Wild Goose Chase

 

About The Book:  Most of us have no idea where we're going most of the time. Perfect. "Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit-An Geadh-Glas, or `the Wild Goose.' The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it's like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something....Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure." --from the introduction.

About The Author:  Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of Washington, DC's National Community Church, widely recognized as one of America's most innovative churches. NCC meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the city, as well as in a church-owned coffee house near Union Station. More than seventy percent of NCC'ers are single twentysomethings who live or work on Capitol Hill. Mark is the author of the best-selling In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and a widely read blogger (www.markbatterson.com). He lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children.

My Thoughts On The Book:  If you are looking for a feel good book, this is not it.  This book is a get in your face kind of book that makes you made enough to make some changes.  Batterson definitely challenged me to come out of my cage and chase the Wild Goose.  My favorite part of the whole book was the challenge given at the conclusion of the book:  "Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.  Set God sized goals.  Don't take the easy way out.  Expand  your horizons.  Stop repeating the past and start creating the future.    (My favorite) Take off your sandals.  Blaze new trails.   Don't make a living.  Make a life.  Quit makeing excuses.  Chase the Goose!  Ready or not goose....here I come. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Secretly Smitten

 

About The Book:  Summer, fall, winter, spring—Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!  There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?  The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?  Join popular romance novelists—and real-life BFFs—Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.

LOVE BETWEEN THE LINES: Author Colleen Coble produces a wonderfully written murder mystery/romance. Protagonist Tess loves a good mystery and Ryan has an attic full of clues.

MAKE ME A MATCH: Kristin Billerbeck brings to the forefront Smitten's own matchmaker Zoe.  Sister to Tess she begins her Cupid's shop in an old building and William, new city manager, must either do his job and enforce rules and codes or resign.

KNIT ONE, LOVE TWO:  Author Diann Hunt opens up the Sit `n Knit shop, owned by Anna (divorced mother of  the  single adult girls we meet).  Anna finds her life changing when Michael enters for a shopping spree. 
LOVE BLOOMS: Denise Hunter writes about daughter number three,  nursery manager, Clare It is in this final novella that all secrets, mystery, conflict, begin to unravel.

About The Authors: 
Colleen Coble - is an American Christian author of romance, romantic suspense and historical fiction. Her thirty-five novels and novellas have sold a total of about 2 million copies, and have received numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award

Kristin Billerbeck - is an American writer, who writes fiction novels for young women. She is the author of over 17 novels.

Diann Hunt - In 1997, when Diann Hunt and her husband, Jim, started on their three-mile trek through the Amish country, she had no idea she was taking her first steps toward a new career. Inspired by their walk, she wrote an article, which was published a year later. Other articles soon followed. After studying fiction writing, she celebrated her first novella sale in 2001, with CBA bestselling novellas and novels reaching the bookshelves soon afterward.

Denise Hunter - Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

My Thoughts On The Book:  Secretly Smitten is the second in a series, yet it stands alone.  I had no trouble feeling as if I were a character in the stories/  All four authors are master wordsmiths and create totally believable characters.  It was a fun read and once I started reading I did not want to put the book down. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Things That Annoy Me Thursday: Stepping on Gum

So I’m walking along, minding my own business…..and my shoe gets stuck.

Why?

Because I’ve walked on someone’s discarded gum.

Can I ask why people continue to spit out their gum on our beloved Earth? (I’m being overdramatic there. I’m not one of those Green people. Not that there is anything wrong with being green, I just like my plastic stuff.)

But really. Why must people spit their gum out at all? There are these things called TRASH CANS and they generally are all over the place. If there isn’t one, well, keep the gum in your mouth until you find one.

I’m sick of walking over gum. I’m sick of seeing those black circles sprinkled all over sidewalks and parking lots. Are we THAT lazy, people? (Don’t answer.)

So the next time you think it’s okay to spit out your gum, think again. And if you see someone doing it, yell at them.

Unless they look dangerous. In which case, discreetly take their photo and mock them online.

(But probably block out their face. Because, hello, dangerous.)

The Superest of Hodge Podges

It is Wednesday again and time for Hodge Podge.  I so look forward to seeing what Joyce's questions are going to be and then trying to come up with an answer that looks half-way inteligent.  Want to play along?  Then hop over to Joyce's blog, grab the questions, answer them on your blog, and hop back and link up.  It is pretty simple.  Here are the questions and my answers for this week:

 

1. In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49's in the Superbowl. What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?  2002 the Alabama State High School Play-offs.  My school walked away with number one in 6-A. 

 

2. Share something you're a fan of these days?  Crafting!  I am loving my new things....crocheting scarves, making cake plates, and making mesh wreaths.

 

3. How do you feel about wings? In case anyone is confused, I'm talking the edible appetizer kind. What's your preferred seasoning on a wing-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other? Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?   I love wings!  My favorite wing place is Wild Wing Cafe...and Colorado Coppers are my favorite flavor.  I like teryiaki, sweet and sour, mild....Italian....not hot!  If you are every in Charleston, Knoxville, or Greenville you must try this place.  It is to die for.

 

4. As long as we're talking sports today...have you followed the Lance Armstrong story? Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?  It actually saddens me that it went this far.  He was a hero.....and he knew he was lying.  I hate that athletes do this period.  We place too much power in their hands.  But....they are human....and deserve the same forgiveness and grace as the normal person who never stands in the limelight.
 

5. What's a question you hate to be asked?   How much do you weigh?

6. The coaches in this Sunday's big game happen to be real life brothers. Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens. Were you and your sibling(s) competitive? In what way? Are you still? If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up?   I had a sibling until I was 8 and he was five.  After that time I grew up with a neighborhood full of kids and was (and still am) highly competitive.  I enjoy winning....and hate losing...but I do lose gracefully....except at Monopoly against Frank....(I never win...he always does....so we don't play it anymore).

7. What's your favorite game involving a ball and when did you last play? Softball.  I played it forever on church leagues.  I love the game...and I last played it about 15 years ago after an accident caused me to hang up my gloves and cleats.  

8. Insert your own random thought here. Since we are on sports and ball games I had to ask this.  Did you ever play dodge ball or tether ball as a child?  Did you like it?  Which was your favorite?  I played them both and loved them both.  I have sported many bruises with death balls in dodge ball and was a power hitter in tether ball.   

Things That Make Me Go "Huh?"

We live in a strange world.

The following are things that have been making me go huh.

This is Amy Roloff. She and her husband Matt star on a show called Little People, Big World. I like them. But Amy was walking around with her collar popped, which I’m sorry, looks ridiculous. On anyone. Why do people think this looks cool?

This guy had his eyebrows tattooed. I’m not entirely sure why.

Natalie likes to sleep with many of her stuffed animals. Can you spot her? Sometimes I wonder if there is actual space for her to stretch out.

This was in a things that make me go huh post in the past. I’m re-posting because Kirk’s chest still weirds me out. He’s from an awesome show called Gilmore Girls. Nice guy. Odd chest.

Gwenyth Paltrow has a cookbook coming out. Everything crossed off are things that she doesn’t think people should eat. Um. What is left in life? I could never be happy with only salmon. No wonder she always looks ticked off. The poor lass needs a burger and fries.

Is It Ever Enough?

I know most of you have read this....or heard it in a sermon....but for some reason today I got it as an email and sat at my desk and cried.  I wish I could say I had this profound thought but I did not.  This little reminder about life is from Bob Perks.  I wish I could tell him thanks for sharing it.  I have flown many times and I love watching people in an airport.  Back before 9/11 I loved sitting in the airport watching people come and go.  I loved to see people returning to their loved ones....I always felt sad for the ones that no one met....and I cried for the ones who said goodbye and turned away with tears in their eyes.    I have been that person....the one who was met by loved ones, not met at all, and said goodbye....it can be tough.  The story he writes goes like this:
"At an airport I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her plane's departure and standing near the door, he said to his daughter, "I love you, I wish you enough." She said, "Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy." They kissed good-bye and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?" "Yes, I have," I replied.  Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me. So I knew what this man was experiencing. "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?" I asked. "I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, her next trip back will be for my funeral, " he said.  "When you were saying good-bye I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?"  He began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more.  "When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with enough good things to sustain them," he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.  "I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Good-bye."  I have been there....and done that....on both sides of the coin....it is not easy....especially when you know that this is the forever goodbye.  When my father died....I knew it was the end....and when I left...I knew it was just a matter of time.  When my mom died it came out of left field and it knocked my knees out from under me.....but I learned a valuable lesson thanks to this story.....to always wish the people I love enough.  God bless you real good today.....and may you have enough!...ALWAYS!

Hey, It's Okay Tuesday!

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. They have a section called Hey, It’s Okay and will list a bunch of things to be okay about. You're welcome to join in and do something like this on your blog. Doesn't have to be on a Tuesday either. Just make sure you link up and that the post you link up is a Hey, It's Okay Post.

-------------------------

To sometimes get nervous if I see a cable van sitting on the side of the street. I’ve watched Homeland so I start to wonder, “Is that legit, or is it the CIA?”


To not care that Beyonce lip synced the national anthem at the inaguration. There were seriously people who wouldn’t stop talking about it. Ridiculous.


To really like the song Lost and Found by Katie Herzig. And normally I don’t like songs from this decade so that’s saying something.


To want to see Movie43. It just came out last Friday and looks hilarious. However, upon reading the reviews it seems all the good parts were in the previews. Boo.


To have already bought Valentine’s Day chocolates…to eat now. With Tom being gone, I felt like I deserved a box.


To have watched The Taste last week. Anthony Bourdain is such an ass. It’s why I could never watch No Reservations. He just comes across as a pompous douchbag.


To have two giveaways going at the moment. One for a $10 gift card to HSN.com here and another for a book called I’m Still Sexy So What’s Up With Him plus two movie tickets here.

Matthew 25 and Uncle Willie

(From left-L.T., Emma (grandparents), Uncle Willie, Aunt Polly, Mom, Dad, Uncle Toby and Aunt Jo-Anne, Uncle John and Aunt Jo, Uncle Charlie and Aunt Shirley, Uncle Trollis, Uncle Larry)

 

35For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'37"Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' 40And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'41"Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! 42For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me anything to drink. 43I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'44"Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' 45And he will answer, 'I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'

I loved my uncle Willie.  He was my mom's oldest brother and was quite a character.  He ran shine when he was younger but it is his adult years I want to tell you about today.  He was an amazing man.  Very active in the Church of God of Prophecy he would literally give you the shirt off of his back.  I loved him because he had the best hugs and the greatest laugh.  When we would come to Alabama to see my grandparents he was the first person I wanted to see on my mom's side(I will tell you about Uncle Wilson in another post).....I called him, "Robert"...and no...Robert was nowhere in his name.  He had all boys and his wife wore her hair in a bun....and it was so long....because she never cut it.  They did not have a lot....but they had love and God and that made them very well off.  He worked hard for a living in the cotton mill to support his family. In Alex City the cotton mills was pretty much all there was.  You could work for Russell Corporation or you could work for Avondale.  My grandparents worked for Avondale.  It was right across the street from their house.  They lived in the mill village.  I loved hearing the mill whistle blow when the shifts would end.  Alas, I am wandering.....Uncle Willie would give anyone anything if he thought they needed it.  I remember hearing him quote Matthew 25 : 35-45 when someone would ask him why he did it. His actions really stuck with me as a child....and still do as an adult.  I want to help people who need it.....and not just give them the cull of what I have....but the first fruits.  I have enough.....I have more than enough....and there are  so many who don't.  Uncle Willie touched my life in such a profound way....and I wish I could have told him this.....but before I realized the lesson....he was gone....brown lung/cancer from working his whole life in the cotton mill......but you know....I know he is in heaven....watching me....knowing....and I want to make him proud.  I love you Uncle Willie....and I wish you enough.

Stinky Hair

I gave Tommy a hug good night and got a whiff of his hair.

It was not pleasant.

It smelled like old cheese. Dirty feet. And what I would imagine Lindsay Lohan’s breath would smell like.

It was not good.

“Tommy,” I began politely. He tends to get offended easily so I had to broach this carefully. “When was the last time you washed your hair?”

He’s ten, so his hygiene isn’t always the best. He started to get BO at 9 so he has to wear deoderant—something that he’ll forget to do at times. I’m grateful that he bathes every day. But he cannot forget his hair and pits.

“Uh? Last week?” Tommy responded, staring at his iPod Touch.

“It…stinks,” I admitted. “You should probably wash it every few days. You wouldn’t want the ladies to be like ‘yuck, Tommy smells like an old gym sock’ would you?”

Tommy blinked at me.

“You know, the ladies? The, uh...” I petered out, unsure of what to say next.

“I’ll wash my hair,” Tommy vowed. He was probably hoping I’d leave.

“Actually lather it in,” I said. One time I watched as he slapped some shampoo in his hair and immediately washed it out without even scrubbing it in.

“I will.” The annoyance was beginning to seep into his voice.

“It’s just important to smell nice,” I explained. “But not too nice. Some of the boys in your class need to learn that they do not need to spray the entire bottle of Axe on them. Women still need the ability to BREATHE, you know?” I chuckled and Tommy didn’t join in.

Okay then.

“Um, well, okay. Nice talk,” I said, backing away.

It’s tough when the kids get older. I can still wash my five-year-old daughter’s hair so she still smells like grapes and strawberries or whatever soap and shampoo she likes that week.

But my boy? Yeah. Let’s hope that he understands the importance of not smelling like the kind of cheese that smells like dirty diapers.

I'm Still Sexy So What's Up With Him Plus Movie Tickets Giveaway! **CLOSED

**CLOSED--Winner posted here**

Is your man complaining of being tired all the time? Cranky? Suddenly gained a bunch of weight?

He COULD have low testosterone.

This happened to someone named Dr. Sloan Teeple. He went in for testing and found he had a testosterone level of an eighty-year-old man. To help other people who are coping with low testosterone he and his wife, Susan, wrote a book called I'm Still Sexy So What's Up With Him?



The book tells how he got his testosterone on track and a lucky reader can win a copy, PLUS two movie tickets.

Check out the widget and take the quiz to see if the man in your life is at risk for low testosterone. Also, read about date and health tips!




Do you want to win a copy of I'm Still Sexy So What's Up With Him plus two movie tickets?

Giveaway Rules:

Must be 18 or older

Must live in the US


Mandatory Entry:

Tell me what movie you would see if you won the movie tickets


Extra Entries:

Tweet about this giveaway with #TeeplesTest



I will pick a winner on February 4th with random.org


Good luck!

Project 365 - Week 4

 

 

It is that time of the week again and time for Project 365.  We are early into the year so there is still plenty of time to play along.  If you want to participate or just view everyone else's offerings then head over to Frans blog and check them out.  Here are my feeble offerings for the week.

 

Sunday, January 20th

Should have been home cleaning my nasty house but instead we were enjoying the sun and some of the local dirt roads.  I love Rock Mills!

 

Monday, January 21st - MLK Holiday

 

Since Kat and I both had a holiday today we met her in Auburn at Red Lobster for lunch.  Frank gave her all her prizes, explained the Herodian Tear Vase, and they watched 400 of his pictures.  It was a wonderful day since I got to spend time with two of the people I love to the moon and back.

 

Tuesday, January 22nd

 

 Tuesday, when I got home the sky was gray, sun was going down, and these two birds just made me feel sad for them.  I had to go to a workshop today and while I was there I wrote a little ditty.....

"The darkness wraps its arms around me, drawing me into a pit of nothingness.  The room is cold.  The talking is old.  I feel my eyes slamming shut....when did I lose the joy of my job?  Why do we have to do this?  I feel the me inside wanting to scream...I WANT OUT!!!!  Out of this room, out of this place.....gone!  The lady drones on and on.  I yarn and continue to write....we are down to six minutes....time crawls.  Help me I cry!  I feel I am becoming a bobble head as my head grows heavy with all this new info...my eyes droop....the voices....drone on and on.  Three minutes to go.  The voices are raking against my eardrums....and hurt....sharp.....the final bell rings....I pack my stuff...and begin my long drive home.

 

Wednesday, January 23rd

 

My new IPads for my class came in.  I am so excited.

 

Thursday, January 24th

IPad training in the Media Center with my boss, Mr. Reyes.  We stayed until 4:30.  This was a really long day.  We bowl on Thursdays.

 

Friday, January 25th

 

 

Headed to South Carolina with the Porch Bunch today after school to visit with Tracey.  This was the camper Sherry, Keith, Glenda and I housed in. I have never been much of a camper....and after a trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night...remember why.....LOL.  We had a great time.

 

Saturday, January 26th - My Tenth Wedding Anniversary

 

Today was my 10th wedding anniversary and I was in South Carolina....and Frank was in Birmingham at school.  We went to a couple of Flea Markets and Lyndi found some headphones she had been wanting.  I bought some Harley Boots, a new turquoise Otter Box for my phone, and a Zippo lighter for Frank.  We ate lunch at the Lizard's Thicket.  I kept calling it the Lizard Licket.  The food was good.  We grilled for supper.  There is some gorgeous scenery in South Carolina.

HSN Remodel and #Giveaway **CLOSED

**CLOSED winners posted here**





Great news! HSN (stands for Home Shopping Network) has done a redesign that makes platforms stronger, faster, and more social. HSN, for those who don't know, sells everything from jewelry to healthcare items.


This is from their site:


HSN has completely relaunched the company's digital channels - elevating the customer experiencing by making the retailers' platforms faster, more efficient and more social than they were before.


--This technology overhaul is expected to accelerate HSN's already-strong digital sales, which grew by 10% during third-quarter 2012.


--The new look and feel has been designed to enhance the user experience and deliver greater shopping ease with benefits such as
1. integrated social media
2. simplified user interface
3. more intuitive site navigation
4. further integrate content, community and commerce together into the shopping experience


--The relaunch is part of a comprehensive, multi-platform digital redesign that has been in development for more than a year


--With HSN’s social communities directly integrated into HSN.com and HSN’s mobile and tablet applications, customers will be able to share their product finds, thoughts and reviews with their friends via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
The new site will also include “The 20,” a list of 20 curated products on the site, from which customers and fans can vote for their favorite item. At midnight, HSN will tally the votes and those who voted for the winning product will be entitled to a discount on their purchase of that product.



HSN is currently hosting a SuperReModelSweepstakes where a lucky person could win a grand prize package valued at $3000! There will be weekly grand prize and daily winners! So be sure to enter.



Check out the new site and learn about the Top20 where 20 items will be featured, which have been voted by customers and fans. Those who voted for that item will be eligible for a discount.




You can learn more about HSN through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram!


Great news! 2 readers can each win a $10 gift card to use towards the new HSN site!


Mandatory Entry:

LIKE HSN on Faceook


Extra Entries:

FOLLOW HSN on Twitter

Tell me what your favorite product is from HSN


I will run the contest until February 16th. Please leave a separate comment for each entry and make sure your blog is linked with an e-mail address. If not, leave it in your comment so I can contact you if you win. I will use random.org to pick a winner.


Contest is only open to those in the US, sorry.


Good luck!!


**I was given a $10 gift card as compensation. All opinions are my own**

Celebrating Ten Wonderful Years With Frank

Frank the huge FSU fan

Frank the Preacherman

 

Frank the uncle and dad

Frank, the shy man......NOT!

Frank the husband

Today is my tenth wedding anniversary.  I really find it hard to believe that we have been married ten years and on the other hand I can't honestly remember a time without Frank in my life.  I wish you all knew him personally.  He is so much fun to be with.  I love spending time with him.  He is witty and loving....and well....he is the harmony to my life song.  Sadly, on our tenth anniversary Frank has school this weekend and is in Birmingham.  We were invited to go to South Carolina with some friends.....I am in South Carolina.  We are planning on spending Sunday evening in LaGrange at Pizzavilla (it was voted the most romantic restaurant in the area) and we love eating there.  We will do our usual....sit and....(you thought I was going to say hold hands and gaze longingly in each others eyes didn't you?...)....SURPRISE!....We will sit and play each other on our phones with Trivie and Words With Friends.  We both love games!  Sometime towards the end of February we are going to take a wee little honeymoon vacation to the Smokeys since it is one of our favorite places and easily accessible.   I don't know if I have ever told you about our wedding....but it was amazing.  I sang at the Arbor Service at FUMC in our home town.  Frank ran the sound.  At the end of the service...Frank came down and met me coming off the stage and we stood in front of 500 of our dearest family and friends and said our vows.  Kat was my Matron of Honor and Robert Gaskins was the Best Man.  Our amazing friends surprised us with a breathtaking reception.  Bill cooked tenderloin that melted in your mouth...Deborah made me the most gorgeous wedding cake....I cried....after eating and socializing we got in our car and headed to Little River Canyon/Mentone to spend a couple of days in a friend's cabin there.  We ate dinner in Chattanooga at The Loft, went to Lookout Mtn, and Chickamaugua Battlefield.  We got National Park Passports there.  One of Franks greatest feats....is that one night a week....we have date night.  It is a night when we do something special.....just the two of us.  I look forward to date night as much now as I did when we were actually dating.  I hope he reads this today.....Happy Anniversary Baby!  I love you more today than yesterday.....and to the moon and back.  Yep!  I love this man.

Five Minute Friday - Again

 

What is Five Minute Friday?  It is a piece of heaven on earth.  A time when you just write what is there and don't think about it, or double check it, or correct yourself.  It is just pure writing.  I love this day.  It gives me a chance to just do what comes naturally....write.  Thank you Lisa-Jo Baker for being such a fabulous host and giving us a place to explore and be free.  Want to join in"  The rules are simple: 

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Oh and Ahem, if you would take pity and turn off comment verification, it would make leaving some love on your post that much easier for folks!

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

 

Again

Go:

Here I am again....writing on a Friday.  The words are stuck again and I know I only have five minutes to come up with something profound and worthy.  I feel so inadequate again as I have every Friday since I began participating.  I sit....again....I think....again....and finally it is there...the words I have inside me flow through my fingertips again and I find myself writing. so what do I have to say about the word again.  Today I am thinking that I wish I could be a child again.  I wish I could return to my childhood and take back any mean and hateful thing I said or did while I was a child.  I wish I could hug my parents again.  Oh....we hugged a lot when I was a child but since they have been gone there are times when I would love to feel my dad's strong arms wrapped around me again.  I miss him every day.  I wish I could stroke my mom's silver hair again and tell her I love her....it is hard to believe it has almost been two years since she joined my father in heaven.  I wish I could see my brother again.  It has been fifty years since I rode out of our backyard to play with my best friend down the street....who would have known I would never see him alive again.  I wish my best friend Mary and I could drive to Michigan again and become yuppers for a summer.  Yet, even with all the agains I wish for in my life....there are so many more nows that I have.  Now, I can hug my darling husband and daughter.  Now I can serve a mighty God.  Now I can spend time with the special people and friends in my life....now...at this moment....and that is my goal....to love them all...again....and again....and again!

STOP:

Inside Natalie's Closet: Disney World Outfits

Help.

I’ve gotten addicted to the word of Disney Customs since we’re going to Disney World in June.

What are Disney Customs?

Well, if you look on Etsy and type in Disney, lots of adorable outfits pop up.

The problem is, a lot of them are super expensive. For instance, I love this one from someone named SewJenuine.

But it’s $200.

Yeah.

Too much.

So I’ve been searching for more affordable outfits.

I found this one:

(The words say “It All Started With A Mouse.”)

Natalie approves.

It’s by castleseamstress on Etsy.


Natalie is also insisting on bringing her Rapunzel wedding gown.

It is a gorgeous dress, but there is glitter everywhere. If we brought the dress, glitter would get on everything.

So maybe she’ll have her own suitcase.

Naturally, the dress is not complete without the crown..

She ran off to sing and dance. “When will my LIFEEEE BEEEEE-GINNNNNNN?!”

She tossed her flowers in the air. Thank goodness they did not get stuck on the roof. Chaos would have ensued.

My princess is incredibly excited about meeting Rapunzel.

“I just love her so much and I hope she loves me too.”

National Peanut Butter Day

I LOVE peanut butter.    I always have.  If I don't want supper but need to eat something I will eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, peanut butter and banana sandwich,....or just plain peanut butter on bread.  When I was a child I would eat it by the spoonfuls.  Today I was looking at eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch...(before Don brought in homemade salsa and chips)...and I thought I would look up some fun facts about peanut butter.....here we go......Did you know that.....

• It takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
• There are enough peanuts in one acre to make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches.
• By law, any product labeled "peanut butter" in the United States must be at least 90 percent peanuts.
• Peanut butter was first introduced to the USA in 1904 at the Universal Exposition in St. Louis by C.H. Sumner, who sold $705.11 of the "new treat" at his concession stand.
• In 1884, Marcellus Gilmore Edson of Montreal, Quebec was the first person to patent peanut butter.
• Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, a physician wanting to help patients eat more plant-based protein, patented his procedure for making peanut butter in 1895.
• Two peanut farmers have been elected president of the USA - Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.
• Grand Saline, TX holds the title for the world's largest peanut butter and jelly sandwich weighing in at 1,342 pounds. Grand Saline outweighed Oklahoma City’s 900 pounds peanut butter and jelly sandwich in November 2010. Oklahoma City, OK had been the reigning champ since September 7, 2002.
• Astronaut Allen B. Sheppard brought a peanut with him to the moon.
• Tom Miller pushed a peanut to the top of Pike's Peak (14,100 feet) using his nose in 4 days, 23 hours, 47 minutes and 3 seconds.
• Adrian Finch of Australia holds the Guinness World Record for peanut throwing, launching the lovable legume 111 feet and 10 inches in 1999 to claim the record.
• As early as 1500 B.C., the Incans of Peru used peanuts as sacrificial offerings and entombed them with their mummies to aid in the spirit life.
• Americans were first introduced to the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in 1928.
• Peanut butter was the secret behind "Mr. Ed," TV's talking horse.
• Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth.
• The oldest operating manufacturer and seller of peanut butter has been selling peanut butter since 1908.
• The world's largest peanut butter factory churns out 250,000 jars of the tasty treat every day.
• Ever wonder where the term "Peanut Gallery" comes from? The term became popular in the late 19th century and referred to the rear or uppermost seats in a theater, which were also the cheapest seats. People seated in such a gallery were able to throw peanuts, a common food at theaters, at those seated below them. It also applied to the first row of seats in a movie theater, for the occupants of those seats could throw peanuts at the stage, stating their displeasure with the performance. Now, that was fun wasn't it????  But wait!  there is more....there are consumption facts.

Consumption Facts

• The average American consumes more than six pounds of peanuts and peanut butter products each year.
• The average child will eat 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before he/she graduates high school.
• Americans consume on average over 1.5 billion pounds of peanut butter and peanut products each year.
• Peanut butter is consumed in 90 percent of USA households.
• Americans eat enough peanut butter in a year to make more than 10 billion peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
• The amount of peanut butter eaten in a year could wrap the earth in a ribbon of 18-ounce peanut butter jars one and one-third times.
• Women and children prefer creamy, while most men opt for chunky.
• People living on the East Coast prefer creamy peanut butter, while those on the West Coast prefer the crunchy style.
• Sixty percent of consumers prefer creamy peanut butter over crunchy.
• Four of the top 10 candy bars manufactured in the USA contain peanuts or peanut butter.
• Peanuts account for two-thirds of all snack nuts consumed in the USA.
• Peanut butter is the leading use of peanuts in the USA.
• Peanuts contribute more than $4 billion to the USA economy each year.
• Americans spend almost $800 million a year on peanut butter.   Don't give up on me yet....there is more....you should know the farming facts of peanuts.

Farming Facts

• There are four types of peanuts grown in the USA — Runner, Virginia, Spanish and Valencia.
• Peanuts are planted after the last frost in April or early May and heaviest harvesting months are September and October.
• The peanut growth cycle from planting to harvest is 120 to 160 days or about five months.
• The peanut plant originated in South America.
• The peanut plant produces a small yellow flower.
• Peanuts flower above ground and then migrate underground to reach maturity.
• A mature peanut plant produces about 40 pods that then grow into peanuts.
• Most USA peanut farms are family-owned and -operated.
• The average peanut farm is 100 acres. And last but not least....did you know that peanut butter is good for you? 

Nutrition Facts

• The peanut is not a nut, but a legume related to beans and lentils.
• Peanuts have more protein, niacin, folate and phytosterols than any nut.
• Peanuts have a higher antioxidant capacity over grapes, Concord grape juice, green tea, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, carrots and many more.
• Peanuts and peanut butter contain over 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients.
• Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free. The moral of this post is EAT MORE PEANUTS!

Things That Annoy Me Thursday: Bashing Lena Dunham

This is Lena Dunham.

She writes/produces/directs/stars in the HBO show Girls.

The picture is of her at the Golden Globes. I thought she looked awesome.

Cue the annoying fashion shows.

They did not.

They critized her dress.

They complained that she should have put on more makeup.

They laughed at how she walked in heels. (I sympathize. I also cannot walk in heels.)

Some made jabs about her weight.

This irked me.

I’m GLAD she’s not like other Hollywood starlets.

I’m GLAD she’s not stick thin.

I’m GLAD she didn’t choose whatever color dress seems to be the style at the time. (I guess red is in? But who gives a crap?)

I hate how Hollywood folks want everyone to be the same. Even Howard Stern poked fun saying something about how he wished she’d keep her clothes on. (In Girls, she’s naked a lot.) (Howard has since apologized.)

I’m proud of Lena for being who she is. I hope she always stays that way. I hope other actors will follow suit. It makes me cringe when I see stick thin actresses now. It’s distracting when I see someone who looks malnourished on the screen (unless they are playing a malnourished person.)

Lena is who I would want to play Jane if my book The Swimmer’s Assistant was ever made into a movie. (I would seriously be over the moon thrilled if that ever happened.)

So come on, Hollywood. Appreciate who Lena is.
(And another actress I admire? Rebel Wilson. She played Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect.)

Here’s to actresses who are not stick thin! May they always have meat on their bones and never turn down bread from the bread basket.

Hodge Podge for January 23rd

Welcome to the world of Wednesday Hodgepodge! Joyce is our hostess and she has been sick....no voice.  She has come up with some thought provoking questions and I would love for you to join in.  If you would like to participate...just click here, grab the questions, post, and link up.  It is eazy peazy.  Here are my answers to this week's questions...be sure to add your link on Joyce's blog before you hightail it out of here.

 

1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly. Is he right?   If everyone is actually fair....then yes.  Sad commentary is that everyone does not usually play fair....so that negates the statement.

2. Are you a cereal eater? What's your favorite kind? I love cereal and would eat it three times a day if I could stand the carbs.   Hot - Steel cut Irish oatmeal.  Cold I love anything wheat....Wheaties, Raisin Bran, Wheat Chex.  I do not like sugary cereals at all.
3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles). She did not have the gun with her at school.

A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record. The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts? (If you missed the story click here for details).   I am a school teacher.  I have to admit there are days I fear guns, knives, etc in the possession of my students.  This was a little much.  We have actually had elementary students bring REAL guns for show and tell....who did get suspended.  Come on....Hello Kitty Bubble Gun and not in her possession.  This had to have occured after the incident in New England....all schools went on alert and a bit crazy.
4. Whatever happened to__Saturday Morning REAL cartoons?   The cartoons kids watch today are terrible and most of them teach bad behavior.
5. January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil. Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive? This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to?  I like my handwriting and have people compliment me on it many times.  I prefer to write in cursive and you can decipher my writing in either.  I signed my name on a check yesterday to pay a bill.

6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?   I have been to Philadelphia and loved it.  I would love to go back.  I ate my first ever  Philly Cheese Steak at Geno's and loved it. I had it "wit onions and whiz" as I was instructed to order it.  I got to hear James Earl Jones read the Magna Carta and it was amazing.  So much history there and I loved every minute of my time there.

7. Share something funny you've heard a child say. My last name was once Harrell.  My son's favorite Christmas song was, "Hark, the Harrell angels sing."  He would shout it out when the choirmaster asked for requests during Christmas....everyone would laugh, and I would be so embarrassed.  No matter how hard I tried I could not get him to understand that this song was not our family song!  He still says it....and he is 42. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. Did you know that today is National Pie Day.  I love pie....lemon, key lime, chocolate, peanut butter, apple, cherry....and my list goes on.  Do you like pie????  What is your favorite kind?

Is Someone Missing?

“What I want for my birthday is to be a big sister,” Natalie told me seriously the other day. “Mommy. When will your baby come back?”

My breath caught in my throat.

“Mommy,” Natalie prattled on, oblivious to the fact that I stood frozen beside her. “Will it be a boy baby or a girl baby?”

I couldn't speak. My mouth opened and closed like a goldfish but no words came out.

“Being a big sister would be fun. My friends Emma and Brianna are big sisters,” Natalie said, picking up one of her baby dolls and cradling it close.

“The baby isn’t coming back,” I managed to get out.

I had a miscarriage last summer. The pregnancy had been a total surprise. And then, just as I got used to the idea of having another one, I lost it.

Well. I’m told I had a blighted ovum, so it really wasn’t even an actual baby, but a bundle of cells. It never had a heartbeat. My son wasn’t upset that I lost the baby; on the contrary, he was happy. He has Autism and was not looking forward to a screaming infant.

My daughter was the one that was upset. She seemed to accept that there wouldn’t be a baby, but now and again she asks if I’m going to go back to the hospital to pick it up.

“It wasn’t right of them to take our baby,” Natalie once said. She didn’t seem to fully grasp everything.

And now she wants to be a big sister for her birthday.

Honestly, ever since I had the miscarriage, I can’t seem to get rid of the feeling that someone is missing. I had been stunned when I found out I was pregnant and was in a panicked state.

“I can’t do it all over again!” I had wailed to my husband Tom.

But.

Sometimes when we’re sitting around the table I think, “Someone is missing…”

The baby would have been due in December. As the kids opened their presents I couldn’t help but think, “If I hadn’t had a miscarriage, there would be an infant here with us..”

I go back and forth with the thought of another baby. I do worry that I would be overwhelmed with a newborn. Could I do diapers again? Losing sleep? I love my sleep. Would everyone fit in my hybrid? I don’t want a van. Would 3 kids be trouble? That’s an uneven number. How would we all go on rides?

On the other hand, what if I regret not having another one? Suppose I constantly feel like someone is missing. Will that feeling eventually go away?

I’m still not sure what will happen and if Natalie will ever get her wish of being a big sister.

Time will tell, I suppose.


I'm linking up with Shell over at Things I Can't Say with Pour Your Heart Out.

It's A Cah, It's A Cah!

Mrs Shirley sends me some riotous emails each day.  Some make me sad, some make me cry, some make me smile and some make me laugh out loud and embarrass myself with my guffaw.  This one was one of those and too good not to share it with you all.  I am an Ornithophobic.  I have a huge terror of multiple birds.  I don't know when it began....could have been walking through the throngs of pigeons at the Palm Beach County library when I was small and having them fly....or it could have been after seeing Alfred Hitchcocks movie, The Birds.  When ever it was.... birds in mass do not make me smile.  Trivia on the other hand rocks my world....which makes this email.....priceless....

Crow Mortality Rate Study, useful trivia for today.....

They just recently found over 200 dead crows near Halifax N.S. , and there was concern that they may have died from the Avian Flu virus.

A Bird Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and he confirmed the problem was definitely NOT Avian Flu, . However, he was also able to determine, to everyone's relief, that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with large trucks, and only 2% were killed by car impact.

The Province of Nova Scotia hired an Ornithological Behaviorist to determine the disproportionate percentages for the large truck versus car kills. The Ornithological Behaviorist determined the cause in short order.

When crows eat road kill, they always set-up a look-out Crow in a nearbytree to warn of impending danger. His conclusion was that the lookout crow could say "Cah", but he could not say "Truck."

Now you know!

Thank you Mrs. Shirley for the smile on my face today!!!!!!

Hey, It's Okay Tuesday!

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. They have a section called Hey, It’s Okay and will list a bunch of things to be okay about. You're welcome to join in and do something like this on your blog. Doesn't have to be on a Tuesday either. Just make sure you link up and that the post you link up is a Hey, It's Okay Post.

---------------------

To have not watched the Lance Armstrong interview by Oprah. What he did was disgusting and I don’t feel the need to watch 2 hours of his excuses.


To not be surprised that Janelle from Teen Mom 2 is pregnant again. She’s not even taking care of his first child, but sure, get knocked up again. That makes complete sense.


To be 5 episodes in with the show Girls and really enjoy it. It’s a bit raunchy at times but I love how the main character isn’t stick thin with makeup caked on her face.


To wonder if there are any other parents out there who do NOT let their kids touch their iPhones? Or their Kindle Fires. I figure I deserve SOMETHING for myself.


To hate the phrase “shut the front door.” It’s used way too much. Instead I say, “Shut the fridge!” It causes people to go, “Uh? That’s not the phrase,” and I go, “It’s MY phrase.”


To be looking forward to our trip to Disney World in June. It’s going to be fun seeing Natalie meet all the princesses that she so loves.


To know that I am beyond a doubt NOT smarter than a fifth grader. Some of Tommy’s homework baffles the crap out of me. Thank goodness for Google.

He Had A Dream

Today is the day set aside to honor Rev Martin Luther King, Jr.  It is also the day our president is sworn in.  But did you know that on August 28, 1963 in Washington, D.C.Martin Luther King presented in his address at the March on Washington some words that would become famous....and become known as his "I Have A Dream Speech.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."  – Martin Luther King, I Have a Dream Quote

 

"The "I Have a Dream" speech was a 17-minute public speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered on August 28, 1963, in which he called for racial equalityand an end to discrimination. The speech, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement. The speech was delivered to over 200,000 civil rights supporters and was ranked as the top American speech of the 20th century by a 1999 poll of scholars of public address. According to U.S. Representative John Lewis, who also spoke that day as the President of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, "Dr. King had the power, the ability, and the capacity to transform those steps on the Lincoln Memorial into a monumental area that will forever be recognized. By speaking the way he did, he educated, he inspired, he informed not just the people there, but people throughout America and unborn generations."  Did you know that the "I Have a Dream" speech was originally titled "Normalcy, Never Again." and the first drafts never included the phrase "I have a dream". He had first delivered a speech incorporating some of the same sections in Detroit in June 1963, when he marched on Woodward Avenue with Walter Reuther and the Reverend C. L. Franklin, and had rehearsed other parts.  The popular title "I have a dream," came from the speech's greatly improvised content and delivery. Near the end of the speech, famous African American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson shouted to Dr. King from the crowd, "Tell them about the dream, Martin." Dr. King stopped delivering his prepared speech and started "preaching", punctuating his points with "I have a dream."   I grew up during this era of separation and remember all the turmoil that took place when desegregation began occurring.  I grew up in a house where we loved all of our neighbors....not just the ones who were just like us.  I grew up in a family that did not ever own slaves....and were in fact themselves indentured servants and share-croppers.    I ask you today....why must we look at another person and not see past the color of their skin?  Fifty years later....we still do not judge a man by the content of his character alone....maybe this year....it will be different.

The Broken Merida Crown

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

It was a bloodcurdling scream. One that made me jump and pause my television show at an awkward moment. (I was watching Girls. And one of the men in the show was, ahh, pleasuring himself in front of the girl he sleeps with…)

The noise was coming from Natalie’s room.

Crap.

The child is forever getting hurt.

“WHAT HAPPENED?” I shouted as I thundered up the stairs. Our home is not a quiet one. We shout. We yell. We fart. And, well, scream. All the “experts” would be appalled in our home.

“Look!” Natalie shrieked when I rushed to her room. I expected to find her bleeding or curled up on the ground, gripping a wounded part of her body. But no. Instead she shoved a broken crown at me.

“It’s BROKEN and I love it so much!” Natalie wailed. “MERIDA! MERIIDAAAA!”

I took a few calming breaths. I was relieved that she wasn’t hurt. No late night trip to the ER. Thank goodness. Our ER takes forever and always smells like old people mixed with vomit and antiseptic.

But. Wait a minute. It was a little after 11 at night. Why was she even awake?

Well, I’ll tell you. My daughter is a late owl like I am. I suppose I should force her into bed but if she’s anything like me, she’ll just lie there, tossing and turning and that’s no fun. So on non school nights, I’m lax about bedtime so long as she stays upstairs. I put the kids in their rooms by 8 and they play in their rooms until they get tired.

So long as they aren’t bothering me.

Which sometimes they still do.

Like when they break a toy and suddenly it’s MY problem.

“I accidentally stepped on it,” Natalie sniffled.

“Let me...try to glue it back together,” I said, taking the pieces. It’s times like these when I wished Tom were home. Natalie is never as dramatic or loud when he’s around. She hates to disappoint him. Me? She’ll disappoint me all day and be perfectly content with it.

“You hurt my feelings,” I’ll tell her.

She’ll pat my head in a patronizing way and go, “Maybe you need some chocolate.”

If DADDY says that she hurt his feelings she’ll fling herself into his arms and go, “I’m sorry, Daddy! I love you!” and then kiss him on the cheek.

That’s fine though. No biggie. I only gave her life.

I went downstairs with the crown and found the Super Glue. I opened it and squeezed and…nothing came out. There was some dried glue on the tip. So I kept squeezing—not the smartest choice, but it was late and I just wanted to get back to watching TV in peace--and then the glue burst like a zit. Glue sprayed down my hand, on the kitchen counter and floors…

“I’ve been glued!” I shouted. “I’ve been glued!” I felt like I was in an episode of an 80s sitcom.

The crown was stuck against two of my fingers. Still broken.

I ran my hand under steaming hot water and most of the glue came off. I still had some residue left behind though. And the crown was still broken.

“I’ll deal with this later,” I promised Natalie. “You need to get to bed.”

She didn’t put up a fight because she found her Rapunzel crown and placed it on her head demurely.

Is the crown fixed now?

Nope.

I’ve hidden the pieces in a drawer in hopes that Natalie forgets about it.

If she remembers, there’s always duct tape…