tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4955525784029431392012-02-16T23:13:20.879-08:00:from an island garden and Biblical worldview perspective.Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.comBlogger1901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-51865543637486447522012-02-13T09:53:00.000-08:002012-02-13T10:34:13.101-08:00

Before our trip to Florida and California I picked up a journal that had on it's front cover, "in everything give thanks" and have been writing daily with this in mind.  When our flight was delayed and we arrived in the Orlando hotel at 2 am. We gave thanks that it was really only 11:00 pm and the hotel clerk upgraded us, out of pity perhaps, to a suite with Jacuzzi hot tub and big screen TV and

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-54257249737045075822012-01-26T20:59:00.000-08:002012-01-26T20:59:51.354-08:00

Rose after snow storm still blooming Palm fared well Bird bath frozen for now Bench in front of the cottage temorarily unuseful Porch where we sit in summer now with drifting snow Potager in winter wait A year and a half fighting cancer with chemotherapy, bilateral mastectomy and radiation, our daughter-in-law was pronounced cancer free according to the CAT scan taken this month.. All who have

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-15907893587112564732012-01-08T18:34:00.000-08:002012-01-08T18:34:25.918-08:00

January rose amongst Melianthus majorThe garden is fairly forlorn this time of year. The galianthus snowdrops have not appeared yet, but the red rose still clings to the vine even though it is January. The very miniature rose, rescued and bought about 5 years ago from Bert’s Red Apple grocery store in Madison Park area of Seattle,  a discard, out on the sidewalk in a 4” pot with a “For Sale 50

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-69854821960958224272011-12-08T18:09:00.000-08:002011-12-08T18:09:36.621-08:00

Plaque on the wall at Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle Last month diagnosed with a new primary cancer, I visited a lot of doctors with testing and surgery. The Lord gave me peace and the message "Do not concern yourself with tomorrow for today has enough troubles of it's own." I was prepared to hear the worst, but since I believe in a sovereign God who has a purpose for those who know Him, I 

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-66117392884877184572011-11-24T18:38:00.000-08:002011-11-24T18:38:54.931-08:00

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. May thanks giving be your daily living. Being thankful in every circumstance Gives peace and joy a chance. Here's a post from over a year ago that is still apropriate. http://weeklylifeclip.blogspot.com/2010/01/lions-in-our-midst-trying-to-destroy.html I pray that you learn to have peace in each of your circumstances as well.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-18645731350355865922011-11-13T20:28:00.000-08:002011-11-14T12:48:47.681-08:00

In October, breast cancer awareness month,  a dove appeared outside our window the week before my regular mammogram. I had experienced God sending a white dove only once before when I needed encouragement. Through a dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, He let me know his forknowledge of all things in my life ,and that He will not leave me. I took a video of it but, my camera, needing repair did

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-80830681625147497012011-10-31T11:35:00.000-07:002011-10-31T11:35:20.947-07:00

Tomato fellas contemplating their futureAlien potato clan rescued from down under Another strange tomato appears I don't like Halloween, but in our garden this month, some strange creatures appeared. Often God forwarns us of things to come by His creation as well as incidents around us. The shattering of glass myteriously in a door pane, dishes flying out of the cupboard several times this summer

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-60211323585203717332011-10-25T14:08:00.000-07:002011-10-25T14:08:43.864-07:00

Classes at the potting shed, Great Dixter in England 9-11-01 right before we heard 9/10/01 Christopher Lloyd teaching us to not be "subtle" I remember the morning after 9/11 in England visiting Beth Chatto in her garden. She was quite concerned over our welfare and county and I replied truthfully, "We couldn't be in a better place in times of distress, if not with family, then in your garden,"

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-39399323452466391442011-08-29T17:18:00.000-07:002011-08-29T17:18:12.762-07:00

 Lessons from the seed falling on rocky ground  "...the soil was so shallow and held so little nourishment and moisture, the heat of the sun soon withered the sprouting seed so that it died. It is always easier to begin a thing than it is to finish it." Barclay commentary on Mark 4:5-6  1   Such it is with writing, including blogs, discipling new believers in fact anything of importance started

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-4980189739769786112011-08-25T10:08:00.000-07:002011-08-26T11:56:47.214-07:00

Pansy (Panola Beaconsfield) seed on path "Some people are like seed along the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them." Mark 4:15 NIV Here are some insights to help you sprout, thrive and bear more fruit. Step out of the box off the trodden path.  Birds devour seed that falls on the wayside, the well-worn and hardened path

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-74183408848124573002011-06-08T13:50:00.000-07:002011-06-08T13:50:50.074-07:00

Sunday morning as we strolled out on the back deck to view the garden we saw an amazing sight. Rising from the northeast horizon, these high streaming clouds reminded us of a river. It was almost surreal like a warning or a message.  We stopped to ponder the beauty and perhaps its reason, preparing us for our church service later that morning of self-examination.  Here are some thoughts: 1.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-36013367132837415532011-05-28T15:17:00.000-07:002011-05-28T15:17:04.615-07:00

Dealing with Paperwork How do people who grew up in times of difficulty get rid of the stuff they think they will need? Is it compounded by living on a small island? Perhaps, but  FedEx by ferry and UPS by plane eliminates what used to be island isolation.  I am waiting for the mail to deliver a Fujistsu Scansnap to help with the paper piles after reading Michael Hyatt’s blog on leadership.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-28789776527567995252011-02-10T11:26:00.000-08:002011-02-10T11:26:02.478-08:00

1. Encouragement can sometimes come vicariously from other's positive care in tough times. UMC memorial in front of Hospital entrance when I arrived to help my hospitalized brother. 2. When seemingly frozen in time, awaiting tests, decisions, options, risks, answers, may you understand God's timing is always perfect no matter how "hobbled, hackled and hogtied, short-leashed" you may feel.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-60344506701662046292010-12-24T23:57:00.000-08:002010-12-24T23:57:51.781-08:00

Ferry crossing a few weeks ago with severe weather warning interrupting radio on mainland Merry Christmas!This last month, as we travelled back and forth every week to the mainland, major storms and dark clouds brewed on the way. At one point, severe weather warnings interrupted the radio station as we drove. All around us friends and family are experiencing other kinds of great storms, (one

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-7293020595026038042010-11-25T13:39:00.000-08:002010-11-25T13:39:33.790-08:00

4 year old grandson Dylan held up his placemat At a Montessori preschool, his first year enrollment, I’ve been bringing him to school on Thursdays when his Mom goes to doctor’s appointments. Last Thursday, attending his Thanksgiving soup day which they helped make, they had a program before the meal when the children said what they were thankful for, reading from their hand woven placemats. Many

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-17408751917798671222010-11-18T10:26:00.000-08:002010-11-18T10:26:00.070-08:00

Quercus red oak in Autumn glory  Outside my wrting loft window I notice the oak, putting on new color, readying itself for the bareness of winter. The change comes as a surprise since I have not spent much time at my writing desk lately. Change seems to be happening not just with the season but everything around us.The grape vine yielding its grapes to birds, bursts into color  I've stopped

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-43080535582984383892010-10-11T12:03:00.000-07:002010-10-11T12:03:34.703-07:00

 Spots on the espaliered peargrowth hidden on the underside of the leaves A month ago, when Ciscoe Morris visited us, he pointed out a canker on the lilacs, mentioning it did not look good, and might be hard to get rid of. Then last week when we were touring the garden with another guest, I noticed similar spots, large red and circular on the espaliered pear. Looking underneath seeing the strange

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-54775912251035312572010-09-16T15:41:00.000-07:002010-09-23T10:56:51.857-07:00

Autumn Crocus Along the path to the cottage, travelled every day is a seasonal bed of lupines and oriental poppies in the spring, shastas and lemon balm in the summer and in the fall anemone blanda. We clear a space of all but the anemones and soon, always seemingly by surprise the autumn crocus pushes through the ground for its glorious display. In the blank spaces of life , joy appears, hardly

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-18258624910416083292010-08-14T23:56:00.000-07:002010-08-14T23:56:49.966-07:00

Time has stepped up its pace. Not only does there seem to be an axis change, but a time change. I know the clocks don't get it, but then they are adjusted by man not any other external source..I know the sun and stars are still on track or we would notice. Perhaps there is just a time when everything seems so much faster so that we have to stop, "get it", evaluate our time and let other things

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-7110719761534923662010-08-08T18:57:00.000-07:002010-08-08T18:57:13.163-07:00

 In the space where a dead Kittsgate rose bush lay, teasel flew in.How many things come into your life unexpected? A new experience, a new vision or a new outlook changes your mood, vision, future or just encourages you.  It often takes a bare space in your life before unexpected changes happen. I have cleared a lot out of my life, including the writing loft where I don't seem to write. I

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-58573502374675455532010-07-13T16:47:00.000-07:002010-07-13T16:57:02.760-07:00

Mat-Su Valley from Hatcher's Pass "Have you gazed on naked grandeurwhere there's nothing else to gaze on,Set pieces and drop-curtain scenes galore,Big mountains heaved to heaven,which the blinding sunsets blazon,Black canyons where the rapids rip and roar?Have you swept the visioned valley with the green stream streaking through it,Searthed the Vastness for a something you have lost"Have you

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-78065833355308940812010-07-04T23:36:00.000-07:002010-07-04T23:36:22.965-07:00

We watched fireworks display this year from our porch.(last year's video) Here are some random thoughts today as we celebrate our country's independence. We returned from Alaska to find the barn swallows fledged from the nest outside our back door now independent and new monthly tenants happily taking up residence. Here a video of previous year's fledglings. "We hold these truths to be

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-35441194014685228302010-06-28T00:55:00.000-07:002010-06-28T00:55:30.110-07:00

Away in Alaska with family and having too much fun to stop and work on videos and photos and blog. In the land of the midnight sun, we work and play until the day is done - finding it after midnight. Will try to add a little at a time this week if we can find internet connection.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-9755678564704311292010-06-20T22:33:00.000-07:002010-06-20T22:33:55.452-07:00

"God took the strength of a mountain,The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun,The calm of a quiet sea,The generous soul of nature,The comforting arm of night,The wisdom of the ages,The power of the eagle's flight,The joy of a morning in spring,The faith of a mustard seed,The patience of eternity,The depth of a family need,Then God combined these qualities,When there was nothing more to

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-86078054947744568792010-06-13T23:09:00.000-07:002010-06-13T23:09:01.549-07:00

There is an axis of change in our lives, as we are slowing down to catch up in the garden and to prepare for a family trip. Here are previous year's thought bites relating to present year's sights. The roses are in full glory: Paul's himalyan musk rose and Paul's scarlet. The barn swallows by the back door hatched last week. The violet-green swallows feed just hatched young in the nestbox that

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-62639567788137892462010-06-06T23:16:00.000-07:002010-06-06T23:18:26.166-07:00

Why is it that the more I let go of the busier I getI've concentrated on letting go of everything not setI've let go of coordinating, singing, writing and artI've been cleaning and sorting, doing my part.Time to look at life and what is important to it*I have been so busy, not even time to do it So for the garden we've hired helpbecause Cisco is coming, yelp!He's speaking on our island,coming on 

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-1672585897303192512010-05-30T23:05:00.000-07:002010-06-06T22:44:28.203-07:00

   Paul's scarlet climber rose Rose petal fallen to the groundWe have been off the island this last week with family celebrating our grandson's fourth birthday. While at the shopping center, I received a poppy for remembrance of our vets. So the celebration of life and the freedom that vets gave through their death  has been on my mind. The flanders poppies, our former garden signature, are no

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-56716188498195464752010-05-22T20:53:00.000-07:002010-05-22T20:53:08.349-07:00

Echeveria with youngsters on steps to the potager Chives in potager (and in our soup pots)Spanish lavender taking over stone steps to lower level orchard neglected nepeta on bank in front of houseIris tenax on same bank (looks blue here but actually light purple)Lilacs and lupines in the long border It has been a busy week and I am without words...but that is what a picture is worth.Hope

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-60615693437250357632010-05-16T22:11:00.000-07:002010-05-16T22:26:46.157-07:00

We called the well guy out last week. There were some problems he needed to resolve. For one, the water was extremely hard since he came last and shut off one of the wells into the system. My hair was dry and frizzy, my skin and lips were flaking and I was getting irritated. The water was also a little bitter. Buddy from Coldsprings pump lifts the root from the tank (plum tree in the way)When he

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-58461696178801773412010-05-14T02:50:00.000-07:002010-05-16T22:30:53.972-07:00

 Marrubium vulgare, White Horehound"What is the most unusual herb you have grown?" was the question for this week on "Garden Writers Today" Facebook page. I decided on horehound even though I have a more unusual one for the weekly blog.6 reasons our horehound is unusual? The herb was the source of my favorite childhood candy in Nova Scotia It was growing on the land when we arrived over 30 years

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-22123282842045619072010-05-09T18:41:00.000-07:002010-05-09T18:41:38.732-07:00

Nest in geranium hanging backet emptyA video of the fledged junco grass in the way. Mother robin calling to fledgling Everywhere I step, baby birds. First a Spotted Towhee’s fledgling fluffy ball of feathers standing in the center of the stone steps to the lower orchard. Next a young robin, noticed as a result of the mother robin’s chip chip chipping. Next a fledgling junco in the grass at the

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-84085763097373183782010-05-02T20:54:00.000-07:002010-05-08T20:30:58.118-07:00

“Why is that robin pecking on our window? Asked my daughter-in-law when we went to care for our grandson with a newly broken leg. “He won’t go away.” “They often do this in nesting season,” I suggested, “It sees the reflection of itself and thinks it is a competitor.” So when the robin started to peck again, I pulled the shades to cut off the bird-side reflection. The next day, as I was

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-71436516246266221572010-04-25T21:45:00.000-07:002010-04-25T21:49:31.852-07:00

Clematis Montana Clematis Montana climbing up the Noble fir outside gate  --  inside gate with new plantings                          Inside gate in back of the cottage,choisya, rhodys, and cornus hybrid"Eddie's white wonder" clarodendrum bungii taking over in tall sprouts in the hot bed Few words here because I again took advise from Billy Collins .

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-47987414075433359632010-04-18T22:41:00.000-07:002010-05-08T20:26:22.709-07:00

Hanging ivy geranium basket with hidden junco nest nest in basket Last week, with the warmer weather, I moved the wintered over ivy geranium hanging basket from the greenhouse and placed it undercover on a hook by the back door. By the end of the day there was a junco nest in it. I can see now that the junco had a sense of urgency since their usual nesting ground in the long border was disrupted

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-7727859501346979812010-04-11T21:08:00.000-07:002010-04-11T21:12:50.364-07:00

Last week or so, the temperature dropped, the wind came in force, and like snow, fuji cherry blossoms filled the air. Then it hailed. Here are the large hail, day-after remains, on the shaded sedum and on the shaded walkway amongst the self-seeded columbine Dramatic weather changes catch our attention. In an extremely busy week, it made me stop and think. Elijah in hiding came to mind. God met

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-91845704669703025082010-04-03T23:23:00.000-07:002010-04-04T08:12:13.294-07:00

Here are pictures from this week in white Blossoms on Fuji Cherriy trees that line our driveway Hellebore Lenten Rose I'll add pictures this week. In the meantime, Easter post from 2008.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-41408806235467721842010-04-02T11:11:00.000-07:002010-04-02T16:31:26.467-07:00

Raked, weeded, mulched we started to lay a path with stepping stones “The greatest thing a generation can do is lay a few stepping stones for the next generation.” Charles Kettering Our garden stones are neither set secure nor step to somewhere special (We are working on it). Stepping stones of value I believe must have a secure foothold and lead to something of lasting importance. I continue

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-46249403857420575912010-03-26T20:53:00.000-07:002010-03-27T17:21:28.032-07:00

Facing the morning sunNarcissus along the split rail fence in the meadow. I gather them twice a week to send to friends that need cheering Bursting into budMy husband planted a row of Norway maple along the entry road. Yellow pollen fills the air. The daffodils in the potager Cheering and crowding a spring bare spot under the frost crumbled bird bath Mounds of mosses The Dicranum (I think) on the

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-62303687682950234412010-03-21T20:15:00.000-07:002010-03-22T15:07:57.907-07:00

Rock wall built this week using found field stone, old pump and older stone trough How many times must I replant the peas? Every day for the last few weeks, as I checked out the garden in the morning I found the peas uprooted, what was left of the pea seed eaten and leaves cut off. So I replant the remains...every day.    Last year it was the mink, the sightings and the footprint size betrayed

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-25400591007179303552010-03-14T10:17:00.001-07:002010-03-16T18:09:21.310-07:00

We're off island this week to a St Patrick's Day party with my former music group, Homespun. Enjoy the one day that we all become a little Irish. I'm taking a wee break. A new blog design will be uploaded tonight. Tell me what you think. Thanks for stopping by.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-63089239422310555942010-03-07T18:05:00.000-08:002010-03-08T23:39:44.543-08:00

Bare for a season with ninebark cut back The long border is out of control. The bindweed has broken the barriers, taken over, and settled itself in. We were too busy to watch and deal with it. Now it’s hiding around every plant to emerge with strength and force when the conditions are right. We know its plans with its binding tendrils to take away unique identity and force all other plants to

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-44231428322852674732010-02-28T23:43:00.000-08:002010-03-01T16:38:46.745-08:00

Stephen King book On Writing outside on chair with helleborus I counted on a rainy winter week to hunker down and work on writing, but the woods in our backyard are full of bird song, the hellebores, daffodils, crocus, tulips and forsythia Plum and pear trees have also blossomed. It feels like May. I couldn't stay inside. While working outside I started thinking about my lack of writing

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-20747434305991846832010-02-21T23:15:00.000-08:002010-02-21T23:15:23.032-08:00

A fun weekend with a surprise visit from our son and grandson. Here are some pictures. Will post blog later this week. Teaching grandson Dylan about flickers with found feathers Chef son Chris’ Kiwi Pineapple jam experiment for his restaurant Chris brought this so Neil could experiment with a fried clam dinner Summer-like weather brought out the bees Batman visits too

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-33333914027912211292010-02-16T16:00:00.000-08:002010-02-16T16:03:22.312-08:00

Sunday,  I looked for a garden Valentine heart that I could post, asking God, "Where might I find one?" No answer until yesterday as I came through the gate into the  garden, there in front of me, the wind had blown the dead pampas into a heart.  Honestly, I didn't do this, and I didn't expect Him to answer in this way. God who controls the wind and all the ways of our life (if we ask) has

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-72558731197416404292010-02-07T21:49:00.000-08:002010-02-14T22:55:16.787-08:00

A very quick drawing from memory of the hedge The juniper “hedges” caught my attention last week as we pushed the girls in their stroller through a 50 year old stable neighborhood in California. They caught my attention first because they were the primary landscape structure in our first purchase 60’s house. I can see that these owners, who could no longer garden as they once did, hired a “

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-87269813792211267492010-02-01T20:41:00.000-08:002010-02-01T20:41:41.928-08:00

Daughter stopping for a picture while heading to the church for granddaughter’s baptism This week we stepped away from the social media connections and from the garden, jumping off the island onto a ferry, heading to California for our granddaughter’s baptism Sunday January 31. In one of the books I carried along to read,  Gardens, A Literary Companion,(my exception from escaping the garden), 

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-39649050892741477762010-01-24T23:04:00.000-08:002010-01-24T23:04:19.363-08:00

January ornamental pear branch triumph after November leader limb loss  This week with “el Niño” temperatures rising into the 60’s, I decided to get outside to push the plants’ and my own boundaries, inspired also by a short 20 minute movie sent via RSS from Michael Hyatt, “The Butterfly Circus.” 1.Cleaning up garden: The sunny, spring-like day shows off a host of problems: windows streaked

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-65821120505691501852010-01-17T23:09:00.000-08:002010-01-18T13:17:36.536-08:00

Cement for footing finally delivered, pump waiting 20 years for hook up and trough found 3 months ago God used these 5  frustrations to point me back to myself and then to encourage. 1. Holes and piles of dirt wait three months for several workmen. Point: God prepared the way for me to write. Three months later no proposal sent out. Encouragement: “Show up and get to work.” After I

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-42530891684387333042010-01-09T22:08:00.000-08:002010-01-16T21:23:12.445-08:00

"Daniel in the Lion's Den" by Briton Riviere 1892 (depicting Daniel 6:16-24) picture in our home bought in Florida antique shop years ago What is your reaction to this picture? “The Lord is near. Be not anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-24476505747681497702010-01-02T20:21:00.000-08:002010-01-03T19:21:07.801-08:00

At the Dawn of a New YearIt is only helpful to look back upon an old year to remember God's faithfulness: His grace where we have failed and/or His many faceted provision in need. So I'm posting a few of last year's clips (click on highlighted words) in hopes to encourage you as well for this coming year.1. "Your faithfulness continue to all generations." Psalm 119:902. "Do not store up

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-3814086132665870072009-12-28T20:56:00.000-08:002009-12-29T08:39:43.977-08:00

Gift left in greenhouse by island friendWhen an island friend came to leave a Christmas gift while we were away, the only place she could find unlocked was the greenhouse,* amongst the dirt and the mice. It reminds me of the dirty manger that God’s greatest gift ever, Jesus, was placed after being sent away from the locked inns of the time.Where have you locked Jesus out of your life this year?

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-46305727892891158502009-12-20T22:47:00.001-08:002009-12-21T22:15:41.058-08:00

We're leaving the island for Christmas Watching from the ferry, leaving cormorants and gull behind on piling All creatures on this earth who dwell, (birds as well)Sing praise to Him (God with us) Emanuel May your Christmas be filled with wonder and joy!Joy by letting Jesus, enter fully your heart todayMake a prime space room for Him which means getting out of the wayand leaving the old me behind.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-47763379031381143702009-12-15T23:14:00.000-08:002009-12-16T00:01:54.454-08:00

Snickerdoodle MessSeed: Last week, I decided to bake some cookies to bring to an elderly wheelchair-bound friend. Early that morning I got this wild hair-brained idea to roll them in “Holiday Red sparkling sugar” instead of the usual white sugar, mixed with cinnamon. Along with rolling them too big so that they all ran together, I created an ugly mess.Plant: This garden loving friend likes

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-85048242256140844832009-12-13T21:38:00.000-08:002009-12-13T21:39:38.646-08:00

Changing blog around. Let me know what you think?

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-39696866779793174362009-12-11T21:35:00.000-08:002009-12-13T18:03:49.570-08:00

Crammed GreenhouseOn the ten days of Christmas my true love* sent to me,Ten days of freezing temps, plants frozen by degree.Melianthus major barely holding onFatsia suffering and windmill palmOutdoor faucets now in blanket clothesThe worm bin taken in before it frozeFushia gardenmeister shoved in the hallwayEcheverias into the sunroom all awayOur small greenhouse stuffed to the max,Canna,

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-80899201058614070672009-12-06T18:46:00.000-08:002009-12-08T17:41:28.409-08:00

Northern "red shafted" Flicker on frozen groundOn the fifth day of Christmas my true love* sent to me:A flock of foraging flickers on frosty ground you see. They woke me up that day,So I wouldn't forget to pray. Here outside my window are two video-captured foraging flickers. *Thank you Lord for cheering my heart and helping me do my part. Does God ever encourage you through birds?

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-4972179973948695582009-12-02T21:34:00.000-08:002009-12-09T21:30:36.011-08:00

"A note from the Editors" caught my attention in Rafiki 2010 CalendarI’ve gone off track, attempting to study social media, marketing, and improve my blog links, instead of writing the book. It has brought me into a sort of “dark night of the soul”*, without pleasure and certainly no delight to my readers. I’ve begged a few friends and family to “follow” me. Thank you to those who have. But all

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-50326258036186867262009-11-29T14:51:00.000-08:002009-11-29T16:30:54.072-08:00

The last remaining sweet pea picked Nasturtium sprouted out of the drain, after two year wait, too late to bloom Rhode Island Greenings picked before the storms First the wind and rain - broken leader on ornamental pear Thunder and lightening and then hail. Then a glorious morning before the next storm.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-60750673845877448572009-11-26T10:57:00.000-08:002009-12-08T18:50:56.139-08:00

God's island bounty at worship service Sunday“Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with Praise.Give thanks to him and praise His name,For the Lord is good, and his love endures forever;His faithfulness continues through all generations!” Psalm 100:4 Our Thanksgiving celebration this year will be non-traditional. at our son Chris’ restaurant, PALISADE, in Seattle where they are

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-56650218501606696382009-11-20T23:03:00.000-08:002009-12-08T19:00:56.965-08:00

Gate torn open by a severe wind storm The huge November windstorm last week took the double garden gate, swept it off the poles, heaved the pins and latches about the yard and scattered the now single gates down the rock stairs leaving a wide hole open to the different destruction deer. The timing was perfect. I needed a reference image to help me since I’ve committed to regular writing for

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-58841931944668645932009-11-15T19:33:00.000-08:002009-11-17T18:17:29.687-08:00

Don't look back(Lincoln Brewster singing )Following my husband's advice to have more music and joy in my life, I stepped away from the garden writing and hit the road with our praise and worship team (I'm one of the vocalists) to CMS 2009 (Christian Music Summit) at Overlake Church in Redmond WA. . For two full days we heard top name performers, song writers, artists on stage and in

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-26725697577090107422009-11-09T12:48:00.000-08:002009-11-09T13:03:44.735-08:00

Away from the garden. In a Victoria BC hotel room.God speaks to me through this morning’s devotionals. “The cost of Quitting, November 9” Tozer on Christian Leadership:A 366-Day Devotional, “The Spirit-filled life is not, as many suppose, a life of peace and quiet pleasure. It is likely to be something quite the opposite….sometimes there is a pitched battle with our own nature where the lines

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-8321297730721877252009-11-01T20:24:00.000-08:002010-02-16T10:19:09.545-08:00

It seems that whenever I start a larger writing project, a tidal wave comes and sweeps me into the ocean with no pen, paper, nor thoughts other than to get back to shore with solid ground on which to stand. I put an essay on aging regarding sinking sand here for three days until someone mentioned that if I published it here, I couldn't anywhere else. I'm not sure I will publish anything

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-69571943431059000882009-10-26T17:22:00.000-07:002009-10-31T22:58:06.470-07:00

Quercus (Oak) Colchicum (Autumn Crocus)"Red sky at night sailor's delight"

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-16369973406935701412009-10-18T22:38:00.000-07:002009-11-18T11:06:28.231-08:00

"Proud as a Peacock" showed up at our door and stayed for three months.The Lord has been talking to me about pride lately. I am a slow learner.In trying to organize pictures for the book that I’m working on, I discovered this peacock picture, taken about 9 years ago. I remember that he strutted and fanned out of his feathers in front of the cottage door. I thought at that time pride was all

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-86688692308191969752009-10-11T21:58:00.000-07:002010-01-03T18:35:07.474-08:00

McCoon apple tree bearing much fruitJohn 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit and - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." NIVBecause I was thinking of writing a book and interested in social media marketing, I found the site:6 Reasons Why You Should NOT Write a BookBy Laura ChristiansonReprinted with

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-35181432023775329462009-10-04T22:34:00.000-07:002009-10-08T22:57:57.972-07:00

Quick tour of the kitchen garden borders to gather pictures for the seasonal book. Scarlet Runner beans Dahlia guarding the greenhouse door Echeveria agavoides mother plant Echeveria agavoides progeny spilling over stepsSome kitchen garden produce ready for pesto and pizza"Holy, holy, holy, the whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, and

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-25766600869781080782009-09-27T20:22:00.000-07:002010-03-13T09:32:11.202-08:00

Here's the bleating fawn in the daytime Every morning, for three days, a different creature woke me up. First a fawn bleating outside our open bedroom window, the next day the familiar tree frog, and the third day a spotted towee. God's alarm clock through His creatures to wake me up at my usual time to pray, read His word and seek His face. Otherwise I would have slept in since I was on pain

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-29805641231080645152009-09-20T20:43:00.000-07:002009-11-08T14:41:57.770-08:00

For the second week God has been speaking to me everyday through His creatures, encouraging me to write in spite of obstacles.Monday noon God sent a mink to our front door and birdbath. I have created a folder for the mink stories. Mink signify the obstacles to me, they steal the ground nesting bird’s eggs and are quite vicious, attacking neighbor’s chickens. They even eat my planted peas and

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-64312861253901954772009-09-13T21:00:00.000-07:002009-12-07T22:27:06.874-08:00

A tree frog arrived at our doorThere are always obstacles and annoyances, especially when on this mission of writing a book proposal. Yet, the more interruptions, the more encouragement I have. If it were not important to do this, the path would be smooth. Yet, on this rocky winding garden path, God, rich in kindness, meets me at every turn. Psalm 59:10The last few weeks we picked pears and

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-64898498665003511952009-09-06T20:37:00.000-07:002010-01-02T20:18:53.450-08:00

The place set aside for writingOver 10 years ago I knew in many ways, God was calling me to write a book, a bird lover's devotional. I had found an interested publisher and worked with them for several years, changing it to meet their needs, but then their focus changed so they let me go. One of the editors pleaded for me to keep persuing a place for it, but I stopped sending it out to anyone

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-81523274849170267572009-08-30T21:59:00.000-07:002009-09-13T21:00:38.306-07:00

Morning FogLately in the morning we wake up foggy and with frogs, not just in our head and throat but outside our window. By midmorning it lifts and a glorious late summer day decides to stay. I love this time of year.This last week I interviewed a friend to help him promote his book. He related several stories about friend's boats in the fog and I ended making a video of a fog related story

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-43466160970172324812009-08-25T22:01:00.000-07:002009-08-25T22:02:48.928-07:00

Blog delayed, playing music instead.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-16889348890219260212009-08-19T15:03:00.001-07:002010-01-03T18:23:59.123-08:00

Void of music - (Piano parts taken, hammers reshaped)Last week I decided that it was time to become serious about wanting more music in my life. With so many deaths in our family this year along with moving, I have neglected to find joy. I have always loved music and surrounded myself with instruments and opportunities to play but never taken the time to really practise and get better. So last

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-68356397474624100042009-08-09T23:34:00.000-07:002009-08-11T21:55:48.433-07:00

Pappy held stillEvery family has its black sheep they say. If this were true and we had to point one out at this family gathering, it would be Pappy. It is not because we don't love her, but somehow if the black sheep demands a lot of negative attention she would be it. Unfortunately for Pappy, two great-uncle dogs showed up that had grace, poise and caused no problem except initially to Pappy.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-16487741420660341972009-08-02T22:02:00.000-07:002009-08-02T22:08:12.802-07:00

Didn't get the blog finished today. It has been a week of interruptions while trying to get ready for our whole family coming to visit. We are very excited. Perhaps I will finish this tomorrow.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-34506570293181503982009-07-26T23:22:00.000-07:002009-12-31T19:23:26.745-08:00

Last night we had the most amazing thunderstorm. Unlike where I grew up, we don't get many in this part of the world in summer. First faint flashes in the sky and much later thunder proved a storm. It moved gradually closer, the channel in front of the house changing texture and color much like marble, as wind picked up off shore. Then the long awaited rains started lightly and slowly, (Yes, it

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-31713441379979601152009-07-19T21:49:00.000-07:002009-11-24T10:42:22.621-08:00

Photo by Cherie ChristensenKittsgate rose covering cottage several years ago Goldfinch in the thistlesThis week I've been pulling and cutting back thistles and stuffing them in black plastic bags so they won't spread to the neighbors. They made their many points on my arms and legs, putting up a fight before I put them in the sack, but I won the battle though scarred. One year I kept a field full

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-42790537205281293922009-07-12T19:41:00.000-07:002009-07-12T20:30:44.576-07:00

Downtown Seattle (picture by labradoodles) We decided this week to go to Seattle to a Mariner's game and celebrate Neil's birthday at Chris' restaurant. Stayed downtown for two nights and became a tourist. It was an enjoyable break from catching up that caused us to be further behind upon return. Seems like two steps backward one step forward, but was the two steps backwards when we left to enjoy

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-89467035645832596392009-07-04T23:44:00.000-07:002009-07-12T19:37:06.959-07:00

Lopez Island fireworks

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-1544899679869728362009-06-28T23:28:00.000-07:002009-07-02T22:45:48.752-07:00

picture of Neil spending two days fixing water hydrant leak (he didn't want me to put it in)Back to mail piled high but not the grass - someone mowed while we were gone. Garden looking great, a friend cared for it while gone. Strawberries galore, best in 30 years. Maybe we should go away this time every year. We've been picking them and making jam and freezing them all week. Baby birds everywhere

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-7445888573665069292009-06-21T21:54:00.000-07:002009-07-02T22:13:45.396-07:00

A time for everything except writing the blog.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-79155207563238167022009-06-12T10:12:00.000-07:002009-06-12T20:59:23.414-07:00

Eleanor Parker born June 10, 20097 lbs 7 oz, 19.5 inchesThe week before Eleanor was born, preparation was in the works. Loads of dirt arrived by trucks and distributed by wheelbarrows to the back and front yard, transforming it from of river of red volcanic rock to a smooth bed for the rolled out sod, soon be grass, to lay on. Then the black mulch truck came and piled it all in the driveway and

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-21334365795663559902009-06-07T22:01:00.001-07:002009-06-07T22:40:48.168-07:00

Hummingbird nest in greenhouse we visited We've done everything we can to prepare for granddaughter Eleanor's arrival. The yard is finished, new grass and mulch and rocks picked and placed. We even went to the garden shop to buy welcoming plants for near the front door. At the greenhouse amongst the perenials we noticed a yellow caution tape and looked up amazed to see a hummingbird nest

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-28544576368840388462009-05-31T22:15:00.000-07:002009-05-31T22:25:17.901-07:00

Just sittin and waitin for God's timing for Eleanor to be born. Due date June 1, but everyone thought she would come early. In the meantime, we are getting to know Maggie, our first granddaughter and helping where we can. Blog for now, just not as important as the above. (will try to add pictures later this week)

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-51941398423039978772009-05-26T19:18:00.000-07:002009-06-01T16:59:30.772-07:00

Mt Shasta I-5 CaliforniaWe headed south as did our new grandbaby; however, we arrived but our daughter and son-in-law's baby has decided not yet. So blog and baby delayed for now.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-87841598046740152632009-05-17T21:45:00.000-07:002009-11-02T12:48:37.666-08:00

Note and flowers found in my purseTo have friends, you need to take time for them to listen and care and go and see them. We took a break from the moving and catching up to visit with old friends in Seattle one of which travelled across the country to see and gather us together. I need to do this more often and plan ahead. As Neil and Chris and Dylan went to the ball game, another friend offered

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-89468533661680692412009-05-10T17:23:00.001-07:002009-05-17T21:44:57.752-07:00

Mother's Day came and went - as did we, back and forth and I never got the blog done. Even the pad I write on is missing so no blog this week. Perhaps it is time to take a break. We will be headed to California soon for the birth of our next granddaughter, Eleanor.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-49620448703877306342009-05-03T22:38:00.000-07:002010-01-03T17:34:28.951-08:00

Band tailed PIgeons arriveBirds are in the air, everywhere I look. First I notice the swallows, violet-green, band tailed pigeons, white crowned sparrows, house finches, goldfinches, the wrens and many more have returned. It is a wonder they do not collide, but then they have their master air controller. They don't have free will like us, they just follow God's direction. Us however, it took

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-89011735452240481492009-04-26T17:38:00.000-07:002009-04-26T18:02:59.017-07:00

Dylan looking at the native buttercups in the fieldWe spent a lot of time this week with a friend here, trying to organize pictures and furniture and make the place safe for Dylan our grandson and dog Pappy and his Mom and Dad who came to cook for the "community thank you" for the firefighters and EMTs. While they were cooking, I got to spend time with Dylan and Pappy. Here's Dylan out in the

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-65363923946285179992009-04-19T22:15:00.000-07:002009-12-31T19:03:45.217-08:00

"Buttercups" oil by J. Mat MillerThe "good" wild buttercupsThis week I decided to get outside to clean up the pampas grass that was dragging its feet all over the patio while I was busy elsewhere. Every gust of wind dislodged sharp edged blades, spewing them across the patio and down the stone steps, a danger to anything in its path. As I cut and cleaned I thought about the Spotted Tohwee that

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-86805371858326557222009-04-12T21:18:00.000-07:002009-12-31T19:13:48.298-08:00

Slightly out of focus flower bouquet for Easter on messy tableHellebores "Lenten Rose" far left bottom All week long there have been continual challenges, so I get on my knees and pray. I seem to forget that every Lent there are struggles, not always self imposed but everything out of wack and unusual things happening, like the lights out in the cottage for a week, glass breaking as I carry

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-35482384806093212962009-04-05T22:00:00.000-07:002010-01-03T17:48:36.271-08:00

Goat transfer via ferryLast week as we waited for the ferry to head back to our condo, we watched some friends hand off their goat to a purchaser from a different island who took it on the ferry. I must admit that handing over the condo was a lot more difficult. The work involved to get it empty and ready for the tenants was hard and expensive, painters, cleaners, locksmith and new hotwater tap,

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-16459091451021459752009-03-26T14:33:00.001-07:002009-12-07T21:49:50.099-08:00

Just to let you know, last night we flew out of Anchorage into Seattle. God's grace to us was evident. All things are under His command and power including volcanos. Mt Redoubt in Alaska was stilled until this morning when it errupted twice with a 12 mile high ash plume and greater later. I am not sure if ash fell in Anchorage, but some planes were delayed. Thank you those of you who prayed.With

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-76630496993635294392009-03-24T18:05:00.000-07:002009-03-24T18:41:40.956-07:00

Jeff and I at Hatcher's Pass with Raptor in backgroundThe morning the mover’s arrived to clear out our condo, we headed to the airport to fly to Anchorage Alaska and on to Palmer to attend grandson Andrew’s state hockey championships, squirt D Division. The flight was smooth and the view from our side of the plane, the right side was spectacular, a clear view of the snow covered mountains and

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-83452688084423828092009-03-21T10:35:00.000-07:002009-03-21T10:50:32.327-07:00

It's been a blur this last month, a trip to Vancouver, back to the islands, then to Seattle several times, trying to distribute the stuff in the condo. We now have renters for three and a half years, provision in these economic times. The day the mover came to get everything out, we took off for Alaska. There will be a break for a bit with the blog. We are going too fast to even see anything

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-10795222387529215702009-03-05T11:59:00.000-08:002010-01-02T22:35:42.275-08:00

Storm ahead as we traveled South to Seattle several weeks agoIt seems like we have been in a storm ever since we returned to Seattle from the West Indies in December. We arrived in the middle of a huge snow storm not finding our way back to the condo until 4 am. However, the worst storm was the emotional one around Neil’s mom’s death a few weeks later. Then it was the bleak financial forecast

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-45271287678738558072009-02-22T18:33:00.001-08:002009-11-03T18:28:43.908-08:00

Island neighbors posed for an portrait class Saturday morning drawing classI decided to take a portrait class this month from Matt Miller, an artist in our community. I was sort of intimidated by the artists in attendance, but Matt's encouragement and instruction relaxed my self criticisms . I really enjoyed the change of mind.There is something refreshing about studying someone's face, someone

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-84578975626299940112009-02-15T22:29:00.000-08:002009-12-07T21:56:33.826-08:00

New orchid bud reaching for the sun Hope in the one cleared space, an orchid in bloomI’ve been trying to clear everything around me to no avail, even the desk on which to write. As soon as I get it cleared, more stuff stumbles in from the car. We’re clearing out personal stuff from the condo so we can rent it; bringing boxes to our place in the islands. The boxes of stuff form more obstacles to

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-495552578402943139.post-10615669120268100722009-02-12T19:15:00.000-08:002009-02-12T19:17:34.331-08:00

Sorry about the blog last week. Much too busy, but had fun with son and grandson. Company this weekend as well. Will catch up soon.

Angel Bryanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04157418143435853128noreply@blogger.com0