Ahhhh, Yosemite

Just stopped by to say "Hi" and to let you know we're in Yosemite this week. The first couple of days were rainy, so we just made the most of it. Today it was dry enough to get the bike off the rack and ride til I couldn't ride no mo. There's nothing like riding all over the park and enjoying the awesome fresh air and beautiful views. The dogwood's are in bloom everywhere; it's just gorgeous.



On the way back we rode through one of the closed campgrounds that our family spent many of our Easter vacations. It was eery and somewhat sad to envision all the happy campers that used to be there long ago.

Well, we leave today to go visit our sweet "grandbabies" for a few days...

I'll try to get back into a "blog rhythm" when I get back.

Funny Blog from "Letters from Midlife"!

Here's a funny post I saw on a new blog I've added to my bloglist; I'm lovin' her posts at http://lettersfrommidlife.blogspot.com/ Get yer laughin' shoes on!

Some people have trouble with all those 'shalls' and 'shall nots' listed in the Ten Commandments. Folks just aren't used to talking in those terms. So, in middle Tennessee they translated the 'King James' into 'Jackson County' language.....no joke! Posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Gainesboro, Tennessee you'll find the Ten Commandments listed this way...

1. Just one God
2. Put nothin' before God
3. Watch yer mouth
4. Git yourself to Sunday meetin'
5. Honor yer Ma & Pa
6. No killin'
7. No foolin' around with another fellow's gal
8. Don't take what ain't yers
9. No tellin' tales or gossipin'
10. Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff

Now that's plain an' simple.

Y'all have a nice week now! Ye hear?

Hope that brought a smile to your face...

Did You Know?

Did you know these facts about the Dalit people of India?

• The Dalits are considered less valuable than animals and less than human.
  
• The Dalits, although considered Hindu by the upper castes, are not allowed to enter a temple or read the Vedas (Hindu scriptures).


• There are 250 to 300 million Dalits in India (estimated population of the U.S. is 298 million).


• Only 2% of rural Dalit women can read and write.


• More than 50% of the Dalit population earns less than $1.00 per day.


• Children begin working as young as 5 years old, contributing to the family's income.


• The Dalit leadership has rejected Hinduism. The caste system has enslaved them for over 3,000 years.


• The Dalits will be helped with the profits that will fund and support women's empowerment causes in India that include tailoring schools (VTC), micro-finance (self-help) groups and women's empowerment conferences.


• So far there have been 27 graduates of a Vocational Training Center tailoring school funded by the 1st Annual "Women Empowering Women" Walk/Run.
  

The Women Empowering Women Walk/Run challenges the local women through fitness training and sponsorships to empower the Dalit women of India in their quest for social, economic and spiritual freedom.

He Is Risen!!!

Happy Resurrection Day!!!


Picture from: http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/Picture.htm

Gay Gene? I Don't Think So...

I came across this scientifically informative article regarding the myth of the "gay gene" and thought it should be read and spread far and wide to stop the stupidity that people have been spreading around with no scientific evidence whatsoever!

http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2553

Painting in the Park

Needing to get out and exercise, I thought how boring it would be to do the neighborhood loop... So I decided on a trip to the Oak Canyon Park and took my watercolors and sketchbbook. The morning air was cool, but I came upon a bench in the sun and sat down to try my hand in an attempt to capture the glorious beauty I found there.

I have a lot of room for improvement in my painting and photography, I know, but if I don't practice, well... I guess I wouldn't get anywhere. It was relaxing and even feels like a meditation session when I sit and look at the beauty and color of nature; that's mostly what I get out of it...


The flowers are blooming all over the place out there! Even the paddle cactus are starting to bloom.

Then I found some dried flowers on the trail that someone had picked and then abandoned, so I collected them up and tucked them in my sketchbook pages to be later drawn and painted.

The live poppys I saw were still in a shady spot, closed in their dormant shape. I think it's such a treat to observe a large patch of open poppys up close--such color!

While I was meandering along the trails, I also saw all kinds of wildlife. Birds, rabbits, squirrels, lizards, and butterflys and bees abound. Since this park is just a minute away, it's a great place to slip away for a hike and to find treasures hidden in the canyon between the neighborhoods of our hills. Getting out in the fresh air, getting some exercise, and appreciating God's awesome creations does a lot for the soul. Now I feel refreshed to continue with my busy day...

Home again, home again, Jiggity Jig!!!!

I'm back!!! We've been in Arizona for awhile visiting relatives and watching some Spring training baseball. Not really a fan, but my honey is, so I tag along--zzzzzzzz. So good to be in my wholesome sea cottage sleeping in my own bed. It was so hot there too, so it feels nice to be back to Spring-like weather again--Summer comes soon enough.

On our 6-hour drive to Arizona, I was reading the first book of "The Zone" series called "Enter the Zone". I became acutely aware of how many unnessary carbs, fats and proteins I was eating and a light bulb went on--oh duh--that's why my stomach is having so much trouble handling all that. Since I've had stomach pain for awhile now, I was pleased to have been blessed with that "ah ha" moment that was like a big clue to what I think was the cause of the pain I was experiencing--too many carbs and calories in general equals inflammation and ill-health in general...

After a few days of following the rules of the Zone, I could feel a difference; less pain, less fatigue, better sleep, and a clearer head. It's been over a week now and it's a great feeling to know how much is enough and why we need what we need and nothing more. It's like having boundaries and how good it feels to know what they are.

I remember thinking when I was younger that when I leave home I could eat candy bars all day if I wanted to... I'm glad at home we had reasonable rules and guidelines and even warnings to "save room for supper". It makes sense to me that it is more healthy and logical to have boundaries in most areas in life. I'm so thankful to have found "the zone" books and really understand what I need to do to feel good.. Thank you, God...

A Fun Way to Learn!

I was just over at Rhinestone Armadillo and saw the UTube video of a Sesame Street song--I haven't watched in a while, but they sure are getting hip...

Feist on Sesame Street

If I was learning my numbers, what fun that would be to watch. They're so creative and entertaining, aren't they?

This is another UTube video from my friend over at The Reluctant Entertainer that was very good..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLZAWtdFhio&feature=related

Mary Engelbreit and Me!

At the Craft and Hobbie Association Convention in Anaheim, CA I had the honor of meeting Mary Engelbreit!!! Wow, what a thrill; can you tell I was giddy with excitement?!! She was such a sweet woman and was very understanding that thousands love her and her work and are beside themselves with joy to meet her...

After I took this picture, I had to call my sister and Mom to tell them -- You'll never guess who I just met! They were as surprised as I was, since we are all big fans of her work... I never in a million years thought I would ever get the opportunity to meet the wonderful ME...

Super Bowl Sunday

While I was up in N. California, I got to see my grand niece and nephew. It had been around 5 months since I had seen them. They grow so fast, so I was anxious to see how cute they are getting and their latest achievements...

I say, you sure looked dapper for church today Cameron!

Thank goodness he's finally getting to the point where I can get a picture; last time I was there he was too fast for me to catch him...

He's getting to be a good talker too...

You are the sweetest--your smile warms my heart...

Later Grammie and Cameron made a beautiful, delicious carrot cake with yummy frosting! Man, that was good...

That cake plate looked so wrong sitting there empty. I saw it there for a few days and then thought--that really needs something in it!

Now for the close-up!!!

I stealthfully snapped a few pictures during the game...

Leilei and (Grand) Poppa

Sweet Leilei in the big people's rocking chair...

Daddy and Leilei

Mommy and Cameron

Leilei in the high chair...

We all had a great day together; even later in the evening little Cameron still had some smiles for me to capture!!!

Little Leilei was ready to hit the hay! Good night sweet one....

A Spontaneous Tea Party

At the end of January, I went to visit my relatives in Northern California... We were thinking it would be nice to have a tea party while I was there, but didn't make any commitment. The next day my niece called and asked when to come over for the tea... So we went to the store to get something to go with the tea and discovered these delicious maple creme cookies; we thought having a tea would be a good excuse to buy some!

Man those cookies were good with the Pomegranate tea my sister served!

We had a lovely time together at our first tea party ever!!!

Aren't they lovely under glass too? Yumm!!!

Of course, we had to get some pictures of the special occasion--hey Bean, how about posting some of the lovely pictures you took of the tea party or create a photo album so we can see your fabulous work.

I love extreme close-ups; especially when I can find a willing subject...

I caught my other niece mid-sentence, I suppose. It was fun just being together and sharing all the fun things we've been doing and just catching up on things, in general...

Dahling, this tea is marvelous... So glad we actually made the time to do this! If it hadn't been for you, Cutie, it probably wouldn't have happened... Many thanks!!!!

Fun Yard Sale Finds

I was on the way home from the store today and decided to stop at one yard sale... Luck would have it that it was a really good one where I could have done some real damage, but I held myself back--whoa girl!

I ended up purchasing these four adorable Mary Engelbreit tea cups with their colorful, happy saucers...

Since the lady had some pretty quality stuff in good condition at a good price, I didn't mind paying a little more than I usually want to. Tomorrow I may go back to check to see if she will lower her prices...

I think my friends and I (and family when they visit) will get a lot of enjoyment out of them... and that's worth a lot to me.

Don't they just make you smile? They are happy little things... Thank you, God! Thank you, Mary E... Thank you, yard sale lady...

Then I saw these beautiful vintage-look pillow covers and chenille cat and had to get them for my pretty sea cottage-look in the bedroom...

I brought them home, threw them in the washer and dryer, and they're good as new--to me!

Buttons asked if he could get in on the photo shoot, so I said yes... He's such a poser...

Oh yea, the duvet cover, was another fabulous yard sale find from another exciting adventure!!!!

A Sweet V-Day Gift

For Valentine's Day, my Honey let me get this Nick & Nora niteshirt for my gift... I just love the sock monkey themed pjs they've been doing lately. I got the Christmas nightshirt for Christmas too; they're so comfy to sleep in...

Our family has a long history of sock monkey memories way back to our dear Gramma's monkeys that she used to adorn with red, blue, or green pom-poms on the arms, legs, and hat. I have a great picture of her and all the monkeys sitting on her couch ready to be delivered to all her grandchildren.

I know it might sound funny, but the sock monkey has become a symbol of my Gramma's love...even though we moved across the country when I was four and didn't get to know her much in my childhood years...

I'm glad someone out there is keeping the sock monkey alive... I'm sure many people have their own sock monkey memories from their childhoods and may still have fond memories of having them to love also...

Until the S. California weather warms up again, I'll be snuggled up in my monkey jammies at night...

Love From My Mom...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

My sweet Mama, who lives in Rodney, Michigan sent me a fun Valentine's package yesterday. Inside was this beautiful afghan that Mom lovingly knitted for me. I feel wrapped in love when I put it around me...

I just love the cables; aren't they beautiful? Someday I hope to be able to whip out one of these babies just like Mom has been doing for years.

As Mom would say--"It's a smile maker"... I was so pleased to receive it just in time for Valentine's day and while we still have the chilly weather to enjoy such heartwarming things...

Thank you, Mom--You're the best!

Mom even made her own cards this year--so lovely and sweet, just like she is...

Also in the box I found this darling Holly Hobbie heart-handled mug. Just had to do a tea tray picture shoot just for you Mom! Under the mug and teapot are knitted hearts Mom gave me in previous years; can't use them for dish cloths though, they're too pretty!

It's such a nice feeling to have these special things from my Mom to enjoy and to think of all the fun times we've had together...

Hope you enjoyed this Valentine blog, Mom....