Birthdays at Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge

Friday was my 22nd birthday and it was a really good one. Parker got me the coolest presents which I will share pictures with below (not pictured is a pair of camouflage crocs because I needed a smaller size). I got a chocolate cake, homework was done and had a Bible study in the evening, what a good night. 

Gray fox pelt that I can look at and study when I do my master's study on gray fox. This was bought through a trapping store called Glacier Wear. (Link here)

See that paracord sling, that's called a sling-a-ling in Siberian camo by JaktGear (Link Here). Its magnetic so when I am hunting and carrying it the chord attaches to the magnet on the riser so it won't get in the way during a shot. They are great for hunting and 3D shoots.

This may very well be my favorite movie of all time and I had lost my copy of it. Parker found me a new one so I can watch it again.

Over the weekend I was invited to be a featured artist at Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge's 25th anniversary party. As a relatively new and small refuge they rely on the public support for a lot of the things they do there to keep it running along with their amazing friends group that plays a huge part in the way that you see the refuge today. Parker and I got there pretty early to set up our table. I had a lot of interest in my art and sold a few pieces while we were there. 

Me at the BBNWR event

I look forward to getting more art done and contributing to the community that way like I used to in Menard County. I am working on painting a picture of the refuge and was asked to start it there so people could see live painting. We set up by another artist in the lawn of the visitor center - which may be the cutest historic house I ever saw in my life (I will get a picture later and add it back in here sometime this month). The day was beautiful, it felt like the last day of Summer before Autumn really set in so the sunshine and the cool breeze made for the most lovely morning and we had some instrumental music playing while we painted. As an extra bonus they handed out free lemonade and free slices of black bayou mudpie (I think that is what they called it but it was gooey chocolate). 

My plants aren't usually on the floor like that but it was cold today so I wanted to put them in some warmth.

I wanted to show a little of our home here because I think it is so beautiful. Parker made the coffee table and the palmettos were a birthday gift from my in laws. Parker's family stopped by for a few days last week and it was the most lovely time. We got to explore parts of the town we wouldn't have probably otherwise gone to, like the Biedenharn museum.

I have a simple verse for this blog. It sums up how lovely my days have been and it is a good one to think about when you wake up. "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." -Psalm 118:24. This sets up every day as an intention that God made this day for YOU. So be happy about it and try to notice all the good things that happens during the day. Sure it may not be perfect, we are so busy and tired bogged down with work and school but, did you get a text from an old friend that you miss, did you get an A on that exam that you studied hard for...or get offered extra credit for one you weren't satisfied with? Good things happen, don't be so self absorbed or busy to notice them. This world has so many beauties, trees and stars- all made by God for YOU. Enjoy your days!

-Nichole💜