Goodbye to another decade; Goodbye 2009!

As the year truly does come to a close I would like to share this with you. It comes to me from (IN)Courage (there is a badge on your right) and I wanted to share it...
What was the single best that that happened this year? Some of these are tough because there isn't only one answer but...Meeting Troy Unke!
Most Challenging thing? Continuing to process night terrors and family stuff almost daily!
An unexpected joy? Meeting Tyler Roush
Unexpected Obstacle? Falling in love for the first time ever in my life!
3 words to describe 2009?
Creative
Love and
AMAZING!!!
Best Books I read in '09? The only one I recall right now is The Secret Life of Bees
Whom were my most valuable relationships?
Eve
Charles and
Troy
My biggest personal challenge this year? To know I am a good photographer and painter AND that my work is "beautiful!"
How did I grow emotionally? I am letting go; letting family stuff be their stuff more and more everyday!
How did I grow spiritually? Trusting God more everyday with my emotional nature instead of blaming Him for it!
How did I grow physically? I ate better on an average this year and I walked wayy more!
How did I grow in my relationships with others? I have been 'deepening' emotionally in my relationships! I have also confided with strangers about my stuff. Generally a much more deeper level of sharing.
Most enjoyable area of home management? Doing my painting I have an art table in my front room and it is a pleasure keeping it organized.
My most challenging area of home management? Keeping the clutter under control!
Single biggest time waster in my life this year was too much time in front of my computer!
My best use of time this last year was actually writing on screenplay a little bit everyday painting and learning how to take black and white photos and just become a better photographer in general and that has happened for me simply by 'doing'!
The biggest thing I learned this past year is a). That I can have feelings similar to falling in love and/or actually fall in love and b). I learned about the necessity of the creative process for me...that it is VITAL!!!

There ya go...just some thoughts I pondered at the close of this decade...this 2009 year! Thank you God for drawing near to me every single time I asked and for loving me even when I turned away from you and didn't feel loving feelings toward you!1 Now let's 'rock it' into 2010!!!! May God be with each of you every day of the new year in an unmistakable way!!! Love you all!!!!

8 Things Thursday

Well here it is the last day of this year...this year I have:

1). Became President of the residents in the building I live in.

2). Fell in love for the very first time in my life.

3). Discovered painting and photography after NEVER having done either before in my life.

4). Recognized I am a real leader.

5). I am a great photographer and painter!

6). I have compassion beyond anything I ever, ever knew before!

7). This is the last year my last name will be 'Wood'!

8). I have a huge, all-consuming capacity to love, and to feel!

When all is said and done, this has been a HUGE YEAR!! This last list is things I HAVE accomplished and/or recognized and 'put on' about me this year; things that I am walking into or coming to know more and more about me...yes 2009 had it's 'stuff' however I would really like to focus on what it is I have accomplished and by God's goodness, grace and mercy (ALWAYS) these are the biggies!!!!! WOW 2009 was sure good to me!!! Happy Day everyone!!

Wordless Wednesday

This is the last Wednesday of the year and what better way to end the year than with 'Wordless Wednesday' and a picture of my favorite person in the Universe and her youngest daughter Nicole. This was on Christmas Eve I believe and it exemplifies bliss and the true joy of the season to me! WOW!!!

I also wanted to share this today as well!!!

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...it's cloudy

I am thinking about Tyler

I am thankful for my sister Eve and my good friend Charles!

I am wearing my favorite color PURPLE!

I am remembering how much God loves me!

I am going to go check my mail when I am done with this

I am currently reading nothing!

I am hoping to have the courage to spend time with Tyler

On my mind is several things Tyler, sinus', screenplay...none of which I can control!

Noticing that i am letting MY HOME seep into my bones by breathing deeply

From the kitchen I am making Lavender Earl Grey Tea

Around the house/apartment I need to unpack

One of my favorite things is the smell of these awesome candles my sis gave me for Christmas and I just lit one...can't wait to smell it!!!

And from my picture journal..This is my other beautiful sister...Michele!!


There you be...WONDER WEDNESDAYS....

Sunday December 27,2007

Well it has been a most awesome time here in Oregon and I can honestly say it will be a wonderful time to get back to Seattle as well. I have truly loved being here sharing the birth of my Saviour with my sister Eve and her graciousness has been overwhelming! I have also had an extreme amount of emotional processing to do that I didn't know about until I got here and was in the middle of celebrating that it was revealed to me that I had. God is so good and gracious to me and those around me that again he put the MOST loving, kind person with me that could possible be with me for me to have my literal 'melt down' with. I am not sure where to go from here other than one day at a time to continue being and doing what I have been doing, read my bible every day 1 Psalm and 1 chapter out of the New Testament every single day. I am absolutely NOT perfect; I am however also learning about what some of the things are that keep happening to wound me as well and how I continue to lean on God and trust God with those things. I am grateful today that I have God in my life today I simply would be dead without him. Merry Christmas everyone and the happiest of New Year's!!! Tea thanks for sticking around and thanks again so much for your steady comments I am so sorry that I haven't been able to leave comments on your blog but your comments have been such a blessing God Bless You Friend!!!!

TGI Friday's

I know today is TGI Friday's however it has been sooo long since I have typed anything to ya'll that it feels like I ought to type something as well!!! I am so grateful that I am in Oregon and that I have family and friends to enjoy this holiday with I can hardly believe it!!! I am grateful that today is the birth of My Saviour Jesus and truthfully I am also grateful that it is almost over. I am really looking forward to some one on one time with my sister and some quiet time and just some 'feeling' time!!! So enough about me...now about the TGI Friday...

TRUSTING...Today I am trusting my heart that it is being directed by God and God alone.

GRATEFUL...Today I am most grateful that God sent his Son to be born in a manger to be fully Human and fully God so that years later I may be able to call Him MY Lord AND Saviour!

INSPIRED...My sweet friend Nina and the way she is a mother to her three younger children who are all teenagers now is my inspiration today!!! Full time mom, part-time worker and full-time friend she is an amazing inspiration to me!! Thank you Nina for the invite to dinner and the wonderful fellowship. I wasn't alone today because of you and your wonderful family. I love all of you very, very much!!!!!

My FAVORITE thing today is the way people 'act' when it is Christmas time...the charity in their hearts and the way they reach out to each other in kindness and compassion. I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR BECAUSE OF THAT REASON...it is my favorite thing about Christmas!!!!!

Sweet, sweet memories!!

I just showed two of my three nieces and two of their children and their husbands the elf videos and the laughter that ensued from all of us was and is completely priceless....thank you so much Heavenly Father for the gift of laughter at ourselves and each other as well!!! Tea I wish you the Merriest of Christmas' and thank you for your well wishes!!! I am so blessed to hear the laughter from Jasmine, Brandi's daughter...it is infectious and intoxicating!!! Thank you so much Father God for that precious jewel...I am really enjoying connecting with Brandi's babies tonite. Austin is a "precious, beautiful brilliant child" and when I told him that he said "thank you" like he has never heard that before and it just blessed me. I am soo blessed to have these beautiful babies in my life...yes indeed I am!!!! My little brother just asked everyone who's birthday is coming and I whispered Jesus' and he said out loud "Jesus'" that blew my away....another blessing...him acknowledging the fact that Jesus' birthay even exist let alone the fact that it will be celebrated "this Friday"...wow...thank you soo much Jesus!!!!

Hello from Oregon Friends

Just a quick note to say hello and let you all know that I am having a wonderful time in Oregon tonite I am catching up with my younger brother Greg, his wife Vicki and their son Timothy! It is so good to have this time to catch up and not have to get catch up in all the hub bub of Christmas activity. Love and Blessings to all...will chat soon.

T G I Friday's

Ahhhh Good (Early) Morning my sweet Friends! Hope this is finding everyone well, peace filled and anticipating celebrating the birth of Jesus and loving the people they are around great loads in the coming week. In great anticipation of my upcoming train ride this morning that is the way my T G I Friday will go.

TRUSTING I am placing my trust in God Almighty that I will get where He wants me to get to when He wants me to get there.

GRATEFUL I am so grateful that ten years ago this year my nanny experience ended soo poorly in Madison, New Jersey that I ended up taking the Amtrak train from Grand Central Station all the way to Portland, Oregon and that is when I fell in love with the slow, romantical way of travel the train affords a person to travel!

INSPIRED I am inspired today by my sister Eve! She has had some intense life stuff come down with her teenage daughter this week and she has handled it in the most mature, godly manner of anyone I have ever seen! I am proud of you honey! It inspires me to continue to seek God in all that I do! Thank you so much sis for being such an inspiration to me to follow God!

FAVORITE My favorite thing today would have to be my screenplay. I only say that because I am going to be on the train at least 6 hours and it is going to be my companion for the trip. I ought to get a LOT written today!!

Thank you sooo much Lord for another opportunity to go 'the back way' through Your country and for the opportunity to meet people from all across the world on the train this morning! I am so thankful for this blessing. In your precious and holy name I pray!! Amen!

8 Things Thursday

Oh my goodness...8 more days until the birth of sweet baby Jesus!! I can hardly believe it. God I know you are watching, here is what I would LOVE for Christmas...in my stocking and delivered to my heart throughout the coming year. Oh yea...I know you know this; I will be at my sister Eve's house on Christmas Morning so I will meet you there on my knees with a hug (a prayer) and a kiss (meditation) for you!!

1). LOVE
2) JOY
3). PEACE
4). LONGSUFFERING
5). KINDNESS
6). GOODNESS
7). FAITHFULNESS
8). GENTLENESS and the blessing for others....I know it's an extra but...
9). SELF-CONTROL!!!!!

WOW!!!! What more could a girl like me ask for....truly to be filled with your Spirit and have the evidence of that manifest itself in my behaviour through these gifts listed above...THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING...THE HOLY SPIRIT!!!! Thank you so much Abba Father for allowing Jesus to come, be born in a manger for me a lowly sinner. It is in your precious, holy name that I ask for these things and in your name, JESUS that I KNOW AND TRUST AND BELIEVE that I will receive these things. AMEN!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

A Little More Christmas Cheer

Okay so I could NOT get by without doing one with 'Great' Auntie Lisa and some of my Great nieces and nephews...I love them all soo much and oh my goodness..like this video will ever happen ;=O)

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Some Of My Nieces and Nephews

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

8:15pm Monday

I found myself being totally annointed with The Spirit as I left these words on my friends comment space..and I TOTALLY BELIEVE THEM...a friend of mine reminded me today that I am not alone....FATHER/SON/HOLY SPIRIT just confirmed it!!!! Thank you so much Tea for being who you are...just a gentle, gentle soul...so gentle I have Holy Spirit ducky bumps all over my body...thank you ;=O)

"I just want you to rest assured my sweet friend that I am only writing this screenplay because My Saviour says IT IS TIME!!! 'He is walking in front grabbing my hand and guiding me, He is walking behind pushing me gently with His Spirit but MOST IMPORTANTLY He is FOREVER walking beside me as my Constant Companion ever reminding me that HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME NOR FORSAKE ME and that My story is His story and it needs to be told.' Thank you for introducing me to a fellow Sister who can encourage me on my path of getting my testimony out...cuz you see there can never be a testimony without a 'test' Thank you sweet soul ;=O)"
Ahh sweet Lord where would I be without my Sisters In Christ? Wow I once was lost...but NOW I'm found...thank you Jesus ;=O)

MALACHI 3:3

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. the man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

Snowball Fight '09

Now I know this is not a perfect video however there sure was a lot of fun had by me when I was making it so I hope you all enjoy watching it!!! The first blonde young lady is my sister Eve's youngest daughter Nicole and the other young lady is her oldest daughter Courtney. The gentleman in the video is Courtney's husband Trevor!! Enjoy ;=o)

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My Screenplay

Well it seems like there is quite a challenge for me in just getting out the 'essence' of who my characters are for my screenplay. You would think that it would be quite easy considering that most if not all of the characters in this production are going to be my family...it is interesting the dynamic that is going on...I am writing and putting labels that I know now on them like denial alcoholic etc when I knew none of this as a 7 year old little girl. All I knew is that mom was always gone and dad drank a lot!!!! So I am having to transpose myself back in time and leave the adult mind and get back into her essence and remember....and that is really okay the hard part for me is coming back!!! Hmmmmmm and not having the child be 'in control'emotionally; it takes a lot of time for me to remember that I am an adult now, God loves me and He is in control etc., etc., etc. So this is what is occupying most of my mind lately...trying to present the REAL story as I felt it and lived it because it is, after all, MY story, and not trying to make sure someone else would agree with it but just trying to write it down as God and my heart remember it...I am grateful for this process...grateful that I know that GOD IS LARGE AND IN CHARGE!!!!!!!!!!

Self Potrait

I took this right after I got out of the shower and got some clothes on this morning. Saturday December 12, 2009 at 10:08am

O Holy Night

Unlike some of my fellow bloggers I have never been ashamed to post more than once a day...this is mine and my Sister Eve's favorite Christmas carol and I am not sure if it is any of yours...? I found some history on it and thought I might share it here along with ALL of the lyrics (at least all of the ones I found) Blessings

O Holy Night
The words and lyrics of the old carol 'O Holy Night' were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856). He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893).

O Holy Night
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

T G I Friday's

It is Friday and time for another installment of TGI Friday's. Love and Blessings to all of you and your families.

TRUSTING "...That all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

GRATEFUL ..."How precious also are YOUR thoughts to ME, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with You" Psalm 139: 17 & 18

INSPIRED...I am truly inspired by The Holy Word of God which here and what I read daily is the New King James Bible.

FAVORITE..."Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

8 Things Thursday

Here it is another Thursday already. What will the list be today? Hmmmm

8 Maids of Milkin'

7 Swans a Swinin'

6 Geese a Layin

5 Golden Ring

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday...

I apologize and ask for patience in starting a new weekly entry...I forgot yesterday so I will enter it today. My picture for Wordless Wednesday is this one. I hope you like it? This was taken out the side window of a moving vehicle I loved the sculpting of the entry way so much I couldn't resist! ENJOY!!!

Beautiful Elliott Bay

I am not sure of the significance of the street light right in the middle of this shot other than I can't help it and yet still a beautiful shot of Elliott Bay. I apologize if multiply entries tonite offends anyone not my intent it is just therapy for me at this point. Thanks everyone for gazing and appreciating my little corner of the world right now in my life ;=O)

The Sign

I went to my favorite place today before this four hour meeting...well as close as I dare to venture in 20something degree weather. I went down near first street and took a beautiful black and white sign of the Market sign.. For those that aren't familiar with the Market here is a little blurb: "The Pike Place Market runs along the waterfront of Elliott Bay in the City of Seattle, Washington with its first opening date being August 17, 1907. It is one of the oldest market places and has operated continuously since opening day in 1907 when the ribbon was cut.
Visitors to Pike Place Market will find farmers selling fresh fruit and produce, fish vendors, crafts stalls and merchants selling antiques, comic books, jewelery, clothing and other interesting gift items. Numerous restaurants and cafes are scattered throughout the market. Approximately 10 million people visit the Pike Place Market annually which now houses approximately 200 commercial businesses, 190 craft creators, 120 farmers and hundreds of street performers."
P.S. That is Elliott Bay behind the Market sign ;=O)

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

I had a meeting today which really had about an hour and a half of really, really emotionally hard stuff FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED including the facilitator and at one point I even took my camera out and took some shots of frames that I will be taking once I get the camera that I will be making a movie with. Having said that...I took this picture while I was waiting for the bus to get myself home to warmth, safety and a wonderful cup of tea, a lavender candle and a great conversation with my sister Eve which by the way, thank you as always sis for listening to me and helping me process. You are a one in a million sister and friend...I would definitely be lost without you...I thank God you know what I need when I seem to sometimes lack the words to verbalize it!!! I love you X3!!!

Beautiful Monday

"Veil
You thrive on ideas. Sometimes you are like the naked branches of winter, raw and real and true, the weathered rocks of life, the rough barks of trees, but that's yourself when you are being creative. You are very creative: you have so many ideas and characters and drawings and things swimming inside your mind. Your personality sometimes takes shape of those characters and things, and sometimes you make people confused. Your emotions, most of your life, have been veiled. You have been living a hidden life inside your closet of emotions and thoughts that you feel like you look at the world very differently. When you talk to people, sometimes, it's like script. People think you're interesting. They want to get to know more about you, and sometimes, you let loose things because you are glad to let go of some things and to share some secrets, but other times, you leave them disappointed, veiled again. You have a difficult and complex personality, but once someone is fond of you, they can never let you go--you're just as attracting."
This whole entry was a quiz a copied from FaceBook and the reason I brought it over here is because I found it very, very appropriate for me. It is very, very accurate and I have to admit, most if not all of the quizzes on FaceBook I do simply for a good laugh but this one is hauntingly accurate so I decided to transfer it over here to my personal space. This blog is allowing me to uncover the veil and go beyond it more....Thanks Tea for the congrats...and the previous awards as well. You all are such an encouragement and I just love that you all even come around and look frequently. Hope your Monday is well and that the rest of the week finds you all healthy and enjoying family, friends and good spirits. Love and Blessings!

Lemonade Stand Award

A million thanks to Steph, writer of "Sharing The Pages of Life" for choosing me for this award. It is so cool to belong to a community of mostly women who share and enjoy each other's blogs. I really appreciate beyond words the encouragement and all the fun we have together ladies. Thanks so much and here is to a blessed and wonderful Sonday.

'Come Fly With Me!'

I just went down to The Ave and a coffee shop called Tulley's and created this...Come Fly With Me. Like I have shared I have no idea the colors or the creation when I first start they create themselves as they go then the title comes along...and this one, well it is definitely self explanatory...makes me wish that I could fly!!!

Wednesday December 9th, 2009
I went with my friend Charles to Neighborhood House where a new acquaintance Tyler Roush works and delivered this picture to him because as I was painting God whispered in my ear that this painting belonged to him. Tyler is the editor of The Voice which is the local paper that I have written for, that is distributed in the SHA buildings. This was Tyler's response and I wanted to share it with you all as well. "It was a wonderful surprise to receive this morning. It’s beautiful -- I’m going to find a spot to display it here in my office. Thank you so much for thinking of me!"
Tyler Roush

T G I Friday's

No I am not talking about the restaurant...my friend Tea has been doing this on her blog on Fridays for some time and I hope that I am not 'stealing' it from her...? I find it one of the joys of having friends who have blogs...Tea I hope you feel the same way ;=o)

Trusting that life is unfolding according to God's perfect plan for me

Grateful today that I can have a crush on a man and have it be 'almost' okay

Inspired* to continue to pursue taking pictures with ultimate film making goal in mind.

I needed to look up what inspired meant because I was not really sure and I believe this day, that by sheer definition that inspiration is not something that will come to me doing the 'ordinary, everyday life events' or at least that I will struggle with it more...I have never stopped to look at inspiration so this will be a definite journey of purposeful observation to look at what inspires me...I hope you will find it as interesting and exciting as I think that I am going too. Thanks again Tea and whomever you got the idea from....ahhhh blogging it is a wonderful community of shared ideas I just love it!!!!

* aroused, animated, or imbued with the spirit to do something, by or as if by supernatural or divine influence (Dictionary.com)

8 Things Thursday

Well December is upon us and the birth of my Saviour is coming quickly. And here is my eight things for this Thursday...I hope that I don't get anything stuck in anyone's head and if I do....I hope you don't mind.

1) Doe, a deer, a female deer,

2). Ray, a drop of golden sun.

3). Me, a name I call myself,

4) Far, a long, long way to run.

5) Sew, a needle pulling thread,

6). La, a note to follow Sew,

7) Tea, a drink with jam and bread (and the eight one is)

8). That will bring us back to Do (oh-oh-oh)

* Oscar Hammerstein II wrote this in 1959 when the very first production of The Sound of Music was on Broadway.

Meet Me In The Meadow

This meditation I received in my inbox from the co-founder of Dayspring. Roy Lessin. I hope you enjoy...

DECEMBER 03, 2008

"Christ in You, You in Christ
God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself. He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and He gave Himself to purchase our freedom.
I Corinthians 1:30 nlt

For it has pleased God to tell His people that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in His glory.
Colossians 1:27 nlt

As a child of God, you are in Christ and He is in you. Each is significant in the following ways:
Being in Christ means that you receive the benefits of all that He has done for you through His death, burial, resurrection and ascension;
Christ being in you means that you receive the benefits of His presence, His character and His nature within you.
Being in Christ changes your position before God;
Christ being in you changes the inward condition of your heart.
Being in Christ brings you into heavenly realities;
Christ being in you brings heavenly realities into your earthly walk.
Being in Christ opens your eyes to the beauty of God’s love;
Christ being in you floods your heart with that same love.
Being in Christ allows you to see what God wants you to become;
Christ being in you means that you can become what God wants you to be.
Being in Christ means that He is the atmosphere in which you live your day;
Christ being in you means that each day His strength is your strength, His peace is your peace, His power is your power, His victory is your victory, His life is your life."
Thank you Roy and may I continue to learn to "walk out" these truths every single day!!!

Cannot Resist A Beautiful Flower

I truly cannot resist a beautiful flower. Especially ones that are hanging on til the end of November that ought to have died awhile ago...