Summer In Review

With summer gone and Thanksgiving less than a week away we are ready to travel again.  Before I take off for Washington, DC I thought I'd share our summer in review with you.  Enjoy.

In June, Vance and I had a wonderful trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Santa Fe is one of our favorite places and we go as often as our schedule premits.  We met up with a good friend from North Carolina which made the trip even more special.  A side trip to Gallup, New Mexico to meet with a local trader gave me the opportunity to purchase my first "Squash Blossom" necklace (thanks honey).   While we were in Santa Fe we took advantage of photographing some of the beautiful gardens.  Santa Fe has a growing zone of 6a or 6b  Just right for beautiful alpine flowers and delicate rock gardens.

 On our way back from Santa Fe we stopped in Sedona, Arizona -- the place that centers our hearts; a place we visit frequently.  My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Sedona 42 years ago.  And to our delight, our son, married his soul-mate in the Chapel at Tlaquepaque in 2008.  

 

This year on our anniversary, we went back to Sedona and decided to hike in Wilson Canyon, part of the Coconino National Forest.  It was an easy 3 mile hike along well marked trails.

After lunch and a cool drink of water we took our first Pink Jeep tour to the ancient ruins of the Palatki   While we were there, we had a chance to meet this little traveler *smiling*

  Late August took us to Washington, DC for a visit with all our children.  It's always a treat to see them, they keep us laughing and young.  Mid-October brought friends from North Carolina whom we met in 1970 in Bremerhaven, Germany.  We've been friends (well, family) ever since.  We had a wonderful time taking them on a railroad trip from Clarkdale to Perkinsville, Arizona on the Verde Canyon Railroad.

What a journey!

Before we knew it summer had slipped around the corner and fall is almost over!   With our journey's tucked safely away in fond memories we're ready for our next trip.  Thanksgiving here we come!

I'm just keeping grandma and grandpa's bed warm for them.  They're on their way to visit "just me" for Thanksgiving.

May God bless you and yours this Thanksgiving.

Finding the Balance

A New Look, A New Name.

Reflection

Reassessment

Priorities

Goals

Balance

Remember when you first learned to ride a bicycle?  No training wheels for this gal! It was "Go" time.  The neighborhood kids watched breathlessly as I steadied myself on the seat.   My father's strong hands gave me my send-off -- my little bicycle took wings and down the hill I sailed.   As I bumped over moguls, tipping to the right, then the left, all I could hear was, "find your balance".  What was that, my 5 year old mind screamed as I held onto the handle bars for all I was worth my hair streaking behind me?  

Lots of starts and stops that day.  Scraped knees.  Definitely a lot of dirt *smiling*  All worth the effort.

The lesson:  Keep focused, steer straight, persevere.

The prize:  I had mastered bike riding!

The stamp used for my card "Finding the Balance" was designed by Terry Medaris a local Arizona artist.  When I met Terry and saw this stamp it spoke to my heart immediately.   My finished card reminded me of a woman who understands the wisdom of a balanced life.  I thought of the Proverbs 31 woman.

For the past six months I have enjoyed the new hobby of card making and blogging.  In that time, I've learned a lot about the craft and about myself.  For me, art can't be hurried or manufactured.  For me, it's a slow process *smiling*.  There are so many things I want to try, learn, do in this new season of my life.  Is there time for everything?  Probably not, so, I will seek wisdom; all else will fall into balance.

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing in value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
She can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the
bread of idleness.  - Proverbs 31:10-12; 25-27

Until next time,

November Color

The Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge (SSSC91) has given me another opportunity to showcase a Thanksgiving card.  I used Stampin' Up cardstock and Cappella designer paper from Basic Grey.  I cut my nested ovals with  the Spellbinders dies and sponged with Rusty Hinge.   The Fall Colors stamp from Inkadinkadoo is inked with Rusty Hinge from Ranger.  It's hard to see in the photograph but I've used a little Stardust Stickles glitter in the cut out part of the stamp.  I'm using one of those wonderful copper button's again from Exquistite Fabrics, Inc.  As a new card maker I've been trying to think of a means to help myself self-correct (so-to-speak).  So, I've started keeping a journal with a photograph of the card and the recipe (smiling).  I'm calling my journal, "Next time".   What can I do differently "next time" that will improve the look of the card or project and improve my skills and technique.  I'd love to know what you think of the idea.

With Thanksgiving three weeks away I wonder where this year has gone; I become more reflective.  We have so much to be thankful for.  I know you feel the same way.

  A close up of that beautiful copper button

Until Next Time,

Kiss the Cook

 

 Saturday's Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge features a tag and pocket.   Since I haven't created a Christmas card yet I thought it would be nice to get some festive sugar and spice going here.    It's that time of year again with lots of baking and cookie swaps.  I love the way our home smells during the holiday and I especially love giving gifts from the kitchen.   So, I decided to create a card that would accompany a cooking gift - what do you think?   Thank you to all the creative Waltzing Mouse Designers for this sweet sketch.

Cookies sound good right now (smiling) along with a nice cup of tea.  A nice sweet treat for the cook.

Until next time,

Susie~