Peek-n-Seek With Snow....

The winter weather has everyone tense here. There is a weather front teasing us with the idea of snow in the air. If it were to come, it is not like it would be a bad storm. The threat is only an inch or two. Most people, not from the great northwest, tend to think that because we are 'up north' we must gets tons of snow all the time. On the contrary, because we have the Cascade mountain range and the coastline boxing us in, winter fronts usually bounce away from us. When Portlanders hear talk of snow (even an inch worth) everyone tends to run to the store for supplies and 'batten down the hatches' as if we will be stranded in our homes and blocked from modern civilization for months on end. 

The true danger is in the driving conditions. Because snow and ice is not a normal occurrence around here, people tend to hit the road without much street savvy as they drive their cars. The un-cautious either want to joy ride and play with their seldom used 4WD vehicles or barrel through the streets at normal speeds to prove that a little cold weather will not deter them from their mission.    

All of that makes me want to stay indoors where it is safe and stare at the beauty from my window.
I have had a cold this week and my usual laryngitis is visiting me so I haven't felt up to gallivanting much anyway. The weekend was slow....well slower would be a better word phrase to use. Friday night there were girls here doing trial run throughs with Icca Chou's makeup and hair styles for the wedding. Pizza, facial products and giggles were all over my house. Saturday was the bridal shower (at someone else's home). Once I got everything ready for Hubby's party at our home for his Hood-2-Coast meeting; I spent the evening with giggling women blessing our sweet bride to be.  It was a great turn out and she was blessed abundantly.

I finished her dress this week. It didn't take an enormous amount of time. It was only my procrastinating that held me back. I am excited at how it looks but will have to wait until after the wedding to share pictures with you.

Today I did the cake server set. It was fun as well. I love how bead work enhances and makes everything so unique. I plan on doing the same beading concept to the stemware of their toasting goblets.



It is now less than one month to the wedding. I figure our lives are going to be swamped from here on out with all things wedding. The tuxes have all been fitted, florist arranged, photographer contracted and food planned. Our dresses are on order and should be here by the end of next week. That has been an interesting hiccup in the otherwise smoothness of all the planning. Everything that happens in life has opportunity to learn from. So from the dresses......my learning curve is that I doubt I will ever order clothing using an online sizing chart again.

For the moment, Nyquil, my pillow and fuzzy blanket are calling my name.

Thank You Papa God for the  conveniences of today. Thank You for Nyquil, my pillow and fuzzy blanket. Thank You for the joys of crafts and individual creations. Thank You for your own artistry in the seasons that change. Amongst the many reasons that I cannot even begin to fathom, You create change in the seasons to care for the earth and to make us smile. The joys of snowflakes falling and the unique individuality of each one.....and You know them all just like You know us.

God bless you abundantly in all you do this week. Be filled with His joy and know that you are most definitely loved and never alone.

Picture Sharing Time

Between Christmas and New Year, the girls and I packed up and headed to the beach to visit with our wonderful friends. Hubby had to work this year but graciously said we could go "play" while he manned the home front.

The beach was stormy and snuggly; just the way I like it. Most of the time the rain and wind was a constant flow so we never took our regular walk on the beach. Instead I snapped the morning seascape out the Commons window.

Oh how I love the beach.



Below is a typical thing that happens when I don't keep my camera right next to me. The girls, all full of giggles, take over my camera and leave me surprises on the memory card. Here are a couple of the more cute ones.

 

 This is Pippin and Rixxi. They manned the camera every chance they had. 

They make me laugh all the time. 

I love the sparkles in their eyes.......you know, the mischievous sparkle.

This is Puddin' and Novia.  Girls and snacks in the middle of the night. 

They had just finished a rousing game of Apples to Apples.  

The below picture is of the girls making music together. 

They sing side by side in choir so their sound was instantly a beautiful harmony.

All too soon it was time to head back to the city with our hearts full of great memories.

While at Nana's for New Year's day dinner, I took a few close up pictures of her bells.

As I said before, her tall Christmas tree is covered in them.

More bells can be found throughout the house decorating the banister railing and hanging from lights. 

They shine, sparkle and glow as the lights reflect off of her creations.

No two are alike. The sizes of beads, colors and imaginative adaptation to 

the original pattern make each one stand out on it's own beauty.

See the green one in the upper photo? It is made from a tea ball.

I remember having a pink one in my room when I was a little girl and it was filled with pot pourri powder.

Nana's favorite beads to work with are called berry beads.

I like how she combined this one with berry beads and golden hearts.

I like how Nana adapted this one. The shape and color always makes me think of an angel.

Now that it is January 6th and all of the normal schedules are back in full swing, I know it is a bit late to share these photos. But here is a secret that I must tell......I am still mailing out our Christmas cards! No really. I figure late is better than never. Last year, after just coming home from taking care of Daddy, I didn't do anything. I think our "around the world friends and family" that don't hear from us often deserve to know why it appears we have fallen off the face of the earth.

 In all you do this week, do it with the knowledge that you are so very loved by God.