:: Bloglovin...has made it's way to Corn...

Making the switch to Bloglovin... if you want you can follow me there! 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Thanks! 

Finally, brother, Whatsoever things are TRUE, Whatsoever things are NOBLE , Whatsoever things are RIGHT , Whatsoever things are PURE, Whatsoever things are LOVELY, Whatsoever things are ADMIRABLE; if any thing is excellent and praiseworthy, think on such things. ~ Philippians 4:8  

 

:: My True Love, Not Blogging ::

Do you ever just want to write and not know what to say, or how to put into words exactly what you are thinking?  Perhaps, you are wanting to be completely honest...raw and opened up...but at the very moment it comes time to hit the publish button on your blog...you draw back, second guessing every word you've written; hoping that when you put yourself out there--- there isn't a mass exodus and all of your followers jump ship never to return?

I'm having that sort of time lately when it comes to blogging. I make no apologies for how often I come here to blog; because after all I blog without obligation.  I'm not a big huge blog that has paid advertisers waiting on my next post, so that their ad can be seen  X- amount of times.  I don't host a party...it's just me, sharing my life.

What I do know...is I want my blog to be a representation of ME.  I want to be able to look at my blog and say... I have come here and shared myself with you. I don't think I've done that. I don't think I've shared my real self with you.  I don't know that I've shared my REAL FAITH with you.
Don't get me wrong, there have been times when I've shared a family crisis with you and during those times, I've shared my faith.  But on the whole--- I've left that part of my life out of blogging.


 I do know... I like blogging. I don't love blogging. But I've treated it as though I love it; and  LOVE AIN'T GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. 

I can't help but wonder... 

What are people looking for when they come to read my blog?  What are we looking for when we come to read ANYONE'S blog? Are you always looking for happy, good times?  Are you always looking for some witty banter? Exciting projects?

When I read a blog...I think I want to read a genuine post about how life really is for you.
I will read your blog with the same anticipation whether I'm reading about your new 'vintage' find, new room arrangement...your first pumpkin growing experience...or the latest fail, crisis or tragedy. I will read it all the same.  I will try and not judge.  I am human.

Lastly... 
I have left my True Love, that is Christ Jesus, out of my blog. For that dear reader, I apologize...and sincerely ask your forgiveness.  Has it affected you in how you perceive me, the author of this blog?  I don't know.  It HAS affected me.  Going on 3 years now... I've seen myself drawing back, drawing back from sharing my faith, drawing back from my God... this is so hard to write; but it is true.  My faith is in crisis... without a better way of putting it.  I must return to it...to Him. If I'm not adamant  in sharing my faith...then I'm not being completely honest with you.  I'm not being obedient to Christ either.

Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Sorry if this post seems less than joyful to you...but without Christ there is no Joy.

Thank you dear readers....    






fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~Hebrews 12:2


 

:: Cows, Chickens, Camera- Check ::

Playing with the new camera... 

Since getting it... I've been taking lots of picture, as you can imagine. 

I found the manual online ...and have read up on it whenever I get a second. 

Like a good little student. 

I have found lots and lots of willing....and some not so willing photo subjects. 

I'm enjoying it... :)   

In the old days I would have ROLLS of FILM  waiting to be taken and developed...wait, I STILL have some of those in a brown paper sack ...some.where. 

Now?  I'm using an 8G card  with the OPTION to ERASE after viewing my experimental photos... oh  yes, this camera has an delete function... but the manual calls it ERASE. I almost didn't find it.  I forgot to look for the icon of the little trash can! 

So rest assured... I'll be taking lots and lots and lots of pictures. I won't make you sit through and look at each and every one though... I know you're happy about that!  

So that you and I, both, can get on with blogging...and LIFE... I'm bringing back my NON-SEQUITUR photo feature.   (that's where I insert a random picture into a post...you know having nothin' to do with NOTHIN'...non-sequitur...MUCH LIKE MY BLOG!)

I know. 

Don't you just love it? 

I'm hoping for your sake...you're able to see a marked improvement in my photo skills, too. I don't know that my photo subjects will be much different from what you are accustomed to seeing here...but surely, the photo quality will be much better. 

Surely. 

I hope. 

We'll see. 

I think it is safe to say, that my favorite thing this week ...is this camera.
Sharing it here:


MHC A Favorite Thing  #43
(hop on over and see what else is Favorited by bloggers like you...and say Hi to Claudia too, for hosting such a sweet party!) 


Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. ~Psalm 103:1

:: Frugal Fodder 23-- PAWN SHOPPING TIPS ::

This is my new camera.  I like it! I've had to download the manual for it...and I know nothing about using this type of camera.

All I know is...I can take WAY better pictures now!!! :) 

These pictures are some that my brother took with his phone, on Saturday in the ER...I swiped them from our Google + account...

T.H. bought it at the same pawn shop we bought my first camera; that I used for blogging all these years. 

I think we got a fair price for it. 

First, he bought a digital video camera, it was missing a cable and in the end it wasn't compatible with WINDOWS 7 ... long story short, I went back and traded for this one. :) 

We don't ever PAWN anything. (We did when we were younger, but learned our lesson about that) but we do like to stop in occasionally and look around. Sometimes, there are good deals to be had on tools, lawn and garden equipment , sports equipment, bikes, music instruments and electronics, just to name a few things. :)  

Here are some things you need to know. 

• What is their RETURN POLICY? 
• Can you RETURN an item if it doesn't work properly? 
• Do they give you store credit for unsatisfactory purchases? 
• Do they give Cash back? 
• Or will they REFUND at all? (for instance, refund to your credit card)
• How long do you have to rectify this transaction? 
• Be knowledgeable about your product. (condition, availability, value, etc.)
• Ask about attachments, parts, remotes, drivers (electronics) or carrying cases? (see above) 
• SHOP AROUND at different pawn shops.
• LOOK FOR AND ASK FOR  better pricing. 
• BOTTOM LINE-- Be willing to NEGOTIATE.  

That is why I had to trade... The sales clerk didn't make their policy clear to The Honey when he purchased the video camera.  Fortunately, they had this camera when I returned; and I was allowed to trade for it with no out of pocket. I asked for the same price as the video camera; and they allowed me to have $25 off. 

We've shopped this place before and have been happy with our purchases. This was the first time for us to experience a problem. Would we shop there again in the future?...knowing their policy in full, yes, probably. But, it doesn't hurt to be cautious and knowledgeable about what you're shopping for either. 

So, I'm curious...in all your thrifting and bargain shopping do you shop at Pawn Shops? 

Have you found good deals? 

Have you had good dealings with reputable pawn brokers? 

You can tell me all about it in the comments. 

Finally, brother, Whatsoever things are TRUE, Whatsoever things are NOBLE , Whatsoever things are RIGHT , Whatsoever things are PURE, Whatsoever things are LOVELY, Whatsoever things are ADMIRABLE; if any thing is excellent and praiseworthy, think on such things. ~ Philippians 4:8  

:: Thank You and Counting my Blessings ::

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for your sweet comment, well wishes and prayers regarding my dad. 

He is coming home from the hospital today---still not sure what brought on all the different symptoms he was having. More test will be run in the upcoming future. But in the mean time, he is doing well.  Back to his old self!  

I'm grateful to God for his provision and healing.

I am sort of taking it easy today, catching up on things around the house. {laundry}

Honey bought me a "new" camera at the pawn shop last week. 

So, I've snapped a few pictures here and there... I'm learning how to work it; because it's a bit fancier than my point and shoot Kodak easy share! It's a step up for me. I think it takes better pictures...but what do I know?   We'll see. 

In the mean time, it's hot as blazes here. The Crepe Myrtle trees are in bloom (I love the watermelon color on this one) and the Cicadas are singing their songs. 

I'm counting my blessings! 

How about you? 

**********************************************************

I've got some new UNIQUE vintage items in the shop--- be sure and stop by and check them out! 

Thanks! 

**********************************************************

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. ~Psalm 103:1

 

{ God is setting the Priorities }

Stepping away from blog...
Camped out in Tyler,TX at the hospital.

Taking care of my Dad's needs right now.




All prayers are appreciated.
Thank  you lovely readers!






Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!  PS 103:1

 

:: How Pinterest Has Impacted Our Home this Week::

Not too long ago, I was reading here....

                      

 Carol shared a list of creative projects she had pinned on Pinterest that she was feeling compelled to try out now that she had some free time on her hands.
Her list is quite extensive as she is going to do this for 30 days and is well on her way to a great start.

Well... needless to say, I left Art and Sand that evening...feeling quite PIN-spired! 

::The Porch::

You remember my Charlie Brown tree, I had it on the porch last Christmas ...

well, now it is June and look there it is...STILL! sans the Charlie Brown goodness. 

I've been working on my porch a little bit last weekend and now this weekend too.

I can't wait to show you everything I've done so far!

I'm loving it.
I'm also loving my ferns!  They  make a good bit of shade in the morning when the sun is rising up over the trees out front; and apparently grasshoppers don't like them. They're not eating them like they are everything else!   They are also not eating the Charlie Brown tree.  That's a good thing. 

T.H. and I have been sitting out here every morning while it's still cool and drinking our coffee.
It's one of my favorite spots to sit and relax.



MHC



Finally, brother, Whatsoever things are TRUE, Whatsoever things are NOBLE , Whatsoever things are RIGHT , Whatsoever things are PURE, Whatsoever things are LOVELY, Whatsoever things are ADMIRABLE; if any thing is excellent and praiseworthy, think on such things. ~ Philippians 4:8 

Oh, bother! the grasshoppers are back.

Picture the biggest  frowny-face you can possibly imagine.  That would be what I look like right now.   

I don't know if you can tell from these pictures or not; but THEY'RE BAaaaaCK! 

The grasshoppers!  We're having such a time with them. 

I'm at my wits end. 

You may remember a few years ago...we had a plague of grasshoppers. 

you can read all about it here. "Let my people go"

This is part 2-- 

I'm at a loss as to what to do for this! 

I think we're going to have to cover like we did before...with the Tull. 

Those little brown specs all over the branches in my Wisteria bush are grasshoppers. 

They are devouring everything in their path. Right now... everything is still green. But as the summer grows hotter and the months move forward... I'm sure the grasshoppers will march forward just like they did in   "The Glittering Cloud"

If they're not eating the Wisteria...they munch on the Pecan Trees...the new fruit trees we planted I'm afraid will wither and die. They will not be able to withstand the onslaught of these horrific soldiers... as they trample down my garden.  Stomping on and munching away at all our hard work.
I have no idea what will work. It's like they have on body armor and are impervious to all our weapons.

It is quite discouraging.
I have to fight back the anger...when I want to say "I QUIT!!!"

Since I reference The Little House series...you might be interested in reading "Learning from Ms. Wilder" ...a list of remarkable things I learned the first summer we had grasshoppers so bad and my experience with reading her books for the first time ever!  I re-read this post...and I find encouragement once again to keep trying to figure this out.

In the past we tried D.E. (diatomaceous earth), lemon soap and finally ended up covering with the netting.  Eventually they ate through the netting! 
This year so far, we've tried flour and Dawn dish soap...though not at the same time. I wish they'd just fly away!!! 

I am open to anything... except insecticides.  We're trying to grow our food without all those chemicals and poisons.
I'm asking if you've tried something and it was a success in getting rid of grasshoppers... please share it with me in my comments!
I'd love to hear about it.
You can all leave a link there if you have something for me to read about it.
Thanks so much.




DeborahJean's Dandelion House





Sunny Simple Life


Finally, brothers,Whatsoever things are True, Whatsoever things are Noble,Whatsoever things are Right, Whatsoever things are Pure ,Whatsoever things are Lovely ,Whatsoever things are Admirable; if anything being of Good Repute, think on such things. ~Philippians 4:8

::Prioritizing- The Work and The Play ::

Popping In to say "hello"... 

I've been working on my etsy store lately. I've gotten a ton of vintage inventory over the last few months and I've not stocked ANY OF IT.  So... the last 3 days at the computer have been mainly spent doing research and editing photos. Work!  but, I do enjoy doing it.

The problem? It has been so lovely outside. I've wanted to be out there too. Our gardens need some attention. We are so blessed to live in the country; but as you can imagine, there are lots of critters and elements that make gardening hard Work!  We are battling the dreaded grasshopper again this year.  They are devouring everything that is growing out there!  I feel a little bit lazy when I'm not outside working in the yard, chasing the grand-kids or mopping the floor. :/

I'm experiencing some priority shifts here in the home.  I recognize there is so much that needs to be done. Sitting at the computer, reading all of your blogs, while fun...can be  time consuming. So, I'm having to back off a little in order to get the Work done.

So tell me, how do you get it all done? How do you spend your time? 
The cleaning?
The budgeting?
The decorating?
The child training? (the puppy training?)
The gardening?
The Etsy-ing? or Shop-thing-ing? 
The overall juggling? 

Do you have issues with prioritizing?  Do tell.

In the mean time, this little tole tray is something I unearthed from a box of goodies. It is quite old.  But, Oh so lovely. It is an advertisement for Tobacco... it says,  Smoke Espanolas 10¢  Trix 5¢ ~ I like it. I'm  keeping it...for now.

I hope you're getting to enjoy all the things you love doing today. Inside and outside. While getting your work done all at the same time. :) 

For now, I get to enjoy this lovely little painting; when I'm at my desk...etsy-ing!

Have a wonderful day-- and be blessed! 

Finally, brothers,Whatsoever things are True, Whatsoever things are Noble,Whatsoever things are Right, Whatsoever things are Pure ,Whatsoever things are Lovely ,Whatsoever things are Admirable; if anything being of Good Repute, think on such things. ~Philippians 4:8 

 

::Growing Wild::

 These are a couple of 'before and afters' of things growing in and around our yard; using whatever "pots" I have on hand for plantings.

My 2 tier 'stacked pots' (and how I got them) -- the sedum was almost decimated last year by Audrey Chicken.  Since she is no longer with us; and the fence has been put in place to keep other chickens from encroaching upon my POTS... The Sedum is doing quite well...and the vine, I think is a Muscadine Grape vine...though it has never produced any type of grape.

As vines go... 

It is however, THRIVING! 

This was our corn and potato garden... The corn has since gotten quite tall and has tassles...
Mmmm... corn should be coming soon. :)

The weeds became too much.  :/ 
We're switching back to raised beds out here next go around.

The ants were also invading...so we dug up our potatoes.  A little early. But we were trying so hard to save our little crop.
Here is our basket...what is left.  We have eaten some potatoes already too. :)  Quite yummie!

New grape vine. First in the second pair planted this year.
We bought  2 grape vines from Tractor Supply. They didn't make it.
This one and one other...we bought at a local nursery, where we've been buying all our plants lately." Mother- Daughter- home -nursery- in- their- abundantly- filled- garden -of- a -yard"

They seem to have a thriving little business of plants and both have a green thumb...I guess you can say, in their case... "the fruit doesn't fall to far from the tree." :) 

My rescued Wheel barrow full of dill and basil. 

 Was growing marvelously... 

Guess what?  The Monarch Caterpillar REALLY DOES LOVE DILL. They ate it all.  Aw, well. I'll plant more and hopefully get to benefit from it this time.

For now...we'll just enjoy the butterflies in a few weeks when they come back around. :)


This is a pot of lettuce...the chicken wire is to keep the chickens out. So far it has worked.
See no chickens.

Momma's Wash Pot

I've got lots of different places that I like to grow things. I am just using whatever works. Some of it is ON THE JOB TRAINING... But I'm enjoying gardening more now than I ever have! These quirky little wild places make me smile. :) 

I'm linking here: 

A Cultivated Nest

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth." ~2 Timothy 2:15