Quilts of Valor

Last week we celebrated Veterans Day - a day that honors our military veterans across the land.  It is yearly held on November 11th.  You can click on this link regarding a prior post that I wrote about Veterans Day.... https://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-veteran.html

This year, the communities in our John Day Valley celebrated our veterans from Friday throughout the weekend and into Tuesday with various events to commemorate and to show appreciation for our military.  One such event was "Quilts of Valor".  It was an evening put together by the Grant County Piecemakers Quilt Guild.  Members from this Guild spend most of the year creating patriotic quilts to be awarded to local veterans.  The room was arrayed with many beautiful quilts, some shown here....

These photos are inadequate in showing the detail and creative thought that went into each and every quilt displayed.  My positioning was awkward in trying to take photos since there was a large crowd that attended this event and some quilts were blocked by people movement.  However, these do give you an idea of the artistry and love that went into each and every creation on view throughout the room.  Veterans were called out to receive their quilt, announcing their name and military branch served.  It was a special way to thank our vets and show recognition.  And thank you to the ladies who spend much time and devotion for making these unique quilts in honor of our veterans.

I end this post with several quotes worth mentioning.... "For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you are called to do so we can safely do what we are free to do" - Unknown
"We gather to remember, to honor those who've died, and thank God for the veterans who still stand at our side." - Greta Zwaan

See you next time at The Turn-Up Patch!! 

 

Beauty in Rock Formations

Travels in October took us through parts of Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas.  We made this whirlwind trip in eight days.  Since there was not much time for stopping and taking photos along the way, I took most of my photos through the window of a moving pickup truck with an iPhone camera.  Since the movement of the truck was not smooth, I was impressed with the quality and clarity that this tiny camera produced in photos.  Rock formations of color and grain was impressive as the highway curved in and out of the terrain.  Some of the scenery seemed similar to the fossil beds we have in eastern Oregon.   My collection of photos on this trip was extensive and it was difficult to pick out just a few to share with you in this post.

It would take a study in itself as to what caused these rock formations millions of years ago.  The evolving process in nature is a marvel to behold and these formations are a testament to forces that defined them.  Each was unique and had their own personality in appearance.

The formations generate a sense of mystery and respect as one considers the passage of time and elements involved in such creations.  They remain unmoved as life cycles around them as it has done throughout the centuries in history.  There is 'rock' symbolism in the bible and used figuratively as the Rock in reference to Jesus for protection, strength, refuge, foundation, salvation.  Rock speaks about the nature of God who is solidly unchangeable in His ways and justice.   There is a line in the hymn Rock of Ages that says... "Lord, you are our rock.  Let us hide ourselves in thee."

Until we meet next time at The Turn-Up Patch.... here is a quote by Thomas Jefferson, "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock".

Wildlife in the Tetons

Recently, we journeyed to Jackson, Wyoming for an art festival held annually in September.  The galleries showcase amazing artwork in oils, watercolors and photography as well as bronze statues.   Much of the scenery in this area is captured in these artisan creations.  When your view the actual Tetons, it is awesome how these mountains become personified by the movement of weather giving a different mood in landscape.  I kept my camera busy and it was difficult to pick out several photos out of the many taken for this post.  The second photo is a popular scene that you see in many paintings with the barn and backdrop of the mountains.  This picture was taken just as the sun was setting in a mix of cloudy sky.  Of course, God's art festival was constantly surrounding us in the grand display of the Teton Mountains, crowned by clouds, blue sky and sunsets.

There were visitors at the campsite - three bull moose!  They are accustomed to people but caution needs to be taken since they are still a wild animal subject to agitation if they are bothered.  Park rangers are usually vigilant to make sure that camera happy photographers don't get too close.  They are a huge animal and can move fast, up to 35 miles an hour and it would be quite a chase if there wasn't a tree to hide behind.  Most people are respectful and keep a safe distance.  You can admire and also be intimidated by their massive antlers, also called paddles that are used for territorial fighting and courtship.  The antlers can weigh up to 40 pounds and are shed annually in the winter, making room for new growth. 

I don't know what is the most unusual sight - the moose or the photographers.  When word spread of a wildlife sighting in the campsite, you'd see photographers hustling down the path with their gear to capture that one great shot.  Some looked to be weighed down by extensive camera equipment slung over shoulders and in backpacks with tripods and super long range zoom attachments.  Others would have compact cameras and simple smartphones to take that one picture for personal satisfaction.    Cameras and people would be in a cluster.  I wonder what the moose thinks as he looks at this spectacle of humanoids and things that go 'click'!!

These are just a few photos of the many taken.  Perhaps I can share more in a later post.  Meanwhile, I hope you will come back to the Turn-Up Patch in a few weeks for another visit.

I leave you with this simple truth in a quote from Aristotle...."In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."

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."

Horse Insight

My last post was about the mechanical horse that housed some baby birds for a short time. Once hatched, they quickly found their wings and eventually escaped the nest, all under the protective care of Mama bird that I called 'Tiny-Might'.  She was constantly flying back and forth to forage and feed her little ones and quick to scold me if I came too close.  Since the bird family has left, I rather miss my little friend and her scolding chatter.

Life has a way in defining moments whether it is a hobby horse with birds on the porch to real horses with humans in the pasture.  Here are several photos of them in their personal gathering.  Since horses are herd animals, you usually find them in a group.  They form attachments within their own species as well as with other animals and humans in companionship.

They also have an inquisitive nature as evidenced by their curiosity to check out the ATV vehicle we were in.  We kept our distance but they did not.  These beautiful animals decided to find out what this peculiar red object was all about that made noise and had two oddly shaped creatures in it that could make their own noise!  However, they are familiar with the human hand that has cared for them.

Have you ever wondered about the placement of the horse's eye?  That is a whole study in itself but I will give you a short explanation since horses are categorized as a prey animal.  They have some of the largest eyes of any land animal and are located on the side of their head for wider range of vision.  Eyesight is at nearly 360 degrees and have blind spots only in the immediate front and behind their bodies.  They have the ability to use monocular vision (both eyes used separately) and binocular vision (having two eyes arranged to produce 3 dimensional vision).  That is the physical aspect of their sight.  Horse lovers can attest to the eye in the soul of a horse that is intuitive, instinctive and responsive.  The meaning of  'becoming one with the horse' is all about connection  between a human and horse in a bond of trust and love.  This is a shadow of a simple spiritual principal... relationship in connection of becoming one with God in the bond of trust and love.

Until next time at The Turn-Up Patch.... check back in a few weeks for more words and photos.  I leave you with a quote from Peter Gray that states..."We have almost forgotten how strange a thing it is that so huge and powerful and intelligent an animal as a horse should allow another, and far more feeble animal, to ride upon its back."

Tiny-Might and the Mechanical Horse

Welcome back to The Turn-Up Patch!   I took a break from my blog for personal refreshment and to gather new material in photos and words to share with you.  I hope you will continue to visit my site as we begin anew.....

Tiny-Might

I'd like to introduce you to a little bird with a lot of resourcefulness and spunk.  This bird caught my attention with her loud chattering and flying back and forth to the deck of the house.  What really peaked my interest is that she would fly over to the mechanical riding horse situated on the deck.  I call her 'Tiny-Might' because she is bold with purpose and doesn't hesitate to scold if we get too close to her domain, being the horse.  She  usually carries a small twig or stem in her beak as she flies from fence-post to fence-post, making her way to the house.  Trying to be invisible, I would wait on the deck for her and try to take some photos as she would fly to her horse.  She became used to my presence and I was able to capture a few pictures as she made her way first to the reins and then to the bit.

the rein

the bit

It occurred to me that Tiny-Might was building a nest but where???   When she flew away, I grabbed a flashlight and looked deep into the horse's mouth and noticed a few twigs that were tucked way behind the bit.  Now how did she ever discover such a place to build a safe haven to hatch out baby birds.  It's not a very glamorous photo of an old hobby horse's mouth, but if you look close enough, you will spot a twig or two in the darkness behind the bit.

This is an unfolding story.  Of course the mechanical horse will not be in operation for awhile.  It  definitely has another purpose by providing shelter for a little bird's ingenuity in her quest to nest.


                                                                Join me back at the Turn-Up Patch in two weeks.  
Since we will be celebrating July 4th this week, have a blessed one with family and friends in remembrance.....