Looking For Friends To Share The End of The World With ~*

It will be my birthday next week and I will turn another year older. I was going to visit one of my happiest of happy places but that trip was cancelled due to Covid-19. I am not ranting, far from it, I am thankful and grateful to be living in my house near a beautiful park and a few doors down from one of my best friends.

My yard is bursting out in new blooms and I now have the time to dream of pages I wish to write, art collage paintings I'd like to create, and books to finish and begin. Each passing day if filled with more uncertainty and I am prone to pay attention to new stories more often than I ever have before. Friends being diagnosed but none have died yet. I am feeling grateful.

I am quarantined with my partner, Spons and have two other men I have the attention of and am in contact with daily. My carpenter/ handyman/painter Matt and my ex-husband Mark. Any other 62 year old single woman would probably delight in this but it only adds a bit of comic relief along with a surrounding layer of being taken care of which is needed in this period of time.

I have decided to revive my blog and I hope you will join me through this journey however brief or long it goes. One of my joys is to find pictures that display beauty to share. I'm closing this first post with some I am particularly enjoying at the present.

The Best Thing I've Read This Week! ~ *

Too often at times my mind is drawn to the immediate thing that needs to be done or looked at and it is pulled away from things which have an eternal value.

I read this post this past week and I cannot forget it..
The girl has a face and smile like many of my girls in past youth groups or summer camps.  Her fortitude, determination, dedication, priorities and most of all, love for Christ is so inspiring and seems so out of place for a young, unmarried, high school graduate girl in our modern time.

Perhaps this is what draws me to return to this post again and again this week and to share it with you, my dear readers.

It convicts me to do more for God and less for myself.  It causes me to look around my world and see what needs to be done, roll up my sleeves, get down on my knees, and serve, and serve much more than myself.

Read this post only if you dare, you may not be left the same as you are right now!  Blessings my friends.

On My Work Table

I am taking a class on the Trodden Path 

Art Group

with the ever so talented Heather Murray.

It has helped get me back into 

creating new art

and I am excited!

Plus the fact that I get to visit with two

very artistic friends this Thursday,

I am hoping to return to this blog

more regularly 

with more of my creative adventures.

As always look for my finished projects 

on my studio blog

accessible by clicking the button 

on the top right

of this blog.

May blessings surround you 

on this glorious day

and always,

Katie 

I think the first shape I ever learned to create was the 

Heart.

I remember folding the paper in half,

tracing a half moon

with the top slanted in

and  voila!

A Heart is born.

But making a heart,

that is quite a different kind of story..

I suppose if you love others,

not for what they give,

but just for being,

give completely of yourself until you have

no more to give,

experience pain,

 a relentless grief,

lose a life dream, 

a hope for your life,

or for one you deeply love,

then

feel 

the sheltering wings

wrap around you,

holding you

until you can stand

 again,

know the certainty 

of love and life eternal,

then you have begun making

 an authentic

 heart.

I think my favorite

artist, poet, musician

says it best..

..For the snow that comes with winter

For the growth that comes from pain

For the joke I can't remember

Although the laughter long remains

For the faith that brought to finish

all I doubted from the start

Lord, I give you praise for all that makes

For the hatching of a heart...

..For the strength that comes

from friendship

For the warmth that comes from hope

For the love time can't diminish

and for the time love takes to grow

And for the moonlight on the water

and the bright and morning star

Lord, I give you praise for all that makes

For the hatching of a heart.

(Rich Mullens)

I love the part in the story of The Grinch

where it says

 "..his heart grew 3 sizes that day."

May your beautiful 

Heart

keep growing and becoming!

Happy Valentines Day !

Katie

My Merry Christmas Wish

My Christmas Wish List

Snow

26 Acts of Kindness

a good snuggle

Watching these movies:

White Christmas

Family Stone

The Holiday
and Elf

along with

Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies

A warm fire in the fireplace

red tulips

red candy cane striped amarilas

A  nice drive to look at the lights,
while drinking hot chocolate.

Christmas Eve Service,
time with family,
a merriment that lasts
for a week!
Dancing with Mark
to Harry Connick Jr.'s
When My heart Finds Christmas.

Wishing all of my new
and old friends good health,
prosperity, and joy!

Love to all of you
this Christmas!

~ Katie

The Face of A Homeless Woman

The Face of The Homeless Woman

is not something you would expect, 

in fact it would surprise you.

During the season of Thanksgiving,

my family wanted to give back.

So we volunteered to take the shift

of one of the regular volunteers

at our Safe To Sleep ministry

here in the Ozarks.

As the date grew closer,

my apprehension deepen,

What were we getting into?

What would happen during this one night?

Would there be a crisis

we couldn't control?

A need we couldn't meet?

Something big that we

couldn't handle?

What would these women 

be like?

Look like?

Then we were told that our 

overnight services

were not needed.

But could we bring pizza

for supper and then

just sit and visit with 

the ladies?

Oh Yes! We could definitely 

do that!

What I experienced was a room full
of sisters.  Women like me who had
just experienced a tough break
(or 2 or maybe more),
a change in their plans.

Women who took pride in their
appearance, checked out library books,
showed me pictures of their family.

I felt as if I couldn't do enough.

And reflecting upon it now,
I want to go back and
do more on a regular basis.

If you live near the Springfield area
and would be interested in
teaming with me
to take dinner
to this group
ever so often.

Just let me know.
Blessings and Love,
Katie

Safe to sleep is service provided by the Council of Churches of the Ozarks. It provides safe "bed spaces" for homeless women. It is a ministry housed in local churches who take on the ministry for a couple of months in a regular rotation.  Snacks, light meal, showers, and a breakfast are also provided. I am so thankful for the Churches who have taken this ministry under their building wings.

ZuZu's Petals

Remember that scene in the movie "It's A Wonderful Life" where George Bailey stuffs the flower petals from Zuzu's rose into his pocket?  Then later George is distraught when the petals are no longer there.  They had become precious to him as they represented his life with his beloved daughter.  To the rest of the world they may have seemed trivial and insignificant, but to George they were important.

This past week I received something just as precious, at least to me.  The petals came in the form of a handwritten note from a now fourth grade student.  As a teacher you never know how you touch or affect your students.  You always hope it is for the good, but sometimes you never know and you can begin to doubt yourself. 

 I have carried this note around with me all week and I was very concerned when at one point I had misplaced it.  

The note simply said: 

"Just wanted to write and say thank you for always thinking of me. You have made a difference in my life.  You were one of the best teachers I have ever had.  I'm so glad we have another year together here at high point. I will always have you in my heart and come see you.  Thank you again for caring for me.

Love Your Student,  ..."

I will keep this note, like Zuzu's petals, to remind me that even when I think no one sees or cares, there are always some who do!  I pray that you will  be blessed beyond measure by someone today, this week, or in the very near future! It really IS a WoNderFuL LiFe!

Blessings Dear Ones,

Always,

Katie

It Does A Heart Good

"There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up."  ~ John Holmes

I caught a glimpse of a face, a scene that stirred my heart and captured my attention, in one swift click I was there.  Reading of dear ones reaching out to other dear ones in love and faith.

I became lost in their stories and encouraged in their goodness!  How right it is to use your gifts to help others. It lifts my heart and spirit and encourages me to try harder to live with meaningful purpose.

So if you wish to do some good for your heart today ~ I wholeheartedly suggest you click on the links below to read about the servant leadership found in their words.

I met my dear friend Sally at Hebrews coffee to catch up and share.  While I was basking in the sun on our Florida trip, Sally was basking in sun of smiles of hope from the people she served during a recent mission trip!  She and her husband Tom serve an agency called Project Hope.  The photos that I have scattered around this post is from their very good work with the warm souls of Nicaragua.

If you would like more information on Project Hope, just click on the name and it will take you to their facebook page!

Then there is KC Willis, artist, servant, Hope Maker.

This time last year, I was taking her collage on canvas art class in Colorado.  I remember our talks during and after class about ministry and faith.  She was so inspiring to me in so many ways.  Now her life focus is on reaching out to and offering love and hope to Native Americans living on impoverished reservations.  How inspiring is KC's voice as she writes about the people she has grown to love.  You may find her Trinity and Trailer Park blog here.  Her stories will delight and uplift you! If you click on the blog's name or the word here above, it will take you to one of my most favorite posts written by KC.

The final joy and hope bringers I would like to bring to your attention is a group who is bringing a safe night shelter to homeless women in Springfield.  Last evening I was allowed to sit in the presence of those who give up a good night's rest to host a shelter in partner churches for women to have a safe place to sleep.

Their stories of the women's gratitude and restoration reinforced my heart and soul with hopefulness of how God redeems our time spent doing His work here on earth.

I find that whenever I lose faith in things getting better in my situations, I find healing in the stories of others.

It is my sincere wish that these offerings will not only do your heart good, but will also lift you up and give you joy!

Next time I write, I will give you an update on what has been happening with Ragamuffin Gal, and be sure to check out my studio blog to discover my latest art adventures.

Until my next writing, I leave you with this thought.

"The purpose of life is not to be happy.  It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well."  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

How it makes me happy to find my home among all of you!
Love and Blessings
 ~ Katie

Oh, I wanted to share about a new church start ~ The Foundry UMC ! It is a new church starting in SW Springfield.  Mark and I attended the first service last Saturday and will return to worship there again and again! Click the name link above to find out more and come join us at the next Worship Service!

All That Summer brings

The Dust has settled from another school year ending,

closing up a classroom,

packing and moving 

it all into storage 

Next August,
 it 
and 
myself

 will move 
into 
a new school

same district.

A vacation 
has been taken

and now 
I have returned,

settled in,
and down
for summer...

It's the season of weddings

June weddings are

always a happy time!

and

loading up my Kindle

with good reads

for the summer.

There will 

be visits with mother,

(there was one today) 

and

home improvements,

perhaps 

new house hunting,

adventures,

Cardinal Baseball Games,

Colorado hiking,

blogging,

catching up with friends,

making 

new ones,

saving for Italy,

learning how to use

my new iPad,

biking,

swimming,

trying new recipes,

art projects,

and Zumba moves.

This is my most favorite part of summer

when the whole season

looms ahead

with tons of possibilities..

So now you know what my summer list looks like,

I would love to know what is on yours.

~katie

This weekend I got to attend the wedding of two beautiful young people, I have posted photos from their wedding and also from our Destin vacation.

Destin, Florida is always very good

 to my spirit and soul!

Could be the ocean's rhythmic beat

or waking up and drinking coffee on the balcony,

dressing simple, eating simple, being carefree

with no set in stone schedule.

Being close to the ocean always calms me

when someone says to close your eyes and

go to your "happy" place,

this is the place I imagine.

I am trying to live more in the "now"

and striving to be happier than I ever been.

If not now ~ when?

It doesn't take a beach,

a scooter ride through Seaside, FL,

a dolphin sunset cruise,

It only takes a decision.

That is what I am discovering

and wanting to share with you!

My blog this next year will chronicle my

journey toward becoming a more

happier and grateful hearted person.

I hope you will join me in

this sojourn.

"Be well, 

Go well 

my Friends!"

*~Wishes and Hopes ~*

Dream A little with me today...

A piece of earth

for home, hearth, peacemaking, merrymaking, and living.

A small cottage,

with enough land for a little rescue dog.

A small garage, room, workshop

for all of my whims and whimsey.

A sunroom bursting with light and
comfy seating,
Opening into an outdoor living area
complete with fire pit.

Hands that are skillful
creating something of value,

A heart and pocketbook
big enough to help, encourage,
 and bless others.

Feet that are swift to serve,
steady and able,
and allowed to go bare
or dressed in knitted socks,
or flip flops.

A working fireplace
to sit by and
rug hook, knit,
and read.
with a
cat
curled up in
my lap.

Mark's
laughter and deep thoughts
echoing through out
the spaces.

A big bath tub to
soak-away the daily toils and cares.

And always the love of past tender moments
and memories warming all who enter.

That is my wish
This is my hope of things to come,

wait....
I already have most of those
things ~ I am blessed beyond measure.
Thank you God!



It seems fitting that my first post after a very long absence should include thankfulness.  As I reflect upon my life at this moment in time, I cannot help but have a very thankful heart.  I am thankful for the grace that allows me to notice the good and forget the bad and still have room to dream just a little. I am thankful for my good blog friends who still remember me and continue to check in with me to make sure all is well.  Blessings to you all.

2012

For what it’s worth, 

it’s never too late, or in my case, 

too early to be whoever you want to be. 

There’s no time limit,

 start whenever you want. 

You can change or stay the same,

 there are no rules to this thing.  

We can make the best

 or the worst of it.  

I hope you make the best of it. 

And I hope you see things that startle you. 

I hope you feel things you never felt before. 

I hope you meet people with a different point of view. 

I hope you live a life you’re proud of. 

If you find that you’re not, 

I hope you have the strength 

to start all over again.

~*~

This quote is from the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which I watched again tonight.   

~Blessed to be

A Blessing ~ *

Looking for the blessings in all things,

especially the little moments

in our lives.

Here are some of mine ~

Festive lights to celebrate the one true light
born into our hearts

A joyful heart spreading
Christmas cheer

Gifts from old friends,


and new ones too!

Sharing the grace that has been given to you
with others near and far

Festive Sparkle and Jingle

Creating handmade gifts

Enjoying Holiday house guests.

Cooking waffles, wearing silly hats, and reading
Christmas stories to the most wonderful class of first graders!

Now please tell me your blessings,

~ Katie

First 2 photos taken at the Daybreak adult daycare's Christmas party.
Other pictures are from school, home, and Leolas.

A Hallow's Eve Peek

Into my home to view my most favorite 

Fall Decorations!

And of course a little ragamuffin kitty!

Hope your weekend is filled with many

magical moments!

Blessings,

Katie

~ * Pinterest ~ and thoughts on Life

I have been loving pinning 

things that bring joy to my heart

And...

Visiting the boards on Pinerest so much!

It reminds me of 

when as a child the 

Christmas Wish Book

would arrive in the mailbox

And..

I would peruse through it 

and turn back the corners on

the pages that held 

something I really liked

and perhaps

wanted

for my Christmas gift.

Fall brings back so many memories.

It is so nice to reconnect

with those happy memories

you have from your childhood.

Recently,

just this past year,

I reconnected with my 

oldest dearest childhood friend.

We have so much fun together

because we have shared

so much.  Being with her

feels as natural as breathing.

She was my next door neighbor growing up.

And to list all the memories from

idolizing her older "cool" Beatles loving sister,

to dressing up as Suzy Spy for trick or treating,

and Brownies and Girl Scouts

would take loads of posts to unload.
 I will just summarize by saying

we were two peas in a pod

and we still are to this day!

I teach my first graders this song each year,
(which by the way ~ learned in Girl Scouts)

Make new friends but keep the old
one is silver and other's gold
A circle's round, it has no end
And that's how long I will be your friend.

So here are my wishes for you...

That you can reconnect with old friends,
make new really good ones!

Love, Joy, Peace, and

Blessings to all!

Katie

~* My Fall Bucket List ~ **

What's On Your Fall Bucket List?

Autumn Blessings!

Katie

Bucket List courtesy of A. Volskamp's blog - link is on side bar.  I have been updating my classroom blog and spending more time preparing for teaching in my class room during this season.  Please check out my classroom blog ~ 101happys.

~Where's Katie?

I tried to lift my pen and
write some inspiring words to you,

but after 5 minutes, I set it down 

and instead clicked and copied

my favorite reads from this morning.

I have lots of things in my heart to share 

with you,

just not right now.

So I hope these posts bring to you as 

much joy and inspiration,

as they have me.

My Favorite Posts From This Week ~

Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm

Relyn's "Why Don't You List"
and don't forget to wish her a belated
Happy Birthday (she had one on Friday)

And who doesn't want an early
September Christmas Gift?

Ann's thought provoking post
on being still ~

These wonderful photos,
sprinkled throughout this post,
are from
Leolas Fall Open House
(Ozark, MO ~ right behind Lamberts restaurant)

I am sorry friends
that I have been missing
posting regularly...

It is just that my life is a little bit
unsettling at the moment..

Beginning my last year of teaching
at my soon to be changed
beloved school
(I will still teach in the same school district,
but my school is being transformed
into another type of school
and my heart is and always has been
determined to work with predominantly
Title One children)

Dealing with changes,
supporting my DH and friends
who are going through difficult and in some cases,
life altering changes,

leaves me so little time to indulged in
my blogging hobby

I will return within the month

Until then my friends,
I wish you sweet Autumn Blessings,
Katie

I have turned off comments as I felt so badly that I was unable to respond to each and everyone of them,  I will still be visiting you, and I will still have comments on my studio blog and will post new pictures and postings as I return to having more time to create.  Thanks for being there for me, I have appreciated your personal emails to me.  Finally... if you look closely at the photos you may find me and my sweet friend Krista, who teaches with me in one of them!  This is where the playful post tile comes from.