Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Another Christmas has come and gone.  It was a rather beautiful Christmas this year.  I had a lovely Christmas Eve, I spent the evening with Mr. Stone.  On Christmas Day my son and I went on a couple of hikes. First, we went to Rainbow Falls aka Graffiti Falls in Manitou Springs.  Then we drove to Red Rocks in Colorado Springs, it was a nice day and I felt quite exhilarated after our hikes.  Later Christmas evening two of my closest friends came over for dinner, nothing fancy, just a hearty meal of ribs, shrimp and my son's favorite, potato perogies.  We had dinner and watched "It's A Wonderful Life," which I have seen three times, but I love the movie, so no issues.  All in all it was a relaxing Christmas and I was quite content.

 

 

 

"Christmas 2014"

 

Paint Mines

The day after Thanksgiving, my son and a couple of my friends drove out to the Paint Mines in Calhan, CO.  It was a good break for us all since each of us has been going through some holiday funk.  It was good to just go and photograph the beauty of the rocks, it was refreshing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIN

 

 

 

 

Festive Paige

I love my dogs, Maggie and Paige.  They are both Beagles, but Maggie is mix with Australian shepherd.  They are my companions and Maggie is my protector, that dog would take anything on if she senses danger. I love these dogs and my son, Nathaniel takes some pretty fantastic photos of them.  I love the this photo of Paige wearing a Santa hat.  You can really see her personality.  Cutie!!!

 

 

Santa's Helper

(Photo by Nate)

 

 

 



Pearl Harbor

In honor of the men and women who died on December 7, 1941.  Also, to honor those who are still living.  May the Lord continue to bless you and your families. 

 

Hans Zimmer, "Tennessee"

 

 

Be Brave

“Do what you have to do to take care of yourself. But be brave, too--the things you want will not come to you, you will have to go find them.”  J. Stone

And I will . . . . .

 

 

 

Music and prayer

It is a dreary day here in Colorado Springs and I am in the midst of contemplation.  So what is new?!  I just had a birthday this past week.  I am over the hump and accepting my age gracefully, or should I say, "I am learning to accept my age gracefully."  I like where I am right now, it is not fantabulous, but good.  I am opened to new adventures now, not mindless, irresponsible chances, but getting out of my comfort zone.  I find that my prayer time is an ongoing conversation with the Lord.  His love for us is fierce.  Sometimes, I do not know how to handle that, a FIERCE LOVE.  It just blows my mind, figuratively speaking. :) 

Anyways . . . .

I will enjoy this wonderful dreary day and thank the Lord for His FIERCE LOVE.  I will also accept it for everything it is. and not fight HIM on the treasures HE gives me.  I will take it for everything it is . . . . .

 

 

"Prayer Changes Everything"

Mark McKenzie

 

 



First Snow of the Season!

It is snowing as I am writing this entry.  It is nice waking up this morning and watching the snow fall.  Of course I had to take the dogs out to do their business, not fun!  Oh well, I knew this is something we would have to deal with.  Standing in the cold while our dogs do their business. . . . I love my doggies, but I believe it may be a looooong WINTER! 

 

 

 

 

Paige lives such a hard life.

 

 

 

 

Bird's Nest

"Perfection" 

 

(Photo taken by Lilia)

Road Trips

A week ago today my son, Nathaniel and my friend, Gwen, went on a road trip. It was fantastic!  I do love driving and seeing Colorado and all its splendor!  We drove down to Canyon City, visited The Abbey.  We also drove to Salida, CO.  The town was small, but I had never seen Salida, there is a little over 3,000 people, per locals accounts.  Then we turned around and came home.  Yes, that is how it goes with me.  No real planning, I just like to take the road less traveled, one always finds interesting things.  We saw the raging waters of the Arkansas River, longhorn sheep who would not pose long enough for a photograph.  We visited a monastery and purchased some great wine, not sure if monks make it, didn't ask.  Enjoyed the scenery and listened to "Watermark" by Enya, over and over and over again.  Stopped by the Royal Gorge, but we did not want to pay the $16.00 to walk over to the bridge, so we hiked up the hill and still took photos.  We had lunch in my van and had Brie cheese with tortilla chips.  I love these kind of days, where I can escape some of the harsh realities of what is going on in the world and in my personal world.  I so appreciate the Lord for allowing me to have time to do the things I love to do.  I also appreciate that my son and my friend have the same wild, free spirit to just go with the flow, with little planning.  Thank you, Father, thank you!!  I do love the freedom of just being and enjoying the beauty of life, and I especially LOVE the fact that I can do my road trips again!!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  Enya, "Watermark"

 

 

Sunday Morning Rituals

Sunday's are my favorite day of the week.  I get my doggies out for their morning business and walk, I then come back in and make coffee.  I turn on the television and watch CBS Sunday Morning, after that I turn off the television and turn on Pandora and listen to Paul Cardall's station, very soothing.  I do some posting on FB and then I am in my mad rush getting ready for church, I don't know, I must love the drama of beating the time to see if I can make it to church by 10:30 am.  I always do; okay not always, but close!  So, now I am posting to my blog, feeling inspired by this beautiful Sunday morning. I am posting this lovely verse from the bible which helps with the tragedy of life around the world. God is still in control!!

If you are reading this, may the Lord bless you on this upcoming week!

 Philippians 4:8 New International Version (NIV)
⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.