A Gathering of June Learning

June Gerber Daisy love!

Say!

I’m tickled pink about his linkup with Emily and the readers at Chatting at the Sky to share what we learned in June 'cause sharing with these women is like the highly energized "Ladies Coffee" events in small town churches everywhere. You know, real coffee urns, floral centerpieces, and a hive of women buzzing in conversation fueled by platters of lemon bars, apple coffee cake, and the best home made cookies.  My own June was fast paced, chocked full with a visit by toddler grandsons, belly laughing gatherings with good friends, and the best porch sitting weather of the year. Those thoughts are scribbled below.

So I'v got the favorite mug steaming with vanilla soy creamer enhanced Hazelnut decaf right here next to the keyboard. Ready for those Christian sisters to tell us what's what about June 2013.

Non Fiction Read: 

How God Changes Your Brain by A. Newberg. Fascinating report on neural research within the context of religious practices. “...when you see God as a benevolent force... the anterior cingulate within the prefrontal cortex is activated...[which] suppresses the impulse to get angry or frightened..and generates empathy towards others who are suffering or hurt.” pg.111. My margin notes are over the top. Amazing possibilities.

Hilarious Game App:

Remember “Heads Up”. Well play it with a new iTunes phone app. Laughter exhausted me when we played this charades/gestures take off one evening recently. Truly. It was hysterical!

Summer Fascination:

Fire Flies aka Lightening Bugs. I was spellbound by the late evening display of these critters under a small grove behind our home... just sit in the grass and witness the magic.

Cinema Cravings:

Visual people like me, we hunger for those gorgeous screen sets, lush locales, and exquisite cinematography. Renoir offered both, as well as thought provoking historical issues and social themes related to the pursuit of beauty and genius despite the suffering it costs.  

On the Stove: 

Discovered a tasty and oh so easy Skillet Sautéed Cod & Tomatoes. I use grape tomatoes and add extra veggies: diced yellow squash or chopped spinach. Great summer color. Prepared and done in less than 15 minutes without heating up my sultry, southern exposure kitchen. 

Artist Inspire: 

Another oil painting class for me at our local Community College. Inspired [and cool] studio environment. Best way to sooth my starved artist who seeks an escape from triple digit temps. A couple summers ago Hibiscus covered my canvas. 

Jamaican Hibiscus by L. Moreland

Summer Comfort: 

CLARK flip flops. I know. Flip flops have been the fashion informed rage for several seasons. Finally, these are comfortable ones! Also, chilled Watermelon wine pool side at sunset (I kid you not).

Pop Culture: 

Am I the only person on the planet annoyed by the chronic drinking, smoking, and sexism of Mad Men? I simply can not turn my back on the decades of h.a.r.d. change that had to be learned to get past these destructive behaviors.

Spiritual Aha Moment: 

I have no reason why I had never helped serve communion. Never the less the first the Sunday in June was that first. I'll have a full post to speak about the wondrous joy of that experience. ....broken and shed for you. Amen.

Photo Fav:

Grand twins Splash Pad fun after Water Babies lessons. YES, Nana did “go under”. I can report that this swim program remains as well designed as it was when their mama [my baby] and I did it together 30 years ago.

Toddler Grans: 

My little guys are typically into trains, planes, & cars but the glue stick (with supervision) is also a fascination. Pre cut pieces or random junk mail gluing: it was all good.

That’s it! 

Some of this month’s joy moments spread across the challenges.

To be followed, I'm sure, by another 30 days that I know will be equally 

blessed by our Lord in all His wondrous mercy! 
Lisa

Heading over now, to read your posts :-)