Blanket of Snow, Blanket of Love

Christmas is the gateway into the new year.   As the new year approaches seven days later, it is good to take the celebration of Christ and carry its spiritual momentum into the days and months of 2019.  As the angels declared good tidings and joy with the birth of Christ unto humanity, may it become a living reality in bringing hope and peace in our daily lives.  Just as new-fallen snow blankets nature may His Presence, in the blanket of love, provide shelter from anxieties and storms of life.

New fallen snow came to Grant County this past week and with its arrival brought beauty to the countryside and fun in winter recreation.  I don't have to travel far to capture a beautiful photo moment, since these were taken from the front yard.  Not such a delight for travelers on winter roads but for those who live in winter climates, they are prepared with snow tires/chains and maneuver the winter roads with dexterity.

There are several quotes that I end this post with.  Combined, there is a message of God's love for one and for all.....  "A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together! (anonymous)
God loves each of us if there were only one of us. (St. Augustine)

I'm sorry I did not show up for my December 17th post but will try to keep our regular 'date' every two weeks in 2019, starting on Monday, January 14....

   

Nature, Solace and Anne Frank

Just as winter fights spring in its impending arrival, so does fall fight the approaching season of winter.  I was amazed to see this startling and vibrant rainbow while traveling home.  It didn't seem warm enough for a rainbow with a forecast of imminent snow.  This scene reminds me of our personal journey in life when an unexpected blessing can cross our path to brighten and cheer our day. 

Snow eventually caught up with the weather and as predicted, blanketed our area with the first carpet of white.  Travel becomes more difficult in Eastern Oregon in winter because of mountain roads that lead north, south, east and west.  For those that have lived in this area for any length of time, they have become seasoned travelers and know the wisdom of equipping their vehicles with snow tires and carry a set of chains 'just in case'.

The trees can look so barren and lifeless after they lose their cloak of green leaves.  However, transformed by their nakedness, the exposure of bark and branch brings a dimension of beauty that can be missed by summer foliage. 

I feel blessed to live in an area where beauty abounds no matter what the season.  This morning, the sun peaked out from snow clouds casting light that dispersed shadows on the surrounding hillside.  Afternoon clouds cleared to blue sky that gave its own contrast to snowy Canyon Mountain.

Anne Frank, whose young life was cut short by the cruelty of twisted evil in the hostility of antisemitism, had this beautiful quote.   Her words live on in depth of inner beauty and wisdom...  "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God.  Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.  As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.  And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles."


Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, December 17th....

Freedom and Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell is a name that is fondly remembered as an artist who depicted Americana in innocence.  His paintings showcase respect, honor and humor as his paint brush splashed over the canvas that revealed stories in human living through his eyes.  One of his quotes..."Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed."

He was born on February 3, 1894 and he died at 84 years of age on November 8, 1978.  He was a beloved author, painter and illustrator and known for his covers on the Saturday Evening Post.  In 1977, he received the nation's highest peacetime award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Gerald Ford.

Among his collections, Norman Rockwell's Four Freedoms became a phenomenal success after their publication in 1943 during the 2nd World War.   These paintings are a poignant and powerful reminder of what we hold dear in the name of freedom....  Freedom of Speech,  Freedom of Worship, Freedom From Fear, Freedom From Want.                     

As we approach Thanksgiving this week, let us all be thankful for the liberties that we enjoy and appreciate.   Freedom should not be taken for granted for it was won and is sustained by the sacrifice of many.

Freedom is a dynamic that began with God who gave humanity the choice in free will. Let us not worship freedom over the Creator who gave us freedom.  He alone is Omnipotent!  And we should never get so arrogant as a nation to dismiss His Sovereignty in replacing Him with lawlessness in the name of freedom.

Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday,  December 3rd...

An Annual Tradition in Dayville

Since we just had Halloween, I am doing a repeat of a post on Dayville's fun and festive community in harvest celebration.  It is an annual event, always with scarecrow street decor to the delight of residents and visitors passing through.  I had to take this picture of a brand new addition to the scarecrow creations displayed at the Dayville Cafe.  This meet and greet group are the most lovable harvest characters to have by your door.....

 

 

By the way, the restaurant food is the best in the county and so is their varied pie selection - try a slice of the apple jalapeno caramel pie... yummy!!  You'll want to take home the whole pie.

 

 

Harvest Time and Community of Dayville, Oregon    (Posted on October 24,2016)

Today, as we journey through Harvest Time, we take a little trip to Dayville.  I wrote about Dayville in October 2013 when the community was celebrating their Centennial including a fun video I put together of the creative scarecrows that lined their main street.  You can check out this post at the below link, which gives some background history about Dayville. 
http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/10/centennial-scarecrows-dayville-oregon.html
Three years later, the friendly town of Dayville carries on their harvest time tradition, complete with this welcoming sign featured in the park. 

In all kinds of weather, through storms and sunshine, the sturdy scarecrows remain vigilant during October welcoming travelers driving through on Highway 26.  The residents who join in the creative fest for best harvest scarecrow, outshine in individual handiwork and it is difficult to make a choice as to a favorite ragamuffin.  Here are just a few samples...

 

Not to be outdone by scarecrows, pumpkins come into display with their whimsical faces drawn by a talented Dayville resident.  Featured at the Community Fall Festival, they were a hit as well as the food fare, prepared and served with plenty of delicious cuisine choice.

Many thanks to the Dayville residents who make Harvest time in the John Day Valley unique with creative scarecrows and to Ruthie Moore for her 'funtastic' pumpkin faces - all done for our viewing pleasure!

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Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, November 19th....  See you then!

Thy Kingdom Be Lived Within Me

Throughout the centuries, our beautiful earth has been home to multiple species of life.  Humanity was put in place to oversee, enjoy and nurture boundless forms of living organisms.  However, the human race is caught in the struggle of life itself, which has confluence of good and evil; both consist of four letters and both are polar opposites.  We can see the effects or fruit of good in the world and also the effects or fruit of evil. 

There is a higher realm that exists called the Kingdom of God.  An elusive term to some, but those that become awakened to this reality know that this is their true home.  Many scriptures reference to the Kingdom of God.   Jesus states in John 18:36  "My Kingdom is not of this world".  Often a sense of being a pilgrim in our personal journey becomes a heartbeat of knowledge that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).  The Kingdom of God!  Is it a place or a state of being or both??

We can have moments of glory in the world's continuing drama of existence but it cannot come close to what the Kingdom of God offers.  Much has been written regarding this subject and space does not permit me to expand other's collective conclusions.  At this time of my life, I can only relate to you my personal reality.  God is my Source and as my Source, He offers me all who He is and I truly can live and move and have my being in Him.  Therein lies His character that I become one with... I can choose to wrap and hide myself in His robe of embracing love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, peace where joy, hope and healing are found.  My soul becomes soothed and infused in that dynamic.  I have discovered that the Kingdom is available here and now and is constant to sustain, strengthen and satisfy.

Thy Kingdom be lived within me!

Visit me again at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks, on Monday, November 5th....

The Art of Relaxing

Intensity comes in many forms and we can often find ourselves stressed trying to keep up with daily tasks that scream for attention.  Moments to catch our breath seem elusive but so necessary in gathering energy for the next chore at hand.  To relax becomes an unfamiliar luxury that is often put aside until it is time to collapse in bed at the end of the day.

Other words for relax are - decompress, unwind, loosen up, slow down.  My cat is a perfect example that gives a visual for this meaning....

We can always learn from our furry four legged friends who can teach us some valuable lessons in life.  A quote by Charles Spurgeon  - "Rest time is not waste time.  It is economy to gather fresh strength... It is wisdom to take occasional furlough.  In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less."

Join me at the Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, October 22nd.  And remember to take a few mini-furloughs during your day.

A Wyoming Escape

I apologize for missing the September 10th posting due to a vacation and lack of internet along the way.  Actually, it was a welcome reprieve not to be connected to the chattering noise of information that high tech provides.  We stayed at a campground about six miles from Jackson, Wyoming that was quiet, peaceful and scenic.  Taking a walk around the camp, came across this sight and had to take a photo.  I can't imagine sleeping in a tent on top of a cab on a pickup truck but to each his own, as the saying goes....

The beautiful Teton mountains were not sharply visible since smoke drifted into the area from so many wildfires.  It cleared just briefly for a photo or two that I was able to get from the camp-site area.

Sunsets are beautiful, no matter what part of the country you are in

Driving into Jackson, we noticed a group of people by the side of the road with cameras in tow.  Not to miss an opportunity for a photo shoot, I joined them to see what the fuss was all about.  At the bottom of the hill was a moose with her two calves.  They were enjoying themselves eating and drinking on one of the banks by the river.  The calves were large - at least 300 pounds each and still nursing!  The following photos show the story in sequence....

I think Mama Moose was getting tired of her large babies nursing at her side and broke loose to head to the other side of the river with her calves scrambling after her.  It was a great photo shoot!  There is always something unique to photograph in such an amazing part of Wyoming.  We were able to visit Jackson last year and the weather was a little more co-operative with less smoke.  You can check this link to my post entitled "The Awesome Tetons".... https://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-awesome-tetons.html

Please join me at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, October 8th....  As we enter the Fall season, I leave you with this thought that echos my heart.... "Fall has always been my favorite season.  The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale." - Lauren Destefano

Summer and Smoke

August has been definitely hot in Eastern Oregon along with smoke that has drifted in and out of the valley; a result of so many wildfires in the Pacific Northwest.  Not only fires in Oregon but California and Washington as well as smoke from multiple forest fires occurring in British Columbia, Canada.  A tragic waste in the devastation of nature, properties and lives..... and its not over with yet.  We welcome fall with its cooler temperatures and perhaps some rain.  Many places will rejoice in the advent of winter that will squelch embers with falling snow and blanket charred remains from devouring fire.

Meanwhile, we anticipate fall days ahead that will end stifling heat and bring a type of calmness to the land that only the season of fall can do.  I was able to get a few pictures of the horses that were on the hill that seemed oblivious to smoke but very interested in our two dogs as if to say, "what kind of creature is this??"

The photo below shows a smoke obscured valley, hills and town.  There have been days when the smoke was thicker than this picture shows and you kept house windows shut to keep the smell from entering the home.  We sympathize with those who have suffered loss in other areas of Oregon and elsewhere.  Grant County had its own experience with devastating fires three years ago that consumed forests and homes.  The wilderness fires left black twisted remains of trees that we still view today and residents who lost homes went on to either rebuild or relocate.  It makes us all nervous having had this community experience since smoke is an all too familiar sight jarring memories of a few short years ago.
 

There have been clear days to remind us to enjoy the beauty - whether it is a sunset, a sunrise, a storm cloud, or a simple butterfly.....

God bless you all dear readers and we'll meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, September 10th...

The Gift of Nola Ochs

In February of 2013, I wrote a story on "Belief and Nola Ochs" that bears repeating.  I would like to complete this story with an epitaph about this remarkable woman.  Nola passed away in December of 2016 at the age of 105 years young.  I state the word "young" since she lived her life not paying attention to what a birthday number says you should be.  Her gift or legacy that she leaves behind is a living definition of the quote, hope springs eternal.  She refused to believe an erroneous logic that says... you are too old.  Instead, she went on with her faith in God and in her dream to achieve her goal in higher education.  She made the Guinness World Records with the distinction of being the oldest college graduate in the world.
This video was made when she received her degree at 96 years of age and did achieve a Master's Degree in 2010.  Several of her statements in this video stand out to me.... "it is never too late to pursue your dream" and "the Lord willing".  I encourage you to watch this video and listen to Nola and her inspiring message.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hf7FQ38GKk

Belief and Nola Ochs 

An email article was sent to me recently regarding an 87 year old woman called Rose who went on to college and received a degree.  It is an inspiring and uplifting story that tells of one woman's quest to receive a college education.  In the process, she gains the respect and admiration of fellow students who applauded her spunk and wisdom.   Since I was curious to find out if the article about Rose was true or not,  I went on line to find out more about "Rose".  This is what I discovered in the process....  the story was written by Dan Clark who is a motivational speaker and the Rose story appeared in 28 different books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul.  I found no indication if Mr. Clark ever had the personal experience of meeting Rose in college and to be personally impacted to write about her.   Either way, the Rose story needs to be told since it speaks of the human spirit and how, if driven by a purpose and challenge will make the way for success in achieving that goal, despite age or background.  The below photo was attached to the story circulated on the internet about Rose.

Nola Ochs

I made another discovery when researching the article... the above photo is not Rose. This image with the “Rose" story is actually a snapshot of  Nola Ochs, who is a real-life inspiration. In 2007, she became the Guinness record holder as the world’s oldest college graduate at the age of 95 with a 3.7 GPA.   Nola graduated from Fort Hays State University with a General Studies Degree with an emphasis in History.  She also graduated with her 21-year old granddaughter, Alexandra Ochs. 

2007 College Graduate at age 95

Nola went on to pursue her master's degree in liberal studies from Fort Hays State University in the fall of 2007.  She received her Master's Degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in History in May of  2010, making her the oldest recipient to earn her master's at age 98.

2010 Master's Degree at age 98

After receiving her Master's Degree, Nola applied for and got the position of Graduate Teaching Assistant in the History Department at Fort Hays State University.  She served in this capacity until the end of the first semester of 2011 and continued as a  History M.A. student at the University.  She celebrated her 100th birthday at the Fort Hays State University basketball game on November 15, 2011. At age 100, she began working on her genealogy project and is currently writing a book.  Ms. Ochs states that she has a good start on the book, which is about her life experiences, and will title the book,  "Nola Remembers".

Some of Nola's quotes:
-  I'm very gratified to have attained the distinction as the world's oldest graduate.  I would like to encourage people to keep on learning.  Our education is never complete.
-  I don't dwell on my age.  It might limit what I can do.  As long as I have my mind and health, it's just a number.
-  I give thanks every day for each new day that the Lord allows me to live and enjoy life to the fullest.
-  Most everyone has an inner desire....something they would like to do.  Maybe it seems impossible, but it isn't.  Today, there are so many options.  People will help you do almost anything if you want to do it badly enough.  The desire has to be intense, but I would encourage people to search their desires, to pick out one, and then get out and do it!
-  I've led a long, interesting life.  We went through the dust storms.  We had some difficult times in our marriage financially.  But it's been the Lord's will that I've lived this long life and I thank Him kindly for it.

I bring this true story to you in today's post about Nola Ochs as an example of what belief can do to fulfill a personal desire.  Believing is a force which encompasses the beginning of a desire and stirs it up towards an outcome.   To believe is to have faith, confidence and trust, which springs from an inward conviction and results in achievement.   Simply stated:
- We can each say, "I believe in You" to our Father of Lights and it will make a difference in our daily living, because.... HE CAN!
- We can each say, "I believe in you" to one another to make a difference in his or her daily living because.... YOU CAN!
- We can each say, "I believe in you" to ourselves to make a difference in our own inner being because.... I CAN! 

Nola lived out these three dynamics towards her goal - her core belief in her Lord, other people believing in her, and personally believing in herself that she could and would make a dream come true.


Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, August 27th...


 
https://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/02/belief-and-nola-ochs.html

Marvel of Moon & Mars

It was a thrill to be a part of the July 27th Blood Moon and Mars experience.  Here in Grant County, we had a supermoon minus the red color.  However, it was super brilliant with no clouds or smoke to obscure. We, in the Americas, were not privileged to witness the eclipse of the moon or blood moon as viewed in other parts of the globe. There is no need to go into all the scientific information as to why the moon turns red and to the occurrence of the eclipse itself.  You can check out this data yourself on the information highway on the internet.

In simplicity, there were beautiful moments to capture on camera as the moon rose from behind the surrounding hills and made its ascent into the heavens.  That's how it appeared to this earthling.  The lighting gives each photo a distinct personality because of time-lapse between each shot.

Characteristic of the moon, the above shot shows more definition on the surface in colored markings.  Even though we did not see the red hued or blood moon as it is called, it was still a wondrous moon to gaze upon. What was equally or more exciting than the moon, was the visible planet of Mars that appeared below the moon.  This is the closest approach to earth in 15 years, the last was in 2003.

In the above picture, you can see Mars by the tiny red orb towards the bottom right as you look at the photograph.  It appeared as a brilliant star to the naked eye but as I used the zoom on my camera, the red color became more apparent.  Since the zoom range is limited on my camera, the planet itself is limited in size.  But I was still happy to actually capture Mars in my photo. The next closest approach will be on October 6, 2020 and the next super-close opposition will be in September 2035.  Way into the distant future, Earth and Mars will have another record-breaking meetup in the year 2287 (according to experts), when the two will be about 34,760 million miles apart.

I won't be around for that event but I fancy being with the Creator of all these celestial wonders and as scripture says, when that time comes, I shall fully know and not just in part...(1 Corinthians13:9,10).  In the meantime, I salute my heavenly Father for all the marvels He has made and what a Marvel He Is!! - "How great Thou art"


Join me at The Turn-Up Patch for our next visit on Monday, August 13th...

Makings of a Miracle

Much of the world waited and watched the drama unfold of 12 soccer boys and their coach who found themselves in peril and awaiting rescue against impossible odds.  Such an incredible story that ended up in joyful news of all who were brought to safety due to the expertise, resilience, resolve and focus of the rescue teams.  What was equally incredible was the thousands in prayer and energy of thought in unification with our God to "bring them out of darkness into the light".   It did not matter about culture, politics, religion or status - all peoples came together to pull in hope and compassion for the release of these ones held prisoner in a Thailand cave by nature's rains.  This story ended well with credit given to the "Power of Love".  Quote.... "This mission was successful because we had power.  The power of love.  Everybody sent it to the 13."

As time goes on, more will be found out regarding the particulars of this rescue - how the combined efforts of the soccer team, the rescue teams and entwined faith became the makings of a miracle.  

With permission of Fr Julian Cassar, I present a post that he wrote on Tuesday, July 10 about this momentous happening.  You can check out his blog "Dun Giljlan's Blog" at http://dungiljan.blogspot.com/
Dun Giljlan is Maltese for Father Julian, a familiar and favored priest who ministered in various parishes in Eastern and Central Oregon as well as in New York before retiring to his homeland of Malta.   Check out his blog for daily inspirational and interesting posts.

 

Courage, Safety, and Heroism

The past two weeks have been dominated by the search-and-rescue efforts by a large number of heroes, divers, paramedics and Navy seal members to bring the 12 Thai soccer boys and their coach to safety. Today we give tribute to the number of rescue workers who sacrificed their lives and their time and families to bring these boys to safety after a technically difficult rescue effort. It is unfortunate that our news is constantly dominated by evil stories of mass shootings, terrorism, hijackings and other tragedies. So it is imperative that we emphasize and applaud the heroism and selfless generosity of these rescue workers who have gathered in Thailand from around the globe to hopefully save these boys. As they now rest comfortably in a hospital, being quarantined for a few extra days, and recovering from their ordeal, we pray today in thanksgiving for the collective effort the world has shown towards this incredible story. 

I am sure movie script-writers are already planning for a blockbuster movie on this heroic rescue effort, but due credit should be given today to the innumerable number of heroes who helped in saving these soccer boys, in time before the monsoon rains arrive. And we thank God for keeping the rains to a minimum of 20 mm, as the average at this time is usually over 100 mm. Let us pray, and thank God for such a happy, positive outcome to this story. Let us also not forget the Thai Navy sea diver who lost his life last week in the process of helping the children out of the cave.

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch for our next visit on Monday, July 30th.... 

A Colt for Ellise

A new addition arrived yesterday, on July 1st.  It's been a long anticipated arrival with much pampering done to a favorite mare about to foal.  She's had colts before, so she knew the routine.  This particular mare has a calm disposition and a kind eye as you can tell in the photo below.  Check out those lovely gray eyelashes and natural dark eyeliner!

The last month has been a twice daily check hoping she'd foal before long.  She remained content to eat her grain and pasture grass, as if to say..."what's your hurry".  Her belly continued to grow.  Her movements slowed down during this past week, limited by heaviness in a bulging stomach.

The last few days, the mare began showing signs of going into her foaling time.  Upon checking her at 3:00 yesterday morning, we discovered she had a healthy stud colt by her side.  Finally!  Later on, she brought her baby close by the house to show him off as a proud mother would do and even posed for a picture.  The mare still looks pregnant!  Not really - she ate well during her pregnancy with special grain and hay to keep her healthy for this big event.

What makes this colt special is that he is promised to a young girl who is turning into quite a horsewoman even in her childhood years.  Already he has a future with this little gal who has big plans for both of them to bond not only in relationship but as a team that can only be experienced between horse and rider.  A big 'Yay' for Ellise and her dreams with this beautiful colt.

Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks, on Monday, July 18th.    A thought for you.....


Since we are rolling into July, enjoy this week in celebration of July 4th, Independence Day.  Let us not take our freedoms for granted.  This is a sobering quote from Abraham Lincoln - "America will never be destroyed from the outside.  If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."