A Good Salad, Good Friends, and Living Gratefully

Finally, I made myself a Greek Salad!

All of this comfort food during our snow storms (bwah...storms is so dramatic!) made me hungry for a big salad.

I admit, if it has mild banana pepper rings in it, then chances are that it is something I want to eat.

This is what I usually put in my Greek Salads:  Romaine lettuce, mild banana peppers, appetizer olives in dipping oil, Roma tomatoes  (they are usually pretty good all winter), cucumbers (Charcoal 's favorite!), green pepper, sweet onion, quality feta cheese, a light sprinkle of Good Seasons Zesty Italian dressing mix (use it dry), juice from banana peppers, drizzle of the appetizer olive's oil! TOSS and enjoy all day long-I make a big bowl.

I was in salad heaven! AND it was yet another reason I haven't gotten a blog post done.

This is another reason:
My friend in California sent me this pattern on Tuesday night, and, well, YES, it had to be painted!

This is the fun background using a Laurie Speltz word stencil and the stamp by Tracy Weinzepfel's Totally Tracy Textures...I love this stamp!

I adore this happy fella and humbled that Cheryl thought of me. She wanted to warn everyone to be careful when you put #tags on things--using "weeds" will get you lots of Pot houses and Marijuana followers! ;) ROFL

I have painted many of Cheryl's bears and they are so much fun.
You can find this pattern as an instant download in Cheryl's etsy shop, UnderTheLemon, by clicking here

AND then, I had to look for a pattern I had sketched, and shamefully found this gift from my friend,  Karalee, that had fallen off of the table...it is now safely on my freezer. I shared with her that I never realized it, but I missed having someone to pray for me everyday.

My mother did that, and I believe her prayers protected me on many occasions when I didn't know.  I know that Karalee is doing that for me now! ♡

The next post has been in my head for a couple of weeks.  I  went to the Postie (WHAT would I do without this word, my friend, Lynnie Poo Poo? ♡ ), and found this beautiful tag that was painted by Paula from WV. I was blown away! I love sheep. This design is by Betty Bowers and painted by Paula.

THEN, inside the package was this beautiful bear and pup painted on slate. Tears filled my eyes as I wondered what I did to deserve this. There was also a magnet, stencil brush/stylus, and chalk pencil.

I was reminded, again, that so often, we don't get what we deserve--we get so much better!

I know, people probably roll their eyes when I put that I am blessed, But there is no other word to describe these acts of kindness.

We don't agree on everything...we don't chat every day...BUT these are some of my peeps! I have a great group of people around me--supporting me, encouraging me , praying for me, laughing  (at me on too many occasions ) with me, and loving me! WOW...just WOW!

PLEASE...if ever you feel a gentle nudging on your heart, don't ignore it...
You might have no idea what just a little note, prayer, gift, or some kind words can do for someone. YOU matter. YOU are needed...AND , when you do for others, ALWAYS, it will come back to you bigger and greater than your initial action--that is how God works!

I have noticed that GRATEFUL people do little complaing...I have noticed that GRATEFUL people gather grateful people...that grateful people might not have all of their needs met, but they KNOW they will get exactly what they need when they need it...seems these are some good reasons to live gratefully!

Thank you, my friends, for loving me!  I wish blessings to YOU!...~~charlotte♡