One of my favorite vendors at Swiss Days was http://storiesbyme.com/
- you really need to check it out although the site is under construction still. Cathy and I both bought a family tree magnetic board....where you will be able to download old family portraits and print them on little magnets to put on the family tree. (this product isn't on their web site yet so check back.) So cool! I also love the photo blocks. Great table top gift or kiddo gift.
We also both got funky necklaces by Ellie. If you have ever seen her stuff, you'll KNOW how delightful they are!
Kraut and Brauts. It's tradition. Yum.
And rolls and rolls of wrapping paper. Huge rolls, fun rolls, seasonal rolls, enough wrapping paper to wrap all the way to China and back. The line to get to the wrapping paper was about that long as well. Oh wait? I have no desire to go to China. But let me just share an interesting phenomenon. Months ago I went to the dry pack cannery to can some food storage. They got a shipment of rice in...and people were piling their carts full of rice....so I hurried and got in line with a cart and starting hoarding. Did I mention we don't eat a lot of rice at our house?
So....does it surprise you that I seldom wrap presents...I put them in gift bags........
Sesame Seed Cream Cheese with Fruit and Crackers
8 oz. block of firm cream cheese (or whatever size you want!)
sesame seeds- lightly toasted in a pan....do not burn
about 1/2 c. soy sauce
Marinate your cream cheese in soy sauce. I placed my in a small container so I didn't have to use as much soy sauce and occasionally turned the brick of cheese so all sides had a change to marinate. Let the marinated brick drain for a minute and then cover it in the toasted sesame seeds. Pat seeds where brick might be bare. Place in baking dish and bake on low heat about 5-10 minutes. You want to cheese to be soft and warm inside but the brick to still hold its shape. Transfer carefully with a spatula to a pretty dish (you don't want to eat this on an ugly dish) and serve with thin pear slices (our favorite), thin apple slices or crackers. The pears can be firm. You might not think this sounds good but I'm telling you...it was the hit at the party. Delish!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Play Day
Heading out to Swiss Days this morning. Each Labor Day weekend (just Friday and Saturday) Midway, Utah...nestled up in the mountains southeast from Park City hosts a wonderful festival called Swiss Days. There will be fabulous craft booths, art for sale in addition to sauerkraut and brauts to eat or Navajo tacos while listening to yodeling music. The little town of Midway was settled by Swiss pioneers and all the homes are built in that style. BF Cathy’s birthday is today and it is tradition that we go every year. First we stop by Rich's bagels for a bagel and smear and drink and as you can imagine, we chatter all there way there and back. Can’t wait!
Last night was Brandi’s GNO and she had it here. What a fun, fun party! I think the invitations said something about coming to a Wii party. She served-
Last night was Brandi’s GNO and she had it here. What a fun, fun party! I think the invitations said something about coming to a Wii party. She served-
Grape and Orange Tortelleni salad (I have already posted this recipe. If you haven’t tried it, you must! The tortelleni’s are cheese-stuffed and it makes a difference.)
Brushetta with toasted bread
humus and crackers
sesame cream cheese with sliced pears and apple (I'll post the recipe later today)
fruit platter with pina colada dip (previously posted)
Blackberry lemonade _yum!!!
Raspberry Almond Torte (from Market Street Grill)
After dinner, they all played Wii hula hooping. NOT as easy as it sounds. They laughed and laughed all night. Brandi had a little gift bag for each girl that had a water bottle with their names on them in vinyl and an exercise band. They turned out cute. These are all girls that Brandi went to high school with and it is so fun that they continue to get together.
“In our opinion food should be sniffed lustily at table, both as a matter of precaution and as a matter of enjoyment, the sniffing of it to be regarded in the same light as the tasting of it.”E.B. White (1899-1985) American essayist
Thursday, August 28, 2008
And the Winner Is.....
Drum roll please.........
Dum-de-dum.........
Rat-a-tat-tat........
Boom-Boom-de-Boom
Ann! from Nebraska!!!!! My sweet mother-in-law drew your name from a bowl so you owe her big time! And thanks for those who sent in responses......I'm going to make some brushetta (my favorite thing!) tonight and some flavored lemonade...maybe watermelon lemonade! Enjoy the last few days of August! (Ann- let me know if you want your prize to Chili's or for Barnes and Noble. And email me your address! )
Dum-de-dum.........
Rat-a-tat-tat........
Boom-Boom-de-Boom
Ann! from Nebraska!!!!! My sweet mother-in-law drew your name from a bowl so you owe her big time! And thanks for those who sent in responses......I'm going to make some brushetta (my favorite thing!) tonight and some flavored lemonade...maybe watermelon lemonade! Enjoy the last few days of August! (Ann- let me know if you want your prize to Chili's or for Barnes and Noble. And email me your address! )
Monet to Picasso- Just GO!!!
Yesterday was our RS "Utah Field Trips" Focus group. We went to the Museum of Fine Arts at the U of U to see a traveling exhibit called "From Monet to Picasso." If you live in the valley or have been on the streets of downtown Salt Lake, you'd see all the flags and advertising for this event. The collection is from a museum in Cleveland that is actually going through renovation now. Instead of storing this amazing collection in a vault somewhere, they have put it on the road. Here is a little blurb from the website:
The UMFA is privileged to be one of only four North American venues selected to host this marquee international touring exhibition. With more than 70 paintings and sculptures Monet to Picasso showcases key examples from the European Modernist movement and reveals a period of artistic innovation that profoundly changed the course of European art.
The works in Monet to Picasso, created by luminaries of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Dadaism, Cubism, and Surrealism, represent the core of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection of nineteenth- and twentieth- century European art—one of the most significant collections in the world.
Highlights include: Claude Monet’s (French, 1840–1926) The Red Kerchief: Portrait of Mme. Monet (1868–78); Vincent van Gogh’s (Dutch, 1853–1890) Poplars at Saint-Rémy (1889); Auguste Rodin’s (French, 1840–1917) Heroic Head of Pierre de Wiessant, One of the Burghers of Calais (1886); Amedeo Modigliani’s (Italian, 1884–1920) Portrait of a Woman (c. 1917–18); Henri Matisse’s (French, 1869–1954) Festival of Flowers, Nice (1923); Paul Gauguin’s (French, 1848-1903) In the Waves (Dans les vagues) (1889); Pablo Picasso’s (Spanish, 1881-1973) Harlequin with Violin ("Si tu veux") (1918).
Dao Wahlen, who actually lives in our Ward, is a docent at the museum and we were lucky to have her lead our tour. Cute Jessie Root, all grown up and graduated from the U, is now a BIG person....not size-wise, but she is one of the director's of the museum. It was so fun to see her. Such a darling girl! I really want us to put a group together and go to New York or Sante Fe and have her be our art director! Are you in? The exhibit was marvelous....It does cost. $15 unless you have 10 more more (then $10) but so worth it!
I love art. I have painted for years. I have studied Monet and Picasso and Pissarro and Gaugin (and Janet! I'm so glad you loved "Lust For Life"! I knew you would! Now read "Depths of Glory" which really tells about the Impressionistic movement through Camille Pissaro's eyes. Actually, ALL of Irving Stone's books are wonderful! Check them allout!) and the rest of the Impressionists. But what moved me the most were the words. My love of words always moves to the front of my heart. At the beginning of the tour, the museum had a whole wall devoted to quotations....that as I stood there and read them, my heart just filled to brimming. Here are some:
"I didn't become an impressionist. As long as I can remember I have always been one." Claude Monet
"Every child is an artist. The problem is who to remain an artist once one grows up." Picasso
"Insults are pouring down on me as thick as hail." Edouard Manet
"Creativity takes courage." Henri Matisse
"What I am seeking is not the real and not the unreal but rather the unconscious, the mystery of the instinctive in the human race." Amadeo Modigliani
"Art is not made for anybody and is, at the same time, for everyone." Piet Mondrian
"Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely." Auguste Rodin
"The way to know life is to love many things." Vincent Van Gogh
The UMFA is privileged to be one of only four North American venues selected to host this marquee international touring exhibition. With more than 70 paintings and sculptures Monet to Picasso showcases key examples from the European Modernist movement and reveals a period of artistic innovation that profoundly changed the course of European art.
The works in Monet to Picasso, created by luminaries of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Dadaism, Cubism, and Surrealism, represent the core of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection of nineteenth- and twentieth- century European art—one of the most significant collections in the world.
Highlights include: Claude Monet’s (French, 1840–1926) The Red Kerchief: Portrait of Mme. Monet (1868–78); Vincent van Gogh’s (Dutch, 1853–1890) Poplars at Saint-Rémy (1889); Auguste Rodin’s (French, 1840–1917) Heroic Head of Pierre de Wiessant, One of the Burghers of Calais (1886); Amedeo Modigliani’s (Italian, 1884–1920) Portrait of a Woman (c. 1917–18); Henri Matisse’s (French, 1869–1954) Festival of Flowers, Nice (1923); Paul Gauguin’s (French, 1848-1903) In the Waves (Dans les vagues) (1889); Pablo Picasso’s (Spanish, 1881-1973) Harlequin with Violin ("Si tu veux") (1918).
Dao Wahlen, who actually lives in our Ward, is a docent at the museum and we were lucky to have her lead our tour. Cute Jessie Root, all grown up and graduated from the U, is now a BIG person....not size-wise, but she is one of the director's of the museum. It was so fun to see her. Such a darling girl! I really want us to put a group together and go to New York or Sante Fe and have her be our art director! Are you in? The exhibit was marvelous....It does cost. $15 unless you have 10 more more (then $10) but so worth it!
I love art. I have painted for years. I have studied Monet and Picasso and Pissarro and Gaugin (and Janet! I'm so glad you loved "Lust For Life"! I knew you would! Now read "Depths of Glory" which really tells about the Impressionistic movement through Camille Pissaro's eyes. Actually, ALL of Irving Stone's books are wonderful! Check them allout!) and the rest of the Impressionists. But what moved me the most were the words. My love of words always moves to the front of my heart. At the beginning of the tour, the museum had a whole wall devoted to quotations....that as I stood there and read them, my heart just filled to brimming. Here are some:
"I didn't become an impressionist. As long as I can remember I have always been one." Claude Monet
"Every child is an artist. The problem is who to remain an artist once one grows up." Picasso
"Insults are pouring down on me as thick as hail." Edouard Manet
"Creativity takes courage." Henri Matisse
"What I am seeking is not the real and not the unreal but rather the unconscious, the mystery of the instinctive in the human race." Amadeo Modigliani
"Art is not made for anybody and is, at the same time, for everyone." Piet Mondrian
"Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely." Auguste Rodin
"The way to know life is to love many things." Vincent Van Gogh
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Don't Forget The Contest!
Scroll down two posts....answer 6 questions...summer questions...nothing embarrassing like how much do you weigh or how many pounds of sugar have you consumed today. Someone emailed and asked if they can enter even if they are someone I don't even know....of COURSE you can! If you are reading this, then you know me and I certainly would like to read about YOU! Just do it!
Letter To Me
There is currently a popular song by Brad Paisley called "Letter to Me"....I've thought it was a good idea. Give it a try, then tuck it in your journal or on your blog or email it to me so I can post yours on my blog...cause you know how lazy I'm getting at the end of this summer. Please, please, please? Okay, this is a long one so go ahead and get yourself some chips and salsa and a diet-something, sit in your comfiest chair. We are going back. WAY back!
Dear Me at 17-
I got this idea from my nephew’s wife, Christine. Of course, you don’t even know about or have even thought about someday being an "Aunt Marilyn." The thought of it will freak you out but you will be so surprised how much you will love it.
But first, let me backtrack. We have a LOT of ground to cover here.
You’re turning 17 of our Junior year of high school. Your whole life changes in this year in many ways that will affect you forever. It will be a time of choices, temptation, much joy and growth. You gain confidence this year but are still way too concerned about pleasing others. You know how a bunch of "cool girls" pulled you aside and "suggested" that you are playing the field too much...and maybe you should settle down? Forget those girls...they will mean nothing to you the second you graduate (or even before) from high school and you will never see them again. Beware of their motives. They aren't always what they seem. I realize that you are a little fragile here. Your best friend, D. has taken a loop-t-loop. Her choices are breaking your heart and you don’t understand why she would do the things she is doing. I don’t know how to say this gently, but in a few months, you and she will make a pack....and at the last minute, she will betray you. She views you for whatever reason as competition. I know that blows you out of the water because she is the closest thing to a sister you’ve ever had. This will hurt and haunt you for many, many years....but please try and realize, it really isn’t about you. Be a good friend. Try to talk to her about her life choices. By remaining quiet when she shares things she is doing is NOT being a good friend. If it makes things any easier, she will come back into your life many years down the road. She’s a keeper.
I’m so sorry you are boy crazy. I don’t know anything I could say to help curb this appetite for you. I know I might as well tell you not to eat chocolate! So, just let me say this. It is REALLY important so stop fidgeting around and pay attention! You think you can’t cut off relationships completely because you truly love everyone. You want everyone in your life forever. But it doesn’t work that way. You don’t realize the hurt that you are doing to some people. You think that because you want them in your life forever (as a puppet or a puppy) it should be enough for them to want to be with you as a friend. I don’t think if you thought you were in love with someone, you would appreciate them stringing you along just so they wouldn’t be lonely or alone for just a second. You know the people I’m talking about. If you really care for people, let them go.
You know all those girlfriends you love? Keep loving them and being a good friend. I know you think you’ve got all the girlfriends in the world you’ll ever need but are surprises in store for you??!!! Enjoy the ones you have. LISTEN to them more! You think you really know them but even your closest friends, you don’t really know what goes on in their home lives, what’s really important to them, or what hard things they are dealing with. It is like you are all chattering all the time and laughing and no one is listening. Start listening. It will help IMMENSELY when you go to college. And yes, you will go...but not where you think.
There is a reason why you go to school. It isn’t to just have fun, hang out with friends, flirt with boys. I know they are cute and I know you love to flirt but get a life, girl. Try focusing on school a little more. Okay a LOT more! How cool you get to go to school each day to learn! To share! With teachers with brains! They would love for you to listen. They would love for you to thank them. Just think, maybe someday you will have kids that you won't be able to help in math after 6th grade and Brandi will have to do it! Oh, I just realized that you don't know who Brandi is. I could go on forever about her but let's stick with school. Life isn’t just about who you’re going out with on the weekend. Try studying. Things have always come so easily to you until now...and you’re starting to falter. School can be so stimulating when you’re prepared and part of the discussion. You need to know how BADLY you’ll want to speak Spanish someday? How your grandchildren (well, two of them) (and stop freaking out!) will laugh hysterically when you recite from memory the first dialogue page from Beginning Spanish. Believe me, move beyond page one!
Give Mr. Forsyth a break. He teaches early morning seminary because he loves the Lord and loves the scriptures. He froths a little at the mouth because that’s what happens sometimes when you get older. I try really hard to keep my frothing under control. When you fall in love with the scriptures, and you do, you will feel so bad about helping to create such irreverence and chaos in his class and ask for his forgiveness a million times, hoping he can hear you from beyond. And Bill Wright...sitting behind you? Tell him TO PAY ATTENTION as well!!!!
Quit stealing food from the home economics refrigerator for Mr. Marsden. You honestly don't deserve to pass Chemistry except on your own merits...and Mr. Marsden, no matter how good of friends you are, should NEVER have given you extra credit points. Really, some day, you will wonder a little how the elements work....and you will be clueless.
I can’t tell you to love your parents more. I’m happy to report that the love you feel for them now will just grow and grow. You are so lucky to have wonderful parents that you love to be with, who make you feel so special and loved. Not everyone is blessed with that. You will be surprised at how few homes are as happy as ours. You will have your folks for a long, long time so quit worrying. Help out around the house more than you do. Maybe clean the bathroom more...so when Mom and Dad come home from work, Mom will say, "Oh, goodie, the good fairies have been here again!" Don’t you love it when she says that?
I know you have many feelings deep inside of you of unworthiness for some reason. You feel like you don’t quite measure up with God...although you totally feel his guidance in your life...and He knows you’re trying with all your might to keep on the straight and narrow. You know He loves you...but you don’t seem to know HOW MUCH He loves you. He will restore your soul. Next year, when everyone is turning in their applications to college...and friends want you to go here with them and there with them, you will be muster up courage that you never knew you had.....and cut strings you never thought you had the ability to do.....and go to a place....yes, that would be in IDAHO, for Pete’s sake, where you will find just what you are looking for. Please, it would be a very good idea if you would practice wearing your skirts a little longer NOW! You will be so scared. You will want to go to Central or WSU with all your friends. You think you won't survive. You’ll go. You’ll be just fine. You’ll be more than fine. It will change your whole life!
You know how you write notes in code your diary...so only you will understand what it says? Well, maybe not such a good idea. You don't know that you will start losing brain cells the day you turned 40 and will be totally clueless on what you were talking about. And please, I have had to use a whole bottle of "White-Out" to clean up your language. Bad words don’t sound cute no matter how you say them or how decorated the page is!
There are two things that you passionately want. Two things that you think will change your life. Both would. It's not going to happen. Later you will hear a song called, "Thank God for unanswered prayers" and realized how protected you were.
Remember all those diaries you wrote to your someday daughter named "Cherilyn" or "Lexie?" Your future hubbie didn’t go for either. And watch out for boy’s names...he wants to name one Festus! Be firm!
Remember how worried you were that you would never be able to settle down with "one" person? How boys tell you that they pity the guy you will marry because they know you’ll never be faithful. Don’t worry. You can. And all those lists you made of what your dream guy was going to look like, love to do, etc.? Nope. None of it. Except the most important part.
Dance a lot. I know you dance a lot but I’m telling you.....dance a ton!!!! Get all the dancing you need for a lifetime out of your feet right now! I know it is really hard to believe but you are going to marry someone who doesn’t and can’t dance? I know, I know.....it is shocking, isn’t it? I was shocked myself, as well. And guess what? You will survive. You will love a non-dancer in the most marvelous way!
It may behoove you to pay attention to how sports games are played. Learn the rules of football and basketball. If you would but TRY and learn the rules and plays, trust me, your life will be filled with a little less head-bashing. I know your dad and brother don’t watch football and basketball on t.v.......so you don’t know how many games can be played on television on just one Thanksgiving day. It is truly mindboggling, so be prepared and practice not letting your eyes roll back into your head.
Sometimes, and I know this will surprise you, but a couple of times you will get caught up in the silliness of the moment and do things you will regret. Remorse is like scattered feathers...it is really hard to restore conscience. But for the most part, you are a great kid. Okay, teenager! I really like you. You are someone I would want my daughter...and yes, you WILL have a daughter, to be friends with. She could teach you SOOOO much. She WILL teach you so much! She turned out to be everything you wanted to be and even better. But let's not go there. I want you to enjoy every minute of being seventeen. You know what a great imagination you have? Well, surprise! The life ahead of you is something even beyond what you can think up. Be nice. Be good. Be happy. You're on a good path.
Thank you for trading what you wanted at the moment for what you wanted for a lifetime. Because of that, our life has never been the same....it's been wonderful! I love you! Me
Dear Me at 17-
I got this idea from my nephew’s wife, Christine. Of course, you don’t even know about or have even thought about someday being an "Aunt Marilyn." The thought of it will freak you out but you will be so surprised how much you will love it.
But first, let me backtrack. We have a LOT of ground to cover here.
You’re turning 17 of our Junior year of high school. Your whole life changes in this year in many ways that will affect you forever. It will be a time of choices, temptation, much joy and growth. You gain confidence this year but are still way too concerned about pleasing others. You know how a bunch of "cool girls" pulled you aside and "suggested" that you are playing the field too much...and maybe you should settle down? Forget those girls...they will mean nothing to you the second you graduate (or even before) from high school and you will never see them again. Beware of their motives. They aren't always what they seem. I realize that you are a little fragile here. Your best friend, D. has taken a loop-t-loop. Her choices are breaking your heart and you don’t understand why she would do the things she is doing. I don’t know how to say this gently, but in a few months, you and she will make a pack....and at the last minute, she will betray you. She views you for whatever reason as competition. I know that blows you out of the water because she is the closest thing to a sister you’ve ever had. This will hurt and haunt you for many, many years....but please try and realize, it really isn’t about you. Be a good friend. Try to talk to her about her life choices. By remaining quiet when she shares things she is doing is NOT being a good friend. If it makes things any easier, she will come back into your life many years down the road. She’s a keeper.
I’m so sorry you are boy crazy. I don’t know anything I could say to help curb this appetite for you. I know I might as well tell you not to eat chocolate! So, just let me say this. It is REALLY important so stop fidgeting around and pay attention! You think you can’t cut off relationships completely because you truly love everyone. You want everyone in your life forever. But it doesn’t work that way. You don’t realize the hurt that you are doing to some people. You think that because you want them in your life forever (as a puppet or a puppy) it should be enough for them to want to be with you as a friend. I don’t think if you thought you were in love with someone, you would appreciate them stringing you along just so they wouldn’t be lonely or alone for just a second. You know the people I’m talking about. If you really care for people, let them go.
You know all those girlfriends you love? Keep loving them and being a good friend. I know you think you’ve got all the girlfriends in the world you’ll ever need but are surprises in store for you??!!! Enjoy the ones you have. LISTEN to them more! You think you really know them but even your closest friends, you don’t really know what goes on in their home lives, what’s really important to them, or what hard things they are dealing with. It is like you are all chattering all the time and laughing and no one is listening. Start listening. It will help IMMENSELY when you go to college. And yes, you will go...but not where you think.
There is a reason why you go to school. It isn’t to just have fun, hang out with friends, flirt with boys. I know they are cute and I know you love to flirt but get a life, girl. Try focusing on school a little more. Okay a LOT more! How cool you get to go to school each day to learn! To share! With teachers with brains! They would love for you to listen. They would love for you to thank them. Just think, maybe someday you will have kids that you won't be able to help in math after 6th grade and Brandi will have to do it! Oh, I just realized that you don't know who Brandi is. I could go on forever about her but let's stick with school. Life isn’t just about who you’re going out with on the weekend. Try studying. Things have always come so easily to you until now...and you’re starting to falter. School can be so stimulating when you’re prepared and part of the discussion. You need to know how BADLY you’ll want to speak Spanish someday? How your grandchildren (well, two of them) (and stop freaking out!) will laugh hysterically when you recite from memory the first dialogue page from Beginning Spanish. Believe me, move beyond page one!
Give Mr. Forsyth a break. He teaches early morning seminary because he loves the Lord and loves the scriptures. He froths a little at the mouth because that’s what happens sometimes when you get older. I try really hard to keep my frothing under control. When you fall in love with the scriptures, and you do, you will feel so bad about helping to create such irreverence and chaos in his class and ask for his forgiveness a million times, hoping he can hear you from beyond. And Bill Wright...sitting behind you? Tell him TO PAY ATTENTION as well!!!!
Quit stealing food from the home economics refrigerator for Mr. Marsden. You honestly don't deserve to pass Chemistry except on your own merits...and Mr. Marsden, no matter how good of friends you are, should NEVER have given you extra credit points. Really, some day, you will wonder a little how the elements work....and you will be clueless.
I can’t tell you to love your parents more. I’m happy to report that the love you feel for them now will just grow and grow. You are so lucky to have wonderful parents that you love to be with, who make you feel so special and loved. Not everyone is blessed with that. You will be surprised at how few homes are as happy as ours. You will have your folks for a long, long time so quit worrying. Help out around the house more than you do. Maybe clean the bathroom more...so when Mom and Dad come home from work, Mom will say, "Oh, goodie, the good fairies have been here again!" Don’t you love it when she says that?
I know you have many feelings deep inside of you of unworthiness for some reason. You feel like you don’t quite measure up with God...although you totally feel his guidance in your life...and He knows you’re trying with all your might to keep on the straight and narrow. You know He loves you...but you don’t seem to know HOW MUCH He loves you. He will restore your soul. Next year, when everyone is turning in their applications to college...and friends want you to go here with them and there with them, you will be muster up courage that you never knew you had.....and cut strings you never thought you had the ability to do.....and go to a place....yes, that would be in IDAHO, for Pete’s sake, where you will find just what you are looking for. Please, it would be a very good idea if you would practice wearing your skirts a little longer NOW! You will be so scared. You will want to go to Central or WSU with all your friends. You think you won't survive. You’ll go. You’ll be just fine. You’ll be more than fine. It will change your whole life!
You know how you write notes in code your diary...so only you will understand what it says? Well, maybe not such a good idea. You don't know that you will start losing brain cells the day you turned 40 and will be totally clueless on what you were talking about. And please, I have had to use a whole bottle of "White-Out" to clean up your language. Bad words don’t sound cute no matter how you say them or how decorated the page is!
There are two things that you passionately want. Two things that you think will change your life. Both would. It's not going to happen. Later you will hear a song called, "Thank God for unanswered prayers" and realized how protected you were.
Remember all those diaries you wrote to your someday daughter named "Cherilyn" or "Lexie?" Your future hubbie didn’t go for either. And watch out for boy’s names...he wants to name one Festus! Be firm!
Remember how worried you were that you would never be able to settle down with "one" person? How boys tell you that they pity the guy you will marry because they know you’ll never be faithful. Don’t worry. You can. And all those lists you made of what your dream guy was going to look like, love to do, etc.? Nope. None of it. Except the most important part.
Dance a lot. I know you dance a lot but I’m telling you.....dance a ton!!!! Get all the dancing you need for a lifetime out of your feet right now! I know it is really hard to believe but you are going to marry someone who doesn’t and can’t dance? I know, I know.....it is shocking, isn’t it? I was shocked myself, as well. And guess what? You will survive. You will love a non-dancer in the most marvelous way!
It may behoove you to pay attention to how sports games are played. Learn the rules of football and basketball. If you would but TRY and learn the rules and plays, trust me, your life will be filled with a little less head-bashing. I know your dad and brother don’t watch football and basketball on t.v.......so you don’t know how many games can be played on television on just one Thanksgiving day. It is truly mindboggling, so be prepared and practice not letting your eyes roll back into your head.
Sometimes, and I know this will surprise you, but a couple of times you will get caught up in the silliness of the moment and do things you will regret. Remorse is like scattered feathers...it is really hard to restore conscience. But for the most part, you are a great kid. Okay, teenager! I really like you. You are someone I would want my daughter...and yes, you WILL have a daughter, to be friends with. She could teach you SOOOO much. She WILL teach you so much! She turned out to be everything you wanted to be and even better. But let's not go there. I want you to enjoy every minute of being seventeen. You know what a great imagination you have? Well, surprise! The life ahead of you is something even beyond what you can think up. Be nice. Be good. Be happy. You're on a good path.
Thank you for trading what you wanted at the moment for what you wanted for a lifetime. Because of that, our life has never been the same....it's been wonderful! I love you! Me
Monday, August 25, 2008
Contest Time!!!
Okay, it is summertime....a time to be lazy and relaxed. Well, if you are a grannie, not an on-duty mommy. Imagine me floating around on a inner tube in the pool....okay, rather floating with a noodle, drinking a pina colada slushy. We love noodles at our house and pina coladas. I've been thinking about the best parts of my summer and how sad that it is rapidly coming to an end. Lake Powell on the houseboat is just a fun memory....the family reunions won't happen for two more years, no more fresh tomatoes in just a short while. I'm almost in mourning. You've heard all about MY summer...so now I want to hear about yours. Cheer me up. Let me hear from you!
1. Your favorite summer activity.
2. Your favorite summer drink.
3. The number of watermelons you've purchased this summer.
4. Your favorite thing to do with tomatoes.
5. The song that will remind you of "this" summer.
and 6. Ann just insisted we also include our book of the summer....Good idea!
I will draw the winner on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. so you have until then to send in your comments. Your prize? A $25 gift certificate to either Chili's or Barnes and Noble. You choose. Now, while you write my blog for a couple of days, I'm going back to the pool.
Q: What did the pig say at the beach on a hot summer's day?
A: I'm bacon!
1. Your favorite summer activity.
2. Your favorite summer drink.
3. The number of watermelons you've purchased this summer.
4. Your favorite thing to do with tomatoes.
5. The song that will remind you of "this" summer.
and 6. Ann just insisted we also include our book of the summer....Good idea!
I will draw the winner on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. so you have until then to send in your comments. Your prize? A $25 gift certificate to either Chili's or Barnes and Noble. You choose. Now, while you write my blog for a couple of days, I'm going back to the pool.
(Note: if you don't want to register with blogspot, which is free and you don't have to have a blog to register, just email me with your entry and I'll post it. Everyone is welcome! mdwillpoet@msn.com)
Q: What did the pig say at the beach on a hot summer's day?
A: I'm bacon!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Pinkie-Square
Saturday was again so much fun...with pen pal Sophia. After water aerobics with Brendalyn and Loretta, I got ready and hopped on Trax (the SL rail system) and met Sophia downtown. We explored Gateway Mall.....it was hot as Hades.....and I poured out my truest confession...which is this.....in my next life, I want to come back as a store decorator at Anthropology....my favorite funky store. Sophia got pictures of their current window and store displays but I didn't...darn! When I was young, I thought my only work options were : teacher (yikes! How would you like ME for a teacher? ) or airline stewardess (they didn't like contacts then or short people) or a secretary (that's what I was...a human computer) or a movie star (yeah, right!) I didn't know you could be an artsy, off-the-wall store decorator! When I walk into that store, my right brain starts hyperventilating. And Sophia's did as well. That means we are pinkie-square friends, for sure!
After I settled down, it was time to start thinking food again. I had so many options and kept vacillating between "good, better and best"....making myself crazy until I realized we didn't have to eat in EVERY favorite place THAT DAY! Oh? I calmed down and we went to the Dodo. I told her she could order whatever she liked but she HAD to try the artichoke pie appetizer. We shared a piece...and she experienced heaven. I will post the recipe, since I do have it, as soon as I get it off my old computer. I used to have a girlie-friend who made men, boys and even dogs faint. Whenever we needed a recipe, she would flirt with someone in the kitchen and Voila! She was a powerful machine.... too bad you can't can that kind of power!
After I settled down, it was time to start thinking food again. I had so many options and kept vacillating between "good, better and best"....making myself crazy until I realized we didn't have to eat in EVERY favorite place THAT DAY! Oh? I calmed down and we went to the Dodo. I told her she could order whatever she liked but she HAD to try the artichoke pie appetizer. We shared a piece...and she experienced heaven. I will post the recipe, since I do have it, as soon as I get it off my old computer. I used to have a girlie-friend who made men, boys and even dogs faint. Whenever we needed a recipe, she would flirt with someone in the kitchen and Voila! She was a powerful machine.... too bad you can't can that kind of power!
Then a new appetizer caught our eye. A brick of cream cheese, marinated in soy sauce, rolled in sesame seeds and baked. We are figuring this one out on our own. Served with thin sliced pears, apples and crackers. Double yum.
Then we split this yummy salad. I can't remember what it was called since I was too busy licking my plate.
My pinkie-square friend is camera-obsessed, just like me. We were both taking food pictures and started laughing and so I took her picture and she took mine. The people at the next table thought we were bizarre. Obviously they just don't "get it!"
Once I calmed down and realized that we couldn't make all my favorite haunts in one afternoon, I picked just a few. First Modern Display. Sophia loves Christmas...and they were just starting to put their decorations out. Then I took her to my secret garden place, Gilgal Gardens. It is hidden in the middle of a block.......and filled with wonderful surprises. Sophia was surprised. The garden was created by a man's obsession and a declaration of his beliefs and love.....a garden filled with stone masonry, statues, stepping stones with poetry, scripture and hymns chiseled into them. Master gardeners now take care of the flowers there.
After the gardens and a refill of drinks at Hires, the pinkie-square duo did a most ordinary thing. We spent the next hour and a half, driving around the avenues of Salt Lake....taking pictures of old houses, landscaping, unusual steps, unusual doorways. Why? Because we could.
Just relaxing and fun. Well, not quite so relaxing because Sophia's driving can be a little scary. But at least we didn't get a ticket. One policeman wanted to but Sophia waved her little southern wave and smiled and handsome policeman melted and we drove on by....
My pinkie-square friend is camera-obsessed, just like me. We were both taking food pictures and started laughing and so I took her picture and she took mine. The people at the next table thought we were bizarre. Obviously they just don't "get it!"
Once I calmed down and realized that we couldn't make all my favorite haunts in one afternoon, I picked just a few. First Modern Display. Sophia loves Christmas...and they were just starting to put their decorations out. Then I took her to my secret garden place, Gilgal Gardens. It is hidden in the middle of a block.......and filled with wonderful surprises. Sophia was surprised. The garden was created by a man's obsession and a declaration of his beliefs and love.....a garden filled with stone masonry, statues, stepping stones with poetry, scripture and hymns chiseled into them. Master gardeners now take care of the flowers there.
After the gardens and a refill of drinks at Hires, the pinkie-square duo did a most ordinary thing. We spent the next hour and a half, driving around the avenues of Salt Lake....taking pictures of old houses, landscaping, unusual steps, unusual doorways. Why? Because we could.
Just relaxing and fun. Well, not quite so relaxing because Sophia's driving can be a little scary. But at least we didn't get a ticket. One policeman wanted to but Sophia waved her little southern wave and smiled and handsome policeman melted and we drove on by....
While we were in the area, I made her drive by this house below.... this house is where I lived for 6 months (a sublet apartment in the top of this delightful Victorian house...with a sunroom off to the right) on Kensington Avenue. It was during this time that David and I fell in love...sigh.
Below is the house where I lived with girlie-friends the next six months. Where I lived when David and I were officially in love, where I lived when we got engaged, the house where hysterical things happened...which I shared with Sophia but, too bad, I won't share here. Some things are NOT meant for great-great-greats.
And a few roads above the last home, was this church.
This church is where David and I had a little garden party the day after we were married. Sigh, again. Sophia was polite and swooned in all the right parts.
Below is the house where I lived with girlie-friends the next six months. Where I lived when David and I were officially in love, where I lived when we got engaged, the house where hysterical things happened...which I shared with Sophia but, too bad, I won't share here. Some things are NOT meant for great-great-greats.
And a few roads above the last home, was this church.This church is where David and I had a little garden party the day after we were married. Sigh, again. Sophia was polite and swooned in all the right parts.
And because she was polite and very attentive to all my boring, "all-about-me" stories, and didn't complain about being force-fed at several of my favorite restaurants or about traipsing around secret gardens in 90 plus degrees weather....I won't mention her obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Like almost falling down the stairs because she wouldn't touch the handrail...and I KNEW she wouldn't touch the handrail so I told her I wasn't going to pick her up when she fell. And that she actually goes into a panic attack if she doesn't know what direction (North, South, E or W) she is going. And I won't mention that I learned that she is actually a felon. I bet her friends in Cache Valley don't know about her " heisting habits" ..... a spiritual robbery no less. No, I won't mention any of those things. Because we just had the best girlie weekend....and pinkie-square friends don't rat on each other!
p.s.
Do you know what a pinkie-square is? Pinkie square is when (we were young)...and you and your friend would say something or do something right exactly at the same time and you'd squeal "pinkie square!" and hook your little "pinkie" fingers together. Kind of one of those things like "slug bug" that don't make any sense...but you just do it anyway!
Each friend represents a world in us; a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only in meeting them that a new world is born. Anais Nin
Do you know what a pinkie-square is? Pinkie square is when (we were young)...and you and your friend would say something or do something right exactly at the same time and you'd squeal "pinkie square!" and hook your little "pinkie" fingers together. Kind of one of those things like "slug bug" that don't make any sense...but you just do it anyway!
Each friend represents a world in us; a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only in meeting them that a new world is born. Anais Nin
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Food and Friends
Thursday night we went with Kirk and Cathy to the Lung Association fund raiser at La Caille, which is close by. La Caille is probably the most fabulous restaurant, one of the priciest and over the top places in Salt Lake...well, Sandy. I left my camera in the car so these Internet pictures will have to do. The gardens are lush, the baby peacocks (I've never seen baby peacocks before, have you?) adorable, the food out of this world.Tournedos of Beef with Bearnaise, Salmon with Miso Glaze, Chicken Picatta. The dessert....my, oh, ,my...creme brulee with a blackberry sauce underneath, chocolate molten cake, chocolate strawberries (dressed in tuxedos)....just marvelous, marvelous, marvelous! Lots of "Utah Stars"....Utah sports figures, Olympians, radio and TV personalities, authors. Al Rounds was the featured artist and we all got a special print. On the way to dinner, we were talking about Al Rounds and David said, "Heh, I got you an Al Rounds picture years ago that I really liked....and you don't have it hanging anywhere! Where is it?" Well, David, that might be the picture hanging on the wall to the side of the bed (his side)...where it has been hanging for 4 years now! Men! Honestly, I laugh because David will open up the refrigerator and if something isn't right in front of him....or in the front row in the pantry cupboards, we don't have it!
Friday!!!! I spent the day with my blogging friend from Cache Valley, Sophia! It was like meeting your favorite penpal. She and her husband were in Salt Lake (he for business) so I got Sophia for the whole afternoon. First we did the house tour. Then we exchanged "giftie" baskets. Then we did a craft project....I told her it was a ten-minute project but "someone" wasn't quite as "talented" in some respects as I thought...so it took a "little" longer than 10 minutes. I can't say what we made, because someone's birthday is coming up...... but it was fun! Then we headed for gelato....just because Sophia had never had it...and we swooned over all the flavors...but of course, she HAD to have the Yogurt Sour Cherry. We actually were heading for lunch but had dessert first. Lunch was going to be at Cheesecake Factory but we were on a limited time frame to get in all the sights and shops so we ended up having lunch at our local Smokey Mountain Pasta and Pizza. Cathy and I had gone there the other day and had their Ensalada Napoli- chicken, bacon, artichoke hearts, purple onion, feta, tomatoes, peppers, spinach leaves, bow tie pasta with balsamic vinegrette. Yum! Then we share an order of Brie Bites....tender (that was our joke) bites of Brie tucked (not placed, but "tucked") into puff pastry....baked golden brown (not pasty brown) and served with boysenberry jalapeno dip. Okay, double yum. Afterwards, we hit TaiPan, Interior Elements and who knows what else. We laughed and talked like the old friends that we have become over the last year. We didn't get all our fun in so today we'll continue exploring downtown Salt Lake.
Pretty Patty Petty's daughter, Kyle, has been in town from Boise...checking out jobs and apartments hoping to move here in September. It has been fun to have her here.....I've known her since she was a little one...she and Tanner were great buddies....and always slept in the same room....until one day we realized they were almost teenagers. End of THAT story! She used to call Tanner "THAT boy!" and always wanted to go to "The Goon" (Lagoon) when they came. Anyway, today she hit pay dirt.....got a job at the new IHC heart monitoring clinic...and found an apartment that will be available in a couple of weeks within walking distance of work! Celebration! She'll give her two weeks notice at her job in Boise, then live with us until she can move into her apartment. I'm soo excited for her!
Yesterday Rylee also had her birthday party here.....I missed all but the tail end....a Circus Party. It looked like the party of the year...the circus ended up all swimming in the pool! I'll have to steal pictures from Tenille to post.
Friday, August 22, 2008
GNO recipes
Girl's Night Out this month was a couple's party at the Naylor's. Wouldn't you want to go to a party here? Their home was in the home show 2 years ago and took top honors. It is one of the most beautiful "mission" style homes I've seen...both inside and out. I wish I would have taken garden pictures in the backyard where we had dinner. Elegance to the max. Appetizers were served on the upper outdoor patio...really like a room. Pina Coladas and a variety of chips and pitas with 3 kinds of dip. Dinner was Grilled Stuffed Chicken Breasts, homemade rolls, Spinach Berry Salad, dilled carrots, potato wedges. Brownies ala mode for dessert. Yum. I couldn't wait to get the recipes for the chicken and berry salad. Try them both. Marvelous!
Spinach Berry Salad
2 c. baby spinach, washed
2 c. torn romaine lettuce
1 c. sliced strawberries
1 c. fresh blueberries
2 or 3 green onions, sliced
1/4 c. chopped pecans, toasted
2 c. torn romaine lettuce
1 c. sliced strawberries
1 c. fresh blueberries
2 or 3 green onions, sliced
1/4 c. chopped pecans, toasted
Curry Dressing
2 t. cider vinegar
2 t. balsamic vinegar
¼ c. honey (add more honey or sugar if you prefer a sweeter dressing)
2 t. Dijon mustard
1 t. curry powder
¼ t. salt
generous dash pepper
2 t. cider vinegar
2 t. balsamic vinegar
¼ c. honey (add more honey or sugar if you prefer a sweeter dressing)
2 t. Dijon mustard
1 t. curry powder
¼ t. salt
generous dash pepper
In a large bowl, toss together the greens, berries, onion, and pecans. In
a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the dressing ingredients and
shake well. Just before serving, pour over salad and toss gently.
I made a triple batch to feed 14-16
a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the dressing ingredients and
shake well. Just before serving, pour over salad and toss gently.
I made a triple batch to feed 14-16
Stuffed Chicken Breasts
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (Costco frozen are great)
4 slices of mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss cheese
4 slices sandwich ham
16 pieces sliced pepperoni
chopped fresh basil (I added a bit of fresh chopped sage as well)
salt and pepper (preferably fresh ground)
olive oil
4 slices of mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss cheese
4 slices sandwich ham
16 pieces sliced pepperoni
chopped fresh basil (I added a bit of fresh chopped sage as well)
salt and pepper (preferably fresh ground)
olive oil
Using a long, thin sharp knife, butterfly the chicken breasts: While
chicken is partially frozen, cut horizontally into the thickest part of each breast within ½ inch of the other side. Open up the breast like a book and place it between sheets of plastic wrap. Pound lightly to flatten and even out the thickness. Remove the plastic and on one side of the chicken breast, lay 1 slice of cheese, ham pepperoni, and herbs. Season with a bit of salt
and pepper and fold the “book” back together. You can secure with toothpicks (pre-soaked in water so they won’t burn). Drizzle a little oil over the chicken and again season with a bit of salt and pepper. Grill
chicken over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, then turn carefully with tongs. Grill the other side for approx. 3 minutes. Watch chicken carefully; because it is thin, it cooks quickly. Top each breast with a
teaspoon of basil butter and serve.
chicken is partially frozen, cut horizontally into the thickest part of each breast within ½ inch of the other side. Open up the breast like a book and place it between sheets of plastic wrap. Pound lightly to flatten and even out the thickness. Remove the plastic and on one side of the chicken breast, lay 1 slice of cheese, ham pepperoni, and herbs. Season with a bit of salt
and pepper and fold the “book” back together. You can secure with toothpicks (pre-soaked in water so they won’t burn). Drizzle a little oil over the chicken and again season with a bit of salt and pepper. Grill
chicken over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, then turn carefully with tongs. Grill the other side for approx. 3 minutes. Watch chicken carefully; because it is thin, it cooks quickly. Top each breast with a
teaspoon of basil butter and serve.
Basil Butter
1 stick butter, softened to room temperature in a small bowl
1 generous Tablespoon fresh chopped basil
1-2 cloves garlic (or a teaspoon of fresh minced garlic from a jar).
Mix together with a fork. Store leftover butter in the fridge.
1 stick butter, softened to room temperature in a small bowl
1 generous Tablespoon fresh chopped basil
1-2 cloves garlic (or a teaspoon of fresh minced garlic from a jar).
Mix together with a fork. Store leftover butter in the fridge.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Birthday Shout-Out!
Yesterday Rylee FINALLY turned 6! We went to Noodles (her choice) for dinner last night. Rylee has the biggest belly laugh of anyone I know. I ADORE this little girl!
And today is Ryan Campbell's birthday....my FAVORITE son-in-law. Okay, so he's my only one...I just love him tons!
Flowers
Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.
~Author Unknown
A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty
~Author Unknown
A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Mindset
I read the following article in the news...talking about the world that current freshmen in college grew up in. A whole different story than when I grew up! (obviously!) Here is some statistics:
Beloit College Mindset List
A snapshot of the world view of the Class of 2012
1. Harry Potter could be a classmate, playing on their Quidditch team.
2. Since they were in diapers, karaoke machines have been annoying people at parties.
3. They have always been looking for Carmen Sandiego.
4. GPS satellite navigation systems have always been available.
5. Coke and Pepsi have always used recycled plastic bottles.
6. Shampoo and conditioner have always been available in the same bottle.
7. Gas stations have never fixed flats, but most serve cappuccino.
8. Their parents may have dropped them in shock when they heard George Bush announce "tax revenue increases."
9. Electronic filing of tax returns has always been an option.
10. Girls in head scarves have always been part of the school fashion scene.
11. All have had a relative — or known about a friend's relative - who died comfortably at home with hospice.
12. As a precursor to "whatever," they have recognized that some people "just don't get it."
13. Universal Studios has always offered an alternative to Mickey in Orlando.
14. Grandma has always had wheels on her walker.
15. Martha Stewart Living has always been setting the style.
16. Haagen-Dazs ice cream has always come in quarts.
17. Club Med resorts have always been places to take the whole family.
18. WWW has never stood for World Wide Wrestling.
19. Films have never been X rated, only NC-17.
20. The Warsaw Pact is as hazy for them as the League of Nations was for their parents.
21. Students have always been "Rocking the Vote."
22. Clarence Thomas has always sat on the Supreme Court.
23. Schools have always been concerned about multiculturalism.
24. We have always known that "All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten."
25. There have always been gay rabbis.
26. Wayne Newton has never had a mustache.
27. College grads have always been able to Teach for America.
28. IBM has never made typewriters.
29. Roseanne Barr has never been invited to sing the National Anthem again.
30. McDonald's and Burger King have always used vegetable oil for cooking french fries.
31. They have never been able to color a tree using a raw umber Crayola.
32. There has always been Pearl Jam.
33. The Tonight Show has always been hosted by Jay Leno and started at 11:35 EST.
34. Pee-Wee has never been in his playhouse during the day.
35. They never tasted Benefit Cereal with psyllium.
36. They may have been given a Nintendo Game Boy to play with in the crib.
37. Authorities have always been building a wall across the Mexican border.
38. Lenin's name has never been on a major city in Russia.
39. Employers have always been able to do credit checks on employees.
40. Balsamic vinegar has always been available in the U.S.
41. Macaulay Culkin has always been "Home Alone."
42. Their parents may have watched "The American Gladiators" on TV the day they were born.
43. Personal privacy has always been threatened.
44. Caller ID has always been available on phones.
45. Living wills have always been asked for at hospital check-ins.
46. The Green Bay Packers (almost) always had the same starting quarterback.
47. They never heard an attendant ask "Want me to check under the hood?"
48. Iced tea has always come in cans and bottles.
49. Soft drink refills have always been free.
50. They have never known life without Seinfeld references from a show about "nothing."
51. The Windows 3.0 operating system made IBM PCs user-friendly the year they were born.
52. Moscow residents have always been able to buy Big Macs.
53. The Royal New Zealand Navy has never been permitted a daily ration of rum.
54. The Hubble Space Telescope has always been eavesdropping on the heavens.
55. 98.6 F or otherwise has always been confirmed in the ear.
56. Michael Milken has always been a philanthropist promoting prostate cancer research.
57. Offshore oil drilling in the United States has always been prohibited.
58. Radio stations have never been required to present both sides of public issues.
59. There have always been charter schools.
60. Students always had Goosebumps.
The purpose of the Mindset List goes beyond reminding professors to update their references, said Tom McBride, an English professor at Beloit who helps Nief compile the list.
"It also prevents students from thinking that the way something is now is the way it's always been," he said.
Every time the list comes out, McBride said, the school hears from people around the world who say it makes them feel as though life is passing them by.
"We say join the club. It makes us feel old, too," he said.
Time seems to pass more slowly for kids because they're doing more things for the first time, he speculated. But when a person gets older and does the same things over and over, the routine makes time seem to speed up.
When the 2006 list came out, McBride reassured people by telling them it was the trends and fashions that had grown old, not them.
This year, he struck a more philosophical tone.
"It's easy to be envious of youth," he said. "But if you've got a certain degree of wisdom and your body hasn't fallen apart yet, you may be at the best time of your life."
Source: The Associated Press
Updated: 6:13 p.m. ET Aug. 18, 2008
Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone. ~Jim Fiebig
The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball. ~Doug Larson
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. ~Mark Twain
Beloit College Mindset List
A snapshot of the world view of the Class of 2012
1. Harry Potter could be a classmate, playing on their Quidditch team.
2. Since they were in diapers, karaoke machines have been annoying people at parties.
3. They have always been looking for Carmen Sandiego.
4. GPS satellite navigation systems have always been available.
5. Coke and Pepsi have always used recycled plastic bottles.
6. Shampoo and conditioner have always been available in the same bottle.
7. Gas stations have never fixed flats, but most serve cappuccino.
8. Their parents may have dropped them in shock when they heard George Bush announce "tax revenue increases."
9. Electronic filing of tax returns has always been an option.
10. Girls in head scarves have always been part of the school fashion scene.
11. All have had a relative — or known about a friend's relative - who died comfortably at home with hospice.
12. As a precursor to "whatever," they have recognized that some people "just don't get it."
13. Universal Studios has always offered an alternative to Mickey in Orlando.
14. Grandma has always had wheels on her walker.
15. Martha Stewart Living has always been setting the style.
16. Haagen-Dazs ice cream has always come in quarts.
17. Club Med resorts have always been places to take the whole family.
18. WWW has never stood for World Wide Wrestling.
19. Films have never been X rated, only NC-17.
20. The Warsaw Pact is as hazy for them as the League of Nations was for their parents.
21. Students have always been "Rocking the Vote."
22. Clarence Thomas has always sat on the Supreme Court.
23. Schools have always been concerned about multiculturalism.
24. We have always known that "All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten."
25. There have always been gay rabbis.
26. Wayne Newton has never had a mustache.
27. College grads have always been able to Teach for America.
28. IBM has never made typewriters.
29. Roseanne Barr has never been invited to sing the National Anthem again.
30. McDonald's and Burger King have always used vegetable oil for cooking french fries.
31. They have never been able to color a tree using a raw umber Crayola.
32. There has always been Pearl Jam.
33. The Tonight Show has always been hosted by Jay Leno and started at 11:35 EST.
34. Pee-Wee has never been in his playhouse during the day.
35. They never tasted Benefit Cereal with psyllium.
36. They may have been given a Nintendo Game Boy to play with in the crib.
37. Authorities have always been building a wall across the Mexican border.
38. Lenin's name has never been on a major city in Russia.
39. Employers have always been able to do credit checks on employees.
40. Balsamic vinegar has always been available in the U.S.
41. Macaulay Culkin has always been "Home Alone."
42. Their parents may have watched "The American Gladiators" on TV the day they were born.
43. Personal privacy has always been threatened.
44. Caller ID has always been available on phones.
45. Living wills have always been asked for at hospital check-ins.
46. The Green Bay Packers (almost) always had the same starting quarterback.
47. They never heard an attendant ask "Want me to check under the hood?"
48. Iced tea has always come in cans and bottles.
49. Soft drink refills have always been free.
50. They have never known life without Seinfeld references from a show about "nothing."
51. The Windows 3.0 operating system made IBM PCs user-friendly the year they were born.
52. Moscow residents have always been able to buy Big Macs.
53. The Royal New Zealand Navy has never been permitted a daily ration of rum.
54. The Hubble Space Telescope has always been eavesdropping on the heavens.
55. 98.6 F or otherwise has always been confirmed in the ear.
56. Michael Milken has always been a philanthropist promoting prostate cancer research.
57. Offshore oil drilling in the United States has always been prohibited.
58. Radio stations have never been required to present both sides of public issues.
59. There have always been charter schools.
60. Students always had Goosebumps.
The purpose of the Mindset List goes beyond reminding professors to update their references, said Tom McBride, an English professor at Beloit who helps Nief compile the list.
"It also prevents students from thinking that the way something is now is the way it's always been," he said.
Every time the list comes out, McBride said, the school hears from people around the world who say it makes them feel as though life is passing them by.
"We say join the club. It makes us feel old, too," he said.
Time seems to pass more slowly for kids because they're doing more things for the first time, he speculated. But when a person gets older and does the same things over and over, the routine makes time seem to speed up.
When the 2006 list came out, McBride reassured people by telling them it was the trends and fashions that had grown old, not them.
This year, he struck a more philosophical tone.
"It's easy to be envious of youth," he said. "But if you've got a certain degree of wisdom and your body hasn't fallen apart yet, you may be at the best time of your life."
Source: The Associated Press
Updated: 6:13 p.m. ET Aug. 18, 2008
Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone. ~Jim Fiebig
The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball. ~Doug Larson
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. ~Mark Twain
Monday, August 18, 2008
High School Tag
I got tagged by my adorable much younger friend Heidi. Heidi was actually one of the Young Women in our old Stake when I was the Stake Young Women's president. And I'm so flattered that she'd tag an old decrepit woman like me. This is about high school.....I vaguely remember high school being on another planet, long, long ago and far, far away. But here goes......
1. Did you date someone from your school? If it wore pants, I probably dated him.
2. What kind of car did you drive? When my brother left for the service, I got to drive his restored '57 Chevy. It was so cool. Unfortunately he took it back after boot camp and my dad bought me "The Blue Prune".....a 1948 Studebaker station wagon (ancient even then) with no original paint on it. Perfect for getting "egged" on Halloween. The car was a great lesson in humility. It was so ugly, one of my friend's sisters (Ann Baker's) wouldn't even ride in it! I learned early on that there were worst things than an ugly car...like riding the school bus!
3. ???? no number three ?????
4. Were you a party animal? I was a girlie-friend and also boy crazy. Not so much a party animal as really involved in whatever was happening with the school social calendar-games, dances, etc. I was pretty much a dud at a wild party. But I could sure write the class skit or make campaign signs.
5. Were you considered a flirt? No, I never-ever-ever flirted. Hello!!! I thought flirting was a fine art!
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Choir. Pam and Terri....weren't we all in it together? Our choir teacher was single and very handsome. He ended up marrying a girl from our class. Quite the scandal years later...
7. Were you a nerd? I don't think I was a nerd although I totally acted like a nerd. My friends all pretty much acted like nerds which is why we had so much fun. I think the nerds were in honor society. They were brilliant. If they were the nerds, I really liked them. I actually was in honor society...but not so brilliant. I could make the grade but don't remember a single thing I learned. I'm pretty sure honor society was to get my picture in the yearbook again. But, no, my friends and I weren't considered nerds. We just were.
8. Were you on any varsity teams? I made Varsity Flirting....but no, we actually didn't have any girl sport's teams...did we? Except tennis. And I've already mentioned how uncoordinated I am....
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? Just for part of one day. Heaven forbid, I skipped 1/2 day of school. Our parents were called. My friends thought my mom handled it so well. Smiling in the principal's office. I was feeling pretty good....until we walked out the door and she turned to me with gritted teeth and hissed the words, "I'll see YOU when you get home!" I can say my mother hissed because 1) she really did and 2) her computer is broken so she can't read this entry!
10. Can you still sing the fight song? On, come on you Chiefs, into the fight.....da, da, da, da, da.....can't remember the rest of it. something, something, we will win to night......
11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mr. Hooper, my Spanish teacher. Mr. Carnavali, history. Mr. Morris, drama.
12. Where did you sit during lunch? in the cafeteria, out on the common patio, in cars going to Arctic Circle for lunch or Frank's Market.
13. What was your school's full name? Moses Lake High School
14. School mascot? Indian Chief
15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with? My sophomore boyfriend, Craig. When we went to dinner, he ordered a French Dip. I had NEVER even heard of one before...and thought it was soooo cool he'd even know what it was. My Junior year I went with Kirk Waggoner. My senior year, my boyfriend, Larry Larsen was in college at WSU....and he was coming home for it. The week before he called and said that he had a big "rush" activity that night and couldn't come. Another boy at WSU, Pete Forsyth, found out about it and called and said he'd come home and take me. But I was pouting and said no. I should have gone with Pete...he was DANG cute! And Terri! Yes!!!! I remember sewing your pink velvet dress for homecoming Senior year when you went with Craig! Remember Winnie Winkle? Oh wait? That was Handsome Harry.
16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? I certainly wish I could undo a lot of things. High school was such a time of worrying too much what other people thought. But I had a wonderful high school life- awesome girlfriends....boys and boys and boys I loved....I was much too concerned with the social aspect and not concerned with learning. For me, high school was just one big party. If I went back, I would totally be the biggest nerd! I would WANT to be the nerd.
17. What do you remember most about graduation? I think I cried during most of it. Of course, I cried my eyes out when I graduated from 6th grade. Afterwards, it was a painful night. My boyfriend at the time, Jimmy A. and I were on the fritz. After graduation, our school sponsored a big dance/party and most everyone went out somewhere all night. We argued and bickered half the night until I finally broke up with him at the dance....and actually got back with my off-and-on again high school boyfriend, Craig....until I went to college. It was the worst of times, it was the best of times.....ha!
18. Where did you go senior skip day? Hello??? Skipping school in my day was tantamount to committing a robbery! Reform school might be in your future! We didn't have a senior skip day. Can I just say that my very best day as a grown-up mom was when my last kid graduated from high school...and the stinking computer from Alta didn't call everyday thereafter to tell me that "your student missed one or more classes today." Honestly, I got the phone call everyday for about 6 years straight! Boy, times really HAVE changed...
19. Were you in any clubs? Yes, but I think it was just to get your picture in the yearbook a few more times. Clubs weren't a really big deal...were they? Dance committees were kind of a big deal and so much fun.
20. Have you gained some weight since then? Is the Pope Catholic? Have you ever seen Orca the whale? What kind of a question is this? Oh yes...this tag is about high school...the home of great self-esteem!
21.Who was your prom date? Sophomore- a senior named Jim...I was so crazy about him and now I can't even remember his last name. (oh yes, Daniels.) Junior- Larry Larsen. Senior- Jimmy Adolphson.
22. Are you planning on going to your 10-year reunion? Well, I DID go to my ten-year reunion. I haven't gone to any since...it about put my husband over the edge. It was a HUGE thing. We "discussed" the reunion all the 12 hour drive home to Utah.
Boy, I don't know about this tag. It caused a brain cramp. Thanks, Heidi, I'm tagging you when YOU are my age! See if YOU have any functioning brain cells left!
1. Did you date someone from your school? If it wore pants, I probably dated him.
2. What kind of car did you drive? When my brother left for the service, I got to drive his restored '57 Chevy. It was so cool. Unfortunately he took it back after boot camp and my dad bought me "The Blue Prune".....a 1948 Studebaker station wagon (ancient even then) with no original paint on it. Perfect for getting "egged" on Halloween. The car was a great lesson in humility. It was so ugly, one of my friend's sisters (Ann Baker's) wouldn't even ride in it! I learned early on that there were worst things than an ugly car...like riding the school bus!
3. ???? no number three ?????
4. Were you a party animal? I was a girlie-friend and also boy crazy. Not so much a party animal as really involved in whatever was happening with the school social calendar-games, dances, etc. I was pretty much a dud at a wild party. But I could sure write the class skit or make campaign signs.
5. Were you considered a flirt? No, I never-ever-ever flirted. Hello!!! I thought flirting was a fine art!
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Choir. Pam and Terri....weren't we all in it together? Our choir teacher was single and very handsome. He ended up marrying a girl from our class. Quite the scandal years later...
7. Were you a nerd? I don't think I was a nerd although I totally acted like a nerd. My friends all pretty much acted like nerds which is why we had so much fun. I think the nerds were in honor society. They were brilliant. If they were the nerds, I really liked them. I actually was in honor society...but not so brilliant. I could make the grade but don't remember a single thing I learned. I'm pretty sure honor society was to get my picture in the yearbook again. But, no, my friends and I weren't considered nerds. We just were.
8. Were you on any varsity teams? I made Varsity Flirting....but no, we actually didn't have any girl sport's teams...did we? Except tennis. And I've already mentioned how uncoordinated I am....
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? Just for part of one day. Heaven forbid, I skipped 1/2 day of school. Our parents were called. My friends thought my mom handled it so well. Smiling in the principal's office. I was feeling pretty good....until we walked out the door and she turned to me with gritted teeth and hissed the words, "I'll see YOU when you get home!" I can say my mother hissed because 1) she really did and 2) her computer is broken so she can't read this entry!
10. Can you still sing the fight song? On, come on you Chiefs, into the fight.....da, da, da, da, da.....can't remember the rest of it. something, something, we will win to night......
11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mr. Hooper, my Spanish teacher. Mr. Carnavali, history. Mr. Morris, drama.
12. Where did you sit during lunch? in the cafeteria, out on the common patio, in cars going to Arctic Circle for lunch or Frank's Market.
13. What was your school's full name? Moses Lake High School
14. School mascot? Indian Chief
15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with? My sophomore boyfriend, Craig. When we went to dinner, he ordered a French Dip. I had NEVER even heard of one before...and thought it was soooo cool he'd even know what it was. My Junior year I went with Kirk Waggoner. My senior year, my boyfriend, Larry Larsen was in college at WSU....and he was coming home for it. The week before he called and said that he had a big "rush" activity that night and couldn't come. Another boy at WSU, Pete Forsyth, found out about it and called and said he'd come home and take me. But I was pouting and said no. I should have gone with Pete...he was DANG cute! And Terri! Yes!!!! I remember sewing your pink velvet dress for homecoming Senior year when you went with Craig! Remember Winnie Winkle? Oh wait? That was Handsome Harry.
16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? I certainly wish I could undo a lot of things. High school was such a time of worrying too much what other people thought. But I had a wonderful high school life- awesome girlfriends....boys and boys and boys I loved....I was much too concerned with the social aspect and not concerned with learning. For me, high school was just one big party. If I went back, I would totally be the biggest nerd! I would WANT to be the nerd.
17. What do you remember most about graduation? I think I cried during most of it. Of course, I cried my eyes out when I graduated from 6th grade. Afterwards, it was a painful night. My boyfriend at the time, Jimmy A. and I were on the fritz. After graduation, our school sponsored a big dance/party and most everyone went out somewhere all night. We argued and bickered half the night until I finally broke up with him at the dance....and actually got back with my off-and-on again high school boyfriend, Craig....until I went to college. It was the worst of times, it was the best of times.....ha!
18. Where did you go senior skip day? Hello??? Skipping school in my day was tantamount to committing a robbery! Reform school might be in your future! We didn't have a senior skip day. Can I just say that my very best day as a grown-up mom was when my last kid graduated from high school...and the stinking computer from Alta didn't call everyday thereafter to tell me that "your student missed one or more classes today." Honestly, I got the phone call everyday for about 6 years straight! Boy, times really HAVE changed...
19. Were you in any clubs? Yes, but I think it was just to get your picture in the yearbook a few more times. Clubs weren't a really big deal...were they? Dance committees were kind of a big deal and so much fun.
20. Have you gained some weight since then? Is the Pope Catholic? Have you ever seen Orca the whale? What kind of a question is this? Oh yes...this tag is about high school...the home of great self-esteem!
21.Who was your prom date? Sophomore- a senior named Jim...I was so crazy about him and now I can't even remember his last name. (oh yes, Daniels.) Junior- Larry Larsen. Senior- Jimmy Adolphson.
22. Are you planning on going to your 10-year reunion? Well, I DID go to my ten-year reunion. I haven't gone to any since...it about put my husband over the edge. It was a HUGE thing. We "discussed" the reunion all the 12 hour drive home to Utah.
Boy, I don't know about this tag. It caused a brain cramp. Thanks, Heidi, I'm tagging you when YOU are my age! See if YOU have any functioning brain cells left!
Monday Meme
Color to wear? I wear black the most since I’m in mourning. Actually, although I mourn, I am not in mourning. I wear black since it is suppose to make me look 12 sizes smaller. I wear bright colors a lot. I’m not so much a pastel person.
What are you reading, and how did you choose it? Do you think you’d ever read a book that someone else picked for you? As I’ve mentioned before, I’m currently reading "Eat Pray Love." It isn’t a quick read since it is not a novel. I’m learning a ton about someone else’s spiritual quest....I think Elizabeth Gilbert is a fabulous writer. The next book on deck was recommended to me by my friend, J. - The Shack. (Disclaimer...J. and Ann both have said there is a lot of false doctrine suggested in this book but an interesting concept.)Breaking Dawn is also jumping around on my counter (the last of the Twilight series.) People recommend books to me all the time....but I’m pretty hard on books. If there is crude language, lots of swearing or frothy sex, I’m so out of there. I have about 6 books under my bed- jump starts but won’t finish. People say they "skip over the yucky stuff" but my mind is like a recorder. It doesn’t just skip. I see it and hear it and it makes my spirit sag....so I just don’t go there. The "entertainment" isn't worth it to me. (and I also see the contridiction in my reading choices...I can read about vampires and blood-sucking but not swear words! I see that...you don't have to point it out to me!)
Is there anything irrational that you continually do? Most of what I do is irrational. I guess this might be talking about little rituals that I do....I think I’ve probably mentioned all my funny idiosyncrasies.....
putting in the same "video" each night when I go to bed (in my head...a continuing storyline where the characters are as real to me as my friends)....
and kissing God goodnight, every night. But I’m pretty sure He gets it so I guess that’s not irrational.
I have a "thing" about the ice in our ice maker. David makes fun of it but I can taste some weird taste that no one else can. I refuse to have it in my cup.
I have to sleep with one foot sticking out of the covers so I'm "even." Part of me is hot, part of me is cold. See, I'm even.
I lead music in the car ....and usually lead it with my foot during church. The motion relaxes me.
I have to tuck all my stuffed animals into our bed each night so no one feels left out. Oh wait? When I got married, David nixed that one...
Have you ever read a self-help book and if so was it useful to you? I have read lots of self-help books. One that really helped me was called "Living Together, Feeling Alone." When we moved to our last house, I went into a tailspin depression. It lasted for quite awhile. I would function on the outside, then spend hours curled up in the fetal position, sobbing, on the floor of my new walk-in closet. I felt lonely in a way that didn’t make any sense. Here I had a husband I adored, a great family, extended family, a great life-style, a spiritual life, more friends than I knew what to do with...and yet I felt an overwhelming, consuming sadness and loneliness I couldn’t explain. I stumbled onto this book....I don’t even know how I found it. It stated that the world would never justify my feelings....why I had it all! But he (the book) explained that we all go through a series of losses in life...and go through the same stages of grief that someone goes through when they lose a loved one (the people that the world will justify.) I was able to identify my losses: a move from an area that was like my family....the home where we had raised our children for the past 11 years, neighbors and friends that were like family to me, a Ward and Stake I loved. I went from a subdivison to a secluded area. My only daughter was starting her senior year and deciding where to go to college. My baby started kindergarten that same year. During the move, I put on extra weight that I couldn’t, in that state, seem to get off. I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror. I started having a few weird health issues. Once I realized that I was having a lot of changes and losses in my life....and to have SOMEONE say that it was okay to be sad...that it was normal....and gave me permission (or I gave myself) to grieve, it was just the ticket I needed to heal.
The other self-help book that I loved and actually changed my life was "The Color Code" by Taylor Hartman. I could go on and on about "The Color Code" so if you don't know about this book, email me and we'll chat. It changed my relationships with raising my children and about everyone in my life...including me!
If you could have one thing made out of pure gold, what would you choose? I’m not so into gold. And besides, Parker (my oldest grandson) did a report on King Midas. And you KNOW how THAT story ends. But how about silver? I can’t think of anything I need to be made out of gold. And while we are at it, I'm not into diamonds either. I like funky rather than expensive.
What one word do you overuse the most? I have many words that I use a ton but my friend, J, mentioned I use this- !!!!!!!!! the most.
What are you reading, and how did you choose it? Do you think you’d ever read a book that someone else picked for you? As I’ve mentioned before, I’m currently reading "Eat Pray Love." It isn’t a quick read since it is not a novel. I’m learning a ton about someone else’s spiritual quest....I think Elizabeth Gilbert is a fabulous writer. The next book on deck was recommended to me by my friend, J. - The Shack. (Disclaimer...J. and Ann both have said there is a lot of false doctrine suggested in this book but an interesting concept.)Breaking Dawn is also jumping around on my counter (the last of the Twilight series.) People recommend books to me all the time....but I’m pretty hard on books. If there is crude language, lots of swearing or frothy sex, I’m so out of there. I have about 6 books under my bed- jump starts but won’t finish. People say they "skip over the yucky stuff" but my mind is like a recorder. It doesn’t just skip. I see it and hear it and it makes my spirit sag....so I just don’t go there. The "entertainment" isn't worth it to me. (and I also see the contridiction in my reading choices...I can read about vampires and blood-sucking but not swear words! I see that...you don't have to point it out to me!)
Is there anything irrational that you continually do? Most of what I do is irrational. I guess this might be talking about little rituals that I do....I think I’ve probably mentioned all my funny idiosyncrasies.....
putting in the same "video" each night when I go to bed (in my head...a continuing storyline where the characters are as real to me as my friends)....
and kissing God goodnight, every night. But I’m pretty sure He gets it so I guess that’s not irrational.
I have a "thing" about the ice in our ice maker. David makes fun of it but I can taste some weird taste that no one else can. I refuse to have it in my cup.
I have to sleep with one foot sticking out of the covers so I'm "even." Part of me is hot, part of me is cold. See, I'm even.
I lead music in the car ....and usually lead it with my foot during church. The motion relaxes me.
I have to tuck all my stuffed animals into our bed each night so no one feels left out. Oh wait? When I got married, David nixed that one...
Have you ever read a self-help book and if so was it useful to you? I have read lots of self-help books. One that really helped me was called "Living Together, Feeling Alone." When we moved to our last house, I went into a tailspin depression. It lasted for quite awhile. I would function on the outside, then spend hours curled up in the fetal position, sobbing, on the floor of my new walk-in closet. I felt lonely in a way that didn’t make any sense. Here I had a husband I adored, a great family, extended family, a great life-style, a spiritual life, more friends than I knew what to do with...and yet I felt an overwhelming, consuming sadness and loneliness I couldn’t explain. I stumbled onto this book....I don’t even know how I found it. It stated that the world would never justify my feelings....why I had it all! But he (the book) explained that we all go through a series of losses in life...and go through the same stages of grief that someone goes through when they lose a loved one (the people that the world will justify.) I was able to identify my losses: a move from an area that was like my family....the home where we had raised our children for the past 11 years, neighbors and friends that were like family to me, a Ward and Stake I loved. I went from a subdivison to a secluded area. My only daughter was starting her senior year and deciding where to go to college. My baby started kindergarten that same year. During the move, I put on extra weight that I couldn’t, in that state, seem to get off. I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror. I started having a few weird health issues. Once I realized that I was having a lot of changes and losses in my life....and to have SOMEONE say that it was okay to be sad...that it was normal....and gave me permission (or I gave myself) to grieve, it was just the ticket I needed to heal.
The other self-help book that I loved and actually changed my life was "The Color Code" by Taylor Hartman. I could go on and on about "The Color Code" so if you don't know about this book, email me and we'll chat. It changed my relationships with raising my children and about everyone in my life...including me!
If you could have one thing made out of pure gold, what would you choose? I’m not so into gold. And besides, Parker (my oldest grandson) did a report on King Midas. And you KNOW how THAT story ends. But how about silver? I can’t think of anything I need to be made out of gold. And while we are at it, I'm not into diamonds either. I like funky rather than expensive.
What one word do you overuse the most? I have many words that I use a ton but my friend, J, mentioned I use this- !!!!!!!!! the most.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
How Great Thou Art!
I have a camera...a Nikon CoolPix, probably a 6- Megapixel but it has a 10x zoom. It is just little....I can hold it in the bottom of my hand and it is only about an inch thick. It was inexpensive compared to more elaborate cameras but not at the bottom of the barrel either. I love my camera. Since I don't read instruction manuals (ADD-you remember, self-diagnosed), I haven't figured out how to turn off the flash when I'm photographing, say, my art work, so I have this flash glare on flat pieces. But other than that, it is totally easy. The pictures I take (and I take pictures EVERY day....not just one but many!) serve me well and chronicle my life (and my kiddos!)
But every once in awhile, I will take something like this:
I never transferred Photo Shop from my old computer so this is not enhanced in any way. Just an amazing picture of God's creation.
It feels me with joy. I also see the metaphor of my life. My life is ordinary. But to God, I am not ordinary. I am one of the wonders of His creation. And occasionally, when the Spirit manifests itself through me, something magnificent occurs. I am reminded that of all of God's creations, WE are the ultimate. Each one of us. And we each carry within ourselves the seed of divinity...God's DNA, since we are His beloved children. This beautiful world was created for US, because of God's love for us...to nourish and take care of.
I love the Sabbath day....it is the filling station for my heart. I'm thankful that although the instruction book for my camera sits in my drawer, never to be read.....God's instruction book is embedded in my heart and it's pages are worn. Not only do I try and study the scriptures every day.... but they speak to me from my heart and mind. I realize that if I would read the instruction book of my camera, I would learn amazing things. I would learn to reflect my life in a truer manner. I would be able to correct the things that need correcting. That's what God's words do for me also. They magnify my gratitude. They point out the error of my ways. They encourage me to do better. They remind me of my worth...and the worth of every other soul. They fill my soul with love. Today I sing praises to my Lord, with one of my favorite hymns. Happy Sabbath!
How Great Thou Art –
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds
Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars,
I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout
the universe displayed.
When through the woods,
and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds
sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down,
from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook,
and feel the gentle breeze.
And when I think,
that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die,
I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross,
my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died
to take away my sin.
When Christ shall come,
with shout of acclamation,
And take me home,
what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow,
in humble adoration,
And then proclaim:
"My God, how great Thou art!"
Chorus:
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art,
How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art...How great Thou art!
But every once in awhile, I will take something like this:
I never transferred Photo Shop from my old computer so this is not enhanced in any way. Just an amazing picture of God's creation.
It feels me with joy. I also see the metaphor of my life. My life is ordinary. But to God, I am not ordinary. I am one of the wonders of His creation. And occasionally, when the Spirit manifests itself through me, something magnificent occurs. I am reminded that of all of God's creations, WE are the ultimate. Each one of us. And we each carry within ourselves the seed of divinity...God's DNA, since we are His beloved children. This beautiful world was created for US, because of God's love for us...to nourish and take care of.
I love the Sabbath day....it is the filling station for my heart. I'm thankful that although the instruction book for my camera sits in my drawer, never to be read.....God's instruction book is embedded in my heart and it's pages are worn. Not only do I try and study the scriptures every day.... but they speak to me from my heart and mind. I realize that if I would read the instruction book of my camera, I would learn amazing things. I would learn to reflect my life in a truer manner. I would be able to correct the things that need correcting. That's what God's words do for me also. They magnify my gratitude. They point out the error of my ways. They encourage me to do better. They remind me of my worth...and the worth of every other soul. They fill my soul with love. Today I sing praises to my Lord, with one of my favorite hymns. Happy Sabbath!
How Great Thou Art –
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds
Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars,
I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout
the universe displayed.
When through the woods,
and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds
sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down,
from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook,
and feel the gentle breeze.
And when I think,
that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die,
I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross,
my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died
to take away my sin.
When Christ shall come,
with shout of acclamation,
And take me home,
what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow,
in humble adoration,
And then proclaim:
"My God, how great Thou art!"
Chorus:
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art,
How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art...How great Thou art!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)