Little Angel

I will try to paint with words the image that keeps coming to my mind of a little Angel I beheld
just the other day. Angels come to us in many forms but this one was so precious that tears fill my eyes with joy to recall those eyes. A little child with a giving heart, not just a giving heart but a heart of joyful giving. Her eyes lit the room like the noon day sun and the sparkle in them
glittered like the twinkling stars at night. Her smile so precious and warm touched my soul as I watched her hand a bag of gifts to my sweet granddaughters. She was thrilled with excitement as she watched them excitedly open their gifts with her hands folded in her lap watching with intent. And again, the sparkle in her eyes said it all, she was happy to make someone else happy. It may be hard to visualize but to me that little girl is an angel sent to earth to light
the way for all. What a wonderful world this would be if more people were like that. A Shining example of Jesus in her precious young heart. I tried to find a picture of a little angel to put with this but I seriously could not find One that the eyes could even come close to hers. Sweet little Phoenix.

Kissed by God

Hafiz said that when he woke, he woke up to God's kiss

what a wonderful way to wake up knowing God was there

watching over him through the night keeping watch.

When I wake up and the light shines in my third eye

like the oceans of Northern lights I realized that

God is kissing me on the forehead too, and I know

he was with me, watching over me while I slept.

When you wake and you feel that sense of peace

remember it was, yes, God's morning kiss and his

protective love watched you through the night.

The sweet scent of God is healing,

He is always there keeping you, so

when the sun sines on you

in the early morning hours,
with a sweet melody

sing to the beloved,

Good Morning

God, I know

You're here.

Swami from India in Charcoal

This is my rendition of Sri Kaleshwar from India. I have learned of him through

a woman in Moab who has been to India and has worked with him. He is an awesome healer and very spiritual man. She has told me some awesome stories about him and so I decided to do an art piece of him. I love doing art work of good people.

I want to be a Nun

So, when I was just a littl girl, like about six years old, I used to sit on the front porch of a three story home in the Avenues of Salt Lake City. The basement section of this home was where I lived with my parents of course. Anyway, I would sit on the front porch for a very special purpose which was to await the arrival of the nuns who lived on the top story of this home. I loved hearing the stories they would tell me about Jesus and how they served Him everyday. My love for Jesus was so great, to the point that my best friend, Linda, and I would go sit in the
Catholic graveyard, which was only about a half block away from where I lived, and sit at the foot of the cross - a headstone - and pray. I LOVED primary and my favorite song was, Jesus once was a little child. One day no one took me to primary so I took it upon myself to walk the streets of Salt Lake so I wouldn't miss it. When I got there I was so happy, even though I didn't know anyone there. I got to pick a song which was, This little light of mine. I looked out the window and I could litterally feel Jesus. I was happy as could be, that is, until my mom showed up to get me. The Wards had changed times and I was in the wrong ward so mom came to take me home. It took them quite a bit to convince me to go home and I could come back on my own Primary day. Sadly I gave in.
One very special day after talking to the nuns, the spirit had filled me from my head to my toes.
I felt so close to Jesus and I loved the nuns. It was then a sudden inspiration filled my soul. I wanted to be a nun and serve Jesus. I ran as fast as I could to talk to mom and let her know of my plans. Mom was not happy with those words at all. Being LDS, of course that was just not the news she would want to hear. Quickly she put me in my place and explained to me the importance of multiplying the earth, to become a mommy and get married. Guilt struck me as I she spoke and I quickly got that notion out of my head.
Life went on and 11 years later I was married and starting my family. I was a pretty straight laced person, not perfect but pretty straight laced. I had people tell me I was as straight as they came. All was well for a while, but something kept nagging at me. I didn't ever feel complete being LDS. I started going wayward and became a pretty lost soul for about 8 years. I did things I wish I had never done, and did things I never came close to thinking I would ever do. But it was then that my journey began. God took hold of me and over the course of about 8 more years, God gently guided me up and through and around the Mountain. I met many people of different faiths, and was influenced by many good people. I found my way back to God and learned many great things.
God is my all in all and I have to say I am a seeker - a God chaser. I know I am far from perfect
but my deepest love is God, and to dance with Him is the greatest thing on earth. God is my Love and He is the air I breath. For many years now, I have been more like that little girl I was in Salt Lake. Being Catholic now, it is too late to be a Nun but I can serve Jesus and I do my best to do just that. The void is finally gone.

My Grandson in charcoal and graphite

The Truth Behind Many Talents

For many years now I have heard time and time again the following: "You have more talent in your little finger then I do in my whole body." OR... "My mom is one of the most talented women I know." Or... "One thing for sure is that your mom is very talented." My talents have a hidden truth behind them, a story, and none of the many things I can do came naturally, I worked very hard, and had a certain motivation to each talent learned, which was, to be accepted and loved.

When I was a little girl it didn't seem to matter what I did or didn't do it was never good enough. I would try to sing and I was told to quit singing because I had a horrible voice, but then one day I was singing to the Radio and my Aunt Kim said, "Wow, you have a pretty voice." That was all it took, she gave me just enough confidence that I pushed my way into singing at different functions at church and in the community. Before long I was getting asked to sing all the time. Then I thought I should learn the guitar and I pushed my way again asking our neighbor if she would teach me how to play chords. She did after my pleading. Soon my guitar and my voice started taking me to some very fun places in my life. My big time hit was, "The little Blue Man." I had the chance to sing that song in Las Vegas, but plans were changed when I found out I was pregnant with my adorable Debbie. I NEVER once regretted that because my children were far more important to me. My singing and playing the guitar has blessed many lives.

When I was a little girl I always wanted to draw, but to no avail, I was told I couldn't even draw a stick figure, so discouraged I quit trying. In 6th grade, however, our art teacher had us go home and draw something we saw in our yard. So, I went home and I drew and colored in, moms Iris's. When my teacher saw my art work he told me that it was beautiful and that I should draw all the time. I got an A+ but still I figured it was just luck. I forgot about drawing until I was married and had 2 babies. I was constantly trying to find a way to impress my husband at that time, now my ex, and make him believe I was good at something. I wanted so badly for him to love me, truly love me, it was then my art teachers words hit me. So, I started an art course for drawing. I took this course for about a year. It did help me improve my drawing abilities tons. Soon, I started painting logo's on trucks and continued doing that for quite some time. Many years later, of all the art I've done, in an effort to impress and be loved, once again, I am not famous, but My art blesses people.

I could go into the other things I pushed myself to learn, but the end result would be exactly the same as my art and music abilities. The Motive, the drive behind it all, was to try to be loved and accepted. People defiantly notice what I do - but like all things that we chase in life which is not God, we come up empty and feeling unsatisfied. It didn't make anyone love me more, or accept me for who I am inside, I don't know that they even really know me. This story goes very deep, and I could ramble on with many different stories, but it is not the story itself I want to convey but the moral of the story.

Why try to gain acceptance from people when God already loves us and accepts us exatly for who we are "inside." When we chase Him, all other things fall into place. I think God must have been giggling at my wanderings, and yet, now I do have talents that I can use to bless people and God. Now that is Ironic - God helped me put my desires for acceptanc into the right place, by allowing Me to bless people. All things turn to glorify God.

Cr A z Y Aunt Jeri

I heard it said again

just the other day

"there's crazy aunt Jeri"

and my head began to sway.

Harm I will never cause

not to anyone,

My heart is full of lots of love

I do kind things for everyone.

I've always walked the extra mile

to comfort and let you know

that you're all very special

never giving up when things went wrong.

So what's with the crazy Jeri?

I simply want to ask

Many many years ago

I could simply laugh.

Yet, some how through all the years

the laughter just won't come

Sometimes teasing may be fun

But it can drag a spirit down.

Sometimes being sarcastic

is the last thing one should do

Especially when I do my best

in little ways that says, "I love you."

Somewhere along the way

your little games became

a very, very hurtful thing

I just want to stay away.

Sometimes I act a little strange

Maybe

I just want to have some fun

To lift the serious drag of life

planting sunshine in the mud.

Charming

A precious site like this little charmer can brighten the darkest day.
A song he sang while he played on the limb of an un-awkened bush.
His song was proof that Spring is finally bringing the warmth of the sun.
His inslaved pose was appealing, as I grasped my camera with ease.
His pose remained with causious eyes, then he flew away - wise to me.

Quick Sketch

Cows And Such

Many years ago when I was in Jr. high, one of my teachers happened to be a cattle rancher. He was my favorite teacher and I did quite well in his class. He reminded me of my Grandpa Low who was a cattle rancher himself. I grew up around horses and cattle and Grandpa Low's rough and tuff cowboy ways. I loved helping Grandpa when he went to check on them or feed them hay. I would climb up in the hay stacks and play with the mice I found there. Grandpa would always give me a pair of his big ole gloves so I couldn't get bitten. I have many memories of Grandpa and the cows.
So back to my story about my teacher. One day in class Mr. Grover handed us some question and answer sheets about cows and the different breeds. Mr. Grover explained to us that this was a contest with other classes through out the states. I didn't think much of it agreeing with my friends that I knew nothing about cows. However, I filled it out to the best of my knowledge. Several months later much to my surprise, Mr. Grover excitedly let our class know
that I had taken 2nd in this contest. I can't remember what my prize was since I was much to shocked that I knew more then what I thought I knew. Just goes to show that Parents/Grandparents are our most important teachers. I've always LOVED cows, I love taking pictures of them and when we pass the Ranch to go to town from Needles, I love to stop and talk to them - reminding me of the good ole days with Grandpa.
So, recently I shared this story with my favorite Uncle Ross. My memories brought up memories for him. After I wrote him an e-mail about the cow contest he sent me an e-mail back to me. This is another story in my life:

Thanks hon,

Made me laugh though. It sparked a memory in me, of when you were about three years old or so. As you will remember, dad kept horses in the pasture behind the house. The gate to it was in the back yard. One day, when we were getting ready to bridle up a couple of them, the gate was left open, intentionally so as to facilitate the chore. Anyway, one of the mares came out of the gate and onto the yard, unbridled, unassisted. It scared the pee waddins out of you and you started screaming at your grandpa, "The horse is out of its cage! The horse is out of its cage!" I don't remember the exact words Grandpa said to your dad, but I do recall the stern, disgusted look he shifted his way as he said the equivalent to, "You gotta get this little girl out more!"

So, some time along the way, Grandpa must have taught you about livestock and the difference between pastures and cages and such.

Thnx for the pics

XOXO
Ross

Crochet and Poem for St. Patricks Day

Crocheted by: Me

The little leprechaun surprised me

when he jumped on to the path

from behind the desert pine tree.

He happily held his hands out with

a bouquet of the greenest shamrocks

mystically drawing me, " Hello, I'm Mr. Smith."

I fought the urge to run from him

He smiled the cutest little smile

filling my heart with sparkles to the brim.

Momma warned me to stay away

from the temptation of leprechauns deceit

my love for him he would steal and sway.
His greatest love the bouquet entices
is to lead him to fathers hill of gold
and mama's holiday spices.
Yet, shimmering before my eyes
the shamrock bouquet did indeed
lead me under the spell, to my demise.

Written by: Me

A Little Sunshine on a Snowy Day

There is no greater joy on this earth than being in the warmth of family. This is the first picture I've had taken with my two Granddaughters since they were babies. I love them dearly. I love all of my Grandchildren dearly, along with my children. This picture was taken at Jolyn's baby shower. My little nephew is due in two weeks.

Dear God I thank thee for moments like this
where on a snowy day, smiles brighten the day with bliss.
Family joined together for lots of fun
awaiting the arrival of our new little one.
But most of all thank you for my lovely granddaughters
who are extra beautiful, like the sunflowers.

Poncho Low

Grandpa called me Poncho
a nick name he had given,
"Everyone needs a nick name,"
he said, no other reason given.
Yes you're my little poncho
so grab your fishing pole,
lets go catch us dinner
from the pond just down below.
I followed right behind him
down the hill so grassy green,
to the little fishing lake
he built for grandma- his queen.
Grandpa called me Poncho Low
when ere I was in trouble
the worse thing I could do round him
was chew on ice he put into my water.
Grandpa called me Poncho
a name not heard for years,
It's really just a little sad
when you lose a name so dear.
Grandpa called me poncho
a nickname I won't forget,
so when my days are over
standing by the pearly gates,
I'm sure I'll hear my name,
"Poncho."
Then I'll hear him say,
"Grab your fishing pole
Let's go catch our dinner."

My Celtic Harp

The Magic Of The Harp My ears directed me to sweet music - among the trees
As I rounded bout the bend - my eyes beheld the beauty
She sat upon a rock - surrounded by tall blades of grass
The flowers all around her - the music sweeter than wine
The artistic work of wood and string held gently in her arms - she played
The notes flowed smoothly through the woods - while faeries danced
I came to realize it then - the magical notes from the Celtic harp
Sweet like honeysuckle - drawing all who heard into a spell
Joyful play and healing power known not - to just anyone.

My Mandolin

One of my passions in life is music. I love playing music especially with other musical people, and I love listening to it. Call it a midlife crisis or what ever, but I decided to try out a new instrument other then the guitar, the auto harp, tambourine, harmonica, and so on that I love playing. I invested in a Mandolin. The first song I learned just yesterday was Cripple Creek. It is so much fun and now I'm ready to learn more songs. I've learned the chords on it but playing the songs on this cool instrument is so much fun.

The Outhouse

Pondering on the "old days," my memory slips into the days when having a color TV meant you were coming up in the world. But most of all toilets were a blessing which not all people had. Yes, I suppose I'm getting older, not old mind you, but older since being able to recall those days is quite an ancient story. My mama had to do it all the time, thank God I didn't. I only used one when we went to the cabins with Grandpa and Grandma Low.
Awe yes, baring your butt in the freezing cold while the warmth streamed down, down, down, into the darkness of the deep hole. Then running on the tall grassy path from what ever may have been in the hole, while pulling your pants up, back to the cabin and hoping the bear who went over the mountain didn't catch up to you, was quite a trip.
I wasn't very old in those days, Id say around seven, but you will never be able to comprehend the celebration which took place, in secret, of how absolutely happy I was when Grandpa and Grandma finally built a cabin that had an indoor toilet. No more going out in the woods with that dreadful fear of the big bad wolf coming after me, or the bear I mentioned earlier. And no more looking down, down, down, into the stinky darkness of the dreaded hole that I was always afraid I might fall in.
Do kids these days really appreciate the invention of an indoor toilet - that if you fall in you won't go far? I'll clean that darned toilet any day rather then have to ever worry about using the outhouse again.
I'd tip my hat, if I had one, to the many people I know who had to use the outhouse on a regular basis.

My Wonderful Husband

My husband spoils me with things he builds. He just built this awesome puzzle table for me, and I love it. For the next couple blogs I am going to share my husbands talents which are all awesome things he has built for me. He built the headboard for Lindsey. We are all blessed by his talents.