5 July2026 The Art Of The Cast

Hello to you. Hard to believe another Sunday is here and about gone already. Link and I cuddled our way through neighborhood fireworks last night. He just stayed by my side through it all. I always feel bad for the pets, birds and squirrels! Some of the fireworks sounded like gunfire and sounded like they were in the house. We got to bed about 2 am. Things had pretty much stopped by then

At church today we were in Matthew 6:5-13 again:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A5-13&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/4XAYJpRGGJc?is=vFVH2QPNoUUCmYnh – The Art Of The Cast – Pastor Jason Boyd

How we view prayer matters. Prayer is a conversation not a negotiation.

One of the songs we sang:

https://youtu.be/5_aIauL2xKA?is=1FIDlbTCkjIBdjdr – Hillsong Shout to The Lord

4 July 2026 Reason to Celebrate (250 years)

Hello there! How are you? If you’re American you are probably having a cookout and preparing for fireworks tonight. I hope if you are reading from America and you have pets that you secure them. I know a lot of people have to give their pets tranquilizers to get through this night. Thankfully my Link doesn’t get worked up like most dogs. So many people like fireworks! They are pretty to watch but aren’t very eco friendly!

There has been quite a hoopla over today marking 250 years – we made it this far and I have hope for the future despite everything going on right now. Freedom isn’t free! It’s good to see so many people loving our country.

I had a wonderful meal and visit with my Aunt, Uncle, cousin and his wife and two of my Aunts Granddaughters Richelle and Tatum, Tatum’s husband Kyle and baby Liam. We had hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, corn on the cob, fruit, watermelon and ice cream and brownies for dessert. Liam was definitely the star of the show. Once he got acclimated to everybody, he had a great time. Great Grandma my Aunt gave him some metal measuring cups he loved clanging together. We all know what he’s getting for Christmas! My Uncle, Great Grandpa said he’s going to get Liam a drum set! lol! 😂 We made a special memory today! So special!

My sweet Auntie and I – Grandma Becker would be so proud! She loved celebrating the 4th in her backyard in Ft. Collins CO
My beautiful Grandma Becker (I couldn’t flip picture!)

If God could talk
it wouldn’t be in English
or Latin or Arabic
It wouldn’t be in Yiddish
or Spanglish or pidgin

If God could talk
the words would crack like thunder
pour down like a torrent of jewels
flooding our basements with shining ideas,
sparkling conclusions.

If God could talk
a thought would be a redwood
a word an ocean
a sentence a century.

If God could talk
I would not have to
for all the words today requires
would flow in on the morning breeze
and find their way to the morning news.

If God could talk
God’s word would be carried
on the wings of eagles
the ankles of gnats
in the pouches of kangaroos
and the paws of polar bears.

It would spread through the sound
of honey bees and hyenas
be translated into a rainbow
by blue herons and cardinals,
blackbirds and yellowjackets
pink flamingos and gray whales,
purple martins and chameleons.

It would cause rivers to flow,
tides to rise, moons to wax,
suns to set, sparrows to fly,
planets to revolve,
universes to expand
if God could talk.

if god could talk – jan phillips

12 June 2026 Vet Visit

Hi and hello to you. Today we had our annual vet visit at the Intermountain Veterinary Clinic for Link. He only had a couple vaccines and got blood work done to see if his organs are functioning well. As I feared, he needs his teeth cleaned and at the minimum it will cost over $700! At the high end over $900. I don’t know how regular people can afford these kinds of prices! The blood work should tell us whether or not he’s at risk going under anesthesia. I am worried with him being 11 that he might not do so well. He needs to lose weight too. She wants him to only have 300 calories a day. My poor little man! He’s a foodie like me – we both need to lose extra padding. They always tease him about his big booty butt lol!

Last night I was missing my cat Amber. She used to purr me to sleep at night. I found this:

https://youtu.be/CY7t8ow2gOM?is=yKoXtvHWcQCbOw1G – Happy Cat Purring

https://www.plough.com/daily-prayer

Lord our God, be merciful to us. Be our strong refuge. Help us on all our ways. Help us on the dark and difficult paths we must often travel on earth. Grant that we may see your light, for you are with us. You help us, and you let the power of the life of Jesus Christ be with us so that your name is honored on earth through many who love you and come to you, pleading with you in prayer. Give us the light of your Word, that we may hear and live rightly. Give us increasing strength for the fight to which you have called us. Bless us all. Shine into our hearts so that we can carry out all you have promised through your Word. Amen.

8 June 2026 Wishbone

Hello to you. Another day has come and gone. I’ve started watching PBS in the evening. Tonight I’m watching a documentary about the making of the PBS show that features the adventures of a dog named Wishbone. I feel like I’ve been living under a rock with this one! It was an award winning show. It makes me think of when I did cartoons depicting highlights of my dog Sam’s life after he left us. I gave Sam a human voice. When I unbury them I’ll share them again.

The feature-length documentary about the beloved 90s PBS series is titled What’s the Story, Wishbone?. It explores the making and cultural impact of the classic children’s show that introduced a generation to literature. Directed by Joey Stewart, the film is available across major digital platforms.

https://youtu.be/f6L3Qp7SF2U?si=cEXCv4PSMrdWN2sc – A Tail in Twain – Wishbone

6 May 2020 drawing I did last night of Link out in the backyard.

5 June 2026 Sunbeam

Hello to you. How are you doing today? Not much going on here today which is good. My Linky boy was sitting in a sunbeam this afternoon. I thought you would like to see!

My sunbeam boy
Hi momma!

Dear Jesus thank you for Link and all that he is to this family. Thank you for this day that I’ve been allowed to live. I pray you be with the poor, the sick, those with health issues they have to live with, the hungry, the addicted, the abused, the neglected and the unhoused. Wrap your loving arms around those who seek you. Amen.

I listen to this nearly everyday:

https://youtu.be/204EcI6-9Vo?si=-LI2jDp73H5OxFft – Relax For Awhile – Anxiety Meditation

29 May 2026 Squirrel

Hello to you. It’s Friday noon as I write to you. I have been having a weird day. I made myself go for a walk even though I still have the vertigo going on. Link and I were sitting on the front porch watching the squirrels. Link thinks by barking at them they will do his bidding lol! I had to go inside because his nonstop barking was driving me nuts. He tuckered himself out.

I think of squirrels as arborists
So cute!
Laying on the tile feels good

The Squirrel” by Mildred Bowers Armstrong

This poem is widely taught in schools and is famous for its personification of the squirrel.

He wore a questionmark for tail,
An overcoat of gray,
He sat up straight to eat a nut,
He liked to tease and play,
And if we ran around his tree,
He went the other way. 

Dear Jesus please be with all those who need you today. I thank you for this life such as it is even if it’s uncomfortable right now. I pray you be with all humans and animals that are sick, poor, unhoused, abused, addicted, trying to heal and neglected. Amen

24 May 2026 The Water Into Wine Miracle

Hello to you on this sunny Sunday afternoon. Today has been really nice. The day started with me asking for God to show me if I should go to church. I had a really tough night – not a full uninterrupted night of sleep. My feet carried me to what I was supposed to do and I went to church! As always, I was glad I pushed through! We were in John 2:1-11:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%202%3A1-11&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/4SCwUVCij3c?si=E_2lCWsRv_1qNR6a – Water Into Wine Miracle – Pastor Jason Boyd

One of the songs we sang today:

https://youtu.be/UoHrBNTfzIs?si=87iOGC42G9nt74vi – Gratitude – Brandon Lake

https://youtu.be/MhjvAAkXbj0?si=b8uk_rFs8alnC0rB – The Chosen – Jesus Turns water into wine

After church I went and bought groceries finally. It was expensive – the coffee I buy was $15 by itself. I’m so glad I only have to buy for Link and I. I usually have groceries last for almost a month. Then I went to have lunch with my Aunt and Uncle. Link was so happy – he loves them so much! I also got to see my sweet cousin Laura who is helping put together a ladies high tea with my Aunt. I sat with my Uncle John and watched a few episodes of a show called Rosemary and Thyme. It’s about two friends who tend to gardens and solve murder mysteries.

22 May 2026 Roses

Hello to you in your now. How are you doing? I am writing to you from my favorite spot – the couch with my panda boy Link. I remembered my phone for the first walk today and was rewarded with roses in bloom everywhere!

Now is a time of roses in the neighborhood
I love this picture with his Momma Tippie. He is almost all gray and white now. You can see why we called him panda boy!

I started the new higher dose of olanzapine today. I haven’t really noticed a difference yet – it takes some time for the body to adjust. I am still having the weeble wobble stuff going on with my ears. May be the doctor I will be getting will have new ideas from the doctor I just had!

I asked the internet for positive news about roses and this is what came up as an answer:

Modern rose breeding has successfully solved the historical trade-off between stunning petal colors and deep fragrance. Geneticists have identified the specific pathways that allow new cultivars to produce vibrant blooms without sacrificing their signature scent, while also creating highly resilient, heat-tolerant varieties that require far less maintenance. 

Exciting Developments in the Rose World

Stronger Fragrance & Genetics: Molecular researchers have mapped the complex DNA of modern roses. They have isolated the genes responsible for prolonged, repeat blooming and are finding ways to bring back robust fragrance without losing bold, vibrant colors.

Ultra-Resilient Cultivars: Modern varieties are increasingly engineered for heat tolerance, meaning they can thrive in challenging climates without needing constant chemical interventions. Disease-resistant shrub and groundcover roses are now widely available for home gardens.

True Blue Blooms: After years of botanical research, horticulturalists have successfully cultivated and refined “true blue” roses using natural pigment engineering—a color that was previously considered botanically impossible. 

Where to Find & Explore the Best Roses

Whether you are looking to plant a low-maintenance garden or just want to admire award-winning blooms, these trusted platforms can help:

American Rose Society: Access official care guides, find local rose societies in Idaho, and browse the latest award-winning rose introductions.

Heirloom Roses: Shop a massive collection of own-root roses that are known for their vigor, fragrance, and disease resistance.

David Austin Roses: Browse the iconic, heavily fragrant English roses that combine classic, old-world charm with hardy, modern disease resistance.

Have you ever noticed how most roses you buy in the store have no smell? I hope that will change.

Dear Jesus I thank you for this day.  I thank you for all the beauty in this world and my being able to get out and enjoy it. Please continue to be with my cousin Heidi on her healing journey. I pray for your presence with the elderly, the sick, the unhoused, the poor, the hungry, the addicted, neglected and abused. Amen.

17 May 2026

Hello to you. It’s a windy Sunday afternoon as I write to you. I was just at my Aunt and Uncles. We had a nice meal and watched a lovely show about Hummingbirds narrated by David Attenborough. I saw one at the feeders outside. Soon my Aunt will make them something to drink!

Today began with church. Pastor Jason about brought me to tears. He was having trouble with anxiety and I could so relate! I hate seeing him like that but he is so honest – we prayed for him and he did a great job.

https://youtu.be/5oBXAdmVMco?si=HHGSuNzN8KZK0P14 – The Greatest Verse Ever – Pastor Jason Boyd

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A16-21&version=NIV – John 3:16-21 NIV

One of the songs we sang:

https://youtu.be/uHqvw5NQ69M?si=4_oB-iyNXQxnF5OC – Ce Ce Winans – Worthy Of It All

Worthy Of It All

Song by CeCe Winans ‧ 2021

OverviewLyrics

All the saints and angels
They bow before Your throne
All the elders cast their crowns
Before the Lamb of God and sing

You are worthy of it all
You are worthy of it all
For from You are all things
And to You are all things
You deserve the glory

All the saints and angels
Bow before Your throne
All the elders cast their crowns
Before the Lamb of God and sing

You are worthy of it all
You are worthy of it all
For from You are all things
And to You are all things
You deserve the glory

You are worthy, You are worthy
(You are worthy of it all)
You are worthy of it all
You are worthy of it all
For from You are all things
And to You are all things
You deserve the glory

Lord, You’re worthy
From the rising of the sun to the going down of the Sun

Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Come on (day and night) cry out (night and day, let incense arise) You’re holy
Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Day and night, night and day, let incense arise
Day and night, night and day

You are worthy of it all
You are worthy of it all, Jesus
For from You are all things
And to You are all things
You deserve the glory
You are worthy, You are worthy

, yes, You are
(You are worthy of it all), we owe everything to You, yes, we do
(For from You are all things), from You are all things
And to You are all things
You deserve the glory

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: David Brymer / Ryan Hall

Worthy Of It All lyrics © Pt. Nadaku Musik, Common Hymnal Publishing, Innerland, Underground Treasure, Wayfinder Music

29 Apr 2026 Full Moon and Healing

Hello to you. As I write to you the moon is beaming brightly outside. I got out my little sketchbook tonight and did the drawing I’m sharing. It’s me imagining Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Metatron healing my ears. The nasal spray and antihistamine that was prescribed isn’t helping me get rid of the problem with my ears. I don’t want to lose hope that there is some way for me to be healed! My body has been through it and now as I age it’s all catching up to me.

Tonight I am saying a special prayer for my cousin and his wife as their 16 year old dachshund Lincoln passed away today. My heart goes out to them!

General Healing Prayer: “Lord, I know You are able to heal me in every way I need healing—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically… And I know it is Your will to heal me, because Your son Jesus died so I could be healed.”

One of my favorite songs:

https://youtu.be/6wcR_X_GEE8?si=PUFkcE530XK-v0Va – VNV Nation – Nova

“Nova”

I long to feel my heart burned open wide, til nothing else remains
Except the fires from which I came
Like parted souls, divided for an age, awe and wonder I’d embrace
And the world anew again
But now, this picture from me fades
From still’s cold hand there’s no reprieve, light the fire in me

Shine, shine your light on me
Illuminate me, make me complete
Lay me down, and wash this world from me
Open the skies, and burn it all away
‘Cause I’ve been waiting, all my life just waiting
For you to shine, shine your light on me

I dreamed the world, with my eyes open
But time moved on and then, new worlds begin again
Oh my heart, in this universe so vast
No moment was made to last, so light the fire in me

Shine, shine your light on me
Illuminate me, make me complete
Please shine, shine your light on me
No hesitation, make me complete

Lay me down, and wash this world from me
Open the skies, and burn it all away
‘Cause I’ve been waiting, all my life just waiting
For you to shine, shine your light on me

Lay me down, and wash this world from me
Open the skies, and burn it all away
‘Cause I’ve been waiting, all my life
Forever waiting, shine your light on me

‘Cause I’ve been waiting, all my life just waiting
For you to shine, shine your light on me