Color Does Matter

Our lilacs are blooming

Good morning Son! And how are you this morning? The sun is out bright and beautiful. It's also pretty windy but we're tough, we can handle it. It's been another very full week. I'm tired so my mind isn't really in gear yet. I know that it's very dangerous to talk with you and my mind foggy. Very dangerous indeed! So, question of the day, "Are there flowers in heaven?".





Before I get started in telling you what's going on, I want say,

the card's in the mail and the phone call is on the way!  I love you!

Yup, it's true. We set the alarm off at Jon & Corey's

Dad and I alternated with Diane in staying with the Sierra, Jamo, Josh and Josie this past week while Corey & Jon were gone. It's always an adventure. Trying to keep up with kids again isn't as easy as it use to be but we managed. We had one very interesting moment. As I said, it's been very windy the last week or it's also been very cold; down into the low 30's again. Dad took care of the chickens, Bisky and the hamster all for sever days which means leaving the back door ajar so Bisky can get in and out. Which also means, cold air in the house. By the time we got there on Sunday evening the house was like an icebox. We closed things up and decided to build a fire in the family room. Josie crumpled up the paper, I got the started log and matches and dad stacked it, along with the logs and lit the fire. Jose and I cuddled under a blanket on the couch to wait for Jamo and Sierra to get home. Josh was staying with his dad another night. Dad went out to check on the chickens and all of a sudden, we had a house full of smoke. Yikes, the damper was closed....and we didn't know where it was. I ran to close the door to the hall and library. Oops, not quick enough! The fire alarm screamed it's warning, "fire, fire, fire" with me yelling on the tail of it's warning, "it's only smoke, it's only smoke, it's only smoke", to no avail. Dad continues to furiously look for the damper, finds it and opens it as wide as possible. I'm running around opening outside doors, throwing windows open and praying we hear no sirens. Too late. As I stand in the family room with Josie and dad is trying to shut off the alarm it suddenly gets quiet. I look down at Josie and we both start to laugh. It's over! I congratulated dad on shutting off the alarm when he says, "I wasn't able to shut it off, I had to clip a wire." Me: "Are you kidding me?" Dad: "No. It's a simple fix and I can do it. I just don't want to do it right now because I don't know how to reset the alarm so I'm afraid without resetting it the alarm would continue to ring". With that, you'd think the excitement would end. Wrong. Dad heads out to check on Bisky and in the distance we hear the faint sound of a fire engine. I don't know about dad but I immediately thought, oh please, don't let it be coming here. The noise got fainter in the distance, or so I thought, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Too soon. I hear the engine roar to a stop in front of the house. By that time dad is back in the house. I look at dad and said, "You go!" The fire personnel were very understanding when dad told them what had happened. They checked to make sure we were okay and then headed off to do what they do best. Protect us. About that same time my phone rang. I looked to see who it was and said, "It's Jon." I answered the phone, Jon said, "Auntie Jan, are you at the house? Is everything okay?" I said, "Yes, we're here. We didn't know the damper was closed." He said, "OK, talk with you later." And he was gone. At that same moment Jamo and Sierra walked in the door. They missed all the fun. As you know, there's NEVER a dull moment here. If we're not in the middle of it, we're creating it.


On Tuesday morning this last week Josie invited us to Grandparent's Day at her school. Dad wasn't able to attend but Josie and I had a ball. We had a great talk while doing puzzles, we made a necklace and made a picture of a flower, we had mini-muffins, blueberry and apple cinnamon, animal crackers and apple juice while the kids sang, Take Me Out To the Ballgame and Five Little Ducks. It was a great morning and I really look forward to next year. Josie is always such a hoot. We have such a great time together. However, sleeping with her is quite the experience. For some reason she insists sleeping cross-wise in the bed! She spends most of the night with her feet in your back or side. No matter how many times you turn her around it's like she has a spring in her that turns her sideways again.

Monday morning it was raining and cold. Dad dropped Sierra at school. Jamo needed to take his guitar to school so we decided to take him rather than him riding the bus. We loaded Josie and Jamo in the car and headed to school. We stopped at Duncan Donuts (which isn't difficult since they're on every street corner). Jamo and Josie ordered breakfast and hot chocolate. Josie's hot chocolate was so hot I couldn't hold on to it so I took the lid off and sat it in the cup holder until it cooled. We dropped Jamo off and headed to Taylor School to drop Josie off. About half way there Josie asked for her hot chocolate. It had cooled off so I replaced the lid and turned around to hand it to her. You guessed it, the cup folded and sprayed hot chocolate from one end of the car to the other. Guess what we're doing this week?

Friday. Friday was a day of enlightenment for me. The firm attended an annual event at the YWCA, Stand Against Racism. This is the fourth year the Y has hosted this event. Bo Razak  led the conversation.  He began with telling us he had been raised in a home that went to church every Sunday and was taught that everyone was equal. I thought to myself, hey, I'm on the right track here. Then he told about singing the song at church, "The B-I-B-L-E".  Again, I thought to myself, hey this is good. I've been on the right track all along. Remember the words to that song? We sang it often when you were little. Just like I did when I was little. "Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world." All good, right? 

Dad and I taught you race and color didn't matter. We were wrong. Although it's very right and very important that we realize God created everyone equal and He loves everyone equally, race and color DO matter. Race and color really do matter to those who are not white. Because people in our world continue to make it matter. Now I'm just a novice at this so the best I can do is explain it to you  the way I understand it and the thought that are now running through my head. It's opened up an entire line of questioning for me along the lines of, "what do I do that continues to enable race and color to matter"? It scares me when I think about the unintentional things I might be doing that I don't even realize because my entire life I've lived under the assumption that race and color don't matter. I've always been so proud of the fact that a high school of 1500+ students, as a sophomore in the Fall of 1964, when someone said to me, "we have two new "black" student on campus" I hadn't even noticed. Now, after Friday, my whole insides are in conflict. Should I have noticed? I don't know. Like I said, I'm working on it. I still don't think race and color should matter. I believe everyone is created equal and should be treated equally. But what became abundantly clear to me is that while it should be true, it isn't. Still in our world today, race and color matter. It takes the wind out of me to even think about it. It actually makes me tear up. It saddens and weighs on my heart. How could people, who have been created in the image of our Creator be so divided? How could any of us treat others so differently? So horribly? Why do we treat our fellow mankind so hideously? We know better. Even if we've never been taught anything our entire lives you can't tell me that when someone reaches out to hurt someone, or say a hateful thing, or tries to diminish another human being, for any reason, they don't have a "little voice" within them that says, "no, this is not right". Why don't we listen to that "little voice"?  Why do we continue to abuse, hate, and torment each other?

As I sit here this morning talking with you I think about all the friends I have now and have had in my lifetime. Ours was a very mixed school and neighborhood. Until last Friday I use to think I never never had a bias. But now as I'm beginning to really think back on those times, and I'm really honest with myself, the pride falls away. As I think back now, there was a bias, not with the friends I had, but with the unknown. How do I explain it when I don't really even understand it. I was afraid, when I started high school, of older Hispanic kids. Why? I think because all around me I heard white people have conversations of how Hispanics were coming into our town and taking over jobs, buying fancy cars, living off of welfare, living in run down shacks in large numbers, running in gangs and drawing graffiti on everything. It was always the Hispanics fault. But you know what? If I really am truthful, there were tons of issues with white kids as well. Their parents were just more astute, were wealthier, better known and better acquainted at hiding their deeds.  

For the most part "they" didn't want to assimilate into our culture, "they" wanted to bring their culture with them. Was that wrong? I don't know. I have no answers, just questions. The good thing is, now, I'm willing to ask myself those questions. I'm willing to admit that I've been part of the problem. Whether intentional or not, I've had bias. The question now, how am I going to change me.

Although our intent in teaching you was pure, our lesson to you was wrong. As my mom said to me once when we were talking about raising children, she said, "I did the best that I could with the light that I had at the time". I can honestly say that was true for dad and I as well. We wanted you to grow up and "not see" color. We wanted you to learn that you should love and treat everyone equally. That is still true. We should treat everyone equally. The truth is, as much as we want this to be true, I no longer think it is. Race and color do matter and we need to do all we can do to change it, beginning with ourselves.


Until next week, be Aaron, I love you. mom

Flowers, Books, Travels & Time

Good morning son! It's your type of weather today; chilly and raining. You'd love it. March weather has been very different here in NY. One day it's sunny and warm and 78 and the next, cold, windy and raining. The trees are leafing out, the flowers are blooming and my peony's stems are growing taller and taller. I can't wait until they bloom. I've had fresh flowers in our house for a month now. Daffodils, carnations, baby's breath and soon...peonies. This year dad is going to plant me a Double Delight rose so I can see it from the living room window.  I wonder how many Double Delights are being enjoyed right now? Dad has planted them for me at every place we have ever lived. When he first started planted them years ago I was sad to have to leave them when we moved. I wanted to start planting them in pots so I could take them with me. Then it dawned on me, it would be a great gift to leave for the next family. Somewhere, up and down the west coast many Double Delight roses are budding out and are getting ready to share their beauty and fragrance with many families. I hope they enjoy them as much as I do. I'm looking forward to having my roses again.

Josie & Jamison (the dog, not the brother)

Well, last night was a first. Josie spent the night. She did great. We watched Ella Enchanted, which at this very moment, we are watching again. We colored, we read books and we laughed tons. This morning she and Jamison had an argument about who was going to get the window. Josie finally gave us but Jamison shared and they both got to share the window. Josie is use to having Bisky who's much bigger than Jamison. Jamison is use to having no one but us so they're getting use to each other. Believe it or not, most of the time he tries to ignore her. 

Remember this one?

I must say, as we were reading last night it brought back so many great memories. As I read each book I can actually remember where we were when I read those same books to you. After all, they were your books. Dad and I read them all to you hundreds of times, actually, if dad remembers correctly, a couple of them were actually read thousands of times, like the Joke Book. After a while we actually tried to hide that book.  It didn't matter how long dad had been on the road or if he had read that book to you three times the night before, you wanted the Joke Book. Sometimes at night I think I actually still hear dad reading that book to you in his sleep. Just kidding, but it sure wouldn't surprise me.


We've talked about this so many times before. How as parents we did things with and for you so you would have memories. We later find that the memories we created were for us. Half the time when we'd say, "Hey son, do you remember when?" and you'd look at us and say , "huh?". Now we really realize how important it was to create those memories. Dad and I have some of the greatest memories on earth. We're so glad we made the time to create those memories. What would we do without them today?


Those little books that we read together so many years ago? They're still making memories today.  We read and shared them with Allegra, Arianna and Alexis and made tons of memories there, and not with Josie. Who would think that a book could have such an impact on so many lives. Could create so many great memories. Memories for a lifetime, for so many.


Can you believe we've been here almost a year? Dad and I were just talking about that yesterday. Neither of us can believe it's almost been a year. Where has the time gone. Well, I can pretty much tell you. Time is a commodity there will never be enough of. It seems as though we just get up in the morning and the day is gone. We're busy the entire time but we never seem to get it all done. But, we're enjoying what we're doing. We're starting to plan day trips, we're planning a weekend trip. We're even looking out to December. We're going to CA for Christmas this year, Lord willing. We're talking about whether to Jamison or not. I already know we should. If we don't the first thing dad is going to say when we get there is, "I wish we had brought Jamison". Besides, if we stay a month, that's too long to not have him with us. Who would have ever thought that when we're making plans to even run an errand we make the decision based on what's the best for him. Usually, if we can't take him because it's too hot or too cold, we postpone the errand until he can go. We leave him when it's best for him but we'd rather not. What an important part of our family he is. Who would have ever thought? (Okay, you can stop laughing now!)

As you know, I got my DBA and applied for my Certificate of Authority so I can collect sales tax here in NY. I received the certificate Saturday. Auntie Jan Creations is now official. I spend a lot of time in the studio, thanks to dad! I just ordered three children's rocking chairs so I can get them ready to sell, I'm putting together a supply of cards, I have a junior chair ready to decorate and a dozen of other items to refurbish. I was able to change my hours at work to 8:39 am - 12:30 pm M-F so that gives me all afternoon to work in the studio. I've incorporated the largest portion of the dining room into studio work area for painting larger items and a drying area for my painting projects. The dining room table is perfect. So, what projects are you involved with? Brushing angel wings? Polishing the pearly gates? Shining the streets of gold? Singing with the choir of angels? I hope you have some downtime to sit by the River of Life with grandpa and share in his memories. Let him tell you all about his life. It's just been recently, as I've heard someone share their story, that I realized, I didn't really know a lot about grandpa's life. Ask him to tell you.


From the roses, to the moves, to our time together, to sharing your books, to making new memories, to planning ahead, to living in the present, to balancing life, it's all a part of who we were, who we are and who we are to become. I had a chance to explain about Choosing Joy again last week. It's amazing how many times the opportunity comes up. You left quite a legacy son. One that I am proud to be able to share whenever I get the opportunity.


Until next week, be Aaron, I love you, mom

Just A Mom

Not me, but close enough.

Good morning son. Sorry I'm late this morning. It's been a rough couple of days. A couple of teary days. Have no idea why. Just is. I won't say I haven't tried to figure it out. Every thing and everyone reminds me of you the last couple of days. I saw an ad this morning for a flex pen you use to use for your insulin and I burst out in tears. It's just been a crying couple of days. I've been so thankful it's been the weekend. I feel so heavy with sadness this last week. I wish I could control all of this. It just hit me out of the blue, there's that color again. Did you misunderstand me last week. When I talked with you about adding blue back into our home I was talking the color blue, not the feeling blue. Get it right next time will ya! lol  I sure do miss laughing with you. I hope you're on a roll in heaven and that they appreciate you and your ability to make people, and angels of course, smile and laugh.

It's suppose to be 74 here today and in the 80's tomorrow. Gino just posted a picture on Facebook of the snow at the end of the season on Willamette Pass.  It seems so odd to have more snow in Oregon this year than here in New York. I'm sure this coming winter is going to be totally different here than it was this past winter. I have plenty to do however and dad will have plenty to read and help me so all is good.

I've been making cards this weekend. I'm trying to get some stock built up so when my Certificate of Authority to charge sales tax comes through I ]'m ready for my "sales/marketing manager", your dad, to hit the streets with the product.  Today I'm finishing up a doll crib for a friends daughter for her birthday. I'll post a picture for you next week. 


Last week, Jamison had an eye infection, conjunctivitis. I don't know how he contracted it but it happened literally, overnight. It's really the first time, other than for annual check-up and shots, that we've had to take him to the vet. He's doing fine now. Dad gave him a both yesterday and he's all soft and fluffy. Next month, haircut! He is such good company for dad and I. We love him so very much. Believe it or not, he's doing better at not barking. In the house anyway. When he starts to bark we tell him good job and thank you. He turns around and looks at us, barks one more time (must be a Jamison thing) and lays back down. Now in the car...a very different story.

Grandpa Coffman

What's the weather like in heaven? Do you get the light, warm rain that you love so much? Does God cry real tears? Does it get hot? Sorry, that's a whole different place. Is there a cool breeze from angel's wings? When the Lord gets angry is there thunder and lightening? Tornadoes? I would imagine when He/She speaks with authority to get a point across it would make the thunder roll. Do you feel comfort in heaven? Do you think about us like we think about you? Is the reason God called you home clear? Why did He need you? Do you know grandpa in heaven? What about your great grand-parents, mamaw, papaw, and great grandpa and grandma? What about your grandma and grandpa Jamison and your uncles that are there? Have you seen any of them? Are there trees in heaven? What about rivers? Right, I forgot, the River of Life. Is that where you sit when you're drawing, writing and writing your music, by the River of Life?

Sorry for all the questions, it's just been a couple of days when all these thoughts and questions are running through my mind. I'm not the only one wondering. I may be the only one voicing the questions, but I know I'm not the only one asking. I know you're not wondering or asking. I know that everything is perfectly clear to you and I know that you don't really understand why I'm asking. I don't know why either. I guess it's probably because I miss you really bad today. It's another one of those times when just about the time I think everything is settled it all pops up again. Corey tells me this is normal. Since I have no idea what normal is, never did, I'm taking that to mean it happens to everyone when someone they love dies. It's really tough to have days like this. It doesn't take anything for me to cry and your poor dad wants so much to make it all better. I cry when I see the news about the tornadoes,  I cried when a Police Chief dies last week, two weeks before he was scheduled to retire. Explain that one to me will you. I watched many of my friends die soon after they retired from the City. Why? They work 25/30 years for an organization they believed in and loved and within weeks/months of their retirement, were gone.





Until next week, be Aaron. I love you, mom
 

We're Blue - Again.

"Easter Morning" Donald Zolan

Good morning son! And what a beautiful morning it is. The Son has long risen. And so has the sun. Both so beautiful. It's Easter morning. Our first without you. I have no sadness. Loneliness for you, but sadness no longer. 

Dad and I are spending a quiet weekend. By choice.We took a day trip yesterday with Jamison and spent the day in Vermont. We saw some beautiful scenery. Although the leaves are just beginning to sprout on the trees and shrubs we could just imagine the rolling hills as they become greener and greener as the Spring and Summer seasons progress.Hey, do you have rolling hills and grass in heaven? Probably hills of emeralds. Or,have you even noticed? I know if it's grass you're sneezing your head off. Or are you? No sickness in heaven? Right.  Oh well, just more of that human curiosity. 

I think it's interesting sometimes, well, actually the majority of the time, for us I think, the things in our lives that become so clear when we take some "down time". When we push everything out of our  minds but what's right there in front of us. I don't think dad and I have really had an opportunity in a long time to do that. We have finally realized that these are days we really need. We've been intense for so long, we really don't know how to relax and when we try, we feel guilty about using resources, time and money, to do it. We've become dull. We never use to be dull. How did that happen? The only reason I'm asking myself is because I don't want to repeat it.

It really amazes me how the most unusual things can make me see so clear. God has such a sense of humor. He takes me to places where I see no purpose and bang! Right there in front of me is a piece of the answer. One of the first stops we made yesterday was a furniture store. I didn't ask dad to stop because it was a furniture store. I asked him to stop because the sign also said, "candles, crafts and decorating items". Those are three magic words to me. I usually have no intention of buying, I want ideas for decorating and crafting. (Stop laughing!) I know on occasion I have given in to the "buy, buy demons. But, he gets to me very rarely anymore unless it's something to re-purpose as a gift or to sell. Okay, I digress.

Bennington VT

Anyway, our first stop was a furniture store. As we pulled into the parking lot, here stood a huge black and white moose. As we would learn as we continued into Bennington, these moose were everywhere and in every color. Just like the ducks in Eugene! Jamison barked as through his life depended on it. True to form for him. We parked in the dusty parking lot and headed to the store. As we opened the front doors, there, right in front of us was a beautiful, bright spot of color. It was simply a couch. Very simple, straight, tailored lines. It wasn't the couch that caught our eyes, although it was lovely. It was the color and how it struck dad and I at the same time. Blue. Blue thin stripes that crossed to make a pattern on a white background. My mind began to race. Not because I wanted a new

"The House Aaron Made"

couch or wanted to take the couch home with me. It wasn't about the couch, it was about the blue. It was as though a my heart lifted. Dad was having a very similar reaction. Until that moment I hadn't realized how much dad missed the color blue. He was actually excited.Blue use to be the standard color in my decorating. For some reason, except for our quilt from Aunt Lena and of course, "the house Aaron made", blue is no where in our home. Why is that? (Do you have blue in heaven? Of course you do? Sapphire gems though, not blue couches. What DO you sit on in heaven? Or, do you sit at all?) 


Why is it that we eliminate things that we love from our lives? I don't think any two people would give you the same answer when asked this question. But, for me, I can remember, consciously making a decision to eliminate blue. The only reason I can faintly remember for doing it though was that EVERYONE decorated with blue and I didn't want to be like everyone else. I don't think that's really ever going to be a problem for me, but I can remember thinking it. 

My new motto...and in BLUE.

Why is it that we, as people, remove things from our lives that we truly love? That is the greater question. You know that I love country and shabby chic styles mixed. I love the shades of white mixed with the blues, greens, pinks. I love the lightness and freshness of the look. Why then did I go to dark colors of moss green, mustard, gold and deep, deep red? I have no clue. I love those colors too. But, they are not colors I should use to decorate our home I've found. If I really stop and think about it, which I did on the way home from our trip yesterday , dark colors just arent's for either dad or me. 
I
 think when I retired, I wanted things to change. I wanted to be able to see the change. I didn't want a subtle change, I wanted an extreme change. Well, I got it, but it was a wrong change. That change has created some real challenges for both dad and me. I just haven't been able to make this house a home. I know, I know, a home is created by the people in it, not by the things. But no matter where we have lived, our home has been cheerful, warm and welcoming and we felt comfortable and at peace. This house is exactly what I've always dreamed of having and of decorating. But it doesn't feel like home. We've been here almost a year. Can you believe that, a year. Where has the time gone? The things in our lives are just things. But, they're in our lives and if they're the wrong things they can adversely affect our lives. I need to be very careful about what I add or take away from our lives.


I think that sometimes we remove the things in our lives that bring us joy and replace them with other things just because we want to be different. Why do we do that? Why do I do that? I don't know! Sometimes why do I even ask the question? Because, "inquiring minds want to know". (Gotcha!)


Okay, so let's get on with it. It's good to be an individual. In fact, it's great.I don't know why I make drastic changes in my life. I think I made this one because there have always been so many things in my life that I had no control over that I just wanted to change what I could. There's nothing wrong with that. But, this change affected more than just me. The change of color in our home very much affected that most import person in my life, my hubby. True to form though, he's really never said anything outright. He's always left decisions about the decorating to me. However, as I think about it after our trip yesterday, he has left many subtle hints. Hints I don't think he ever realized he's said. I remember dozens of times when he's said, "I miss blue", "I loved it when we had blue colors in the house", "I miss your Cobalt Blue glass collection you use to have in the hutch". Dozens of clues, all missed.


So, I guess what I'm saying is, being an individual and changing things in your life is absolutely something you should be able to do. But, just because you should be able to do it,  and just because someone in your life gives you license to do it,  doesn't make it the right thing to do.


Needless to say, the color blue will be re-entering our lives here in the Jamison household. It's as though a whole new world has opened and the sun is shining again. And what better day, than Easter. A time of new beginnings.


Until next time, be Aaron, love, mom

Heavenly Sandpaper

Good morning son! Dad and I have been sickies this week but we're rounding the bend and we both rested well last night. Following a week of beautiful weather, March rang itself out with some snow and cold weather. It was cooler but beautiful yesterday. Dad was finally able get out and take a brief walk down the driveway with Jamison and his friend, Sammy. Sammy is spending the week with us this week. He's so much fun and he and Jamison have a great time together. 


Today is April Fool's Day. Dad's feeling a little cheated today. His "partner in crime" for April Fool's Day isn't here. The two of you had some very fun times on this day every year. It was some contest as the two of you tried to top each other every year. I'll bet Alan has something up his sleeve for Kristin again this year too! 

As with many things in our lives these days, next week will be another first. It will be the first time in 38 years I've not made you an Easter Basket or colored and decorated Easter eggs. I'll be content to enjoy the daffodils, and thank the Lord for the Easters we had. I've not been to "your rock" up on the hill since we've scattered your ashes on Christmas day. Easter Sunday will be a good day to do that. No, not because I think you're going to "rise again". Just because I want to.

Hey, guess what I found yesterday? 80's GLAM by Sharpie! Sharpie has some new colors you'd love. Wish I could send you a set but then, what would you use them for. I should have brought your vast collection of Sharpie's with me. I could have left a small shred of memory of you on everything I created! You already have the most amazing colors to use for your art. I mean, I don't think we can even image the colors of heaven. 

As you know, I love to embellish my art. Whether it be a doll cradle, a card, a T-Shirt. Doesn't matter to me, art needs depth. For me, that means, embellish. I can only imagine how the Lord has embellished heaven. I mean, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, pearls, gold, silver, saints and angels.  And the real deal. I can only imagine how "bedazzled" heaven is. I mean I cannot even imagine what the "real deal" looks like. I'm bedazzling with acrylic and plastic. I can only dream about what streets of gold look like. The pearly gates. The stained glass windows made with real gem stones. You wouldn't like to send a chip or two to your old mom would you? Just kidding!

Life is kinda like that too isn't it? Bedazzled I mean. Sometimes we don't see it that way, but it really is. Not in the way most of us think of bedazzled, with jewels and precious metals, but in the most heavenly ways. You bedazzled my life. You added depth, joy, challenges (some very interesting challenges), laughter, hugs, smiles, tears. All of those are really the jewels and bedazzlement of life. There are also things and people that bedazzle our lives here on earth everyday: birds, flowers, trees, family and friends. I can just see God adding all those things to the world and our lives here on earth. He's looking down and saying, "Let's put this bird here, he needs the sounds of music today. Let's put this flower here, she needs a reminder of the beauty around her today. Let's put this river here. They need the coolness of the water today". I can just see Him adding these embellishments to his handiwork and us not even realizing what's going on around us.

Easter card with hand painted & crafted; embellished wood egg.

I've been making greeting cards lately and I'm really enjoying it. It's wonderful to really think about a specific person, the event in their life, whether it be a birthday, a new baby, an anniversary, a family or friend who has been taken from their life, and make a card specifically for them. I do spend a lot of time doing research for my cards. Thanks heaven dad's not put off by the hours I spend researching for just the right embellishment to add to a card or item I'm refreshing. Thank heaven he understands that I get a lot of my creative joy by adding just the "perfect" touch to an item that will make it extra special. For me, it's very important that when I give someone a gift, a card or complete a re-purposed piece of furniture or make a special sign, all of them have that very special touch. That's what I consider a card to be, it's important the card tell the person, "I think you're important and I've thought about you when I created this gift with you in mind". Not just, "Oh, yeah, I need to get a card for so-and-so, I wonder what I have on hand I could make work". Yuck! I can just imagine the Lord doing the same for me every single day. He adds a bird to the sky, a squirrel taking a run up a tree or rain falling from the heavens. It's all embellishment. At that moment,it's all for me. It's all pretty cool if you think about it. I'd like to think it's all just for me. I mean, what would our world look like without all those things. Pretty bland I think. No blue sky, no ocean, no seashells, no trees, no flowers, no animals. Pretty bland indeed!

It takes "heavenly sandpaper"...

to polish the coal...

We also have people in our lives. Some good, some not so good.  If I really think about it, the people, family and friends in my life are embellishments too. Some good, some not so good. lol (Yes, I'm including myself!)
I've never considered anyone in my life a frivolous embellishment. Well, maybe. Not intentionally but maybe. I hope not, but maybe. 

People are put in my life for all sorts of reason. Some are there to help polish this piece of coal into a beautiful diamond. Sometimes I want to hug and kiss them, sometimes I want to smack 'em. And I know they feel the same way about me. None-the-less, they are an "embellishment" or jewel that God has graciously, and with a great deal of thought, placed in my life to help me celebrate, grieve, play, work and live. The embellishments on my cards are there to bring happiness, joy, laughter and to show that I've thought about the person, care about the person and want that special person to know all those things. The embellishments in my life God puts there for the same reasons. To bring happiness, joy, laughter and to show that He's thought about me as a person, He cares about me, the person, and He want me to know all those things.

to get the diamond.

So although embellishments are thought of as something glitzy, with no real purpose, they can be, and usually do, give us joy, help us know we are loved, make us laugh, comfort us when we're sad and sometimes help us grow. It's all about how we choose to view embellishment and accept them as God intended. True embellishments, I mean the real deal: diamonds, silver, gold, emeralds, rubies etc., nearly always have to be dug out of the ground. You have to seek them out. You have to go to the right places and know what you are looking for. You don't usually find a diamond at the bottom of the lake or raining down on your head from the sky! You have to seek them out.


Sometimes God uses people in our lives to help us become the "embellishment" in someone else's life. To rub us the wrong way. Your grandma use to say, they're "heavenly sandpaper". Heavenly? Not so sure. Sandpaper? Absolutely.  Some people in our lives are just like sandpaper against a piece of coal. The sandpaper is there to round off the rough edges, help get rid of the dust, and let the real diamond shine through. These people help in filing down the sharp edges, forming the soft, smooth lines of the glittering, gleaming, brightness of the sparkling embellishment beneath the hard surface. The diamond. The "sanding" is often a painful process but one well worth the prize beneath, a beautiful diamond, strong enough to withstand anything that life throws at it. Some of us take more sandpaper than others. Just about the time I think I've had all the "sandpaper" I can handle, I turn around and I'll be darn if God doesn't put another piece of sandpaper in my life. Good grief, do you think I'll ever get to the end of sandpaper in my life? Don't answer that!

Happy Palm Sunday. Rejoice in the Lord!

Until next time, be Aaron, I love you, mom