The Wood's Secret Garden

It is frustrating to have no time to write.  However, (as they say) a picture paints a thousand words.  So, I will rely on the pictures to do most of the talking.  Last year we planted a wild flower garden.  We watered it everyday and yet it really didn't produce much of a garden.  Once the flowers would die we would pull them out and toss them into the wilderness area nearer the creek.  Well, this year, we got wildflowers, with no tending whatsoever on our part!  Now that's what I;m talkin' bout"   So many illustrations that could be written about this wonderful discovery of my husbands.  We discussed in length the applications; but, alas, no time to write: New birth from scattered seeds! And, we are still finding amazing creatures in the Wood's Secret Garden--even after 2 years.  This guy decided to come to our front door one morning and take a rest. Look at the artwork on his body!  He was approximately 4" long wit...

It was two years ago today, that Michael and I were married.  Neither one of us exchange store bought gifts for any special occasions.  We actually view each day as a special occasion.  However, when I arrived home last night, he presented me with a priceless, precious anniversary gift--a poem that he had written to celebrate the day. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY "Wifey" (May 18, 2012) Two years now and growing strong, And yet to know Him more we long Whose gift to us in marriage bliss Is that effect of His Sweet Kiss. And none of this is what we earn But all of grace is how we learn, While led by Him the Paraclete To humbly sit at Jesus feet And worship Him, the Lord of all Who for His purpose did us call To honor Him whose praise is due Who made us one who once were two. So by His gift we celebrate Not us but Him our Potentate Whose love and loyalty has won Our hearts to Him who made us one.

In July of this past year I began my little hobby of hand-illustrating suede jackets, vests and boots.  Some will remember "the coat of many colors" post.  This led to me opening a shop on etsy.  Since opening my shop, 10,965 people from around the world have viewed my shop; with over 2,028 indicating that they "favorite" my shop and the items in it, and yet I have only sold 4 pair of boots.  The reason I don't sell more boots and jackets is because, although many people admire the art work; very few people would actually wear the boots or the jackets in public.  I knew that, before I even listed my first item for sale.  I knew that I would probably not sell much; but I also knew that etsy was a wonderful way to connect with people from all over the world and a means to share the Word of God, the Gospel message and even introduce other professing Christians to the Puritans and to Spurgeon.  God has used my shop on etsy in wonderful ...

This is the time of year, when the leaves of the oak trees, contain those curious, mysterious, gall formations.  (For those of you not familiar with "galls" you might want to click here to check out last year's posting.)  Upon arriving home from work yesterday afternoon, I decided to take a walk in the Secret Garden before getting rerady for prayer meeting at the church.  I grabbed my camera and headed out.  The last rain storm had flattened most of the long grasses which had been hiding the creek from view.   The creek was now visible from the bank and full of tiny fish (perhaps tadpoles).  After spending sometime enjoying the new view, I headed over to the grove of Oak trees where last years' pink galls were found and to my surpirse, the leaves were covered with two entirely different types of galls from those found last year.  How fascinating!  Is this difference because a different type of insect is now present in the secret ...

Today was filled with what seemed like a thousand things and I was not able to work on my art projects.  However, we had a most wonderful day together.  At the end of the day, Michael was tormenting "Monkey" with a long piece of cording that I had discarded on the floor earlier in the week.    While I was checking emails, Michael crawled underneath my work table, grabbed Monkey and put him in (what we call) "lock- down".  That's where he wraps his arms around Monkey, and keeps him from moving.  They were both just 2 feet away, right under my feet; so, I took a few pictures.   What a blessed way to end a day.  What we thought were just a few fun shots, that had come out really blurry, we ended up with a series of black and white art pieces that look more like pencil sketches.  I simply used Microsoft Picture Editor to reduce the color saturation, increase the contrast and lighten the monotones.   

As we were watering the wild flower garden and filling up the humming bird feeders, I glanced down and found that a little, tiny, baby "Praying Mantis" had stopped by to pay a visit.   He was joined by a bright black and red beetle.  The beetle scurried along too quickly for me to take his picture; but, the Praying Mantis, was a real ham.  He hung around for a lengthy photo session. Everywhere you look (if you pause long enough) are little creatures to delight in.