Grace

What is grace? I looked it up in the dictionary:

Elegance, beauty of form, manner, motion, or action. A pleasing or attractive quality. Favor or good will. Mercy, clemency, pardon. Favor shown in granting a delay or temporary immunity. The freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. The influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them. A virtue or excellence of divine origin. Moral strength. A short prayer before or after a meal, in which a blessing is asked and thanks are given. A formal title. To lend or add grace to, adorn. To favor or honor. To be kind. Regarded with favor.

Synonyms are: 1. attractiveness, charm, gracefulness, comeliness, ease, kindness, love, embellish, beautify, deck, decorate, ornament, enhance, honor.

Are there those in our lives that scream out "GRACE?" I can think of some in my past and present life that show grace on a daily basis. Do I? Not so much, I don't think. Maybe in some circumstances, but in all? No way. I'm going to singularly focus on this for awhile, and make a special effort to improve on areas in my life where I'm not filled with "grace," where I don't offer grace to someone I'm in contact with, outwardly and even inwardly... that place or that reaction that no one sees or hears but me (and God... yikes).

Happy 10th Survival Anniversary!!!

OH MY GOSH. I should have had a party. Someone just reminded me that it was 10 years ago (on July 10th - Bryan's birthday) that I was given a "death sentence." My doctor said he would not give me a time frame, but that I would never go into remission... his goal for me was quantity and quality of life. My second opinion gave me two years. Wow. Those were tough times, and beautiful times. It gave me an appreciation of all the little aspects of life... to appreciate each day's beauty (yes, I actually stop my car, get out and watch beautiful sunsets); it taught me how to be pro-active and be in charge of my body and treatment. I learned that some loved ones just don't know how to react to illness, and that other loved ones are gifted caregivers. It showed me the importance of church, fellowship and prayer. Thank you to those who were with me, cared for me, prayed for me... and simply loved me during those challenging and incredible months.

Here's my precious babies... Moon and Shadow. They were a bit confused during this photo session. "You mean, Mom, you want us to stand over here on this backdrop... the same one you trained us not to get near?" They sure don't look very happy. They are just a couple love bugs, and have always been SO good... even as little tiny puppies. Moon follows me around wherever I go, and Shadow is just a big teddy bear. Isn't it amazing how we get so close to our pets?

Here's the first images using my new studio lights...

we had a blast... and the subjects are pretty awesome too...

(Carl, Bryan and Joanna... Bryan's girlfriend)

Goals and Dreams Wordl

I enjoyed creating yesterday's wordl so much, I decided to do another one today. This one focuses on my goals and dreams. As you see, I have a lot of personal goals, and the dreams seem to focus a lot on traveling. I got the travel bug this summer. Fun Fun Fun!!!

wordl

Just discovered this... (thanks Bruce)... thought I'd create one showing some my favorite things and things I'm grateful for! Click on the box above if you want to see it blown up!

Here's my new portrait studio on Robin's property... he just added a porch, a rocker and a couple hanging plants... he is so supportive of my hobby/business. Now we need to add electricity, studio lights and an air conditioner! I won't really be able to start using it until we get married and his home becomes "our" home, but I can hardly wait!