Lectric Shave

Yesterday one of our precious seniors came to our gift shop. She doesn't frequent the shop but maneuvered her motorized wheelchair in there and carefully picked out a couple of items. A bar of soap, some candy and some Lectric Shave.

Alice, our receptionist, was checking her out and asked "Mittie" if the Lectric Shave was for her. Mittie giggled a little and sheepishly told her that it was... and it wasn't. Mittie went on to explain that her husband (that passed away this year) used to wear Lectric Shave. She said when she puts a little on her hands and rubs it on her pillow and his pillow, she can still feel his presence.

Every day there is a story like that. Growing older is not for wimps, nor the faint of heart. It is only for valiant soldiers who never give up. I get to see the bravest of soldiers every day. Most of them sport gray hair, glasses a hearing aid or two and a cane or walker, a smile and genuine concern for those around them.

I have the best job in the world, surrounded by amazing heroes.

When I grow up, I want to be like them,
Lila

Swirls

I've been enjoying painting so much! It's odd how I've been drawn to swirls and more swirls. Before when I painted, I actually painted flowers, scenes, etc. Now, I'm just painting a lot of swirls. My friend told me I might be drawn to swirls for a while as there was probably something in me that needed to just paint swirls.

Well, she was right. Then not long ago I was in a shop and found a necklace with, of all things, a "swirl." Imagine that. But, not only was it a swirl, they called it a KORU. In Maori (from New Zealand) it means new beginnings, strength, peace. It is the symbol of a swirled fern frond.

It gave me goose bumps to realize that there was indeed a reason I have been wanting to paint swirls! I am in the midst of new beginnings, strength and peace. My decision, lead by ,to pursue my nursing home administrator's license wasn't an easy one, yet is affirmed daily. I'll begin classes in the fall.

So, even in my art, God speaks to me. He speaks to me in his beauty of nature and people. Isn't it amazing how God uses the gifts and interests he's placed within us to get our attention? I'm so grateful for a God who deals in details.

Yesterday I started a savings account for a trip Vann and I would love to take . . . to New Zealand. I never heard anything back from Ireland, but we'll see where this leads!

So, tell me, have you ever heard of a koru before?

Koru,
Lila