DAY BEFORE B'S WEDDING

Photos and Art from this morning. I was listening to a tape and it said watch for Kisses from God each day. I have received many kisses already today. Thank you for the beauty, friends and family.

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Olympia Art League - Betty's Dahlia's

Meeting Betty felt as if I was being introduced to Ann of Green Gables as a Grandmother. Betty met me when I got out of my car and entertained me with her stories and quick smile as she gave me a tour of their 20 acres. She told me that her husband bought their house and brought home 14 cows before they had even put up a fence. He also did an amazing graft job on an apple tree in her front yard - look for the photo, it's also displayed with the County Extension Office.

The other highlight of the morning for me was listening to Gloria Burton sing as I took photos. Her voice led me to a place of such beauty that I felt like I was floating somewhere between heaven and earth. It struck me that Gloria's words usually remind me of the way she paints. It's as if you are always stepping into a world of charm, encouragement and hopeful anticipation.

The dahlia's spoke to me about light, symmetry and movement.

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NELSON RANCH, OLYMPIA WA since 1861

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What's it like on a real farm that's been in the Nelson family almost 150 years? There's lots to see. Cattle, Dogs, Equipment - and don't forget the Cowboys.

VISITING A VERY DEAR FRIEND

We used to be roommates. She is a teacher. Now a mother of three, she is so full of fun and spunk, and I think looks like Brooke Shields here. One time we were driving through CA together with all our worldly possessions tied on top of the truck. I glanced in the rearview mirror and wondered what the glass-topped table and mattress were doing on the freeway behind us. Fortunately no one got hurt and a nice trucker stopped to help.
This trip I brought an old photo I had of her back when she was lilac princess to show her. Her son looked at it and said, "You're even more beautiful now mom."

THE CAMERON GARDENS

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For all those of you missing Greta & Dan

http://sd-llc.net/Specialty.html
I got to stay with Greta & Dan in Goldendale a few weeks back. I took some photos so you can see their place. I also went to church with them and was engulfed by a bunch of friendly folks.
Greta seemed to know every person in town - could we expect anything less? She's been there at least 6 months already. Her one liners and ability to tease anybody make life very entertaining. I told Greta she's the first friend I ever had who asked if I'd like to see her new bullets and gun. She's awesome!

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RILEY'S NEW JOB

My friend Cindy is starting a new organic doggy treat company in Centralia. Not only is she serving up some mighty tasty treats, she wants to employ people with disabilities. Cindy and I used to be roommates with Riley and her Hearing Dog "Odie."
Riley has been working hard as a taste tester. Cindy brought some of her goodies over today and Riley was supposed to pick his favorite. He had to choose between DOGNUTS, KITTY ROCA AND ODE TO ODIE. After the taste test I was secretly waiting for Cindy to leave so I could 'help' Riley decide. Click here to see Cindy's website - http://4legz.com/

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Kathy Combs Garden off Old 99

As I drove up, I saw a gentleman in a hat. "That looks like a gardner to me," I thought. As it turns out that was one of the team of Kathy & David Combs. I've driven by their garden so many times, always wondering what was back there. I got to meet Kathy & David. After talking a while we realized that I went to Tumwater High with their daughter. We were in Cross Country together. She was one of the fast ones - I remember the back of her sweatshirt:)

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