New Cards for the Art Show!!!

The Tooth Fairy Card - for those children that have lost their first tooth. Coins can be slipped under the pillow (There is a small envelope.) in the card.

A pleasant friendship card with quotes from Dickenson and Emerson written on the inside...

Five down...many more to go.

I would like to have 30 handmade cards for the show.

I would also like to have 10-15 photo cards too. The photos used on the cards will be from my trip to Romania and Moldova this summer. Most of the proceeds from the photo cards will be sent to my friend who is a missionary in Moldova.

I am also making hats - child and doll size.

If I get ambitious...that is a big if...I will post a picture of them.

The contest...

The top left is the entered pie for today's pie baking contest...

I hope they like it!

UPDATE: Apparently they did...I won the 2nd Place Ribbon and $10.

Grasshopper Cookies

Hey, Rach...

Remember when dad first bought and brought home Grasshopper cookies. I was not going to eat them because I thought they were actually cookies made with grasshoppers.:)

Pie Time

Today is the big History Fair and I have entered the apple pie contest. I will have to put the picture on later.:)

The picture above isn't apple, but elderberry...but oh well.

Old Orhei, Moldova

After many hours in the "office", the 1st master's course is...

DONE!

One of our last days in Moldova...

After a lovely breakfast with her friends Jeff, Robin, Paulina, and her teacher Svetlana, we had pictures taken in the garden.

What I Could Really Go for...

Right now, I could really go for a hot cup of cappacino (Sp?) from the little pastry shop in Chisinau, Moldova. They have the best food and drink. My reason for this is because I need to finish my last paper for my master's class. Tonight is the night, unless I fall asleep with the computer propped on my knees. Tomorrow is the last day - my own personal deadline. After that, I am going to be creating some stuff for the little bizarre that my sister will be participating in with her friend in November. That is so much more fun than writing a thesis paper!

Small Town

Today was a true testament of what is to come - Autumn. Today is was very chilly, so much so I had to shut the upstairs windows and get out a sweatshirt. I love the fall - harvest time and everything that comes with it...even school - yes even that!

I am looking forward to next week. I am also looking forward to the picking of apples and getting ready for the winter, especially here in our small town. I guess it is something about this place that turns on the nostalgia. I was talking to another person who lives here and we both agree that something about this place makes us want to keep staying here.

The flags in each yard. The cute little gardens. The hardware and the everything grocery up town. The small library with all of it's books from the 70's and "country crochet" magazines. The I know everyone here and don't feel bad about asking to pick the berries in your yard. The town square and it's little band that gets even the oddest person to dance and not care what others think. The history fair that still holds the cutest baby and pie baking contest. I guess you could compare it to Jan Karon's Mitford in someone's mind's eye.

Canning Beans

I think I finally got the last of the beans from the garden... Sixteen quarts and I think we're ready for winter. Now for the tomatoes and onions. The canning has just begun.

Do like the little hat from the Art Park in Moldova? My niece certainly did, but she liked the nesting dolls better. She calls them babies in bowls.

Today I brought her a turtle from my sister that just recently visited Jamaica. When we asked her what the carved animal was, she replied..."a tur-tle".

pOOL dAYs of SuMMeR

It is quickly leaving...the summer, that is. You have a couple of weeks left to drink in the sun and to drink up the sun iea from the back porch. For me, I have spent the last couple of weeks with my sister's kids at the pool. Everyday for 2 to 3 hours, we sit in the water and laugh and play.
Today, we played noodle baseball... For those of you who know me baseball is like watching paint dry, but in this case batting around splash balls with a noodle and chasing after it can be very fun and for some entertaining.
I am in no way a beach kinda girl. My tan from this summer is the best so far in my life and I am trying to convince my legs to do the same. Wouldn't it be nice to have kids not ask if I am wearing white stockings in the summer when in fact I am not...it is only the real color of my legs?
So the summer pool days are almost over here...it is sad really....this was the first summer in a long while that I actually had off...
Off to...
1. Go to Europe
2. My sister's to have fun with the kids
3. The pool
4. Garden and can some of the produce from it...
5. Drink and read on the deck
6. Spend time with friends
7. Enjoy life and the passing of each moment!

You have to love this picture that my sister took. She is really a great photographer!

I hope she is getting some great photos while she is in Jamaica.

Bubbles are so fun. Here I am in the South of Moldova teaching this little girl the art of blowing bubbles. You cannot tell by the picture, but she was so excited once she knew how to blow them and pop them.

If there is one word that could describe the Orthodox churches in Moldova

...solitude...

The Center of Chisinau

Yes, you are not seeing things...it is another Arc de Triumphe not in France, but in the center of Chisinau, Moldova.

Too Perfect to Drink...

During my last days in Moldova, my friend and I stopped everything to enjoy a nice cup of coffee outside at the Pasterie Shop. It was so delicious!

Saharna

These pictures were taken at the Saharna Monastery in Rezina, Moldova.

The flower above is only one of many kinds you can see there. They are so beautiful.

I love how the pattern of the arch repeats itself over and over as you walk on the bridge.

Another HOT one!

Today seems unbearable. I am so glad that there is such a thing as water. I cannot imagine living in a place that does not have water or some source to help keep things cooler. One nice thing about the heat...it really helps clean out your pores.:)

So HOT!

What a day for sweating and sweltering. The heat has made me tired and not really in the mood to do anything. I will be grateful for Thursday when it comes....in the meantime, Tomorrow, I will enjoy the pool at my aunt's house. Nothing beats a good swim for an entire day!

Monday Cooking Spree!

Despite the heat and the humidity here at home, I have been baking for my brother before he leaves to go back to TX tomorrow. Chocolate chip cookies, zucchini bread and muffins, beets and beans have been baked, boiled, or snapped. And yes...four more things on my list for today have been crossed off and have somewhat brought me a sens of relief.

Now for the unwanted projects...like my final paper for my master's degree. Yucko. I know it is only 5 pages, but when it comes to writing about stuff that I really don't know about (due to the lack of research on my part) it really doesn't beckon me to finish the course. I want it done and done this week....so I think the desire of just wanting it done will outdo the completeness of thought needed to be put into it. I also need to fill out an application for a job which requires a 1 page paper on the importance of technology. Blah, blah, blah... It is important...but really, I don't care to write about it.

So the goods for today...Sent out a resume for another job. Was hired to do some evaluations and will get paid for it (I even got the paperwork done for that.). I found out my presentation for when I went to Romania and Moldova won't need to be done until September. My chocolate chip cookies turned out incredibly well.

Have a good day...get lots done and if you are cooking, turn on a fan!

Time Changes Everything

Today was a good reminder that things can change so quickly that sometimes we can miss it. Here are a list of changing things just from today...

1. Night into day.

2. Rain into sun.

3. Long grass into close shaven lawn.

4. Food into energy.

5. Seeds into beautiful flowers.

6. Exercising for health into exercising your mind.

7. Ideas into gifts.

8. Music into a smile.

9. Aquantances into close friends.

10 Day into night.

Consider each day a gift and turn it into something memorable!

Mid-Summer Garden

This morning I was asked by a friend overseas to send pictures of the garden.

Home...At Last

I have finally made it back to the States and in one piece. What a wonderful trip. Hopefully this week I will be able to write different excerpts of what happened. Thank you for your prayers while I was over there and for the trip home.

Finish up Tuesday

Today, Tanya and I must finish the projects at the office. We purchased the carpet, but there is still some cleaning to do. We have been going non-stop since I have gotten here in June! After today, we will visit friends and go to Old Orhei to the Monastary. I am hoping to get some great pictures.

Restful Get-a-away...at Home

Last night, Tanya, our friend Tina, and I stayed home to get manicures and make-overs. It was so nice to be with close friends and to just relax. It was like the Princess Party Beth and I had for the preschoolers from church.

After several movies...ice cream...a round of Phase 10...we decided it was time to retire for the evening.

Waiting at the village church with a new friend who really likes sunglasses.

Tina and I looking at the pictures from last week's camp day.

After tracing her hand to make a bird, we had to do it 5 more times.

Week 3 - Traveling North and South of Chisinau

Tanya's Co-workers' daughter

Tanya and I a little tired from the busy week decided to try on the winter hats and gloves donated by many in the US.

Tina and I cutting leather for Wordless Bracelets.

Week 2 - Weymouth Baptist Church Comes

We are being given the projects for the day to be completed.

The center square in Sibui, Romania

An Outdoor Restaurant

We had some of the best food here!

Pictures throughout the month....

Romania - Week 1

The Passing of Time

Since coming to Moldova, all things seem to come and go too quickly. It seems just like yesterday when I was boarding the plane to come to this beautiful country. The time drifts as the days press on - moment into moment. On Monday, we said goodbye to our MA team of 13. They were such a great help in getting the office ready for the next 6 months. Our interpreters have become our great friends who have decided to not work...but to help us in any way possible. Each day our friendship grows stronger and it appears that as we leave for the States at the end of July....it will be a very tearful goodbye. Time does not pause or wait, but presses on.
Yesterday, we went to Cahul and another small village to deliver some materials. Although the people in this region have very little...their hearts show great contentment and joy as they seek to serve the Lord and those around them. If there has been anything I have learned in the last couple of weeks, it is the fact that those that have the joy of the Lord in their hearts and lives truly possess all they need.

The Journey Continues...

Since my last post, I happy to announce the safe arrival of bag 2094832 from London to Romania. Fortunately yesterday, I was able to claim it from a newly met friend in Sibui.

But before I get ahead of myself...let's go back a few days.
Friday, June 16
The morning starts with a lovely breakfast. That having been done, we head into town on a mashutka - a taxi bus. It allows for people to get closer than they would actually like....but it is cheaper than a taxi. With 2 lei, we head into the city and start our walk to and from building, gathering what we need for the next week when we head to Sibui.
We have lunch at the patisserie. The building is very nice and has paper lanterns and a tree that is upstairs housing a carved elf and a dragon. We order lunch - a piece for salmon and broccoli quiche with a hot cappacino and a mousse tart to share) for dessert. We head back to the apartment and get some rest.
Saturday, June 17
I should be tired....but I am not, I am the only one up...up with the sun that peaks through the curtains of my room. I hear very little in the early outdoor moments. This time has been essential in preparing for my day. Going before the Lord, I pray that God will bless our day and that we will please Him in all that we do and say.
We spent the day resting at home. Lots of chtting and catching up on our schedule for the next two weeks....very long and probably in time...exhausting, but we know that God will give abundant strength.
Sunday, June 18
This morning we will be visiting a church that is full of young, excited believers. God's Design is the name of the church that meets in an old school building. Due to my lack of the Russian Language, Tatianna was able to interpret the message. Amazingly it fit into my devotions of that morning and from the last weeks of my pastor's sermons - the Book of James.
Since we had an afternoon meeting in a remote village of Moldova, we went to Jeff and Robyn's for lunch and then took off for the meeting. After picking up our Romanian interpeters for the teacher training, we made our way over the bumpy roads to a small church of fellow believers. They were excited to hear from Tanya and from the other teachers that came with us.
During our visit, I was able to meet a small boy. He was totally into the camera and seeing his picture on the back of the camera. He said...me, me in Romanian to his dad. Even though I do not speak his language...I was able to understand perfectly his excitement.

June 14,15, and 16 - A Journey Back in Time

The events of the last 3 days consist of a lot of the same mixed in with much diversity.

When I boarded the plane in Buffalo, I had no idea what would lie in front of me as I traveled to Moldova. Lots and lots of sitting. I boarded the plane in Buffalo and sat next to some vegetarian Jewish businessmen who were not impressed with the flight service. Since the TV in front of the one gentleman did not work... the steward gave the guy extra snacks...a pillow....and extra sodas. The man wasn't too appreciative...but oh well, I was glad for the window seat with an empty in between.

I got to JFK with a 4 hour layover in between flights....I got in line for British Airways and waited 2.5 hours to get a boarding pass. I was ever so glad to find a seat with 2 people willing to sleep during the entire flight. Our flight lifted off an hour and half behind schedule and I was a little weary about getting to London on time.

The flight landed at precisely 9am, 1 hour later than expected.

I boarded the air transit and headed to terminal 1 from terminal 4. The time said 9:20am and my flight was to leave at 9:45am, gate closing at 9:20am. When I got to terminal 1, I ran to gate 17 to catch my flight to Bucharest, Romania.

To be continued tomorrow...

Happy Dad's Day!...early!

I saw this card in Target and had such a good laugh.

I know all my siblings will agree...THAT IS SO DAD!

One More Day...

With packages recieved...clothing packed....recipes copied...and books read...I believe I am ready to go to Europe. Tomorow is the catch-all day. I need to get my hair cut, work on finishing some last minute projects, and get some sleep before I board the plane. I cannot wait to get there and have a couple days of rest before taking off into all the projects that my friend, Tanya has for me to do.
Some things to pray for...
1. Safety travelling.
2. That my luggage will arrive with me. :)
3. As I look for my flights in all the different terminals.
4. Safety as my friend and I go through all the borders to our final destination.
5. Several opportunities to share my reason for going and how the Lord enabled me to go.

The Smells of Summer

It was not too long ago when the "smells of summer" started here in NY. It starts with the grill in April...yes there was still snow on the ground...but the grill was calling here in NY. The smell of chicken and steak...what a minute, steak - yeah right...let's try tube steak - (for those of you who are not sure what tube steaks are...I will break it to you gently...HOT DOGS!)

My sister and I can remember the many Wednesday nights at Awana when all the kids would come smelling of hotdogs. I guess all the moms were trying to think of a quick and simple meal. Unfortunately, the moms did not account for the awful breath that would accompany each child. Times it by 3 or 4 and you have a hotdog nightmare...

okay a little off the subjuct...but had to put that in...

Other smells... banana tropics sun lotion (not a bad smell)

OR, for those who really burn - the NO-AD lotion SPF 45 (horrid smell)

Now the new smell for the week...OFF bug spray - the smell that lingers even after your shower. At least I know that I will not eaten in my bed.

The other smell - grass - For some reason, when I substitute at different schools, I always hit the mowing days. The smell of the grass plus the noise makes for a very distracted group of kiddos and a very frustrated teacher.:(

I suppose there are worse things like...Lancaster farm smells, always occuring at the end of the semester in summer when you really need to have the windows open...or...those white, flowering trees at LBC - my friends that graduated with me there already know the smell that goes with those babies! Go PA! GO!

Conversations with family and friends...

"You better write everything down while you are there. Don't leave out any details."

"Pictures - 10 rolls - you better be taking lots of pictures. Who cares if half of them don't turn out. 24 pictures times 10 rolls of film...you should get at least 120 memories."

Yes, the day is quickly approaching when I will board the plane and fly to Bucharest to meet my friend for 6 weeks of excitement. In the first week alone...our schedule is so packed - which is a good thing - that she says that we will have to have breakfast and relax at the local inn after we take the Boston group back to the airport. I entirely agree.

"Do you speak any Russian?"

"Well, I know the words, Thank you, okay, yes and no! That's not too bad, is it? I am trying to learn some from the tapes from the library - but those rolling r's."

"I am more worried about transferring plane in England."

"Oh, just ask...at least they speak English."

"True."

In 8 days I leave for Moldova...I am hoping to journal daily my happenings while I am there.

Tea at 4 o'clock, anyone?

It is obvious that these little purple flowers are ready and colorfully dressed for the 4 o'clock tea party.

Flashback Friday...

The Secret Garden was my first of many adventures as a reader. I remember staying up late at night after my parents had gone to bed to read to the end of this book. It's theme and plot aroused my curiosity. Reading it, broadened my imagination and increased my desire to read many other "girl" books. My parents also made the agreement with me..."If you read a book, we will buy you another book." Since then, my book collection has increased from picture books to biographies from novels to classics. As a teacher, what are the gifts I give at holidays and birthdays...?...books, of course. And what am I reading at this present time? I just finished Jane Eyre and am now reading The Schoolroom.

What book in your memory made you a reader? OR
What was the book that made you fall in love with reading?

Also what book or books are you currently reading?

Delicate Petals of Purplish-Pink

This small bush just outside the kitchen has bloomed despite the harsh winter and bitter frost.

Lupins

Lupins are one of my favorite flowers. The reason for this is because of the story Miss Rumphius. If you have not read it, you should...it is delightful!

Lovely Sunday Garden

How funny...I didn't even try to get the bee in the picture.

Hummingbirds are here again!

I took this picture the other evening, but almost got stabbed by it's pointy nose in the process.

Busy Bee

Last night, I took this picture of the little, busy bee. She did not see me at all...even with how close I had gotten. It was funny how she worked from one side to the next, from the bottom to the top, making sure she got all the pollen she needed.

New "Wellies" for a great new price!

I just got these a couple weeks ago at the local Creche Bag Sale for $5.00. It is safe to say they were sold out on the first day. They have been great in the garden...washing the car...checking the mail when it is raining.

Searching for Butterflies

What did I do today? I looked high and low for some antique fairies that had butterfly wings. Ah-ha! I found them. I also found some other great pieces of vintage art to use for other future cards. The picture above is of a card I made for a friend of mine. The butterflies on either side are actually made from a stamp on pink paper and colored pencils. This was very fun to do and it also enabled me to procrastinate on my master's class final paper. Oh well...it is the weekend!