jacint - decorart

Robyn

2012-01-28T12:13:00.002+11:00

Garcia Marquez, Gabriel (1928-)
"One single minute of reconciliation is worth more than an entire life of friendship."

Habakkuk 2:4
"Behold the proud,
His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith."

Blue Moon Stroll

2012-01-26T20:50:00.008+11:00

For William, this is the sketch I did while
talking to you on the phone and below some encouragement......
It is of absolutely no one I know, just a figure of my imagination.

"To thine own self be true or else!"
(It's a life of small irritations/& vexations
which "does" for one.
'Tis seldom one catastrophic event that "does" for one)
or else 'tis
"too much pills an liquor" (Cabaret)
or else
"the accordion of his brow spoke of a life of repressed ambition"
(Bruce Chatwin on a local policeman in Patagonia)
or else
"rarely does one regret one's mistakes in life,
on the other hand one always regrets what one did not do in life."
(Oscar Wilde inaccurately quoted)

Young ? Single? Motivated?
Follow the passion! Why compromise?
when
one is young
single
motivated.
(from the friend across the path)

Psalm 102;28
"The children of Your servants will
continue,
And their descendants will be
established before You."

Egyptian Spring

2012-01-24T17:04:00.009+11:00

Her father calls

so fine her lid

fire of colour

stripe define

yet a dream...

he praises her.

Proverbs 21:21 "He who follows righteousness and mercy
Finds life, righteousness and honor."

HOUSE ON THE SQUARE

AM HOF, VIENNA

Hammarskjold, Dag (1905-1961)

"Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for."

Sunflowers in Vegetable Garden

2012-01-17T12:25:00.002+11:00

In France the fields of sunflowers are very beautiful,
the flowers face toward the sun as do these in our little vegie patch.

Cowper, William (1731-1800)
"I would not enter on my list of friends
(Tho' grac'd with polish'd manners
and fine sense,
Yet wanting sensibility) the man
Who needlessly sets foot upon a worm."

Psalm 77:18-20
"The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind;
The lightnings lit up the world;
The earth trembled and shook.
Your way was in the sea,
Your path in the great waters,
And Your footsteps were not known.
You led Your people like a flock
By the hand of Moses and Aaron.

HouSeS in HiPPy

2012-01-11T13:55:00.002+11:00

"Associate yourself with men of good quality
if you esteem your own reputation;
for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company."
Washington, George (1732-1799)

"Woe unto them that join house to house,
that lay field to field,till there be no place, that
they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!
In mine ears said the Lord of hosts, Of a truth many houses
shall be desolate, even great and fair,
without inhabitant."
Isaiah 5:8,9.

Gardening (improved version!???)

2012-01-11T09:21:00.003+11:00

Needed to make some changes as my model
appeared a little too ghost like,
however with watercolour there is no mercy,
now she looks a little bit
like a standing skeleton!

Gardening

2012-01-09T16:49:00.012+11:00

"Obsolescence is built into computers. That's why it is so hard to preserve any of this digital
material. It rots. It leeches. It decays. On the other hand, paper, which seems so fragile and transient, can last for centuries." Rachael Buchanen
From an article, "Paper Trail: All That Is Digital Melts Into Air." The Age 7/1/12

"A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools
proclaimeth foolishness."
Proverbs 12:23
I have been a fool too, too many times!! Alas
when shall I ever learn?!!!!

mY DreAM

2011-12-31T08:18:00.008+11:00

mY DreAM

I dream't last nigh
that I no longer wished,
to overwork in the kitchen.

I prepared three expresso
on a tray,
and ventured to the garden party.

Alas, confused, I sat with
two elegant gentlemen
but the coffees were for me, and
Beatrice and Miriam.

Indignant and severe,
the gentlemen thus scorned me,
and my tray of expresso times three.

I left and found myself
with ladies, cheer
and Beatrice and Miriam.
Finally.

"From quiet homes and first beginning,
Out to the undiscovered ends,
There's nothing worth the wear of winning,
But laughter and the love of friends."
BELLOC, Hilaire (1870-1953)

"It is good that a man should both
hope and quietly wait for the
salvation of the Lord."
Lamentations3:26

Christ is Born

2011-12-23T15:28:00.003+11:00

A John Sands Christmas card, I did not get around to painting one.

We celebrate God's gift to us , His Son Jesus.
If we believe Jesus died to take the
punishment for our sins and live in repentance,
we shall be saved.
This is the good news.

"And she shall bring forth a son,
and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins."
Matthew 1:21

The Green Earring

2011-12-15T18:34:00.006+11:00

Duty
===
"Stern daughter of the voice of God!
O Duty! if that name thou love
Who art a light to guide, a rod
To check the erring and reprove...

Thou dost preserve the Stars from
wrong;
And the most ancient Heavens,
through thee, are fresh and strong."
['Ode to Duty' (1807)]
Wordsworth, William
(1770-1850)

"In his days shall the righteous
flourish; and abundance of peace
so long as the moon endureth."
Psalm 72:7

Today when I painted this small watercolour,
I was inspired by Alexej von Jawlensky's
"Madchen mit Blumenhut" 1910
which can be seen today in Vienna's
Albertina Art Gallery

The Rich Young Man and Ms Lazarus (the single mother)

2011-11-22T17:07:00.004+11:00

I posted this picture up ages ago and had to delete it as I kept getting unsavoury comments,
ugly spam you might say

The Lord is good and so gracious. A young single mother that I know is now engaged to a young man
and she and he and her child are very happy.

"He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
That He may seat him with princes-
With the princes of His people,
He grants the barren woman a home,
Like a joyful mother of children."
Psalm 113 v 7-9

Pilgrim's Progress

2011-11-04T16:46:00.004+11:00

At present I am reading 'The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan.
It is a book well worth the reading, with much insight, thought
and treasure, to encourage those of us who seek the truth.

"The trials that those men do meet withal
That are obedient to the heavenly call
Are manifold, and suited to the flesh,
And come, and come, and come again afresh;
That now, or some time else, we by them may
Be taken, overcome, and cast away.
Oh let the pilgrims, let the pilgrims then
Be vigilant, and quit themselves like men!"

Excerpt from the said book above.

But above the best book of all
to give thee peace
give thee guidance
wisdom and the truth
is the Bible. He, Himself will speak to you
through His Word.

"In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God."
John 1:1

Greta Lucilla

2011-10-26T19:32:00.003+11:00

When I was on the return voyage
I began to watch the current American film, "Midnight In Paris"
I laboured a little way through and finally turned it completely off
after the main character casually stole his fiance's earrings to give to another woman.
I was totally unimpressed no matter how vacuous , his girlfriend.

Exodus 20:15
Thou shalt not steal.

Sackville-West, Vita (1892-1962)
Travel is the most private of pleasures.
There is no greater bore than the travel bore.
We do not in the least want to hear
what he has seen in Hong Kong."

pAinTing in FiRenze

2011-10-25T20:33:00.007+11:00

If you look at my post of thurs March 31
you will see this picture in more detail

tis a shame that women and men really can't
be friends
it is just that other feelings can develop...

Exodus 20:17
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's
house,
thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife,
(or husband !)
nor his manservant,
nor his ox,
nor his ass,
nor anything that is thy neighbour's."

There would not be a marraige that survived
any where in the world I don't think
if it were not for this law!

He wAs deSpised and rejeCted

2011-10-25T17:33:00.003+11:00

do you sometimes feel rejected
and
do you feel lonely sometimes,
because of it?
well, be of good courage
we are only on this earth for a
short time
think of He who was abandoned by
his friends , mocked, despised,
and slain,
rejoice that you partake
in the sufferings of Christ.

Tennyson,Alfred, Lord (1809-1892)
"The woman is so hard
Upon the woman"
[The Princess(1847)]

Acts4:26
"The Kings of the earth stood up,
and the rulers were gathered
together against the Lord,
and against His Christ"

The Mousetrap

2011-10-21T08:21:00.007+11:00

This production of Agatha Christie's
"The Mousetrap" has been entertaining people
at the beautiful "antique", St Martin's Theatre
for 59 years now. If you are in London go and enjoy.

Also across the road, on another evening,
have a meal at" The Ivy " (get dressed up)
we amazingly were able to walk in without a booking
we did not realize until i spoke to a woman in the bathroom
how popular this restaurant was, she said
you normally have to book for months ahead.
Had the most delicious risotto
I have ever tasted...ever! And very well priced!!
not expensive..no wonder it is so popular!!!
White tablecloths and silver service...lovely inside
saw Billy Connolly and wife Pamela Stephenson enter
as we left.

Twas a treat after being turned away by a very assertive
young woman from entering the
restaurant of the hotel we were staying in
(earlier in the evening)
because we did not have an executive hotel room card.

(we took advantage of a good hotel deal for one night in this very modern hotel
but actually we enjoyed staying in Bolsover St a lot more (earlier on)
a lovely area to walk and gorgeous old English pubs
abounding on nearly every corner.)

"It is honorable for a man to stop striving,
since any fool can start a quarrel."
Proverbs 20:3

poPPieS oN bRiCk wAll

2011-10-18T13:33:00.003+11:00

In the old quarter of Dubai some of the
coffee shops are beautifully decorated
with cushions and chairs in striped
or floral designs.The Arab men all in white
and unfortunately the women all in black.

Proverbs 19:5
"A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who speaks lies will not escape."

Paris s'il vous plait

2011-10-11T20:54:00.003+11:00

if you should ever go to Dubai
stay in the Old Quarter
and make sure you try the dates
they must be the most delicious
in the world!

Some people have an unpleasant
habit of hurting with their words....
Others use their words to encourage
and bless.

"There is that speaketh like the
piercings of a sword: but the tongue
of the wise is health."
Proverbs 12:18

"My soul is among lions; and I lie
even among them that are set on fire,
even the sons of men,
whose teeth are spears and arrows,
and their tongue a sharp sword.

Be thou exalted, O God,
above the heavens; let thy glory
be above all the earth.

They have prepared a net for my steps;
my soul is bowed down:
they have dug a pit before me ,
into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves."
Psalm 57:4-6

This scripture may comfort someone ....
I love the psalms and have always
found them
most comforting!

LoNdoN BriDge is fAllinG dOwn

2011-10-01T17:02:00.014+10:00

Tis a woman's prerogative to
change her mind thus I shall write
what I want and none the care if i not loved!

Arrive Paris, but I shall skip and return
to tell the tale and jump ahead, why?
why ever not?
merci..........je vous en prie!!!

To tall Ben in Lon don then
black cabs, so roomy in
London pubs elegant, old dwellings
their sills graced flowers green
therein the atmosphere, the quintessential,
eccentric English gentlemen
and too saw pondering the gardens Castle Windsor..
all in tweed and tie to behold
hat, and ubiquitous umbrella.

Liberty, your building clothed Elizabethan
too delightful to behold within and out then
alas your fabrics sought after and .. no more
but discovered in Strasbourg my galore.

The ravens, stalk so proud but blend with
those men..... Yeoman
Charles the Sec, it won't be long now!
St James Court, your brass band applauded
National Gallery at Trafalgar Square
had a cup of tea there.

And you, Mr British Museum you are rightly proud
of your clocks fair.....still home of Charles Dickens
twas fun as well..he thus did journey
places far from whence he dwelt.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20:
"Here is what I have seen:
It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and
to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils
under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.

As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth,
and given him power to eat of it ,
to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor- this is the gift of God.

For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart."

Hydra

2011-09-27T12:23:00.002+10:00

hello alas I have returned
i have been on a journey
an adventure of sorts have seen
and observed we are all the same!

I have seen mountains
that cause you to tilt your neck
I have seen loch's and valley's
green clover and yellow gorse
and purple heather

wild deer in Eire, cow with bells in Swiss
tortoise in Como,donkeys in Hydra
parrots and peacocks in Rhodes
sleeping dogs in Greece
squirrrels and rabbits at Beatrix Potter's
and rather large seagulls in Cornwall

but now I have returned
do you want to hear more?
If I get one comment I shall ablige
if no, forever hold my peace
alas which shall it be?

"He who has a slack hand becomes poor,
but the hand of the diligent makes rich
He who gathers in summer is a wise son;
He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame."
proverbs 10:4-5

wHy arE we Here?

2011-06-10T01:34:00.004+10:00

"Canongait kirkyaird in the failing year
Is auld and grey, the wee roseirs are bare,
Five gulls leem white agin the dirty air.
Why are they here? There's naething for them here
Why are we here ourselves?"
Robert Garioch

"For the love of Christ lays hold of us
and brings us to this conclusion:
one died for all,
so that they all died:
and He died for all
so that all who live
may no longer live for themselves
but for Him who died and rose for them"
11.Corinthians 5;14,15.

Today I saw an old man
walking in a narrow cobbled street
in the warm morning sunshine
he hobbled with stick
slowly
wore an old tartan beret
hunched over
unobserved
beneath the lines of clothes hanging above
outside the buildings
amongst the potted red geraniums
in a Tuscan village.

Chatrini and Gruber in sT Maria

2011-06-08T01:48:00.005+10:00

In sT Maria,
a wee church rests quiet
sweet cow bells sing
her graveyard plaques
Chatrini, Barblina, Gruber, Jaquen,
also
Anton, Luis, Vital, Annina, Hans
and quite a few Maria's.
Swiss names mostly unfamiliar...
beneath those white hat mountains
familiar.

Psalm 98 vs 8,9
"Let the rivers clap their hands
and the mountains sing praises together
before the Lord,
for He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice
the peoples with unfaltering fairness."

si spoilta princepessa

2011-05-15T17:57:00.003+10:00

aah
the story of the bika hotel
the hotel was... bellissimo
our room was... bellissimo
the food delicio, perfect.....
but the princess myself moans of her
loneliness

she cannot dress in lycra and join the party
she, being I, ashamed of myself

Am i cleaning my hotel room ? ... no
Do i beg in the streets?...no

ashamed of myself
the spoilta princepessa

"He restores my soul"
ps 23

2011-05-13T05:20:00.000+10:00

i hate bike hotels

2011-05-09T21:25:00.002+10:00

hello in riccioni
the bike crazies are out
the cafe bliss
music , sun the english press

rest just the rest
the pink snails
summer sing the birds
oh glorious sound

PS 23 "He leads me beside the quiet waters"

Firenze Italy

2011-03-31T02:35:00.005+11:00

There is a little restaurant quite near the Duomo where the locals go for a delicious meal.

The Italian chef is a very jolly fellow, if he knows you and you enter his restaurant the greetings are very loud and joyous and during the evening he breaks out quite frequently with singing opera style, most of the locals don't bat an eyelid but the odd tourist is very amused indeed.

"The Lord does not let the the soul of the righteous go hungry,

but He frustrates the desire of the wicked."

Proverbs10:3

Eglise Paris

2011-03-31T02:15:00.004+11:00

A sketch of a very old church in Paris. My mother always tried to get me to read certain books when I was young but alas I only read what I wanted to read . One of the books was "The Little Prince" by Antoine De Saint- Exupéry. Did you know that he wrote about a young man who crashed his plane in the Sahara and met a young Prince from another planet. In real life the author himself crashed his plane into the Sahara, it was during the war and the pilot who shot at his plane regretted it when he heard who it was as he loved his books as a child. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6 A CORRECTION.... The author crashed his plane in the Sahara in the mid 1930's and he survived to write the story of " The Little Prince", but later on in life during the war he was shot down, this time he was flying over the Mediterranean Sea and lost his life . This was during the war.

The Flood

2011-01-20T16:32:00.002+11:00

"I set My Rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh."

Genesis 9:13-15

What a comfort this scripture is as the waters rage in Victoria and have been in Queensland.

I have not posted for ages as my exercise routine has kept me very busy and we are planning an adventure!

The Lord is good, my surgeon is very happy with me and I am nearly back to normal already. It can take 6-12 months for an osteotomy to fully heal, I am 5 months post surgery.

A quote from King George v1 Christmas speech of 1939:

"I said to the man who stood at the

Gate of the Year,

'Give me a light that I may tread

safely into the unknown'.

And he replied: 'Go out

into the darkness, and put your hand

into the hand of God.' "

Telegraph

CelEbraZtions

2010-11-08T20:20:00.003+11:00

Today the Physio said I can now walk without the walking stick. I am delighted. I still have to continue my strengthening exercises. I am going to the heated pool five days a week and using the stationary bike as well.

I am constantly praying for my healing as well and the Lord is faithful, He is healing me.
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Isaiah 41v10

The Pink and Orange

2010-09-14T11:34:00.002+10:00

Hi folks I am finally back posting, I have finally had my other hip replaced along with another osteotomy and leg lengthening. This is an end to any more surgery as the doctor has given me another ceramic on ceramic hip repl. and should last me till I die . Where is the CHAMPAGNE!

I am celebrating and soon off crutches...can't wait.The Lord is good, I pray

ed He would reign over the surgeon's hands so I had no fear being wheeled into theatre.

"Even to your old age and grey hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

Isaiah 46:4

The CateRPilLar,s CaR

2010-08-05T19:13:00.003+10:00

"In my youth,' said his father, 'I took to the law,

And argued each case with my wife;

And the muscular strength, which it gave to my jaw,

Has lasted the rest of my life." ( Excerpt "Alice In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll)

"The memory of the righteous is blessed,

but the name of the wicked will rot."

Proverbs 10:7

Charles Blackman

2010-07-02T10:17:00.003+10:00

I loved the The Charles Blackman exhibition of the 'Alice In Wonderland Series' in 2006, in Melbourne). His large paintings were so vibrant in colour and delightfully quirky in subject. I admire his work greatly.

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee,

and show thee great and mighty

things, which thou knowest not."

Jeremiah 33:3

Painting Mountains

2010-06-30T14:45:00.007+10:00

In todays "The Age " newspaper there is a report that there is an inventor who has set out to literally paint the peaks of the Andes mountains in Peru,

white ,

in order to combat the effects of climate change.

This project is funded by the World Bank.

There are four workers on the job.

The workers are using an environmentally friendly mix of lime, industrial egg white and water.

Have we all gone MAD?

"The voice of one crying in the wilderness:

Prepare the way of the Lord,

Make His paths straight.

Every valley shall be filled

And every mountain and hill

brought low;

And the crooked places

shall be made straight

And the rough ways made

smooth;

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

Luke 3:4b-6

La Maison Eileen

2010-06-28T15:19:00.004+10:00

Pastor's Business Card

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners.

At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home,

but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20'

on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday,

he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was

this cryptic message, 'Genesis 3:10..'

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up

in gales of laughter.

Revelation3:20 begins 'Behold I stand at the door and knock.'

Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and

I was afraid for I was naked.'

Remember

when the funniest jokes were the clean ones?

They still are!

"A merry heart does good like medicine"

Proverbs 17:22a

Thanks to James our Irish friend across the road for this joke

which is from a retired teacher friend of his, from Northern Ireland.

Ladybug

2010-06-26T16:32:00.003+10:00

There once was a story about a girl who all day long looked for ladybugs and couldn't find any, soon she fell asleep under the Tuscan sun and to her surprise woke to find a ladybug on her arm.

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

Sophronia

2010-06-19T07:02:00.003+10:00

I just watched the last hour of the soccer match between England and Algeria, (the cross verses the crescent), it was a draw. Soccer is such a beautiful game to watch.

"But you should not have

gazed on the day of your brother

In the day of his captivity;

Nor should you have rejoiced

over the children of Judah

In the day of their destruction;

Nor should you have spoken proudly

In the day of distress."

Obadiah v 12

Ms Marqueese de Moth

2010-06-17T18:26:00.002+10:00

It seems to me people take more care of their cars than they do of their own persons. We take our cars to get serviced regularly but what of our bodies, many exercise and eat well but do they give their bodies time to rest and refresh?

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall do no work, neither you nor your manservant or your maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates."

Exodus Ch 20:8-10

Red Blooms

2010-06-15T11:45:00.007+10:00

Get OUt Of DeBT FormUla

*Give 10 % of your monthly income to God (a step of faith! see scripture below).

*Give 10 % of your monthly income to yourself (ie save it and earn interest/invest).

*Give 10 % of your monthly income to whoever you owe and gradually get out of debt.

*Give 70 % of your monthly income to yourself to live on (live within your means/record your costs).

"Honor the Lord with your possessions,

And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

So your barns will be filled with plenty,

And your vats will overflow with new wine."

Proverbs 3:9-10

Oh Magoo You've Done it Again !

2010-06-11T12:56:00.006+10:00

Perhaps this is a picture of the son

of Mr Magoo. I used to love watching this cartoon series many

moons ago. It was about an old man who had trouble

seeing, and wore a pair of very thick glasses.

Mr magoo got himself through lots of would be could be disasters

just in the nick of time and he was not aware of the danger

because he couldn't see.

I guess he made lots of mistakes but it never worried him.

It is ok if the house is untidy as long as it is reasonably clean,

It is ok if you make a mistake at work for that is how you learn

It is ok if you fail an exam for you will pass your course if you work a little harder.

"All things I have seen in the days of my vanity:

there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness,

and there is a wicked man that prolongeth

his life in his wickedness.

Be not righteous over much;

neither make yourself over wise:

why shouldest thou destroy thyself?

Ecclesiastes 7:15,16

E in camera sua a riposare.

2010-06-10T14:17:00.000+10:00

On Tuesdsay, a friend told me that on a flight from Dubai to

Frankfurt , she engaged in a conversation with a woman who told her

her husband had decided that he no longer wished to be married to her.

They had two children.

My friend asked her if she was a Christian,

would she like her to pray for her.....

Four years later this woman wrote to my friend

and said no-one had ever asked her that question and it challenged her...

She must have sought God and sought the truth for she found faith

and now serves Him for she wrote to my friend after getting her sons to help

source her and told her.

"In returning and rest

you shall be saved;

In quietness and confidence

shall be your strength."

Isaiah 29:15

Una and her Bike

2010-06-03T14:01:00.002+10:00

Our son James is in Niger in Africa and a couple of months ago a missionary family gave him a kitten. James was quietly devastated last week when "Mai-kuka" his kitten died of a scorpion bite, he (the kitten) had only recently survived a snake bite. Hence I was greatly comforted when James told me that one night after the kitten died he flicked through his Bible only to stumble on the passage below in Ezekiel. The Lord is in control so why should we fear for the safety of our children...

""And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house." Ezekiel2:6

"Blessed is he who considers the poor;

The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

The Lord will preserve him

and keep him alive,

And he will be blessed on the earth;

You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.

The Lord will strengthen him

on his bed of illness;

You will sustain him on his sickbed."

Psalm 41:1-3

This is a promise for you James for your work is nothing else but consideration for the poor and God is not a man that He should lie, He keeps His promises!

Rispettare (to respect)

2010-05-26T13:40:00.004+10:00

I borrowed from the library the film "Funny Face"

starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire and loved

the song , sung by Audrey and Kay Thompson..

"On how to be lovely,

you gotta be happy

when you can be light and gay

then you'll be lovely as a holiday.

On how to be charming

you gotta be merry...

if only to weave a spell

and you'll be as lovely as a carousel too.

I know you can show how

it's all in the know how

and once you know oh how

the world looks good to you...

as it should to you.

Oh how to be lovely

you got to be jolly

when you can be fancy free

and flash a smile

that folks come flocking to see..

you'll be as lovely as can be.

Can't do it with makeup

you've just got to wake up

and starting to take up

life delirious

nothing serious.

Oh how to be lovely

you've got to be cheery

then you are guaranteed

you don't need doe

or a college degree...

Make sorrow incidental

let joy be monumental

and you'll be lovely..

you'll be as lovely as can be."

"And also, that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God."

Ecclesiastes 3:13

Ms Sopracciglio

2010-05-19T15:17:00.002+10:00

These days the bags women carry, portrayed

in Vogue are massive!

I do like a bigger bag though so handy for a cardigan

or vest etc.

This is an

excerpt from the novel "Brideshead Revisited" by Evelyn Waugh:

It made me laugh, I am enjoying this book...

I knew Sebastian by sight long before I met him. That was unavoidable for, from his first week, he was the most conspicuous man of his year by reason of his beauty, which was arresting, and his eccentricities of behaviour, which seemed to know no bounds. My first sight of him was in the door of Germer's, and, on that occasion, I was struck less by his looks than by the fact that he was carrying a large teddy-bear.

"That, said the barber, as I took his chair, 'was Lord Sebastian Flyte. A most amusing young gentleman."

'Apparently,' I said coldly.

'The Marquis of Marchmain's second boy. His brother, the Earl of Brideshead, went down last term. Now he was very different, a very quiet gentleman, quite like an old man. What do you suppose Lord Sebastian wanted? A hair brush for his teddy-bear; it had to have very stiff bristles, not, Lord Sebastian said, to brush him with, but to threaten him with a spanking when he was sulky. He bought a very nice one with an ivory back and he's having "Aloysius" engraved on it- that's the bear's name.'

"That which has been is what will be,

That which is done

is what will be done,

And there is nothing new under the sun."

Ecclesiastes 1:8

Vintage Skirt

2010-05-18T14:33:00.003+10:00

I found this "vintage skirt" recently and I love wearing it,

it keeps me warm as the days are now cooling ..

Excerpt from "The Age" Melbourne newspaper,

Odd Spot

"Broken-hearted Andriej Ivanov,26, was planning to

throw himself off a bridge in Ufa, central Russia,

after his fiancee died. But he found love again -

after stopping Maria Petrova, 21, from jumping off the same

bridge because she had fallen pregnant. The couple are to marry.

"Therefore shall they come and

sing in the height of Zion,

Streaming to the goodness of the Lord-

For wheat and new wine and oil,

For the young of the flock and the herd;

Their souls shall be like a well-

watered garden,

And they shall sorrow no more at all."

Isaiah 31:12

Lemon Tree

2010-05-14T13:48:00.005+10:00

I found this old poem in a book called "A Treasury of The World's Best Loved Poems"

published by Avenel Books, A Division of Crown Publishers, Inc. New York in a coffee shop.

I remember that I had to learn this poem at school

many moons ago...

THE DAFFODILS

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hill,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host of golden daffodils,

Beside the lake, beneath the trees

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

This is the first section only of this lovely poem by William Wordsworth.

"He who follows righteousness and mercy

Finds life, righteousness and honor."

Proverbs 21:21

I Dreamt I was On the Moon

2010-05-06T09:33:00.003+10:00

Inspired by a picture in The Age, Sat 1st May,

on an article on Australian Fashion Week

"the poignant offerings of Romance Was Born"

"A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of

his mouth,

And the recompense of a man's hands will be rendered to him."

Proverbs 12:14

OH Jonah

2010-05-04T09:54:00.003+10:00

"So they picked up Jonah and threw him

into the sea, and the sea ceased from it's raging."

Jonah 1:15

"Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."

Jonah 1:17

and after he prayed....

"So the Lord spoke to the fish

and it vomited Jonah onto dry land."

Jonah 2:10

RecyK the cloth

2010-05-04T09:41:00.006+10:00

Jumper: child's size bought from country market

(hand knitted).

I croqueted the ends ..added length at wrists and waist..

Skirt ..an old jumper I knitted some years back, back and front

sewn together and then croqueted on the bottom for length.

Annia

2010-04-28T17:50:00.003+10:00

I have blurred the eye

the joy of watercolor...

"He who rules over men must be just,

Ruling in the fear of God."

2 Samuel 3b

Ms Parecchoi

2010-04-21T14:30:00.004+10:00

There is always HOPE

yes, sunshine does come after the rain...

it was only a season!

"So they will say, "This land that was desolate

has become like the garden of Eden: and the wasted,

desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited."

"Then the nations which are left all around you shall know

that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places

and planted what was desolate.

I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it."

Ezekial 36:35-36

Maikuka Loves Fish

2010-04-14T16:32:00.003+10:00

One of our sons is in Africa

he has a kitten called Maikuka

and he loves to catch

camel spiders!

"For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;

He will beautify the humble with salvation."

Psalm 149:4

All'improvviso (out of the blue)

2010-04-09T15:26:00.002+10:00

I read how Barack Obama never allows himself to get too high or too low.

I would say he has good self control and that is a character trait to be admired!

"A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterward."

The Spider Plants

2010-04-03T20:23:00.003+11:00

"In violent and chaotic times such as these, our only chance for survival lies in creating our own little islands of sanity and order, in making little havens of our homes."

Sue Kaufman (1926-) [Falling Bodies (1974)]

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Psalm 18:2

Lentil As Anything

2010-03-31T13:12:00.005+11:00

The restaurant "Lentil as Anything" in Abbotsford, Melbourne has over the past five years employed over 500 refugees or disadvantaged and long term unemployed people. Centrelink refers people there to help them get back into the workforce and now the board of the Abbotsford Convent complex are trying to remove them!! It has a 100 workers and serves about 600 meals a day. And the food is good and healthy, my husband and I have been there a couple of times. If you have any power to do anything please help them and if you are a Christian please pray for them.

"If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it."

John 14:14

The Scent of Eucalyptus

2010-03-24T12:46:00.002+11:00

I had a dream that

I was friends with a dinosaur.

I thought I would get into

trouble and be blamed

because he threw the blue and grey

jukebox into the sea.

But hey who is going to harm

me when my good friend

is a gigantic dinosaur?

"Be of good cheer:

it is I :

be not afraid."

Mark 6:50

Summer Walk

2010-03-17T12:29:00.002+11:00

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,

and the man that getteth understanding.

For the merchandise of it is better

than the merchandise of silver,

and the gain thereof than fine gold.

She is more precious than rubies;

and all things thou canst desire are not to be compared

unto her.

Length of days is in her right hand;

and in her left hand riches and honor.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

and all her paths are peace."

Proverbs 3:13,17

Quiet Ponder

2010-03-15T08:46:00.004+11:00

Is your love unconditional or conditional?

Jesus said we must love one another.

"And he said to them,

"Is a candle brought to be

put under a bushel, or under a bed?

and not to be set on a candlestick?

For there is nothing hid,

which shall not be manifested;

neither was anything kept secret,

but that it should come abroad.

If any man have ears to hear,

let him hear."

Mark 4:21-23

New Zealand

2010-03-12T08:37:00.003+11:00

In my art class we are currently doing

some landscapes, I painted this picture using

gouache paints.

"A righteous man regardeth the

life of his beast:

but the tender mercies

of the wicked are cruel."

Proverbs 12:10

Summer Day

2010-03-06T12:45:00.002+11:00

Isaiah 43:5

"Fear not: for I am with you:

I will bring your seed

from the east,

and gather you from the west;"

A New Day

2010-02-02T18:07:00.003+11:00

The Lord is good,

he surprises us with new experiences

and we meet new people

and He leads us to begin new activities.

We had the company of an 84 year old lady

for lunch. She has done judo and tai chi

and exercises (she used to often stand on her head)

and adult education classes. She still drives

a car, has all her marbles and walks

without a stick, is not overweight

and has a lovely sense of humor.

Our bodies if exercised will look after us

we cannot afford to be sedentary.

Our bodies were designed to grow

our own food, to sow and reap and gather

to build, to carry, to walk.

In days past, there were times of feast or famine,

food was not always readily available,

fasting was part of life. Now food is everywhere

and always in sight if not in the grocer

then on the TV or advertised in the papers

and coffee shops abound.

Walking is free, gyms are good places

and fun, swimming pools, tennis clubs,

dancing, bike riding, golf, gardening we

are spoilt for choice. No longer do we

have to hunt and gather, but our bodies need

to be active. Maybe when we are 84

we can be agile and active

and hopefully good examples to others.

"The Lord knoweth the days of the upright:

and their inheritance shall be forever.

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time:

and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. "

Psalm 37:18,19

grazie

2010-01-22T10:38:00.003+11:00

"The antithesis of giving thanks is grumbling.

The grumblers live in a state of self induced

stress."

Brennan Manning.

And He said to me,

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength

is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9

Joy to the World

2009-12-15T07:34:00.006+11:00

"Then the angel said to them,

"Do not be afraid,

for behold, I bring you

good tidings of great joy

which will be to all people.

For there is born to you this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

who is Christ the Lord."

Luke Ch 2:10,11

The Heavenly Choir

2009-12-14T22:46:00.003+11:00

"How beautiful upon the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings

good news,

Who proclaims peace,

Who brings glad tidings of good things,

Who brings salvation,

Who says to Zion.

"Your God reigns!"

Your watchmen shall lift up their voices,

With their voices they shall sing together;

For they shall see eye to eye

When the Lord brings back Zion."

Isaiah Ch 52:7,8

The Precious Gift

2009-12-14T22:22:00.002+11:00

I am seeing less and less Godly Christmas cards

these days, everything is Santa! Did you know that

Santa has the same letters as Satan!

I do not think that this is co-incidental at all

as Santa does a great job of taking

people's thoughts and belief (especially children)

away from Jesus.

"You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.

Trust in the Lord forever,

For in YAH, the Lord,

is everlasting strength."

Isaiah Ch 26:3,4

Immanuel God with Us

2009-12-14T21:57:00.004+11:00

"But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed."

Isaiah Ch53:5

My God will hear me.

2009-12-01T08:49:00.003+11:00

I have found when you are going through

trying situations it is better not to run to others

but to seek the Lord in prayer and in

His Word.

I found another scripture...

"Do not trust in a friend;

Do not put your confidence in a companion;

Guard the doors of your mouth

From her who lies in your bosom.

For son dishonors father,

Daughter rises against her mother,

Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;

A man's enemies are the men of his own house.

Therefore I will look to the Lord;

I will wait for the God of my salvation;

My God will hear me.

Do not rejoice over me, my

enemy;

When I fall, I will arise;

When I sit in darkness,

The Lord will be a light to me."

Micah7:5-8

...lean not unto thine own understanding

2009-11-12T15:59:00.002+11:00

ONe of the fondest memories of my childhood

was the thrill of learning to ride a bike!

Trust in the Lord;

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths,

Be not wise in thine own eyes;

fear the Lord and depart from evil."

Proverbs 3:5,6,7.

"For whoso hearkeneth unto me shall

dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

Proverbs 1:33

"Trust in the Lord, and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shall be fed."

Psalm 37:3

I won't be posting for a couple of weeks..

Ni Sa Moce!

Coffee at Laurent found

2009-11-12T15:18:00.003+11:00

I accidentally deleted this picture earlier and have lost a poem or two with my mucking around!

Trusting in the Lord...another scripture:

"Woe to them that go down to Egypt

for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots,

because they are many; and in horsemen,

because they are very strong; but they look not

unto the Holy One of Israel,

neither seek the Lord!

Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words; but will rise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.

Now the Egyptians are men, and not God;

and their horses are flesh,

and not spirit. When the Lord shall stretch out his hand,

both he that helpeth shall fall,

and he that is helped shall fall down

and they shall all shall fall together.

For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me,

"Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey,

when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him,

he will not be afraid of their voice,

nor abase himself for the noise of them:

so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion,

and for the hill therof.

As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem;

defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.

Isaiah 31:1-5

It is Better to Trust in the Lord

2009-11-06T16:23:00.006+11:00

Let's face it.

Stuff happens in life.

It is not always going to happen the way we think.

But actually it may even be possible,

that things will work out so much better than if we had planned it or controlled everything.

Sometimes when we are frightened or unhappy

or confused

if we actually praise Him we can begin to feel much better,

also if we read His Word, The Bible,

we can be soothed and comforted and given hope.

We can pour out our complaints to Him

and He will not judge us for He sees everything

and knows us and exactly how we feel.

He also loves us and cares for us .

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

Psalm 118:8

The Delivery no.2

2009-10-15T18:52:00.001+11:00

Trying to improve an old Christmas picture.

"An honest answer

is like a kiss on the lips."

Proverbs 24:26

Peony Rose

2009-10-14T14:41:00.002+11:00

"Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth."

Matthew 5:5

THE EARTH WILL GROW OLD LIKE A GARMENT

2009-10-08T14:51:00.002+11:00

I think everything must have a beginning and an end except perhaps a MacDonalds hamburger. Apparently if you put one away in a cupboard for years it will still look as good as new when you get it out!

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens,

And look on the earth beneath.

For the heavens will vanish away like smoke,

The earth will grow old like a garment,

And those who dwell in it will die in like manner;

But My salvation will be forever,

And My righteousness will not be abolished."

Isaiah 51:6

The Rapture

2009-09-29T15:35:00.003+10:00

The world is running out of oil creating serious shortages of nearly everything in the future,climate change is also a major concern causing droughts, earthquakes, floods etc and to make matters worse, the economic health of the nations is in trouble. There is one great comfort.

There shall come a day when all true believer's shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, what a comfort!

"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Shop in the Village

2009-09-23T13:04:00.004+10:00

"He who heeds the word wisely

will find good. And whoever

trusts in the Lord, happy is he."

Proverbs 16:20

Coffee at Laurent

2009-09-22T16:25:00.003+10:00

"Wisdom strengthens the wise

More than ten rulers of the city."

Ecclesiastes 7:19

A Ride in Spring

2009-09-18T11:18:00.004+10:00

We can trust in God's Word, His testimony is true,

Joshua and Caleb did and entered the

Promised Land, they did not listen to the negative

report or believe other opinions. Do we choose to believe

in His truth or are we deceived by

the father of lies, the evil one

who is always ready to plant negative thoughts

in our head.

"As for God , His way is perfect;

The word of the Lord is proven;

He is a shield to all who trust in Him."

Proverbs 18:30

"But Jesus looked at them and

said to them, "With men this is

impossible, but with God all

things are possible."

Matthew19:26

Yellow Blossom - Vietnam Series of sketches

2009-09-17T16:47:00.007+10:00

Each year in Vietnam the people celebrate the New Year around the end of January, (Tet Celebrations) Everywhere you looked the city was decorated with lovely lemon coloured blossoms and yellow marigolds and yellow chrysanthemums. Large pots like the one above decorated the footpath outside our hotel.

"He who walks with wise men

will be wise,

But the companion of fools

will be destroyed."

Proverbs 13:20

The Paris Deli, Hanoi

2009-09-15T14:40:00.006+10:00

There are some lovely French cafes and restaurants in Hanoi.

Psalm 145:19

"He will fulfill the desire

of those who fear Him.

He also will hear their cry and save them."

A Family Home Hoi An

2009-09-09T16:37:00.003+10:00

In Hoi An we went for a bicycle ride, I stopped and sketched this pretty home and soon the owners came out and invited us in and gave us a tour of their house, including a walk on their roof deck. They could not speak a word of English but with hand signals and nods etc we managed to understand one another. As a thankyou I gave them a brightly coloured cotton handerchief as a gift. The Vietnamese peple are so lovely and gentle and friendly.

"Ponder the path of your feet,

And let all your ways be established.

Do not turn to the right

or the left;

Remove your foot from evil."

Proverbs 4:26

Water Puppets in Hanoi

2009-09-07T16:48:00.004+10:00

It is a must if you are in Hanoi, to see the wonderful puppets which act out their story on water. It was a very enjoyable and creative experience, so cleverly performed by the people of Hanoi in Northern Vietnam. Musical instruments "native" to the region were employed by the local talent as well.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path."

Psalm 119:105

House in Hanoi

2009-09-03T11:39:00.003+10:00

This is an example of French colonial architecture, in Hanoi, Vietnam. The houses, usually narrow and often about five stories tall are often painted bright and lovely colours.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts..."

Isaiah 55:8-9

Talking Jazz

2009-09-01T17:06:00.006+10:00

This is not the entire picture as it would not fit in the scanner and I cannot find my camera.

"The words of a man's mouth

are deep waters;

The wellspring of wisdom

is a flowing brook."

Proverbs 18:4

William Montgomery

2009-08-31T20:21:00.004+10:00

Check out the article on William Montgomery in this month's Art Monthly Australia by Alexandra Wiber, available in newsagents.

Jeremiah 32: 22
"You have given them this land,
of which You swore to their fathers
to give them- "a land flowing with milk and honey."

Ms Snevellicci

2009-08-28T15:15:00.002+10:00

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication".
Leonardo Da Vinci

"Do not be overcome
by evil, but overcome
evil with good."
Romans 12:21

Bike Jazz

2009-08-27T13:57:00.002+10:00

Armstrong, Louis (1900-1971)
(When asked about how he felt about people copying his style)
"A lotta cats copy the Mona Lisa, but people still line up to see the original."
Collins Concise Dictionary Quotations.

Psalm 150:3-5
Praise Him with the sound of
the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and
harp!
Praise Him with the timbrel
and dance;
Praise Him with stringed
instruments and flutes!
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with high sounding
cymbals!

The King's Vase

2009-08-24T16:25:00.003+10:00

"Thus says the Lord, your
Redeemer,
The Holy One of Israel:
"I am the Lord your God,
Who teaches you to profit,
Who leads you by the way you
should go."
Isaiah 48:17

Pilgrimage

2009-08-22T16:37:00.003+10:00

Sometimes advice given to you can be quite inappropriate even incorrect. I have discovered since becoming a born again Christian that you can trust in the Lord to speak to you and guide you in His Word the Bible. When I first discovered this I felt like I wanted to tell the world on a great loudspeaker:" DID YOU KNOW THAT GOD HIMSELF CAN SPEAK TO YOU PERSONALLY" !!! It is true and amazing!!!

"Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the
ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the
Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and
night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its
season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalm 1:1-3

Louelle

2009-08-21T18:03:00.001+10:00

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Laura's Bouquet

2009-08-19T15:14:00.002+10:00

'Unpeeled apples are high in pectin, a special form of fiber that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, bind and eliminate toxins from the GI tract, and help relieve constipation . Fresh apples contain phytonutrients including ellagic acid, which, as noted previously, possesses significant anticancer properties. Those who eat apples regularly have been shown to have far fewer colds and upper respiratory infections than those who do not. The old saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away", has a great deal of medicinal truth to it!
Excerpt from "WHAT WOULD JESUS EAT?"
by Don Colbert, M.D.

"Oh sing to the Lord a new song!
For He has done marvelous things;
His right hand and His holy arm
have gained Him the victory."
Psalm 98:1

Flower Posy for Davina

2009-08-18T10:53:00.002+10:00

'The mind of the scoffer is closed;
the mind of the simple is empty
but he is teachable.
The mind of the wise is open
and accepts instruction.'

(Excerpt from my study Bible notes.)

"When the scoffer is punished,
the simple is made wise;
But when the wise is instructed,
he receives knowledge."
Proverbs 21:11

Blue Vase

2009-08-17T13:56:00.004+10:00

We are in a society of information
overload..some experts say 'we get
more information in 72 hours than our parents
received in a month, and most people
do not have the skills to deal
with it. They let new things in, but don't
get rid of old information they wanted to act on.'

"But you, Daniel, shut up the
words, and seal the book until
the time of the end; many shall
run to and fro, and knowledge
shall increase."
Daniel 12:4

Jazz and the Lady in the Blue Dress

2009-08-14T18:05:00.003+10:00

"Before destruction the heart of
man is haughty,
and before honor is humility."
Proverbs 18:12

The Music Makers

2009-08-14T12:14:00.003+10:00

"Be kindly affectionate to one another
with brotherly love, in honor giving preference
to one another"
Romans 12:9

Choisir

2009-08-13T12:24:00.003+10:00

Choisir means to choose.
Before we make any decisions
it is wise to ask the Lord
first. He knows the future
and what is always best for us.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7

Wangaratta Jazz Festival

2009-08-12T12:29:00.004+10:00

I forgot to write how my macarons
turned out. Well they were tiny.
I did not pipe enough mixture for
each one. Good for a mini mouse tea party!
And I think they are a little
overrated or that could just be my cooking.

"IN ALL YOUR WAYS
ACKNOWLEDGE HIM
AND HE SHALL DIRECT
YOUR PATHS."
PROVERBS 3:6

The Lyrebird

2009-08-11T14:40:00.004+10:00

HAPPY VALLEY
My Grandfather Jim and Dorothy
lived at The Patch,
in the Dandenongs
"Happy Valley" was their home.
They had some paddocks
one of daffodils
a sea of yellow blooms.

They had a chestnut tree
so large and grand
where we with gloves
collected the nuts
their prickly shells
discarded as well.

Jedda and Velvet
two horses you would see
in the paddocks free
Velvet,Trisha's favourite.

Our special place was the mossy pond
frogs a croaking
tadpoles swimming
and soon in glass jars
yes children we were.

Grandpop had a hazelnut tree
the nuts so delicious ,
so sweet, so fresh
so different at best
to the shops, oh yes!

His plum trees too and nectarines
and peaches graced another
in his valley memories of eating ..
the juices dripping.

At the bottom of the valley
a stream or natural spring
you could hear
it's gentle flowing waters
soothing the soul
a glass always there beside
the tank to drink from
amid those beautiful ferns
and cool under the trees.

Dorothy in summer
"Ambre Solaire" would tan her
the scent of it so lovely
the radio on the ABC
novels in hand we would sunbake
or just muck around in the pool.

Dottie cooked us a roast
many Sundays; a cheesecake too.
In winter the fire would crackle
lovely music, food and cackle.
Their bookshelf was a treat
exotic places and people.
Atlas superb and books on birds
novels too and if on the TV: the ABC.

Grandpop talked to the magpies
He knew them by name
and fed them chopped game
The kookaburras too
would join in the game.

In school holidays we would stay
crumpets served with honey
straight from the comb
walks to the corner store
with umbrellas, seeing rosellas.

Grandpop drove to church on Sundays
we admired his car, a "Rover"
a deep dark green, took turns to ride
it's aroma and it's style sublime.
Memories come of farewells in
Melbourne, streamers thrown up
and down the ship to go then
upon return Grandpop would indulge us
Chinese dressing gowns adorned us.

Christmas at "Happy Valley"
always so exciting driving up Christmas eve
the Christmas tree so lovely
presents under so inviting
Grandpop finding a 50 dollar note
in the pudding!

The lyrebird with his large clawed feet
rakes the forest floor to eat
the majestic gums such gentle giants
sway in the breeze listening to
the many songs of the birds as
the ferns glisten,the bracken, the moss
the enchanted forest..the scented air
all just a portion of His creation!

"IN THE BEGINNING GOD
CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH."
GENESIS 1:1

Willomina by William Montgomery

2009-08-10T16:43:00.004+10:00

GUEST ARTIST
William John Montgomery
friend of Mickey the cat.
Check out his art blog
Montgomery Today!
Bill drew this sketch on a paper napkin
and didn't like it
so binned it. I rescued it because I liked it.

"Enthusiasm is the force
that leads us to the final victory"
"The Pilgrimage"
Paulo Coelho "Life" Selected Quotations.

"You are the light of the
world. A city that is set on a hill
cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:14

Ms Marple

2009-08-10T13:12:00.003+10:00

Last week we dined at the Mt Dandenong
Hotel and enjoyed a delicious meal in front of a large open fire.It was a monday night and there were quite a few people in the hotel.
We were invited to listen to a choir in another room.
We were fortunate to enjoy this local choir who sang some gospel songs, some Beach Boys, some Italian love songs etc etc.. How lovely!

"My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect
in weakness".
2 Corinthians 12:9

Tuscan Villa

2009-08-08T14:57:00.002+10:00

"As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him."
Psalm 18:30

Seven Seeds

2009-08-07T15:45:00.002+10:00

"As the mountains are round
about Jerusalem, so the Lord
is round about His people
from henceforth even forever."
Psalm 125:2