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We are so fortunate that where we live has so much natural beauty. We see deer and other woodland creatures daily, along with beautiful mountains and streams.
Another plus are the wild berries that are all around us. The other evening the girls went out to pick some that Hannah is going to cook and swirl into homemade ice cream.
| Shout joyfully to God...How awesome are your works. Psalm 66:1,3 |
“If I marry, he must be so tall when he is on his knees, as one has said, he reaches all the way to Heaven. His shoulders must be broad enough to bear the burden of a family. His lips must be strong enough to smile, firm enough to say no, and tender enough to kiss. His love must be so deep that it takes its stand in Christ and so wide that it takes in the whole world. He must be big enough to be gentle and great enough to be thoughtful. His arms must be strong enough to carry a little child.” -Ruth Graham
Ruth wrote these words at the age of 17. I am moved by her vision and commitment at such a young age to the type of man she desired.
This is a beautiful example of a godly young woman with holy standards. I am thankful that my daughters have set these standards.
Our favorite flower is the hydrangea; it is old fashion and comforting. It reminds me of my grandmothers; the girls say it reminds them of a simpler time, a slower pace. It evokes good feelings for us. Do you have a favorite flower?
I have been buried with business; we are thankful that we have so much work. The weather earlier in the spring put us behind, so we will play catch up the rest of the year.
The girls and I are enjoying our new exercise program and we are seeing results. The indoor track has been a life saver, enabling us to avoid walking in 90 degree weather. We are going to try the Zumba class that starts next month, which should provide endless entertainment, if nothing else!!
My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting-places.
Isaiah 32:18
Today Hannah and I went to the High Museum of Art to see an exhibit of Henri Cartier-Bresson's photography. Amazing! Hannah had wanted to go to see it for some time and today was the last day for the exhibit, so we made a run for it.
Cartier-Bresson is considered the father of modern photojournalism. He began taking pictures of everyday people or what is called 'street photography'. He eventually, over a very long and prolific career, took pictures all over the world and of many famous individuals, ie, Carl Jung, Coco Chanel, Truman Capote, William Faulkner, Henri Matisse, and many more.
But, it is the ones of unknown people that moved me the most. There was a strong need to get close to them to look at all that was going on in the picture, to understand something about the environment and circumstances. Cartier-Bresson's later works told a story and I felt I could grasp his intent better than with his earlier photos; with a short explanation of what was going on, I was able to see with more clarity and understanding. (Hannah says that is because I am so analytical)
Hannah had a wonderful time at the BlogHer Food conference in Atlanta. After forging through the 6 lanes of Atlanta traffic, trying to find where to park, loosing her parking ticket and finding it, and moving rooms, she settled in and had a splendid experience.
She was so glad to finally meet the other contributors of the Kitchen Generation that she works with online and via Skype. They all got along fabulously and enjoyed getting to know each other in person.
They, the Kitchen Generation, spoke about blogging in an afternoon panel the first day and Hannah said that the attendees asked a lot of questions. It was a new experience for all of them and it went well.
There were major brands sponsoring so she received some cool swag. She came home with 3 or 4 cookbooks, vanilla beans, Pom juice, OXO tongs, a bagel knife, Sharffen Berger chocolate and more. She was able to speak to some of the people representing these brands, PR people and with publishing houses, etc.
The first evening there was a party sponsored by the Tasty Kitchen, which part of The Pioneer Woman's site. The Pioneer Woman's sister, Betsy runs the Tasty Kitchen and threw the party. Get this: BETSY KNEW WHO HANNAH WAS!! I realize that if you are not familiar with the blogging world, this doesn't mean anything and you are not impressed; but if you are in the blogging world and/or the food blogging world, this is BIG!! Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is very popular and has several books out. She has also appeared on TV.
Ok, back to earth. Hannah and her friends went out to eat together each evening and had a wonderful time together. They also got stuck in the elevator at the Westin together! Talk about bonding!! Hannah kept another young man on the elevator calm while they waited and he hugged and thanked her when they finally got out.
I think the strangest thing for her was having people walk up to her and know who she was. She said that over and over someone would come up and say, "you're Hannah, I read your blog". Someone even asked how I was doing because Hannah had posted about my health scare back in October. How sweet! She said everyone was so nice and talked about how much they loved her photography.
We may not be able to live with her now! But, we'll manage, we are proud of her and we have a way of keeping her grounded!!
WE have Been Traveling ON!
We have been busy around the Queen household, so I just haven't taken time to blog.
Hayden is busy with scouts and working toward his Eagle! He will begin 9th grade this coming year and things will get tougher for him on the college prep track. Lots of reading, a foreign language and more writing. He is SO excited. He also keeps us laughing.
Sarah is, well, Sarah. She stays on track, does her work and chores without us asking; what a blessing she is. She is funny, smart and beautiful. Eventually she is going to charge Hannah for her modeling services!!
Hannah continues to impress us with her talent. She is speaking at the BlogHer Food conference this month in Atlanta, in August she goes to Pennsylvania for a get together paid for by a company that she loves and loves her and she is developing a line of greeting cards with her photography on them. She is also applying for an internship with a photographer she admires and continues to work toward opening her portrait business.
My sweet husband is buried under work. The Lord continues to bless us with an abundance of work and we may need to add another employee. Balancing work, family and scouts keeps him busy.
I have begun a new eating plan and have lost around 40 lbs! It works for me and it is easy, so long term is not going to be a problem. We are also working to be more active with family Frisbee nights! It is fun and a great form of exercise. Cutting out sugar as been amazing; I feel 100% better, my arthritis doesn't hurt as much and my energy doesn't go up and down all day, it is constant. I am also toying with the idea of starting my Masters degree again; we'll see what happens.
Our farmers market starts in June, so we need to gear up for that. We need to make labels, decide what breads we want to bake and make sure everything is ready to go.
The hot weather is here, so it is time to make time to head to the creek and enjoy the cool water. Get out and get moving!!
This month marks 10 years that we have been living in the beautiful North Georgia mountains. It has been nothing short of wonderful for us in so many ways.
Having grown up in a city, I wasn't sure what to expect moving to an area so small, but I was so ready. I was tired of the traffic, the excessive consumerism, the crime and the hordes of people everywhere we went. So I packed with abandon and didn't look back!
Since William was born in this area, we had family here so it didn't seem totally foreign. Once we found a church, friends came quickly. Getting involved with the farmers market opened more doors and a sense of community.
The kids have loved growing up here and we have loved raising them here. It is slower paced, we have one area to shop, some great locally owned restaurants, the largest apple orchard in Ga. and you don't go out without seeing someone you know. Add the drive-in movie theater and you have a little piece of heaven!
In the mornings we hear the chickens clucking away, maybe an owl or the donkeys in the pasture across the creek. Midday we listen to a symphony of birds. Evening brings the sounds of the crickets and frogs. Bliss...
Here I have taken the time to learn to garden, bake, crochet. Here I have slowed down and really listened to my children. Here our children have falling in love with simplicity, found and developed their gifts and learned to appreciate good literature.
Here we sit on the porch and visit. We do not have a hundred other distractions to tempt us to just co-exist with each other, but to learn about each other intimately. The good and the bad!
I am still enamored with this place? Oh yeah!
Just wanted to share the love. What a blessing to have a family that genuinely enjoys each others company. I love that my children don't mind showing affection and receiving affection.
Sometimes it seems like heaven on earth to this momma to have three wonderful children, and a devoted husband. To wake up each morning to this is just a blessing.
Of course, Hannah was taking the pictures, so she is behind the lens.
Today the girls and I got out for awhile so William could rest, he is under the weather and Hayden was at a friends. It has been some time since we had a girls day so we did it up!
We went to lunch then to the bookstore, where Hannah got ALL excited. The Artful Blogging magazine that she is featured in was prominently displayed in the magazine section. There for all to see was Sarah's hand holding flowers and the article title "ENJOY A LITTLE Honey and Jam". (picture middle right, title on left )I keep wondering if she is every going to realize that others are recognizing her talent and isn't just her family and friends.
Anyway, we then were off to Gigi's Cupcakes for a sugar coma, then more shopping at Ulta and Old Navy before starting home.
I didn't realize that I had not blogged since first of the month. Fortunately this winter is flying by and I am not a bit disappointed. I am tired of the cold weather especially since I take Coumadin now. I am constantly cold.
The girls and I are gearing up for the farmers market. We are working on new bread selections and expanding to add all cotton washcloths and kitchen towels. A few other items are in the 'thinking about it' stage. We look forward to meeting new people, but honestly not the getting up a 5:30AM on Saturdays. Oh well...
Other news: Hayden is now a Life Scout, not sure if I have announced that. So, now we work towards Eagle!! I can't believe how much he has accomplished in 3 years and he has done the work, most of it at summer camp each year. He is still playing his guitars and has started playing at church.
Hannah has been featured in Artful Blogger magazine and continues to add to her resume in various ways. She has started a blog with 3 other young food bloggers called The Kitchen Generation. Check it out!
Sarah is enjoying the new youth group she and Hayden are in and has taken my crocheting, which I think she likes better than knitting. She is helping me crochet our new washcloths for the market. She continues to be the voice of reason in our crazy family!
William is busy, too busy sometimes, with scouts. I now refer to myself as a scout widow.(sympathy, anyone?, hello??) Not only is involved in Hayden's troop, but is the commissioner for another troop, activities director for the area and is working the next Wood Badge training weekends. I am sure there is something else I just don't know about yet!!
I continue to feel great and thankful that I am here with my family. God continues to give me insight from my experience last October and I am grateful for that. To truly have experienced that 'peace that passes all understanding' is awesome.
Here are some pictures Hannah has taken recently.
We had a nice day Sunday, so after church we decided to take Margot to the park. She had a great time chasing leaves and sniffing everything. There is nothing that doesn't interest this dog, which makes her squish up her brow (see below) and makes us laugh.
Recently Hannah told me of a discussion she and Sarah had had. They were talking about relationships and marriage and how they viewed them. She said they both believe that serial dating is not necessary and that God will send them His choice for a mate at the right time. Wow!
They both wish to avoid 'just dating' to say they are in a relationship and avoid unnecessary heartache. Both girls believe that they should be growing as individuals, learning skills, helping their family; just being productive.
Now, some would say that is seeing the world through those rose colored glasses, but I think not. If we trust the Lord with our families, jobs, finances, etc, why would we not trust Him with one of the most important decisions we will make, our life mate. If He is Lord over all, isn't He Lord over this. If He wants the best for us, doesn't it include this.
The kids have had a great time in all the snow. All 10+ inches of it, and for us southern folk, that is A LOT of snow!! In front of the fireplace is my designated seating; there I happily crochet.
The snowman went up today and he is charming. He sits near our front door so he can welcome guests, not that anyone can get to us!
Sarah and Hayden are also working on a snow fort which is taking a bit longer than expected. The shoveling and raising the walls has become a herculean task. And I think our snow is too dry. (is that an oxymoron??)
Anyway, everyone is enjoying themselves including our four footed residents. The dogs have had a blast leaping through the white stuff and chasing each other. The cats, on the other hand, have stayed toasty inside.
Hannah has been playing around with artificial light; personally I think she has got it down!
WOW!
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