The other day, as I read through the "collected poems" book, I was suddenly inspired by a certain poem, and set out to write my own (I'm afraid it's inferior--but it's from my whole heart)... So here it is; I would love to hear your comments on it. :)

An Unmarried Girl Speaks

Life did not bring me wealth or fame,

Nor diamond-girt dresses,

Nor mansions with a great, high name:

"Lady," "Dame," or "Princess."

But there are seven dear ones who call me "big sister;"

And the clear stars, far-off hills, stoop, my name to whisper.

Life has instead gifted me

With quiet at-home joys,

All sweet "trivialities"

Like games with growing boys;

How I thank God for home-grown things: a smile given,

A smile returned -- the jeweled bits that make up livin'!

All the precious brilliant "trifles"

Which fill a life with gain;

Jaded others say "it stifles" --

Can I ever explain?

The smallest task, when done to God, makes the doer rich --

Drudgery? Not at all! In duty we find our niche!

Now humdrum duty to be sure

Has not the witching light

That plays o'er Fame and Self's allure --

Begone, thou foul wights!

Which is better? To slide down Independence's slope,

Or follow Christ's servant tread and find a better hope?

In my home, I daily see

Examples -- I must 'fess,

The Selflessness played out for me

Convicts my selfishness!

Alas! How sinful still I am, how far my goal is --

How I stumble in the way, till I be fully His!

Yet dismay I must never,

And God is granting me

Such joy, peace, delight, as ever

A mortal man could see!

How can I thank Him? He is mine, and blessed me daily,

Overflowing out my cup 'til I can hardly see!

Life hasn't all been a picnic,

Hurtful falshoods do come,

Friends commence to gossip and nick --

But God strengthens through all!

He sees all, and by unjust pain teaches us how to

Comfort others with wisdom gained when He carried us through!

Stuck at home? No! I do dress up

And go to bright soirees;

Or a Music's fair brink I sup --

Life is full, night and day!

Yet sweet -- or sweeter, by contrast? -- is home afterwards,

There -- dearer friends yet: with stories, laughter, fellowship!

Can a heart ever burst with joy?

How glorious I find

Family friendships are not alloy --

Together, hearts and minds!

Loving families aren't made by infrequent contact;

Daily courtesies, smiles, trifles make it, that's a fact!

Being married is joy, God wot --

Also, single home-life;

I'm fulfilled, content, in my spot,

Tho' someday hope to hear "wife!"

When we're in God's plan, then we find grace and happiness;

Happiest is she who scrubs floors, singing -- and looks up, astonished, to see her Prince.

God's grace enfolds me close, and more;

Undeserving I am;

How can I thank my Creator?

Grateful debtor I am!

Above His blue dome, underfoot His fair green carpet --

It's brighter because He's saved me; how can I forget?

Singing, have you ironed piled-up clothes?

Conversed with a three-year-old?

Have you scrubbed a floor for Jesus?

It's joy that can't be told!

My heart is full -- bursting! -- with the blessings God's given;

Have you tried the old, disused narrow way? Have you seen?

--Elisha Ann Wahlquist, July 27th, 2013

Sat. and Sun.!

Mowing...

It was a treat to have the K. family over!

Playing games...

The next day, we attended a surprise bday party for Mr. H!

Setting up...

Idyllic

Visiting

Waiting...

Here is the birthday man -- and he was surprised! :)

Deborah unconsciously displays her hairstyle for the camera  ;)

Gathering under the trees... a simply lovely evening!

Good morning!

Deborah has been decorating her side of our room...

...with neat old cars from the late '50s!

I must say, this ad is my favorite. :)

Micah was inspired by Debs' art, and so put up his own.! :)

The art in my frame

A yummy (and creative!) dinner!

Most of the wildflowers are gone, but Mom & I spotted these unusual beauties the other day!

Art

A very strange spider we found!

Fun making bead animals with the G. girls!

Tell Him So

Tell Him So

If you hear a kind word spoken,

Of some worthy soul you know,

It may fill his heart with sunshine

If you only tell him so. 

If a deed, however humble,

Helps you on your way to go,

Seek the one whose hand has helped you,

Seek him out and tell him so!

Oh, my sister, oh, my brothers,

As o'er life's rough path you go,

If God's love has saved and kept you,

Do not fail to tell men so!

--Unknown

Amazing clouds frame our two houses...

I have begun reading a thick book of collected poems, so brace yourselves--I'm will probably be sharing gems that inspire me out of it! The following is too good not to share:

Be the Best of Whatever You Are

[Malloch's note: “We all dream of great deeds and high positions, away from the pettiness and humdrum of ordinary life. Yet success is not occupying a lofty place or doing conspicuous work… Dream, aspire by all means; but do not ruin the life you must lead by dreaming pipe dreams of one you would like to lead. Make the most of what you have, and are. Perhaps your trivial, immediate task is the one sure way of proving your mettle. Do the thing near at hand, and great things will come to your hand to be done.”]

If you can’t be a pine on the top of the hill,

            Be a scrub in the valley—but be

The best little scrub by the side of the rill;

            Be a bush if you can’t be a tree!

If you can’t be a bush be a bit of the grass,

            And some highway happier make;

If you can’t be a muskie then just be a bass—

            But the liveliest bass in the lake!

We can’t all be captains, we’ve got to be crew,

            There’s something for all of us here,

There’s big work to do, and there’s lesser to do,

             And the task you must do is the near.

If you can’t be a highway then just be trail,

            If you can’t be the sun be a star;

It isn’t by size that you win or you fail—

            Be the best of whatever you are!

—Douglas Malloch

“And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt. 25:20-23)

Something yummy is being made--with eggs from Stephen's ducks!!!

How much fun it is to color!

I have begun (by the time of this writing, I've practically finished) a dress, using a vintage pattern given me by a friend. (by the way, I added sleeves... :)

I love all the details on old patterns! And that fascinating way of taking photos which screams "50's-60's"... 

A true artist has been at work here! :) Aren't cities at night gorgeous?

Yesterday morning, a gorgeous line of clouds began to form on the distant hills...

They were moving rapidly towards us...

It was such a pretty sight!

Tutorial

I know I posted a little time ago some pics of crown braids. Well, I've found a photo tutorial for one style, and thought I'd post it on the chance that some of you might be interested! :)