Seattle - Kerry Park

 Iconic picture of Seattle - from Kerry Park

Mount Rainier made an appearance 

Changing Form by Doris Totten Chase 

Whale Watching

We boarded this boat for a 4 hour adventure

looking for whales and other wildlife

The red line on the map shows the route we took through the San Juan Islands - almost into Canada 

Seals

We were extremely fortunate to see whales for most of our cruise

They were orcas, also called killer whales

Michael took most of the whale pictures

Individual whales are identified by white markings and nicks in their fins

Pugent Sound whales 

The whales came relatively close to the boat. They are majestic creatures.

These researchers follow the whales and collect their poop so it can be analyzed 

bald eagle (middle of image)

Sparkles

 

 

Late Evening in Kirkland

 A friend invited me on a late evening walk 

music at the park

restaurants were still filled at 10 at night

Solemnities & Beauty

 

When we came out of the temple we were greeted with beauty that almost matched the beauty we'd witnessed while inside the temple. It was a breezy, warm, summer evening. The sky was full of the beauty of dusk. 

In the temple everything is focused on the eternal nature of our beings and lives. We are reminded who we are, why we are here, and where we are going. We are reminded that our time here on earth is temporary and that our real home is with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. 

"Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds." Doctrine and Covenants 43: 34

Reflections - Pacing and Priorities

 

Some random thoughts and reflections - written a few months ago

Not long ago something came up that added to my already way too long to do list. A feeling of being overwhelmed and way too busy started to come over me. I knew I needed to nip that feeling in the bud because it wasn't going to go any place good or productive.

I decided to run an errand so I could get out and process some of my thoughts and feelings. That didn't take care of it. Later that morning I got on my hands and knees to scrub the bathroom floor. Thoughts kept tumbling through my heart and mind. I've found that mindless housework is a good time for me to mull over these kinds of feelings.

Here's the essence of what floated through my mind and heart that day.

The scripture about Mary and Martha in Luke 10: 38-42
"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Much has been written about these verses. What I thought about in this instance was that Martha was "cumbered" by her serving. Jesus commented that she was full of care (careful) and "troubled about many things." He acknowledged her concerns and then he gave a lesson in priorities and putting first things first. I could write much more about various ways all this can be interpreted but in this instance the Spirit was telling me not to feel troubled or cumbered and to be mindful of priorities - people over things (or tasks on a to do list).

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Scriptures about planning, focus, and pacing myself
"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man [or woman] should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." (Mosiah 4:27)

I must need this reminder a lot because this scripture comes to me frequently. This time I was reminded of the importance of pacing myself and being aware of my "strength."

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I was reminded of the importance of studying the scriptures so that the Holy Ghost can bring them to my mind at times like this. I like quotes and good thoughts from a variety sources. But I find the scriptures usually bring a greater connection to God. I can't always articulate what I'm being taught but I know there's counsel being given.

Past, Present, Future

 

“The human experience makes no sense without exploring the stories from our past, imaging those from our future, and being clear-eyed and honest about our present.” (Kirsten Alexander)

Scrapbooks are a gold mine of material about our pasts and hints about the future. 

These are items from Joe's scrapbooks. 

July 4th

 

Stories on a Page

 

Celia Sconce Cathcart Holton kept a wonderful scrapbook for 1913-1916. She wrote witty captions under many of the pictures on the 62 pages. Her writing is difficult to read and the ink has faded after 100+ years. I was advised to rewrite the captions in darker ink. One labeled picture helps me identify the same person in unlabeled photographs. I wish Celia had put names on more pictures. 

Wouldn't it be fun to find the grandchildren of Josephine Cathcart Williamson and share the picture of their ancestor as a young girl? James Silas Sconce didn't have any children. The woman from Rushville - I see her in other pictures but don't know her name for sure. Maybe Celia's visit is listed on the "society" page of the Rushville newspaper. Who's the boy with the short hair? 

Majesty of Feeling

 

 

Majesty of feeling*

That feeling you get when something way beyond yourself fills your soul, your whole being. It's beyond words. It's very real and awesome.

*Charity Shumway in "Bountiful"