New Art Shop in Batavia

Under the Stars, at 97 East Main Street, opened this month. Vicki Watkins, owner, has invited talented artists from across the country to display and sell their work.

I browsed several rooms and discovered beautiful jewelry, colorful paintings, pallet word art, pottery and handpainted furniture. Vicki plans to have several art events this coming year. Stop by and enjoy the beautiful work.

Aggravating Allergies

©Penny Frost McGinnis

I rarely miss church. But today after sleeping all day on Friday and Saturday, my body called again for rest on Sunday. Spring allergies have attacked and given me their gift of an ear, eye, and sinus infection. It started out as a minor irritation and worked it's way to a full blown aggravation.

I missed work on Friday, free admission to the Nature Center on Saturday, and church on Sunday. I probably sound whiny because I am. But I just hate missing out on life. Yet I know God calls me to rest and too often I don't listen. My husband tries to remind me, yet I think I'm okay and I plow through.

My advice to myself and anyone who might read this. Rest when your body gives the signs. Take care of yourself. And sleep as needed. It's not easy or convenient sometimes to just rest, but it's sure necessary.

Here's hoping the allergies are done with me or will at least give me a pass for the rest of spring.

Do you have allergies? What do you do to keep them at bay?

Surprises of Spring

Matthew 27: 50;54-56
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

Each day of spring holds a different surprise. In March the daffodils wave in the breeze and the hyacinths send their sweet smell into the air. Then April bursts with yellow forsythia and bright tulip trees. On my way to work this week, I noticed the redbud trees in bloom. Their lovely pinkish-red buds contrast with the fresh green leaves of the maple and oaks. Up the street a weeping cherry's petals hang like a pink cloud. In the thicket the dogwood's white petals spread. God created beautiful blossoms for the season.

As I've enjoyed the colors of spring, I couldn't help but think of Jesus. As pretty as the redbuds are, the dark red color beneath the pink reminds me of the blood Jesus shed. The dogwood with the four leaves, two longer and two shorter, resemble a cross with indents said to look like scars. An old legend taught that the dogwood was meant to be a reminder of the crucifixion. And the weeping cherry made me think of Mary who cried for her son. Spring is a time of revival and renewal of life. Jesus gives life everlasting. Praise God for new life!

Book review: A Walk in the Valley: Christian Encouragement for your Journey through Infertility

A Walk in the Valley: Christian Encouragement for your Journey through Infertility

Authors: Julie Arduini, Heidi Glick, Elizabeth Maddrey, Kym McNabney, Paula Mowery, and Donna Winters

Book Description:
Everyone's journey through infertility is different. Even women who have the same physical problems will have different courses of treatment, different responses, and different emotional ups and downs as they walk this path. But we also have so much in common: the hurt, anger, frustration, pain, sorrow, hope and joy that we have experienced along the way. We are women who have experienced infertility. Some of us have gone on to conceive, others have adopted, and others remain childless. All of us have found peace in the loving arms of our Father God at the end of our journey. We want to share our experiences and thoughts with you. It is our hope and prayer that you'll be encouraged. -Amazon

Book Review:
Although I've not experienced infertility myself, I've had people I'm close to go through this very difficult journey. The authors open their hearts as they share stories of pain, joy, hope, and faith. Every woman going through infertility, miscarriage, and trials of trying to have a baby can find something that will encourage and educate. The authors include their husbands thoughts and experiences as well as practical advice, from what to ask a doctor to the details of what they experienced during testing. At the end of each chapter, the writers give the readers an opportunity to work through their own story by digging in and answering questions, writing prayers, and praises as well as recording their own questions. I recommend A Walk in the Valley not just for anyone going through infertility, but for anyone who needs to understand their family and friends' struggle. I learned so much.

Disclaimer:

I received a free copy of A Walk in the Valley from Clalfont House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson

Book description:

Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?

My Review:

I've read several of Janice Thompson's wedding themed books and enjoyed each one. Every Bride Needs a Groom is no exception. Katie Fisher and the small town she lives in are a breath of fresh air. Her family is a hoot. From her countrified brothers to her wayward aunt, they each add another layer of entertainment to the story. I think I smiled the entire time I read this delightful story. The fun didn't stay in small town, Fairfield, Texas. When Katie traveled to Dallas and met the crew at the high-end bridal shop, the comedy continued. The whole concept of a pro-basketball player working in a wedding shop is funny and almost believable. If you enjoy romantic comedy, pick up a copy of Every Bride Needs a Groom. It's a five-star read!

Disclosure:I received a free copy of Every Bride Needs aGroom from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review.

Words

Fritillaria thunbergii ©Penny Frost McGinnis

Spring Beauties

Sessile Trillium ©Penny Frost McGinnis

Large-flowered Trillium ©Penny Frost McGinnis

 Every spring 














I'm excited to find flowers sprouting and blooming. God never disappoints. He's created some of the most interesting and beautiful plants. It'd been a long time since I wandered through the woods in spring. Discovering the trillium (above)was like finding a treasure. My husband and I spotted them the first week we hiked but they hadn't bloomed. This week they spread their color.  

As an added delight, I found a Jack-in-the-pulpit (below, right). Easy to miss because of their leaf-like appearance. Then we ran across the lovely, whimsical plant (two bottom pics) with cup-like blooms and curled tendrils. If anyone knows the name, please let me know. Enjoy the pics. I had fun taking them. 
All photo ©Penny Frost McGinnis