My 98th Post!

I can't believe I am at my 98th post! Time flies here in blogland.

Today I wanted to share a couple of pictures with you.

The first ones are the Ornaments

I made for my sis-in-law.

One of her and Mom... the other of her and Dad.

And here's what I did on the reverse side.

I used canvas backed sheets in my printer for the photos. The rest is just pretty paper, glue, and ribbon. They were created from the heart, so I was thrilled when she told me they were two of her favorite pictures.

The next two photos are of a "project" that I haven't gotten to yet.

I bought this unfinished chest at a tag sale. I plan to

sand off the existing pattern and put my own touch to it.

This is the inside. I love the extra little tray!

Well, that's it for today. It's time to go fix dinner and spend some time with the family.

Angels....

I would love for you to read Dawn Edmondson's February 16th post,
"There Are Angels Among Us" at: The Feathered Nest
(click on the highlighted name to go to Dawn's blog)

She talks about another blog friend of mine, Nita at Red Tin Heart. Nita has had so much to deal with over the past year, but always relies on God to help her through it all. Nita has been an inspiration to me. I hope reading this post will touch your heart.

Blessings,
Nita Jo

Sunday Scribblings - Sports

This Sunday Scribblings prompt is sports. The first thing that came to mind is the Special Olympics World Winter Games. My home state of Idaho hosted the games this year. Many of the events were televised. The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games featured competition in seven sports incuding:

Alpine Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Figure Skating
Floor Hockey
Snowboarding
Snowshoeing
Speedskating


I was unable to get out to any of the events in person, but there was a lot of local TV coverage. I was disappointed that I couldn't find any coverage on the major national news stations.


It was a thrill to see that our new Vice President Joe Biden made the trip to Idaho. He spent time greeting some of the athletes and presenting them with awards. A lot of celebrities turned out to give their support. People came from all over the world to share in the competition and the celebrations. Without a huge number of volunteers and supporters, this would not have been possible.


The best part of this event was seeing the expressions of joy and pride on the athletes faces, and on the faces of their coaches and family members.

Here are some pictures from the snowshoe event of the athletes and volunteers.

Pause My Favorite Music at the bottom of this page
Before playing the video.

Sunday Scribblings - Art

Art
Pencils, pens
Paint, charcoals, watercolors
Brushes, palettes, canvas, paper
Putting imagination to work
Bringing the unseen to life
Recreating what is seen
Visual, visceral, vague
Yet defined
Art


copyright February 2009 - ajj

MRI... and Inspiration

I had an outing today... to my neurologist, and it's time for another MRI. I do not like them at all! I was feeling very stressed out about it, so I came home and decided to check my email to distract myself.

My cousin, Laurie Roberts (see link on side bar) had an interview with Track 10. They cover Independent Christian artists from all over the Northwest. It's a great interview, and they included two of her songs that are personal favorites of mine. To listen to the interview and both songs, click on:

Track 10 (click on name to go to page)

When you get there, look at the very bottom of the page. You will see two highlighted sections in green. You can either download the interview or listen to it immediately. It's several minutes long and includes two of Laurie's songs. They are two of my very favorites and always lift my spirits!

The stories behind the songs, and the songs themselves, will lift your heart. It inspired me as I listened. Now if I could just figure a way to have the songs playing in my head, on Valentine's Day, while I lay in that MRI machine.

Oh well, my husband is driving me to the appointment, so at least we're going out! LOL!

Blessings!

Nita Jo

Visit the Brenda Photo Challenge

Donna of Cottage Days is the host of this weeks Brenda Photo Challenge. To see the entries go Here.

It's a lot of fun and is open to any level of photographer. I am a definite amateur, but I am really enjoying stretching my boundaries. Please remember to check out my photo blog when you have a minute... the link is on my sidebar.

Blessings,
Nita Jo

Thought For The Day

We can either watch life from the sidelines,

or actively participate...

Either we let self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy

prevent us from realizing our potential,

or embrace the fact

that when we turn our attention

away from ourselves,

our potential is limitless.

—Christopher Reeve

Lucky 13's Good News...

My youngest son, Lucky 13, has been in Orchestra since it was offered in Middle School. He plays the Cello, and really enjoys it.

About a month, ago he auditioned to be part of a local chamber orchestra and was accepted. They have two hour practice sessions each week. It has really stretched him musically. The pieces are a higher difficulty level and very challenging for him.

He came home from school today with a big smile on his face. First, he shared that his speech went over really well with his Speech class. He wasn't too sure he was going to be comfortable doing speeches. Several of the other students told him they enjoyed the sense of humor he brought to the presentation.

The he shared his bigger news... He's now first chair for Cello in the school orchestra. He did very well on his test. His playing has improved partly due to the new challenges of playing with the chamber orchestra. He loves playing Cello and takes great pride in improving his skills.

I wish all young people had the opportunity to take music in school. Often when the budget has to be trimmed in schools, the music and arts are the first to be eliminated. I believe music enhances learning. It's something that gives pleasure throughout your life, whether you perform professionally or for your own enjoyment.


Take time today to put a little music into your life...