26 March 2012

Have you ever planted seeds in eggshells? This spring we’re trying a new-to-us way of starting seeds inside. We’ve tried other ways in the past, all to no avail – this time we’re hoping the story will end with a “happily ever after” (plants growing strong, maturing, and bearing fruit in season).

The process of planting was most enjoyable. (Excepting, of course, for the centipede squirming around in the bucket of dirt.) A few easy-to-come-by “ingredients” were needed:

• Eggshells & Egg-trays
• Bucket of dirt
• Seeds
• Water

We filled the shells in the kitchen – and even our dog Bently seemed to enjoy the process by sneaking a few bites of dirt. (Perhaps he’s low on some minerals?)

Following is a pictorial version of the seed-planting process…

A hole was poked into the bottom of each one so that any excess water could drain. When it comes time to transplant them to the garden, we will simply crunch the shell so that the roots can exit and plant the whole thing.

It’s fascinating to think that something as small as a seed will grow into many meals come summertime. God works wonders!

Have you started planting your garden? Do you start your seeds inside or outside?

[29] Comments » | Categories: Food, God's Creation, Life, The Home

7 March 2012

A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of visiting friends for a time of delightful fellowship. While we were there, we met their farm’s latest additions: lambs.

The mothers ate while the babies watched us in their own cautiously inquisitive way.

I became fast friends with this wee one. He was most charming
and enjoyed a good, long rub on the noggin.

Mrs. Mendenhall petting my new friend.

Spring is here with new life – beautiful new life!

P.S. Did I mention that the owner of these darling lambs has an Etsy shop & blog? I think you will like them.

[22] Comments » | Categories: God's Creation, Inspirations, Life, The Home

27 February 2012

I remember first delving into the world of photography and wondering what “aperture” was and how could a “wide aperture” be f/1.4 and a “narrow aperture” be f/16 – when the numbers seem to contradict their name?

Or why would I shoot manual – I’d just be adjusting the settings all the time, right?

If you’re in that spot, do not fear. Enter…

“The Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography”, an eBook by Lauren Hope which offers wonderfully helpful information which you can apply to improve and excel in photography.

Although this book was not available when I started learning about photography (as much as I wish it was), it is available now as a most valuable tool for all of you who are interested in portrait photography (even if it’s just a hobby!).

A snippet from the foreword, which Lauren so graciously gave me the opportunity to write:

[Lauren] covers the basics from the technical side of camera functions, to helping your subjects feel comfortable and relaxed, to making the most of your surroundings for captivating and engaging portraits… read more.

Click here to learn more about this tip- and technique-filled book! Save 25% through February 29th and purchase this eBook for only $6 – just a couple days left to save!

Keep smiling and keep practicing,

[3] Comments » | Categories: Life, Photography, Reviews

20 February 2012

…you know someone put him there.”

This is a handmade turtle. Breezy created it using reference photos of Painted turtles, foil, paper maché, gesso, and acrylic paint.

The main purpose of the turtle was to be a prop for a talk Dad gave at work, focusing on the sovereignty of God and His Providential hand. “If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know someone put him there”, was the concluding remark as he placed the handmade turtle on a fencepost.

Now we get to have Mr. Turtle stick around longer than any of our previous wild “pet” turtles who needed to find new homes… he currently sits atop one of our bookshelves. (And, as much as I like turtles, when I forget he’s up there – or find him somewhere else – he takes me by surprise.)

[20] Comments » | Categories: Family, God's Creation, Handmade, Inspirations, Life

16 February 2012

I had my doubts about this one. Hamburger – yes! Quiche - yes! But, spinach? In a quiche?

It wasn’t until two years ago when I went gluten-free that I started branching out of the standard American diet (which, in my case, was almost veggie-free).

My mindset when it comes to food has entirely changed since then. The Lord has amazingly adjusted my appetite and attitude towards nutritious eating. But there are still occasional times (such as when it came to a spinach quiche) where I wonder – can that really be good?

But this recipe, like so many up to this point, proved my hesitation wrong.

This is delicious! A new family favorite. It may even make it onto our weekly menu. We’ll see.

Hesitating? Go ahead – try this recipe and enjoy! (Updated link – we simply leave out the crust, making it wonderfully gluten-free!)

[21] Comments » | Categories: Food, Gluten-Free

25 January 2012

Our latest embroidery pattern is up in the shop! Mum did a lovely job stitching this one, wouldn’t you say? It is a beautiful and cheerful reminder to…

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!”
—Philippians 4:4

We’re looking forward to rearranging the art, pictures, and handiwork on our walls to make room for some of our latest embroideries.

[24] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Handmade, The Home

12 January 2012

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.”
—Proverbs 11:25

[ Paperwhites | the gift of bulbs from a friend has grown into a sweet winter beauty ]

[19] Comments » | Categories: God's Creation, Inspirations, Life, The Home, Vintage

6 January 2012

A new year. A new slate. A fresh start.
Really?

As I pondered these things, I skimmed over my “growing journal” which contains prayers, Scripture, thoughts, questions, quotes, words on character, etc. that I had recorded over the past year.

Nearly every sentence I read surprised me. For example:

“How often do we lose heart, fear man, worry about the outcome of the current/upcoming circumstances? God is sovereign. We must not fear, but stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord. He will fight for us. We need not rattle on, but instead be silent and wait on the Lord — fearing Him all the while. [Inspired by Exodus 14]“

Humorously, it seems strange that I would be surprised since I did write them all. So, what surprised me? It was the realization that a new year does not mean “a new slate.”

The calendar year has changed, but we still have a foundation to work from.

Every area where we grew, reformed, changed, learned, etc. are still there for our benefit. They don’t get thrown out and forgotten when we flip to a new page on the calendar, each lesson needing to be learned over again. But rather we are able to take higher steps from that groundwork that has been done in the past twelve-plus months.

Isn’t the Lord gracious to give us that groundwork? To learn from the past, be sanctified in the present, and reform in the future?

Let us not forget from where we came or where we’re going.

Hello, 2012! (And thank You, Lord, for foundations to work from!)

[24] Comments » | Categories: Encouragement, Family, Inspirations, Life

27 December 2011

[8] Comments » | Categories: Food, Gluten-Free, Inspirations, Life, The Home