Deerfield Fair with the Girls

Welcome to A to Z!

We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging your way through the alphabet with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.

This week is the letter D.

If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the A to Z meme here.

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Deerfield Fair. It's been part of our family forever. Forever? Yes! It's the fair my mom grew up going to and when my older sister and I were kids, still living in Maine, we'd make the trek and go to the Deerfield Fair whenever we could...which wasn't often, but it was enough to engrain it into us.

It's the fair of all fairs in our family. Still.

So, this year when Mom said she wanted to go to the fair, we converged in Boston. (Did I mention the fair is in Massachusetts?) We flew in from IL, MO, AZ, and Puerto Rico.

This last summer I went to a LOT of fairs and let me tell you, Deerfield Fair is nothing like them. It's bigger and better and cram-packed with people and events. Country events--things like horse pulls, oxen pulls, horse shows, 4-H shows...all that fun stuff.

The big event for us was the heavy horse pulls. We spent hours sitting in that arena watching the horses and teamsters and listening to the announcer. It didn't take long for us to loose our Rs and start talking how we used to. Start became staht. Horses were hosses and we cahfully remembered where-ah we pahked the cah.

We spent hours and hours sitting in the horse arenas (plural--one for pulling and another for the horse shows, which were super cool to see!) Cheryl was smart, she brought her toys and did some journaling with her paints. Talk about cool!!  I loved watching her dip and dab while we waited for the shows to start--cuz yanno, we couldn't lose our good seats. =)

We had a BLAST! The fair was WONDERFUL, but being together was the BEST. We talked and ate and acted goofy and did all those fun things sisters do when they get to go on a trip with their mom. hehe.

So tell me, did you go to the fair as a kid? What was your favorite thing?


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Time to Celebrate!

Welcome to A to Z!

We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging your way through the alphabet with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.

This week is the letter C.

If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the A to Z meme here.

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It's time to celebrate!!

Our baby has a name!
What? You didn't know I had a baby in progress? LoL. Actually, some of you did. It's the Christmas anthology I've been compiling.

Awhile ago the idea to put together a Christmas anthology hit me. It was a full-blown brain blizzard. I put it off but the idea wouldn't leave me alone so I finally shared it with some people...and that led to going for it.

A group of us, represented by the wonderful Linda Glaz, decided to take the plunge and go for getting a book out in time for Christmas. I've had the privilege of compiling the book and I have to tell you, I have been SO BLESSED by the stories. I cannot wait to share them with you!

At this point I don't have a cover or release date but that's okay. The book is well underway and it's all I can do to sit quietly and wait.

Oh, wait!
I still haven't told you the name! LoL. (Did I mention how excited I am?!)

*drum roll*

Christmas Treasures: 
A Collection of Christmas Short Stories

Stay tuned for more information as I get it.

So tell me, what's your favorite kind of Christmas story?

PS--Keep an eye on Facebook to see who has stories in Christmas Treasures!

~*~*~*~If you're joining us for the A to Z meme by posting on your blog this week about the letter C, be sure to add your name and the link to that particular post in the linky gadget here. Also, if you don't have the linky gadget on your site, click the link to get the code so you can add it.

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Beauty Instead of the Beast

Welcome to A to Z!

We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging your way through the alphabet with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.

This week is the letter B.

If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the A to Z meme here.

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It's been raining here at my house for days and days. Even when I wasn't home it was raining. We've had everything from storms to drizzle. Constant drizzle to tornado warnings. 

Yesterday my daughter came out of her room and growled when she looked out the kitchen window. "See, this is why I hate winter! It's so dark and gray. It's awful." I know what she's talking about. Often the winter--the dark days become like a Beast in our lives, making it hard to see anything else. Thankfully, later that day God reminded me of something I need reminding of often...

My youngest son stepped outside for something and came running back in to tell me to come see.

Beauty had flooded the sky.

Often we're so focused on the Beast that we miss seeing the Beauty.

After snapping a few pictures (okay, lots of pictures), I turned around to go back to the house. This is what I saw...

More beauty, even if this picture doesn't show it well.

A double rainbow.

What a reminder that there's beauty all around us. Even on dark days full of storms and the constant dripping of drizzle.

Sometimes we just need to step to where we can see and then look around.

Beauty is there, if we'll just look.

So tell me, what's something beautiful you've seen lately?

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If you're joining us for the A to Z meme by posting on your blog this week about the letter B, be sure to add your name and the link to that particular post in the linky gadget here. Also, if you don't have the linky gadget on your site, click the link to get the code so you can add it.

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Anxious About...

Welcome to A to Z!

It's here! And I'm so excited. Another round of A to Z.

We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging your way through the alphabet with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.

This week is the letter A.

If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the A to Z meme here.

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This year I've learned a lot about anxiety.
It's not a learning curve I sought out.
It's not been a fun lesson.

But it is the path I've been on and I know God has used it in my life. When the anxiety became too much I turned to the only One I knew who could handle it and do something about it. I dug into the Word and I think it saved my sanity.

I know it saved my peace of mind.

Not only did I find peace of mind, I found peace. All-encompassing peace. The peace that passes all understanding.

Now I'm anxious to--as in really looking forward to--share what I learned about anxiety and worry. I've been working on a study about worry and sometime this fall I'll be putting it on Kindle.

It's a good kind of anxiousness. One that I like.
One that I can live with.

So tell me, what's an anxiety you can turn the tables on and turn it into the good kind of anxiousness?

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If you're joining us for the A to Z meme by posting on your blog this week about the letter A, be sure to add your name and the link to that particular post in the linky gadget here. Also, if you don't have the linky gadget on your site, click the link to get the code so you can add it.

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A to Z, Take 4

Can you see me

happy dancing?

A to Z is back and I'm so happy. This is my favorite blog meme to participate in and host.

What's a meme? A meme is when a group of people get together and post on a similar topic or theme. It's the blogger's version of a progressive dinner...or a potluck dinner. Full of variety and fun.


Here's why the A to Z meme is my favorite...

• Because A to Z gives me the perfect excuse to just post on any random thing that happens to begin with the letter of the week. 
• It often opens my eyes to things in my world that begin with that letter and lets me post on things I wouldn't normally post about. 
• I take a lot of pictures and it's a fun outlet for them.
• A to Z is a great post jump-starter for me, often giving me just the spark of inspiration and creativity I need.

The A to Z meme will be starting again Wednesday, October 8th. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us. It's a come as you can thing--no commitment, just jump in and post on the week's letter as you can.

I'll be posting a blog hop linky so each of you can have the linky gadget on your sites. It's more user friendly that way. =) If you'd like all the linky codes (A through Z) so you can schedule ahead, email me (patterly {at}gmail{dot}com) and I'll get it right to you.

Here's the deal for A to Z:

• Anyone can play. Some of us will be returning A to Z-ers, but any one can join us and we would LOVE to have you along! The more the merrier! Grab a friend and join us!!
• Anything goes. If you're pressed for time, pressed for brain cells (a common ailment of mine), stumped, whatever... a simple list will work! Or a picture or a verse—anything to get a post up. Seriously. Just make sure it ties in with the week’s letter. It can also be as focused or even a complicated post about a word that starts with that letter. Anything goes, related to the letter.
• One letter a week. We'll start with A and finish April 1st, unless we take off for the holidays.
• Wednesday's the day. (This is different from past rounds, so take note!!) Posting day is Wednesday. Or Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. ROFL. If you're like me, you might not remember on Wednesday, so any day works. I don't care, but that brings me to...
• Let's link together! Part of the fun of a meme is linking together so we can encourage each other on. I'll put a linky up on my site each Wednesday, shortly after midnight so you can link up. Since this is a hop, you'll be able to put the linky code in your post too so the links appear on your site. (So very handy! *grin*)
• Guilt-free participation!  Time is precious commodity for all of us. If you participate, all I ask is that you take a few moments and visit and comment on TWO other participants' sites. No need to visit everyone, but a couple is very appreciated.

Want to know more about memes and why you'd want to participate? Check out Making the Most of Memes for more information.

Would you feel more comfortable joining us if you had more of an idea of how or what we do? Check out past A to Z posts and feel free to follow some of the links at the bottom of each post.

Grab the button and join in the fun! If you're joining us, we'd love to have you add the button to your sidebar or inside your post, or both.

<center> <a href="http://www.pattywysong.com/2013/07/a-to-z-meme.html" target="_blank"><img alt="A to Z blog hop at Patterings." border="0" src="http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p194/impeej/A_to_Z_blog_hop_zpsf2ff21ba.jpg" /></a></center>

Don't forget, A to Z starts back up on Wednesday, October 8th. 

Hope to see you then!

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The Zone

Welcome to A to Z!

We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging your way through the alphabet with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.

This week is the letter Z.

If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the A to Z meme here.

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Did you see what's up next? The Word Nerd Meme. We would LOVE for you to join us. Click here for more info.

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You know how it is, sometimes you're in the zone and sometimes you aren't. And sometimes, you aren't even in the same universe as your zone.

I love the times when I'm cruising along the zone, effortlessly. I relish those times and have learned to ride the wave for all it's worth.

But there have been times when nothing I do gets me into the zone.

Lately, I've been able to fight my way into the zone. It's been a fight too--on many fronts.

Sometimes its physical--just getting myself to the computer to work on my manuscript is an accomplishment some days.

Sometimes it's mental--brain blocks happen and overcoming them is necessary before progress can be made.

Sometimes it's spiritual--I may not be immersed in The Word like I need to be. When I'm not, I'm open to all kinds of problems, making it so the wrong side has a greater chance of winning the day.

But we I can fight my way into the zone, it's been worth it...

So tell me, what are some things you do to get into the zone?

Hope to see you next week for The Word Nerd Meme!!

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If you're joining us for the A to Z meme by posting on your blog this week about the letter Z, be sure to add your name and the link to that particular post in the linky gadget here. Also, if you don't have the linky gadget on your site, click the link to get the code so you can add it.

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Yondering Yet Again

Welcome to A to Z!

We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging your way through the alphabet with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.

This week is the letter Y.

If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the A to Z meme here.

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This might be where I am...

...but lately my work has had me at the fair, looking forward to next season...

...and my mind has me looking through a camera lens...

...and my heart has me here...

...or here...

But this is where I am...

...so I will bloom where I am planted.

Where does your yondering take you?

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If you're joining us for the A to Z meme by posting on your blog this week about the letter Y, be sure to add your name and the link to that particular post in the linky gadget here. Also, if you don't have the linky gadget on your site, click the link to get the code so you can add it.

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My Spot

Welcome to A to Z!

We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging your way through the alphabet with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.

This week is the letter X.

If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the A to Z meme here.

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If a picture is worth a thousand words, maybe this one will count...

Yup, today is the dreaded letter X. I procrastinated and had no post, figuring I'd stretch the limits of this to the Xtreme. (That's an Xample of what I was going to do.) Then my sister Cheryl texted and asked if I had a shadow picture. A quick mental inventory told me I didn't. BUT, the light was just right outside and I knew I had a good chance at getting one.

So, I grabbed my iPhone and took off--didn't even put on a coat. Big mistake. I turned into a popsicle. But sometimes you just need to go without worrying or even wondering. Turns out, this was one of those times.

I went and found some shadows and my X.
But I found more.
I found joy and praise and awe for my Creator.

As I competed with the cat for a spot on the deck railing, I captured a picture of something that still makes me pause. And I'm so thankful. (That picture is on my Instagram and my Facebook wall.)

If X marks the spot, have you found your X today? 
Have you slowed down enough to find your X? 
It might just lead you to your own moment of awe and praise.

This picture will be in my Instagram feed. Not only that, but Cheryl and I have teamed up and created Juxtaposed Sisters. Two sisters, so much alike, but living life worlds apart. We swap pictures and get the best of both worlds. Come join us!

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If you're joining us for the A to Z meme by posting on your blog this week about the letter X, be sure to add your name and the link to that particular post in the linky gadget here. Also, if you don't have the linky gadget on your site, click the link to get the code so you can add it.

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Winter Wanderings

Welcome to A to Z!

We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging your way through the alphabet with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.

This week is the letter W.

If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the A to Z meme here.

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I'm not a fan of winter but even I have to admit there's a beauty to winter that just can't be found in any other season.

It's the time of year when I do a lot of mental wandering. I think about the past year, what I did and what I didn't do.

It's a pensive week for me, a time I'm finding I look forward to more and more. Maybe it comes with age and the little bits of wisdom I glean with the passing of time.

It's a time of looking forward too. A time to think about what I want to change and do, what I want to become. A time for dreaming and planning, knowing that plans change faster than corn grows.

But that's okay.

Plans are stepping stones that get me to the next turn, the next thing.

My job in the midst of all the change is to stay flexible and obedient. And there's the crux of it all for me. Obedience. Listening for and to my Savior's voice. Being available and willing.

How does that look for this coming year? Where will that path take me? Time will tell as I take each step as it comes, trusting my Father and holding tight to His hand.

What about you? What do you do with this week between Christmas and New Year's?

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If you're joining us for the A to Z meme by posting on your blog this week about the letter W, be sure to add your name and the link to that particular post in the linky gadget here. Also, if you don't have the linky gadget on your site, click the link to get the code so you can add it.

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My Daily Dose of...

Welcome to A to Z!

We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging your way through the alphabet with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.

This week is the letter V.

If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the A to Z meme here.

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So while many of us have been in this...

Not everyone is. My mom and older sister Cheryl are in Puerto Rico.
Truly suffering.
(Not!!)

Every day for a few weeks we've been trading daily pictures and they've turned into mini virtual vacations for me and my younger sister Amy.

Here's what we deal with every day. I'll send something like this...

...and Cheryl sends something like this...

I'll send something like this...

...and Cheryl sends something like this...

I'll send something like this...

...and Cheryl will send something like this...

We are juxtaposed sisters!!

You can see why and how I take my daily vitamins virtual vacation.

Want to see more of Cheryl's stunning photography? She's active on Instagram and following her there is a great way to get some virtual vacation for real relaxation in! On Instagram she goes by: cherylmsf. She also has a blog: SeaLevel 320. Her archives are loaded with beautiful pictures that will take you away.

ps--I'm on Instagram too:  pattywysong  But you won't find any beach pictures on my Instagram! Sorry.

So tell me, how do you virtually vacation these day?

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If you're joining us for the A to Z meme by posting on your blog this week about the letter V, be sure to add your name and the link to that particular post in the linky gadget here. Also, if you don't have the linky gadget on your site, click the link to get the code so you can add it.

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Unexpected Treat

Welcome to A to Z!

We'd love to have you join the fun, either blogging your way through the alphabet with us, or simply visiting. =) We dearly love visitors.

This week is the letter U.

If you're joining in the meme, be sure to link up with us at the end of this post. Since this is a blog hop, you can grab the code for the linky down there too. Find more info about the A to Z meme here.

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Last weekend we were snowed in and we're still covered with snow now, which is pretty unusual for us here in the southern end of Illinois, and that snow created fog, a snow fog. The other day, shortly after Jim left for work, he called to tell me about the snow fog and to let me know there were some good pictures to be had if I would brave the snow and cold. (Remember, Patty turns into a popsicle below 60 degrees and we are waaaay below 60 now.) I didn't have to think twice though. I woke up Esther, invited her along, and started hauling on whatever winter gear I could get my hands on (and I'm so glad there's no picture of me in that get-up! LoL.) 

Esther rolled out bed and we were out the door within 15 minutes. I'm so glad we did! Here's what greeted us at the end of our driveway...

There was almost no fog though and I was afraid it had all dissipated in those 15 minutes. But then we turned and went up the hill... 

We found the fog and so much more!

We got in and out of the car many, many times in the two hours we spent out shooting pictures, not to mention the times we kept the windows down (and the heater blasting!) so we could shoot from inside the car.

The fog nestled into the low lying fields and hovered over swampy areas.

It added a magical beauty to landscape we normally zip past without really seeing.

The snow fog was an unexpected treat in this week that would have been otherwise burdened with snow.

It reminds me of the difference God has made in my life. He creates the magical beauty that I would miss otherwise, and that beauty transforms the burden of unwanted things in my life into unexpected treasures.

So tell me, is there a burden in your life that God is turning into an unexpected treasure?

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If you're joining us for the A to Z meme by posting on your blog this week about the letter U, be sure to add your name and the link to that particular post in the linky gadget here. Also, if you don't have the linky gadget on your site, click the link to get the code so you can add it.

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