Wordless Wednesday: So Much Beauty

Photo Quests: Stepping Back

Intro: I simply didn't have any time to take photos this week, so I had to take a step back. Instead of posting more present photos for today's quest, I included ones from the past. My quest was to find fitting photos to share with you, my readers. Hope they inspire. 💙

Quest Ending: I enjoyed finding various photos for today's quest, so maybe I'll do more of these in the future. I liked the feeling of choosing which photos I'd share with you. It was fun to try something different. Did you have a favorite photo from this list? Let me know.

Wordless Wednesday: Admiring The Leaves

Photo Quests: Finding The Sumac

Intro: Through the week I had it in my head to take pics of the Sumac. It's a tree that turns a bright red during Autumn. I then had some free time to take a walk with my camera, and I found them. They still had color to their leaves, and I was happy to see them. 🍂

Quest Ending: I'm glad I wasn't too late to get photos of the Sumac. They were already looking like they were fading. It's still Autumn as the Sumac hangs on, but I can't help but be excited for what's next. I do, however, enjoy seeing how all the seasons progress. Some are more dramatic than others at times, but they all hold a special place in my heart.

Wordless Wednesday: Looking Up

Business Spotlight: Glitter Glitz and Glow

I had met Jennifer on Facebook through her business page. Her business is called Glitter Glitz and Glow. I was curious about what she crafted, so I perused the page. I found all kinds of cool resin art. While looking, I found a couple of things I liked, so I contacted her. That's how we met. I found her talent to create so many unique pieces really awesome! I couldn't help but go back to her page after I had ordered to see what new item she had posted. After my first order, I had contacted her again for more. I was hooked!

About Glitter Glitz and Glow: Jennifer said this about her business, "My most popular items are my Bigfoot Coasters, but I love doing all things Christmas. I have always enjoyed the holidays and last year I was happy to create gifts for my family and friends. I like to keep my items at a lower cost so everyone can enjoy my little works of art. I have made hundreds of connections with people, and I enjoy meeting people and sharing my art. I have also helped others who have wanted to learn this hobby. This hobby is endless on what you can create. I find it amazing when I create something that I am not so fond of but someone else loves it. I think my most cherished moment is when I was asked to make a memorial piece for a family's horse, from his braided hair. The story behind it still makes me tear up and I gained a friendship with the owner."

About her: "I worked in retail management for over 30 years. I had an accident in 2020 and by 2021 I could no longer work. I started doing a small raised garden to try to occupy my time. I enjoy growing food and creating meals with what I've grown. I found myself stir crazy in the winter of 22/23. So I started thinking of things I could do to stay busy when I was able to do something. By the time garden season was in full swing of July of 2023, I grew poppies for my mother. I just needed a way to preserve them, I asked around and was told it would be over $400 to encase them in resin. I thought I can do it myself. So in August of 2023 I bought resin and a tray mold. I dried the poppies and proceeded to make the tray. This was a super large project for a beginner, and nothing went right. I didn't mix or measure the resin correctly or something as my poppy tray never cured. I ended up throwing the tray and mold in the trash. I was not going to fail, I told myself to start small and work my way up. So I proceeded to make bookmarks, keychains, and small trinket jars. I did my first craft fair in October as I had quite a bit of inventory by then. I met some amazing people and did a few more throughout the year."

Her Services: Jennifer has a lot of items available to see on her Facebook page for Glitter Glitz and Glow. I think you can ask for a custom piece if you want something specific, too. She sells earrings, bookmarks, keychains, coasters, art pieces, ornaments, decor, magnets, wands, business card holders, figurines, and much more. She can also ship items with a shipping fee. To see her art, you can find her on Facebook here. Be sure to visit her page, and check out her various art. Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing about your business.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: Just A Memory

Photo Quests: On A Rainy Day (Special Edition)

Intro: I often don't actually do photo quests themselves on Fridays. I'll take photos on a different day before Friday, otherwise, I wouldn't be able to do photo quests. I'm too busy to take photos during the day on a workday. The series, Photo Quests, is still only posted on Fridays. I took these photos on Monday instead. It was a rainy day, and I wanted to hunt for droplets. Today, is a special edition post as there's more photos than usual. I just wanted to share more with you, my lovely readers. Hope you like my quest for raindrops. 

Quest Ending: I have a confession to make - I love rain. I like the occasional sunny days, but my heart belongs to the rain. There's something peaceful, cozy, and mysterious about it. I was happy to have time to walk out and enjoy the raindrops that had fallen. Most of them had found a landing pad. I sought them out with my camera. I couldn't help but think that they're little gems waiting to be discovered, and I treasure each one. So much magic to discover in nature. I'm looking forward to more rain, so that I may find its hidden gems. 

Wordless Wednesday: Ready To Bloom

Photo Quests: The Appearing Mums

Intro: I was late in taking photos for my quest. It was in the evening, and the sun was going down. The wind was also blowing, and it was chilly. I wasn't sure what to look for, but I saw the mums blooming. I knew. I had to get photos of them for Friday's quest. 💓🌼

Quest Ending: The photos I took were hurried, because I was getting cold from the wind. They didn't turn out quite the way I wanted, but they're still good, I think. Mums are such beautiful flowers, and I especially look forward to them when they bloom in Autumn. Hope you enjoyed today's quest for the mums. Be sure to stop by next week for Friday's quest.

Wordless Wednesday: Red Vibrance

Library Spotlight: Juliaetta Community Library

On a lovely Autumn day, I took a drive up to Juliaetta. My plan was to take pictures of the local library there because I wanted to do a spotlight. I had been to the library before for a book signing event. It was something I got to do with my Mom - Pamela Thorson. When I parked the car, I got out and strolled down the sidewalk. The outside of the library is whimsical - which I love. It has various book covers painted on the outside wall. Can you guess what my favorite was? After I took those pictures, I stepped inside the door. The library always feels so welcoming when I enter it. It's both cozy and comforting.

I approached Erin, the librarian, at the front desk. I first met her at the book signing we had. She's a wonderful individual. So thoughtful, open, and kind. I also found her to be highly knowledgeable about the library and the books. In a message, she answered all of my many questions I had about it. Erin has been with the library since 2017. She said that, "Being a librarian was always a dream of mine, but it never seemed plausible." She's always loved reading, so this is the perfect job for her. After saying "hi" to Erin, I walked around the library. I took a couple of pictures while doing so. It's such a calm environment.

The library has a great place for kids, too. There was a corner just for them. They also have a summer reading program for all ages, and they host events every week during summer for kids. During the year, they do a book talk book club, art contests, craft events, storytimes, and gardening events. Along with the events, they offer free internet, access to Libby and close to 1 million ebooks, hoopla, dvd's, board games, a sewing machine, and a ukulele. At the end of my taking photos, I entered a raffle they had for an Autumn prize. The raffle lasts until November 5th. The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. 

The history behind the library itself is interesting. Erin gave me some info about it. The library is more than 120 years old. She said, "It was originally the top floor of a two-story building. The order of Rebecca's used it for a meeting hall." The library was lowered where it stands today in the 1930's. Erin went on to say, "The library was given the first 10 feet of the building to use in the 70's. In the 80's, they got another 10 feet, and in the late 80's, they were given the entire space." The library is a branch of the Latah County Library District. They serve both Juliaetta and Kendrick. They are part of the Valnet Consortium of Libraries that has 47 libraries from Potlatch to Elk City, as well. They share books in the consortium with patrons which has almost half a million books. It has much to offer.

There is an update for the Juliaetta Community Library. They announced that they're moving to a building in Kendrick. I don't know when, but I'm sure it'll be really nice. At the end of my visit to the library, I drove back home. Thinking back to my visit, the library is a special place and Erin is an awesome librarian. Erin said, "I have the life I only dreamed about as a kid. I get to talk about books all day..." It's an inspiring thing when you meet someone that is enthusiastic about their job. So, if you have the chance, be sure to drop by and look through their books. Say, "hi" to Erin there when you visit, too.

You can like their Facebook page at Friends of the Juliaetta Community Library.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Never Looking Down

 Photo Quests: Never Looking Down

Intro: It's a warm Autumn day that I went out for a photo quest. I took photos of the 
sky and the tops of trees. I don't ever want to be caught looking down in life. I hope to continually be looking up to the heavens. This photo quest reminded me of that.

Quest Ending: It was a simple photo quest this time, but I was really inspired by the
never looking down. I want to always keep my eyes on God even in the hardship. The sky and trees provided that thought to me. I hope it inspired you to keep looking up, too.