I took high school journalism from my dear friend and mentor, Millie Bishop. Mostly we sold ads for the Bulldog Barker that always included a stop at the Spudnut Shop for us because we had them on our ads list. I don't remember very much about journalism. I remember a lot about Millie Bishop and how she treated me as a human being. The thing I remember most from journalism is that to write a story; there is a recipe for a complete explanation of the events you try to share. Below you see the six key "ingredients" of a good story. Now, you write us a story using these & share it in the comments below.

Who:

What:

When:

Where:

Why:

How:

I was the fashion editor for the Bulldog Barker. I wish I had those stories. I only have these two pieces that were published. Fun times. Thank you, Millie!!!

GOD  STEPPED   INTO   HISTORY

We call it “Christmas” ...and it celebrates that particular moment in time when God stepped into history in human form.  As the Bible says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”  Some two thousand years later as this time rolls around, some remember, and some forget.  Some give gifts in memory of THE gift, which God gave: others simply give gifts. We shall all be conscious of the gifts we give and receive, but I wonder how much thought we give to God’s gift?  What kind of price can you put on eternal life?  That’s the gift that Jesus brought. As we gather around our glowing Christmas trees and murmur our thanks for the gifts we see, let’s take a moment to breathe a prayer of thanksgiving for an unseen Gift...the greatest gift! “His name shall be called Jesus” … and we call HIS birthday Christmas.

LOVE  IS ...

Love is a hill covered with flowers.

Love is the smell of fresh April showers.

Love is the chirp the little bird cries.

Love is the ocean, the way it tides.

Love is the sun, brightly in the sky shining.

Love is the dew, freshly a lying.

Love is a bug climbing a leaf.

Love is the coral which grows by the reef.

Love is a girl and one good boy.

Love is eternal life.

Oh, what a joy!

PHS Bulldog Barker April 13, 1973

Fresh Find: Awesome 2019 tab calendar stickers.

PHS Bulldog Barker December 17 .1971

"The eye is not satisfied with seeing." Ecclesiastes 1.8

The eye is a marvel. It is at once a microscope and telescope. It can catch the sheen of an insect's wing and behold the sun ninety million miles away. It is not only what the eye is able to see that makes it marvelous, it is what it expresses as the instrument of the soul within.

The eye of man is not satisfied with what it sees. It forever demands to see more. The eye of a brute never thrills to a landscape as an artist does. No ox ever put a blade of grass under a microscope, nor wished to do so.

Whatever man sees only incites him to search further. It is a law of his nature. The physician, the painter, all explorers, chemists, physicists, and biologists contribute their gifts to humanity under the working of this law. Their eyes see ever more clearly that which they train themselves to find.

So it is with spiritual affairs. The soul beholds ever more clearly what it strives to envision. That is why mere men and women become saints. That is why all useful religion is forward-looking. That is why Jesus illustrated so much of his teaching with growing things. That is why the eye of the soul is not satisfied until the Light of the world fills it. Then only does our restlessness pass into certainty and peace. Nor does this certainty and peace preclude a divine discontent which is only satisfied in the life beyond life. Perhaps not even then. Meditations for Men by Daniel Russell MCMXLV

Upward where the stars are burning,

Silent, silent in their turning

Round the never-changing pole;

Upward where the sky is brightest,

Upward where the blue is lightest,

Lift I now my longing soul.  Horatius Bonar

'eyes to see,' this is the name I use to label my pictures. It is a spiritual journey for me as I go out and see what God has my eyes to see and then share the beauty in what he has led me to. Being in tune with the Father through the Holy Spirit as I surrender to follow in this simple way allows me great joy. As I pick up a camera, I am excited to see what great things He will show me. I sometimes think that what I am seeing has no purpose and yet, He knows and amazes me through the process.

It is training for my soul. It allows me to listen, follow and see beyond what is right in front of me. This training allows me to see others in a way that is deeper than I can explain. God is good. 

eyes to see, a woman in spiritual training.

Fresh Find: I love this vintage home budget tin!

"When we decide to choose joy, it transfers as a love language to others through our actions." [up] I determine to surround myself with these people. 

A sweet friend, one who chooses joy in every situation, delivered the sweetest Nativity set to me. You can see it in this picture, in the background.

It comes with a manger, straw, and a book. The book title is The GIVING MANGER, by Allison Hottinger, illustrated by Emily King. It is about giving gifts that serve others, by serving others we serve Christ. Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

The story is about a family who has no resources this year for Christmas gifts. In the past, their father had made them each a wooden toy. This year he tells the children that they will get "more gifts." Then he gives them one manger and a bunch of straw. They were confused, then sad. The story suggests that they place a piece of straw in the manger each time they serve. They can choose to serve each other or help others. They get to decide. It takes them a while, but they come around. All their straw was in the manger, full of service and joy. Now, the baby Jesus had a manger filled with love; the love of lives touched and changed. In the end, the family understands the reason we give. It brings joy to those we serve, and changes you! 

I love this!!! Thank you Sally G.

Fresh Find: The GIVING MANGER.

2 Timothy 1:6, For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Matthew 3:11, I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

As I sit here, on this cold day, looking at the fire, I am reminded, and very blessed, that the Holy Spirit is alive and working within me. It is my responsibility to fan the flame, to learn, to grow, to go!

Fresh Find: What adorable slippers for a dog lover! 

We got this picture as a part of our Christmas this year. Lovin' it!

And, Sir Clinton received the most wonderful handmade scrapbook to remind him of our most Magical Thanksgiving Family Disney vacation last year. A Christmas of fun memories!

So much love in our world!!!

Fresh Find: Fun bird blocks!

I love that these two little girls get the experience of skiing.

Fresh Find: Fun Bill Blass bootie. Even on sale!

If we celebrate Christmas, then we accept that Jesus is the Savior. This is the meaning of Christmas. It is a Christian holiday filled with glory and peace. Opening presents symbolize having the greatest gift of all, living in us, Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that this Christmas finds you filled with the Spirit of Christmas through the acceptance of Jesus Christ. He is my hope and through him, I pray that you know true peace and that he is before you in all things. May the joy of the Lord be our strength to go into the world to deliver love and kindness. Merry Christmas friends!

Fresh Find: A little humor, but true, a reminder! Merry Christmas!

Ushka and Grandpa send Christmas wishes to each of you that joy will fill your heart with the love that flows from the Love of all, Jesus Christ!

Fresh find: Look closely at life; a great starter microscope.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Fresh Find: Beautiful Alpenhaus cowbells.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Aloneness allows for an easier attack. We must be sensitive to those who are fragile.

When we stand together in love, we are strong.

Two can do more than one and four more than two, and so the sharing of love grows.

When we stand together in love, we are strong.

One is cold; two creates warmth.

When we stand together in love, we are strong.

Trinity, three-in-one, Father Son and Holy Spirit. Remember this Christmas that through our Salvation we are stronger than any battle we will ever face. This Grace-gift is free and is a triple-braided cord for us; the Alpha & the Omega. We may fray from the pulls of life, but we find our way through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

When we stand together in love, we are strong.

Fresh Find: A fun gramophone for the phone!