Love, Laughter, and Life

Adventures With a Book Lover


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The Bird

The window

By Angie Quantrell Angie Quantrell

I had just finished reading two separate blog posts.

The first post was about clean windows and how they look great – until the sun streams through and we can still see the smudges and streaks left despite our efforts. You can read this Lynn Austin post here. A Clear View

The second post asked the question “Just How Big is God?” The author encouraged readers to consider how God knows every little detail, even down to when a sparrow falls to earth. Every sparrow! Read this post by Leslie A. here. Just How Big is God?

A few mere moments after completing these readings, I heard a loud thunk.

In our house, a thunk usually means a bird has flown into our large picture window.

This window, speaking of clean windows, streaks, and smudges, defies my every attempt to make it clean and sparkling.

I raced towards the front window, glancing down into the flower bed beneath the brick ledge.

Sure enough, a stunned sparrow twitched on the bark. I went out and saw that it barely breathed. I gently picked it up and stroked its back, watching for signs of being stunned or on the edge of death. Some birds survive our window. After a few moments of being knocked out, they flip over and fly away.

This little guy did not. He didn’t take more than 2 or 3 breaths as I held him cupped in my hand. I watched the still breast, hoping that I just couldn’t see the ribs move. But the glass wall was too much for his tiny body.

And there I was. Crying for a tiny sparrow who died from smashing into my window. Even though I could see the dirt and smudges on it, it looked clear and invisible for my feathered friend. There was nothing I could do.

But God knew. He knew the exact moment the sparrow crashed into the window and the second it took its last breath. And He cared that it happened.

God knows all things. He cares about everything in our lives, down to the tiniest detail. Though He is the God of the Universe, He knows and cares.

About us. About that poor sparrow. About me crying when the sparrow died. About my frustrations with daily life or big events or fears that seem silly. He cares.

God cares.


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New Life

This is my daddy and I’m keeping him.

By Angie Quantrell Angie Quantrell

startled gasp for breath

mama’s trimphant labor

wrapping up daddy

 

Haiku by Angie Quantrell

Welcome, Autumn Nahara.

Born April 26 at 10:08 AM.

Another piece of Nana’s heart…


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Happy Earth Day!

Blossoms in the spring

By Angie Quantrell @AngieQuantrell

Happy Earth Day, Earth!

What a wonderful world we live in – beautiful, fascinating, safe, peaceful, dangerous, harsh, mysterious, vast, surprising, and awe-inspiring.

I’m glad I live here.

In honor of Earth Day, I think it appropriate to give a gift.

So I will do something good for the Earth today. Maybe several somethings.

 

My gifts shall be:

– picking up any trash I see

– making sure I water only what needs water, not the sidewalk, gutter, or driveway

– turning off electrical devices I am not actually using

– planting something pretty (or tasty)

– giving thanks to God for such an amazing place to live

Tulips opened to catch the sun

Earth Day Haiku

 

Earth home, designed gift

fashioned by God’s mighty hand

habitat for us

Fruit trees in bloom

What will your gift be?


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National Haiku Poetry Day

Monet in the garden

by Angie Quantrell @AngieQuantrell

National Haiku Poetry Day was on Sunday. I love wrangling words to create a 17 syllable story poem.

Cat in the garden

Ladybug is mine, Mine. MINE.

I can’t have it? Fine. I’m gone.

Fine. You won’t let me have it, I’m outta here.

Cat, photos, and Haiku are mine. Happy Haiku Holiday.


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Picture Book Boot Camp

I’m back after an amazing adventure! Attending Picture Book Boot Camp this past week was a high point in my decades-long interest in creating books for children. Picture Book Boot Camp translates t…

Source: Picture Book Boot Camp

Now here is a bucket list item for writers of picture books! Honey?


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My Martha/HGTV Moment

Happy tulips hanging out in an old beat up red wagon.

By Angie Quantrell @AngieQuantrell

Normally, this floral objet d’art would not occur in my yard. Once the bulbs are nestled in, that’s where they stay.

But due to the removal of giant, old, space and light-hogging arborvitae, the tulips had to be moved to save their pretty little lives.

Zoomin’ in on brilliant color.

Aha! (Insert light bulb hanging over my head.) I will put them in a wagon, just until after they bloom. And then we shall find a new bed for them.

Success! Even with my careful removal, accidents happened. But those sturdy beauties just hung in there and are now blooming like crazy!

I love spring. Tulip season is my favorite season in the yard.

I think I will plant kale next in the wagon. Do you think the aphids will find it there? At least the slugs/snails will have to work harder.

 

No bumping up and down in my little red wagon for these pretty spring tulips.

What kind of container gardens do you have in your yard?


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Just Because

Just because I appreciate you.

By Angie Quantrell @angiequantrell

Happy April!

appreciation

 

for friends, family, and like

 

thank you, dear heart true

 

~ Angie Quantrell

 

 Thank you for reading, commenting, and following this blog. I appreciate each one of you. Invite your friends and family to join the fun. Thanks!

Have a beautiful first day of April. Just because.

Just Because cards by Angie Quantrell

Note: Here is a list of materials I used when making these greeting cards: cardstock, old fashioned library cards, brads, washi tape, glitter tape and glue, rubber stamps, ink pads, watercolor resevoir paint brush

You can see more card creations and cards I love on my Pinterest Rubber Stamping board. The link will take you right to my board. @AngieQuantrell


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Poetic Pink

Photo by Angie Quantrell @AngieQuantrell

Pink puffs perfectly poised to produce

pretty pearls of poetry.

 

warmed by sun’s long days

life-giving nectar drawn up

to the sky; beauty

By Angie Quantrell @AngieQuantrell

Pink’s all the rage. What’s on stage in your area? Let’s have a picture show celebration!


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68 Card Pick-Up

stamps, ink, scissors, tape

crafting, planning, creating

art adorns greetings

Haiku & Rubber Stamped Cards

by Angie Quantrell


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The World Is Still A Pretty Awesome Place Photos…

Reblogged on WordPress.com

Source: The World Is Still A Pretty Awesome Place Photos…

Inspiring stories that make you smile. Or tear up.