Rebecca's Rainbow

On Hold

2012-01-26T19:33:00.000-05:00

This blog has been my site for creative endeavors. It is where I have shared my art, inspirations and faith.
Because all of my art supplies and creative belongings are in storage in St. Paul, I have not had access to them for a number of months.
I miss having my hands in clay or altering old books.
I have instead focused on our children.
My Beloved lives in Minnesota while I and our four young children remain here in Massachusetts until our home sells and we can be reunited there with him.
I have decided to put this blog "on hold" until we have settled in to our next place there.
If you'd like to continue to follow me, please do so at my other blog. http://4goldeneggs.blogspot.com
There I write about my experiences raising triplets plus one.
I hope you will follow me.
Thank you for caring and for sharing.
~ blessings in the journey,
Rebecca

They Make Me Smile

2012-01-05T11:43:00.003-05:00

Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt singing What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

They make me smile.

I hope they make you smile too.
I sat with my Beloved on the sofa watching the news coverage of the ball dropping in Times Square. We were recovering from the flu. We gave each other a kiss and then off to sleep.

Happy New Year Everyone!

May 2012 be better than 2011.

My Words for 2012

2012-01-05T00:17:00.001-05:00

Appreciate Allow Art Admire Accomplish

Be Believe Bible Balance
Create Climb Cheer Communicate

Do Divine Dress-Up Dance

Embrace Enjoy Explore Engage Expect

Forgive Family Faith Fun

Give Gentle Gratitude God Gain Guide
Help Hug Hold Hope Heal Health

Inspire Imagine Innovate Involved
Jesus Joy

Kiss Keep Kindness
Love Live Learn Lift
Make Mentor Motivate Meditate

Notice New Navigate

Open Others Opportunity Observe
Pray Praise Ponder Play Perspective Participate Paint Photograph
Question Quote

Read Realize Raise Relate Resolve Repair Review Recycle Red Shoes
Study Serve Sacrifice Seek Save Satisfy Share Spontaneous
Strengthen Sing

Trust Tenderness Teach Travel
Understand Undertake Utilize

Volunteer Validate Victorious

Wake Welcome Walk Wonder Work Write With
eXalt fiX relaX MMXII
Yahweh Yield You
Zest and Zeal

Trees ~ Part 5 ~ Emmanuel God is with us

2011-12-14T23:23:00.000-05:00

During this time of year many commemorate the most momentous event in history. ~ "The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us."

We drive through our towns and cities and see Evergreen trees for sale. We place gifts under these trees.

Please remember the birth of our Savior; who He is and why He came into the world.

God the son, became the babe in the manger, that He might become the man of sorrows on the cross, to die as our sinless substitute, to release us from the penalty of sin and reconcile us to God the Father, so we can receive eternal life and live abundantly.

All of this as a gift by faith in Him.

For God so loved the world...

God has provided us with a Tree of Life through the work of His Beloved Son ~ Jesus.

With God's tree comes the eternal, imperishable and unfathomable gifts of His grace.

His gifts don't break or wear out. They are always timely, personal and exactly what we need. His gifts are the gift of love and the Holy Spirit, free and bold access to Him, the hope of glory, the gift of triumph in times of trouble, the free gift of salvation; the gift of rejoicing, the gift of peace in Him and the gift of forgiveness and reconciliation and so much more.

Seek Him and you will find Him.

You will be transformed by His love and grace.

This is the best gift I could give to you.

God is with us still.

Trees ~ Part 4 ~ What is Faith?

2011-12-08T00:12:00.000-05:00

What is faith? Webster's dictionary defines faith as "a belief and trust in and loyalty to God. A firm belief in something for which there is no proof."
What does faith mean to you?
The Holy Scriptures (Bible) says in Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6, "Without faith it is impossible to please God."
How can we please God?
How does faith come to us?
Romans 12:3 says that, "God has given to each one a measure of faith."
In Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1, I read, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Romans chapter 10 speaks of faith in a beautiful way. "The Word, God's message through Jesus Christ, is near you, on your lips and in your heart. Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the Word of Christ."
Faith is a spiritual substance inside us that can either grow or sit dormant.
Romans 10:17 ~ "Faith comes from hearing and hearing the word of God."

We need to read the Bible, or hear it read, so we can receive and understand faith.

Jesus talked about faith as a mustard seed. In Matthew chapter 17 the apostles were talking with Jesus and asked him to "increase" their faith. Jesus replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed nothing would be impossible for you".
Mustard seeds are small and round. They are typically about 1 to 2 mm in diameter. They can be yellow, white, or black in color. Mustard is beneficial for health. It grows wild and once it has been sown, it is almost impossible to get rid of. The seed begins to germinate almost at once.

Jesus talked about a mustard seed in a parable. He compared the mustard seed as a model of the kingdom of God within us. It starts out small but grows to be big. Like faith, it takes root in readied soil. it grows in any climate, it is carried into all the world, it blesses and grows and thrives. Jesus used the mustard seed to make a point. Faith develops rapidly from small beginnings and once it is planted, it germinates and we see the fruit of it's labor. We see the result of faith.

What will you do with that measure of faith God has given to you? Will you keep your measure of faith bottled up or will you allow it to settle into the soft soil of your heart, take root and grow? Will you plant that seed of faith by trusting in Him?

All we have to do it sit at the foot of the cross and accept His free gift of salvation through Jesus. Salvation is free, but it's not cheap. It cost God the death of His son. When we plant that seed of faith, we are trusting in Him and we have the capacity of growing into beautiful trees of Life.

Do not be afraid, only believe. With God all things are possible.

King David wrote in Psalm chapter one, "You will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth fruit in season, your leaf will not wither and whatever you do will prosper."

What is the message of faith? For the Christian, it's the 'salvation message'. I believe it is the only, true faith.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans in chapter 10, "If you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes on Christ and so is declared acceptable to God; with the mouth we confess and speak freely our faith and confess our salvation. Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the Word of Christ."

We are to be rooted in God's word, a good tree, planted by God, set by His rivers of water, grafted into Christ, our Tree of Life and rooted in Him with a continual supply of His divine grace we are watered and will grow.
Because of God, we live and move and have our being. We live because of God's providence and blessing.
When we accept Christ as our savior, we are acquitted from sin's penalty and are made acceptable to God. We are reconciled to Him. We now can have peace with God.
That sin that separated mankind from God, that started back in The Garden, can be washed away through the blood of God's son Jesus the Messiah, the Christ, the Redeemer. All we have to do is accept and believe with that small measure of faith that God has placed in each of us. It's that easy. God has given us the opportunity to eat from the Tree of Life once more.

Trees ~ Part 3

2011-10-20T16:07:00.002-04:00

Sin separates us from God. But God in His great love and mercy sent His only Son to redeem us. In the book of Romans chapter 6 verse 23, it says, "The wages (or payment) for sin is death, but the gift of God (Jesus) is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord".
What does the Tree of Life represent? I think it represents Jesus, the source of forgiveness and restoration to God our Father. In John 14:16 Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through me."
This leads me to the next tree that changed my life. The Cross of Christ.

I was born a sinner. Yes, innocent, baby me. I was born a sinner because of the nature of our human existence. Adam and Eve got the sin ball rolling for the rest of us. I knew at an early age what was right and what was wrong. I knew when I disobeyed my parents. I knew when I lied, cheated, was selfish, hurtful...
I needed forgiveness, atonement, and restoration. I needed a savior; a way back to God.

I am the youngest of five children and born a distance of 18 years from my oldest brother and 10 years from my closest sister. I enjoyed a safe and happy childhood. I played alone a lot. My favorite thinking spot was our big rubber tree in our side yard. I would climb up to my favorite spot where the tree branches had created a little chair and sit and think my childish thoughts. One thought that kept creeping back was about a sermon I had heard about "the rapture of the Church". It was preached by an old minister in the church our family attended. I remember him telling us about how God would carry away all the believers from the earth.
One day, while I was rollerskating on our driveway, I fell and scraped up my knee. I went into our house calling for my Mother. She did not answer so, I called for my oldest sister Teresa. She didn't answer either. Then I realized that everything was quiet. I couldn't hear the birds singing or the traffic on the nearby busy street. I began to wonder if the Rapture had occurred and I was left behind. I went to our medicine cabinet above the bathroom sink and got a band-aid. I sat down on the edge of the bathtub and put the band-aid on my scrapped knee.

I called out for my Mother again. I called out for my sister again. All was quiet. I began to worry. What if the rapture had really happened? I had not called out to God to save me. I knew I really wanted to be with Him. I knew all my family had prayed to Him but, I hadn't. I began to pray a simple prayer. "Dear God, I love you. I want to be with you. Please, can I be with you too?" I imagined His strong hand reaching down from the sky and picking me up. Of course I could be with Him. It was that simple. All I had to do was have the desire and ask.
At that moment, I heard the normal sounds of our household, my Mother's voice, the birds chirping, the busy street, and I knew I was different. I had been transformed from sinner to forgiven.
When I was a young teenager, I was in Texas with family friends. It was nighttime and I was sitting in the very back of their station wagon on the rumble seat next to my best friend Caroline and it dawned on me that I had not said the typical "sinners prayer". I worried a little and then in my mind made sure that God knew that I knew what He had done for me. I wanted to make sure I had dotted the "i's" and crossed the "t's". I sat back and watched the telephone polls drift by and the road we'd been on sail under us and I told Him that I knew I was a sinner and that I needed a Savior and that He had sent His only Son Jesus to die on a cross for my sin. That Jesus took my sin on Himself; that He took my place and that I accepted Him as my Savor. I asked God to forgive me of my sins and to come into my life.
I knew in my heart that I was already saved but, it was good to verify it.

Why did Jesus have to be crucified? Why did there have to be a sacrifice? It goes back to the Garden and the Curse. Galatians 3:13 says, "Christ redeemed us from the curse by becoming a curse for us, for it is written 'cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree'". In the book of First John 4:10 it says, "God sent His son to be the atonement for our sins" and I Peter 2:24 says "He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness".
Crucifixion was one of the most horrible forms of death ever devised. It was designed to be a lingering death. The guilty was first beaten with a whip of braided leather with bones and metal at the tips. Jesus was stripped naked, secured with ropes and beaten. A crown of thorns was smashed upon his head as a symbol of the curse ("you shall have thorns"). He was forced to carry the cross beam to the site of execution and became too weak; another man had to carry it some of the way for him. Jesus was nailed to a tree for us. He was cut and opened before all. Holy Scriptures tell us that he was so badly disfigured that his face didn't even look like that of a man. Jesus took our punishment on that cross. He was the perfect sacrifice because he was God in the flesh. He was holy and pure and blameless.

How do we obtain God's righteousness to be in right standing with Him? How do we become forgiven? When we accept this gift of salvation, of forgiveness, through faith in Jesus. We are no longer condemned. We now can eat from the Tree of Life. Jesus is our Tree of Life.

After Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after he was crucified, the apostle Peter said, "There is no other name under Heaven, given to men, whereby you must be saved."
In my next post I will write about faith.
What is faith? What does faith mean to you?

Trees ~ Part 2

2011-10-06T18:33:00.002-04:00

The name Eden means voluptuous, delight, luxury or finery.

In our Genesis story, God formed man from the earth and breathed into him the breath of life. God placed this man He called Adam in this beautiful garden called Eden. There were all kinds of trees "that were pleasing to look at and good for food". Here in Eden, Adam and his companion Eve enjoyed talking with God. They experienced peace, perfection, plenty and pleasure on a perfect planet.

In this perfect garden of God were two distinct trees. These two trees were named the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the other tree was called The Tree of Life. These two trees play a role in our destiny.

In Genesis chapter 2, God tells Adam (and Eve) that they can eat from any tree in Eden except from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God allows them to have a choice and a free will. They could trust Him and have Faith in Him to be truthful or they could chose to do as they pleased. He told them of the consequences of eating from the Tree if they disobeyed.

Genesis chapter 2 verse 17 says, "...for when you eat of it, you will surely die". Unfortunately, we know what happens next.

The prophet Ezekiel tells us that Satan was in Eden, the Garden of God, and was beautiful to look at. The apostle Paul writes in Second Corinthians chapter 11 verse 14, that "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light". It would be natural to think that a spirit being so evil would also look ugly but, this is not the case with the fallen angel Satan. Genesis chapter 3 tells us the story of how sin entered our world. The serpent (Satan) said to the woman, "Has God said you shouldn't eat of every tree in the garden?" Eve said, "We may eat of the trees but of the fruit of the Tree in the middle of the garden, God told us we shouldn't eat of it or even touch it or we will die." Satan replied, "Oh, you won't surely die! God knows in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods knowing good and evil." Eve saw that the Tree was good for food, nice to look at and a tree to be desired to make one wise so, she took a fruit, took a bite and handed it to Adam and he ate it too. Their minds were opened and they knew they were naked and sewed fig leaves together to make aprons and hid among the trees from God when they heard his voice in the garden. God called to Adam, "Where are you?" Adam replied, "I heard your voice and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid." God asked, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the Tree I told you not to eat of?" Adam says, "That woman you gave me, she gave me the fruit of the Tree and I did eat it". God says to Eve, "What have you done?" Eve says, "The Serpent deceived me and I did eat." God made garments of skin (the first sacrifice) for Adam and Eve and clothed them. Then He said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take from the Tree of Life and eat and live forever." So God banished them from the Garden of Eden and placed a cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the Tree of Life.

The Devil didn't tempt Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of Life because it wasn't prohibited. They would not have sinned if they had eaten from it. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was truly a tree of death. The death was a spiritual death. Their disobedience came with a cost and separated them from their creator God. They listened to the voice of the Tempter and began to doubt the goodness of God. God then immediately removed the Tree of Life because He was not going to allow them to eat of it and live forever in sin. This was an act of mercy. If they had eaten from the Tree of Life, earth would have become a living hell; they would have lived forever in sin without a way out. Adam and Eve disobeyed God's only rule. They acted on their own will, their own desire, instead of trusting in God's perfect will for them. Because of this, sin entered the world.

The book of Romans says in chapter 5 verse 12, "Just as sin entered the world through one man, (Adam and Eve) and death through sin, in this way death came to all men (humankind), because all sin."

Because of sin our planet and people suffer from a curse. Sin has separated us from God our Creator. We are encumbered with the cares of life. We contend with thorns and weeds; we have pain in childbirth; we work hard and face temptations and sin each day. We suffer from sadness, illness, loneliness, loss, grief, pain, and death. The punishment for sin is death. God was right.

I think Eve was hopeful that the birth of a son would help restore her relationship with God. She named her first son Cain which means 'to create'. In Genesis chapter 4 Eve says, "With the help of the Lord, I have brought forth a man". But, by the time Able was born, I think the realization of her disobedience had sunk in. The name Able means, 'to act emptily' or 'all is vanity'.

Sin separates us from God but, God in His great love and mercy has created a way back to Him.

In my next post, I will write about how God reached out to me and showed me The Way back to Him.

In the meantime, feel free to comment. Whether positive or negative, I would love to hear what you think.

Until then, blessings in the journey.

How Trees Have Changed My Life ~ Part 1

2011-09-17T11:36:00.002-04:00

I have always loved trees. I was born and lived most of my life in Southern California. As you probably know, California gets very little rain, usually 9 to 11 inches a year and trees are scarce in certain areas. When I was young, we had a number of trees on our property. In our small backyard we had the most amazing rubber tree.

This tree was tropical. It had wide, glossy leaves which were a deep green color.

Up high a few of the branches had grown into a square shape. This spot became the perfect chair for me. I'm not sure how I got up into this tree but, I have many fond childhood memories of sitting in it and thinking my childish thoughts.

Trees are special. I've learned a lot about life from them. It's important to have roots. If you really believe in something, don't be afraid to go out on a limb. Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow. Grow where you are planted. It's okay to be a late bloomer. Avoid people who try to cut you down. You can't hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life.

It is more important to be honest than poplar.

Trees are solid. There are a lot of them. They capture energy from the sun and help us have the air we breathe. They provide beauty, shade, food, nuts, berries, oil, syrup, fuel, housing for people, birds, animals and other plants.

They have character. No two trees are exactly alike. Trees can be climbed, protected, lived in and even driven through.

We tie things on them (yellow ribbons, signs, tire swings), carve lovers names on them, nail up signs on them and even cut them down and decorate them.

We use them to make houses, floors, roofs, cabinets, doors, chairs, tables, stairs,

cutting boards, bowls, boats,

shoes, coffins, wreaths, and my favorite ~ books and shelves to put them on.

In 1913 the poet Joyce Kilmer wrote the poem "Trees"

"I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day and lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear a nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me but, only God can make a tree".

Trees play a major role in the Holy Scriptures. From the first book Genesis to the last book Revelation trees are mentioned. I've counted 42 types of trees in scripture. Two are given proper names and there are over 300 references to trees, wood and seeds.
The Bible tells us that trees were created by God on the third day of creation and are made for His glory.

Noah built an ark from trees; Aaron had a staff made of wood; Sacrifices were burned on wood; Zaccheaus climbed up a sycamore tree for a better view of Jesus; Palm leaves were waved in joyful triumph when Jesus passed by; and most importantly, Jesus bore our sins when He was nailed and hung on a tree.

Trees play a major role in the history of humankind.
In my next post, I'll continue to write about how they have played a major role in my life.
Until then, blessings in the journey.

Cape Cod in Spring

2011-06-13T17:28:00.002-04:00

I am renewed at the seaside. Cape Cod, Massachusetts in spring is emerging from the harshness of winter. The temperature rises, the ice and snow has melted and the horseshoe crabs come out to mate.

Somethings never change. The sea changes each moment.

Why is it that those closest to us hurt us the most deeply? Do I set my expectations too high and then am disappointed? What I love about this place is the ability to feel alone. I mean really alone. I suppose it is a different environment in summer.

To be able to be alone with my thoughts, to cry out to G*D. To pray, or praise, or petition Him is good to do alone. It was worth waking at 4:44 when all the rest were still dreaming dreams and put on my pink, water shoes, my jacket with pockets and drive with the dog down to the sea.

The sea gave the dog a gift. A tennis ball washed up and he played fetch with me until the smell of a dead gull caught his attention. We walked together, the dog and me in our own and different thoughts. What do dogs dream of? I know ours loves to chase UPS trucks and Volkswagen's. He loves to lick the bacon grease out of the pan. He loves leather, work gloves. He loves to chase birds and cats. He likes to be with his pack. I am alpha to him.

The sea gave me gifts too. Empty shells, the sunrise, a lone fisherman who greeted me with a smile, cool sand beneath my feet and the ever constant sounds of the waves of water lapping the shore. It also gave me the gift of solitude. My life is ever noisy, ever busy, ever constant movement. My quiet times are rare and as summer vacation draws near, even rarer.

I am in the midst of tremendous change. I am leaving the sea I love. I am leaving the garden of roots that go deep. I am leaving and change will occur. It is inevitable. Friendships will change because of distance. Not the distance of our hearts, the distance of proximity. I am grieving. Yes, we'll have Facebook. Yes, we'll have email and snail mail. But, we won't have the spontaneity of watching a matinee together, of going out for tea, to meeting each other at the used book store or even sharing the same weather.

I am leaving one of my dearest friends. She is my soul sister. I miss her already. I'm one to have a very small circle of friends who really know me. She is one.

There are people who have known me for years and they REALLY don't KNOW me! Or maybe they really don't UNDERSTAND me. Maybe that is the difference. Then there are those dear people we connect with immediately. Deep to deep.

Life is predictable in its unpredictability. I began reading Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking a few nights ago. She opens with, "Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends".
Thankfully, I have prepared for this change.
The reason I have not been posting as often is we are moving to the middle, north of our country.
A new adventure awaits.
I have never been far from the sea. Soon I will be.

Cats Inspire

2011-05-06T13:04:00.000-04:00

Ernest Hemingway

Bob Dylan

Henri Matisse

Audrey Hepburn

Carly Simon

Ezra Pound

Frank Zappa

John Lennon

Jack Kerouac

Gustav Klimt

Mark Twain

Pablo Picasso

Yoko and John Lennon

Jean Michel Basquiat

May you all feel inspired today.

My Mariposa Altered Art Book (still a work in progress)

2011-04-19T23:35:00.000-04:00

A number of months ago I was gifted an altered book class. I went with my friend Joy, not knowing what to expect. I was handed a discarded, hardbound book. I was told by the instructor at Ink About It to "tear out pages"!

I love books! I mean, I LOVE books!

I have stacks of books. My Beloved shares my love of books. The perfect date for us is in a bookstore, especially if it is a used bookstore with old books.

So, when the instructor told me to, "Tear out pages" I hesitated. I began reading my discard. It was titled Doctor Love. It was trash; pure (well not in the least), banal trash. What publisher in their right mind would accept this as a book? It was horribly written. I won't even apologize if you are the author. I tore pages out with fervor.

Then I had my choice of inks and stamps and decorative papers and glue to use.

Our little class of five ladies went home with our discards having altered six pages.

Altering this discarded book has been a fun experience. Somewhere in the midst of Twinkling H2O's and a glue stick, it morphed into a theme of butterflies.

Every page has a butterfly.

I have named it my Mariposa Book.

I am already dreaming of the next book I will alter. I hope to do a bee theme.

This one is not finished yet. When will I ever find the time? This page is still a work in progress.

I have enjoyed the freedom in this form of art. There are no rules in art. Right?

Celebrity Mugshots Crack Me Up

2011-04-13T21:11:00.000-04:00

I have a secret. One of my guilty pleasures is looking at mugshots of celebrities.

Just by chance, I came across these fake mugshots. I think I needed some humor today. Obama, mugged!

Whoever put these together is brilliant.

This one of George W. looks real to me! I'm just saying.

The lovable Tom Hanks.

This one of Jane Fonda is real.

The Queen of England has to be my favorite. Back in 1993, I was living in England for a short time and had the opportunity to see The Queen! Yes, I still have to pinch myself. Me, a Yank, a commoner, got to see the Queen! We were 2 feet from one another. I had one of those old video cameras on my shoulder (the huge box that had an actual VHS tape in it and a sausage microphone sticking out the front). She was "christening" a new elder care home north of London and walked past all her adoring public lining the street. I must have looked like a news reporter to her because she came close and smiled. I began hyperventilating and it's hilarious to listen to me on the tape say, "Oh my goodness, it's the Queen! It's the Queen"!

Which one is your favorite?

Artists of the Future - Six Years Old

2011-04-05T13:41:00.002-04:00

Sometimes we catch glimpses into the future.
This past week the six year olds in our neighborhood were part of an art show.
This art show was hosted by Carter (6 years old). He is our children's friend.
The children brought their art to Carter's home before the art exhibit.
Carter took the time to label and display each piece.
We have artists in the making.
Our Max loves to paint and draw. He makes his own picture books.

Here is Max in front of one of his masterpieces.

D. J. (AKA "Daniel Johnson" when his Mother means business)

The boys. Carter is bottom left.

Here is a sampling of the art work displayed.

"Rock Bird".

"Three Red Birds"

The show was held in the basement of Carter's home.

This one reminds me of Van Gogh's Starry Night.

"Alien"

"Hi"

"Bird In A Tree"

"Mommy's Bunny".

"Super Heart"

"Merprincess"

"Barbie Mom".

"Fawn To The Rescue"

"Underwater Mission"

These are the faces of possible artists of the future.

Book signing in NYC and another road trip

2011-03-28T00:59:00.002-04:00

I had the pleasure of being at Books of Wonder yesterday for my brother Troy Howell. He was there to sign his new novel The Dragon of Cripple Creek.

Books of Wonder is located in Manhattan, in the Flatiron district, at 18 West 18th Street (between 5th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas). It is the oldest and largest and only independent children's bookstore in NYC . It was founded in 1980 by Peter Glassman and he is still actively involved with his charming bookstore.

I visited Books of Wonder in 1984 when it was located on 7th Avenue and had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Glassman then. Peter is an interesting, talkative, and personable man. He is full of energy and stories of his experiences with authors and illustrators and he loves books.

Peter was 20 years old when he opened Books of Wonder in 1980. It has grown from a cozy little bookshop into a charming, open, and perfect children's bookstore.

It is reminiscent of the bookstores in "The Shop Around the Corner" or "You've Got Mail", only larger.

Books of Wonder has about 20 to 30 thousand books. If you are searching for old, new, classics, rare, out-of-print or signed children's books this is the place to go (or shop online).

The back of the shop feels like an art gallery. Hanging on the walls are numbered, limited edition, and original art for sale. I was impressed with the diversity of art available to purchase and if I had some extra spending money, I'd be going home with a few.

Yesterday, there were five authors (Troy Howell, Laurie Calkhoven, Jenny Han, C. Alexander London, and Rachel Wildavsky) at the bookstore. They came to read passages from their new books. My brother, Troy Howell was one. He and Peter have known each other for years and Peter loves Troy's new novel. In fact, he stayed up late reading The Dragon of Cripple Creek because as he says, "I just couldn't put it down".

Troy read from Chapter One where Katlin Graham is "crouched behind a couch in the lounge (of a hotel), shaking a pair of dice". She is in a game of chance and deception with an unsuspecting kid named Lucas. Of course, one of the die's is altered to land on six and Kat wins coins with most every roll. The story grows from there and events spark a modern day gold rush.

I wanted to be at this book signing so, I loaded our four kids into the family van very early Saturday morning and drove the four and a half hours into the City to be there. Our children were excited to see their Uncle Troy and came with their dragons ready to promote his wonderful book. You can read more about my road trip with our four young children at my other blog.

The crowd was small but, engaged in listening to these talented writers talk about their books. One former staff member of Books of Wonder is now a published author (Jenny Han - Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream).

Troy signed about 100 books and talked with those interested in him and his work.

I wandered the spacious aisles with our children and we found books we can't live without. You who know me, know that books are truly my best friends. I bought East of The Sun and West of The Moon (Old Tales From The North) because it is illustrated by Kay Nielsen. I also found The Annotated Wizard of Oz! Happy, Happy Me!

I was tempted to purchase a cupcake from the Cupcake Cafe which is connected to the store. The life-sized dancing cupcakes, the beautifully decorated cakes, the ladybug fabric covered chairs all drew me in. I also had four hungry children tugging at my sleeves asking me for cakes but, we had planned on eating a late lunch after the book signing and I didn't want to spoil my appetite or theirs so, I didn't indulge. I've since read reviews about Cupcake Cafe and although the cupcakes are works of art, they don't taste anywhere as good as they look.

We exited through the wonderful revolving door (a number of times) and headed off to a wonderful Thai restaurant a few street away (you can read about this adventure here)

Please get your own copy of The Dragon of Cripple Creek. I know you will enjoy reading my brother's book. Here's what Jane Yolen says about it, "I hate it when really wonderful illustrators turn out to be even more wonderful at writing novels. Somehow it's not fair. Yet how could I hate Troy Howell whose sassy, self-aware (and hurting) heroine Kat has one of the freshest voices in children's novels today. Whose dragon Ye has a marvelous world-weary insouciance. Whose landscapes and cave-scapes are as visualized in words as in his paintings. You guessed it. I love this book."

(insouciance)

Dear Readers, you would think with all the reading I do, I'd know the definition of this word. I had to look it up.

Well, one of my goals is to learn something new each day. Check!

The Dragon of Cripple Creek

2011-03-24T10:57:00.001-04:00

Hello friends. I am so happy to announce that my brother Troy Howell's book The Dragon of Cripple Creek is published and available to purchase!

Of course I am biased, this is my talented and amazing brother. I think his story is wonderful.

Mary Pope Osborne (author of the Magic Tree House series) says, "Troy Howell's heroine, Kat, is as luminous as the gold she hides in her pocket. Readers better hang onto their hats as she tells her funny, sad, lyrical and finally, breathtaking tale. I absolutely love this book."

My brother and Mrs. Osborne have collaborated on a number of books. If she thinks Troy's first novel is good, it isn't just me being biased! It really is good!

The Dragon of Cripple Creek is about a girl named Kat who has a passion for adventure. She has steered her family into the Gold Rush town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. She strays from the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine tour and discovers the last dragon, Ye, living in the depths below surrounded by gold.

The characters are rich and unique. Greed motivates many but, in the end, love and honesty prevails.

Please find this book, buy it, and enjoy the ride. "This humorous and poignant debut novel from illustrator Troy Howell is a heart-stirring adventure about all that glitters versus all that matters. Never before have the American West and ancient dragons been rolled together into one wild, tumbleweed tale."

You can find The Dragon of Cripple Creek at Amazon.com

or at Abrams Books.com

or ask for it at your local bookstore (ISBN 978-0-8109-9713-4)

Visit Books of Wonder in NYC on Saturday March 26 from 12 to 2 and meet Troy Howell author and illustrator extraordinaire and have him sign your copy of The Dragon of Cripple Creek!

This novel is so good; I see it becoming a movie sometime in the near future. You can say, "I read it when it was first published." Or, "I know the author and illustrator's sister!"

under the weather

2011-03-11T11:59:00.002-05:00

It's hard to be motivated, productive or creative when I'm feeling ill. Recently, I have been hit hard with a respiratory illness. Our insurance (Cobra) ran out on January 31. I was so sick one day a few weeks ago that my Beloved insisted that I go see our doctor. The nurse practitioner prescribed an antibiotic for me and that seemed to help. I was well for about a week and now, it's returned.

I feel weathered. I feel achy and have very little energy. Our children have also been sick.

I know studies have shown that when people go through loss or change that the likelihood of illness increases.

Creativity is an outlet I cherish. Being able to work with clay, beads, paint, words and photography help me maintain a balance in my life. Most often I am busy caring for our children and our home. It is a gift to have time to be creative.

I began painting my wood sprite doll last night. Right now her skin is a parchment color and I painted her hair a grass green. I'm not sure I like the color of her hair. I may change it.

My Frida doll is coming along. I've painted her face and body but, I'm at a loss as to how to decorate her body. Do I paint clothes on her or drape her with lace or fabric? Frida Kahlo was inspired by pain to paint. What will inspire me? She sits and waits.

There is so much to accomplish.

I have very little energy today.

Instead, I sit and blog and care for our oldest who is home from school today.

He has a fever and a congested cough.

Life is predictable in it's unpredictability.

One World One Heart Winners

2011-02-18T17:24:00.002-05:00

Drum roll please. Here is the hat with 256 entries.

My Beloved picks the first number from the hat and it is # 78!

This number is belongs to the lovely and talented Abi Monroe. You must visit her blog at: http://abimonroe.blogspot.com

She creates the most beautiful, one of a kind, dolls. Her work inspires me. She is also an animal lover and has rescued many animals in need.

The next number is 86. It belongs to Shaiha in Washington State. You can visit her at: http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com She makes the most delicious jewelry and she reviews books too.

The last number drawn is 16. It belongs to Gayle Page-Robak in Canada. She is at 'A Stamper's Touch' and is a mixed media and digital artist. She also makes altered art. You should visit her at http://gaylepage-robak.blogspot.com and look at her beautiful creations.

Well my beautiful blogging friends, that was a whirlwind of a OWOH trip. Have you read what Lisa from A Whimsical Bohemian has dreamed up for us? I look forward to joining her next year.

Blessings in the journey! xoxo, Rebecca

Never enough time! OWOH ends. Boo-hoo.

2011-02-17T04:35:00.005-05:00

Drats!

It's after 4 in the morning and there is no way I'd ever be able to visit every blog on the One World One Heart ride. I find it amazing that 247 (256 at last count) sweet bloggers visited me and took the time to leave me a message. Those who felt a connection with me are now followers. Welcome new friends!

A new journey awaits us. Later today, my beloved will pull the winner's names from a hat. I welcome any late entries and will notify the three winners on the 18th.

goodnight dear readers
(A. Leibovitz photo at top - via google images)

Art doll work in progress

2011-02-10T00:44:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure how it happens. The clay gets warm in my hands and I begin to sculpt and form and without really thinking about it, the doll begins to be revealed. Yes, I have an original idea in my mind and maybe I even sketched it out but, the doll truly creates itself.

The ideas flow as I work with the clay. This one in particular has evolved during the process. I didn't know at the beginning that she would end up becoming a wood sprite with a dress made of leaves.

Here she is; unfinished. I have yet to seal the clay and then the wonderful task of selecting the acrylic paints begins. I have a fondness for autumn. One, I love trees. Two, I love the colors, scents, and food of fall.

I imagine her being a shy creature. She hides among the leaves of gold and ruby.

What should I name her?

One World One Heart

2011-01-30T11:57:00.007-05:00

Hello Wonderful Readers,
Welcome. I am really happy that you are here.
My name is Rebecca.
I have the honor of being involved in Lisa's wonderful way of connecting bloggers. She began One World One Heart 5 years ago and this will be the fifth a final OWOH. It is a unique way of connecting bloggers from around the world. There is also the opportunity of winning a "door prize" at the end. Click on the One World One Heart photo above to go to Lisa's blog: A Whimsical Bohemian and discover all the other bloggers involved in this worldwide event.
I am a full time stay at home Mommy to our 8 year old boy, and 6 year old triplets (boy, girl, boy).
I live in rural New England on 2 acres of woods and bog. I live with my Beloved of 20 years, our four children, one rescued dog, and three rescued cats.
I stay balanced with Bible reading each day and a faith in God.
I enjoy arts and crafts and work with clay to create one of a kind art dolls.
I also work with crystal and glass beads and make one of a kind light catchers.
My life is busy and often unpredictable. I feel blessed to have time to be creative.
I enjoy world and folk music (Ravi Shankar, Lorena McKennit, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, John Doan, Rare Air), sushi, travel, the ocean, trees, road trips with our family, photography, finely illustrated children's books, used bookstores, paper arts, documentaries, collecting rocks, sea shells and sea glass, feathers and acorns. I enjoy preparing food for our family and the design of a well set table.
I am an RN and before our children were born, I worked in Pediatric Hospice care.
Being a Mommy takes up most of my time but, I also co-lead a women's Bible study group each week, am part of a bread ministry and volunteer my time as a bereavement counselor with a regional multiples group.
I look forward to hearing from you. Please leave a comment, with your email address, for a chance to win one of my creations (one of my beaded light catchers-you get to chose which color you would like). Because this is the last year of One World One Heart, I will have a second and third prize too (one of a kind crystal beaded sun catcher).
I will put all of your names in a hat at the end of OWOH and my Beloved will draw the winning name.
The contest ends on February 17, 2011.
Please remember to leave your blog link in the comment box (or your email) so I have a way of notifying the winners.

These one of a kind light catchers are hand beaded by me. I hand select glass beads, lamp worked beads, Czech beads and unique beads and string seven of them on fine ribbon. On the bottom hangs a crystal prism.

Hang these in a sunlit window and you will enjoy rainbow kisses scattered throughout your home or creative space. Each one is unique.

They are wonderful gifts. I have given them as bereavement gifts, birthday gifts, or friendship gifts. Enjoy!

Happy Blogging!

Rebecca

xoxo

Art dolls (a work in progress)

2011-01-22T16:38:00.004-05:00

As we are in the midst of winter and under a couple of feet of snow. I tend to stay in more and settle in front of our fireplace to blog, write, create or watch documentaries with my Beloved or join our children in coloring, reading, playing with Legos, or watching them play Wii. I have had more time to play with clay and am working on two art dolls at once. I find inspiration from other blogger's work and here (and here too), Gritty Jane's site Cloth and Clay, art books and my own creative muse. To begin, I usually sketch what I would like to create in clay.

Then I form a structure with foil and knead clay (I most often use Original Sculpey oven bake clay) until it is soft and form it around the foil structure. This is when the magic begins. I work and smooth and form until I like what it is becoming.

Once I am satisfied with the doll, she goes on a pie tin and into a 275 degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 minutes per 1/4" of thickness.

After lightly sanding the baked doll, I will prep the surface with Liquitex Clear Gesso or Delta Ceramcoat All-Purpose Sealer.

While I am waiting for my doll to dry, I begin to think of design and colors.I use acrylic paints, pencils, and fine tipped Sharpies to complete the doll. When these two are finished, I will post them. If you have any suggestions for the Frida doll or twisted hair doll (like theme or colors) I would love to hear from you. And if you leave a comment, would you please become a follower too?

Blessings and happiness in the midst of a busy, winter day.

One more thing, I have to thank my oldest sister Trese for introducing me to clay art dolls. She came to visit three years ago and brought along some clay and taught me the basics. This "Senior Frog" and "Miss Kitty Kat" are the first sculptures I made. I have taken a few pottery classes in the past but, I had no idea how much fun sculpting could be or that I could even do it. Thank you my sweet, talented sister.

Here is my first doll.

lights (and my crystal light catchers)

2011-01-10T15:12:00.001-05:00

The reason I began a blog was to showcase the beaded, crystal light catchers I make. I use hand-selected glass beads and the finest crystal prisms and string them on quality ribbon. Each light catcher is handmade and one of a kind.

The idea came to me late one night about 3 years ago. I use seven hand selected fine beads (cloisonné, lamp worked, Czech, silver or gold foil, etc.) to represent the seven seen colors of the rainbow. I use fine, German crystal prisms.

These light catchers can be hung in sunny windows and the scatter rainbow circles throughout the room. They evoke a sense of calm and peace. They make great bereavement gifts or a just because gift for yourself or others.

There is a wonderful light shop in downtown Boston. It is a cozy, warm place tucked between a bookstore and piano showroom on Tremont Street.

The last time we were in Boston, we were drawn to this store and enjoyed looking at all the lighting options.

This crystal chandelier is beautifully positioned in their front window and I'm sure when sunlight streams in the color display is spectacular.

These photos were taken in Yellowstone at the Yellowstone Inn. If you've never been there, you must go. Yellowstone is magnificent and the Inn is unique and hospitable.

The western theme is throughout.

If you are interested in my beaded light catchers, leave me a note. They are reasonably priced and one of a kind.

My sister-in-law will be featuring them in her new shop in Park City, Utah.

my recent artistic endeavor ~ altered book

2010-12-22T16:23:00.000-05:00

I was recently invited to take an altered book class with one of my friends. I had heard of this art form a while back and was interested in learning more. The class was held at a local stamp and paper shop. Our teacher has had years of fun and experience altering books. She had hardbound books ready for us to literally tear apart. I am an avid book reader and lover of fine books. It was not difficult for me to tear pages out of the pulp fiction sitting in front of me. The book was bound nicely but, the writer had much to be desired. The words were trash (the book I'm altering is titled Doctor Love; you get the idea)!

I had a wonderful time painting, inking, taping, tearing, and covering words and creating a completely different book.

I learned how to make a "peek-a-boo" window, a pop-up, and pockets.

We altered three pages in the class. Our instructor encouraged us to finish those three pages at home and to continue experimenting with our book. There are no rules in art!

Using clip art, ink, acrylic paints, glue, torn pages from other books and stamps, I have enjoyed altering more pages.

Unfortunately, I am unable to download a lot of the altered pages I've completed but, you get the idea.

My friend Joy, and I hope to go to the second class in January. I think we'll learn how to make niches and drawers. Have you done altered books or collage before?

Have you heard of Maggie Taylor?

2010-12-03T14:38:00.000-05:00

I, being an Alice in Wonderland fan, did an online search of the book and stumbled upon this amazing digital artist named Maggie Taylor. In my last blog post about her, I failed to include these images of her and some of her work. She graciously responded to an email I sent her. She wanted me to know that she has a fan site on Facebook too.

Do you like her work as much as I do?

Maggie Taylor's work

2010-11-12T21:01:00.000-05:00

If you haven't already heard of Maggie Taylor, you are in for a treat. If you like photography, art, classic literature or altered art, you will like Maggie Taylor's work. She works with her photos and alters them in such a unique way. She uses Adobe Photoshop (which I have yet to master or even understand) and scanned objects and creates a final piece.

Her art evokes a dreamlike feeling. She says she creates what she would like to paint without using a lot of visible layers. Unlike collage art, she works at eliminating the layers.

I have the privilege of owning her version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I have poured over her photo-art time and time again and each time I notice a detail I had missed seeing before.

Her work is luxurious, tactile, familiar, ghostly and timeless. She is a talent rarely seen.
She lives in Florida with her husband, Jerry Uelsmann (an artist too).

Native American Indian Art Dolls and beadwork

2010-09-01T16:13:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful surprise to find these Native American dolls and beaded shoes and handbags at the Museum in Grand Teton National Park.

I was enraptured by the details and colors.Most of these items were made for trade. What a treasure to find these in the majestic mountains of Wyoming. What inspired pieces. Notice the crosses and flowers and animals?

If you are ever in Grand Teton National Park, stop by the Museum near Jackson Lake. It is full of Native American baskets, pottery, a tepee, toys, tools, and of course these wonderful dolls and beaded bags and shoes.
Another reason to visit is our friend and author and Park Ranger Laine Thom. He has been at the Park for years and has become a family friend (even staying at our homes). He is a Native American with a mixture of tribal heritages (Shoshone, Goshiute and Paiute). He does a wonderful hour long nature walk and knows just about everything there is to know in the Museum and about Native American culture. If you want to know more about Laine you can find him here.

Of course, now I'd like to try my hand a bead work. Do any of you do bead work?

Present and absence

2010-08-17T20:06:00.001-04:00

Once again, we have been given a wonderful present. I will be absent and without computer access for more than a week.

I will be with my Beloved and his parents, his older brother and his wife, our children and our Pup in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone in Wyoming. We will have the proverbial road trip there and back. I look forward to sharing photos and our journey with you when we return. I have been blessed with the most wonderful parents-in-law. They are paying for us to have this family vacation with them (a year into unemployment, this would have been impossible for us). We want to create as many memories for our children with their grandparents as possible. Grandpa Tom turns 82 this year. Wyoming here we come!

childhood summer

2010-08-08T21:59:00.000-04:00

Do you remember those Summer days that seemed to last all year? I think our children are experiencing that. They have had a full Summer. Most days are spent waking up earlier than us (my Beloved and me), opening the cupboards and helping themselves to "breakfast", playing Wii games or Legos, waking us and the dog up and then having a second breakfast. Our Charlotte loves to "help" cook fried eggs, Grant and Benjamin are our bread boys and Elijah-Max loves leftovers, especially if it's white cheddar shell pasta. Then they are off and running. We live on 2 acres of woods and boggy conservation land. They have constructed their own little hobbit hollow on the edge of the woods using plywood and fallen branches. Max and Ben are the flag makers, Grant has the plans for whatever imaginary identities they will role play and Charlotte is usually cast as R2D2 or Hello Kitty (her choice). They are usually "starving" by 11 and come in asking for "elevenses". Fruit and hand held veggies are on the menu (sometimes Goldfish too). They bicker, argue, share, are selfish and considerate, kind-hearted and cruel. The days are long and the years are short. Pirates are real. Monsters are not. Sharks will leave you alone if you bonk them on the nose. Snakes can be picked up by their tails. Dogs like to kiss. Frogs live on lilly pads and in small swimming pools. Fireflies are magical and can be held in cupped hands or in jars with icepick holes in the lid. Sand makes a wonderful canvas for hearts, names and cat art.Sprinklers are fun to dance in. Family makes the best friends. Especially when the towel is big enough for three.

You can find coins near or in vending machines. Pizza on Friday nights and popcorn on Sunday nights is what everyone does. Dream spray helps you have sweet dreams at night. Tomorrow will be more of the same.

Dog days of Summer

2010-07-29T14:26:00.000-04:00

We have been blessed again by the generosity of family friends. We were able to stay in Chatham (Cape Cod) for four days last week. The little cottage is charming with new cedar siding, hard wood floors with years of salt and sea water sanding the wood in spots and comfortable rooms for us to sleep in at night. It rained in the evenings as we drifted off to sleep with sand in our hair. This week, news reports talk about sharks being sited off the beach we were on. I have a feeling they are attracted to the seals. The seals were prolific while we were there. We saw many at the Fishing Pier when the fishermen came in with their afternoon catch. We also saw them during low tide out on a sandbar. I grew up swimming in waters that held dolphins and sharks. They were the little dog fish sharks, angel sharks and some nurse sharks (in So. Cal). I knew to swim to shore and avoid them for a while. My beloved got to snorkel a lot. He told me of the wonderful underwater world he got to observe. Horseshoe crabs, spotted crabs, starfish, schools of baby eels and minnows, and the sounds he could hear from the surface. We stuffed ourselves with fresh seafood from the Chatham Pier Fish Market. My beloved tenderly cotton swabbed my sunburned back with apple cider vinegar (I'm at the point of peeling shoulders now). There is no TV but, we were able to watch DVDs so, a few evenings we watched Singing In The Rain and North by Northwest. Cape Cod is busier in the Summer months than in Spring but, there is still a sleepy New England feel to the place. At times, we had the miles of beach to ourselves. As the tide went out, we found hundreds of sea snails in ornate, pink and purple and tan shells. Our children would giggle as the snails would squirt a stream of salt water out, as they retreated into their shells, while being held by little, gritty hands.Mom and Dad (Grandma Sonnie and Grandpa Tom) were with us and in spite of a newly broken rib, Mom did fairly well. I guess we all needed this respite. Mom and Dad enjoyed the get-away and kept chatting about how they could "live in a cottage like this". David needed the time under water and away from the reality of life in the unemployment lane. The children always love road trips and the beach (so do I). And I enjoyed watching everyone else every lazy day. I also filled my pockets with shells and round, smooth, ancient rocks. Priceless.

Delicious Fruit Cobbler (aka: berry buckle)

2010-07-18T17:46:00.001-04:00

This was a simple and delicious dessert. The children enjoyed it too, especially with whipped cream. It was gone within a couple of days and even enjoyed for breakfast.

Here's the recipe. It served 8 people.
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups white sugar (plus more for sprinkling on top)
1/2 tsp. salt (I used sea salt)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups milk
At least 4 cups of fresh berries. We had blueberries, strawberries, golden and red raspberries and blackberries.

Place butter in casserole dish and set in oven to melt at 350 degrees F. When butter has melted, remove dish from oven. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in bowl. Add milk; whisk to form a smooth batter. Pour batter into dish and then scatter the fruit over batter. Sprinkle top with more sugar. Bake until batter browns and the fruit bubbles (approx 50 to 60 minutes). We enjoyed this fruit cobbler with whipped cream. If we had vanilla ice cream, we would have devoured it with that too. Enjoy!

the bounty of summer berries

2010-07-05T00:02:00.000-04:00

Recently, my beloved's parents arrived from the West Coast to spend some time with us and their grand-kids. A few towns over is a wonderful farm. Summer berry picking is a favorite for our family. In season are golden, red, and black raspberries. The farm also has cherry trees and a blueberry field. We filled our hands and mouths with the sweetest cherries. The children had lips and finger tips stained with berry juice. The bounty was plentiful.Grandpa Tom and Grandma Sonnie were in their element with the children. Instructing them on the secrets of finding the perfect berries, how to pick them off the stem, how to avoid the little thorns on the blackberry bushes. The weather was perfect with N. C. Wyeth clouds in the sky, a slight breeze to dry our sun drenched skin, and the orchard graced with bronze beetles, berry stained children, and electronic bird songs in the blueberry patch (to frighten away the real birds from stealing our blueberries).I am in awe of the colors on a blueberry bush. In the same cluster, I see new berry greens, a blush of pale pink, periwinkle and then the sheen of the ripe blueberry so rich in it's purple hue.

Our trio enjoyed their outing to the orchard. Their bellies full of fruit and minds full of memories just as sweet. Now, we search for ways to eat up all the berries. We've had them in cereals, in yogurt, on whipped cream, and just by the handful. Any suggestions? I think I'll make waffles for breakfast.

Friday ~ last day of school

2010-06-18T11:37:00.002-04:00

Our oldest son finishes first grade today. He is growing up. We are so blessed to be his parents. We struggled for 10 years to have a baby. Finally, we decided to adopt. From the time we entered the adoption agency to the time we left the hospital with Grant in our arms, was the length of a pregnancy (9 months). We met Grant a month before he was born. His birth mom and dad chose us to be their baby's parents. What a gift of love they gave us! The four of us chose his name. Grant ~ "to bestow a gift or keep a promise". It fits him perfectly. He is a happy, healthy, and active boy. He loves his family, our dog, our cats, science, math, the civil war, sports, chess, and Wii sports. He makes us smile every day.We could not imagine life without this precious son of ours. We thank God every day for him. I am so thankful that his birth mom chose to give him life. I was in the delivery room when Grant was born. I wiped tears falling from her eyes. I wiped my own too.
Psalm 126:6 "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy (and lullabies)".

Wandering the Boston Public Garden (and it's free)

2010-06-11T01:13:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, my beloved and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary. We had the pleasure of spending Saturday in Boston with my niece Ava and her husband Jeremy. The four of us have limited funds, as both my beloved and Jeremy are unemployed at the moment. We have found that there are many pleasures in life that are free. The Boston Public Garden is one such pleasure. Located in the heart of Boston, lies this 24 acre, rectangular shaped park. It once was a salt marsh and now is a beautiful park with paths, flower beds, fountains, statues and trees, and a girder bridge (once the world's shortest suspension bridge) right in the middle. There are weeping willows, horse chestnuts, dawn redwoods, European beeches, ginkgo trees, European and American elms, and one California redwood tree. One can purchase a ride on the paddle swan boat. These Swan boats have been drifting on the four acre lake since 1877. Usually, a college student, sitting at the back of the boat, does all the paddling work. Do you notice the two swans nesting near the small lake? They are mute and named "Romeo and Juliet". The person naming them didn't realize they are two females. This one glided across the water in search of food and would dip it's head down into the water. It was a wonderful experience having this swan so close. There are many bronze statues in the Park. This one is a favorite and is based on Robert McCloskey's book, Make Way For Ducklings. It is a charming, children's book about a Mother and Father duck in search of a good place to raise their ducklings. They end up selecting the Boston Public Garden as their nesting place. We purchased a print of the ducklings from this gentleman artist. We will frame it and hang it in a special place in our home.

We have lived here, in Massachusetts, for 8 years and always enjoy our time in this Public Garden. It has been a National Historic Landmark since 1987. It is well worth the visit.

rouge to pink

2010-06-04T18:07:00.000-04:00

Spring time in New England is full of color. Instead of writing my usual "Free Spirit Friday" post, I wanted to post these beautiful red to pink colors noticed a few days ago here in Pepperell. Our town has a small airport. The landing strip is packed earth. It is well known for sky diving. The grass has grown high on the outskirts of the landing strip. Charlotte loves her red dress. Red roses with a faint and tender aroma grow at our friend's house.

They grow pink roses too.

The pale pink color of this poppy is precious. The petals are so delicate.

We have my niece Ava and her husband Jeremy visiting from Virginia. We plan on exploring Boston tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend my friends.

Birthdays

2010-05-28T19:45:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my birthday. It was an ordinary day. I took care of our children, cooked, cleaned and had the usual day. There was no party, no balloons, no hoopla. Yet, I felt blessed. Our children drew me little pictures of love; they "wrapped" up their favorite things and gave them to me. They picked clover and daisies from our yard and I have those in cups in our home. They sang the birthday song to me before they went off to sleep last night. Ben's angelic voice ringing out the loudest and in tune too. I opened the gifts from the gals at our ladies Bible study group and from my in-loves and my brother and sister-in-love (they live in California). They gave me the most lovely, crystal and silver necklace, bracelet and earring set. It looks Edwardian. I will feel like a princess when I wear them. I felt very spoiled. One of the gifts is from Rhonda (we co-lead together). I know she gave me a gift she had purchased for herself! It is a beautiful, hand-crafted, lined and covered box. There are mother-of-pearl flower buttons on the top and the fabric is a delicate cream silk. It is lovely. What touches me the most is the generosity of my friends and family. They understand that we can't really pamper ourselves right now (we're in our 10th month of unemployment) and so they make sure we receive these little tokens of love every once in a while. I had so many birthday greetings on my facebook page from family, childhood friends and friends we've made along the way from California to Massachusetts. Birthdays seem to matter when we are young. We want the party, cake and gifts. Then we reach the age where birthdays don't matter as much. A well written note is special and saved to read again and again when we need to be reminded that we are loved. Then, when we're really old, the celebration starts again. Others celebrate the fact that we are still alive and kicking :)

I am now 44. I was born in Southern California to Donal and Barbara Howell. I am their fifth and last child. I was a surprise and hopefully a gift too.

Free Spirit Friday ~ Trina Schart Hyman (illustrator/artist/editor/creative soul)

2010-05-21T01:11:00.001-04:00

In my childhood, I grew up without a TV. Books and my imagination and the variety of pets we had entertained me. In the 70's, my brother, Troy Howell (http://troyhowellstudio.com/penchant/), wanted to be a writer and he sent one of his illustrated poems to Cricket magazine. Trina Schart Hyman was the art director for this phenomenal children's magazine from 1972 to 1979. She liked my brother's art work better than his poem and so he began illustrating for Cricket magazine (even doing cover art). I remember devouring Cricket magazine and I especially liked the "comic strip" at the bottom of the pages. Trina would sketch "Ladybug" and "Cricket" and other insects talking to one another about the stories on the pages. I would always seek out books illustrated by her at our library. In the summer of 1984, during the Los Angeles Olympics and the NYC garbage strike, my brother Troy took me to NYC. He was doing a show of his art at the Master Eagle Gallery. Trina was there. She had published Little Red Riding Hood (one of her favorite stories) and had won the Caldecott Honor Medal. She was also showing her original art from Little Red. I felt so happy to meet her and spend some time with her. After the three day show, I was able to meet some of her friends and agent Dilys Evans. I also met other children's illustrators (Barbara Cooney and others) at that time. Trina was warm and interested in me. She was pleased to hear that I loved her art and that I was growing up without a TV. She showed genuine interest in me. I was barely 18 at the time. It was magical meeting her. Trina was born in 1939 in Philadelphia. She grew up in a rural area of Pennsylvania and credits her mother for instilling in her the joy of books. Her father fueled her imagination with magical tales. She skipped first grade but never felt like she was a good student. She preferred to doodle and draw instead. She enrolled at the Philadelphia Museum College of Art in 1956 and found her calling in life. She married a mathematician and engineer in 1959 and lived in Boston for a while. She studied at the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts and graduated in 1960. She and her husband lived in Stockholm, Sweden for two years and this is where she illustrated her first children's book. In 1963, she birthed a daughter called Katrin. She divorced in 1968, and she and her daughter moved to an old farmhouse in Lyme, New Hampshire. She proudly admitted to not owning a "mind-destroying, soul-sucking" television and chose to fill their home with "hundreds of good books" and "take the time to read them". She was influenced by Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, Howard Pyle and N. C. Wyeth. I appreciate the romantic and magical art she created.

Trina lived with two dogs, four cats, and a herd of sheep she shared with the neighbors across the road. She had a duck named Dave. A poodle named Jerry and a cat named Bad Baby. Before her death on November 19, 2004, she suffered from arthritis and continued to work in her "tiny, messy" studio, "heated by a little wood-burning stove". Before her death, she illustrated her daughter's (Katrin Tchana) book, The Serpent Slayer and Other Stories of Strong Women. In all, she illustrated more than 150 books. The Boston Globe writes of her, "Ms. Hyman's characters were the stuff of legends...fairy tale princesses and gnomes, Arthurian heroes. But she also imbued many of her characters with qualities taken from composites of her neighbors in the Upper Connecticut Valley, her friends, even her grandchildren". She died from breast cancer. She was only 65. She once said, "It was always very clear to me and to everyone else too, exactly what I would do when I grew up. I would be an artist, and I would be the sort of artist who made pictures that told stories. It wasn't until the seventh grade that I learned about the word 'illustrator', but when I heard it, I knew that that was me."When I was at our favorite used book store the other day. I came across one of her beautifully illustrated books. It was signed by her. She is missed.

My Book House

2010-05-19T12:51:00.002-04:00

I love old books. Especially old books for children. Recently, a used bookstore opened up near us. I introduced my beloved to it yesterday and we lost track of time in the tomes. I seek out the old book section always and come home with a treasure trove of used books. This bookstore has the best prices, only $1.29 for children's books! This is a steal. Yesterday, I found a My Bookhouse Book in perfect condition.What I love about antique books for children is the attention to details. The covers are works of art with gilding in gold. I found this bookplate in one of the books. I think it is beautiful with such detail and whimsy. If you are interested in lovely, whimsical bookplates, check out Tricia Scott's blog. She creates the most wonderful bookplates and has them for sale in her Etsy shop. You can find her at: http://a-little-birdie.blogspot.com/ .What has happened in our world of mass production of books? We have lost the attention to detail, of excellent works of art for our children, of personal bookplates for them. I prefer hardbound to paperback. Instead we find the flimsy, computer generated art, and lack of attention to detail. If I could build a house out of books, I would. One of our triplets, Benjamin (who is five) said to me, "I like books better than toys". This warms my heart. I hope we are introducing our children to good literature. Even the inside of these old books is a work of art. Engaging the child, and the child in me, to cherish what I hold. "Books are our friends", I tell our children, "we treat them with respect".I found a signed book by one of my favorite artists. I will profile her on my next Free Spirit Friday. Can you guess who she is? I'll give you a hint. She was editor of Cricket magazine for many years.

no more bad news

2010-05-17T19:32:00.000-04:00

Recently I have been hearing "bad news". One of my childhood friends thought they were in remission from cancer and it has returned with a vengeance. He is a young Daddy with three children. Another childhood friend of mine just had both of her breasts removed and she is enduring chemo treatments with shots into her stomach each day. Another friend's daughter and her husband are childless, with the deep longings of the heart to have a family. They just experienced a failed attempt. I know and understand this kind of loss. We struggled for 10 years to grow our family. I imagine I have a garden of babies waiting in Heaven to meet me. With life's sour and sweets, it's nice to dream, to escape into the whimsical possibilities. Our children are dreamers. They believe in the impossible; like flying away in a hot air balloon.Looking down on the earth below. Flying with the doves and doggies and having a magical griffin lead the way.Finding a castle and drifting down, hovering above the water and landing on the perfect lawn. The air smells of lilacs and roses. Music fills our ears and the birds harmonize each step up to the ancient doors. The light is golden and warm. We feel like we've been here before. Is this home?All we have to do is knock and speak the secret word and the possibilities are endless.

Shh, the dreamers have arrived. Let us listen to what they have to say.

Free Spirit Friday

2010-04-30T12:39:00.000-04:00

I usually spotlight someone who is unique, or shown talent or bravery on Free Spirit Friday. I was thinking this morning about what moments in their childhood may have inspired them to be the people they became. Was it parents who guided and supported them? Was is a unique and challenging childhood? Was it a spiritual event that caused them to act? Or, is it simply that we are born with the blueprint of who we will become. I wonder if this is the old nature vs. nurture theory? Whatever it is, I believe that we have influence on children. I remember teachers who made me feel empowered and gifted when I was the child who was different than the others. I remember the mailman who greeted me with a smile and blue, twinkling eyes each day. I am blessed to have had a comfortable childhood with parents who loved me, older brothers and sisters who included me, read to me, encouraged me, taught me about God and The Lord Jesus Christ. My childhood was full of adventures, pretend, dress-up, nature, books and art, spankings, inspiration, guidance and love. I am not one who has made a big impact on humanity, but rather, small ripples in a small circle of people my life has made contact.
Now, I have the great responsibility of guiding our four precious children. I hope that I inspire them, promote their gifts and interests, lead them gently to God, re-direct when necessary and never snuff out their spirits or prevent them from becoming who they need to be. What do you do in the life of a child to encourage them to be all that they will become?
Listen, care, encourage, read, respect, direct, and above all LOVE always.
I'd love to hear from you (yes, you)!

Perspective

2010-04-26T12:18:00.001-04:00

I've been thinking about perspective today.

Webster's Dictionary defines it as: "the power to see or think of things in their true relationship to each other; the true relationship of objects or events to one another; a mental view or prospect". I feel a bit discouraged today and it got me thinking about feeling melancholy. Often when I feel this way, my head hangs down and I see small things. If I always had my head up, I would miss some details. God is into details. He seems to revel in details. There are so many tiny things in creation that display His power. I am in awe that He created all of this beauty for us (and of course, His own glory). I find that I am encouraged when I take my eyes off myself and onto Him. It is about perspective. I can either focus on experiences that are painful, losses I have suffered or dreams not met, or I can focus on the external and internal journey of grace and harmony and love. This is who I desire to be on the inside (full of grace and harmony and love). I begin to lift my head and see forward. I see the faces of people who love me. I see distance and hope. I see vistas and more beauty and still the details are there. I don't want to have my "head in the clouds"; it's there that I can stumble and fall. He takes care of the distance. He is in my tomorrow. He already knows what it looks like and I can find peace in that. He gives me the grace I need for this day. This day I choose to remember what I have learned through pain, through loss and my failings. This day I cherish what I have gained because of His love for me. I am grateful that He softened this heart of stone. He is mindful of me. He cares about details.I can continue to feel joy in the midst of uncertainty. I can feel secure in the midst of the unknown. I can embrace the day and reclaim my focus. His beauty is in it all.

I see His touch in the vast and the small. He is in it all. This is a safe place to be. He will not fail us now (He never has).

~ all photos by me, Rebecca Howell Gibson (feel free to copy)

What I Love About the Ocean

2010-04-18T22:31:00.000-04:00

I love going to the ocean. I was born near water and have always lived near an ocean. As a child, it was the Pacific Ocean, now it is the Atlantic Ocean.

I am not the type to sunbathe or surf. I'd rather beachcomb. I love finding sea glass and shells and beautiful ocean rocks that have been polished by years of salt water and movement.

I love the sound of the waves crashing. I love the low tide when I can walk out into the water and find shells seldom seen. Tide pools inspire me. When we lived in San Diego, the tide pools, near La Jolla, filled with sea urchins, sea anemones, mussels and tiny shells was a frequent place to explore. I have fond memories of deep sea fishing with my Father off the Pacific coast in Redondo Beach, California. We would catch fish and place them in gunnysacks. I remember watching Daddy gut and clean the fish. It was a man's job with a sharp knife. That night we'd enjoy our fish feast. Our home smelled of fish. So did the green VW bus we rode in. The memory of the sea between my toes and in my hair and ears washed off at bath time remained in the tub. The ever present sand reminding me of our trip to the sea. As I drifted off to sleep, I could hear the ocean sounds and feel the swaying of the waves.
Sand castle contests in Ocean Beach, California is fascinating to see. The talent of sand artists is a rarity. We found this sand art on the beach of Ogunquit, Maine. I have experienced the ocean in all seasons. I have bundled up and walked the sand in snow boots. I have had sand in my hair for days. I have tasted salt. I have felt the spray of sea water on my face. I have felt the tug of the sand under my feet pulling me deeper. I have sung songs around a fire and eaten hotdogs and toasted marshmallows with my friends. I have had my Mother wipe my burned skin with apple cider vinegar to cool my pain. I have years of freckles from sea sun. Now, we are introducing our children to the sea and all it's wonders. They collect broken shells, driftwood, sea glass, smooth stones, and fallen feathers with unruly and separate vanes. They are building their own memories of the sea. We are remembering ours and seeing it fresh again.

Every day holds the possibility of a miracle.

2010-04-17T11:41:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we don't know what path to take next. We are in this situation right now. My husband's company restructured last July and he was let go (along with many other employees). We have been unemployed since July. We own our home, we have four children, one dog, and three cats.

Sometimes I feel like the Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She is on the yellow brick road and asks, "Now which way do I go?" The Scarecrow replies, "Now, some folks say that-a-way, but that's a nice way too." What has been amazing about this journey is the people who have helped us along the way. We have experienced true generosity from unexpected places. We have a strong faith in God and our Lord Jesus. We know that He has a plan for our lives. He knows our future and what it holds. He knows where we will land and what it looks like. Since we believe He loves us and cares for us, this helps us have a sweet peace about the whole situation. We have become creative in how we spend our time. The children love having Daddy at home. I do too. He is my beloved, my best friend. I cherish the times I have with him. We are in the midst of a remarkable time. My beloved asked the children if the glass was half full or half empty. They all replied that the glass was half full. I feel that my glass is overflowing. I have my moments where I feel panic. What if we lose our home?! What will we do if we can't pay our bills?!

Most of the time I have experienced a supernatural sense of peace. Our needs have been met. We are still in our home, our children are happy and healthy. We are hopeful for the future. We pray each day for a job. My beloved has been amazing in his search for a job. He is very talented and the company who lands him will be blessed. There are days when we feel discouraged.
There are days when we feel perplexed.
Today we feel hopeful and blessed. Every day holds the possibility of a miracle.

Free Spirit Friday ~ Saint Joan of Arc ~ The Maid of Orleans

2010-04-16T18:25:00.001-04:00

In 1412 a girl named Jehanne was born. She was born in eastern France on a farm. She loved to spin wool and hear the tolling of the church bells. When she was young she began having visions of angels directing her. She recalls these visions as "a white light and a tender voice of an angel". She was 12 when she had her first vision. She said that she cried when the voices left because they "were so beautiful". These angels directed her to force the English out of France and bring the Dauphin to Reims to be coronated. This was near the end of the Hundred Years' War. When she was 16, she asked a relative to bring her to the garrison commander to receive permission to visit the French Royal Court. He scoffed at her request, but this did not deter her. She persisted in her desire to help her country recover. She dressed in armor and ended up leading the French army in several important victories and she was indirectly responsible for the coronation of Charles VII.

She was captured, sold to the English, tried by a court, and burned at the stake when she was 19. Twenty four years later, Pope Callixtus III reviewed the courts decision and found her innocent. He also declared her a martyr.

I have been inspired by Jehanne for many years. I recall hearing or reading about her at a young age. I hope other women are inspired to follow the leading of God and follow His direction and will for their lives. There are so many simple things we can do to make a difference in our own lives. Love our neighbors, care for the orphaned, show compassion to the needy and widows.

Jehanne was a remarkable girl. She followed her heart and changed the course of history. She is one that I admire.

Do you have a woman in your life ,or in history, who you admire?

A Dog's Day ~ by, Charlston Chew.

2010-04-12T17:11:00.000-04:00

It's a dog's life with four kids, three cats and two big people.The cat's are jealous of me. I get to get muddy in the bog and then have a hot bath. They say that I am a Beagle-Hound mix. They call me "Pup-Pup", but my formal name is Charlston Chew. I survived a rough birth in Tennessee where the people who had me abandoned me and my pup sisters and brothers. Somehow we managed to wander into the road and a nice lady rescued us. We were nursed back to health and then traveled to Massachusetts to be adopted. I landed in the lap of luxury. I get to help "wash" the dishes. I try to drink the cat's tuna water. I get to run on the beach and play in the water. I get my belly rubbed and at the end of the day, I get to curl up under the blankets and dream of chasing motorcycles, running with the kids, and lounging in the sun.

Life is good.

(Franklin) Maxfield Parrish ~ 1870 to 1966 ~ (Free Spirit Friday)

2010-04-09T21:54:00.003-04:00

Maxfield Parrish is one of my favorite artists. He was born July 25, 1870 in Philadelphia and enjoyed drawing and art when he was a child. His father was an engraver and landscape artist and his parents encouraged his talent. He was named Franklin Parrish. When he could, he adopted his paternal grandmother's maiden name Maxfield as his first name. He enjoyed a privileged childhood with an excellent education. When he was 25 he was commissioned to do his first cover for Harper's Bazaar magazine. He lived most of his life in New Hampshire. He married, had a mistress (who also modeled for him) and 4 children. His use of color amazes me, especially his use of cobalt blue (which is sometimes called "Parrish blue"). In 1922, at age 52, he painted "Daybreak"This painting enjoyed immediate success. Through the 30's, 40's and 50's most every home in the United States had a Parrish print on the wall. In 1931, he told the Associated Press, "I'm done with girls on rocks". He wanted to paint landscapes instead. He did work for many magazines and advertisers and lived well from the royalties. He had such depth in his work and such fine use of color. His paintings have an almost three-dimensional quality to them. His work is original and he has influenced many artists. He continued painting until he was 90, and died at his home at age 96. It is said that he was a "charming and intelligent man".

I think it is important to encourage our children in their talents. We never know if we are influencing the next Parrish! Who is one of your favorite artists?

(photos are from my favorite free online encyclopedia, Wikipedia.com and from google search).

April Fools Day

2010-04-01T20:32:00.002-04:00

I was wondering what happened in history for us to have an "April Fools Day", so I did a little research on my favorite online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. April Fool's Day is a puzzle to historians. At first historians thought it was related to changing calendars in the sixteenth century. It showed up in vague terms in some writings from Femish, English, and French writers from 1300's to 1600's. Then in 1698 a British newspaper reported, "Yesterday being the first of April, several persons were sent to the Tower Ditch to see the Lions washed.""Sending gullible victims to the Tower of London to see the lions washed (a non-existent ceremony) was a popular prank."Almost every culture on earth has a day or more to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They are called "renewal festivals." Most often there is mayhem, pranks, and foolishness. Sometimes the social order is inverted, but only for a short time. The practice of sticking a fish to the backside of an unsuspecting person began in France in the 1560's. I can remember this prank being played out in High School. A classmate would write "kick me" on a piece of paper and sick it on the back of another classmate. All sorts of foolishness occurs in childhood. Some behavior has horrible consequences. I recently saw a very sad news story about a group of High School students who bullied a girl (she had moved from Ireland to the States). She was so bullied and in such emotional distress that she took her own life. There are law suits pending. What a loss; all because of foolishness.

I can enjoy some joking. The type that makes me laugh or smile. I enjoy watching funny videos. Our children make me laugh with their funny behavior or ideas. Recently, our Charlotte said, "I want to be a cat. You can call me Sushi." Another funny thing she said recently got quite a laugh out of me. "Here, have a banana peel. That will cheer you up".

We want our children to be kind to others, to not be bullies, to not be fools. I found some quotes about fools and foolishness, so I'll share them with you.

"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." ~ Ralph Waldo Emmerson (1803-1882) in 'Self Reliance'

"A fool finds pleasure in evil behavior, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom." ~ King Solomon in Proverbs 10:23

"The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." ~ King David in Psalm 53:1

"No man is so foolish but he may sometimes give another good counsel, and no man so wise that he may not easily err if he takes no other counsel than his own. He that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master." ~ Hunter S. Thompson (1939)

"Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the wise." ~ King Solomon (the son of King David) in Proverbs 14:9What is not foolish contains wisdom and has understanding and is life to the listener and to the observer. I am in awe of this orchid. To me it holds perfection. I find that the opposite of foolishness is love. Without love we have nothing. What is wisdom to you?

Embracing Spring and captured moments

2010-03-31T10:32:00.001-04:00

These photos capture a moment in time. Our chilren grow up so fast. If I could hold time in a bottle, these are the moments I'd cherish. They have such a delight in nature. Flowers grace their grubby, little hands each Spring and Summer and end up wilting in little jars all over our home. Free gifts from children are the best, aren't they?Max studies the plants and decides what they are all about. Sometimes he'll be inspired to draw what he finds in our bog and yard. Dandylion fluff is the best! Make a wish and blow your dreams into the future. By the next week we'll have yellow flowers scattered in our yard, ready for more flower chains and if they last long enough, more fluff again!Charlotte is all girl. She is strong and bossy with her three brothers and loves them so. She would rather wear brown than pink, but she is into anything Hello Kitty. She loves kittens, hamsters and bunnies. She is begging us to get a bunny for her. Grant is in his imaginary place where knights and soldiers and sword fights live. This Spring he has discovered the Civil War and wants his birthday cake to "be a Civil War cake". I'll have to get creative and hopefully the cake will match the idea he has in his head. Ben is our kind soul. He has an emotional intelligence rarely seen in children. He is tender and kind and loves dogs. He draws dogs with hearts. He sleeps with his stuffed dogs, has puppy pictures and dog books in his special place by his bed. Ben is a dog boy.

We welcome Spring. We embrace the rain and warmth, but most of all, we are thankful for the gifts God has given us...Grant, Max, Charlotte, and Benjamin.
What are the times you'd like to capture in a bottle?
(All photos by Jeremy or Ava ~ thank you!)

Our children at a Spring Celebration

2010-03-29T09:39:00.003-04:00

We experienced ten years of infertility. It was a very difficult journey for us. I feel that we have a garden of babies waiting for us in heaven. We didn't want to grow old without children, so we decided to adopt. From the time we walked into our adoption agency to the moment we walked out of the hospital, with our baby boy in our arms, 9 months had passed. I find this amazing. The length of a pregnancy and we were proud parents of our first son Grant. His name is very special to us. Grant: to bestow a gift; to keep a promise. He is a gift from God and a gift from an amazing woman who loved him enough to choose to give him to us, to hopefully give him a better life, to not abort him. He is born of prayers and love. Then, just two and a half short years later, I birthed our next three children. It was an amazing pregnancy. It was one of the most physically challenging journeys I've ever been on. They are all healthy and happy children. There is a verse in the Bible that stayed with me all those years of empty arms and aching heart. Psalm 113:9 ~ "He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord".
We look forward to growing old with our children.

here is "kiss from klimt" doll. she is my most recent clay creation.

2010-03-25T19:37:00.002-04:00

I was inspired by Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss". His use of gold leaf and patterns is so very beautiful. He had an ugly life to some and yet he was able to create some powerful works of art. He inspired the Art Nouveau style. He became one of the world's greatest decorative artists. He was born just outside Vienna in 1862 and was the oldest of seven children. He used semi-precious stones, gold leaf and enamels in his art. He died in 1918 at age 56. It is said that he had many lovers and fathered at least 14 children.
My "Kiss from Klimt" is made from polymer clay and is sealed and painted using acrylics. Her hair is braided clay. I used fine ribbon and bead spacers to attach her arms and legs. I used crystal beads for buttons on her shoes. She is one of a kind and available to purchase. Feel free to email me if interested in any of my work.

some of my sculptures

2010-03-25T14:59:00.004-04:00

This is the first sculpture I tried. My sister Trese introduced me to polymer clay a few summers ago and I've been inspired to make "dolls". Her hair reminds me of croisants, so maybe she's French?
"Pup-pup" was made for our Ben. He adores dogs and this one looks a little like our Pup, Charlston Chew, it is unfinished.

Mermaid is my favorite so far (mermaid has been sold). I had a lot of fun creating her and was inspired by my brother Troy Howell's art in Mermaid Tales From Around the World (Mary Pope Osborne ~ author) and Lizbeth Zwerger's art too. I used shells, from Maine, in her hair. Queen of Hearts was made for a challenge on Cloth and Clay Dolls (ning site). This is the first time I've sewed clothes for a doll. You can see her on Cloth and Clay Dolls site. Owl was inspired by a visit of an owl to my brother's home last spring. It is also made for my daddy, (passed on to glory in April of '97) who loved birds. I continue to work with clay and have made others that I will eventually post here. All are one of a kind (OOAK) and are available to purchase, if you are interested. Feel free to email me at: radgibson@aol.com

Cha-Cha Dove's first Princess Tea

2010-03-21T18:37:00.001-04:00

Princess Dove and I enjoyed a magical afternoon tea at the VFW Palace. We enjoyed Ariel under the sea sandwiches, enchanted apples, Sleeping Beauty cupcakes and Maid Marion's coach wheels. We were entertained by mature princesses and dancing. Princess Dove was quite impressed with the Flying Irish dancers and has asked for lessons in Irish Dance.

green and gold

2010-03-18T14:06:00.001-04:00

My beloved surrounded by the quartet and pup-pup. He loved the handmade cards, corned beef and cabbage and potato leek soup. He is finer than gold to me. Our children are green shoots emerging from the winter snow. Spring is upon us. Welcoming us with sunshine and possibilities.

our wood sprite

2010-03-18T12:12:00.000-04:00

the wearin' of the green and celebrating a birthday too

2010-03-18T10:43:00.001-04:00

Yesterday my beloved celebrated a birthday. He has Scotch-Irish blood mixed with German flowing in his veins. Our children made birthday cards with rainbow colors and pots of gold and heart shapes. Pup-Pup joined in the fun with a run in the bog. We feel blessed rather than lucky. We ate ice cream before dinner.

A timid toe touches the uncertain path into the virtual world of blogging.

2010-03-17T21:36:00.003-04:00

It is my foot that touches down on this virtual road to Oz. Where will it lead me? What beautiful souls will I meet along the way? I'm wearing my silver shoes today. Whenever I long for home, my feet will guide the way. Until then, Emerald City shines in the distance. I'm certain it is full of the whimsical and wild and wonderful. Much like me. Like attracts like and deep speaks to deep. Join me along the path.