First post since last summer...A few meandering thoughts:
I think this time of year I get inspired by the blogs of my friends Amber and Beth. They are both beautiful women whom I love. They garden, they love a rich life and they remind me that I do too!
I am enjoying a larger planting in my garden this year. Have had 2 small harvests from my green beans already plus some wonderful kale. I have 14 tomato plants, have eaten 2 already and am thinking about the tomato jam I would like to make later in the summer.
I am becoming more convicted that it is wrong to continue teaching in public schools (a dangerous thought to post like this)....
I am wide awake and want to go read- hoping my eyes will let me!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Saturday, August 14, 2010
I don't want to be color blind...
Two great books I read this summer: "The Lost Quilter" (the continuation of the story The Runaway Quilt) and "The Help". I didn't know I was walking straight into the ugly face of racism when I picked them up. They either sounded good or were recommended. Racism: in my generation has come to mean the strife between races, stemming from years of misunderstanding, judgment, lack of political correctness, and other petty arguments. However, these two books taught me the real meaning of the term and how it came to be.
The Lost Quilter, a story about a runaway slave, Joanna, who had been captured and returned to captivity, tells of what became of Joanna in the years after her flight. Detailed in the story are the many ways black slaves were treated (I should say "mistreated") by their owners. The mentality portrayed in "The Help" was clearly formed from these times in our history.
When I finished the Lost Quilter, I was left with the uplifting sense of Joanna's perseverance and courage. As I finished The Help, I was in awe at the boldness of the three heroines of this story. However, I was also left repulsed. It was as if a bright light had hit a seldom- noticed corner of my living room and revealed a thick, filthy cob web there. The only way it got that way was neglect, oversight or just indifference.
The "web" is a gnarly, nasty reminder of a lack of "housekeeping" skills or pure laziness. This being a metaphor for my emotions after reading "The Help" brought on a strong conviction to repent for the attitudes and action of the white, post-slavery south.
Before reading these stories, I simply could not understand how anyone could believe that one race is beneath another. Now that I can, it gave me a whole new definition for the common term and goal many of us has today: "color blind".
People are people, right?? Well, yes, we are all human; valued by God because He created us all.
But, are we all the same? No. We are every shade of pink, white, yellow, brown, tan and black imaginable- with minds, souls and spirits created to love, serve and reside with The Father. Why would we ever say we're the same, and ever want to be? I would never want to miss anything so beautiful.
Galatians 3:28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile,[a] slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
The Lost Quilter, a story about a runaway slave, Joanna, who had been captured and returned to captivity, tells of what became of Joanna in the years after her flight. Detailed in the story are the many ways black slaves were treated (I should say "mistreated") by their owners. The mentality portrayed in "The Help" was clearly formed from these times in our history.
When I finished the Lost Quilter, I was left with the uplifting sense of Joanna's perseverance and courage. As I finished The Help, I was in awe at the boldness of the three heroines of this story. However, I was also left repulsed. It was as if a bright light had hit a seldom- noticed corner of my living room and revealed a thick, filthy cob web there. The only way it got that way was neglect, oversight or just indifference.
The "web" is a gnarly, nasty reminder of a lack of "housekeeping" skills or pure laziness. This being a metaphor for my emotions after reading "The Help" brought on a strong conviction to repent for the attitudes and action of the white, post-slavery south.
Before reading these stories, I simply could not understand how anyone could believe that one race is beneath another. Now that I can, it gave me a whole new definition for the common term and goal many of us has today: "color blind".
People are people, right?? Well, yes, we are all human; valued by God because He created us all.
But, are we all the same? No. We are every shade of pink, white, yellow, brown, tan and black imaginable- with minds, souls and spirits created to love, serve and reside with The Father. Why would we ever say we're the same, and ever want to be? I would never want to miss anything so beautiful.
Galatians 3:28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile,[a] slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Chiengora!?! Tre Bien!
I just learned that there is an official name for dog hair! Well, in the context of animal fibers, that is. Chiengora simply means "dog" in French and the rest of the word is derived from "angora"; a fiber harvested from fuzzy bunnies.
Why is it "very good"? Well, its supposed to be one of the warmest fibers around and, if you have a dog, its free! Sorry, short haired pups are not eligible- their hairs just fly everywhere. Only the long fuzzy kind spins up nicely! Take Princess Dixie's lovely locks for example....So pretty and soft! This is a pouch I made after spinning a bag full of her fur.....I crocheted with single stitch for the main part of the pouch, and used a combo of single and treble crochet for the flap. I felted the pouch and finished it with a jasper bead for a button. I must admit, the kitchen did smell like wet dog but once, dry everything was fine and fragrance free!
Oh, and don't worry that your best friend will suffer during the harvest. All the process requires (besides a thorough bathing) is a nice, good brushing! Merci!
Why is it "very good"? Well, its supposed to be one of the warmest fibers around and, if you have a dog, its free! Sorry, short haired pups are not eligible- their hairs just fly everywhere. Only the long fuzzy kind spins up nicely! Take Princess Dixie's lovely locks for example....So pretty and soft! This is a pouch I made after spinning a bag full of her fur.....I crocheted with single stitch for the main part of the pouch, and used a combo of single and treble crochet for the flap. I felted the pouch and finished it with a jasper bead for a button. I must admit, the kitchen did smell like wet dog but once, dry everything was fine and fragrance free!
Oh, and don't worry that your best friend will suffer during the harvest. All the process requires (besides a thorough bathing) is a nice, good brushing! Merci!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Silent Morning
Well, if you keep up with my blog, you know that you are better at keeping up with it than I am....Not sure the total cause of my delay in getting on here except daily routine can be distracting! Alas, I was reminded of my distractability (is this a word???) by a good friend who contacted me via e-mail this morning. She left a link of a website she and her husband have online and I had a blast looking through it...."catching up" with her that way. I also got onto Amber's blog. I've seen her recently but not her blog...Always love it!
So, I thought I would catch up with my blog a little....Where to start....Well, is quiet in the house. And, its not shock that I am up by myself and have been since about 5:30. Seems terrible to get up that early but, really, once I get my 8 hours, I'm awake! I love the time to just settle into the morning, pray, catch up on e-mails, and, this time of year, gaze at Christmas decorations in the house.
This year, there aren't many decorations. (Since I am working on National Boards, I thought it wise to keep it simple since I would eventually have to take it all down again with very little time). I did get one of my favorite things decorated: the mantle. I have blue lights ( my favorite), the nativity scene and angels set up right in the middle....A battery candle is posted in the center and acts as the The Star of Bethlehem. I turn it on as soon as I get up in the morning and I enjoy just sitting on the couch and looking at it....Isn't that the whole point anyhow?
Lots of people have reminded me that I have "lots of work to do before Christmas"...Sure, I still have some gifts to wrap, even buy; a menu to plan and groceries to purchase but the best thing is already in place...the rest is fun enough and will come with time....until then, I'll just enjoy my decorations and keep my eye on the center of the mantle....
So, I thought I would catch up with my blog a little....Where to start....Well, is quiet in the house. And, its not shock that I am up by myself and have been since about 5:30. Seems terrible to get up that early but, really, once I get my 8 hours, I'm awake! I love the time to just settle into the morning, pray, catch up on e-mails, and, this time of year, gaze at Christmas decorations in the house.
This year, there aren't many decorations. (Since I am working on National Boards, I thought it wise to keep it simple since I would eventually have to take it all down again with very little time). I did get one of my favorite things decorated: the mantle. I have blue lights ( my favorite), the nativity scene and angels set up right in the middle....A battery candle is posted in the center and acts as the The Star of Bethlehem. I turn it on as soon as I get up in the morning and I enjoy just sitting on the couch and looking at it....Isn't that the whole point anyhow?
Lots of people have reminded me that I have "lots of work to do before Christmas"...Sure, I still have some gifts to wrap, even buy; a menu to plan and groceries to purchase but the best thing is already in place...the rest is fun enough and will come with time....until then, I'll just enjoy my decorations and keep my eye on the center of the mantle....
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
"That's what we do here"
I just spent the weekend in Burke's Garden, Va....Its a place that has had members of my family in it for over 200 years. My grandfather was raised there and 2 of his siblings still live there. If you ever come with me, make sure you ask Uncle Edgar if he's lived his whole life in BG (but don't tell him I told you to)!
Anyhow, BG is beautiful, and isolated to say the least, but its irresistible there. When I describe it, some folks probably wonder what is so appealing. I mean, the big event of the day is to go to the post office (between 10 and 1 mind you) or hit the general store. Other than that, if you don't own a farm, life if pretty simple.
So what do were do there?
Look at the scenery (including the cattle, tractors feeding the cattle, birds, etc.)
Walk,
Hike,
Eat,
Talk,
Watch the sun set,
Watch the sun rise,
Tell stories....lots of stories!
To some its not much. But to us, its heaven.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Look Mom!
I picked my first 6 sugar snap peas this morning and they are tasty- organically grown, too! With only about 5 stalks acting very happy I think they will yield be enough for, well, one meal OR several tiny snacks. That's OK! I will enjoy them.
Here's the real celebration: I REMEMBERED! Its taken me about 3 years to remember to buy the seeds and 2 years to buy the seeds on time and one year to plant them on time. They have to go in by early April to have any hope of a harvest.
I can't say any master gardeners would be very impressed. But, what few I get, I will savor.
It sure took them long enough to come my way.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Let God Arise!
I could almost hear Chris Tomlin's voice singing that song as I typed the title....The lyrics are all about God being on top, the most visible thing, The One who "reigns now and forever." That is just what God did when I set pastel to paper during our April women's retreat.
One of my jobs during this retreat was to organize and set up a "creative playground". This was part of our prayer room and, like the prayer room, was designed to be a place where women could worship and commune with God. Oh, and that is just what they did. Having been able to spend some time in there alone Saturday morning, I painted while listening to some of my favorite worhsip tunes on my MP3 player. The shapes and colors I used were completely inspired by the notions that God placed in my hand at each moment I made a mark. In that place, at that time, this kind of artwork became different for me than it had been in the past....
Although I had drawn during worship many times, this time was different. I felt a deeper longing to make this my "sacrifice of praise" to the Father. I also felt a new freedom to use the colors, make the marks and draw the shapes that came to mind, regardless of whether I had a plan or not. It was great. God brought forth freedom! It was not about performing or pleasing anyone. It just became a way of worship and I loved it.
It wasn't long that Saturday morning that I had to stop painting so I could join the group for corporate worship. During worship, as someone later said, even though I was standing, singing and raising my hands, I still felt like I was sitting quietly. The art had become an extension of my worship more than I thought! Singing along with the band was simply not enough anymore! I knew I had more to give.
That afternoon, I shared that I really felt I should take my art supplies to the Saturday night session and something else broke loose! Those who have been watching me grow in this area, celebrated, the worship team not only agreed, they embraced the idea. So, it was a done deal...
I would make art while the band made music to the Lord.
I have been able to continue this several times since the retreat. At times, I have spent my quiet time drawing in my lap. The rest has been a more dynamic and wonderful experience. I have been creating my pieces while watching an incredible outpouring God is doing through Todd Bentley and Fresh Fire Ministries in Lakeland, Florida. Each broadcast on GODTV, channel 365 on DIRECTTV, has begun with a powerful time of worship. When I have watched it I just have not wanted to go without painting while I worshiped. So, I didn't!
My work is pictured here.
Many folks expressed interest in purchasing them and they are available. The originals or print of the originals can be purchased. Just contact me. 704-795-0356 or anniec@carolina.rr.com.
I think it is important that my mission be understood to let God Arise. Why is this art such a great way for me to do that?? Because I spent at least 30 years of my life trying to use my creativity for my glory and it never felt right. When I met Jesus, I knew I had to use it for His and I have been pressing in for years now so that would happen. These pieces do that. I didn't plan them, I didn't sketch them first, I just started and let the Holy Spirit guide me.
Second: I believe I am a forerunner in a time and season where God is claiming back creativity in all types of the arts. What he uses me to make is going to cause others to do the same. Our God is The Creator of all things. We are made in His image. Why would he not intend creativity in all forms to be a way to enjoy Him and magnify Him? I want others to learn to do the same.
God has spoken to me through these pieces in so many different ways. ...
What is He saying to you?
"Streams of Living water"
18x 24", Oil Pastel on paper
Original: $95, unframed
8x10 print $10 plus shipping
"Fertile Seeds"
18x 24", Oil Pastel on paper
Original: $95, unframed
8x10 print $10 each, not including shipping
10% of all sales will be tithed.
One of my jobs during this retreat was to organize and set up a "creative playground". This was part of our prayer room and, like the prayer room, was designed to be a place where women could worship and commune with God. Oh, and that is just what they did. Having been able to spend some time in there alone Saturday morning, I painted while listening to some of my favorite worhsip tunes on my MP3 player. The shapes and colors I used were completely inspired by the notions that God placed in my hand at each moment I made a mark. In that place, at that time, this kind of artwork became different for me than it had been in the past....
Although I had drawn during worship many times, this time was different. I felt a deeper longing to make this my "sacrifice of praise" to the Father. I also felt a new freedom to use the colors, make the marks and draw the shapes that came to mind, regardless of whether I had a plan or not. It was great. God brought forth freedom! It was not about performing or pleasing anyone. It just became a way of worship and I loved it.
It wasn't long that Saturday morning that I had to stop painting so I could join the group for corporate worship. During worship, as someone later said, even though I was standing, singing and raising my hands, I still felt like I was sitting quietly. The art had become an extension of my worship more than I thought! Singing along with the band was simply not enough anymore! I knew I had more to give.
That afternoon, I shared that I really felt I should take my art supplies to the Saturday night session and something else broke loose! Those who have been watching me grow in this area, celebrated, the worship team not only agreed, they embraced the idea. So, it was a done deal...
I would make art while the band made music to the Lord.
I have been able to continue this several times since the retreat. At times, I have spent my quiet time drawing in my lap. The rest has been a more dynamic and wonderful experience. I have been creating my pieces while watching an incredible outpouring God is doing through Todd Bentley and Fresh Fire Ministries in Lakeland, Florida. Each broadcast on GODTV, channel 365 on DIRECTTV, has begun with a powerful time of worship. When I have watched it I just have not wanted to go without painting while I worshiped. So, I didn't!
My work is pictured here.
Many folks expressed interest in purchasing them and they are available. The originals or print of the originals can be purchased. Just contact me. 704-795-0356 or anniec@carolina.rr.com.
I think it is important that my mission be understood to let God Arise. Why is this art such a great way for me to do that?? Because I spent at least 30 years of my life trying to use my creativity for my glory and it never felt right. When I met Jesus, I knew I had to use it for His and I have been pressing in for years now so that would happen. These pieces do that. I didn't plan them, I didn't sketch them first, I just started and let the Holy Spirit guide me.
Second: I believe I am a forerunner in a time and season where God is claiming back creativity in all types of the arts. What he uses me to make is going to cause others to do the same. Our God is The Creator of all things. We are made in His image. Why would he not intend creativity in all forms to be a way to enjoy Him and magnify Him? I want others to learn to do the same.
God has spoken to me through these pieces in so many different ways. ...
What is He saying to you?
"Streams of Living water"
18x 24", Oil Pastel on paper
Original: $95, unframed
8x10 print $10 plus shipping
"Fertile Seeds"
18x 24", Oil Pastel on paper
Original: $95, unframed
8x10 print $10 each, not including shipping
10% of all sales will be tithed.
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