Showing posts with label birthday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birthday. Show all posts

Monday, November 21, 2016

Miracles

I want to talk about miracles, especially today.
"Miracle" is not a word I use lightly. Here are some definitions from a Google search:
 "a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable
by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be
the work of a divine agency.
"a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development,
or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences. 
"an amazing product or achievement, or an outstanding example of something."
The biggest miracle of this day is the arrival of our son, David, 24 years ago.
It's hard to find words to describe how I feel about David. He is - honestly - my dream of a son. 
He's a man, living in Montana and doing a job which he enjoys in a place he loves. 
He is loving, responsible, intelligent, kind, funny, fit, strong, capable, athletic, interesting - and growing more so. He is adventurous without being foolhardy 
(at least, the adventures that I know about). 
 His interests and experiences spark us to think in new ways and try things that we probably wouldn't, without his instigation. He is good with children and kind to the elderly.
I am grateful to God for sending him to us.











Another miracle - completely different in nature - is the opening of my own little art gallery this past Saturday.
Two years ago - even one year ago! - this would not have crossed my mind as a possibility. It was beyond a dream - I had not even dreamed of it, because I was not painting two years ago.
After many years of prayer, meditation, study, inner work and finally stepping out in faith, a huge block moved out of the way, and I became more my self.
I am an artist, and I am happy to say it.
Our Creator helped me to become free to be my creative self.
In a nutshell, I have been painting steadily since September, 2015, and have been posting my work on my website and social media (Facebook , Redbubble and Instagram: karengberger).
I had a show at the Bloedel Reserve for two months during the summer, and have sold about a dozen works of art, as well as donating some to charity.
People have been asking, "Where can I see your work?" and I had to answer, "Online, or by contacting me directly."

One recent Saturday morning, I said to Gregg, "Is there a way we could create a space for me to exhibit my work? Build a shed here, or find a little place nearby?" We discussed a few options, and decided to think more about it.
That night, we had dinner with the family, and while we were dining, my brother-in-law turned to me and said, "We have a building at Savage Plants & Landscape that is not being used. Why don't you make a gallery there?"
Um, yes. Yes. Why don't I do that?
So I did.

This does not just happen every day, people.
This is serendipity, the Universe, the Creator, in action. It's a miracle.

I have a long way to go, personally and in my craft.
There are artists with far more expertise, and many more years of work behind them.
I could feel undeserving; I could feel less worthy than those others, but this is not about them.
This is my path, and this is the way it has unfolded.
It's a miracle.
The gallery is a beautifully shingled, two-room space with stone floors and wood beams, set in a glorious garden filled with healthy plants, stone work and original garden art.
It is more than I could have asked or imagined.
It's a miracle.

We held the Grand Opening on Saturday.
Family and friends (old and new) came from far and wide to celebrate with us.
It was a day filled with love, joy, discovery, reunion, support, hospitality and sheer happiness.
Katie made her presence and blessing known in very clear ways that day.

The Gallery at Savage Plants & Landscape
is up and running, and you are invited to visit
every day between 9 AM and 4 PM.
I won't be in the gallery every day, so please contact me if you want me to meet you there.
The good folks at Savage Plants will be happy to help you with the purchase of a painting or greeting cards from my line.
And if I'm not there, I'm likely in my studio at home, painting...which is also a miracle.

It's right to believe in miracles.
Ask, work, meditate, pray, take a leap of faith toward your miracle.
If it can happen to me, it can happen to you...to anyone!
And that's a good note on which to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving indeed.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Happy 22!

It's that time again...
...party time!
David is turning 22 today!
We could not have asked for a more wonderful son 
 and brother for his sister;
we are grateful to have been chosen as his parents.
He has brought so much goodness into our lives in every way, and
we are thrilled that we get to celebrate his day with him.
Happy Birthday, David! We love you!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Happy Birthday, Mom!

My mom is exactly 60 years older than David. I suspect that she may think of him as a birthday present delivered for her; if he had arrived just an hour later, he would have been. She LOVES being a grandmother!
(For someone who became a mother at the age of 21, she had to wait a long time to become "Grandma B." and "Grandma Ellie Donut;" her children didn't start their families until later in life.)
 She is a wonderful mother, wife and grandmother - loving, loyal, generous and humorous.
Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you so, so much!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

David Turns 21

 
Happy Birthday, David! 
We love you more than words can say!
21 years ago today, this gorgeous baby arrived via Caesarian section, and our lives have been blessed by his presence every day since then. We could not ask for a better son, and brother for our daughter; he is interesting, funny, kind, intelligent, gracious, multi-talented and a joy to be with. He enriches our lives in myriad ways and we are so thankful that God sent him to us.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Happy Birthday, Love!

This beautiful baby...
...grew up to be a kind, intelligent, fun, interesting, cool-headed, handsome guy...
...and it's his birthday today. 
He's a wonderful husband and father, and a GOOD man.
 
Here's a toast to his health! 
I'm so grateful that he was born, and well-raised, and that we have the privilege of sharing this life.
Happy Birthday, my love!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Spring Break 2013

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts on Katie's 18th birthday. They brought more comfort to my heart than words can express. We had as good a day as possible, under the circumstances. We went to one of her favorite restaurants for dinner, and looked at old photos of happy times together.
Beautiful iris sent by Elizabeth A. - thank you!
 To those of you who visited her bench and sent photos, a million thanks.
The Meek kids stopped by with Angela on their way to school
Grandma Icel & Bev visited
Maribeth & David with me on Katie's birthday
We went away a few days afterward to see my parents. My dad just turned 86, so we celebrated with him - Happy Birthday, Kappa! 
Unfortunately, my mom wasn't feeling well, so the celebrations were low-key, and there aren't any good group photos. Fortunately, she is now feeling much better - hooray for antibiotics, when needed!
Playing cribbage at the condo before dinner
I love the exuberant joy in these pics
Cannonball!
Airborne

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Birthday, David!

 
 
 
(Photo borrowed from facebook)
(Photo borrowed from facebook)
 Happy Birthday, David! 
You are a joy and a blessing, 
and we are so very thankful 
that you were born into our family 
on this day, 
20 years ago.
Have fun in Scotland!
We love you!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy 85th Birthday, Dad!
Dad, Gregg, Mom & David
You are still setting an example for all of us of a good, full life, well-lived.
Dad, David, Phil & Jim
David, Katie & Dad
Dad, Mom, Deb & Jim
Mom, Dad & N201YV
We love you & wish you many happy, healthy returns of the day!