Tag Archives: photography

The Netherlands 2013 Day 3

Posted on by under Travel

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At Last the Plane

A Haibun

The trunk slams. A hug, a kiss and she’s gone. I’m left standing on the corner with my bags. Checked in, belt off, shoes in the box. Then some old guy says “Put out your arms.” He pats me down. “Thanks,” I say. I’m through. Sitting in the window as the sun goes down.

The Em’rald Isle

Winks Golden before sunrise

Brownie magic.

Four hour layover means Irish breakfast in Dublin: Black and white pudding, ham, boxty, eggs, ‘shrooms and hot tomatoes. No tea for me just a strong black coffee. First on last off the plane.

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Train from Schipol

Zaandam bus to Womerveer

Pumpkin greets me.

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The Netherlands 2013 Day 2

Posted on by under Travel

Day two into my vacation and still no plane…I had a little farther to travel on this journey before I could even board the jet. God told me in advance I had things to do, necessary preparations, before I could take my window seat on flight 613.

In 1997 I went to England on a missions trip in April during my daughter, Amanda’s birthday. She wasn’t happy. This year I was scheduled again to be gone to Europe on her birthday. I joked with her that her birthday was really good to me and that she should have them more often. Still I wanted to make sure we celebrated together before I left.

100_1634We traveled up to Keene, New Hampshire and had a birthday dinner at The Olive Garden and then walked through the Old Colony Mill Mall. We stopped to listen to this gentlemen playing the piano. We visited Michael’s Craft store and then drove into Dublin to visit a favorite used bookstore of ours.

100_1637On our way home we stopped for some photo opportunities.Winter has not entirely left our region but spring is on its way if the rushing of the rivers is any indication.

I’m just curious what are your vacation preparations like?

The Netherlands 2013 Day 1

Posted on by under Travel

This journey does not begin on a plane. It begins in an art gallery. 100_1627My friend Clayton was playing at the Greater Gardner Area Art Show on Friday night the 12th. I felt I should go. I suppose it was work. I suppose it was relaxation. In my world the two things have a tendency to become blurred. Is work a got to or a get to ( If you are wondering about that read my post https://josephelonlillie.com/2013/04/06/got-to-or-get-to/) ? What about vacation? Is it a got to or a get to?

100_1628When you enjoy your work,  so much of it is an adventure. When you understand you are called to your position,  a day in the office can be the same as a plane trip to a foreign country.

100_1630You just never know what’s around the next corner: Pleasant surprise or terrifying trouble. When the Shepherd of your soul has sent you into a thing…when you know He is with you either thing becomes just a tool in His hand to bring blessing.

This is a good starting point.

 

 

 

The Change

Posted on by under The Stories

The Change

Daily Prompt: For many of us, winter is blooming into spring, or fall hardening into winter. Which season do you most look forward to?

100_0457Never the return of green and running falls

Dispelling ice from souls too long frozen

12-4-12 10-22-2012 1-55-47 PM. 24 042Nor summer sand burning toes

Ocean’s glimmer chosen for respite from the weary world

12-4-12 10-22-2012 2-24-17 PM. 24 063We do not covet autumn’s hues or

Changes come with dying splendor’s promise of the celebration

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Of another time to seal away to rest,  a winter solstice,

Snowy embrace!

My Warm Sun by JE Lillie

My Warm Sun by JE Lillie

The thing we long for is just the change.

If you want to try your hand at the Daily Prompt go to: http://dailypost.wordpress.com/

C.cada: March Still-Life Pt. 2

Posted on by under C.cada: Arts and Stuff
Lillian Lapoint

Lillian Lapoint

My God, inspire me

I can do so much more with you

Than I could do alone

Holy Spirit work through me.

Use me for your Kingdom’s name.- Lillian Lapoint

Sandy Freeman and Db Maciorowski

Sandy Freeman and Deb Maciorowski

Wounded

I am tossed around

And my heart becomes wounded

Yet so many think

There is no wound to be found

Lord please heal this heart of mine!- Deb Maciorowski

Lisa Johnson

Lisa Johnson

Feeling Flat

One day I feel flat

When my life is still and dry.

God’s breath fills me up,

To the shape I need to be

To bounce for Him with my all.- Lisa Johnson

Wounded

I am tossed around

And my heart becomes wounded

Yet so many think

There is no wound to be found

Lord please heal this heart of mine!- Lisa Johnson

Here are some more photos from the day apart.

If you would like to join our artists in writing a verse inspired by C.cada’s March still life go right ahead.

1. Write your own poem about our still-life (any poetic form is acceptable). Entitle it C.cada March Still-life.

2. You may use the photo of our still-life in your blog.

3. Link back to this site so all of our readers can share in the fun of reading your post.

March still life

March Still-life

Winter Puppies

Posted on by under For Family & Fun

This is what happens when little white dogs meet with a little wet snow!

Nothing a half hour with a blow dryer and a dog brush won’t fix!

True North

Posted on by under Travel

God  shared with me a few years ago that my travels needed to be ordered and approved by Him. I sort of concluded that meant I would be travelling less. I expected that I would be shelving my love for wandering… at least for a while. Nothing could have been further from the truth. If anything my journeys have increased in number; But now they are with a purpose.

This week’s trip sent me north to Waldoboro ME, to help out my brother-in-law who was recuperating from surgery. It was not a vacation in the strictest sense of the word. It was something far better.

I arrived at Midnight on the 21st.

Midnight in Waldoboro

Midnight in Waldoboro

I met and chatted with my brother-in-law’s friend, Janet who had been his driver to and from the surgery and who  stayed with him until I could get there. I walked Gideon (the dog), stowed my gear and finally bedded down on the couch about 2:30 A.M.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were spent walking the dog, making meals, visiting with Cliff and making sure he was taking his medicine. I am the mean nurse :). We did shoot out to the bank and the store on Friday to make sure he was stocked up for the weekend storm. We shared faith and watched a lot of movies. I finished my sermon and kept tabs with my office by cell phone. All in all it was a quiet three days in Maine farm country.

Here are a few photos:

I left Cliff much recovered on Saturday morning and headed down the coast stopping in Haverhill MA to see my daughter and her beau for lunch. Not to worry folks I kept it limited to veggies and fruits in keeping with Lent! Can I just say, travelling for God’s purpose is so much more fun than just going on vacation!

James Franklin and Melanie Lillie

James Franklin and Melanie Lillie

What have you been doing for excitement this winter?