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Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

Porcelain Dancers


Porcelain dancers –
Gift from Mom:
“You’re
forever
these!”

She gifted me
On my fortieth.

The Septolet is a poem consisting of seven lines containing fourteen words with a break anywhere in between the two parts. Both parts deal with the same thought and create a picture.

My porcelain girls are a 1979 gift from my mom for my 40th birthday. Created by German artist, Lorenz Hutschenreut, they are called “Ring Around the Rosie” – This 3 Girls May Day dance figurine is priceless to me!

Mom knitted my sweater,
fixed my hair,
arranged for the photographer,
captured our love
forever in this photo.

But, the real capture of love for me
was more than just in my childhood…
She continued to gift me
with her strength,
her optimism, and
her encouragement
for the rest of her life.

When I take out my dancing girls
and decorate the vase with flowers,
I am taken back to my fortieth,
back to my childhood,
back to time with Mom.

What a treasure!

Here Mom is with my sis, Sally, and me – – –
and my daughter, DeDe.
I like to think that
we three are the “Dancing Girls.”

Ah, such sweet memories!

Do you have a special item of some sort
that brings you back to your childhood?

Something that’s priceless to you
because of the memories packed into it?

Tell me about it.
Maybe try your hand at a septolet!

Hugs,
JanBeek

Make Way!


The scriptures and the devotionals that popped up this week
all point the way to our preparation for spring.
Get ready!
Be prepared!
Make way for the new!!
It will come, won’t it?
Eventually?

I am more than ready for our ice (used to be snow) piles
to melt and allow the bulbs to wake up and begin to sprout!

Isaiah 43:16,18-19-

This is what the Lord says,
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing…”

But, I do remember those former things!!

These were the last of them from last spring.

I am ready to hang my spring wreath
and I am ready to “Spring Up!”
my clocks tonight in preparation for
Daylight Savings Time.

I am ready to keep that time schedule
all year round to give us more hours of daylight
in our waking hours. How about you?

Get ready for a sunny Sunday!
I am ready for more sunshine.
How about you?

I love it when my friend, Lisa,
sends me photos of her sunrises
above the lake near her home in North Carolina.

I’m ready for a ride on “Lucille”
(our redheaded ATV who is a “Ball”)
into the springtime wildflowers
on our mountain trails around here.

Right now, looks like that’s a couple months away.

This year we won’t have our TazE
(our beloved Boston Terrier
traveled over the Rainbow Bridge
last December. We miss her!)

to keep us company on our rides.
She was sure a great trail companion!

We saw some mighty PURDY sites together on those rides!
Sometimes we’d take the trail all the way over to Pony, Montana,
the cute little town northwest of us where there is a
cute little tavern. We’d meet our other ATV friends there.

So, get ready, my friends.
Make way for the realization of
those dreams once more
when we can take that ride again!

But, will springtime ever come to Montana?

Have faith!
It will!!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 
ESV 

For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born,
and a time to die;
a time to plant,
and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill,
and a time to heal (that’s my time right now);
a time to break down,
and a time to build up;
a time to weep,
and
a time to laugh (that’s ALWAYS now!);
a time to mourn,
and a time to dance (let’s do!!);
a time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace (let’s do that, too),
and a time to refrain from embracing; …

May your storms diminish
and your sunshine increase;
May your troubles decrease
and your joys abound.


May your eyes clearly see
the beauty all around you.


God bless you, my friends.
Make way for those blessings!
They are coming!
Rest assured!!

Love and Lotsa Hugs,
JanBeek

P.S. My eyes are healing after the cataract surgery last week. Thank you for your prayers. The farsighted vision is bright and clear – beautiful colors. Single lens replacement instead of the multiple variety was my only option. It has to do with the age of these tired 83 year old eyes and the shape they were in. But I’m not complaining. Another follow-up appointment is scheduled in 3 weeks. I’ll keep you posted. Thinking positively!

We’re Back!!


Hello, Montana Sunrise

Hello beautiful sunrise from my dear North Carolina friend!

Hello Montana Snowdrifts!

Hello, dear friend, who walked over the 3’ drift to come say,
“I’m here to plow you out!”
(Oh my, look how the snow came in the front door!)
God bless our helpers!

Hello Daughter#2 back in Maryland.
Thank you for your love, hospitality,
transportation, and luscious food!
We miss you already.

Hello Lacey!
You’re such a lucky pup to have your
“People Grama” taking care of you
while your parents are on their honeymoon!

Hello Daughter#1…
So glad you’re back safely in Switzerland,
enjoying a luscious dinner with your hubby. 👍🏽

Hello PicNick!
Hey, DeDe,
How fun that your #2 son
came to visit and to show you
his new car!
Congratulations, Nicky
(my #2 grandson).
We’re so glad for you!!

Hello again, Lacey!
Yes, I know, you need attention!!

Hello Montana sunset!
Another day gone by,
and we are so grateful for clear skies,
for friends, neighbors, WP contacts and their comments,
and for our local chiropractor who helped relieve my body aches!

(That was my first visit in my 83 1/2 years
to see a chiropractor.
I wonder why
I waited so long!)

Have you ever been to one?

Whew! Feeling like an Angel just touched me!
I hope you’ve had a blessed day, too, my friends.

Bee 🐝 well- and free of pain!

See ya tomorrow.
Hah! It’s tomorrow already…
I forgot to click “Publish” on this one yesterday ;o(

Love ya,
JanBeek

Good to Go; Great to Return


Good to go
Appreciate the help
Airport Kindness

Montana State
Basketball Big Boys
Filled our plane

Arrived in Baltimore
safe and sound
;o)

Our daughters
Greeted & Treated us
We’re so blessed

Total Wine
A Fun Outing
Shared Libations

Reason to Travel
Beautiful Wedding
Adorable Couple

Love Thrives
Commitment Reigns
God bless ‘em

Party Begins
Family & Friends
There to Support
and to Congratulate

Mother of Bride
Wonderfully Talented
Sooo Generous

Thank You, Laina!!

A Day to Rest
“Mangia” & Enjoy
Visit Annapolis

Mmmm Seafood
Fresh & Tasty
What a Treat

Highly recommended
The Choptank
Sooo good

Beautiful Chapel
Annapolis Navy Academy
Wonderful Campus

Lovely Setting
On Chesapeake Bay
Blue Sky Day

(Meanwhile, it was -20 degrees
and snowing back in Montana!)

Back in Glen Burnie
Time to Relax
And Pack Suitcases

Yummy Breakfast
Greatest Hostess
Sweet Kitty


Time to Say Good-bye
Missing our Daughter #2
and her “Go-Go”

Car iced over
Roads icy, too
Scary Drive Home

(Appreciated the truck that led the way!)

Snowdrifts 4 feet high
Can’t get car in garage
But we’re tucked inside safely

Hooray!
God is good!!

(Thank you for the prayers
They worked
God bless you
)

Can’t remember the last time I had lobster.
Can You? When and where?

This was such a treat!
I pigged out!

See ya tomorrow
Stay Warm


Love,
JanBeek

A Merry Heart


“A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
but by sorrow of the heart
the spirit is broken.”

Proverbs 15:13

Use your merry heart
To be like an umbrella
Protection in storms

At the end of day
Your sweet, merry countenance
Is a lovely sight

Your positive view
Shines through the dark clouds of gloom
Lifting others’ hearts
💕

You’ve an extra dose
Merriment is contagious
You infect others

David Jeremiah’s entry in today’s devotional
in Ever Faithful was titled “A Merry Heart.”
It gave me the incentive for today’s post:

“After Richard Norris was badly disfigured
by a gunshot wound in 1997,
he remained hidden at his parents’ home for years.
They covered the mirrors
to keep him from glimpsing his face.
But a team of doctors…
gave Richard a new countenance.”

The scripture selected, Proverbs 15:13, fit the story perfectly.
Richard’s spirit was broken.
His sorrow of the heart was understandable.
David Jeremiah went on to link
Richard’s sorrow to us all:

“While Richard’s story is unusually dramatic,
there’s a sense in which we all need a new countenance.
Study the faces of people you meet every day…”

Oh how I love those
Last two pictures of my friends
Study every face

David Jeremiah goes on to suggest,

“Steal a quick glance at your own face
as you pass a mirror or reflective window.
…Our emotions inexorably flash through
the forty-three muscles in our face
and we communicate our feelings
through our eyes, brows,
and the set of our mouths.”

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

“One smile can light up a room;
one frown can darken a day.

“The Bible tells us a merry heart
makes a cheerful countenance.
Rejoice in the Lord today
and let the joy of Jesus shine through.”

I dare you to listen to this and not smile!!
You know I play the accordion, right?
Well this is a concertina… buttons on both sides.
Aren’t these kids adorable?

Open up you Merry Heart!
Mine is open for you!!

Love ya,
JanBeek

Open heart + Open hands = Merry, Cheerful Countenance

High and Dry


Here we are today
High and dry in Placerville
Grateful for the warmth

Looking at the storm
From inside a comfy house
Thanking God for life

Feeling very blessed
A good book and some coffee
Listening to rain

Shhh! Hear the raindrops fall.., Well, you can imagine it, can’t you?

Grateful for the warmth
And the hospitality
Of our sweet family

Praying that you, also
Are safe and feeling God’s peace
Ready for what comes

God bless you today
May you know you’re in His care
Never be afraid

Friends, stay high and dry
Rise above all of the storms
Secure and at peace

My beloved son, Ty, and me
Safe and secure from all alarm
God protect you from all harm

Have a blessed day.
I send you my love today.

Hugs,
JanBeek

Are You Ready?


Hey, are you ready
For this twenty twenty-three
New for you and me

At Cannery Row
In lovely Monterey Bay
We had a great lunch

In the house next door
To where we are staying now
A huge tree fell down

It went through the roof
Destroying the entire house
Feeling so sorry

Morning in Carmel
Was sunny and beautiful
A break in the storm.

What beautiful friends
We shared a couple days with
Life’s full of blessings

We’re with Bob’s brother
At his home in Pebble Beach
Grateful no trees fell

Thankful for family
More than grateful for our friends
Pray for safe travels

Tomorrow we will
Return to our son, Ty’s place
Weather permitting

Hey, are you ready
For this twenty twenty-three
New for you and me?

I am!!

Happy Cheers, my friends!
See ya tomorrow – hopefully.

Love,
JanBeek

Pacific Coast Storm


The storms that ushered in the 2023 new year
along the Pacific coast in California were amazing!
These waves, called “King Tides” were between
45 and 50 feet tall!

The swells were increased by winds up to 50 mph on New Years eve
and they crashed into the shores, washing away the cliffs,
bringing houses down into the ocean.

The winds also brought down trees
all over the Carmel, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach area
where we are visiting family and friends.
Fortunately, our friends did not lose any trees,
but their neighbors had a tree land on their house.

Down the road a bit some houses were completely destroyed.
Large trees were totally uprooted.
Amazingly we have not heard of any deaths.

Can you imagine having this happening to your vehicle?
Driving in this area is dangerous at best right now.
Roads are washed out and trees have fallen across roadways.

My heart goes out to the people who have lost homes, businesses, vehicles, etc.
We are feeling so grateful that our friends have not lost any of those things.
Bob’s brother and sister-in-law have lost power and water service in their home,
and their neighbor’s house has a tree in the middle of the roof, but no one was hurt.

The ocean along this central Pacific coast is beautiful,
but given the rains and heavy winds of this last week,
it can be treacherous. Many of the homes and businesses
that built too close to the shore are regretting it today.

When we started our trip from Paso Robles to Pebble Beach,
God sent a rainbow. It was an amazing sign telling us
He would be with us – and our trip would be a safe one.
God is good!

I have some wonderful photos of us with family/friends here…
I will post some tomorrow.
Right now, I just want to enjoy their company.
Carpe’ Diem! Right? Bee present.

Are you Ready
for whatever 2023 brings your way?

See ya tomorrow.
Hugs,
JanBeek

Let Us Celebrate!


Let us celebrate
Every reason and season
Thank God we’re alive!

It’s Bob’s 84th
We’re celebrating big time
With his brother, Bill

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

Time to visit friends
Time to enjoy each other
Just let your light shine

Our great-granddaughters
Well… two of the three of them
Shine their light on us

Friends from long ago
Ignite the memory’s light
So blessed to see them

At that magic hour
On that very special day
With very dear friend

Bob’s known Monica
Since he was about fourth grade
She’s my high school friend

Time with Bob’s nephew
And wonderful wife, Sarah
So special, indeed!

Adorable pair
People we have loved so long
Welcomed our visit

Then we visited
Bob’s younger brother and Ann
So good to see them

Bob and I are blessed
With so much to celebrate
We hope you are, too

Let your light so shine
That others can feel its glow
Celebrate each day

Today, Bob’s birthday
We are feeling very loved
We hope you are, too

God bless Bill and Marge
They’re fixing us some meatballs
Bob’s birthday dinner

It smells delicious!!!
I’m outta here.. gonna eat
Happy New Year, Friends

Let Us Celebrate!
Love and hugs to you,
JanBeek

Family Christmas


We are very blessed
To be with family today
A Merry Christmas

Four generations
With fourteen of us in all
God bless our family

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Generation One
With sweet Generation Four
Thank God for babies

Children grow so fast
Remain babies a short time
Enjoy while you can

As a babe Christ came
Helpless and vulnerable
To live as we live

Mary and Joseph
Provided a loving home
Knowing He’s Special

Peace- John 14:27

So when did they know
The Truth of His intentions
Did God prepare them?

img_2675

I can’t imagine
Raising a loving child
For Him to die young

Some friends are hurting
On this day after Christmas
They lost a child, too

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Maybe their lost one
Is a sweet four-legged friend
That breaks your heart, too

On this Christmas night,
let’s reflect with my loved one from Zimbabwe
on Christmas Meaning:
God’s Plan by Taking the Human Form
– Birth of Jesus –

John 3
16 : For God loved the world so much
that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him
may not die but have eternal life.

17 :
For God did not send his Son
into the world to be its judge,
but to be its savior.

11 :
“I am the good shepherd,
who is willing to die for the sheep.

It’s not about the day
as no one knows for certain when Jesus Christ was born.
It is a celebration of why He was born.

Here’s to our Salvation celebration
through the birth of Baby Jesus.
Let us make room for Him in our hearts 💕

Blessed Christmas beloved ones of God.
Shalom 🙏🏽❤️

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God Bless You, dear friends.
I pray you had a wonderful, family-filled Merry Christmas!

Love,
JanBeek

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