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Daily Life During Covid-19

18 Mar

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Wow! What a week it has been since my last post. Last week my daughter and I were contemplating a plan to assist our church members with food and supplies delivery. I had sent an email to the church suggesting it and together we have worked out a plan. Gateway Care is now active but at this time, we have received no calls. We are updating the Facebook page with information about restaurants going strictly to take out as well as more food delivery services.

We met last week for service and it was an encouraging time. A lot of smiles and waves but we kept our distance. Our county as of yesterday only had one case of CV-19 confirmed. I hope we are able to meet this week but if not we can take advantage of many online services.

I am tempted to sink into fearful moments but I find encouragement in God’s word.

A pastor friend who leads a small church confided to me that a good Sunday sees attendance around 75. Since his members are largely in the danger ages for CV-19 he decided to go to a streaming service. He had over 400 views. I am giving thanks for this technology that enables people to find comfort in the safety of their homes. Your local churches may be streaming from their webpage, Facebook page or on an app. Check them out!

Yesterday I went to Sam”s Club to pick up my online order. While there, I noticed people with toilet paper in their carts so I walked over to the paper products section to check it out. There was a non-moving line but I decided to wait and see if it moved. It did. The workers were in the process of bringing out more pallets. Once the line moved, it was orderly. No panic. Thankful for those working in stores to provide for us. Pray for their protection.

Our family is doing well. We have food and enough toilet paper to calm my husband’s TP anxiety. Find humor and share it. I am noticing people practicing kindness. Good will come from this. Let’s be strong and courageous together.

I'm a winnerAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.

My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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Prudent or Panic?

12 Mar

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Everyone it seems has an opinion on Coronavirus. Even defining panic is controversial. Is making sure you have adequate supplies to minimize spreading the germ prudent or panic?

When a snow storm is expected in the South milk and bread disappears from the grocery shelves. When a hurricane threatens, batteries, water, ice, bread, lunch meat, snack food, and for some, alcohol become must have commodities. I would call this preparation, not panic. Prudent preparation for hurricanes should begin weeks before the season begins!

So how does one prepare for a virus that may require a 14 day quarantine? Ideally I would plan to order online and pay for delivery, but what if services like InstaCart are overwhelmed? Then I began thinking about how our church could reach out to it’s members and community.

I sent an email to our church about setting up a delivery plan for online orders at grocery stores, Walmart, Target and even restaurants. (I haven’t heard back LOL). Today I made bone broth for the freezer to have on hand should one of us become ill. As I poured it into pint containers I wondered if I should make more to share should a neighbor fall ill.

Let’s think about ways to look out for each other. To borrow a phrase, “if you see something, do something.” I would appreciate ideas on how as individuals, organizations and churches we can help each other make it through this scary time.

Image by Gerhard Gellinger from Pixabay

I'm a winnerAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.

My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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Julep Farms, Dillard Georgia

4 Mar

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

We are back in the mountains for a short stay. Our daughter was feeling the need for a vacation and we were more than happy to help. It has been a warm winter in Florida and I was ready for some “chill time.”

We arrived on Saturday to a less than optimal weather forecast. One day of sunshine, then four days of rain. Normally we need a rest day after the 6oo mile road trip, but we decided to take advantage of the day of sunshine to explore a nearby farm/resort, Julep Farms in Dillard, Georgia

Here is the description from their website:

“While driving up to Highlands, NC to look for investment properties, Lauren (a decorator, designer, & restauranteur) and Rick Weaver (techno-geek & former US Marine ) stumbled upon this enchanting pasture. Lauren & Rick decided to purchase the land and Julep Farms was born. They then started to create a farm with a nod to the regal elegance of the Kentucky Derby with a splash of sweet tea southern meets modern.“

The first time I noticed Julep Farm we were heading to Sky Valley, Georgia and I was impressed with the beauty of the land. I think the property was in the process of being constructed and I thought it was simply a private farm. On another drive to Sky Valley (to enjoy a beautiful waterfall) I glimpsed a sign as we drove past. Once we were home, I looked it up online and added it to my want to see list.

My husband wasn’t quite sure why we were going to a farm but he was happy to drive us. I was pleased to see a good number of cars in the parking area. A good sign.

Here is a side view of the main building.

A closer picture show the outdoor fireplace and casual seating.

It was hard to get a nice photo of the main building’s front.

Before going inside to explore the marketplace, restaurant and event center we walked around checking out the farm. The ponies were adorable but too busy munching to lift their heads for a picture. I had no idea that horse munching is loud!

When our daughter was in Ireland, she fell in love with sheep. We only saw these two.

These two beauties were in charge of the sheep.

The Marketplace sells farm fresh eggs. This is the nicest chicken house I have ever seen! Not a bad fire pit either for sipping cocoa or coffee as the sun goes down.

  • The egg room. The door leads to the roosting box room.

The farm also rents 4 cabins. Here is a picture of two.

Finally we went inside. The coffee bar, restaurant and Marketplace are decorated in crisp white. Our daughter said it felt very Chip and Joanna Gaines. We weren’t ready for lunch but I could picture myself meeting friends for lunch and enjoying the scenery through the big windows. I didn’t take a photo of the restaurant. I felt weird about taking pictures of strangers.

  • Event room

The merchandise was a nice blend of country and trendy. If one were in a buying mood, you would definitely find something to take home.

The Julep Farm is located at 500 Hwy 246 Dillard, GA30537. Their contact information is 706)-960-9600 info@julep.farm. If you are planning a country getaway, check them out! There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area to keep one busy, including a nearby winery.

As we left Julep Farm, we decided to drive further south on highway 441 to revisit the Tallulah Gorge overlook. We haven’t been there in years.The Tallulah Point Overlook store is rustic and junky looking from the outside, but inside is like stepping back in time.

The store has an upstairs gorge viewing area.The swing beckons one to sit a spell.

And what roadside tourist attraction would be complete without a Sasquatch?

We enjoyed our day in the sunshine. Fortunately, I am a big fan of rainy days as well.

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Small Town Life

27 Feb

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I love living in a small town but it does mean that sometimes when one needs to see a specialist, it involves a drive. This morning was one of those appointments. The trip was uneventful, no traffic snarls and we arrived 10 minutes early. So off to a good start.

For over a week I have been having some concern that my eye pressure might be elevated. I had placed a call to the nearest office of my cornea specialist and left a message. No one returned my call and that was unusual. My cornea specialist no longer has office hours in our town, but there are several offices between the location of my morning appointment and our route home. I tried calling two of them but the automatic system dropped my calls. We decided to drop in to the first office we came to and ask for a pressure check appointment. Over the past week I had been self diagnosing…it’s allergies, a sinus issue, or it’s Rosacea. It was time to stop being foolish and risking my vision.

They were kind and offered to work me in. I knew that meant a considerable wait, but I was thankful to be seen. And I was right, something was wrong. I left with a new regimen of eye drops and a follow up appointment.

We still had two errands left to take care of before we made it home. We were ready for lunch!

After supper we scooted in to Aldi to pick up a couple of items. It was a beautiful evening so we drove down to a small park on the Indian River. The eastern sky colors were beautiful. I got out of the car to snap some photos with my phone. I am so very thankful for the medical care that allows me to continue to enjoy God’s beautiful handiwork.

Across the river is Kennedy Space Center and the VAB


I'm a winnerAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.

My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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Breakfast Oops!

22 Feb

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Image by Iva Balk from Pixabay

This morning I prepared scrambled eggs for our breakfast. I remembered that I had saved egg whites from the last batch of ice cream I made and never wanting to waste food, decided to add the whites to the eggs.

I took one bite, then another. Something wasn’t right!

Image by Karin Laurila from Pixabay

I sniffed. It couldn’t be! Cautiously I asked my daughter, “do your eggs taste like pickles?”

“Yes, she said and I kind of like the taste. It gives the eggs some zing.”( I love this girl)

Being a wise man and fond of his food, my husband kept eating.

Thinking on how this happened, I remembered making ice cream and adding two egg whites to a half full, small round container in the fridge. I often used that size for egg whites.

I asked my daughter about that container. Turns out she was saving pickle juice and the official pickle jars were full.

She put some in the type of small round containers that I put egg whites in!

Mystery solved and the eggs weren’t bad!

Have you had a cooking oops? Share so I won’t feel that I am the only one.

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I Love My Blogger Group

20 Feb

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Life has been a combination of hectic and slow this past two weeks. My husband’s breathing and energy levels have swung wildly, somedays hour by hour. I am accustomed to this but it does unsettle me.

On a positive note, Valentine’s day our blogger group met for our annual dinner and everyone was able to attend! We welcomed Janet’s husband to the group. I think he is a keeper. We had so much fun talking and catching up on everyone’s lives. To my delight I learned that Bill Lites will be taking a Fall journey into Canada and may possibly be in Victoria, BC, Canada when we will be there.

Louise Gibson our poet emeritus turned 91 years old on February 13 and she was not able to be with us but her two daughters were. At 91 Louise still has a lot to say and I am hopeful that she will share a poem or two in the future.

Melody, our photoblogger, has been sharing photos from a new wildlife park in Florida. Be sure to stop by on Tuesday. She has a wonderful video of two giraffes playing.

I have read that running a group blog can be challenging. The only challenge I have with this group is to live up to the standard they set in their commitment and faithfulness. I love and am blessed by each one.

Moving on to a different thought, technology can be annoying but at times it is a blessing . Our health bumps make it difficult some weeks to attend both services at church. This past Sunday I missed the sermon but I was able to watch it on Facebook. This is a quote from the sermon. If you have been around Seagulls you know that they are argumentative creatures.

Did you know that churches now have apps? Our church does not have one yet but I hope it will soon. With all of the anger in our culture I find myself seeking out encouraging words. I especially enjoy the apps of my friends and families churches. On a funny note, my cousin’s church uses Facebook live. I peek in on their broadcast to see if her and her mom are well and at church.

I'm a winnerAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.

My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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Planning a Road Trip

6 Feb

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

This week has been exciting. I love road trips and we have begun planning and plotting a long trip to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. Technically it will be a forty-nine and one half anniversary if one wants to quibble.

We will be traveling from our home in North Carolina to Montana, then spend a week exploring the Canadian Rockies before moving west.

Above photos credit Pixabay

Since the first time I watched the movie O’Canada at EPCOT, I have longed to visit Victoria, British Columbia. We have made two trips to the Canadian Rockies but always ran out of time and money before we could get there. We won’t have a lot of time to spend there this trip, (I’m sure I could spends days there exploring all the small islands) but I am going to be joyful and thankful for the time we have!

Above photos credit Pixabay

Speaking of being joyful and thankful, I wouldn’t be able to see Victoria on this trip without the generosity of a precious friend sharing her vacation treasures, time share and hotel points. To make it even better she and our daughter will fly in to join us for part of the trip. We are so blessed.

I love camping. On our first trip to the Canadian Rockies with the family we tent camped. It was quite an adventure. Our second trip we transitioned to an RV. I felt nostalgic for the tent experience but my husband’s back simply wasn’t compatible with a bed on the floor of a tent.

Image by Brahmsee from Pixabay 

As I began searching VRBO for places to stay, I came across a 22 foot 5th wheel trailer in a campground for rent. It is beautiful and has two bedrooms! I am already savoring a campfire.

To make this trip more delightful, the timeshare home in the Canadian Rockies is located in a campground! I get my camping fix and husband gets a comfortable bed. Win-Win.

I haven’t mapped our route west to Montana or the return but I will definitely be looking for camping opportunities! I am trying hard to not create a road trip snowball. As my husband gently reminded me, you have to draw a line, we can’t see everything!

If you have tips on places you recommend please share! I found that AAA TripTiks allow me to customize the suggested route by dragging the line. I look forward to dragging a lot!

<!– /wp:paragraph I'm a winnerAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors. My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.–>

I'm a winnerAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.

My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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We Need a Solution

30 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I’m stepping away from my lighter blog subjects today. For several months I have been praying for a solution to the United States homeless population. I don’t have that solution but then again, government agencies don’t have one either.

To narrow focus I see two types of homeless status: The unexpected loss of home due to financial straits and long term chronic homelessness.

To seek a national solution is unwieldy and impractical as each town, county or state have unique challenges, but also unique abilities.

To aid those who experienced an unexpected loss, I believe in the good hearts of the people in our communities. My heart’s desire is that my brothers and sisters of faith will join with their neighbors to focus on the needs and put together local networks to assist our most vulnerable neighbors. I know that my small community has such networks, it’s a matter of letting the individuals know what is available.

The long term or chronic homeless is more challenging. It has been stated that a significant number of these people suffer from mental health issues.

Thinking along this line, could we not consider treatment programs as we do for alcohol and drug addiction?

I recently read a news article about a tiny house village being built for our homeless vets. It will include a clubhouse which can be utilized to plug the homeowners into agencies to assist them if they have needs.

After going through counseling and treatment for underlying health issues could not such a community be a step forward in assimilating the homeless back into a healthier lifestyle?

We are a generous country and the good Lord knows we have an abundance of charitable foundations. Community/ foundation partnerships could fund these efforts and avoid the bureaucracy and inefficiency of government programs.

As an example, this is from the Nine-Line Foundation. They assist Vets to start over. We can do this for those who are not vets too.

“Nine Line Foundation is pleased to announce a partnership with the Golden Isles Veterans’ Village Initiative to build another Veterans Village, this one in Brunswick, Georgia. The members of the Golden Isles Veterans Village initiative include

  • Cornell L Harvey, Chief Master Sergeant (CMS) USAF (Retired)
  • Nine Line Foundation
  • Rotary International District 6920, comprised of the Rotary Clubs of Brunswick, the Rotary Club of Jekyll Island, the Rotary Club of St. Simons’ Island and the Rotary Club of the Golden Isles
  • The SSG Dustin M. Wright Foundation

The initial vision to build a Veterans’ Village in Brunswick came from CMS Cornell L. Harvey, the owner of the property which is being donated for the project. Having benefitted from seeing the spirit of cooperation and community support that Nine Line Foundation generated in their Savannah project, CMS Harvey recognized that by partnering with other similarly minded organizations, the project would become a reality that much sooner.”

I believe that seldom does one person become burdened with a need. I’ve shared my thoughts, what are yours?

As I finished this post last night I learned that a young wife and mother of 3 in our community suffered a brain aneurysm and will be taken off life support Thursday. Her parents are flying from Chile. Would you remember this family in your prayers?

I'm a winnerAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.

My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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Plotter or Pantser

23 Jan

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

A frequent interview question in the Indie writing world is “are you a plotter or a pantser?” Meaning do you carefully plot out your story or write by the seat of your pants.

For my entire marriage my meal planning has been pantser style. I would buy whichever meats were on sale and wait for inspiration. My whole way of meal planning changed in May of 2018 when we took the plunge to begin the Keto way of eating.

As I began reading recipes and creating mental meal combinations I quickly found that my pantser ways would not work.I did begin making shopping lists but they were pretty general.

This continued until this past Christmas when I faced the challenge of creating Christmas Eve treats for our family tradition. We have an early supper, attend Christmas Eve services then drive around enjoying the Christmas light displays. After which we return home and enjoy a spread of cheeses, crackers, and chocolate baked goods.

As I made plans for the treats I realized my pantser self was in way over my head.

I decided it was time to change my ways. Using the List app on my phone, I made a list of the foods I planned to make, then I notated the cookbook and page number. I get so frustrated not being able to remember where I found a recipe. Underneath that list I created a shopping list and used the checkmark feature as I put items in my shopping cart.

This was life changing! Now I make a weekly menu of at least 4 meals plus any desserts I would like to make. Usually I have enough leftovers for two suppers and we treat ourselves to take out once per week. Under each meal I create a sublist with items to buy and where to shop for them if they on sale or aren’t available at Aldi.

The list below I neglected to add the source and page number of the recipe . Big mistake.

  shopping list

SPAGHETTI AND MEAT BALLS

  • Tomatoes. HAVE ALL OTHER INGREDIENTS

CHILE’S RELLENO BAKE

  • 2 OUNCE OF COTIJA CHEESE Walmart 
  • ENCHILADA SAUCE
  • 8 OZ MONTEREY CHEESE
  • 28 OZ OF GREEN CHILIES walnart
  • 8 0Z CHEDDAR CHEESE
  • 4 CUPS OF CHICKEN (BUY WHOLE)

TACO SOUP-TUESDAY

  • 1 CUP ZUCCHINI Walmart 
  • I JALAPENO PEPPER Walmart 
  • 2 LBS GROUND BEEF
  • 8 0Z TOMATO SAUCE
  • BEEF BROTH- 2 CUPS

QUICK CHICKEN CHOWDER

  • 1 /2 CUP CHOPPED COOKED BACON (BUY LARGE BAG AT WALMART OR SAMS
  • 1 ½ POUNDS CHOPPED COOKED CHICKEN ( CHECK OUT THE CUBED CHICKEN
  • 2 CUPS CHOPPED CAULIFLOWER STEMS AND FLORETS

PHILLY CHICKEN CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE

  • 12 SLICES PROVOLONE CHEESE
  • 8 0Z MUSHROOMS Publix 
  • 8 OZ CHEDDAR CHEESE
  • 2 BELL PEPPERS Walmart 
  • ITALIAN SEASONING

How about you, do you create weekly meal plans?

Since beginning the Keto lifestyle my husband has lost 65 pounds and has seen improvement in his inflammatory issues. I have lost a mere 25 pounds but am no longer close to being pre-diabetic, inflammation is greatly improved and energy level 100% improved. There are many version of Keto floating around. We strive to eat whole food with minimal processing and additives. I read a LOT of labels! I get most of my meal ideas from Diet Doctor dot com and Kristie Sullivan’s cookbooks.

iAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books . 

My 2020 goal is to continue using  my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

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Suddenly I Am All Pink and Lavender

21 Jan

I have been making graphics for Social Media with verses from Proverbs. I have enjoyed pairing photos we have taken with a Proverb and sharing the story behind the pictures on the other site I manage, Rebekah Lyn Books.

This picture was taken on Christmas Day on the Merritt Island Wild Life Refuge. For some odd reason this week I am gravitating toward pinks and lavender backgrounds.

It will be interesting to see if this phase continues or if I go back to photographs. Wasn’t there a famous painter who was known for his color phases?

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