THAT"S A BEAUTIFUL THING...#25

I stopped by Mom's yesterday, and she took me on a tour of her garden. These flowers were just so glorious that I wanted to share them with you. It reminded me of a song Mama taught me when I was a little girl...the words were:

Oh, who can make a flower?
I'm sure I can't, can you?
Oh, who can make a flower?
No one but God, it's true!


These are beautiful examples of God's handiwork! Enjoy!




This Zinnia plant had 16 blooms on it!

GOING TO THE LAKE ON A GOLF CART!

We spent the 4th at the Lake, and Praise the Lord, Alex was able to go with us. Mom and Dad came, Ian was there and our friends Buddy and Tina and Jim and Willene were with us too.
Alex decided to take a drive on the golf cart. Remember now, he has VERY poor vision and sees double at a distance of about 8 feet. But, will you look at this? His Granny and Pop are right on there with him...going where he goes...whether he knows where he's going or not! I'd call that love and devotion, wouldn't you?

FYI: They made it to the Lake, and all returned safely!

GOOD NEWS !!!

My sweet friend, Sherrie, who has been navigating the road to adoption in China, has finally gotten the news she has been waiting for! I am so happy, I could sing...I could dance...I could turn back flips...well, maybe not the last one, BUT...I am really happy. She should be able to go and get Sweet Sophie in a few weeks! Isn't that sooo exciting! OOPS! there go my feet again...trying to dance:-).

Hang in there family, you'll be travelling soon! Wish I could tag along!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IAN !!!

We tend to do our special days all in a wad in this family! the 8th was Mom and Pop's anniversary...they have been married.....I don't know...close to 60 years, I think! Then Pop's birthday is the 9th and Ian's is the 10th...which is today!

I just have to tell you that this is a very special young man. I have seen God's hand on him throughout his life. He loves to have fun, works hard, loves his grandparents, and is always willing to lend a helping hand...well, unless he has a more pressing engagement...or if he's sleeping in...but, he will get around to it eventually! ;-) Most importantly, he loves the Lord. He lives true to himself in all situations, and follows a stict moral code. I never worry about his behavior, or actions when he is away from us...he has proved himself too many times.
He is the last of my children...and a surprise blessing from the Lord! He is adored and treasured by all those who know and love him!

Happy Birthday, my son!

[pictures with: Santa, Aunt Joy, brothers, friend, Houston.

A SPECIAL DAY

Today has been a good day! First I met some dear, dear friends this morning for breakfast. We met at Atlanta Bread and talked and talked and talked. We haven't all gotten together in too long. Ann and Kathy used to teach at the same school I do. Wow! Those were the days! Then Ann retired to lavish love on grandchildren, and Kathy, the artist, moved on up to the higher grades...teaching art. Judy used to live across the street from me, and we have shared some of life's sweetest and most trying times! When I was pregnant with Alex, she copied me and got pregnant, too...with sweet Dana. Those two were like brother and sister. Dana with coal black hair and Alex with pale blond. They went to school together, and were true buddies! Then, I had Ian, and Judy was there to help me cope with that.(see Ian's story...sidebar) Judy taught public school 7th grade for25 or 30 years and retired a few years back. She even went with me when Alex was in the hospital in Dallas.
It was great to hear about all their children and grandchildren, too. We made plans to get together again soon. These ladies are true friends and so important to me. Pictured below is Ann, me, Judy, Kathy.
Before I left Atlanta Bread, I got them to pack up a box of goodies to go. I hurried to Pop's to wish him a Happy Birthday! Whew! Just made it before he went off to work! Isn't he the most handsome man? I love him so dearly! He is 82 today. Can you believe it? He doesn't look a day over 70!
Then I had to take my dear, dear, laptop to the hospital. Late last evening, she had a little spell. I knew something was wrong...it was so unlike her. She blinked and sent some some kind of code word...and then she just closed her screen and refused to open back up. I coaxed and coaxed...even Alex came and tried with his most convincing words. But all to no avail. So, she is at the hospital as we speak...and I have not heard from her as to a diagnosis yet. But, I just know she is lonely there and wondering where I am. We have such a close relationship...she follows me around every where and even climbs in bed with me when I need to rest. What a trooper...I'm just praying for a quick recovery so she can be back by my side soon.
So. I am talking to you friends on my desk top....which has been having its own issues lately. Alex said all along it was nothing serious, and he could fix it. Well, today was the day it finally had to be fixed...I could wait no longer. Well, I had no idea that this would lead to open-case surgery. Do you know what the guts of a computer look like? Well, I do now and it is not pretty. But, being the strong women I am...I even helped with the procedure. We took out a shiny round thing and Alex sent me to Wal-Mart to get another one. I did and he replaced it. We closed the wound and put it in place. Then, he turned her on...and...all was NOT well. She flashed this urgent message that we had not connected a major artery back to its rightful place. So, we had to go back in. She flashed again...we went back in...again and again and again. Finally on the 6th time...we got it right. We sent her to recovery and when she booted up...it was with a smile on her screen! Now, all was well. So, I am speaking to you through her and she is glad to be of service. She is even showing the correct time and date now. Wow! Modern medicine!

One other good thing...Adam had to have surgery on his nose last week, for the second time in 3 months. He went back to the doctor today for a check up and the doctor is very happy with the results. He should be able to breath much better now!

O.K. I am thankful for all these things...and YOU, too!

LEGOS FOR ADULTS

A team of Italian artists led by Jan Vormann have taken it upon themselves to improve several crumbling building exteriors with legos. That’s right legos! Those brightly colored plastic construction toys that we and our kids have been playing with for many years. The response has been positive- there are plans to work on three more villages!. This installation was done in Bocchignano, Italy, a village close to Rome.

THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING...# 24

Years ago the Hawaiian islands were formed by volcanoes erupting on the ocean floor. Eruption upon eruption finally reached above the water and after many, many years, the islands were formed. All was barren, lava rock...inhospitable to most life forms. As the winds and rains and ocean surf worked on the rock, breaking it down into soil, birds flying overhead began to use the island rocks as a resting place during long flights across the ocean. As birds will do, they dropped some things while they rested, and eventually seed came to be deposited on the sharp rock. And, as seeds are born to do, they would eventually find the soil, germinate, and take root in this barren land. So, over time, the beautiful Hawaiian islands became the lush, garden islands they are today.

So tenacious is the tiny seed. It seeks to find a place to grow. This is its sole purpose. To burrow in, germinate, and grow to maturity. Then, send out new seeds to begin their own journey of life. Even if the conditions seem to be against them, the determined ones, the strong ones, are able to live out their purpose.

I was reminded of this recently while I was in Savannah, Georgia. Walking along the Riverfront, it is interesting to see how the elements have affected the building materials. It has worn them down, leaving crevices, and breaks between the bricks and stone and mortar. And, even in hot, humid Savannah, the mighty seed continues to show its tenacious spirit. Look at the walls I discovered as I walked along River Street. See how one has taken hold...then several...then many. Eventually making a beautiful, living thing among the harsh elements.



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Let this be a reminder to us. As life moves along the path chosen for us, at times we find ourselves in situations or places that are not of our choosing. However, we have the ability, with the help of our Heavenly Father, to change our surroundings. We can take hold, and do what we were created to do. We can make "our world" a more beautiful place by showing the love of the Father, by looking for a way to bring 'new life' to a barren place. We were created to serve the Lord. Let us serve...and grow...wherever we happen to land.

FLING...DAY 4...SATURDAY...JUNE 28...Part 2

After our morning shopping event with Vincent and his wife, we took off for some better known stores. (By the way, Vincent is holding the furniture there and will deliver it when I call for it. He says he wants to put it in the house himself.) We went to Jo-Ann's, then to Marshall's, then to TJ Maxx. We had hoped to find some treasure, but not really much there. While in line to pay for a frying pan I bought for Don (really!)...a woman in front of us said that she was disappointed not to find more there, and she thought she was going to go to HomeGoods. Well, mine and Tina's ears perked right up...we heard something we liked. HomeGoods is a fabulous store! There are just not enough of them. And they are mostly in the bigger cities. Like Atlanta...it has 5 of them, and Birmingham has 2. It is like the Homewares section of TJ Maxx x 10! Great things! We had planned to hit the mall next, but this was a definite good change in plans. Shirl had never been to one before...but she was impressed when she began to peruse the wares. We all drifted to different parts of the store, and when we met back up, we all had found things we had to show each other. Mostly, they had found things for me to buy for the house. Oh, did they find things! First they came at me with these! Giant pears!

"Those are great!," I say, "But. where will I put them?" Well of course they had found just the thing! And right there in the middle of the store, they had set up this little vignette just so I could see how great this would look on my new table that the mighty Vincent was building for me.

Is that some massive dough bowl or what? It is just beautiful! And the pears looked so good in it. SOLD! Let's see, then I found a plant for Alex's apt., a green wooden box, a wonderful cloche with a base, and some other treasures. Well, I thought we were about finished, til Shirley said,"Come and see what I found." Words that I knew were going to cost me. She and Tina were perched on each side of the most magnificent framed print! It was over 5 feet tall, and 48 inches across. It is huge! But, just the most perfect print for my foyer, to go over the table I had purchased from the mighty Vincent. Just THE MOST PERFECT PIECE! It was triple matted in the palest shades of green, and had the most wonderful 4 inch frame of distressed wood. The colors were glorious! I do not usually fall in love with art like this, but this one was it! IT!!! We got the manager and he said they would NOT ship it, he could NOT take it to UPS for us, UPS would NOT come and get it, he would NOT hold it for more than a week, too bad...so sad. He finally said he would call Birmingham to see if they had it. I knew I could get there easier than back to Savannah. But, no...they did not have it. I asked him to check Atlanta...I thought Suzanne and I or Joy and I could go up and get it. He got a cashier to write down the numbers for me. Then he said something about the fact that we had been in the store for at least 3 hours! We measured the pic...and then the car...and yes, it would fit, BUT...it was already packed to the gills and we did not even have our luggage in yet!
So, I said, "It's just not meant to be...I'm not going to get it." I was being so selfless y'all! :-) I mean, there were already doors, a chandelier, a capital, a chair, and various other treasures there...it was not going to work. We got in the car...and sat. Shirl said,"Call Atlanta!" I did...all 5 stores...no one had it. "That's the end of it," I said, " let's just go." And we did...around the corner to a McD drive thru for some caffeine, next thing I know...Shirl has driven back to the parking lot of the HG store. "We have never before left behind something we really wanted, and we are not going to start now! I will not be done in by a picture. Show me the money, Tonja! Come on, Tina!," said Shirley. I showed it to her....she took it....they left....and this is the next thing I see....

There are 3 people toting this pic, y'all! 3! They get it in and manage to shut the door. All I can think is, someone is going to be spending another week in Savannah until her 2 friends can come back and get her. WHEN THERE IS A WOMAN WITH A TREASURE...SHE AND HER 2 BFF WILL FIND A WAY! Next stop...Wal-Mart for a car top carrier for the luggage.
I stay in the car because I can not get out of the car...
They say they'll just run in and get it and be right back. And since there were quite a few menacing folk milling around the parking lot, Tina said, "I'm locking you in." So, I slump down in the seat so my neck doesn't break, and look for something to read. I find a magazine, but it is too dark ro read. I'm sure they'll be right back . 10 minutes pass. WHEW! It's a little warm in here! Think I'll open a window...WAIT...can't...the alarm is on. They should be here any minute. UMMM, my neck is getting stiff...holding it as I am, slumped down in this seat, held captive by a picture. 15 minutes pass. Yep, it really is warm alright...really warm. Let's see if I can just move around so I can feel the cool window. Ah! that feels good. Sweat is now rolling down the crevices of the body...back is hurting...neck is sore. 20 minutes pass. I know...they are trying to punish me for getting that picture..No..that was Shirl's idea. I am officially going crazy. I think I may have to set off the alarm just so they will come out. What could they be doing? I bet they are shopping the whole store! I'm dying here! There is a puddle of sweat on the seat, I can not reach my phone or I would call them them and give them a piece of my fried mind. How dare they go on a treasure hunt with out me! 10 minutes pass. This is what I get for wanting a pretty house. I'm going to die in this car...please put this picture next to my grave. I'm losing it here. And I'm hungry! We haven't eaten since forever. I bet they are getting something to eat and not even thinking about me crunched up like a pretzel melting to death. FINALLY! they open the door ,acting all innocent like...saying,"we've been in line all this time," and "you would not believe how many people were in there!" Likely story...but, I say nothing...because, I am in no shape to think clearly, much less form words and utter them. They decide they are hungry, too. And since we were treated so bad by the folk's at Paula's Place, we have no dinner plans. Of course, I could not go in anywhere to eat...I could not straighten out and I am soaked to the bone. "Anywhere", I say. And we spot a Krystal sign and pull in. You will never believe this, but it is the truth or I am not the Queen of the Fling! We sat in the line for 40...40 minutes. We had planned to take it home, but we gobble them down in the car...after Shirl has a nice, friendly talk with the manager. Well, I can not actually gobble, since I am bent in half and my neck and swallowing mechanism are in such unusual positions. We do wait until we get home to dig in to the lemon pie and apple pies, though. We make it to the room...and Shirl throws me in the shower, cause she says I'll feel better. Ha! She's just feeling guilty for leaving me in the car for 3 and 1/2 hours! I bathe, and she rubs my feet with sweet smelling foot lotion. Which, at this point in my day, I feel is akin to the washing of feet spoken of in the Holy Bible. Such a sweet girl, she is! Good night.
They get up before me again, and get to work on the car.
Look! They figured out the carrier, loaded it up, and even carved out a tiny space for me! I'm not complaining, mind you! At least I have some pillows to cushion my neck and back!


And, sadly, we pull out of Savannah...car bursting at the seams....and friends bursting with laughter and sweet memories of another adventure coming to an end. I find that it is easier to sleep, than balance a picture on my head...so, before I know it, we are back in Moultrie. It starts to rain, but we unpack her car...and pack all we can into my car. After a short visit with her family, Tina and I take off for home. One last picture of the Court, and we hit the road.
We arrive home to loved ones who missed us. And we are missing the loved one we left in Moultrie... along with a very, very big picture!

Our time together is too soon past.
Oh, how I wish these days would last.
But, we'll look forward for the sign
That it's time to travel one more time!

"AMERICA...GOD SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE"

photo:coolchaser


Hope you have a Happy 4th!

AMERICA...Home of the FREE...BECAUSE of the BRAVE!

FLING...DAY 4....FRIDAY....JUNE 28...Part 1

Our last day...time does fly when you're having fun. Shirl and Tina let me sleep a little late, and once again, they head out to Paula's Place to secure us a seating for dinner tonight...it's our last chance. Off they go, while I finish getting ready. The phone is ringing as I get out of the shower. "How bad do you want to eat here?" they say, "we will have to stand in this line for at least an hour, and then there is no guarantee we'll get a reservation." So, it comes down to this, huh, Paula? You are making us choose....shopping or eating? "Come on back," I say, "she had her chance. We have got a house to furnish!" So, for the last time, SORRY PAULA !
In just a few minutes. the girls are back and I am ready, and off we go. We were told about a very nice gallery that was close enough to walk to. We decided to start there.

Well, my friends, we had us a fine experience here. What an exciting place! The owner, Vincent, met us at the door and bid us come in and we did. It was like entering another world. His shop is on the second floor of one of the original warehouses built along the River. He deals mostly in Chinese art and antiquities. We looked around and then he asked us what we were looking for. Oh, the pieces he showed us! Since Alex is decorating his apt. in an Asian style, I was looking for a chest for his den. I found it....just waiting for me to come along and pick it up. And, here it is:

The next piece I needed was a long piece for my front foyer. This was actually used as a kitchen piece, but its width and length are perfect for my foyer. These pics don't do justice to the beauty of the wood. And of course, it needs a good dusting and waxing. But, here is what I found:
And, then I spied this table. It has just the right amount of red paint, fading and distressed just the perfect amount...a perfect sofa table. So, now this is mine, too.

I also bought a window covering that is carved out of teak to be used as a wall hanging. Vincent then asked what else I was looking for. I told him that I was sure he didn't have a farm table that seated 12 like I was looking for, so I was finished.
"Come with me,"he said, "let's go to my house." He walked out the door of the gallery and we followed him...not knowing where we were going. Well, he led us down a few flights of stairs and a steep slope and then opened up some very, very old sliding warehouse doors. In we walked...his house. What a surprise! Even though it was on the bottom floor, it had the feel of a loft in some big city. Right outside was the River. He had some of the most glorious furniture and art work. What a feast for the eyes! We followed him to the dining area and there was the most wonderful table. It was exactly what I have been looking for. Then he said for us to look underneath, and we did. Some of the most beautiful hand work was done on the underside. This is not like any table I have ever seen before. "Now, follow me," he said. And he led us to these:

His table was made from a set of doors like these...and he has another set. These doors, and all the other furniture is from a temple in Mongolia. In this area of China, they have had to flood some of the provinces. They have relocated the people, and, of course, all the houses and shops and temples were left behind. He went in and bought up several temples and all that was in them. These doors are over 300 years old and are an elm wood. The other set is longer, so my table will be about 10 feet long. It is in the process of being made, and all the furniture will be delivered when I call for it. Can you just imagine how excited I am?

While we were in his home, we noticed all the artwork on his walls, and commented on the pieces. They were all so vibrant and full of life. We asked who the artist was and he handed Shirley a book. She looked at it and realized that HE was the artist. Then he said that his painting was his work and the furniture was just a passion. He quickly realized that we simple Southern Ladies were not knowledgable about the art world. He pulled up his art web site and showed us some of his work. I almost fell over when I saw that some of his paintings go for up to $800,000.00. That is eight hundred thousand dollars! Oh, my, word! The cheapest went for $30,000.00.
What an interesting morning we spent there! It was such a treat! And, the furniture will be very different from anything anyone else may have.

***Thus ends the morning of our last day in Savannah. Afternoon details tomorrow.***

FLING..DAY 3.....FRIDAY...JUNE 27

Day 3, we got up a little early, so as to get more packed into the day. Tina and Shirley left to go check in with Paula...no luck today. Oh well. Sorry Paula! They come back to retrieve their queen and we start the day with a trolley tour. Mary had got us all set up and had a shuttle to come and pick us up. The tour was 90 minutes, but the ticket allowed you to ride all day. Which meant you could use it as transportation around town, getting off and on at various stops. We took the complete tour first, and it was very informative. Savannah is built around many squares and much of the early architecture is still intact. There are some...no, many...magnificent homes. And beautiful churches. The term the guide used was an urban forest, because of all the live oak trees planted in each square. Another interesting fact..Savannah, itself, is the protected historic feature. Not the houses, or churches...but the city. The way it is laid out is protected. They can never do anything to altar the layout of the city.







Finish the tour, and start around again, but get off soon to do some exploring on our own. We find some neat shops we have read about and look through them with interest. There is a shop that intrigues me, but the Princesses...not so much. So they go to see if we can meet and eat with Paula for lunch...not today...all filled up. Sorry Paula! We decide to eat at a delightful place, the GRYPHON TEA ROOM...it comes highly recommended. It was fabulous! I had fried goat cheese salad, Tina had quiche...Shirley, chicken Salad and fruit. So yummy and great atmosphere! No room for dessert. We begin our walk back to the motel, pausing to sit and play fashion police for a while. LOOK! We spy a cupcake bakery and decide it was put there for a purpose...to provide us with a tasty treat. So, it would be wrong not to partake. So we did! Good thing we did so much walking! It is so pleasant to walk through all these lovely parks...so shady and cool...and great benches to rest weary legs. As we continue our trek to the motel, guess where we pass by? Paula's Place! I ask the hostess if we can make a reservation for 3...she said, "Come on in, you can eat right now!" I so hated to say that I meant for tonight. We were just too full from our lunch and cupcake! Sorry Paula! She just smiled and shook her head. PAULA, OUR TIME IS GETTING SHORT. Because my feet are now the size of 2 of Paula's country hams, we decide to catch the trolley back to the River, and finish the rest of the River Street shops. Bad choice...nothing but junk! Thankfully, a trolley comes along in just a few minutes, we catch a ride and end up very close to where we can rest our bodies for the night. We manage to fit in just one more antique store before closing time...it was within walking distance of the hotel. But, by the time we get there, we are all just too, too tired. Sit and talk with Mary a while...mostly cause we are too tired to move! Make it upstairs, and I fall into bed. We ordered pizza to the room, and soon began to let beautiful sleep heal our tired bodies.

Day 3 has gone, The night is here. Our thanks go up for times of cheer.

FLING...Day 2...Thursday...June 26

Morning came early, on this Day 2 of our trip. We all slept a little longer than usual, but oh, how nice! This place has wonderful beds! Fast breakfast, and a confab with Mary, we set off with our maps at the ready! This is one more beautiful city. Plan to stop by and make a reservation at Paula Deen's place, but line is around the block...will try tomorrow. Sorry Paula! Follow the route...for a while. First stop...


Yummy! The perfect way to start any day! Since Tina had spent her high school years here (her dad was a Methodist pastor), we decided to see if we could track down any of the places she remembered. We found the church...but sadly, it had been closed the first of June. What a sad thing it is to see a House of God closed because of low interest. It had only about 25 members when it was closed. We saw the parsonage where Tina lived right next door. She took lots of pics, and as she was getting back in the car, noticed an elderly woman across the street walking her dog. She looked familiar, and sure enough she was the lady who used to take Tina and her brother to school. They were able to talk over times past and catch up on the present. What a neat thing for Tina! We thanked the Lord for bringing her outside at just the time to be noticed by Tina! We then drove by the high school. It was a massive 3 story building. Sweet remembrances for Tina.

Now, on to the antique shopping! Mary had told us several places to go...and so we did. First stop, I found this precious chair! It is called a Morris Chair and is considered to be the first recliner. This one is very small...but it will have a place in my studio.

From here, we went to a store that specialized in architectural salvage. I found several neat pieces here. They had an small antique chandelier from an old estate in Savannah. Perfect for over a table in my back foyer. Then I found the most wonderful doors and gates. The owners of this store had recovered many pieces from the isle of Montserrat in the Caribbean after a volcanic eruption. They had several wonderful pieces, along with wonderful gates and doors. I purchased a capital from the top of a salvaged temple column. It is over 400 years old. The many layers of paint are wonderful!

One more antique store...if my legs will hold out! JACKPOT!!! LOOK AT THESE!!!

Just what I had been looking for! These are going to be used to build a cabinet around my TV in the den. I don't understand just how, but I know it has to be great! These doors are from colonial times in America and were the doors on a pie safe. Can you see the latch? Beautiful carving on the bottom, too.



Also, much to my delight, this antique store had a whole section dedicated to Japanese books and artifacts. Alex loves studying the Japanese...the art, the culture, the people. He took Japanese as his language requirement in High School. He plans to decorate his apartment in the Japanese style. So, I was able to find several books for him as well as a wonderful 7 foot scroll from a temple there. Had a fascinating lesson on rugs here and learned much. Wonderful teacher, too! We decided then that not only my wallet, but also, our tummies were empty. We shopped right through lunch! So, we say good-bye to all the treasures left to find...and set out toward home and sustenance for the body. We find a lovely place that looks out over the River, and decide that will do nicely. We eat our meal with soothing piano music played nearby.

Day 2 has gone, as has the sun...We found the treasure, we shared the fun!