waterwalker

2012-01-19T10:10:00.002-05:00

Monday Chuck took me to Ikea to get something

I've wanted for a couple of years. Tracy came

over Tuesday and helped me put it together.

(thanks Tracy!) :)

She has one and had already put it together which

made it so much easier. Awesome isn't it?

It fits under my work table and holds so much stuff.

Thanks Chuck!!

2012-01-18T08:53:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of the show the Great Food

Truck Race? I like to watch it when they have a

new one. I think it's something I would have liked

to do when I was younger (in better shape). It's

hard for me to believe that great chefs work doing

this. They must love what they're doing.

When I heard they were having 24 trucks at the

Lowe's, here in town Sunday evening, I asked

Chuck if he thought it would be interesting and he said

sure. Jesse and Chris came over so they went too.

I could not believe how crowded it was. People had tables and chairs

set up in the parking lot by their cars-I guess tailgating.

Again, I couldn't believe the crowds.

two cuties

they even had a gourmet mutt truck

the healthy food truck didn't have a line

the cupcake truck always had a line

and very cutely decorated inside

We took Dexter and Renny. Dexter was shaking from

cold so I stuck him in my jacket.

The Korean BBQ Taco box was there and extremely

crowded. Chuck said we would visit them when we saw

them around town and not crowded.

I wanted to try something I've never had, empanadas.

We got a greek one (Corey's favorite),

BBQ chicken with I can't remember

what kind of cheese (my favorite), mac and cheese

with basil and tomato, and banana and nutella.

I am not a fan of nutella but it was delicious. We

got one of each brought them home and divded them

between the 5 of us. Oh and they had mexican coke,

yum delicious-though I'm not really drinking coke.

Maybe that's why it was so good.

Waiting in line for our empanadas

Yummy cupcakes

and cute dog pictures

2012-01-12T16:28:00.001-05:00

THE SILENT SERMON

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the

fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the firey sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday'. We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.

bye Christmas...

2012-01-10T07:56:00.000-05:00

For a few years we've had a tradition of going out to

the Disney hotels to see the decorations the week after

Christmas. I checked online to see how long they would

be up. It said 'till the 7th. On the 5th we drove out and guess

what? They had taken them down the night before.

We decided to stay and take pictures anyway.

This is the Wilderness Lodge one of my favorites because

it reminds me of when we lived in Alaska-my favorite place

as a kid growing up.

Random insert of some of our home decorations

before taking them down on Sunday. Usually I get

kind of down when putting the decorations away but

I left them up a week longer this year and was ready to say bye.

Back at the Wilderness Lodge

I love rocks

and pretty babies

Next stop Polynesian and Corey's favorite "Weyland"

store.

Riding the monorail to my other favorite,

the Grande Floridian

It's like a 1920's -30's pretty hotel

Then I came home and made cake, not really.

The next day I baked a cake. For some reason

I'd been craving chocolate cake and I don't really like

it but this one was sooooo good. I think it may be

because I did zero holiday baking this year. Going

through radiation kind of took that desire away.

and Happy week after your birthday Tracy.

I made my first necklace.

2012-01-04T13:26:00.003-05:00

Playing with my camera today.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:44:00.001-05:00

We had a very low key New Year.

Stayed home just us and watched the

ball drop in NYC.

Set off a couple of sparklers

and shared a toast to a hopefully better year

Someone recently said to me, "You've had

a really terrible year."

Yes, it's been difficult but

I just haven't thought about it that way. I've

thought about how nice it's been to be able to

spend more time with my family.

I've also enjoyed doing my art when I've felt

up to it. I've read a lot more. In some ways

it's been a good year. I choose to look at it with that

perspective. God, family and friends have helped me through

the tough parts and for that I am very grateful.

Here's to a blessed New Year for everyone!!

The last couple of weeks...

2011-12-26T21:38:00.000-05:00

When Corey puts a costume on Minion, he goes to sleep.

Renny likes to wear them and poses.

Oliver kept giving Corey kisses, so cute.

Christmas morning at home

from Jesse and Chris, awesome!!!!

Jesse made me angry bird ornaments amazing!

Chris made this snowman again amazing!!

Christmas dinner at Mom and Dad's

Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas!!!

2011-12-25T08:02:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas! Hope everyone has a blessed day!

Pictures from Chris and Jesse's

Spanky, Chuck and Corey

Jesse took this she's so cute!

Christmas lights in Winter Park

2011-12-23T22:22:00.001-05:00

We went for a drive tonight to look at lights on Park Avenue

and Winter Park. We thought about walking but I was hurting

too much. Very pretty.

A nice Christmas story.

2011-12-14T17:55:00.002-05:00

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.

Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go."

"Not without something hot in your belly." George said.

He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty. Stew ... Made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh."

Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead.

"You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

"But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new .." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.

George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.

"Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln . They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.

As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."

George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."

The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.

He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."

George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain."

George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked.

"None for me," said the officer.

"Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.

The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.

"That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.

"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."

The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"

The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pea shooter away."

George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week."

George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out."

The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer."

"Shut up and drink your coffee " the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.

"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"

"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.

Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."

George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.

"That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued.

"Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"

Chuck just said, " Me rry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."

George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."

The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."

"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours."

The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier.

"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home to your family."

The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

"Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?"

"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby."

The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.

The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.

"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."

The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.

"You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas."

George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus"

Merry Christmas!!

This story is better than any greeting card.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS!

2011-12-07T07:28:00.001-05:00

Mini-onion

   Chuck and Jesse put new
   lights in the kitchen. Thank you!!!

I decided I wanted 2 trees this year

one with white lights

and one with color

Chuck told me he was taking me somewhere

last night. We and Corey went to look at lights.

Corey thought there must have been a sale on snowmen.

One of my favorite neighborhoods

2011-12-05T12:29:00.001-05:00

I entered two pieces in the Orange County show.

We went to the reception Friday night. We being,

Me, Chuck, Stuart, Jesse and Chris. I did not expect

so many to go. It was very sweet to have the support.

Thanks everybody!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T07:26:00.005-05:00

The pictures are backwards, leaving time to getting there time.

I have some traditional don't take my photo pics;

too stuffed to move

playing wii - it looked like much fun, hopefully I'll

be able to play eventually

another don't take my picture of Chuck and sorry Trish

about this, but Patsy you look marvelous!

pretty girls!

Still need to post Thanksgiving photos but...

2011-11-27T07:55:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I got up at 5 to take my medicine as usual. A couple seconds later Chuck came out of the bedroom and said, "You want to go to the beach and take pictures of the sunrise?"

What a nice surprise!

These are all photos he took.

2011-11-24T08:30:00.005-05:00

Hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time with family and friends.

I am very thankful for mine!

Playing with the new camera but only in the auto mode. Need to learn all of the rest. It's fun and nice!

Alfred

Dexter

Renny and Millie

Minion waiting for his bath and groom

Really nice inside

And then he said....

2011-11-20T15:23:00.002-05:00

...Happy early Birthday!

2011-11-16T12:57:00.001-05:00

Not a close up lens, a zoom.

Early Christmas Present

2011-11-16T10:25:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my brother Stuart gave me an early Christmas

present. Super awesome! Have a lot of reading and practicing to do!

Going to start looking for a close up lens, woo hoo!

2011-11-06T09:34:00.001-05:00

Taking pictures of the Minion for Corey

While sitting outside with the dogs I noticed this little bird on the tree.

He was brave. With the dogs in the yard he hopped down on the grass.

They aren't much for hunting because none of them ever noticed him.

2011-10-31T06:56:00.001-04:00

Pumpkin carving time!

This was Jesse's idea.

I liked it so I stole it though

she could have done it better.

Jesse hard at work. This pumpkin was so big and

thick extremely hard to carve.

2011-10-30T07:30:00.006-04:00

Strides for Breast Cancer at Lake Eola yesterday.

Sorry pics are not in order as you can see by the 3 mile

marker being 1st. It rained the whole time and at the end

actually got cold and windy. I stayed pretty dry in the wheelchair.

These are people from Jesse's work, Sara, her husband, Megan,

Chris' mom Barbara, me sitting, Jesses' forever friend Amy, and

Jesse the organizer and worker for the event. Proud of you baby!!

And of course, Chuck the official photographer and wheelchair pusher.

I know he was tired after 3 1/2 miles! Thank you!!

Cute baby

Chris' mom asking why Jesse always makes faces or hides.

Pretty much have to sneak up on her to get a good one.

Streets closed, kind of fun getting to walk down the middle, or ride.

off road-ing

making a small detour to check out the new Fiats

see, really out of order, the start. Or I could say I took this at the finish

foggy and rainy the whole time but easy for

me since I rode the entire trip

From Chuck's office - Kathy, Marthly and her family. Super

sweet ladies!!

The "Rack Pack"

Megan, Sara and her husband (sorry forgot his name),

Amy, Jesse, and me sitting.

And in other news...our house was attacked by a giant spider

So we called "Super Girl" to save us!

What a cutie!!

Thank you Super Girl!!

2011-10-26T15:35:00.001-04:00

I have to pick 2 pieces to put in an

art show. I'm having difficulty deciding

which two. Any suggestions

2011-10-22T18:08:00.002-04:00

Chuck took me to the Mt. Dora festival today. It wasn't the

regular one it was more crafts. We decided we weren't going

to any more shows there. They are insanely crowded. We

will go when they aren't there and walk around the town and

visit their galleries. It was great weather though and I did

get a few ideas for Christmas gifts to make.

Chuck was the photographer today. I was too busy pushing

my cart around today and trying not to run over people.

2011-10-20T15:48:00.002-04:00

I forgot one of the things Jesse brought us from Tennessee.

It's yummy, tastes just like an apple pie. I wonder how they do that.

Park day for Renny and Minion.

Renny let Minion wear himself out running circles around him.

My new snazzy walker Chuck got for me.

It makes things easier!

The park

I wish this guy had been somewhere with a better background.

2011-10-17T08:37:00.002-04:00

Jesse went on vacation, with Chris, hiking the appalachian trail in Tennessee.

They stopped in St. Augustine too and she brought me back my new favorite to

drink from cup, lead free, safe to drink out of, and made by an artist in the U.S.

I like buying from other artists.

Isn't she sweet!

She also brought Chuck some of this:

Corey's putting Minion in a doggy costume contest

He's not too happy about it

He's such a cute little dog.

lots of things I've forgotten or haven't posted

2011-10-12T10:09:00.007-04:00

He wants to be with the other dogs so he sleeps by their crates.

He's smart too.

Went to an art show with Megan, Corey, Jill and Oliver.

The show was rained out and we only saw about 10 artists left.

Liked Jill's shirt.

Having breakfast at a vegan place.

Miss Jill

fake meat, yum it was good

tofu eggs

Megan and Oliver

Corey and I went on another trip to

Park Avenue.

Minion in the forest.

Alfred in control

Minion getting a trim

Stuart and Trish's birthday

An art show with Chuck. He likes photography too.

Corey's crackle nail polish

Minion's halloween costume

Reminds me of Brain, from Pinky and the Brain

2011-09-27T10:27:00.002-04:00

First day staying home since last Wednesday.

I'm tired. I love how these flowers glow.

Starting a new project. Nothing's glued down yet

still going to make changes.

Chris, Jess and the horse come for a visit

2011-09-26T07:46:00.003-04:00

This is Chris' horse-I mean dog.

I can't remember his name right now.

I call him Shaq.

He's huge!

In comparison to the other dogs.

I don't know how he was sleeping.

Had to post this!

2011-09-23T06:39:00.001-04:00

This is a little-known story from the Pentagon on 09/11/2001:

During a visit with a fellow chaplain, who happened to be assigned to the Pentagon, I had a chance to hear a first-hand account of an incident that happened right after Flight 77 hit the Pentagon.. The chaplain told me what happened at a daycare center cnear where the impact occurred.

This daycare had many children, including infants who were in heavy cribs. The daycare supervisor, looking at all the children they needed to evacuate, was in a panic over what they could do. There were many children, mostly toddlers, as well as the infants that would need to be taken out with the cribs There was no time to try to bundle them into carriers and strollers.

Just then a young Marine came running into the center and asked what they needed. After hearing what the center director was trying to do, he ran back out into the hallway and disappeared. The director thought, 'Well, here we are, on our own.' About 2 minutes later, that Marine returned with 40 other Marines in tow. Each of them grabbed a crib with a child, and the rest started gathering up toddlers. The director and her staff then helped them take all the children out of the center and down toward the park near the Potomac and the Pentagon.

Once they got about 3/4 of a mile outside the building, the Marines stopped in the park, and then did a fabulous thing - they formed a circle with the cribs, which were quite sturdy and heavy, like the covered wagons in the Old West. Inside this circle of cribs, they put the toddlers, to keep them from wandering off. Outside this circle were the 40 Marines, forming a perimeter around the children and waiting for instructions. There they remained until the parents could be notified and come get their children.

The chaplain then said, "I don't think any of us saw nor heard of this on any of the news stories of the day. It was an incredible story of our men there. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. The thought of those Marines and what they did and how fast they reacted; could we expect any less from them? It was one of the most touching stories from the Pentagon." Remember Ronald Reagan's great compliment: "Most of us wonder if our lives made any difference. Marines don't have that problem."

God Bless the USA, our troops, and you.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Pass this on to all your friends!!!

2011-09-16T12:07:00.002-04:00

The other night, when I was already in bed, Chuck asked

where the hair cutting scissors were. I said, "I don't know."

He said, "You moved them." I said, "No, I didn't and I'm

not getting up to find them." It takes a few minutes for me to

get arranged to sleep because of pain so I was mean.

Anyway, when he came home from work that evening this

is what he found on the counter. He shouldn't have a problem

finding them again.

My friends Greg and Shoko were having a garage sale today.

Greg sent me an email saying Shoko had a picture she wanted

to give me. I already like to go to their sales they always have

good stuff and I enjoy getting to see them. This is the picture.

I really like it. It's going in the living room.

I've gotten a little further on this painting. Seriously though,

I would like to just complete one.

2011-09-14T11:59:00.002-04:00

Started another painting today. Wanted to get away

from the other one because of getting frustrated. This

one's been a nice change of pace especially with the color

differences. Not finished but getting there a lot faster than

Corey's portrait.

2011-09-13T14:48:00.002-04:00

Sunday: visit with Mom, Dad, Stu, Trish, and the only

picture I took was their cat. She blends with the furniture

A rainbow on the way home.

Trying to figure out the close up on my camera.

It doesn't want to cooperate with me. I want to catch

one of the bees close but they move so fast it's hard to do.

Yay..yay I'm celebrating not killing this orchid Jesse got

for me - mother's day before last. This is the first time it's

bloomed since then.

I am getting extremely frustrated with this painting.

I feel like I've started overworking some of her face and

her hand is making me crazy. I think I will paint something

else for a little bit see if stepping back helps. But I did get

an ear done.

2011-09-13T06:59:00.001-04:00

Click on > Talking dog

tooo funny!!

2011-09-12T06:37:00.001-04:00

Memorial service for 9/11 in Jerusalem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRPYTiN5Oso

2011-09-09T21:15:00.001-04:00

A little bit further along.

2011-09-09T10:46:00.000-04:00

I really like morning glories. These are from seeds

Mom gave me.

2011-09-07T08:27:00.000-04:00

Too funny; my mother in law sent this to me

http://www.youtube.com/user/billybobjr705

2011-09-05T17:54:00.001-04:00

Beach day - the waves were huge.

The jellyfish were huge and lots.

The undertow was really strong.

It felt like a touch of autumn in the air.

It was really nice and when we left really crowded.

Visit

2011-09-03T09:23:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, the Greers came over for a visit.

It was all made possible by Jacob who had

been telling his mom he wanted to take a deer

meat sandwich to school for lunch. She posted

this on facebook so I told her to come over and

get some. Chuck's friend Nick from work who's

a hunter had given us some a while back.

When Jacob saw I had an art room he wanted to

create something. This is Jacob and Brooke Allison

hard at work. If you look to the left in the photo

you can see the blur of Noah who is constantly in motion.

Brandy with the little Artists

Little Miss Brooke Allison

Brandy and Noah

Noah decided he wanted to try to draw something.

I think he got most of it on his hands.

Jacob wanted to make a copy of my painting

I think he did a great job!

Brooke Allison making hearts. She gave me one and

later I found one she gave Chuck in his pocket. Sweet!

2011-09-01T18:11:00.003-04:00

Yay! They finally digitized my sketchbook

Project

2011-09-01T07:21:00.000-04:00

I don't know if this is going to work on not. Painting of Corey I've started.

2011-08-29T10:27:00.002-04:00

And when I'm trying to work..Renny's

at my feet (standing up here because Dexter annoyed him).

And Dexter constantly wanting attention, funny dogs.

2011-08-29T10:12:00.003-04:00

I painted a t-shirt for Jesse because she

said she had a dream that someone was

wearing this. I thought it would be funny.

I hung it up in her room for her to find and

when she did I heard, "AHHHH now my

nightmares are coming true!" I was surprised

and asked what she meant. She told me the dream

was a nightmare with an old creepy man

wearing the t-shirt and he had a marine corp tattoo

on his arm. He kept following her around creeping

her out. I think that makes the t-shirt more funny.

I guess I'm a bad mom?

I'm getting tired of all my art supplies being

awfully unorganized and am making it a goal to

get them organized this week. I want things

I use the most to be within reach

I've finished the top shelf, 4 more to go.

I moved things around and moved out the

other desk and given myself a painting area.

Dexter's a funny little dog.

2011-08-26T14:37:00.002-04:00

Today has been crazy day.

I met my friend Leslie, who has

my route now, at 7:15 and saw the

awesome bus I would have gotten with

AC and a push button door. I am happy

for her, sad for me, 5 years of waiting, oh well.

Then I went to check my work mail, grocery

shopping, home, Dr's office, Bed Bath and Beyond,

and Target. (I only stayed at each place 5 -10 minutes)

Finally home, exhausted and going to sleep.

2011-08-20T16:27:00.002-04:00

Beach day. This would be a nice place to live.

or here, especially like the blue

This bird looks like a watercolor I may have to do.

There were 2 of these guys. It took them a couple of times

of getting flipped over to make over the waves. They were

extremely rough today. The undertow was bad too.

I did not know there were salt water cat fish. With

his fin extended I thought he was a little shark

'till I saw him close.

A color Corey helped me pick, not sure.

They seemed mad at each other.

Then they started talking again.

The salt water really helped my dry, itchy, red, radiated,

boob feel better. I may have to go back for more pain relief.

2011-08-19T20:14:00.001-04:00

Corey, John, and Minion went home yesterday:(

such a cute Minion

2011-08-13T19:39:00.007-04:00

Some reasons I haven't been blogging much;

Monday I went to the Dr. and then to work

to get some paperwork done. Tuesday Karen

drove me to inservice which I greatly

appreciated and I went to the Dr.

Wednesday, again Dr., and Corey and John

came down to visit.

Corey and her new puppy Minion.

John and Renny

John and Elsie, Corey and Minion, Jill and Renny

Thursday after the Dr. Corey and I stopped at Tricia's and

played with watercolors.

Corey showing off her tattoo

Cutie Oliver

Oliver and Tricia

Oliver, Mommy and Corey

Megan doing one of the many things she's great at.

Corey and her puppy. This is where he likes to ride in the car.

He's so cute

After we went to the Dr. Friday we stopped at my friend's

Greg and Shoko's. I had to show them Corey's puppy Minion.

They have 2 pomeranians and I knew they would like Minion.

It was really good to see them. I wish I'd had my camera. Their

backyard is absolutely beautiful! It looks like a Japanese garden and

their grandson Kellen was there. He's such a cute sweet little boy.

It's been a busy week.

2011-08-05T19:58:00.001-04:00

Jesse and Millie

Jesse's birthday balloon, flowers and cake(s)

2011-08-01T15:58:00.004-04:00

Playing and learning

2011-07-29T18:30:00.006-04:00

Today Chuck and I went here.

Where I was a participating artist and he made me wear it.

We checked out my sketchbook. I wanted to see if

it made it in one piece which it had, yay!

Chuck looking at my sketchbook.

Some of the other viewers.

I met another artist, Vlora who came from Clearwater to see her

sketchbook. She filled up the whole book with oil

pastels - really pretty. I wish I'd thought to take a picture

of it. You can see some of it here. She was so cute!

I wish I hadn't closed my eyes.

I also saw Thomas Thorspecken and went up and introduced

myself, well sort of. I went up and asked if he was Thorspecken and

told him I was a friend of Megan's. I was actually a little nervous and

I don't think I told him my name. Ahh, anyway at least I went up and

talked to him something I wouldn't have done a couple of months ago.

Since being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer I feel like why not do

things that I wouldn't have before? It's given me a sort of freedom and

some things I feared before seem extremely trivial.

. It was a really neat experience today. You should go if you get the chance.

Full Sail University (Full Sail Live auditorium)
3300 University Boulevard
Winter Park, FL 32792 July 29-31, 2011 12:00pm-5:00pm each day

2011-07-29T13:38:00.000-04:00

If you can go my sketchbook will be there.
The Sketchbook Project 2011

July 29-31, 2011
12:00pm-5:00pm each day
Friday 6:00pm: talk with Art House founders
Winter Park, FL
Touring with The Fiction Project
Full Sail University (Full Sail Live auditorium)
3300 University Boulevard
Winter Park, FL 32792

2011-07-26T20:18:00.003-04:00

Today was a inspiration day at Paper Plate Studio.

We played with paint and little canvas'. This was Tracy's.

And another of Tracy's.

Tracy hard at work in her studio

I mean playing

One of her really nice pieces

My playing today, it was actually a lot more colorful

She likes to use her fingers to paint

Really nice pointillist drawing

Tracy did

Fantastic natural art

beautiful tissue paper piece

Shell inspirations

Great, fun, idea time!

2011-07-25T16:36:00.000-04:00

Ooppss almost forgot.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!! Love you!!!!

2011-07-25T16:20:00.002-04:00

Saturday's beach trip was cut short by a storm

moving in. But before the storm the water was

perfect. Usually I'm a little afraid to go in but it

was so calm and nice.

Playing with something different, tissue paper.

I could not get it to photograph right too many

reflections. It was fun to do.

2011-07-23T16:52:00.007-04:00

Last Sunday we had a family birthday celebration

for Me, Dad, Jesse, Patsy and Mom. Our birthdays

are the 15th, 25th, Aug. 3, 6, and 7.

It was nice. Mom and Dad always make t - bones

baked potatoes, and a bunch of other yummy stuff.

Then the traditional card game. Really enjoyed it.

Here's Trish looking at pictures.

Mom putting the cake away.

Stuart relaxing.

Jesse and Chris

Chuck and Patsy

Here's a t shirt I'm working on for my Dad.

I down 3 more to go.

2011-07-16T14:38:00.004-04:00

Yesterday Chuck and Jesse took me out to Olive Garden for

lunch for my birthday, very nice. Jesse took me took me to Kohl's after

where I got a shirt and coffee. I didn't know they had coffee but

they had the flavor we both like, blueberry. I know that sounds

weird but you have to try it. I also found these placemats on sale.

They were the perfect color that matches my wall. I had a fun

day but have to rest today kind of went a little overboard.

Thank you Jesse for all the fun I had a very nice day, thanks baby!!

Flowers from Jesse.

I got a surprise last night while eating dinner.

The doorbell rang and more flowers from Corey and John.

Pretty, pretty and sooo very sweet!!! I really like this color.

and for some reason this color

from Corey and John

Birthday surprise!

2011-07-15T09:22:00.002-04:00

I came home from my radiation treatment

and Jesse surprised me with this! She's so sweet!

Thanks baby!!!

and a funny card

laugh everyday it's good for you

2011-07-11T15:25:00.001-04:00

Corey, we finally got the curtains up, before

after

The girl all the dogs love...

Actually on the 4th celebrations

2011-07-06T07:02:00.003-04:00

We had some bottle rockets left over from

like a zillion years ago and we still didn't use

them all. It's serious business for Chuck.

I've never seen so many fireworks in our neighborhood.

We didn't know which way to look and these were good

as Disney fireworks. People must have spent a fortune.

Chuck playing with his sparklers

Jesse and her sparklers

And in other news; Jesse trying to fix the carpet

glued her fingers to the super glue bottle, yay - fun!

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T08:15:00.008-04:00

We did our celebrating yesterday with a trip to Cocoa

to see the fireworks. Our neighbor was fishing and caught

this skate.

I thought these were wind surfing kites.

I don't know what you call them but I thought

you used them with a surfboard on the water.

Nope this is the guy on the beach. He was really moving fast.

Chuck was doing shadow puppets. You can't really

tell in this picture but it was funny.

These birds were tiny smaller than my hand but they

don't look tiny in the photo.

This is the pier.

This is how far away from the pier we were.

and the fireworks started, yay!!!

2011-06-30T08:53:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I went with Mom and Stuart to look at a house.

I think it's interesting to look at houses and see how people

live, decorate, and see the layout. This house was built in the

60's. He said his mom had redone the kitchen. Umm what

year? It had a lot of potential but it would require a lot of work.

Looking into the kitchen from the dining room.

I really liked this table from the 60's? 70's?

panaromic view, the location is fantastic

the bathroom was icky and original

check out the orange shag carpet and original light fixture

Looks like something from "the Jetsons"

florida room

on the way home taking plane pictures. I didn't get any good ones

wanted to add this cute photo

blurry but you can see how much little dog loves

his momma

2011-06-27T07:36:00.003-04:00

Create for the day: While still trying to get my "studio" (no longer called the

art room - I'm getting serious) in order, I found some drawings and watercolors

I'd forgotten about. This is Elsie as a puppy.

Elsie grown up

A really old watercolor of Aysha. We had her for 15 years.

She was the smartest dog I'd ever trained, show her something

once and that's all it took, housebreaking included. Elsie

on the other hand took 3 weeks to house train.

A beach watercolor on smooth paper. I think I actually

did this sitting in the back of the car at the beach.

Another beach watercolor on rough paper.

2011-06-25T22:08:00.003-04:00

Beach Day! First time really going outside since the surgery.

It felt so good to be at the beach and feel the water and the

wind. Not many people today because, I guess, the forecast

called for rain but it was really nice.

It wasn't too hot because of clouds and wind.

The above and below were on the way home. I may

use them to do a painting.

Pelicans, it's fun trying to catch them in flight.

Surfer girl, don't see them too much. She was pretty good.

Lots of living shells today.

It was a very relaxing day. Just what the Dr. ordered.

Create for the day

2011-06-24T14:42:00.003-04:00

I decided to play with watercolors for my create

for the day. I really don't like painting flowers much

mainly because I lose my place and either add petals

or forget them so if you saw the real flower you'd say, "hmmm".

This is the largest flower I've ever done 11 x 15 paper.

Though I'm not fond of painting flowers I actually enjoyed this one.

Corey gave me a gift certificate for mother's day and I thought

I might get some watercolors. I decided before I did I would see

what I have. These I've had for about 20 years. They're my favorite.

They're german.

The paint on the left is my carry along paints. You can see

they haven't been used, they're German. The others, on the right,

I've started using. They're Italian

These I've had for over 20 years. They're from Great Britain.

I used them today for the rose. The tray is awesome, also 20 years old.

These were some Chuck bought me for a Christmas gift

years ago. I don't know where they're from. They came in

a nice wooden case.

I guess I don't paint enough or I don't think they would

have lasted that long. They are all still good though which

surprised me. Going through them I don't think I need

anymore maybe I'll just get paper to use them on.

practice

2011-06-22T11:06:00.003-04:00

I've been looking at some of the practice pieces I've done in the

past, I need to start drawing daily again, or my Create

for the day - try to get back into it. It would probably be

a help in my healing process. I was looking at a blog last

night where the lady draws or paints on a daily basis and

gives herself a certain amount of time, then stops when times

up and doesn't go back and finish the piece later.

This gives her the freedom to create - for practice and improve

her talent - more about process than product.

2011-06-21T07:17:00.003-04:00

Yay! Chuck and Jesse sold her Miata saturday and

found her truck on Sunday! Finally finished with

car shopping for a while, yay yay yay!!!!!!!

Look how tiny it makes our SUV look.

Thankfully it's a 6 cylinder, not 8 so a little better gas mileage.

Chuck said he was going to work to rest after Saturday selling

a car and Sunday buying a truck. He threw a fit on the showroom

floor refusing to pay the dealer fees and walked out and left.

They followed him out and said they would take care of it.

Jesse thought he was crazy but it worked. He said the salesman

never would get near him after that -he was afraid....

2011-06-17T20:25:00.001-04:00

One of the things that's been helping me

heal from surgery and get through this

cancer thing - all the family - Mom and Dad

- Chuck's Mom and Frank and people from

church, work, and other friends calling, sending

cards, helping with our needs, bringing food, flowers,

books, just all the love shown is such a huge blessing.

Lisa from the CPC brought us flowers, and dinner

from Boston market, and a funny yellow monkey

that makes me laugh, last Friday. Monday, Sherry

made us chicken fajitas with the fixings and banana bread,

that her husband Danny delivered. It was delicious and

the banana bread made for a good breakfast too.

Wednesday, Christy brought us pot roast, potatoes and

carrots, bread, and carrot cake, yum also very delicious.

When she called to say she was coming her little boys

were crying in the back seat. By the time she got here they

were sound asleep - so sweet. Today Susan and Norm brought us

a roasted chicken, stuffing, green beans from their garden, potatoes

and carrots, and strawberry shortcake. I think I've gained 5 lbs.

this week from all the yummy deliciousness.

I can not forget to thank Corey for all she did while she was here,

cooking, cleaning and cheering me up. Chuck and Jesse have also been

a huge help with taking care of anything and everything that

needs to be done while working full time. I have to say I

have felt extremely blessed and very well taken care of.

I am very grateful to God for filling my life with people I love

and who show me they love me back - I feel I have a very blessed life.

Thank you everybody!!!!!!!

2011-06-16T18:28:00.002-04:00

Jesse got the dogs doggie ice cream treats!!

It's hot outside dogs want to cool off with ice cream too.

Little dog...

Renny

Esie

She really hangs on tight!

Tuesday treat

2011-06-15T10:51:00.002-04:00

Jesse was off and said she wanted to make us dinner.

Chris came over to visit and enjoy the home cooked meal.

It was really delicious!

New potatoes, asparagus, fresh salmon and rolls.

It was really really good. I told her it should be her

Father's day dinner for Chuck because she gave him

his gift last night too, which I will post pictures of

later. She just came in the house and showed me she

busted her knuckles on it because she didn't wear the gloves.

Jill's tattoo

2011-06-13T07:41:00.002-04:00

Jill looks a little worried

getting ready

ta-da: This is a Norwegian (which Jill is) symbol, or word

for strength - and what her last name means

2011-06-12T18:30:00.003-04:00

I'm going to start another blog about my cancer journey but i can't decide what to call it.

I'm tired of trying to think of a name.

Today I went out of the house for the first time and I think did a little too much because

now I'm extremely tired and I hurt. But it was good to get out.

2011-06-10T11:27:00.002-04:00

Getting ready

layout

owie

ford Vickie with cracked left headlight

2011-06-09T09:55:00.001-04:00

Just a short update.

Surgery was Tuesday.

Dr. said everything went well.

Slept most of yesterday.

So far so good today.

2011-06-06T20:49:00.002-04:00

I don't know what's wrong but my pictures wouldn't load today.

We went to church yesterday and Pastor Coleman prayed for us. Then we went to Mom and Dad's for lunch and cards and had a nice visit. My brother and Mom set up a meeting at their church for my Dad and I to be prayed for. It was a very good experience. They have a cancer ministry at their church and have ladies who make prayer shawls. It was just a very comforting and uplifting experience and I'm very glad I went and it made me feel more hopeful.

We (me, Chuck, Corey and Stuart) went to Chili's for lunch because my bus kids gave me a gift card it was a good lunch.

This evening Chuck's mom and Frank came and visited and blessed us even more. It was a nice visit. Then Corey did my nails and Jesse called and we talked. Good, blessed day.

2011-06-05T07:41:00.002-04:00

Create for the day: Just some daily happenings.

Elsie thought she was a queen when she was

allowed on the blow up mattresses. I told her

"no" so she ran and hid under Corey.

Chuck and Corey made dinner yesterday.

They made pot roast, potatoes, carrots,

onions and gravy. I find it hard to not

get in the middle of it all. I did ok.

One of our days spent going to 3 Dr. appointments.

Trying to rest in between because it can really

get exhausting.

The view from my window while trying to rest.

We saw this food truck yesterday.

It just seems a huge contradiction.

Korean BBQ tacos.

Actually going to church today. Should be interesting.

2011-06-04T09:38:00.004-04:00

Corey's Home, YAY!

Little dog and Elsie doing time together

This is Renny's bed. Elsie likes it better than hers.

Little dog can't be comfortable

Renny wasn't happy about the other 2 being in his bed.

So he was sulking under ours.

He just gave up.

2011-06-03T07:58:00.004-04:00

I'm going to try to go back to Create for the day but it may

be different than before - maybe more writing.

Today I was reading from Streams in the Desert, June 2nd and

it said:

I will never forget the statement which that great man of faith

George Mueller once made to a gentleman who had asked

him the best way to have strong faith; "The only way to know

strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing

firm through severe testings."

How true this is! You must trust when all else fails.

I am trying.

Today I am counting as my first "real" day off because

I had to go get a work physical yesterday, which praise God, I passed.

Got to hang out with Tracy a little which is always a good thing

for the spirit, heart, and soul.

This morning, took my coffee outside, it actually felt decent.

Took pictures of

Little dog, ok his name's Dexter

little dog and Renny

my almost ready tomato

2011-06-02T07:36:00.002-04:00

my new live by statement:

Endurance is not just the ability

to bear hard things

but to turn them

into Glory

This journey isn't going to be easy. I'm really dreading

the surgery Tuesday but I know that it's necessary in

my road to recovery.

I know God is with me through this and I expectantly

wait to learn what I need to in this process to possibly

help someone else.

2011-05-28T15:33:00.003-04:00

The last few days.

Thursday Dr.'s all day.

Friday Dr.'s 1/2 day.

My family Dr. told me to get

this book and start eating this way.

Donna, my sister in law, sent me these

really wonderful books that I enjoy reading

every morning.

Jesse and little dog are staying here for a couple of

months to help me out with things.

Pretty flowers my friend Karen from work gave me.

More art journal pages. I figure the next couple of months

I'll be filling these up. My friend Tricia gave me these little

stickers that I put on random pages and when I get to them

they'll help me with ideas for things to write, or paint. This one

says "the art of life"

"possibilities"

just some swirls

this makes me think of the ocean

and my personal favorite "live in the moment"

which I've been learning to do since this cancer

thing started. I actually put some flower petals

on the page - I hope they keep their color.

2011-05-25T19:08:00.002-04:00

Create for the day: Can't believe I did anything.

I worked all day and am paying for it pain wise.

Even though, I wanted to paint these flowers

because I liked the colors so much. They were

a gift from my friend Karen at work, very sweet!

The original watercolor

and a couple of played with photoshop versions

fun, fun!

2011-05-24T20:23:00.001-04:00

I had so much fun creating journal pages I made a bunch more.

Going to try to go to work tomorrow.

2011-05-24T07:49:00.002-04:00

Create for the day: Haven't done in awhile

Tracy asked does painting give you energy?

sometimes but sometimes it's very draining.

Making journal pages, on the other hand, is

energizing 'cause I don't put a lot of thought

into it. I just start tearing and gluing and whatever

I feel like doing. Now to fill these up with thoughts.

2011-05-23T07:25:00.002-04:00

More flower pictures

I started a watercolor of some of the flowers.

This past weekend was recovery from the

bone biopsy. It wasn't as bad as I thought it

would be. But it's a weird feeling when they

scrape the bone. I think the pain after is worse.

I decided to stay home today and try to go back

to work tomorrow. Thank you to everyone

who has been praying. I felt very calm Friday

when I went to get that done and I believe it's

because of people praying, so thank you!!

2011-05-18T18:41:00.003-04:00

Someone from Jesse's work, Konnie, a little girl

(not really little early 20's - to me little),

found out what is going on with me and sent me

flowers. I've never met her. She truly sent me a

blessing. What a sweetheart.

I've made it to work 3 days in a row. That's really good

considering how I feel lately. Unfortunately, tomorrow, no.

I'm very tired and have a Dr.'s appointment. Looks like

Friday may be the bone biopsy - not looking forward to it.

I liked this a lot so here it is:

  When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner

every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when

she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening

so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely

burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!

 Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask

me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night,

but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly burned

biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing... never made a face nor uttered a word

about it!   When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my

Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what

he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then."   Later that night,

I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits

burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day

at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burned biscuit never

hurt anyone!"   As I've grown older, I've thought about that many times.

Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly

anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else.

But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's

faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is one of the most

important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.   

And that's my prayer for you today... that you will learn to take the good,

the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God.

Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a

relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!   We could extend

this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship,

be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!   "Don't put the key to

your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own."   So, please

pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine.   If this reading

has touched your spirit, feel free to pass this along to someone who has

enriched your life.   Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet

is fighting some kind of battle.   

2011-05-16T10:33:00.002-04:00

I forgot to put the crab pictures on here

yesterday. I couldn't resist another sky photo.

Chuck kept playing with him

He flipped it over. The tail is wicked.

Working today. Glad it's not so hot.

Happy Anniversary Chuck 29!!!

2011-05-15T18:54:00.004-04:00

Create for the day: photos

A book given to me by a lady Chuck works with

she had breast cancer too. Yes, I do. I just found out

Thursday. I'm going to write between photos some of the

things she marked for me in the book that

I seriously needed to hear.

We went to the beach for our anniversary.

Before we started out we stopped at McDonalds for

breakfast. These guys were in line in front of us

picking up their breakfast.

When we arrived at the beach we saw dolphin jumping,

spinning when they jumped, and riding the waves.

I wish I'd been fast enough with my camera to catch

some of the action. The waves were awesome today.

I know not all prayers are answered, but many are,

so I continue to petition

You, for You are my hope

When I cry to You, I know you hear, just as I can hear my child

crying a block away. Thank You for Your promises and never-ending care.

The clouds were spectacular today too.

Tricia, this is the art deco condos I was talking about.

You have a plan and although

I don't know or understand it, I trust You.

Our umbrella took flight and Chuck ran after it.

It was a very nice day!

29 years!

2011-05-14T11:14:00.003-04:00

Hard to believe 29 years tomorrow. Chuck said it would

be lame if we didn't do something. We've just had so much

going on the past few weeks its hard to plan anything.

We are going to the beach which is somewhere we've always

enjoyed going. I wish we could take a trip out west. He said

maybe this summer. Every year we've said we would. Next

year's 30 maybe then. It has been a good 29 years and has

gone by extremely fast. I thank God for blessing me with

Chuck as my husband! I love you Chuck now and forever!!!!!

Then, wow we've really changed, and my brother Terry and his wife Donna.