Treasures, Treasuries, and Thoughts

I swore I would never do a blog! So much for swearing. I didn't think that I would have much to say or share. I was wrong! I have been so blessed with a wonderful family, loyal friends, sharing colleagues, and the support from so many that I will never run out of topics to write about.

I have opened an on-line store at a place called Etsy (rhymes with Betsy). The items on the left are available for purchase there. These will change from week to week to show you my latest creations. The link to the store is in the upper left corner of this page.

I also have items for sale listed on Art Fire. The link to my Art Fire Studio is http://www.jstinson.artfire.com/

I hope you will visit this blog, my Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jstinson/2500402289/) and my Etsy and/or Art Fire stores often. (http://www.jstinson.etsy.com/ http://www.jstinson.artfire.com


So come along on my Trail of Treasures! It will be a Spirit Journey for me and I invite you to join me on the trip.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Patrick's 50 th Birthday



Today is my son's 50th birthday! Patrick, how did that happen so quickly?

It seems like only a short time ago that Patrick was approaching his 4th birthday!

Days before his 4th birthday, I asked Patrick what kind of cake he would like for his birthday. His response was, "Why do people always have birthday cakes?" That was not what I expected to hear. I explained that People have celebrated with birthday cakes for years.  It is a tradition!

He took that in, thought about it for a few minutes and then said, "I don't care about people's traditions.  I do not want a birthday cake!  I want a birthday watermelon!  That took me by surprise.  But he got his wish!  After all, it was his birthday.

Though he clearly cared nothing for tradition, he unknowingly started one!


We celebrated his 50th birthday at his brother, Scott, and sister in law, Kerry's home last Sunday night. 

 Friends and family gathered for an outdoor event. 

There was a water slide and trampoline for the youngsters. 


There were games for the kid's at heart.



Those not in a playing mode, enjoyed visiting and capturing the moment with mirth and memories!



As the day grew on, pizza was delivered to go with the yummy salad bar and German Chocolate Cake or if you were daring……a pickle Popsicle!

Now those activities alone could have made for a great day, but Scott and Kerry could not stop there. They had to take our 50 year old honoree back to the 50’s with an out door movie reminiscent of a drive in movie and complete with a concession stand stocked with popcorn, pop, candy......and watermelon.

They were lucky to have the perfect trees for hanging the screen. 


The resolution was amazing!v  During Patrick’s 50 years, technology has moved rapidly!


Patrick, you have blessed our lives for 50 years and just had your 46th Birthday Watermelon. You were a just a sweet little guy who didn’t care about tradition.  How were you to lnow that you would be starting one of your very own?

Here’s to many more Happy Birthday Watermelons!  

I love you, Mom