Photos 44-50/365

50/365 ~ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Tonight our community mourns its loss; but how wonderful it is to know where our friend rests and that we have a God who will comfort us. We love you and miss you already, Vanessa.

Note - it wasn't easy to post a photo tonight but two weeks ago Vanessa told me she had gotten into the habit of looking on FB each night to see the photo of the day and I just didn't want to let her down. What a beautiful, sweet person she was.

49/365 ~ Freedom is never free. ~Author Unknown

A trip to MR Motorcycle for an inspection turned into a quick ride on up to Black Mountain to visit the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery. I remembered seeing it in Mike Dirk's photo when Kade Warriner died and had put it on my list of places to visit. I didn't expect to find his grave amongst the thousands there but I was drawn to this flag waving in the evening wind. When I got over to it, Frank leaned down and read the name and it was Kade's. Then the sun started to set and I felt such a blessing to be near the site of someone so brave from our community. You can see the rest of the photos from this trip by clicking here: Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery.

48/365 ~ I don't think I've ever seen a barn so bright and green ...

Taken near East Fork Baptist Church where I will be doing a wedding this coming weekend. Marianne Van Wingerden has asked me to help her again. After we checked out the church we just had to go back and photograph this great green barn. Had lots of fun. Here is a link to the rest of the photos we took that day: It Ain't Easy Bein' Green

47/365 The Sand Dollar

A memory captured during one of our trips to the coast. Walking around outside today, wishing for spring's permanent return, I caught a glimpse of this sand dollar laying on our window frame. Makes me want to get away ... soon!

Upon this odd-shaped seashell a legend grand is told, about the life of Jesus, that wondrous tale of old. At its center you will see, there seems to be a star, like the one that led the shepherds and wise men from afar. Around its surface are the marks of nails and thorns and spear, suffered by Christ upon the cross; the wounds show plainly here. But there is also an Easter lily, clear for us to see, the symbol of Christ's resurrection for all eternity.

46/365 ~ Sunset and fire on the mountain. World's Edge/Judes Gap.

I just had to go see it. It was my first time on World's Edge and the view is amazing. I just hate to see the fire's destruction. Praying all stay safe who are fighting the blaze as well as those who's homes are nearby.

"As of 5 p.m. today, the fire had encompassed 550 acres, and could triple in size as fire crews extend fire lines to navigate the rugged mountain terrain. Three bulldozers and about 75 firefighters were working the scene this afternoon, David Brown, fire information officer for the State Fire Service, said from his cell phone at the intersection of Coopers Gap Road and Burgess Road near the Sunny View community, where plumes of smoke were clearly visible. Crews from Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Edneyville and Sunny View fire departments continue to assist in the operation, as is Henderson County Emergency Services." ~ Gary Clancy, Times-News, BlueRidgeNow.com

45/365 ~ A hundred hearts would be too few
To carry all my love for you. ~Author Unknown

Happy Valentine's Day. What kind of bug would you love? A lov bug of course - my card from Xyla and Harmony, so cute and filled with lots of lov bugs. Frank's is the Spongebob Heart Head card - they know the way to his heart - especially when combined with Ferrero Rocher Imported Chocolates. It's great to be grands!

44/365 ~ Family Tree

It's not a take on any of Ansel Adam's masterpieces but hey, it is b/w :). I just love this big tree hovering over the barn. Right now it looks domineering but in the summer its shade will be a welcome comfort. Perhaps that's how we see our parents through the years. As we grow, or change seasons, we start to realize they weren't there to rule over us, but to protect us.