Category: Paths

Pathways & Perspective Part 5 – The Path of Time

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In this photograph, my grandson is five or six years old. He is my first grandchild. Becoming a grandmother is a dream that did not disappoint. It was, is, and I hope will always be, even more precious than I had hoped the relationship would be when I first heard the news of his impending birth.

He just turned eighteen and graduated from high school in the same month. The colors for his school match the color of the shirt he wore all those years ago as he marveled over the pea-sized tomatoes I grew in my garden.

A mystery: rain recently washed up a small sand toy he and his brothers played with in the backyard sandbox. Once, I might have packed it up or even thrown it away, but now it is a treasure. Cleaned up, it will be placed in my keepsake drawer, a reminder of how fast time goes and a delightful prompter of lovely memories. God bless you all on these pathways we walk as we travel through life.

Pathway & Project Part 4 – Atlantic Ocean & Delaware Bay

On By TimelessladyIn Paths, Projects4 Comments

I might be slightly stretching the challenge subject of passages/paths to consider walking alongside the ocean and bay a pathway, yet my way has a water border and dry sand on the other side. I walk on the wet, hardened area swept over by the waves. On further reflection, I think of walking along the ocean, a definite path. 

The first photograph is one of my favorite places, Fortescue, New Jersey, along the creek that flows into the Delaware Bay. This area is a popular spot to fish. Again, I found the photograph quickly because it is set aside as a scene I would like to paint.

Another favorite area is Strathmere, New Jersey. We walk to the point across from Corson’s Inlet State Park. The beach has large cordoned-off areas for the shore birds that raise their young in the sandy stretches beyond the reach of the waves.

Whatever beach I visit, I collect an assortment of ocean treasures. I keep them in baskets and jars, paint them, craft with them, and have them in my living room as decor. Today, I created a decorative basket with a few. I especially like the piece of seaglass on the front. I found the glass with the small oyster shell firmly attached. I imagine that oyster had quite a whirlwind life while it was alive, tossed around in the waves with its piece of glass host. The small shell included on this piece is a cat’s paw collected on Sanibel Island.

On the subject of Sanibel, I’m including a clip of one of my favorite YouTube Channels: SWF Beach Life. This clip includes Sanibel Island. I love her channel; it is so relaxing and fun to live through her as she gathers beachy treasures. On a scale of 1 – 10, I give this YouTube channel a definite 10. If you feel stressed, or are just interested in seashells, check out this channel.

Passages & Pathways Part 3 – The Paths of Home/Glen Lake

On By TimelessladyIn Passages, Paths6 Comments

Glen Lake Park: This park has benches all along the lake and is maintained by the students of Kindle School. The lake recently has been fitted with fountains and lights. Glen Lake is stocked for fishing. It also is rather shallow and often freezes over, providing a nice place for winter outdoor ice skating. ~Our Town

Glen Lake, a small pond near our home, is a favorite destination for a quick walk. Early morning is my favorite time to circle the paths along its perimeter. A clue to its size is how easy it would be to throw a pebble across its breadth.

Although morning is my favorite time to visit, sunset can be beautiful, too. I love this photograph of my husband walking a pathway of sunlight shining through the trees surrounding Glen Lake. Way back in time, we took photographs of our wedding party beside this lake when we got married.

So often, we want to find beauty in our travels, but for most of us, there are colors and incredible scenes of sunlit splendor right outside our back door. It could be a body of water, such as this small pond near my house, or something as starkly beautiful as a dandelion growing in a crack in the sidewalk.

Wherever your pathways and passages take you today, I wish for you to find beauty that will touch your soul.

Passages & Pathways Part 2- A Week of Paths/BI and Longwood…Again

On By TimelessladyIn Passages, Paths6 Comments

It’s day two of the Pathways and Passages challenge, and I’m still walking the paths of Block Island and Longwood Gardens in my imagination. We often stayed in a Block Island Bed and Breakfast called the Sea Breeze Inn. It’s been well over a decade since we spent a week on the island, but we still remember one of the biggest draws of the place, its beautiful location, and the innkeeper, Gabby. 

In the photograph, Gabby is standing on the path that leads to the room we always booked for our week’s stay. I wish we had kept in touch and could still withdraw to the wondrous room with its high ceilings and comfortable furniture. Every morning, Gabby brought us a basket filled to the brim with a pot of coffee, muffins, Danish pastries, fruit, and many delicacies to start the day. I often wonder where life has taken her, if she still lives on the island, or if she has moved to the mainland. 

This well-dressed lady piqued my fancy one October day while visiting Longwood Gardens. I didn’t know her, and perhaps it is not polite to take a photo of someone just because you admire their outfit, but I loved her hat with its sassy bow, the red coat, and the posh bag she carried. Her long skirt was the perfect complement to the coat. So cute! In hindsight, I wish I had told her how beautiful her outfit appeared as she walked the pathways in the gardens. The photograph was taken in 2009. One of these days, I will attempt to create a watercolor of her. Fifteen years later, there is a lot of time between my first inspiration and getting around to it. 

Passages and Pathways – A Week of Paths/A Few Favorites – Part 1

On By TimelessladyIn Passages, Paths4 Comments

I enjoy taking part in challenges. I thank Dale Cooper for today’s Cosmic Challenge/Passages and Pathways.

Today I’m including literal paths I have walked and enjoyed.

A pathway near the Bell Tower in Longwood Gardens; I have visited more times than I can count and always come away refreshed by the sights, especially in the winter when the conservatory is filled with flowers.

A perfect tree for climbing on the way to Clayhead Beach on Block Island, Rhode Island. I hope the tree is still standing. I have begun a watercolor painting of the tree, including a figure on the long, low branches with a book in her hand.

Block Island again, the same pathway; carrying beach chairs and paraphernalia to the beach at Clayhead is quite a hike, but it is well worth the effort.

Paths – A Woodland Walk

On By TimelessladyIn Paths4 Comments

A few years ago, I took a weekly photo of a path through the woods to show how the seasons change the appearance of the area I live in. This year, same woods, different path, an old habit with new direction.

The summer canopy of green leaves has shattered, falling away from the sky to the floor of the woods, carpeting it in many shades of amber. The grey of exposed tree trunks and limbs is dotted with the green of ground pine, holly, and laurel. Another soul who walks this way, created a bit of enchantment and direction when they lined the way with fallen branches.

New photos of THE PATH will be added to the sidebar weekly, with a link to THE PATH page containing all the weekly photos posted in one place.

Here’s a look back at THE PATH, different area of the woods, that I took in 2017, and a surprise to me, this is the third time I am attempting a weekly photo, I found this earlier video of the same concept from 2014. THE PATH 2014.

This post is part of Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge: Amber

Paths – Arborglyphs Along the Trail/Bethel Mill Park

On By TimelessladyIn Paths2 Comments

Arborglyphs, dendroglyphs, silvaglyphs or modified cultural trees is the carving of shapes and symbols into the bark of living trees. ~Wikipedia

Arborglyphs, what a great word. I love blogging when I learn something new through researching a post. Who would have guessed there was a name for the carvings found scratched into the bark of living trees? I wonder when the first man carved an image into the bark of a living tree.

It would be interesting to know the history of the couples who chiseled their initials into the tree. Are they still together? Do they visit the tree and reminisce? Is it a place of happy sentiment, heartbreak, or both? Only the dozens of blade-wielding risk-takers know the real story. *

These trees are still growing alongside the pond at Bethel Mill Park in Sewell, NJ.

*Carving into living trees is illegal in many areas.

Path – First Path Photograph of 2017

On By TimelessladyIn Paths4 Comments

The Woodland Path - January 6, 2017
The Woodland Path – January 6, 2017

I recently blogged about “The Path‘ series of photographs I took a few years ago. The object was to take a photo of the same stretch of woodland path once a week. I was very diligent through the winter, but slacked off when Spring arrived. This year I chose an area that is a five minute walk from my home. I hope to take a photo once a week and post it on the sidebar of this blog.

Paths – Inspiration Art

On By TimelessladyIn Paths6 Comments

amy's shoes

My sister is an art teacher for junior and senior high school. I love this inspirational artwork she created. What words of inspiration do you need to remind yourself of as you walk along your  path?

Project – Charcoal Sticks

On By TimelessladyIn Painting, Past, Paths, Phairy Lore, Phamily, Pharewell, Pheathers, Projects13 Comments

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When straight wind storms blew through this year, they brought down hundreds of small sticks from the trees surrounding our yard. We collected these and used them in a campfire. Forgotten, the remains lay in the fire pit and weathered for a few weeks. Oh my! Imagine my surprise when perfect sticks of charcoal for artwork caught my eye.

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A quick autograph of my initials on the surrounding fire pit bricks assured me they were art-worthy.

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I collected a good amount and brought them into the house.

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Although I haven’t created art with charcoal in years, I’m eager to give the homemade sticks a try. There might be a bit of frustration involved since the thinner sticks break easily, but hey, it’s an endeavor that won’t cost me more than a sheet of paper.

A good example of charcoal art can be viewed in the following video:

Purpose – Plucking the Moon & Stars in 2015

On By TimelessladyIn Paths, Purpose11 Comments

WordPress Photo Challenge: “Possibility. Opportunity. Potential. As another year gets underway, let’s celebrate the new.”

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“It’s the first photo challenge of 2015, and the theme is ‘new.’ Cliché? Perhaps, but clichés develop for a reason. For many of us, the year’s beginning is time to take stock of the past and plan for the future; this week, let’s get excited about those plans by celebrating what’s new.”

I know, I know…another cliche`, but sometimes cliches` are “Just what the doctor ordered.” (Discerning in advance much eye-rolling here from post readers.) Yes, I’m going to say it…one of my goals is “Reaching for the moon this year” (More eye-rolling and cheesy grin too!)

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

Why let your heart be earthbound my friends? Reach for the heavens, open your heart to the Father of Creation. Raise your arms to the sky and let your first goal be praising the Lord every day. Hallelujah!

“Let us lift up our heart with [our] hands unto God in the heavens.” 

Lamentations 3:41

Photograph taken at Turkey Point Lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay.

Paths – Who We Really Are

On By TimelessladyIn Paths2 Comments

 

What might surprise many of you about me is that in my mid-fifties I grew to love many of the late Bob Marley’s songs. My husband would affirm the fact that I have said to him many times, “I think Bob Marley’s song “Three Little Birds,” is almost Biblical. This is my favorite of all his songs. When I am stressed, I sing the song to myself, usually out loud. I don’t care who hears me. When I play the CD both of my grandchildren, who are babies still, raise their arms to have Nanny lift them up and sway with them to and fro while the sweet music plays.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27

You might also laugh a bit if you knew that at times I compose a self-portrait of myself in my mind…a pre-painting daydream, and I am in Jamaica, sitting in front of a little blue cottage with a lavender door, snapping a bowl of green beans. I’m wearing a long colorful skirt and bright top. My feet are bare and my hair is white and waving in crazy bends and dips all around my head. (If I don’t dry my hair it does exactly this…it is not white yet, but it is changing over in a hurry) There are goats nearby keeping the grass down. Chickens are running all over the yard, and of course there are lazy cats on the windowsills and at my feet. There might even be a little donkey in the picture. There is an amazing garden, full of flowers and vegetables, and most important, three little birds upon my doorstep. If you listen closely, beyond the sweet singing of the birds you can hear the soft waves of the ocean. Someday, even if I never live out the vision in actuality, I am hoping to paint my daydream, a little slice of who I would like to be.

So, a bit of a surprise perhaps about who the writer of this blog is in her heart. Here’s a little known fact about Bob Marley’s life:Bob Marley Converted to Christianity

Paths & Phavorites – Creative Fun/Lunapic

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I’m going to start off by giving you the link to this terrific site. It’s free and you will become addicted to altering your digital photographs with the filters and effects it offers. The sites is called: Lunapic You can reach the site by clicking on the name.

I started with a picture of a hibiscus flower I took in Jamaica.

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Here are some of the ways I played: Create a Border

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Use stars for a border:

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Create a unique dollar bill:

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Design a Christmas ornament:

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Put in some lightening streaks:

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A filmstrip is a nice look:

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Even a kaleidoscope is possible:

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Pardon my cliche, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many creative ways to “doll-up” your pic. Give it a try!

Paths – Heislerville, Delaware Bay, Bird Nesting Grounds Part Two

On By TimelessladyIn Paths4 Comments

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We enjoyed this terrific bike trail that led along the river/bay. Cedar trees stood in a row like a line of sentinels guarding the pathway.

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We stopped when we glimpsed fish jumping out of the water. You can just barely see the outline of the fish in the photo. It is spawning at the edge of the little peninsula of land jutting out into the water. The fish were quite large. A passerby told us he thought they might be Stripers. They appeared to be making nests in the shallows.

Information on Striped Bass

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This enormous cedar tree was at the end of the trail. I thought it look magical, the root system had risen out of the ground creating a look of antiquity. I would love to know how old the cedar is. The lot it stands on is for sale, oh my, I would buy the whole lot just for the tree if I could. If you ever visit this area of southern New Jersey bring your bike and binoculars.

Paths – Heislerville, Delaware Bay, Bird Nesting Grounds Part One

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We camped last night and traveled on today to Heislerville, NJ, on the Delaware Bay. As we approached we were intrigued by an odd looking island of dead trees. As we drove closer we realized the strange growths on the tree limbs were actually nesting herons and egrets. I have never seen a sight quite like it in all the years of my life. There were bird-watchers along the road with large cameras and binoculars. It really was a spectacular sight.

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Here is an example of one of the birds nesting on the island, a great white egret.

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There were other birds in the vicinity too, some lovely swans, and smaller shore birds. Also, as always, the ever-present gulls and their raucous cries. The experience of the shore would not be complete for me without the sound of gulls in the air.

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Paths & Pets – Paths of Joy/ Cat Grass

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A path in life that often leads to joy for many people is having a pet. I have two cats…one a large, very large, Maine Coon Cat. The other, a golden/orange tabby, is named Hans. I want to keep them as healthy as possible through what I hope are very long lives. When the younger cat begin biting the leaves of my philodendrons I knew he might be craving greens. Philodendrons are a definite danger to animals. Ingesting them can poison their system.

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Available alongside flower and vegetable seed packets at this time is oat grass, or as it is sometimes labeled, cat grass. I sowed the seed thickly in three four inch plastic pots. Covered with plastic wrap, it sprouted in a matter of days. I placed a pot alongside the cat’s dishes, and was pleased when they seemed to appreciate my efforts.

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I consider the photo below evidence of a successful endeavor!

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After the plant is nibbled down, I replace it with another pot and place the “mowed” grass in a sunny window to hopefully recover. Here is a link explaining the “science” behind a cats need for greens.

Pet MD/Why Do Cats Eat Greens

Paths – The River Path, Martha Brae River, Jamaica

On By TimelessladyIn Paths2 Comments

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On a recent vacation to Jamaica my husband and I took a river rafting trip down the Martha Brae. The river water is normally a bit clearer, but due to heavy rains was a bit stirred up and cloudy. Captain Spence, who has worked on the Martha Brae for 40 years, was our guide. It was a delight to sit back on cushioned bamboo and listen to Captain Spence’s stories of the Martha Brae and his history with river rafting.

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As he poled us down the river Captain Spence explained the technique the captains use in building their own rafts. He also pointed out different plants and sights along the trail of the river. I loved seeing the banana trees growing along the banks while the tropical bird cries serenaded us with sweet songs.

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There were many little souvenir stops along the way, but there was no pressure to buy, just an offer of merchandise if we were so inclined.

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The trees formed a beautiful canopy above us. I was completely awestruck by the size of the mimosa trees. These grow in my part of the USA, but they stay rather smallish, the mimosas in Jamaica appear as large as oak trees.

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These gravestones along the way were removed from other areas of Jamaica as a historical display. They are quite old according to Captain Spence.

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The only drawback to the trip was the size of the raft. We went with our friend Crystal, but only two people can fit on each raft.

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The captains of the rafts carve calabash gourds in their spare time while awaiting their next passengers. The gourds are amazing with many intricate details. We were happy to bring one home with us. It is already one of my favorite treasures from Jamaica. Thanks so much Captain Spence.

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Information for rafting the Martha Brae: Rafting the Martha Brae

Paths – Theme Word for May

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I read Bible verses in Psalms each day. As I read, I jot down phrases that I like alongside my to-do list. When I cross off errands and tasks from my list my eyes will fall upon the words from Psalms. I immediately feel renewed and recharged by the promises and blessings contained in this beautiful book of the Bible. Try writing a snippet of a Bible verse or an uplifting quote alongside something you will see several times throughout the day. The instant pick-me-up will do you good. 🙂

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At the end of the month, from where I am reading in the Psalms, I choose a word of virtue to study and try to incorporate into my life in the coming month. I will search out additional verses in the Bible that also speak of the same virtuous word and list these to read and study. Some of my recent words have been: faith, joy, hope, purity…whatever word I land on, that is the word I study.

For the month of May 2014 I felt led to take a bit of a departure, instead of a virtuous word, I chose a virtuous action to study: following the path God leads me on. Sometimes that path is hard to discern, but I have faith that for those who love and have given their life to the Lord Jesus Christ, he gently leads us, time and time again, to what is best for our life.

I’ve decided to also make PATHS and PATHWAYS of all sorts a theme for my blog this month. We’ll see how many trails and detours I can come up with to fill these days of May.

Paths – The Path/Winter Video

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Here is a quick minute video of the path in winter. The still version photographs of “The Path” can be found by clicking the tab at the top of the page. Thanks for looking!