I have an issue.........

Is it just me, or have you ever found yourself going and doing too much? I have a problem saying, "NO". My husband will be the first one to tell you that I can't say no when people ask me to volunteer to do something. He's told me before that I need to stand in front of a mirror and practice saying, "NO". I don't know, I just hate to disappoint people and I find it difficult to let people down. I mean, they wouldn't have asked me if they didn't really need the help, right?! Or do people ask me to do things because they are aware of my condition? (That of not being able to say no)

Anyway, I suddenly found myself busier than I need to be to stay healthy even and my calendar gagging with things to do, people to see, and to do lists galore. Has anyone else ever felt this way? Or do all of you out there take good care of yourself and discern what you should and shouldn't do? Am I the only one that goes overboard?!

Well, last week, I met myself coming as I was going. I thought I looked familiar, and sure enough as I got a little closer, I realized it was me! So, that's when I knew something had to be done. I mean, that's not healthy to meet yourself coming and going, right?! I have decided, after much prayer and soul searching, that I would release myself from some of my responsibilities. As I prayed and prayed for guidance in this matter, I suddenly felt at ease as a scripture came to mind. And when that happens I KNOW that He is talking to me and leading me. The scripture that came to mind was:

Ecclesiastes 8:15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.

I really believe that we are to do the work of the kingdom, but the Bible also tells us that we are to enjoy life and with that comes some time for refreshment of our bodies and our souls. It is good for us to relax some times. It is not good to always say yes if our whole heart cannot be "in it" because we are completely tired, worn out and stressed out. So, I purged some of my responsibilities and have minimized my load some and I feel so much better for it. I feel bad for letting some folks down, but I have to take care of me.

Has anyone else ever had this dilemma? Do tell. I'd like to know I'm not alone and it's not just me.

OK, enough of this. I'm off for some quality "me" time. I think I'll read a book! Ah, just the thought of that makes my soul smile!

God Bless!

The Weekend...........FINALLY

Have you ever just had one of those weeks that is 2 weeks long?! That's the kind of week I had. I am so glad it's Friday, I can hardly stand myself. Only trouble is, I've been looking forward to the weekend so much, for several reasons, that I know it's going to fly by. THAT makes me sad. But I'm not going to let the thoughts of Monday rob the joy from Saturday and Sunday!

The weekend is off to a wonderful start. Jimmy, Michael and I shelled fresh shrimp and fried them to go with baked potatoes. Yummy! There's just something about hard work that makes what you prepare taste even better. The shrimp were fabulous!

Tomorrow I have a hair appointment. Been looking forward to that. It's so nice to be pampered for a little while and come away looking fresh and new! WooHoo! And I was smart and made my appointment for noon, so I can enjoy sleeping in. I'll have time to leisurely sip my coffee and read my devotional on my back porch with the ceiling fan going while sitting in my rocker. Humming birds-a-plenty are always buzzing to and from the feeder hanging from the pole on the deck and the birdy chorus along with the frog back up singers is joyful music to my ears in the mornings. So, yeah, I'm looking forward to that too.

Then when I get home, I'll get to play with my early birthday present!!! My wonderful brother, mother and oldest son went in together and purchased Photo Shop for me! YES!!!! I am SO excited! I will be spending the afternoon loading it on my PC and learning all about it. I can't wait!

Then Sunday: early church, Sunday school, choir for 11:00 worship service and then rush home to change and cook a nice big family dinner. David and Haley will be coming for dinner. I love it when my whole family gets together. Good times! We'll probably end up playing games and watching a movie. We love to all pile up on the couch under the throws and watch movies. How fun.

And just like that, it'll be Monday...............again.

And that's all I got to say about that.

May God truly bless your weekend.

Sunday Afternoon with Kelsey (Set 3 of 3)

You thought I forgot. You thought I forgot, didn't you?! No. I didn't forget, I just, uh, found 436 other things that were more important to do at the time. And I've resolved myself to say that.............That's OK! Instead of concluding this post I............spent time with my family, cleaned out my closet, worked in my flowerbed, went shopping with a friend and cooked a big 'ol family dinner to a houseful of family and friends. So, for all of that, I don't regret the time I spent away from my computer. Sorry for keeping you waiting.

Here is the conclusion of my afternoon with Kelsey. If you want to see the whole shoot, you are welcome to check out my Shutterfly page. ellenworley.shutterfly.com/

OK. We can move on to something else now. I think next, I will post some shots of our mini vacation we took to Eufaula a few months ago. Lots of neat things to see.

Ya'll come back now, ya hear!

Sunday Afternoon with Kelsey (Set 2 of 3)

Here are a few more of the shoot with Kelsey. More to follow tomorrow.

Hope to see you again tomorrow.

Sunday Afternoon with Kelsey

I spent last Sunday afternoon with Kelsey. Wasn't sure if it was going to happen or not. The weather was rather threatening, but that's all it was.....just threatening. The rain held off and we got some pictures.........over 400 to be more precise! It's amazing how many pictures one can snap in two hours. We had a really good time and some serious laughs.

Kelsey, you are hilarious and I always enjoy taking your pictures. Never a dull moment with you around! We'll have to do it again soon.

OK, folks. You have no idea how hard it has been to pick only a few to go on my blog. I narrowed 388 (after omitting and editing) to only 15 for my blog posts over the next few days. I will put them in 3 sets of 5. Here are the first 5 I picked. If you want to see ALL the pictures, I plan on putting them all on my shutterfly page tomorrow afternoon.........late...........ok, I'm aiming for.......before I go to bed tomorrow night!! hahaha!

Heeeeeere's Kelsey...........................

See ya'll tomorrow for set 2 of 3!

Architectural Detail

I don't know why, but lately I have really been "diggin' " architectural details. I seem to notice it everywhere I go. I don't know why my eye is drawn to the beauty of it's detail, but it is.

Come have a look at what I mean.

This, of course, is The Russ House in Marianna. I took this shot several months ago. As I was leaving a photo shoot, I turned to tell my subject good bye when I noticed the way the sun shown through this beautiful historic dwelling. Knowing the setting sun would be gone in a matter of minutes, I snatched my camera back out of it's resting place and snapped these two shots.



I just thought it was so beautiful. The way the rays cast their shadows was mesmerizing. Completely stunning. When my eyes behold such beauty, I know it is a direct gift from my Father. Thank you, Lord for my sight!



Then there are these. This is a mansion in Eufaula Alabama. It is on a tour of antique mansions there. As we are only talking about architectural detail today, you'll have to wait to see the inside of this masterpiece another day. I almost have those pictures ready and promise to blog them soon. But for now, let's get back to the outside beauty of this "home", shall we?!



The columns were magnificent. I wish you could see the size of this place with your own eyes. The magnitude was breathtaking.




This little sun room off of one side was so cozy. I would love to spend some quality time here with a good book.

It's cool how the same subject can take on a completely new appearance just by the angle it is shot. It just adds interest.

I hope you have enjoyed the outside of this grand home. I will bring you the inside in the VERY near future!

God Bless and have a wonderful, restful and worshipful weekend!

A new little friend

I was headed out the door the other morning for work. As I made my way down the driveway to the car I spotted this little fella.



He was so cute. He was meandering up the driveway like he had an important date. I hurriedly made my way back inside for my camera, all the while thinking, "Hurry, hurry, you're going to miss him. He'll be gone if you don't hurry!" I rushed in, grabbed my camera, turned it on, got my focus all ready, scurried down the sidewalk toward the driveway..............and that's where it hit me! I just started laughing!

"OH YEAH!!! It's a snail! HAHAHA!"



When I found my way back to him, he had only gone about an inch.



Obviously he was NOT going to a fire! (Thank goodness, as he was heading for my house!)

I don't know why I was so taken by him. He is a tiny little thing. He is just adorable! Well, as adorable as a snail can be, I guess. I was taken by his antennae. They were mesmerizing! Short, then long, then ONE short while the other was long.......then I started wondering..........What, exactly ARE those? Are they antenna? Were those his eyes? What was HE seeing? Where was he going? Can he hear me talk to him?

And then.........I noticed another, um, uh.....whatEVER they are!
Is that...... is THAT....... HIS NOSE?!



It was so cute! Definitely NOT a button nose, but a cute nose in deed! IF, that's what it is. That's what I'm going to say it is.

If any of you are snail experts, help me out here. I am WAY curious about my new little visitor.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with fun, family, food, friends and good fellowship.


All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all.

—All Things Bright and Beautiful, a hymn by Cecil Alexander

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdLjQa3as58&feature=related