Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Join Me On A Whirlwind Buying Trip For The Stores

January is a very intense month for us. No sooner the Christmas season is over, which is full of church, retail,  wrapping, and parties, we hop on a plane and head for the major Gift & Ready To Wear Shows. Here is a scene we see everyday on our way to the Atlanta shows. We always happen to be there during Martin Luther King's birthday celebration. It's hard to see, but the sign on the left is a portrait of him.

First stop upon arriving is dinner at LaTivola. It's a cozy Italian restaurant in Virginia Highlands. This is their Warmed Olives appetizer.

Dessert at LaTivola is not to be missed. The special of the night was this delicious Apple Tart with Rosemary Cream. We also ordered a side of house made Vanilla Semi-Freddo.

Here's the view from one of the several highrise buildings that comprises the Atlanta Gift Mart. This was a snowless trip. It was cold but not bone chilling.

A fun showroom stop. It is rare to find sofas to lounge on. Generally you are on your feet...ALL DAY!!!

Every year has a different twist. This year several vendors had craftsmen outside in the halls demonstrating how things are made.

 

The Mart stays open until 8pm on the weekend. We shop, enjoy a nice dinner, and then drop. Atlanta has so many unique restaurants and they believe in dessert. One of my favorite stops, "Wisteria", lets you choose 3 of their homemade desserts for $10. We chose the Coconut Meringue Pie, Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream (Yes, it had a kick!), and Bread Pudding. I wish restaurants here in L.A. would pick up on this.

Being a "foodie" I look forward to the Gourmet Food section of the show where you get to sample everything.

Atlanta is a city that I enjoy. Here, popular "South City Kitchen" (You better have a reservation) is in a remodeled Southern home surrounded by spectacular high rises. Fascinating!

I think the Mussels here were among the best we have ever had. Considering we are from the Chesapeake Bay that is saying something.

As soon as we land in L.A. it's off to our local shows. This was taken as I was enjoying a break in the lobby of the California Market Center, my "home away from home" for the last 3 decades.

With all the lofts being built downtown their are new restaurants cropping up. We enjoyed people watching from our window table at PatternBar.com. You can see the California Mart from the window.

Here is a nice night shot of the L.A. Mart, home to many gift and decor showrooms. We have been shopping into the night on both coasts and had a very successful trip. You will find the fruit of our shopping in Mountain Rose Gifts and Revelation Tops.

Merry Grinchmas From Universal Studios

We have thoroughly enjoyed our passes to Universal this year. Where else can you meet the Grinch and feel like you are a part of Whoville? This giant tree changed colors before our eyes while all the Who characters serenaded us.

The latest in Grinch fashion. I would definitely wear this.

And there he is! The Grinch himself! His little dog was AMAZING!

Isn't this a beautiful scene!

Newscaster Fritz Coleman getting ready to go on the air.

You never know who you might run into at Universal!

Knock! Knock!

I LOVE Universal Studios!!!

"Right Here In This Manger"...Chatsworth Lake Church Christmas Play

"Right Here In This Manger" was written and directed just for us by a dear church member who used her God given gifts as a theater major to spread the good news about Jesus. Cast members from our church stepped out of their "comfort zones" to portray how Jesus changes the lives of present day believers while giving us the story of His birth.

It was good to see both children and adults in the play. This is something these kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

The Roman soldier and the angel Gabriel... It fascinates me to read what the Bible says about him and the Arch Angel Michael who stand among myriads of angels in the presence of God.  If you want to know what angels do read Hebrews Chapter 1.

What a great scene from the "ancient believers" cast. Can you guess who played Mary and Joseph?

This pic was taken earlier in the day. It symbolizes the joy we feel this time of year as we celebrate Emmanuel,  which means God with us. It is something to truly ponder that Jesus gave up his heavenly glory for a time to be born as one of us, fulfilling God's plan.

Merry Christmas From Chatsworth Lake Church Women's Fellowship

What a blessing it was to celebrate Christmas together! After a relaxing dinner we gathered together and read the last chapter of the book of Zechariah. It tells very clearly about things to take place.  Do you ever wonder what is going to happen to Jerusalem? It's all spelled out right here. Wonder what it is going to be like when the Lord returns, who will be with Him, how He will come? Here it is. Jesus being born was God's plan and more of it is shared in Zechariah Chapter 14. We hope you take the time to read it.

We all enjoyed sitting by the Christmas tree which filled up with presents as guests arrived.

Our dinner started with one of our best sellers at Mountain Rose Gifts, namely Berry Jalapeno Compote. Simply served over cream cheese it's always a hit.

Healthy Christmas Salad with grains, veggies, beans, herbs, and nuts.

Rosemary Potato Tomato Casserole.

Festive Fruit Punch

Sylvia's Pineapple Cheesecake...So pretty too!

Marie loves a party!

Our annual gift exchange...

Oh to be able to wear shoes like this!!!

 

A Merry & Blessed Christmas To You!

Arrogance, Fools, Schemers, and the Truth

Today was one of those overcast, chilly, snuggle up in your favorite chair with a book, kind of days. I chose my favorite book, the Bible, and my favorite book within it, Proverbs. The Lord speaks to us through His Word and today was no exception as I unhurriedly spent time with Him.  Here is what He showed me concerning arrogant men, accusations, plots, schemes, and their outcome.

Regarding Arrogance:

"The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overwhelming pride" Prov 21:24

I looked these two words up in the dictionary. This is how you recognize such a man. The arrogant man is so full of himself that he shows disregard to others. The Mocker attacks others, treats them with ridicule, challenges them on their motives and what they do, and defies them. Defy means to resist openly.

Regarding Fools:

" A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent and discerning if he holds his tongue" Prov 17:27-28

"The fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions." Prov 18:2

Simply put, a fool usually has lots to say and is so busy saying it that he never listens to others or realizes the importance of seeking council.

Regarding Schemers:

" If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him" Prov 26:27

and my favorite...the Truth. Thanks be to God!

" There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord" Prov 21:30

Amen!!!

Come Unto Me....Pumpkin Fellowship

This month our Chatsworth Lake Christian Women's Fellowship celebrated Fall.

We met at church for a Fall themed potluck which included homemade Butternut Squash Soup, Pumpkin Pasta, Cornbread, Hot Apple Cider, and other goodies. After a time of prayer and the Word...we read from Isiah 40 by candlelight...then it was on to the pumpkins.

Here is the "before" picture of my pumpkin.

Next step: Pick your pattern.

We had some wonderful Christian themes to choose from.

Now for the messy part: scooping out the seeds. We all saved these to roast at home...Another tip: carve out the bottom instead of the top so the stem looks nice.

I chose " Come Unto Me", an advanced design...You begin by taping the pattern to the pumpkin and using a sharp roller to trace the design.

True pumpkin fellowship as our creative juices flowed.

And now for the results. Here a beautiful flower covered pumpkin created by our craft queen, M.S.

Some of our handiwork.

 

" Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest."   Matthew 11:18

Do You Not Know? Have You Not Heard?

Stoney Point... Chatsworth, Ca.

I am reading through the book of Isaiah and taking my time with it as it's very rich. Its one of the books in the Bible where God speaks...a LOT.

As I was reading this last night I thought of so many people I've met that are going through life without the Lord. Some think they are "safe" calling themselves "spiritual", "quasi- Christians" and other such descriptions, and exalting "love" for the sake of love. Others don't believe there even is a God.

I wonder how many there are out there that have never, or rarely, cracked open a Bible. They say they believe it but have no idea what's inside.

Isaiah Chapter 40 says:

"To whom then, will you compare God? What image will you compare Him to?

As for an idol, a craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it"

DO YOU NOT KNOW? HAVE YOU NOT HEARD?

Has it not been told to you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?

He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and it's people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.

"To whom will you compare me?

Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

LIFT YOUR EYES and look to the heavens.

Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one, and

calls each of them by name.

Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

DO YOU NOT KNOW? HAVE YOU NOT HEARD?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom."

And this is for you who have put your trust in the Lord:

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will SOAR on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not faint."

A Timely Sail

We recently had the pleasure of sailing with our dear friends. We met them at the Marina on a foggy day.

 

 

What a blessing it was to relax. In just a matter of days I would be very busy leading a Women's Retreat.

Goldfish are always fun to munch on during these outings.

Time to set set the sails!

 

 

Nothing but ocean as far as the eye could see.

The "way out in the ocean" greeting team.

It was hot in the valley but not here.

I zoomed in on the Santa Monica Pier.

The day ended with dinner at the Marina Del Rey Cheesecake Factory.

Corn Fritters!

A peaceful end to a relaxing day.

Thank you dear friends!!!

Growing Deeper As Sisters In the Lord: Southern California Women's Retreat 2011

After a year of prayer and preparation, the weekend of our retreat finally arrived.

It was so fun greeting everyone after their long trip up the mountain. I enjoyed offering people the new "Presidential Suite" at the top of the "pretend" new tower.

Our meeting room was cozy and full.

Small group discussions helped us get to know each other.

See the bags against the back wall? They were filled with encouraging notes we wrote to one another throughout the weekend.

We had annointed praise and worship and enjoyed the Lord's presence.

The testimony and teaching times found us both laughing and crying.

The dining hall was transformed into a French Bistro. All of the centerpieces were handmade and later given away as doorprizes.

We all enjoyed this weekend's menu. My favorite is always the Pasta Bar.

Crafts are always a nice addition to a relaxing retreat. This year we made prayer journals.

What would a retreat be without the "treat" part? Each room was adorned with these hospitality bags and a specially printed schedule.

Each woman received a pair of earrings that we designed and crafted prior to the retreat. They represented our  theme colors and were attached to custom cards.

These bags were sewn by hand and contained little gourmet note cards. The cards were written to others to be an encouragement throughout the week.

We had so much FUN at our Saturday night Pajama Contest. We created a runway. As the women modeled we all sang and clapped.

 

This retreat was full of joy and laughter. The Lord was in our midst and His Word is our foundation. 
This was my first time leading a Women's Retreat. It was a lot of work for our Women's Ministry and we were all taken out of our "comfort zone". We trusted the Lord and as a result grew in our faith and were richly blessed.

When all was said and done we hit Burger King on the way home. A Whopper never tasted so good.

THANK YOU LORD!!!

Opening Day at the LA County Fair...2011

On Labor Day we piled in the van, got a Mc Donald's breakfast and headed for the fair. There are so many colorful food booths there selling eveything from fried twinkies to chicken sandwiches on Krispy Kreme donuts instead of rolls.

Our first stop was the shopping halls. My sister and I love to watch the demos. We fell for this one.

There's nothing like a good sit down cookware demo...especially when you get to sample the food.

Good looking turkey legs.

Here's the daytime view from the sky tram.

It's always fun to see who gets the ribbons.

Glad we were able to split this huge Blooming Onion four ways.

Sky tram view at dusk...

The Dinasour Pavillion was cool and well done.