Love, Pure & Simple

What I've Learned: God Gives Us Teammates for a Reason.
This post is just a little thank you note, dear Reader, to the four wonderful families who took time out of their hectic lives last month to pose for portraits.  Pastor Jim spoke about overcoming the fear of failure at my church recently.  One of the points he made was that when we face a challenge that we fear is more than we can handle, we should ask God to give us teammates--people with whom we can share our burdens.

I needed more portrait practice before tackling my first wedding this fall, so I put out the word that I needed families to photograph.  These lovely families graciously agreed to get all gorgeous and put on their best smiles to help me out.  The results of those four shoots were nothing less than my best work to date. 

Who can resist that face?

The shoots went beautifully (whether we had rain or sunshine!) and after editing each batch, I excitedly presented the families with the best of their images.  Fortunately, all seemed to be as pleased with them as I was.  What a great opportunity to use my lens to show them how beautiful they are!   

A Life Lived for God

But the echoes of this experience didn't stop there.  This endeavor also blessed me with two renewed friendships and the forging of a third new acquaintance.  Have to admit, I'm amazed at the ways God works in all of our lives--the simple way he takes an act of kindness and turns it into a way to serve others while strengthening His kingdom.  He even made it possible for Brother & I to work together on this project and spend some quality time.  All that and I got to be creative too!  Just goes to show, God knows just what we need and exactly how to weave it all together.

A Girl & Her Horse

So, thank you, my dear friends for your kind generosity.  Thank you for sharing your families with me and for letting me capture a hint of who you are.  Thank you for cheering me on as I tackle the next challenge: a wonderful and love-filled wedding.  Your help has meant more than you know.

Say you are well, or all is well with you,
And God shall hear your words and make them true.
~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Today's Joy: A Quiet Evening at Home.
As my appointment book fills up with holiday-related engagements over the coming weeks, a quiet evening at home suddenly seems precious. So, Reader, here I am on the couch, enjoying the glow of the Christmas tree with a pleasantly full tummy. You'd never know it's bitterly cold outside my window. Tucked in safe & warm, I'm blissfully content and feeling very blessed.

When I think of all the things others are facing on this December night that (God willing) I will never have to, I'm deeply grateful for the life I've been given and the people I share it with. Am looking forward to praying tonight for those in need, those in pain and those who aren't as fortunate this holiday season. May God ease their burdens and dwell in their hearts during this blessed season.

I have found that if you love life, life will love you back. ~ Arthur Rubinstein

Quotes courtesy of the Quote Garden.

Soup Course, Thanksgiving Dinner, November 25th, 2010

Today's Joy: Thanksgiving Dinner with the Family.
Reader, I've been looking forward to this Thanksgiving holiday for weeks. A whole lot of planning & delegating resulted in the most relaxed Turkey Day ever. Every dish that came out of the kitchen was perfectly done & more delish than the last. Had a wonderful time visiting with everyone--I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. So many blessings to be thankful for!


Table Setting



Plate Of Joy
(clockwise from top: greenbean casserole, yukon gold mashed potatoes w/gravy, mussels, stuffing, oyster stuffing, scallop & shrimp scampi (center), cornbread & turkey)


Place Setting

Enjoying Old Photos

Buffet & Serving Pieces

Oblivious Bee

Today's Joy: The Summer of Fun.

With the yellow school bus beginning its neighborhood rounds this week and Aunt, a long-time English teacher, preparing her classroom for all the young minds she will welcome tomorrow, we are forced to conclude that our Summer Of Fun is drawing to a close. What a wonderful summer it has been, Reader! Horse shows and birthday parties and trail rides and visits to every plant nursery for miles around. All captured on film, of course.

My family members feel very well-documented this summer. Fortunately, my love of photography melds beautifully with my appreciation for all their antics. I am very grateful they have accepted the scrutiny of my camera so amiably. I suspect the goodwill will continue as long as the photos are flattering.

Still, the Summer Of Fun must now give way to the Fall Of Occupations. I'm not sad, though. There are still a few fabulous adventures to be had before the cold descends. In September, Aunt & her roadster pony will try their hand at Villa Louis, a big-league driving show held on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River. And I'm sure there will be plenty of local shenanigans too.

Alas, Summer, it is time to say goodbye! Thanks for the sweet corn and the flowers and the peaches and every green thing. Thanks for the warm afternoons and the breezy evenings. Thanks for the goldfinch and the humming bird that visited last week. And most of all, Thank You, God, for each blessing we enjoy. Amen.

Summer Sky, The Farm 2008.

Today's Joy: A Little Environmental Gratitude.

Can't help thinkin', Reader, as I'm driving past fragrant corn and soybean fields on my way home from work, how blessed we are to live in such a place. My commute to & from work is literally 25 minutes of meandering country back roads, surrounded by a few rolling hills, lots of picturesque farms and a smattering of woods here and there. Driving it never fails to improve my mood.

When my friend S-- was in town recently for a visit, I took her joy-riding to see some of my favorite wide open spaces. What she said about our northern Illinois countryside still sticks with me: "It's like living in a storybook."

Secretly, I've always thought so too. Life should imitate literature, playing out amidst proper woods filled with long-lived, scraggly oak trees--the sort that you'd find in a Washington Irving story. It should have a backdrop of orderly corn fields stretching away over low hills to meet the sunset. Life should also be full of gorgeous farmhouses, well-kept and cheerful--the pride of ancestral family properties--dotting the roadside. I suppose it's an overly-romantic viewpoint, but in my heart, it's true.

We may not have the hit-you-over-the-head sort of beauty you find at vacation spots, but there's something about daily life here in the countryside that becomes more and more pleasing to the soul the longer you're immersed in it. Winter, of course, is another matter. But for all the pleasantness of spring and fall and the thick humidity of summer, we are prepared to weather the windchill in January. It's the price you pay for residing in a setting fit for literature the rest of the year.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~ Thornton Wilder

Quote courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Some of my new notecard designs.

Today's Joy: The Finished Product.
Just finished the last of my new card designs for the show in a couple weeks. Reader, there are 20 in all, plus my original 8 Orchid notecard designs. Add to that the new bookmark designs that will also debut at the show and I'm feeling pretty darn good.

Love, love, LOVE these new cards! I saw the finished product and said a little prayer of thanks to God--they are better than I hoped for! Can think of at least a dozen people I want to send them to--but that would defeat the purpose of selling them, so for now, I will refrain. All in all, I'm feeling well-prepared and excited. After experiencing specialized show markets and the craft fair scene, I'm really interested to try my hand at the art fairs.

Just goes to show, Reader, you never know when that divine creative spark will lead you to something wonderful...

Lilies
Originally uploaded by Fresh Lens Photography

Today's Joy: More Good Stuff.
Happy Thursday, Reader. I had the day off and made good use of my time. Am now feeling very satisfied and ready to get back to work tomorrow. Am also feeling very blessed.

So here's a list of the blessings that I noted today:

• Kind and loving words from Aunt Chef.
• A nice conversation with Mom. And we made plans for the weekend.
• Finally got a chance to catch up with Aunt.
• Baked cookies today and got to share them--love to spread joy to tummies everywhere!
• A job well-done. For some reason, was particularly proud of my stall-cleaning effort this morning. It's nice to take pride in your work, however insignificant it might seem.
• Having some of Uncle & Aunt Chef's cottage bacon for breakfast--feel pretty darn blessed to be able to eat something they take such pride and ownership in.
• Lots of opportunities for extra income. Every bit helps!
• Just having another day on the Earth to make a difference!

What blessings did you notice today, Reader? If you didn't take the time to find some, do so now. Was there anything illuminating? Anything that just made you feel good? Did you do something that made someone else's day better? Did someone do that for you? Did God answer a prayer?

If you don't already, take a few moments each night before you close your eyes and think of three things that are good in your life. Go to sleep surrounded by a feeling of gratitude. You'll be surprised what it will do.

Today's Joy: First Day at My New Job.
Wow! What a great day, Reader! This comes to you a bit late, but when one's hands are full, one can't always post in a timely fashion. Never fear, you are never far from my mind as I go about my daily adventures. Can't wait to get to the laptop and share the good stuff with you!

My first day as a Data Entry Clerk for the local branch of an excellent health food store was amazing! I got right in there and learned a zillion new things. Was definitely challenged and stretched myself--which felt really good. Best first day I've had at a job in a very long time. There's a certain amount of fluidity in my position at this point. I can't wait to see how it will evolve. Devoured the entire procedure manual right after orientation and am now reading a memoir about the business, written by one of the founders, as well as a large book around which many of the company's core objectives are based. If information is power, I'm doing the mental equivalent of eating my Wheaties.

I took time today to thank God for this opportunity. He knew just where I needed to be and just what I need to be doing. Funny, how returning to the basics of faith can make such a difference in your life path. Is there something He's asking you to do, Reader? What's holding you back? What do you think might happen if you let go of your fears & objections to do what He's asking? Are you ready to step out in faith?

Aunt's incomparable Aurora Blue delphiniums.

Today's Joy: Those Things God Provides.
Uh-oh, Reader. Woke up this morning with all the classic symptoms of a UTI. I began to panic a tad when I thought about the bills coming due this week and now an added health expenditure. Opened my mouth to complain, but then remembered my week-long No Grumbling, No Complaining Challenge and held my tongue.

Aunt said,"Maybe it's a test." I suspected she was right, so instead of being afraid & whining about bad timing, I told God I knew he had this covered and I would wait for the solution to present itself. Then I called Mom, who works in the healthcare industry, for some advice. Long story short, that call led to an inexpensive physician-approved solution. Hurray! Thanks to Mom & God for taking good care of me.

This got me thinking about all the ways God provides for us each day that we take for granted. When I get in my truck each morning to go to work, I turn the key in the ignition and expect my vehicle to work. An hour before that, I turn on the faucet and get in the shower, expecting hot, running water. 20 minutes before that, I put a mug of cold water in the microwave and expect I will get hot water for my coffee. And every night, I go to bed taking for granted that I'll wake up the next morning. I have hundreds of expectations like this throughout the day. And if just one of them doesn't happen, it can throw the whole day out of whack. How utterly my daily life depends on God! Without Him, nothing would work or even exist at all.

Sometimes it's good just to keep that in mind, when the day runs smoothly and I'm still peeved about some little insignificant problem. After all, if it's important, He's gonna fix it. And if He doesn't, it's probably not that big a deal, anyway.


Delphiniums are huge this year!



Blossom Detail.

Stepping out into Aunt's garden reminds me of something else He provides: all the beauty in our daily lives. All those deep sighs of contentment--whether they happen when you get home from a long day at work, or when you take time out of your day to stop and have lunch by a pond, or when you step out of your house and feel blessed to be surrounded by so many gorgeous living things. Of course, there's also those 2 and four-legged beings moving around your life. They may not always be pretty, but they are beautiful.

Go forth this weekend, Reader, and take a moment to look around your life at all we take for granted. Say a little thank you for all those blessings. I'll be right there with you.


Stalks are over 4 feet tall!

Cozy coral roses.

Yellow Lilies at Sundown.

Today's Joy: Employment Prayers Answered!
After nearly 4 months of online job-hunting and a string of interviews all over the Chicago area, I finally got the call today, Reader! A job offer! And not just any job offer, but the one I really want with a terrific company that does good things for the world.

About a month ago, I was feeling pretty deflated. Had been back from Dallas for a few months, and while currently working retail part-time, I needed something more substantial to pay the bills and be a contributing member of society. Things were beginning to feel a bit hopeless.

So, I spent the morning reading my bible, journaling and praying. I turned it all over to God and asked Him to direct me, to send me where my talents would be of use. Certainly wasn't having much luck on my own. I made the decision to stop panicking and complaining, to wait patiently for Him to show me the solution in His own time. And I vowed to not give up hope.

Later that morning, something compelled me to get online and check out Craig's List. I found two promising opportunities posted just that morning and sent resumes out for both. Within two days, I received a call back on both positions. Over the next couple weeks, I went to a first and then a second interview for each. Both were great positions, but I developed a strong affinity for one in particular, almost immediately.

It is a Data Entry position for a wonderful chain of Chicago-area Organic Health Food stores. While interviewing, I visited several locations and they were all neat, clean, well laid-out and full of helpful people. Every person I came in contact with at this company was happy, upbeat and excited about their job. It's also a Christian company and continues to provide products and services that make people's lives better.

Tonight, I got the call I've been waiting for. They offered me the Data Entry position and I accepted with great delight. Can't wait to dive into this new challenge! Can't wait to learn all about organic foods and how to eat better! Can't wait to throw my energy into a company who is doing wonderful things for the world!

Thank you, Lord, for getting me where I need to be to do your work!

Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children. ~William Makepeace Thackeray

There's nothing like a mama-hug. ~Terri Guillemets

Today's Joy: Spending Mother's Day with The Moms in My Life.

It's been a lovely day, Reader. Got up early this morning and went over to make breakfast for my Mom before I had to go to work. She loves my omelets so I whipped her up a delicious one, with fresh veggies & Oaxaca cheese. We perused her garden a bit and had a nice talk. While she has always been my biggest fan, I'm especially grateful for her counsel & support over these last months. She keeps me centered when the world comes tumbling down. Love you, Mom!

After our delightful breakfast, I went to work and spent the afternoon helping many mothers find something nice in celebration of their day. Several husbands came into our store, spread their arms wide and said, "Honey, pick out whatever you want." There were also more than a few teenage sons tagging along with Mom while she shopped, holding her purse or shopping basket and patiently waiting while she compared curtains, patio cushions or dishware patterns. Everywhere I looked, there were little bits of love being demonstrated.

After work, I went home to have dinner with Aunt, Aunt Chef & Uncle. We went to our favorite local restaurant and yakked about this weekend's adventures. A wonderful way to wind up such a sweet day.

To all the Mothers of the World:

Thank You for raising us up right, and for not letting us roller blade/ride our bikes/play ball in the house.

Thank You for always listening to our problems and for loving us even when we're little stinkers.

Thank You for encouraging us to be our best selves and supporting us in whatever we do.

And Thank You for always making us feel special & loved. You hold our world in your hands!

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. ~Marion C. Garretty

An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. ~Spanish Proverb

Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Photo: Mom & I at Bridal Shower Tea, 2006.

"Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees."

- Robert Frost, A Prayer in Spring

Today's Joy: Gratitude & Spring Sunshine.

It's one of those quiet days, Reader, when nothing extraordinary happens. A little peace on a warm afternoon--the perfect time to take stock and count blessings. I'm grateful for windows that roll down, yellow shirts paired with pink-n-orange scarves, homemade potato salad, dinner with loved ones, listening to Aunt read from the latest issue of Victoria Magazine and fat, orange tom cats crabbing because they're ready for bed. It's after seven at night, I'm drinking Limeade and the sun hasn't gone down yet. Yep, a darn good spring day!

"What delights us in the spring is more a sensation than an appearance, more a hope than any visible reality. There is something in the softness of the air, in the lengthening of the days, in the very sounds and odors of the sweet time, that caresses us and consoles us after the rigorous weeks of winter."- Philip Gilbert Hamerton

"I stuck my head out the window this morning and spring kissed me bang in the face. "

- Langston Hughes

Quotes courtesy of the Green Way Blog, by Mike Garofalo.

Photo: Earring Detail, Chaplin Creek Re-enactment, Franklin Grove, IL, June, 2008.

Today's Joy: The People Who Show Up at 3 am. Do you find, Reader, that major life changes seem to happen at the strangest and most inopportune moments? I definitely do. Today, life tossed me a doozie. Suffice it to say that my life plan has altered course. At a 90-degree angle. Looks like I may be returning to the Midwest in short order (with crabby cat in tow). Why spend a cool and rainy February in Dallas when you can freeze your unmentionables off braving the Chicago wind chills?

Never fear, I will still continue to chronicle joy and good recipes in the northern climes. In fact, I'm suddenly feeling the urge to eat a lot more hot soup. But I digress.

Today's Joy is about those friends you can call when your life course changes direction at 3 am. Whether they come rushing over in their jammies to commiserate or allow you and a yowling, spitting fur ball to invade their swanky, downtown loft, they are a God-send. Where would we be without those generous souls who rise, heavy-lidded, and put on a pot of coffee? Doesn't your perspective on things change when there's a sympathetic ear bent in your direction?

Thank You, my 3 am friends. While I blaze the new trail God has laid before me, you make the going so much smoother!