Chalk Ridge Falls

Scenic bridge over still waters
Not so still waterfall
Fern grotto

"Between the banks of pleasure and pain flows the river of life.
If you spend much time on either bank
you will miss out on life."
Nisargadatta Maharaj

The View

from my front yard...a beautiful full moon casting it's light over the neighbor's brightly decorated yard. Mesmerizing.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Christmas Dinner

What will you be serving? I spied this delicacy at Walmart and had to capture it for all you gourmet cooks!

I recently celebrated...with those nearest and dearest to my heart...my 51st birthday. My goal for this year is to be thankful for each day that I am given.

Family

A little belated but here is the 2007 Thanksgiving photo. Not everyone could gather this year but this lovely group included John and I, Nathan(on my left) and Christy(in front of Nathan). John's brother David, his wife Melissa and their four precious girls were in attendance. We gathered for this day of thanksgiving at the home of the matriarch and patriach of the family...Pat and Ken. It was a special day!

Here we are in the tunnel of lights! This photo was taken on my husband's cell phone...by a kind woman full of holiday cheer.

May Your Holiday Season Be Full Of Light!

Peace

This past weekend, my husband and I spent two lovely days at the lakehouse. We sat on this bench a good bit...resting in the peace of our recommittment to each other.
The lake water was still and peaceful...a lovely view from where we sat.
In the evening, we strolled along Lake Marble Falls, taking in the amazing Christmas light display. I think this photo best captures my hope for all of us.

Water's Edge

This was an oops photo that got me to wondering how many batteries I've gone through during this "365 Photoblog Year". I probably don't want to know.

Today I spent a couple of hours playing some old favorites. Do you remember "One Tin Soldier"? I can not play that song without crying. Here's why:
"....So the people of the valley sent a message up the hill
asking for the buried treasure, tons of gold for which they'd kill.
Came an answer from the kingdom; 'With our brothers we will share
all the secrets of our mountain, all the riches buried there.'

Now the valley cried with anger; mount your horses, draw your sword
and they killed the mountain people, so they won their just reward.
Now they stood beside the treasure on the mountain, dark and red,
turned the stone and looked beneath it,
'Peace on earth' was all it said."

Fireplace Meme...

thanks to Kim and Sandie. Today was rainy, cold and perfect for sitting by the fire!

"Sometimes we come to life's crossroads and
View what we think is the end,
But God has a much wider vision and
He knows it's only a bend --

The road will go on and get smoother, and
After we've stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us is
Often the part that is best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger
Let go and let God share your load,
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow
You've just come to a bend in the road."
Author unknown

Happy Thanksgiving

from our house to yours!

One cord of wood, neatly stacked...makes me happy just looking at it. This "stacking" was a family effort and it will reward us with many a cozy fire this winter!

Fly Away

One sturdy airplane
plus one talented pilot...
equals one beautiful sunset at 7,000 feet!

Nathan, back row second from left, and the crew from the homeschool advanced band. We are fortuanate to have a beginner, intermediate and advanced band, as well as two very dedicated teachers that are willing to teach any instrument the kids want to learn!

Christy, second from left, singing an african song. Great concert!

Weekend Whats Up?

Incredible Performances; high notes that made me jump and low notes that made me shiver!
Cloodle, Scultorades, Sensosketch, Cameo, Humdinger...some of the activities that Christy, John and I undertook while playing Cranium!
Handyman Husband...he can fix anything he sets his mind to...
My shadow self raking leaves in the backyard.
Papa and Christy setting a trap down in the creekbed. I wonder what they will catch?

BOO!

"Hippy" Christy on the left and "Pirate" Nathan on the right..."Ninja" friends Mary, Rachel and Hannah, in between. They raked in 6.5 pounds of candy Halloween night!