November

Time is flying by. The weather is starting to get cold. We have had several frosty mornings so far. Old man winter will be here before we know it.

Please see my regular blog: jbeane6.wordpress.com

"Homeplace"

Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me. Bless His holy name!

Red Sox and Caffeine

The second Red Sox game and too much caffeine have me up late tonight. I've been to bed already once but didn't get back to sleep after DH came to bed. The score is tied in the 7th so this game could go very late. My DH got me started watching the sox and I have quickly become an avid fan.

My DD has begun to settle into her stateside job and is working at making her apartment home. She has great nesting skills so I have no doubt she will make it welcoming and comfortable. I am proud of her for turning things around so quickly.

Grace....amazing grace!

I have come to enjoy the "My Chains are Gone" version of Amazing grace. It touches me through and through..."My chains are gone, I am set free. My God, my Savior randsomed me. And like a flood his mercy reigns...unending love, amazing grace." Grace, unmerited favor. Mercy undeserved forgiveness. I need it. I want it. I accept it. Thank you Lord.

Knowing what's important!

This morning I had a plan. It was complicated. It would have been tiring. It would not have been fun! And it probably wouldn't have worked.
DH asked me to go with him to take pictures of him trying out his propulsion invention for his boat. This is a project he's worked on for weeks, giggling and laughing his way through. Now to test it in water!

But I had plans/ schemes...other must do things. And then I remembered.

After God, DH is my priority. God could handle the rest of it. So I went. Wow. It was fun. It was interesting and I took lots of photos. My favorite was his leap to try and keep dry. He didn't but it was spectacular!

And all that I needed to do at home came together...easily.

"Great is Thy faithfulness."

Leaping for dry land.

Leaping for dry land., originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Breathing lessons...

Having less and less breath creeps on you insidiously and almost without you knowing that it is a problem. I have for many months been in that state. Until my"nurse" daughter came, looked at the meds I had, gave CLEAR instructions on their use and demonstrated as well I was bumping along breathing more shallowly every day. A deep breath cause hacking spasms! In three days of faithful adherence to her instructions, throwing out the fear of overmedicating, I find myself able to breathe deeply, think clearly, function longer and without difficulty. Yes, I have to take meds to do this but now I know its okay! God be praised!

Is that enough flour?

Is that enough flour?, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Jo is coming!

IMG_2121, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

She's my sunflower daughter. I haven't seen her for more than three years! I will be so glad to see her.

At home...

more self portrait challenge, originally uploaded by Amity Beane.

the happy home

the happy home, originally uploaded by Amity Beane.

This is a view of our home place from the fields where we used to plant pumpkins, corn, flowers to dry and squash for a baby food company. It also the place when DH has harvested venison for our winter meat.

beneath the rose bush

beneath the rose bush, originally uploaded by Amity Beane.

Here she is. My sweet baby girl. She's home for a bit to R&R. She is so special to me.

walking toward home

walking toward home, originally uploaded by Amity Beane.

She made it..

Praise God!

Waiting

I am waiting, still waiting to hear from the daughter that should be on the ground in NY right now. I know she has to clear customs and I know that takes time. But I am anxiously waiting, wanting to hear her voice, wanting to know she's all right. I know she has a 3 hour wait for the plane to Maine and probably will Email/google then while she waits, but wow, waiting is so hard.

Pray

Please pray for my daughter. She is in a tight place and needs to find a way out. Thanks.

Grammy and Emma at Bremen

Grammy and Emma at Bremen, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

God has blessed me with this beautiful grand daughter who is now taller than me.

Lessons to be learned.

1. I am not young anymore.
2. My body is even older!
3. Life goes on.

"My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness."
This will need to be my rest of life verse as only with His help can I do all the things I have in mind to do.

Other Blog

Please check out my other blog as I have been delinquent writing here. The address is jbeane6.wordpress.com or just click in my sidebar! Thanks.

A Quiet Day at Home

I stayed put today. It was hot and humid. I enjoyed puttering around. This was a day for resting. Tomorrow I get ready for the yard sale on Saturday and the return of the most wonderful guy I know!

Just talking

DH is headed for teacher training for five days , home for the weekend and then back for five more days. We are spending this early morning just being together and talking. Its been wonderful! We went up to school to get some things he needed and just enjoyed being together. God has blessed me with a wonderful man!

A hot one...

Today has been hot, very hot. I have puttered here and there and am working on a supper for my sister and brother-in-law. They will be hot and tired and I want to refresh them so they can go home and rest. Tomorrow is the big Folk Festival that they are in. DH rototilled the garden spot again and I am hoping to plant more spinach. I think late planting will mean harvesting in cooler weather. Sounds good to me.

H and I talked money today. We will go in a different direction. It will take work and perseverance but we can do it. With God's help.

"Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might." Eccl 9:10

Slow...tight

Worked overtime today to take it easy. Ten minutes moving, twenty minutes sitting. It worked. I was able to be productive and keep my breathing easy. I made a great lunch. I got the wash done and I finished one apron. I cut our four aprons and worked very slowly. Its a different approach but I felt good about it.

DH went fishing early and then he went out again this evening. I am glad he can get so much fishing in. God is so good.

Food for bees

Food for bees, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Blue

IMG_1209, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

I love the color blue. I am so pleased with this delphinium.

Consider the lilies of the field they toil not, neither do they spin...yet you Heavenly Father...

come buy..without money..everything's free( Isaiah 55)

Saturday. Yard sale day. Limited funds. Trying to not think about. But my Father knows my needs. Today there was a yard sale where everything was free. No money needed. Wow.
I got a couple of skirts, a sweater and a top. Thank you , Father.

I forgot to pick up DH's blueberries today and tonight My sister called and said to check in the field. Blueberries come about the tenth of August. Tonight I picked a cupful. Enough for breakfast. Enough. Give us this day our daily bread. Thank you, Father.

Abba Father

The Lord has impressed upon me His role in my life, lately, as my Father. Abba, Father. One who dearly loves me. One who understands me. One who wants to help me. I am slowly, ever so slowly, catching on.

Good days

These are the good summer days that can be gone through slowly and deliberately. My DH took off for fishing when a neighbor arrived at our door at 7AM. DH had just gotten up but within 5 minutes was out the door. I hope he can get in as much fishing as possible this summer. It's an activity he enjoys and it is time he had that kind of leisure. I remember the many years of farm- filled summers when there was all work and no play.

I saw this fawn yesterday, running down route 1 as fast as his little legs could carry him. What a treat.

great day...

My breathing is so much better. I feel great. God is so good.

Kestral

Kbird - 1, originally uploaded by panacealater.

This beautiful fledgling was in our yard today.He was born in the eaves of our barn and his mother was urging him to fly and find his own food. More pictures on my other blog...

I can breathe again...

I can breathe today. It feels great. I have enjoyed being outside and taking pictures.

Hope

The verse I wrote last post gave me hope. The hope was in God. It has changed my view of the work to be done this week. God alone, is my source. God alone!

Beginning of a new week...Sunday.

The week has come and gone with the craft show in Houlton finished. I didn't sell any dolls and I am disappointed to say the least. DH has been encouraging and has pushed me in the direction of doing this for a hobby. I seem to think I need to make a "killing" financially so he'll be pleased. He isn't sending me that message at all, it is coming out of my own head! I need so much to relax and let God lead me. It is so hard to release control.



"Hey there! All who are thirsty , come to the water! Are you penniless? Come, anyway - buy and eat! Come, buy your drinks, buy wine and milk. Buy without money - everything's free..........
Seek God while he's here to be found..... "I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work." God's Decree."Isaiah 55 the Message.

Doing nothing...

Tired. Achy. Headache. How long? How long? I don't feel really bad but....I don't feel really good. I have such diminished energy. I need to just get moving!

Another Friday...

I finished all but one of my census calls so I got to stay home today. I worked on Gracie. I had the fabric already cut out and decided to use it rather than cut another one. I had fun trying to design her dress and am pleased with the results.

ask me where all my good qualities come from and I will show you this pic

ask me where all my good qualities come from and I will show you this pic, originally uploaded by Amity Beane.

My youngest daughter took this picture of DH and me. We don't look too bad for old folks!

Mad, mad, mad!

Its beautiful weather and I am having breathing/ histamine difficulties, still! I am not happy. I need to cool it and remember God knows about this and His ways are not my ways. DH has been overwhelmingly wonderful. I am so grateful. Work has slipped by the wayside and I am trying not to be anxious. "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God..." Tell Him, tell Him.

Yard sale finds...

Finally A solution to not breathing...ride around in an air conditioned car! Really it helps. And finding several good yards sales upped the "good feeling" as well. I am washing some of the clothing finds right now. The two wicker doll chairs are on the table and the pile of fabric, lace and assorted other sewing items. I'll post pix when I'm done washing and ironing...I spent less than $20 and had at least a $100 worth of fun!!! And I got an address as well! God knows the things that tickle me! Thank you Lord.

Handiwork of the Lord

IMG_0672_edited, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Slowing down and paying attention...

My husband says he loves me. God says He loves me. My kids say they love me. Can I hear them? I need to slow down and pay attention. Breathing difficulties are making that happen. Maybe thats why I am having trouble breathing... to slow me down!

Forest Gnome

Forest Gnome, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

I'm feeling better. Ths guy is proof. I made him last night and this morning! I can breathe again.

I Need to Breathe...

Its been a long, tortuous morning. My breathing is bad but my brain is racing. Every small physical activity requires a lot of energy. I have stayed put and am trying to reassure myself that this too shall pass. It do not lessen my anxiety about not being able to function as well as I want to. God help me.

Has He Abandoned Our Nation?

He will stay His rage only so long. Our nation, founded by men of God has chosen to disregard God's laws. It seems that He has abandoned our nation to its own devises. He has lifted His Hand. Right now it seems that people do whatever they want. Promiscuity, pornography, sexual deviance, child abuse, abortion, and a myriad of other behaviors permeate our country.

I am perplexed and wonder what I should be doing. I want God to be pleased with me.

Some of a great big family (10 missing!)

great big family, originally uploaded by Amity Beane.

The Best Birthday EVER...

I had the best birthday ever... The only thing that kept it from being perfect was the absence of Andrew and Tee and Jo and their families. I rested, I visited, I played, I enjoyed. God is so good. He blessed me with a delightful family. The grandkids were a pleasure to have around with their giggles and racing around. The grown kids were fun to watch relating so easily to one another. I feel like my job of parenting has come full circle. These are good years!

He says, "I know the plans I have for you!"

I Knew Her Before She was Born...

Yesterday we attended a graduation party for a young lady in the community. She is the youngest daughter of local friends. We remember when they talked of having a third child. Now she is graduating from high school! She has grown into a fine young woman and has done very well. Time flies as we age and I realize how many of the kids we know today weren't even born when we moved here!

For God there is no time. He knew us before we were born. He has numbered our days. He has and know his plans for us. Wow!

Cool after very hot...

This morning is cool and beautiful. Yesterday was outrageously hot for a May day. I found it hard to get anything done. Today I have already hung one load of wash and cleaned up the kitchen and it isn't even 8AM. We are looking forward to three quiet but productive days with DH off on Monday for the holiday. These days our times together have been sweet, lots of giggling and easy conversation.
God has blessed our marriage and I am so thankful.

Humiliated...upset

Yesterday I found myself going in several directions at once. I offered to do the dogs for DH as he was running late (or so we thought). As I was preparing to leave for the morning's work I turned on the stove to warm up the bacon grease that goes over the dog food. I sat in the living surfing for a bit and completely forgot the grease.
Wow...I didn't notice until the kitchen was completely filled with smoke and ran to see what was burning! I put the frying pan outside and opened all the kitchen and bedroom windows. Then I decided to open the living room windows. At that pint the smoke alarm went off. It is wired in and I could not shut it off even with the electricity off. The smoke was getting to my poor asthmatic lungs and the sound was hurting my pride (someone would hear and know how foolish I'd been). I finally got it off and left the house for 3 hours . When I got back the smoke had cleared and except for being very shook up I was okay.
This morning I am remembering His words, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Its not conditional on my always being on top of things. Praise God.

God has set the lonely in families

I saw these geese today when I was out doing census. I thought of the verse in Proverbs that says, "God sets the lonely in families." I was thankful for the wonderful family that surrounds me with their love and care.

Family

Family, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Wonderful day

I've had a relaxed and wonderful day. I finished an order for a customer and got paid. Hurrah! I also took some yard sale kid clothes and dressed a doll. It was great fun. In the late afternoon the sun finally came out. Good weather promised for the week. I am ready.

Dismal

The weather has been cold and dismal for the last couple of days. Some of my tomato seedlings have died, probably from the cold. The morning glories I put out look terrible and I don't thinl they will make it. I am discouraged.

I am struggling with low energy and tons of physical work to do. It is my eyes, not God's I am seeing through. "Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Lord, here I come.

A Day of Rest

I spent the day taking it easy, hoping the rest would make my breathing better. DH thoughtfully took me out to supper and we had a nice ride together. He is just terrific and makes me feel so special. God has truly blessed me.

We four

We four, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Morning mist

Morning mist, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

DH gave me a new camera for Mother's Day. I have been enjoying it in the early hours of this beautiful morning.

Water droplets on the lupine leaves

Water droplets on the lupine leaves, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Any breakfast yet?

Any breakfast yet?, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

These hens rushed toward me early this morning as I tried to take sunrise pictures. They don't care what I am doing only that I give them a handout.
Do I rush to God for my handout?
I wonder?

Mothers Day 2007

As I sit here this morning I realize that I have been a mother for more than 40 years! My first little one was a precious baby girl that I vowed to care for and protect no matter what. She was the delight of my life and has never ceased to be that for me. Her wonderful personality paved the way for a desire for more children and they, too, are a delight to my heart. The last sweet baby girl became the exclamation point it my life. Full of a zest for life, she always wants to try out new ideas and dreams... My life as a mother has been full to overflowing. The Lord is indeed good.

Jury Duty

Yesterday was another long day. I along with 11 others heard testimony for most of the day on an "operating under the influence" case. It was a basically two different stories of the same event. One from the policeman and one from the accused and his wife. Both sides agreed that the driver was not driving erratically, that he stopped for the stop sign safety, pulled out safely and stopped for the policeman safely. The driver had some "clues"of alcohol in his system and he admitted to having two beers earlier in the day. He was able to follow the policeman's instructions according to the policeman and his speech was not slurred.

I was the foreperson and we voted before starting deliberation in order to see where we stood. Unanimous...end of story. It boiled down to the facts that agreed and body language from the witnesses. The policeman was squirmy and unable to look at the defendent while the defendant was calm and direct. After a long wait of two years for this trial, the defendent was found not guilty. A worthwhile day.

I suspect my body language with God is squirmy! I need to be very honest with Him and more with myself as He knows all. What is, is...He loves me anyway. As Amy Grant sang, "Being good is just a fable. " It is the shed blood of the Lamb that sets me free.

proverbs

proverbs, originally uploaded by Amity Beane.

Sunset

Sunset, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

God has good things in store for me...

I needed to give myself permission to stay home today. And I did. The house is clean, the laundry done and I feel like a new person. I really like order in my life and struggle against overload. God will continue to love me no matter what. I can believe Him in this.

A Clean Heart

"Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. " I need the heart cleansing that only God can give. I want to be His person, in a relationship with Him, not" a work to please Him" relationship. A right spirit is what I need. And I am asking, I am asking.

Cleaning up

The day is fast passing and I am doing some picking up. I finished my "doll quota" and am taking a breather. I have to go to jury tomorrow so the day will be shot for anything else. Tuesday will be a recovery day so Wednesday will be the start of anything new. Therefore the sewing machine comes off the dining room table, the bins get sorted and things put away and I start fresh midweek.

Gas prices are so high that I need to make sure I get the things I need while I am out tomorrow. I expect to do some food shopping and need to get a good list going. I also want to start some flower seedlings. The weather is suppose to warm up next week. We could see high 70s for a couple of days.

I have a slight agitation in my spirit today. I'm not sure why. Several things have been irritants in my life lately and I am not sure why. It could just be that I am tired and have missed some loose ends.

The second six

The second six, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

A view from my window

A view from my window, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

I was standing by the window this AM and was surprised to see these two does so close. It must be spring.

Beautiful Morning

What a beautiful morning. The sun was shining into the bedroom reflecting off the full length mirror and bathing the bed with sunlight. What a way to wake up! I am trying to remember that God's hand is in all I do and to slow down and no overthink. He has my future in His hands and I need to stop grabbing it back!

Little gifts of love He showers on me every day and I sometimes miss them for the hurry.

Day off

I spent yesterday working on doll making. I want to learn all I can about how to do it to my satisfaction. It is a relaxing past time and maybe in time will become a way to make some money. As I heard toward retirement , pension free, I need to capitalize on some of my skills. Well, thats my thinking anyway. God may have other plans.

Today needs to be a focus day. I have census addresses to locate and home keeping to attend to. Then there the never ending pack or not pack for the "in case the house sells" scenario. I have bins of fabric lining the upstais hall. That needs to be moved/sorted and labeled, whether we move or not. So much to do so little time. I need to remember, "my yoke is easy, my burden is light..."

My first boy.

IMG_5539_edited, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

He will show up on Etsy soon.

Day off doings!

Day off doings!, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Letting Go

Even though I know, I know, I know, that God is the Provider. He is the I Am. He is El Shaddai (the God who is more than enough). I still think I am. In my weary brain I keep having the battle of being the one who needs to pull her own weight and prove that I am worthy. I missed a lot of mothering growing up. I had a tired, depressed, distracted,unwilling, overwhelmed mother figure who found her life not to her liking. It left me constantly trying to get her attention to be loved and cared for. I guess I have translated that to God's care, thinking I need to keep working to get His attention. I long to be myself in His love and care but I have been able to get only small glimpses as I struggle to do it all myself. Foolish, foolish person that I am. He loves me, not what I can do. Pieces of my life reflect that I know that but...

My handmade dolls

My handmade dolls, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

To Mother With Love

Mother

Needful,
Distant,
Creative,
Overwhelmed,
Pieces of you
Are pieces of me...
Gone
But remembered.

You gave me life.

Mae

Mae, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

I have been having a lot of fun making dolls. This one is on my Etsy for sale.

Chickens can swim

My dog, Zoe, decided to run free after the dog walk and had herself a hen chase. One of them jumped right into the back pond and swam to the middle. I was impressed. I had no idea chickens could swim. After corralling Zoe I went back to the pond. The hen stayed put in the pond. However the extreme circumstances and apparently the cold water did her in and she died. I feel so sad. She was so brave and able to do something no one's heard of (swim) and yet she couldn't mount one last effort to get out of the pond to safety. And of course she would have none of my help either.

I often feel like that hen, able to do unheard of things, only to fail to do the last thing that would put me when I needed to be. "I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord."

Dog walk

I decided to take the "girls" for a walk, more for me to get myself moving than for them. I was very breezy until we got to the woods. Down the hill we went into "our" forest. There was still patches of snow on the ground where the sun hadn't reached and in other places there was a lot of water. I dream/ fantasize about building down there but know perhaps at my age this is too far fetched. There is no way to get electricity there and it is far from the road, all down hill. But every time I go there I think the same thing. "Wouldn't it be nice to have a small cottage here, with a few goats, some chickens and a kitchen garden. " Ah, Dreams.

My DD waited it out...I am so glad. She is in love (but denying it) and her fellow is a doctor. He had three intense weeks of duty and asked her to give him some space. She was sure he was trying to "dump" her and impatient to bug him about his intentions. Both her father and I encouraged her to be patient. He was a good guy and very cautious and serious. She merited a lot of thought on his part. Last night he was up for air from his intense schedule and they spent the time together. Patience is what it takes, for sure.

I know I need to be patient. Mostly with myself and my expectations of myself. God is NOT asjing me to be concerned about all the things I find myself concerned with. He is in charge.

Taste of summer

Last week it snowed mightily. This week it is 80 degrees. What is going on! Everywhere green is trying to break out. I am so happy that the weather has turned.

I just spent an hour on the road only to discover that I couldn't access my computer. So no work could be done. I turned around and drove home wondering if I had missed God's promptings. I am so distracted I need to refocus and do some basic things to calm my mind. An hour of homekeeping might do the trick so that's where I'll begin.

Woodpecker in the fruit tree.

P1030439_edited, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Miss Molly photo shoot

Miss Molly photo shoot, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

A New Adventure

Yesterday I began a new adventure. I started doll making for real! I visited a dollmaker, got some instructions and some patterns and completed my first cloth doll. I am well onto the second one and have cloth cut out for 4 more. I don't know where this adventure will go but I am looking forward to the journey.

momsun

momsun, originally uploaded by Amity Beane.

My youngest kids

The youngest are going to be visiting us together this weekend. It will be the first time in a long time and I know we will have fun together. They are the youngest of six and are only 13 months age difference. Both were born at home. Both were homeschooled. Both are over 30 and well into adulthood with relationships and family other than us. A mutual friend is quietly getting married so they will be here for that.

We enjoyed raising these two and love watching them interact with each other. They are as different as night and day and bounce off each other. Our son is quiet and serious, a law and order type of guy, very cautious. Our daughter is vibrant and 'full of it' and always pushing the edges to see what's possible in a positive way. They are good for each other.

Emmett weighed 10 lbs

Emmett weighed 10 lbs, originally uploaded by TalithaLawyer.

Cold and blustery

What a delight to discover that the hens could get outside and find some green shoots to peck at. They have truly had a remarkable winter surviving with minimum care and good health. They are all fluffy and strong and they are truly good layers. I have ten and my weekly total last week was 31 eggs. That's more than 4 a day. This week they have already laid 16 and have 3 1/2 days to go! They love to be out an about wandering and scratching. The blustery wind does not seem to be bothering them at all. They will be included in the move and probably they will get a much cozier shelter than they have now.

On another note I did the taxes yesterday. We owed federal but overpaid state. The net tax owed, figuring in the refund, was $8.99! It is the first time in 30 years we have owed any taxes. God is so good.

Spring will come.

september 022, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Crossbill returns

Crossbill returns, originally uploaded by mabeane6.

Storm after storm

The last few days of storm after storm left me wondering what's with this kooky weather. I am not depressed. All the weather will take away the piles of unusual spring snow. Under that snow is grass quickly greening up. If the ground can absorb all the water it will be planting time before we know it.

I have been thinking about where God wants me next. We have again put our home on the market. I am unbelievably calm. I sense in my spirit that it will sell. This, of course, means a new season in our lives. DH and I are already beginning that new season with almost 'newlywed' like behavior.

I know that soon the slowing down will begin in earnest but right now it doesn't feel like that will be anytime soon.

Civic Duty

Today I spent an 8 hour plus day on the courthouse. I had been selected for jury duty! 150 of us gathered and waited while 7 juries were chosen to be there for the next two weeks. What an interesting mix of people were called. I know that a jury of your peers means just that but it was funny to see how closely the chosen ones resembled the person on trial! We lived in a very poor county and the folks in the room looked the part. The men had to be told to remove their hats in the courtroom. Besides being poorly dressed, dirty, ripped clothing, muddy rubber boots ,sweats and jeans many of them bordered on obese, a problem with the rural poor. The cases to be tried were drinking/drugs and driving, alcohol related domestic abuse and taking undersized lobsters ( a crime in this state.) I felt sorry for the lobster guy. He was representing himself, was poorly dressed for court and probably didn't do this "crime" willfully...good thing I wasn't chosen for that jury. (You are NOT supposed to make up your mind in advance!)

I sometimes feel like I am struggling. But when I go into this type of situation I realize how much God has blessed me and has His hand on my life. I have a wonderful husband. I have enough of worldly goods to feel comfortable and I have a terrific family.

That's why I named this blog , All I have needed, Thy Hand has provided, GREAT is Thy faithfulness...

All I Have needed

...Thy Hand has provided. God is so good. I have another blog called Life Lessons at this address. http://jbeane6.wordpress.com where I share my life and crafts done at Jan's studio.