font-size: medium;">“Close your eyes, I want you to see”, He said. “Find your heart, I want you to feel”, He said. “Let go, I want you to love”, He said. “Walk with me, and I’ll show you the path”, He said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Euphemia; font-size: medium;">Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths (Pro 3:5)</span>Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-11331532866420418242013-04-01T17:27:00.000-07:002013-11-20T12:44:24.397-08:00Old School Easter Sunday<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ra1qVRemLCE/UVobG92aHoI/AAAAAAAAB9o/PtzjZp1ItJk/s1600-h/Perfect%252520boiled%252520Eggs%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Perfect boiled Eggs" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eEtgj8bvRrw/UVobHUT2ovI/AAAAAAAAB9s/-eVDEQ9DZ_Y/Perfect%252520boiled%252520Eggs_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Perfect boiled Eggs" width="704" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">What you are looking at here, are 18 perfectly boiled eggs. How do you say boiled? I say “bold” eggs, unless I’m trying to fit in with people who say boiled. I got the recipe for these perfectly boiled eggs from my friend Tim Bridges. Thanks, Tim. This also means that they peeled perfectly too. I’m not kidding you. Perfect!</span><a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eDF4YGX6B-4/UVobH8pYUkI/AAAAAAAAB5A/ENx34a2DpbE/s1600-h/paper%252520punches%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eDF4YGX6B-4/UVobH8pYUkI/AAAAAAAAB9w/XTHXO3SKxls/s1600-h/paper%252520punches%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="paper punches" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GfVp0xVfACs/UVobIffDDNI/AAAAAAAAB90/GKMVSOfVXoE/paper%252520punches_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="paper punches" width="704" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I wanted to come up with a fun way to die the eggs for my grandkids. Having all these old paper punches, I thought it would be a good plan to punch out shapes using painter's tape. The kids could then put the stickers on the eggs, die them, and have white shapes left on the eggs once the stickers were removed. I’ve had good ideas before, but this wasn’t one of them.</span></div>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GMJroC2F2Hg/UVobI6ZnFII/AAAAAAAAB94/_VEqtaPOuBw/s1600-h/Easter%252520Eggs%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Easter Eggs" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DSQE-fdVjJ0/UVobJuhthvI/AAAAAAAAB98/0Ta_ViHh8jA/Easter%252520Eggs_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Easter Eggs" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Yeah, it didn’t quite work like I had imagined. The painter's tape doesn’t like to be wet. Painter's tape needs to be dry to be aggressive and adhere well to surfaces. It gets all nervous in water and then loses it’s ability to stick. We’ll be more sensitive to the quirks of painter's tape in the future. Yes, we will.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lVETs7mZhLE/UVobKOrIpaI/AAAAAAAAB5g/feshgHJpCRI/s1600-h/not%252520so%252520perfect%252520dyed%252520eggs%252520old%252520welcome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lVETs7mZhLE/UVobKOrIpaI/AAAAAAAAB-A/09NRgTRwDB0/s1600-h/not%252520so%252520perfect%252520dyed%252520eggs%252520old%252520welcome%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="not so perfect dyed eggs old welcome" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P7aO420fHoc/UVobKui_AlI/AAAAAAAAB-E/ucn1gPTrtTk/not%252520so%252520perfect%252520dyed%252520eggs%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="not so perfect dyed eggs old welcome" width="704" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We stuck butterflies on a couple of them and called it a completed project. If you are wondering what happened to the three missing eggs, talk to Conor.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kl3VKcZe_Zc/UVobLPH_pgI/AAAAAAAAB-I/WKReJnVeCSI/s1600-h/paper%252520punch%252520covered%252520in%252520tape%252520old%252520welcome%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="paper punch covered in tape old welcome" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DUHt7xE5e2U/UVobL31eMoI/AAAAAAAAB-M/op7FiLQ2l9s/paper%252520punch%252520covered%252520in%252520tape%252520old%252520welcome_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="paper punch covered in tape old welcome" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">He is also the one that spent all his time covering a paper punch with tape, instead of cutting out shapes. What is a Grammie to do?</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xd77dztbzLU/UVobMbcJYDI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/xJo235ltRo0/s1600-h/Sonrise%252520morning%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Sonrise morning" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eP5b-lZHVGs/UVobM2AwESI/AAAAAAAAB-U/WwxW05pSTrA/Sonrise%252520morning_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sonrise morning" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I love all the ways that my family celebrates Easter and I wouldn’t want to change anything. But, I know the significance of the celebration. It is Jesus. It is resurrection Sunday.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!<sup></sup> In his great mercy<sup></sup> he has given us new birth<sup></sup> into a living hope <sup></sup>through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3</span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBttrJ8pN5U&feature=youtu.be"> </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBttrJ8pN5U&feature=youtu.be" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('70e2e069-a356-41d1-bc8b-84b163d9699e'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oBttrJ8pN5U?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/oBttrJ8pN5U?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VUtJG9Ipzkw/UVobNSfP5eI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/GucszfrbdgA/video06062525f359%25255B146%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a></div>
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LSBC Youth</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Easter Sunday is always emotional for me. I’m overcome by the unending, amazing grace of my Lord everyday, but more than usual on Easter. This Sunday service my tears were roused by Pastor Joe’s impassioned sermon “The Scandal of Grace” John 8:1-11 and this moving performance by our Youth. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EGCxzXYutdg/UVobN5XWbGI/AAAAAAAAB-c/SpUVSrRmP9Y/s1600-h/056%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="056" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aKZ97_GIlyU/UVobOr8fIDI/AAAAAAAAB-g/69bikfTI_6k/056_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="056" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Want to see some more pictures from our old school Easter Sunday? I’m just warning you, it gets real ordinary. Maybe even a little…well there’s a corn hole set involved. You’ll see.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6-tGX1MpijU/UVobPI2QssI/AAAAAAAAB-k/hkkWZSznp5U/s1600-h/036%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="036" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U-GUJRyJJBg/UVobPn-zYOI/AAAAAAAAB-o/I5uzopXrAVM/036_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="036" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When you are almost 10 years old, and you’re a boy, your Easter basket should be shaped like a baseball. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Zu2C_0DbLc/UVobQYnhpVI/AAAAAAAAB-s/6yVgK2-tMVw/s1600-h/038%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="038" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e_ErsfmNi7s/UVobRHPmlKI/AAAAAAAAB-w/Hg99IG46wS8/038_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="038" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Teenagers no longer “hunt” eggs. So not cool.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GY-CWjuVu7M/UVobRv-BypI/AAAAAAAAB-0/urrTil903Xs/s1600-h/027%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="027" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WbiOAetgkkU/UVobSee-d4I/AAAAAAAAB-4/EXSvF_CMyCk/027_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="027" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But, they will help their little brother find more than his share. I’m glad Dillon didn’t see the cheating going on over here.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z-nynY1p6zc/UVobTCOubHI/AAAAAAAAB-8/r2Mm0253n7Q/s1600-h/029%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="029" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rl8Ojix7QpI/UVobTtEcdaI/AAAAAAAAB_A/MBAv2iF1W5w/029_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="029" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">While the kids hunt, the guys apparently tell fish stories in their matching cargo shorts. Erin and Kristin had on matching shorts too, but don’t tell Kristin, it’s Erin’s little secret. She bought them because she liked them on Kristin, but thinks that Kristin will think it’s creepy. Kristin’s were a different color, and they didn’t look the same to me. I’m recording the memories; that’s my job.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e7clXEUPZ20/UVobUYs4NEI/AAAAAAAAB_E/1omXZd1nr-o/s1600-h/030%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="030" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6MJUnAi57Ps/UVobUySpqyI/AAAAAAAAB_I/bqHD_0xUYHo/030_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="030" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Jennifer caught on a cell phone. Wasn’t it her job to count the eggs? We had over 100, and from the looks of her diligence, we probably left a few for the snakes. I just noticed something. Is that a bundt pan on a pole with an egg on top? Weird. Did you see it?</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v6UXzcrnmAM/UVobVZ-52DI/AAAAAAAAB74/WTRemqCyD0M/s1600-h/045%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="045" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IBX3HK_jKG8/UVobWIsZpqI/AAAAAAAAB8A/C7F2jUl1V8o/045_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="045" width="604" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">How about this little guy? Last year he had to be carted around to find eggs, but this year he was on his own. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iSN5mLCTM0A/UVobWkS2szI/AAAAAAAAB_M/D0bvU3NtA4M/s1600-h/039%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="039" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xADVLURTLJc/UVobZ_LrXeI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/zME-Nrj2Es0/039_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="039" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Good Job Brett!! Now go crack it on your Mommy’s head.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qm7k9wCJeFI/UVobaSWJtGI/AAAAAAAAB_U/HNq4NAHGg2s/s1600-h/073%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="073" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WgadF5vkmFM/UVobbDHFziI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/XPDQWoNoI-s/073_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="073" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">For years, Easter Sunday used to include backyard volleyball. But, now, for some reason, it’s plastic baseball. I’m not sure if Grandma appreciated that we used her new citrus trees as bases. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NEYh1qFE6pk/UVobbuaehMI/AAAAAAAAB_c/ScQyX78wJWM/s1600-h/081%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="081" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_vNCG4nxz-k/UVobcuRpTEI/AAAAAAAAB_g/mroei5F-cFw/081_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="081" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Good game, loser. Good game, loser.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UHKL7pWekoE/UVobc8BzV7I/AAAAAAAAB_k/aUw0xHtJ_4I/s1600-h/076%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="076" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-67QqT-inSsY/UVobdcduhpI/AAAAAAAAB_o/h-9IOow_d5Y/076_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="076" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Conor played in a sprinkler toy, since GG and Papa decided to cover in their pool a few years ago. Swimming, or should I say throwing each other in the pool used to be a big part of our Easter Sunday.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-reDjx7IwtBQ/UVobdwOntdI/AAAAAAAAB_s/7lVMTx4If2I/s1600-h/082%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="082" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dskoS_EBezM/UVobesSQKyI/AAAAAAAAB_w/dZWYqgxHYPc/082_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="082" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Grandma gave Pup a haircut before he returns to North Carolina tomorrow. And Conor is dancing to the music in his head in the background.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mNssDDDj8Zo/UVobfOJYoCI/AAAAAAAAB_0/eGjhFiVN6BI/s1600-h/068%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="068" border="0" height="471" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OkAr5lioX74/UVobfza9MJI/AAAAAAAAB_4/KbshCrTgqd8/068_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="068" width="704" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And as I promised, there was a corn hole set. And, that’s not a bad thing!</span>Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-3636345011397662602013-03-18T13:01:00.000-07:002013-11-20T12:47:12.362-08:004.5mm Isn’t Very Funny<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QRJNLgVIpOU/UUdxGoWMrWI/AAAAAAAAB3I/0H1XY6fRQcA/s1600-h/blue%252520green%252520handblown%252520cylinder%252520vase%252520costume%252520jewelry%252520gold%252520orange%252520crushed%252520velvet%252520fabric%252520%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue green handblown cylinder vase costume jewelry gold orange crushed velvet fabric " border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qpHafp-Ks0A/UUdxHJEs2NI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/6aVrP3XfVTA/blue%252520green%252520handblown%252520cylinder%252520vase%252520costume%252520jewelry%252520gold%252520orange%252520crushed%252520velvet%252520fabric%252520_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="blue green handblown cylinder vase costume jewelry gold orange crushed velvet fabric " width="604" /></a><br />
Last week, I gathered all these items I had around the house with the plan to create a Spring Table in my dining room. It was going to be a symphony of perfection with some high notes and some low notes. Monday was going to be the day to work on it, but since I had just finished a very busy week returning from an <a href="http://teresaryan.blogspot.com/2013/03/nurture-your-creative-seed-art-retreat.html">art retreat</a> and working on a niece’s <a href="http://teresaryan.blogspot.com/2013/03/little-girl-remember-this.html">wedding</a>, I decided to wait until the next day. My beautiful spring table creation would wait one more day. As I readied myself for a cozy and relaxing evening cuddling on the sofa with my remote and Daisy, I felt a twinge in my side. Very rapidly the twinge became a major annoyance, and I couldn’t get comfortable. Walking around, trying to work it out, I realized something was pretty wrong.<a name='more'></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MYYecMMn_L8/UUdxHlhtoUI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/NzyUowZdhxE/s1600-h/costume%252520jewelry%252520with%252520orange%252520and%252520gold%252520crushed%252520velvet%252520fabric%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="costume jewelry with orange and gold crushed velvet fabric" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xPpdBQXuoiQ/UUdxH10sHdI/AAAAAAAAB3g/Resd3--ZQR8/costume%252520jewelry%252520with%252520orange%252520and%252520gold%252520crushed%252520velvet%252520fabric_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="costume jewelry with orange and gold crushed velvet fabric" width="604" /></a><br />
I bought these costume jewelry rings a couple of years ago thinking that they may be useful in Todd and Luba’s wedding. They were one dollar per item, and I purchased three boxes. My idea was to turn them into some bling on the napkins planned for my beautiful spring table. But, I couldn’t get over this pain, so I called Amanda and asked her to come out; “I may need to go to the emergency room.” I then ran upstairs and mutilated my legs. If we are all suddenly called to war and to defend the planet, I am sure I will want to shave my legs first. By the time she arrived, I was in full blown pain overload. I jumped into Amanda’s car and we started for the ER. She was going as fast as she could and may have broken laws, not just because she was worried about me, but also I suspect, because she wanted to get this lunatic out of her booking car.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YPsY0dfOaZg/UUdxIQ-FmvI/AAAAAAAAB3o/fk7E06_PBaM/s1600-h/7aaddd6cdccb76fe64be11cc702e15a2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="7aaddd6cdccb76fe64be11cc702e15a2" border="0" height="795" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tSHWsjG-m1o/UUdxI4TAUyI/AAAAAAAAB3w/AdG6qmQoUww/7aaddd6cdccb76fe64be11cc702e15a2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="7aaddd6cdccb76fe64be11cc702e15a2" width="604" /></a><br />
These vintage seed packs are beautiful, aren’t they? My thinking was that I would print off some that I found on the internet and turn them into some part of the Spring table. Sadly, I couldn’t even think about them while I was at the ER. Not since college trig, have I struggled so hard with something while crying out “somebody just shoot me”. But,I am a lucky girl, because I am a member of a clan of people that when one gets sick, we all want to look into each other’s eyes ourselves, just to make sure that death is not imminent. By the time my mutilated, but ashy legs were sticking out from a hospital gown, the waiting room was filled with my people. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t4fXmOxVxlU/UUdxLgGQJWI/AAAAAAAAB34/XYPdd_6oBdo/s1600-h/gold%252520and%252520orange%252520crushed%252520velvet%252520fabric%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gold and orange crushed velvet fabric" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3XOQctr7Uts/UUdxMD3nE-I/AAAAAAAAB4A/L6P5XFEAZdY/gold%252520and%252520orange%252520crushed%252520velvet%252520fabric_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="gold and orange crushed velvet fabric" width="604" /></a><br />
In the picture, this crushed velvet doesn’t come close to being as pretty as it is in person. For one, the tan looking color is actually gold. I wasn’t sure how I was going to use these fabrics, but I liked the way they looked together with the blingy costume jewelry and the seed packets. This all had left my mind though as I waited for McDreamy, yes Winter Haven has a McDreamy, McSteamy whatever you want to call him, to come back with an answer and some relief. A kidney stone, that’s what the CT showed. What I didn’t know is that kidney stones laugh at pain medicine. Even, you’re not going to believe this, at least I had a hard time believing it, MORPHINE! They don’t just laugh, they throw back their head and do a wicked witch kind of laugh. I’m pretty sure my stone looks a lot like Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction. Crazy hair, crazy eyes, and her sole purpose was to make me sorry for the day I was born! <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YC6Phld5TV4/UUdxMl2kSaI/AAAAAAAAB4I/xM__VFJZcpc/s1600-h/handblown%252520glass%252520cylinders%252520green%252520and%252520blue%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="handblown glass cylinders green and blue" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VPFWky6KRXA/UUdxNF0ox0I/AAAAAAAAB4Q/qXT1MpjnO8o/handblown%252520glass%252520cylinders%252520green%252520and%252520blue_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="handblown glass cylinders green and blue" width="604" /></a><br />
The day I found these hand blown cylinder vases, was a lucky day for me. The antique shop owner was needing to liquidate so the price was unbelievable. They are about 10” tall and about 8” around. I bought four, two gorgeous colors of blue and two in a lovely green hue. Speaking of unbelievable, I returned to the ER again two days later. This time I called my sister Kim who arrived with her fairly new car. While I was wearing a path in the family room’s wood floor, she was searching for a bucket and lining it with a grocery bag to protect her car. Really! So, once again the texts and messages were flying to my people all over town so that I walked into our ER again like the DIVA that I had become. I had instructed my posse that I would need the lights turned down, all other patients removed, no pesky admissions clerks were to ask me questions, and a room should be found for me immediately. Actually, while standing in a cubicle, I noticed my niece who is an RN in the ER walk out. I’m gonna forgive her, but I do think she looked at me with the death grip on the cubicle and her other aunt with the grocery bag lined bucket and thought, “the rest of this day is going to suck”. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yXjqJYEOMbc/UUdxNRLDqCI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/qppdA9afhJY/s1600-h/spring%252520table%252520blue%252520green%252520orange%252520gold%252520crushed%252520velvet%252520handblown%252520glass%252520costume%252520jewelry%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring table blue green orange gold crushed velvet handblown glass costume jewelry" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XtABYDaBLno/UUdxN6kCowI/AAAAAAAAB4g/1qN87cPPkIQ/spring%252520table%252520blue%252520green%252520orange%252520gold%252520crushed%252520velvet%252520handblown%252520glass%252520costume%252520jewelry_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring table blue green orange gold crushed velvet handblown glass costume jewelry" width="604" /></a><br />
I’m still thinking about my Spring table. I plan to use white flowers in the vases to balance out the brightness of the other colors and linen and jute on the napkins. My plan also is to do a wall hanging with a verse that I will paint and rearrange the chairs around the table. Wish me luck on getting this done. Apparently 4.5mm is borderline having to remove procedurally, something that I am hoping to avoid. My mom has been keeping me company while I’m waiting. Which means that she has showed me enough celebrity homes on her IPad that I feel like an expert on the subject. Oh look, Alan Jackson’s house… I wonder if he has a spring table.Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-91337201122820006852013-03-13T03:55:00.001-07:002013-11-20T13:19:05.424-08:00Nurture Your Creative Seed Art Retreat<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3DH5H-970y0/UUBa1SnCHOI/AAAAAAAABwo/fy4NS3Thi88/s1600-h/Seattle-skyline10.jpg"><img alt="Seattle skyline" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dxSB509Y2pI/UUBa1-D5o8I/AAAAAAAABww/PsHoeQVGKZY/Seattle-skyline_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Seattle skyline" width="604" /></a><br />
It has been almost two weeks since Nurture your creative seed, the art retreat which I will forever think of as one of the defining moments in my life. The decision to fly across the country for a few days to attend a retreat without knowing a single person, seemed ridiculously indulgent and harebrained. Indeed, there were whispers and sometimes roars of doubt that I battled once sensibility was discarded and the determination to go, just go, was the chosen path. <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--0aLFHAIC5A/UUBa2XaznNI/AAAAAAAABw4/D9eSRiPMfV0/s1600-h/house9.jpg"><img alt="house" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jbq_gX4WKe0/UUBa2kD2UpI/AAAAAAAABxA/99bJ4N0BjKs/house_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="house" width="604" /></a><br />
Here is where I checked my life’s map to determine if I was even on the right path. Here in this house, with other women. They were checking their maps too.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3OutlhyfAm8/UUBa3FQGXuI/AAAAAAAABxI/yuAsADsY1TM/s1600-h/Nuture-your-creative-seed-attendants.jpg"><img alt="Nuture your creative seed attendants" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YQ2opf2mZpI/UUBa3vejFjI/AAAAAAAABxQ/zuS1CxaC7oA/Nuture-your-creative-seed-attendants%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nuture your creative seed attendants" width="604" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://nurtureyourcreativeseed.blogspot.com/">Via Serena Berry</a></div>
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All these little pictures taken by Serena, are of women that I now adore. They too were fearful and doubtful about the trip. Will I be understood, accepted, and seen? Am I even good enough, do I belong here? Will my story and my personality fit in?</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m93neQx-XP4/UUBa4IWn_DI/AAAAAAAABxY/9t7_09-wwB4/s1600-h/Serena-stamped9.jpg"><img alt="Serena stamped" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bFi0Su7HvIE/UUBa4oUa5zI/AAAAAAAABxg/MbVYg1ynAxE/Serena-stamped_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Serena stamped" width="604" /></a></div>
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This beautiful lady, Serena took those fears and gently replaced them with relief. I felt no tension once I was in her presence. You see her smile, and you know that hospitality is one of her many gifts. Had I taken a picture of each lovingly planned, nutritious meal or snack that Serena prepared for us, it would be evidence further of her spirit of generosity. Under Serena’s guardianship, having shared our history, our journey, our migration to this spot in Washington State, by the end of the first night, we became friends.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x_25HijWE3M/UUBa47bGUrI/AAAAAAAABxo/DW2L1RNurds/s1600-h/Jeanne-Oliver-teaching-stamped9.jpg"><img alt="Jeanne Oliver teaching stamped" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tfylOicWqoE/UUBa5UOUZbI/AAAAAAAABxw/7-5vmlH1hzQ/Jeanne-Oliver-teaching-stamped_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Jeanne Oliver teaching stamped" width="604" /></a></div>
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The retreat included two days of art instruction with <a href="http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/">Jeanne Griffin Oliver</a> and <a href="http://www.timssally.com/">Mindy Lacefield</a>. Jeanne began our first day of instruction with Art Journaling pages employing a Mixed Media style of art. She encouraged each of us to try products that were new to us. Pan pastels were familiar to me, but I had never had the opportunity to try them. Their vibrancy and smoothness were irresistible, and I will be using them again, most definitely. Jeanne, in the afternoon, educated us on a technique for mixing skin tones using acrylic paints. Beginning with a photo copy of a female face, we used a combination of book paper remnants to layer in the values of our chosen model’s face. Then, using Jeanne’s color formula, we applied the paint. Certainly much practice is required to master the human face, but I also recognized the opportunity to use the same layering of values in other areas and art subjects. The other lesson was not to be intimidated. My urge to say “I can’t do this, I can’t do faces”, was hard to overcome. I learned to overcome a lot by being in the presence of Jeanne Oliver. As I was leaving the retreat, I shared with her that when I was in New Jersey facing a day of loneliness, she was there. She and her videos were a crucial lifeline. </div>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cDZrgrfH_sQ/UUBa5_R1RdI/AAAAAAAABx4/j7zc2veK00o/s1600-h/Nuture-your-creative-seed-attendants%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Nuture your creative seed attendants classroom" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-laSySU4O2U0/UUBa6fJ46QI/AAAAAAAAByA/Kh6i3lghjJY/Nuture-your-creative-seed-attendants%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nuture your creative seed attendants classroom" width="604" /></a><br />
Mindy brightened our palette and inspired us with the use of neon colors. She is a fellow southern gal, and taught us to embrace our childlike enthusiasm in our pieces. To rediscover and expose the desires and fears of your little girl heart is delightful and freeing, but also produced some hesitancy and emotions. The prompts that she used were tools that I plan to adapt and use for inspiration as I continue developing my own style…since I can’t steal Mindy’s…which I would like to do. I think she is brilliant! One of her favorite quotes and a rebuttal she used on a so-called art <span style="font-size: x-small;">critic is by Pablo Picasso. <em>“</em></span><span style="font-family: Brush Script MT; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;"><em>It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”</em></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;"> Picasso also said, “<em>Good artists copy, great artists steal</em>. “ I don’t propose to ever be a great artist, but I do plan to steal inspiration from Mindy Lacefield.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-95pqw0snl40/UUBa6nNah1I/AAAAAAAAByI/KBVlialM-BU/s1600-h/pan-pastels-art-supplies-nuture-your.jpg"><img alt="pan pastels art supplies nuture your creative seed" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8n8kRxGr5vg/UUBa7Jre20I/AAAAAAAAByQ/44RJY3T29LM/pan-pastels-art-supplies-nuture-your%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pan pastels art supplies nuture your creative seed" width="604" /></a><br />
The three year old me was obsessed with crayons to the point that my sister is scarred under her eye because I scratched her. Her crime and cause of the attack, was breaking my crayon. Seeing all the supplies and colors immediately awakened my inner child. I don’t know if this is something to be all braggy about, because I was apparently a disturbed, violent child.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YLJVccjayFc/UUBa7iELRHI/AAAAAAAAByY/AMUny5ELmDs/s1600-h/christy-tomlinson-and-alissa-nuture-%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="christy tomlinson and alissa nuture your creative seed" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AfKfIOpauYA/UUBa8PsmW8I/AAAAAAAAByg/6UbQZXreG_0/christy-tomlinson-and-alissa-nuture-%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="christy tomlinson and alissa nuture your creative seed" width="604" /></a><br />
Two authentically creative artists that I met and cherish are <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Ella.and.Rubys">Alissa Milsap</a> and <a href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/">Christy Tomlinson</a>. Here they are doing what artists do, they look at the world. Artists have an appetite for the textures, colors, rhythms, and balance of God’s creation. They then translate what they see into art including music, design, painting, photography, and writing. It is an undeniable, irrepressible outpouring of who they are. It is why I was in Seattle, to confirm that it is who I am.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VNB39sFzKZA/UUBa8VijWDI/AAAAAAAAByo/ze5CtXRbGT8/s1600-h/color-palette4.jpg"><img alt="color palette" border="0" height="604" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9kc4If91sLA/UUBa85vwcuI/AAAAAAAAByw/Bnm2alFMmw0/color-palette_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="color palette" width="604" /></a><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/">Via Jeanne Griffin Oliver</a></div>
<div align="left">
In my hands are rocks that I gathered on the shore near our house. These rocks would become my inspiration color palette for the art I began during the retreat. I am showing my pieces in the next few photos, even though I grievously admit the absence of skill, talent, or creative direction. But with the highest of hopes, I also see the hazy dawn of a tomorrow which will slowly reveal my path immersed in color, images, and words.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hqQr1eNiVvM/UUBa9WGvzkI/AAAAAAAABy4/Z61Dso-u8uQ/s1600-h/Art-Journal-Page9.jpg"><img alt="Art Journal Page" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GhsnEoL2Vag/UUBa9ukX0dI/AAAAAAAABzA/ZaDh5ctoQAo/Art-Journal-Page_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Art Journal Page" width="604" /></a></div>
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Three pages of my Art Journal using mixed media as taught by Jeanne Oliver.</div>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n75c7LqjKOg/UUBa-Od1EPI/AAAAAAAABzI/5QFFgo0S4oo/s1600-h/Art-Journal-Page-29.jpg"><img alt="Art Journal Page 2" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KkW7WMdNNmc/UUBa-i8tLoI/AAAAAAAABzQ/q52-FqwXLRQ/Art-Journal-Page-2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Art Journal Page 2" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bXIrVQbfFu8/UUBa_Et6PqI/AAAAAAAABzY/tkOQYChrKs4/s1600-h/Art-Journal-Page-34.jpg"><img alt="Art Journal Page 3" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kYOWFLigRMI/UUBa_X4AfrI/AAAAAAAABzg/npSDCYvonxA/Art-Journal-Page-3_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Art Journal Page 3" width="604" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-quzI6D54LXI/UUBa_7A4QqI/AAAAAAAABzo/9B79WZEaRxY/s1600-h/girl-portrait-in-the-style-of-Jeanne.jpg"><img alt="girl portrait in the style of Jeanne Griffin Oliver" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gwKoUejmQ1s/UUBbAKJq5lI/AAAAAAAABzw/iYYhRUetjuo/girl-portrait-in-the-style-of-Jeanne%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="girl portrait in the style of Jeanne Griffin Oliver" width="604" /></a><br />
Mixing skin tones and defining values as taught by Jeanne Oliver. I look forward to putting some time into practicing her techniques.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--PkhO98K7RA/UUBbAvTn4AI/AAAAAAAABz4/o2NLlnMa0DI/s1600-h/girl-in-the-style-of-Mindy-Lacefield.jpg"><img alt="girl in the style of Mindy Lacefield" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O7vpm2PlTGY/UUBbA__4TYI/AAAAAAAAB0A/oPoiS1KGr70/girl-in-the-style-of-Mindy-Lacefield%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="girl in the style of Mindy Lacefield" width="604" /></a><br />
Girl in the style of Mindy Lacefield with a toned down population of space.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OSKSfNHZ3O8/UUBbBfvQ2hI/AAAAAAAAB0I/HuBoybMIw9A/s1600-h/rabbit-in-the-style-of-Mindy-Lacefie.jpg"><img alt="rabbit in the style of Mindy Lacefield" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sL2q3Q0_EAw/UUBbB8V8YoI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/Swu_Tv9WA9Q/rabbit-in-the-style-of-Mindy-Lacefie%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="rabbit in the style of Mindy Lacefield" width="604" /></a><br />
Rabbit in the style of Mindy Lacefield with a high population of space.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hqz3h1U_Eck/UUBbCXWm_fI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/WLn2fbfGXhM/s1600-h/stones4.jpg"><img alt="stones" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VA8AvPxiszM/UUBbCysEyzI/AAAAAAAAB0g/aYnEdp4H3yg/stones_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="stones" width="604" /></a><br />
I saw patterns in the rocks…<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QXb3jylPLj4/UUBbDWgYFqI/AAAAAAAAB0o/wBYTmicVF1Q/s1600-h/chains4.jpg"><img alt="chains" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3GgGEhzddxE/UUBbD752pDI/AAAAAAAAB0w/O_a22bb2_B0/chains_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chains" width="604" /></a><br />
I saw texture in the chain…<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N0vBTzElyNY/UUBbEMZUcrI/AAAAAAAAB04/ITqLm3AD6-I/s1600-h/driftwood4.jpg"><img alt="driftwood" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D0I6-Fgdu_k/UUBbEmSY4-I/AAAAAAAAB1A/S1rKoMaPH74/driftwood_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="driftwood" width="604" /></a><br />
I saw shape in the driftwood…<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f0IIg44-qpM/UUBbFOpNR6I/AAAAAAAAB1I/iSamVF32Dqo/s1600-h/driftwood-24.jpg"><img alt="driftwood 2" border="0" height="904" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JrDpZUQszCE/UUBbFk4SxVI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/HGRH53mgYB8/driftwood-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="driftwood 2" width="604" /></a><br />
I saw color in the domain. The women that shared this time at the retreat, they saw it too. I felt a kinship with them, a clan of kindred spirits. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6HMOjYbZi6g/UUBbFzTqRKI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/Mt0pGk25S4M/s1600-h/room-mates-stamped9.jpg"><img alt="room mates stamped" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5LQslpcCkZo/UUBbGU70Z8I/AAAAAAAAB1g/ecHacfE11oM/room-mates-stamped_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="room mates stamped" width="604" /></a><br />
Leaving the retreat, I knew I had discovered so much about what it means to nurture your creative seed. I will never regret being bold in my search for clarity and direction. I challenge myself to be satisfied, but ever elevating and broadening, with the creativity that was entrusted to me by God.<br />
<span style="font-family: French Script MT; font-size: large;">The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time, but in their significance to ourselves, they find their own order…the continuous thread of revelation. Eudora Welty</span>Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-38879134633391790092013-03-10T20:52:00.001-07:002013-11-20T13:19:26.770-08:00Little Girl, Remember This<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y8HBuKW7C_Q/UUFHTTUYAYI/AAAAAAAAB14/N5CKfGJmwtI/s1600-h/img013%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="img013" border="0" height="809" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BUL-fpPb3eg/UT1UHykxQ3I/AAAAAAAAB2A/sT_iNUqDu1E/img013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="img013" width="504" /></a><br />
I remember taking this picture like it was yesterday. If you stay with Aunt Teresa,<br />
there will be wildflowers picked, placed in your hair, and pictures taken.<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pUJ3m-kqHbA/UT1UIhNc9UI/AAAAAAAABoY/tWS7AoCln68/s1600-h/img011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="img011" border="0" height="745" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9z_QFew1ERs/UT1UJT_MyYI/AAAAAAAABog/pG3U_Q8j4Rg/img011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="img011" width="504" /></a><br />
But it wasn’t yesterday. So much time has passed that Chelsea has graduated from<br />
college, taught at a school in India, and found the man of her dreams.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ikVQqQXfNI4/UT1UKdSDp2I/AAAAAAAABoo/McO1NtqQaIs/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 010" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G4CTIMYP4Ig/UT1ULHbJ2OI/AAAAAAAABow/daUJBmE4NyQ/chelseas%252520wedding%252520010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 010" width="504" /></a><br />
Yesterday, she was child no more. Yesterday she was a beautiful bride.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uEriRCIDns4/UT1UMZHLPxI/AAAAAAAABo4/3QVjJcQ9Pn8/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 005" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-czk2546CHxU/UT1UNEXmoRI/AAAAAAAABpA/8wg1x7g03VQ/chelseas%252520wedding%252520005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 005" width="504" /></a><br />
The other little girl, Erin who had been more like a sister than a cousin, stood by her side.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Np1svc0sFjw/UT1UN_aXwBI/AAAAAAAABpI/_JXpDnurS2M/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 006" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D2lLwZlHpaY/UT1UPEC4c2I/AAAAAAAABpQ/JG2LCy6JJyY/chelseas%252520wedding%252520006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 006" width="504" /></a><br />
Chelsea is my brother’s only daughter. For their father daughter dance, He recorded<br />
himself playing the guitar and singing “My Little Girl”. The night was still as we all were<br />
witness to this very tender tribute to her.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pxj1MktxBlw/UT1UPueN6yI/AAAAAAAABpY/-ZCe_vI87DA/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 007" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SJkEVv-YQe4/UT1UQtIq5sI/AAAAAAAABpg/qsvDY6WaY5g/chelseas%252520wedding%252520007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 007" width="504" /></a><br />
She is so excited for her new life with Brad, but he didn’t want to give her away.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8z_QbCE3V6I/UT1URlTkowI/AAAAAAAABpo/6cs5B40gRv0/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 001" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nIzUmloLPiY/UT1USmBsvYI/AAAAAAAABpw/INkws7G-zws/chelseas%252520wedding%252520001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 001" width="504" /></a><br />
Chelsea met these talented musicians while going to school.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fVQ93XIn8QU/UT1UT8QTCSI/AAAAAAAABp4/Oc_GDjk-Xwk/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 008" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6fN_6P8SKLA/UT1UUaZUABI/AAAAAAAABqA/yNMIzP3AKCQ/chelseas%252520wedding%252520008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 008" width="504" /></a><br />
Their music was so beautiful. They sang 2 hymns and asked the guests to sing along with them.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PnjyXr6-ZcE/UT1UVrqKXbI/AAAAAAAABqI/5DWvwK8Ho7Q/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520009%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 009" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tNJoNi4-ZTw/UT1UWXtTZFI/AAAAAAAABqQ/5f_agLTRIsM/chelseas%252520wedding%252520009_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 009" width="504" /></a><br />
Chelsea and Brad wrote their own vows and they put so much emotion and thought<br />
into the promises made under this beautiful old oak tree.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iEaeZlJvAgU/UT1UXbHcfjI/AAAAAAAABqY/nWJO6LyZC9g/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 002" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cRqN5eRoBAg/UT1UYvLV3DI/AAAAAAAABqg/xnsx9QnZGuQ/chelseas%252520wedding%252520002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 002" width="504" /></a><br />
Chelsea asked me if I would make these globes to hang from the trees. So, her grandma,<br />
papa and I did them. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ImkhAleAkl4/UT1UZaysQZI/AAAAAAAABqo/jiLkcDuBXyo/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 011" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AS1daO52FMk/UT1UaJk6NdI/AAAAAAAABqw/RCsn3X3slY0/chelseas%252520wedding%252520011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 011" width="504" /></a><br />
For the guest benches, Chelsea asked her Uncle Jay to make these out of logs.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mmAAGW-duiY/UT1Ua0_6qdI/AAAAAAAABq4/WhozoPsahhY/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520020%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 020" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_LeHSu2pcQc/UT1Ub-_76II/AAAAAAAABrA/t5Ss3EiZ_Do/chelseas%252520wedding%252520020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 020" width="504" /></a><br />
When you are as cute as Chelsea, you can ask the downtown Antiques dealer to loan<br />
some of his treasures, and he says yes. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VGeGpWaoGtw/UT1UcipCdlI/AAAAAAAABrI/h3op2vsd0OM/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 021" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H7UL-pBzvSc/UT1UdhI5gCI/AAAAAAAABrQ/lqx1NLpj5cg/chelseas%252520wedding%252520021_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 021" width="504" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dKR43hfrJ_Q/UT1UeUAskPI/AAAAAAAABrY/vHNvlEiDQh0/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520016%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 016" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2CZ2LqyPulU/UT1Uey-hcfI/AAAAAAAABrg/k-zCEnhmryk/chelseas%252520wedding%252520016_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 016" width="504" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V58bOKCxPKY/UT1Ufo0IruI/AAAAAAAABro/YWsrRdXmG60/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520015%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 015" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xiJmefl1OFI/UT1UgZ1HQ8I/AAAAAAAABrw/eovZn3JSzh8/chelseas%252520wedding%252520015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 015" width="504" /></a><br />
Chelsea put so much thought into how she wanted her wedding to look. The signs<br />
she hand painted.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x_CtbCZPT_A/UT1UhbnunFI/AAAAAAAABr4/Wpw5q_W5GdE/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520022%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 022" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4EaFW5TSle8/UT1Uh0mtbdI/AAAAAAAABsA/kFJOCJDqmO4/chelseas%252520wedding%252520022_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 022" width="504" /></a><br />
Chelsea’s Uncle Bill provided the use of his beautiful tree covered property on Country Club Road for the ceremony and reception. My Mom is a wedding planner, and worked with Chelsea to arrange the lighting, the food, ceremony, rehearsal, and the linens. Her Dad had the dance floor and bridal party stage built and wrote checks. Brad’s dad built the entry arbors and cut the log pedestals, Grandma made the burlap signage and banana puddings (which went so fast, there was no time to photograph), Miss Paige and Tutu cut the circles and worked on the photo booth and painted all the flower vases. Chesna did the chalkboard signage, Aunt Leslie and Anna folded napkins and planted the aisle flowers, her Mom brought in the piano, shopped, and saw to the details. Boy scouts even came in their uniforms to serve the cobblers. There was a whole team working to make sure that Chelsea and Brad and all of us had a day to remember. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Txi8jZsFpw/UT1Ui-kiLKI/AAAAAAAABsI/aVd3xVu5rM4/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520023%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 023" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VdMKXPWUclk/UT1UjqTCwCI/AAAAAAAABsQ/7ceRg_OsvUs/chelseas%252520wedding%252520023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 023" width="504" /></a><br />
Chelsea showed me a picture of the cake topping and I made one using her fabrics.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EK5oIM8TKOQ/UT1UkXa_3cI/AAAAAAAABsY/kq3T_YUAGXI/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 024" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_YA6mMgZuAo/UT1Uk8fGzHI/AAAAAAAABsg/QFyozAsM67w/chelseas%252520wedding%252520024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 024" width="504" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zge-f24Nrks/UUFHU0JoEeI/AAAAAAAAB2E/lWuDTCAfBXY/s1600-h/wedding%252520vintage%252520outside%252520old%252520window%252520sign%25255B5%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wedding vintage outside old window sign" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5ZhXmL5_jkA/UUFHVXzEwKI/AAAAAAAAB2M/2-ahGAroKEo/wedding%252520vintage%252520outside%252520old%252520window%252520sign_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wedding vintage outside old window sign" width="504" /></a></div>
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This was one of the cutest items at the wedding. Chelsea took an old window and placed<br />
some of their letters written while Brad was in seminary, their vows, and engagement photos<br />
in the panes of glass.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KK4oBBEqc6k/UT1UnVZTBfI/AAAAAAAABs4/9jUCuxqOGGI/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520029%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 029" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fFg3VJw8OiM/UT1UoDE3ZJI/AAAAAAAABtA/UsYO4uupjH8/chelseas%252520wedding%252520029_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 029" width="504" /></a><br />
The bridal party table. Chelsea made the B & C initials and covered them in book paper.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5X6efZZ2zpU/UT1UpDSWSEI/AAAAAAAABtI/I75W-Z09V9k/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520030%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 030" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lAFPVJ8FjOw/UT1Up-Q9zPI/AAAAAAAABtQ/LgnjIMEPBRY/chelseas%252520wedding%252520030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 030" width="504" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yBHbIH4c1VU/UT1Uqa-E7gI/AAAAAAAABtY/H618hETtNXU/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520033%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 033" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7XldhxxFpvg/UT1UrEG2QiI/AAAAAAAABtg/ZvvsqM1FFI0/chelseas%252520wedding%252520033_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 033" width="504" /></a><br />
As the sun went down and the lights came on, the setting was magical thanks to our<br />
lighting specialist Wayne. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PuMJqynjeI0/UT1Urt7R3fI/AAAAAAAABto/xnjY7kNow0U/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520026%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 026" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lIAq1_9160w/UT1UsF8aYiI/AAAAAAAABtw/g5y_n29UT24/chelseas%252520wedding%252520026_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 026" width="504" /></a><br />
The food was prepared by <a href="http://www.terrielobbcatering.com/">Terrie Lobb Catering</a> and she didn’t disappoint.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zu4kVYv5-zg/UT1Usx6obSI/AAAAAAAABt4/9cJnHx3_hOU/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520027%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 027" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kuYSK12pG3I/UT1UtSCwVlI/AAAAAAAABuA/SrF8a9vN23g/chelseas%252520wedding%252520027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 027" width="504" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tzdhk3VBqAo/UT1UuEwiFCI/AAAAAAAABuI/l4MgpZOd6fY/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520041%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 041" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RbHkrgLzozo/UT1UuqWsQuI/AAAAAAAABuQ/qU5WwwuyUZM/chelseas%252520wedding%252520041_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 041" width="504" /></a><br />
Brad’s parents made the dutch oven cobblers. The next wedding that I go to, I<br />
will be looking for cobblers, for sure.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WExDoshTdx4/UT1UvJ1NGnI/AAAAAAAABuY/2ENMoh619LI/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520039%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 039" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6fPH9u6h8_s/UT1Uv0AKnCI/AAAAAAAABug/yflndY1FbTs/chelseas%252520wedding%252520039_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 039" width="504" /></a><br />
Paige helped everyone place their thumbprint on the guest registry.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--qx9GSKZddE/UT1Uw9g-gJI/AAAAAAAABuo/8AS5Dd-FBpE/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520034%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 034" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M0Ms9SHOVts/UT1Ux-0srzI/AAAAAAAABuw/bcsPi6wQgDA/chelseas%252520wedding%252520034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 034" width="504" /></a><br />
Joseph, Tanner, Dillon, and Conor ready to use the photo booth.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F5hs8dxtCzA/UT1Uy5J-eoI/AAAAAAAABu4/SDkyG_eBJHE/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520035%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 035" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NZgd3Pz_wvc/UT1Uzhbxc9I/AAAAAAAABvA/_-K1E_MyljY/chelseas%252520wedding%252520035_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 035" width="504" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Js-9O50JeWw/UT1U0VbpF6I/AAAAAAAABvI/YLO57Tgk5f4/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520043%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 043" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y_7OwXXMjB0/UT1U09RA93I/AAAAAAAABvQ/exsUq2rtrps/chelseas%252520wedding%252520043_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 043" width="504" /></a><br />
The stars of the show took the stage in their photo booth.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8oqvB7VQ4Xo/UT1U1pOwi5I/AAAAAAAABvU/iBLolEVFiag/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520044%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 044" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SWOF-HXjGXw/UT1U27FPPtI/AAAAAAAABvg/mrCwMo_vJqs/chelseas%252520wedding%252520044_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 044" width="504" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sWI8MwtJUUs/UT1U3Z5VpPI/AAAAAAAABvo/ou9Lg5p6xag/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520046%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 046" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SMQJblPeSro/UT1U4e4NsRI/AAAAAAAABvw/5c4rfw9-9Qk/chelseas%252520wedding%252520046_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 046" width="504" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FjerxkrT1eo/UT1U5IhNsMI/AAAAAAAABv4/RxiRwQ1lfZw/s1600-h/chelseas%252520wedding%252520047%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chelseas wedding 047" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FN-aYYsWvHY/UT1U53HXGsI/AAAAAAAABwA/fAjjxRFfZg0/chelseas%252520wedding%252520047_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chelseas wedding 047" width="504" /></a><br />
How beautiful can anyone be? There are so many pictures that I didn’t get, but I was there to be there. The lovely and talented Danielle Clark from <a href="http://www.backalleyphotography.net/index2.php#/home/">Back Alley Photography</a> will have beautifully captured it all and I will be anxiously awaiting her photos.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f-MTu9zkbH0/UT1U660QyWI/AAAAAAAABwI/_3HdKBMfB1Q/s1600-h/img012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="img012" border="0" height="778" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RwIUSaHs2Bs/UT1U7tYK6lI/AAAAAAAABwQ/fG6V3IPI3ew/img012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="img012" width="504" /></a><br />
Chelsea asked me if I was going to blog about her wedding, and I told her I would. Of course! I want you to remember this night and I will remember this night. But, I will also remember you, the little girl I held up to see an owl, picked up from school, soaked with a water hose, and fixed blueberry pancakes. Little girl, remember this.<br />
<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e2edae5e-6d01-4acd-a349-a33fbdadd5a9" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub56L5AYyEM" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('fc674dc7-4f86-435b-95be-b2009c94431f'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ub56L5AYyEM?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ub56L5AYyEM?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x6bMzEPhXi0/UT1U8h50ftI/AAAAAAAAB2U/bbfLZ2f8aEI/video0e36bbb9a188%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a></div>
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One of the hymns chosen by Brad and Chelsea for their wedding.</div>
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Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-12394732056538917172013-02-20T07:33:00.000-08:002013-11-20T13:20:19.180-08:00You’re Beautiful, it’s True!<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w5u1czk8Jak/USTl35WoWvI/AAAAAAAABfE/6-5fxyWktaw/s1600-h/160%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qcDI6SRgtGA/USTl4cQ8zSI/AAAAAAAABfM/H-VUFDhO_1E/160_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Prallsville Mills Stockton NJ Old Welcome www.teresaryan.blogspot.com" width="604" /></a><br />
What a privilege I had to photograph two very pretty girls, who just happen to be my granddaughters. I am afraid that this family is going to need some fool proof tactics to keep the boys at bay. Actually, these girls are as smart as they are pretty, so I think they’ll be just fine. <a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fuR9PHg5It8/USTl4zlzp1I/AAAAAAAABfU/I_lqaQLsXBM/s1600-h/063%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="063" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UW4wSVWHfvs/USTl5si572I/AAAAAAAABfc/49YVddoC43c/063_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="063" width="504" /></a><br />
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I’ll tell you what was going on here. Taylor did something goofy and Kayla cracked up. That’s what happens with these two all the time. <br />
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Hey Grammy, how about we jump in the air. <br />
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Or act like we're picking flowers. So sweet to oblige their Grammy with shot after shot.<br />
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OK, the show is over and I have been asked politely to stop taking PICTURES!<br />
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After the photo shoot, we did something no professional model ever does. We went for pizza and pop.<br />
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<br />Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-33454688300208272642013-02-17T18:27:00.000-08:002013-11-20T13:21:14.302-08:00Mixed Metals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had the opportunity to consult with a couple in New Jersey about their new basement media room. After meeting with them and getting a feel for their dreams for the room, I started collecting ideas and putting them together on a mood board. They wanted a real "elegant/glamorous" vibe for the space. One aspect of the plan was the use of mixed metals. Camel gold, silver, and bronze was the eventual color palette for the room. So many of the items that really spoke to me as being a fit for them were in different metal finishes. The fabrics were camel gold, cool blue, winter white, and silver. <br />
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I’m starting to see more and more use of mixing it up when it comes to the metal finishes on the hardware and furnishings in rooms. Stainless or silver and gold or brass together right now is a hot trend. Who knew?</div>
Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-41277081302594863282013-02-14T14:10:00.001-08:002013-11-20T13:22:04.226-08:00Happy Valentines Day Old Stump<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HWHxvskrV_8/UR1gzcGQjUI/AAAAAAAABa0/RmUq7gZ8wyE/s1600-h/old%252520stump%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="old stump" border="0" height="640" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y4XmR1gz05g/UR1gz5hBj1I/AAAAAAAABa8/mUT5R-CQl2g/old%252520stump_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="old stump" width="480" /></a></div>
This morning on the right of way here in Oklahoma City, I fell head over heels in love with this stump. I wanted to go up to him, and hug him, and have a conversation with him. “Oh my goodness, you are one handsome stump,” I would say. He would probably blush and think “who is this woman?”<a name='more'></a> But, he would be polite and being from Oklahoma, he would probably say, “why thank you Ma’am, are you from these parts?” Sigh…I probably shouldn’t start having conversations with stumps. So, I took his picture to remember him, and said to myself, “Happy Valentines Day, Mr. Stump, today, you have stolen my heart”.<br />
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Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-4266300183673881482013-02-14T13:24:00.002-08:002013-11-20T13:22:30.127-08:00Where did you say you were? Oklahoma?<br />
I’m in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I am working. <br />
I did not know that I would ever say that, but I did. I’m in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma working.<br />
I was given another opportunity to do an inspection job and what was to be a two week assignment, has turned into almost a month. While there hasn’t been much time for being an OKC tourist, I have been able to take the occasional quick snapshot of the surroundings.<br />
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Lord keep me always tuned in to the beauties that surround me. <a name='more'></a><br />
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And I was surrounded ya’ll. I’m out here trying to work, and these rather nice little Oklahoma steers wanted to mess up our ditches. Ditches that, if they were successful in trashing, we would have to re-dig. Ain’t nobody got time for that. <a href="http://teresaryan.blogspot.com/2013/02/i-cant-be-addicted.html" target="_blank">Sorry, I just love that video, remember?</a><br />
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The closer they got, the more I knew we were headed for a showdown. But first I wanted to brush their hair. I may be on a construction site for a pipeline installation, but I’m still Mama wanting to brush the babies’ hair and wash the sleepy out of their eyes. Nevertheless, I couldn’t lose sight of the seriousness of the situation and the regrettable reality that it was my assignment at that moment to keep these curious trampling steers out of our dig. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SPpaYiTcWFw/UR1UnjnGNyI/AAAAAAAABZw/c-MhuLQwMdg/s1600-h/710980_4063751480084_874803023_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="710980_4063751480084_874803023_n" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n_qAWdwoJNs/UR1UoA_TYJI/AAAAAAAABZ4/gl_zEgqtUA8/710980_4063751480084_874803023_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="710980_4063751480084_874803023_n" width="604" /></a><br />
This was the last photo taken as they realized that I was intent on winning and serious about my job. See their little rear ends as they walked away. Except for #72. He took a little more convincing. I had the same look on my face, same squinty eyes, same I mean business look; I wish I had a picture to show you.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MwYR60dP2Ww/UR1UoVIKTmI/AAAAAAAABaA/SWn0X_qSMfU/s1600-h/oklahoma%252520morning%252520trees%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="oklahoma morning trees" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MPOdMuwFxxc/UR1UpBfbdBI/AAAAAAAABaI/IQmUBTg48oc/oklahoma%252520morning%252520trees_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="oklahoma morning trees" width="604" /></a><br />
Mornings on the right of ways were sometimes so beautifully breathtaking. I was standing here with a cup of Circle K coffee thinking how blessed I am to see a new part of the country. Oklahoma, the land of Will Rogers the Oklahoma American cowboy, humorist, and social commentator.<br />
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I looked up his quotes while I’ve been here. This is one of my favorites.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Freestyle Script; font-size: x-large;">Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Freestyle Script; font-size: x-large;">Will Rogers</span></div>
Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-88483079779271014662013-01-30T07:00:00.000-08:002013-11-20T13:23:09.356-08:00Time you old Gypsy Man<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">After our son Todd's wedding, I received an invitation to travel to Salt Lake City and spend a week with Cindi and Hugh. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Hugh and Cindi's rear deck</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">We would spend a few days at their home and then she and I would drive up to their mountain cabin and have a girl's weekend. Cindi and I have been sis in laws for over 30 years, but have never lived in the same city. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">We've each been Moms and wives wrapped up in our own families, but now feel such an urge to really connect as friends. She had spent a week with me in New Jersey over the summer, and now I was so happy to have even more time for us to be together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This is what I know about time management. Keep it simple. For me, that means a calendar, and a to-do list. I learned many years ago, that if it isn't written down, it does not exist. I also know that it's very important to make time for that which is most important. Being with Cindi and our friendship is very important. I believe that you will manage your time better once you start to appreciate time. It took many years and many hard lessons for this one to become real to me. I also think it may be a gift of menopause. A gift of menopause? Did I just say that? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">On our drive to her cabin, she wanted to show me these horses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">They are Gypsy Vanners, and knowing how much I love horses, she couldn't wait for me to see them.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">We stopped to have a visit with them and it was a special moment in time;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">shared by she, I, and the horses. If he looks irritated to you, it's because any self respecting horse visitor would remember to bring carrots. He came all the way down from his perch in the pasture to greet us, and nothing. We had nothing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Except for a camera. We did let the beautiful boy check out the camera. Very interesting, but, I know, it's no carrot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Sorry Feller.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Time passes us by quickly. I am so glad that we were able to stop time on our trip, give the horses a rub on the nose, and record the memories in our hearts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Jim Elliot, the missionary martyr said, "</span><em style="font-size: large;">Wherever you are, be all there</em><span style="font-size: medium;">." </span></div>
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Time you old Gypsy Man, will you not stay? Park up your caravan just for one day.</div>
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I am linking this post today to Life In Grace Blog. I have never done a link up before, but Edie has inspired me in so many ways. I want to support her.</div>
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Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-49682327682457679032013-01-29T05:33:00.001-08:002013-11-20T13:23:31.772-08:00If Life Hadn’t Been So KindIf life hadn’t been so kind to me, I would still be looking for this man. <br />
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Today we celebrate the 36th anniversary of our marriage. Circumstances find us in different cities, in different states, in different parts of the country even, but we have a connection that can never be broken by distance. <a name='more'></a><br />
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We are forever bound by a strong love and admiration for each other, and our marriage has endured all the struggles, hurdles, and heartaches that come in any long relationship. We have survived in spite of ourselves because of a determination to make it work and to follow the example of Christ’s love for the church. Although it is congregated with broken, pitiful, fickle people such as the two of us, Christ’s love for his church remains the same.<br />
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Today I still wear the rings on my left hand that were given to me over 36 years ago. Some may consider them very small, and during the financial mountain tops of our marriage, I have been tempted to suggest that a big rock would really look nice. But I knew I would miss these rings. My mother in law is in assisted living and suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. All of our conversations are repeats from the last visit or even the last few minutes. When I visit her she always picks up my left hand and compliments my rings. Every time, I tell her that her son bought those for me when he was just a boy. He had to sell a hunting rifle to buy them, and for me these selfless tokens of his love are overwhelmingly precious.<br />
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Todd and Scott, I love your Dad, he loves me, and we love you and your families. Amanda and Luba, how inspired I am with our son’s love for each of you and you for them. Our love for each other is our passion, and we share it as a family.<br />
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There is no one that I would rather accompany on a deserted boardwalk in January. Celebrating our anniversary, we always seem to find ourselves rather alone in a tourist town because it is January and cold. I know that he feels the same, wanting to be only with me, because he told me so. Blessed am I to have a partner in life such as this man.<br />
<span style="font-family: Respective; font-size: x-large;"> but I found him whom my soul loveth … Soloman 3:4</span><br />
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Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-41605612200016949322013-01-02T18:54:00.000-08:002013-11-20T13:23:59.340-08:00What Went Where<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Am I the only person that has trouble remembering what went where the Christmas decorations were?<br />
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Did that even make sense? If it didn’t, go back and read it really slowly. And then, try saying it 10 times fast.<br />
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I mean, now that the Christmas decorations are gone, the house just looks so… DULL!<br />
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I’m searching the house for something to put in the places that are now so …. BORING!<br />
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Do you think it is the house that is dull and boring? Or maybe it is just that the excitement has left. Do you remember the anticipation? I do, I was so excited for all the hugs, the laughter, and the delighted little faces that make Christmas the most special time of year.<br />
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Anticipation drove this bus in December. When I was making fudge, I was thinking about the person that would enjoy it. When I was making the little monogrammed bags for the girls in my family, I was thinking about my love for them. When I layered the ingredients for the <a href="http://christmas.organizedhome.com/crafts/gifts-in-a-jar/cranberry-hootycreeks">Cranberry Hootiecreeks</a> in a jar, I was thinking about the day I would give them to my friends, and family.<br />
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Makes me stop and think. The season is a celebration of the anticipated birth of our savior. He was the promised gift from God. We are who God was thinking of when he gave us his only begotten Son. <br />
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He is the one that all humanity anticipated; our redeemer. And when He was given to us, it was known, that baby would one day pay the debt of all sinners on a cruel cross. He is the gift that we as Christians celebrate. He is our Way in a Manger. But, when I put Him away in my life, just like my house, there is a dimness.<br />
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Maybe I’ll remember this day. This day of looking at my lackluster decor as a reminder to not put Christ away in my life.<br />
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Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1251239956920066741.post-17822291547407790742012-11-15T12:03:00.000-08:002013-11-20T13:24:34.809-08:00Give me “Your” EyesDo people annoy you? They do me. Like today, I was in line ordering my burrito bowl when the guy puts black beans in my bowl. I didn’t want black beans, I wanted pinto beans. And when I told him that he didn’t ask which beans I wanted, he was annoyed with me because he had to start over with a new bowl. I just wanted to lash out and set the guy straight. <br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fZ1l40XtRrI/UKVJC64_joI/AAAAAAAABMQ/vAIx9joOVBw/s1600-h/Antique%252520Cannon%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Antique Cannon" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kGoaWvKjFMQ/UKVJDy5CzEI/AAAAAAAABMY/wBMu26XPiFM/Antique%252520Cannon_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Antique Cannon" width="504" /></a></div>
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And then the other day… <a name='more'></a><br />
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Since the storm I've had to go to the laundry mat, always a fun time. Innocently, I removed a plastic bag from one of those carts so I could move my clothes from the washer area to the dryers. This old man came around the corner and really gave me the business for taking "his" cart. He was furious! I really wanted to give a piece of my mind right back to him, but I didn't. I just removed my clothes and gave him his cart. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cpy5U2awPg0/UKVJFP4hedI/AAAAAAAABMg/goqwUEt-0mo/s1600-h/Antique%252520Cannon%252520inscription%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Antique Cannon inscription" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l_NSk50N1Ig/UKVJGdFK90I/AAAAAAAABMo/mNj7i4Lb5hs/Antique%252520Cannon%252520inscription_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Antique Cannon inscription" width="504" /></a></div>
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Later as I was putting my clothes in the car the old guy came up to me and apologized. He told me how he had been having a really bad day and he was sorry for lashing out at me. We smiled at each other and I shook his hand and told him it was OK, I understood. It was such a tender moment that I will probably never forget. I am thankful for that moment.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gWGvj_IoU-8/UKVJOvcI80I/AAAAAAAABMw/u1fiLi7MMzQ/s1600-h/antique%252520cannon%252520shape%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="antique cannon shape" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c6LkEZZwDEo/UKVJPZoCjkI/AAAAAAAABM4/hOITAAwU58E/antique%252520cannon%252520shape_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="antique cannon shape" width="504" /></a></div>
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But here’s the thing. I could be proud of myself for holding my tongue and not saying what’s on my mind. That’s not good enough. I want to do better; I can’t be proud of my behavior. I yearn to overcome my natural tendencies which make me want to lash out. It’s a struggle. I want to always show and live with compassion and love. That’s what I want to do. That’s what Jesus did when he died for sinners; such as me. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Engravers MT;">I have been crucified with Christ<sup></sup> and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.<sup></sup> The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,<sup></sup> who loved me<sup></sup> and gave himself for me. Galations 2:20 NIV</span> <br />
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<br />Teresa Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04548942365088732013noreply@blogger.com2