A Bokeh Christmas

Just playing with the camera tonight.

Conservatory In Black & White

On our recent road trip, Chris and I went to Minnesota to have my mother's ashes laid to rest with her parents.  Something long overdue since she had passed away back in 2008.  

The day before the ceremony at Fort Snelling, we had a few hours and went to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.  It was a beautiful day and we had some time to relax.

As we walked around the gardens and zoo, I wondered did my mother or grandparent come here.  It was not too far from the home they lived in in St Paul, MN.  

Pismo Beach

Boy, oh boy, I'd love to be there on a hot summer day like today.  

This picture was taken back in 2011, on our first trip up the coast headed to Back Bay Inn in Los Osos.  This is Pismo Beach.  Doesn't the water look cool and refreshing? 

Roses in the Springtime

Shortly before we moved from California in 2014, my husband Chris took me to the Huntington Library.  I had never been there, but he had some good memories going there when he was young. 

The gardens at the Huntington Library were truly among the most beautiful I've ever seen, especially the roses. 

Back Bay View

This picture was taken at one of my favorite places, Back Bay Inn in Los Osos, CA.  It's one of the many beautiful views from this hidden gem of a hotel.  When you check in, you can feel your stress melting away.  

Wild Yarrow

The yarrow in our garden is one of my favorite plants.  In the wild, it's just as pretty.  

Oreo Cows

While the picture is not great...the subjects are pretty cool.  We were traveling down the highway in the Hill Country, at a pretty good clip, when what to my wondering eyes should appear...Oreo Cows!  Who knew?  Never heard of them before, but they are pretty catchy.  

Old Rusty Car

Last December, we went on a road trip into states I had never been to.  This rusty old car was by the roadside in Arkansas.  Love the colors and the home behind it...kind of captures some of the sights we saw along the way.    

Country Roads

I love driving down old country roads.  You never know what you will happen upon.  We came across this interesting scene in Ennis, TX during bluebonnet season last year.

The Old Barn

What is it about an old barn that catches my eye?  If I had my druthers, I'd probably stop at everyone I pass and take pictures.

Love the weathered wood and the metal roofing that's rusting set against the gray winter sky.

Sunshine and Flowers

Recently, Chris and I had the opportunity to visit Fredericksburg, Texas.  One of our favorite places was the Wildseed Farms.  We walked their fields and the glory of God was on display in His creation.  I think God must love colors and variety as seen in nature.  

We purchased some sunflower seeds, tropical milkweed and cosmos to try at home.  Many of the seeds have come up and are starting to bud and bloom.  Looking forward to spreading the seeds in our flowerbeds next spring. 

Now when I think of the Hill Country of Texas, I remember the beautiful town of Fredericksburg.  

Napping on a Warm Sunny Day

On our recent visit to Fredericksburg and Marble Falls, we stopped and toured President Lyndon Baines Johnson's ranch.  While politically I may be worlds apart from LBJ, this was great tour.  To quote my husband Chris, "You don't have to agree politically to appreciate history."  

The ranch and home were absolutely beautiful.  I was surprised at the home and how down to earth it was.   It wasn't gaudy or ostentatious.  It was a home I would feel comfortable in, it was inviting and quite lovely.  To get to the home you drive through a lot of land and pass by the herds of cattle.  

I fell in love with this precious little fellow as he napped in the shade on a warm sunny day.  Mom was close by.  

Steven Curtis Chapman

After reading Steven Curtis Chapman's autobiography, Between Heaven and the Real World, I wanted to share pictures that I took at one of his concerts in 2007.  It was at a church venue, so I was able to take pictures.  An excellent concert...so glad I was able to attend. 

Springtime in Texas Means Bluebonnets

It's springtime in Texas and that means it's Bluebonnet time!  Woohoo!  

Drummond Ranch

For those folks for love watching The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network, you know why I was excited to visit Ree Drummond’s new store The Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. 

On the way to the store, we passed the now famous Drummond Ranch. 

Beautiful countryside in Oklahoma, even in winter when things are brown and bare. 

Behold the Man - Thorncrown Chapel

Even on a cold winter day with the trees bare and a cold breeze blowing the Thorncrown Chapel was beautiful.  From the outside, we could see the warm glow of a light inviting us in.  A somber and beautiful place.  I couldn't help but reflect on the crown of thorns that Jesus willingly bore on His way to the cross.  He willingly went to the cross to bear our sins.  His atoning death on the cross paid the penalty for my sin.  My sin debt was paid in full that day over 2,000 years ago.  Thank Father for giving Your Son.  Thank You Jesus for bearing my sin, so one day I could be clothed in Your righteousness.  Thank You Holy Spirit for opening my eyes to see the truth in Scripture of my sin and my need for a Savior, Christ Jesus is the Promised Messiah.  Jesus alone is The Way, The Truth and The Life and no one comes unto the Father except through Him.  

Has your sin debt been paid in full?  Have you been clothed in the righteousness of Christ?  

If not, today can be your day of salvation if you will repent of your sin, believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and confess Him with your mouth.  

Wouldn't you like to know with absolute certainty, that no matter what happens to you in this life, your eternity in heaven is secure in Christ Jesus?  

Looking Forward

I'm looking forward and very excited at the prospects of hummingbirds soon returning to north Texas.  It will be a few more weeks, but they are likely in route from Central and South America.  They will only be around for six months, but I hope to enjoy them each day they are here.  

This little girl's picture was taken in central California back in 2011.  

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

Feeling grateful today.  After some significant knee pain for about a month, I went to the orthopedic doctor.  He was able to give me an injection in my knee and already the pain is significantly lower.

I know that all health and healing is from the LORD.  I know that He uses sickness and pain in our lives for His good purpose and plan.  I can trust God who is good and sovereign in all things. 

I’m prayerful that the pain relief will last and today give thanks with a grateful heart.  I give thanks that He has helped me each day in dealing with the pain. 

A Room with a View

Pioneer Woman Statue

The Mercantile