25 year class reunion

July 19, 2010





“High School Sistas“

This past Saturday night was our Kearsley High School Class of 1985 reunion. What a blast from the past! The eight of us pictured above rented a limo for the event for some extra bonding/reminiscing time before the reunion. Some of the girls came in from Arizona, and Tennessee……so glad they made the trip! Many of my classmates were very recognizable and I knew immediately who they were and then there are those that have changed so much! Facebook was a great tool for getting us back in touch with each other prior to our reunion. If you want to reconnect with friends from high school, I highly recommend starting a Facebook page. I came away from the reunion with many thoughts….

1…I really miss the ones that live so far away
2…wondering why the heck us friends that live within an hours drive don’t get together more often??????
3…that all those high school insecurities were a waste of time
4…I will attend any future reunions if at all possible (I hadn’t been to one since the 5 yr reunion)
5…after graduation, life begins……it is then our choice as to what we want to become…..this thought made me reflect on the past 25 years. A sense of peace, happiness. and pride came over me. I love where I am today and I am excited about where this life will lead me………

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Kogut Family Vacation

July 16, 2010

Beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan from Manistee

We spent Sunday afternoon canoeing on the Pine River. This photo was taken in the truck on the ride back to the farm.

Kyle, David & Ryan… my boys….acting silly as usual

Our nephew’s little tike, Lucas, was stylin’ in his blue shades. There’s nothin’ like a baby to bring so much laughter and joy. He was the source of entertainment on many occasions.

Typical boys……catching (and a couple of times, eating) bugs!

Ahhh, a day at the beach is food for the soul. We spent a few afternoons at the beach. This year the water was warm and refreshing….usually Lake Michigan is so cold I barely get in but this year was wonderful!

Ryan & David (cousins)

David & Ryan

Kyle……if I take his photo without him knowing, I can actually get a “normal” shot!

Cousins

This is my favorite photo of the entire week! Our nephew Paul is holding his son Lucas in the glowing sunset. Just beautiful!

No caption needed here…..
Another great vacation at the Kogut farm in Manistee. My brother-in-law and his wife own a lil’ blue house on an old farm of 40 acres next to the 40 acres the entire family owns and hunts. Every summer my husband’s family gathers at the farm and sets up campers and tents for 5-7 days (Thank you, John & Debbie). We are tucked in the wilderness, however, a quick 10 minute drive we are at Lake Michigan and downtown Manistee…..the best of both worlds. The week consists of a canoe trip, afternoons at the beach, hikes through the woods, campfires, smores, card games, countless Monopoly games for the young cousins, and the most delicious food we can muster…….we Kogut’s know how to eat!! I am blessed to be part of such a wonderful family!

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Fun with acrylics!

July 7, 2010

“Creepy Halloween”

10X10 stretched canvas
layered with paper then covered with acrylic paint
©Teresa Kogut

This was so fun to paint! It was quick, loose and free……just letting the painting take me where ever it wants with no purpose in mind….so fun! I am considering crackling/antiquing it….what do you think? Should I leave the colors vibrant or grungy it up a bit?

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Across the pond

July 6, 2010

It makes my day when I see wildlife in my back yard. These deer were on the other side of the pond out front of my studio. Last week, I was walking down the driveway to my studio and lil‘ bambi was only about 20 yards from me. I didn’t see the mama deer and was worried she was an orphan so I was happy to see mama with lil‘ bambi yesterday. There is a lot of farm land around us and also a large park just south of us so we get a glimpse of wildlife here and there….so far we’ve seen deer, turkey (as many as 50 at a time), pheasant, coyote, fox, geese, ducks, blue heron & green heron…….oh, and course, the usual bunnies, squirrels, chipmunks, muskrats and many varieties of birds. I am grateful to live here tucked in among the animal’s playground.

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SHOUT! at Evart, Michigan July 3
(click on pictures to enlarge)





Kyle & Ryan

We had a great time Saturday in Evart, Michigan watching Kevin’s Beatles’ tribute band SHOUT! The boys and I hadn’t been to a gig in quite a long time……I forgot how amazing they are!! We had great seats, too, front and center. The fireworks started while they were still playing which was a treat! Good ol’ hot summer weather without a cloud in the sky. We stayed at a hotel behind the fairgrounds that night and spent the 4th with friends on a private lake (thanks Diane & Craig). What a great weekend! Hope you all had great weather and fun festivities, too!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

July 3, 2010

“July 4th“

watercolor (painted for the “From the Heart” calendar)
©Teresa Kogut

“America, America, God shed His grace on thee”…..this is my favorite line of all the songs about our great country. I am so inspired by the songs “America, the Beautiful”, “America” and “Mine Eyes have seen the Glory”. When singing these songs, a sense of pride wells up inside of me and I am overcome with great love for our country and the feeling of gratitude for the freedom and beauty it offers.

History was not one of my better subjects in my school days, however, now that I am older I find it interesting. During the week, the history channel ran a series of “Presidents” and “States”. They started with George Washington and went down the line explaining the trials and tribulations of each presidency. The “States” series was equally interesting. Each state in the union got a chance to boast of it’s uniqueness and individual beauty. I learned so much…how much of it I retain is another story. But again, that sense of pride was ignited!!

Wishing you all a fun and safe 4th of July and Happy Birthday United States of America!!

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Feelin’ the Love…..

June 30, 2010

This picture was taken on our 21st anniversary last year. I love this man more than words can explain. You know how relationships have an ebb and flow…….some days are great and some aren’t so hot…….well, it’s hot right now! I adore my husband and everything he does for me and our children, family and friends. He is generous, kind, honest, faithful, and has a great sense of humor. Thinkin’ of you today, Kevin!!! mooooah!

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“Kindness Matters”

©teresa kogut
15″ x 18″ watercolor

I painted only two paintings last week but they were both large and very detailed. One is shown above. This week I am painting Christmas designs for cards and gift bags. Once I finish those, my deadlines will be met and I can paint “from the heart” once again!!

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June 29, 2010


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Inspiration

June 26, 2010

Inspiration 365 Days a Year | Inspriation 365 Day a Year Movie

I hope this video inspires you to go after your dreams! Make the decision today….then take small steps everyday and the next thing you know…….your dreams will become your reality.

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