Oh the Joy

Do you remember this couple?

I took their engagement pictures last June. In a wheat field. The photo session was a lot of fun. They married in October. I did not take their wedding pictures. I turned down that assignment. I'm much more interested in photographing babies and children and families, and women. Weddings? Not so much.

I've known for a while that they are pregnant. It's very exciting. I am taking maternity progression pictures right now. We've done two sessions. This past week, they were able to find out the gender. So, we took some gender reveal pictures today. Several weeks ago, we discussed using small chalkboards for this shoot. It would be cute. I already had the idea pictured in my mind. But, someone was going to be disappointed. Can you tell who?

Eventually, the joy of having a little brother will replace the disappointment of not getting a little sister. Of course, there is always next time.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Have a fabulous week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 John 4:9 (NKJV) ⁹ In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

The Birthday Girl

This past Thursday, February 16, was my daughter's birthday. I generally take her to dinner for her special day. She likes a good steak dinner. This year, I chose to do something a little different. I kidnapped her. Took her against her will. Ok. That's an exaggeration. She went willingly. lol.

Anyway, a day in the city awaited her. A little shopping. Some dining. And a new look. She has been wanting to cut her hair. She has a lot of it. Very long hair. Beautiful hair. Lots and lots of curls. Here, take a look for yourself. (Pssst, I'm sorry the color is off. The lighting in the store was terrible and no matter what I did, this is the best I could get it.) But seriously....look at all that hair!

Anyway, after lunch and a hair cut, it was time to head to Sephora for a little make up. Just enough on the eyes and lips to brighten her face a little. Here's the finished look. I just love it. What say you?

 
Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. I miss you all and will post again soon. Have a fabulous week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Creating Belle

Rather an odd title, yes? My recent photo assignment was to step out of the box. Create the look from start to finish. Select the outfits and props. Show the model. Find a NEW location that fit the session. Then, voila! The finished product.

A couple weekends ago, my niece and I went to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D. It was so much fun. We love Belle. She is smart, and pretty, and adventurous, and fearless, and LOVES to read! This got my little brain working in overtime. Not gonna lie. The cogs were turning. I began looking for inspiration. A way to create a Belle look for a 12 year old. Something that would be true to the movie but a good style for my niece. Here's how it went:

The inspiration:

The location: The university's library. Lots of books and huge windows for lots of natural light.

The model:

Voila! Belle!:

This was such a fun adventure for both of us. It really got my creative juices flowing. So much so that I'm going to do another shoot. My daughter is the victim this time. She even agreed. :) It has to do with an upcoming holiday. That's all the teaser you get for now.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Have a fabulous weekend.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) ⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Contemplating 2011; Pondering 2012

The grand-boy and I were enjoying our traditional beans. They were a tiny bit on the spicy side. That's how we roll. I had on my heart to do some lighthearted reflecting on 2011. Some goal setting for 2012 would also be in order. He was entirely agreeable. Nice. From a list of 20 questions, we each picked three. Both of us had to answer all of the questions. Mine are the odd numbered questions. The grand-boy chose the even numbered questions. Here's how it went.

Question #1: What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
The grand-boy: I went from being 9 to turning 10. Yep. The best thing that happened to me was turning 10.
Me: Really? Out of everything that happened this past year, turning 10 was the best thing?
The grand-boy: Yeah! Double digits!
Me: You are so a ten year old boy. We both laugh.

I can't even compete with that kind of answer. But for me it was when the hubs traded in that white bike (it's a long sordid tale) for his shiny new black one.

Question #2: What were the best books you read this year?
Me: Outside of reading the Bible everything I read was either work or photography related. I vaguely remember reading a book earlier in the year, but can't recall it's name or what it was about. Guess it wasn't that great.
The grand-boy: War Horse. I'm reading it now, and I really like it. But there was a book at the book fair I wanted and didn't get. Pearl Harbor. I'm going to read that one next.

Question #3: What was your biggest single time waster in your life this past year?
The grand-boy: TV
Me: TV

Question #4: What was an unexpected joy this past year?
Me: Our vacation time together. (Which, by the way, I have not forgotten about. I still have pictures to post from that excursion.)
The grand-boy: My step-dad getting to come home for Christmas. (Background: The SD is working at a construction site out of state.)

Question #5: What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?
The grand-boy: That you could use math to figure out how many miles you had gone on the number of gallons in your car. I knew how to do it. I just didn't know you could use it for that.
Me: Did you know you can use that same math skill to figure out how long it will take you to get some where?
The grand-boy: Really? No I didn't. I'm going to try that.
We both laugh.

Me: That God gives each of us gifts and talents. It's up to us to study and learn how to hone those gifts and talents so we can use them to be a gift to others.

Questions #6: What was an unexpected obstacle?
Me: The learning curve on Photoshop. (He gave me a very puzzled look, so I explained.) It has always been easy for me to learn new software. But Photoshop? There is so much it can do. It is overwhelming at times. I haven't been able to understand it as quickly as I thought I would.
The grand-boy: Being able to read a map and get us to where we were supposed to be. We took a wrong turn and I couldn't figure out how to get us back on the right road.

That was our looking back. We also decided to look ahead to 2012 with the same questions. I promise this is shorter.

For question #1 the grand-boy decided that the best thing that could happen to him in 2012 is that he would turn 13. Since that is not even possible he would settle for not getting out at dodge ball. Again, we both laugh. I have a debt I want to pay off.

We both agreed on less TV and more reading.

If we could have one thing that would bring us unexpected joy, what would it be?
The grand-boy: A new house with a new bedroom. (This is such a sad thing. It's a whole post and prayer request in itself.)
Me: Tickets to Europe.

That's our reflection on 2011 and some goals for 2012. What about you? Did you have something that brought you unexpected joy? What are you looking forward to in 2012? Just give me a shout-out.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who stop by my little spot. Your comments, encouragement, and friendship blesses me more than you know. May 2012 be prosperous, healthful, and adventurous for you.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)¹² So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Happy Belated Birthday HodgePodge

1. What song reminds you of a specific time in your life and what is it about that song that makes you remember? Hands of Time. I first heard this song on the movie Collateral starring Tom Cruise. I watched it during a time when I was struggling with some personal issues. The song is a reminder to live for today, This Day!

2. What's something you've given up on? I've given up on losing 15 pounds. I'll be happy with five. So my clothes won't be so snug. Just sayn.

3. What's something you'll never give up on? My faith in God.

4. If you had to cook something from scratch in the next hour what would it be? Since you said cook and not bake, I went with a meal I can put together quickly and easily with items I generally keep on hand. Some people call this a burrito, or soft shell taco, or fajita. Whatever you call it, it's super easy, delicious, and nutritious. Start by putting 1/3 cup brown Basmati rice in a small sauce pan with 2/3 cup chicken stock. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer while you prepare the rest of the meal. Then use whatever cooked meat is in the fridge, saute some onions with shredded carrots, drain and rinse a can of black beans...throw them in, toss in the cooked meat, season with salt, pepper, and taco/fajita seasoning, add some frozen corn, and some green chilies. I would have started some brown basmati rice before the first step. The rice would be done by now and I would add that to the meat dish. Serve with warmed tortillas, grated cheese, green peppers, jalapenos, avocados (if I have any), cilantro, whatever is on hand.

5. Have you started Christmas shopping? Decorating? Listening to Christmas music? I have some shopping done. The decorations and music start this weekend. So excited!

6. What do you know about your parent's wedding? Not a stinking thing. Not even kidding. My parents divorced when I was six. My dad got custody of three children age 3-8. He doesn't talk about my mom much. My mom chose not to have a relationship with us. It's a sore spot.

7. I can't believe I used to smoke. I know. Disgusting habit. Can't even believe I smoked for so many years. Oh, the money and time wasted. Thank you, Lord for helping me kick that habit! Thirteen years ago.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK!!! How did that happen? I'm not even ready. Are you? What's on your menu? Do you have a "special" dish that is traditional to your family? I make my grandmother's orange salad. It's cooked vanilla pudding, orange jello, tapioca, and mandarin oranges. It's delicious and conjures up some precious memories for me.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 119:143 (NKJV) Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, Yet Your commandments are my delights.

The Art of the HodgePodge

1. Of all the tools and gadgets you own which do you most enjoy using? There are just so many "gadgets" to choose from. iPad, laptop, smartphone, DSLR, KitchenAid.....how do you choose? I'd have to pick my camera. I can be creative with it and it allows me to show the beauty of God's creation. Whether that beauty is in the heart of His people, His creation (flowers, landscape, creatures), or through the gifts He has given to man. The ability to create beauty in food, architecture, or art.

2. When (if ever) is impatience a virtue? Not sure I can think of an instance for this one.

3. What temperature do you keep your thermostat set to in winter? Do you have another way to heat your house besides a furnace of some type? My thermostat is set at 68 in the winter (75 in the summer). Which, at the moment, is very comfortable. Our furnace is our only heat source. Well, besides me. My hubby says I'm his little heater. He can barely lie next to me a couple minutes when.....poof....flame on. ahahaha. Those of you who are going thru the change know exactly what I'm talking about.

4. Do/did you have a close relationship with any of your grandparents? Yes, I was very close to my grandmother. I miss her every day.

5. When did you last have a family portrait taken? Ha! Just a couple weeks ago while we were on vacation. I set my camera on the tripod, set the timer, focused on the hubs, jumped in the picture, and voila. Instant family portrait. :)

6. What does the word patriotism mean to you? Loyalty. Self-worth. My husband.

7. Do you like to play cards and if so, what's your favorite card game? I love playing cards. My favorite is Pitch. With the grand-boy, it's go fish.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm taking an on-line workshop with a fabulously skilled photographer. I'm hoping to hone my photography skills and become bold, confident and creative through the process. I'm a little nervous and excited at the same time. There are extraordinary women from around the world with amazing talents taking this course with me. I'm excited to learn with them and from them. My first assignment is to make an inspiration board. Have you made one before?

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan 

Joshua 24:15 (NKJV) ¹⁵ And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

I Heart Faces: People's Choice

This week's I Heart Faces' theme is "Best Face Photo from Summer 2011." I have a couple of favorites, but kept going back to this particular shot of the grand-boy.

As you can tell, he is full of personality and character. I'm not sure what I love most about this shot...the memories, the lighting, his expression or those adorable freckles. Not that he will like me calling his freckles "adorable." ahaha. Whatever the case, I love it! For more "Best Face Photos from Summer 2011," go to: 

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com
Thank you for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Happy Fall Y'all

Today, according to the calendar, is the first day of autumn. The autumnal equinox. Equal day and night.

What fall means to me:

falling leaves

Hay rides

Pumpkin pie

harvest

Scarecrow

FAMILY

apple cider

Blessings

autumn

Give Thanks

Sadly, it also means that winter, cold, snow, and ice are just around the corned. Ugh! Not a fan. So I'll just enjoy the milder temps, family gatherings, and the daily blessings of today...This Day! What does fall mean to you? Thank you for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV) ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

The Sweet Spot

There are two "sweet" spots in my house. These are places where the natural lighting is consistently good. Here are a couple examples of that sweet spot showcasing a couple of sweeties!


This fella just cracks me up. He usually does not like to sit in front of the camera, but this day he really hammed it up for me. He is so animated.

This guy is just a little too serious....don't you think?

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Have a fabulous week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 14:23 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

We Have a Name

First, thank you so much for your name suggestions. We received many. We asked for names associated with military, motorcycles, or law enforcement. Here are the names we received:

Striker, Apache, Fat Boy, Deuce, Jericho, Howizer, Ryder, Harley, Scooter, Reuger, Cruiser, Chopper, Kevlar, Barney.....Fife, Rosco P Coultrain, and Trooper. 

Followed by: Throttle, Wolverines (because then if he runs away you can run into the street and yell "WOLVERINES" ahahaha. yes, I have warped friends), Shield, Sabre, Argos, and Cerberus.

The next batch of names we got included:

Ranger, Bandit, Chesty, Scud, Harley, Jasmine or Jazzy, Baxter, Butch, Jackson, Mike, Joe, Mack, Mavrick, Brusky, Bullet, Buster, Pumba, Razor, Rebel, Rex, Dexter, Sergeant, Dozer, Soldier, Flex, Hampton, Axle, Tank, Viper, Willow, Liberty, Justice, and Blaze.

We had fun with all the options. We narrowed it down to four but we just couldn't settle on one. Then we heard it. The name that would fit. Nobody else had this name or a name that sounded similar. Are you ready?

CHUMLEY!

Now some of you may be thinking of this guy from Pawn Stars:

Ummmm, No. We actually came up with the name from this old cartoon series:


Can I see a show of hands? Who knew we were talking about Tennessee Tuxedo? lol We bring home Chumley tomorrow. We're ready. I hope! Thanks for stopping by and visiting. What do you think of the name?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV) A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

It's a Birthday HodgePodge

This week's HodgePodge is dedicated to the birthday girl. You'll have to read all the way to the bottom to find out who it is. So....let's get started!

1. Your favorite chocolate treat? ahaha! If it's chocolate, how can it not be a favorite?

2. What more than anything else makes you feel loved? My wonderful hubby.

3. Cherries or blueberries? I'm a blueberry kind of gal.

4. What is the one trait you most want the leader of your country to possess? Faith in God.

5. Are you a saver or a spender? Spender. But this year my goal is to spend less and save more. I'll let you know how that works for me.

6. If you gave a party for all of your friends would they already know each other? Nope. I run in different circles.

7. Are you interested in antiques? Ha! I am an antique. I'm older than 20. Doesn't that make me antique?

8. Insert your own random thought here. So....where does the birthday come in? This girl has a birthday today. She is my beautiful daughter.  She turns 26 today! TWENTY SIX!!! How did that happen?

Sadly, I do not have photos on my computer of her younger years. Here is her smiling face at a local event this past fall. Her age makes me feel very, very old. Oh wait. I'm already an antique. How much older can I feel than that? She and I are spending some much needed time together. I'm treating her to dinner at the restaurant of her choice. Naturally, I'll tell the wait staff that it's her birthday so she can be totally embarrassed. It's my job, I'm the mom. ahaha. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRECIOUS GIRL!

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or link up with your own.

 

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 127:3 (NIV, ©2010) Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.

A Battle is Won but the War is not Over

A sign of relief. Actually, a heavy sigh. Ahhhhhh! Breath in. Breath out. Breath in. Breath out. Breath in. Breath out. Are you breathing with me? If you are, you are also breathing with Joanne. Because today, This Day, she is breathing on her own for the first time since she was hospitalized on January 11.

When I read earlier today that she was awake. Opening her eyes. Moving her right hand. Moving her left hand. Giving a "thumbs up." Moving her toes. I was overcome with joy. I wept with gratitude. Praise the One who made it all happen.

If you don't have a clue who I'm talking about, Joanne at The Simple Wife is a beautiful child of the King. A 38 year old wife and mother who suffered a severe stroke on January 11. She is a testimony to God's grace, love, and mercy. Her family has opened their hearts and lives to the blogging community. They have kept us current with Joanne's vitals, progress, set backs, and prognosis. This family needs our prayers.

There is another family who needs our prayers. Needs a miracle from God. The Great Physician. The Healer of body and spirit. This family has not received as much attention in the blogosphere as Joanne, but their need is just as urgent. My dear blog peep, Penny's Aunt Betty is at the Cancer Treatment Center in the Chicago area. Betty has been diagnosed with an aggressive small cell cancer that has spread to her lungs, brain, kidney, and liver. I do not know what type of treatment she is receiving. What I do know is that this family needs prayer.

Please join me in lifting up these precious ones before God. Thanking Him for their healing. Praising Him that through these two, others will come to know the Lord, and that He will be honored and glorified.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Chronicles 16:8 (NKJV)  Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Hello, We're the Griswolds

Thanksgiving dinner was delicious. The turkey was juicy and flavorful accompanied by mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, green beans, corn, and cranberry sauce. And of course rolls. So what was so "Christmas Vacation" about the dinner? The rolls. Not even kidding. But let me set the scene.

The table is brimming with food. Everything looks delicious and smells heavenly. My hubby is to my left, my daughter to my right. My SIL, niece, and "the cousin" grace the other seats at the table. We're passing food and filling plates. I ask for the rolls. The hubby starts poking fun at the shape of some of them. My SIL, who baked the rolls, explains that the cellophane stuck to the dough causing them to be misformed. Reasonable. I take my roll. It looks a little brown on the bottom and feels a little ummm hard. No biggie. A little butter or gravy will cure that. I place my thumbs on the bottom to separate the roll. My thumb implodes the roll as bread crumbs fall onto my mashed potatoes.  I get the roll open to find an outer shell with little interior. The husband looks at me and says, "Griswold Rolls." ahahahaha

For those who don't understand the reference....here the clip from the movie:


 Do you have a funny story of something that was said or done at your Thanksgiving? We'll definitely remember the "Griswold Rolls." 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

A Weekend in Tennessee

There are weekend excursions in the past couple months that have yet to be posted. I get busy with other posts. I get busy with life. Sometimes, I think the story is not very interesting. Other times, sorting through the photos and getting the commentary written seems a daunting task that always takes me much longer than it should.

I spent this past weekend with someone extra special to me. She and I have know each other our whole lives. Not even kidding. Our. whole. lives.

We decided to meet at a halfway point between our homes, Crossville, Tennessee. I drove five and a half hours. She drove five hours. We met in Cumberland County Tennessee. Beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. Friendly folks. Beautiful scenery. Fun shops. Food was sketchy (unless you wanted fast food, which we did not). Restaurants there keep odd hours. They close early. They open late. They close on weekends. Even Saturday. Really? We finally hit the jack pot Sunday morning for our last meal in town. We were headed to a BBQ place just outside of town which, according to the restaurant guide, was open seven days a week.WRONG. We pull into an empty parking lot. Okay, maybe they aren't open yet. WRONG. I exit the car, walk up to the door, read the sign listing the hours. Next to SUN: Closed. Really?  We turn back towards town and pass a little place called Tony's Place. There are several cars parked in front of it. We decide to give it a try. So, so glad we did. It was full of an older church crowd. White haired ladies donned with hats. You just know it's gonna be good. The food was delicious and the prices reasonable.

We did a lot of sightseeing, visiting, shopping, driving, and treasure hunting. The history of this little community is quite interesting. You can get all the facts about Crossville here. This area was staunchly divided during the Civil War. They sent roughly an equal number of troops to both sides. Because of it's central location and two major roadways, this area was easily accessible and suffered rampant pillaging. By both sides and guerrillas. This monument in the center of town lists those brave men who gave their life for what they believed. Several times, there are three to five names listed from the same family. On both sides.

An oddity of the area is the minister's tree house. It's called a tree house, but it looks like a house that swallowed a tree. It's ginormous. Made completely of scrap wood. I took photos of it from several different angles. Then, we climbed up in it. There is a chapel with a pulpit sculptured from wood. A huge cross, pews, and a choir loft surround it. There was also a lone chair. Sitting in the sunlight. Waiting for it's next occupant. A discarded trunk. And precarious floors and steps. After reaching the fourth floor, we decided we were high enough.

Sunday morning greeted us with rain. Mist. Fog. It looked dismal outside but we were determined to venture out. We were not disappointed. Similarly, even in the midst of what appears to be a trial, God shows His compassion towards us. Just look at the beauty in the dreary rain. Look at the treasure in the mist.

To see other photos, go HERE to ShutterClicks my photo blog. Or click on the camera in my side bar. Thank you for stopping by and visiting. 
Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 119:18 (NIV) Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

An Evening with the Daughter

When the daughter was in middle school, the musical CATS was aired on our local PBS station. She fell in love with it. This was not her first experience with theatrical performances. Over time, we saw many musicals, ballets, comedies, and plays.

As soon as the movie was available, I purchased it for her on VHS. She played it so much she literally wore it out. Not even kidding. So when it was available on DVD I bought that copy for her too. She purchased the musical score on CD herself.

Wednesday night, for the first time, she saw the live performance. It was so exciting. For both of us. This is their logo followed by short clips of the most popular songs from the performance. The clip is a little on the long side, but if you watch the first minute or so you will see the wonderful make up, hear the awesome score, and glimpse the spectacular choreography. Enjoy.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 57:7 (NIV)  ⁷ My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

Stirring the Pot - Feeding a Crowd

It seems that cooler weather begs for large gatherings and bonfires. I don't know about you, but in our neck of the woods we love sitting around a fire, swapping lies, and eating. OK, not lies.....but there are definitely a lot of stories floating around. Anyway, we eat chili, hot dogs, or my favorite....Sloppy Joe's. Here's a recipe to feed that crowd without a lot of fuss:



5 #s Ground Round
5 Vadalia Onions, chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
2 Red Bell Peppers, chopped
6 Celery Stalks, diced
1 to 1 1/2 Bottles Ketchup (32 oz)
2 to 3 T Worcestershire Sauce
1 to 2 T Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste



Saute the celery, then the onion, garlic, bell peppers in the olive oil. Put in "turkey roaster." Season, brown, and drain the ground round. Add to the sauteed vegetables. Start with one bottle of ketchup. Pour it in and mix it up. If it seems dry, add more ketchup. Then add in the Worcestershire Sauce. Stir it all up really, really good. Check and adjust the seasoning.



Set the buns, plates, chips, and any other side dishes next to the roaster. This stuff will disappear. Go enjoy the party. Your work is done. 



Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 51:12 (NIV)  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

September Remembered

This month has flown by at warp speed and October is approaching faster than a speeding bullet. How does that happen? It's fall, and I'm already planning for Christmas. What??? Really??? Yes, it's hard for me to believe too. So, before I flip the calendar to October, I want to recap the month of September with a few photos.
Let me take you  back. Back to the beginning of September and Labor Day weekend.

We went to the state fair,

the zoo,

and ventured a 300 mile motorcycle ride.

Ha! Warp speed indeed! Followed by a Little Black Dress party fund raiser for the local women's center, a visit from my cousin, and another 200 mile motorcycle ride the next weekend.

Last weekend was our local festival with parades and reunions.

This past weekend was another local event with hunting and fishing as the main attraction. There was lots of mossy oak and hairy faces.....if you know what I mean. This guy below put the ache in my heart for one of my own. Too bad we don't have the space for one.

I also did tons of canning which I'll be sharing in another post. Let me just say that October is set to be another crazy busy month. My goal is to post pictures as they happen rather all at once. Thanks for bearing with me on all these pics. I'll be posting more pics on my photo blog, Shutter Clicks. Be sure to check there for updates.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting.



Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.