nature opening gifts

Natures gift today… I LOVE opening things especially gifts.  Today my lovely peonies decided to open on their own!  It really feels like a monday after the holiday weekend.  We had a wicked cool storm last night, now a cool sunny morning – just they perfect way to start the week.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.   2 Corinthians 2:15


since monday

Since Monday I have been busy working down in the studio.  I am trying to squeeze one more kiln load in before the Cadillac Artwalk next weekend.  I am really enjoying repetitive shapes lately, and monday was all about large soup mugs with textured handles.  I used my carved feather to press into the handles and have a little series of feather print journals coming soon….    I also carved some new stamps to press into clay after they are bisqued, can’t wait to try these little guys out.  The last photo is a pinterest inspired work, clay bangles that make a lovely clanking sound when worn together!

I am brainstorming how to work this summer when two little girls are off school.  Nevertheless I am planning on doing a few (indoor) shows this fall, I always get more accomplished when I have a goal.  Anyone know of any good ones in Michigan that I should try?


quick here she comes…

Last week my girls bustled about with dad, planning all kinds of sweet surprises for mother’s day.  All week long there were whispers and clues in the form of markers, cameras left in strange place, extra ingredients in the fridge… I really love solving mysteries, but I resisted the urge, I can wait for the sweetness. I don’t think they planned the perfect weather or all my iris blooming – lovely bonus! Yet,  I did realize as I was banned to my bed on saturday morning (until 8:45AM) that I am ok with mother’s day brunch as long as someone brings me a cup of coffee during the wait.  I really am awful at sleeping in.


that is not my button…

New buttons will be making their way into the shop.  I am kind of in love with the new “purl” & “knit” sets  and the large hole buttons.  Lots of new colors and combinations.

We have Frog and Toad, book on tape that we listen to in the car.  The girls are fascinated with toads lost button.  ”That is NOT MY BUTTON,” is their favorite line.  So we tried to make a big, white, round button with four holes just for toad.  The rest are up for grabs!  If you are a fan of frog & toad you should check out this little film, these two guys made in film school – cute!


abundance

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This weekend I had the privilege of “working” at SpringHill, if you could call playing, rejoicing, praying, talking with ladies, awesome activities, great food, and crafts, “work.”    Glenna Salsberry was our speaker, who spoke boldly from the word,  I enjoyed her immensely.    I had such a great time meeting so many new friends and hearing the stories of your hearts.  Here are a few of my favorite scriptures from the weekend:

This is the one I esteem; he who is contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.  Isaiah 66:2

The Lord was not in the wind.. not in the earthquake… not in the fire… but in a still small voice.  1 Kings 19:11-12

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.  1 Samuel 16:7

No one is like you, O Lord;  you are great, and your name is mighty in power.  Jeremiah 10:6

Our fall retreat dates are   October 5-7, 2012, with speaker RoseAnne Coleman and worship lead by Sarah Scharbrough.  I’d love to see you there!


locked out

Its been a bizarre 12 hours,  thunderstorms, grumpiness, power outages, and then I was locked out.  It kind of rattled my cage today, but once I was in I found myself gazing out.  It’s just one morning, one day, one miniscule trial – it’s the same air on both sides.  Just take a moment and breath and let it all wash over.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  2 Corinthians 4: 16-17



Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

I have made this recipe a few times and use my good cinnamon when making them.  Did you know there are several different types of cinnamon and it can be very healthy for you?  These don’t last long in our house, they are becoming the kids favorites too — well they say that about everything with blueberries in it!  Most of the ingredients we buy in bulk from our local Amish store, it is quite a bit less expensive than specialty stores.  Enjoy!

Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

Bon Appétit  | November 2010

  • Nonstick vegetable oil spray
  • 2 1/3 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (about 2 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons natural oat bran
  • 2 tablespoons wheat germ
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup boiling water
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen wild blueberries

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 8 large muffin cups (1-cup capacity) or 18 standard muffin cups (1/3-cup capacity) with nonstick spray. Whisk oats and next 9 ingredients in large bowl. Add buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla; whisk to blend. Stir in 1/3 cup boiling water and let stand 5 minutes. Fold in blueberries. Divide batter among prepared muffin cups.

Bake muffins until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 28 minutes for large muffins and 20 minutes for standard muffins. Cool 10 minutes. Turn muffins out onto rack; cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.


me too




From this point on it just gets busier and busier preparing for summer camp, so often it’s just the three of us  (truthfully I love the extra girl time!)  Saturday I had a pile up of pots to trim and finish and these two were not to be left out, they wanted in on the clay too.  So I lugged it all upstairs and they sculpted, rolled and smoothed till they were content.  Nut made a little rendition of Jesus on the cross and (another) mug for her favorite stuffed animal. I love that this is completely normal for them – like every home has a kiln in the basement, and bags of clay ready to create with!


spotting spring

This morning was too beautiful not to sneak out on a quick walk.  Spring has been around for a while but you know, the trees are still waking up.  I had to get a photo of this tree that looks like it has two different blossoms blooming from the same branches – I’ve never noticed this before. And my beautiful solomon’s seal which looks like the leaves unfold as it sprouts up.  Hope you have a little son shine in your life today and get out for a little walk.


little love

New art on my walls!

I “love” this print by Gregory Beauchamp.  I don’t know if you can see the little string tied around the finger making the “L” but it serves as a reminder to do what matters most.  Reading into it and acknowledging the skill and effort it takes to learn and communicate well, it reminds me that actions speak louder than words. Without hearing, without seeing, without ceasing one can feel, share, and experience love.  It is the greatest gift to give and receive.

Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.  1 Cor 13:7



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