Don't Dehydrate

As the younger brother to two older sisters, it is typical to be surrounded by and participate in the “girl”side of childhood. Dolls, dress up and princess movies are par for the course. In our house the girls were quite taken with Polly Pocket and the first movie was on regular rotation through the DVD player. Little brother was captivated by the movie, also.

Polly and her friends are on the cutting edge of fashion and quite aware of the latest beauty tips which are shared liberally throughout the show.

During a last minute flight to a private island, Polly, hostess extraordinaire, provided her guests with a satchel filled with “everything a girl needs for the lengthy overseas plane ride: flavored lip gloss, ionized face mister, bottled water and moisturizer. Everyone who’s anyone knows the #1 rule of flying…”

My boy would join enthusiastically in chorus with Polly’s friends “Don’t dehydrate!”

To continue reading, please join me at UYM.

Your Walk Talks

Jon Glock, currently Vice President for Advancement at Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa, then a Youth Ministries Worker in Murfreesboro, Tennessee came to our youth retreat as the guest speaker. His passion for youth and his captivating preaching style had our attention from the get-go. He spoke with a bit of a southern drawl and one of his phrases has stuck with me over the last 17 or so years. 

Your walk talks and your talk talks but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” (try saying that 10x fast!)

It can be a tongue twister for sure but don’t let the truth of it get twisted in your mind. I am sure you have heard another version of this truth. “Your actions speak louder than your words.” 

What you do matters.

To keep reading, join me over here.

A Bugs Life

Remember that moment in Pixar’s, A Bug’s Life, when Heimlich transforms into the beautiful butterfly, but he doesn’t?

I admit that in that moment I felt let down. 

The overweight, unrefined caterpillar was supposed to emerge from the cocoon as a majestic, distinguished, exquisite creature. Instead he was the same old, same old with some minuscule winglets popped out for good measure. He enthusiastically embraced his new life as a butterfly but there really wasn’t much of a change to celebrate.

You can continue reading here.

HIS

I am a photographer and scrap booker. 
A writer. 
A baker.  

But I am not a crafty person. 

At all. 

I try. And fail. 

I want to be crafty but rarely do my attempts turn out pretty or even useful. My sister is a creator. She has done it all in the crafting department, it seems, and everything she puts her hands to is beautiful work. Ceramics, toile painting, upholstery, stained glass, pottery. She finds beautiful craft ideas and just does them. 

I am envious of people who can create naturally because I just can’t.

Please join me at Uniquely Yours Ministries to continue reading.

New Journey

SO, I have been feeling for quite some time, that I am not quite fulfilling my commitment as a blogger.

I have so many things to share.

photos......thoughts......encouragements.....speaking notes.....my thankfulness list....

and yet, I am not that great at the discipline side of blogging.

The just doing it.

I prayed about this and made lists and then a lovely young woman asked me to pray about joining her new ministry as a regular blogger.

To be honest, I didn't have to pray long to be able to confidently answer YES! This is the discipline I need - the accountability to write regularly.

I am excited to join the Uniquely Yours Ministry team for a season of sharing my heart.

I hope you will join me in this journey.

WEEK TEN - SENSES

So, this weekend a couple of friends and I met halfway between our cities in a little town outside of Jackson, MI, at the Hankerd Inn B&B . This is one of those hidden treasures. This was a wonderful retreat and opportunity to work on my scrapbooks, on which I am VERY far behind. It was comfortable with a nice opportunity for rest. A time to laugh and reconnect.

The Innkeeper, Jan is so sweet and friendly. She is a very talented cook and quilt artist.

What stood out the most was the incredible feast we enjoyed over the course of the weekend.

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Saturday Brunch

Artisan Bread

Saturday Dinner

Salad with a lovely vinaigrette dressing. 

Sunday Breakfast.

Food with ambiance.

I hope I didn't make you too hungry with my bragging about the food this weekend. The pictures cannot possibly do justice to the taste.

If you are looking for a lovely place for a getaway. I recommend checking out Hankard Inn B&B.

WEEK NINE - TIME

The beautifully restored mantel clock that sits on my piano. A gift from my uncle.