Life's Blessings

"You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt;
as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear;
as young as your hope, as old as your despair."
(General Douglas MacArthur)

Thanksgiving Week

We have many things to be thankful for this week and throughout the year. One of the things I am thankful for is Berkmar United Methodist Church.This church was founded in 1972 and is located in Lilbrun, GA.
A beautiful cross graces its sanctuary...
Evidence of an inspiring sermon on tithing...
A coffee shop with sitting area allows people to congregate and chat between sermons and classes.
I love the beautiful Victorian-style chandeliers that hang from the Sanctuary's ceiling.
This Church continues to give back in so many forms - food to the local co-op...
Handmade quilts for those who are ill. The quilts are tied off by the congregation at the end of the service, each tie receiving a thoughtful prayer.


"Church isn't where you meet. Church isn't a building. Church is what you do. Church is who you are. Church is the human outworking of the person of Jesus Christ. Let's not go to church. Let's be the church." (Bridget Willard)

Life's Blessings

In loving memory of my father (1914-1999)

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on the ripened grain,

I am the gentle Autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight,

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry: I am not there, I did not die.

(Hopi Prayer)

Life's Blessings

"Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtues appear from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue" (Buddha)

Happy Veteran's Day

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them!" (John F. Kennedy)

To all of those who have served in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard and Reserves, Thank You!

Semper Fidelis

Happy 234th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

From the Halls of Montezuma,

To the shores of Tripoli;

We fight our country's battles

In the air, on land, and sea;

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title

Of United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze

From dawn to setting sun;

We have fought in every clime and place

Where we could take a gun;

In the snow of far-off Northern lands

And in sunny tropic scenes;

You will find us always on the job

The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps

Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we've fought for life

And never lost our nerve;

If the Army and the Navy

Ever look on Heaven's scenes;

They will find the streets are guarded

By United States Marines.

When I was a child, we were all taught military songs in music class in elementary school and to respect the flag, our president and the country. The Battle Hymn of the Republic was one of my favorites but we were only taught the first verse. In reading the entire lyrics I especially like the last four lines!

For a wonderful explanation of what it means to be a U.S. Marine please visit the site at http://www.oo-rah.com/store/editorial/edi52.asp

Life's Blessings

We the People of the United Sates, in Order to form a more perfect Union establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816)

Life's Blessings

Harmony"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony" (Mahatma Gandhi)

The Witches of Sweetbrier...

wish you a safe and Happy Halloween!!!

My sandbox...

Many years ago I was active in Georgia archaeology, serving the State organization (SGA) and a local chapter in Atlanta. I'm not sure how I grew away from it, as I thoroughly enjoyed the digs, the history and especially the people I met. Recently I decided to attend one of the semi-annual meetings that the Society for Georgia Archaeology (http://thesga.org/) holds each year. It was so wonderful catching up with old friends, meeting new people, and getting updated on the latest archaeological sites and research.

This particular meeting was held at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center (http://www.gwinnettehc.org/) in Buford, GA. It was raining (as it seems to do in Georgia most days) so these pictures do not do the Center justice. It is a beautiful facility so please visit their website to get a better view of this amazing complex!

Yes, that is grass and plants growing on the roof. The facility is considered "green" and has water reclamation as well as many other environmental features.
One of several water pools...

Once inside we were escorted to our meeting. There were several displays of current archaeological events in Georgia.
Our welcoming crew and registrars.
A couple of old friends...
More displays and a lot of interest.
Archaeology is alive and well in Georgia and it is my hope to return to that which provided me with so much joy in the past. I can't wait to get back in the sandbox!

Life's Blessings

An Irish Blessing"May you always have walls for the wind, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you and all your heart might desire."

Lakewood 400

Last week we made our monthly trip to the Lakewood 400 antique fair in Cumming, GA. I decided to photograph the holiday displays that we found as we walked around.

This centerpiece was lovely though a little pricey.
This booth had a unique and interesting display!
Yes, those are witches feet hanging from the door...
A beaded satin pumpkin
Another fabric pumpkin made from an old chenille spread...
Outside there were lots of flowers for sale. Let me know if you can identify this one.
Gourds of different shapes and colours...
Lovely blooming hydrangeas
Yard art for Halloween!
Nice festive displays...




A great trip as always! Lakewood is a small but fun and friendly antique fair and occurs on the third weekend of the month. If you are ever in the Atlanta area at that time it is well worth visiting.

Life's Blessings

Listen to the exhortation of the dawn

Look to this day

For it is life, the very life of life!

In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence

The bliss of growth, the glory of action, the splendor of beauty.

For yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision

But today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness

And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well therefore to this day

Such is the salutation of the Dawn! (Kālidāsa)

Pumpkins in the sun!

We took these pictures after church on Sunday, which was the first sunny day we've had in a long time. It's been raining since so I decided to post them in hopes that maybe they will bring more sunshine to our dreary water-soaked existence. (For additional beautiful pictures of pumpkins visit http://thevictorianparlor.blogspot.com)We have bumpy pumpkins...
Various colored gourds

More bumpy's
And gourds...
Sun drenched pumpkins...



A pumpkin maze (the entrance)
Don't get lost!
Finally an exit - whew!
Two toned pumpkins - red and green - just in time for Christmas:)
Ahh! A white pumpkin peeking out
And more white pumpkins
Here's a great recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from my mother!

2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds

2 tsp peanut or vegetable oil

1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place pulp and seeds in a colander and run under water to separate out the seeds. Discard the pulp. Sprinkle seeds on an ungreased cookie sheet and drizzle with oil. Bake 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir occasionally. Place in paper bag with salt added.