Murphys California

We had 2 free days in the middle of the week and decided to head to one of our favorite places during the holidays, "Murphys" California. Our good friends, the Brixey's came along for the first time and were amazed at the charm of this historic mining community.

Murphys is located in the central Sierra Nevada foothills between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. Rich in goldrush history, Murphys today is a vibrant thriving community alive with art galleries and live theatre, eclectic shops, fine restaurants and charming hotels and B&B's. Often called , "The Queen of the Sierra", Murphys has retained her charm of yesteryear. Many original goldrush-era buildings are still in use today, including the historic "Murphys Historic Hotel", a registered State Historic Landmark which once hosted such luminaries as General Ulysses S. Grant and Mark Twain.

Daniel and John Murphy settled the area in 1848, at the start of the great California gold rush. Shrewed traders and businessmen, both brothers made their fortune supplying the legions of gold miners flocking to the area, and legend has it they were millionaires by the time they turned 25.

Dustye and I checking into the Motel after a wonderful dinner at the historic "Murphys Hotel".

We had a fabulous breakfast at the "Grounds" restaurant on main street in Murphys the next morning.

Just one of the eclectic shops in Murphys, "The Spice Tin", wonderful spices and culinary supplies.

After a fun morning of do-daah shopping in Murphys, we went to a local winery, "Ironstone Winery", and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and museum.

Inside the museum we found interesting artifacts of the gold rush era, this is Pat standing next to the largest "wafer" gold piece mined in this area weighing 44 lbs.

Pat and Ed were so interested in these arrowheads and knifes, and luck would have it, the artist was there. They really enjoyed visiting with him and hearing his story.

After the winery, headed to the old historic town of "Columbia", only 10 minutes away and checked that out!

After Columbia, we had to make one more stop on our way out of town to historic "Jamestown", Dustye and I had to fit one more shop in before we headed for home..teehee!

"The Blind Side"

Movie review: we saw, "The Blind Side" the other day and there wasn't a dry eye in the theatre. Now don't get scared of that statement, the emotion is that of a joyous one not sad. This true story is an inspiration to all, a must see!

"The Blind Side" depicts the remarkable true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle.

This movie is life changing...makes you really think of what it means to be, "Christ like". Hope you find the time during this busy Christmas season to see this, it's good for the soul.

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas!

Well I may not get my wish here in central California this year, but I can dream of our Montana home and the blanket of white snow there. So my theme for the month of December is a "Winter Wonderland, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow".

Wishing all my blogging buddies a wonderful start to our Christmas season...when all the hussel and bussel of the season becomes overwhelming...take a deep breath and think on the real reason for the season, the birth of our Lord and Savior!!

Blessings to you and yours!

Let's Give Thanks

Giving thanks should be something we do everyday. I take life for granted when things are going well, but when there are difficulties and stress going on I tend to complain. Hmmm am I the only one who falls into that rut??? It seems the world is in turmoil in every direction. Where is the peace and joy in our circumstances? The presence of darkness is so heavy and prevalent now...the only source of light and hope is truly God our Father. God is the light that shines through the darkness, He is the hope we have when our circumstances seem hopeless. Believe that God is still on His throne, and that He's alive and paying attention to us and his world.

I am thankful that I serve a God that LOVES beyond my comprehension and provides a life of goodness and blessings. Even when I take off in the wrong direction, He is always there to gently lead me back towards HIM where true peace and joy exists!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone...be BLESSED this holiday season.

Wedding Bliss!

Two very dear students of mine got married last weekend. Raymond and Heather have quite the love story...they met a few years back at my church while attending, "War Cry School of Discipleship" (our ministry school.) Actually, Heather was on staff her first year and then took on the role of our 'assistant school director' the next year. As the administrator of the school, she and I worked closely together and became good friends. Raymond arrived during our third year of school and by his second term he was falling madly in love with Heather. God works in mysterious ways...after soul searching, missionary work in the DR, and time spent in Seattle...Raymond realized he couldn't live without her and that God's best for him was Heather.

For me...this wedding was not only a joyous celebration of love, but a school reunion. I was re-connecting with so many of my first through sixth year students who are now married and have families of their own. My heart was so thrilled to see these young people still chasing after God and pursuing their calls of ministry! Tim (my old boss and school director) and I had a glorious time going down memory lane naming off each student one by one and sharing how their fruit has continued to multiply.

May Raymond and Heather have a wonderful life together filled with happiness and adventure!

"Trick or Treat", Gurrlie Girl Style!

Had fun this evening at the Mall watching all the 'Trick or Treaters" walking by as we were selling our "Gurrlie Girl" Jewelry. Check out this scary goblin....

Guess who this is??? Hmmmm "THIS IS IT"... good Michael Jackson impersonation...and the kid could really dance!!

These two cuties made us smile....

These kids were looking for candy...

Well our sales were down...but our people watching was the best!!! Hope you had a festive evening too!

Back in CA

We landed back in Cali last Wednesday and we haven't stopped since!!! We hit the ground running...did I think it would be anything different??? Hmmmm, but it's all good, let me bring you up to date. I had one day to settle in putting the RV back together, laundry, cleaning, food shopping etc., etc., etc.!

Then the FUN started...my good friend Dustye over at "Dustye's Kitchen" just started a new business selling a line of jewelry called, "Gurrlie Girl" with her daughter. This company is based out of LA and the owner/founder is a Christian woman who wanted to have a "faith" based jewelry collection to share with others. It's really gorgeous stuff! So I was asked to help launch this new adventure with them this week by selling in one of our local shopping malls. Macy's is our new anchor store in this particular mall and their grand opening has been all week. So here we are...selling for 9 days in this kiosk right outside of Macy's, show casing this new line of jewelry. Now how fun is that?

Check out the company website at, www.gurrliegirl.com and contact Dustye or Kim if you see something you like at: batty.kim@gmail.com.

Today I found out that I start back to work at "Christopher & Banks" this Sunday, and I'm getting my position back as a floor supervisor. God is good and continues to provide!

So we are off and running...such a different pace than our sweet home of Montana. We are already counting the days until we return next Spring to the slow and easy style of living that we love! But until then...we are blessed, happy, and on target!!!!

"Goodbye Montana!"

A sad day for hubby and I. It's time to pack up and leave our beloved Montana once again and head south to CA for the winter. It's been a wonderful two and half months here working on our home, visiting with new & old friends, working down town in my fun shops, enjoying the clean air & mountain views, seeing wildlife, weathering all the different storms (even snow), and enjoying the atmosphere and beauty of the LORD!

We were blessed with a last visit from my sister (In a Garden) and brother-in-law this past week. We had a wonderful visit. You can read Cindy's latest post about their visit at: "In a Garden". I have a very funny story to tell when they were here, but that's another post, stay tuned for that one!

As I say goodbye...here's a few pictures (in order) of our two and half months. Next time you hear from me I'll be posting from sunny California! Until then...Chow!