Joy and I had a wonderful time at the Folk Art Show. It is always so inspiring and makes we want to go right home and create! I did manage to make a few purchases:
Do you ever see someone carrying a purchase at a show and think, "I absolutely must have that!" That's what I thought when I saw this great Halloween box with bone handles. I was delighted to see that the artist had more so I could purchase my own. The Great Northwoods Trading Company always comes up with great new items at every show.
I love tramp art, but can't afford the vintage pieces. Lucky for me, Chris Robinson created this great tramp art box.
I've been thinking about this piece since the last show and was so happy that Ginny Henson still had this Distlefink mounted on an antique English pork pie ink well.
As if the day wasn't already perfect, Joy and I took a ride further into the country to Genoa for a little shopping and a scrumptious lunch at Crumpet's Tea Room. Then we stopped at Donna's lovely farm to purchase some raw sheep fleece. When Donna calls, "Sheepy Girls!" they all come running. 
Each of the "Sheepy Girls" was so unique with great colors and sweet faces.
Aren't they sweet?
Each of the "Sheepy Girls" was so unique with great colors and sweet faces. Aren't they sweet?She had some darling chickens, too.
What a wonderful weekend we had! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend as well!
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search and find my sheep. I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day." Ezekiel 34:11-12
Blessings, Patti
Angel on church spire by 
Velveteen Rabbit by 
Adam & Eve by Chris Robinson
Folk Art Angel by Chris Robinson
The neighborhood squirrels ate every single kernel of indian corn and every single sunflower seed from our garden - in one single weekend!!! When we left the corn and sunflowers looked wonderful and I was anticipating harvesting it soon. How could they have eaten so much in such a short time?! The squirrels were going to get the indian corn at the end of November after I had enjoyed using it for decorations in my home. The sunflower seeds were to feed the birds for the winter. 
If you have any suggestions for next year, I would truly appreciate it. They have never bothered my garden before. Now I'm worried what will happen to my strawberries next June, now that they know I have a smorgasbord in our garden...
Last week we began a wonderful new series both in our church service and in our bible study. It's called Three Simple Rules by Reuben P. Job. The three rules are:
The weekend before last we went camping for the last time this summer. Our youngest son said that this was the way he really wanted to spend his birthday. Unbeknownst to us, my loving husband secretly rented an RV. Our youngest always wanted to do that, but we always tent camped instead. How fun!
We traveled to Turkey Run State Park in central Indiana - one of our favorites. We hiked on Trail #3 (another favorite), a very rugged 2 mile trail.
We crossed a suspension bridge over Sugar Creek, then wound along the water's edge. We traveled through the beautiful Bear Hollow.
It reminded us of hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park in Utah. At the end, you need to climb three ladders to get out of the gorge.
After that you climb 144 stairs.
I told the boys that I had to get a photo from the top. Actually I needed to catch my breath :)
Turkey Run State Park is in Parke County - home of 30 covered bridges.
During our canoe trip, we were able to travel under several of them.
It was a wonderful way to spend one last relaxing summer weekend. 
"Then I will be able to come to you with a happy heart by the will of God, and we can refresh each other. And now may our God, who gives peace, be with you all. Amen." -Romans 15:32-33 
I can't tell you how much each of these awards mean to me! Especially when I look at the source. Each of these women are talented folk artists whom I admire. To think that they believe I am award-worthy in such a short time... WoW! It's overwhelming. Thank you so very much! And when I have a few moments, and can figure out the process, I will pass the awards on to other more deserving bloggers.
During our visit to NYC a few months ago, we visited ground zero. With all the construction, the impact isn’t the same. It was the little things that had the big impact on me, especially visiting St. Paul’s. The memorials there are incredibly moving. 
The tree that saved St. Paul's:
Their home is lovely and their backyard is like a little slice of Eden. An afternoon in the garden and I felt as refreshed as if I had been on vacation. 
The fish and Koi are so sweet. When Joy or her husband Garry come near, the fish come right to the edge and almost flip out of the water. 
The following one was my favorite...
I have put two of Joy's sheep creations in my etsy shop. We'll share a shop for now :) just as we hope to share a brick and mortar shop someday... You'll be seeing more Joyfully Yours creations soon.
I took a picture of the stage from the lawn seats and thought maybe I would get a glimpse of someone, but with no such luck.
I went through security and was shown to my seat. My seat was about half way back in the pavillion and I was certainly thrilled with that. 
Oprah's best friend, Gail, arrived before the show started. When the olympic athletes marched in, I felt like I was at the olympics! 
I was thrilled to see Oprah interview Michael Phelps.
And was surprised at the height difference between Michael Phelps and gymnast,Shawn Johnson.
At the end, American Idol winner, David Cook came out and sang. Meanwhile the olympic medal winners came out into the audience to shake hands. 
They were all extremely gracious and patient. Wow! This was definitely not how I had planned to spend my morning! The show will air on Monday, September 8th.