Apples, apples everywhere!

After a lovely trip into Hood River's Fruit Loop region with Jenny, I joined my friend Linda and her clan (there were 13 of us total) for a caravan trip to the fruitful region today. After some slight medical issues, it was nice to sit in the backseat, visit with a friend and just rest. As uncomfortable as it was at times, it was a nice escape. We were lucky enough on this day that was predicted to be filled with rain to have a dry picnic lunch outdoors at my favorite "Point" in Hood River. We then went to a few fruit stands to get fruit. I also got more butternut squash for soup. 

I loved the colors of apples everywhere. These ones are called "Lady Apples" and are so fun with greens and pink/red colors.

 Honeycrisps...lots and lots of honeycrisps. 

Apples anyone?! (I only bought like 5 lbs of apples and pears this visit!)

Happy Birthday, Mary!

From Darcelle and all the Drag Queens! 

 Mary is in the center of the picture below. Several of us got together for her "29th" (read 30th) Birthday! Her dream was to go out for drinks and then to Darcelle's. 

 It was quite a night!

On to a fabulous year to come, Mary!

A Shawl with Meaning

I've always wanted to crochet a prayer shawl. I've looked at patterns, color ideas, etc, etc. I was never "moved" to actually crochet one. Recently, I had a friend from work who has had some struggles, both she directly and close family and friends of hers. One night when I was praying for her I got a strong feeling/message that this might be the best recipient of a prayer shawl. Away I went. I got onto Ravelry (as we've learned before-one of my favorite sites) and when I logged on and typed into the search "shawl" a very fitting pattern popped up as the top on the list. It just seemed to fit this friend. Then I had to figure out a color. I didn't want to ask what her favorite color was, so I just "winged it." I looked back into the Prayer Shawl books of patterns, etc and they had color charts. Black is a symbol of strength and perseverance. It seemed fitting and black goes with almost everything. I got right to work. There was a blessing I read before working on it (all except one time). I crocheted while sitting in silence and while just thinking and I crocheted while listening to my favorite worship songs. My fingers moved fastest when listening to music and I could feel the good energy flowing. It was a really remarkable experience for me and very different than any other crochet project I'd done. It was intentional. I was intentional. I was mindful, prayerful and found it to be powerful for me. I got to give and explain the prayer shawl to my friend, Natalie yesterday. She appreciated it. As did I.

 It was long...something like 69 inches long by 20 inches wide (I think- I don't remember the final measurements).

 Scalloped edges that I added. "Lacy" pattern. 

"God blesses us so that we're able to bless others." ~Unknown

A Whisper of Beauty

I live for these kind of moments that take my breath away. And I thank God for opening my eyes daily to His beauty. There is nothing like it.

“We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in the darkness.” ~Unknown

Beautiful Fall Colors coupled with Beautiful Friends

My dear friend, Jenny had a bit of a surgical procedure. She was going a little stir-crazy after two weeks at home. She needed to get out of town, so out of town we got. For the day. To Hood River. It was great.

Here we are at Rasmussen Farms. Creepy no-neck pumpkin people in the background.

We stopped at The Gorge White House for a looksy-loo and a wine tasting. I tried a blueberry wine. Different.

After a few fruit stands, pears, apple, cookies, apple cider, laughs we headed back into Hood River, walked around town and went into some of the cute stores and had lunch. While we were waiting for a table I had to take a picture of this amazing color on one of the trees. Pictures never do colors justice. Eh, it is still nice.

 Here are a few of the leaves on the ground. Amazing red. Amazing. The colors that day were phenomenal. Into the gorge and then back around the south east side of Mt Hood and home. 

 Some of my spoils from our trip! 

I'll be returning to Hood River in a few weeks with some other friends and this trip got me just in the mood for it! I love, love, love Hood River. Thanks for the fun time Jenny! I always enjoy spending time with you and the laughter and conversations we have! 

13.1 Miles

Equals a Half Marathon.....

 And, I didn't run or walk it at all, but this lovely lady did...

 Diane (the one on the right) and her daughter Bronwyn walked the Portland Half Marathon this year after months and months of training. She/They rocked. I told Diane I would come cheer her on. I did. She didn't hear me. I was almost at the finish line. They were finished and just wanted to get the last few yards done...

I did meet up with them in the cool down area...

Somewhere (on Diane's camera) is a picture of the two of us. She looked way better than me and she had been up since the crack of dawn and had walked a half marathon. I have no excuse! :) 

Next year she wants me to join them for the "fun" (read self inflicted torture-I'd rather do a 13.1 mile hike with a stunning view or waterfall as reward)...should I do it? Yes, the marathon, not the hike. Or maybe I'll just do the hike and call it good.