One Story House

If houses could tell stories, this decrepit cottage in Isabella, Missouri would probably write a pretty good book.  For years it fronted Missouri State highway 80, which later became US Highway 160.

Several years ago, a former owner, wanting to free himself from the tax liability, and to claim a charitable contribution on his income tax, donated the house to the local art league.  They were ecstatic, until they got the termite report.  The place was riddled with termites.

Two art league officials came to Don at his real estate office for advice.  After discussing the problem, Don asked them, "Is there any way you can give it back?"

The Art League Official, saddened by the suggestion, replied: "But we so wanted to have it open to the public for the display of our member's paintings."

Don paused.  "Well, in that case," he said, "tell your artists not to use any wooden frames."

Apparently, the officials failed to see the twinkle in Don's eye, and on that note, the meeting ended rather abruptly.

The art show never came off, and the league eventually got rid of the building, which, by some miracle, is still standing.  Maybe it's waiting for one more story.

Texture by Kim Klassen

Two Lambs

Each year about this time, the first Christmas decoration to come out of our cupboard is this small pewter figurine of Mary and the baby Jesus with a little lamb at her side.  I've had it for 30 some years; having found it on a sale table at a bookstore for $5.  On the underside is stamped Concord pewter, and on the back, the signature Walli.

I've thought about that sculptor over the years, who managed to tell so much with so little; those simple lines show a Mother's devotion to the baby snuggling softly in her arms.

I love this little figurine, but more than that, I love the story it tells, of God who became a human being, who became a baby, to reach us, those children He loves.

"I came so they can have real and eternal life,

 more and better life than they ever dreamed of."

  Jesus, from John 10:10

For a collection of artful images, 

check out Texture Tuesday, 

or click the button below for The Creative Exchange.

Pink Freckles

One tuberose lily stands outside our front door. 

The topmost buds are closed tightly, and covered with small pink freckles.

The blossoms open one at a time, from the bottom up,

filling the air with their heady fragrance.

Hope the pink is close enough 

to qualify for Kim's Red Tuesday.

I've used her texture, Word.