What is Love?

What is Love? That was the title of a chunky book page swap (6" x 6") on ATCS for All - a wonderful websites for swaps. They have all sorts of swaps if you are interested in participating. My favorites are ATCs, chunky book pages, and inchies. For this swap I used a collection of papers and some embellishments that were part of the collection. I also used various stamps, clip art, and embellishments. And of course there's Tim Holtz distressing technique and some of his wonderful idealogy line and stickles.

Love is my furry friends...our cats (L.S. and Laura) and our dogs (Belle, Liberty, and Roxy). They love us unconditional and accept us for who we are - warts and all. Luv those babies!

Love is a kiss - from a friend or a loved one. It warms my heart and fills my soul with love. "Live each day like you mean it."...kiss someone today!

Love is found in all sorts places...often hidden from plain sight. Look for love every day and every where. All God's creature have love to give - even when we are often the most difficult to love.

Love is creating and sharing what I do. Art is a true gift from God. I've been told it's selfish of me to want to spend so much time is my "creative world"...blogging, reading other people's blogs, spending precious moments in my workroom, getting together with friends old and new, taking classes to learn new techniques, or shopping for gotta-have goodies. But I know using God's gift is not selfish and I will not let those negative words poison my passion. "Let what you love be what you do."

Love is everywhere...look for it. "Be happy in the moment."

I just love this little girl...her laughter and glee...her infectious smile.

May God's love warm your heart - heal your hurts - soothe your soul.

You are loved! Hugs, Denise

Amazing Love

Today I had the most awesome opportunity to meet two members of my church (Marion and Jeri) as well as get to know another member (Sara - our Director of Music) much better. Our church, Vista Ysleta Methodist Church, sponsored the Sweet Life Cafe. It was a day spent with women of God as we celebrated the amazing love God has for us. Not greater love is there on earth.
We began the morning by choosing a mug or cup in which to enjoy our tea or coffee as we registered for the day. After everyone was registered, we were instructed to find the other attendees who had a mug or cup like ours. These lovely ladies then became our Sweet Cafe Table Mates for the day. We talked about why we had chosen our particular cup...we like the finer things of life, we enjoy our tea or coffee with the daintiness of a china cup and saucer. :D Because we are just plain classy women!

We participated in numerous games and activities, sang songs of praise and worship, and got to know each other better. For lunch we were served a delicious variety of salads and desserts. We could choose to sit with other women for lunch...so I sat with two of my fellow sopranos in choir - Linda and Mary. Linda had brought her friend from work, Lynne. We had a delightful visit and I learned more about my choir buddies.

This heartwarming day was held in the church's Holy Grounds Cafe. What a treasure women friends are to us. Truly one of God's many gifts to us. Thank you, Lord.

One of the activities we did involved making bags of cinnamon pancake mix to be given to women less fortunate than ourselves. We shared what "spices and ingredients" make our lives rich.

We then wrapped them and tied them with a pretty bow and a special message that we wrote especially to them. I chose a tea towel with birds and birdhouses. My message said, "May this add spice to your life with God's love."

We each prayed over our specially wrapped gift and placed it on the altar. After tomorrow's church service they will be given to someone as a symbol of God's love.

What a day filled with amazing love...the love God has for me...the love my table mates showered upon me...and the love of the special ladies of our church who made the day possible.

May your Valentine's Day be filled with the love of friends and family...and God!

Hugs, Denise

What a Weekend!...What a Blessing!

What a weekend! - - - I recently became the proud owner of a quaint lil' condo in Alto, New Mexico. The adventure of my first weekend spent in the mountains started off with a bit of off-road driving! Even with 4-wheel drive I still manged to slide off the side of the snow-packed road. It had snowed over 20" the two days prior to my arrival. I learned one does not brake when one comes to the top of a hill...
Luckily the snow kept me from sliding all the way down the hill though. After realizing they couldn't tow me out, they brought in the snow plow...
...and the tractor to plow the snow and shovel the snow. They (my 4 knights in shining armour!) managed to push my car down the hill after the snowplow removed the snow and the tractor plowed the ground to make a road. My little dog, Belle, was in my car the entire time...growling and barking at my knights!
From there Paul - the head knight - drove my car the rest of the way to my condo...and I walked. Belle and I were happy to be on solid ground. :D

What a blessing!...Oh, deer! Yes, deer everywhere. They will walk right up to you looking for food. They love apples. It is so peaceful and therapeutic. Thanks, Mom, for making it possible. You are a blessing to your children and grandchildren. I love you!

My sister, Sherri, and her friend from high school, Lisa, were also there for the weekend. Sherri has a condo of her own in Ruidoso, New Mexico. I so enjoy our sister-time!

After a wee bit of shopping we enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner at the Inn of the Mountain Gods casino and resort...

...and played some slot machines. No, we did not win the jackpot. Not even close!

Sunday morning, after a yummy home-style breakfast at a local - and very popular - restuarant, I attended services at this too cute log cabin Methodist church. Friendly folks and a warm welcome! God is good! What a blessing!

Spent the rest of the day hanging quilts and doing a bit of decorating...adding some personal touches to make the place my "nest"! I have named it "Niecey's Nest." When I was a little girl my nickname was Niecey. My dad and oldest brother will still call me that. What a blessing!

My sweet baby Belle found her favorite place to watch her mama at work...

Yes, what a weekend...what a blessing! May we all experience the grace of God and share of ourselves as He has given to us.

Create with your hands what God has created in your heart.

Hugs, Niecey :D