"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." Saint Francis De Sales

Friday, June 26, 2015

OBX, Waterloo and Abraham.


My Slow Takes

1. Dee and I spent some time in Duck, NC last week. This is a photo she took overlooking the sound-side. It was early evening with just enough light to show some young people fishing for crabs.


2. Some things we do while relaxing at the beach. Photos by Dee, except, of course, the one I took of her.

Me, reading on the beach.
Me and Stephen keeping cool in the shade.
Dee, enjoying the hammock.
3. The month of June is the celebration of the bicentenary Battle of Waterloo, June 18, 1815. I use to paint historical miniatures in this period and enjoyed hours of gaming with them. There is a website, Waterloo 2015. It is an excellent site for historical information as well as what activities took place last week. A second website, thank you to Ralphus at Flintlock and Tomahawk, shows photos of reenactors who took part in the festivities.


4. FIFA Women’s World Cup Soccer. The United States team played Columbia Monday evening. They now advance to the quarter-finals, facing China on Friday June 26. Go USA!

5. Tavern figures. This is the next step where I added some flesh, hair, and eyes for the people. Also started on the tavern waitress and furniture.


6. Today’s reading, GN 17:1, 9-10, 15-22, is a discussion between God and Abraham. He tells Abraham that Sarai, now to be called Sarah, will bear him a son. Abraham finds this gift from God to be humorous. A 100 year old man whose 90 year old wife will give birth to a child? This is not quite what he was expecting. So, he doesn’t thank God, but proceeds to ask Him for something else, something for his son Ishmael. Then I read Colleen O’Sullivan’s comment about being grateful for gifts received.

“Picture someone you love very much or someone whom you care for very deeply.  Imagine that you want to give that person a gift.  Not the ordinary, expected Christmas or birthday present.  Something very special, something you think will delight him or will let her know how much you think of her.  You spend a great deal of time coming up with just the right thing.  And then you present the gift.  The person opens it, and instead of “oohing” and “aahing,” they begin to laugh at what you offered and tell you what they would rather have had instead.”

I have received many gifts but have not always been grateful for them. It seemed that the physical item received overshadowed the thought and love that was given. Fortunately, God was patient with me and taught me that gifts come from the heart. The closet door in my hobby room contain notes and pictures that our granddaughters have given me. Each of them rewarded with a warm hug and kiss from Grandpa Paul.

7. The Penguins - “Earth Angel,” a song to my wife Dee.



Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum,” where Kelly is hosting more takes.

Friday, June 12, 2015

New Priests, and St. Francis de Sales.


My Slow Takes

1. The counter top was installed on Monday. Lights to brighten up the kitchen and kitchenette are next. 



2. June 9, 1973, Secretariat won the Triple Crown. The last horse to complete this was Citation in 1948. June 6, 2015, Dee, her Mom and I watched American Pharaoh win the Triple Crown. He is the twelfth horse to earn the title of Triple Crown Champion.
Congratulations to his rider Victor Espinoza and trainer Bob Baffert.

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

3. St. Francis de Sales, “Five Steps to Spiritual Serenity.” 

Step One. “Choose to live a life of devotion.”
Step Two. “Prayer.”
Step Three. “Practice Virtue.”
Step Four. “Turn away from sin.”
Step Five. “Rest, Retreat, Renewal.”

The process that St. Francis has laid out seems simple enough. However it is not easy and requires a conscious effort on my part. Fortunately I have seen progress in my spiritual journey. I’m more relaxed, have a daily prayer time and scripture reading, and devote time to family, friends and church. Read the complete process at “Oblates.Org.” It is one page and can be downloaded here.

4. Ordination to the Priesthood took place Saturday morning, June 6, 2015 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Please welcome our new priests, Father Daniel Cogut, Father Matthew Kiel and Father Nicholas Mammi. The three men shared the stories of how they chose their vocation at "The Catholic Virginian."

Fr. Danny, Fr. Matthew, Fr. Nicholas (Photo by Dee)

5. FIFA Women’s World Cup Soccer is in Canada this year. June 6 through July 5. The United States team looks good as they won their first game against Australia. They face Sweden on Friday June 12. You can follow the teams at FIFA.

U.S.A. Woman's Team

6. I have some “Hovel” miniature figures that have been sitting around for awhile. They are part of a small “Tavern” diorama on my list. When I paint I start with a gray primer. The photo shows the group with chairs, a bench and three legged stool. The next step will be addition of base colors, flesh for the people and brown for the furniture. I will post more photos as I progress.  


7. Dave Mallett - “Garden Song”




Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum,” where Kelly is hosting more takes.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Sand Castles, and Women’s Cursillo.


My Slow Takes


1. One of my favorite things to do, building sand castles with our sons and grandchildren. Last week Todd and I created these. 

Friday Construction
Saturday Construction - Todd completing details
2. Giles @ Tarleton’s Quarter painted this beautiful French Post Coach. 


3. The cove molding in the kitchen has been completed. The next step is the counter top which arrives next week.


4. June 2, 1924, Congress passed the “Indian Citizenship Act.” I find this interesting because the North American Natives were here first.


The image is from one of my many Osprey books that I use for reference when painting figures. The front cover is showing Men’s Traditional Dress. From left to right, 1828, 1900, mid-18th century and 1890.

5. Dee will be on the 476th Woman’s Cursillo weekend team, October 8-11, 2015. Please pray for her and the other team members. 


6. Everly Brother Brothers - “Cathy’s Clown,” from 1960.



7. This is Reba McEntire’s version.



Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum,” where Kelly is hosting more takes.