Making Paper

After collecting scrap paper, boiling it for a couple of hours, turning it to pulp in a blender, and pouring the pulp into a large cooler, the actual paper-making process begins.

Step One:

Add any color (not food coloring... natural colors from herbs or plants work best) or scent, if desired, to the paper pulp. I added Gardenia scented oil to this batch of pulp.

Step Two:

Using your frame (a picture frame with screen instead of glass will do, as long as the screen is tight), pick up a good amount of pulp.

Step Three:

Strain out the excess water and let drip for a little while over the container of pulp. Use either a large sponge or your hand to press the pulp into the frame while the water is dripping out. When the pulp inside the frame is just very wet and no longer dripping, flip the frame over onto the drying area (either a towel laid out flat or a large screen raised up on saw horses or something) and gently encourage the wet pulp to fall out of the frame and land flat on the drying area.

Step Four:

Press the rest of the moisture, that you can, out with a towel. Now is the time to add any embellishments to the paper... pressed, dried flowers are what I used. Let the pulp completely dry before removing (this can take a few days) and Voila! you have handmade, textured paper. :)

"MY GOD IS" Concert

September 24, 2011

We had a wonderful time singing about Christ and ministering to the listeners who graciously attended this concert. Jen and Lexi worked so hard organizing everything... their labor was gratified by a superb evening as we all sang or played our hearts out. God gave us a beautiful evening and a fantastic spirit during the performance.

I didn't get the chance to take very many pictures and I missed the group shots that Jack took [jackmcdonnel.blogspot.com]. Head over to the his family blog for shots of the whole group (minus me) :).

Well, my computer is being dumb and won't let me upload edited versions of pictures, so that's it.

Good Friend, Good Time

Emmy and I rode with my mom to take Mrs. Skow to the airport... on the way back we shopped, stopped for a bite to eat, munched on gummies, and laughed our silly heads off. :) What a fun day we had!

Summer's Gold

The garden is a wonderful place to feel close to the Creator and soak up the happy sunshine.

Independance Day

We all had a great time setting off fireworks, licking marshmallowy fingers, and getting eaten up by mosquitoes.

St. Patty's and Practice

We are all excited about the upcoming concert in September. It's a great opportunity to serve God as well as sharpen our abilities He's blessed us with.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!

Studious Jack

Jenny shares a laugh with the members of the chorus

Jessie, Amanda (with her new, adorable hair), Breanna

A few members of Savos

The guys

Letter from Jesus

I was going through some college stuff last week and found alot of old assignments that I'd written for classes along with a few poems I'd written during my free time. I don't remember what the assignment was for this but I'm very glad I kept it. This letter was such an emncouragement to me as I re-read it and remembered my lifelong desire to write. I believe that God wants me to write; for you, He has planned something else. You can read this letter making adjustments so that it applies to the plan God has for your life, and it can be quite an encouragement. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I do.

Dear Stephanie,
     Before I get down to the point, I want to thank you for giving my children a few minutes of your time at the basketball game the other night. They will not forget that for a long time.
     You asked me the last time we talked if you should write. You mentioned that the desire is strong and maybe it is there for a reason. Well, yes, I do think you should write. In fact, I know you should. That desire to communicate to the world moral and Biblical truths through fictional stories is in you for a specific purpose and should be acted upon. It will be hard going through college and writing, but you have access to the Power that can help. Character plays a big part in all this too. If you do not have any, the stories will not get written. Concentrate right now on building character by getting up in the morning and reading the Bible. That will help you tremendously. Also, talk to me when you have any questions or need some encouragement and let me know how you are getting along. Then, during any free time you have, put something down on paper: words, ideas, sentences, phrases, poems, dates, research--anything. Just write it down. And remember, I will be happy to help you if you just ask me.
     Lastly, the classes you are taking in school will benefit you not only in getting a degree but also in your writing interests. It is in those classes, such as English and math and history, that you can learn proper grammar, writing techniques, moderation, how to convey your thoughts to others, logic, and a lot of history for your historical fiction.
     Keep working hard to get good grades in the subjects you are taking, for they hold the same ideals that you will convey to others through your stories. Words are important; use them wisely. And do not be discouraged when you struggle, for you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. I love you.

                                                                          Love,
                                                                          Jesus