When the sentiment is the star

 

I am a self-confessed hymn nerd. I love old hymns!

St. Augustine said "To sing is to pray twice." I love that.

I recently picked up this set called Hymn Art from Creative Worship Stamps (formerly Sweet n Sassy Stamps).  I got it from a FB buy/sell forum, and I'm so glad I did.

So many great hymns in this set!

"Great is Thy Faithfulness" is one of my favorites. I made this card for one of our pastors, who recently had surgery. I used some elements that were stacked up on my craft table. When the sentiment is the star, the rest just falls into place.

Walking for the American Cancer Society

 

I did a thing.

I signed up to walk 2 miles a day, every day, for the month of July in an effort to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

As you may know, my sister, Tina died of cancer in 2021. My father also died of cancer in 2008. And if you're like me, you probably hear frequently about someone who has received a cancer diagnosis. 

If you feel compelled, would you consider donating to my fundraiser? The link is here:

https://www.facebook.com/donate/1229992322240763/

For my blog readers who donate, I'll be sending you a crafty package in the mail as a thank you. Just make sure you let me know (along with your address) and I will get it in the mail for you!

It's pretty easy to get my two miles in by just walking in my neighborhood. You would think the view gets repetitive, but I swear, it's a different walk every day. You never know who you might meet along the way.

                                                            Blessings, café friends!

East Coast Getaway Day Two: Lancaster, PA

 

I love Pennsylvania. The rolling hills and scenic vistas, the old stone houses and barns, the rich history. It's a beautiful state. 

We visited Lancaster, an area that is populated with the Amish community. Amish farms, Amish quilt shops, and yes, Amish restaurants.

We took a ride on a steam train at the Strassburg Train Museum.

Our sons would have loved this museum! I think back to all those years of Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio trains. Wooden tracks used to zigzag all over our house. Good memories.

It was nice to get away for a few days of sightseeing. It's nice to be home, too!

East Coast Getaway Day One: Washington DC Museums

 

Hello, café friends! I'm back from a short trip this week. We went to Maryland, DC and Lancaster, Pennsylvania to do some sightseeing and visit family.

It was hot. SO hot. So we decided to spend some time in nice, cool museums.

First stop: The National Gallery.  I've been to a lot of art museums, and many of them have special must-see works of art.  But I honestly had no idea that this one was filled with so many masterpieces. Every time I entered a new gallery, I would say "Wow!"

Renoir, Monet, Cassatt, Rembrandt, Da Vinci. 

Our next stop was the relatively new Museum of the Bible. We were really impressed with the entire collection and the presentation.

The Meggido Mosaics were beautiful!

The history of the Bible exhibit was very well done, too. So many treasures! This fall, they will feature two new exhibits: Lewis and Tolkien and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

There were so many other museums we could have explored, but we ran out of time. I'm glad we managed these two. They were special.

Grad Time

 

I needed a few graduation cards this week. And as luck would have it, both grads had school colors that were red. 

One card is for a friend at church who recently finished his program to become a deacon. The other is for one of my great nephews who graduated from my alma mater. The Kickin' Mules. LOL!

The Bible tells us that love covers a multitude of sins. I say the same about Wink of Stella clear glitter markers!

It's a good week to spend some time crafting in my cool basement studio!

How are you staying cool this week?

Heat Wave

 

We are experiencing the same heat wave that's sweeping across the country this week. Temps in the 90s, which is pretty hot by Michigan standards. 

I'm enjoying iced lattes now. This recipe comes from Sam's fiancée, Rhiannon. Combine Nescafe instant espresso ( I use 2-3 t.) with a little water in a glass. Stir well, then add ice cubes, milk of choice (I'm using almond milk), and maybe a little sweetened creamer (Starbucks Brown Sugar Oat Milk creamer is very good!).

I am also a firm believer that it's never too hot for coffee.

Coffee on a picnic? Absolutely!

This set combines a few stamps and elements from Catherine Pooler with a sunny embossing folder (Taylored Expressions), a picnic tablecloth (The Greetery) and that fun "coffee" sentiment (Reverse Confetti).

Happy caffeinated summer, friends!

A Big Dill

 

Today we had a reception for a special couple at church. They've been very active in ministry for years, and they are officially retiring and moving up north. WAY up north, all the way to the Upper Peninsula. It takes a special person to embrace a climate where half the year is snow and wintry weather!

This couple also heads up our church's pickle ball, so we will really be in a "pickle" without them.

I was in charge of the Sunday Fellowship food this morning, so I made these food label cards for the table.

And then I made this sign for the table, too.

The card uses Catherine Pooler stamps and dies, paired with a sentiment stamp from my stash.

Thanking God for the special people in our lives today!