I am feeling the itch to get back to some painting. It's been a couple of months. My husband and I have been in the thick of competition season for both kids with their sports: soccer and gymnastics. It's been wonderful seeing them compete but part of me is longing for some quiet time at home so I can recoup my energy. I think I'll try and squeeze in some painting time after the kids head out for school in the morning. In the meantime, here's a couple of things I painted in the fall. 

If you are new to the 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks Challenge, be sure to check out Amy Johnson Crow's website for more information. Here's the link:   https://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/52-ancestors-in-52-weeks/  Week 6: Surprise What is something surprising that you've found in your research? What is a surprise that one of your ancestor's had? Have you found something in a surprising place? Back in May of 2016, I was surprised to discover another child of my maternal 3rd great grandparents Cesar and Mary Jones. His name was Carolina Hauckins. He was born February 23, 1844 in Onslow County, NC enslaved to a man who's surname was "Hauckins or Hawkins" You can read more about how I discovered Carolina in these posts:  Carline, Are You Mine? His Name was Carolina Hauckins -- Part One  His Name Was Carolina Hauckins --Part Two  His Name Was Carolina Hauckins --Part Three Finding Carolina, reminded me that in any family that there are children that

I am a little bit behind on these prompts so I am going to bust out two posts today and maybe another two tomorrow. We'll see what happens.  If you are new to the 52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks Challenge,  be sure to check out Amy Johnson Crow's website  for more information. Here's the link:   https://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/52-ancestors-in-52-weeks/  Week 5: At the Library Some ways you could interpret this theme include: an ancestor that you discovered while researching at the library; an ancestor who was a librarian or an author; an ancestor who had a large book collection; an ancestor who you picture being in a library; or maybe a relative who took you to the library.  Years ago, I took advantage of a great online source for tracking down ancestors in Craven County, NC. If you are not familiar with the resources available at the New Bern-Craven County Public library's Kellenberger room, check out for yourself what they have available here . I was able to obtain a co

This past weekend my husband and I enjoyed watching our daughter compete in the 2019 NY Cup Gymnastics Invitational at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena. She achieved a new personal All Around Best of 36.300. Awesome job Alyssa! Beam Routine:  9.050 -10th place Floor Routine:  9.40 -4th place Vault:  9.250 -9th place Bars routine:  8.6  -9th place All Around Score:  36.300 6th place We are very proud of our girl.  Her team had a great competition too. They came in 1st place. Great job, ladies!

Yesterday, it was a year since my father's funeral. Last night, my husband and I attended my son's high school orientation. Feels like time is on overdrive these days. Live each day to it's fullest. Tell your family that you love them. Time stops for no one, so live your life y'all! :) I don't know what other folks believe in but I believe that sometimes while we are living our lives we get little visitations from those who have passed on. People show up in dreams. You may all of the sudden feel their presence while doing day to day activities. You'll see a mannerism or expression in your kids that reminds you of something your departed loved one would do. When these moments happen to me, I make it a special point now to acknowledge them. I say thank you. It's like a special nod or wink from someone on the other side. Anyway, a couple of months ago I had a visitation while I was painting. I am not a trained artist. I enjoy dabbling with paints and seeing