Our little table top Walt Disney World Christmas tree

and with Mickey posing for the camera……2016

Our family has been blessed and fortunate to spend four Christmas weeks with all the family (at the time) together at Walt Disney World. It all began back in 2002 with the latest celebration there in 2012.  It is truly a magical place.

Our son, Keith, is an amateur expert on “all things Disney” and planned each and every trip down to the very last dinner or show reservation. He made it near perfect.

About the tree: In 2006 we all arrived and were visiting in the lobby of our hotel, Wilderness Lodge. Keith suggested that we ALL go to Mom and Dad’s room. I thought that was strange at the time, but was happy to have them go with us. We walked into our room and there on the table, all decorated and lit up and gleaming was our very own WDW Christmas tree, with Mickey Mouse peeking around the back of the tree.

The four grandchildren in our room that day in 2006. This was before marriages and

engagements grew our family. We are so blessed. 

What an adorable surprise! Keith, Julie, Karen and John had planned the whole thing. When we left Disney World a week later, WDW shipped the tree to our home here in Texas. It has been our official Christmas tree since then. That week turned into one wonderful surprise after another, something for everyone….all planned by THE expert.

Keith, the WDW planner extraordinaire, is full of energy and enthusiasm, and it was highly recommended that everyone  pick up the pace and follow his lead. We started almost every morning, very early, at the boat docks at Wilderness Lodge, waiting to take the boat across the lagoon to the Magic Kingdom. Cold, but oh so much fun.

Yes, you guessed it; plans to spend Christmas week 2017 at Walt Disney World are already being made. Hopefully, we will have ALL our new family members with us then.

Our “Grand Gathering” 2006

Merry Christmas one and all!

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The perfect Christmas gift……..

For the girl age 6 to 10 or the younger child for those “please read me a story” times.

Two delightful books with a Christian message of faith, love and sharing.

Written and illustrated by Adele Bower

AND

Click Here To Purchase The Books on Amazon

Including all book sales.

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Since the early 1990s David and I have been helping to support the work at the Lulwanda Children’s Home in Mbale, Uganda. We “adopted” a precious young boy who has now become a handsome young man.

In order to contribute more support for the orphanage, early this year I dedicated my art to the Lord in this way.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” ___James 1:27

Visit the orphanage website  

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‘Til He Shouts!

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…..Just stay home!
Yeah, actually those three words are my best advice about Christmas shopping. Trust me, I know these things! After sixty-four years of marriage and the age that implies, I have tested all methods of Christmas shopping. Of course, that was before online shopping, which I love. Back to the subject.
I first published this blog December 2, 2013. This morning I realized I was beginning to have the same thoughts about Christmas shopping and suddenly remembered my own Excellent Advice. So here it is again.

I love numbers. After my husband served 6 years in military service; after 5 years of his undergraduate studies; after many years of his graduate studies; after 3 children, (all this time with 0 discretionary funds), I finally began to notice a singular truth about my shopping: If I went out of the house I would spend money! That’s it! It was as simple as that! To resist the urge to shop, I would make a cup of coffee, grab a cookie, and wait for the urge to pass….and it would pass. Yay! Just think how much money I saved today, I would think. Perhaps the thought of taking three little children along with my shopping trip had something to do with deciding to “…just stay home.” Maybe.

Fast forward to today with the convenience of online shopping at my fingertips. Remember I said that I love it. Well, I’ve learned something about that, too; If I fill out all the necessary information in the Shopping Cart…i.e. the mailing address, credit card number, on and on, I’ll probably make a mistake and have to delete the whole thing. I’m usually so aggravated and bored by that time, I go find something else more fun to do. Yay! Just think how much money I saved today.

Recently while shopping online at a fancy store website, I came to the final bottom line stating the cost, it was really low….yes LOW! I thought how can that be? I just ordered some expensive items, jackets, sweaters, etc. I pondered this for a while and decided to start over by going back to the home page of the store. Oh! I see it now….in big bold letters it read “EVERYTHING 70% OFF TODAY.” That answered my question and confirmed my growing suspicion that I am the world’s worst shopper. Yes, I started over and bought all the same things I wanted as before. Oops! I didn’t save any money that day.

You might also find it helpful to know that if you are traveling with all your children and you are on a tight budget……don’t stop the car……ever! It will cost you money if you do. I’ve tested that theory before, in fact, we’ve lived it. However, I’ll admit it is a little difficult if you are trying to get to Lubbock, Texas from Houston, Texas in one day. At last count it is almost 600 miles.

Friends, that is the extent of my shopping advice gleaned through hard-earned experience and a lot of fun. Get a cup of coffee and a cookie….and wait.

I wish you and your family a blessed and happy Thanksgiving Day and season!

And Merry Christmas, one and all. Praise Him as we celebrate His birthday. 

Information About This Greeting Card Art

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory,
the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14

‘Til He Shouts!

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“Only One Life”

Oil painting by Adele Bower

For Information About This Painting

I’ve always admired the Hibiscus flower blossom for its beauty and wondered at its brief life. It reminds me that the Lord created such beauty full well knowing it was to live only one day, then be replaced by another blossom. It teaches that one day is as important as many days. That blossom had a responsibility to shine in all its beauty, for the joy of we viewers and the glory of the Lord…and it did. We believers in the Lord Jesus Christ also have only one life, with joy, beauty, and responsibilities to fulfill.

High on the wall above the door to my Grandmother’s kitchen was a hand-made plaque. That was a long time ago, but I’ll never forget the message:

“Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

 Poem by C.T. Studd

‘Til He Shouts!

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Our Tiny Kitchen Tree

It is NEVER too soon to decorate for Christmas. Never!

Considering the sacred and divine reason for the Celebration of Christmas, it is relevant year round. The message of the coming to earth of the Second Person of The Holy Trinity, our Lord Jesus Christ, taking on human form,  is so profound and far-reaching, it cannot be repeated too often. You may remind me any time, any place, and frequently….please.

I love everything about Christmas, even fruitcake (but only from a special store in Corsicana, Texas). I love the music, the colors, the lights, the fragrances, the family get-togethers, the food, the little Snowmen figurines, church specials, cookies too pretty to eat, wrapping paper, tinsel, glitter, cats knocking over the tree, Christmas cards, selecting the perfect Christmas stamp, ugly Christmas sweaters, wreaths at the windows and doors, jingle bells, silly gift exchanges, (stop me….I could go on and on.)

And the graphics. Oh yes, the graphics of Christmas. I realize my noticing graphics comes from the fact that I’m an artist, but, oh my….have you ever wondered what our Christmases today would be like if it were not for graphic designers and artists the world over? They design decorations, wrapping paper, cards, toys, figurines, special chinaware, table decor, wreaths, candles, again….I could go on and on. I appreciate and thank the graphic designer/artists of the world.

Another reason I love Christmas is my birthday, which is very close to Christmas….very. I must have been about 8 years old before I realized the lovely decorations, special foods, guests, gifts and sweet attitudes were NOT because it was my birthday.

Don’t get me wrong, I love and celebrate Thanksgiving, too; turkey, dressing, family, pie, cranberry sauce, spiced peaches, and football games. But I can take in a lot of celebrating…all right on top of each other. It is all welcome in our house.

“We Need A Little Christmas!”

“Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stocking,
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute.”

____ From the musical “Mame” by Jerry Herman

I think I’ll turn on some Christmas music.

First published in November 2015

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October 1961 calendar

On the first day of October almost every year I remember my big “October Mistake”.

When our third child, Karen, was born, the first one, Kevan, was not quite 4 years old. Yes, that means there was one in-between, Keith. It was a busy time and continued that way for several years. I often say that our children were all born the same year, but that is not quite accurate. But close.

While grocery shopping one day late in 1960 I found this adorable calendar and bought it. I wish I could give credit where it is due, but there is no mention of the publisher or the illustrator on the calendar. I hung it on the wall and talked to the children about it many times. It was a lot of fun.

When Karen was about 2, I made my big mistake. It was October 1 of that year and we four turned the calendar to enjoy the new month. With great excitement I said “Look, Kids, it is Halloween.”

Immediately an enormous celebration erupted, as only a 2 year old, a 4 year old, and a 6 year old can create. Unbridled excitement broke forth!

After their cheers, hopping, laughing, and all around joy died down a bit, they ran to get their costumes. Only then did I realize…….they were ready to Trick or Treat right away….today, tonight, right now…on October 1.

I struggled to explain and correct my mistake.

Therefore….for the next 30 days……every morning……they would come to me begging, “Is it Halloween, yet?”

I’m happy to say that the actual Halloween Trick-or-Treating celebration was a success, even though it took f. o .r. e. v. e. r. to arrive.

I learned a valuable lesson that day.

I first wrote and published this on October 1, 2015. I always remember that day on October 1.

………..People love me!

Computer Art by our Granddaughter, Julia Adamson, at age 7.

Yes, I believe that with all my heart. I know, I know, that’s one of the characteristics of my personality……”Everybody loves me”…….! But I believe it. People are wonderful and full of love, and that is an amazing thing. Of course, there are exceptions, but love conquers a lot of obstacles.

Today in my daily Bible reading I read 1 Corinthians 13. Paul, the Apostle speaks of the supremacy of love over all the other spiritual gifts. Interesting…but once I think about it I realize the truth in that statement.

In verses 4 through 8b, Paul describes love:

“Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Think now; what or who do you love so much that Paul’s description of love fits? Your husband, your children, your parents, your friends, your pets…..think about it. Carefully consider each of the fifteen or so characteristics he lists.

For instance; “..it is not easily angered”. Would that describe your reaction to your children, or your neighbors, or your friends?

OR how about;

“…it keeps no record of wrongs”. Yikes! That hurts! I have an incredible memory which works well for me most of the time, but really convicts me far too often….when I rehearse in my mind things that have “wronged” me.

OR one more;

“….it is not rude”.  Think of that special someone or group you love so much. How would you feel if someone else was “rude” to them. Very defensive, I would imagine.

I’ve been asked, (since I’m so old) to state what I consider the most important advice I can give for raising children. My answer: Teaching them about our Lord, modeling a Christ-like life in front of them, but most of all loving them.

Children are amazing. They love you if you love them. Isn’t that true? They can put up with so much dysfunction and difficulties as long as you love them. Truly amazing. Could it be that the same is true of us adults?

A random thought: When I was growing up and spotted some boy I liked, I knew early on that to get him to like me, I had to let him know that I like him. It always worked. Don’t laugh! I know some of you know how I met my husband.

Later Paul sums up his message on love in 1 Corinthians 16:13:

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men [women] of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”

He comes back to love as being extremely important. This is God’s Holy Word, so maybe we should put love as a priority in our lives, too.

‘Til He Shouts!

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Last year I read about an online oil painting course to be offered the following January 2016, “DreamLovePaint”. Since it  was going to be taught by one of my favorite artists, Dreama Tolle Perry, I jumped right in and signed up. What a wise move that was. It has been a major event in my long art career and one of the most exciting activities of this year.

Back in the day, I had a semester of oil painting at the University of Houston, and thoroughly enjoyed it, learning all I thought I needed. I did all the course work required and quite a lot not required. But when years later I discovered Dreama’s work on Facebook, I KNEW I didn’t know it all…..I wanted to know more…..maybe everything she knew…if possible.

Being the fickle artist that I am, I couldn’t resist continuing my usual acrylic paintings, pen/ink drawings, watercolor paintings, and daily sketchbook work in pencil….gee, even art markers! Those mediums are in my heart to stay; there is no use trying to forget them.

“DreamLovePaint” course gave the students the opportunity to paint six painting over a six weeks period, along with careful instructions, inspiration and practical studio training. With access to this course for an entire year, I’ve continued to paint in oils and learn from Dreama’s first online course. We students are part of a closed Facebook group of artists from all over the world and have become friends, sharing, bragging on ourselves, complimenting the work of others and encouraging one another along the way. All the while, Dreama has kept encouraging us by being a part of the closed group. Amazing.

NOW, Dreama has created a new online course that will start next January 2017, and I’ll be there. In art, as in other disciplines, you should never stop learning. And why should I stop……… when it is so much fun.

Check out The Art of Dreama Tolle Perry Facebook page for more information. You’ll be glad you did.

http://www.artbyadelebower.com

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Everyone needs a big beautiful tote bag for summer! This weekender tote bag features Adele Bower’s abstract piece, “Intuition.” The Intuition Weekender Tote Bag measures 24″ x 16″.

To Purchase The Weekender Click Here

Wishing you a beautiful and festive 4th of July.

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