Snapshot Muse #26 - A Shelter in the Time of Storm

After the storm

Last night a vicious storm hit our colony. First the sky turned very dark, an odd blackish turquoise. This was around 7:00 PM, but it looked more like midnight. Suddenly extremely strong winds joined the ominous darkness, along with thunder and lightening and torrential rain.

After the storm had passed a variety interesting clouds hovered over us. Some were storm clouds, the kind you don't see very often. But they moved away relatively quickly and the sun broke through and we knew we had a lot to be grateful for. Other than a few fallen trees there was no other damage. Other people were not so fortunate, as they had a tornado rip through their place; roofs were ripped off from houses, grain bins severely damaged, garage doors ripped out...

While I was standing by a window watching this storm, the likes as I'd never seen, a very fitting old hymn came to mind. It was written by Vernon J. Charlesworth in 1839.

1 The Lord's our Rock; in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.


Refrain:
O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land -
A Shelter in the time of storm.


2 A Shade by day, Defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes affright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.


3 The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
We'll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.


4 O Rock Divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Snapshot Muse #22 - Shall We Gather at the River

Towards the end of our field trip last week, we spent some time at the beautiful Island Park in Portage la Prairie. We had lots of fun at the Oak Hammock Marsh, but since it was so hot in the afternoon, Lower Fort Gary was a little less so. 

It didn't help that I was dealing with a nasty head cold; and a bus-full of energetic kids wasn't the right kind of medicine. However, while our students were enjoying the playground, I got the chance to rest beside the water. A gentle breeze whispered through the leaves of the giant trees around me; soothing and cool. Nearby a wild duck lazily bobbed about on the shimmering Crescent Lake. This medicine worked better. 

I was reminded of a beautiful old hymn, by Rob Lowry (1864).

Shapshot Muse #28 - He Whispers Sweet Peace to Me

Hutterites engage in a wide variety of activities in their free time, such as woodworking, knitting, crocheting and sewing. My sister, Sonia paints, among many of the other crafts she spends time with. Many of the walls in our house are adorned with her gorgeous paintings. These often become the topic of discussions when guests arrive and marvel over her talent. With each piece she produces, I'm more amazed what her able hands create on canvas with a little paint and few brushes.

About a year ago she worked on a scene I instantly fell in love with. It is her depiction of a place near our colony where a narrow dirt road leads across the La Salle River, and has greenish blue water flowing through the culvert. The trees along the river are so realistic and the golden field and azure sky with white puffy clouds provide a grand backdrop. For me this scene whispers 'serenity'.

Last August I went into my room one day and there stood the completed painting, framed and all. Sonia had given it to me for my birthday. I have it hanging on my wall, as a constant reminder of her talent, generosity and the peacefulness and beauty of nature. It brings to mind a song by the Freedom Singers, one of my favorite groups - He Whispers Sweet Peace to Me.

 

Snapshot Muse # 27 - Simple Gifts

It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon as I went for a walk with my sister, cousin and nephews, Jakobi and Terrance. Of course one can never walk long distances, or get any where fast with two little boys along. There are just too many things to explore and be in awe of. Yes, things you would otherwise miss - like that seagull soaring in the sunshine, waaaay up there. And those 'tires that don't have a tractor'. I love seeing the world through the eyes of little children - everything is magical and pretty and, and, and... 

A reminder, for sure, of the importance of  'stopping to smell the roses' and to notice the simple things, that often go unnoticed.

On our walk we came across this magical place; two rows of stately poplars creating a gorgeous golden path, perfect for running and kicking up leaves, tumbling down and rolling in them. Or just lying still and marveling at the branches, leaves and sky above. A little boy's paradise.

The best song I could think of for this post is, Simple Gifts:

Snapshot Muse # 25 - On the Wings of a Dove

My walk to school is fairly short - out the back door and just across a driveway, really. I suppose I could go with the old cliche, 'short and sweet' to describe it. It's sweet, because with all the trees around, I can always here the sweet song of birds, wishing me and anybody else who will listen a chirpy Good Morning.

On my way to school a few days ago I met this mourning dove. Was surprised how close it allowed me to get, before it flew off. Had to chuckle that same day after school, I showed my nephew, Jakobi this picture. (This was before I had checked if this was a turtle- or mourning  dove, as I didn't know the difference. They're actually quite similar.) I explained that it was a Turtltaubm, (our word for turtle dove). A few minutes later, he asked for my phone, "I want to look at the pictures." he told me. Often, when he's looking at pictures he mutters to himself about what he sees. When he came to this picture, he said, "Do is a Taubmturtl." (This is a dove turtle.) Next time he'll look at those picture, I will have to tell him I was mistaken and that this is not a 'Taubmturtl'.

Which brings me to my song selection - not exactly the bird in the picture, but a lovely dove song, nonetheless. "On the Wings of a  Dove", by Ferlin Husky.

Snapshot Muse # 24 - Geh' aus mein Herz und suche Freud'

I love summer, because of the flowers! And I know I don't take enough time to just walk around our colony to admire them all. With a camera, of course. Maybe this evening will work.

I'm just a tad sad right now about my four beautiful pots of bubble gum waves at the school. Someone was spraying the crushed rock for weeds, where the planters stand and killed all four. Right when they were at their loveliest. It took me a few days to finally let go, and realize there was just one thing left to do with them - send them to the compost grounds. Never even got a chance to take pictures of them.

Oh well, such is life...and death. And we still have many, many more lovely flowers around. So I will try to forget these, forgive the person who sprayed and celebrate the plants we can still enjoy for at least another two month. My colony is blessed with quite a few avid gardeners, and I love to listen to their flower stories - sometimes it seems like they're talking about their children.

My song for this post is one by Paul Gerhardt and is one of my favourite summer songs, Geh' aus mein Herz und suche Freud:

Snapshot Muse # 23 - Himmel, Erde, Luft und Meer

This has been the longest time that I haven't posted anything on here, since I started this blog, I believe. And here I was planning on doing a Snapshot Muse every week. Yes, 'the best laid plans of mice and men go oft astray'. I've been busy with a whole lot of other things lately: school stuff, (I know, some days it seemed summer holidays haven't begun.) August conference related work, kitchen..... so social media sat on the back burner. Anyway, I'll use my Sunday afternoon siesta to jot down a few lines.

I love our stretching-for-miles prairie skies!! They're constantly changing and always beautiful, even in storms. I took this picture coming home from Winnipeg one day. Looking at it later, I thought, "Well, a few more lines, a treble clef, words and we'd have a song in the sky." Someone should write a song, or maybe there is one already and I just don't know about it. 'Prairie Skies' would make a lovely song title.



Many times, when I start working on these Snapshot Muse posts, I don't know which song I'll go with, and I always like to wait to see what will cross my mind as I write. The first song that came to me today, was written by, Joachim Neander (1650-1680), and is one that Hutterites have been singing for many years - it's all about praising God in nature.

Himmel, Erde, Luft und Meer
zeugen von des Schöpfers Ehr;
meine Seele, singe du,
bring auch jetzt dein Lob herzu.

2. Seht das große Sonnenlicht,
wie es durch die Wolken bricht;
auch der Mond, der Sterne Pracht
jauchzen Gott bei stiller Nacht.

3. Seht, wie Gott der Erde Ball
hat gezieret überall.
Wälder, Felder, jedes Tier,
zeigen Gottes Finger hier.

4. Seht, wie fliegt der Vögel Schar
in den Lüften Paar bei Paar.
Blitz und Donner, Hagel, Wind,
seines Willens Diener sind.

5. Seht der Wasserwellen Lauf,
wie sie steigen ab und auf;
von der Quelle bis zum Meer
rauschen sie des Schöpfers Ehr.

6. Ach mein Gott, wie wunderbar
stellst Du Dich der Seele dar!
Drücke stets in meinen Sinn,
was Du bist und was ich bin.



Prairie skies always make me think of peace and eternity and quiet time with God, especially when I'm walking by myself. There's just something special about walking alone: it's like you notice every blade of grass swaying in the breeze and every wispy cloud floating overhead. Things you usually miss when you're with another person and talking the whole time. Thus, I was reminded of another fitting song, which our choir used to sing years ago: 'My God and I go in the Field Together:

Snapshot Muse #21 - Ode to Joy

As you may by now, I'm serving on the International Conference of Hutterite Educators committee this year. As I've said in the past, I'm honoured to do this, and I enjoy my work as Registrar, because it's exciting to be part of a team to bring you this amazing event. Plus, I'm looking forward to meeting all these people who've registered. Many I know already, but there are also quite a few who I'll finally be able to put a face to the name at the conference. Besides all that, it's wonderful to work with our dedicated and hard-working committee. To be sure we have our share of laughs, too. But that's a given with guys like Adrian and George on board!

I have to say, we do work together well as a team. Here some of us were working on our last mailing for the conference; this one to all Hutterite German teachers Canada and the US. I sure hope it bears a lot of fruit, especially for Kenny's sake.  He was the one who kindly offered to lick all those eveolopes and as far as I know that adhesive strip still doesn't come with some fabulous taste like Cappuccino or Strawberry Ice-Cream. Nevertheless, there he was, sealing all those envelopes with a kiss - a task nobody else envied him for. Thank you, Kenny. I'm sure you were stuck with that awful taste for a few days anyway.

My song, Ode to Joy... along with a beautiful demonstration of working together.

On that note, I'm hopeful, that by the time August rolls around we'll have a group of  enthused educators to bring you ICHE 2016. I dedicate this song to them...whoever they may be! There really is joy in the journey!

Snapshot Muse #20 - The River

At lunch today somebody told me about the two delightful duck families on the La Salle River that flows through our colony. Thus, shortly after, BlackBerry/camera in tow, I battled millions of mosquitoes, trying to get a family photo. It's a gorgeous day - bright blue skies with snow-white clouds floating overhead. Even though the water is rather murky, the reflections are still pretty. Birds chirp in the nearby trees, while frogs join in this melodious summer song. The mosquitoes add their irritating buzz, but it's their sting that stole some of the serenity. It's difficult to get some decent footage with one arm flailing at flying pests. Still, this is such a serene scene, but I simply can't stay and wait to get the ducks all together, not without getting stung to death, anyway. The ducklings are quite brave already and venture far away from their mama.

Just the same, the few minutes I spent by the water, had me thinking about the message I heard this morning. At this time we're observing Pentecost, which is why I can spend time beside the river in the middle of the day, instead of in a classroom. This morning's service called to mind Jesus praying in the garden, while Peter and the other disciples slept. Not long after, one of the twelve, possibly even Peter, was quick to draw a sword, when Judas, the betrayer and company captured Jesus in Gethsemane. Just as quickly, Jesus admonished him, "Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword." Matthew 26:52. That same evening, Peter denied knowing Jesus, three times. At Pentecost though, we see a new and bold Peter, one who is not tired, and bravely stands up for Jesus, wielding a wondrous weapon, but this time the sword of the spirit. With the mob mocking the disciples, deeming them drunk, Peter preached a powerful and sobering sermon, which ultimately, many 'gladly received':

"When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.                                                                                                                               

  All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts chapter 2, verses 37-47.

 Besides reflecting on the morning service, my time at the river, brought to mind Brian Doerksen's beautiful song, 'The River'. There's something about the serenity and beauty of nature which always makes me feel close to God. I was also reminded of another story, same theme, set along the same river, I wrote a few years ago: Value of a Second Language. Nothing to do with 'speaking in tongues', though. Or maybe it has.

Snapshot Muse #18 - Abide With Me

The La Salle River lazily winds its way through our colony. I always find it interesting that our colony was named after the Elm River, a mile and a half south of our place and not the La Salle, which is right here. Could there have been some confusion about the names? Or perhaps the French name wasn't as appealing.

 In any case, for the most part it's a beautiful river, except for the huge patches of reeds and cattails, in places, that nearly choke off it's flow and algae littering it in late summer. At times a family of ducks spends most of the day here. At night, lightning bugs are sometimes seen using the river as a dance floor. I have many fond childhood memories of playing in this river, or floating on it in a boat on care-free summer days. In winter it would be our skating rink or we'd slide on to it from the hill right beside it. I'm reminded of a beautiful children's book, written by a fellow Hutterite, Herman Stahl, and illustrated by his lovely and talented wife, Cynthia: "Flowing Through the Seasons".

Today, I enjoy walking along the La Salle in the evening, especially when everything around it is a lush green, bursting with life. Serenity at its best - makes me want to sing, or hear 'Abide With Me.' I dream about someone standing beside the river, perhaps under that old elm tree, playing this song on bag-pipes. I love the beautiful, haunting sounds of bagpipes! Sadly, it's very rare to hear them live... maybe my next Europe trip should include Scotland.

I invite you to turn on the music below, rest your eyes on the serene La Salle and the shiny reflections, imagine that it's just before sunset - stay a while at this peaceful place and dream with me... Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide... Aaahhh, Heavenly!

Snapshot Muse #17 - Mighty Ocean Teach Me

I love this picture, because it captures so much and brings back some wonderful Europe trip memories, some of which the two dear friends in the picture helped make. With the camera and trying to get the best shot of the ship we're passing, is Kathy - was typical to see her aiming her lens at many, many, scenic, historical or interesting places and wonderful friends. And she has some fabulous photos to show for it, some of which she generously shared with me. Beside her, fun-loving Feliz from Turkey, one of our Hannover classmates. (Kathy und Feliz, meine nette Freundinnen, hoffentlich ist es OK mit euch, dass ich dieses Foto hier benutze.) On that day our class took a trip to Hamburg, where our first stop was the harbour, which was bustling with people.  The Hamburg Harbour actually holds some Hutterite history - here the Hutterites boarded the Hammonia in 1874, in the hopes of finding a better life in America.

Our teacher had bought tickets to take us on an amazing hour-long boat ride. The weather was perfect to be on the water - beautiful breeze and sunshine glistening on the water, which, as you can see, my trusty BlackBerry captured splendidly! Along the way we passed The Queen Mary, docked and waiting for her next voyage. I did not enjoy the streets of Hamburg as much, though - too many people!! So by evening I was good and ready to take the train back to a much quieter Hannover.

The Queen Mary - Photo courtesy of Kathy Waldner 

Today's song to go with the pictures, a stanza from, 'Evening Star Up Yonder'.

Mighty ocean teach me, to do the task that needs me.

And reflect as days depart, heaven's peace within my heart.

Mighty ocean teach me.

Snapshot Muse #16 - Maple Syrup

 Pure, sweet homemade goodness!

My sister, Sonia loves to tap Maple trees, collect sap and make syrup. This year, for whatever reason, maple sapping didn't go so well for most people who do this every spring. Was it because of the long, cold winter we just had? Quite possible. The sap flow was slow to begin with and the season rather short. Thus she collected only eighty gallons of sap, which yielded three gallons of syrup.

Maple Syrup season always takes me back to my childhood, reading the 'Little House on the Prairie' books, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. They were some of my favourite stories. One day, back then we had a group of USA retirees, traveling by Airstream trailers, come for a tour of our colony. One couple was Alan and Leona Bullock from St. Louise, Missouri. We ended up being pen pals for many years after. One year for Christmas they sent me the book "Little House of the Prairie', telling me it reminded them of our way of life. I still have the book - tattered and torn from years of being loved adds to it's charm.

Without further ado, enjoy "Maple Syrup' via You Tube:

Snapshot Muse #15 - Winter Ade

We've seen many months of winter in all its glory - cold, wind and tons of snow. While I didn't get to move mounds every single day, I do somehow feel I developed a strong bond with our shovel. Thus, this is sort of an ode the shovel post. We have the 'easy on your back' variety - its curved handle supposedly makes things easier on your back. That's probably true when there's only three inches of light snow on a tiny porch. However, removing four feet of wet snow (and we got lots of that this year) from a big deck with rails, (also our reality) there is no 'easy' - one practically gets back spasms just looking at the stuff.

Nevertheless, I love our bent handle shovel and can't hold it against it, that it's not a real wonder tool. It's such a big part of my life for months on end, I can't help but be attached. It stands beside the door waiting, always ready for the next snowfall, beckoning me and every other person who passes by, to pick it up and heave some snow. OK, fine, it does make shoveling a tad less bad breaking... or maybe it forces people to lift and pitch snow in a manner that's not so strenuous - if there's such a thing as perfect posture snow pitching. And in that case, perhaps this latest model of the lowly shovel is a wonderful invention.

Still, I'm quite happy to tuck this steel and plastic apparatus away in the garden shed. Rest you weary wonder, and I won't miss you at all till the next snow season falls upon us. And I am extremely grateful to see warm temperatures remove our snow.

Interestingly enough, while working on this post, I found an article: Science of Scooping Snow 
Don't you just love the title? - Next thing we'll know it will be part of the curriculum here in Manitoba.

The song I chose for this posts brings memories from my childhood. It's on the first page of the Witter's Zweite Lesebuch. Although, back then, I was probably not aware that it's a song: Winter Ade

Snapshot Muse #14 - Vessel of Mercy

It's not always that words on the wall get our attention, or even keep drawing you back for another look. I saw this hanging in the home of a friend recently, and it spoke to me. I read it a few times and was touched each time. It caused me to pause and give this some thought.

Maybe there is a deeper reason why people walk across our minds sometimes, other than merely thinking about them, that is - remembering some happy times we spent together, or even sad or unpleasant ones....

Perhaps that person is struggling with something that you're not even aware of, or maybe you do know that he/she is going through a rough time. And pausing in prayer on his/her behalf seems like such a small thing to do, but as we know, it's powerful.

Even just asking a blessing on the person who came to mind unexpectedly... at least that is what this wall hanging reminded me of. "And so in case he needs my prayer. I pray."

The song 'Vessel of Mercy' sung here by the Harmony Quartet seemed like a good fit for this post, because aren't we all called to be vessels of mercy?

Snapshot Muse #13 - The Old Cow Man

 

Come a-ti yi youpy youpy yea youpy yea
Come a-ti yi youpy youpy yea

It's bacon and beans most every day,
I'd just as soon be eating prairie hay...

 It's Cowboy Day at our school today. It's actually become sort of like a tradition, where we'll have five fun days, during the week prior to spring break. Now our students will not let us forget, much as the teachers sometimes would like to. The students choose what fun thing will be done each day - well, we do have to make sure they don't go too wild. From past experience we know it can get a touch out of hand. For the most part, though, it's usually a lot of fun for everybody. Today we had Dora from Fairholme here as a sub. She must have thought she took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up on a ranch. (:

Here's what our week will look like:

Monday - Bring-a-stuffed-animal-Day
Tuesday - Cowboy, or Wild West Day, as some prefer to call it
Wednesday - Funny-Day (wearing something funny)
Thursday - Twins Day (two friends or siblings dress alike)
Friday - Wear-Something-You've-Never-Worn-Before-Day

Of all our cowgirls and cowboys, I think our Kindergartners were the cutest!

Of course, this post needs a cowboy song: The Old Cow man - Don Edwards

Snapshot Muse #12 - Joy is Like the Rain

As much as I love winter, with it's brilliant whiteness, blustery days and yes, even the extreme cold - I'm ready for vivid colours, spring showers, balmy days and going barefoot! Today marks the first day of spring and my hope springs new, that warmer days are not too far away. We'll try not to think about that -20 forecast for Sunday. Let's all post spring/summer pictures, for apparently today is also International Day of Happiness - so yes, spread some joy - lots of it - everywhere!

Speaking of joy, here is one of my favourite songs from the Medical Mission Sisters. I learned this one, along with many of this group's other songs, in school many years ago. Mr. Patrick Moore was our teacher at the time. He was the last non-Hutterite teacher to live on the colony while teaching here. After school he worked in the barns. His wife, Sandy, even had a cook week and took part in all other work the women did. Coming to think of it, Pat celebrated a birthday on St. Patrick's Day. (I hope you had a very special day, Pat! Thank you for introducing me to the Medical Mission Sisters!)

 I always remember it, because my dad's birthday is on the 18th. For quite a few years now, dad has been celebrating his birthday in heaven and we here are content with all our precious memories of him.

Snapshot Muse #11 - God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds for Me

 One day last summer, God painted the most glorious rainbow my eyes had ever seen! I scrambled for my camera in the hopes of saving this grandeur, but alas, my humble camera could not even come close to capturing what it really looked like. The colours were so vivid and as you can see it stretched clear across the sky. You could actually see it touch the ground in front of a row of trees. Here is my humble attempts at freezing this magnificent moment.

Yesterday as bus load of us were on the road to another colony to watch their young people perform a play, we were caught in a blizzard, which caused white out conditions at times - not pleasant at all. More like Les Misérables, which is the title of the drama we were to take in.  It's the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who, inspired by a kindly bishop, decides to turn his life around. He eventually becomes mayor of a town in France and owner of a factory. However, he is always uneasy about being recaptured by police inspector, Javert who is ruthless in hunting down law-breakers, believing they cannot change for the better. One of his factory workers, Fantine, blames him for her being cast into a life of prostitution. When she dies, he feels responsible and agrees to take care of her only daughter, Cosette. However, he must first escape Javert. Later, when Cosette is grown, they are swept up in the political turmoil in France, which leads to the June Rebellion of France. It's a story of how love, kindness and forgiveness has eternal value, as opposed to hate and anger which lead to doom.

Enjoying this superbly acted play, was like the calm after the storm - a rainbow of sorts. Soon after the show began, the storm we traveled through was all but forgotten, as Victor Hugo and a group a fine actors transported us to France to get a glimpse of French history. Thanks to all who were involved in this production - you did an amazing job!

I was reminded of a song by the Harmony Quartet, God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds for Me
 

God put a Rainbow in the Clouds for me

May God give you...

for every storm a rainbow,

for every tear a smile,

for every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share,

for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.

Irish Blessing

Snapshot Muse # 9 - I Come to the Garden Alone

Meet my beautiful Bougainvillea, by far the loveliest flower in our yard last summer! (Yes, as much as I love winter, I'm longing to see flowers.) This plant blessed us with blooms all summer long and well into fall, when I took it inside, before the first frost could hurt it. It continued to bloom for a few weeks, then stopped, which seemed natural to me. For another month it stayed nice and green, but then lost all its leaves - this worried me somewhat and I wondered if I should have cut it back right after it stopped blooming. Too late to lament that fact. After it lost all its leaves I finally cut it back till only four inches of the branches were left and watered it about once a week to keep the roots moist.

I longingly watch it for some sign of life, which is still not evident. I keep telling myself, once our brutally cold days leave us for milder temperatures, things will change, and that I really didn't kill it somehow. Only time will tell, I suppose.

I love it, when a certain song comes to mind, as I start working on my Snapshot Muse post, which doesn't always happen. This time though it did. I Come to the Garden Alone is that song and I found a beautiful version sung by Anne Murray. I'm always fascinated with the stories behind the songs. This one was written by C. Austin Miles in 1912. To read what inspired him to write this beautiful song, click here.

Snapshot Muse # 8

I love this picture - snow covered and rosy-cheeked! It was taken on our back porch a few winters ago. We still have the dog, Rusty (and he still doesn't know he's a dog.) and Daria, now in grade seven, is not so small anymore. And she's still a regular visitor at our house - and always takes time to scratch Rusty. But reminds us, that their dog, Muffy is cuter, much cuter! My sister always babysat her, when she was younger, so she sees my mom as her grandma. We always think that is rather sweet, especially since both her grandmothers are no longer with us. My sisters and I never became her 'aunties', though - no need to adopt these, when you have a enough real ones. (:

Back to the dog.While he loves the attention his friend, Daria is giving him, he never likes to pose for pictures - as is obvious in this shot.

When I started writing this posts, I didn't think about all the dog memories that would flood back. So, I was a bit unprepared for the nostalgic puppy path this took me on, especially when I started trying to come up with a song to go along with this post. Many of the dog songs I found on You Tube are really sad - about people losing their dog and then making a tribute for them. I can relate, because I too have lost a dog - a cute poodle named, Nicki. he was a birthday present from a friend. I had him for quite a few years, but then he got very sick and didn't survive. Yes, very sad! In the end, I couldn't find a song for this post. (If you know of one, even a few lines from a song, I'd love to hear it and will consider adding it.)

Then I was also reminded about all the other dogs our family had over the years. My dad loved dogs, especially German Shepherds, so we grew up with furry friends and have many fond puppy memories. But unfortunately also some tragic ones, like Laddie who was hit by a car and died in a ditch. Silver was a German Shepherd who dad had to give away, because he was a watch dog who took his job too seriously. Beautiful dog, but not a good fit for our family at the time, my dad felt. So he gave him to someone at another colony, about 60 miles away, who happened to be looking for a watch dog. Dad never forgot how sad Silver looked when he left that colony, asking him to "Stay" - a command he understood all to well. My dad raised geese at the time and many times would ask Silver to stay at the pen overnight, in case any hungry predators came by.

Years later, dad ran into the man he had given Silver to and of course asked about him. He told him this incredible story: "You will not believe this, Jake. But one winter day around supper time we thought Silver was going crazy. He was outside, faced towards your colony and was howling something fierce for I don't know how long. We couldn't figure out what was up with him, but eventually he did stop. A few hours later, we learned that your home had burned down and you lost two sons."


If you have an interesting pet story, feel free to share it.....

Snapshot Muse #7 - There's An Old Log Cabin For Sale

If you've followed this blog for a while, you know I'm fascinated with abandoned buildings. I have a few in my collection already - maybe I'll make cards with them one. (If you have the opportunity to capture one of these buildings, I'd appreciate it, if you'd send it my way.) I usually give them a title when I add them to my Deserted Building folder. This one is Standing Guard near Gladstone, Manitoba. (Thanks, Eugene!)

Every time I see one, and there are quite a few on the prairies, I can't help but wonder what stories those dilapidated walls hold. These prairie gems speak of happier days gone by, when they were lived in, surrounded by love and life.

This one, nestled in the trees, sort of has a melancholy aura about it - bulging walls and the sun streaming through the pane less windows. Brutal winds have left their mark on this abode as well. Still, it has a certain beauty about it, rugged and old fashioned - just begging to be given a new lease on life, in a card maybe or a wall calendar... For now, it will grace the wall of my blog, and will most likely remind readers of similar sites in their area.

One of the songs that walked through my mind as I started this post, is an old one from Porter Wagner - 'There's an old Log Cabin' for Sale'. Haven't thought of that tune in a long while. Like my picture, this song is tinged with sadness, and yet holds hints of happier times.



A welcome I read on the floor mat
An old braided rug by the door
The hands of an angel had made it
With many a pray'r - prayed before;
In an old rockin' chair, long she waited
For one glimpse of him how she yearned
And now he was standing in silence
Too late, yes, too late he'd returned.