Summerwalk Designs: February 2012

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Stitched Together with Love

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 The New International Version (NIV)

The scripture says there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. We were two young navy wives who had no idea how God would weave the threads of our tapestry together. Raising our children, attending church together with our families and... making memories in our kitchens (of course).

You may click on all photo's to enlarge

I don’t know if many understand how frugal military families have to be, but I can tell you from experience there isn’t much to eat right before payday. But that was part of the adventure; see what you could come up with and share it with your neighbor - you might get a whole meal *laughing*. My dear friend made a cookie bar simply from oatmeal, butter and sugar, and then baked it (I still have her recipe). It's amazing what you can do with just the staples! We tried so hard to be spiritual with a prayer before we’d dig in too. It went something like this: Dear Lord, we thank you for this sugar. Amen! Then we’d begin our Bible study (on a sugar high - laughing).


Inside Card Sentiments

Dedicated to my dear Irish friend, Mary Catherine (McCarthy) Thomas

The threads of our lives have seen both happiness and sorrow. But never a tighter stitch exists. When my friend and I visit one another we fall right into step as if we'd never been apart. One day she said, “do you know why that is? its because we have a history together.” You know, she’s right - God is so good! We're stitched together in His love. It’s my prayer today that you have a friend that sticks closer than a brother too. I’m blessed because of her.

I love it when you come to visit, it just makes my day. As always, it's my desire to encourage and inspire. I hope I've done that today.

Until next time,

Blessings,

Publish Post

Monday, February 20, 2012

Happy Birthday Arizona

Last week Arizona celebrated it's 100th birthday (1912 - 2012). I thought it would be nice to share some of my favorite photographs with you in honor of my great state.

In 1864, Prescott (pronounced Pres-kit) was designated as the capital of the Arizona territory, replacing the temporary capital at Ft. Whipple. The territorial capital was moved from Prescott to Tucson in 1867 then back to Prescott again in 1877 until Phoenix became the capital in 1889. We are honored to have Sen. Barry Goldwater, Sen. Morris (Mo) Udall, Sen. John McCain, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and of course, Sen. Gabrielle Giffords as part of our rich heritage. But more than anything else, we honor our hardworking ranchers and citizens who have made this state one the best. Red rock cliffs, melting sunsets, wide open ranges and a turquoise sky to greet you each day. It just doesn't get any better than this!

So I've put together a few photographs that I've taken over the past three years for you to enjoy.


Photography by Susie Lessard - Crowning Light

Photography by Susie Lessard - Sunset

Photography by Vance V. Lessard - Inky Skies

Photography by Susie Lessard - Hassayampa River Reserve Casita

The architectural style in Arizona is a mixture of Native American, Spanish, and of course, influences from Mexico.

Photography by Susie Lessard - Doorways of the Southwest Series

Happy Trails to You - My Cowboy Sweetheart

I'll conclude this evening with a beautiful tribute to the people and traditions of the Arizona frontier 100 years 100 Ranchers. by Scott T. Baxter, Arizona photographer.

Happy Birthday Arizona!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Enjoy the Journey!

CAS159 - On the Go!

Someone I know is having a birthday in several weeks and she's always on the go! She prefers the more clean and simple type of card so I hope she'll like this one. But...it's always fun to ramp up a clean and simple card to the next level too. I entered this card into the clean and simple (CAS157 challenge) on Splitcoast Stampers. For a little zip I ramped it up using the TCPTUES96 challenge for color and the MFTWSC59 for a sketch.

TCPTUES196 On the Go!

MFTWSC59 - On the Go!

Last week my husband and I were looking through some files and came across some of our daughter's report cards, awards, and school stories -- childhood treasures that are pieces of her. Stories filled with adventure, nature and far away places. Even the image of the little girl dressed as a super hero flying across the top of her stationary spoke of her spirit and personality. No lines to keep her childlike writing straight - just open space. "Oh The Places You'll Go" said Dr. Seuss, and she did!

She still looks sixteen to me. Oh, she has a few (very few) grey hairs hiding in that copper colored hair of hers. Freckles are still sprinkled across her face and her blue eyes are still as pretty as ever. She's a scamp that one. An independent and adventurous spirit with a passport stamped from far away places to prove it.

I remember the day I stood and watched her take flight into this big world. What were we thinking to allow her to leave us like that? {wink} Bravely I smiled, waved, and blew kisses as she walked away. All the while my heart was breaking (at least it felt that way). I prayed for God's grace and protection and laid her at his feet. For she belongs to Him.

Last year I wrote about her birth in the post, "Once Upon a Springtime". She filled our cottage with love and completed our family. She still does.

Happy Birthday my beloved. Enjoy the journey!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

You've Got my Heart on a String!

You've got my heart on a string
I'm sitting on a rainbow

What a world, what a life, I'm in love!

I was listening to Frank Sinatra yesterday and now I can't get this tune outta my head. Forgive me Frank, but I took a little creative license with your lyrics *tehehe*

Has cupid been tugging on your heart strings this weekend? I know my heart is all wrapped up in a twitter with thoughts of holding a baby in my arms again. Oh the joy! So today I thought I'd create a clean and simple (CAS) card to show who's gona have my heart on a string in a few months.

I fudged a little with this CAS and added some twine, a little red rhinestone heart, and that adorable red checked fabric tape at the bottom (couldn't help myself). Okay, and I threw in a little card keeper too {wink}.

Happy Valentine's Weekend everyone, thank you so much for your visit today.

Blessing to all,

Friday, February 10, 2012

Love Grows

Flourishes, "Bring Back Beautiful Challenge" is all about Love this month. For those who know already, love is growing in our family (smiling). For those who don't know, we are going to become first time grandparents and our joy is beyond measure. The Flourishes challenge this month is the prefect opportunity for me to share my first attempt at a shabby chic card. I'm absolutely in love with these soft colors. We don't know whether our grandchild is a little boy or girl, so until we do, I'm trying hard to keep my pinks and blues balanced {insert smile}.


Love Grows

I wanted to achieve a soft flannel look to the paper so I distressed the edges and smudged on some Ranger pumice ink.    Even the sweetest of Valentine's can get her little frock dirty in the garden while growing the best gift of all - Love.    A little machine stitching, lace, and sweetheart stick pins hold the sentiment tag in place and balance the card.   I tried a lot of new techniques today.    I'm pleased with the results; I hope you are too.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.   Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)

For love to grow it must be nurtured with patience, understanding, gentleness, and hope.   So, until next time, plant some love today! Speak an encouraging word to someone. The benefits help us all grow.