Blink of an eye

It doesn’t feel like it’s been so long and again it feels like forever- since I posted- connected. Something about this time makes me want to reach out and say Hi! Hmmm- quarantine maybe?
We have lived so much in the past year- illnesses, supporting those we love and those we pray for, losing my mother , welcoming a new child and now this era.

I’ve been spending time praying, cleaning, purging, singing, playing, chasing, working and painting again. I’ve always been drawn to landscapes and wildlife but recently discovered a connection to portraitures? Who knew?

I’m working on playing with flesh tones and capturing the look in the eyes ( the windows). My family thought my first attempt was “creepy” , not the feeling I was aiming for- 😂- what do you think?

Share the Day ~Eleni

Still here

Hello dear friends... I'm still hanging around. 

It's been ages, as you can tell that I touched my blog and connected with all of you. I miss it and you. It is one of my favorite creative outlets and ways to connect with others. I love it when you send email and comment, it is such a sweet joy, likely other bloggers will understand.

Time, time, time. 

I had overextended myself these past few months and tried to catch up after falling very behind, for many and various reasons. It's so funny, when I ended my last post, I said "bring it on" and boy did the world do just that! I will likely share in due time. 

But for now... 

I am saying No...more, I am taking care of myself...more, 

I am simplifying...more (lol, that doesn't fit together right?) 

Retreat vs Vacation

Hello my friends...

It has been a long time and I am ready to be back! The hiatus was necessary on many fronts and the hand is feeling much better.  

I recently was blessed to attend the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Retreat in Navasota Texas. Let me say Thank you to my wonderful community for making it possible and our hosts for all the southern hospitality! Presvyteres Renee and Anna certainly are quite a team and everyone in attendance had a wonderful time. 

So why a retreat as opposed to a vacation?

Look, I'm just like Jimmy Fallon...

Look, I'm just like Jimmy Fallon...

Laughing hard...

Sandwiches anyone?

Hello my friends, excuse my absence...
life occurs and my attention has been needed elsewhere.

One day I may share it all with you, 
but for now I will catalogue the last 3 weeks in our family as: 

one set of crutches

one emergency room visit (should of been two)

one hospitalization

numerous Xrays and CTscans of various body parts of different individuals

two surgeon appointments 

and a (YEH!) one new rolling walker

Needless to say, my sweet sister and I feel like this

source

Yes, a sandwich with a bite taken out for good measure.
Most appropriate image I could find.  We both need a vacation.

Quiet Reflection

Share the Day

Surviving Lent

How to get through Lent? How to get through Holy Week? 

I have been asked these questions before, more than once, in lots of different ways.  It usually eludes to fasting as we near the beginning or end of it and the anticipation of the feast ahead.  

Isn't that Christian life, perseverance and anticipation?  So, the only way to "get through", is to do it joyfully.  Fasting is not a chore or punishment, it is but a tool.  A tool and exercise to reinforce in us perseverance and humility.

So how to get through these periods? Simple, it is the way we are to get through all the rest of the year.

Joyfully with prayer, repeating the prayer of the heart.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on Me, The Sinner.

Share the Day

We Begin

To Forgive:

In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is a verb meaning to stop feeling anger and blaming. In Greek, the meaning is more to willingly show favor, grant pardon and exercise grace. Each year on Forgiveness Sunday, we look back and forgive and look forward once more,  one more opportunity to examine what is true and how we may grow from it.

Forgive Me.
Share the Day

True Love

True Love is able to shine through every single barrier.

Share the Day

Coffee Hour Buffet

The time has come again. Each year I like to host coffee hour in February. There are many reasons why the early part of February is important to me and I see this as a special offering.  I try each year to have some great standby's like bagels and try some new things too.

Last year, I posted what the contenders for the Coffee Hour were and then Lent was upon us and I never posted what I actually made. Go figure.  Here are some pics from last year. I didn't get a chance to take another picture once the plastic was off, as it was time to serve.

Cake balls

Someone is happy about the snow.

Well, here we are in the Northeast, we are bracing ourselves for another storm.

No complaints, like last year it seems the kids will have a snow day, about once a week.

Thought for the Day

It's Friday, Yeh!!!!
Happy Name Day to all the Vasilios's, Vasiliki's, Vaso's, Vanessa's, Bill's, Basil's, Gregory's and John Chrysostom's today. And of course anyone else celebrating today for the Three Hierarchs, including all the teachers out there!

Share the Day

Adventures in Winter Window Cleaning

Alright, if you have been following my blog you know that I like my windows being clean, but I don't always have the best luck.

This adventure in window cleaning was no different.

I finally took off the Christmas clings.

You know how they leave a little film and stick on the windows.

I don't know about your home, ours get moved around a lot!

New words, little changes almost daily to see if someone else in the family will notice.

It's a fun game, but leaves a big mess on the window.

Time to clean it!

I cleaned the inside, but it didn't look clean.

Then I realized ...dun dun dunnnn.

Ahhh-it was on the outside!

Challenges not Barriers

I am blocked.

Working on it.

Any advice appreciated.

Be back soon.

Share the Day

Just keep swimming...

The school year is fast approaching and some new and not so new challenges are ahead.

Here is some wisdom to help along the way.

Usually I look like the one on the left, but sometimes that's me on the right.

The Holy Fathers and the Saints always tell us, "It is important to get up immediately after a fall and to keep on walking toward God." Even if we fall a hundred times a day it does not matter; we must get up and go on walking toward God without looking back. What has happened has happened-it is in the past. Just keep on going, all the while asking for help from God.

Elder Thaddeus of Votovnica

Garden Bloom Day on 15th

Yes here it is the 17th and things have been so busy I actually missed posting on the actual Bloom Day. So here is a late post to join in the fun and a peek into my cottage garden.

Beebalm is gorgeous this year. Given to me by a dear friend from her garden and is doing beautiful and  its aroma is lovely, complementing the peppermint that grows nearby. I know its invasive but I love it , what can I do?

Thinking about Window Boxes: Part Two

So, I have been trying to make window box plantings last for quite a while.  They always die. They dry out because it is just too hot in the full sun, etc. It's been quite pathetic.  

I have these beautiful window boxes and have had to put (dare I say it)...fake flowers in them.  Yes, I succumbed to fake flowers last year. There are no pictures.  I wish I could erase the memory of it.

Don't think less of me? Are you? Maybe just a little? It's ok.

So as I was getting ready this winter for planning my 10 weeks of blissful gardening.  Yes, I dream of my garden - all winter long.  Hence the garden journal this year. So I made a pinterest board called Through the glass.  Here are some faves, that I was considering for inspiration.

Source

Embrace it.

If you have been following along, you know I have had a struggle with the lily of the valley taking over in the front garden pathway. It is in full bloom now.

I have decided for now to just embrace it. 

They are delicate and beautiful and filled with a sweet aroma.

There are more important things to struggle with, this does not need to be one.

But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. ( 1 Timothy 6.11)

Share the Day

Look who's here

It's not who's at the feeder but this medium sized fellow in my azalea.  Hadn't seen him before?  Juncos are gone but these are here now.  Pretty greys with a black cap. Foraging below the bushes with some mates.  

Looked him up, turns out it's a Gray Catbird. Now, I have seen the Cowbirds, and have heard our Catbirds but this is the first time I actually saw him. Apparently, they can be elusive.  Have to add him to my life-list.

Another suprise this spring has been, Mockingbirds.  They are unusual here in the Northeast? At least, I have not heard them in my neighborhood before.  They are soooo loud, ALL NIGHT LONG.  Oh my gosh...seriously, listen here for an idea of what it's been like. Still haven't seen them, but we hear them.  They must have a nest nearby, I think they're lost?

On another sweeter note, our hummingbirds are back, and loving the new feeders. It seems like it took them a long time, so happy they are back, they sure make me smile. 

Who's been around your backyard?

Share the Day

Ole! 5 for 5th of May

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Need some recipes for a fun dinner tonight?
Here are some that have been shared here at the Fields and will be easy to whip up!

Guatemalan Black Beans

Bean Corn Salad

Shrimp or without Shrimp Peach Mango Salsa Tacos

Super Healthy Mayan Salad

Plantains-Yummm

Share the Day