To the left are “before” pictures: Nasturtiums in hanging baskets, Begonias in the base. They departed (free) to a new home so I shuffled hanging baskets from other locations. Although I still have lots of plants, in planters, some have gone to new homes.  ~~ I have published many ads with “for sale” yard and garden items–but limited response. I can’t take them with me!!  ~~ Actually I **can** take the planters… but not the plants (agricultural restrictions at the state lines). I’ve dumped plants, and soil, along the embankment at the edge of my back yard.  My beautiful second-season Calibrachoa–with purple-red blooms–and Miracle Gro soil–went to an early grave so I could scrub the tub (identical to the one pictured here). It cost an extremely discounted $26. from Tuesday Morning, plus (as I said Miracle Gro soil) and a vineing plant we’d pay at least $20. for at Lowe’s. Nobody wants to pay $25.– or even make an offer. I have signs everywhere saying “My prices are negotiable.”

Finally, earlier today I was able to photograph my four recently fledged baby Bluebirds–on the mealworm feeder.

Unimaginable that babies can mature so rapidly in less than six weeks!!

There are so-o-o-o-o many things to handle, so many decisions to make. I’m in a full-blown major depression!! So-o-o-o-o much to do!! This afternoon I started moving books from the bookcases to cardboard boxes. They were on display because I wanted to “eventually” read them. Today, handling them, I have anxiety because I don’t want to ship them off to the thrift shop. During the shuffle, I found a study (from the Holy Bible) on the book of Esther. It concludes with this prayer:

My Precious Princess and Daughter–

I love you and know you by name.  I want you to be secure in My love for you because My will for you is centered in that love.  It is always for your best.

When I ask you to take action, I will give you the courage and strength you need in that moment.  My Spirit is praying for you in My very presence, and He knows exactly how to pray according to My will for you.  So don’t be afraid.  I have seen your uncertainty.  I know your indecision.  But those are not rooted in faith.  When you must take a stand for a godly principle, I will empower you.  When you must make a decision, seek My wisdom for it. Remember?  I give you the desires of your heart.  Trust your heart when it is tuned in to Me.

I know that there are times when you desire the approval of people you may need to comfort.  I understand.  But please remember that My acceptance and approval are much more important.  Everything may not turn out as well for you as it did for Esther.  Remember that My plan for each of My children’s lives is custom-made, just for you.  Will you still trust Me if disaster or trouble or pain follows your decision to obey My will for your life?

You already have My approval.  I’ll open other doors of favor according to My will.  And, as it’s appropriate, I will give you the favor needed just as I influenced King Xerxes to receive Esther.

I have wonderful plans for you, beloved one, so learn to seek Me, and My voice will become more familiar to you.  Dare to risk everything to follow Me. You will never lose anything of value.

Lovingly,

Your Heavenly Father, the King

Isn’t that awesome??  “Thank you, Father!!”

Watch this video by Senator Elbert Guillory. I’m impressed!!

There was an awesome program on PBS that was mesmerizing!!  I was glued to the TV between 8 and 9 PM watching Birds of the Gods on the Nature series. It’s so encouraging to observe other individuals who patiently watch the activity of the birds.

These have been in my home for decades!! “Collector’s Plates” dating back to the Bicentennial (1976)!! Many, many images from Norman Rockwell paintings.  (I love Norman Rockwell paintings!!)  The plates have resided in Lancaster, CA, Long Beach, CA, Hollywood, CA, Brookville, OH, Shelby, NC, and Waxhaw, NC. In rented apartments–without a sense of permanency–I never displayed them.  Much as I hate to part with them, “it’s time.”  This morning I started moving the boxed items from their nooks-and-crannies and began documenting them in a software program called It’s Deductible. Properly documented, my donation information is automatically available when I do my income taxes with Turbo Tax.  North Carolina really zaps me for state taxes.  Itemized donations are a blessing!!  (I found out “the hard way” when I failed to keep records!!)  So another trunk-load of donations for Second Chance Boutique in Waxhaw.  ~~  Several more garden items have departed for new homes.  Far too many things remain!!

FYI: I’m not having head pain (praise the Lord!!) but I am terribly tired!! The fall was a shock to my body.

Today, three large containers and one hanging basket departed for their new home. The beautiful red Mandavilla is sold and will be spirited away by a new owner. The beautiful pink Mandavilla–at the front porch–is sold and it, too, will go “bye, bye.” Plants, planters, and bird feeders have been sold but (woe is me!!) there are still dozens of things for sale. I’m praising God that I’ve had this awesome experience growing flowers for the Hummingbirds–and watching their coming and going.

…took a tumble!!  I’ve been “downsizing” and the car was packed with donations for Turning Point Second Chance Boutique in Waxhaw.  Everything had been unloaded and I was ready to leave. Then I took a fall and struck my head on their back door.  I was (am) so embarrassed because emergency vehicles rolled with sirens screaming!!  I refused treatment… but consented when Stephanie offered to drive me to the local emergency room.  She stayed through the extremely long process.  After three hours, this stubborn old lady was threatening to walk out of the treatment room and exit the building!!  Finally, stitches were in and patch was in place. Belatedly, Stephanie was back in Second Chance Boutique and could resume her responsibilities abandoned about 10:30.  I’m so grateful for her genuine warmth and thoughtful attentiveness!!  Stephanie–my guardian angel.

My life is but a weaving

Between the Lord and me.

I cannot choose the colors;

He worketh steadily.

Oftimes He weaveth sorrow,

And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper,

And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent

and the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvas

and explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver’s skillful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him.

(I discovered the “new to me” last verse on the Internet.)

~~~ author unknown

If life gives you lemons, make lemonade!!  I once had an attractive wall plaque with that message.  It was sold or given away.  Right now I am embarking “full steam ahead” on “downsizing.”  More things are destined to find their way to Thrift Shops.  In the future I may reminisce and question “What happened to such-and-such??”  The saga with the Bluebirds is drawing to an end so I’ll focus my energy on the neglected “downsizing” project.  I’ve dragged things from Lancaster, California, to Brookville, Ohio, to Shelby, North Carolina, to Waxhaw, North Carolina.  I have five or six (or seven or eight) sturdy old suitcases full of picture albums.  I have a decades-old trunk full of pictures–and albums–from my parents and grandparents.  Off-hand I don’t know how many boxes of genealogy.  I’m facing the problem again “What do I do with these?”  ~~  True story: I wrote those words (“What do I do with these?”) and then, subconsciously, put my hands in my hair and gave it a gentle tug.  Strange isn’t it how the mind works?!  ~~  Keep me in your thoughts and prayers; I’m especially “needy” right now!!