Showing you Oregon,one post at a time. Did you know that I post the links of many of my stories and articles on the sidebar? When you have extra time, please scroll down to see more. At the bottom of this page there are links to many other blogs that I enjoy.

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Hello, friends, thank you so much for stopping by. I really hope that you will enjoy your visit to Oregon Gifts. Due to spam, I am not accepting comments from anonymous people. Please email me at: oregongiftsofcomfortandjoy@hotmail.com if you are unable to leave a comment on here. I write back through email when I can.

My words and photographs are copyrighted, and may not be used without permission, even on Pinterest.

~ Kathy M.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Shadow Shot Sunday #154 :

Please scroll down to the post below this for The Letter "Z".  It is a very special post today, featuring my friend Lisa's new blog and lots of cool stuff that I don't want you to miss!

Hi Everybody,

Well, it didn't snow every day this week, thank goodness.  I took these shadow shots in our yard on Wednesday:

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews



These are not really shadow shots, but are still very pretty.  They were all taken at the same time, except for the kids in the trees.  I took those with my 35mm around 23 years ago.  I just scanned the one of the boys and I didn't touch it up at all, except for to add my name.  It is one of my best ever pictures, I think.  At least it is one of my very favorites.

  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
My little Kristin in a Grandfather Tree, 
at Mt. Pisgah in Eugene, Oregon

  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
My stepsons, Oliver, Peter and Gabe in a
different Grandfather Tree at Mt. Pisgah.


Thank you so much to Mystical Magical Teacher for writing this poem especially for us!

THREE BOYS CLIMBED UP IN A TREE ONE DAY

Three boys climbed up in a tree one day,
Three boys went up in a tree to play,
Three boys did hope in the tree to stay—
Maybe there would be dragons to slay!

But dragons inhabit caves, not trees,
And from the northwest a howling breeze
Soon drove the threesome down to their knees,
From whence they implored and lifted pleas

To whomever’s ears might hear their cries:
“O scatter the clouds and clear the skies!”
Then suddenly, much to their surprise,
The wind and the storm said swift good-byes.

A great calm followed, the boys did cheer
To see the vast heavens crystal clear;
They leaped from the tree, to earth drew near,
And never went back again, my dear.

© 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher


  Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


This is a Shadow Shot Sunday post!  Please  CLICK HERE  to see more beautiful shadow shots from around the world ... and add your own too, if you want to.  Thank you to Tracy at Hey Harriet for being our host.



If you miss a day, you miss a lot!  Don't miss out on the news ... Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.

April's A - Z Challenge: The Letter "Z", Big Yellow Ric Rac, This and That Saturday

 Source: Free Foto.com

The Letter "Z" is for Zig Zag

The last letter of the alphabet, 
and the last day of April's A-Z Challenge.

 Source:  The New Century Dictionary c.1948

I figure if zig-zag is has to do with sharp corners or turns, then ric rac must have to do with softer ones.  If you follow my logic, I think that you will agree.  This brings us to my friend Lisa Plumb's brand new blog,  Big Yellow Ric Rac

Source:  Big Yellow Ric Rac

Lisa has been my friend for 20 years, and she is the most grateful, positive person that you could ever meet.  She lives in Eugene with her sweet best friend husband, Jack.  I can't believe how awesome Big Yellow Ric Rac is!  Man, if only my blog started out as professional as Lisa's is.  On top of the recipes, crafts and travel stories, this gal can really write.  Please check out Big Yellow Ric Rac when you have a minute, and let Lisa know that I sent you her way! 

Source:  Lisa's Profile Page

"I'm a brand new blogger, yammering on here about gratitude, food, recipes, my love of slow cookers, vegetables from our CSA, card making, eating Pad Thai at Saturday Market, going to estate sales and of course, ric rac!"



More news from Eugene:

Source:  Alicia F. ~ Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
This is my son, Nigel and his girlfriend, Alicia.  I love this picture, they look so happy.  I haven't met Alicia in person yet, but she is a sweetie and was so nice to befriend me on Facebook.  Thanks, Alicia!  Such a cute young couple.




My New Store:  The Beginning


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Okay, you guys, I am so stoked!  Last year we bought this little vintage Shasta travel trailer from our neighbors.  It had been in their family since it was new in 1967, and is in really good shape.  We had it down at work as a security trailer, but just brought it home on Thursday.  I am going to clean the inside, repaint the trim on the outside and make slipcovers with some vintage fabric that I have.  Then, I'll start stocking it with my handcrafted gifts.  I'm so excited, because there will be so much more room in our home!

Do you love those vintage curtains as much as I do?

It is going to be my own little store.  I've always wanted one, ever since I was little and my Grandma T. had hers.  There are plans in the works for holding several small craft fairs this summer with my local crafter friends.  I think that we can also hold special teas there too.  The possibilities are endless, if you ask me.

I'll be doing a Sepia Saturday post about the trailer itself later, but I just wanted to to tell you about it.  Thanks to my Cary for once again supporting my dreams.  I sure do love that man.

Have a wonderful weekend, to you all.  Please keep all of our storm friends in your thoughts and prayers.  I sure am.


~ Kathy



Today is the twenty-sixth day of the A - Z Challenge, which is hosted by  Arlee Bird's: Tossing It Out.   Several of my blogging friends are participating, and this year there are over 1,200 participants. We post everyday, except for Sundays, and work our way through the alphabet. I am posting past photos that I have taken, and am linking them up to the posts where the photos originated from too. When you are all done here at Oregon Gifts,  please click here to visit the other bloggers who are participating in this challenge.




If you miss a day, you miss a lot!  Don't miss out on the news ... Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Lisa Ricard Claro's Writing In The Buff's: Book Blurb Friday

Please scroll down for The Letter "Y", which is the post following this one, when you are done with today's story.  Thanks!


Source:  Christina Claro ~ Lisa Ricard Claro ~ Writing In The Buff
Clear Vision

Walking during the heat of the day down Route 66 in the Arizona desert, Rosie was bruised, exhausted, and extremely thirsty.  The road sign said “Oatman – 3 miles”.  Comforted that a town was nearby, her spirits lifted for the first time since she had sneaked out of that son-of-a-bitch Roger’s motorhome at 2:00 in the morning.  Hiding in the sagebrush a mile off the highway the rest of last night, Rosie was so relieved to be away from that man. 

Enough was enough.  Rosie had put in her time and tried to make it work, but now she had nothing left to lose by leaving.  Rosie had the feeling that she would have literally lost her life if she would have stayed.  Taking off her rose-colored glasses had been a necessity.

Read how this courageous, strong woman rebuilds her life through the kindness and help of others on Route 66. (150)




I am participating in Lisa's Book Blurb Friday, from over at Writing in the Buff.   It is fun, and you can play too!  Pretend that the picture on the top of this post is the cover of a book.  On the inside jacket, you have 150 words to entice the reader to buy your book.  Lisa gives us a week to think about next week's entry (she's gracious like that).  Please CLICK HERE  to read what everybody else wrote!



If you miss a day, you miss a lot!  Don't miss out on the news ... Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.

April's A - Z Challenge: The Letter "Y" is for "Yard"

Source: Petit Bliss.com


The Letter "Y" is for "Yard"

Now, we are not talking about a front yard or a back yard here.  We have a business that involves surface mining, and to do that, we have a gravel pit and a wash plant.  We call it "the yard", as in, "Well, I'm heading down to the yard now, honey." 

Last night we were driving through on our way home from the store, and took these cool pictures.  There was a new dusting of snow on the piles of gravel, and it looked so beautiful.  I hope that you will enjoy viewing the evening sky as well!

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
This is my best friend husband, Cary.  It is a federal law that you have to wear a hard had at all times if you are down in the pit.  Even if everything is shut down, and you are standing in a totally safe zone.  Even if you want to take the dogs for a run.  Go figure.  The fines are steep.  A customer could be fined $5,000 and we would have to match it, if they did not follow the hard hat rule.  Great. 


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
That is an interesting looking orb.


THEY LOOK AT THE SKY

The look at the sky, and they say,
“Though storm clouds be scudding my way,
I still like the sight;
By day or by night
All heaven’s a stunning display.”

© 2010 by Magical Mystical Teacher

Hem of Night


This is a SkyWatch Friday post.  To see many other beautiful sky shots from around the world, please CLICK HERE when you are all done here at Oregon Gifts.  Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope that each of you has a wonderful weekend.




Today is the twenty-fifth day of the A - Z Challenge, which is hosted by  Arlee Bird's: Tossing It Out.   Several of my blogging friends are participating, and this year there are over 1,200 participants. We post everyday, except for Sundays, and work our way through the alphabet. I am posting past photos that I have taken, and am linking them up to the posts where the photos originated from too. When you are all done here at Oregon Gifts,  please click here to visit the other bloggers who are participating in this challenge. 


If you miss a day, you miss a lot!  Don't miss out on the news ... Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

April's A - Z Challenge: The Letter "X" is for "X-Files"

The Letter "X" is for "X-Files"

Source:  Bing/Live

No, this is not a review about the old t.v. show of the same name.  Sometimes, when I download my photos, I get more than I bargained for in the picture that I took.  Here are some of those "otherwordly" pictures ... random shots that have orbs, streaks of light, energy or faint faces peeking back at me.  These aren't scary, just interesting, at least to me.  I hope that you will enjoy them too.  Do you guys find things in your photos too?

It may be just my imagination, but can any of you guys see things in these photos?  It is like a Highlights Magazine's Hidden Pictures page ... keep on looking for the faces.  Some are tiny, pretty little faces and some are pretty creepy!  Hint, look inside the orbs or the blurry spots.  I always look for eyes, and then can see faces around those.

Sometimes I see a lot of things in one picture, and then later can only find a few.  If your computer room is dark or dim, you may be able to see more.  Not everybody can see the faces, but see if you can.

You can click on these photos to enlarge them, and then zoom in one more time.  Remember, these photos are mine and are copyrighted.  Please do not take them or use them without my permission.  They are copyrighted. Thanks!

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
This one is so weird.  This is my first one, in 2007.  The photos before and after after it were clear.  This was taken around 7:00 in the morning, and the skies were gray.  No sun at all.  I went out to get the newspaper and decided to take a picture of  how high the snow was by the front door.  Instead, I got this.  Lots and lots of energy going down in this picture!  Sometimes I see a huge angel, and some times I see an alien looking dude who uses the windows for eyes.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
These two were taken at The Homestead Museum in Fort Rock, Oregon.  I took them through the window, and it is very possible that the orbs are just dust, but I love these pictures. They get my imagination going.

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Mist and an orb.


Really weird!  This is a snow picture that I over-exposed just for fun.  There are eyes, faces and what looks like a tiny person on the bottom left corner.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Vapor Owl.  The dots are snow.  I was standing on the front porch, and everything was clear as I looked out into the night yard.  This was probably in 2007.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
This is a cool picture just as is, I think. It is hard to see the large face in the upper right hand corner. I can make out a set of eyes sometimes.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I see a huge monkey looking head with big round eyes under the tree branches on the right. Actually, there are more than one of them.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
  An orb, about 6' up, near the tall trees in our yard.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
This was taken in May 2010, the night before Grandma's funeral.  Tommy walked out to the end of the grass so he could hear better (he was talking on his phone).  That orb is huge, and orange!  Wow.  And the vapor drifting by is an added touch.  There is also something blurry in the top right hand corner in the trees.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
See the bench?  Look at the orb and face (or faces) by the tree next to it.  This was during last weeks hail storm, taken in August 2010.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
This is in the backyard during the hail storm. You can see a faint orb between the trees and there are lots of faces in there too, some of them are really big.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Hanging out be their favorite set of trees again. There is a large blur in the middle ... look for the eyes.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Creepy face in the car wash, with a little face on his chin.  June 2010.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Devil face?  Car wash, June 2010.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I see a bear creature that looks like he is blowing bubbles ... 
and in the bubbles are three faces.  There is a face in the white area too .. always look for a set of eyes.  These were taken in the car wash also.  June 2010.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
A monkey blowing bubbles and a chubby little fish?  Car wash photo, June 2010.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
This was taken at Fish Lake on the upper McKenzie Highway, which used to be an old stage stop in the old days.  The day was perfectly clear.  The orb is easy to see, but there is a big blur by the porch and sometimes I see the huge head of a military soldier.  I took this picture in the summer of 2009.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
This was taken across the driveway from the cabin at Fish Lake in June 2010.  The blurs have weird faces in them.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
This was taken last weekend (August 2010) at Delta Campground near Cougar Reservoir right off of the McKenzie Highway near Blue River.  For more pretty pictures similar to this, please check out my post called  If Shadows Could Talk.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
There is a blur by Cary's arm on the bridge railing. If you enlarge it, you may be able to see a fox like head near the bottom of it.  
Delta Campground, August 2010.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Delta Campground, Rainbow, Oregon 
August 1, 2010 - check out the blurriness part on the the bottom right.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Camp Christian, 1912 Farm House. Look in front of the green planters, and around the front door and see if you can spot anything.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I'm not sure about this one.  It is blurry on the patio, but it may just be a bad exposure.  This was not taken on a digital camera.  This is the house where we lived and where I had my daycare.  It looks spooky in this picture. The inside was nice and cozy.  This place is the inspiration piece for my historical novel that is still inside my head.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Camp Christian, Walterville, Oregon.  Can you see the huge head/face of a woman with long dark hair?  I see her above the girls playing in the field.



This was taken on August 8, 2010 in our front yard.  I see faces near the grass, and what looks like a hole in the grass underneath and between the two trees on the right.  There is a clump of trees by the road where these guys like to hang out at.  It isn't creepy at all, it is just old.  We live on an old major travel highway which was probably Indian route also. 


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Here, I see the huge head of a child, who seems to be crying.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I took this from the porch, zooming in and looking into the sun, just trying to caputre the deer.   It is not the best picture, but there are faces hidden in the rainbow light.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
What is up with the long, zipper thing on the tree above the deer's head, anyway?  August 8, 2010.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Dana was such a cute baby girl when she was little.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I see a big dog head here!  This was taken in our yard on August 24, 2010. 


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Maybe dust?  This was taken by looking in the window of the little replica cabin at Clearwater Park next to the rest area on your way into Oakridge, Oregon.

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I wonder about the flash of light at the very top on the left hand side?

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
The yellow orb on the right hand side, in the tree?


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Notice white orb on Collin's elbow.




Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Just a blurry photo of the sunset, but it looks like one of the Mario Brother's face in the middle.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Orb or Fairy?  This was taken by the covered bridge on your way to Fall Creek Lake, Oregon.

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
This is such a pretty photo.  I pulled off the side of the road and said, okay, you guys, I want to take your picture.  This is what I got.  Otherwordly or not, what a pretty picture.  October 2010, Westfir, Oregon.  Again, here is the link to If Shadows Could Talk.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Check out Darth Vader and Others on the bottom right. I made it into a sepia picture to make it even a bit more unsettling.  This is the bridge at Westfir crossing the North Fork of the Willamette River.



 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
I see faces in the water a lot and thank God that I don't think about them until the pictures are developed, or I would never go swimming!


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
There is a face by the bridge and one in the green water.  The orbs are probably sunlight/reflections in this photo.  Enlarge to see more of the green water on the left ... I see faces throughout the water.

Oh, look at this surreal photo that I took December 17, 2010.  A semi had stopped in front of our house, and the driver went inside the cargo unit to make some adjustments or something.  I didn't use a flash, and it isn't the best quality, but I find it a very interesting photo.   What do you think?  You can click to enlarge it.  It looks like there is an animal across the street, and a face in the very upper right hand corner.  Weird stuff!




I have more, but need to dig around for them.  These are found on the page named:  Paranormal/Strange Photos on the top of my sidebar.  



Today is the seventeenth day of the A - Z Challenge, which is hosted by  Arlee Bird's: Tossing It Out.   Several of my blogging friends are participating, and this year there are over 1,200 participants. We post everyday, except for Sundays, and work our way through the alphabet. I am posting past photos that I have taken, and am linking them up to the posts where the photos originated from too. When you are all done here at Oregon Gifts,  please click here to visit the other bloggers who are participating in this challenge. 


If you miss a day, you miss a lot!  Don't miss out on the news ... Please click here to go to my home page and see what is happening in Mayberry today.


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I LOVE THE STATE OF OREGON.

I LOVE THE STATE OF OREGON.
Links to My Oregon Blog Posts (Except for Central Oregon):

"Oregon Bloggers"

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"Writing and Poetry Blogs":