Faith invites us into an enchanting journey.....

My friend, @Margaret Feinberg, has a new book and 7-session Bible Study called Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God  (releasing Christmas Day)—a personal invitation for you to toss back the covers, climb out of bed, and drink in the fullness of life. Starting today until December 25^th, she’s offering EXCLUSIVE GIFTS (worth over $300) to anyone who pre-orders Wonderstruck, from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, CBD.com, or their favorite retailer. Here are the gifts you receive access to:

·         Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Presence of God as an eBook  ($9.99 available on Kindle, Nook, iPad and other formats)

·         Fourteen Days of Wonder Journal eBook ($19.99 as a download)

·         How to Hold an Unforgettable Retreat eBook (a $29.99 download)

·         Pursuing God 14-Day Devotional ($12.99 download)

·         You will be automatically entered to win a brand new Kindle Fire pre-loaded with a suggested retail value of more than $100 worth of books from Worthy ($259.00)

·         Ten people will randomly be selected to receive a free audio version of Wonderstruck ($9.99)

This offer is only valid through the end of the day, December 25th. At that point, this offer goes away FOREVER. Grab your copy of @Margaret Feinberg’s “Wonderstruck” today for the killer price of $7.57 & receive these exclusive gifts. For more details & to pre-order your copy, click here:  goo.gl/M4NHy

All Wrapped Up!

Oliver is all wrapped up in lights, and not the hustle and bustle that the season can sometimes bring when we forget what we are really celebrating.  Let us remember the One who has illuminated our world with peace, love, forgiveness and tenderness.  Are you still in wonder?  Check out my friend Margaret's post here:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/the-secret-to-winning-the-christmas-wars/2012/12/11/3f613964-43c2-11e2-9648-a2c323a991d6_blog.html

The Wonders of God Surround You!

    The wonders of God surround you! Pray for wonder today. 

    Be expectant & #Livewonderstruck. Check out my friend 

@Margaret Feinberg & her new book, Wonderstruck, 

here: goo.gl/YsbHW.  You’ll love it.

Anters in the house?

I will be the first to admit that I would never before, be one to allow antlers to be displayed in my house. That was until now!  My dad had these laying around in the garage for years (he is now 86).  I know that he has not been out hunting for about 15 years or so, so they've been collecting dust for some time!  

I positioned the antlers so that they would hold the bowl that I picked up at Goodwill pretty securely, marked the antlers and then glued them using some clear contact cement.  My daughter had the fabulous idea of painting them white. I have to say I would not have thought about that, but after painting them, I agreed they looked even more beautiful.  That is why she is the designer and I am not!  http://urbanidnw.com/

I love floating flowers or even candles in it and in the winter time, pine cones or greenery. I will now be on the look out for more antlers!!!

Walk with Nature

Saddle Mountain Hike in Oregon ~  God is good :)

Look out "44 North" ...Welcome "44 Blue Northwest"

Look out "44 North"... Here comes "44 Blue Northwest"

The Raspberry infused vodka was so delicious, we decided to try some freshly picked blueberry infused vodka to see how it compares to the "44 North" (Huckleberry flavored vodka) out of Boise, Idaho.  We will give it 30 days on the counter to soak up all of that fresh blueberry goodness, shaking it every day to get all of "berry goodness" out and into the liquid.  Then we will strain the liquid, and mix it with the boiled sugar water (same recipe as the raspberry infused vodka in this blog) and place it in a dark cool place for 6 months.  (Lets see how patient we can be!!!)

P.S. the blueberries that have been soaking don't need to go directly into the trash can :)  Lets try them on fresh ice cream or in a lemon sorbet!

Great idea for wine bottle storage!

While at the Rusty Grape Vineyard, located in the scenic hills of Clark County Washington just east above Battle Ground, Washington, I snapped this photo of their great little wine bottle crate collection.  It looked like they made them out of old barn or pallet wood.  This vineyard is a nice place to go out in the country to enjoy a casual atmosphere and incredibly great fine artisan wine.    http://www.rustygrape.com/

We sat on the back patio and listened to live music by Wade Hendrix, singer-guitar player....fabulous night!  They also have outdoor movies during the week, just bring your lawn chair and a basket of food. 

Allium ~ A Stunning Late Spring Bloomer

Allium

We planted these for my daughters wedding last year but they did not come up this large!  We must be doing something right this year!  These are great for cut flowers as they last at least 2 weeks or more in a vase.

Renew

Isaiah 40:31
...but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.

Wachlella Falls, Oregon Gorge

From Window to Coat Rack

While searching for a light at Restore, (reclaimed building supplies, furniture and appliances) http://pdxrestore.org/restories/2011/06/beyond_the_restore/washington-county-restores-grand-opening/  I stumbled over the perfect window for my coat rack project, AND it was only $5.00!

With just a little elbow grease, leftover paint from a different project and some reclaimed cabinet door knob hardware (also from Restore), the coat rack was underway. 

I removed all of the hardware and lightly sanded the wooden frame.  I then taped off each window section and put the first coat of paint on.  I chose not to prime it before painting as there was no need to. 

After two coats of paint it was ready for the hardware.  Onto the back of the frame I screwed on two picture hangers. (ones that would be strong enough to hold the weight of the frame)

I measured the depth of the frame to make sure the screws for the knobs were going to be long enough.  I then marked the frame where each knob was to be inserted, then drilled the holes for each one. and installed the knobs.

I decided to staple some frabric to the back of the frame.  You could also tape off the frame and paint each window with chalkboard paint, or just one or several of them. A little designer paper behind each window would look good too!

The coat rack is now ready to hang and all for under $10.00!

Be Still and Listen.

While on a hike last September in Tennessee, I took a small break to just sit, watch and listen.  It is amazing what you miss while hiking, when you don't take the time to be still and just listen to the surrounding nature.  My camera was ready and my ears were in tune to all the movements of the creatures around me.  The midday sun was out, and only a slight breeze blew through the trees that carried the strong scent of their native Jasmine.  It wasn't long until this amazing little bird landed just a few feet away from me.  He posed just long enough for me to get a shot of him.  

I saw deer, turtles and a red cardinal which I chased for about a half mile on my hike just trying to get close for a good picture.  He out smarted me and I since I could not remember what poison oak looked like to ensure a safe hike off the beaten path, I never got my picture.  Turtles on the other hand are very slow, so capturing their picture was easy!  I thought it very funny as there were just as many turtles heading north on the log as there were heading south...at the same time mind you!  I could not stay long enough to find out what happened when they met in the middle. 

You're Cordially Invited.......

"You're Cordially Invited".....is the name of the article from the Nov/Dec 2011, Hobby Farm Home Magazine, which includes several great recipes for cordials and liqueurs made from fresh picked fruits.  Today I was thinking about the raspberry infused vodka I started back in late October when I picked my last harvest of fresh ripe raspberries.  I know that I have to be patient but the little "sneak" taste was wonderful.  This particular recipe takes about 7 months from beginning to end and is absolutely beautiful in each and every step.  I plan to give away most as gifts. 

You can use this cordial in a variety of ways

• Served Straight
• Poured over ice
• Mixed into other drinks such as margaritas
• Mixed into seltzer water

I have included the recipe below, but if you ever get a chance to subscribe to this magazine I know that you will enjoy the recipes, the gardening ideas and the articles about farming, sustainability, fiber crafts and more.
























Raspberry Cordial

INGREDIENTS
4 cups fresh raspberries
2 cups vodka
3 cups sugar
2 cups water

PREPARATION
Mix raspberries and vodka in a sterilized gallon-sized glass jar with a tight fitting lid.  Let stand in a dark, cool place for about four weeks.  Shake and stir every two to three days.  Rack the mixture by straining through a fine-mesh sieve or a standard fine mesh strainer to remove berries. 

Bring sugar and water to a boil over medium heat.  Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is clear.  Remove from heat and cool to room temerature.  Add this to strained raspberry liquid and stir well.  Pour into sterilized glass containers and age in dark, cool spot for at least six months. 
Happy Waiting!

Makes about 6 cups.