Love, Laughter, and Life

Adventures With a Book Lover


4 Comments

88 Cards and Loads of Fun

Ahhh, the fun of making rubber stamped cards. I do believe, with my “stash of supplies,” I could create for years and not need to purchase anything except double sticky tape. Not that that fact stops me from “just looking” and gathering more things I really need to make cards. wink wink

Check out those bad boys. 88 total, which is pretty good, considering there was plenty of playing, going out to eat yummy meals, social time, and kitty snuggles sprinkled throughout the weekend. Right, Alyson?

We have the mandatory helpers. Fur is a necessary attribute to qualify for the role of stamping assistant.

Floofy girl really got into the creative mood, but not wanting to slight either one of us, she spent time ensconced in both of our work spaces.

Was there a chalk rainbow on this kitty when she walked off? There were definitely at least tiny sprinkles of pretty dust floating in the air.

This pretty girl was happy on my lap. I must keep her warm and happy in order to craft. Kitty assistant rules must be upheld!

Did someone say lap time? Daisy definitely has the movie = lap time down pat. She loves it so much, we must have a blankie. Her claws help her resist being moved off of said lap when it’s bedtime.

And did I mention celebrations? Happy retirement, Alyson, from many of years of teaching! What will you do with all that free time? Stamp? Play pickleball? Snuggle kitties? Ahhh, what a life!

We celebrated at Queen Mary’s Tea Room & Restaurant. I’m adding the name right here so I don’t forget it. Bee Calm is a yummy herbal tea. Just right with honey and milk. Mmmm.

We had a very hot teapot!

We celebrated at Joey Kitchen. Crowns really help bring the party. Anyone who is celebrating needs to wear that crown.

And we celebrated with Thai, my must have anytime I’m in the Seattle area.

Happy retirement, stamping buddy and fellow crazy cat lady.


2 Comments

The Christ Candle: Advent 5

On this, the 5th day of advent, we remember the Christ Child. Read the full story of Jesus in Luke 1-2.

Rejoice! Worship and give thanks! Long ago, a Child was born, a horn of salvation for us from the house of David. Jesus, the Messiah, God made flesh. For all of us.

Happy birthday, Jesus! Thank You for being clothed in humanity for our benefit. You came because You loved us, will always love us.

Hallelujah! Sing with joy and great adoration!

Let our hearts celebrate the birth of Jesus.


8 Comments

Tree Hunting ’23

Ah, the good old family tradition of going tree hunting. That’s what we like to call it here in the northwest. After purchasing forest permits, we loaded up and drove to the nearby mountains to hunt down our tree. We found this fun creation. Not sure about the purpose, but it was great for photos. And possibly, with additional brush and a campfire, it might be quite cozy!

Poor people. They just have to put up with my attempts at taking pictures! As the almost shortest member with arms just as short, selfies are often quite comical.

Dogs (3, but never in the same picture), adults, and grands had a great time. A heavy blanket of snow added Christmas cheer and plenty of opportunities for the dogs to race, roll, and rumble. Snow gear was welcome in the often up-to-my-knees snow.

The Bachmeiers and Aucutts, plus Bear and new canine member Timber, crowd into the tree shelter. I mean, look at that! The dogs are facing forward and almost everyone is looking AT the camera. It’s a Christmas miracle.

The Quantrells also get a gold star (even grinning Ginger) for faces forward, eyes on the camera. Two Christmas miracles in one day!

The senior Quantrells took their turn in the tree shelter with all the grands. All eyes on the camera! Whoohoo! In the category of who is taller than Nana, the answer is nearly 50%.

My partner in life, love, and crime. We wish you all “Happy Christmas!”


Leave a comment

Advent 1: HOPE

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. HOPE(1)

Light, it brings hope. Especially when one is walking in darkness (struggles, tragedy, depression, anxiety, grief, sorrow). Our family has been living in a season of darkness. Celebrating Advent is lightening the load, bringing us light and hope.

Come out, bask in the gift of Light we’ve been given. Lift your face and let the Light fill your heart. Rest and soak in the Light. Join us as we prepare to celebrate the birth of a very special baby. Embrace the hope and Light to come.


8 Comments

My First Birthday without Mom

scan baby angie

This birthday is bittersweet.

I’m thankful and so happy to complete yet another year of life on Planet Earth. But this marks the first year since I was born that I will not have my mommy calling me as early as she could to be the first to wish me a happy birthday. She loved to re-live and tell me all about my day 1 of being a human. My parents were so happy to bring home a baby girl, as my mom had miscarried my 5-month old brother before she became pregnant with me.

Ok. Logically, she did not call me when I was a baby or still living at home. But she celebrated my special day for 56 years before she joined daddy in Heaven.

AND, I can’t find the photos I scanned of my first birthday. That is the oddest thing. I KNOW I scanned them. Some day, some place, I will find them.

Must be because the number (of years) is creeping ever higher . . . I did find a photo of my daddy holding me. His little Angelina Popalina.

Giving thanks for another birthday and the good health I’ve been granted by God. Such blessings. This aging 57 year-old body is hanging in there, even though creaks and groans litter early morning adventures.

Happy birthday to all of my birthday buddies. If you celebrate November 20th, or any day in my favorite 11th month, have a fabulous day! May the LORD bless you!

scan0035

 

 


1 Comment

Holiday Haiku – 25 Days of Christmas Haiku: celebrate

IMG_0145

yellow, color of

celebration! Heaven joy-

the Christ King is come

 

celebrate

by Angie Quantrell

 

Thanks for joining me on a Christmas Haiku journey as I celebrate with words, thoughts, and photos that take me deep into my family’s Christmas traditions. Read more Christmas Haiku here.

May this Season of Light brighten your life and fill your heart with the colors and joy of celebration!


1 Comment

Holiday Haiku – 25 Days of Christmas Haiku: adore

CA9EEF1A-5564-42E2-AFAF-A738F7981810

simple trust, seeking;

whether cat, dog, child, Baby;

come, let us adore

 

adore

by Angie Quantrell

 

Thanks for joining me on a Christmas Haiku journey as I celebrate with words, thoughts, and photos that take me deep into my family’s Christmas traditions. Read more Christmas Haiku posts here.

May this Season of Light brighten your life and fill your heart with adoration.


Leave a comment

Party Time! Thank You, Followers!

image

It’s party time, followers!

 

Thank you for voting in confidence

for my posting and blogging bent.

I’m so glad to meet you here,

sharing where we went.

 

Horrid, I know, but meant very well;

Thanks for hanging with me.

The (blog) world is our oyster!

Forward now, to see what we see.

 

As we learn and play and chat and goof,

join in the fun, my dears;

Welcome, friends, each and all,

and happy, happy New Years!