The View From My Kitchen Window - Pt. 3

Hello Everyone!

Today brings another "View From My Kitchen Window." This past Friday, I had the opportunity to visit a neighboring county and spend some time with a group of ladies with similar interests at a craft show fundraiser to benefit worthwhile programs within their county.

When I arrived they had some booths set up outside and had various kinds of plants for sale. Angel Trumpets, Crima lilies, all sorts of shrubs and other interesting things. I finally decided on a Walking Iris! I had seen them before, and had always admired them. The lady had a large, well established pot and the price was right, only $1.00!!!! She was overstocked and letting them go CHEAP. I could have left right then and felt the forty minute trip was worthwhile, but I continued inside through a hallway lined with booths.

I came upon a table with two little girls selling jams and jellies. They were doing a brisk business! Children are the greatest salesmen! You just can't say no! The next table was a lady with a stack of tickets for the lunch being served that day. A salad lunch! Not many calories! I bought a ticket.

I made my way through the well-displayed crafts and lively conversation. I came upon a lady that made beautiful jewelry. She had different types of stones, wooden beads, silver beads and other items that she crafts into wonderful bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I could not resist a unique necklace made from turquoise and silver beads all laced through a black leather cord. Beautiful!!!

Paperweights were the next item that caught my attention! Rocks and smooth stones were "wet felted" - covered with different colors of felt and placed in a wooden bowl. They made a very attractive arrangement, so I decided to get some to put in my "birthday" bowls on my coffee table. I told the lady that I would have a difficult time explaining to Mr. Plant Lady the need for buying "rocks!" We all laughed and she said that she felt sure I could come up with a good explanation!

The next table was one I skipped over. I had to - it was homemade, hand dipped chocolate candies of all sorts. Chocolate covered strawberries were the hardest to resist! Next came a table full of handmade purses. Then I saw the gourds!!! A lady with a table full of painted bowls, birdhouses, Christmas ornaments, etc. - all made from gourds! I took a birdhouse and a bowl home with me! I like to "study" different crafting techniques and I will incorporate some of them when I craft with gourds

Now for the "View." Lunch was being served, so I pulled out my ticket and waited in the short line. The ladies behind the counter were serving the plates. I recognized two of them from the craft show that we had held in our county last November. One of them, I was told, was sister to one of the ladies I knew from my county. As I approached the window, I said "hello" and mentioned that I knew her sister. I was greeted by a "cold icy stare" and silence! When she finally did speak, after what seemed like an eternity, she said, "Who are YOU?" I immediately recognized that I probably should have kept my mouth shut! I did manage to blurt out my name and the other lady I recognized interceded for me. She said she recognized me as the gourd lady from the craft show last November. Just as soon as I got my plate, I retreated to a table. The other lady came around taking photos of the booths and I motioned for her to come over to the table. I told her that I felt I had said something wrong, then she explained.

This lady and her sister have a feud going that has continued for many years. They both, it seems, are willing participants in the feud. All that know them, (I don't very well) know of it and know to stand clear or be "caught up" in it. I guess I placed myself unknowingly, in the middle! I told the lady that I meant no harm and did not know of this "feud" but whatever the cause, it was not worth years of animosity toward each other and others that just happen to mention the other's name. Both of these ladies are harboring unforgiveness in their hearts and it has grown to the point that it manifests itself in their behavior toward others! I think at least one of them would claim to be a Christian, (the one I know) yet this is an area that seems to be "uncovered" by the Blood, if you understand what I am trying to say! That is the "View From My Kitchen Window" and sometimes the view can be ugly.

Please help me pray for these ladies and that the separation between them that Satan has "nourished" be broken by the power of Love and Forgiveness! The Word tells us that we must forgive others if we are to be forgiven! A scary thought if these ladies don't forgive one another.

Be Encouraged!
Plant Lady