Project 365 - Week 35

It is that time of week again and I have been out photographing sites from Rock Mills and surrounding areas this week.  If you want to see some really good photos or join in.....jump on over to Sara's blog and check them out.  I promise you won't be sorry.  There are some amazing photographers who play along each week. Here is what rocked my boat this week...enjoy my photo journal story.

Sunday, August 21st

Rock Mills church sign for the week.  It reminds me of something my mom used to say.  Her maiden name was Prophitt and she used to tell people, "I am a Prophitt....but not a false one."

Monday, August 22nd

This is actually listed in odd things to see in Alabama.  It was once a store/gas station....it looks like a starving elephant.  It has been in Roanoke as long as I can remember.  It used to scare me as a child.  That is actually an eye painted in the upper right hand side...just before the trunk.

Tuesday, August 23rd

When you round the curve of Hwy 22 and downtown Roanoke begins this gorgeous old building is what you see.  It actually looks as if you are going to run into it...but the road turn sharper.  I think it was once a bank....now it is a Hair Styling place called the works.  I love the raised part of the artwork on the face of the building.  Don't you?

Wednesday, August 24th

First Baptist Roanoke has joined in the sign fun.  There were so many this week I could have done one a day....but decided not to.

Thursday, August 25th

Sun set from my yard.  I loved the etching of the clouds...they looked like they are lined with gold.  I snapped the picture and sat there and sang, "Mansion Over the Hilltop."  I felt like my parents were smiling down on me.  BTW...it was still of 90 degrees when this picture was taken.

Friday, August 26th

They are not watermellons, they are not squash...they are not gourds.  The mystery plants are PUMPKINS!.  The top one (the deformed one) and its little brothers, according to the expert....may not make it....especially with the heat we are having.  The bottom one probably will....and it is a green pumpkin.  I have never seen the like!  He said I will know it is ready....when the stem rots off.  I can't wait.  It looks as if something has been dive bombing its outer shell.

Saturday, August 27th

Catching a pretty flower since I didn't have one this week.  Everything is dying because of the heat and lack of rain.

The deformed pumpkins baby brother.  There are three more just like them.  I hope they make it to adult pumpkinhood but alas they may not.  We have been watering them....but only every other night...and for only 15-20 minutes.  Well...this was my week.  I enjoyed sharing it with you.  I hope to do better next week....Our Youth has a fund raiser yesterday for their Winter Extreme trip.  They sold hamburger and hotdog plates.  I was beat when I got home.  Next weekend Amanda's kids are coming home for Labor Day and we will be having a bar be que!  BTW....Amanda has learned how to ride the Trike!  I am so proud of her and yesterday when she drove into my yard solo....I could have hugged her.  Heck...I did hug her.  My cousin Cindy and her family came to visit later too...and I loved spending time with them as well.  All in all Saturday was an amazing day!  Have a good week 36 and I will see you all back here next week!

Blue Skies Tomorrow

Blue Skies Tomorrow

Sarah Sundin

(Revell)

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3423-7

August, 2011/448 pages/$14.99

Book Summary:  “In a time of peril, can they find the courage to confront their fears and embrace a love that lasts?”

“When her husband becomes a casualty of the war in the Pacific, Helen Carlisle throws herself into volunteering for the war effort to conceal her feelings. But keeping up appearances as the grieving widow of a hometown hero is taking its toll. Soon something is going to give.  Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit. His stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life--and a convenient excuse to ignore his deepest fear. When the beautiful Helen catches his eye and captures his heart, he is determined to win her hand.  But when Ray and Helen are called upon to step out in faith and put their   reputations and their lives on the line, can they meet the challenges that face them? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?  Filled with drama, daring, and all the romance of the WWII era, Blue Skies Tomorrow is the captivating final book in the popular Wings of Glory series.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Sarah Sundin is the author of A Distant Melody and A Memory Between Us. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

MY THOUGHTS:  This book was one of those I did not want to put down.  I really enjoyed the book from cover to cover. Blue Skies Tomorrow is easy read with characters you feel as if you know.   I cannot wait to read the rest of the trilogy, and wish I had read them in order.  When I was reading this book it was difficult for me, a twenty-first century woman,  to remember that in the time frame the book was written life was different from women than it is now.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group as part of their August Blog Tour and Revell as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

She'll Never...

For starters, she cried on the very first day of class.

And then she latched herself onto my leg.

I tried to pry her fingers from around my knee but she has a strong grasp.

Her teacher had to coax her in and even then, Natalie sniffled unhappily.

For the next class Natalie reluctantly went in but danced to the beat of her own drum. She'd be off in the corner shaking her butt and the teacher would have to call her back to the class.

"Natalie," she'd say. "First position."

I watched Natalie through the window that is set up to observe the kids. She said, "I don't like the first position."

I sighed.

Natalie, my darling daughter, would never be a prima ballerina.

But that's fine. Look what went on with Natalie Portman in Black Swan.

The thing is, when Natalie (my Natalie, not Natalie Portman) does what she is told, she does it well. She'll do the first, second, third and fourth positions. She'll spin around the room. But then she'll be like, "I'm over the ballet moves. Time to boogie," and her butt will start wagging again.

Other kids do this too though. That makes me feel a little better. The class is for 3-5 year olds. And 3-5 year olds don't have the greatest attention span.

They are doing a recital for a retirement home in December.

I can only hope that Natalie doesn't try to shake her butt at the over 55 crowd.

Friday Funny

My friend Laura sent me the following email by By "Guido Veloce", a Johns Hopkins University professor of Psychology.  John Hopkins Magazine, February, 2001.  When I first got it I thought....no...not another mini inservice on 504 identifiers and plans....haven't we had enough??  As I read through the email I found the nugget that would make my day and I thought....on Friday....what a better way to start a weekend.  You see, this could happen to you....especially if you deal with children like I do.
"Recently I had one of the things I like least about my job, an LLW event. These happen when a student, in explaining an "F," fails to inform his or her parents that the course required showing up, turning in assignments, and not plagiarizing. Lacking that knowledge, the parents contact me and I have to tell them that little Johnny--the delight of their lives upon whom they've lavished so much love, support, and tuition--is (sorry for the technical term) a Lying Little Weasel.  Stunned by the revelation, their usual response is to insist that I behave like a true professional, take full responsibility for giving the kind of course little Johnny would fail, and pass him anyway. When I reject that--unreasonably and arbitrarily in their view--the compromise position is to suggest that I give little Johnny a special version of the course, just for him and in a way he could fit into his busy schedule. These conversations do not end well.  LLW events aren't going to go away unless I pass everybody or quit my day job. There may, nonetheless, be a way to turn failing an irresponsible student into a positive experience. That thought came to me a few days ago when I was once again looking at the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), also known in our household as the "Family Bible." The genius of DSM-IV is to take behavior that we lay people, in our ignorance, would call something like "rotten" and give it a label and a code. For example, a person you or I might just consider a self-centered jerk is, instead, 301.81 Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The virtues of this approach are several. It is more fashionable in this society to have a Disorder/Syndrome than simply to be a jerk. Having disorders also entitles one to bill medical insurers and to appear on daytime television. Sounds good to me. I am willing to give up "Lying Little Weasel" in favor of Disorders/Syndromes if that's what it takes to get angry parents off my back. In that positive spirit, I am working on more pleasant and acceptable diagnostic terminology. Here are a few excerpts from the draft of my Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Student Disorders (DSMSD-I):
101.1 Truth Deficit Disorder (TDD): The essential feature of TDD is failure to convey essential information to one or more authority figures, including but not limited to one's parents, peers, and teachers. When confronted with their own behavior, students suffering from TDD commonly tell grandiose and fanciful stories, including but not limited to "the dog ate my computer" and "I forgot to write my senior thesis."
101.2 Attendance Aversion Syndrome (AAS): The essential feature of AAS is failure to show up for classes, or to do so belatedly, and in a disruptive fashion. Students with AAS commonly designate another member of their living group to hand in assignments (assuming they do not suffer from 101.4, below). When confronted with their disorder, victims have difficulty remembering who taught the course.
101.3 Classroom Attention Deficit Disorder (CADD): The essential feature of CADD is a begrudging willingness to attend class (cf. 101.2, above). Students suffering from CADD commonly display one or more of the following symptoms in class: reading a newspaper, talking, listening to personal music devices, and sleeping. Victims of CADD routinely declare that the course "sucks."
101.4 Prose Aversion Disorder (PAD): The essential feature of PAD is an unwillingness or inability to do written assignments. Students with PAD frequently compensate by purchasing, downloading, or "borrowing" other people's prose.
101.5 Responsibility Displacement Disorder (RDD): The essential feature of RDD is an eagerness to assert other people's responsibility for one's own negative actions. Students with RDD often go on to successful careers in politics.
101.6 Office Hour Aversion Syndrome (OHAS): The essential feature of OHAS is an inability to show up during posted faculty office hours, preferring instead to seek out faculty at all other times. Students suffering from OAHS commonly feel a deep sense of betrayal when faculty members are not in their offices at night or on Sunday afternoons. All undergraduates suffer from OHAS.
Although I have a certain fondness for my Lying Little Weasel designation, I am perfectly willing to accept this diagnostic system if it means no more LLW conferences. The only problem I see with the new approach is that I can't figure out whom I -- as the professional making the diagnosis -- can bill." 

Inside Natalie's Closet

It’s no secret that I love to buy my children clothes.



So every once in awhile I’ll post an entry with their latest outfit.







The following was Natalie’s first day of PreK outfit.









Yup. From Gymboree.



And yes, she insisted on the cat purse.







She’s like, “What should I call him?”







She ended up calling him, “Meow.”







But then she thought it over and was like, “I want to call him Kitty.”



And weirdly, then she did this.









We switched to another outfit.







Natalie blew a violent kiss.



And then did some poses.





















She found a piece of grass and wanted to keep it. I said no. Mainly because said grass winds up torn all over my floor.







So she posed some more.











I really like this shot:







I entered it in The Children’s Place photo contest but they denied it. Apparently the kids HAVE to be in their clothes.



Rude.



Gymboree, you need to have a photo contest!

Hodgepodging on Thursday

I did not do Hodge Podge yesterday because something wonderful happened in my life that trumped Hodge Podge.  I love doing this....so I decided I would just be a day late and dollar short this week.  Hope you enjoy my Hodge Podge answers on Thursday and please go by Joyce's blog and check out everyone elses comments.
1.       What is something that bothers you if its not done perfectly?  There is not a lot that bothers me if it is not done perfectly.  I get aggravated when something is NOT done at all…but perfectly….I am not perfect….I probably bother people more than they bother me.
2.    Do you think a 6th sense exists? Explain.  I do believe in a 6^th Sense…I just call it women’s intuition.  I feel things…and can’t explain them….I also dream dreams that come true…and from time to time have seen aura’s of people….usually it was when I needed to stay away from someone….I believe God is behind all of this.    Some people might call it discernment...whatever you call it….I believe it exists in some of us.
3.    Do you say your goodbyes slowly, quickly, or not at all?  I am one of those people that it depends on the situation for.  In general…I say regular ones….not slowly…but not fast.  It is usually a hug or hand shake….and parting words of some sort.  I have to be honest and say I really hate goodbyes.  I remember when Frank told me I had to tell my dad goodbye so he would know it was ok to let go and go to heaven.  It took me two weeks to get the gumption up to say it.  When I did my dad was gone in less than a week.  He told me right before he died that he was waiting for me to tell it was ok to leave.
4.  On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being hot hot hot, what level of spice do you like in your food? What is your favorite spicy dish?  I am a 2 maybe 3 at the most.  I love Hispanic food….but they don’t love me.  My favorite spicy dish is Lori Forbus’s white chicken chili. 
5.  What is one of your all time favorite commercial jingles?  Wow that is a tough one….I love commercials. ...sometimes better than the programs.  I am product of the 50’s-60’s.  The Frito Bandito commercial was my favorite.  I still sing it.  Favorite today....the etrading baby who sings, "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've seen."  You got to love it!

6. Plane, train, boat or auto...your preferred method of travel?  I love them all.  Car is my all time favorite so I can get out and explore when I want to.  Some of my most favorite memories involve a road trip and family.  Got to love it!
7. What is something you take for granted?  Health.  After the episode with Mary this summer you just never know what is going to strike you, were and when.
8.  Insert Your Own Random Thought here -   Did you Know that today is National Kiss and Make Up Day or national Banana Split Day?  I didn’t either….but I have found that just about every day has some goofy holiday to be celebrated.  This particular one struck my fancy.  It seems that according to Google, “The world is full of little worries, seemingly insignificant irritations that over time can amount to their negative expression on the people closest to you. The things that you do on a daily basis not only add to your multidimensional attributes thereby developing your character and individuality, but also tend to become important aspects of your relationships. And while the tests and tribulations of friendships, family ties, romantic relationships, and life partnerships are all a part of the life cycle, it is often easy to overlook the little annoyances, idiosyncrasies, and character differences that keep people continually distant from one another. Letting your irritation rub off unnecessarily on the people around you means risking the creation of long-standing rifts that are difficult to mend. Take a preemptive step in maintaining your relationships by commemorating Kiss-and-Make-Up Day, the basis for which is that keeping one's relationships in constant repair is the way to keep them strong!  I kind of like this idea….and think it should be a daily thing.    I personally like spending most of my time and energy appreciating the special qualities of my loved ones rather than dwelling on changing them as a person….or dwelling on a relationship that just is not going to happen.  I can honestly say that in the 8+ years Frank and I have been married….we have never had a fight, we have never gone to bed angry, and have never yelled at each other.  I am not saying we have always agreed on everything…but we handle it in a loving manner.  What about you? 

 

Mairsie Dotes Update

We Interrupt this program to bring you an important news flash....I am going to skip Hodge Podge today and do it tomorrow.....because.....yesterday I got the best news I have had in a while.  My friend Mary, the one you have all been praying for all summer, is finally back in a private room and can have company!  Whooo hooooo.....I cannot wait to get to Birmingham and hug her.  I may never let her go.  She has had a rough few months.  Back in April/May....she had to have her knee scoped....ouch!  She missed a few days of work and got right back in the saddle and began getting ready to move classrooms.  She packed and moved....with her leg....as much as she could....and then....it happened...she had to have her gall bladder removed after she came back from her mom's.  No biggie...she recovered nicely......sort of....and then the bottom fell out....she turned golden, began to hurt , they did tests, and found she had an obstruction, or mass, on her pancreas.  Tests led to more tests, she was in Russell Medical Center for several days, and then she was taken to Trinity in Birmingham where more tests proved surgery was needed.  The surgery to remove the obstruction/mass was called a whipple....and it is a lengthy surgery.  By now the "C" word had been tossed into the mix....and I went to see her prior to the big surgery....and informed her that she was going to be fine....I was not giving her up....not now....so she could get that out of her head....we had too many items on our Bucket List....and she was just going to have to deal with it.  I was there for surgery 1 and when I left felt pretty good about her.  Before I could get back to see her....she had had surgery 2 and was in SICU again....and there she stayed until yesterday!  The Monday before school started  back, Mary's sister Noel called me and asked me to come for one of the SICU visiting times.  She thought it would be good for both of us.  As I stood there and held my unconscious friends hand....I cried....she looked so tiny and frail......this person I was looking at was my friend who can do everything....who has no fear factor.  I talked with her about stupid things....and once her head jerked toward me...and her hand kind of squeezed mine.  I am sure is was an involuntary action....but to me it was God talking to me through her body letting me know she would be around a while longer....heck...we have big plans....we are going to room together in the nursing home when we get old!  I can't wait!  Today I sit here and read and reread Psalm 30:5b, "Crying may last for a night,
but joy comes in the morning....and believe me.....seeing my friend awake and smiling....is definitely my joy in the morning!

Let Me Introduce You to My Friend Mary....

Yesterday in Room 539 at Trinity Hospital in Birmingham....is she not a beautiful sight?

Mary the Teacher....sitting in her classroom.  Wonder what she is thinking?

Mary the grandmother....holding her youngest grand....Divinity. 

Mary the second mom with my daughter, Kat while we were in Michigan.

Mary the traveler.  This was us in England during Spring Break 2009.

Mary, the mentor, with Reggie one of her former students/interns!

Mary, the daughter/sister with her family in Monroe, LA where her mom lives.

Mary, the nature lover/science buff, swimming with the dolphins

Mary the liver and lover of life.  Who could resist this sweet face?  She is precious in my sight....and I know she is precious in the site of God!  Hope your Wednesday is wonderful....mine will be!