Blossoms&Blessings

Christmas reflections...

2012-01-30T20:08:00.000-08:00

Our "angel" tree with limbs lifted high

It's nearly February! Somehow January has really slipped through my fingers as did December. The Christmas quilts were my excuse in December but what about now? I look back on this month and feel I have not really accomplished very much - not anywhere near what I had set out to. Granted the items on my list are not very exciting - taking down the tree - always a day that I don't look forward to. Part of that is the mess I will need to create in order to return our home to a more simple state, but also because I really do enjoy our tree the days and weeks after Christmas - the quiet glow of twinkling lights and time to really reflect how we celebrated the gift of God's love - how He knowingly sent us His Son to redeem us while realizing the pain and rejection He would receive. We spend Christmas planning for a celebration of His birth, believing and cherishing the hope for our lives after this earth. It is a time of joy and smiles as our family spends time together, sharing in long held family traditions while stepping forward to create some new ones. Yet, knowing in our hearts that none of the happiness we feel would be possible without the gift of His Son and the sacrifice He made.

I recognize that I should be taking time to do more of my reflecting before Christmas and I do, but not always really sitting down and being still with God. This time as I wrote my reflections down I felt God's presence with me - being my comforter and friend. I believe He knows my heart and how preparing my home for Christmas has always been important to me - I desire it to be a reflection of my heart - a place to welcome both family and friends which means nearly every room must reflect the Christmas season. While I am busy decorating I am also spending time with my Father - in quiet thoughts and prayers trying to put Him first in all I do.

I spent one evening after Christmas sitting in the living room in the soft light writing a letter to Al - to be tucked away in his stocking. Under the soft glow of white lights on our tree, the words came more easily this year. Maybe because I waited until Christmas day was past and I could share with him the cherished moments we had together as family this Christmas season instead of fighting tears because he wasn't sitting next to me. Curled up on the couch with my Christmas quilt which Michelle had made for me a few years ago, enjoying the solitude, talking to Al and staring up at our tree - limbs raised upward to heaven. Ryan had cut it from our yard - it was huge- both in height and breadth - Ryan shared how he also loved the tree with its branches lifted upward like angels wings.

So, I did eventually undress the tree of all its sparkles and lights wrapping up each ornament in tissue while pondering the kids at different ages (marked by years written on the ornaments), sweeping up the pile of dropped needles and putting away the nativity sets but a part of me wanted to figure out how to keep some of the lights - maybe winding them through one of the plants - but I didn't. Instead I left out the Christmas quilted pillows, quilt and the piano runner - just until the end of January:) I wanted to still feel Christmas - I didn't want to let go of the memory of spending time with Jesus under the tree. I felt that Al could read my letter that night. In my heart and mind I understand that Christ is always ready to hear my prayers and knows my heart - sometimes though I can almost feel Him in the room - this was one of those nights. I cherish those moments. It has taken a long time for me to recover and feel God's presence in my life again. A friend gave me a beautiful feather not long after Al died to remind me that I would again feel God's touch - as light as a feather. How thankful I am that God has continued to hold me up and bring me moments of really feeling His presence. Psalm 31:4.

A very special weekend!

2012-01-24T15:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas Lights at the Columbia Gorge Hotel

A week before Christmas, Michelle gave me (really us) a wonderful Christmas gift. I say "us" because it was time spent with her doing things we love.

She had requested and arranged for me to have the Monday before Christmas off - knowing that this week was going to be busy. Erma, my boss, agreed (even though she knew I needed the time also to work on the quilts!) Michelle would not tell me where we were going and only gave me a list of things to pack the night before. Because warm clothes and long underwear were involved I started guessing places in my head - the gorge or maybe Leavenworth. I was pretty close.

We headed out to towards the mountains, driving past the Columbia Gorge Hotel - beautifully lit with Christmas lights and continued on to Parkdale. A very small town with a wonderful, quaint Bed and Breakfast! Michelle had purchased a "Groupon" for a two night stay with a bottle of wine and fruit and cheese fondue included! I felt so pampered. Michelle and I had talked last year how fun it would be to spend sometime out this way last year and she followed through.

Our B&B was small - only three suites - but the hospitality was huge. The owner was so gracious and welcoming and her breakfast were tasty and beautifully presented. We planned on going cross country skiing and brought my skis but were going to rent some for Michelle. While visiting with the other guests, they had offered to lend Michelle her extra skis and boots! They were a perfect fit! Such generosity from strangers - now friends.

It started out a little foggy but as we climbed the mountain the sky opened up to the brightest blue I had seen in a long time with Mt. Hood standing proudly - gleaming in white snow. We stopped at a groomed trail head aptly named "Teacup Lake". All of my daughters and myself love tea so this added to our fun. The trails were pretty icy and had a lot of hills (which we were not anticipating) so I was pretty timid for a while getting my ski legs under me:) but eventually I conquered my fears and enjoyed the ride. It was a picture perfect day.

We headed back to our little home and enjoyed our snack of cheese fondue - yummy- and dressed for dinner at the Gorge hotel with a stop in Hood River to walk the sidewalks and window shop. Lots of outdoor gear mixed with trendy boutique stores - reminds me a little of JH.

One of our goals was to take pictures outside with all the lights. We enjoyed traipsing through the trees sparkling with lights even though it was very cold. The hotel dining room was empty (there was a private dinner going on) but we had the room to ourselves. The waiter was very conscientious giving us a rather ample glass to taste two different wines before choosing the Reisling and Michelle's glass of water was never empty (He was pretty cute). Dinner was delicious as was dessert.

We wondered outside again to look at the falls and take some more pictures before heading back to the Inn to watch a movie and sleep.

Tuesday morning we headed back - I needed to be at work by noon so reluctantly we headed back to Portland and the busyness of the store. Michelle in all her sweetness had brought thank you gifts Hood River jam for Erma and Karen for giving me the time off.

Michelle at Teacup Lake

Mt. Hood

Dinner at the Gorge Hotel

This weekend is full of memories that I will cherish forever. Thank you Michelle with all my heart.

A quick glimpse of Thanksgiving

2012-01-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is truly one of my very favorite holidays - and this year we were excited to be all together.

Amy and Forrest (along with their two monkeys) wandered down from Covington and Colleen and Erik and the girls made the trek from Jackson, Wyoming to share a week with us. To top it off we also were able to celebrate Sadie's fourth birthday! This precious little princess warms my heart. We shared my bed on her birthday and as we snuggled together she was so sweet and thankful for the birthday gifts she had received that morning - her sweet spirit and giving heart are lessons for me to learn from too.

Sadie enjoying tea and scones at a real tea house

For her birthday, we caravaned out to the coast on a beautiful old road (part of which was snow and mud) to be greeted with 60 mile per hour winds and drenching rain. Tillamook cheese factory was our safe haven for lunch, a tour and of course ice cream!

Colleen at the tea house

The following day, while I was at work, my daughters ventured out to a fancy tea house with the three oldest. Forrest was working, so Erik and Ryan were left to take care of the youngest two - twenty months old and only two weeks apart. Raina slept but Selah kept Ryan entertained playing with cars and balls! I came home for lunch and found him on the floor with her:) Erik was trying to read but had to abandon it when Ryan also headed to work.

The tea party crowd had a wonderful time savoring cucumber sandwiches, scones and cookies. They

also had a hat room where some wonderful wide brimmed and classic numbers could be tried on and worn while sipping tea.

Ephraim also enjoying the tea party

Elisa Joy

Amy and Ephraim

Michelle and Ephraim

Beautiful Elisa modeling her red bonnet

Entertaining guests especially little ones offers challenges sometimes:) I came home one evening to a crazy game of follow the leader - only crazy dance moves or somersaults were encouraged. On both of Colleen's last visits, Oregon provided only cold and drizzles and downpours each time we wanted to be outside. Being from Wyoming they are used to playing outside in the winter - but it is usually sunny and cold or snowing - both more fun than being drenched.

Crazy dance moves

Five little munchkins!

Forrest attempting to teach Erik to juggle fruit!

Ryan sharing his talents with his nieces.

Ryan is a very talented pianist and spent time sharing some music with Elisa and Sadie. Both will start piano with Colleen when the piano arrives at their house.

Thanksgiving was a wonderfully relaxed day - with all of my talented daughters helping out in the kitchen we sat down to quite a feast - Ryan rushing home from work to join us and get our family photo taken! We have so much to be thankful for - the joy of being all together and recognizing how we are truly a blessed family enveloped by our love for each other and God's grace over us.

Elisa and Sadie wanted to make a trip to Willamette National Cemetery to visit their Boppa. Only Elisa was born before Alvis died - she was not even three yet. Amy and Colleen both are wonderful about sharing moments about their dad with their children. Ephraim's middle name is Alvis, too. While we gathered around his head stone I remember how tenderly Amy explained why his Boppa was here and all the others surrounding him. She shared how Jesus had carried Boppa to heaven. I loved that image.

May we all be carried to heaven this way. Elisa and Sadie traced his name over and over. I wish with all my heart that they could have really known their grandpa. He was pretty amazing and was quite enamored with Elisa - he had a picture of her on the front of his locker in the physician's lounge:)

Visiting Boppa

All too quickly our week was over. I wanted time to stand still - at least slow down a little. I remember as a child my dad would talk about wanting a big house someday with all these different wings branching off of a center point - one wing for each of his five daughters and for him and mom. I really understand this dream and claim it as my own now. As God prepares a home for us in heaven, I relish the hope and dream that maybe it will still come true - with God at our center.

Christmas quilts...

2012-01-05T23:05:00.000-08:00

It has been four Christmas's now that we have shared with out Alvis. There are moments everyday when I still can't fathom he is in heaven and not driving down the driveway after work.

I wonder how Christmas is celebrated there - surrounded by choirs of angels, their faces reflecting the glory of Christ. Only joy and happiness are felt by all those who share in His glory. Someday ....

At some point shortly after Thanksgiving, I felt I really needed to do something for my children that might bring them comfort and sweet memories of their dad. A friend actually gave me this idea about a year ago when she did this for her girls. I simply hadn't gotten to a point where I thought I could begin the project and let go of some of Al's things. Something came over me that Sunday afternoon - the house was empty - Ryan at work, Michelle at youth group, Colleen and Erik were home and Amy and Forrest were visiting his parents. I headed to my closet.

Al's shirts have been hanging there since we moved in. Ryan would sometimes come down and choose one of his dad's shirts to wear but mostly they hung there - in a way keeping me company. I can remember which ones he wore more often and which ones were my favorites. Sometimes I smiled thinking of him wearing a certain one; sometimes I cried remembering the last time he wore one. But on this afternoon, God was giving me grace and courage to move forward and do something for my children - to share a part of their precious dad that had been comforting me for so long.

With smiles and tears I began to separate out the shirts I knew Ryan or Erik or Forrest might still like and then began to gather at least five shirts that the colors - stripes, plaids and solids - that I could blend together into quilts for each of them. Again, I believe God's hand was guiding me - because before I knew it, I had collected five groups of shirts. Some were long sleeved (a few had ink stains on the front pocket - because once in a while his favorite gel pens would explode!), and others short sleeved. Lots of blue, green, red and gold. I tried to pick ones for each of the kids that I thought also had colors they enjoyed.

A part of me really wanted to head to the fabric store right away to get material for the backs and complimenting fabric to quilt them together but I waited until Tuesday when I would be heading that way anyway - on my way to GriefShare - the ministry I am still involved with - now hoping to help others find healing. Again, God was working with me - I only had an hour and I was able to find a quilt book, another quilt pattern, and all the materials and batting! He never fails me.

Now I had to figure out how I was going to get these done without my daughter and son walking in on me. I shared that I had a sewing project going on in my room and if the door was closed - they had to knock! A few times I had to quick cover things up with a blanket and every night I had to hide all evidence (scraps, patterns and material) before I could go to bed! Michelle and Ryan would come to the door and patiently wait for me to open it a crack but I think they really like surprises so they didn't snoop!

So for the few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas I worked like crazy - cutting the shirts apart was hard but at the same time I felt joy and excitement. My kids have been amazing at making sure that I am doing ok and not alone - especially at holidays or anniversaries and now I was going to hopefully be giving back to them. It was also a busier time at the flower shoppe - so I had extra hours to work - some of them long. But I didn't give up - I knew I could at least get the tops done - but then as they started coming together I became more determined to complete them all. The last few nights I was up until 2 am and Christmas eve I finally had them wrapped and under the tree at 3 am!! God never gave up on me either - and blessed me with giving me the energy and somehow stretching time so I could finish.

So, on Christmas morning when it was my turn to hand out gifts, I chose to give them to the kids all at the same time. (Colleen had received hers in her Christmas packages) We were starting with the youngest - Ephraim and Selah had opened their gifts and Ryan was next. I had also enclosed a card with a note that I hoped when they were really needing a hug from their dad, I hoped these would help. Ryan was looking at it and about the time he recognized what they were made from, Amy looked down and said "Mom, are these Dad's shirts?" The tears started to flow and continued as Michelle and Amy opened theirs and we talked about the various shirts in each quilt.

For Ryan

Colleen's

Amy's

Michelle's

Thank you Lord for allowing me the courage and ability to complete all the gifts before Christmas morning. Thank you for letting me find joy in creating these gifts for my precious kids. Thank you for sharing Alvis with us. Wish him a Merry Christmas from me.

Summertime glimpses...

2011-10-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

Summertime seemed to flash by so quickly this summer - reminiscent of my childhood when school first got out in June it seemed like forever until September and then suddenly being thrown back into days of sitting in hard, uncomfortable desks and nights of studying had come back all too soon. (Seeing friends again was of course a huge plus!)

Kids being kids!

Hiking with family and friends in Grand Teton National Park

Hiking in the Tetons

June 3 was my father's 99th birthday! My sisters and I and some of the grandkids made the trek to warm and sunny and wonderful San Diego to celebrate. Cathy's trip was suddenly cut short when Gerry fell and broke his hip and her presence was definetly missed. We all enjoyed spending time with Dad and he kept saying how much he just enjoyed listening to his family enjoy each other.

Dad's 99th Birthday party in San Diego on the harbor.

Spending a week in Jackson with Colleen, Erik and the girls, Amy and her little ones and Ryan and Emily, sharing in our long time friends son's wedding celebration gave our summer the perfect beginning.

This summer we were blessed to have wonderful visits - both short and long with family and friends and a few new faces:) The summer weather arrived later than it should have but still cooperated enough to share our little edge of the Willamette river. Wakeboarding and skiing proved to be a favorite activity and "Grace" did her part by running well throughout the summer - providing hours of parading passengers and boarders up and down the river. Some would like her to be glitzed up with a tower but watching Ryan sail over the water hasn't convinced me we really need one:) Though they all keep trying!

Lots of breakfasts on the patio and barbeques sandwiched our days - giving us all time to connect and enjoy each other. Laughter and song filled the house.

Little ones ready for a ride on "Grace"

Somehow in between, we managed to complete the retaining wall - well I helped unload blocks and shovel gravel - and Ryan built the wall and stairs. Michelle and I picked 17 pounds of strawberries and made jam or froze them - to be enjoyed at a later date! Early morning boat rides with just the three of us - Ryan and Michelle perfecting their wakeboarding tricks and trying some new ones (bare footing - pretty funny!) helped round out our days. (Ryan's new job and my weekends at the flower shoppe kept us grounded.)

One Tuesday evening we enjoyed sailing on the Columbia River with a couple who had donated an afternoon through a fund raiser Michelle and I had attended. Lucky for us, Tuesdays are designated sailing regatta days and the warm sun and breezes brought many colorful boats out to play.

Sailing on the Columbia River

As summer waned the evenings on the river quieted and I often found myself trying to capture the sunsets from the bow of our kayak. It was quiet and majestic - God painting pictures of solitude and glory. Time for quiet reflection and prayer and finishing off with a sprint back to the dock before it was completely dark.

Usually I look forward to fall and the warm days and cooler nights that create the myriad of orange and red colors but this year I still long for summer - at least a few more Indian summer days. There is always hope for tomorrow....

So summer did fly by but we managed to squeeze a lot of fun and memories in.

Spending time with two of my favorite people!

So yes I did start this post in October and because loading pictures was taking nearly an eternity (my internet is working better these days) I have not finished it until now (December 30th!)...Thanksgiving and Christmas also were celebrated in between:)

Remembering

2011-10-01T00:25:00.000-07:00

Learning to live….

Living has taken on a completely different image for me thelast four years. Learning to livewithout my love and best friend – learning how to get up everyday and findpurpose - learning to believe thatjoy can be found again – learning how to hopefully be a better person than Iwas the day before - learning how to live each day to honor my heavenly Fatherand desire to be His humble servant. It is a journey - that I am learning.

Alvis lived every day to the fullest – whether in his workas a surgeon, enjoying his children and all their endeavors, on the ball fieldwith his team or working in our yard. I am trying to remember to live this way, too. To find joy in all those around me, to find contentment ineveryday tasks and pleasures and to not falter in the life that God has givenme.

Today, again, I will look for joy, love and laughter as Irelive memories of Al – because this is what I remember most about him – his contagioussmile, goofy antics, his sincerity in his work and his deep, unashamed love for God and his family.

We are choosing to do things today, that we know Al would want to do - so we are starting our day with breakfast potatoes and wakeboarding, followed by a cross-country meet, a Hall of Fame induction for a great coach and probably tacos for dinner!

I love you, Sunshine.

Still fiddling with flowers!

2011-08-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been a very long time since I posted anything about flowers - but yes I am still playing with flowers - designing and gardening....the flower designing is almost entirely at the shoppe lately though. The gardening is an ongoing process:) With my children's help we have cleaned up several spots in the gardens, laid bark, planted roses and pulled out creeping vines and flowers that are attempting to take over the yard. I never thought I would yank out flowers but I can only handle so much wild geranium and when it crowds out the calla lilies it simply has to go.

We are actually working on preparing the lower yard for a lawn and sprinkler system and the first step was to complete the rock retaining wall that we had professionally built two summers ago. This time we are doing it ourselves - actually Ryan is doing the building, I am shoveling gravel out of the truck bed and offering encouragement. He is one-third done and doing a great job! He let me place two blocks but I think he moved them :) Alvis would be very impressed and proud of Ryan for taking on the job - making our yard a more beautiful place to spend time in (and for little grandchildren to run in!)

I continue to learn more about flower design and trying to not be stuck doing similar things - some days it is hard when nearly every order that comes in is similar to the last but sometimes we (my co-workers and I) actually get to break out and do something big and creative - this usually involves a customer with a larger budget and directions to be creative! Fun times!

Once in while, Ryan brings home flowers from the hotel after an event - and this week we were graced with gorgeous displays of roses from an "Alice in Wonderland" event. Each "mushroom" was created from beautiful red roses. I counted the smaller one - 72 rose buds!!!!! The larger one I am sure had well over a hundred roses!!!! There were also table centerpieces of roses, orchids and dahlias. It is fun for me to not only enjoy the arrangements, but to see what another designer will come up with for an event theme. I certainly was impressed with the "mushrooms!"

Alice in Wonderland roses!

Daisies have always been one of my favorite flowers - they just seem to say "cheery." Recently I made several table arrangements for a GriefShare dinner (the ministry I am involved with). I ended up bringing several back home and rearranged them into two larger ones. The greenery all came from our own yard - and the jasmine added a nice sweet fragrance - especially since daisies are cute but not so sweet to put your nose up to!

Even though I face lots of weed pulling in our yard - I am so very thankful for all the flowers blooming - a sweet blessing from my heavenly Father to me.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T23:20:00.000-07:00

For days I have been thinking about Father's Day. At work there have been special floral arrangements for dads - a '47 Ford Pickup model and even a mini, red Weber kettle grill. I never would have thought about flowers for my Dad for this celebration. But an aromatic barbecue in the backyard....mmmm followed by one of his favorite desserts of pie or ice cream or both.

The barbecue tradition carried on for my husband, too. Nearly every year from 1991 on, we celebrated Father's day at Lake Powell with our wonderful friends on the houseboat. Almost always by unanimous decision of the three dads - London Broil, baked potatoes, salad and french bread - all done on the grill (except the salad of course.) We started playing early at Lake Powell - the water is most calm early in the morning - a ski before breakfast, which was always huge and yummy and then more play time or a nap or a round of "Scum."

These were days made of wonderfully sweet memories. Sometimes we had brought gifts with us, definitely cards - but what I treasure most and I think Alvis did too, was being on the water with his family. His children were his greatest blessing. He loved being involved in their lives and having fun. He loved being a kid with them - pulling them skiing or wakeboarding, cliff jumping and floats through the narrow canyon walls with the music bouncing off of the sandstone cathedrals. He loved being their father - to listen and talk to, to protect and enjoy every day with. As our children grew older and started moving on to college, he often said he wished we had more children:)

I was able to talk to my Dad today. At 99, he is as brilliant as ever - always thinking of designing something that would work better (usually an automobile) or how to make our world a better place. He is in the process of writing another letter to our president. His ideas and thoughts about the future of our country and what will be here for his grandchildren and great children are thoughtful and clear. He diligently prays for our president and congress every day. My dad blesses me in every conversation and visit.

At church this morning, our pastor asked how I was doing. He is a very compassionate man. He really does take the time to know his flock. I awoke early this morning thinking of Al and Father's day. My heart aches for my children. No cards to buy or games to play or gifts to wrap. I hurt for them because I know they had the best dad ever and they miss so much. You don't think about missing a holiday, until the one you love is gone.

The sermon this morning was a challenge for fathers to be godly men - men who love and devote themselves first to God and then to their families and by this their children will learn to be godly men and daughters also. He called wives and mother's to be godly women and be submissive to their husbands as onto the Lord. The lesson brought tears - because I miss Al so much and the godly father he was to our family. I would have enjoyed celebrating with him today.

So today, in celebration of something Alvis would have enjoyed - Michelle and I went to Sonic for lunch! I even had a hot dog:)

Thank you Father for my father, who makes me laugh and smile all the time and for my husband who made our lives better everyday just by being him.

With love and thankfulness - Memorial Day

2011-05-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning - I awoke very early - even earlier than I had planned. The sun was actually shining - for this I was ( and am) thankful. I headed outside with my scissors to clip flowers to place on Al's headstone - the moisture of the night's rain still clinging to the petals and leaves while the sun created small rainbows in the tiny crevices of the blossoms. Bright pink and creamy white peonies, purple larkspur and iris became a hand tied bouquet - for these I am also thankful - I am grateful to the previous owners of our home who planned the gardens to have something blooming year round which I can share at Al's resting place.

Willamette National Cemetery is quietly majestic - but this morning even more so - the roads are lined with billowing flags and each head stone and memorial wall is also graced with our country's stars and stripes. The morning is quiet - it is early - there are a few others who have also come to reflect and remember - but I am thankful for the solitude. This morning - looking across the rolling hills with thousands of flags I am humbled by the numbers who have gone before us - willing to take the charge of protecting our freedom at all cost. Reflecting on our history as a nation - built on the courage of ordinary citizens. We are truly one of a kind. My heart wonders if we as a nation now really take time to ponder what others have done in our behalf. I pray that today we do - that we will stop and pray for those who are serving and those who have served - prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude for allowing us to be a nation of freedom for all.

Today, while I place flowers on my husband's grave, I tell him again how proud I am of his service to his country - for his unwavering belief that God called him to serve our military by caring for the wounded and broken. I thank him again for never complaining when he was called again to Iraq when he had only been home for a little over a year. I thank God for the skills He gave him to bring healing and hope to both our military and the civilians he treated who had been ravaged by the war.

This morning the sun is bright and the mountains in the distance shout God's majesty - I am thankful for this place of honor for my husband and all the others who have been laid to rest here. Words cannot express how much I miss him yet today I want to feel thankful for all he gave to our country and I do. I want to honor him for his bravery and courage and unwavering willingness to serve. He is my hero. I love you, Sunshine.

Catching up... the Cinque Terre

2011-05-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

So, tomorrow night Ryan will be home! Yeah! It has been forever since I last saw him and can hardly wait to hear first hand some of he and Emily's latest adventures and see lots of pictures. But most of all, I truly want to just enjoy him being home - enjoying his laugh and smiles, his music - the piano has been calling you - and even his laundry. I want to enjoy my family being around the table and maybe even playing a game of Chinese checkers or two.

I also, want to finish my story of my trip to Europe to visit Ryan and Emily and Michelle before he returns home... so onto the Cinque Terre. I am quite sure I never knew of this enchanted land hugging the rocky coast of northern Italy - but I am very thankful my daughter did.

The Cinque Terre are five small towns - maybe even considered villages - that are only connected by train or trails. Each one can be individually accessed by narrow, winding steep roads but there are no roads between them. They grip the edge of the sparkling turquoise sea dotting the cliffs with pastel hued homes and shops as if in a fairyland. Carved into the steep hillsides are vineyards and small farms. Fishing boats bob gloriously in the bays waiting to be hoisted up to the towns narrow streets before the tide changes. No one is hurrying. Italians and visitors linger outside in the evening savoring the sunsets and cooler temperatures. Daybreak comes and the shop keepers open their shutters and welcome you in with genuine warmth.

A small balcony over looking the sea in Corniglia

We stayed in the middle town, Corniglia. It is teasingly referred to where the mountain goats live because it truly is clinging to the hillside. If I remember right it was 370 stairs down to the train station! It had a wonderful cove for swimming and jumping off the rocks. They had built a cement jetty where everyone gathered to soak in the Mediterranean sun. We had a delightful little apartment - the proprietor did not even ask for our payment up front - "just find me before you leave" (she worked at one of the small bakeries). Our first afternoon we spent in the water - swimming, jumping off the rocks and soaking in the sun. We made our own dinner of pasta and fresh local tomatoes and basil, which we enjoyed so much we made it again the following evening! Add a glass of wine and of course a short walk to the gelatorie and we felt we had tasted a little of heaven.

One goal was to actually swim in each of the towns bays - Riomaggiore -is the furthest west - the train takes you the edge of the town, where you can take a elevator up to the town. Each town had its own distinct flavor - I could have settled down for days in any of them. (But Corniglia did turn out to be our favorite.) From Riomaggiore you can "hike" towards Manarola along the lover's walk. It really is a paved walkway along the edge of the cliffs and part way through there is a statue of two lovers kissing. People attach locks to the fencing behind it which is to prevent them from being torn apart. Of course we had to have Emily and Ryan sit in front of the figures and kiss for us:) A little further we came upon a musician playing in the tunnel part of the hike - where Emily and Ryan enjoyed a sweet dance!

We took the train to Vernazza and Monterossa. Monterossa is furthest north and edges the Italian "Riviera." It has a wonderful long beach - but nearly all of it - one has to pay to enjoy and use the lounge chairs. We walked to the far end - still lots of sand and swimming but tucked in with fishing boats. We all took a short nap, I think, and cooled off in the water. Monterossa felt much more like a tourist town - it is considerably more level, has several large hotels and shops. We did a little grocery shopping before heading back on the train to Corniglia for the night. Tired and warm but I wouldn't have changed anything.

Our last morning we cleaned up the apartment, paid for our stay and headed out to play in the water again - only to find out the wind and waves on the Mediterranean were huge that morning. No chance of going swimming - the waves crashed over the cement jetty and found Michelle and Ryan testing my nerves as they stood out on the edge! We watched for a while and then headed to Vernazza to swim (it has a more protected bay- but still parts of the walkways were closed to pedestrians) enjoyed lunch, a little shopping and more gelato!

Vernazza

None of us were really ready to leave - but Ryan and Emily had to get back for work the next day - so off we headed back to Garmisch. We all fell in love with the beauty and simpleness of everyday - especially in Corniglia. Fortunately for Ryan and Emily - they were able to enjoy visiting this magical land of pastel homes, bright sapphire seas and delicious tomatoes again. Maybe I will too, someday.

P.S. So I didn't get this quite done before Ryan arrived - but he is home and we have had a wonderful weekend enjoying being a family.

Once a upon a time....

2011-04-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Goodness, it has been a very long time since I last posted. I don't know why - I just couldn't sit down and write. There were definitely different things going on in my life - trips and visits with family to issues with being a homeowner but my heart wasn't in writing. Maybe today.

Maybe, because the sun is actually shining outside! Maybe because my taxes are done (although writing the check will not be fun) Maybe because a friend is giving me an opportunity to bid her wedding flowers or maybe and most importantly my daughters were all together for nearly two weeks with all the little ones and Ryan will be home in 12 days! Now is a time for smiling:)

When our house is filled with family - there is so much joy! There is of course a lot of chaos, laughter, smiles, tears and screeching - but I love it. Witnessing little cousins develop friendships - knowing somehow that there is nothing better than having instant friends- ones that will be there to play with when you when you wake up in the morning is even better.

Observing Elisa, now five, take on the role of protector for Ephraim from the bugs that had him nearly paralyzed in fear, certainly made this Nana realize how much she has grown up already. Two one year old little girls (Selah and Raina) charging after each other and demonstrating their independence; Sadie, 3, always reading - a book off of Nana's shelf, often upside down and telling the story of Laura and Mary (Laura Ingells Wilder); Ephraim and Elisa "crashing" the remote control cars until I found little silver pieces on the floor - are only little glimpses of the memories we made.

Keeping 5 little ones entertained when it is totally soggy, wet and just dreary outside provided a few challenges but trips to an art studio, a bouncing house (for toddlers), cookie baking, a carousel ride and a trip to the Tacoma Zoo all helped. Throw in one fun filled cowboy birthday party at my daughter's home and the trip was filled with memories.

Now feeling rejuvenated by their company - maybe I will actually finish the other blog posts I started and never quite finished.

Another birthday...

2010-12-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

The past few days have been filled with a myriad of emotions for me. Thanksgiving enjoyed with two of my daughters and Amy's sweet family, my very special niece, Paige, a phone call from Colleen and Ryan and even two of Ryan's old roommates (whom I am very excited that they would come over - especially with Ryan being in Germany.) Friday - hearing that God had taken home another Dad of a very sweet friend (especially for Paige) and then Monday was Al's birthday.

I so want to be strong - because I know Al believed I was a strong woman - not in the physical sense at all - but that he believed I could handle things when he was away. But I also do not want to be strong - I want to fall into his arms and have him tell me it will be ok - that we will always be ok - that we will continue to laugh and love together and enjoy this life together. This is not my reality, though.

These past few days, I have cried a lot. I miss him so much - his smile, his touch, his laugh and how he loved us. I want to hear his voice singing praises to God and see the tears in his eyes when the words touch him deeply. I want to see him in his big chair with one leg over the arm enjoying a football game or NCIS. I want to cook a meal for him that I know he would enjoy - from tacos to my stuffed pork loin.
I want to crawl into our bed and squeeze my cold feet between his to warm my toes. But this is not to be either.

Yet, somehow between the tears, I move forward and feel again...feeling strength again to do the things I need to be doing, to look beyond myself to think of others. This strength only comes from my Father. He has shown me so many times that He is there for me to fall into and feel loved and that I will be ok - even when I don't want to feel that way. The ache in my heart, I know will always be there - for when you have loved someone that place in your heart belongs to them. God knows how I am feeling - and that is a comfort to me - because He is willing to carry this battered heart along and hold me up and give me His strength to live each day. I pray that I will be able to honor Him in all that I do - even when all I have is tears.

Arriverderci Venezia - Ciao Firenze!

2010-10-06T23:46:00.000-07:00

Saying goodbye to Venice

Our last morning in Venice was very warm and we were all carrying our backpacks which made everything seem even more uncomfortable - yet being in Venice was still magical. We managed to meander through the piazzas and narrow streets en route to the train station and still find gelato and even more refreshing that morning - fresh fruit smoothies which we leisurely enjoyed in the shade of a several centuries old church.

We had previously purchased tickets that allowed us to use the boat buses and were told it could be used for our train ride back to the main land - but a very cranky train attendant would not accept them (although the family across from us had the same ones.) The kiosks were not working thus a huge line of travelers were trying to purchase tickets from a couple of manned ticket windows. Between Michelle and Ryan's perseverance we did manage to make the train and actually had an air conditioned rail car for the journey back.

We emptied ourselves back into Ryan's car and with the help of his GPS found our way back to the highway and on to Firenze (Florence for the non Italians:))

My first trip to Florence was 30 years ago! We were traveling with our friends the Poole's - both of us novices to Europe and sightseeing. A lot has changed - no border checkpoints between countries and for the most part, Europe is now using all the same currency. Now, you have to remember to look for the signs that welcome you to a new country - another hint of course is that the road signs change languages! On a side note - when Al and I had traveled to Italy, we went through many art museums and even though Al was not excited about the idea - he loved Florence and the Uffizi gallery was his favorite - it is filled with countless marble statues from the Renaissance period.

Michelle had made reservations for us to visit the Academia and see Michaelangelo's "David" - the perfect man. Our first obstacle was trying to find a place to park! Florence has very limited parking and although Ryan was very adept at maneuvering through the city - the parking lots were full. Eventually we did find a parkplatz and headed out to find "David." We were hot, tired and in a hurry as our reservation was at 4:30 and we cutting it a little close - we will blame this on the cranky train attendant.
We waited in the line for those who had reservations (our only proof was the paper Michelle had written the number on) which was considerably shorter than the second line. We found it interesting when we arrived at the door, the gentleman asked if we had a reservation and then let us pass through to purchase our tickets. Also, as we paid the woman at the counter charged us for four but only credited the register for two! Hmmmm

Once inside - looking straight down the marbled hallway you find one of Michaelangelo's finest masterpieces - "David." It really is hard to describe the majestic qualities of this marble stone statue which towers over us at 17 feet. Every detail is incredible - the strength of his hands, the softness of his eyes, the curls of his hair all the while appearing strong and courageous just as God had created him to be. It was truly amazing.

A replica of the original "David" which is erected at the original square outside

Exiting the academia into the afternoon heat was sweltering - we were thirsty and hungry. We planned to find a little restaurant for dinner before heading back to the car and finding our "hostel" for the night.
I knew we couldn't be far from the Santo Maria del Fiore - the Duomo cathedral, the doors of which had left an indelible mark on me since my first visit. I really wanted the kids to see it. I don't think they had any other real plans for Florence but it was one of my favorite places in Italy (must be the art history minor I have from WSU.)

Our feet were dieing but everyone was gracious and within a few blocks the streets emptied into a plaza filled with the cathedral! This is the tallest building in Florence and when you see pictures of the city - it towers over everything else. The marble structure is done in panels of green, pink and white and the bronze relief doors of the baptistry depict moments in the life of Mary. I couldn't imagine how people could just walk by so quickly without stopping in amazement - but then I realized they did get to see them everyday!

Baptistry door

Santa Maria del Fiore - the Duomo Cathedral

We ate outside in a small restaurant across the street from the cathedral and then opted to take a taxi back to our car as all of us were tired and our feet were aching from soooo much walking. We were staying outside of Florence at a camping resort - which is a whole story on its own. We finally found it, slept soundly, wandered around the grounds a little and headed out for our next adventure......

Love Shared

2010-10-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Three years ago today, my very best friend left this world and arrived in God's presence. This is going to be my focus today - that Al is joyously praising his Father and that he is also doing all the things we know he loved here. This morning at 7:00 a boat passed by pulling a skier cutting up the glasslike water with deep curves and leaving an arc of water spraying behind him. This reminds me of Al. He loved to water ski and I think he would have been out there this morning, too.

So today, I am going to look for moments that I know Al would have loved here and believe that he is enjoying them even more from his heavenly viewpoint. I am going to try and live today with joy and laughter as he did and do something I know he loved.

I am going to rejoice that God placed Al and I together for 36 years (34 married) and blessed me with our incredible children and that they were so loved by their dad. I am going to rejoice in the gift of countless wonderful memories and smile often.

Sun drenched Venezia!

2010-09-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

Venice, filled with tourists in July, was already buzzing early in the morning. It quickly became very warm as we ventured out to explore the magic of the city. St. Mark's square, a piazza in front of the famous cathedral was filling up with those who were patient enough to wait in the queue for a chance to view inside. The line was already winding its way around the buildings walls. (We decided to forgo this idea - mostly because it was so hot already and we had only planned one full day here.) Although we had not really eaten breakfast - only a few things we had brought from the car - we were now definitely on the search for authentic Gelato!

In front of St. Mark's Cathedral

We meandered along winding sidewalks, sandwiched between century old buildings, while small motor boats and gondolas jockeyed for positions in the narrow waterways. I was continually amazed how they were able to transport people, belongings and necessities in a flotilla of mismatched boats and barges and never seeming to collide with each other.

A flotilla of gondolas, barges and small runabouts

A typical sidewalk filled with shops, tourists and Venetians.
Store fronts and family homes lined the narrow sidewalk

Sometime before noon, in a quiet neighborhood, we tasted what was to be only the beginning of many flavors of gelato. I began with lemon and chocolate.... heavenly. We sat on a rock wall that lined a canal, watching small businesses taking care of daily routines and just relaxed in the warmth of the city. There were many moments like these for me... sitting back and thanking God for my family and this moment together. Two years ago I could not even fathom traveling with out Al at my side, but somehow I feel he wanted me to make this trip and the memories I had of our time here (nearly 30 years ago) made me smile and thankful I had come.

Simple moments, simple treasures
Gelato and family

We headed back to the Grand Canal for more sightseeing - and of course making our way over the Rialto bridge - crammed with people and shops purveying only what the elite would think of purchasing. Wandering past one of the canal restaurants we came upon the most delicious looking pizza - huge slices of fresh tomatoes and pineapple. We knew this was our menu for lunch - along with a beer or glass of wine - after all we were in Italy!

Looking back at our restaurant under the red canopies

It was so relaxing to sit outside under a red canopy and watch the world float by. We lingered for as long as we could and headed back out to the sun baked sidewalks to window shop and meander back to our hotel, gather our swimsuits and towels and take the boat over to Lido Island for a "refreshing" swim in the Mediterranean and of course more gelato! Such a life!

On the boat to Lido

Arriving at Lido Island

Lido, even though it is also centuries old, has a totally different flavor - more open with gardens and trees and automobiles! It seemed a little odd to cross over the water and arrive at what seemed like a different culture almost. Back to reality in a sense. Finding our way to the swimming beach, we took turns floating and bobbing in the sea water. It felt so nice to cool off and just do nothing - except smile, laugh and wonder why on earth people should lay nearly nude on a public beach! Women who were topless on the sand, would then wrap themselves in a towel to put their clothes back on:)

One more stop before returning to Venice and our night out for dinner - gelato! I don't remember exactly what I had but I'm pretty sure it was one scoop of lemon with a scoop of hmmm... raspberry, I think!

Ryan and Emily had met an artist on the plaza when they were in Venice previously, who had advised them about a tasty, locals restaurant - so after putting on our finery we stepped out to another golden lit evening - along with many others, who were making their ways to dinner or walks in the cooler evening. Hundreds of people were out but again, it felt quiet and subdued. Before returning to our apartment for the night - I wanted to take a picture of the golden hued sea with the majestic architecture in the background. I opened my camera, turned it on, set my scene and pressed the button... a very strange click occurred and my camera suddenly quit. Oh sadness... my trip had just begun.... thankfully Michelle and Ryan would continue documenting our travels so I will still have a few pictures to share.

more to come....

A taste of Italy...

2010-09-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

On July 18, I began my adventure to see Ryan, Emily and connect with Michelle in Germany. I had a direct flight to Amsterdam in which we took the northern route over parts of Canada, Greenland and Iceland. In spite of traveling in the late afternoon and all through the night it never got dark. I had expected the sun to fade a little, but it was brilliant the entire flight. Once landing in Amsterdam, I had to go through customs and then security. I had over an hour so I thought I would be fine - but our taxi on the runway took 30 minutes and my gate was at the complete opposite end to my departing gate to Munich. The lines for customs were 30-40 people deep with about 12 check points! When I finally was able to get to the customs agent I asked him if I was going to make my flight and he suggested I really hurry....I still had to go through security and then run (in my flip flops - bad choice for running). I arrived with about 5 others who were also panting to board! Craziness! I really have no desire to fly through Amsterdam again.

God is faithful! I made my flight to Munich, my luggage arrived (although torn) and I found my way to the subway, met some other Americans heading to Oberambegau (near Garmisch) - the home of the Passion Play, changed trains at the Bahnhof, and was on my way to Garmisch. It was a beautiful, warm and scenic trip. Little by little, places that Al and I had travelled with Amy and Colleen were coaxed out of my memory and relived in my mind. I was getting so excited to be reunited with my family!

As I exited the train station, a little ruby BMW pulled up and three smiling young adults jumped out of the car and I was engulfed in a their warm hugs and smiles! Yeah, I had made it. Ryan maneuvered his little car through all the narrow quaint streets without batting an eye. I know I was never that comfortable during the two years we lived there.

We headed to the post housing where Ryan, Emily and most of the staff of the Edelweiss live. I relaxed in a warm shower, repacked a portion of my suitcase into my backpack, met a few of their workmates and friends and we then loaded ourselves into Ryan's car again for the six hour trip to Venice. It was really warm and not having air conditioning, we all melted a little on the trip - but arrived around midnight to board the train which seemed to float over the Veneta Laguna where we safely arrived in Venezia! What a gorgeous night! We boarded a "bus" (there are boat buses, boat taxis and gondolas -from least to most expensive) and found seats outside - perfect because Venice at night is magical.

As our hotel was located at the far end of the Grand Canal, near St. Mark's Cathedral, we traveled the entire length of the canal taking in all the bridges with their various architectural designs, the magnificent hotels and centuries old buildings all glowing in the moonlit starry night. This floating dreamlike city was very much alive with visitors and natives still at midnight - although with a quiet, serene quality.

view from our apartment

We were directed to our hostel apartment - climbing 87 stairs on a circular stairwell - to a small apartment. We were the only ones staying there and quickly found ourselves slumbering soundly. Morning arrived with bright sunshine pouring in on our faces! We were ready to see the city!

The Grand Canal

Maneuvering the narrow waterway!

Some of my favorite people!

The Grand Canal - St. Mark's in the background

To be continued....

The Gift of Travel

2010-09-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

I never would have believed I could be in so many different places in one short summer - but I did. So many varying emotions were washing through me - but I am so thankful that I made each trip - all wonderful and all so different.

Jackson was first on the list. Of course, I wanted to spend time with all the little girls and their parents. We read stories and played outside and made a trip to the park to wade in Jackson lake and ate ice cream in the town square. It was what every Nana dreams of.

Elisa and Sadie braving the cool water

Precious little lady at Jackson Lake

Smiling, sweet Raina

There was a second part of my journey that was both heartwarming andt bittersweet. With the help of a wonderful friend at St. John's we were going to finally have a tree planted in remembrance of Al. Between Liz, the operations manager and the landscaper we decided on a beautiful spot near the front walkway of the hospital for a flowering choke cherry tree. My hope of finding a spot where visitors, staff and patients could enjoy it and remember the man who's skills, smile and laughter may have touched their lives came to fruition that afternoon. The prayer I had written was embossed on a thin layer of brass and bound to a granite boulder. It turned out beautifully.

Most importantly, though, were all those who came once again to honor Alvis. Friends, colleagues, his softball team and even one person who had not met him but had heard so many wonderful things about him came to pay tribute. Dr. William Neal, who spoke with tenderness of his relationship with Al and claiming him as one of his heroes; some of his softball team members shared stories of his love of the game and his medical skills being used on the fields and in the dugouts. Reverend Jack Swan, a previous board member at St. John's gave a benediction incorporating Al's character and life example with the Seasons of the chokecherry tree. My heart was warmed in recognizing how everyone there had been touched by him and their hearts were missing him, too. I will not forget this afternoon.

With a Thankful Heart

A Physician’s Prayer

Father, you granted me the opportunity to mend those who were broken,

To straighten and strengthen the framework of your creation.

You guided my hands, mind and heart

Permitting me the wisdom to apply stress where needed

or a soothing hand of reassurance.

You equipped me with knowledge to perform the tasks laid before me

Knowing that this gift was also from you.

You filled my life with treasures –

My family

My friends,

The medical and hospital staff,

And the Jackson Hole community.

Father, Thank you for allowing me to serve you here.

In loving remembrance of

Alvis R. Forbes, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon

November 29, 1950 – October 1, 2007

Enjoying dinner with family and friends.

Weed Whining....

2010-09-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

This has been an interesting summer for me....a very cool June and not spending enough time outside in my yard - which left me with a huge weed disaster and then a lot of traveling in July/August which contributed to my weed disaster - and the only real flower designing I was doing was at work. My garden is not flourishing as it should be. Maybe because it was so wet in June and then in July when I was just about to embark on several adventures the pump for the sprinkler system died and along with it several plants. Things started to recover when we lost power for a few hours due to a sun flare ( or something like that) which seems to have fried the circuit breaker to the greenhouse. The sprinkler problems always seemed to announce themselves on a Friday afternoon....thus leaving me to try and get all the gardens watered - not very successfully. I guess one could officially call this whining - sorry.:(

With Rain Comes.....

2010-06-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

How is it that it is June and I still have only two flower pots planted? Its called RAIN! It hasn't just sprinkled or been a refreshing shower - the kind that makes the air smell so wonderful - it has been down pour after down pour. Parts of my lower yard is over grown with tall grass - and the hillside is well - needing attention. I promise to try harder to brave the rain and get busy. The river is incredibly swollen creating a flotilla of huge trees, beaver dams and debris which seem to be in a race for the finish line. The reflection of the trees in the river form a blurred vision of what is real and what is mirrored. The water may soon be nipping at the top of our first series of stairs from the dock.

Today was beautiful. This white clouds leaving soft trails as they drifted eastward against a pale blue sky. The warm sun encouraged many to spend the day outside - taking walks and doing errands. I could see them from inside my windows while I was working. If I have to work on a sunlit Saturday at least I am still playing with flowers and getting my hands in the dirt! I did work on several different arrangements and was honored to pull together corsages, boutonnieres and a small little posy for a 7 year old flower girl. (The couple is getting married tomorrow - it is both their second marriage -but God's blessing - they are marrying each other again!) Although they just came in today to request flowers, I was excited to have the chance to help with their simple requests. It was also a day filled with sorrow for many. We had done flower arrangements for four different families and each had lost someone much too early in their life. The love the community felt for these men and women was clearly evident - an abundance of sweet fragrances as tributes to their memories.

Yet, with all the cleansing rain, the flowers are still trying to bloom - although they may not stand as tall or be as big - they are persevering. During the past month I have had several days that filled me again with how much I miss being a wife to Alvis and our lives together and how alone I feel; and yet God has called me to be here and when I don't feel like standing tall, He will be here to help me persevere and He is my cleansing rain.

Glimpses of Memorial Weekend

2010-06-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning, after planting my tomatoes and peppers which had been dutifully waiting to placed in the ground, I headed north to visit Forrest and Amy and the kiddos.

I stopped along the way at the Willamette National Cemetery to spend some time at Al's gravesite. The stars and stripes were billowing over each grave and lining the roadways. So many times in the news lately, we hear of those who are citizens of our great country but can only find words to condemn it. Yet the flags still wave gently for a country created to defend our freedoms -

Fun with Ephraim and Selah!

At the Children's Museum on Tuesday - the fireman and reading in Papa Bear's chair

Smiling at Mama

Christina's trick birthday! (candles that is!) We were able to share in Christina's 21st Birthday on Monday evening.

For Ryan and Emily

2010-05-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a wonderful visit with Ryan and Emily and heard about their recent travels to Croatia. I could still hear their enthusiasm even after being back for a few days! They both have incredible pictures. It makes me want to jump over the "pond" and see it first hand.

Ryan asked me if the lilacs were blooming in our yard - which of course they are (but are a little battered by several downpours and windy days) - these photos are mostly for them....

The front yard in bloom.....

Dogwood, lilac and weiglea

Columbine

Poppies and Iris

Nothing Better than Family

2010-05-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

The past month has been really busy for me with wonderful trips to see my daughter, Colleen and her family in Wyoming, working a lot (Proms, graduations and Mother's Day) and a quick trip up to see Amy and her family for Mother's Day and Selah's dedication.

Michelle surprised me with flowers when I returned from Jackson (so I wouldn't be doing my own at work:) ) and Ryan sent me flowers this week on my day off. How fun to still receive flowers from my wonderful family - especially when they made sure I wouldn't be working!

Some little memories from my travels....

Simple joy, simple toys......bubbles!

Selah's dedication... Praising God for His faithfulness.

Raina - getting more expressive all the time...

Sadie enjoying one of her favorite things....yogurt!

Can a little girl really have too many sunglasses?

Today

2010-04-14T14:58:00.001-07:00

Left over flowers - Yeah!

Today I played around with flowers again - using the tulips that had been in the small vases and recombining them into two other vases. Using the same design idea but different containers gives the flowers different moods...well a little anyway and where I placed them in our home.

This one is on my kitchen table. The sun was shining for awhile yesterday and I love how it danced among the flowers.

A second grouping of tulips in the dining room. It would look better with out the table cloth on the table but that would have required more effort!

And then sometimes I just want to gather some flowers and just put them in the vase and let them figure it out! The carnations were from the previous evening combined with blue bell flowers that are now blooming outside my kitchen window.

It has been a fun couple of days playing around with flowers - choosing how to use them and not stressing a little if the customer is going to like them!

Realizing that it is still snowing in Wyoming and Idaho - Spring will come - but maybe a bunch of tulips from the store will help tie you over!

Yesterday

2010-04-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

I have had the privilege of working along side several great people in a ministry called GriefShare. Last fall I was invited to be a part of the leadership team -which was really God telling both Bonnie and Anne (leaders who have been in this ministry for 17 and 8 years respectively) and me that I should invest myself in this ministry. Last night we concluded a 13 week series and wanting to do something special - so we orchestrated a pot luck dinner, the video, sharing memories, music and a message from one of the pastors.

I was asked to help decorate the tables with flowers - simple but Spring-like.

Six tables and a buffet table....At first I was going to use the daffodils in my yard but they were starting to fade so I chose tulips.

Last summer when my nephew was getting married we used little carafes filled with daisies as centerpieces at the rehearsal dinner. They would be great for this gathering, too. Using two tulips in each of the jars was just enough for the small tables. For the buffet table, using a clear round vase, I filled it with 20 plus tulips, a little bear grass and just let them fall gracefully to the sides. A trick I learned in one of my floral books (I love perusing these at book stores and even purchasing a few) is to gather all your tulips in one hand, cutting the bottoms so they are the same length and then with your other hand, twisting the lower part of the stems while holding the top of the stems stable - giving the stems interest in the vase and also providing stability for arrangement. Set them into your vase and let them decide where they land. You don't want to have your stems too long or they won't fill out the center of the arrangement. We presented Anne with this arrangement as she is taking some time away to help at a summer camp with her grandsons.

A single carnation with a loved one's name tied with ribbon.

It was an evening filled with emotions - of love and memories and pain - yet in remembering clinging to our God of hope - that someday with Him we will be joined together filled with His love and only joy!

Mixed Blessings

2010-04-12T09:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I actually was able to work outside a little. It had stopped raining (Saturday was nice too, but I was busy at the flower shoppe) and I had made a mental list of what I needed to accomplish....
mow the lawn, check
spray for moss in the lawn, check
cut back dead branches from winter,check minus (I found several dead bushes along with bushes with last years growth that needed to be pruned but I didn't get finished)
spray dormant spray on the nectarine tree, check
spray the walkways, check - because Michelle came out and helped me! There are literally thousands of little maple trees trying to take over everywhere.

Michelle and I were feeling like we had done pretty well on our list and finished about 5:30 - she headed off to youth group and I stayed out for a little longer. My right index finger appears to be stained permanently brown - because of course as I was finished mowing the lawn I reached down to pull a few weeds and not having my gloves on I soon was a muddy mess! Combine mud with mixing Roundup or dormant spray and I am really stained! Even clorox and the "orange" scrub didn't get it all off!

To top things off - after I showered it started raining outside - so who knows if all the spraying we did will even work!

Garden Score
Weeds 1 Me 1-1/2 (maybe!)

Saturday was a busy day for the flower shoppe! Well at least for me it was. Erma said she has been typically doing about 14 arrangements in a day the last week or so - now remember she also does all the ordering and book keeping and "paper work" during the day also, so 14 is certainly not the most she has done or could do in a day. Well on Saturday I did 12!!! which also included delivering half of those arrangements! It was busy for me but I loved it.

The last arrangement was for a wife in town who's husband is serving in Iraq! He called from Iraq! Normally by the late afternoon we don't accept orders for delivery the same day but how could I refuse him? Karen was out doing our last delivery at that time so I said I would deliver it on my way home. Their home wasn't too far away, anyway.

I started with pink snapdragons and peach roses and added pink alstromeria, white daisies, pink and white calla lilies and pale blue freesia and green viburnum topping it off with a little pink wax flower. It was such a great way to finish my day.

I remember fondly when Al sent me roses for my birthday when he was in Afghanistan and again in the summer when he was in Iraq. I was and still am so touched by his thoughtfulness when he was there supporting our troops, in a hot desert and living in a sandy tent that he would think of me and how I love flowers! My heart is full with memories of Al - the best part of me.

I am so thankful that I was able to do this for this soldier - to share in his love story for his wife.

Blooming Families

2010-03-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Just a few photos of my grandchildren.....could they be any cuter!

Little Blessings

2010-03-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

Life has been been pretty busy lately - with the blessings of two beautiful granddaughters and the opportunities to be there for both of their arrivals. Precious Raina Abigail arrived March 2 and sweet Selah Ruth arrived March 16! They are both healthy and doing well. Of course each mama would love for them to sleep more -especially in their own cradles - but I feel they both know a great mom when they see one and plan to take full advantage of being sweet and soft and smelling wonderfully brand new! Being Nana now to 5 little ones is simply put - amazing. Each of these munchkins can melt my heart at a moments notice. Watching my daughters and their husbands nurture and guide their little ones floods my heart with memories and thankfulness for who they have become as adults.

Selah Ruth

Raina Abigail

So, I have been wonderfully pre-occupied with grandchildren and have neglected to create anything new with flowers for a while (except at work, of course) until my sister, Cathy sent me a treasure for my birthday. A treasure she found in a thrift store, I think she said. Anyway, I promised her I would make an arrangement in my stately new pitcher! The scene on the pitcher is all flowers - what I believe to be dahlias, asters or gerbera daisies. I chose to include gerbera daisies, pink lily, alstomeria and a ti leaf and bear grass for accent. Next time I may choose to have some of the flowers and greenery fall gently over the sides - we'll see. But I do love my pitcher and thank you, Cathy for your sweet gift.

Let the Games Begin!

2010-02-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

Well ok, not the Olympic games but the games in my gardens! We have had days and days of rain but today it actually stopped and I had the opportunity to spend a few hours outside pruning and cleaning up after winter. Three wheelbarrows later numerous thorn pricks and one blister, I only had one part of the front gardens done. Either I am really getting slower or the task is bigger than I imagine. It did feel good to be outside and doing something in the gardens - even if it was cleaning up. I love the smell of dirt!

As I traveled down the hill of our property to empty the wheelbarrows, I was again amazed at the hundreds and hundreds of daffodils already blooming. It is a river of yellow and white cascading down the hills in the front yard and the back. I know it is much earlier this year but it is glorious and I am again thankful that the previous owners worked so hard to plant all these bulbs.

Last summer Michelle and I dug up hundreds of bulbs to make room for the stairs that were to be put in (another story). Well, we obviously missed a lot as the entire spot we thought we had gleaned is covered in a sea of yellow! Things could be worse :)

Here is to Spring and the games in my gardens - today - Weeds 0, me 1 !!!!!

Roses, Roses and More Roses!

2010-02-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

So many roses! Valentine's Day is the busiest day of the year (well it runs close with Mother's Day) in a floral shop. I have been told several times how the floral business has really suffered with the economy - arranged flowers are really a luxury for many, but I lost track of how many rose arrangements I made over a three day period. As Valentine's was on a Sunday, the holiday stretched out over several days for us at the flower shoppe. I enjoyed the different personalities of the guys that came in .... some you knew felt so out of place and thought if they just stared into our cooler of fresh flowers and arrangements, the right one or idea would come to them! One fellow called and as we visited he asked "so what do they want, anyway?" I thought, oh brother, this poor guy maybe should have discovered a little about his girlfriend before this. I suggested tulips and lilies and of course roses and he really just wanted to do what was "right," which I guess meant an arrangement of a dozen long stemmed roses! Did he realize how much that was going to be?

But then there was the elderly gentleman, who's hands trembled from Parkinson's who truly did want a bouquet of long stemmed red roses for his sweet wife of 60+ years, professing his love for his beloved with simply loving her now and always. The true sweetness and portrayal of his love was so apparent,yet even while his wife suffers from Alzheimer's and has not recognized him for quite some time, how important it was for both of them that she have flowers. His demonstration of love and faithfulness filled my heart and my eyes with tears.

There were the little ones who came in with their dads to surprise Mom. Eyes glittering with the anticipation of doing something special for mom. They would share all the secrets they had planned - it was going to be hard to wait until Sunday for these munchkins.

I have often felt that guys really got stuck doing something that Hallmark and society told them they should do but as I watched and listened to countless stories of love and hopeful love I may have changed my mind ... isn't it good for us to stop and really say I love you; for us to think ahead and plan on how to shower one with either a single flower or 60 roses; to chose to do something for someone we care about even if we think the holiday is contrived. It didn't have to be flowers or candy - but something done or said that illustrated we really do love them and are putting our loved ones before ourselves.

Recognizing we should be doing this everyday, yet still setting apart one day to show our love for each other maybe isn't such a bad thing after all. It may be just what is needed for the one giving or the one receiving.

Acknowledging God's love for me and that it freely given everyday - is a gentle reminder of how I am to love Him and others everyday, too.

My Blessings

2010-01-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks have been busy. Hosting bon voyage parties for Emily and Ryan, seeing Amy's volleyball team be inducted into George Fox's Hall of Fame ( I am sure Al was grinning his big smile) and traveling to Forrest and Amy's to help prepare Ephraim's and the new baby's rooms for their new arrival. It is good to be busy.

I titled my blog Blossoms and Blessings because I was starting a new adventure with flowers and because I really wanted to be aware of the blessings God provides me daily. Being busy is a blessing - especially when I am able to serve others. I am thankful that my daughter requested some help readying their little ones rooms - it was good to be with them and work along side each other and thoroughly enjoy the wonder of Ephraim as he "helped" us. God certainly has covered my life with blessings with each of my children.

As I read Colleen's message on her blog, regarding Erik's trip to Kenya, I am in awe of their faithfulness to God's direction in their lives. I have so much to learn from them as I venture on my path. Learning and leaning on the faithfulness of my Father.

Michelle continues to warm my heart with her unselfish desire to reach out to young people and opening her heart to the young girls in the youth group that they too may be filled with Christ's love to truly know and follow Him. Listening to her tender voice sing God's praises is soothing to my soul and fills me with His contentment.

Ryan, even though thousands of miles away, I feel his love for his family through his voice during our phone calls. I miss him very much and yet how wonderful to hear his voice and know of his adventures and when I figure out Skype - to see his smiling face! The blessing of technology!

Each continues to bless me and shows me through their lives how I should be a blessing to them and to others.

The past few weeks at work have been filled with the opportunity to create a lot of floral bouquets...all with different reasons.
Twin bouquets for a new brother and sister duet, lots of corsages and boutonnieres for young, excited teens heading to their first dances, graceful roses for birthdays and just because, but also for so many families who have lost a loved one - some who have lived a long life - yet still so hard to say good-bye and some so very young and so unexpected. Each time I am asked to make a floral arrangement for these families, I am reminded of all the love that was bestowed on us when Alvis died so suddenly. I am trying to be so careful and thoughtful to these families, and my desire is to offer each of them a prayer for comfort as they travel this unknowing road. I pray that I will be a blessing to them.

Letting go

2010-01-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

In a few days, Ryan will be heading off to Germany for his new job and new adventures - 13 months. I am trying hard to be uplifting and excited for he and Emily. There is a part of me that is excited for them -remembering all the trips Al and I made together and the wonderful history you felt you were almost stepping back into. It is hard to really believe that there can be cities as old as they are, buildings in their magnificent architectural splendor mixed with families simply living every day as we do. I know they will do well exploring and soaking in the culture yet I would be in denial if I didn't acknowledge how much I already miss them and the opportunities to interact with them daily.

There has never been a job I enjoyed more than being a wife and mother and even though we raised our children to be confident adults, letting go is never easy for me. Auf Wiedersehen!

Christmas Wonder

2010-01-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

So I have been a little preoccupied with flowers at the flower shop this holiday season. But I was determined to have some fresh flowers in the house before my family arrived - well at least before Christmas dinner! Our home was filled with the voices and song of all our children and grandchildren, my father and my sister, Peg and her family. Wow! It was wonderful. So much wrapping paper and Poteca (our traditional Christmas morning bread - my daughters actually made three while I was at work on Christmas eve!) and hot chocolate!

Watching little ones open gifts and simply being together was perfect for me. My dad said several times how it was a little like heaven to be surrounded by family. I look forward to the time when we will be together in Heaven as family.

There were a few special memories made - Ryan arranging a guided tour of antique cars owned by the Austins (owners of the Allison Inn) for his Grandpa. We would catch my Dad reminiscing during the next few days about the experience. Amy getting bonked by her son and his new plastic bat as soon as it was out of the wrapper (totally an accident) - he has quite a swing for a 19 month old, little girls twirling in their delightful tutus made by Alie and of course the second swan dives into the Willamette by members of my family. Ryan pulled a fast one - leading them to believe he had acquiesced but he fooled us all!

Another first - not having roast turkey for dinner - instead we had a pork loin roast stuffed with apricots and prunes along with some of our family's favorite traditions: Broccoli Puff and Sweet Potato casserole. We turned into the stuffed pigs.

We did have flowers for the table though - simple cubes with a few roses and Christmas greens and ribbon - a Christmas gift, sort of.

Enough about flowers - my family is the most important part of my life. Thank you all for being here. I love you.

An Unruly Choir!

2009-11-30T15:41:00.000-08:00

While I was visiting my Dad, I wanted to do something with flowers for him. He has wonderful "Birds of Paradise" blooming in his yard and a variety of berries or blossoms on his palm trees - so my plan was to create something contemporary and whimsical.
Well the only vase Dad had which was tall enough was a beautiful cut glass piece but it was an oval shape which soon became my nemesis!

Collecting the "birds" was not a problem but gathering the berries from the palm trees was -to say the least - ridiculous! I never knew that the palm fronds had short spiky thorns that were really sharp and trying to stay on the ladder and saw through the stem was not an easy task! My sister, Cathy, was great at encouraging and steadying the ladder and keeping me laughing.

We nicknamed the flowers, "The unruly choir" because they really didn't work well in the shape of vase I had and continued to move around no matter how many leaves I tried to stuff in.....

So in this picture I really do think they are laughing at me and singing their own version of "I'll do it my way!"

Giving Thanks

2009-11-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

This past week has been a very busy one for me. To begin, just before I embarked on a little trip to see my Dad and two of my sisters in sunny and warm San Diego - I was offered a part time job in a flower and gift shop in Newberg. It has been delightful and scary at the same time. I love arranging the flowers and having so many options to choose from but also scary when I think that I am using someone else's money to make an arrangement and it needs to say "professional and beautiful" at the same time.

I am learning a lot quickly on managing flowers - keeping them fresh and marketable, having bouquets and arrangements ready for customers to walk and pick or helping people choose something - for their table or as a gift.

Yet even though my feet and legs are definitely tired - I am so thankful for the opportunity and for the blessings I have received from the women that I get to work with - they are both fun and encouraging.

Thanksgiving was bittersweet - waking and feeling very lost without Al, yet I enjoyed my day together with Michelle, my niece, Paige and Ryan (who was working until 6:30). Another college friend joined us for dinner, too. Not having dinner until later, gave me plenty of time to prepare and still help with the 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle! God continues to show me blessings in little ways - for which I am truly thankful.

Amy, Forrest and Ephraim joined us for part of the weekend which was of course - Wonderful! Ephraim is so much fun - playing soccer and baseball in the living room - how many 19 month olds do you know that understands running the bases and kicking!
Time with him are treasured memories.

Sunday was Alvis' birthday and God blessed us with a gorgeous sunny afternoon. We visited the cemetery and shared memories and watched Ephraim run in the grass. It was wonderful to be together and just think of Al and the role he played in each of our lives. I am grateful to my children for allowing me to spend time with them and their Dad.

I know your day was glorious, Sunshine. I miss you and dream of the time we will be together again.

Practicing

2009-10-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was blessed to receive a request for an interview at one of Newberg's flower shops. It will be tomorrow morning- I am already a little nervous- but also excited for the opportunity. So I headed to the store and purchased a couple bunches of flowers to practice, practice, practice! I made a small corsage - nothing too fancy - I wanted to practice wiring and taping flowers. I also made one larger bouquet - to be viewed from the front and a small bud vase design. The pictures aren't the best but I think the flowers turned out ok. I will have to do a design for Erma tomorrow so I needed to put in some time ..... thinking about the vase, style and shape. I would like to do one more hand tied bouquet before tomorrow! I do love playing with flowers and actually I like the bud vase design - I tied the flowers together with some bear grass, letting the ends act as a ribbon. Ok................ well we'll just wait and see!

Collections

2009-10-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is all about the container. I have always loved pitchers. I am not sure why but I love the fact that they can exude a warm country feeling or elegance to a table setting. Collecting started with a wedding gift from my college roommate - a beautiful cut crystal pitcher that was so elegant to me - something I would have liked to display in our "married student housing" bungalow but it was really much too regal and we had absolutely no place to put it. Thus, it stayed in a box with a lot of other pretties until we had a home of our own. While living in Germany, we travelled to many wonderful towns and cities and I collected a few more - a favorite blue pottery piece from Southern France and of course another crystal piece from Germany near the Polish border. Al enjoyed gathering beer steins so we have a few of those on shelves also.

Part of my fascination with pitchers is that they are not required to hold a beverage - although I use them almost daily for that but because I can envision them clustered together on a shelf or most often filled with flowers - either with a whimsical display of dancing daisies or overflowing with tulips bending in all directions. They are uniquely beautiful in their design and as with many flower arrangements - will help set the mood of an arrangement.

This weekend I chose one of my daughter's pitchers - a milky white round bellied type - and filled it with a gathered arrangement again from the yard. Who knew that I would still be able to play with flowers from outside my door in October? I have learned that the graceful blossoms outside my bedroom door are Japanese Anemone (so of course I bought a few more plants to scatter near our new retaining wall). Along with the anemone, I included a few hydrangeas, dahlias and tendrils of jasmine. It looks very similar to the flowers I did a few weeks ago - but is much more relaxed - a gathered bouquet.

I should be outside taking care of a new crop of weeds but it is fall and shouldn't they be hibernating now? Instead of being annoyed with weeds completely this time, I find myself enjoying the dried varieties and think they will look nice in a "fall" arrangement. Who would have thought with all my complaining about weeds that I would now consider them a blessing!

Remembering

2009-10-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 1, marked two years that my Sunshine left this world to join our heavenly Father. I still wake up and reach for his pillow - dreaming that somehow I could be wrong and he will come home today. But he is home. I wonder how could these days have all passed. I wonder how it is that I am still here - isn't it time for us all to go home?

Every day - several times a day - I still wish my life was different and that I was sharing and planning dreams with Al - yet with each day I am trying to cling more to God and to His promise that He has dreams for me still. I wonder if I am missing what they are because I long for the moments that Al and I would think and talk about our plans for the future. Listening for God's voice to direct me yet still wondering how this could be.

There certainly have been blessings this year - my family and of course the joy of little grandchildren, and meeting new friends with hearts full of compassion and understanding and old friends that continue to pray and check on me. I am blessed to have all of these people in my life.

Our family, missing Colleen, spent the day together - holding on to memories of things we knew Al would have enjoyed. We went to the beach together and God blessed us with a beautifully warm sun filled day - we attempted to fly a kite, played frisbee, chased Ephraim away from the water and had a great lunch at Mo's. Later at home, we took a brief ride on the river - Ryan and Emily braving the cold water to wakeboard followed by a simple meal of tacos - one of Al's favorites. I felt that Al would have been happy knowing his family was out doing things together as he would have loved to do. I felt we should be celebrating Al's life with us and holding tight to our memories of him and making some new memories, too.

Alvis left me with his incredible example to follow. He treated everyone with respect and dignity and thoughtful consideration. He had a contagious laugh and enthusiasm for learning new things. As I tread softly through my life now, I hold these attributes close to my heart remembering Al and to live as Christ would have me live.

Over again...

2009-09-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

The calendar says it is fall and today the sun is brilliant but there is definitely a change coming - it is no longer the soft warm breezes of summer but the brisk winds of the northeast that are threatening to call an end (hopefully temporarily) to summer's warm days. The cooler evenings are bringing changes to my garden as well. The hydrangeas bright blues are now subdued greens and lavenders and many leaves are dressing themselves in golds and reds.

My last arrangement had a few hydrangea blossoms and as they dry so wonderfully on their own - I saved them to use again - adding some of my favorite roses from the yard. They are a soft delicate white with very tender pink undertones. I love how the delicateness of each flower compliments the other.

Some may call this recycling but I am choosing to call it re-using.:)

More than a blessing...

2009-09-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

What could be better than playing trucks with your grandson? Well maybe having Elisa and Sadie here, too. Now that would be terrific.

Sunflowers and Herbs!

2009-09-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

I have this crazy part of our gardens that is full of miniature sunflowers that dance atop 10' spires! I really did try to keep them tied up this year but they have still found a way to flop over and fill the pathway! I love them anyway. They remind of a daisy in their delicate petals (daisies are a favorite of mine) but they are so tall. I found a few black eyed susans to fill in and give some more interest.

I also have a wonderful herb garden outside of the kitchen - so I cut some of the sage, rosemary and thyme to use for greens - plus it smells heavenly - I often wonder how wonderful flowers must smell in heaven - I bet even daisies will smell sweet!

Needless to say, this arrangement is in my kitchen. I tied the stems together before placing it in the vase. I love how it looks just like a handful of gathered flowers - right from the garden!

From the Garden!

2009-09-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to try and do a large arrangement with all kinds of flowers - the problem lies with having blooms that are tall enough and sturdy enough and still from my garden (the most inexpensive kind!) to create such an arrangement. I spent some time wandering through the paths of my garden and decided that a shorter but full arrangement would be a better choice. I chose pinks, purples and whites and added some great greenery and "feathery" branches - I love these tall slender branches that are adorned with a tender variegated leaf and now are bursting with delicate little flowers. I collected an assortment of blossoms and started cleaning the stems and soaking them in water.

Next - choosing a vase - why is this so difficult for me? I chose to use "oasis" this time - for the practice - and finally decided on an oblong crystal bowl. Al and I had picked it up at a "seconds" shop in Germany when we lived there.

After about an hour and a half and a few more trips to the garden - I finished it! Some of the flowers should have been picked a few days earlier so they would last longer in my bouquet but overall I think it turned out ok. Included were pink rose buds, dahlias, hydrangeas, white roses, a pink flower that I have no idea what it is, sedum and blue astilbe.

Directions

2009-08-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

Following the road God has planned for me has taken a direction I never imagined - I thought somehow my life would continue on the path forever - at least until Al and I were very old and we would join each other in Heaven after we had spent many more years happily here on earth. But my plan was not God's plan.

These gladiolas remind me of that - the yellow ones so bright and standing upright - heading in the right direction. The glorious fuchsia colored one I found lying on the ground bending in three directions yet still determined to bloom. Is this what God wants from me? Even when I am down, I must continue with His plan for me with determination and "bloom where I am planted!"

I couldn't leave the fuchsia blossom outside - it couldn't stand up - so bringing it in to join the others and letting it bend in all directions makes me smile when I walk past it.

I am pretending that this is a very contemporary design making its own statement!

A Little More Practice

2009-08-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Summer is quickly drawing to a close - or at least the calendar says so. I know that the flowers will soon be giving way to frosty mornings so I am determined to keep practicing - these are lavender and ivory calla lilies and pale pink roses from the yard. I should have photographed them right away as the roses appear they may shatter at any moment. The calla lilies will last a very long time, though. Another blessing - my gardens so full of different flowers to play with.

True Blessings

2009-08-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

This past week started out with a few challenges - trying to get the camper out of the garage to check out what was broken, trying to find someone who could repair it before the weekend and organizing part of the garage. I did manage to move the camper out and discover the problem but was unable to find a repair shop that could even look at it let alone repair it for another two weeks. That was a challenge yet I know that Amy, Forrest and Ephraim had a great time camping using their tent and Ephraim slept for 12 hours one night! Thus the blessing!

Onto organizing the garage - so once I had the trailer back in the garage and because I had previously moved "stuff" around, I decided to try and put some order to the shelves. Well things were going ok, until the shelf fell down on me and the two coolers (which have sat peacefully up there for over a year) collapsed and landed on me. I said (to myself) "Alright then, I will clean this up a little and head to Home Depot to buy a shelf that I know will not fall from the wall." The blessing was that I really did want to put up some more shelves in that spot so now I had the opportunity and the bruises on my arms are only slightly greenish blue now.

I still tried not to be upset - although I did wonder why these things happen when I am only trying to take care of our house and "stuff".

The last calamity of the day was moving a simple box of boots over to a corner in the garage but alas I bumped a small wooden collapsible table which then fell against my shin and made a nice carving on my leg down to my ankle. This time I did not hold it together and cried out why am I having such a day when I only want to take care of things. I was upset with Al because he was gone and not here to help me and upset with God because Al was with Him.

Now really if Al had the day to spend with Jesus over helping me in the garage --how could I really be mad at him? Somedays I feel that I can still hardly breathe yet those days I know that Jesus is somehow holding me up a little more.

Nothing really awful happened to me - I survived the crashing coolers and tables and was able to laugh a little about it the following day (after my pity party!) But the real blessing that afternoon was spending time with Ryan at the nursery and Home Depot and having my neighbor bring over the most gorgeous star gazing lilies from their farm. They truly are the biggest blossoms I have ever seen. They were so beautiful I didn't even want to try and rearrange them. Thank you Daisy.

Thank you, Jesus, for providing the moments in my life so I will stop and recognize your blessings.

Old Fashioned Lace

2009-08-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking of doing something with these blossoms from my yard for several days. Both the allium and the Queen Anne's Lace remind me of an old fashioned garden. They both appear very delicate - yet the allium (a part of the garlic family!) is quite durable - I can play with the blossoms in my hand and they don't fall apart. I know the Lace is more delicate but I love the airy feeling it creates. I added the two lilies for a second focal point at the base of the arrangement. I set the flowers in my dining room and it looked more formal and then in my kitchen where it took on a more whimsical tone. I think I like it in the kitchen - the red vase on the dark green counters with the cherry wood in the background helped the arrangement standout.

I am so thankful for the abundance of flowers in my yard to fiddle with and especially to our Creator who designed so many wonderful patterns, colors and shapes of flowers for us all to enjoy.

Lilies, Lilies and More Lilies

2009-07-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Day lilies just make me smile. Their bright sunny colors and soft blended pinks are popping up all over my yard. Today I even have a few star gazing lilies opening up.

With the day lilies, I actually took a leaf from the calla lilies and lined the vase with it. Hopefully it won't let the water get too murky - I think it adds a neat touch to an ordinary vase. What do you think!

Summer's Simple Elegance

2009-07-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

I can't think of another flower that is more elegant than a calla lily. Alfred and Bailey's wedding flowers abounded with calla lilies, hydrangeas and roses. They were all beautiful. Simple in their singular beauty yet we can see God's delicate hand as He created each blossom.

Today it is really warm out and I have had enough weed pulling for a few days and I really wanted to try and do something different with the lilies in my yard. Calla lilies are so striking whether alone or in a bouquet. In my arrangement I place three lilies in a narrow rectangular vase filled with glass beads. If I had had a "frog" it might have made it easier to get them to stand up! This is a more contemporary design for me - but I do really like it.

July in Jackson Hole

2009-07-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

We have returned from Jackson Hole. Each day has been filled with memories. My kids - daughters, grandchildren and sons in law - really helped me pull things together so the yard would look beautiful for the rehearsal dinner. We did a lot of weeding, spread nearly 50 bags of bark, and even planted a few flower pots. I wish I had taken a picture of the gazebo, island and the lawn. I think it looked wonderful. (Thank you Forrest and the gang for spreading all that bark and fixing the waterfall!) Ryan once again made the yard look picture perfect with all the pruning and mowing.

Somehow in the midst of working we did manage to have a few moments for play, too. I loved being outside with the little ones playing on the swings and in the wagon - begging to go higher or faster. I loved being with my sisters all in one place - although our time always seems too short and hurried. I truly think a trip for ourselves is in order.

I know I didn't sit still very well in Jackson - to let myself be quiet allowed my heart and head race of how things should be - with Al in the midst of the craziness and taking care of all the little things. I am so thankful for my family who helped me complete all the tasks I had given myself so we would be ready for Alfred and Bailey's beautiful wedding. There was a huge part of me that was doing this for Alvis. I know that he would have been working like crazy had he been there and I wanted to make him happy. Kind of silly knowing that he is walking in God's most glorious gardens everyday - but hopefully we made his blue eyes sparkle.

Thank you all very much.

Jackson Hole Wedding!

2009-06-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

It is so nice to be in Jackson with my daughters and beautiful granddaughters. The days are warm and sun filled and the sky is a bright blue with a few feathery clouds floating by. I have enjoyed being outside working in the yard and gardens to spruce them up before the rehearsal dinner. It is almost here Bailey and Alfred! I am so excited to see all of our family in one place again.

These are a sampling of some of the flowers I have done this past spring that are a bit more formal. The boutonniere is from Ryan's Spring formal and the bouquets were from my advanced class this spring. I am looking forward to lending a hand for Bailey and her bridesmaids.

Wedding Flowers

2009-06-29T13:38:00.001-07:00

Spring Formal Flowers

2009-06-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Yellow, blue and white are some of my favorite colors - especially in flowers. Each of the colors seem to pop and say "smile!"

Sweet Emily

2009-06-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Emily gathered these bright ruffled poppies and wheat shafts from the side of the road on her way home from work. I love their cheery faces and how they brighten any table - indoors or out! Playing with flowers and learning to be creative with arrangements - arranging and rearranging until I am content with their display - is becoming very important to me.

Simple Beauty

2009-06-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

I love being able to step out into my yard and find wonderful flowers to create bouquets with and bring inside. These roses are simply garden roses - not the long stemmed variety we find at the grocery store and market but oh so fragrant! I gathered them together with some leaves from what I believe is a type of bamboo plant to make a hand tied bouquet. I am excited to actually use the information I received in my classes.

New Beginnings

2009-06-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

My life seems to be full of new beginnings. Loving flowers is not new - but stepping out to be creative with flowers and sharing it with others is new. I do hope that I will be able to reach out and meet new friends and shower their special events with beautiful flowers. Watch as I learn how to maneuver a blog (something new) and a business.