Author: Timelesslady

Married with children and grandchildren. Reader, writer, painter - maybe a bit of an artist. Gardener... Led by the Spirit.

Praise & Prompt – Praise God Always

On By TimelessladyIn Praise, Prompt/The Daily Prompt at Wordpress2 Comments

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“Seven Wonders.” If I had to reduce my language to seven words…what would my seven words be?

PRAISE GOD ALWAYS…REJOICE IN HIS LOVE.

Sometimes living your life as a praise offering to God means not fitting in, or in cliche`d terms, “Standing out from the crowd.”

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Yesterday we visited National Park, New Jersey, and I was able to find through the eye of my camera several instances of nature standing out in a crowd.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” ~ Matthew 5:16

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While we walked the path along the Delaware River, flocks of geese landed on the water. In their midst swam just one beautiful swan. Different, yet holding his ground alongside the hundreds of geese; he dared to be unique. We all should have that same bold attitude as we serve God and be “different” than those who serve their own self and the values of this fallen world. “Dare to be Different!” ~ Joyce Meyer

People & Praise – Katrice Cornett – Concert in the Park

On By TimelessladyIn People, Praise4 Comments

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Today, my husband and I visited Red Bank Battlefield in National Park, New Jersey. We parked the truck beneath the bluest of Autumn skies. Airplanes climbed into the air before our eyes; National Park is across from the Philadelphia International Airport. Barges, tugboats and ships parted the waters of the Delaware, traveling up and down the river.

I was thrilled when a musical group began taping a music video just yards away from where we sat. Their gospel song soon added an extra blessing to our day. I was able to purchase a CD and find out the name of the lead singer. Katrice Cornett’s voice has the honeyed tones of someone blessed by the Lord Jesus with the gift of song.

You can read more about Ms. Cornett here:
Katrice Cornett Website.

Photographs – Hidden Treasure

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, PhotographsLeave a comment

“(Extra) ordinary Mundane and meaningful objects. Beautiful everyday things. This week, surprise us with something or someone (extra)ordinary.”

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Block Island, Rhode Island beaches are part sand, part rocky pebbles. The larger stones have been used since the early centuries of our country as cobblestones for New England roadways. I am fascinated by the beauty of these rocks. The amazing array of colors and the wave-tumbled smooth surfaces mesmerize me. Much like Sanibel Island, Florida, known for the famous “Sanibel Stoop,” (a title describing beachcombers searching for shells on the beaches,) Block Island turns beachcombers into rockhounds, creating a posture that could be named, “The Block Island Bend.”

The interesting stone in today’s photograph is a cabbage-sized rock I found on Block Island. I brought it home as a doorstop, and often pick it up to gaze at what seems to be treasure inside. The exterior of the stone is a quite ordinary, but within a zig-zagging crack on the surface, the facets of polished quartz are visible, transforming the ordinary stone, into an extraordinary keepsake.

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Project – Easy Glue Recipe

On By TimelessladyIn Quirkiness6 Comments

I love doing art projects with my grandchildren. This week, the kiddies were on their way over, and I had plenty of paper for a project, but no school glue on hand. I decided to try and make my own rather than run out to the store and waste time and money.

There are quite a few recipes on the Internet. The most popular paste/glue to use with small children involves only two ingredients: cornstarch and water. I read several of the recipes and decided on my own quantities: 1 part cornstarch to 4 parts water. I used tablespoons as my measurement, but this glue can be made in larger or smaller quantities as needed. For an even better sensory experience add a drop or two of spearmint oil.

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Add cornstarch and water to a small saucepan.

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Stir together with a spoon. (A whisk would also work at this point, but is not recommended for the heating stage. The glue/paste will glob on the wire and be hard to remove.)

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My two and three year old grandchildren helped me up to this point. They enjoyed the idea of making their own glue/paste.

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Heat mixture over low heat. Stir constantly. The glue will quickly thicken.

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Within moments the glue takes on the sheen of Vaseline. Remove from heat.

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Immediately remove glue from pan and allow to cool. It will ready to use within a few minutes.

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A toothpick or popsicle stick is the perfect applicator. My grandchildren used their fingers.

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Cornstarch glue is perfect for paper projects.

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The glue will keep for quite a while placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator.

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A final note: After a half hour of drying time, the glued paper held fast. I tried to remove the layers and the result was encouraging, the paper held firm enough to tear. I was also pleased to see that the layers dried without bubbling. Small children will create “lumpier” projects that might bubble a bit, but they will hold together after they are dry. Drying time for a small child’s thicker application of glue will be a few hours.

Quick Tip – Substitute Heating Pad

On By TimelessladyIn Quick Tip8 Comments

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Preparing for our recent trip to Jamaica, I ran around like a madwoman packing, cleaning, watering plants, doing laundry, preparing pet meals. At 2 a.m. on our departure morning, as we left the house, I said to my husband, “My hip feels funny.” Uh-oh, little did I know much more than our destination was on my horizon.

We arrived in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, after a very bumpy, winding two hour trek over the mountains. No worries man…we were soon in the beautiful ocean. Wouldn’t you know it, a wave took us both down, and of course, you guessed it…down I went on the hip that was already feeling “odd.” Within twenty-four hours I was in extreme pain and could hardly move. I took over-the-counter pain relievers, and in the place of a heating pad we used the hottest hot water our room put out, wet a washcloth and placed it in a plastic bag. It worked wonders when placed on the injured area. The heat lasted quite a while and definitely soothed the pain.

We are at home now, and I am still feeling an occasional twinge. I’ve continued using the plastic bag and wet washcloth, but now I heat it with my microwave for about forty seconds. Be aware the washcloth becomes extremely  hot, and cannot be placed on bare skin. Long story shortened: a hot washcloth in plastic is a good stand-in for a heating pad.

Plant – Croton

On By TimelessladyIn Plants6 Comments

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Crotons are a perfect Autumn houseplant. I purchased mine a few years ago at the local grocer. The croton has grown steadily, and after spending summers outdoors in bright sunshine, is near twenty-four inches tall, eighteen inches in diameter. The leaves of the croton are definitely the star of the show. The brighter the light, the more variegation they exhibit. Giving a croton a vacation in summer sunshine will bring out gorgeous colors in the leaves.

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This week, due to a forecasted heavy frost,  I brought my croton indoors. I will have to check the plant diligently over the next few weeks to make sure it does not develop spider mites. I do this by spraying a light mist of water around the new growth near the top. If the plant has a mite problem the webs will catch the water droplets. I can eradicate a light infestation of mites with a daily dose of heavy water spray. If the infestation involves the entire plant I will need a systemic insecticide to battle the problem.

HOW TO GROW A CROTON
Light: Strongest Sunlight Possible
Temperature: Day – 70 degrees (minimum)
Night – 60 degrees (minimum)
Moisture: Evenly Moist – Do not overwater or allow to become too dry.
Common Pests: Spider Mites

Perspective and Projects – Sawdust Memories

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Projects2 Comments

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Our majestic oak tree was taken down while we were on vacation. I had resigned myself to its removal, but it was still a blow to see the empty space where it once stood. As we walked amid the fallen pieces, despite our untrained eyes, we noticed areas of danger due to splits in the main trunk. At some point the tree or large branches would have fallen. We did the right thing in having it removed before a problem or tragedy occurred.

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We have decided to keep a piece of the stump for our grandchildren to build a fairy house on. I also gathered bins of sawdust to use for stuffing some fabric birds I intend to make. I will save a few acorns, plant them in a pot, freeze them for several months, and attempt to grow some progeny of my beautiful oak tree.

Photographs – Jamaica, Treasure Beach Hotel

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, Photographs2 Comments

This week’s Photo Challenge at WordPress is as follows:

“Happy Place…This week, we want you to show us where you go to get your groove back.”

I returned late last evening from a lovely week spent in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. Here are a few of my favorite photographs from the week. Treasure Beach is definitely a perfect place to “Get Your Groove Back!”

A terrific way to reclaim your “groove” is to watch dolphins swim alongside your boat.

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We get such a kick out of the lizards in the area. They are terrific “bug” predators and are always on the hunt for a good meal and warm place to bask in the sunshine.

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Cactus, Palm Trees and Tropical Flowers all blend to create a stunning natural garden.

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Can’t resist one more cute little lizard photograph before I go.

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Treasure Beach Hotel, Treasure Beach Jamaica.

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Perspective – The Blessing of the Picky Eater

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective10 Comments

“Corn is a very fine food,

For animals and man.

You can find it on a cob,

You can eat it in a can.”

My husband is a picky eater. He has always been a picky eater. He tells a story of the hiding place he found on his mother’s kitchen table, a small ledge on the underside, where as a child, he would hide the peas he didn’t want to eat. He has no liking for all the good green veggies: green beans, lettuce, lima beans, cabbage, kale, garlic, onions, etc., etc., etc. He loves corn though. The little poem is from a third grade play he was in. He recites this to me when I grumble about eating corn again, and again, and again.

Have you ever cooked for a picky eater? It is not easy, but here is the blessing in the scenario, learning how to bring out the good flavors in just a few items has created in me an ability to cook almost anything fairly well. I’m happy to say, little bites by little bites, my husband has learned to eat some new things. He likes broccoli now…can you believe that, but he still won’t eat peas!

Projects & Phun – Zentangles

On By TimelessladyIn Phun, ProjectsLeave a comment

Coloring books for adults, I see them everywhere I go: craft stores, magazine stores, book stores, grocery store check-out lines, and online too. The art form, promoted as a way to relax and unwind, has created a booming new industry. If you have tried this old/new activity, perhaps you are ready to go one step further and create your own lines for coloring in. In that case, you might like Zentangles. Take a look at this amazing and informative video. I love the classical music soundtrack, and find watching the artist completely mesmerizing.

Give Zentangle/doodling a try and have some fun!

Perspective – Follow your Dreams in Stone

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective4 Comments

“Your personal sculptor is carving a person, thing or event from the last year of your life. What’s the statue of and what makes it so significant?” Daily Post @ WordPress “Immortalized in Stone.”

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For years my husband and I have watched the fishermen along the Delaware Bay at Fortescue, often remarking to each other, “We should try fishing.”

This year we finally bought fishing rods. What a great time we have had standing on the sand, beneath the sky, with the sound of gentle waves as our music. I wish we had begun fishing years earlier.

My husband, with fishing rod in hand, would be my choice for the person I would immortalize in stone. My best advice: follow every one of your dreams…large, small and in between. You never know where they might take you.

Project – Autumn Tablecloth

On By TimelessladyIn Projects10 Comments

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If you are having a large crowd for a meal during the Autumn, consider making a one-of-a-kind tablecloth. Years ago, several members of my family helped me turn real leaves into stamps to create beautiful coverings for our tables. You will need: acrylic paints, an off-white tablecloth or flat bed sheets, surface protection, and some sort of paint applicator. (paint brushes or foam brushes)

Prepare the tablecloth or sheet: launder them if they are new to remove fabric sizing. If you need a smaller size, cut to size and hem the edges by hand or with a sewing machine.

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Now you’re ready for the fun…gather leaves that are still soft and pliable. Brown, brittle leaves will crack when you apply paint and pressure to them. Make sure to have protection for your working surface under the sheet, the paint will definitely seep through to the back side. Spread acrylic paint, in Autumn colors, in splotches over the leaves, press down firmly, remove. You have just created a beautiful impression of the leaf that will last for decades. After twenty-four hours your tablecloths can be safely laundered in cool water. They should retain their color for many years. Mine are probably over fifteen years old.

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People – Max Lucado

On By TimelessladyIn People4 Comments

upwords with max lucado

“Max Lucado (born January 11, 1955) is a best-selling Christian author and writer and preacher at Oak Hills Church (formerly the Oak Hills Church of Christ) in San Antonio, Texas.” ~ Wikipedia

Upwords with Max Lucado is an online daily devotional that I enjoy reading. God speaks to me through these devotions, and the books Max Lucado has authored are outstanding. Max Lucado Book List

Plants – Coleus – The Secret of Vibrant Colors

On By TimelessladyIn Plants3 Comments

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My favorite coleus is one I grew from seed several years ago. I call it Raspberry Twizzle. A progeny of several years of cross-breeding coleus in my garden, Twizzle is vibrantly hued, rippled, and boasting scalloped edges. The beautiful color is not guaranteed. The plants in the photograph above are all from the same mother plant. The reason for the lackluster color of the middle coleus: the wrong light conditions. Coleus grown indoors must have very bright morning and early afternoon light. If they are grown in too much shade their colors will fade, even though they retain their fancy frills and ripples. Strong afternoon light will have the opposite effect, and make for faded color.

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Coleus root in plain tap water. This cutting is only a few weeks old and is ready for planting. If you have coleus growing outdoors, bring a few sprigs in and keep your plants alive for planting out next Spring.

Photograph – Boundaries/Delaware Bay

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress6 Comments

Photo Challenge @ WordPress “This week, let’s explore the creative potential of limits, borders, and dividers of all types.”

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I love this simplistic view of the Delaware Bay. Each ebb and flow of the tide carves new designs into the boundary of sand.

The photograph was taken in July of this year. Those of us who live near ocean waters return to them with a bit of trepidation each Spring and Summer, almost afraid to lay eyes upon what the N’or Easters and other storms have wrought upon the shoreline. Early October has already brought us a strong hurricane, thankfully, passing by out to sea. The boundaries are in place, but at some point, all shoreline boundaries are broken and changed.

Perspective – Become Like Children

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective4 Comments

We recently celebrated two birthdays in our family with a picnic. While we sang “Happy Birthday,” I took photographs of everyone as they enjoyed the fellowship of our time together. After I downloaded the photos, I noticed in the background of a photo, what for me has become one of the best moments of the day: my youngest grandson beaming with pure happiness as he watched his grandfather blow out the birthday candles. Although the distance causes his image to be a bit blurred, his JOY in the day is contagious, and fills me with happiness when I gaze upon his sweet face.

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My grandson’s expression is exactly how I want my Father in Heaven to see me as I gaze toward him. Eyebrows raised in anticipation, my hands outstretched, my face beaming with happiness. You know folks, if I do nothing else on this earth I want to SHINE for Jesus. A blessed Sunday to you. Amen.

“And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.…” ~ Matthew 18:2-4