The Storm and God's Song

The end of June brought a spectacular storm with clouds that developed over the region with jaw dropping color, formation and lightening.  The clouds, shaped within their own movement, danced across the sky in blends of gold, orange, pink and blue.   Lightening added to the drama and made it a photographer's delight if lucky enough to capture it's bolt piercing through the storm.  

It is during times like this in the presence of such awesomeness in nature, that one can feel very small.   Words cannot begin to describe the unfolding scene and one can only appreciate how truly great our God is, the Maker of the universe.

This summer has brought some unusual opportunities to photograph and most of it has happened without having to travel.  Often, there is beauty awaiting to be discovered in the silent subtlety of a flower or the roaring motion of a storm.  September will soon be here with its own surprises in the season of Fall and the beauty it brings.

Nothing can be more wondrous then God's ultimate creation - when He breathed His breath of life into man and man became a living soul.  I like to think that man and woman were originally created to be God's song.  In the redemptive sense, as we breathe or take in God's breath, we also release this breath back to Him and our life is the voice that becomes a living song in praise and intimacy with the Almighty Source of Life to whom we belong.


I hope you will join me at The Turn-Up Patch in a few weeks.  Until then, here is a beautiful quote by John Powell.... "God sends each person into this world with a special message to deliver, with a special song to sing and with a special act of love to bestow."

Silver Spur & American Flare at our County Fair

The Grant County Fair in John Day will be celebrating the longest running annual county fair in Oregon - 110 years!  Various businesses in the local communities have decorated in accordance with the theme entitled 'American Flare at our County Fair'.  The streets of Mt Vernon have summer flags that add color and patriotism on display for all to view as they travel through on Highway 26.  It fit right in for the Fair's theme this year......

A local restaurant in Mt. Vernon did a splendid job in the 'American Flare' decor.  Owned and operated by Jackie Osborne, the Silver Spur is a popular eating house for locals and tourists alike.  Jackie, with assist from a few friends, created the flag horse and sign advertising the Grant County Fair and Rodeo visible from the highway.  The forefront of the building greets customers with ample flowers and varied western motif emanating a hospitality welcome.

The patio in the rear of the building is set up for the summer season and offers ambiance with flowers and cozy country scenery.  Next time you visit Mt. Vernon, stop in at The Silver Spur to enjoy some of Jackie's fine cooking or gather with friends over a cup of coffee....

Until the next time we meet at The Turn-Up Patch, here is a great thought from John Wayne to leave you with.... "Tomorrow is the most important thing in life.  Comes into us at midnight very clean.  It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands.  It hopes we've learned something from yesterday."