Learning To Play The Piano In My Spare Time...

 

Learning To Play The Piano

I am beginning to wonder about the wisdom or shall I call it the bravery;

In the reality that I am learning to play the piano...

I can hear the scales in my sleep

C D E F G

But learning where each note sits on the staff

Is a new learning curve for me!

These little notes do many things...

They step, skip and repeat!

I felt rather discouraged last week when I went to my class

And I found out I had learned a song incorrectly.

I tell you I almost wanted to quit...

Tell me when are we too old to learn something new?

I tell so many of you often in my blog posts

Never give up!

Keep running your race!

Well, now I need to apply this very same thing to myself.

If I wrote about every aspect of my life,

Or if you told me every woe and trouble in your lives.

We all would become a 

Debbie Downer

(From Saturday Night Live)

Yes, I have watched it a few times many years ago!

I do not live under a rock...

Our internet is not an unlimited kind...

(This thing gives you warnings;

You are about to exceed your time limit)

But, I am pretty sure life does not give you these warnings

So you can hurriedly squeeze all the things into your day or life;

That you have had a desire to do!

So Just do it...

Look, if you would only...

Brush your teeth for 3 minutes a day

And Study your Bible for an hour daily

And if you would walk for 20 minutes every day

And eat five fruits and vegetables every single day of your life

And you must practice the piano every day at least two times a day

And remember to remember to do all these things!

You my friend would be a robot or a computer...

So there you have it...

Wait, one more thing;

We are supposed to encourage one another daily, while it is yet day!

So here it is, my dear sweet friends!!

I appreciate each of you!

Sometimes I can only just get on the computer when

I am NOT either brushing my teeth, or eating my fruits and vegetables,

Or walking, or playing the piano!

Or if I have not exceeded my limit...

~I do hope you all got a good laugh~

Looking For Color In Every Day And The Majestic Cardinal...

 

The Cardinal

This beautiful bird is one of my most favorite!

But sadly in this part of the country we do not have them.

When I was a child growing up we had them;

And even then I thought they were all dressed up for a party!

There is just such a lively and robust way about them!

I think they are always dressed for a festive holiday!

There just majestic and regal!

The King and Queen of the winter forest!

Because of my love of these birds I am now,

I am on the look out for some fabric with these bright red birds on them.

And maybe a picture or a bird figurine for the mantel.

It is interesting how one can become interested in many different things,

That may have never even crossed my path or radar before.

But I have taken a keen interest now!

Learning to broaden your horizon and interest is healthy and,

Keeps us young...

I always thought bird watching was silly or boring,

But I now think watching the birds and seeing the many

Splendors that God has created is eye opening!

We can become dull in noticing the little things, as we become

Bombarded with the big and loud!

These beautiful birds are so very cheery and bright!

I know this is the time of year we need to really look for;

Bright Spots in our days!

It is the time of year where the landscape becomes really brown 

All colors are gone and things can appear dreary.

I hope to travel soon and I will be on the look out for these lovely birds!

The color red is such a cheery color!

I always like to have a bit of red in most every room of my home!

Just a red flower a geranium just makes me smile.

A red rose says lovely to me.

A red frame around a picture just pops!

Why we need to keep an eye always opened;

Beauty and color is everywhere, we just have to look

More intently...

Lord, give me eyes to see all your beauty and to appreciate it!

What The Different Colors Of Roses Mean...

There is just something so wonderful about the Rose flower...

The smell is intoxicating,

The symbolism is powerful!

A rose is worth a thousand words...

Enjoy a little symbolism that is dedicated to each different color of each rose.

Each color has some special meanings to them!

THE:

Red Rose...

The Red roses are of course the traditional symbol for love and romance.

They say I Love You!

The red rose speaks life!

This rose says beauty and perfection.

A bouquet of red roses is a perfect way to express your deep feelings!

Pink Roses...

A pretty Pink rose is a symbol of grace and elegance.

It is used to convey admiration, or appreciation.

Also the color says joyfulness.

The pink rose is considered the oldest garden rose.

Yellow Roses...

This bright and sunny color of yellow brings feelings of

warmth, happiness and cheerfulness.

this is a great rose to send with a get well wish!

True friendship!

Feelings of joy...

White Roses...

.

Now, the white rose represents innocence and purity.

New beginnings (marriages, births)

A white rose shows honor and reverence.

These are often an expression of  remembrance (death of a loved one)

Orange Roses...

Orange roses speak of desire and enthusiasm.

Energy, passion and excitement.

Fascination

Theses send a meaning message.

Emerging romance.

Lavender Roses...

Majesty, Enchantment,

Love at first sight!

I always love looking at the roses;
Every part of the rose has a special meaning.
The fragrance is heady and speaks of love and romance;
A rose scented oil or a perfume is beautiful!

I think each petal is thick and lush and is a treasure,
when they fall off the stem and dry in the wind!
They can be scattered or placed in a bowl.

Even the thorns can remind us of the sorrows and pain that come
in the life we live each day.

The beginning of a rose bud, speaks of new beginnings;
And beauty is on its way.
Never give up and look for the beauty in each day.

May I suggest you consider buying some roses;
They are worth the beauty and symbolism once in awhile...


Give a gift that speaks love and affection...
To your mate or child or friend

Gods Grace Overflows And Where Your Treasures Is...

 

These Young Ladies Inspire Me...

I have known each and every one of them for at lease

Two decades or more!

They desire to be Godly wives and mothers!

They have shown me honor and love...

I am so grateful that I have been able to speak truth and love

Into their hearts and families and marriages!

We were all having a little tea party lunch for sweet fellowship;

As these two young women were here visiting their Mother!

Which just happens to be my dear friend from our youth.

These two were best friends with my daughter growing up!

The one in the middle is my most precious Daughter In Love;

She was given to me as a gift through marriage...

She has blessed me beyond words!

You Can Find Her @
Gods Grace Overflows

This lovely lady and friend has been a part of my life

~Forever~

The two young ladies with me above our her two girls

"They are twins"

Here is Pam's Blog
Where Your Treasure Is
(Treasure In Earthen Vessels"

We have had many years to grow a friendship that we always

pray brings glory to God!

These young Godly Boys;

Belong to the women of the first photo I showed;

These are the young arrows these ladies are raising!

And of course, these boys are a few of Pam's and my grandchildren!

We both have more grandchildren that were not with us on this occasion.

I think it is rather very sweet to all be together for a few glorious hours!

The boys had so much fun...

We girls had a lovely day!

Tea and a yummy lunch!

Fellowship

And Love

( I just wanted to mention that the two girls in the photo with me;

Are the very ones that got all of us to start a Blog)

They are the very reason I have gotten to know so many other very special

Blogging friends all over the world!

YOU...

How To Make A Very Easy Heart Banner...

~A Heart Banner~

This is a super easy way to make a very cute Heart Banner.

It would look very cute over the mantel.

All you need is a deck of cards

(You will need to punch holes in the cards

You will use all the heart cards in the deck!)

There will be thirteen of the heart ones.

Some different colors of ribbon

(Red and some white with some polka dots, stripes, hearts)

Also, you can use strips of fabric along side the ribbon!

The more the merrier...

You can purchase small amounts of a Valentine theme fabric!

You will have fun picking these out!

You can use any cord or rope or a heavy twine to string the cards on!

 Then add some ribbon and fabric strips placed between each of them!

You will also need a hole punch!

This is a rustic and heart and homey look!

You can also add some clothes pins to clip a cut out heart between the cards.

I like to use those pretty heart lace doilies!

Use your own imagination!

Have fun...

You can buy a few packs of playing cards at the Dollar Store!

You Will Need

Deck Of Cards

Twine or rope or ribbon

Hole punch

Fabric strips

Ribbons

Clothes Pins

I do hope you give this a try as it is very cute and cheap to make!

You can make one for yourself and one for a friend!

And really this is so easy your children or grandchildren

 Would love to make one!

Open Your Eyes And See Faith At Work...

Faith

It is very hard to understand faith;

And as a Christian we can have nothing,

Yet possess everything!

We can become sorrowful,

Yet we are able to rejoice

We may be poor in finances or in our health;

Yet we are rich with things money can not purchase.

This faith is very real yet invisible to the naked eye.

Faith gives  spiritual substance to the invisible...

"Faith is what will enable us to see God as a God of love at work;

Through all our hurts and hardships in our lives.

I have faith that I am doing just what God has called me to do!

Yes, I have doubts at times;

Yes, I could do more.

Yes, I could do and do and do...

But this faith allows me to wait and rest and be at peace.

I have put my hand to the plow;

I have days ahead of me that will require a purpose and a plan!

Keep your hands busy dear ones,

These days are requiring you to not look back!

Take each day one day at a time;

And create a lovely meal for your loved ones!

Bake some fresh, quick bread!

Paint your nails!

Read a Good book!

Work on some mending, sew on a button!

Write an encouraging card to someone!

Do not become discouraged!

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and certain

Of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

Asking For Prayer And Counting Your Blessings...

God Loves To Hear Our Prayer's...

What kind of day are you having?

I do hope you are counting your blessings and giving thanks;

If you are in good health, praise the Lord!

If you have food in your cupboard, give thanks!

If your man is standing by you, give thanks!

I just wanted to share my afternoon with you ladies;

I just returned home from visiting a very dear friend!

She is an amazing woman...

Her name is Kelly

A sweet and gentle Irish gal,

She is a worshipper at heart!

~She sings like a bird~

She is funny and very cute;

But she has had struggles, like most of us have.

But this time in this season it is a different struggle!

She was diagnosed with brain cancer,

She has had two brain surgeries and is undergoing the

Full cancer treatment plan for her type of cancer!

She seemed to be very peaceful and I could sense her faith!

She had a cute headband on her head!!

Her daughter had given her a pedicure and her toes were ready to meet 

A warm and sandy beach in my opinion!

She smiled and nodded her head over everything we said to her!

We had the chance to pray with her and she gave a hardy 

AMEN...

I think God has a way of showing us a very good perspective

On what we might think is a hard or difficult season.

Can we encourage another, even when we are in a battle?

Yes, Yes we can and we should...

Can I ask you to pray for my dear friend?

Would you lift her up and add your prayer request;

To the Lord Jesus Christ, she loves and serves.

Her husband is a Pastor;

And he was telling my Husband and I, what his sermon was
 Going to be about for his church tomorrow;

It went something like this...

David learned what he needed to learn to fight the giant

Through the battles he had won with the Lion and the Bears!

We all learn to fight in the battle...

I believe one day we can all look back and sing;

Look What The Lord Has Done!

If you could leave a comment for her here on this Blog Post,
I could send her the link with your thoughts and prayers for her!
Can we encourage another today with our prayers!

THANK YOU !!

Why I Have Always Loved Having A Pretty Kitty...

Yes, That Is A Picture Of Me In My Much Younger Years

Pretty Kitty

When I was a little girl, I use to have a scrapbook  filled

with pictures of kitties I use to cut them out from magazines.
I really enjoyed looking for them, it became a game!
Some kids collected stamps, but I collected kitty pictures.
Some of the cutest ones were found on my birthday cards!

But what is really weird; 

I really was allergic to cats, but I still loved them.

About 15 years ago, my hubby got me a kitty for

~Valentines Day~

It took me awhile, but I did build up an immunity from her dander.

I still must wash my hands after petting her, or I can get itchy eyes or a  runny nose.

Every little kitty needs a friend to groom her,

and to play beauty parlor with them.
Or even dress her up and place her in a basket.
(But if you do not handle them a lot while they are little kitties,
They never get used to a lot of handling)

And you need to usually make the decision
As to whether your kitty will be an indoor or outdoor pet!

This little kitty is playing hide and seek..

I have always enjoyed seeing my kitty curled up in front of the wood stove
sleeping and reminding me that she is not worried about anything.
Purring is also very relaxing to hear in the background.

I know so many of you do not care for cats,
But I think they are just sweet to look at and to have around.
Yes, I have had to deal with cat hair,
And we did get her de-clawed when she was a kitten.
And you can always train your kitty to not jump on certain furniture items!
We used a spray bottle of water to really get tough on her!
She pretty much just sleeps and eats;
Now, that is the life...

But I find it all worth it!

She has been a comfort to me.

Blessings,

Love, Roxy

Vintage And Rose And A Sweet And Gentle Spirit...

This was a card sent to me many years ago, I just always thought it was so pretty.

 I do have a fondness for Victorian pictures.

 It must be the angelic sweetness that seems to emanate from them.

So many times I feel insulted by the offensive things that abound in our world.

But we woman can create  a home that is filled with things that bring a sense of well being.

Being a homemaker is a powerful ministry.

 I chose to keep my home the center of my affection, of course after Christ.

 As a Godly atmosphere  is what makes a home! 

Being able to take the time or in some cases to make the time.

To make your home clean and comfortable,

Yet filled with sweet treasures of color and beauty!

I think we can take a bit of imagination and spray paint;

And make a new look or refresh an older item of our home!

So many cute ideas that can be done with just some chalkboard paint!

I have seen many blog posts about how many women have taken things 

from their closets or Goodwill, and revamped them into a treasure.

I also think it is a good idea to have a box or tub to have

Put aside to have other pictures or glassware for decorating,

and changing your rooms around.

This can be seasonal or just different color schemes.

Whether you like vintage or eclectic in style,

you can always make every room seem special and warm,

An inviting and to want to linger there!

I also want to mention this is that even if a home is decorated to the nines,

Being a woman that resides there that has a sweet and gentle spirit.

Is what really makes a home cozy and lovely!

I do hope to write a post on this topic soon!

A Sweet And Gentle Spirit...

As Always, Living From Glory To Glory

They Call It A Silent Killer, High Blood Pressure...

Hello Dear Friends...

Just an important message on the culprit thing called the silent killer!

High Blood Pressure

I have learned so many new things about Blood Pressure;

When I first started feeling really weird and I had no idea as to what was causing it!

I was very concerned and a little frightened...

When you have never felt a certain way before, and you can

not explain the weird symptoms you are feeling;

Headache

Dizzy

Lightheadedness

I could hear a rushing sound in my ears when I laid down!

Thankfully, I was feeling a bit under the weather so I went

To my doctor, I think it was God's providence!

They took my blood pressure reading and it was very high!

Then by the weekend I was in the ER with an off the chart high reading.

They did nothing for me they just assured me I was not dying!

They just did not want me to stroke out (really)

 And as it was on a Sunday, that was the only place to go!

They told me to go to see my physician in the morning;

So I went to my doctor first thing in the morning...

As I tend to believe that diet and lifestyle will cure anything!

I googled everything

I kid you not I was convinced eating celery would cure me.

Firstly, I want to mention that some high blood pressure;

Is completely from genetics...

Before we think that all blood pressure can be completely

Controlled by diet or supplements!

NOT

These things can help control it, but not make it go away, if it is genetics!

They gave me some medication for it!

I was never so glad to take a medication in my life.

Also, there are different kinds of medicines they give.

Diuretics;

Beta blockers

ACE inhibitors

Angiotensin ll receptor blockers

Calcium channel blockers

Alpha blockers

Alpha-beta blockers

Nervous system inhibitors

Vasodilators

They put me on the ACE inhibitors

ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme.

This class of drugs inhibits production of the hormone angiotensin ll

Which usually causes blood vessels to narrow,

Thereby increasing the pressure inside

Just another curve in the road called life...

Hope you are all doing well and learning new things,

And taking pleasure in your days...

I so appreciate all of you that come and visit me and leave a comment!

I realize we are all so very busy, and it does take time to respond!

Living From Glory To Glory,  Roxy

Husbands Love To Have Their Wives Pamper Them...

Don't Worry, He's A Big Boy He Can Take Care Of Himself...

Really, when I hear that from married women,

Or those who are engaged, it bothers me!

Having a desire for wanting to do things for your husband,

is very attractive to them!

They love to have their wives pamper them!

I am not talking about being their slaves;

But rather a helpmate...

Men enjoy having a nice meal prepared for them!

They enjoy having clean laundry!

They enjoy having someone wait on them after a long day or night working.

Look, my husband is perfectly capable to do most everything,

And that is my point...

I want him to want and need my help,

It is not like a child that is learning to take care of one's self,

I believe we take all the joy and the need out of taking care of them,

By simply expecting them to do everything for themselves!

This applies to stay at home wives;

And it applies to those who work outside the home!!

I will tell you this, as I have been taking the initiative to help

My husband all my married years, he in return helps me.

He knows when we are in the thick of something he will pitch

right in and help get it done.

He knows I have made him my first person in my priority list in my life!

I see being a helper requires a bit of imagination,

As he can have a secretary or a crew under him;

But he has you as his wife...

What can you do just for him that makes his life better??

You already know what you want or need to make your life better;

So give this some thought!

And please do not say that phrase

"Oh, He's a big boy he can take care of himself"

Yes, I am sure he is and you would feel pretty sad if he did not prefer

your help or input, but rather someone else.

It is even wise to train your children to show their Dad, love and honor!

We live in a "ME" culture, and it has overflowed into

Marriage and the helper portion of "I DO"

A Good Marriage Is Really Very Special And Sweet...

And It Is Not Made In Heaven;

But, Rather Worked Out Here On Earth!

Snowball Cookies Taste Great With A Cup Of Tea...

These little snowball cookies or some people call them

 Mexican Wedding Cookies;

But my Mother called them snowballs;

These little cookies are really a good tea cookie;

Serving a cup of tea with a snowball cookie is really quite satisfying.

These cookies have a small amount of powder sugar,

And it has ground nuts in them so they are a good source of protein

and good fats with the nuts in them.

I like to use two different nuts;

My choice is grounded up walnuts and pecans!

These cookies are a dry sort of cookie that is why they go great

with a lovely cup of hot tea!

Snowball Cookie Recipe

1 cup of softened butter

1/4 cup powder sugar

2 tsp. Vanilla

1/4 tsp. Salt

2 Tbl. Milk or Cream

1 cup ground nuts

 Walnuts or pecans or both of them!

2 cups flour

Cream butter and powder sugar

Add your milk or cream

Add vanilla and salt

Add ground nuts;

Then add your flour

Don't be afraid to add some more cream or flour;

To be able to roll them into little balls.

I make mine a bit bigger

(I like big cookies)

Place them on a cookie sheet

Bake at 325 for 15 to 17 minutes

You can tell they are done when they are lightly brown on the bottom.

Now, allow them to cool off slightly;

So now you roll these balls in powder sugar.

I like to keep all my homemade cookies in a tin, covered with wax paper and

Store them in the freezer; As this will keep them fresh

 Then you just take out what you need for your tea time!

I have found that when I am in the baking mood

 I will make enough cookies to last for quite a while...

 And then when I have company or tea time I always have a fresh treat to serve!

Do you enjoy a nice cookie with your tea?

 I have found that a shortbread cookie is also very good!

I do hope you are all doing very well! It seems that each season brings new things to do

And to overcome obstacles... But do not grow weary in doing good!

I am looking forward to doing a little craft for this next month, to keep busy and productive.

Always, Hugs Roxy

What Does The Wedding Cake Represent And Your Wedding Vows...

I am sure there is some great mystery to why we have cake after a wedding;

I haven't googled this or do I care too!

But to me, I think a wedding cake allows us to see that to start

One's life of becoming one flesh through symbolic traditions is a good thing!

Marriages are to be sweet and sturdy and filled with good things.

They should a have a lovely appearance!

A marriage should cover some of the flaws we carried when we were single!

The inside should be filled with substance and not just fluff;

Marriage is hard work, yet it is worth it all!

Did you know most marriage vows have no longer 

included the phrase till death do us part?

Look, I get it, sometimes marriage has not worked for some of you!

But I still think we need to look at marriage with the permanently,

Mindset that God intended!

Why is it that the bride and groom begin their marriage by;

Cutting the cake together?

Well, I think it is because doing life alone is not all the wonderful!

Many have lost their spouse and feel the deep loss of that daily!

I realize that this life is not all one big party!

But we are to start down the path in the right manner!

Marriage vows...

Wedding cake to say we are doing this together!

I think that is why when I have been at a wedding and have witnessed

A newly married bride and groom who shove cake into each others face,

It grieves me!

Give honor and reverence for those lovely traditions that;

Carry weight in showing love and respect!

I think of those that are starving in past history and in a dark time

"When someone who held prestige made the statement to those

who had none or very little;

Let's eat cake"

We are to be blessed and to eat the goodness of this life

and in the bounds of marriage!

It is never too late to start working on a better marriage!

Make your vows come alive again!

Fan the flame of your witness to each other!

Blessings, Roxy

Learning To Adapt To Your Husbands Schedule...

Everyday things...

Before I went to bed last night I wrote out a small list of a few

things that needed to be done!

I have found that a list can help me prioritize things that must be done!

I can get overwhelmed at times so I do not always make up a list;

But when I get behind I can see the wisdom of writing out my chores.

1st on my list was baking a cake;

My Husband will ask me every once in a while to make his work crew a

 Pineapple upside down cake, as they really enjoy this!

Now, It was my most important thing to do today, because

He asked me if I would do it!

I find myself making it a point to ask my Husband if there is anything

he needs me to do more him; as he works long hours.

The second thing on my list to do was baking cookies;

When my Husband goes to work I packed him a lunch;

And we all know how wonderful a fresh baked cookie is in one's lunch!

This was a priority because when he eats one of those cookies,

He will think of me...

Trust me it is the little things like cutting their oranges in half,

Or putting a note in their lunch box, or a piece of chocolate!

Third on my list was cooking up a nice pork roast with sauerkraut;

As this is a dish his mother use to make him...

(He likes the way I cook mine now days)

Then I had to change out my tablecloth and placemats,

And then I swept and mopped the kitchen floor.

Oh, and I had to deep clean our bathroom!

And I still need to peel and cook up some potatoes.

Yet, I feel good about having done these things!

My home looks good and smells wonderful!

And Hubby has a nice treat to share with his crew!

"When you put your Husband needs first this will help to build

And strengthen your marriage"

Some days we just need to get our priorities right for each day is different!

Every day is not the same...

That is why we must learn to adapt to our Husbands life and schedule!

Being flexible is a fine art worth learning...

Living The Dream...

Living The Dream...

My dream was to marry and have children and to live in the country!

I know that this dream was given to me by the hand of the Lord;

I am so thankful the Lord gave me a husband that wanted to be

Married and have a family. I think in this world we have so many,

Younger couples that never even plan to marry or to have children.

I heard a friend of mine say recently that she was lonely

 as she also lives in the country, but she said a very interesting come back;

I guess we would be just as lonely in the city...

It is really very true, as so many people do not even know they're

Own neighbors!

I really enjoy the quiet and solitude that the space provides.

Sometimes it does feel lonely;

But I think after we have been in town every day for a week;

We both say in unison, it is so good to be back home.

Where are the young ladies that want marriage;

And to love and honor their husbands?

Where are the ladies who desire to have children and not wait

Till they are finished with law school?

Does anyone want to live in the country?

Well, it really does not matter where you live!

~It is how you live~ 

I will never regret staying married and having children!

But I think we have a generation of people that have made choices;

That will feel empty and self absorbed one day!

I heard a professional today tell me this;

We now look like a city that could be called a ghetto!

I thought "what" She said it is the way people dress and

They do not even brush their teeth!

She said it is a disgrace!

I just nodded my head and said yes, it is true!

If the Lord will put a young woman in your life that you

Might be able to steer in the right direction;

To cause her to have a heart for home and hearth!