Calm Energy

on a journey

2012-02-08T22:29:00.008-05:00

You will show me the way of life,

granting me the joy of your presence and the

pleasures of living with you

forever.

Psalm 16:11

Dear God, may you help us to end each day
by whispering an amen to You as we go to sleep

and to wake up each morning

with an halleluiah in our hearts.

Amen!

Photo of sky, trees and highway taken in on the road to New Hampshire.

Borrowed {stolen} from my daughter Amanda for Sky Watch Friday.

Quotes from Psalms and from the book

Moments of Peace in the Presence of God

Picasa Picnik

2012-02-02T05:44:00.010-05:00

We had a beautiful sunset the other night.

...the kind that makes me run back into the house for my camera...

to snap a few Sky Watch photos.

Tonight, I decided to add a little Picasa twist to one of the sunset photos.

{pencil sketch}

{focal black and white}

{boost}

{vignette in blue}

{original}

{that was fun!}

The northeast has been enjoying some beautiful days.

It reached 50 degrees {F} this week!

I love coming home from work, putting on my sneakers {instead of boots}and heading

outside for a glorious walk.

I keep thinking back to last winter with 7 foot snow mounds along the sides of my driveway.

Who knows how long we'll get to keep this weather trend!?!

I'll enjoy it while it lasts... for sure!

“People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy.”
Anton Chekhov

Enjoy this first weekend of F♥bruary everyone!

Are you baking anything sweet?

finding some color in Winter

2012-01-28T06:00:00.006-05:00

a red and polka-dotted little visitor on my yellow primrose

a rainbow cake made by Amanda

some rainbow M and M's on my brownies

pink flowers on my counter

and some pink sprinkles there too!

getting ready for the colors of February!
{thank you Doreen @ Fancy That!}

I love these quotes about color written by Georgia O'Keeffe.

{American artist}

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way--things I had no words for."

"So I said to myself, I'll paint what I see-what the flower is to me but I'll paint it big and they will be surprised into taking the time to look at it-I will make even busy New Yorkers take time to see what I see of flowers."

In the heart of winter, it's lovely to bring home some colors of the rainbow!

everlasting delights

2012-01-19T18:29:00.000-05:00

"Keep me walking steadfastly towards the country

of everlasting delights,

that paradise-land which is my true inheritance.

Support me by the strength of heaven

that I may never turn back,

or desire false pleasures

that wilt and disappear into nothing.

As I pursue my heavenly journey by thy grace

let me be known as a person with no aim

but that of a burning desire for thee,

and the good and salvation

of others."

This beautiful prayer comes from the book, Valley of Vision.

It is a collection of Puritan prayers {16th & 17th centuries} written in poetic form.

Jason gave a copy to each of us for Christmas.

It was the first gift we opened.

There wasn't a dry eye as he read one of the prayers,

"The Gift of Gifts," as we started our Christmas morning celebration.

~ ~ ~

A couple of weeks ago, Amanda and her boyfriend, Nick,

took a walk along the Hudson River Walkway.

She took the most beautiful photos.

She knows that I "stole" them for Sky Watch Friday :D

~ ~ ~

I wish you all a wonderful weekend

filled with everlasting delights!

Momma birdie necklaces

2012-01-11T05:54:00.001-05:00

This weekend, Ann Voskamp posted about how

Joy nests in the encircling Grace of God.

What a beautiful way to think of joy and God's sweet gift of Grace.
...such inspiring words...

Ann also added a link to a tutorial for making these sweet nest necklaces:

Thank you, Sarah Ortega!

I have always wanted one of these nest necklaces.
Inspired by Ann and by Sarah's easy directions... I had to make one myself!

I bought two kinds of silver wire and two kinds of beads

and got to work.

I really enjoyed myself making these necklaces.
It was so much more fun than cleaning the house!

If you have read Ann Voskamp's book "One Thousand Gifts,"

do head over to read her recent post on what she was able to give as a result of her profits.

The story of Pastor Saul will fill your heart.

♥
I hope you have been having a wonderful week..
Here in the northeast, we've been spoiled with our weather...
I think that will change as we enter into the weekend,

but ohhhh

I am so grateful for this easing into winter!

Joy that Lasts

2012-01-04T05:14:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful week we had

with much togetherness

my heart overflows

with joy that

lasts and

lasts.

I wish you all a wonderful

New Year

filled with Joy and Grace.

JOY

2011-12-25T01:17:00.001-05:00

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

A Savior is here to be a great JOY in our hearts

today and always!

Merry Christmas dear friends and family!

photos were taken Christmas Eve 2011 at St. Matthew's in Voorheesville.

The Nativity is the beautiful artwork of Fontanini.

Make some snow of your own!

2011-12-14T11:16:00.000-05:00

One of my students taught me how to make these pretty paper snowflakes.

We made giant ones using 8 x 8" squares.

Here's how you make them!

To make a paper star or snowflake

step 1: Get ready.
You will need six sheets of paper, scissors, tape {stapler optional}

step 2: Cut.
Fold paper to make a perfect square and cut off excess.

step 3: Fold again to make a smaller triangle.

step 4: Open triangle and make 5 - 6 cuts toward the center fold.
Do not go all the way to the fold; leave 1/4 inch uncut.

step 5: Do the same on the other side.
{If you feel brave, you can make easier symetrical cuts by keeping the paper folded}

step 6: Open the paper completely to reveal all the cuts.

Step 7: Start taping.
Gather the centermost diamond and tape the points together

Step 8: Flip the paper over and tape the next diamond together.

Step 9: Flip again and tape the next diamond.

Step 10. Continue this until finished.

Step 11: Make 5 more...and gather all 6 parts and staple or tape them together.

Step 12: Roll a little tape {or staple} the sides together.

Here are a couple of YouTube links that will walk you through it.

They are so much fun to make!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gr23zSj9ro
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gr23zSj9ro

Hang up your starry snowflakes from windows all around the house!

Wouldn't they be great to hang in a room decorated for a winter birthday party!?!!

Snowy white

2011-12-07T05:31:00.000-05:00

{photo taken this weekend while visiting Piers Flower Basket}

pretty whites for the inside

...not too much on the outside yet, just a little dusting of snow here and there.
Tomorrow night we're supposed to have 1-3 inches.
Not a lot for what the northeast can do!

I'm thinking too of white powdered sugar dusting my cakes
...maybe some light blue sparkling sprinkles for that icy snow look.

Getting ready for Christmas decorating and baking
but most of all
looking forward to lots of family time.
♥
Christmas, my child, is love in action. ...
Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.
--Dale Evans Rogers

Wishing you love and joy all through Advent and Christmas.

stars, hearts and flowers {bread tubes}

2011-12-02T00:16:00.000-05:00

These bread tube pans make the cutest loaves.

Let's see...

I'll take one of each,

thank you!

Why don't I use them more often?

Easy peasy

...they really do come out this way!

Have you started decorating for Christmas yet?

Chris and I brought up some boxes and our little tree

that is part of a Christmas village scene.

We always take our time.

...finding little treasures that we put away almost a year ago...

bringing them out a day or two at a time

slowing things

down to a sweet

pace is our

·:*¨¨*.·. wish ·:*¨¨*.·.

What greater blessings

2011-11-22T05:02:00.000-05:00

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts

are conscious of our treasures.

~Thornton Wilder

If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness.

It will change your life mightily.

~Gerald Good

What greater blessings to give thanks for at a family gathering

than the family and the gathering.

~Robert Brault

Counting my blessings

faith

family

friends

and treasuring it all!

Wishing you so much Joy,

~Maria

Getting Ready for a Vintage Christmas

2011-11-15T23:27:00.000-05:00

I ♥ vintage things

especially vintage linens.

This design just makes me smile.

It's so cheery and bright!

{sigh}

I bought the oblong one for my diningroom table.

For my little kitchen bistro table, which is nearby, I wanted a matching round one.

There were two on ebay.

One was $55 and perfect.

The other was only $12.50, but needed some help.

I decided to help :o)

It was my pleasure to add some gold sparkle fabric paint to this vintage treasure.

It's not perfect, but what fun I had!

How about this amazing aqua and red tablecloth!

It sold a few weeks ago to some lucky ebayer.

cute, cute, cute

Vintage = smiles!

I hope you are all having a lovely week,

...making a little time here and there for yourself...

Wishing you a few quiet moments each day to quiet your mind and hear

His whispers.

Fancy That! {and triple frosting for you!}

2011-11-11T11:59:00.001-05:00

Do you keep cards you love?

My sister made this card for me.

Triple frosting with a heart on top!

It's a keeper.

Thank you, Doreen ♥

...and I'd love to catch you all up on Doreen's shop,

Fancy That!

"Accessories for the Well-Dressed Cupcake."

It is well into its third month.

I have found such pretty things there that are now in my kitchen!

"Life is sweeeet! Eat a cupcake!

Cupcake liners that keep their colors after baking!

Sprinkles!

I love her pretty displays!

Doreen loved Barb's idea for her shop's subtitle.

{Thank You Barb!}

This is her beautiful Fancy That! website:

Fancy That! was also featured in Artique Boutique's Blog

Stop here to read her post.

Doreen is working hard to make Fancy That! an online store.

What accessories for the well-dressed cupcake do you love?

Your feedback will help her select the perfect colors and items!

I'll definitely keep you posted when she starts her online shop!

My daughter, Amanda, is visiting.
We'll be watching our favorite "chick flicks" and baking,

of course!

I hope you are all having a sweet weekend.

and a

BIG THANK YOU

to our Veterans!

a little note of happiness ♥

2011-11-02T23:07:00.000-04:00

"Once you fix it in your mind that life itself is a gift,

you begin to find happiness in just about everything."
~ Robert Brault ~

What a gift and blessing you are!

a first snow

2011-10-27T18:07:00.001-04:00

We're having our first snow tonight!

Little Maria is gathering snowflakes.

My plants and flowers were brought indoors.

I potted my geraniums which still have lots of buds

and they will be on my windowsill at school until next spring.

The children will cheer in April when the buds return.

...in the meantime...

I just told my 5th graders yesterday that we would read

"A Really Good Snowman"

when it snows and the snow sticks...

So far, it's sticking!

This book was written and illustrated by one of my former students
Daniel Mahoney.
{Oh did he love to draw and still does today!}

Enjoy your weather in Austin, Jason.

What's it like at your place?

Whatever the weather,

I wish you JOY
and a happy weekend!

Love,

Lots of Apples a Day!

2011-10-21T22:47:00.000-04:00

baskets and bowls of apples from our yard

I'm taking three at a time to school each day.
and

serving up apple crisp on a routine basis.

How about this idea that I found on Pinterest?
an apple pie in an apple!

Source: testadoprovadoeaprovado.blogspot.com via Maria on Pinterest

These apple cupcakes are adorable.

but no real apples needed...

just smiles that say

thank you!

Source: lefrufrublog.blogspot.com via Maria on Pinterest

Actually,
I could make them with an apple cake recipe!
Gotta use up our apples!

I'm visiting my dad this weekend.

A sister's weekend with our Dad.

I'll be bringing him

a bag of apples

for sure!

Happy Weekend Everyone!
Wishing you sunshine
especially in your
heart.
♥

Happy Day of Baking

2011-10-17T05:58:00.002-04:00

What can put a smile on my face fast?

Why baking, of course!

My countertop was put on Friday afternoon.

...On Saturday...

I made

apple walnut muffins

oatmeal and raisin cookies

and smaller versions of my special

Swedish tea rings.

{We ate one for Sunday breakfast and five more tea rings are in the freezer}

Flour was everywhere

I loved it!

Oh Yea!

Maria's baking again!

Have a JOY-Filled week dear ♥'s

Wishing you sunshine and smiles no matter the weather.

God's sweetest graces always,

Laundry soap Grandma's way!

2011-10-10T23:07:00.000-04:00

Recipe found the modern way!

{Pinterest}

I have been enjoying Pinterest for a few months now.

If you haven't been there, OH...

Reset

2011-10-03T05:46:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I just

know

I need to hit the "reset" buttons.

Our kitchen project has kept us busy and focused on details.

- - -

Important details,

but

not the kind that measure a life.

When hours are spent discussing the trim over the refrigerator cabinet...

it becomes clear that we need to press

"Alt - Ctrl - Delete"

and

R E S E T

ourselves ~ to see with clarity

what's really important.

It was time to get out of the kitchen and head outside.

We drove to Schoharie and spent the morning at

Guernsey's Schoharie Nursery cleaning out debris from the flood waters of

Hurricane Irene. I can't believe the amount of stuff we piled along the curb.

It was a cold, damp, rainy day ~ but we ended our work with an amazing hot meal cooked by a Christian Motorcycle Club. {The volunteers that help the volunteers}

There are some wonderful people in this world!

~
A Big Thank You to Grace Fellowship Church

for the many trips they have organized to Schoharie, NY.

I'm sure the residents of Schoharie appreciate this greatly,

but it also gives others {like me} an opportunity to

reset.

Wishing you a wonderful new week,

another new and fresh start!

♥

"Finally, brothers and sisters,

whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable

—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—

think about such things."

Philippians 4:8

What We've been up to... {a Kitchen redo}

2011-09-26T05:45:00.009-04:00

Lots of memories here ~ sweet ones of family,

Amanda baking with me to procrastinate just about anything else we had to do ,

Sarah {my niece} and Rachael taking turns SITTING in the bottom drawer,

Jason and his buddy, Glen, making mac and cheese {almost every day}

Muffin hiding from thunderstorms under the sink,

cookie dough and mile high apples for pies.

I remember when the kitchen was not opened to the dining room
and we took the wall half way down!

--- loved getting a peninsula---

always - always dishtowels in multiple locations!

It worked hard for us for 25 years, but the bottom cabinets really needed to be replaced.

They look okay from a distance, but up close ~ different story!

... and so the work began...

I did a lot of packing up and cleaning up...

and came home from work each afternoon to new surprises of how much Chris got done during the day.

Off with the school clothes and on came my "construction dust" clothes.

We've been working until midnight.

I'm always so amazed at how brave Chris is as he measures and cuts

sheet rock, adds new outlets, plans for extra lighting...

Everything he does is just right!

Saturday morning, we looked out over our kitchen space and said,

"Thank Heavens we're on time!"

The installer was on time too ~ 8:00am bright and early.

Here's a peek at the top cabinets.

I put a tea set on the shelves just for fun.

We kept the soffits; lots of wiring runs through them and

I discovered that everything you change adds a lot more $$$ to the project...

so we changed very little. We were very disciplined at reminding ourselves that

we just needed to replace tired old cabinets.

...some crown molding will dress up the dated soffits...

we hope :o)

There are still some things that need to be done.

{finishing work, counter tops, and resetting the appliances}

{I'll be without a kitchen sink for a while, hopefully not too long!}

Thanks for visiting and catching up with me!

I'll keep you posted on the progress and do my best to catch up with everyone.

Have a wonderful new week dear friends and family!

I pray that God bless you always

as you all are such

blessings to me!

Maria

ps.

Pinterest and GardenWeb's kitchen forum are such valuable resources

for gathering ideas and information.

I also thank everyone out there from whom I received great advice!

a heart for you ♥

2011-09-18T06:58:00.003-04:00

I will give them a heart to know me,

that I am the LORD.

They will be my people, and I will be their God,

for they will return to me with all their heart.

Jeremiah 24:7

Giving thanks for all my blessings

...for the love of the One who made me...

and for

my husband

my family

home

work

play

and always,

you, dear friends

{near and far, but always close in heart}

{Always in Our Hearts}

2011-09-11T09:17:00.000-04:00

I will never, never forget September 11, 2001.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those who risked their lives

and those who

...gave their lives...

to save others.

Firefighters, EMT's, Police, Civilians

the incredibly brave passengers of flight 93 whose call to courage that morning

saved our Capitol.

Thank you

to all our service men and women who continue,

every day,

to answer that call to courage.

May God Bless You,

Always,

taking a nap is

2011-09-08T21:04:00.004-04:00

soooo

good for you!

My dog, Misty, knows how to take care of herself.

She gets a good night's sleep,

enjoys tiny little snacks,

eats a light supper,

and takes a nice nap every afternoon.

she's always

so sweet, gentle and adorable!

Misty is a good example ♥

When I come home from work these days,
I'm finding that I could use a nice little nap.

~ ~ ~

"Think what a better world it would be if we all
-the whole world-
had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon
and then lay down with our blankies for a nap."
— Robert Fulghum

(All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten)

~
"True silence is the rest of the mind;

it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body,

nourishment and refreshment."

~ ~ ~

Wishing you a quiet, restful weekend!

{I know I need one ♥}

Labor For Your Neighbor ~ Our day is done, but there's so much more to do!

2011-09-05T14:53:00.000-04:00

This is what the sidewalks and roads are like in Prattsville, NY.

The boots I wore kept my feet cozy and comfortable and I needed them to be.

Thank God Amanda left them behind!

With God's Grace, a lot of team effort and spirit,
our Labor For Your Neighbor group got quite a bit done.

We spent the day working inside one of Prattsville's special businesses.
This is Briggs {nice and clean} before the flood.

They make baseball bats and other wood products.

The owner was sooo very grateful. He lost so much equipment and wood. We tried to salvage as much as possible. I pray for his spirit and strength to regrow his business and wish him all the best.

The captions in the photo album below tell a lot of about our day.

It was long,

and I started to daydream about

clean hair, clean clothes and a nice cuppa afternoon tea or coffee.

BUT

it was actually difficult leaving Prattsville knowing how much help they still need.

The National Guard is everything you expect them to be

~ what wonderful young men and women ~

The Salvation Army makes great coffee;

God bless them and all the other volunteers for providing

comfort, food and beverages when our day was done.

As many people in other parts of the world know,

clean-up after a mother-nature event can take years.

Chris and I haven't stopped talking about other ways to get people together

for long term involvement.

"Adopt a home"

maybe?

The slideshow moves quickly, to pause mouse over on the bottom right to see the square stop button.

Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and encouragement

♥ to all,

Maria

Labor For Your Neighbor

2011-09-04T06:25:00.005-04:00

From the NYS Governor's Hurricane Recovery Team:

Conditions and What to Wear:

"Due to the conditions in the storm-damaged areas, we recommend that participants be over the age of 16 and in good physical condition. Participants should be prepared for scenes of devastation. You must wear sturdy long pants (jeans), a long sleeve shirt, and work boots. These clothes WILL get covered with muck and mud."

-------

Chris and I are getting ready for the
Governor's "Labor for your Neighbor" work day today.
In our confirmation email, we were told to wear work boots.
{I only have sandals and Mary Jane Sketchers in my wardrobe!}
But, lo and behold, I found Amanda's old EMT boots!
Guess what? They're Sketchers :o)
God is so funny!
He knows how to say "I love you" doesn't He?
...and "don't worry, I've got you covered..."
Those old EMT boots have one more job to do!
I'll let you know how it goes.
Say a little prayer ♥

Sky-Watching Irene's exit

2011-09-01T10:29:00.002-04:00

Time to say good-bye to Irene.

Chris and I lost power for 36 hours, but

we feel so fortunate compared to some of our local families and businesses.

Some of our favorite farms sustained serious damage.

Shaul's and Barber 's Farms

We love our local farms ♥ and wish them well.

We hope and pray that the families displace by severe water damage

also find a way to move forward.

The morning of the storm we dashed about in between

gusts of wind and torrents of rain and gathered apples that fell from our trees.

Apple pancakes were now on the menu.

{Thank you, Saskia, for putting that idea in my mind :o)

Our power went out a few hours after we enjoyed this hearty meal.

As of today, all the water surrounding our home has drained away.

Our little espalier tree is now standing upright.

{Thank you, Chris}

It looks like it will make

~ a nice recovery ~

That is our wish for all that endured the storms of summer 2011.

{photos taken today in Schoharie County}

May He make all things new again.

This week and next week children, faculty and staff will go back to school.

Getting my pencils sharpened ~ hoping my mind is too ;o)

Dear friends and family,

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

God bless all who share His Love in everything they do!

♥

Maria

~ ~ ~

A little note in Memory of Klaus Peter, 1960-2011

{From the Sky Watch Team}

Klaus was an active participant, supporter, and eventually owner/maintainer of Skywatch and the founder of That's My World. He loved nature, photography, and sharing his knowledge and beautiful images with us all. We can't begin to say how much we will miss him.

Thank you, Klaus, Sky Watching has been a great JOY to me!

Gray Skies

2011-08-27T19:58:00.002-04:00

are gonna clear up

' ' ' '

' ' '

' '

after it rains

cats and dogs

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Mallory on Pinterest

but for now

we're inside where it's warm and cozy

Into each life some rain must fall.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

{just not all at once, please!}

Sending up prayers for all of us in the east, especially those near the coast...

for all of you in the south-west where it's hot and dry,

and all of you dear hearts on the west coast

and around the world.

God Bless you all

♥

~ Maria

ps. Thank you to all who contributed to help my sister with her store name.

She was thrilled to get so many nice ideas.

I'll keep you posted!

ideas for a store name needed

2011-08-25T11:30:00.002-04:00

Source: cupcakewrappers.com via Maria on Pinterest

A store's name is so important.
~

My sister, Doreen, is opening up a little shop right in her town called

Fancy That!

I love that name!
She will be selling cupcake wrappers, plates, tiered trays and cake plates

sprinkles, toppers and creative things galore.

It's all about cupcakes and joy!

She needs a little help though, and I thought my blog friends would have

AWESOME

ideas for the "subtitle" to her business.

She needs something that wouldn't sound as industrial as

"Fancy That, Cupcake Supplies and Gifts"

...rather, something cute, sweet and memorable.

I would just love to pass along some great ideas to her.
I know you are all so very creative and those great ideas will flow like a river!

Doreen misses blogging and visiting you as often as she used to.
I know she will be so grateful for your help.

Thank you all so much for being such beautiful friends.

♥

Added information about the store from Doreen:

{"I plan to have beautiful cupcake wrappers, baking cups, embellishments,

and then cupcake pedestals, stands and other cupcake related gift items.

It's so fun to find sweet little things to fancy up the cupcakes."}

Enjoy more of Pink Saturday at Beverly 's

a cozy teapot

2011-08-16T14:41:00.000-04:00

This spring

I didn't want to put away my winter teapot.

so I bought it a summer outfit.

...that makes me smile...

and it keeps my tea nice and cozy!

It will be fun to shop for an autumn tea cozy,

... there are so many to choose from at Dot's Pass Time.

* * *

Trying to spend my time wisely during these final weeks of August

...remembering to rest and stop for tea...

Many blessings to you all

♥

He whispers

2011-08-10T12:45:00.001-04:00

"The Lord said,

“Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord,

for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart

and shattered the rocks before the Lord,

but the Lord was not in the wind.

After the wind there was an earthquake,

but the Lord was not in the earthquake.

After the earthquake came a fire,

but the Lord was not in the fire.

And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

When Elijah heard it,

he pulled his cloak over his face and went out

and stood at the mouth of the cave."

1 Kings 19:11-13

~ Listening for His gentle whispers ~
welcoming the calm and peace into our souls.

Joining Beverley at "How Sweet the Sound"
for "Miracle Makeover" Saturday!

and

Sky Watching at Sky Watch Friday.

So Sweet of You

2011-08-05T16:22:00.002-04:00

I won this beautiful pillow from Rebecca @ A Gathering Place.
Thank you, Rebecca,
for adding something so sweet to my home.

I love the message and it will be a treasured gift.
~ for 33 years, I have followed its advice~
♥
Rebecca makes the most beautiful things.
My new favorites are her cupcake designs.

Visit A Gathering Place etsy shop to see more!

Enjoy more of Pink Saturday at Beverly's

My new sweet pillow is from Rebecca at

at the heart of a flower

2011-08-02T00:01:00.001-04:00

~ Love and Joy ~

can be found in the center.

I never noticed that at the center of a pink begonia is a bouquet of golden joy!

Wishing you new discoveries of the Creator's love and joy

always,

♥ Maria

{sweet little begonias from Ann's garden}

A Grand Sky Watch

2011-07-28T14:05:00.002-04:00

Amanda recently went to the Grand Canyon.

She used her timer to capture a beautiful memory.

What a wonderful time she and Nick had!

She'll tell you it was

~ G R A N D ~

Enjoy more beautiful vistas by visiting Sky Watch Friday.
Have a Grand weekend too!

Thank you God for your gift of beauty here on Earth

and to

Amanda for sharing your photos with me ♥

Thumbelina

2011-07-27T06:30:00.004-04:00

Sometimes you just want

... a little something ...

with your afternoon tea.

like one of these Thumbelina's.

I wish Whole Foods Market could put a few stamps on

a box full and mail them to me!

One for me

and a few more to share with you.

I hope your week is sweet!

♥ Maria

Believe . . .

2011-07-24T06:38:00.001-04:00

in God

in yourself and in your dreams

in the beauty

of everyday moments

in the joy
of simple pleasures

in the power

of a smile

in the gifts

of family

and friendship

in your ability

to touch the hearts

of other people

and make a difference

in this world.

Believe it with all your heart!

♥

love DOES exist

2011-07-19T06:09:00.001-04:00

We love because God first loved us.

1 John 4:19

And think not you can Direct the course of love,

For love, If it finds you worthy, Directs your course.
Kahlil Gibran

A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness.
John Keats

Wishing you

love and joy always,

~Maria

{Photos taken July, 2011 at the Lady Bird Gardens ~ Austin, Texas}

Fiery Austin Sunrise

2011-07-14T17:05:00.001-04:00

Morning is

lovely

in the fiery hot

city of Austin, Texas.

~ Bring water ~

and a thirst for

F * U * N

Join us at Sky Watch Friday
and see the World!

{photos taken from Jason's apartment balcony}

summer fruit, flowers and treats

2011-07-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

f.r.u.i.t

f.l.o.w.e.r.s

t.r.e.a.t.s

My photos today are from the gardens around the home
of my father-in-law, Gerry and his sweet wife, Ann.
They helped organize a huge family picnic
celebrating all the July birthdays!

In summer, the song sings itself.

~William Carlos Williams

Wishing you a beautiful song
that lasts all summer long.

Sky Watching at 35,000 feet

2011-07-07T13:44:00.001-04:00

I started to wonder if this "Mommy Birdie"

was really a chicken!

But then I heard a little whisper in my soul that said,

"Maria, look and see the wonders of My creation."

I took a long slow breath, and from that moment on

I wasn't so afraid.

I relaxed, ordered some tea, and

f l e w!

I loved every minute of our time in Texas.
Jason's apartment is amazing; his work is gratifying and I am so proud of him!
I cried as we stood side by side and sang together at Austin Stone on Sunday.
His sisters will be visiting at other times this summer ~ they can't wait!
*
God bless you, dear friends

and may we always keep our eyes wide open to see

His

B E A U T I F U L

creation!

Enjoy more breathtaking skies at Sky Watch Friday!

Thank you Sky Watchers and our Sky Watch Team.

Happy Dance

2011-06-30T23:26:00.002-04:00

There are only two words

that describe our summer joy

p e r f e c t l y

happy dance

Thank you for teaching me those two words, Koralee.

{happy dance}

They're perfect for the love and sunshine we feel

inside and outside!

~ Come on ~

Let's get out there like the birdies.

Run under the sprinklers ~ run through the water fountains

and do a happy dance!

visit Sky Watch Friday for more happy skies!

Jason Time

2011-06-27T08:58:00.004-04:00

Loving Every Minute of Austin, Texas with Jason!

★

Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake

An Awesome service at Austin Stone

Whole Foods Knocked my Socks OFF!

Now I know why y'all blog about Whole Foods.

Oh the desserts!

Oh The Produce!!!

Off for a day of walking.

I will stop to smell the flowers!

summer wings

2011-06-24T15:50:00.001-04:00

Trading in my
t e n s e
end of school year shoulders for

summer wings!

Time to relax and get lots of family hugs everyone!
Getting a BIG hug from Jason real soon =)

Bless you all!

~Maria

A Sky Watch with a Google Street View

2011-06-23T06:10:00.003-04:00

Have you ever followed this car?

It's the Google Street View car!

First I followed it on my way home from work.

Then, a day later, my son in law followed it as it 'rounded the ramp near our shopping mall.

We were soooo excited to see it.

There was a threat of rain when I was behind it and the camera had a raincoat on...

Now you know how Google gets those street view maps.
{this image from Google}

What a car!

What a job!

What a world!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Keep looking forward . . .

you never know what you'll see!

Thank you Sky Watch Team!

Hello Summer

2011-06-21T20:12:00.000-04:00

"Teddy bears at the beach"
cupcake made by the daughter of one of our faculty for today's luncheon.

Wishing you

a beary nice summer!
♥ Maria

Quench your thirst

2011-06-20T06:00:00.002-04:00

Afternoon tea ~ icy and minty

...with juicy watermelon slices...

to quench your thirst.

Did you know that watermelon is a berry?
{called a pepo}
and - it's a powerhouse!

{over 90% water, only 45 calories per cup

vitamins A, C and disease-fighting lycopene}

It was so much F U N to eat this treat

on Father's Day afternoon
with my Dad.
It's one of his favorite summer treats.
He is visiting us
and his feet were up all weekend...
...enjoying strawberry shortcake, watermelon,
sunshine
and most importantly
family.

Did all the dads in your family have a refreshing weekend too?

Wishing all of you a wonderfully refreshing week!

*)( Maria )(*

Lift your eyes

2011-06-16T13:27:00.011-04:00

Thank you for the promise of heaven.

Help me to remember that each day

I am not just walking through life, but

through eternity.
Amen

~

Thank you Mixto, for letting me use your beautiful photograph.
Enjoy more beautiful skies from around the world at
Sky Watch Friday.

Strawberry Shortcake Fun

2011-06-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Do we ever outgrow the fun

of using cookie and biscuit cutters?

These are the Martha Stewart Collection biscuit cutters.

I couldn't resist these either.

They POPPED right in my hands and onto the counter!

Just like those strawberries!

They just POPPED into my shopping cart and then

into the sugary sweet bowl

and onto my plate.

The biscuits were made the day before ~ easy peasy Bisquick shortcakes.

{I always add a couple of tablespoons of butter to the recipe}

Amanda and I had so much fun with the cutters.

...then...

~ Real whipped heavy cream ~

a spray can of cream would not do this time!

I am so grateful for these sweet and simple gifts

strawberries

biscuits

cream

...setting the table with vintage things...

but most of all the time spent with family baking and celebrating

and the time spent sharing with

you!

♥

Have a wonderful Wednesday dear friends!

God bless you always,

~Maria

For the Love of Strawberries

2011-06-13T15:15:00.000-04:00

{I couldn't resist}

...because I love...

strawberries,

vintage

and

linens

Strawberry Quiche plate

{Good Will}

Wilendur strawberry tablecloth

{eBay vintage}

We enjoyed

a strawberry shortcake

birthday celebration this weekend.

♥ ♥ ♥

Here's a peek at our yummy dessert

More strawberry days with recipes to follow.

Have a happy week dear friends!

Wishing you much JOY,
~ Maria

A Mammatus Sky Watch

2011-06-09T06:54:00.004-04:00

90 degree weather

+ high humidity

thunderstorms and skies to watch.

Thanks to EcoRover, I know what these clouds are called
that bubbled up it our skies last night.

Mammatus!

They are not the ordinary clouds that we see in our very usual
northeast weather.
Our camera did not capture just how low and water laden they were.

You know it just poured.

The lightening was amazing too...
...electric curls spiraled through the mammatus cloud balloons.
{thank you, Chris, for running out to take these photos}

It will be over 90 degrees in my second floor classroom today.
It's a good day to 'be still.'
I'm so glad that we have several days in the 70's coming our way!
...perfect for baking strawberry shortcake biscuits...

There are more amazing sights to see at

Sky Watch Friday!

Ring, Ring, Ring . . .

2011-06-06T05:45:00.005-04:00

have a wonderful week

with lots of sunshine on your face

a little wind in your hair

flowers along your paths

and a reason to smile each day

Wishing you joy,

Love,

~Maria

Anniversary ♥ wishes

2011-06-05T09:12:00.000-04:00

Every moment

is a once in a lifetime

moment.

♥

Happy First Anniversary Rachael and Juan!

♥

“There is no feeling more comforting and consoling

than knowing you are right next to the one you love.”

~
“Love is what makes two people sit in the middle of a bench

when there is plenty of room at both ends”

~
“To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven”- Karen Sunde

~
“Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence”
-Vincent van Gogh

~
“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because

reality is finally better than your dreams.”- Dr. Seuss quotes

Wishing you Joy

Always and Forever,

♥ Mom

Tulip Trees

2011-06-02T12:10:00.000-04:00

Liriodendron Tulipifera

"The Lily Tree that produces Tulips."

Carolus Linnaeus, a Swiss botanist, named this

interesting and beautiful tree.

~ ~ ~

Because of it's large trunk and excellent buoyancy,

it was used to make canoes for early explorers and settlers.

This beautiful tulip tree grows at the end of our cul de sac.

It is in full bloom now and is so very

splendid

{photos taken June 2 in the early morning}

{a peek inside the flower of the tulip tree}

It is the state tree of both Kentucky and Tennessee,

but I am so glad we have one here in

New York!

Enjoy your springtime!

Keep cool

Keep calm

Stay refreshed

inside and outside

Wishing you great JOY!

~Maria

There are more beautiful sights to see at

Sky Watch Friday!

Fruits of Love

2011-06-01T06:04:00.018-04:00

“Love is a fruit in season at all times,

and in reach of every hand.”

Mother Teresa

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs,

and returns home to find it.
- George Moore

........................

Love was in reach of every hand

at our family gathering

this weekend.

This fruit tart was one of the amazing desserts my cousin served.

We certainly felt loved!

♥

~ Wishing you Joy this week and always ~

Maria

The Brave

2011-05-30T05:52:00.006-04:00

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.”

- Thucydides

"Bravery is testing your limits

daring to go past the fence which holds your self security;

It's standing tall for your beliefs so that no one can knock them down...

...Your motivation runs on perseverance to break your limits of courage.

- Megan

{one of my former students}

“The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.”

~ Thucydides

☆

May we live a life of gratitude

treasuring freedom and the blessings that God has given us.

☆ ☆ ☆

Have a beautiful Memorial Day Everyone!
and may God be with our troops
...near, far and passed on...

Allons à Paris

2011-05-27T20:43:00.003-04:00

~ It's Simply Irresistible!

There are two fun happenings this weekend in Blogland.

Happy 3rd Birthday Pink Saturday at Beverly's
and a
Paris Blog Tour with
Anita @ Castles, Crowns and Cottages

I'm loving ♥ it!

Several years ago ~ To remember Paris

...my daughter, Amanda suggested that I make prints of my old slides.

These hang in my dining room.

For my "Paris Tour," I browsed more of my photographs.

The Eiffel Tower was not lit up like this when I was there.

Some day, I'll see it again, and it will be

magnifique!

and I will shop here

and here

But, in the meantime,

I'll also enjoy browsing the internet for

beautiful cupcakes.

This one reminds me that I was 21 when I went to France.

...and I will enjoy the lovely lilies of the valley in my garden.

to remind me of La Fête du Muguet
celebrated on May 1

If I were in Paris now,

I would send you lovely notes with these stamps on the envelopes.

{timbres}

from La Poste Timbre

Merci Anita pour cette idée fabuleuse!

Vous êtes très douce.

♥

Au revoir mes amis!

Bon weekend!

~Maria

Wild, Wild Weather

2011-05-26T06:08:00.003-04:00

Sometimes the clouds look like

wild horses

thundering through the mountains and canyons

Sometimes the clouds look like

cotton candy frosting

on a light as air cupcake.

* * *
Keeping those in severe weather areas in prayer.
Wishing the wild, wild weather to become calm once again
and for their days to be much, much sweeter!
~Maria

* * *

Please stop by and

visit Sky Watch Friday for wild skies the world over!

The photos of the wild, wild clouds and the cotton candy clouds were taken by me earlier this week.

The amazing lightening photo was taken by Bo Insogna {The Lightening Man}

Cotton candy cupcake by Little Miss Cupcake*

cheerful helpers

2011-05-25T00:41:00.001-04:00

every little bit helps

keep a smile on my face

while washing dishes!

{like a fun pair of gloves and a bright pink sponge}

. . . the cheerful heart has a continual feast . . .
-Proverbs 15: 15

Isn't it the little things in life

that bring cheer and joy

to your heart?

I hope you are having a happy week,

love,

Maria

Someone Special

2011-05-22T12:05:00.000-04:00

When something is missing in your life, it usually turns out to be Someone.

-Robert Brault

* I believe *

This Someone Special

is our Shepherd

who leads us to green pastures,

beside quiet waters,

and restores our soul.

He guides us in paths of righteousness,

is always with us

and comforts us.

. . .

Surely goodness and love will follow us

all the days of our lives,

and we will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

- Psalm 23

Wishing you goodness and love

all the days of

your life.

Blessings to you on this lovely Sunday,

~ Maria