Saturday, September 15, 2012

Newsletter - 9/15/12




Hello Dear Friends!

We took a trip to Durham and Raleigh, NC, for three nights. It's 3.5 hours from us, so we headed out before Labor Day weekend. When we began planning the trip the weather was supposed to be rather cool, but a few days before leaving it switched to the 90's so it was warmer than I liked. That cut our visits a bit short at the places on our itinerary and we didn't walk as many nature trails as I had planned.

© Donna L. Watkins - Look of Glass, But It's Not
North Carolina Museum of Art - Raleigh, NC
Spiritually we had a grand time visiting an in-home Bible Study group on the evening of the day we arrived and also attended the church associated with it on Sunday morning. Met a lot of nice people and were very refreshed with the teaching.

Our itinerary included two gardens, three historic sites, one state park, and an art museum (on the hottest afternoon). I'm working on writing posts on each place along with photo album links. Below are links to three that are already posted.

The Museum of Art was my favorite of these three since it was a hot day (think air conditioning) and I was and still am fascinated by the scene in the photograph. Details about it are in the album.




You might remember I mentioned a friend's website who makes jewelry in the August 15th issue of this newsletter. She gives away 20% of her profits because she has a heart of love. Since it was almost time for my birthday I wanted one of her creations and sent a "wish list" link to my husband.

When my birthday arrived, I was pleased to find two items created by Christina. I love them and have already been getting compliments on them. I've never owned a piece of jewelry so uniquely designed. I can't say I'm a jewelry collector since I keep my jewelry box pretty simple ... but even with simple, these two items stand out as awesome!

Notice the necklace has birds and even a bird nest with eggs in it. I love the little gold filagree balls. It has an easy clasp and looks great on a solid colored pullover. 

Since I've not been able to wear rings for many years due to the damage from rheumatoid arthritis, I was excited to see the rings were made with expandable bands so now I can enjoy a bit of purple on my fingers until I see them all totally restored from the damage.

If you love jewelry or need a gift for somebody, check out Creative Art Expressions and be pleasantly surprised.

While we were in Durham I received an email from a friend that her husband had died in his sleep as he wanted. He had many health challenges over the previous two years and had amazing fortitude going through them. At one point he had 18 heart surgeries over a short period of time.

Jose and Helena Arouca - We Miss You Joe!
I know he was an inspiration to many, but I feel like the devil stole a really great friend from us. God doesn't put disease on us for any reason, but when the devil gets hold, He will use it for whatever good He can in our lives if we love Him and are called according to His purpose as the Scripture says (Romans 8:28).

There's certainly lots of other ways to be an inspiration than this avenue and his love of life and people was one of them. It's hard for those left behind to adjust their world to be a little smaller now that someone so special is no longer part of it. Send up a prayer for peace and comfort for his wife, Helena, and their three daughters.

They were both involved in our battle to save the deer here in our community when they wanted to begin a "culling" program ... a nice word for killing.  Many of us stood our ground and won the battle for their lives.  Helena is still involved in animal rescue since she's part of the SPCA shelter in our county.

There's a chill in the air here in Central Virginia.  Early mornings are in the 50's but by 9 AM our front porch is warmed by the sunrise and not much later the screened porch is a little piece of heaven for me.

© Donna L. Watkins - Young Buck in Backyard
The bucks are beginning to get anxious about mating season.  We're seeing more of them.  They will soon begin to gather together in groups.  They can get real rough with each other and I don't like seeing the marks on their skin from fighting.  One day the survival of the fittest will be over and all creation will be peaceful.

My health continues to improve and amaze me. The more you come to know our Abba Father, the more the spiritual realm can rule within us and overcome the physical realm with manifestations of healing and every other promise in the Word of God. I've written some details on what's going on now. The rheumatoid arthritis has been gone for months and that truly astounds me, although the healing that my heart has gone through is much more of a miracle to most around me. Read the article I wrote two days ago: You Have An Enemy But Victory Is A Choice.

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend.  We've been doing some more letterboxing in the area and enjoying that.  A few of you have shared an interest in this fun hobby also.  A great family thing and what an excuse to get outdoors.

Have a Blessed Day!
Speaking of getting out ... be sure to take advantage of the Free Museum Day. In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket...for free.

View list of participating museums or do a search for something near you.


Love, Hugs and Many Blessings,
Donna

P.S.  Know somebody who needs to see something in this newsletter? 

Send them the link to the website:  www.TheNatureInUs.com.  


Thanks for sharing!  

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Posts Since Last Newsletter

You Have An Enemy But Victory Is A Choice  (DLW)

What’s The Best Birdseed To Use

Research on Probiotics for Pets

Monarch Butterflies Migrating Aren’t Ones You Saw ...

North Carolina Museum of Art - Raleigh, NC  (DLW)

Eno River State Park - Durham, NC  (DLW)

Historic Stagville - Durham, NC  (DLW)

Examine Your Faith  (DLW)

Buying Local Boosts Wildlife Population

Establishing A Humane Backyard

Poor and Rich

Newsletter - 9/1/12  (DLW)

Lynchburg, VA - Historical Old City Cemetery  (DLW)

GMO Gloomy Outlook for Health & Allergies

Camping with Your Canine Companion

Top Ten Best Wild 

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The photo(s) and article are copyrighted. You may use either of them if you include the following credit and active link back to this website: © 2012 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission from TheNatureInUs.com. The link to use is: www.TheNatureInUs.com.


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