Christian Photographers Community

Good morning!  I haven't yet checked to see what kind of weather is in store for us.  We did have a nice .7" rain the other night, but the hot sun dries things out quickly!  Our renter came over on his new riding mower and mowed for us yesterday; we surely appreciate that, as Darrel sure can't do it for a while!

I went to the Main Artery yesterday and made a list of all the paintings I have on display and the prices I would like for them.  I was gone only a short time, as I've been staying close to Darrel! I've had some nice comments on the showing already!  It "officially" starts today, for one month.  After that, I will join the gallery, meaning I will rent a space to hang my stuff.  While I'm guest artist, anything that sells, the gallery gets 30% but after I join, they do not take anything, as I will be paying rent monthly.

I want to take some photos today of the display.  They asked me to bring the ribbons I won at the fair this year and display them with the paintings.
I told them I had ribbons for all of them, and I do!  I was joking about bringing them all, though.

Today, I will leave my patient alone, with his cell phone handy, and go paint.  I'm really needing a little respite; and he is doing better.  He actually slept in the bed last night; has been sleeping in his recliner.  And he ate a bowlful of oatmeal for breakfast!!  He's barely been eating anything!  So I believe he's truly on the mend, now.  He knows if he needs me, he can call, and I'll be here ASAP!!

I need to get my painting stuff together; don't know what I will paint, but will find something!   

See you all soon!

I just popped in to let you all know that Mom (JudyB) will be in later today (when her internet starts working properly) to start the August Thoughts ... While I was here, I decided to stick around and do some reading. 

I would like to thank you all for your prayers.  Life certainly is a challenge sometimes!  As well as I thought I was doing with this whole thing, losing Kimi has been almost more than I can bear, and I certainly wouldn't be doing as well as I am without the strength I'm being given from God. 

I have decided to take some time off work. I tried to go back to work after a couple of weeks, but haven't been able to keep my head "in the game" for very long.  I have had several shifts where I've done more crying than working, etc.  Silly things would trigger the tears; a song that comes on the radio, someone walking in that even remotely resembles Kimi, a phrase being spoken by a co-worker, etc. 

During my time off I intend to go and visit mom and dad for a while. I've made plans to do some woodworking with my dad, so I am doing something different.  Those who know me know that I am a avid knitter, but I can't even consider picking up my needles and yarn at the moment, because the last thing I was knitting was for Kimi. 

Please continue to pray for Jon and the rest of the family.  It breaks my heart to hear some of them say that "there is no God, because if there were Kimi would still be here" or "God? He is hateful and spiteful for taking someone so young from us!"  As much as I miss my youngest, I am comforted knowing that one day I will see her again and when I do she will be without pain and able to run into my arms and hug me.  I am a little jealous though that she got to meet her brothers/sisters (4 miscarriages so I don't know what gender they were) before I did, lol. 

Not a day goes by that I don't miss that girl tho.  I miss the daily phone calls just to tell me she loves me, or giving me an update on what is happening with school.  I had to read about her marks from her report card, instead of her calling me to tell me about them, all proud that she did as well as she did. 

Anyway, I need some sleep.  I worked my last shift for a while last night, so I'm pretty tired at the moment. 

Again, thank you for the prayers.  Love you all!

Heather:  Thank you for coming in here - I cannot imagine your loss.  You and your family are inspirational.

Janet:  If I stop adding fabric, this will be a full size quilt.  I have the fabric and couldn't not use it, could I?  YOu are hanging in there strong too! 

Pat:  You need a cup of Mercy - you have prayers coming.

Larry:  My machine is on a sewing desk and I use several wooden t.v. trays for the heavy fabric so that it won't drag or pull.  There are full windows to the south - this is a walk-out basement.  I never sew at night anymore.  There is a long table used for cutting fabric and that is so handy.  ---This brother has volunteered for the fire dept for years - it is an eastern Washington county and they had fires the last two years - all drought problems. 

Our neighbor/friend has been going to Grief class at church and she says that it has helped.  We take a walk about once a week - or just have tea together and Don has been able to help with a few things around the house - he put in a new phone system for her and that saved her money too.  Glad to be of any help.  She and her late husband have been the most positive Christians we have known in our lifetime and a joy to be friends. 

Heather, you have been in my thoughts so often, as having lost a daughter recently, I certainly empathize with your loss. It is the hardest thing I've had to endure thus far in my life; but as you said, we will see them again, and they will come running into our arms!  Would you mind telling me why Kimi couldn't walk?  I've not heard her story.  Only tell me if you want, though, I certainly do not want to pry.  I think it's a wonderful idea to do something totally different for a little while, at least.  It will give you back your perspective on life, and help you know that you will survive this, and even be happy again.  We will always, always miss our sweet girls, but they are so happy and so free there in heaven with Jesus and all those they knew who have gone before.  I wouldn't call Beth back to that life of pain and paralysis, even if I could!  Hugs, love and tears to you, dear one.  I understand.

Pat, if you can type a few words with one hand, please let us know how you're doing.  I so hope the pain isn't terrible!  Doggone it, anyway!

Carol, I'll bet that quilt is beautiful.  I just never got into quilt making. Used to do a lot of sewing, especially for the four girls, but the only quilts I ever made were baby quilts.  I took up painting instead.  Starting today, until the end of August, I am guest artist at The Main Artery.  She said she sent notices to 30 different newspapers!  I don't think I even know that many in this whole corner of the state!

I painted three more cards today, just fun stuff.  It was fun to get to unwind a bit after the scare with Darrel.  When I called to check on him, he said he'd been doing good until I woke him up!    He's feeling quite a bit better today, and ate good for a change. so things are looking up!

Talk to you all tomorrow!

Heather, my heart aches with yours, as well as Janet's and Larry's, who have also had to say an early goodbye to daughters. 

What you wrote here echoed exactly my own experience.  It is as though I was writing of those same feelings and emotions.  Only it is double for me.   I've had two daughters move on to their eternal home.  There are days when it seems you just can't go on.  I know.  So many sudden and unexpected triggers start the tears flowing.  I know.  Hearing the doubt and unbelief and hardness of heart from others is such a wrenching feeling.  I know.

Please know I have been, and will continue, praying for you and everyone here to find a place of peace and the ability to carry on until it is our turn to make that final journey. 

Hi Everyone.  It is another overcast morning with more rain expected this afternoon.  Yesterday we had rain for a short period yesterday afternoon and I think that was all unless it rained during the night. Today I am going to coffee with my friend and then stop at Aldi's for just a few things we need.  Scott will be out about 1:30 this afternoon and then we are  going to Cheddars for our main meal.  They have a special of 1/2 rack of ribs or and 8 oz piece of Alaskan salmon for $9.99.  Scott did come out yesterday evening and we had delicious potato soup that Pat had made in the Instant Pot.  She has an easy recipe that doesn't require much work.  I did spend a couple of hours at Costco yesterday morning.  Scott didn't get out to go with me as we had planned. 

Janet, nice of your renter to use his new mower and help you all with your yard.  The Main Artery will give you a source of not only displaying your paintings but also a way to sell them.  Glad you could go and paint yesterday and it sounds like Darrel managed very well by himself for a few hours. You haven't said anything about the ribbons your painting won at this years fair--don't be shy as that is always of interest. 

Heather, glad you joined us yesterday.  A number of us here, as has been mentioned, do have some knowledge of the grief you are experiencing.  I don't remember what anyone said to me at the time but I do remember the hugs that said people cared.  So I just send you some cyber hugs.  There are many things that we will never understand but it is faith that helps us get through the rough times in life. 

Carol, the sewing desk that Pat uses has a drop down leaf in the back that makes a large surface to work with and she is able to keep it up all the time in her sewing room.  She also has a long table, on bed risers, for cutting the fabric.  Have you seen the Missouri Star Quilting Magazine?  Pat has gotten them since they started publishing them.  They are not inexpensive but very high quality and they contain no advertising.  Our Church also has a grief class and I have heard others speak of how helpful it has been.   

Larry, speaking of grief classes; hospice does have a class, but it is in Garden City, and in the evening, which precludes my attendance.  I wish there were one here in my town.  I do plan to attend the camp at Scott Lake this summer; it should be coming up soon.  Hope it's not during the time we plan to go to Alaska.

Jane, for sure you know.  Experience is the best teacher they say--but some things we would surely rather learn without the first-hand experience.  But I pray that each of us who have gone through the painful loss of close loved ones will be able to help those who will be going through that dark valley later.  There is always hope in God!  Good to read your post.  (((hugs)))

I wish I could go back to bed and just hibernate today!  Way too many things demanding my time and attention, and I had a painful, sleepless night.  BUT GOD will give me the strength needed for today, and the ability to face it with a smile and a word of encouragement for others.  That is my prayer this morning.

Larry, I entered 8 items in the art dept. at the fair, and I won: Overall Grand Champion, Champion; 2 Reserve Grand Champions; 2 purple awards and 8 First Place awards.  So for those 8 entries, my premiums totaled $70.00!    Thanks for asking!

I'm getting my hair cut today, so that should perk me up some!

Talk to you all later.
Janet

Thank you everyone for those words for Heather.  She will be back in to read and comment.  I love you all and sending {{{cyber hugs}}} to each of you.

Love you, too, Judy---((((hugs)))) back to you!