Watercolor Journals - Sand

 I can almost taste the salt in the air, as the persistent wind blows the sand around.  Along the fence, the little seeds have a chance to settle, and grasses grow in its shelter.  Even though raised in Southern California, our vacations were usually in the mountains, not the beach. (Something about the sand getting tracked into the car…at least that’s what my little girl’s mind remembers.) There was one camping trip to an Oregon beach though. It still stands out as so different than the other camping trips.  I just loved running down the sand dunes with my brother, and being surprised at how the sands overtook pine trees, and mounded up at the sea, only to be rearranged later, to a new location.  Even as a young girl, my senses were impressed.  I will never forget how it felt between my toes, warm in the sun, cool underneath, and how I felt slightly out of control joyously running down the dune.  I’m so glad my parents chose at least one beachy experience for our memory banks.

This monogram was commissioned as a gift for the "Hills" who live in South Florida a short distance from the Atlantic.  May their "beach" days be sweet as well!

Watercolor Journals - Avast, Ye Hearties, Yo-Ho!

I must admit I really like the Pirates of the Caribbean movies!  Maybe because we got to visit the Florida Keys a few years ago, maybe it's the color of the water and the scenery, maybe it's the ride at Disneyland, which was always my favorite!  I love solving (shall I say, "trying to solve") puzzles too, hence the fun of finding a treasure map.  Remember the pirates in Swiss Family Robinson?  They got "creamed" by the entire Robinson clan.  How about the one in The Count of Monte Christo?  He turned out to be an asset!   And everyone remembers the endearing Long John Silver in Treasure Island.  Why are pirates so "loveable" anyway?  They were bad dudes! I think raising 2 daughters, I kind of missed out on some of the "boy adventures" but now, thanks to those 2 girls, we have 6, count em, 6 grandsons! So now I have multiple reasons to talk pirates, cowboys, bull riding, bugs and military aircraft.  I got kind of lost in this painting, imagining finding a treasure map, following the clues to the island with the big red X accompanied by a beautiful bird who makes funny comments and worrying a little about what might be in the kegs!  "By the powers, it be a good thing thar be a dinghy aboard so me matey, Derek, can be gettin from the ship to yonder island to find the booty over thar!  

If you want to see more of these "Watercolorful Name" paintings, click the ETSY link to the right.

No Time For Perfection

I'm up to my eyeballs in a BIG project, and here's how it started:  I have often needed to put my hands on a photo, to remind Gary of an old friend, or event that I'm referring to.  Not TOO tough for the more recent years because of photo albums, but for the first 10 years (or so) of our marriage we shot only slide film.  Great for family picture nights, but now, setting up the projector, and finding the right image, would take so long that the thought would be lost, so I figured having them on a disc would be much quicker. With one disc per year, and the different events in separate folders, I can locate a photo MUCH quicker.  

Once I decided to do this, I thought, how about getting some of these great memories into simple photo albums that Gary can enjoy any time.  SO, thanks to Shutterfly.com, I am ordering 8" X 8" Photo Books.  I'm done with the first 3 years, 1977 is in the mail, and 1978 is almost ordered. 

I been reliving some fantastic memories of babies, vacations, friends, home improvements, and family times.  It takes FOREVER to organize the slides into groups, and get them scanned, BUT it is worth it.  Then creating and captioning the book in a way that is simple and easy to read for Gary is icing on the cake.  When the first one arrived in the mail box, (1974, the year we dated and married), it was like Christmas in my heart.  When your loved one has lost so much memory and the long term memories last the longest, the prospect of sharing some of them in a way that he will understand is so exciting.  So often I will hand Gary a book to look at, or a magazine and he seems disinterested, so I didn't know what to expect when I laid the Memory Book in his lap and began turning the pages.  He picked it up and really looked at each page.  I am SURE he was understanding.  We were sharing some special times again.  Me talking about them, and Gary looking at the photos.  I know he still reads short sentences, or phrases, so I purposely made the captions simple.  I sent one with him to the Adult Day Health Care program he goes to so the health care workers could know him better.  They loved the book and being able to talk to him about his life.  I plan to send the other books from time to time as well.  When "1976" arrived and I showed it to him, page by page  he said, "That's comforting."  That was the only thing he said to me that day that made sense, but it was enough.

Now for a big lesson I've learned, and a link to a good book.  I need to give a bit of background so you'll understand the impact this little book had on my life.  I actually LOVE to organize things.  Even though my desk doesn't show it, I like things in their proper order.  One of the reasons my desk has stacks is that each stack needs to be dealt with, and filed, and I still haven't completed the file relabeling project I started last year.  That is because I want it to be "just right."  That's a problem I have.  Sometimes I don't get things done, because I want to do them "perfectly" so I sacrifice excellence and order in the meantime.  I tend to over organize, and plan, plan, plan, and not get to the DOING.  Furthermore, when it comes to a final product that has anything to do with "photos" or "art" I want it to look GOOD.  Well, when it comes to Gary's memory, I believe that "time is of the essence."

The Lord introduced me to this insightful book, at just the right time.  It is a short, easy read with wonderful principles that any woman would benefit from.  I HIGHLY recommend it.  It helped me let go of my idol of Perfectionism, and put together some little books, that may get torn, finger printed, food stained, and have photos that are less than perfect, or may be missing some of the prettier scenes.

The author sheds light on common idols that we can be tempted to worship.  Perfectionism, Busyness, Possessions, and Leisure.  You will see yourself in this book.  It really helped me out at a time I needed it.  I hope it helps you too.  It is called The Organized Heart-A Woman's Guide to Conquering Chaos by Staci Eastin

I got mine on Amazon.com but I think you can buy 6 copies for a good discount direct from the publisher:  http://CruciformPress.com

If you would like to, please leave a comment in the "Post a Comment" section.
Thanks!

!THGIN SDRAWKCAB OT EMOCLEW

In case you are wondering about the title, you are invited to our Family Night!   Oh, it was last night.  Sorry we forgot to tell you ahead of time.  But anyway, I'll try to recreate it right now for you.  (at the end of the post, I'll give some planning tips.) Now, back to the Family Night...At 5:00pm last night, Our California grandchildren were assembled on the front porch with their parents, and my parents to read the sign. 

After everyone found their way around to our BACK door, and made adjustments to their clothing, backwards name tags were created.  

 

Some used the bathroom mirror, 

some made several attempts, 

and some got help from parents, but everyone found out this is not so easy...

We had an "inside-out" braid, Great-Grandparent participation and some "disturbing" alien-like sightings...

Of course, DESSERT must be served first, so Dinner began with Ice Cream Sandwiches.  What kid, (or adult) wouldn't like to do THIS!  Well, this was only the beginning.  After all the tummies were nearly full, from the sweets, it was time to come to the table.
It didn't take long for the kids to get into the spirit of things.  One of them said, "I am so sad I am not invited to this very terrible party."



Someone noticed the wacky centerpiece, and then the excitement level really went up as the kids noticed the place settings.  We ate out of baking pans and serving platters, and drank from sauce pans, tea pots, measuring cups, and flower vases.  The utensils were whatever crazy thing I could find.  Measuring spoons, ice cream scoop, salad tongs, etc.

BREAKFAST 

IS 

SERVED

!!!!!!

After dinner, the kids and their parents were asked to supply the entertainment.  They had 15 minutes to prepare a play for us, based on the well known fairy tale:  ALLEREDNIC

THE RULES:

• 1 prop per person
• Must reverse roles, such as a boy must play a girl's part, or a child must play an adult role
• Scenes must be in reverse order.

To begin....a bow!

 

Allerednic at left, ready to dance with Prince Charming on right

Fairy Godmother gives Allerednic some "smelly slippers"

Poor Allerednic must clean the floor.

AND A TERRIBLE TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

Seriously...If you ever want something fun to do with your kids, grandkids, or anyone you love....how about a backwards night!  Gary used to say "Eat dessert first because life is uncertain!"  Sometimes at dinner, when the kids were young, we would take turns "being the person on our left".  This was fun and very revealing!  Sometimes TOO revealing, but we had lots of laughs...We all need an excuse to do something crazy once in a while.  It doesn't take much effort at all, just get an idea in your head and run with it.  It doesn't have to be perfect, just fun! 

WE LOVE COMMENTS...you can leave one below....

Watercolor Journals - Humongus

One of the reasons I love working on these paintings is the concurrent daydreaming.  My mind seems to wander to wonderful places.  The choice of a peach colored hibiscus for a couple who were going to be celebrating a special anniversary in Hawaii, was sentimental for me, because we had a number of these in our own backyard.  Before the days of the internet, Gary, had stacks of catalogs, and used to mail order for unusual plants.  He had one hibiscus that was as big as a dinner plate.  These blossoms didn't last very long and couldn't be tucked over your ear, but WOW!  And the cool thing is the plant would die back down to nothing in the winter.  All that was left was bare dried up stems.  Then every summer up it came, with the huge blossoms!  
I couldn't resist including a couple of examples from his garden...

Practical Joking 101 - Templeton

For those of you who are "humor challenged," fresh out of ideas for practical jokes, or just want to have a good laugh, keep an eye out for "Practical Joking 101."  Lately, I've been reminded of some of Gary's antics.  I decided to include some of them here on the blog.

Kathy wrote:  Hi Laurie, I read your post and the line about Gary having a practical joke up his sleeve made me remember the time I called him to come rescue me. Ric was out of town or something and I was 8 months pregnant with Jordan. While reading "Charlotte's Web" with Templeton the rat, I found a real rat at my feet! My 3 cats killed it but wouldn't take it outside. So I called Gary for help. So Gary and the girls came over and were laughing at me because by this time I was sitting on the top of the couch. So Gary picks up the rat by the tail, walks into my kitchen (and I can't see him by this time) and turns on the garbage disposal, and says, "Is this OK?" I vowed to call someone else the next time I was in trouble!  By the way, he didn't really put it down the garbage disposal!

  TIP:  It's not what you ACTUALLY did, it's what they THINK you did.

"Don't seek to add years to your life, but rather add life to your years."

In honor of Gary's birthday today I want to share some of my happiest memories.  We are here on Planet Earth for such a short time, in light of eternity.  Some of us have the privilege of sharing some of those years with a spouse.  I pray we would ALL seek to find joy in the good things God has given us, and not waste time with a critical spirit, or wishing for something we do not have.  God gives good gifts to each of his children.  May we be grateful for them in the present.

Happy Birthday, Gary!

H - Happy - "For he will not often consider (much remember) the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart." Ecclesiastes 5:20.  Our pastor, Jon Rourke, said on Sunday morning, that "The most blessed man is the not the one who has the most, but the one with the capacity to enjoy what he has."  Gary learned to savor things.  Cinnamon rolls, moss, and steel drum hymns. 
A - Arguments -When our daughters were about 6 and 4, and they decided to argue with each other over a toy, or whatever kids argue about, Gary instituted "5 minute hugs."  The timer was set, and the girls had to hug each other for the allotted time.  What began as miserable intolerance, always ended up with laughter, and cooperation. 
P - Proper Manners - Table manners were HUGE at our house.  For some reason, Gary, even though a construction worker by trade, would not tolerate talking with food in your mouth, interrupting at the table, reaching across the table for the serving bowl, forgetting to place your napkin in your lap, or worst of all making "mouth noises" while eating.  The girls, (and both Gary and I as well), would be warned one time, then "thrown out the window".  Fortunately, we had a window, that was low to the ground, and one could be lowered down, but the first time Gary said, "If you do it again, I'm going to throw you out the window", it was met with big eyes.  Especially when we had guests over for dinner.  When we remodeled and changed the windows to the type with screens, the consequence morphed into going outside and counting to 100.  I confess I too have spent some time on the front porch during some meals.
P - Practical Jokes - Smoke bombs wired to honeymoon get-away cars, sink faucet spray nozzles wedged to spray the victim when the water is turned on, "Bedwetting" treatment ads left on the windshields of friends in the church parking lot.  The list is long.  Gary's friends also knew how to "pay him back".  He once got a call from the local Marine Sargent Recruiter because he had "filled out a card inquiring about enlisting." One time, on the first night home from our vacation, we were awakened at 1:00 am to strobe lights and sirens in our bedroom, coming from the a/c duct, coincidentally right after our friend, John had been house sitting for us.  The trouble with practical jokes is that they often overflow on to innocent wives!   
Y -Yucky Tomato - One of our daughters, who shall remain nameless, hated tomatoes, and still does to this day.  The rule at our house, was that if you didn't "care for" something, you needed to at least have a "no thank you" serving, and taste it because you never know when your tastes will change.  When this daughter was about 4, she decided she would not even taste her BLT at Sunday lunch.  This became the typical "battle of the wills."  Gary said, "That's fine, you can have it for dinner and nothing else except juice until you try the tomato."  So out it came at dinner, at which time she ate the Bacon.  Still refusing to taste the tomato, she received the sandwich again at breakfast at which time she ate the Lettuce and some of the Bread.  Hunger had it's effect and at lunchtime on Monday she decided to take a bite of the tomato. 
B - Beautiful - I can't remember the exact context, but will never forget that Gary said "You can make a woman beautiful by how you treat her."
I - Imagination - Gary's imagination often led to inventions and a garage, crowded with "someday I'm going to" projects. One that everyone's familiar with is the stone self portrait, high above the driveway, on the fireplace.  (see photo below)  He wanted to "keep an eye on his work truck."  I assume it is still there, keeping an eye on our former house. 
R - Reconnaissance - Our friend Tim, whom we served with at the USC Bible Study recently reminded me of a lesson he learned from Gary, "one of the only things I really remember about being a husband and father in situations like this was Gary's comparing it to being a scout. As a man, you go out and search out a situation and make sure that it's a good one for your family. Are there provisions? Is it safe? Where are the dangers and threats?" That helped me to see what my role was and how I could be a blessing to my family. 
T - H2O Therapy - Our friends, Greg and Diane, called it his "Water Therapy".  Gary's first activity upon arriving at home from work every day, was watering the front yard.  Even after he installed sprinklers, he would unwind in this way.
H - Haircut Joy - When I began to loose my hair from the chemo therapy 9 years ago, Gary helped me get it over with, and all shaved off.  But this dreaded event, became a cause for laughter, because of his fun attitude.  Out came the buzzer, accompanied by sympathy and a hug, and then he proceeded to make me laugh.  First he gave me a mohawk, and then a military cut, and then away it all went.  "Blip-ti-de-Blip...Blip-ti-de-Blam!"
D - Dump Antics - In the 70's, Gary had a 1953 1-Ton Flat bed pickup truck.  He had ordered tool boxes for it, and in order to have them installed, the flat bed needed to be removed.  He drove the truck to the dump, and pulled up near the piles of trash, got out, removed the bolts holding the flatbed to the frame, got back in, 'gunned' it, and sped away, which immediately removed the flatbed.  One of the "trash-pickers" called out to him, as he drove away, "Hey mister, you lost part of your truck!" 
A - Automobile Showroom -Gary often told young men who were getting involved with young women, while still in college, "What you're doing is like hanging around the new car lots, when you can't afford to buy a new car?  You need to be ready to support a wife, AND family, before you get involved in a dating relationship.  Until that time, spend time with girls in groups, and don't get serious until you can do something about it.  It's not sensible, or fair to 'tap dibs' on a girl and make her wait for you to get your act together.  Do things in the right order." 
Y - "You bettcha" - This was his most common response whenever I asked Gary to do something for me.  Requests ranging from "Can you unload the groceries from the car?" "You Bettcha!" "Can you find a way to hang rice paper lamps all over the back yard for April's wedding?" "You Bettcha!" "Can you make footprints in wet cement leading to the fishpond for our upcoming murder-mystery party?  Oh, and we'll need a corpse too."  Gary disappeared for a while and down he came from the attic with the mannequin, again...

Gary would be the first to say he is not perfect, and he probably wouldn't be thrilled with all the attention he is getting lately, but birthdays are a time for celebrating.  I celebrate my Gary. 

Keeping an Eye on Things

 

The Parentals Head West

Right now in Springville, Utah, my very sweet, elderly parents are enjoying their breakfast.  They are at the mid-point of their road trip to California from Bozeman, Montana.  This time their car is loaded with more than suitcases, for they are moving.  The moving van is on it's way, and the documents have been signed.  Everything has been done.  It may sound simple, but there are so many required steps to a move like this, and when you are 88 or 93, the details are overwhelming.

None of us, including my parents thought they would ever leave the Big Sky Country.  They have loved it for nearly 30 years.  But the winters, and the distance from family finally proved too much for these adventurous dear ones, and they decided to put their house on the market.  So, a couple months later, here they come.

I am tempted to make a list of how many answers to prayer that our family has experienced over the last few months regarding this "move."  I'll limit myself to two; a "Macro" and a "Micro" example.

Prayer for wisdom, and direction in what home to buy:  We all wanted them to join us in the Friendly Valley community.  It is "safe", beautiful, and convenient.  I've been watching properties here for some few months as they come on the market, and sell, or sit there.  When the time came for Mom and Dad to make an offer, there was only one house in our immediate neighborhood, that was a viable option, and it happened to be directly across the street from us.  God's providence is the explanation.  We couldn't have planned this any better.

Prayer for resolution of a potential problem with document signing:  Wednesday night, after the moving van was loaded, the floors vacuumed and the doors locked for the last time, while at Mom and Dad's friends', getting ready to eat dinner, and spend the night, they realized that Dad's wallet, containing his Drivers License was accidentally loaded into the moving van.  He would need his photo ID Thursday morning to sign over the deed, at the closing, as this is a notarized document.  Well, it was determined that the van was already 2 hours away.  After many phone calls and discussions, and contingency plans, we all decided to go to bed, and pray for a solution.  Turns out an affidavit can be filled out and witnessed that my dad is actually who he says he is.  When getting ready to leave the "closing", Mom asked about the affidavit.  The escrow officer said "Oh, I know these realtors so well.  If they say this is Bill, I believe them.  No problem."  I can't help but think this would not be such a simple solution in Los Angeles.  All I can say is: "Much ado about nothing."

My parents have said two very important things this week which I will always remember.  When asking my dad how things were going, he said, "We couldn't have done it without all the help." (referring to friends and neighbors)  When the problem with the missing Drivers License was resolved, my mom said, "Every time there is a road block, the Lord solves it and says, 'Will you trust Me again?'"  These two comments sum up so much of what the Christian life is about. Trusting God, when we can't see around the corner of the wall in front of us, and then accepting things as they unfold.  Doesn't Romans 8:28 say "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

What if the offer was not accepted on the house across the street?  What if the documents couldn't be signed without that Drivers License?  Would God be any less good?  Less powerful?  Less loving?  I have frequently prayed for things that would seem good, for others and for God's glory.  Like healing Gary, for instance. The answer is sometimes "No" or "Not yet".  When Jesus saved me, He brought me into his very own family.  I inherited "Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." (Eph.1)  Why would I, a fallen, weak, sinful creature, argue in my mind with my Creator?  How foolish would that be!  I am not perfect, or strong or able to understand everything that happens, but that is because God is God, and I am not.  We are not like Him.  Even though he makes us his sons and daughters by His incredible gift of salvation, He is not at out beckon call.  He is not Santa Claus.  BUT, He very graciously listens to us.   

"He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm.  He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD.  How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust..."  Ps. 40: 3-4  I am not strong, but God is.  I don't know which way to "go", but God keeps my feet secure.   My glad heart is because of Him.

"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32  That's it!  Once our eternal salvation is taken care of, which is the impossibly hardest thing ever done, why would I doubt that all other things are in His tender care as well. 

Right now, my parents are in His tender care, and I am eagerly awaiting their arrival.  Yes I am praying for them because God is listening to me.  I am His adopted daughter.  If something "goes wrong", that is not because God wasn't paying attention.  He will use it to accomplish His purposes in all of our lives.  It is to God that we look, for it is in Him that we "live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28

Our new neighbors.

Watercolor Journals - The Beach

When you visit the beach in Southern California, it  can be hard to find a place to park, both car AND beach towel.  Painting this Monogram for a bride and groom who both love the beach, brought back some great memories for me personally.  For many years our family enjoyed Leo Carillo State Beach, and because it was a bit of a drive and was therefore less crowded. It had something for everyone in our group, including tide pools, big rocks for exploring, surfing, and great sand for sand castles, of course. The nearby campground hosted many fun vacations for us.  I remember one very dark night, while camping, Gary took us over to the beach to lay on the sand and watch a "meteor shower".  The part that makes me smile, was the bus full of teenagers, playing Capture the Flag in the dark, that nearly tripped on us.  Guess it wasn't so uncrowded after all.

As I worked, I began wishing that the future Mr. and Mrs. Pratt would find many happy memories at "their" beach as well.