Latecomer

This butterfly was found in the garden just a few days ago... There has been a frost since then and all the flowers are done for another year. I have been busy putting away garden decor and now I must harvest what seeds I can...

Back at B.S. F. and this last and eighth year for me is the study of Isaiah. I have also been busy with Church activites . I did a talk for stewardship last week and recited a poem I wrote, the congregation applauded... Oh my! Me and a couple of other gals are working on some new banners for the holidays and I am going to a leadership summit this weelend. I never seem to have enough time. I am also working on a couple of new paintings.

This is where the Swallows live along the Upper Iowa River. I think they have all headed south for the
winter.

Five Loaves and Two Fishes - Corrinne May (Illustrated)

Night Blooming Cerius

collage of lifeas it is

Me and my dear friend John during his wife's memorial last week. Robin died on Sunday the 20th and we will all miss her so. She was a joy to all that knew her and will be sorely missed. Robin was a fiber artist mastering in the art of inigo dying, a nurse and a naturalist. Although I have been friends with John for 40 years I only knew her for the last 15 but she and John were just made for each other. My heart really aches because my friend is without her.

This is a doll bed that my little neighbor Madelyn and I made for her doll. Its made from thick foamcore and scraps of fabric I had laying around. It was a wonderful afternoon that we spent together. Madelyn comes to paint with me sometimes and now several of her little friends want to join in. Looks like a tea party in the making.

Here I am on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. My Daughter and I spent 2 weeks traveling to the east coast and to New York where I met my Blogger friend Debra at Sparrow grass. I forgot to take pictures of us together but did so enjoy meeting her family and of course her geese. Went to Niagara Falls and to Michigan to visit family too. I really need to do more traveling. There are some many great places to see. While visiting Debra we explored a place call Watkins Gorge where we walked up 800 stairs and saw 19 awesome waterfalls. Debra's so blessed to live near a place like that, all I have near me is corn and bean fields. Well I do have some pretty rivers and of course the great Mississippi river about an hour away. Any way there is so much to do in my own back yard... Like weeding and tending my gardens. I recently got a commission to do a painting for a neighbor and my grandson will be coming for a visit soon.

Creatures from the Sea

I think that this bridal wreath looks stunning right now. It's so great to see all the blooming things once again. I've been busy planting and sowing and finishing up with my seventh year at B.S.F thats Bible study fellowship. One more year to graduate, but I have the summer break coming up and am heading out next week on a road trip to the east coast with my daughter. I hope to visit with my blogger friend Debra at Sparrowgrass along the way. I have been busy with church activities as well . Take a look at the banners we made in rhe pictures below. I have joined curves snd am trying to get in shape again. It's hard when you're 62 years young because the old body just isn't what it used to be and I have been suffering with back problems. But I will perservere! The Spirit willing.

The banners we made in place

overlays for the the Easter banners for pentecost

Our Easter banners 10 ft. long

detailed bottom of banners

one of a pair of banners made for church 10ft. long

Lent Banner me and a couple other women made for church

Finished and framed

I have been working on a new painting of an old barn south of town. It's kinda bleak but thats winter in Iowa. Think I'll start working on something more spring like. Maybe I can hurry it along. Winter is nice but there's nothing like a warm spring breeze to lift your spirits.