Blog Party

This morning I ran across this theme which struck a cord with me... for blogging is such an important part of my life now that I am fully retired I felt it was imperative to document where it is exactly that I party everyday.... so I suppose you could say this is the control center to my mania....
When our daughter left home I commandeered her room in which to create my own studio..thus here we have Blogging Central!



For me it is essential to have my books and music around me for my inspiration... and believe me it isnt alwys this put together... you just happened to catch me following a clean up weekend!!HEEHEE!

This corner of my home calls me first thing in the morning and I spend the twilight hours here as well... blogging has become my outward form of my inner expression.... my reality in this ever changing world..
Centsational Girl hosts this theme today and it is wonderful to see where folks all over create from within!

Drayton, Berkshire, England

As I study my genealogy I actually feel a move in my spirit...a deep connection to the past... the people.... the places... I am a Cox on my mother's side.... and our oldest known ancestor was THOMAS2 COX, b. 1641, London, England who married
CHRISTIAN MATHEWS .... however they settled in Drayton, Berkshire to have their family.. their son, William born (11 DEC 1692-d. Feb 1767) m. Catherina Kinkey in
1716 at Hockessin,New Castle Co.,Delaware....so I'd like to research a bit about Drayton Parrish..
Drayton, a village and a parish in Berks.
The village stands near the Berks and Wilts Canal, 1 1/4 mile W of tne river Thames, 1 1/2 N from Steventon station on the G.W.R., and 2 1/2 miles SW of Abingdon, and has a post and money order office under Abingdon ; telegraph office, Steventon. The parish comprises 1851 acres; population, 585. The Manor House is a chief residence. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Oxford; net yearly value, £132 with residence. Patron, Lord Wantage. The church is ancient, and has a curious Norman font. There are Baptist and Wesleyan chapels. Curios about the Norman font on the ancient church there... as it has been passed down through our family that we of Norman descent.



Drayton is two miles from Abingdon on the old A34, once in Berkshire, now in Oxfordshire. It is the centre of an agricultural area, and was once famous for its walnuts. On the village green stands a stone cross in commemoration of Queen Victorias Golden Jubilee.

Drayton has several fine houses, including Lime Close, parts of which are Elizabethan, which was visited by the diarist James Woodforde in 1763. Other houses of note are the Grange, Sutton Wick House, Gothic House and the Manor, opposite which is a cruck cottage.

Gothic House has a mural on the gable-end of St George killing the Dragon painted by Charles Sykes in 1949, the design taken from the original, smaller mural inside the house. Drayton people used to perform a mummers play of St George and the Dragon annually at one time. Charles was an artist and sculptor, and in 1911 he designed the Spirit of Ecstasy for the Rolls Royce motor company.
As a side note to this about St George Slaying the Dragon... it is amazing to me that I am completely enamored with the tale of St. George... used to read it to my classes... and when I was in Boston this summer actually bought a poster of the artwork by Cirelli.

It is thrillling to me to research my origins and connect with so many small details... It draws me right into the equation!

Living Water

The Pool
Dance in the light of His glory
Lift holy hands in His name
Rejoice with hearts of gladness
Sing alleluias full of praise!

I love You, my sweet Jesus!
Tender lover of my soul
I quench my longing at Your feet
You, alone make me whole!

When I am sad and torn asunder
Alone and feeling blue
I dive into living water
Rest afresh in peace with You

I taste the cool refreshing water
It calms my spirit anew
I dwell by springs that o'erflow me
I'm buoyed by all-encompassing love from you!

My spirit longs for communion
From the only one I crave
You alone fill me with peace
On this side of the grave

My pulse quickens with excitement
Each time I think of You!
You are my radiant Morning Star
My loving warmth I find in You!

You have been such a compassionate champion
Who truly loves me through and through
Please forgive my thoughtless absence
Make me ever mindful of you.

I pray for more commitment
for more desire to please You, too.
Make me ever mindful
To spend more time with You!

You are more fun than eating
And much more filling, too,
Help me hunger for You
And say ,"No," to all that food!

Pink Saturday

Happy PINK Saturday!!

Miracles happen everyday....

God is actively drawing people to Himself through the miracle working power of His love, mercy, favor, and blessing!

Last week for Pink Saturday I posted about little seven year old Drew Bennett!

Scroll down to read about how he is one of two children ever to suffer with Bowel obstruction syndrome.. how in the 2004 he began a series of 15 surgeries which has left him with a non functioning digestive tract and has now been waiting for a 3 organ transplant for a year.... But Drew has an amazing spirit.... visit his website here.

View his story on our local news network here!

Our church worked all summer to plan and execute a yardsale to help this precious family with their horrible expenses.... the outcome of this work was a media blitz in our community to draw attention to little Drew. The yardsale was a phenomenal success. Due to the huge outpouring of love and support of the community we raised $40,000 in one day for him, and monies are still being donated.. but better than that,,, many people who never knew Drew have come forward..many claiming that God has told them to pray specifically for Drew's situation for healing, for the transplant to come quickly and be successful... Drew is in the hands of the Almighty God and He is doing mighty acts through His children....

For

PINK SATURDAY,

let us all join together in agreement for God's best for Drew!

Happy

Pink Saturday...

Enjoy PINK Saturday!!!

Visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more about Miracle Saturday!!!!

Irish Blessing

Go raibh tú daibhir i mí-áidh
Agus saibhir i mbeannachtaí
Go mall ag déanamh namhaid, go luath a déanamh carad,
Ach saibhir nó daibhir, go mall nó go luath,
Nach raibh ach áthas agat
Ón lá seo amach.

May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
Slow to make enemies,
quick to make friends,
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness
>From this day forward.
(author unknown)

Today I have been thinking a lot about my Irish ancestory and I am feeling such a kindred spirit toward my native land..... and I am so happy I was drawn to my new pendant as my souvenir from Cape Cod.... The celtic knot depicting eternal life.

I feel a special connection today with all my Irish brothers and sisters, and a deep appreciation especially for those who have known inner and external turmoil and bitterness through the years...my prayers are for those who have been touched by persecution to be enfolded in the arms of Jesus who knew The ultimate persecution yet was raised up and seated in the heavenlies beside his holy Father,God!There is eternal life for all those who believe , and say with their mouth that Christ is Lord of all!!!

Skywatch Friday

Welcome to my Skywatch Friday post.... yesterday I was thinking how Iwas looking forward to some lovely autumnal sunsets and I remembered that the Scottish webcam on near Eilean Donan offer some rather amazing shots like this one looking toward the Isle Of Skye at Badicaul.


Amazing what you can do with a webcam thousands of miles away...

For more skies visit Skyley.

My Church Home

"My Church home" is an interesting concept.... I grew up in the Methodist church... for me, that church home was made up of the regular church goers.... who participated in the pancake suppers, plopped their regular couple of dollars in the plate each Sunday, served admirably on each of several committees, and were dedicated in their weekly attendance both Sunday School and Church service... but there are unfortunately many things that I see now that were lacking... primarily,,,, changed lives on the other days of the week.... spiritual hunger, real love for one another.. then as a young adult,,, my church home was a Wesleyan Church.lovely to behold both inside and out of the building.... great music, evangelistic emphasis, dedicated members in attendance and giving, piety, ...but as I see things now.... there were some things missing..... changed lives the rest of the week, spiritual hunger, and a real love for one another..
Then my church home became a nondenominational church demonstrating a deep, reformed theology, amazing music, strong Biblical teaching,, and dedicated members who were striving to live their lives in a changed manner seeking after God's better ways.... but there were still a few things lacking.... mainly a spiritual hunger and love for one another.
By now you might realize that we were chasing an elusive butterfly....but yet again our next church home was a different sort of non-denominational church with a more spiritual emphasis.. a bit more charismatic flow yet with a reformed point of view.... this church home introduced me to the power of the Holy Spirit inside me, a believer, and taught me my role in God's kingdom.... I grew and changed a lot in this "home" but still there were some things lacking.....spiritual leadership, lack of music, and still the lack of love one for another.....
I now have to admit that I have come "Home' yet again... this time to a Baptist fellowship.... lovely surroundings conducive to worship, praise filled music where the members sing out and my spirit soars, good biblical teaching, and the members are dedicated to attendance and giving.... but there is still something missing.... unity of spirit mainly and love one for another... Why?
Why this syndrome in all the mainline denominations.... I am studying a book entitled The Cure for the Post Christian Syndrome.... taken from a study of the book of Malachi... it is touching on this very issue.... the heart of the matter is that believers have stopped honoring God.... we are living in this time with one foot in the church and the other in the world.... we have believed the lie o f the enemy that resounds around us in the media, from our government, from the marketplace that has taken God out of the equation... and we have subsequently lost our vision, our God given purpose to be Holy and shine God's light in the world.... I will writing more on this issue in the coming weeks . but to sum up one key fact that has become evident to me in my life... my church home is not a building.... the walls of my church home are inside my heart..... I am the temple of God and if God's light is going to shine through me it will begin in my heart as I begin to demonstrate the true nature of God through love for one another!

Word Filled Wednesday

Click here for more WFW!

Three or More Tuesday

Visit Tam at The Gypsy's Corner for more TOMT..

I have been thinking quite a bit about getting re- invested in my oil painting... I have the supplies but I havent been investing my time.....

Id like to share a montage of some of my pieces..

These are arranged from first to most recent piece.. The ones of Amanda were done just as she went off to college and helped me immensely with the silent tomb (our home) she left behind....Hint: Never plan to retire the year your one and only child goes off to college!

Pink Saturday

Happy PINK Saturday!!

This Saturday has finally arrived!

Our church has been faithfully planning and executing a

labor of love... a benefit yard sale for a sweet young boy...

Drew Bennett.

"My name is Drew Bennett. I am a seven year old boy who has Pseudo-Obstruction, a total colonic motility disorder which was diagnosed when I was two years old. I have undergone multiple surgeries, and now have an ileostomy, G-tube and medi-port. Some time real soon I hope to have it reversed and by some miracle, maybe will not need to have one anymore.

I have a totally non-working stomach and small bowel. After 15 surgeries, I no longer have a large bowel. I currently am on full TPN and Lipids 20 hours a day, and have early signs of liver disease as a result. "

On September 4, 2009, I was added to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) for Active Level 1 transplant. I am waiting on the official call that the organs for a stomach, small and large bowel, and possible liver transplant are available for me. At that time my Mom, brother and sister will re-locate to Pittsburgh for 9-12 months after the transplant.

Please pray for me! "
Drew is still waiting for his organ transplant..... he developed this malady at the age of two.... and has been in and out of the Cinninati Children's Hospital ever since.... The family has and will be incuring phenomenal hospital costs.... so our church started planning his benefit yard sale in early summer....

The effort has mainly been orchestrated by the seniors of our church.... we've met ever other week through the summer to plan and offer our lives as living sacrifices to help and demonstrate love to this sweet child of God....in the last few weeks we have worked many hours collecting, pricing and squirreling away the massive outpouring of items for the sale.... our church is very large, but even so, the huge support in giving of items became daunting and almost overwhelming.... but day after day the same twenty or so of us diligently met at church to persevere through the challenge.... and finally, today I can say it has all come together and the doors will open at 8am....
Many have offered donations and fundraising initiatives... valuable items donated for the silent auction like framed Thomas Kincaid prints, valuable pottery and baskets, as well as one local business, Bojangles, is offering 10,000 dollars in fundraising... He printed up letters to sell at $20 each which can be redeemed for tail gate party dinners for 4 with all the trimmings... and Drew gets the whole $20.00. for each one sold.. The business gets nothing! Awesome!!!

I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 4:20

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Here we have a body of believers who are leaning on God's power to enable them to do the work of His kingdom ...to demonstrate His unfailing love and mercy... believe me I kn ow that the work many of us have done so far was by the power of an Almighty God... for we could not have done this by our own strength!

Yesterday Drew got to meet his wonderful benefactor when he came by the church to show his appreciation!

Pictured with them also is Ms. Walters who spearheaded this event!

Now for the sale itself... hopefully you will appreciate the love and the
PInkness
that went into pulling this all together!!

As you celebrate this

Pink Saturday...

please pray for Drew,, that his transplant will come soon, and pray that this sale will be a huge success!!! And support Bojangles in your community!

Also, you too, can join in this mighty effort by visiting Drew's website and partnering in some way to help make his transplant a reality.
Pray for Drew

Enjoy PINK Saturday!!!

Visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more!!!!

Journey to Boston part 7

Well the party was over and it was time to leave and head for southern climes... home to Virginia.... The kids were heading back to work and everyone was anticipating getting back into the real wold! For us it was saying goodbye until we see the kids again and rejoining the ratrace.. bumper to bumper traffic... and the kids were anxious to get back to their offices and labs and their work cohorts....


It's not that Lynn and I are really that dumb but we have been up to see the kids two times now and we neither of us know how to actually get from the interstate to their house... even yet.... I mean every time we would leave their house during the visit we'd go a different way it seemed.... and this time we came in a different way and so the actual trek to the interstate remains a mystery to us.... odd as that seems.... so Joshua yet again led us back to the I90 on his way to work....


and we fell in line with the heavy 8:30 am Massachusetts traffic...destination Lititz, PA, an estimated 7 hours away!

And no matter if you're coming or going... you're going to find yourself in a stop and go situation like this one..... that tie up and stopped traffic was 5 miles long!!!

Thankfully now as we enter Connecticutt we have learned to bypass Hartford.... which is a lovely city but the roads are really in bad shape and too many switch overs.... say "taa taa" to Hartford..

and before you know it you've slipped past the tip of New York and are getting your change out to pay the toll in New Jersey... which in my humble opinion has the nicest roads of all!!!



After a tide -you- over- kind -of- lunch... you look forward to that welcome to

sign because that leg of the trip always seems to be the longest..... but verily you do look up and there is the exit for St rt.501 south... to Lititz!!!


501 is a straight shot due south through Amish country... quaint villages where the "plain" life is demonstrated and the farms are pristine.... this is such a respite from the fuss and fury of the interstate!!!
And about 25 miles later you come to Brubaker Road and you turn right and go about a mile til you come to the bed and breakfast sign for The Swiss Woods!!!! If you're fortunate you will arrive with plenty of day time left to spare because this place is a dream come true!!!!
Hidden away in Warwick County Pennsylvania is this delightful well kept secret....

Owned and operated by Werner and Debbie, Swiss Woods is the ultimate in B&B's!
Werner , born in Switzerland is a master landscaper and gardener.... you'll find him tinkering around outside everyday.... and in the evening he must be an avid reader for he is a verifiable expert on history geography, and current events... a delight to talk to!!


This visit we stayed in the Lugano Room


I was thrilled they had Direct TV and I got to watch BBC America!!!!

which opens out to the gardens...

This is what we saw when we opened our door.....
and as we looked back....



and as we stepped out into the lovely light...

a perfect spot for our morning coffee!
As I casually strolled around the back of the inn...

and these are just the areas up near the building... the outer gardens I left for you to investigste when you visit... but now let's go inside the inn...

Being an early riser, I had a good hour before breakfast to just enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee and try out Debbie's homemade biscotti...
..
Werner stopped in on his way outside to pop in some soothing classical music and so now I was conflicted about where to take my break...fast.... well I'll just take it progressivly...
The lovely window scapes bring the outdoors right in anyway....


Lynn was perfectly content perusing Werner's abundant World war II tomes....


the outdoors won out at last...
but I had barely finished my cup when the other guests started assembling so it was a lovely time to have a wee little chat and make some new friends!
Last year we met the most intriguing couple over breakfast....from Manhattan....delightfully engrossing conversation.... this year to my pure delight we shared breakfast with two couples from Nottingham, United Kingdom.... The Rowland's and the Singleton's.... best of friends who travel the world together.... have been for years and so engaging and open.... they humored me with all my giddiness and probably silly questions... but actually seemed to delight in my avid interest in England... and then Debbie started bringing in the food....

taking center stage was the baked egg and sausage omelette (souffle) flanked by fruit tray and cobbler....




but not just any cobbler.... fresh picked blackberry and peach cobbler!!!

Would you please pass the muffins???.a whole array of muffins, actually!

What we expected to be an early rising, early breakfast and quick getaway developed into a cosy settling in around the breakfast table with merry new friends and tantalizing conversation and no one go away until mid morning... lovely!!