Joining with; {this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Not this week, but I moment I don’t want to forget.
To see other’s moments go here.
One Thousand Gifts in 2012
February Joy Dare–capturing these gifts and joining Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience.
“Joy is always a function of gratitude — and gratitude is always a function of perspective. If we are going to change our lives, what we’re going to have to change is the way we see.”
February 21 — 3 gifts white
White violets arriving every spring,
White clouds turning pink after the rain,
Clean white sheets of paper waiting to receive
February 22 — 3 gifts that changed today
Solid veggies that change into juice,
Water that changed into hot coffee from Bro Bob via the Farmer,
A cool morning changed into a warm afternoon then back cool in the evening
February 23 — a gift of tin, a gift of glass, a gift of wood
My tuna from a tin can,
Many glass windows so I don’t have to live in a cave,
Wood doors for privacy
February 24 — 3 gifts before 11am
A hug from the Farmer,
Devotions with my Father,
Smiles from the littlies
February 25 — a gift nearly worn out, a gift new, a gift made do
Worn out – my favorite jean skirt
New – every day is a new gift
Made do – a sea crate instead of a garage
February 26 –3 gifts seen as reflections
Watching a little girl make faces art herself in a mirror,
The love seen in the faces of a senior couple as they smile at a secret thought,
The distorted view of my kitchen in the crome sides of the coffee pot
February 27 — 3 ugly-beautiful gifts (see beauty in ugly) My brain just couldn’t put this one together, I see a kind of beauty in everything.
February 28 — 3 gifts from the past that help you trust the future
The book “Streams in the Desert’ a devotional given to me June, 1983 by my sister in law – each day seems to fit my need.
The Bible I bought for myself, December, 1975, reading it every day
The vows I exchanged on June 16, 1967 “until death do us part” are constant in an ever-changing world.
February 29 — a gift dull, a gift shimmering, a gift cleaned
Dull – The rusty antic iron tractor from my father
Glimmering – Light shining on my knitting needle collection
Cleaned – Fresh washed sheets dried in the sun and wind
Gifts 269-294
the Farmer got all five of the citrus trees planted in time for this long awaited rain. Wintery weather is my favorite. Let it blow!
Our five citrus circles
Don’t they look pretty.
February 21 is a beautiful winter day on Cozy Acres. The Farmer said, ” Today I’ll get the planting done” Walk around with me, I’ll show you.
Last week the Farmer dug up a wayward wisteria and put up this woven wire trellis. Monday 4 star jasmine were purchased with a gift certificate from Capital Nursery.
Compost, fertilizer and tools all together
The Farmer has planting sown to a science.
Star Jasmine at home at Cozy Acres.
Some plants are starting to bloom.
Three varieties of violets and primroses are coming up.
Christmas Rose from Grandma Crain.
Today’s Seed Nursery
Fig cuttings
Future Greenhouse
Behind the tractor shed, facing south and west
Railroad ties for footing, river rocks for flooring
Wood for framing
Poor picture, used patio doors and assorted windows
from Enterprise Glass, Mary’s employer
Winter Garden
Kind of weedy, still trying to perfect winter gardening.
Beets
Broccoli takes about a minute to steam to tender crisp.
Cauliflower, onions, greens
Monday the Farmer purchased 5 citrus trees, Meyer Lemon, Blood Orange, Navel Orange, Rio Red grapefruit, and a Satsuma tangerine.
Trees will get planted in the front yard north side of house.
The Farmer on his knees again, praying while planting, I’m sure.
Grass will be removed inside the circle, tree planted, mulched thickly, river rock will border each planting.
You have to see the daffodils around the pecan tree.
Daffodils and china lilies from Grandma Crain and the Lincoln Avenue property.
View from north porch.
Of course, Grizz and Buster are overseeing everything.
Inside at Cozy Acres is not near as exciting, except to me.
Knitting stuff first.
I’ve been trying to finish some projects.
Only about 3-4 inches and the hood will be done on this sweatshirt sweater.
Tails are waiting to be woven in and these dishcloths are done.
This ‘Knit-a-long’ scarf is the most challenging project I have ever tried. I love the color of the yarn and the bronze beads accent it beautifully. My skills are falling short, but I’m not giving up.
I started this slouchy sock hat this week. I tried it on and it’s time to rip it allllllllll out. I knitted it so loosely on size 10 needles, that it is big enough for a giant, not the petite young lady I’ve in mind.
New yarn this month plus the hat yarn.
Quilting now.
My Christmas window hanging binding is pinned and ready to hand stitch and it’s done. Ready for next Christmas.
I’m on track with the Bread and Butter Quilting Club quilt for this year.
This year’s project.
The stripe and all but 7 of the coordinating fabrics; I found in my stash.
The center block, I fussy cut the urn from the stripe fabric, from cutting to final pressing about 4 hours. For any quilters that read this, the flying geese were made with the one seam method. I used method 4. I really like this method. I get a good 1/4 inch from outside points to edge of block, so I don’t won’t loose any points that way and the three dimensional look is neat.
This is what our days are looking like at Cozy Acres; and there are the chickens, and the little girlies 3 days a week, general yard work, juicing, and life. I wouldn’t trade it for ……………..well, maybe I’ll think about this a little longer. 🙂
ONE THOUSAND GIFTS in 2012
January Joy Dare–capturing these gifts and joining Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience.
“Joy is always a function of gratitude — and gratitude is always a function of perspective. If we are going to change our lives, what we’re going to have to change is the way we see.”
January 23
three gifts found in Christ
An example to follow, Forgiveness and An intercessor
January 24
three things blue
My favorite denim skirt
Shades of blue, from palest of a winter sky to the deepest of the blue black of night
The happy blue of Dutch Irises
January 25
One grace borrowed — this prompt list of gifts to discover
One grace found — God’s promises are never failing
One grace inherited — carnival glass bowl from my mother, it’s packed so no picture
January 26
One gift before 9 am — A morning kiss from the Farmer
One gift before noon — Encouragement from blogger ‘friends’
One gift before dark — Quietness at Cozy Acres as the chickens return to their nests and the day rests
January 27
Three gifts that might never have been
4 of my children if what the doctor said had been true.
A 53 day road trip across the USA if we had not owned a business.
Cozy Acres would never have been if we had not lost that same business.
January 28
3 graces found in your friends
Laughter, adventure, and acceptance
January 29
A song heard — “Every Need Supplied, Cleansing, Healing, Sweet peace inside, Every Need Supplied.”
A soft word — “Well, Good Morning” every day by the Farmer.
Where you saw light — Every night I look up to the heavens and check to see the moon and the stars, and I’m thankful for yet another day.
January 30
3 old things seen new
My walk with the Lord, improving this year.
My relationship with the Farmer as we adjust to new times in our lives
Our ways of eating seen new to better health.
January 31
a gift found
On a paper– “Bought in 1923. In Peters Drug store in Pawnee, Okla. 19cents each.” Written on a scrap of paper by my Grandmother Ripley and tucked in between three clear glass bowls. I have loved using them. Now they live with my daughters.
On a person — enjoying that fresh washed baby powder scent on a little one while rocking it to sleep
In a picture — I love this Grannie’s arms and hands, sheltering, supporting, loving, being there with all she can
Gifts 181 — 208
ONE THOUSAND GIFTS in 2012
January Joy Dare–capturing these gifts and joining Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience.
“Joy is always a function of gratitude — and gratitude is always a function of perspective. If we are going to change our lives, what we’re going to have to change is the way we see.”
January 8. light that caught you, morning sun in my eyes as I awake
a reflection that surprised you, the reflection of his mother across my husband’s face
a shadow that fell lovely – the sun through the blinds across this sweet face
January 9.
a gift in your hand, a little girl that says, “hand, hand” reaching up as we walk together;
a gift you walk by, stepping pavers laid three times until the Farmer got them right for me
a gift you sat with sitting with a dear saintly friend laughing, praying, . . . weeping
January 10.
a gift that is sour, fresh lemon juice in my tea
a gift that is sweet Yummy, See’s dark chocolates with nuts
and a gift that is just right my bed at night is just right
January 11.three yellow things that strike you as fresh mercy
I always smile at Yellow roses
dandelions they are so persistent
the golden yellow of a fresh range free egg
January 12.
something above you, Skylights, I love skylights
something below you, hardwood floors
something beside you the Farmer as we walk hand in hand
January 13.three sounds you hear
the tractor engine, it tells me the Farmer busy having fun
the tick of the clock – take time for God
the hummmmmm of my computer, electricity lives in my house
January 14.three ways you glimpsed the startling grace of God
when the nurse said “this one isn’t going to make it,”
God said “I’ve just begun”
my anchor holds
Mal 3:6 For I am the Lord, I do not change;
Gifts 138–155
ONE THOUSAND GIFTS in 2012
January Joy Dare–capturing these gifts and joining Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience.
“Joy is always a function of gratitude — and gratitude is always a function of perspective. If we are going to change our lives, what we’re going to have to change is the way we see.”
January 1. three things about your self you are grateful for
I can organize; I enjoy trying new knitting patterns ;
and I am content on Cozy Acres.
January 2. three a gifts outside, inside , and on a plate
Lilac bushes, my comfortable swivel rocker, and bacon, tomato and guacamole sandwiches
January 3. three lines that you overheard that were graces
A young grandson who loves playing the game with me “I love you bigger than_______”;
“I love you” from the Farmer regardless; and a precious promise from God when I so desperately needed it:
Psalms 91:14-16 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness–trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation. Amplified Bible
January 4. three gifts – one gift old, new, blue
An old gift, finding the first quilt I made; a new gift, tangerine marmalade, and a blue gift, the eyes of my first born daughter
January 5. something you’re reading, you’re making, you’re seeing
I’m reading the Bible, morning and evening; I’m making a shawl, and I’m seeing my first grandson grow taller and mature
January 6. one thing in your bag your fridge, your heart
I have in my bag a slim New Testament/Psalms and Proverbs;
in my fridge fresh brown eggs from our flock,
in my heart a desire to live pleasing to God.
January 7. three graces from people you love
From my parents – an appreciation for nature; from my in-laws love and acceptance before they knew who I was just because their son loved me; and from my husband, the Farmer, constant, faithful, abiding love.
counting 116-137 gifts.
The garden is finished after a hard summer of production.
Frost has come.
Now it is time for the Farmer to clean up the garden and begin to prepare the soil for next year.
The Farmer used a push rotary lawn mower attached to the tractor to chop the dead plants for faster decomposing after being tilled into the soil.
There is always something to do at Cozy Acres.
Adding to my One Thousand gifts:
101. This cat, Busterford Jones, who moved to Cozy Acres scared and untrusting, has adapted and become the #1 lap cat. I get this look if the computer is in his way.
102. Ideas from a quilt show.
103. I am very thankful for my mom. She is such an example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Thank you.
I am very thankful for my home.
104. This cozy spot where I write, knit, read, eat, doze, hold cats, rock babies, gaze out the door, pray and weep.
105. This is the cozy spot where I create .
106. This is my cozy kitchen most of the time it is neater than this but I love the way the light played in this picture.
107. Here is the Farmer’s cozy spot.
108. And COZY, though it may be, I am thankful for indoor plumbing. Please excuse the camera strap.
I thankful for memories, still, of cruise taken in 2009, with these dear-to-my-heart people.
109. On our way to dinner in New York City.
110. Checking out New York City.
111. Quebec City
112. A carriage ride in Quebec City.
113. A real gift- to be able to cruise with the Farmer.
114. The trip of our life time ‘from sea to shining sea’ in 2007.
115. A favorite memento from ‘the trip’ – The Story Teller, purchased in New Mexico.
And a Scripture:
. . . trust . . . in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1Timothy 6:17
linking with: http://www.aholyexperience.com
{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Linking here: http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2011/12/this-moment-1.html
The Farmer’s family tradition is to meet together the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and stay there until Saturday morning. The location has rotated between the parent’s or siblings’ homes and of late at campgrounds. We have celebrated this reunion in Laton, CA, Sunnyvale, CA, Medford, OR, Greeley, Co, Oxnard, CA, Redding, CA, Carmichael, CA, Portland, OR, Diamond Arrow Campground, Nevada City, CA and Del Oro Salvation Army Campground, Nevada Cit, CA.
We have stayed in family homes, friends homes, cabins, motels, and RV’s.
This year we were at Redding, CA. Uncle W and Aunt S were the hosts. We used their church facilities for our gathering.
We usually have 30-50 for Thanksgiving dinner. When the dinner was held in homes, the hostess of the home was in charge of food and the organization and the preparation. As we have gone to the campgrounds, Aunt E and I have assumed that responsibility.
A couple weeks before Thanksgiving, Aunt E and I plan the menu. SHE does the shopping for food and paper products. We cook and pack and try to allow for the unexpected. Everyone is to bring desserts. ( A basket is available to receive contributions toward food costs.)
We all make a concerted effort to attend, mother, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, friends, friends of friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, out-laws and significant others.
Thanksgiving equals planning, laughter, work, fun, tears, laughter, quiet times, overwhelming times, much good food, enough desserts it takes three meals (at least) to try them all, co-operation, family singing, laughter, story telling, expounding on important current or not so current events, knitting, laughter, quilting, embroidery, target shooting, cave exploring, boat riding, many hands sharing the load, shopping excursions, Disneyland, laughter, catching up, watching kids grow, missing those who are gone, comparing electronics, laughter, snacks, jigsaw puzzles, skip bo, uno, 5 crowns, may i, early to bed (for some) and early up for most, tie dying, and Grandma C’s lists of everyone who attended.
It this doesn’t sound like fun, you just don’t understand real fun.
I know what your question is — “How do I get an invitation?”
It has been a very quiet week on the blog.
The Farmer has been doing a lot of reading about nutrition and has decided that it will be more healthy for him to eliminate grains and sugar from his diet. Now you have to know the Farmer to understand that deciding to eat or not to eat something is fairly easy for him. As he says ‘I eat to live, not live to eat.’ The plus for me: it is very easy to cook for him.The minus: denying myself favorite foods is very hard for me, as I view and use food differently.
For a little over a year now he has been trying different eating styles; no red meat, chicken or pork just fish, back to eating meat but small portions, lots of raw veggies, now no sugar or grain, lots of veggies, heavy on the raw variety, low on the glycemic scale.
I am having to rethink 40+ years of meal planning. I am still trying to figure our what this new eating plan looks like.
I’ve decided to join the Farmer. Huge Change.
I don’t even realize all that is involved. I can see value in making these changes from a health aspect for me. I don’t want to fanatical about not eating this or that, but I do want to be consistent. I want to be able to make conscience choices with out having to feel guilty because of the choice. I don’t want to make others feel uncomfortable around me.
At first, just thinking about the change brought immense fear of failure. the voice I knew so well chanted, I can’t do this, I just can’t do this. I still don’t understand how I was able to get up last Monday and begin. but, I did. I successful all day and all day Tuesday. As I prayed on Wednesday, the words came, “Thank you, Father, that I can do this” and I began to weep. I thought of the scripture:
Psalms 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
which to me means. Don’t be like a horse or mule that the master must have bridle to lead them around, to cause them to do what is safe and good and profitable for the master. BUT submit to wisdom and decide ahead of time to obey.
Have I eaten 100% sugar and grain free this week? NO! It’s been about 90-95%.
Do I feel over overwhelmingly better? NO! This system has a lot of adjusting to do.
Have I changed my way of thinking about food? or the way I use it as an emotional crutch? NOT YET! Is there hope for change? I think so, possibly, but I don’t know what that feels or looks like – it’s a very dark place.
Writing helps . . . but chocolate tastes better!
All pictures were found by googling “eating pictures”, except candy picture googled “Hershey Kisses”.
Getting Wordless and having fun!
While I was in bed, the Farmer saw this.
You can be Wordless
link up here: http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/
Tonight I am adding to my list of gifts I’ve been given. Most of these gifts can be found around Cozy Acres. The Mother-in-law, squirrel and red tiger lilies can be found in Redding, CA.
71. A wonderful, happy Mother-in-law
72. The Farmer’s busy, hard-working hands
75. A frisky squirrel
76. Planting of the corn with Grandpa
77. Corn growing -on far left side
78. Corn ending for the year
79. Summer home-grown tomatoes
80. A tomato of perfection
81. Sweaters waiting for new homes
82. My first quilt -1960 or 61
83. Red tiger lilies
84. Passing on sewing skills
85. More Summer bounty
85. Bobo and part of his flock, waiting for Bro Bob
86. Fresh Eggs gathered by the Farmer
87. Finished projects
for Jonathan
for Elizabeth
for McKenna
And a scripture:
. . . Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Jeremiah 5:24b
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Thoughts of Grace 
