Collage Obsession: ONE word

This week I am challenging everyone at Collage Obsession to create something with one word as a focal point or element in their artwork. Lately, I've been thinking about...

not just in the spiritual sense, but the idea of forgiving y-o-u-r-s-e-l-f  for things you have done wrong, or that you wish you'd done differently. It's really hard to face the future if regrets about the past are weighing you down. I feel like I've been carrying around a lot of baggage. (A lot of coulda, shoulda, wouldas! ...) Ever felt that way?

So I made this simple card to remind me to forget the past and focus on the present:

I'm going to keep it on my desk. I think it looks nice & springy (for Spring)!

What word have you been thinking about lately? Let me know in the comments section. 

Only PG-RATED topics, please. LOL. 

To see the other entries in the challenge, just click: **HERE!**

Thanks so much for stopping by.

God Bless & XO

HAPPY EASTER!

Photo by Toby Hudson

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

(NIV Bible, Matthew 11:28-30)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

(NIV Bible, John 3:16)

Happy Easter, my friends!

God Bless & XOX

P.S.

Photo taken at:

St. John The Baptist's 

Anglican Church

Ashfield, New South Wales

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Photo by Andreas F. Borchert

Three Muses Challenge: Mail Art

This week's theme at *The Three Muses Challenge is mail art. It's my first time participating in their challenge! The Three Muses post a new challenge every Wednesday.

So, I've been contemplating this wild journey we're on called life. Do you do that sometimes? Well, I decided to write & "mail" a letter to God. Yes! The Alpha and the Omega...

                                                                                                        Creation of Adam /Michelangelo/Sistine Chapel  (Erzalibillas photo)

Here is my 10" x 13" envelope:

(click on any photo for a closeup)

I am mailing it to "The Man Upstairs":

Here is my letter:

Dear God,

I have so many questions for you! I guess you're probably used to that, huh? I might even give you a headache (smile). But first, let me start with:

How are you doing today? 

How is your day? 

Do you ever have bad days? 

If so, who do you turn to when you're down?

Do you ever get bored?

Do you ever get s-i-c-k of your creation called the human race?

Okay, STOP! I guess I should have built up to that one. And did I warn you that you may want a bottle of aspirin & a glass of water close-at-hand (smile)? 

I have so many questions. I'm just going to rattle them off-the-top-of-my-head... Thank you for indulging me. 

Here's more :P  :
The universe is so vast, is there human life on other planets?

As someone who is allergic to flea bites, are fleas really necessary on this Earth? What about cockroaches? Can't we get rid of them?

Although monetary wealth doesn't determine happiness, why are some people born into poverty and others born with riches?  
 

When we die do we go straight to heaven, or must we wait for Judgement Day? I'm so confused about that. I may see a priest about it...

How is DAD doing? Is he keeping you company? I bet he's bending your ear every chance he gets! Picturing that really makes me happy! He was so curious about things...Does that remind you of anyone?! Please give him my love, and tell him that I'm looking after Mom (like I promised). We're all trying to do that...

Well, I guess I should stop for now...but, Lord, I have so much that I want to know. It's hard to wait patiently for answers. I just want you to come down from HEAVEN and make the mysteries of life known to all of us ... and ease everyone's suffering --- TODAY. But, you know what? I realize I don't know everything - - - - I just want to! I'm glad that you're in charge, and I'm not. You know so much more than I do...

I hope we can keep talking like this, and that you don't mind me being honest. Thank you for listening.

Love,

Tiffany

What would you ask God if you had the chance?

Dad...

On Sunday, I flew in to attend a memorial service at the Catholic hospital where my Dad passed away. Each quarter, the hospital holds a service honoring those who passed away while in their care. It was a such a beautiful, comforting service.

    (Photo by Louise Docker)

About thirty people attended. Families brought pictures of their loved ones and placed them on a table that was draped in gorgeous fabric. Later, the priests read the names of the deceased in groups. When your family member's name was read aloud, you stood up and they lit a candle. Songs were sung, and scriptures were read. It was a brief, yet healing service...I found myself wishing that if I had to pass away in a hospital, I'd want it to be a Catholic one like this  --- where my family would be comforted just the same way.

You know, looking back, I have to be honest. I'm not sure that I would have written my "Circle of Life" post (here) if I knew my Father was going to pass away. The doctors and e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e thought he would make a full recovery.

As far as I was concerned, I was just sharing a moment that I thought others might relate to. Plus, we really had fun  together, ---as much as that is possible when you're stuck in a hospital bed. Mom told me shortly after I wrote the post that he would like it, and that made me feel good. (He was still in the hospital at that time.)

I'm still exploring what topics I feel comfortable discussing in this space, and which ones I don't...I don't regret writing about Dad, I just don't know if I would have if I knew what was going to happen...

However, I work through a lot of my feelings by writing them out. Additionally, everyone has been so supportive with their blog comments and e-mails. That's helped a lot. 

Here's one of my favorite pictures of us. Well, it's actually a picture of a picture from a scrapbook that I made for Dad. The pic was taken in the 90's. I love it because I love the smile on his face (though I'm not a fan of my hairdo!):

You know what? He actually made the shirt that he's wearing in the photo. He also made dresses & jewelry for my Mom. Honest! 

Dad was a JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES! Here's just some of the things he did/accomplished in his jam-packed life:

A black belt in Aikido

A PhD in Education

He was a pilot (gliders)

A professional Ski-Instructor

A football coach

He repaired antique clocks

Refurbished wood furniture

Built a deck around the family vacation home

And did I mention he made my mom dresses & jewelry?!!!!

And there's so much more. I love him! He'll never be replaced.

Circle of Life

Wow, I can't believe it's August already, and summer is coming to a close. It's one of my favorite seasons! I haven't posted much lately. My Dad has been ill, so I've been helping my Mom care for him, run errands &  do things around the house.

I must say that it's strange to see my parents getting older. Have you been through it? It's the circle of life, as they say, but I don't think I'm quite used to it... I still think of my parents as SUPER HEROES, able to tackle any challenge within minutes...Yet, they are slowing down.

Dad is s-l-o-w-l-y improving, so that's good news. I have to admit that he really is the best patient (most of the time...LOL). He laughs a lot, and that makes everyone else laugh. It's really a gift. He puts us all at ease. And the nurses love him!

Here we are raw - no hair or makeup fuss:

My Mom took the picture with my camera phone. I think Dad looks great! However, I'm still afraid that he will get sick again...I just have to remind myself to enjoy every moment, to thank God for it - - -and not think about the future.

I may not be able to post on a regular basis until mid-September/October. In the meantime I'll pop in when I get a spare moment (like tonight). I usually get bursts of inspiration late at night...do you? I've been taking advantage of that by writing down post ideas in a notebook. I'll have plenty to talk about & share. I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you for stopping by...
Peace & God Bless! 

More! Soothing Music for the Soul

Escape while looking at blue skies and listening to lush harmonies by Libera… what more can you ask for as you start your work week?

Please relax and enjoy their performance of, “Bach: Air on the G String”. It is Libera’s tribute to Johann Sebastian Bach’s classical piece, “Air on a G String.”

Here's to a good week!

God Bless & XOX

Soothing Music for the Soul

I love music. I think there's a tune for every mood imaginable. I often use music to help me relax when I'm feeling stressed. How about you? Do you have a favorite group or tune that you listen to at those times?


Life has been challenging lately (see previous post), and I've found myself listening to the group, Libera. The song below, "Far Away", is from their album, Angel Voices. I find the tune and their album to be incredibly beautiful, peaceful and spiritual. I hope you like it, too.

I wish you a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping by. Peace, God Bless & XOX!

PrOmIsE and DeSpAiR

Prague Astronomical Clock ©istockphoto/scubabartek 

                                                      
“Sometimes Promise and Despair are neighbors, and life dictates that you walk on the property line between them.” -Tiffany S. 

I woke up with that thought this morning. The past week was trying for my family for several reasons:

1. We mourned a family member at a funeral
2. Another relative disappeared (by choice)
3. My father-in-law’s dog died (she was the sweetest puppy)

I don’t know how much more we can take. I am just trying to survive emotionally, until I can turn my thoughts/energies to the promise that I know this new year holds… I am a Christian, so ultimately, I believe God will bring us through this... I just need to pray for patience and strength in the meantime.

Wishing you peace.

God Bless & XOX

Dreams for 2011

Here are some of my dreams & goals for 2011:

  

1. Spend more time reading The Bible. It never fails to lift my spirits.
2. Celebrate, appreciate & value what I have, as opposed to what I do not…
3. Keep telling & showing my circle of family and friends that I love them
4. Develop this blog (by writing more entries, etc…)
5. Participate more often in art challenges
6. Submit artwork for possible publication in Take Ten and/or Stampers’ Sampler magazines (published by Stampington & Company)

 How about you? It’s never too late to pursue the desires of your heart! 

Roses need water to blossom, and our dreams need a voice and careful pursuit to become reality. I'm ready! Well, I'm getting ready. LOL.

Peace, God Bless & XOX