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6th Annual Christmas Family Bake Day at the Welch’s

December 8, 2018 By rhapsodyville Leave a Comment

Welch Family Bake Day

#6 is in the books!!!

Well, it’s that time of year, AGAIN!!!

Lot's of ingredients for all the treats we are going to make. Most ALL of them contain SUGAR! But we have cereal, oats, Chocolate - Semi Sweet, Dark, White and Mint, peanut butter, coconut, karo, Nuts - all kinds, noodles and much more!

Just a little sugar!

I seriously cannot figure out how I want to write / lay out this post. Do I want to do it chronologically or just throw all the pictures on it and let you embrace what it feels like trying to find the bottle of vanilla in this avalanche of  ingredient chaos and twister of family whirling around one another.

The sugar troops have assembled and are ready to start spreading & melting lots of cheer!
Beginning – Getting this SugarFest Party started!
After a long day of sifting, stirring and scooping, we are wearing almost as much sugar as we put on the plates. Definitely wine time!
Wrap party – All is Merry & Bright

I’m opting for trying to keep them in order by the years, but if I fail epically, I’m asking for forgiveness in advance.

Batches are going in the oven. the churngering has begun.

Everybody is making their favorite recipes x 2!

We’ve got whole lotta churngering going on!

Working on some Frosted Flake Treats! To churnger is to stir!

Churnger, churnger and churnger some more.

Okay, if you’re gonna hang with the twins you have to learn some twin speak. One of the words that our tribe has absorbed is “churnger.” Churnger – To stir well.

Hello Dollies ready for the oven & macaroons in the making!
Hello Dollies ready for the oven & macaroons in the making!
Cathy making scrumptious homemade turtles on pretzels.
Cathy perfecting her creation.
Candy, cookies, and treats setting up and waiting to be cut and distributed.
What a variety!
The cookies are coming out of the oven and the twins are piling them on the platters.
ChaCha & Cathy are loading the platters.

I have plates and platters of all the goodies divided out to be able to deliver to the schools and people that we will be sharing them with. They are ready for delivery.
All divided and piled up!
No Bake Cookies, Hello Dollies, Pretzel Turtles(in the making), peanut Brittle, Peanut Butter Cookies & Reindeer Poop(Chocolate Nuggets)
No Bake Cookies, Hello Dollies, Pretzel Turtles(in the making), peanut Brittle, Peanut Butter Cookies & Reindeer Poop(Chocolate Nuggets)

It’s our annual Christmas Family baking day! It’s a serious love hate for me…I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my tribe who indulge with us on this yearly mission. I love all the spectacular memories we always make on this day, but I hate the seriously MEGA mess we make.

Ingredients galore! Variety of cereal's, oats, Chocolate - Semi Sweet, Dark, White and Mint, peanut butter, coconut, karo, Nuts - all kinds, butter, cream cheese, noodles and much more!

Look at all those carbs!!! (Top half of picture…)

We have the super twins – ChaCha & Cathy, Amber & Trina, who make up the base tribe. Throughout the years we’ve had add on’s here and there, but this is the consistent crew. My MIL – Carolyn is generally here, too!

Everybody is up to their elbows in ingredients!

Making sweet messes!

Lot’s of SUCCESS but some EPIC fails….

Maybe melted snowmen with nuts, but not divinity.

MIL tried her hand at divinity….NOT

The 2014 Official Group Picture - Cathy, Rosie, ChaCha, Trina, Carolyn & Amber

The 2014 Official Group Picture – Cathy, Rosie, ChaCha, Trina, Carolyn & Amber

Sugar, chocolate, flour, cereal, nuts, spices for days....

2015 – Only a few thousand calories…

Amber and ChaCha scooping up Monster Cookies.

Amber and ChaCha scooping up Monster Cookies.

 

The stove is occupied by Cathy & Wayne / cookies & chili!

Cathy – cookies & Wayne – Chili

We begin the day with lots of coffee, but by the “noonish” hour we’ve cruised right pass go and shifted gears to 🍷 “cheers” y’all!🥂 Thank goodness for crock pots, hubs and ulterior motives for sweet treats; we always have lunch ready for us! I am guessing that Amber must have gotten hot and shed her long sleeves. I must have made a mess, because I ended up in different shirts. We did add at least one new permanent member to the family this year: Greer joined us in November! I gained a new “grand” title when the princess arrived. Now I’m a Mommi! 

Aunt ChaCha getting some of that Greer goodness!
Aunt ChaCha getting some of that Greer goodness!
ChaCha and Autumn baking cookies and being cheesy!
ChaCha and Autumn baking cookies and being cheesy!

Amber and Cathy striking a pose.
Amber and Cathy striking a pose.
ChaCha and Trina churngering something up!
ChaCha and Trina churngering something up!

2015 Bake Day in the Books! ChaCha, Trina, Autumn, Amber, Greer, Cathy, and Jettie

2015 Bake Day in the Books! ChaCha, Trina, Autumn, Amber, Greer, Cathy, and Jettie

Better late than never!

Carolyn is cooking cereal treats in the kitchen with the grands!

Amber, Mamaw, Dustin and Trina – Cereal treats in progress.

Mamaw – aka: MIL,  aka: Carolyn was here one weekend to hang with some of the grands and get her bake on. NO CLUE what year but I’m thinking based on before kitchen remodel(kinda) and cut/color of my hair 2009-2012ish.

Marshmallow's for treat's. Flour, sugar and SO Much More!!! There's cereal, oats, Chocolate - Semi Sweet, Dark, White and Mint, peanut butter, coconut, karo, Nuts - all kinds, noodles and much more!

2016 – Nobody needs this much sugar!

Not sure what happen to 2015/2016, but I am hearing the song “BLURRED Lines” running through my head… Since we just had Greer arrive in 2015, I’m not sure what the crap happened with 2016……We were here. See picture above. I just conflicts from my photos verses some of the fams… so, lucky y’all… I’m sparin ya the repetitive pain.

Good thing we divide all of this stuff up! Lot's of ingredients for all the treats we are going to make. Most ALL of them contain SUGAR! But we have cereal, oats, Chocolate - Semi Sweet, Dark, White and Mint, peanut butter, coconut, karo, Nuts - all kinds, noodles and much more!

2017 – Table full of sin…

BUT 2017 it’s game on!

Pour while whipping takes talent! Trying to make divinity...We nailed all the way to the trash can!!!!

Pour while whipping takes talent!

Trying to make divinity…We nailed all the way to the trash can!!!! No pictures of that hot mess, thank goodness! But I can’t say it wouldn’t have tasted great!!!

I have always loved liking the beaters.

ChaCha & Trina – and Wayne isn’t sure what he walked up on.

A little lick goes a long way! I have always loved licking the beaters. Kinda nice to have beaters big enough to share this sticky, sweetness(don’t be dirty minded, I know y’all, shame on you.😂).

Frosting / Divinity for everyone and the trash.

Amber and Cathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017 it's a wrap! Group picture in front of the Christmas Tree.

2017 it’s a wrap!

Saving the Best or at least the most recent for Last!

Chocolate morsels all varieties. Measuring cups, bowls & spoons. spatulas, scoops and mixers. Ingredients, storage containers and much more!

2018 – This will supply a sugar fix for days!

Dipping out haystacks.
Trina and Amber working on haystacks!
Pretzel , caramel, pecan half and chocolate all over.
Pretzel turtles
ChaCha be like what?
ChaCha suprise!

Tasty treats in the making.
Cathy creating something tasty.
No bake cookies are all dished up.
Cathy dropping it likes it hot, lol
Everybody is working on something
All hands on deck.

Amber is coated in white chocolate, while ChaCha is bagging up Puppy Chow Mix
Amber is coated in white chocolate, while ChaCha is bagging up Puppy Chow Mix
The official taste tester finally graced us with his presence, Noah!
The official taste tester finally graced us with his presence, Noah! He loves his Aunt ChaCha and Cathy.
Greer is not really loving hearing her momma run the mixer
Greer and Amber

Chacha and Amber being hams for the camera.
Cheesy girls!
The whole crew!

Delish desserts for days. Assorted piles to share.

Looks like it’s a win for 2018…We did not “Nail” one thing! Complete SUCCESS!

Drop the SPATULA….DONE!

Love our tribe and the aprons!

Love our tribe and the aprons!

The princess was done, too!!!

Greer getting sleepy. Sharing a yawn.
She’s starting to sink….
Nap time for Greer and Mommi! Greer's down for the count. I think Mommi maybe, too!
Greer’s down for the count. I think Mommi maybe, too.

I love all the goodies & how happy we make those whom we share it with, but I hate that it’s here for me to munch and grow from – calories ugh…. I love that we make time for each other on this one day, once a year, I just HATE that we don’t do it more than once a year!

 

We drop, plop, cut, dip and scoop. Bags, platters, trays, and tins: we divide it all out…..till next year again!

Merry Christmas and may all the calories disappear!

Trina

BTW….sorry for the crummy photos, I didn’t know all those years ago that they would land out here for the world to see. I also had to bum a few from the fam!

Filed Under: Family, Fearless Friday's, Holiday's, Uncategorized Tagged With: baking, Christmas, cooking, Family, fearless, fun, heart, love, loving, mess, messy, sweets, treats

Jerusalem Day 1 – Israel – Day 5, Part 2 ~Redneck Rhapsody

November 15, 2018 By rhapsodyville 2 Comments

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 1

Loving this city, Jerusalem

Looking for shekel’s & the Via Dolorosa

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 2

The street was sparsely populated

I asked for directions for the money exchange & Via Dolorosa…many were willing to help, just not sure HOW well I interpreted it…hahaha! Finding the exchange, where I could change cash for shekel’s was getting real… Not everywhere wanted American dollar’s. The places that you do the exchange were supposed to be SO easy to find, well I either didn’t know exactly WHAT I was looking for or was a block off every time I got close.

Maps are a good thing – Paper please

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 3

Beauty everywhere

I would advise anyone who is going to be exploring the old city – have a map of just the old city!!! Large print if you’re over 40 and without your readers, LOL! Also bring an external charger for your phone; chances are you’re gonna need it.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 5
Courtyard area of the Praetorium
Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 4
My photographer

Found the Via Dolorosa! Still no shekel’s. Wandered up on the Praetorium. Met a guide outside on the street as I exited heading toward the Lion’s Gate. I explained I was still looking for shekel’s, so I didn’t have any to give him for a tour.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 1

Bougainvillea

As I meandered my way toward St. Anne’s, I was absolutely drinking in the moment of the day. The look of the stone walls that towered over me giving me thoughts to all the history that was held within them. Well, actually under them. The layers of this ancient city absolutely take me to another place & time. When I hear the sounds, feel the warmth of the sun, see the beauty of the blooms falling softly over the walls all while catching a whiff of the hearty mixed spices; I catch a reflection of what it must have been like to have been here thousands of years ago. I clearly understand why Yahweh picked this piece of earth!!!

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 7

Glorious day & weather

I found the street quite vacant. I found a place to set up my mini tripod and take a couple of shots. There were a few students that had been let out of school on the opposite sidewalk heading back towards town, but for the most part I was alone.  As I headed back, I turned around and there RIGHT in my PERSONAL SPACE was a young man (late teens/early 20’s). It was a divine appointment from earthly angel.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 8

Temple Mount area behind this wall.

He sent me love messages all day long…

He was what most would consider to have special needs. He looked deep into my eyes (while almost touching me) and asked me one question, very seriously: Do you love me? I actually had to lean back to look at his whole face he was that close. I looked him straight in the eyes and said, “Of course I love you.” He said, “I love you, too.” He turned on a dime and took off walking. I was taken so off guard by the whole incident that I forgot to ask for his picture for second, so I hollered at him and asked if he’d let me take one. He spun around, puffed up his chest and posed perfectly.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 9

My friend who loves me!

The sun was at a bad angle, so I checked to see if I got the picture. Luckily I did, because when I lifted my head to thank him he was GONE… I mean I don’t know where he could have totally disappeared to that fast…but he was gone. Divine, just sayin!

My next divine appointment was with guide.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 10

The Church of Flagellation

Yep, the one I passed earlier not just once, but twice. He was setting right across from the door that led into the Praetorium. They say third times charms…When I started past him he said, “I don’t care if you have shekels or not (because I still had not found the exchange). I cannot let you walk by. The Lord won’t let me, let you go without showing you this.” Well, when I looked directly at him I knew, he knew Jesus and I knew he knew the Holy Spirit.

Behind the doors awaits new wonders!

He pointed up to a couple of doors that he had seen me take a picture of earlier, he said, “That’s a school now, but it used to be the top of the original palace where Pontius Pilate resided. Come on I want to show you something.” Class was in, so the students weren’t about at the moment. He led me up to a window and I was looking down into the garden area, on the North side of the Dome of the Rock. There was no one around, so peaceful.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 11

Amazing view!

I teared up – really couldn’t even speak realizing that God just gave me a view that most all people would not get to see that day, at least tourist that is. I dug what few loose shekels that were floating in the bottom of my backpack and gave them to him. I gave him all I had.

Sometimes all we have is all He requires

When we exited he asked if I had anymore time he wanted to show me one more thing. We went in across the street and he told me of the games carved into the stone that would have been the roof of the structure in Christ’s time and how they played the game to see who would torture Christ. Is this 100% fact everything he is saying or completely the authentic location of the things that happened, I have no idea.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 12

Games the soldiers played carved into the stones

All I do know is that I was at some point standing on what was still Holy Ground. I know this because the Holy Spirit welled up so deep inside my soul that I held my breath, had tears in my eyes and my heart was racing. I think my heart actually broke again, for the pain that my precious Savior was in, right here in this city. He accepted the sin for the whole world and me. I could feel the weight and shame for knowing how much I’ve let Him down over & over. He would do it all again just for me. Wow, the feeling comes right back as I type these words. My face is heating up, I’m holding my breath all while my heart is beating fast.

You can’t NOT be moved…

When he saw how much this meant to me, as he talked about Christ, he said if I would give him a few more minutes he had one more place to show me. He stopped and looked at me and said, “He sees you and He loves you so much.” I looked at him and said. “How is it a Jew like you loves Jesus so much, to share His love for this place like you do?” He said,in a very low tone, “Because I BELIEVE he is Messiah, too.”

Down the street to Lithostrotos. John 19:13

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 13

We went out and down the block and turned onto another street, where we went into a little hotel. It was the entrance to a museum under the city where there was an ancient street from a thousand or more like two thousand years ago.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 14

More games below the city’s now day streets from days gone by.

He told me stories and let me walk where Yeshua possibly walked, maybe even where the walk would have started with Him dripping blood and dragging a cross. Fact – Yes, I believe it definitely happened, in this very spot? Who knows? I just know, like I know that for a good 30-45 seconds I had a spine tingling, hair raising, goosebumps, tears flowing Holy Ghost encounter and so did he!  
     

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 15

Ancient streets below the current Via Dolorosa.

He prophesied over me as we were leaving.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 16

I have at least one more friend in Jerusalem!

As we went to exit from there he suddenly stopped turned around and proceeded to prophesy to me. I was caught so off guard by what was happening, that had I been prepared, I would have recorded what he was saying. Not doing this….was one of my biggest regrets of my entire trip. I did wake up at 3:00 am that night, with His words, He sent Sharif to speak to me still lingering in my my mind. I immediately grabbed my trip journal and began to write everything that I could recall that had happened / said that day. It was truly the VERY MOST divine day of appointments in my ENTIRE life.

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 17

The flowers are so vibrant. Spring is beautiful.When we stepped back out into the light. We exchanged names & numbers, he trusted me with the names of his children to put on my prayer list. I was on my way again, back to looking for shekels, the Church of The Holy Sepulchre and food!!!

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 18

As I meandered on the Via Dolorosa (or so I thought – it is a very crooked street….) I was just leaning into my experience of the day and continuing to trust that the Lord had more appointments for me. He did not disappoint!

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 19
Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 20

A Drink & jewelry

I met a kind gentleman who had gave me a pair of earrings and had a free water delivered to me. He offered to take me to dinner, but I declined. He was very complimentary, haha! Definitely an ego boost – LOL. His father had owned the shop he was tending, on the Via Dolorosa, for years. He had recently passed away. He was there to sell out the inventory and close it. His business was import goods to the US. His home was Houston, TX.  

Israel Spring 2018 Day 5/pt 2 - 21

Time to move on. I should have been looking for food, all I had eaten was a lemon square and a handful of trail mix. I had let time totally get away from me. So much to see….so much to do…. Now, where is that church?

This city makes me so happy! Shalom!

Lean In and living in Rhapsodyville!

Trina

P.S. I did FINALLY find an exchange. I at least have shekels.

Don’t miss Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 pt.1

Get your trip booked to go with us now!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

Filed Under: Inspirational, Israel, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: fearless, God, goodness, heart, Holy Ghost, Israel, Israel tour, Jesus, lean in, Lord, love, loving, Rhapsodyville, shalom, Spirit

Reunion – Cabot Panthers Class of 88

October 28, 2018 By rhapsodyville 2 Comments

CHS Class of 88 - Reunion

CHS Class of 88

Class Reunions

Yes / No – Do I go???? Well, some I have attended and some I’ve skipped. Thing is, between the Cabana Boy and I we can rack up some serious time & money if we decide to do all of ours. He is Mills Class of 86. I am Cabot High School Class of 87 & 88. Yep, that’s right I have a graduating class, which was 1987, and was a classmate in the Class of 88 K – 10th.

CHS Class of 88 - Reunion 1

Cabot High School Campus

CHS Class of 88 - Reunion 2

Thank you Eric Hodges for all the drone shots!

Panther football is the real main attraction!

CHS Class of 88 - Reunion 3

Friday Night Lights

So, when the 30 year reunion was approaching we thought we’d try to make some of 3. His class didn’t find enough interest to even plan one. Last year we had a small – medium turn out for Cabot High School 87 alums. A couple of weekends ago we converged on the campus and in a local venue outside the edge of town for two evenings of reconnecting. 

CHS Class of 88 Reunion Night 1_1
CHS Class of 88 Reunion Night 1_2
CHS Class of 88 Reunion Night 1_3

Friday after game event @ Dick & Elsie’s Place

CHS Class of 88 Reunion Night 1
Liz & Brad
CHS Class of 88 Reunion Night 1__Tub
Just Kickin It

A HUGE “thank you” to all of those on the committee who worked so hard to make this event successful!

It was excellent to meet spouses. We shared fond memories, as well as made new ones. There were tales of children and grands, new loves and lost ones, heartaches and heartbreaks. Most of all there was an electricity that filled the air. The buzz that made us want to go to school, share a common bond, take care of our fellow classmates & friends.

The Memory Tree

CHS Class Reunion

Remembering those who left too soon.

It Takes Two….

CHS 88 Night 2 - 1
Happy Couples….I hope…..
CHS 88 Night 2 - 2
( I think these were all significant others in this collage.)

CHS 88 Night 2 - 3

Thank you to Centennial Bank for the donation of the food for night 1, Pizza Pro in Cabot night 2!

Pizza Pro of Cabot

Johnny & Lisa Campbell

Look who it is…..

CHS 88 Night 2 - 4
Steve & Chrissy
CHS 88 Night 2 - 10
Brad & Trina

CHS 88 Night 2 - 7
CHS 88 Night 2 - 11

‘Awards’

Look for all the award winners in the video.

CHS 88 Night 2 - 30
CHS 88 Night 2 - 28
CHS 88 Night 2 - 27

Liz Boatman Borger – ‘Awards’ as best I recall….

Most changed: Brad Eubanks and Taunya Gillam

Least Changed: Bobby Finley and Renee Dixon

Dude with most hair: Bryan Price

Eligible Bachelor: Danny Gunter

Eligible Bachelorette: Michelle Laferney

Most grandkids: Mary Rogers (7)

Youngest child : Michael Risley (4 yr. old)

Most surprised to see: Mr. Raegan ( he was not present… Liz was runner up… has the prize in a safe place!😉)

Traveled the furthest: Kortne (1284 mi) and Liz (1469 mi) ( distance could not be verified at event due to crappy service…. 😁. Pretty darn close!)

CHS 88 Night 2 - 12
CHS 88 Night 2 - 6
Wobble….

Fond Memories

I tried to talk to most. Some I realized, I just didn’t know, so if I didn’t speak, I’m sorry. Please come to the next one and make sure I do. My only request was for the names on the name tags be a LOT larger font or pass out readers, LOL. 

CHS 88 Night 2 - 18
CHS 88 Night 2 - 16

CHS 88 Night 2 - 17
CHS 88 Night 2 - 24

CHS 88 Night 2 - 13
CHS 88 Night 2 - 22

CHS 88 Night 2 - 26
CHS 88 Night 2 - 25

CHS 88 Night 2 - 20
CHS 88 Night 2 - 15

You drop me a comment and stay in touch. I would love to stay in contact and not just have to “catch up.” We never know what the next 5 years holds…. May all who read this be blessed. Be brave – we’ve ALL changed…some more than others. Be forgiving – if you’ve never went to a reunion because of a teenage wound, please allow for time to have healed it. Give it a go…you just never know…you may just have the time of your life!

Living a life in my Rhapsodyville Redneck world,

Trina

BTW would love for you all to subscribe to any / all the social media that apply to you. If for no other reason than to help a girl out. I can share just how much I was NOT learning is school😂(sorry, to any of my former teachers…..). I promise a grammar nightmare or two, if you are an editor at heart.

A super special huge “Thank You” to Sue Ollar for most all of the incredible photos! Please check out & LIKE her page on FB: Suzy’s Shots. For anyone in the Dallas area you have a terrific photographer that you should be using.

For A LOT more pictures head over to the Class of 88 FB page.

Filed Under: Blog, Chillaxin, Uncategorized Tagged With: fearless, fun, Life, Lifestyle, rhapsody, Rhapsodyville

Steampunk DIY – Fearless Friday

October 19, 2018 By rhapsodyville 2 Comments

Steampunk DIY

Steampunk Funk

Steampunk DIY Costume 

The decision to do steampunk was mutual among my crew. Noah, is always up for a great costume. I have a love for the steampunk look and incorporate many elements in my everyday style, so I figured it would not be much of a stretch for me to create something great. I did have to take a trip to Hobby Lobby for a few extra pieces to add a little pop, but other than that I had most of the items.

Go big or go home,

so I did 2!

Steampunk DIY 1

A base to start with.

The hats I used as a base for Noah’s outfit were left over NYE party favors. I decided to do two – not knowing which method of transforming them would work the best. I wanted to try to achieve a weathered leather look. I basically paper mache’d them. I haven’t done that in like 25 years. I broke out my very FAVORITE tool to start with – iPad and headed to what I believe to be a crafters best friend – Pinterest! I was able to find many looks that I loved. So….I decided to blend several.

Prep Your Work Space!!!

Always cover the surface where you will be working on projects like this with a cheap, plastic, disposable table cloth. I failed to do that on this project and it was a regret! Before you start this project you need to locate a vase, large can of veggies, or something that won’t cause the top of the hat to bow or dip. Make sure it’s tall enough to keep it from touching anything while it dries.

Hat # 1 – Tissue Paper Hat

Recipe: Mod Podge – Homemade

Steampunk DIY 2

Tissue paper hat.

Ingredients:

1 cup of glue

⅓ cup of water

Mix well

I took at least 10 sheets (will depend on size of sheets) of tissue paper and tore it in strips. I wanted the texture of the tears, not so much a clean cut look from scissors. I only wet the hat in a spot or two to stick the tissue paper to it, then I gently applied the tissue, used a paint brush to apply more of the mixture. I had to be extremely careful. When the tissue became “too” wet, it would wad up and make a mess, so less was definitely better. I just decided I would have to do 2 – 3 applications, after it dried, completely in between each layer. I had to keep in mind that the cardboard was getting extremely soggy. Shaping the interior to fit your head while it was pliable was very important (this one was damp for long enough that it did not fit very well by the last coat).

Steampunk DIY 4
Before I start.
Steampunk DIY 5
Tissue layer 1.
Steampunk DIY 6
2 layers on each.

 

Steampunk DIY 3

Newspaper hat.

Hat # 2 – Newspaper Hat

Recipe: Paper Mache Paste

Ingredients:

5 Parts Water

1 Part Flour

1-2 T. of Salt

 

Steampunk DIY 7

Paste & newspaper strips.

Directions: Put 4 parts water into a pot on the stove and bring it to a boil. While you are waiting for it to boil, mix 1 part flour to 1 part warm water. Let is dissolve & while whisking this mixture briskly to remove lumps. Once your pot of water is boiling, slowly stir in salt (helps to combat mold & mildew) along with water and flour mixture. Mix well and let it boil for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring constantly.  Mix to a gooey glue-like consistency. Add more flour and/or water as needed to achieve desired consistency. If you make more than you will use in one day, be sure to store excess in the fridge overnight. When ready for reuse, heat and add additional water to thin and smooth if necessary. I cut lots of strips of newspaper and proceeded to dip the strips in the pan / bowl, run them over the edge through your fingers to remove the excess. I only wet one at a time. Careful not to over wet the cardboard. This took 2 applications. I did let it dry completely in between the applications.

 

Steampunk DIY 8
Papers have dried and the painting begins.
Steampunk DIY 9
Painting over & under.

Steampunk DIY 21
Hat #2 sanded, #1 will have to wait.
Steampunk DIY
Hat #2 – Painted 1 coat & sanded.

After they both dried the one with the newspaper fit Noah’s head the best, so we chose to make it the focus for his costume. Now on with the work!

Steampunk DIY 10

Finished & decked out!

After completely drying, I used a fine sandpaper to take the rough spots off (think I actually did sanding after 1st coat of paint). I then proceeded to paint it with acrylic paints. Black all over for the first and second coat. Brown acrylic with just a drop or two of water to thin it out and just hit certain areas with it to give definition and make it have that leathered look we were shooting for.

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He rocked it! Aunt ChaCha thought so, too!!!

I did not throw hat #1 out…

I may have to use it myself for a different look,

at another time.

Steampunk DIY 12

He loves being the center of attention…LOL!

Mess is cleaned up!

Yay!!! Now the fun part starts…

Adding all the bling, dull bling – punk bling!

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Googles in the making.
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Eye design done.

I really had fun getting into the design lane.

My heart was made to create, it makes me happy! I have to watch myself because this kind of detailed designing, and making things like this can totally consume me. I have quite the collection of odd-n-in pieces of jewelry from over the years. I knew I had saved all the broken necklaces, bracelets, only “one earring”, leftover buttons, spare parts from different mechanical things for a reason. I just didn’t know what reason, until I started really looking at how to put this type of costume together.

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This is my chest of BROKEN treasure.

 I did pick up a few packs of small items at Hobby Lobby; such as sprockets, clock faces, hands for a clock, a box of mixed embellishments (which included some of my favorite round & square fasteners and some tiny glass apothecary vials. I used brooches, feathers, leather, elastic, welding goggles, swim goggles and several other odds and ends that I had in our shop, closet (closets), and jewelry boxes.

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Hummmm I can do so much with so little….

I had extra acrylic paint on hand to touch up things that might need a coat of brass, copper, pewter, silver or gold. For assembling I used E6000, hot glue, needle & thread, spray glue, super glue, mod podge, fasteners, chains, fishing line, pins, and wire. I think I forgot to take a picture of my beautiful “hot mess” of metal and feathers!

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Antique hat of my mom’s. Wish you could see the netting on the back.

Noah’s hat turned out smashingly, I think. I made Wayne goggles, he went with a very abbreviated steampunk look. He got out of what he put into it…so wasn’t much. LOL! My hat was actually an antique of sorts. I snagged it from my mom’s stash. She wore it when I was a child. The feather was so old I tried not to touch it too much, because it broke / disintegrated when I touched it. I used a gathered bunch of tulle, hot glue and a barrette to hold and attach it to the hat. I added goodies to spice it up and had a great look for very little work.

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All tied up!

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Gloves

Found the fingerless gloves for .99 cents, added a few things to liven them up. I used fasteners to add everything on them, so I was able to remove it all. They turned out pretty perfect. Noah almost didn’t give them back. I found an extra tux tie that I added a little somethin’, somethin’ to, also. What I regret is that there is not ONE picture of my entire costume. I had a great faux leather diagonal sash that had all kinds of cool gadgets attached. We can’t find a good picture of Noah’s gun either. It was a great water gun that he painted and tricked out. 

Steampunk DIY 18

He is so handsome, punk and all!

All in all, I feel that for about $20 bucks, several hours and 3 costumes, 2 parties and 1 Halloween behind us; it was very successful. Have fun and Steampunk safely!

Hope you enjoyed my Rhapsodyville

side of creatin’ somethin’! ~ Trina

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, DIY, Fearless Friday's, Paint & Crafts, Uncategorized Tagged With: Costume, craft, DIY, fearless, fun, mess, rhapsody, Rhapsodyville

Let’s Travel Together! Israel here we come!

September 29, 2018 By rhapsodyville Leave a Comment

Let’ Travel Together

Airport Luggage wait

It’s been a minute…

Wednesday Word & Fearless Friday have been on a hiatus. BUT so has the rest of my “blog” life. Sometimes real life just rushes you from all sides. I have been totally consumed in real life issues. Let’s just say the summer of 2018 will never be forgotten. I will be posting more on it in detail in future featured life blogs.

Here’s the last 90 day’s

short, no detail list:

Flowers from the greenhouses

Gorgeous orchid – grown at C of O

Moved son into college

C of O dorm
Home for a while
C of O dorm
Hard to leave him….
Reflections on a bright future
“Sonset” over the campus

5 trips to Branson

Noah @ work
Noah on the landscape crew
Making Glass
Hand made glass window
Saddle Up
Giddy Up

Blooms in Branson
Flowers in the horticulture area
Big Burger
Terrific Eats – Smithsville Moonshine
Father & Son
Handsomeness @ Branson Landing

1 Team National Convention

TN Summer 2018

Working hard or hardly working….

with 3 extended fun filled

Ft. Lauderdale, FL days.

TN Summer 2018 FL
Embassy Ft. Lauderdale
TN Summer 2018 FL
Sunrise Ft. Lauderdale
TN Summer 2018 FL
Convention fun

TN Summer 2018 FL
Summer rain rollin in
TN Summer 2018 FL
Waiting on a bus….
TN Summer 2018 FL
I love the FL scenery

TN Summer 2018 FL
Bigs, makin money all the time!
TN Summer 2018 FL
Intracoastal Waterway FL
TN Summer 2018 FL
Julia Michaels – Heaven”Millionaire Mile” Boat ride – Intracoastal FL

www.redneckrhapsody.com Amazing yacht & home on the Ft.Lauderdale inter-coastal water way.
Imagine Dragons – Whatever It Takes, Taylor Swift – Wildest Dreams

TN Summer 2018 FL
LoCash – I Love This LifePhil, Fason’s & Welch’s
TN Summer 2018 FL
Home Grown! TY Donna – It was great!
TN Summer 2018 FL
<3 Friends!!!

Multiple Lake & Friend weekends

Welch TN Summer 2018
WIT luggage cart @ the lake
Welch TN Summer 2018
Quite morning on the lake
Welch TN Summer 2018
WIT @ the lake on the big boat!

Welch TN Summer 2018
Sunset Greers Ferry, AR
Welch TN Summer 2018
Lake day w/ best crew ever!
Welch TN Summer 2018
Moonrise – Super – Blue Moon

Welch TN Summer 2018
Freedom Eagle
Welch TN Summer 2018
Donna, Natasha & Trina – Fason mountain
Welch TN Summer 2018
Fason Estate

22nd Anniversary

Happy 22

22 & counting

One horrible 36 hours of my mom suffering before going to Glory.

Mom's Flower

Rose for Mom

Welch Summer 2018

Mom’s eternal going home

3 days of preparing an adequate tribute for the rock of our family before her resting physical body here. She is healed and living an eternal dream life now.

Living Trust……

Transitioning earthly belongings and adjusting to a new normal, LOL ( I miss picking up the phone, already).

What I do know

I have finally received the (numbers & dates to take a group to Israel with me next year. I cannot wait to share this wonderful country with you. I pray that you will have faith in me enough to go. This will be my 3rd (if not 4th, by then….may have to slip in one more visit before next April) time to go to Israel in the last 2 years.

Israel Nov. 2017- TW

Trina & friend (Susan snuck in a beautiful photo bomb, too!)

 Register and Make your down payment TODAY!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

God has placed a passion in my heart for His land and people. How can we teach, believe and want to share His word and never go walk on the dirt that is sacred and holy to Him? This little piece of just over 8,000 square miles (a few more historically) is where almost everything in the recorded scripture takes place. There is NO record that I have ever read where Jesus Christ ever traveled to any other country (except for when Herod pursued him as a toddler). So….God must REALLY love it there; to have spent what little time He was a human, to have saw fit to NEVER step one foot off of this hallowed ground.

Life Changing

To say it’s life changing to go to Israel is truly an understatement. I leave Jerusalem crying each time. It is where I believe God first breathed the breath of life into dirt and chose to make man. It is where Abraham was to sacrifice Issac. It is where my Savior and YOURS poured out His precious blood to give atonement for each human who wants eternal life. It is where the Holy Spirit first poured out His gifts to keep man moving forward toward the cross and eternal life until Christ’s return. This land is more than words….it is a living history. You will feel like you are walking through a time warp when you enter certain places. The foods you will eat, smells you will smell and sights you will see can transport you to a life that you have only ever read about.

Beautiful Gate

Eastern Gate

You will experience a varied set of emotions and I will guarantee you will never open a Bible and think the same EVER again…

ITINERARY

Day -1 Mon, April 8th – Travel Day

Day-2, Tues, April 9th  – Arrive Tel Aviv

Mediterranean at Netanya

Mediterranean Sea

Morning arrival.  Meet and greet at the airport.  Board bus and travel with your guide to the Port City of Jaffa on the Mediterranean for a short visit.  Travel along the way of the Sea of Netanya. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and stroll along the beach.  Welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Netanya. (Ramada Netanya or similar)

Day-3, Wed, April 10th   – Sea of GalileeCaesarea, Israel

Breakfast.  Travel along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea to explore the excavations of the ancient Roman port. Travel to the village life in Jesus Days Muhraqa, which commemorates the battle of Elijah on Mt. Carmel.  View the Jezreel Valley and visit Megiddo, the side where the final battle of Armageddon is to take place.  End the day at the home town of Jesus, Nazareth, to enjoy a visit at the reconstructed Nazareth Village and to the wedding church at Cana. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.  (Ron Beach or similar)

Day-4, Thu, April 11th   – Golan Heights

Israel - 2018 - Trina
Safed town mix
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Wine
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Safed

Breakfast.  Start the day at Safed.  Time for lunch. Visit Tel Dan Nature Reserve.  Visit the Banias, the site of ancient Caesarea Philippi and the Banias Falls.   Nimrod’s Fortress in the Golan Heights area. If time permits, end the day with a view of the area from the Shalom Lookout, in the Southern Golan. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.

Israel 2018 - Trina

Nimrod Fortress

Day 5, Friday, April 12th   – Sea of Galilee

Trina – Israel 11/2017 – Galilee
Sea of Galilee
Boat ride Sea of Galilee
Sea of Galilee
Galilee Region


Nazareth Dress in Christ time
Dressed for work!
Sunrise Sea of Galilee
Galilee Sunrise

Breakfast.  Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee with music and worship.  Visit the ancient Boat Museum at Kibbutz Ginosar. Visit Capernaum to see the remains of Peter’s house and where Jesus chose to center his ministry.  Ascent the Mt. of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (reserved meeting point). Stop at the 7 Springs on the shore of the Sea of Galilee by Tabgha, site of the miracle of the fish and loaves. Visit the newly excavated site of Magdala. End the day with a visit to the Yardenit baptism site. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.

Jordan Baptize

Noah baptized in the Jordan

Day-6, Sat, April 13th   – Jordan Valley-Jerusalem

Bet She'an

Beit She’an, Israel

Breakfast.  Visit the excavations of the Roman city of Beit She’an.  Travel south along the Jordan Valley with an optional stop at Kaser El Yehud Baptism site and a view of Mt. Temptation at Jericho.  Ascend to Jerusalem via the Judean Wilderness (Wadi Kelt) like pilgrims have been doing for centuries. Shabbat Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.  (Dan Boutique or Panorama Hotel)

Jerusalem, Israel

Sun setting over Jerusalem

Day -7, Sun, April 14th  – Jerusalem

Temple Mount - Jerusalem

Temple Mount

Breakfast.  Start the morning with a visit to the Temple Mount (security permitting).  Stroll through the city alleys and colorful markets, as we walk along the “Way of the Cross” from St. Stephen’s Gate, the Pool of Bethesda to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  Then we will visit the City of David and see the 3D movie and the Davidson Center to see the Southern Wall Steps. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Top of Mt. Scopus
It’s going to be a great day!
Lion’s Gate
St. Ann’s

Abby
Western Wall
Western Wall
Torah Cabinet
Where Torah’s are stored at the Western Wall

Hummus
FRESH hummus @ Lena’s
The Ramparts
Atop the wall
Talpiot - Jerusalem, Israel
Every day life. Living in Israel.

Day – 8, Monday, April 15th  – Dead Sea

Dead Sea, Ein Gedi Region

Dead Sea

Breakfast.  Start the day with a visit to Genesis Land for a short camel ride and hospitality in Abraham’s Tent.  Then travel down to the Dead Sea, the lowest area in the world. Enjoy a short hike to David’s waterfall at Ein Gedi Oasis. 

Sunrise Dead Sea

Sunrise – Trina at the Dead Sea

Visit Qumran (with movie) where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and shop for Dead Sea products.  Enjoy a dip in the salt mineral waters of the Dead Sea. After dinner at the hotel, we will visit the Western Wall and Western Tunnel. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day-9, Tuesday, April 16th    – Jerusalem

Garden Tomb

THE GARDEN TOMB – JERUSALEM, ISRAEL NOVEMBER 2017

Tour and communion at the Garden Tomb.  Drive through Government Hill and view the Menorah at the Knesset, Friends of Zion Museum.  On to the Israel Museum to see the Model of the First Century Jerusalem and the Scroll of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed.  Machane Yehuda Market in the afternoon. (Must sign up for the market). Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 10, Wednesday, April 17th –   Jerusalem

Mount of Olives
Riding on Mt. of Olives
Plant in Gethsemane
Hot Poker Plant in Garden of Gethsemane
Jerusalem, Israel
Garden of Gethsemane – Jerusalem, Israel

Garden Tomb Jerusalem
Garden Tomb Mix 2017
Garden Tomb Jerusalem
Tombs in Jerusalem
Tombs

Ascent the Mt. of Olives.  Visit Dominus Flevit Church and walk down the Palm Sunday path to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations for prayer in the Garden.  Continue to Mt. Zion to see the Upper Room and King David’s Tomb. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

King David Statue

Noah next to statue of King David

Day 11, Thurs, April 18th     – Tel Aviv/Departure.

Begin the day at the Yad Vashein Holocaust Memorial and travel to the Valley of Elah, site of the Battle of David and Goliath and see the 911 Memorial. Farewell dinner.  In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Jaffa, Israel

Jaffa Port Mediterranean

April 19th –  Departure 00:30am.

Just do it!

I dare you to do this. There’s never a better time than the present – it is a gift and we never know when we will be required to give that gift away and NEVER get it back. Failed health, circumstances, money, children, jobs, yada-yada-yada – excuses are cheap / free; but they truly can cost you the most…. a life time of I wish I had’s.

Don’t forget to get registered TODAY!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

After traveling to Israel, I know that I was brought to this land to share the secrets that it holds with other children of the gospel. You need to come experience the things it holds for you and YOU can go share it with the world!!!!

Lean In and Lean on Him to make this trip of a life time with us!

Shalom & Rhaposdyville Livin,

Trina

Check out my previous post on my trip to Israel.

Filed Under: Blog, Israel, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: fearless, fun, God, Holy Ghost, Israel, Israel tour, Jesus, lean in, Lord, loving, Rhapsodyville, shalom, Spirit

Day 4 – Israel – Redneck Rhapsody Travel Girl- Rhapsodyville Style

July 10, 2018 By rhapsodyville Leave a Comment

Conquering the N. Galilee Region

Victory for the North Galilee Region!

Time to Move

Israel - Trina
Going to miss this…
Israel - Trina
Great view…
Israel - Trina
Looks like way more than I arrived with…

On the Road again!

Bags are packed and I am going for a little detour as I wind my way towards Jerusalem. I went to visit the ancient tombs in Bet She’arim. A very important Jewish Rabbi – Yehuda Hanassi was buried here. He was the head of the Sanhedrin. He was buried long ago (220CE). Many Jews from all around the world have chosen to have their bodies sent here for burial, also.

Israel - Trina

Bet She’arim

Such beauty in Solitude

Israel - Trina

Tomb doors are massive.

These tombs were carved into the mountain side that are actually caves that have tombs in them. The catacombs hold many beautiful limestone sarcophagi. The huge stone and hinge doors hold more than their share of stories. Would love to know some of them.

 

Israel - Trina

I am FOR CERTAIN that I would NOT want to be in any of these after dark. Catacombs were quite dark in the broad daylight, especially when you wandered far enough back in them. I kept waiting for someone to jump out and scream… OR creep up behind me and tap me on the shoulder…..yep, you guessed it, I would SCREAM and probably need to change my shorts!!!!

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Israel - Trina
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Tomb Door

Blessed with helpful souls

Israel - Trina

Nicest park lady ever! Spoke almost NO English…

Met a wonderful lady that helped me get my park pass ( that I would have already paid for if I’d bought it on my FIRST day….) If you are traveling Israel on your own and going to be in the National Parks & Reserves BUY a multi-park pass that will meet your needs. Yes, it will save you money if you plan on going to more than 3.

The things you can see in a cemetery…

As I went to leave, there were a couple of wedding parties that were arriving to have their pictures in the park. Yes, a little strange to see wedding pictures being made in a cemetery, but it was a beautiful location. Was interesting to see how their cars were adorned for the occasion compared to cars in America.

Israel - Trina

Who would have thunk it?

Now, my new nest for a few days

Israel - Trina

AirBnB – for $$$ off your first stay Airbnb.com/c/trinaw1880

This would be my 3rd of the 4 different AirBnB’s that I would be staying in. I was in Jerusalem for 5 night’s. My gracious host were Mark & Kim Weiss. They have a lovely home that was set up perfect for me. Although it wasn’t easy for my maps to get me there the first time, I did make it. It was in a fantastic location for having means to get around. One and half blocks from city buses. A few blocks from First Station (more about this in a sec). I had the downstairs at their place all to myself, so it made for a great place of peace to rest at the end of long days.

Israel - Trina

Yum!!!

I inquired about where to grab dinner and they said, “Go to First Station.” It wasn’t but about 2 blocks up and about 8 or so down. Love this place. A good variety of restaurants. All looked to have an excellent selection of food. There was a market, art gallery, small area of carnival type games, live performances which varied all the way from singers to music and dance. This became my go to spot to find what I would need the next few days. All the way from food to parking (more on that next post😜).

Israel - Trina
1st Station – Diner’s doing the same,thing here as in America…
Israel - Trina
1st Station – Art
Israel - Trina
1st Station

Israel - Trina
Fresh olive selection
Israel - Trina
Nice little market
Israel - Trina
1st Station

Other than spending 45 minutes driving in probably about a 5 mile radius, trying to actually get on the road I needed to be on, this day proved to be quite mild. Which wasn’t a bad thing…

Working on tour packages for Spring 2019! Let me know if you want more info! trina@redneckrhapsody.com

Make sure you are signed up for my emails so you can follow the rest of this trip. I will be posting in the future from our Fall 2017 tour of Israel. Catch up with Day 1, Day 2 & Day 3 – Israel 2018

Maybe it’s your time to “lean in & travel to Israel!”

Trina

Filed Under: Blog, Israel, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: Israel, Israel tour, lean in, redneck, Rhapsodyville

Wednesday Word – Introduction To Holy Spirit

June 20, 2018 By rhapsodyville Leave a Comment

Introduction To Holy Spirit ~

The Faith Connection

Introduction To Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit up close and personal.

My Wednesday Word is coming from me recently starting a new study of the Holy Spirit.

Introduction To Holy Spirit ~ The Faith Connection by Dr. Betty Gilliam, pastor of Faith Christian Center in Jacksonville, AR,  is a book that I “tried” to begin reading while on my journey in Israel. Think I may have got one of the very first autographed copies of it. I really did try to read it. I got through the intro and had to reread it. Thinking that the first chapter would be clearer and easier to understand….well that’s what I get for thinking. I pulled out the work book pages that accompany it hoping it would pull more clarity out of the depths, yeah no such luck. But what did happen is the Holy Spirit laid it on my heart to sow that book into a friend’s life in Israel. This makes it an official international book, fo sho!

Always Be Learning

I have read and studied the Bible my whole life, so this book was definitely going to teach me a few things (jk, A LOT)!

  1. I’ve got a WHOLE LOT more to learn.
  2. A trip was not the place to start a Biblical college education.
  3. I would have to go into this paperback with a serious amount of prayer!
  4. That the relationship that I have with the Holy Spirit is more than I have truly ever given attention to.
  5. This will make me a much better child of the King.
  6. Everyone can stand to learn more about the Holy Spirit
  7. Concentration is necessary for this word to be digested properly.

Home and Growing

I decided I would dive into this when I got back home. Which I have done. It takes me about 4-5 times of reading each segment in each chapter to let this seep into every fiber of my being. I am also answering my questions in the study guide as I go. It is slow going, but I feel that what I am gaining, gleaning and preparing to be able to pour out from this…it is SO worth it.

Lesson Connection

Directly from the book…“Too often, people are not aware that Jesus provided full redemption which includes not only provision for our spirit being born again, but also provision for our bodies and souls which includes our minds, wills, emotions, and passions.” This really hit home. When the Holy Spirit is accepted to indwell us; He is actually a partner for not just our spiritual battles, but He can take on our soul & physical body fights, too. I’m not sure why this struck me like it did, but it was a light bulb moment for me.

Recognition

I’ve known Dr. Betty Gilliam for most of my life. Grew up, went to school, and had sleep overs with her girls. She is an amazing woman of God and I am thankful for all she does for the Kingdom. I am glad that she values growing His kingdom by sharing her knowledge. This incredible teacher and mentor has sunk her wisdom into the pages of this book and guide. It will challenge you, but is so worth it!

My 2 cents:

When God’s people stop comparing and fearing church, denomination, and being “religious” we may have a shot of sharing His kingdom principles with the lost. Introducing children to their Daddy, by way of salvation through King Jesus, is the main goal we should have as heirs to the thrown. Yes, we keep our relationship with the Lord first, but second are all others. Therefore, no matter which pew (chair) you warm, whether it’s Saturday evening or Sunday morning, early traditional / later contemporary service, or which kingdom preaching church you attend – JUST GO. Find the place where the Holy Spirit is leading you. Seek the word of God. If you aren’t thriving where you are, being fertilized and watered, for your soul’s sake go where you can be. BUT don’t pull up roots for wrong reasons. The spirit of offense is one of the most destructive tools that the devil is currently ripping the world, America, families, churches, congregations, and Christians in general apart with.

Great people of God

I am so fortunate that I have been blessed to have some of the most amazing teachers pour into me. I will NOT start naming names, but if they have ever spoke at The Bridge Church in Cabot, AR, I want to thank them.

Dr. Betty you are a light in darkness, never let it be dimmed by anxiety of what God’s up to. Pastor Steve McCuin… no words brother – just tears of gratefulness.

I am such a lucky & blessed little girl to have a Father who created the universe and all that’s in it. A brother who’s a King – that died for me and intercedes on my behalf with the Father. They 💗 LOVE 💗 me so MUCH, that they gave me great people who fill my cup…even when it taste like bad medicine. I know I’m loved.

Continuing to Lean In

Trina

*The title above has the link to order If interested.

Filed Under: Bible, Study, Teachers & Leaders, Uncategorized, Wednesday Word Tagged With: Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Israel, Jesus, King, Kings kid, Lord, love, loving, NKJV, pray, Spirit, truth

Day 2 – Israel – Rhapsodyville

June 2, 2018 By rhapsodyville Leave a Comment

Sunrise

Israel 2018

Rooftop Sunrise Korazim

I should say Shabbat Shalom – I woke up in Korazim / Corazim / Chorazim (yes, it is spelled all 3 ways) (pronounced – Korzeem – I say it wrong everytime🙄), really early. Time difference still catching my tailwinds, LOL. My little studio apartment that has a walk out onto the roof has an excellent view of the very north edge of the Sea of Galilee. You can see the Golan Heights to the east, too. I was hoping for some amazing sunrise pictures, but it was quite hazy. I gave it a go anyway. Had fun with trying to get it, not often I get to romp around on a rooftop ledge… Pictures weren’t what I hoped for but they weren’t awful either. It was a beautiful morning, just not the sunrise shots I was able to get in November.

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Sunrise shots

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Sunrise North

Yoga My Way

Did get a good rooftop yoga work out in before I ventured out for the day. Love doing yoga outside, this was new for me. Might have to do more of this.

Safed / Tzfat

Israel - 2018 - Trina

She made my day! Free parking & good directions.

I had decided to go to a place I had not previously visited. Safed or Tzfat – YES, same place, totally different spellings…. EVEN ON THE SIGNS, not just on the GPA… After I missed the first exit, I was completely guessing on the second one. Needless to say, it was just another small way that I was better off. It landed me on the old side of town, exactly where I wanted to be! I was concerned about parking, but ended up in a gravel parking lot which wasn’t marked. Luckily, a beautiful woman that lived in a house nearby was bring out her trash. She gave me permission to leave my car here @ no charge. She gave me directions to the part of town I was wanting to go.

Who Knew I had found

just what I was looking for!

I happened to be only about a two block walk from there. (What I didn’t know at this time is how blessed I was… When I went to leave the town after reprogramming my GPS it took me out the way I was SUPPOSE to have come. It took me like 45 minutes to get through the new side of town and traffic. I would have missed most of the shops, as they would have been closed before I could get to them. Isn’t it funny how when we let go and let God, things sometimes turn out just as they should even when we believe we were doing it all wrong……..)

Israel - 2018 - Trina
Safed Shabbat shoppers
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Safed town mix
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Safed window sill

Friday = Shabbat

It was Friday, so there that means Shabbat. Shabbat is the Jews Sabbath. It is still observed by most everyone and everywhere in Israel. Which means between noon and two o’clock almost everything closes until sundown on Saturday. The lady of the house begins cooking early in the morning preparing the family’s meal, which can include extended family and friends. So, I was really glad I made it there by 10:00 am. I figured a couple of hours would be enough. Well, it was, but I could have spent an entire day in this charming ancient city.

Israel - 2018 - Trina

This city in one of the four element cities in ancient Jewish tradition. Safed is the city of wind. – This was told to me by one of the locals. Wikapedia – Since the 16th century, Safed has been considered one of Judaism‘s Four Holy Cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias; since that time, the city has remained a center of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism.

Israel - 2018 - Trina
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Israel - 2018 - Trina

Israel - 2018 - Trina
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Israel - 2018 - Trina

Everywhere I turned there were neat art galleries, handmade items, specialty shops, and local made delights. Cheese shop, jewelry, wineries, fresh food made to order right in front of you. Artist of all types.

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Specialized Tallit’s

OK, forget a day – I literally could have spent a week in just this place and been happy. Probably was a really good thing that they were closing early, because I didn’t make it to near all of them. The good Lord knew I didn’t have all the money that I wanted to spend. I made Him a deal about this trip. If I was taking it for the learning experience and seeking Him, that I would NOT spend, except on necessities. Like FOOD….

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Brunch in Safed – Yemen style. Two crazy, fun boys who were a pleasure to watch and have cook for me!

Well, it was totally necessary that I try at least one new experience that I have never had before. I bought 1 bottle of Ancient Safed Winery – Cabernet Sauvignon. I now have at least one new like!😍  I savored it, took me a week to drink the whole bottle. I didn’t bring the bottle back, but managed to get the label off and am trying to decide how I want to preserve it.

Israel - 2018 - Trina
Wine
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Ancient Safed Winery
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Safed

Israel - 2018 - Trina
Art Gallery
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Art in Israel
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Galleries

Israel - 2018 - Trina
Safed
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Abouhav Winery
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Safed

To put it mildly I 💗 this place! I could actually live in this town. BUT… I am finding out that there are many cities that I could absolutely live in Israel. The more that I visit, the more that get added to my list.

I headed back to my temporary home base mid afternoon. The sky’s were clear, I put tunes on and just enjoyed the drive. Decided I would camp out for some rays on the rooftop when I arrived.

Israel - 2018 - Trina
Travel time
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Sharin rays with my neeeighbors….lol
www.redneckrhapsody.com Israel - 2018 - Trina
Sun-n-fun

Israel- 2018- Trina

Burger & fries

Thought I might actually get a real meal for dinner, since it had been about 3 days since I had meat. Vered HaGalil was referred to me from a local. It did not let me down. They had amazing looking steaks, but I opted for the all American burger & fries. It was less than 5 minutes from where I was staying.

 

Israel- 2018- Trina

Vered HaGalil – Restaurant

 

 

 

If you see horses in any of the pictures of my stay here, it was their’s. Their ranch backed up to the house I was in, so I was privileged enough to watch them eat & play from the rooftop view (pictured above).

 

 

Israel - 2018- Trina
Holly Hock
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Fresh fruit
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Landscape in the neighborhood.

Israel - 2018 - Trina
Olive grove.
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Lots of rocks.
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Tree with beautiful blooms.

Israel - 2018 - Trina
Foxtail
Israel - 2018 - Trina
BIG rock
Israel - 2018 - Trina
Wondering, lost & not nice. Poor baby.

Shabbat Shalom

After that meal I had no desire to just sleep on it. It was still light, so I thought I would go for a walk and get a few more pictures. This place is truly beautiful. I wonder how this community would have fared if they had turned from their ways when Christ tried to teach them about the Kingdom of heaven….

Israel - 2018 - Trina

“LOTS” of lantana – luv!

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Yahweh’s handy work

Israel - 2018 - Trina

Yahweh’s color pallet amazes me…

This country truly rules my heart and owns my soul….. Shabbat Shalom

Leaning in as much as possible…. it is wear I wish to be,

Trina

Filed Under: Blog, Fearless Friday's, Israel, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: God, goodness, Israel, Israel tour, Jesus, Lord, redneck, rhapsody, Rhapsodyville, Safed, shabbat, shalom, Tzfat

Fearless Friday – 2018 Graduate

May 25, 2018 By rhapsodyville Leave a Comment

Noah

SR pic – 2018 Photo by Jacob DeNomie

Sonsational 2018 Graduate

Noah

Now & Then

Sonsational – Noah Welch

I cannot begin to tell you what these last 18 years have been like! I have enjoyed this boy / young man to the utmost. I am so incredibly proud of the all that he has done. He graduated with honors and extra bling for achieving four years in the engineering program, as well as, other school programs. He presented Mr. Daughety with a Life Impact award, which melted his momma’s heart.

Noah - 2018
Proud Momma
Noah - 2018
Noah & Mr. Daughety
Noah - 2018
2018 Yearbook

Line 89

Since Amber graduated in 2005, there has been a tradition of the parents, friends and other schools lining the main highway to take the seniors to Verizon Arena the morning of graduation for practice. So we made our signs and took our place along the line and waited on ALL 15 buses loaded with seniors…693 were in the program to receive their diplomas.

Noah - 2018
Signs DONE!!!!
Noah - 2018
Ready for the buses
Noah - 2018
Line 89 prep

Sonsational – Ready, Set…GO

Noah - 2018

HOTTIE!!!!

He is so handsome. Yes, I am 1000% prejudice. Whoever the girl is that actually share’s his heart with his momma one day sure will be a lucky, blessed young woman. She will be getting the whole package – smart, sensitive, caring, Christian, conservative, funny and….handsome (oops, I already said that)!!!!

Emotional Rollercoaster

Noah - 2018

LOVE…

I have laughed / cried / sniffled / giggled / teared up more than I can count – but thank goodness no ugly crying! I was really afraid that, that was going to show up, but I think I’m storing that one up for the day I will leave him at the dorm and drive away (makes me tear up just thinking about that one).

The 2 ½ hour ceremony

Yep, it takes that long to graduate 693 students! Two salutatorians, one valedictorian…throw in a pledge, anthem, couple of prayers, and alma mater….just under TWO and a HALF hours. W’s are always close to last…. So no leaving early (wouldn’t do it even if his last name started with an A)! Definitely proud of this boy and this moment for him to shine, all of these students deserve the time they’ve worked for on this night.

Food PLEASE!

Afterwards we hit Old Chicago with about 5 grads and plenty of friends and family in tow. They did a great job juggling all the different arrivals and multiple separate tickets. Full tummies, happy peeps, tired parents. Took a minute to unwind from the emotions of the day, I think the clock said 2am when I turned off the TV.

4 parties in a row

10:45 am Party #1 – Birthday for a busy 2 year old. Our great nephew is a big ball of fun! Thankful to visit with some of our extended out of town crew, my brother and his family.

#2  – Graduation party for Isiah – Looonnnngggg time friend of Noah’s. So very proud of this young man and all of his accomplishments. I can’t wait to see what all he does in the next few years.

#3 – Graduation party for Sierra – We go to church with Miss Sierra. She is a beautiful young lady with a bright future at the U of A. She is a delight and so stinking smart.

#4 – Graduation party for Adam – Adam is one of Noah’s best bud’s for the past few years. He is going the route of reserves then heading back for his education starting spring semester. He will definitely be an asset for our country to have him serving. His journey won’t be easy and we will keep him in our prayers. But, as far as that goes I will keep all of these children in my prayers.

Last show of honor for the graduates

Noah - 2018

Youth Grads @ the Bridge Church in Cabot

Our church recognized all of our seniors with our youth pastor presenting them with a book. VIP: How to Influence with Vision, Integrity, and Purpose by O. S. Hawkins . I hope they all invest the time in themselves and actually read it. Motivational reading can change a life forever!!! And your level of positive motivational reading is followed by the level of income, usually. The more you deposit into your own bank of self worth, you add value to your real estate investment that resides between your to ears and exists as gray matter. The more valuable you are the more you are paid. $$$$ follows the worth of self! My home church where we started Noah off at in life also recognized him with a beautiful Bible. He’s a lucky young man, who is loved by many people.

Downhill slide

We invited some friends over for an afternoon of chill time. Their daughter was the Valedictorian of CHS Class of 2018. Their plate has been a lot more full than ours with all the college visit and applications that they worked on, so we all need some real R&R!

Noah - 2018 - Mom chill
It’s over….

Thank you to all who have had kind words, sent cards, prayed, hauled, helped, and endured just this post or any of the past 18 years that have went into the making of this moment. I would be remiss to not mention the teachers and faculty of Cabot Public Schools their days are long and sometimes very difficult. I have watched them pray, feed, and even unfortunately fight with, as well as, for these young people. They just want to get them to where we arrived at this weekend…Graduated! Lord bless them and keep them protected and give them many, many more years!

Filed Under: Blog, Family, Fearless Friday's, Uncategorized Tagged With: fearless, graduation, Lord, love, loving, noah, pray, redneck, rhapsody, Rhapsodyville

Day 1 – Israel – Rhapsodyville

May 15, 2018 By rhapsodyville Leave a Comment

Israel 2018 - Trina

Zippori / Tzipori NP

14 Days / Israel – Makes my Heart BEAT!

I know I haven’t even blogged about my first trip to Israel, but with just finishing my second one, and it being a 14 day stint, I feel that I want to share this piece of rhapsodyville while it’s fresh. This trip just developed quickly and with being a “travel” blogger….I needed to do some REAL travel, so I pulled the trigger (key strokes -reserved rooms, car & plane tickets) and hit the tarmac. This was my first trip out of the country by myself. I rented a car, stayed AirBnB’s, and mapped out where I would visit, what I would see & do all by myself (well, I must give credit to a friend who is a guide and lives in Israel: Harrison – thank you for all your advice and tips – *especially highway signs, speed limits and such*).

Day 1

Israel - 2018 TrinaMy first day started in Ra’Annana. It is located just outside of Tel Aviv. From there I went north. The drive was awesome. Beautiful scenery, windows down, tunes jamming (yes, I carried my own speaker and used my Itunes), the wonderful smell of spring made me feel alive. I am a fan of The Watchman CUFI – TBN. Some of the places I chose to visit were places with history that may have been featured on that program. Others I returned to after my first visit, friend’s suggestions or just the Lord leading me. I had no time clock, this is what made this trip so amazing. I could leave as quick as I arrived or stay along as it was open.

 

National Park #1Nature and Parks Authority

Zippori National Park**  or Tzipori (yep, yet another BIG difference NAMES of the CITIES can and OFTEN do change…js) was on the agenda for the day. It is on a hill in the western Lower Galilee region. It has the remains of a magnificent city and is still a current archaeology dig site with new things being discovered all the time.



It includes ancient streets, public buildings, dwellings, a theater, bathhouses, churches, a synagogue, central market all mainly dating to Roman and Byzantine period. There are beautiful mosaics contained in some of the main structures.

 

The land surrounding it was beautiful farms; produce and cattle. The day became quite warm quickly. It appeared that I was going to have warm weather for the entirety of my trip. I love warm, so no worries!




Rhapsodyville – 2nd home for a 4 day stay

After wrapping things up there I headed to the Upper Galilee region to Korazim. This would be home for the next few days. I arrived mid afternoon. Upon unloading my last bag, the first drop of rain splattered.

Korazim
Israel 2018 - Trina
Korazim

Israel, much like Arkansas can have some serious afternoon “heat” storms. The shutters of the room I was in almost blew off. They had to be zip tied. Yep, zip ties, much like duct tape and super glue they ALL can make MANY problems go away and are the answer to SO MANY issues!

Israel - 2018 Trina

Glad I wasn’t out in it! Photo creds to Harrison

*There will be a post dedicated solely to the details of “IF YOU RENT A CAR IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY aka Israel” maps, roads – streets, laws, ect…. YEP, it was part of what made my trip all that it was!*

**I did not figure out until after I paid for my entrance at the 4th national park that you can get a two week pass for multiple parks for a discount price. If you have a friend with an address that will receive your card for you, there’s a 1 year pass, but it has to be mailed to an Israel address. I have a card on it’s way and am now friends with a park employee who liked me enough and is sending it to me! Blessed. God sent me people who took care of me everywhere I went. He loves on me WAY more than I deserve.

Israel 2018 - Trina

Zippori NP

Rhapsodyville to come – NEXT PLEASE…

Now, I have to figure out where I’m going next. How quick can I make it happen and I’m not sure that it won’t be traveling from Israel. After my second time around, my hope was to get it out of my system instead I feel that it just became rooted deeper into my veins. I am so in love with Israel. I cried as I left Jerusalem and for the next four days just thinking about leaving. For those that know me, NOT a CRIER!!! Times when I should cry, like funerals, I can’t – start talking about this place and I tear up. FOR the LOVE, it must be God, cause I don’t weep…. There are truly no words that can adequately describe just how or what I feel there. It oozes history and faith. Both of which I love and garner a special relationship with. I feel so drawn that I may have an address change….

 

Filed Under: Blog, Israel, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: fearless, fun, Israel, Israel tour, redneck, rhapsody, Rhapsodyville, rhapsodyville style, travel, travel chick

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Trina Welch

Hey y’all, it’s Trina ~ Redneck Rhapsody – Where living is a state of mind. Thank's for dropping in! I live in small town AR with my 2 men (with skin) & 2  boys (with fur). I LOVE to travel and share about my journeys. When I’m not doing that, I’m doing shab rehab, breaking, baking or candle making. Well, welcome to Redneck Rhapsody, grab a glass of tea or wine. Let’s take a little time to sit a spell & spend some serendipitous moments. Hope hanging out here will give you a break / push / pull or giggle to get you through till the next time.

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