Monday, November 28, 2011

The Reason for the Season


We must remember the “Reason for the season.” Just who is this babe in the manger? In the New Testament, Colossians, Chapter 1 and other scriptures, we read: He is the redeemer of God’s people (v.14): “in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” “He is the image of the invisible God” (v.15a; cp. Hebrews 1:3; John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6). “He is ... the firstborn over all creation” (v.15b; cp. Psalm 89:27; also Romans 8:29). He is the creator of all things (v.16): “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth ....” He is eternal in existence (v.17a): “He is before all things.” He is the preserver of all things (v.17b): “in Him all things consist” (i.e., stand together). “He is the head of the body, the church” (v.18a). “He is the beginning [Greek arche-], the firstborn from the dead” (v.18b) – the One who laid the foundation for the resurrected life, and the chief of all who enjoy that resurrected life. He is the first in rank over the universe and in His church (v.18c): “in all things He may have the preeminence.” He is co-equal with His Father in divinity (v.19): “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell.” He is the reconciler of God’s people (vv.19-22): “... you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.” To believers He is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (v.27).
This is the real reason for Christmas the day Christ our Lord Jesus was born! Glory be to God! Thank you so very much for a beautiful gift!
**:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:** **:•.-:¦:-.•:**

Happy Birthday

If another follower sins, warn him, and if he is sorry and stops sinning, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in one day and says that he is sorry each time, forgive him. Luke 17:3-4
Forgiving someone is hard to do. I have found though that when I finally do forgive someone for hurting me or for whatever I can move on. Forgiving is realizing that we all are forgiven for our sins so we should forgive those who trespass against us.

Today may be a nice day after all it is already 47 this morning. I have no idea what plans are in store for me today. It is my 53rd birthday! Yay Happy Birthday to me! I hope I get to see my grandsons today!

I love to travel by train. This website has information on five scenic train trips you can take

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40869541

The planet we call home from 240 miles above Earth

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/planet-call-home-seen-240-miles-145006199.html

This website has a lot of interesting facts of travel such ten lost cities

http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas;_ylt=AgkBuRSfFX4Glsj.WlU_ELrzFNx_

Since I love to travel, these days I don't have the means to do so but it is my birthday so I thought I would share these websites with you.

Wherever you are I hope you have a wonder filled day!

Me on the left middle my is sister Lenore and right side is my sister Gail taken Jan 2011





Sunday, November 27, 2011

Spicy Sunday

I will praise the Lord at all times; his praise is always on my lips. My whole being praises the Lord. The poor will hear and be glad. Glorify the Lord with me, and let us praise his name together. Psalms 34:1-3
It is a cool 39 degrees this morning here in Southern NH. I am missing my grandsons already but now I have a birthday tomorrow so I am sure I will see them again soon hopefully tomorrow for my birthday. Birthdays were always fun with my Mother. She made the best cakes and we had a spinning cake holder. Mom had one of those counter top electrical mixers. Black with a white bowl as I remember. Another special thing Mom did for us on our birthdays was she made our favorite dinner that night. I always chose tuna noodle casserole. Mom made that the best too. I don't even come close to hers when I make it for myself these days. I don't usually make myself a cake anymore now since I became a diabetic. I did pick up a yummy chocolate chip pound cake yesterday for myself and others that may want to try it.

I think I will start on my Christmas cards today. Since I am feeling pretty yucky with a horrible cough. I think I have bronchitis again. I am going to do the easy ones first. I bought some Mary Engelbreit Christmas cards with cute snowmen on them. I also have her clear stamp with the same snowman on it and my address labels have snowmen on them. I have some older vintage Christmas cards and lastly when I am feeling really good after I see my doctor. I did one ME card to my sister and nephew. It was a process and hopefully it will go smoother next time. I am going to look for my vintage Christmas cards I have to send and start filling them out that should be easier.

I need to start wrapping and sorting out some small gifts but that will be for next week's To Do List!
I usually don't decorate until another couple of weeks from now. So there is no tree yet!

What do you do to prepare for Christmas? When my sons were younger we went so far as to put up lights on the house. We also had a family tradition of going to a tree farm and chopping down our own trees. We were living in Maryland at the time. I was raising my family then with a husband and our two sons. We did a lot of activities with his brothers and sisters and their families his Mother (Nana I loved her so much may she be resting ever so peacefully) and my husbands Father and wife Bunny too. We would cook for 30 or more. They loved my mashed potatos.

Oh my I just had some cajun chicken for lunch. I wanted to share this site with you

http://shine.yahoo.com/vitality/8-world-8217-healthiest-spices-38-herbs-eating-150600515.html
I love what I have now two sons DIL and two grandsons. my two sisters one is married both have children and a brother who is married with family all nearby some close enough to drive or fly. My Father is in CA and as usual I (I should say we brother and sisters too) have little to no contact from him. It has been like that all of my life. I don't know a Father who truly loves his daughter and wants to be a part of her life and get to know his grandsons much less his only great grandsons he has for now. He won't be alive if and when the other great grands come along more than likely. Mom would have been involved if she were still alive and well today! She is watching them from heaven. My precious first grandson was born on my Mother's birthday. She was in Heaven before he was born. He is truly my angel not in the sense that he can do nothing wrong. He is an angel God sent me to console me over the deep profound grief I have over my Mother's untimely death. I spent years grieving that we knew she was dying but she did not know it more than likely. Now that she is gone I don't want to ever forget what a wonderful Mother she was and how her life before that as a child is quite remarkable. Her Mother was a part of my life also she saw both of my sons when they were little. We had a family reunion from Mother's side of the family in Port Carling Canada. It is way up on the Eastern side of Canada. What a fantastic driving trip we took from Maryland to go there stopping at Niagra Falls. It was beautiful we brought our bikes with us on our trip and rode around the park there all day long. The wine country and grape vineyards were lovely to drive through.

Here is some information I looked up on Port Carling I thought I would make this a sharing Sunday again

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g499287-Port_Carling_Muskoka_Ontario-Vacations.html

Love to get things for free well then check this out

http://www.listia.com/?r=256628


Ways to save money

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/12-low-cost-ways-to-save-energy%E2%80%94and-money%E2%80%94now-.html

Dover Publication letter T
THE END





Saturday, November 26, 2011

Sweet Salty (Sultry) Saturday

I will not leave you all alone like orphans; I will come back to you. John 14:1
He has never foresaken me yet! I have had to call for Him often especially in the last 5 years.

Praise Him for being there!

I went to the Christian gathering and food giveaway today. It is a balmy 58 now. This week it was 320 some odd people last week it was over 500 and that is really a lot of people. Father Steve had an interesting message this week. He said to read Proverbs 30:1-33 I believe. So I will look for the message in the proverbs. That message was basically that when you seek Him he will be there for you! So comforting to me! I know he was there when I called out to him before I faced one medical procedure and surgery after another for the last five years.

I miss my Mother she went to Heaven on November 1, 2006. I have been recovering from cancer and been cancer free for 5 years now too this month. It is my fifth anniversary! My birthday is November 28, 1958. I have a sister and niece with November birthdays. I met Donna on swapbot we were born the same exact day and year. My Mother's Mother was born in November. My Mother liked this prayer ~ I do too!

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

She loved butterflies too! This is from Dover Publications.
What do you do with all of your leftovers? I don't have any this year and I am really missing not have turkey sandwiches. Why not some extreme leftovers?

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/extreme-leftovers-10-crazy-ways-eat-well-day-151300535.html






Thursday, November 24, 2011

Friday's Faeries Poets and Art


I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye. Psalms 32:8
I am always asking Him for guidance and to lead me! I feel that this lessens the stress in my life considerably.

I love it when I come in contact with dragonflies so when I read this blurb recently about them it all made sense to me. It said  "It has been known for centuries that when dragonflies are present in your yard, it means there is a fairy hill nearby! A fairy hill is the secret place fairies gather and it can be the place where they will allow you to travel into the REALM where they live! DRAGONFLIES CAN BRING THE FAIRY TO YOU!" Such a neat fantasy story!

Study on dragonflies http://www4.cc.utexas.edu/features/2006/dragonflies/index.html

Many pages of pictures of dragonflies http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/dragonfly.html

Well it is cold this morning 28 again! We had a beautiful sunny crisp clear cool day yesterday. On the road trip to my sister's house for our Family Reunion/Thanksgiving we passed by Walden Pond. It is such a beautiful area. I hope to get to go back and see it when things warm up. Speaking of family reunions we had a wonderful one so much fun was had by all. We skyped with my brother and his family who live in Maryland. My sisters enjoyed my grandsons so much. They both have children still growing up. Ages 13 15 21 and 24 just some of my many nieces and nephews. It was so good to see my family. Both my sisters spoiled me with nice soap, lots of warm clothes and warm socks for my birthday which is on Monday the 28th of November. My sister from SC brought me two baby spider plants to root and add to my garden. I lost all of the jade plants I was trying to start. I have blogged about it in previous posts. I think I watered them too much. I was trying to root them from leaves and it is very hard to do.

To read about Henry David Thoreau and Walden Pond check this out

http://wiki.ask.com/Walden_Pond

Nearby where I live is the home of Robert Frost check this out

http://robertfrostfarm.org/

and also I live within walking distance to the Currier Museum of Art

http://www.currier.org/


Beautiful luna moth in FL

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

If you listen carefully to all he says and do everything that I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemies. I will fight all who fight against you. Exodus 23:22

Happy Thanksgiving everybody. I am having a partial family reunion today with my sister's and their families, my second son, myself and my older son and his family. My brother and his family and our dad will not be there. I didn't find out until last night my brother wasn't coming and dad is in CA so I wasn't expecting him. That makes me sad. I was really excited and hoping for a full family reunion with all of my siblings. I am grateful for what will be!

After resting all day yesterday because I had a cold I am in severe back pain now. If it isn't one thing it is another. I have meds for that and if I can't get things stretched out soon this morning I will have to take a pain pill. I can't walk around all bent over today like the older person I am. My cold instantly felt better when I used my inhaler this morning I can breathe. Then I treated my nose to an inhaler and things were even better. I think that I still have bronchitis and I am going to see my doctor after the holidays.

I am so thankful for so many things and all the people in my life but most of all I am thankful for the life He gave me! What are you thankful for today?

Here are some tips I found for making great mashed potatos. Everybody always loves my mashed potatos and the secret is 2 potatos per person being served that way you have enough that is if you know how to make them well!

http://shine.yahoo.com/tistheseason/bas-step-step-instructions-perfect-mashed-potatoes-150200059.html

I hope you enjoy this wonder filled day where ever you are!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wet Cold Wednesday

I wait for the Lord to help me, and I trust his word. Psalms 130:5

This is hard to remember to do! It is so relieveing to know that He loves me and won't forsake me.


Today it is 37 freezing cold and raining. Could almost be snow. What a miserable day to be out and about. I cared for my baby grandson yesterday as well as Monday. I started to get sick  but not what he has. I wanted to be feeling really good for Thanksgiving but it looks like I am even sicker today. I have a cold and stomach thing. Oh boy we have one of those annoying fruit flies LOL pesky guy flying around in front of my face while I am trying to type this. Go away! 

I have 7 swaps ready to go some were multiple postcards. I have been busy this morning. I am getting all my mail ready to go out Friday hopefully. I have many things to finish before Christmas. I brought my Christmas cards with me to do yesterday while the baby slept and I ended up falling asleep. I am sure I needed it. What are you working on for the holidays? I started out several months ago buying a small thing but nice gift every so often. I am more than prepared with everything I have been winning on Listia too. If I didn't have a headache right now I would probably go do some bidding. I think I am going to go back to bed. Get warm and watch some TV. Relax today so I hopefully feel a little better!


From free clip art. This angel is beautiful!



Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Totally Tuesday

I am a companion of all who fear you. Psalm 119:63

I have had this little but very powerful scripture from the bible that I cut from a newspaper several years ago. It is getting yellowed now and it sits on top of the frame of a needlepoint picture of the letter G that my Mother made for me. That is on the first wall right inside my bedroom door. Sort of a reminder! I see it every day when I leave my bedroom to greet each new day!

I cared for my baby grandson (16 months old) yesterday. He did well all day long until about an hour or so before Mom and big brother were due home  He cried and cried and then some. I call it the wishing hour (wishing you weren't there) it was before supper he had a long day with Nana and he was looking for his Mother. I slept so well last night I didn't wake up once. I was not feeling well yesterday and it was because I drank too much coffee. It did the trick I stayed up all day long. My grandson slept for around three hours. He was fun to play with and he wanted to sit with me and watch a Casper the Friendly Ghost movie. Over all he is doing better but I am caring for him again today. I will take my Nana time especially when I get one grandson at a time. Big brother was happy to see me for the little bit of time he did, before he went to school with Dad and on the car ride home. He did well in school yesterday and kept his hands to himself. He is always wanting to touch the other kids and they are telling him No to stop it. He won't listen. He is such a loving touchy kind of kid. He isn't trying to hurt the other kids. Could it have something to do with the negative attention he gets at home for bothering baby brother? I don't know just thinking. These two grandsons of mine are just like being around my boys when they were little. I love being a Nana! I loved being a young Mother when I was ages 18 and 21 and my sons were born.

I called my doctor yesterday to get my lab results and all were normal. So I am assuming that my thyroid is ok for now. I am not sure why I have been so tired and sleeping a bunch. I think I am still fighting the bronchitis. I am still wheezing and cough a bit once in awhile. I want to get through Thanksgiving and then I will call my doctor to make an appoitnment to find out why I am not better.

Wow each day we are inching closer to Thanksgiving Day. I am so excited. My DIL's stepmother made a bread cornucopia and glazed it. In other words it is not edible. My DIL is going to add something to the end of the cornucopia and put a platter together for our family reunion
Thanksgiving this year. I hope your preparations for the holiday are coming together well.

From Dover Publications




Monday, November 21, 2011

Mellow Monday

I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
My baby grandson (16 months old) is sick again with a double ear infection this time. He needs his Nana so I will be caring for him today. There is always something magical about how time spent with me really helps to heal my grandsons quickly. I of course am up early this morning to prepare for the baby. I have to do those Nana things to get ready! No really I went to bed early last night so I am up early morning. This is usual for me! I am just excited to see my grandson but not that he is sick.

I figured out the trick for grocery shopping go early Sunday morning. Now if I can just get my friend to go every Sunday morning. That would be great! Maybe every other week!

It is 48 this morning someone has the front door open and I just realized my feet are freezing I will be right back after I put on some warm winter socks.

I have been finding a lot of good information on the internet here are a couple of sites for you to check out:

Yes there are some great new Jello recipes here

http://www.kraftbrands.com/Jello/recipes.aspx

Want to make a perfect turkey this Thanksgiving here are some tips

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/perfect-roast-turkey-190900018.html

This is one of three intricate cutouts I have. They need to be matted and framed.
I have many projects to do. Sometimes it seems like there isn't enough time. I haven't been feeling well lately and so that actually makes it stressful on me knowing that I want to complete something. I have just been super tired and usually that is a sign that my thyroid medication needs to be adjusted. I am calling my doctor today to see if that is the problem. So you see I won't mind spending a mellow Monday with my baby grandson.

Here is another angel from free clip art she is watcher angel sent by God to protect these children from harm.









Saturday, November 19, 2011

On a Third Sunday


I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17

I love Him too with all my heart!

I try my best to reuse all my boxes, bags, and fillers. Please try to do the same. Fact: Each ton (2000 lbs) of recycled paper we produce can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4000 kilowatts of energy, and 7000 gallons of water. This represents a 64% energy savings, a 58% water savings, and 60 pounds less of air pollution! These facts came from someone on Listia. I recycle my shipping products. Do you?

Yesterday over 500 people were at the Christian event here in town. The church was giving away food just like they have always done every Saturday 52 weeks a year for over 20 some years now. I was given a turkey and I am so grateful for it. So since I don't need it right now it is staying frozen for Christmas. It really helped me out on my food budget for next month. There are so many awesome meals to make with the left overs. It will feed me forever it seems! I love turkey lettuce mayo sandwiches. I also like to make a turkey veggie soup. What do you do with your turkey leftovers?


How interesting an angel disguised as a mother. Have you met angels before?

Angels Everyday Even on Saturday

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
I definately take comfort from this scripture. It also empowers me to know that I can be strong and fight illness and disease. I am this way because I can handle it! Wow sleep was good last night. Here I am starting my day it is 36 degrees outside. I have to go out into the cold this morning. Time to bring out my beautiful newly knit purple winter hat. I love it. I won it on Listia. It is handmade and will last me forever. Purple is my favorite color so that is why I chose it. We still have not had to turn on our gas heat. The sun when we get it and the neighbors heat below that rises up keeps us comfortable. When it gets colder we will have to turn our heat on. We have many days of negative and below and worse with the wind chill.  Each winter I have lived here in Southern NH for the past five it has been extremely harsh in the winter. Coming from FL it is a shock. I am getting used to it weraing long underwear I have some sweaters a great pair of boots nice winter coat and red and white striped gloves. I need to switch to purple gloves to match my purple hat. The people I think about are those that don't have these items for warmth. I have a few extra hats I will be passing out them out today at a Christian food giveaway event! I wish I had more but this is a way for me to help. I need to check with my friend and her daughter first to see if they have what they need. I hope she comes through this morning and we get to go to the event this morning.


I found a group of angels in free clip art so I will be able to add them to my blog! I have a facsination with angels and believe I have been visited by them. They are to believed to sometimes look like humans! I am so thankful for this connection I have with angels. Some instances where they have been with me are during times of utter despair and through medical procedures.

What does the bible say about angels?

http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/a/angelsbible.htm



I am missing my grandsons so much. I have just a few more days to go. I will be seeing them for the Thanksgiving Day Family Reunion. My first grandson is an angel to me because he was born on my Mother's birthday! Where ever you are I hope your days ahead and day of Thanksgiving are wonder filled!



Friday, November 18, 2011

Fresh Friday

I go to bed and sleep in peace, because, Lord, only you keep me safe. Psalms 4:8
This was the second Friday I have fasted for hours on end UGH. I had to leave my place early just so I wouldn't eat and it was freezing outside. Windy as can be and only 42 now at 11:33 AM EST Today I had my blood drawn to check my thyroid, sugars, cholesterol and triglycerides. I am so grateful that this can be done and there is medecine that helps me. Plus I help myself. I know I could do an even better job and I always strive to take better care of myself. I have grandchildren that I want to watch grow up.  My taxi driver was telling me about all of the medical problems he has had in the last 5 years and I thought to myself wow my medical problems in the last five years though it seemed to be so much to me it really pales in comparison to what this man has been through with two heart attacks and cancer two different kinds. I felt as if God put me there to hear his story. Praise Him! Walk humbly with God.

I have been busy this past week creating all sorts of things here in my studio. Here are some pictures of my work. 

ACEO Ink Handrawn "Watcher" Angel  by G Normyle (me)

ACEO Ink Handrawn Trio of turkey fun! By G Normyle (me)

Handmade by G Normyle (me) Christmas Post Card

Angel card handrawn by G Normyle (me) in ink with scripture and sayings about angels on the inside of the card


Fancy Christmas Card Handmade by G Normyle (me)

Well I was supposed to go run errands I just called my ride and she didn't answer her phone. She is good for this. The rides I do get from her I am very grateful for. She is hard to count on sometimes though. It is now almost 1 PM at it is 43 out and windy still. I will stay inside and maybe create some more cards and rest up for next week.

With other friends this weekend for sure I am going to a turkey shoot and grocery shopping. I have to get ready for the festivities next week. I can't hardly wait to see my family! It has been awhile since I have seen a few people in my family. At least five years for some of us. I hope where ever you are you have a wonder filled weekend before Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Wise Up Wednesday




I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:13

These are pictures of my grandsons at our airport

It is hard to explain to someone who has no clue. It's a daily struggle being in pain or feeling sick on the inside while you look fine on the outside. Do you know someone who has an invisible illness: Liver Disease, PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Alpha-1, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, LUPUS, Fibromyalgia, MS, ME, Arthritis, Cancer, Heart Disease, Epilepsy, Autism, M.D. and/or RSD plus many more I have not listed? "Never judge what you don't understand"

Do you like to cook and eat pasta? Well here are some tips for you

http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/12-pasta-myths-debunked-164300949.html

This is a bromelaid that is finally blooming in my indoor garden
Well it is back in the 40's this morning. I don't know what the weather forecast is for today. I know that I want to have enough energy to get out and take some pictures. Even though it is looking bare with lots of leaves on the ground outside I am sure there will be many pretty things to photograph.

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS COMES THROUGH DOORS YOU DIDN'T EVEN KNOW YOU LEFT OPEN!




Tuesday, November 15, 2011

So Tired Tuesday

Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. Happy is the person whom the Lord does not consider guilty and in whom there is nothing false. Psalms 32:1-2

Are you a happy person? I am!
This is a direct link to sign up for free on Listia you will get bonus points you can use them right away to bid and you never know you may even like this! I have been having fun here and now also I am playing Scrabble on Facebook plus I belong to Swapbot.com I love to swap my art and crafts and supplies.

http://www.listia.com/signup/256628

I didn't get out yesterday it is still unseasonably warm today already 62 degrees at 6:22 AM I am totally serious I just looked up at my computer screen for these stats. Today I must get a picture or two of what remains of Fall here in Southern NH. I need to run errands but I have no energy. This is how I get when my thyroid is out of balance. I probably need another medication adjustment. I have a lab blood draw on Friday of this week. Last Friday I was supposed to go and we would know by now what the results say. My doctor's office forgot to schedule transportation for me! Such is life!

I am starting to get into the Christmasy spirit lately I am sending out my first Christmas card today and thinking about crafts to make as gifts besides baking cookies. I was just given 5 huge chocolate chip cookies homemade and I had to put them in the freezer. They were melting. It is is quite warm. I need the fan this morning. Ahhh air blowing! It feels so good sitting here now. I had my breakfast French toast I love it but I don't have it often and of course my coffee. I am ready to go! The sun is just rising and it is so beautiful. Praise be to Him for painting the sky pink and orange this morning.

I am praying today is as perfect as it is starting out! I wish you a wonder filled day too!



Oh what a beautiful morning oh what a beautiful day!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Awesome Monday


The secret of contentment is the realization that life is a gift, not a right. Author Unknown
 
    
"Each day be grateful and cherish the moments you have while here on Earth." G Normyle (me)

Today it is sunny warm and 54 at close to ten AM. A great day to go out for a walk. Yay! Finally.

Praise Him for today!

I am playing hookie from housework today! Do you ever do that?

Anything Everything Christian check it out but wait there is more read on!!!!!

http://www.christiansunite.com/

It is time for me to decorate my place some more for Fall! There is a beautiful tree with lots of leaves it is almost purple I want photograph today and I will share photos of it tomorrow. Leaves are about 65 percent gone now on most other trees and the trees holding on to their splendor dot the landscape. It is truly beautiful. New England has beautiful Fall times. This flucuation of temperature with it staying warm last night in the 50's is unusual. Almost reminds me of an Indian Summer!

What do you use every year to decorate for the Fall season? I have some beautiful leaves covered in large glitter hand made by someone else. Just beautiful! Here are pictures of them and how I display them on top of my potpourri.








I have found the following couponing websites and I would like to share them with you. Do you use coupons? Do you watch the television show Extreme Couponing?

http://www.southernsavers.com/

http://smartsource.com

http://www.redplum.com/

Sunday, November 13, 2011

So Cold Sunday

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” Revelation 22:8-9
It is 31 degrees early morning on this beautiful day a gift from God it is a present. The sun is shining all the leaves are crisp there is a light frost so it shimmers. I worship God everyday and praise Him for each day he gives to me. I used to take this small act of faith for granted and didn't do this. It was strengthened in me since survivng cancer. Each new day is precious to me! This month I have survived 5 years. Are you a survivor?

I have finally finished the owls for now. I started out with 4" paper cut out owls. One of these is sure to delight someone. I am an owl lover and I throughly enjoyed doing this project. You can look back through some of my recent postings and see pictures of these owls being created.

I am trying to decide if each one needs a flower on its' belly. What do you think?

Owl project by G Normyle (me)

Rituals for a better day!

http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/5-quick-rituals-for-a-better-day-2597996.html


Where ever you are I hope you enjoy your wonder filled Sunday!!!!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Let it All Out

His anger lasts only a moment, but his kindness lasts for a lifetime. Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5
It is early AM I have an angry person sitting next to me who has touched on at least 6 subjects and talked negatively about each one all in the matter of 15 minutes. I sit here in silence because if I answer this person back it will make him even angrier. Then he will lash out at me with his tounge. Have you ever had to deal with someone like this? My exhusband was like this to a degree. It certainly isn't a form of flattery. Borders on verbal abuse most of the time. This person actually told me not to hummm to myself because he is watching TV. I am so grateful God is with me right now! No I don't condone this behavior nor should I have to put up with it for now I am. I am a believer in change! I almost always will get an apology about this behavior later on. But when you get apologies over and over again. It becomes a problem. The other person always promises to change and they don't. I know I can't change them. They have to want to change themselves. Pray for him to want to change himself! I do.

Proverbs 23:18: “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”


The thermometer is barely inching up to 47 now at 1 PM. Today is one of those days I have returned from a church group food giveaway the numbers of people served is staggering today they served 422 people. The past 4 weeks the number served have been in the 400's. When they first started out doing this 52 weeks a year and that was 23 years ago. They served 35 people. It is necessary for me to obtain assistance from the church even when the weather is very cold sometimes. My food assistance only goes so far just like everybody elses does. If the price of food goes up I don't get more money I make it work! I am trying to learn all about coupons. I try to use them as much as I can.
10 ways to make your dieting easier. I don't like the word dieting I really prefer to call it a life style change. I thought I would share this with you. Are you making life style changes? I always am.

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/10-ways-to-make-your-diet-easier-2607551.html

From time to time I like to share articles I may find helpful to others. So please come back and check out my other posts for links to great websites I have found. I hope everybody has a wonder filled Saturday!


It is early for this but I thought I would invite you to check out www.swapbot.com
I belong to a Christian Friends swap group of ladies all over the USA. We sure do have a lot of fun.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thankful it is Thursday

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1
This is a powerful message! Think about it. What does it mean to you? To me it means that I should follow in His footsteps. He has saved me what greater gift to Him than to abide by His rules.

We are shrouded in fog this morning with a temperature of 54. Most of the snow is gone there are still small piles here and there. The inch of rain expected today should take care of most of them. It feels humid here in the studio. I have a fan gently blowing on me!

I cared for my younger grandson Monday and Tuesday of this week. It wore me out. Yesterday I was exhausted but I managed to catch up part way on my household work. Today I am finishing all the loose ends. I have to do things like make sure I have all my medications, call the drugstore, call my doctor I take 13 pills in the morning now and 9 at night. It is definately something as a patient you have to manage. I will be on these for life!





Yes it is foggy here today 8:30 AM! How is it where you are? I love the door to nowhere picture I took it comes out on the rooftop. Living here amongst many homes from the Victorian Era is a wonderful thing. The architectural details are beautiful. The cuppola in one of the other pictures has glass windows and is still cared for. I hope wherever you are you have a wonder filled day today!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Sweet Sunny Sunday

He died in our place to take away our sins, and not only our sins but the sins of all people.1 John 2:2

Who is your best friend?

This website has a lot more information all about sweet potatos but I jumped to the recipes first. They look yummy. One thing I love is sweet potato fries. Do you eat sweet potatos? I do! I am a diabetic. I was told by my doctor and nutritionist to stop eating all whites no white potatos white rice white noodles or white bread. So instead I have switched to 12 grain bread or whole wheat bread brown rice wheat noodles and lastly sweet potatos. This has not been an easy transition for me. I am almost there 100% I can now easily find wheat noodles at the grocery store. They are becoming more popular.

http://www.ncsweetpotatoes.com/sweet-potato-recipes/

Today it is sunny but cold out. It went to 34 last night perhaps colder. It is also morning number one of Fall back daylight savings time. I am still recovering from bronchitis UGH it is really bad to get this. I have needed long naps (4+ hours) the last two days. Then the last two nights I have been burning the midnight oil. I seem to react like this when there is time change. I was up at 9 AM this morning so maybe I can stay awake all day and get to bed at my regular time tonight.

So today I had Nana duty but last night my son called me and said my DIL had the day off and my services were not needed. I miss the little guys so much. I will see them soon at our Thanksgiving Family Reunion. So now I have to figure out some things to do. I am waiting for a friend to bring me the Sunday paper. I need the coupons and also at the beginning of each moth I have to clean out expired coupons so I can do that later on. I also need to get together packages for swaps and blessings perhaps a RAK random act of kindness. I love to surprise members of my Christian Friends group from time to time. Usually I like to choose one of the new ladies that has joined. I have today and tomorrow to get it all together. Tuesday weather wise is looking like it will be a really nice day to walk to the downtown post office.

I could bake some cookies today. I got a new cookie sheet yesterday. I say that like it is a major thing. It is! You should see this heavy duty cookie sheet made by Wilton that I bought. It comes with a lifetime warranty. It weighs a ton. I am definately going to get another one or maybe two. I am going to make drop cookies with a Hershey Kiss topping. I realized after buying a new flavor of kisses called cherry cordial with cream in the middle that this may be an experiment. Usually you use a solid chocolate kiss candy to top these cookies. I will taste them for you and let you know how they turn out in a later post. I will take a picture of course to share with you and the recipe. It is an easy recipe. Do you like to bake?

Dover Publication
Did I tell you about the dozen roses I have here oh yes I did. They have opened up 5 + inches accross! If you were to draw them this is how they would look. They smell heavenly! I hope you have a wonder filled Sunday! I am sure mine will be full of sunshine!





Saturday, November 5, 2011

The Lord is my Strength

"The Lord is the strength of my life." Psalm 27:1

I must have strength from somewhere. This is the answer. All that I have been through. Five years now cancer free! I get my strength from Him! What a blessing to be thankful for!

My son gave me a dozen roses last night. They are so big 3" tall and opening wide. Peachy pink and they smell so wonderful! I wish you were here with me to smell them.




These are pictures of projects I have been working on this week.





The snowflake greeting card has a pop out ATC I created back in May of this year. The J is an ACEO Zentangle done in ink plus color pencils and pictured just above here is a Christmas Chunky Page. What have you been making
lately?

Dollar Store Crafts may inspire you to make something check it out.

http://dollarstorecrafts.com/category/1-and-free/

Friday, November 4, 2011

Friday Fun

I have many craft projects going at once right now. I made a cat card and the ATC can be removed from the front of the card. So the person getting this card also gets a nice Cat ATC creation from me. I have been working on my Christmas chunky page Peace on Earth. I am having fun so far. Now I am trying to make my own Thanksgiving cards. Some of the projects will be pictured today and others later. I also took a picture of the books I got yesterday minus two cookbooks I forgot to include while photographing my nice thrift store find. Are you working on any holiday projects right now?


This is the Cat ATC I created some time ago It is going to slip into a pocket on the front of my Cat card creation! That way it can be taken out and enjoyed by the recipient.



I love to look through books for inspiration in my art work! Where do you get your inspiration from?

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Totally Thursday

I had a nice day yesterday. I went to a thrift store. I found some really good books. The boss woman there always makes really nice deals for me. The used bookstore in downtown Manchester NH is now closed. So I was quite happy to find so many nice big hard back books on cooking, gardening, sewing and various sticheries. I can no longer sew, knit and crochet due to my disability with my right hand and arm however books like these give me inspiration with continuing to do what I love and can do. Read and look at pictures and colors design that inspires me to go through what feels like therapy for me and that is when I draw in ink, water color paint or create something else like ATC's or Chunky Pages. I am gathering all of the supplies I need to make an arch. I feel that I have just about everything to make one now. Of course I will show you pictures of the arch I create in future posts.

Must have easy soup recipes try this one!

http://www.recipe.com/baked-potato-soup/


Oh No The forsthyia snapped off

The yellow maple lost two branches




Do you like to shop at thrift stores?


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

What is Up it is Wednesday

Watch Your Waistline Could be your weight that creeps up!

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/the-best-and-worst-appetizers-for-your-waistline-2596385/

With the holidays coming up and parties it is easy to pack on a few pounds a nibble here a nibble there and before you know it you need to lose weight.

I try to go for the veggies and go light on the dips. Being that I am a diabetic I have to watch carbs and desserts. I can indulge in sweets in moderation. I like mint and dark chocolate. Do you have any low calories recipes you have tried and like a lot?

Healthified Chocolate Chip Cookies

http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/recipes/whole-grains/healthified-chocolate-chip-cookies.aspx?WT.mc_id=paid_search_RM_EBA_Core&ESRC=16197

I now have four of the five owls pretty much done. Each one is getting a flower on their belly!




My November 29, 2011 Family Circle magazine has recipes for ten new cookies and bars to make. I want to try a few to make as gifts for my brother and sisters. Do you have any great cookie recipes to share?

Check This Out Cooking for Two

http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/recipes/cooking-for-2.aspx