Walkin' in a winter wonderland

Hello all, it is a fantastic day here in Maine. Yesterday was our first snow storm and this morning it is beautiful outside. I've take pictures and if you are on Face book, you can go see them.

Last night I left the front outside light on, turned out the inside lights, and watched the snow fall in the night sky. Amazing is God's artistry. Imagine how much He cares for us seeing as he puts so much into making all those tiny snowflakes. Each flake is an individual and beautiful. He has done the same with us - each an individual and beautiful. Oh but He loves us so very much more than a snowflake. He loves us beyond our understanding and I am very thankful that He does.

As I sit here at the computer and gaze at the sky, I see clouds just zooming by. They are moving quickly and keep making amazing pictures framed by the window. It is sort of like looking into a Kalaidascope. Every changing and always a treat to the eye.

Speaking of ever changing, I have been making Christmas cards for the two Christmas Craft Shows that I will be doing this year. Thanksgiving weekend at the Augusta Civic Center and December 12 & 13 at the Augusta Armory. The ever changing part is that every card that I make is completely different from the last. This is putting my brain to the test as I want each piece of art to be unique. I do not make duplicates.

I have been shopping for Christmas charms, ribbons, bows, and ephemera. It was a bit difficult to think of Christmas when it was warm and it was not easy finding the items that I needed. But now, there is a plethora of what I need and I am on cloud nine.

I have been listening to Christmas music and singing carols. I think that I may even what a Christmas video today to help me get more in the holiday mood. In doing this, sometimes, I also get ideas. If you have any ideas for Christmas cards, please let me know. I am always open to new and unique ideas.

Well, I am off to create. Hmmmmm, what video should I watch?

Have an extra special day. I love you.

Hello, greetings, salutaions

Hi, It has been awhile I have been busy creating for the Christmas shows that I will be participating in and my mind completely forgot about blogging.

Michelle's visit was great. I so enjoyed having her here and we had lots of fun. We went shopping at my favorite store, Goodwill. She found pants for work and jeans and saved a bundle from the prices down in the DC area. Food, we ate such good food and had wonderful conversations while we ate. We thought that she had a car but when she check for the car insurance, it would have cost her $450.00. It was a 2008 Kia. The reason for the high rate was that she lives in an area that has an extremely high vehicle theft rate. I miss her very much. She's thinking of moving back to Maine and that would be great for me. I am leaving it in God's hands. He knows what is best for her and for me.

Autumn is here and the beauty of nature has enveloped me. I have been out and about with my camera and enjoying every minute of it. The cool crisp air is so inviting. I am not a hot weather person. It is raining and cold today but I don't mind - put on warm fuzzy socks and a sweater and I am good to go. The one thing I don't like about the rain is that it will take many of the leaves off the trees.

After many years of taking my diabetes medications, I found that I was taking it wrong. I was told by a doctor that I used to go to to take this medication at lunch and supper. I just found out that I should be taking it at breakfast and supper. I was getting low blood sugars levels in the very early morning from the meds accumulating in my system. My blood sugar levels are much better now.

I have also started to eat healthier. Snacks are almost out of the picture. I do not say no snacks because that sets me up for failure. I do allow an occassional snack or sweet but that is all. Hopefully, this will lead to a healthier body and better control over my diabetes.

Since I am always tired, my doctor is sending me for a sleep study. I am not looking forward to it. I wonder how anyone can sleep with "things" stuck to their head and body and knowing that some one is looking after you. But I will get the questionnaire sent in this week (I have been procrastinating) and go through with it.

There is much to be done to get ready for the two Christmas craft shows. One is during the Thanksgiving weekend show and the other is mid December. That one is called the last minute shopping show. My prayer is that I will do well with both shows.

Have you ever tried to create Christmas items during the hot weather? I could not get into the creative mode. But have been working lots now that the weather is cooler. There is till so much to create so that I will have a surplus of cards and items for both shows.

Some friends are gathering to make cards for Operation Write Home. This used to be called Cards for Heroes. It will be a fun afternoon of creating and fellowshiping. These cards will go to the military over seas so that they have cards to send home and some are send with messages for our heroes to encourage them and let them know that they are loved. If you want more information on Operation Write Home, check out this site: http://www.operationwritehome.org/ Perhaps some of you will make some cards for them also. It must make these heroes very happy.

I am still trying to get organized. The more I try it seems the behinder I get. Any suggestions. I usually am not organized (except when I worked in an office. Then my desk had to be just so.) It has helped going through things; as I am finding stuff that I don't need and I have boxes full to go to Goodwill.

Well, I would enjoy going for a walk in the rain; with an umbrella of course, but duty calls and I must get some work done around the house and more Christmas cards created.

I love you all and my prayer for you is that you will find the peace that goes beyond all expectations. This peace is only available through our Heavenly Father. God bless you all.
ps. How many of you know what bean hole beans are?

Yes, it is me - I have not fallen off the face of the Earth

Hello, This has been a busy Summer. The art shows are lots of fun and lots of work also. For the most part, the shows were successful and I am very please with the results. However most of the Summer was rainy and our usual weekend picnics did not happen.

The weather for the shows was good but for two of them it was too hot for me. I am not a hot weather person. Give me weather 70 degrees and under. Therefore, the thought that Autumn is near is very welcome. It was so nice to open the windows and let in the cool air last night. Ahhhh, fresh air; nothing compares to it.

Creativity usually falls by the wayside during the Summer due to being so busy. However, I did have to create as so many cards were sold that I had to make more to sells. I love that. Customers are falling in love with my cards. Many buy the cards and then get a mat and frame and have a gift and card all in one.

Being out with the public and hearing there comments makes for an encouraging time. So many times, I hear "Thank goodness you are here. If I'd see another painted lighthouse; I think I would scream." I am not saying that the other artists are not good. They are very good but so many of them paint the same thing and people are looking for something different. If the economy were better, I would have sold more art. Too many people just don't have the money for extras and I see and hear their frustration.

One day this we went to Fort Knox and went up in the observation tower in the new bridge there. Well, I did fine getting off the elevator. However, when I started up the stairs that to to the observation room, my legs turned into jello and I had to go back down. It is beautiful up there but this fear of being up high just took over. I was told that there are several people every day that look out when the elevator doors open and say, "I'm not going out there.

The elevator door opens to about three feet of floor space and then there is a glass wall from floor to ceiling. There are about twenty steps to the the observation room and that is where I lost it. I have a habit of looking at the stair as I walk. This came about because of falling down stairs and breaking my ankle when I was in high school. Now I watch every stair I step on. Looking at the steps, I could also see through the glass walls to see how high I was up. Couldn't do it. Oh well, Jim went on and took my camera. I have pictures to see the scenery.

Now I am trying to get ready for my daughter's visit in September. There is also a show on September 12th in Portland. It is called the Picnic and it is at Lincoln Park. It should be a fun day as they are having band playing all day and there are 100 artists and craftsmen going to be there. Much needs to be done and I am lacking the energy to accomplish my to do list.

How do you increase you energy? I have tried so many different things from vitamins to exercise and nothing seems to work. I am open to suggestions. Feel free to respond and give me your suggestions.

Why is that the older I get the more I miss my family in Maryland? It is on my heart more and more as time goes by. Living in Maine is very enjoyable. The laid back lifestyle goes along very well with my views on life. My Church is wonderful. The scenery here is terrific year round. However, there is something missing and that something is family. It weighs heavy on my heart that we are so far apart.

There is much to look forward to this year as far as my art is concerned. I will be participating in two holiday craft shows for Christmas. One will be on Thanksgiving weekend and the other will be the last minute Christmas shopping mid December. I have already started gathering Christmas items to make cards and have created a few. Making Christmas cards is difficult when it is hot out. The whole feel of the holiday is not there for me. Don't think that I could live in a place where it is warm all year long.

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Please take a few minutes to send a message. Perhaps this will help with my longing for family and friends who are far away. Thank you.

May you find peace, joy, and many blessings coming your way. I pray that our Heavenly Father watch over you all. God's blessins always. All my love to you.

What a wonderful day.

When it started raining last night, I thought, "Oh no, another rainy day to come." Well, it was a gorgeous day. It does wonders for me to wake to blue skies and sunshine. I got up and proceeded to get ready for Church. Due to several things, I had missed Church for a few weeks.

Going to church was another thing to give me a boost. It was so refreshing. Pastor Brent and the worship team sang songs that just lifted my soul. The sermon was informative as well as being enjoyable. Then of course there is the fellowship with friends that brings joy to me.

There were no plans to go anywhere today. Yesterday, we went to Mt. Blue State Park for a picnic and today was just going to be a stay at home day. When I got home I asked Jim if he wanted to take a ride to Freedom. We were going to visit the three sister at Beaver Ridge. What I call the three sisters are three wind turbines.

We drove around Freedom, trying to find these giants. We could see them from some places and not others. We drove down dirt roads that turned out to be dead ends and some roads were in pretty bad shape. We kept trying road after road and finally went down the first road we thought might be it but rejected it at first. After driving in a huge circle, we proceeded down that road and voila, there they were.

Two of them were in front of us and the third could be seen after taking a short walk. They are beautiful. The three sisters were perfoming an aerial ballet. I was mesmerized with them and thoroughly enjoyed watching them dance. My camera came out and snap, snap, snap. The photographs are on Facebook.

I have heard many people say that they make a lot of noise. There was some noise but it was similar to a white noise machine. It was a relaxing sound for me and I could have take a nap. While I was walking about a family walked by with two beautiful German Shephards. They were so friendly and came up and started giving my hand doggie kisses. It was nice to feel dog drool once again. Can you tell that I miss the dogs we had?

Today was as near to perfect as it could get. In my prayers tonight, I will be thanking God for all the good things that He had placed before me today. May you find that God is putting good things in your life also.

Good night.

Hello, There has been sun for two whole days and I have enjoyed it. However, they say the rain is returning tonight. BLAH

Oh well, we can't change it so just roll with it.

I have come up with the idea of a Challenge as a fund raiser. There is a $5.00 entry fee. This fee will go to the Quirion's who are working with the orphans at the Sara Lee Center in Swaziland, Africa.

This challenge is open to any style of art - quilting, mixed media, collage, paint. You name it and you can enter. It can be a card, a pillow, framed art, let your creative brain lead you to what you will enter. Please be careful not to use words, phrases, or images that would be a copywrite violation.

1. The theme is "The Window of Your Soul".

2. Sign up by July 31, 2009.

3. A low resolution picture of the completed project, no bigger than 4x6 inches, needs to be emailed to me at ibelieve20045@hotmail.com before October 3, 2009.

4. The Winner will be notified on October 11, 2009.

5. The submitted pieces will be judged on creativity, style, neatness, and how well it fits the theme.

6. When submitting your picture, please send a paragraph explaining how your piece fits the theme. How does this reflect "The Window of Your Soul."

7. The entry email also needs to have your name, address, and email address.

8. The size of your piece of art is up to you. Remember though that only a low resolution 4x6 inch picture is what will be entered.

9. You can only submit one entry.

10. Make your check payable to Leadership for Africa and in the memo/subject line of the check write in Quirions. This is so that the money goes to them.

11. When you email to let me know you are entering this challenge; also mail, using the good old US Postal service, your check for the entry fee to:

Patricia Byther

870 China Road

Winslow ME 04901

12. Prizes

First place will win a piece of art created by me. It will be a mixed-media assemblage piece.

Second place will receive two of my mini-art cards.

Third place will receive one mini-art card.

Well, hello. Between computer problems, blogging problems and life in general, it has been awhile since I've been on. Much has happened and I will start with the most recent and work in reverse.

Today started with me over sleeping and missing Church. I am sad and dissappointed that I did not make it. Church is fun, a learning experience, fellowship, I get to sing out loud in praise and thanksgiving and no one complains, and mostly it is connecting with God. My relationship with Him grows and I become closer to Him when I attend Church.

Probably would not have retained much this morning as I feel like a Mack Truck ran me over. Yesterday was the Corinna show. All the carrying, lifting and sitting in a wet, mud sodden field has done a number on my bones and muscles. Stiff, achy, and feeling tired; that's me this morning.

The fair was great but sales were not good. Last year sales were bad and this year it was worse. Alas, the day was not a total loss. I made friends with a Heifer, Daisy May. What a sweetheart. First she tried to eat my dress and then she proceeded to lick my hand and give me sloppy cow kisses. It was wonderful. She liked listening to me talk to her. I also met two young calves and enjoy a short conversation with them to. The owner said that I was a "cow whisperer".

Cora, my sister-in-law, arrived and had lunch with us. She always get the grilled chicken and I always get the pulled pork. It was delicious. Having here visit for a bit was very nice. It helped make the day seem not so long. Cora is a good friend and enjoyable to be around.

The other high point of my day was a customer who bought one of my military cards. He was up there in age and needed a walker to get around. We had a facinating chat about when he was in the Army under Eisenhower. He was looking for a card with a tank on it as that was his job during the war. You know more people should take time talking and listening to our senior citizens. They have so much to share and we have even more to learn.

So my gain for the day was a lovely conversation, a new friend - Daisy May, good food and friendship, aches and pains, bug bites gallore and $18.75.

Creating has taken a back seat to trying to organize. Goodwill received a big load of stuff on Friday and there is more to go. I am being brutal with things. If we are not using it and don't plan on using it in the near future; it's out of here.

We traveled to Maryland for a Bouchat family reunion. The drive down and back was worth it. Such a joy to see those that I haven't been around in ages. It was sad that some could not come but I understand that it will never be a complete reunion. We are spread out and have families. Life also steps in and changes our plans. Hopefully, we will be able to do this more often.

It was great to spend time with my daughter, Michelle. She was living in Washington DC at the time. I will never know why people live in that place. It is too crowded and noisy. How do they sleep? All night long there were sirens, traffic and loud people on the streets. Again this year, we went to the National Zoo. However, this year it was not pleasant. It was way too hot and the animals were not moving. I spent a small fortune on cold drinks and snow cones and then we left to have dinner in an air conditioned restaurant. Ahhh, the BBQ ribs were super. Then it was another night with Michelle and the ride home.

I have been to the KISS crop again.It used to be in Albion and is now in the Masonic Hall in China Village. It is a much better place; brighter and cleaner looking. I will miss the wonderful women there. Summer is much too busy with art shows, so I am putting a hold on the crop until this coming Fall.

The search in on for some old small Mason canning jars; dings and chips are welcome. I want to try a new angle to my art. Also, I am searching for Military postcards and ephemera. What am I saying? I am always searching for things and always welcome these treasures. Remember me when you clean house, go to yard sales, or whenever you come across something unique, unusual, even bizarre. If you think it can not be useful, it probably can be used by me.

Later today, when I am feeling better, I think I will go to the Antique Mall in Fairfield, ME. It is raining again and what better way to get away from the rain than looking at aged treasures.

Thank you for reading my blog and may God bless you all.

BUSY BUSY BUSY

Life has stepped in and taken over. I did not give myself time to work on my blog and I missed it. What have I been doing? There is still the organizing and sorting a room full of art supplies and other things. The first show of the season is coming up for me and I need to get ready for the trip to Maryland for the Bouchat family reunion.

Organizing is not a strong point for me. I can work in chaos and seem to thrive in creating when things are not neat. However, this does not make my home and work area a pleasant area to be in. Plus, I must admit that it makes for a difficult time when trying to find things. Wish there were some magic wand to wave and everything would be in it's place. Was it Mary Poppins who could do that? How does one learn to be organized? If you send an idea and it works, I will send you one of my cards. Don't offer the idea to have some one do it for me as I've thought of that and can not afford it. hee hee

So, I keep plugging away at a room full of supplies and other things. I have been able to share items that I will not be using and filling boxes with items to sell at a yard sale. Also, Goodwill or Salvation Army will be getting some boxes of things for their stores. The idea of organizing has flowed over to my clothing and all the clothes that I have that I don't like or don't want are going the way of the thrift store also.

My first show of the season is at the Old Port Festival in Portland, Maine on June 7, 2009. This is an exciting event and last year was the first year to have artists and craftsmen there. It was a huge success for my art and I am hoping it will be more so this year. The Old Port Festival has lots going on; not just vendors selling. If you can come on down, I believe you will have a good time. There are also shops and restaurants in the Old Port that are fun and exciting. Please pray for good weather for all who participate and come out for a day of fun.

The Bouchat family is having a reunion this summer and it is on a day that will make it possible for me to attend. Living in Maine can get to be a lonesome place when all of your family is in Maryland or beyond. Well, I should not have said all my family as I do have my husband, his sister and their small family here in Maine. Getting away for a few days in never long enough to see everyone or do all that I would like to do when I visit. The reunion will take care of seeing many family members.

Things that I must do when in Maryland is to eat my fill of MD steamed crabs, crab soup, crab cakes, crab .... Kind of remind you of Forrest Gump and the shrimps. Maryland blue crabs are the food I miss the most since moving to Maine. Sorry Mainers, but Maine crab meat doesn't come close to Maryland blue crab.

I will get to see my daughter. There is never enough time visiting with her. She lives in Washington, DC. DC is not a place that I would want to live in. Too much noise, traffic, rudeness,and smog. choke, cough, sputter! Once again this year, we will spend a day at the zoo in DC with Michelle. Hopefully this year I won't take away one of their critters. Last year I found a tick on my back after being at the zoo. Fortunately, it was checked and was only a dog tick.

A must this visit is a footlong hotdog at Ann's Dari Creme. It has been ages since I've tasted one of those tantalizing tastebud treats. It will have to be one with the works. YUM! That will mean having salad for the rest of the day as it must contain a full day's worth of carbs.

As always I will have my camera with me and will take tons of photos. You can be bored with all my photography by checking my photos on Facebook. Believe me I will share whatever I take while in Maryland. You will get to see my family and much much more.

With all this busyness, I did take time for myself. The KISS crop in Albion was this past Saturday and it was a remarkable day. The pot luck food was scrumptious. We had homemade spaghetti sauce with meatballs, corn chowder, salads, a homemake cheese cake (perfect) and more. The best part is the pulchritudinous group of ladies that are there.

This was my second time to participate and it was even better than the first. The more I get to know these women, the more I want to learn. It is a must to thank Kim Young for all the work she does it putting these together.

Well, it is time to get back to work on the house. I will say goodbye for now. Until next time, keep thinking positive and be creative. All of you have creative ability. You may not be and artist but you can be creative in your cooking, home decoration, playing with your children and there are many more ways. I look forward to hearing how you are creative. Take care and God bless.