Our Nation

 

Our country has undergone significant changes since I was a young girl. Yes, there were dark periods in our nation's history, but it has endured and tried to correct many of the wrongs. However, the divisions I see today threaten the stability of America. The moral fabric of America is coming apart right before our eyes. 

God Bless America

In God We Trust

What a beautiful country we have!

The grandsons were in the Smokies over the holiday weekend and sent this photo.

For them I want America's future to be bright.

Happy Moments

 For many months I have looked for a "12x16" frame. I don't know the artist of this sheep scene because the artwork wasn't signed on the front or back. But from the first moment I spotted it at a Goodwill store I have admired it. The painting is far more worthy than the one dollar I paid for it. 

In the right hand corner I wonder if those marks are someone's initials.

My daughter is experiencing her first Mother's Day.

Motherhood is such a blessing.

I was blessed to experience it twice, having a son first and later a daughter.

 Nick and Lucas presented me with this flower gift.

Laughing with Gunner. At first he tumbled onto the ground before securing this relaxed position.

Sharing in the excitement of a sweet bride-to-be

Merry Christmas!

This may be my last post before Christmas. I hope you have the merriest of Christmases!

Decorating, shopping, school Christmas program, Christmas band concert,
and errands have kept us on the go.

But there's the real meaning of Christmas that gives us hope.

Shiny Brites are so special when you think about how old they are and the past individuals who once displayed them in their homes.

A Hobby Lobby plate that went so well with our placemats. It will be for cookie treats because I only bought one. This snowy wreath also came from HL.  A cutout from a Christmas card is in the middle.

  I gave this teapot to my mother one Christmas. 

 Each Christmas this dough bowl holds large silver ornaments.

Sentimental ornaments with each child's name on the back and the year 1990 

Have a merry and blessed Christmas.

At It Again

For some reason I am just not a blue person. The angel in the last post got changed again. I think I have redone her background three times.

Trying a new flower painting. These are always fun to do.




While I was looking for Nick a sketchbook for part of his birthday present, I came across this inexpensive chalkboard. I need to stain the wood, but meantime I put up this quote .

 The chalk holder was made by Garrett, our oldest grandson, when he was a little boy. He's now in the military at boot camp. Gosh, it's hard to believe how quickly a child grows up!

Today is Nick's birthday. Can't believe he's already twelve.

He and Lucas were sweet to slow down and let me get this picture.

The water slide birthday party on Sunday was fun-filled with laughs and spills.

Still Here

It is startling to see the days of summer speeding by. 

 I finished my art journal. Many pages of practice...some good, some lousy.

My friend Charlotte took home this angel painting. When she lost her son recently, I told her about my angel paintings and offered her one. She is holding the one she chose.

We saw Gunner off at the Memphis Airport. He is sure to have an exciting time in Dallas with Uncle Lester. He's attending some special sessions at Fusion Academy this week.  Nick and Lucas are sure to miss him!

I drove to Jackson yesterday to meet Alice and Carla at Rafferty's. Carla has missed our last two reunions so we planned this meeting to catch up with her.
She has moved into a smaller home, has met a special friend named James,  
and is busy writing her second book. The three of us move a little slower and admit to aging problems we wish we didn't have. But we continue to feel blessed.

Tomorrow there's a funeral to attend to honor the memory of an outstanding individual. Ms. Calhoun instilled in her students a love of learning, especially for math. 

l to r- Glenda Calhoun, Sandy Clowes, Kathy Bowling, and Elaine McCullough

We were a team of third grade teachers, and our time together was very special.

More and more I realize how short this life is.

Trying my best to cherish each day...

May Memories, Big and Small

BAND CONCERT

Nicolas is a member of the sixth grade band.

This was his first concert.

GRADUATION

grandson Garrett Clowes, son of Jason and Nacona

granddaughter Jasmine Fayne, daughter of Chance and Jeff

It was a beautiful night for the seniors and their families. Lester flew into Memphis so he could surprise Garrett and Jasmine. It was nice to have him home for two days.

All the Clowes guys posed for a picture.

(Corkey, Lester, Jo, Garrett, Gunner, Jason,

Lucas and Nicolas)

 It is weird to be the old ones in group pictures.

Ah, to be young! 

I remember my own graduation and find it hard to believe that so many years have gone by.

A NEW PAINTING

After weeks away from the "studio" it felt good to use paints again.

LUCKY FIND

I really didn't expect to find one today, but there it was after a quick glance at the clovers.  I had taken water out to Corkey as he was mowing the grass. Such a happy surprise! A simple joy. Decided to press it in a book with today's date.

A Spring Break Day

These two youngsters are good for the soul. They have been here quite a bit this week due to their spring break. One day we painted and filled up three blank canvases with color.

Lucas is eight and full of life. He's a quick painter. The last thing he added to the red house was the message JOY.

Nick is eleven and takes his time. He's a serious painter.

I'm still into angels. I'm a messy painter, using my fingertips as much as brushes.