A Daily Dose of Inspiration

From Just Beautiful Things- a wonderful site that's well worth the visit to uplift your spirits! We all have a choice in how we deal with life, don't we? There will always be those out there who seem to enjoy it when we are down or distraught. I am making a conscious effort to deal with adversity in the most positive way I can-

 

How Can You Not Believe in God?

The view from my window on a plane to Houston last Thursday. All I could think was this is what it must look like from heaven-beautiful clouds and gorgeous blue sky....(the weather man said it was actually a huge storm coming in from the gulf.) I had never seen anything like it. I studied this scape for what seemed like miles and miles.

I had the privilege of going with my mom to the International Quilt Show in Houston, TX last week. We stayed at the beautiful Hyatt Regency:One could very easily get used to the opulent surroundings and exceptional service. (Not to mention Shula's Steak House) I wished my husband could have been there for that-the menu was handpainted on a Wilson Football and presented to us on a kick off tee.We spent three glorious days going through the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston visiting more than 950 booths offering antique and contemporary quilts, fabrics, books, notions, patterns, sewing machines, antiques, crafts, collectibles, and more! This quilt won the $10,000 prize-made by a very talented gal in Paducah, Kentucky.
Every quilt was a masterpiece and inspiration. Here are a few more I would like to share:


Our trip centered around my mom promoting her new book, Making More Needle-felting Magic: New Techniques, Creative Projects. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own life and it was such a blessing to spend time with this woman who has so much talent. She can't help but inspire everyone she meets. Words just can't express her amazing gifts and how beautiful a person she is both inside and out. She made a presentation one afternoon to a large crowd, all were completely enamoured with her styles and techniques. It was an understatement to say I was so proud. To get a sampling of what I have enjoyed all my life, visit her blog . As part of the fun and to pique interest, I got to wear some of her creations during our visits to the show. This was a fabulous belt I paired with jeans and a t shirt that was an early birthday present: I got so many compliments on this fabulous purse...yet another early gift...
The most lovely thing about this whole experience was that I got to spend some much needed time with my mom. Even at 45 (yes, I will be 46 in less than two weeks but I will hang on to my youth as long as i can!!) I realize how much I love her and how important it is to spend time with her. I don't think anyone ever outgrows that. As I watch my own kids become young women, I have an AHA! moment every week-"So thats what she was trying to tell me all those years ago....".
I have lots of regrets in my life, but I think my biggest one is that I didn't listen more closely to my mom. Her advice and wisdom have proven more valuable than almost anything else I have ever received. I can only pray I will instill some of that in my kids and that they will listen alot sooner than I did :0)

Only in Our Town.....

The shuttles from parking to the Apple Harvest Festival at the South Mountain Fairgrounds...

November 11, 2009-Community Appreciation Day for Adams County, PA Residents with free admission to the Cyclorama, Film and Museum Experience, 8am-5pm

Well, folks, its time for me to get back into the swing of things! A new job and lots of changes have held me back for most of the summer and the start of fall to posting here. Maybe the rainy weather this weekend is a blessing in disguise for me- (I would be out spending time with my horse right now if it wasn't). The kids are sleeping in late this morning and this has given me a chance to reflect on why I started this blog in the first place-to discover and learn about Gettysburg in my own way and at my own pace and document it all as I go.

Every so often I like to look at upcoming events that would be of interest to families-(I think its so important to experience as much as you can together). I know thats what helps me to stay young-seeing the world through my children's eyes. It also helps when you can do it for little or no cost!

Here's a nice little clip about the historical significance of the Cyclorama Painting at the Visitor's Center-(I know it really helps me to have some background about things when I go to visit them.) Don't forget to mark your calendars for November 11! See you there :0)

An Afternoon Trail Ride

A very elaborate staging for a favorite past time at our house.

My youngest and the pony she rides on, Peter Pan. Cute, huh?
An interesting tidbit to share about all of this is over the past weekend while I was organizing some things, I came across this little figurine E's godmother (and auntie!) had given her for her fifth birthday.

I think the resemblance is both amazing and uncanny! It was like this little piece was made just for her.

A challenge for you & a gorgeous September sky

I just started a new position today at a PA cyber charter school-its a very cool organization-one of the perks is being able to work mostly from a home office. I am so impressed and its only the first day! One of the master teachers giving the orientation this afternoon asked me to write my own personal "mission statement" for my new position. I wanted to share it with you:

"It is my wish.... to make a positive difference in each child's life I have the privilege of being a part of. I want to help students realize their goals using inspiration, creativity and help them to realize that someone cares, and that they are capable of wonderful things if they are willing to work hard."

Putting this together really challenged and inspired me. And, as I said to someone else-while it might not sound very original, it comes from the heart.

This week my challenge to you is to write your own mission statement-I believe this really helps to keep a focus on what you feel is important in your own life and helps you to stay on track when things seem to get a little crazy. Tuck it away in a drawer somewhere and pull it out occasionally to read. It might just be the thing you need to get yourself motivated.