Pretty Nails and Tea

Monday, August 31, 2015

Italian Pine Trees | Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii, Naples Italy
Guided Group Tour

The Pine trees in Italy caught my attention. The trees, because of their shape, are called Umbrella Pine, Italian Stone Pine or Parasol Pine. I've been seeing these trees all over, so I was curious. The tour guide explained: "They do not grow like these on there own. Look closer and you'll see where branches were cut as the tree grows. Maintaining the shape of the trees like this had been a tradition since the Renaissance period." Frankly, I think they are gorgeous this way. I wonder if the pine-trees in my native home, Baguio City (Philippines), could also be pruned like this? There's an abundance of these trees in the Mediterranean and is quite popular because of it's delicious pine nuts. I was not introduced to pine nuts until I came to New Brunswick and lived with a family of Macedonian descent. So, the pine tree we have in the Philippines is probably of a different kind?

Excited crowds were moving along the narrow cobbled pathway in Pompeii. Like everyone else, I was eagerly taking pictures. Hubby felt something fall on his head... bird poof? We were alarmed. He touched it and it was sticky like super glue - pine tree sap! I teased, "you can keep it, smells so good." I was not lying. But he was too uncomfortable to admire it - "Hubby got sapped," was the joke of the day :)

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Sunday, August 30, 2015

A Tree Planted by Streams of Water

Psalm 1:1-3 for Sunday Sketches

My niece and I had an assignment for our weekly Bible Study meetings. How can we draw close to God? One way is by daily reading and meditating on God's love letter to us, the Scriptures. How can we talk about the Scriptures in a way that would benefit a little girl? Since it was to be presented as a little skit/dialogue, we pretended that we were drawing just like we usually do on our regular baby sitting days... good use of visual aids in teaching :-)

We read the Scriptures first, then based on what we read, I asked her to make a drawing. The above drawing is her interpretation.

"Happy is the man who does not walk according to the advice of the wicked

And does not stand on the path of sinners

And does not sit in the seat of scoffers.

But his delight is in the law of Jehovah,

And he reads His law in an undertone day and night.

He will be like a tree planted by streams of water,

A tree that produces fruit in its season,

The foliage of which does not wither.

And everything he does will succeed."
Psalm 1:1-3

If we daily nourish ourselves with the water that flows from God's Words, the Bible, if we would meditate on it so as to apply it in our lives, we will become wise. We will fill our reservoir of knowledge and strength, so that when we are faced with adversities, we have something to draw from that will enable us to act wisely.

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Granted, reading and understanding the Bible can be difficult at times, it's size may be daunting. But take courage, we have help. For example, JW.org is a rich source of Bible based information that can help us. By using this kind and generous provision, we can be like the healthy, luxurious tree planted by streams of water.

Do you have a favorite Scripture/Passage?

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Saturday, August 29, 2015

Sailing Back In Time

A little Filipina sails the Mediterranean, yay!

I hope you have enjoyed my recent posts about my visit to Pompeii | Naples, Italy the last couple of days ("oh my, you only posted like... everyday!" lol... :D )

A few days ago, I was inspired to share a part of my adventures in Rome [320 Steps to a Great View]. European tours are always exciting, isn't it? So, why not? In the next few days/weeks, I thought I would share with you more - bits and pieces of this unforgettable, hopefully to be repeated adventure. I will have plenty to share until I finally save for a new camera {Yup, sad... my camera is malfunctioning. Hopefully it won't take very long, do you have any part-time jobs for me? *wink*}

The above photo was the beginning of a great adventure. When we (barely)planned for this trip, I have just received my Canadian Citizenship. Hubby and I wanted to celebrate by crossing the border to the States; American Dream, here I come. Wohoo! Well, what do we know? God is ever gracious and kind, He gave me a greater blessing, much greater than what I could have ever imagined - a Mediterranean Cruise! Europe! {Pinch me. I must be dreaming. NO, it really happened.... You see, for a poor Pilipino girl, this is almost impossible. Ouch! Stop pinching, I'm awake! hahaha...}.

I hope that you would 'sail with me' in the next few more days. In this cruise we saw, we came and we conquered. Welcome aboard Maya's Cruise Ship! Toot! Toot! ( :D = *big grin* )

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