Christmas in July Giveaway

Ding-Ding-Ding

WE HAVE A WINNER!

It is Jeanie from The Marmelade Gypsy

Jeanie please email me your address... Congratulations!

I am sure you will enjoy In My Heart I Carry A Star by Derek Maul

Bloggy Book Club

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Blog about book On Sunday, August 31, 2008

Think About it Thursday

What I am thinking today isn't really interesting...
but here goes...

I am thinkin' how proud I am of my adult children all of them (3)...with God, luck and help with family and friends...they grew up to be great people, who found great people to spend the rest of their lives with! (I know Only Daughter...that is poor grammar) I feel relieved that I am not raising my children again, that I just get to be the fun GiGi!

I am thinkin' that yesterday I really did read a blog about giving your guy a BJ and over 27 people commented...Wow...serioulsy I had to call my friend Karyn and say "Does BJ still stand for what I think it does?" My opinion is ....Those that talk a lot usually are those that don't have anything really to talk about...same as High School...but thanks for the useful information, we will take that under advisement. (also, I checked with The Hubby and we are "doing" great.) I am Goood...(like in Bruce Almighty, Goood)

I read another blog that in her description about herself she said she was Caucasian and it was all I could do not to ask her to expound on that...What shade? I know, I can't say much as I don't have anything under my description just....I want to be fearless!

I saw Fried Green Tomatoes on TV a couple of days a go while locked in a Motel room waiting for Hubby to finish nightmare job in Jacksonville ...
When, the character Kathy Bates played, told Izzy that she was too old to be young, and too young to be old. I got that line like I never have before...

So, I am going to work on my description...that's what I am going to think about today and the fact that I have gained 10 pounds and I want to lose them! Also, that I neeeed to haaaavvvve a vacccatttiion!!!!
See, nothing very interesting today.
Visit Brenda at Queen of Good Intentions for more interesting thoughts!
Have a good day!

I Do Love Pink!

Nic at My Family and Other Animals has nominated me for an award and I am thrilled, first it would appear I am in great company and also there is a lovely story attached to the award. If you check out Nic and her blog you will see what is so special about her and I am flattered that she says such lies about me! Tee Hee...

Instructions on how to pass this along.1. on your blog, copy and paste the award, these rules, a link back to the person who selected you, and a link to this post: "Pink is my favorite color...". There's a story of Pink Rose Award and other graphic to choose from.2. Select as many award recipients as you would like, link to their blogs(if they have one), and explain why you have chose them.3. Let them know that you have selected them for an award by commenting on one of their posts.4. If you are selected, pass it on by giving the Pink Rose Award to others.5. If you find that someone you want to nominate has already been selected by someone else, you can still honor them by posting a comment on their award post stating your reasons for wishing to grant them the award.6. You do not have to wait until someone nominates you to nominate someone else.

I would like to nominate Angela at Dinners Ready , it is a beautiful blog with wonderful recipes that are for vegans or vegetarians which is something I have been exploring for about a month. She is very helpful with information and it usually has very pretty pictures to go with those great recipes.

Speaking of good food, Sassy at Cupcakes & Conundrums has a great blog about Cupcakes and her struggles with infertility, she also recently gave us a lovely tour of Australia, she also includes really great photos!

Teri at Let Me Think On it, just recently showed us great tips on photography via Camp Candid Carrie Field trips and she has encouraged me again to try to be a better photographer.

Very cool music as well!

I found Rayma at Rayma's Shoe Box, or maybe she found me while blog hunting, but we share a love of books and her blog is smart and provocative and she will enlighten you on ways you can make a difference in the lives of the people of Darfur. Please, please read her latest post you will be glad you did!

I would like to include Brenda at Queen of Good Intentions because she is so creative and always gives me tips to help me with my new blog, she has a new blog for Party Planning, as well and both are very pretty and creative.

Lastly, and I think I have saved the best for last ... Kendra at Nest Half Empty for her series on her Faith Journey, it was thoughtful and honest and truly something I enjoyed reading. I thank her for sharing.

Thanks, Nic...not just for acknowledging me but for all of your encouraging comments and for always putting a smile on my face!

Wordless Wednesday

The Youngest standing next to a boat washed ashore after Hurricane Katrina in Pearlington, Mississippi...For more Wordless Wednesdays go to 5 Minutes for Mom

Hurting over Granny...

I was re-reading my post from yesterday and I must say I was a little angry...but really, anger is always the first layer...I don't know about others but anger is the easy emotion. If I stay angry...it will prevent the hurt from surfacing and this is hurting.
I know she is 91 and I know God doesn't intend for this to be our permanent home, however I am really not ready for her to go...
My Granny was always on my side and she loved me in practical ways...not overly mushy ways. When my Dad was stationed in England...she got on a plane to visit us...
She taught me almost everything I know about God and His love...
When we moved from England back to the States, I was more British than American and I wasn't fitting in well, she prayed for me and I met people who did like me, accent and all.
She has told me she prayed for my husband, that God would send him to me and I believe her. The thought that Granny prayed for my Hubby has gotten me through some rough patches in my marriage...that our commitment alone might not of.
I try everyday to be like her for my grandchildren. I had wanted my grandchildren to call me Granny even though it's a little old fashioned because I wanted to be reminded of her standard but your grandchildren will call you want they wish and I am GiGi. That's the way it should be...there is only one Granny!

Stupid Fat Cow....

The title of my post is from my little brother...when he was little, he was angry, really angry with my youngest sister because she had hurt his feelings and he calmly tossed out the worst insult he could think of...If it fits the crime...I say use it!

Special warning...this is not a happy post...you may want to move on for sunshine and rainbows...I am fresh out, until I make it right with Jesus.

My grandmother, who is 91, is in the hospital, she fell again trying to do more than she should, only this time she hurt herself badly. She fractured a disc in her spine and she has been in excruciating pain, she has dementia and she is hard of hearing.
Yesterday, I ran into the Stupid Fat Cow of all nurses and now I have a face to attach to Pray for thine enemies...

Now granted it could be my sparkling personality that caused this, but that is subjective, so let's just stick to the facts or rather my facts since this is Ronda's Rants!

I got to the hospital at 8:30am to relieve my exhausted Aunt...Granny is on pain medication and we think she may have had an anxiety attack due to withdrawals from the pain medication...she can't handle the pain and she doesn't seem to be able to handle lessening her dosage. Anyway, not a lot of sleep had transpired for either of them...
Here's where I pick up...My Mother said "Do not try to take her to bathroom by yourself ....always call a nurse or a tech but not by yourself!" So, Granny is sitting up and wants to go to bathroom...I call and nice young man comes and helps us. The Stupid Fat Cow (nurse) comes in later and asks Granny (hard of hearing Granny, who has dementia) if she had a BM." WHAT?" Granny says...Stupid Fat Cow says it again...I answer from behind her, That yes, she did have a BM...and Stupid Fat Cow turns around as if looking at a cockroach and then turns back around and looks at my grandmother and says..."Did you get a sample?" I am thinking...well I am not going to say what I am thinking.
Granny is still yelling... "WHAT...YOU HAVE TO SPEAK UP....I AM HARD OF HEARING!"
"GRANNY," I say "SHE ISN'T SPEAKING TO YOU, BUT RATHER AT YOU, TO ME!"
"No, I didn't get a sample" but I did call the tech and he helped Granny" I added.
Stupid Fat Cow still looking at Granny says..."They have 10 patients to look after"
Granny..."WHAT? YOU HAVE TO SPEAK UP...I AM HARD OF HEARING!"
"Really?" I say..."Well, if I need to do a job...maybe, I can have a little bit of training..."
That little smart ass remark I made...cost my grandmother, big time! This nurse left the room and then a tech came in and said she was there for Granny's bath...Granny said she had to go to the bathroom...I am thinking this worked out great...good timing Granny! But, no..... tech disappears and doesn't come back and we wait a full five minutes. Granny starts to ask "Ronda, where is she? I am going to go." Still, no one and finally, I pull a Shirley MacLaine in Terms of Endearment and run into the hallway...Stupid Fat Cow and Tech are standing in the hall way talking....I yell, in a hospital...."My granny needs help now!" but, it was too late Granny was crying and had urinated all over the floor.
This is the women who all my life has loved me and has just been the best Grandmother anyone could ever have...I tell her it's okay and a man comes in to help her to the bathroom...she is telling this man how sorry she is and not to worry about it that her granddaughter will clean it up (which I did, because I understand this would be a further humiliation to Granny) But, I would have loved, dearly loved to have made Stupid Fat Cow do it!
To these two women my grandmother is just an old women who repeats herself and requires a lot of attention...really, just a nuisance!
But, this women has been the heart and soul of our family and it is breaking all of hearts to lose her and especially in this way.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone, not even... Mine enemy.
I really do need to spend the day in prayer.

The Sunday Salon

I just finished Three Cups of Tea by David Oliver Relin and it was a wonderful story about an individual who makes a huge difference in the lives of a small village in Pakistan beginning with a thought of building a school for them. In the next decade he built fifty-five schools, especially for girls. This book will inspire you and challenge your thoughts about ways to promote peace. It was a blessing for me to read this book...Greg Mortenson is an ordinary man with extraordinary character.
On my nightstand...
Marley & Me by John Grogan, A New kind of Christian by Brian D. McLaren, As I Lay Dying by
Willaim Faulkner and The Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner.

Bloggy Book Club

Our Book for July was The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and I have to say this will be a favorite of mine for years to come. My sister Lou gave me this book a year or maybe even two years ago and said"You must read this...it is really good!" It sat on my book shelf, like so many others until I decided that I wanted to spend my time doing things I truly enjoy. Reading is one of the things I truly enjoy...sitting in a comfy chair, preferably a hot cup of coffee beside me, hopefully a blanket wrapped around my knees and lost in the lives of others between the pages of the book I am holding! That is a little piece of heaven...

This story begins during the year of the Civil Rights Act and the racial unrest plays a part to the start of the story... even a catalyst for more personal events regarding the young fourteen-year -old Lily Owens and her caretaker Rosaleen. I loved the interplay between these two characters as much as I disliked the relationship between Lily and her father, T.Ray. Events lead the two running away from abusive townsmen and T.Ray and heading towards a faded picture of a black Virgin Mary with the words"Tiburon, South Carolina" written on the back. When they arrive they are taken in by three black beekeeping sisters who worship the Black Madonna and they all begin to redefine the meaning of home and family.

I love this book and I think that it is well written. I always think when I don't want to put a book down and I am sad I won't be sitting with the characters any longer...That is the sign of a very good book! I highly recommend this book....

Take a peek at the new movie starring Dakota Fanning as Lily Owens

So, what did you think?
Click below!

Christmas in July Giveaway!

In My Heart I Carry a Star By Derek Maul

This is a beautiful book filled with stories for the Advent Season, the book cover states that Derek Maul is a great storyteller. He has a great knack for commenting on life with wit and humor, he recognizes God's grace and hope in the midst of it all. These stories...to read during the four weeks of Advent that lead to Christmas reveal the...

HOPE-PEACE-LOVE-JOY

to be found in the season's swirl of festivities...

All of the above is true...Derek Maul is our friend and when I am not teaching Sunday School, he is my Sunday School Teacher! He is a gifted writer of books, newspaper columns, and blogs.
He is a great Sunday School Teacher, as well!
I have a signed copy of his latest book that I will be giving away...okay, that's a lie, it's not signed yet but it will be by the time you receive it!

please leave a comment here and I will draw a name July 31, 2008 and announce August 1, 2008 the winner!

friday foto finish fiesta

The Grandson taking me for a "spin"...

Think About It Thursday

I was thinking...

While I was reading the book, Three Cups of Tea, about how much difference one person's actions can make on people and their circumstances ( I highly recommend the book,) the point was brought to me again, when a friend sent me an email stating that... "I had made a difference in his life!" The email was about a teacher that had told each one of her student' s specific ways that they had made a difference in her life and then she pinned a ribbon on them. She gave each student two more ribbons, one to share with someone who has made a difference in their life and then for one for that individual to pay it forward. My friend thought of me. I was thrilled that I had made a difference in his life, granted it wasn't like I started a school in his community but he said I had made a difference. Then I thought well, I should make a difference! In fact, we all should make a difference. If we all have any purpose in this world it would be to share God's love, and that would make a difference in any one's life!
Tell someone today about how they have made a difference in your life!
Go to Brenda at http://goodintentionsqueen.blogspot.com/ for more Think About it Thursdays!

Internet Cafe Devotions

Internet Cafe Devotion asks a great question for this week....

Name what you think should be your first 5 priorities in life? Then order those priorities the way they actually are at present in your own life. Do they match up? Why or why not? If needed, what is one thing that you can do today that will help your two lists match up?

So...I have started my list twice...smugly started and then prayerfully started and then humbly written.

My smugly started list...
1. God
2. Husband
3. Children and Other Family
4.Business
5.Church Family

Then I prayed...haven't I been consumed by our business and the desperate feelings of worry about our economy? My simple time spent in endless worry... Doesn't my list look something like this?...

1. Business
2.Husband
3.Children and other Family
4.Church Family
5.God

I humbly realized that I have taken my eyes off of Jesus, as Peter did when he saw the wind, and I m sinking just as Peter did...
If my priorities looked like this...all would fall into place or rather...Walk on Water!

1. God
1. God
1. God
1. God
1. God

I can remember this scripture when my priorities get jumbled...

But Jesus immediatly said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you, Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
The Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediatly Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed in the boat, the wind died down.

Matthew 14: 27-31
Prayer
Dear God, we all have storms in our lives that distract us from you and our hearts become troubled and we lose sight of you and begin to sink. Help us to remember that you have calmed the storms of long- ago with a word and these storms of today are no different. Storms will come and go but you remain as constant as ever.
Amen

That Girl!

This is my middle child who also married a middle child, if you have a middle child you understand, if you are a middle child you already feel put out! I'll blog on that another time though... This is about "That Girl" there! This is my favorite picture of them and was taken on the evening of their engagement by a total stranger who I am sure was micro-managed by my daughter for this shot! It is beautiful and it is sad that this is my favorite when I spent a small fortune on a very good photographer for their "official engagement pictures!" But...I digress again as this post is about "That Girl" there...because she has made her parents so proud again...a whole life of making us proud and worried, scared and a couple of times maaaaaaadddd....sorry I have done it again....
The big news about"That Girl".....She has decided to teach...High School English and we are so happy because...she loves English and she is so good with people especially young people and we love teachers!


PS. Thank you, Rachel for never "getting on" to me about my grammar, as I know it "bugs the livin' daylights out of you!!!!"

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wordless Wednesday go to http://www.5minutesformom.com/3852/wordless-wednesday-a-shot-from-blogher-08/

Tag You're IT!

Jennifer at ttp://thefunhousejennifer.blogspot.com/ tagged me--well I read her blog and it said "you're tagged" so I'm taking her up on it! Her challenge is to write six quirky things about yourself...

Now I am thinking...just six...Honey, I could come up with 600

1. I apparently made funny faces with my mouth when I ran bath water for my children...I see no reason why this defect would have gotten better with time so I assume it is only a matter of time before the grandchildren point it out!
2.I can NEVER finish a cup of coffee...I pour it and drink it and then leave the gross cup some where and can't remember where and then pour myself another cup...only to discover the other cup later...my Hubby said it is like the scene from the movie Signs with all the glasses of water!
3. I LOVE,LOVE, hot weather it is the best but I can not go outside without sunglasses which presents a problem because.... I lose my sunglasses or eyeglasses regularly!
4. I have started talking to myself...I thought I just talked to the dogs...but sometimes, I've noticed they aren't in the room any longer... I think by definition...that IS talking to oneself!
5. I am a Christian and I try to be a very moral person and any dirty kind of joke makes me very uncomfortable but.....I have been known to... on a occasion... perhaps more than once... swear like a drunken sailor! I know that's not quirky...it's sinful but...there you have it.
6.I love to travel but HATE to fly really, really HATE to, but I make myself go because I love to travel!

Remember she only asked for six...I have got 594 more!
Tag, You re it!

I have been Nominated...

Thank you to Kendra at http://nesthalfempty.blogspot.com/ for nominating me for my very first award! I do not deserve this because I am not nearly as smart or creative as you but I thank you sincerely none-the-less!

Once an award is received, the rules are as follows:

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you. (She is also on my blogroll...She's that good!)

3. Nominate at least seven other blogs.

4. Add links to those blogs on your blog.

5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

Ok, now for the people I nominate in no particular order:

1. Brenda at http://goodintentionsqueen.blogspot.com/ for always inspiring me. I copy her every move like the cool girl in High School, only she is very cool about me copying!
2. Lolo at http://lolo-thesimplethings.blogspot.com/ for her sensitivity and thoughtfulness which comes across in her writing posts on her blog.
3. Jennifer at http://thefunhousejennifer.blogspot.com/ has a very interesting and beautiful web page that I envy every time I visit. She is also the mother of five beautiful children hence the name The Fun House ,which by the way, it always sounds like a fun day there!
4. Rhonda at http://adayinrhondaslife.blogspot.com/ has beautiful pictures, she is smart and funny and come on her name is Rhonda!
5. Bethany at http://exlibrisbb.blogspot.com/ is a beautifully written and designed blog about my favorite thing...books.
6.Nic at http://bunnyfuller.blogspot.com/ is funny and kind as well as having a beautifully designed blog. I miss her when she goes away on Vacation (or Holiday!)
7. And last, but so... not the least...S.Krishna at http://skrishnasbooks.blogspot.com/ who is really
the go-to person for all things books. I love reading her reviews, they are excellent!

As you can see...I still haven't learned how to do links and my pictures don't always come out the way I would like but I am having fun and I appreciate the encouragement! Thank you, Kendra

The Simple Woman's Daybook

July 21, 2008
Outside My Window... the sun is shining warmly and reflecting all across the lake.
I am thinking... about how blessed I am but still I worry and allow my joy to be taken from me.
I am thankful... for my parents, children, grandchildren, good friends and that I still have my grandmother with me.
From the kitchen... I still have dirty dishes from last night's family pizza night. !!!!
I am wearing... my husband's T-shirt as he left again on a business trip and I miss him.
I am creating... with God's help, a safe environment for my family.
I am going... to take our dogs, Miley and Riley on a long walk around the lake.
I am reading ...Three Cups of Tea and As I Lay Dying.
I am hoping... for my grandmother to make a full recovery and feel better soon.
I am hearing... the steady hum of the server or "the beast" as my son calls it in the room beside me.
Around the house... are reminders of my family and the love we share.
One of my favorite things... is taking long walks.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Paperwork, Paperwork and more paperwork.
Here is picture thought I am sharing....

May you have a "peace" filled day as the morning is broken!

Visit The Simple Woman for your Daybook.

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

The Sunday Salon

I finished Ghostwalk by Rebecca Stott and overall I enjoyed the book ...the cover states that.. it is a haunting literary thriller in which a contemporary Cambridge murder story becomes entangled with a true-life historical mystery involving Isaac Newton's alchemy...

I read it right up to the end and found the ending satisfying but I have to say...because of little character development, I really cared little about these people. There were several, little developed, side characters and so many different stories from present day to past. There was a sordid love affair, and murder or murders and then in depth historical references...I wish she would have chosen maybe two themes and wrote around them. I will probably re-read this again because I still feel like I haven't got all the pieces in place.

I have decided to start again, As I lay Dying by William Faulkner...we'll see how far I get this time...I don't know what it is with me and this book but I get about half way and quit.

Still reading, A New Kind of Christian by Brian D. McLaren and Three Cups of Tea is still on my nightstand.

I have also picked up Marley & Me by John Grogan as it was a gift from my daughter. I will be busy reading this week and I am very excited.

May you have a peaceful end of the week.

friday foto finish fiesta

Happy Birthday to Karyn!!! You are the best.

Think About it Thursday

I was thinking... about all the things we pay for now that in the "old days" you didn't pay for or not nearly as much! We all talk about the economy and that we could be or need to be frugal but I wonder if some of our"needs" are actually needs.

I got the cable bill and I realize that for my land line, cable and Internet, I am paying $113.79 a month. Now, I do use the Internet daily for personal and our business but the TV doesn't get turned on most days, really. When I was a child (that was a really long time ago) people had one phone and they just watched maybe three stations. No Internet. I didn't have a personal cell phone, neither did my siblings and that goes for Mom and Dad too! Just one phone line. Now a days, my grown children don't have land lines...just use cell phones. However, My Hubby and I have two cell phones, one home line and two vonage business lines. My Dad likes to call my home line and if I don't answer, he then dials my cell phone and then the office lines. I literally run trying to answer them before they go to voice mail! Because he is retired (I said RETIRED) he loves to think of me running from room to room trying to catch the phones! I think we are going to join the younger generation and get rid of the land line but we are also rethinking cable TV because we just don't watch it enough.
Now some people are paying for satellite radio...What is up with that?
Check out Brenda at Queen of Good of Intentions for her Think About it Thursday post.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Anniversary

I married the cutest boy and he gave me three beautiful children and they married or asked to marry three beautiful people and now I have 2 grandchildren and 5 granddoggies and 1 grandkitty. I have just the best life except that I haven't seen cute boy in a long while 'cause he is working way too hard! But today is our 31st Wedding Anniversary...Here we are now..."You are still the one...who makes me smile..."

Christmas in July Giveaway

I am having Christmas in July Giveaway...
A signed copy by the author of
In My Heart I Carry A Star
By Derek Maul

Just leave a comment to this post before the end of the month and you will be eligible for a drawing!
Note: This will be our choice for the month of December for the Bloggy Book Club!

Changes in Attitudes...

From Patagonia's website.

I wanted to share some changes we have made since reading the book Everything Must Change by Brain D. McLaren...The book asks the basic question...

"How do the life teachings of Jesus address the most critical global problems in our world today?

Some of these social injustices I was aware of, others I was not. I thought I was doing an okay job of taking care of God's creation and His resources, I was not.

• We no longer use bottle water...ever! We have a filter on our tap and we drink that water.



• I recycle...faithfully! I was sporadic at best before.



• I have become a vegetarian almost completely. Most of our country's processed meats come from South America and that country is destroying it's Rain Forests to keep up with our demand for meat. In the past India and China were mostly vegetarians but they are now adopting a more western "meat eating" lifestyle. It also takes more water and land use to raise cattle than crops. (I did have a bite of a baby back rib, the other day!)



• We are now a one car couple and we plan our use of the vehicle daily.



• We have set our air-conditioning on 80 degrees. I am now cold almost any store I go in to because I have adjusted to that temperature.



• I shop only at stores that are rated an A or B by Better World Shopper.



• I consume far less than ever. I buy only what I need and look for environmentally friendly goods.



• I use cloth bags when I shop. No more plastic!



• When people say things that I believe are not factually accurate...I speak up. We can change this, we don't have to have a defeatist attitude and small changes CAN make a difference. No, I am not asking you to live in the "Dark Ages!"



• I use fair trade and organic items as much as possible. It IS the new name brand.

I am learning new ways of living...change doesn't have to be scary! I will continue to make more changes as I learn more.Find out what is the best possible solution for YOU and make small changes and share what you have learned. I would love to hear and maybe others would to.

A quote from Everything Must Change by Brian D. McLaren

..."The other day I saw two bumper stickers, spin-offs from the WWJD (What would Jesus do?) bracelet phenomenon of the 1990's--

WWJB and WWJE:

What Would Jesus Bomb? and Who Would Jesus Exploit? Bumper stickers aren't a good venue for serious theological reflection, but they can raise some good questions that deserve deeper reflection after a hard day of shopping for a bargains."

As for me, I can't just sit on the pew in my church or work on a committee anymore without these thoughts filtering every moment. I now ask myself daily"What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? For me, it means my acts of consumptions can not harm another person or the place where they will raise their families. My talent, my treasure and my time will go towards taking care of God's creation and His people. I may not be the most polite girl in church (okay, so I wasn't before) but I am going to speak up when I feel God's creation and His people are not being taken care of!

What are you going to do?

Sunday Salon

I had started Ghostwalk by Rebecca Stott and discovered quickly that I would have to stop reading other books because this book would require my undivided attention, it is very good although there is a lot of technical information regarding glass making and alchemy. I had previously read The Alchemist and I am enjoying reading some of the same jargon, but used in a very different light. I am almost finished and can't wait to read the conclusion.


I am really interested in "The Emergent Church" and my pastor had suggested I might enjoy other books by Brian D. McLaren, as I had really enjoyed, Everything Must Change. I am now reading A New Kind of Christian by the same author and have enjoyed it up and till I had to put it down.

Next Up is, Three Cups of Tea, and I wasn't looking forward to it but I started the first chapter and immediately found it very interesting and inspiring, so now I am ready!

Do I Flee or Fight?

I think there is something really wrong with me...I thought humans under duress have two responses ingrained in us; the flight or fight response but it would seem I have neither. My response would be more of the "blow fish" variety response...which is to eat everything in sight and to enlarge myself and I guess scare away all intruders or threats!!
It is not pretty...stress doesn't just kill, it is making me fatter!
I am going to just give this over to God and try to stop eating chocolate!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phillippians 4:6-7

I CAN...

I have been having a little pity party for myself...I am grateful for this reminder! **Turn off the playlist at the bottom of blog so you can hear this and be blessed!**
I don't know what your experiencing but with God's help YOU can do anything!

I CAN do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

One Word Movie Reviews

Get Smart... Clever!
The Happening... Plotless!
Kung Fu Panda...FUN!

Okay...I know this won't be much to go on but I will do movie reviews with one word!

Just my opinion, anyway!

Please feel free to give your opinion! Remember one word though...

friday foto finish fiesta

Up,Up and away!!!!
No children were harmed in the making of this photo...
including my child who threw my grandson that high in the first place!

Think about it Thursday

I was thinking...


It has been two years since my husband sold his "gas guzzling" truck and we became the couple who have one vehicle. We have been a one car household for two years and counting and counting and counting! This was a combination of a financial and moral decision as I really felt uncomfortable contributing to global warming and wanted to see if I could make a change. It was really the first time since I was 16 years old that I did not have a car titled in my name, as our remaining vehicle just happened to be in just the Hubby's name. It was weird, and at times, still is. I think sometimes, we identify ourselves too much with what we drive and where we live.


Just the logistics of running errands and sharing the vehicle for work has been difficult, even though we work together, I have had some humbling moments, especially the first year.I find it difficult to ask for help... and sometimes as much as we planned, things just came up last moment and I would have to ask for a ride somewhere and my pride was bruised a couple of times. At those times, I would remind myself, a) why we were doing this and b) how much money we were saving by conserving gas and by not paying taxes and insurance for another vehicle and c) I can stop this at any time! I have to say, I am surprised it has been two years...I thought it had been only one until my husband corrected me. It is funny how this has changed me...I wanted a Toyota Prius, brand spankin' new Toyota Prius, prior to my carless two years, and I had planned on buying that when we did buy a vehicle. I thought that would really be the car that I would want to be identified with but now I have decided I don't much care what gets me from point A to point B and I almost don't want to buy another car period (I said almost.) So, we are thinking still about whether we will or will not be a two car couple again...but I have decided I will buy a very used but loved Toyota Corolla because I like what that says about me! This two years has given me time to really appreciate and value possessions and to think about the expense and responsibility of owning a car. I am very proud of our savings, not just financial but of a valuable resource.
What are you thinking?
Visit Brenda at Think about it Thursday and let her know.

Book Giveaway

S. Krishna's Books is doing a Book Giveaway...
Click on Book Giveaway to find out further details

The book is A Page Out of Life by Kathleen Reid and it is signed by the author!

just leave a comment before Tuesday, July 15 11:59 pm and promise to blog a reveiw!
and check back on July 16th to see if you won!

Good Luck!

Wordless Wednesday

Bloggy Book Club

I have finished reading The Secret Life of Bees... I found it to bee (sorry, pun intended) amazzzzzing (sorry, I'll stop now) Bethany(thank you) directed me to this movie trailer from Borders...I hope you enjoy. Happy reading!

**Go to bottom of blog first and switch off playlist or otherwise you won't be able to hear!**


EXCLUSIVE WORLD-PREMIERE CLIP from The Secret Life of Bees

Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees is a powerful coming-of-age story about the ability of love to transform our lives. Kidd's cherished novel has been adapted into one of the most anticipated movies of the Fall starring Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, and Alicia Keys, and you can watch a world-premiere clip below.
Dakota Fanning ... Lily Owens
Queen Latifah ... August Boatwright
Jennifer Hudson ... Rosaleen Daise
Alicia Keys ... June Boatwright
Sophie Okonedo ... May Boatwright
The clip should begin playing automatically.

http://bordersmedia.com/features/video/secretlifeofbees.asp

Sweet Deal...for Big Sugar

Okay, a disclaimer of sort's is necessary, again,....These are my thoughts and opinions hence the title Ronda's Rants not Hubby's Rants or Adult Children's Rants or even my Church Family's Rants and Oh, especially not my Parents' Rants. They are mine and other's may or may not agree, probably not... but again to make perfectly clear these thoughts are all mine!



I would like you to consider that if I damaged the wetlands on my property in Florida with any of my actions both private or through my business...I would be fined and made to clean it up! You are not allowed to redirect water flow or cut down any plant life on your private property if you have wetlands due to the Clean Water Act, also dumping huge amounts of phosphourous is a "No-No", which I do believe it is as it should be. If I could not pay my fines or clean up my land, a lien would be placed on my property. I could be forced to sell my property and if government decided that my property was for the betterment of the community...I could lose my property through eminent domain. I understand this. What I do not understand is every one's excitement over the deal our Governor has made with Florida Sugar. Government officials and Environmentalist are said to be "Giddy" with excitement.

Big Sugar has through the business of growing sugar very nearly destroyed the Everglades and the company management has been given a sweetheart of a deal. Former Sugar executives have stated that they feel Florida is overpaying or bailing out a company that is burdened with debt and while it's company is dealing with lawsuits from former employees due to questionable pension dealings.

Florida will pay $1.75 Billion dollars for United States sugar, which will have six years to continue farming before turning over 187,000 acres, along with 2 sugar refineries, 200 miles of railroad and other assets. The details of this deal does not require legislative approval...(just a bunch of lobbyists working it out, I guess) This purchase will be paid for with bonds and from fees already added to water bills. Now, we haven't been able to get Big Sugar to clean up their mess so far, so now that we are buying them out; What is to stop them from changing their wicked ways these next six years?
Now, that our Governor has this nice "shell game" with the Florida Everglades going, we are supposed to overlook the fact that he will ruin our tourists industry with drilling for "black gold" off the Florida coastline!
Meanwhile, Florida needs to make further cuts to education!

The Internet Cafe Question

Do you have a godly (woman) mentor in your life? If so, describe your relationship with her… If you don’t have a mentor, would you like one and what would you hope to gain from the relationship?

I have been fortunate all my life to have wonderful godly women mentors in my life and I have taken them for granted. I hadn't any idea how lucky and fortunate I was growing up with my great-grandmother, two grandmothers, two aunts and a mother who all had strong Christian faith and values. Honestly, I can't remember a time not knowing the Lord...I feel I was born into God's family as I have been aware of His love my whole life because of these amazing women. Not just by word was I shown His love but by their deeds and acts of love, service and mercy.

It hasn't stopped there though...it seems I learn a new lesson from women who touch my life everyday...and it doesn't have to be an older women, as my daughter, daughter-in-law and future daughter-in -law have taught me real truths in the way they handle their joys, obstacles and disappointments. God is in our midst, if we would only see and listen.

And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

2 John 5-6

Which austen heroine are you?

Okay, we need to add these books to our Bloggy Book Club!


Take the Quiz here!

Monday Mourning...

Well, the evil month of July is here...it's not really evil, just incredibly busy and lonely. My hubby and I have so much, much needed work to do and so very little time. I am trying not to dwell on negatives but we have spent so much time away from home and away from each other and we have missed our church service three Sundays in a row (I think) that we all feel a little discombobulated! July, normally is a very happy month for me. The fourth of July with parades and fireworks, my Dad's birthday, my sister-in-law's birthday, my nephew's birthday, my anniversary and my daughter's and her hubby's anniversary and truly my bestest's friends birthday... a lot of happy , happy things to celebrate. However, I have misplaced my joy and I can not find it and I am left bone-tired dreading the entire month. I am just a ball of sunshine.
Normally, we have vacation in July and we visit our friend "Bubba" in Palm Springs but too much work and too little cash has clipped our wings. My anniversary usually means some great getaway but not this year...anyway Monday has dawned bright and early and I am again missing The Hubby. Who would think after 31 years of marriage...I could miss him this much?
Hope your Monday is better than mine...love, Eeyore

Sunday Salon...Here's What I am reading

I just finished The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found I did not pick up any of the other books while reading this story. I just love a book that has good character development to the point...where you know before you read the next line how the character will respond to the situation and it just rings true to the integrity of the story line. It is with such satisfaction that you look forward to the story coming to fruition. I can't wait to blog about it for the Bloggy Book Club.

I have started Ghostwalk by Rebecca Stott and so far (I am only on page 9) it would seem it will be a wonderful historical murder mystery. I am already engrossed. The last book, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, I will probably put off starting because while it is different from A Thousand Splendid Suns, which I just finished...it is set in Afghanistan and I am not ready to visit there again. It is supposed to be a very uplifting story, but I am not ready.

Happy Birthday Dad!!! Big Seven O

The picture on the top is James Garner, who is not my father...however I once heard him on the Tonight Show talking about politics and his opinions were more in line with my thinking than my real Dad's ( He is there with the pretty lady on the right, that's my Mom) They have been married over 50 years, which is good because I am 50. Anyway... after seeing Mr. Garner on TV, I called my Dad on the phone and told him that I knew I was adopted and that James Garner was my real Dad because our politics were the same. My Dad from that day forward would let me know whenever my "real Daddy" was on TV. My Dad is as handsome as James Garner but James Garner knows politics!

My Dad turns 70 today and he is a great Dad, grandfather and I am pretty sure my Mom would say a good Hubby! We all love him...and none of us would know what to do without him...really!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Happy 4th of July!

What is wonderful about living in this country...is all the things we take for granted. Let's not today...let's not take for granted our freedoms! Let's all be thankful that we are Americans because what we have here may not be perfect, but it is paradise compared to many places in the world. Our forefathers fought for our independence so that we might have a more perfect union and we do!
God bless the United States of America! To read the Declaration of Independence click on the link below:

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

May your family enjoy and celebrate July 4th!!

James Garner...Oh be still my heart!

Meeting him is on my bucket list because... it would seem all my life, I have had a huge crush on this man. I know he is 80 now and recently had some very real health issues so it is doubtful I will ever meet him but I am happy just to be his fan!

How cute is he?

Kick the bucket list...started Monday

X 1. Get a tattoo

X 2. Start a blog

3. Visit England,Ireland, Scotland, France and Spain with my husband

4. Go North to Alaska for a visit

5. Build our home in Virginia

6. Love my husband for all of my life.

7. Be a better grandmother than I was mother.

8. Learn to speak Spanish

9. Take an art class.

10. Meet James Garner

11. Be debt free.

12. Always let my family and friends know how much I love them.

Thelma and Louise's Daughter's Big Adventure!

He did a great job! I just was a very big baby.

So, Monday, got a tattoo.

Sometimes, reality doesn't just "bite" it hurts big time.

First, I am glad I have it, second I do not understand why anyone would ever get a second tattoo!

My Mother (keep in mind, I am 50) said "This is the dumbest thing you have ever done"...Wow, is she forgetting some pretty big events in my life. Apparently, I have lived them down! Maybe, I just erased them with this current event. She also said there would not be a mother-daughter bonding between she and I similar to my daughter's and mine, because as she reiterated ..."This is so dumb, Ronda" and, it might have been...I look at the pictures and have to say my idea of what I was doing and the reality of what occurred doesn't mesh well. I made less a fuss giving birth to three children without pain medication than this tattoo. Let's just say I behaved poorly and I don't think I am allowed back into the tattoo parlor. The only daughter is showing off the red marks on her poor hand! I don't even remember squeezing it! In addition, my colorful language was so bad she was pleading with me "Mama, No!" Not the religious experience I thought I would be having! It reminded me literally of Peter denying Christ while the rooster crowed. I honestly thought I would pray and breathe quietly through this experience. Some guy next to me got a tattoo of a very colorful "whatever"and sat through smiling while I screamed like a banshee! The experience wasn't what I had planned...Life is seldom what we plan...but look at my daughter! I had the best time with her...albeit a little painful and that is a gift from God!

Note: After the swelling goes down...I'll take a picture of the tattoo.