for the small ones

The thing is, if you never speak up, never tell the truth as you know it, you will be sure to reap what you don't say.

I may still have to reap those things for which I believe not, however, if I say not, I am justly reaping.

I am speaking up for the smallest of us. Those who have yet to open their mouths, much yet speak. The unborn.

I know it is not politically correct in today's secular environment. I'll shout it out fast...Abortion kills, abortion murders children. No fruitful lives will millions live due to America's current policy of allowing federally sanctioned murder.

I ponder currently, how can anyone who calls themselves Christians, who believes that Jesus died to save them, gave His own blood for them...how can they vote for any person who votes for abortion rights? How can a Christian, in good conscience vote for Obama?

We will surely reap what we vote for in this election.

photo blues

Lugging my new Canon XSi to the Grand Rivers Community Center on Saturday evening was no mean feat. Camera strapped around my neck, purse slung around my neck and my hands full (as usual) I dragged all into the line forming for the spaghetti dinner.

$5 for dinner, what a deal! Many of our local residents were present. Some were already sitting down to what turned out to be a pretty good meal. I unloaded my camera, coat, purse at the first chance and joined BCD in line.

Just as we got to the front of the very slow line, the good volunteers ran out of noodles. No matter, I'll just eat sauce say I. Cup of sauce and a piece of homemade cake in hand I trapse back to our seats.

We really enjoyed visiting with friends and listening to the jam session by local musicians. Some of the musicians had never played together. Everyone playing and helping to serve were volunteering their time raising money to purchase needed tables for the community center.

Which was the reason I dragged the camera with me, the heavy camera with the big lens, to take photos of the event, the friends and the volunteers. Finished with my sauce, I roped the camera around my neck and began to mill around, looking all the while like a big city reporter. Yeah, right.

Snap! May I take your photo? Great, snap! I took pictures of everyone. Some posed for me, some did not. When I arrived back at my table, I took a few photos of our friends Mike and Debbie. I asked Mike to take one of me. Snap! Great shot, let's see it!

I turned the view option on. Nothing. No photos. The error message said: No digital memory card installed. Arrrrggghhh!

They slip in

In the late evening or early night, they slip in. Transient boats cruising south make a stop at the bay. The largest ones don't seem to stay long, out by early morning before most of us get back to work. The crew are on a schedule for the owners. If you check the dock before going home you are liable to find one like this 125' wonder sitting on the fuel dock on a late October day.

The smaller size vessels, in the 30' to 80' range are usually piloted by owners who are taking their time cruising down the waterways to the Gulf. It's those folks that we really enjoy. They stay with us a few days and we get to know them. Some come back year after year and they are part of our boating family. We love to see them all, hear their great stories and be part of their lives.

A pumpkin of an afternoon...

A day in Murray brought us to Dumplin's Restaurant for lunch. What a treat!

The homemade bread stuffs and desserts are well worth the visit. Fresh salad and a just-baked quiche, ummm. The table was decorated with the cute pumpkin and arrangement above, then a yummy pumpkin bar for dessert. All in all a warm fall pumpkin afternoon.

It must be a full moon

There's a crazy theory that a full moon which causes the tides to ebb and flow also causes humans to ebb and flow. You know, we are mostly made of water and thus the moon as a powerful magnet during a full cycle will cause humans to act eratic, that's the theory. It's something to muse on as I kick back and enjoy the view.

Worth A Thousand Words

Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed.

Don't You Just Love A Parade?

Hunter's Moon parade, downtown Grand Rivers.

Don't you just love small towns, full of hometown fellowship and fun? It seems all the locals dress up their golf carts, trailers and cars then line up together and throw a parade. The candidates are all there too, throwing candy to the kids. Lots of candy everywhere, kids everywhere and smiles in abundance despite the 85+ degrees. Fantastic Americana!

Birthday Giggles

Two friends share a laugh.
It was a night to share Bette's (right) birthday with friends and family. Someone gave Bette a card that played cute mountain music and Sharon Brown (left) had a giggle over that. The birthday cake came out all lit up and Elliott, who is 2 1/2, promptly blew out all the candles for Bette. This birthday is the start of the "Birthday Season" with several more family and friends having their celebrations in the upcoming weeks.

God Speaks

God spoke to me in the back yard this morning. He said not to worry, He has everything under control.

He also said that He knows about the economic problems and the political problems and the security problems. He said my job was to continue to pray and allow Him to do His job. I told Him that I would be more comfortable if I were to know what His agenda is, the details of His plan. He said, "My plans are for good, and not evil. Trust me." Okie Dokie, I believe I will.

Collectors Anonymous

Some people collect things like buttons or cigarette lighters.

I've been collecting digital files. It started when I began learning desk top publishing with clip art, that led into photographs. Other people's photos purchased from stock photography companies online. Some of them I actually used for print advertising. Some of them I just liked. Filed away never to be seen again. Lately I've been collecting embroidery designs. Lots of 'em. I'll probably never use them, but I have collected them.

My hobby/side-business is embroidery. I love color, rich colors, all kinds of colors. Color in photos, color in fabrics and especially brilliant sheen thread colors. Embroidery is an extension of the colors, adding colors to fabrics, painting thread pictures. Actually, I really like fabric embellishment of any sort. Adding something of value with color. For instance, you can take an inexpensive sweatshirt and make something of worth by adding embellishments and embroidery. Very cool.

But embroidery is the latest avenue in which I am able to feed my obsession with collecting digital files. I'm especially fond of free ones. Do you think I would be alone in a Collectors Anonymous group?

By the way, I just read some of those buttons in the photo above. Not really my taste or philosophy. Just goes to show you, one should be more picky when choosing digital files to collect.

We Could Use A Hero These Days