To all My "Friends"...Happy New Year!

A young "friend" of mine ( I put it in quotes because she is my facebook friend so I am still unsure if that carries over into-real-world) said on her facebook status that she was dreading the New Year! While I do not believe in questioning others, okay that is a lie I do believe in questioning others...I did take the opportunity to question how I was looking at the New Year!

and....I am looking forward to it! 2009 is a year I would gladly kiss goodbye! I am grateful for the good things and there were many...I was lucky enough to get a new daughter-in-law.
But, for the most part 2009 was difficult and I am ready for it to go, with a big sloppy kiss good-bye!

I welcome 2010! Here's to you all in 2010....May all your dreams come true!

Random Rambling

You know you are getting older when...

You find yourself yelling at your husband for taking your reading glasses out of your purse and not telling you he took them!

While drying yourself off, you glance up, see your reflection in the mirror and realize you took a complete shower with hair wash while wearing your reading glasses!

You share your reading glasses with your friends, swapping them like 12 year old girls with a tube of lip gloss.

You can not cook, sew, do a crossword puzzle or BLOG without wearing your reading glasses.

You find a man especially attractive who wears reading glasses, especially if you are married to that man!

I wish you a household full of reading glasses for the New Year!

It's Not BeginningTo Look A Lot Like Christmas!

I haven't started decorating for Christmas...not..one..bit!
I watched Floral designers decorate where I work and it just made me sad!
It was beautiful...but I knew there were no designers at my house...NOT ONE!
We have just been so busy with other stuff...Advent and Christmas have just not found a place in my heart ...or my home...yet!

I did want to tell you about an awesome give-away...
Artificial Christmas Tree
Giveaway at Balsam Hill!

Good Luck!...and maybe I will start pulling boxes from the attic!

The Big Day!

My youngest son is married. He has married wisely but then he is a smart guy. I look at these pictures and see how very blessed both our families are! This photographer also photographed our oldest son's wedding. His name is Victor Junco...visit his web site Victor's Pho-to-jour-nal-ism! These are just as sample as we haven't even got the proofs yet!

The blessed couple are going on their honeymoon cruise this weekend. I wish them...Bon Voyage!
(Click on the picture to enlarge)

A Father To Be Thankful For...

My Grandson got to meet Tom Turkey at his school's Thanksgiving feast...
He also noticed that the turkey had his father's legs!

Here is The-Cutest-Boy-In-America chasing his Dad the turkey!


Happy Thanksgiving! May you all be as happy as I am!

He's Getting Married Today!

My youngest son is getting married this morning...and we could not be any happier!
It's not a surprise as they have dated for seven years and we all see how much they love each other! But...we are so happy to have a new "Baer" family member and we love her almost as much as Ryan loves her!

3o Years of Fun and Joy!

My son's 30th birthday was on the 27th of this month...it's quite the milestone!


When I had him...I was quite young at 21...and.... s.c.a.r.e.d!
I have muddled through parenting...just trying to do the best I could...lot's of praying!




My oldest son changed my life and made me happier than I could have possibly imagined.


I simply did not know joy until I met him. I delighted in all things he did as Rob delights in all he does...he puts his heart into the task and...tries hard to make it fun!






Because of him...I wanted more and more children...I thought I had not wanted children...until I had him!
I love you Rob...Happy Birthday! Thank you...for all the joy you and your family bring me!


For more friday fotos and joy visit Candid Carrie!!

Scary Man

I have blogged about Scary Man or Scared Man as he has been labeled by another and if you want the whole story it's here!

I was volunteering at the Cafe where we feed the homeless last Monday night and I was behind the line dishing the food into plates as other volunteers were serving our guests. I looked up as Scary Man was walking in, a volunteer greeted him and he said without smile..."Please give this to the lovely lady smiling in the back" and without another word he handed her a large green leaf that he had picked!

He did not speak to me again all evening and he left without saying "Goodbye" or even a "Thank you"

I know this much from my encounters with Scary Man...
He is educated as he speaks knowledgeably on many topics from Science to Shakespeare and he knows the Bible inside and out.
It is heartbreaking...he is mentally ill and he might be better if he took medication.

Looking For Contrast in the Dark.

I was looking at a friend's pictures of his vacation and he had taken an opportunity to try different lens settings for a unique look. Another bloggy friend had a picture that contrasted light and dark while capturing the moon and sunset in the same frame for a truly beautiful picture.

It got me thinking about my life...I have had some dark times lately but even in the midst of those times I have had some truly beautiful light filled moments.
I wonder... Is that where God is...Is he there in those moments...clearly that IS where and when I see him!
But...if He is there then and I do believe He is...then surely He is there in the dark, as well.
I don't always feel His presence in the dark times...but yet I know He is there.

If I don't always feel His presence ...How do I know He is there? Is God hidden in the shadows?

They say that hindsight is 20-20. I can look back at two incidents in my life that were the worst times of my life. If you would have told me at the time that those would be times God was blessing me... I would have said you were full of "proverbial stuff"!
But...God did bless me and while I would not want to relive any of it...I am glad that it happened because my family and I were made stronger.

I can look back on my life and clearly see that God was there and working in our lives and I believe He is here now...working in the dark.

Have a great week...I am trying to learn to manage a new work schedule and make time for my love of blogging. I am sorry I haven't visited in a while...I am looking forward to an extra hour to my day!

Turn... Turn... He's Four! Turn...Turn...He's Thirty!

The Cutest-Boy-In-America turned four and his Mama made him the coolest cake...he asked for a Dinosaur cake and he got it!


Russ Robinson took these great pictures and many others that day...this is my oldest son's oldest child...and this month my son turns 30! It seems like only yesterday he was the age of the Cutest-Boy-In-America...

Time flies....
Visit Cute Candid Carrie for more friday fotos!




Yes, he is biting it's head off!

Things You Learn From Being Unemployed

1. It's nice to have a steady paycheck...I mean really nice...and you miss it and remember it fondly!

2. You discover who your friends are...they are the ones who can still make eye contact when you say..."I am afraid and I am worried." They also don't say things like "Your unemployed and your over 50!"

3. You gain ten pounds...I don't know why... but you do.

4. You have to fight...I mean fight... the desire to nap for a reaaaaaalllllly long time.

5. You are grateful...really grateful when you do find work and you pray for others who are looking for work...because you have been there!

Bloggy Book Club

I am late with this post as with some book reviews I have done!
I have been in the midst of a pity party and if you have ever had one or been an invited guest...
then you know they aren't that much FUN !

I am reading Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol for October's book club and I am actually quite excited to read it! I could use some excitement...right about ... NOW!
Rules are easy...
Read and Blog Sunday, October 25, 2009.

Stop Talking and Listen to Others!

Dear...To no one in particular and everyone else:

My business is failing...we don't have any work. My company is allowed to fail by my government as I am clearly not "too big to fail"! I am not being political here although I am sure there are some who will take it politically because that is what this country does!
We have become a country of talking heads who never listen!
I would like someone to hear my pain...
My company, my family business is failing...Don't look away! Don't marginalize me with "Monday Night quarterbacking" ...I know there are many others like me. Don't send me your stupid email forwards with the analogy of "The Ants and The Grasshopper!"

I am not asking for money or even sympathy...I am asking that you hear me.

My business that my sons, my daughter, my husband and I have poured our hearts and soul into is over. Our dream, our American dream is done. The sadness sometimes washes over me and I cry...I know God has plans for us and we will move forward but allow me my sadness.

I once took a course on customer service training...and one statement that I have never forgotten...
People's perspective is their reality...their reality is their truth...even if it is not the truth...it is to them! They can not move forward until you hear them.

I am trying to make a new reality and a new truth for me.
I encourage everyone to stop talking and listen to others...Hear what they have to say!

From:
No one special.

Bloggy Book Club : Rage Against the Meshugenah

This month's Bloggy Book Club choice was Rage Against the Meshugenah by Danny Evans who is the author of a very popular blog Dad Gone Mad. His writing has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Southwest Airlines Spirit, Orange Coast, and other national and regional publications.

From the back cover:
In his revealing, funny, and no holds-barred memoir, Danny Evans takes us on his "heartbreaking and hilarious" odyssey from having it all one moment and plunging into a crushing depression the next. He confronts his dependency on beer and porn, his innermost demons, and the hidden truths about his family in a raw and honest account. Nothing is off limits on his quest- not even analysis of the most embarrassing and inconvenient sexual side effects of his get-well medication. It's enough to drive a man insane. But Danny learns the hard way that he may have to go a little crazy in order to find his way home.

While my brother was in college and I was living the life of a busy young mother, my brother recommended I read A Time to Kill by John Grisham. It has a lovely dedication to his wife, and then on page two a 10 year old is raped and... I.stopped.reading. My brother asked me a month later how I liked it and I told him I couldn't read it...it was too difficult. He begged me to pick it up and finish it and I did and to this day it remains one of my favorite books.
That experience taught me a lesson, when I get to a difficult part... I... keep... reading.

Rage Against the Meshugenah had some difficult parts for me but I kept reading and I am so glad I did. This is a very good book about a topic I don't think many people have written so graphically and honestly about.
Depression affects many people and I think even more go undiagnosed in this country and we all have different methods of trying to cope or self-medicate.

I was uncomfortable with the authors detailed description of his porn dependency issues...
I am sure I am some kind of repressed feminist but it still made me uncomfortable. But, this author's honesty was transparent and I appreciate the courage that took to express that struggle.

That being said..."It is laugh out loud funny"....
I was reading this book in public many times...laughing loudly.
Someone would always ask what are you reading...I would explain it was a memoir about a man's crushing depression and his dependency on porn and beer!

That would look genuinely perplexed and I would reply...

"It's a comedy!"

This is a great book but not for the faint hearted!

PS...At the end of the book he has a touching acknowledgement to Sharon his wife...
Well, let me just say John Grisham couldn't have done better!

I Am Glad He is Not Sorry He Married Me!

I have made my blog public again after a falling out with a fellow blogger...I have enabled comment moderation and while I hate it...I hate her comments more! :)
I am sorry if anything I have written ever offends as it is never my intention. I am just sharing my opinions and you know what they say about opinions...


Early in our marriage...My Hubby and I discovered that, he did not like, understand or know how to make or even fake an apology. This became a problem as mystery of all mysteries I needed one to get over whatever happened. We will define "get over" as anything that prevented me from pretending there was not anything wrong...I should also suggest here I am not good at faking or pretending. It was a difficult time for both of us.

My husband has learned to give "good apologies" since this time in fact he is better at giving a sincere apology than anyone I know. When I am sorry...I truly try to give the apology in the manner my Hubby has shown me.

First...
Do not say I am sorry you got your feelings hurt!
This is like saying "I am sorry you were run over by a car!" while you were the driver of the car!

Second...
Don't apologize unless you are.
This is when you say "I am sorry but ...you started it! "

Third...
Don't apologize and then continue doing the behavior.
"I am sorry you were run over by the car!" Now stand here while I get back into the car and hit you again.

To apologize you say "I am sorry that "whatever happened" occurred and I admit "my responsibility" and I hope you accept my apology as I will not let this happen again."

It is okay to say it was unintentional but to say to someone " You shouldn't feel whatever you are feeling"... is not okay!

You accept apology and you should!! ... (in a perfect world)

Maybe, like My Hubby you are married to someone like me who wants to revisit said injury.
He patiently listens and says while smiling..."And, I am still sorry for all of that!"

I can't think of anyone who could still be angry with a person like that... Well, I can but he loves me anyway!!!

I do love you Bob!!

Does This Outfit Make Me Look Racist?

Maybe...but I have to say wearing a flag on your butt does make it look big!
Also, the guy next to you looks like the punch line to
"You know you are redneck when..."

It would seem that some people object to former President Jimmy Carter stating that some of these people's anger comes from race rather than just plain old disappointment with our President.

I don't know if some people protesting are racist or not but I know all them aren't...most are just mad about what is "going on" and "they want to "take" their country back.
Now what they want to take it back to might be a concern to some folks! Especially to people like 80 year old southerners who remember what it used to be like. Would this frighten an 80 year old black citizen of this country who lived through our history?

I would like to point out that when I protested the war in Iraq and questioned why we were in the wrong country...as in "They-went-that-a-way Cowboy Bush!" And when I chanted "How are we going to pay for this George Bush?" I was called Un-American, aiding terrorists and anti-military! I was dressed in Jeans and a T-shirt and ...
yes...it made my butt look big too!

Squatters Rights?

It has been a busy, humbling week and ...then I got this picture on my cell phone from my son. So...I called my Mom to tell her that..
"Dad, is doing "his business" on the front lawn!"
Mom said "He is NOT! "
"He is and I have the photo!" I reply.
My Mom screams...
"OH, MY LORD!"
The moral of the story when you think you just can't be humbled anymore...you would be wrong!

I am kidding...My parents are having their bathrooms remodeled and my Dad has a wicked sense of humor!

For more friday fotos visit cute Candid Carrie.

Happy weekend!

Word...That Girl is Cute!

This picture was taken by Russ Robinson at my grandson's birthday party and I think he has great timing...and it does not hurt that the girl is so dang cute!

She is out-going, fearless, inquisitive, spunky-as-the-day-is-long and has the best laugh in the world!

Papa and Gigi love you sweetie!

Visit Russ Robinson's blog!


For more Wordful Wednesday's visit the ever perfect Angie at Seven Clown Circus who has an unwelcome visitor this week!

The Cutest-Boy-in-America

Today is the Cutest-boy-in-America's birthday and he is four as in...

"I am four, Gigi!"
He has made the world a better place and I am not exaggerating at all!
His mother once said "He will save the world!" and I laughed and I think I hurt her feelings!
She was right of course ...
as he did save the world!
I love you "Carter Pie!"

Thank you to my son and Daughter-in-my-heart for this amazing grandson of ours!

friday foto

When we were at Disney my oldest son stood for about 40 minutes trying to get a picture with my camera of his son going down the flume ride.






That's not them!








Not them either!







Nope.

































and there were about 30 others like this and then...woops...he missed it!
While the Cutest-Boy-in-America loved this ride... I loved watching my son try hard to capture his son's enthusiasm on film while I made a mental image of my son that I will cherish!
For more friday fotos visit Cute Candid Carrie!

This and That

My Hubby and I are old. Getting older by the minute, in fact there are times when we are together that I begin to wonder what we will be like as ancient people.

Scene:
Two people home alone.
Sitting at two desks.
On two separate computers.
at least one of the two are having a conversation, the people not the computers.

Wife: "Do we have plans for next week?"

Hubby: "Some...I need to mow the lawn!"

Wife: "Can we go to Disney?"

Hubby: "Sure...How about Saturday?"

P A U S E (I mean just that long of a pause...not any longer I promise)

Wife: "How about we go during the week? There will be less people there."

(The sound of silence....crickets...birds chirping....car drives by...more silence...a dog barks in the distance...that kind of silence)

Wife: "Hubby.."

Hubby: "What?"

Wife: Just staring.

Hubby: "Are you talking to me?"

Wife: "Do you see anyone else here?"

Hubby: "What?"

Wife: "Never mind..."

A younger woman would have fought over this or at least this woman when younger would have fought over this! But not anymore...
Maybe we will make it to Disney next week.

The Lure of Dark Chocolate!!

The news gets me down but nothing this cute girl and dark chocolate can't cure!!

Like most of the women of our family...she likes Dark Chocolate!

Seriously...How cute!!!

Visit Angie at Seven Clown Circus for more Wordful Wednesdays!

Bloggy Book Club

Because as Angie reminds us....It's Not All About You (ME)




September's Bloggy Book Club is a recommendation from one of my favorite bloggers, Coachblogger. He has a friend who wrote a book and Coachblogger said it was GREAT!

He actually said many good things about the book but I am just summing it up!

Danny Evans, who's blog Dad Gone Mad is very funny and irreverent has written a book Rage Against the Meshugenah...Why It Takes Balls to Go Nuts.

(I haven't read it yet but this might contain some four letter words...which I of course will be shocked...shocked to read!)

Please join me in reading Rage Against the Meshugenah and blogging about it September 27th!

Danny Evans

MESHUGENAH [meh-shuh-geh-nuh] adjective

1. mad; crazy;
2. mentally deranged; demented; insane

[origin: 1892, from Heb. meshugga, part. of shagag "to go astray, wander." The adj. has forms meshugener, meshugenah before a noun]

In his early thirties, Danny Evans had it all—a hot wife, a new baby, and a steady advertising job. Then, in the span of one week, a series of inauspicious events plunged Evans into a crushing depression. At turns poignant and uproarious, RAGE AGAINST THE MESHUGENAH vividly traces Evans' journey through the minefield of mental illness from a modern man's point of view.

The stigma surrounding clinical depression is ominous enough to prevent many men from discussing it, but Evans (author of the wildly popular DadGoneMad.com) holds nothing back. Through his confrontations with sexual side effects, his self-medication with beer and porn, and even his private therapy sessions, Evans boldly details his odyssey to get back to being himself.

More about Rage Against the Meshugenah

Did You Know?

I watched this in...wait for it...church yesterday! As Bob Dylan said ....
These times they are a changin'

Our world is changing and how we view and learn information is ever changing...our churches need to evolve! I love this video! Enjoy...

Kathryn Magendie's Tender Graces

This month's Bloggy Book club choice was Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie.

(I have started this first sentence three times each differently trying to say the same thing...without it sounding like a cliche.)

It is a great novel.
I care about these characters as they are beautifully described and their words seem authentic.
I was sad to reach the end of the novel as I knew I wouldn't be spending time with them anymore.

Back Cover states:
The death of her troubled mother and memories of her abused grandmother lure a woman back to the Appalachian hollow where she was born. Virginia Kate Carey, the daughter of a beautiful mountain wild-child and a slick, Shakespeare-quoting salesman, relives her turbulent childhood and the pain of her mother's betrayals. Haunted by ghosts and buried family secrets, Virginia Kate struggles to reconcile three generations of her family's lost innocence.

My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and while these books are dissimilar ...the stories are equally powerful and I equally care for the character of Virginia Kate in the same ways that I care for Jean Louise "Scout" Finch.

I loved Tender Graces and Kathryn Magendie has written a story of triumph over sadness and the release that comes with the acceptance of all the frailties of our lives.

I found out that this author is writing another novel based about Virginia Kate by reading her blog ... and now... I want to leave comments asking...

Are you rested? Are you getting enough sleep?
I am wondering if she has enough to eat...Can I make you a sandwich or anything?
Is she working lovingly on this next book?

... as I miss my time with Virginia Kate.

Seriously...no cliche...I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the next one!

Ad Man... The Cutest-Boy-In-America

Awhile ago I won a box full of Poprs and here is my grandson trying them! This is the cinnamon flavor and he put it on his toast for Cinnamon Toast! They have many, many different flavors...your kids will love them!
We have decided that The-Cutest-Boy-In-America (who just started pres-school on Monday) might make a terrific Ad Man!

Visit Aunt Julie for more about Poprs and to say "Hi"!

And for more Wordful Wednesdays visit Angie at Seven Clown Circus!

It's*Not*All*About*Me...

Angie from Seven Clown Circus Hosts Tuesday's It's not all about you...This is my first time participating. The point, I think is we often blog for ourselves and/or about ourselves and this is a day we can highlight someone else! I thought about a previous post and some insight a commenter, Lauren gave me and I wanted to share it!

Hubby and I, once a month feed the homeless at a meal and shower shelter that also provides a clothes closet. We met a man that seemed to have some mental health issues and he was very scary and I at one point mishandled him...resulting in a very Scary Man Moment!( You can click on Scary Man and read the original post if you would like.)

He has continued to scare people and intimidate but I still smile and greet him and try to be kind to him. It's not always easy.

But last Monday... a young volunteer came up to me and said while I served food..."He's here!" and I knew who she was talking about because she is especially frightened of him.
I walked outside and I watched as he walked back and forth like a caged animal...my first reaction was fear so I prayed... "Let me see him as you do."...and instantly I did.
He was scared!

I remembered my earlier post and one of the comments...
Lauren wrote.
Maybe he is not really Scary Man, just scared man?

Scary Man was scared!
I smiled and waved from the kitchen door but I did not approach him and within minutes he was walking in the back door...

I smiled and walked slowly to him and spoke softly (for me, anyway) and yet he still shushed me and said crossly..."You speak too loud...too much buzzing!!"

I tried to look contrite and said even softer..."I am so glad you are here...May I bring you food"
and he smiled and said...

"I am so glad you are here...you weren't here before!"

I came back and told my group...myself smiling..."Prince Charming would like to eat."
We fed him and while he can still be rude and seem ungrateful and certainly scary...I do see he is scared.
My fellow blogger Lauren helped me see him as he was...
she and I don't agree always on politics but I value her as a friend and fellow blogger!
My Tuesday's Tribute is Lauren....cause it's not*all*about*me!

Tangling with Tyrants

Tangling with Tyrants by Tony Deblauwe is a must read especially in today's economic environment where finding a new job may not be a quick or even a viable option!
I think, all of us have at one time or another experienced a difficult boss and all of us have tried varied ways of coping with varied levels of success.
Deblauwe gives great tips in determining exactly what is going on and a process to outline a strategy for change for a lasting solution!

The back cover states:
Through exercises and real examples taken from workplace, Tangling with Tyrants can help you break the conflict you have with your boss. Specific techniques demonstrate how to improve your thinking and change your behavior to ultimately enhance your power in a relationship.

I did learn quite a bit from this book...apparently you can teach an old dog new tricks!

I learned the role I have been playing in conflicts in my work environment ( I work with my husband!)
I now know which behaviors I have participated in that have undermined my power in our company decision making.

I have also learned that while turning things over to God in prayer is important you shouldn't just be "hoping" things will change without any work on your part.

I have also learned how to have a "plan" for lasting change.

Tangling with Tyrants is a great book that I highly recommend...it retails for $19.95 and it is a small price to pay for great career advice!

This is Mickey Mouse Tired...

Our sweet grandson sleeps soundly on his Papa's shoulder after a very long but fun day at Disney World!
This very big boy turns 4 soon and I can't tell you how quickly it has gone by...
He is just the best grandson!
He started preschool and we are so proud of him!

My son and daughter-in-my-heart have raised him and his little sister to be caring and loving little people!
We are blessed!

For more friday fotos visit Cute Candid Carrie...although I hear some squatter has taken over her blog!
For my latest book review go here!

Is Your Ghost Holy by Shay Bills

I have just finished reading Is Your Ghost Holy
Eight Principles for evaluating Your Walk in the Spirit by Shay Bills. I am actually late in reviewing this book as I wrote the date down incorrectly when I agreed to read the book.

I was intrigued with the title and topic of this book...there are not many in my denomination, that feel comfortable talking about the Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Helper or Comforter. I am sure I have just made all my Presbyterian friends angry with this blanket statement and convinced the author of this book of our quick trip to hell...but I am just telling my experience. We, I believe as a denomination do not acknowledge what we know to be true and that is the evidence of the Spirit working in our lives.

The Back cover states:
Discover how his Word shatters residue doubt and uncertainty. Learn how to walk in the power of the Holy Ghost, by applying the Word of God and trusting His promises. His Holy Spirit will awaken and reveal the hidden crevasses of your heart, mind and soul and fill you with His wisdom. Called by some, a spiritual journey, Bill leaves no stone unturned when removing the superficial layers of spirituality.Once read, you will walk boldly and confidently in the knowledge that your inner man is holy, therefore you are called to holiness, according to Scripture. From uncovering Truth to understanding your Purpose, you will conclude this book having gained more wisdom, knowledge and power of the Holy Ghost that dwells inside of you.

First, as I mentioned I was supposed to have had this done two days ago but I wrote the date incorrectly on the calendar...had I done this two days ago I would not have had the opportunity to discuss it with my daughter beforehand. I think this matters as the conversation was enlightening to me and I know this blog entry will be richer and fuller because of it...Thank you my daughter! Thank you to the Spirit of God as well because I do know when it moves in my life.
As I wrote earlier, I was intrigued with the topic of this book and while the author and I do disagree with some theological aspects...she and I most definitely agree of the importance of the Holy Spirit in one's life!

Bills writes eloquently and knowledgeably about the Holy Ghost...my criticism is that while she writes in words that many Christians use everyday, this will make it difficult for people new to their faith to understand some of her better points. She is in essence preaching to the choir.

My favorite truth from this book is on page 84...
It is in regards to forgiveness and I believe many times in my live that without Spirit's help I would not have been able to do it!

You have to search deep within and make sure you are not harboring unforgiveness toward anyone, past or present. You have to dig to the marrow of your bones for any fragments of lingering emotions intertwined in unforgiveness. You have to do it. You have to be honest with yourself and forgive those you know who have deliberately wronged you, accused you, and abused you.
Forgiveness is for your healing...

If you are interested learning more about the Holy Ghost and evaluating your walk in The Spirit...I recommend this book...but I also want you to talk it over with someone you love!
You...do remember...Where two or more are gathered...

I Am No Longer with Stupid!

I am reading a great book that I think many people would enjoy. I am half way through it...life has interrupted my finishing it as quickly as I would like, however.

I am sure there are many of us out there that at one time or another have had jobs that have become impossible because of an awful boss! You know the kind where you dread getting up and going...you know in your heart it's bad when you wake up throwing up and you are happy about it because you won't have to deal with your boss!

I had a job once where I worked for a woman who was demanding and critical. She was paid according to her sales and God help YOU if something went wrong with any of her closings.
She once screamed at me over the phone...
"Are you STUPID?" while her customers sat across from me at my desk...so I replied "No" and then promptly proved my point by giving two weeks notice to the HR Department.

In today's economy I am sure many of us can't afford to just up and quit over an awful boss and from what I have read so far this book would be helpful in ensuring you maintain your sanity as well as your job!

Have any of you had an awful boss or supervisor?
What makes them so awful?

I have thought about this woman on occasion and I think she was very insecure and fearful of her own inabilities to do her job.
Let's just say she did not "play well with others" in the sandbox of her life, as I was not the only person she had problems being "human" to!

So...How about you? Having problems at work...Consider reading Tangling with Tyrants by Tony Deblauwe. I will do a book reveiw on Monday, August 24th!

I Had a Bad Day...

Sometimes I feel like my bucket is too full...and it's my fault entirely. You see for me...when I pray and literally put my problems in God's hands...they really are not my problems to carry as I have put them in "His Bucket!"
This is the image I use as I pray...and it works. No matter what you believe about prayer...this works for me.
Now whether you feel this is an exercise in mental health or as I believe... God in spirit taking them from me...
It only works if you do it...

I let too long a time go and too many things happen in between my times with God.
I forgot...once again that this time is priceless and yet costs me very little.

We, human beings always say or do the wrong thing accidentally but God doesn't...He has the words...
If we are still and listen.

What happened yesterday...
Unexpected bad news on top of a full bucket...
I had a moment of real sadness and an inability to think in a meaningful way...

I typed on my facebook page that I was at a low point...
Within minutes, my friend's from church, former neighbors, family and my blogging community were reminding me of ways to cope and saying prayers...
I tearfully read meaningful scripture reminding me of God's promises...
I left for a long walk alone but not feeling alone...
I talked later with a friend via instant messaging on facebook...we brainstormed ideas for my continued sanity!!

Technologies change but God and His love for his people do not!

Thank you to all my blogging friends whether you believe or not... I felt God's love from you!

Can I Just Say Grace or Do I Have to Mean It?

I have read the most amazing novel... Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie. I literally haven't stopped thinking about it...it is the kaleidoscope I view all that has happened these last few days. It is through this lens I view my mothering and certainly many of my choices.

When I think of the word grace...I think of forgiveness although I know it has many different meanings and it is a word of significance for Christians in particular.

I struggle with accepting grace and giving grace...but I am ashamed to say that I struggle with forgiving others. My husband on the other hand is a very forgiving person who has shown me incredible grace as well as to others...He just does!
I on the other hand ( y'know the one you want to cut off...) revisit the trauma and ruminate until it's all fresh and new! Why?
I honestly don't know...I do the very thing I do not want to do.

I have been hurt in my life but no more than I have hurt others I am sure...
Why do I keep this record of wrong doings...when it is not what I want to do!

I do know that this flaw in my nature has kept me close to God...I mean I don't think he would like someone like me to roam too far away!

I loved this book...it has a few broken and interesting characters ...like me!

How about you? Is it easier to receive grace or to give it?

Bloggy Book Club: Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie

Bloggy book club choice for August was recommended by two different bloggers....Elizabeth and Jeanne... both women are great bloggers...Jeanne is also a great writer!
The really great news is the author for this month is a fellow blogger, but more than that...the book is a beautifully written.

I am not a writer but ...I am a reader...I love to have a book transport me to another life, another place and to be immersed in all of it's telling. I was reading two other books...which I have now put aside, the day my package arrived (I am not saying what I was reading!)

My package came on Thursday from Amazon and in it was my copy of Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie...

I opened it at once and read the first paragraph...
I rarely care about what others say on the outside flap...
It is the first paragraph of a book that captures me and this one surely did...

All my tired flies out the window when I see Grandma Faith standing in the mountain mists that drift in and out of the trees. She's as she was before, like one lick of fire hasn't touched her, whole and alive and wanting as she beckons to me. Grandma whispers her wants as she's done all my life.

...and like that...I could not put it down.

Join me in reading for the month of August Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie and stop by her blog and say "Hi"!

I Hate Texting!

I am about to show my age...all 51 years of it...I know this because when I shared my opinion on this topic to my daughter who is 26 years old...she said "You are showing your age!"

I hate Texting!
as in "Ronda send me a text with the information!"
I never learned to type having read that Jacqueline Kennedy said supposedly
"If you learn to type you become a typist!"
So...with this information I have sat waiting for my non-typing self to become the first lady!

So when asked to text information to someone this non-typing girl who was all thumbs to begin with can't use her thumbs to text...hence, I hate Texting!

I hate texting as in,
I am here and you are here...only you are hunched over a square box while you thumbs are moving at crazy rate of speed...making you look like some sort of evolutionary human being!
While I sit across from you looking like the missing link!

I do-not-like-greatly you sitting across from me Texting at a restaurant while I am forced to stare at wallpaper or make witty conversation with the waiter!

You Texting while with me...makes me feel there is a better party somewhere else and I haven't been invited!

When you are driving and Texting with me in your car....
Well, I don't have to type what I said...

Because I screamed it at 65 mph!

Texting is stupid....

They have this wonderful device and it is very near to what you are using right now...
Each individual has a number attached to their person...
you merely punch in these numbers (if your phone is super-fancy...you just speak my name)
and you will hear "Hello!"

And wonders of wonders...
It is like the person is sitting next to you!

OH WAIT... I AM SITTING NEXT TO YOU!

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

My guest blogger for July's Bloggy Book Club is Lauren, my future Daughter-in-law and she loves reading as much as I do.


The Art of Racing in the Rain was a pleasant surprise and probably not a book I would have picked up on my own. I have a bad habit of sticking with the same authors and I am trying to branch out. The story is written from the family dog’s perspective which presents a completely different light to the triumphant and tragic events this family endures. Garth Stein does an incredible job capturing what the dog feels; a difficult task when the character is not capable of talking. You fall in love with the characters and find yourself crying when tragedy happens and rejoicing when grace falls upon them.

I believe that anyone, not just those who love dogs, should invest in this book. There are a great number of lessons learned along the way that anyone can relate to. One that I took away with me was you will stay here on Earth until whatever it is you are supposed to do is accomplished. Sometimes people die unexpectedly and no one really understands it, but just as the dog learns in the book it merely means their job here is done.

As a dog owner, I often wonder how my dog views the world in which he lives. He experiences my life in the most unfiltered way possible. He is a witness to fights, growing in relationships, tragedies, and triumphs. I am able to be vulnerable in front of him because I do not have any fears of him judging me. He loves me unconditionally and never questions the things I do wrong. Maybe this is because he cannot talk? Or maybe not? I truly believe that dogs are sensitive, caring creatures and that even if they could talk they would help you learn from your mistakes and, just like a mother or a sister, be behind you every step of the way.

Come on People...Get Happy!

Tourists Come in All Sizes, Shapes and Shades of Red

I love to people watch and recently while at Disney...while all others in my party risked life and limb on a roller coaster ride...I had the opportunity!
We in Florida love our tourists...really...and if anyone here ever gives you the impression otherwise, you remind them it's because of you that we don't have a state income tax!

So...it is with love in my heart that I offer these observations...

For the love of God and all that is holy please put some clothes on those pale translucent white limbs and some sun block... say like 100 spf. Your bright red tender flesh reminds me how quickly shrimp cook in a fry pan!

Some fashion advice...even a 51 year old grandmother (me) knows you do not wear white or brown socks with flip flops...I mean really...I don't know how you say "Dork" in France but we here in Florida have a mental picture of you now to put in our dictionary.

Also...when your small child says..."Mom, I think I am going to be sick..." you have maybe, at most three seconds to get ready for vomit!
I must say Miss woman from New York...you don't seem to know the meaning of a New York Minute...but your small daughter does!

And...lady talking on your cell phone about your grandchildren and your daughter-in-law...I almost slapped you! (again, with only love-in-my-heart)
With everyone listening because you have a big and insensitive mouth you disparaged your grandchildren aged 11 and 13 by saying they are ungrateful brats because their mother hasn't taught them any better... I wondered what you have taught them!

To the older couple who sat with their disabled daughter in the wheel chair while she cooed like a baby...I saw you watching other people as I watched you...I know you felt badly about envying others. I hope my speaking to your daughter and she cooing to me made it a little easier.Thank you for sharing that it was her fourth birthday...I saw the tears well up in both your eyes when I said she was beautiful and she is...and so are both of you! I treasure this memory.

I saw much more...

friday foto and Cute Candid Carrie

Riley is checking out the latest from newegg.com...she and Miley were considering making some purchases!






They have made themselves at home at the rental house in Jacksonville...
they are getting used to living out of a suitcase rather quickly.


For more friday fotos visit Cute Candid Carrie and while you are there congratulate her on winning an opportunity to attend the very prestigious Bread Loaf Writers Conference. There are some expenses Carrie will incur attending this conference that I am hoping we can help her with.
If you have enjoyed your many Fridays with Carrie ...please join me in helping her with travel expenses as it is costly.
She is very talented and it is my pleasure and joy to be her friend...I know many of you feel the same way!
Email me or comment of your desire to help and I will let you know where to send the love!
And if you would like to blog about this...all the better!
Please visit Carrie and tell her how proud you are of her!

Random Ronda's Rants

I am in Jacksonville...it has been interesting...we stayed for a month in St. Augustine and then the following two months in Jacksonville. We are remodeling a few fast food restaurants...I won't say which because I will rant about that in the next sentence or two! It takes us about a month to remodel one and the work is fast paced and difficult...we are doing these because we don't have anything else right now!
We are grateful for the work but...it isn't fun being away from your home and family.
What is fun however, is living in someone else's home! We have chosen to rent homes in the area we are working in...I loved the older bungalow we stayed in St. Augustine and the walking lifestyle it afforded us. The second home was a third floor condo on the inter coastal...our dogs became city dogs quickly and learned what the "dings" of the elevator meant! The home we are currently staying is on the St. Johns river and so far has been very peaceful.

My rants...I do not ever shop at Walmart but the closest grocery store is a Super Walmart and so that is where I was yesterday...
They had two register lines open for 10 items or less, with about 10 people in each line. The other register line was labeled 20 items or less and had about five people in it...the other line was for the fools who bought more than twenty items and I was in ...IT! Me and about thirty people waited in one line with other people who chose to buy more than twenty items of Walmart's cheap stuff and we are rewarded... with a twenty minute wait!
This makes no sense to me!
I miss you Publix...very much!

My second rant...
We are remodeling a popular fast food restaurant...they really need to be remodeled...they look nice when we are done...nice little stucco boxes...with no insulation of any kind in them!!! In Florida...no insulation...yes, I am contributing to part of the problem!!!
I guess, this is more of a confession than a rant!
Enjoy your day!

Michael Jackson is Still Dead...

I am so tired of the Michael Jackson coverage that I am turning off all media in my car and home...this is just surreal to me. It has made me consider how our news coverage has become...not NEWS! Before, turning off Good Morning America...I heard that ABC is running three Michael Jackson specials today! CNN is just as bad.
I have wanted information on Tegucigalpa and I haven't been able to get very much at all.
But, Lord help me, I have heard every thought imaginable about Michael Jackson.


RIP Michael Jackson...but today I would like some peace from all the people trying to make money off of your corpse!

May you have a peaceful day and enjoy your blessings!
God bless the people of Honduras and keep them in your care.

It's a Pool Party for a Little Lady!

My grand daughter's second birthday party was last weekend and it was so much fun.

Her parents held a pool party in her honor complete with crown!


She loved trying on her new clothes saying "On" each time she got a new outfit!




She loved eating cupcakes and ice cream! Her cupcakes were lovingly made by Mommy and her older brother.

My sweet girl is fearless like her Mommy, Daddy and her brother...Here she is swimming...kind of...she makes my heart stop!
For more heart stopping pictures go see Cute Candid Carrie for friday fotos!