tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35849758888978167922024-02-19T03:47:46.417-05:00The voice of melodyIsaiah 51:3the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-43594721136042986012010-12-25T14:18:00.002-05:002010-12-25T14:22:51.086-05:00Merry Christmas!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfAgT-5qJoKQY5Ul2NUXVuneykxg7orZUNfUYUw6GLhMDOJ80GztPptz0CC16WOFngI6Yb3E5rXHKzZZIrTcQFU4g0Yo7PlJCyljF9tS1Rc50Nu3f-VUkUULolqTnR6RKbRu_A0LteEM/s1600/PC130522.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554702222530115282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfAgT-5qJoKQY5Ul2NUXVuneykxg7orZUNfUYUw6GLhMDOJ80GztPptz0CC16WOFngI6Yb3E5rXHKzZZIrTcQFU4g0Yo7PlJCyljF9tS1Rc50Nu3f-VUkUULolqTnR6RKbRu_A0LteEM/s320/PC130522.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and a blessed new year!</div><div> </div><div>{hugs}</div>the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-61931240765817838482010-11-29T08:44:00.004-05:002014-03-28T19:12:37.015-04:00The great PhysicianI grew up with such a limited knowledge of the Bible that I didn't grasp exactly what Jesus had done on the cross and the purpose of His sacrifice.<br />
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But, despite that, I know that God never gave up on me, and I'm so glad about that! In fact, He's the perfect Healer and that's something I know for sure. You see, many years ago, I would lose my voice and only surgery could bring it back. Thankfully, I had been under the care of a highly-skilled voice specialist whose reputation was second to none. He had operated on me early on and the outcome was very successful.<br />
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However, a couple of years later, my voice had weakened once more so I returned to my doctor and he performed surgery on me again. I knew I was in good hands and he would give me my voice back as he had done before.<br />
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But much to my dismay, my voice didn't come back.<br />
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I was in shock! But, all would be fine because a month later, it was time for plan B and I went back for another surgery. Surely, this time around, the result would be successful. But, sadly, despite these two surgeries back to back, my voice was still gone with no sign of coming back.<br />
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I couldn't understand why. Here was one of the highest-skilled doctors in the country. Other doctors from all over the world came to him to get trained. I knew he could give me my voice back since he had done it before, so why on earth couldn't I get it back?<br />
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Little by little, I became filled with hopelessness. That's when I started to think about God.<br />
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I believed in Him (although I didn't pay Him much attention), and I was confident that if I actually prayed to Him, He would hear me. <br />
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So as I went to bed one night, I began to pour out my heart to Him. I remember telling Him that I knew everything I had was His, including my voice, and for Him to do with it what He wanted. I was surrendering. Tears rolled down my face again and again. I woke up the next morning and I felt at peace about coming to God. I knew it was the right thing to do.<br />
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Then I got out of bed and got ready for the day. And when I opened my mouth...<br />
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My voice was back!!!!!<br />
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Yes, nice and strong! Immediately, I thought "God was here! He heard me and He healed me!". Everywhere I went, people were shocked and asked me what happened. Quite simply, I told them that I had started praying. Ever since that day, I have been giving thanks to God for giving me my voice back. I know that He took it away for a reason, and I appreciate it so much now.<br />
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<em>O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.</em> Psalm 30:2.<br />
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I know God is the perfect Healer and there is nothing too hard for Him. He has perfect strength and wisdom and power, and I am actually grateful that God took my voice away when He did in order that I could come to that realization and have a relationship with Him.<br />
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If you need healing of any kind, turn to God. You won't find a physician with credentials that come anywhere close to His!<br />
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<em>Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.</em> James 5:13-15.<br />
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May God bless you and heal you!the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-79480819602878992882010-10-10T17:13:00.012-04:002014-03-28T19:16:48.382-04:00Hot pink<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraRqTIsUGeWpbWXVxc9ofF66dBLG8EiJXFhVEupw3cB2HDsJEIjIHIyB78EUxnMiI7UpuOPDlzJ1oZW8eRyjHXgP4pjlQugv-Ck3rY-zZmizGoT-w0M3FKuUBqI_bcI57eIlcpst0GG0/s1600/october+is+all+about+pink.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraRqTIsUGeWpbWXVxc9ofF66dBLG8EiJXFhVEupw3cB2HDsJEIjIHIyB78EUxnMiI7UpuOPDlzJ1oZW8eRyjHXgP4pjlQugv-Ck3rY-zZmizGoT-w0M3FKuUBqI_bcI57eIlcpst0GG0/s320/october+is+all+about+pink.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526532518518781410" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 261px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 257px;" /></a><br />
I don't know about you but I sure am seeing pink everywhere lately, and it's a great thing! The best part about it is that it's all for a great cause: breast cancer awareness.<br />
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It seems that more attention is paid to it this year than in years past although some of the same promotions have been around for quite a number of years. The pink Yoplait lids are one of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1BeW_mVDupbF5iPCN_4pbB9-jHek8yn9tWie0TmC9FV5GH3ehAnFORN__PARuaVBmv3PuxpjjbKEU9eSC4aZRz_V_BJxIDlsOkxHXrXxssrNx4tejnUKb3iHWtQ3NvwGZEY7IfOoKIQ/s1600/bg-page-badge.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1BeW_mVDupbF5iPCN_4pbB9-jHek8yn9tWie0TmC9FV5GH3ehAnFORN__PARuaVBmv3PuxpjjbKEU9eSC4aZRz_V_BJxIDlsOkxHXrXxssrNx4tejnUKb3iHWtQ3NvwGZEY7IfOoKIQ/s320/bg-page-badge.png" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526532155323939330" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 130px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 148px;" /></a>I have some Yoplait yogurt in my refrigerator right now and I'll be sure to mail the lids in to Yoplait. For every one of their pink lids that they receive until December 31st, they will donate 10 cents to the fight against breast cancer. It may not seem like a lot but I believe the minimum donation is $500,000 dollars. Not bad!<br />
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Also, Saks 5th Avenue is doing its Key for the Cure T-shirt promotion again and this year's t-shirt was designed by Donna Karan. The t-shirt will be available at Saks later this month but only for a short time. Here's a sneak peek:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75FqkEhZLclcmTbRcEjsQYLqy24792SggJjtpfPRJwIeDUs_O0sVgBfOyaTAHroDuKpKT3Q5rG_xKinCo2r0rbCONO43tA_DkMRSjD8MqUJwHIgqAtmLtr8Lhj_A3GOFcoluEVo6dBfs/s1600/Key+to+the+cure+2010+t-shirt+%40+Saks+designed+by+Donna+Karan+worn+by+Uma+Thurman.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75FqkEhZLclcmTbRcEjsQYLqy24792SggJjtpfPRJwIeDUs_O0sVgBfOyaTAHroDuKpKT3Q5rG_xKinCo2r0rbCONO43tA_DkMRSjD8MqUJwHIgqAtmLtr8Lhj_A3GOFcoluEVo6dBfs/s320/Key+to+the+cure+2010+t-shirt+%40+Saks+designed+by+Donna+Karan+worn+by+Uma+Thurman.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526529974960923602" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>Yes, that is Uma Thurman and yes, she could wear a rag and look fabulous. :)<br />
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The pink ribbons and pink bracelets are everywhere too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRcUVBZ4lvBaLctblH31BoRh0-HO4K3wEhyphenhyphen4djGrgzjGZTm7DvmZiudxZ03fX7gU4RpBMGucjM5sqtaFuDQfFb4EKwH0KxN07rRXFf0vB1FcJ_hiXm6fie18yMAWBGopgFuvMJQZPqD8/s1600/pink-ribbon.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRcUVBZ4lvBaLctblH31BoRh0-HO4K3wEhyphenhyphen4djGrgzjGZTm7DvmZiudxZ03fX7gU4RpBMGucjM5sqtaFuDQfFb4EKwH0KxN07rRXFf0vB1FcJ_hiXm6fie18yMAWBGopgFuvMJQZPqD8/s320/pink-ribbon.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526545014224287618" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 290px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 195px;" /></a>All that pink inspired me to bake some chocolate cupcakes. What does pink have to do with chocolate cupcakes you ask? Well, the pink frosting of course!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaYBp8n8q_Bk1L5LrTqtR88vj2fPIOe8VRPEGRYTQBC010gF83PNPFJFkeUAn4snMSlQIuBaRLV0vOMYUaGjhwCCj2AgyT4te0sAcc0YgBYgVm8rwsm_beeOvf5OJR6bXsqIvKe61o7g/s1600/chocolate+cupcake+with+pink+frosting.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaYBp8n8q_Bk1L5LrTqtR88vj2fPIOe8VRPEGRYTQBC010gF83PNPFJFkeUAn4snMSlQIuBaRLV0vOMYUaGjhwCCj2AgyT4te0sAcc0YgBYgVm8rwsm_beeOvf5OJR6bXsqIvKe61o7g/s320/chocolate+cupcake+with+pink+frosting.jpeg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526541746570416354" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 145px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 134px;" /></a><br />
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I packed almost 2 dozens to give away and kept a few "extras" at home, which we enjoyed.<br />
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My camera doesn't do the pink frosting justice. It was actually vanilla frosting with a couple of drops of red food coloring which gave them a nice soft pink color. They were good, I can tell you that!<br />
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You know, most of us women tend to take care of everyone else before ourselves so let's make an effort to be vigilant about monthly self-exams and if a mammogram is recommended, let's not put it off.<br />
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I am due for one this year and although I can't say it's something I'm looking forward to, I will get it done. One diagnosis is one too many.<br />
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Wishing you a wonderful week ahead! May you see lots of pinks everywhere as a reminder for you to take care of yourself.<br />
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{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-26301376875239959812010-09-12T15:59:00.013-04:002014-03-28T19:23:31.212-04:00A baseball and a castleLately, I have been very busy, as always. It seems free time is something I don't have very much of, but that's ok. I prefer that than to be bored with nothing to do, don't you?!<br />
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One of the many things that keep me busy is our son's sports activities. Actually, it's a family affair since my husband doesn't just watch the action from the stands like I do but he coaches our son's baseball and football teams. The sports here are year-round since we don't get winters. Well, we don't get <span style="font-style: italic;">cold </span>winters I should say!<br />
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Last weekend, the baseball team (8 and 9 year olds) traveled to participate in a tournament at ESPN's Wide World of Sports on Disney property. But there was a lot more than baseball on the menu for the weekend. One night, we all went to the Polynesian Hotel for dinner with the team. We took a picture of the boys in the lobby. Aren't they cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxd33pCypKa53PABTvdpcrcLVcdmwiEQ_0ur3gz3xZ8l8quTVN139J0WWkfChs7W3MK19nP6U46Od9By7tt-vqNZNPROJ0bhHMDu9xgV4AjxRd3ptn52d2nEqSX9r4hHWOnrlYEPLn9M/s1600/P9032049.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxd33pCypKa53PABTvdpcrcLVcdmwiEQ_0ur3gz3xZ8l8quTVN139J0WWkfChs7W3MK19nP6U46Od9By7tt-vqNZNPROJ0bhHMDu9xgV4AjxRd3ptn52d2nEqSX9r4hHWOnrlYEPLn9M/s320/P9032049.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516122740703573330" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Another night, we went to Lego Land in Downtown Disney where every child can find any and all Legos their sweet heart desires. (At prices that remind their parents this is Disney World, not the real world!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOyclNq4oKg-IvoHondhrAVjK_ElbGoMimXgyQoxGiyPRjZw0gbLNKu5J5hj-vbXAE2ezlVZVNnLpfhsrPAGybPK1MjKxFBH71bc2DVBJzJwi5kGsx-0Cxkr_F81lg24I5SwkjoHfTHU/s1600/P9042112.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOyclNq4oKg-IvoHondhrAVjK_ElbGoMimXgyQoxGiyPRjZw0gbLNKu5J5hj-vbXAE2ezlVZVNnLpfhsrPAGybPK1MjKxFBH71bc2DVBJzJwi5kGsx-0Cxkr_F81lg24I5SwkjoHfTHU/s320/P9042112.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516123681420176354" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>The next day, once we were done at the ball field, many of us from the team went to "the happiest place on earth"...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjZtQrTHLNIedugMG0kiAg4i8sPbkrOcJWBYaj2ZrPW8Pyyz4Rh5lr_hVg-LMU6xUy1hR01XKMqG0w8az93gGAC0A6B_k7gDM6JYyzIhimTgbTmOQSFEg0i_WjKDGi7eHefnqYxZnGdM/s1600/P9052134.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjZtQrTHLNIedugMG0kiAg4i8sPbkrOcJWBYaj2ZrPW8Pyyz4Rh5lr_hVg-LMU6xUy1hR01XKMqG0w8az93gGAC0A6B_k7gDM6JYyzIhimTgbTmOQSFEg0i_WjKDGi7eHefnqYxZnGdM/s320/P9052134.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516123675213420354" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
The Magic Kingdom of course!<br />
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They had already decorated for fall and as always, their decorations were just beautiful. Right in front of City Hall, we found the Mayor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzHN8-_ggU2v9FWgTWikejXSu81M-J0OZPvEoufNbMds0kKI1FeBR9En8yd0VE7pZLJu3gFDh42mOKmvUnJmJtW8xJFiT8YKuWmTm1N3gne1ec09Z1TvqcmPBELuRCnYihaBCrmvIl5s/s1600/P9052138.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzHN8-_ggU2v9FWgTWikejXSu81M-J0OZPvEoufNbMds0kKI1FeBR9En8yd0VE7pZLJu3gFDh42mOKmvUnJmJtW8xJFiT8YKuWmTm1N3gne1ec09Z1TvqcmPBELuRCnYihaBCrmvIl5s/s320/P9052138.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516123708049529346" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
And a few others...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIyhLr1Mp82IGxWXknJbz9g3T8dt-rWFZF-Sj4Moxh3wP4FLznPNVBih9L5_8ComhzOhQuLzpVGiViraGFr5YKiaDsIQrn_m6sGMJupJXIPcqJeDOZDNN-xyKxG1BPqDCfvqxo2mKQQo/s1600/P9052139.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIyhLr1Mp82IGxWXknJbz9g3T8dt-rWFZF-Sj4Moxh3wP4FLznPNVBih9L5_8ComhzOhQuLzpVGiViraGFr5YKiaDsIQrn_m6sGMJupJXIPcqJeDOZDNN-xyKxG1BPqDCfvqxo2mKQQo/s320/P9052139.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516124303820942722" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>It looks like that scarecrow may need a few more catching lessons. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhbBdAp3sUedjivXzjyWOgcgdbbyJBtbdaG-JXKty0fPOawq1e7MdjugV8U7ICOI7g5zQvojXz_Um895TeQLIDo7HFFem1_-Klg66IjIf9jePI5brzyvxRWQr-5Qk-oHI4_eGwk7GXd4/s1600/P9052143.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhbBdAp3sUedjivXzjyWOgcgdbbyJBtbdaG-JXKty0fPOawq1e7MdjugV8U7ICOI7g5zQvojXz_Um895TeQLIDo7HFFem1_-Klg66IjIf9jePI5brzyvxRWQr-5Qk-oHI4_eGwk7GXd4/s320/P9052143.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516124314861234594" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Entering Main Street USA, one of my favorite places to go for a stroll. Since the guys wanted to go on Splash Mountain (not me, thanks!) I decided to take my time on Main Street and catch up with them in a little bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZifF4KA5lE2yYXKpr_nQXxdI1xsXCisA56izs4Hc4tkVikS_Nrqua3YkrnXwcIcTXVOSaQS0MbYtZmqMlM3v_NFgFWdEHkO86CK8ZOFN9EZrwyrymrXGCLJtW4lknmyWKH5tsiKiGXWE/s1600/P9052149.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZifF4KA5lE2yYXKpr_nQXxdI1xsXCisA56izs4Hc4tkVikS_Nrqua3YkrnXwcIcTXVOSaQS0MbYtZmqMlM3v_NFgFWdEHkO86CK8ZOFN9EZrwyrymrXGCLJtW4lknmyWKH5tsiKiGXWE/s320/P9052149.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516125056492437538" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Where is this most wonderful smell coming from?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInhnrxyZ1YnpxiQjDXA1SPa0YYmP_u_jPLRNA_V0Zel45bffjWX4ATOeiA08iv4hWdtm-RywTF2MpryjpC0hNe7e-mdzoiHe694_0qrq7-kF9i4d7VSxzF0STpPIf5wbZWf3hh4ZiZeE/s1600/P9052159.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInhnrxyZ1YnpxiQjDXA1SPa0YYmP_u_jPLRNA_V0Zel45bffjWX4ATOeiA08iv4hWdtm-RywTF2MpryjpC0hNe7e-mdzoiHe694_0qrq7-kF9i4d7VSxzF0STpPIf5wbZWf3hh4ZiZeE/s320/P9052159.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516125100573302418" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
My guess is either the confectionery or the bakery. It could be either of them and the only way to find out is to go in, wouldn't you agree?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSriwGH7cqWvy49VgLO8bzbKSH12Kyi9dfVubqjy9jzBRuedFmKT_GtIOYMOhoohhxTvyF5DNzD_YhZfrg1A6HYWQn047lHiJzb1tHo8RYZFfwGvggVH1Twop_Jp-OpZ6th1SWyjw7Ycw/s1600/P9052161.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSriwGH7cqWvy49VgLO8bzbKSH12Kyi9dfVubqjy9jzBRuedFmKT_GtIOYMOhoohhxTvyF5DNzD_YhZfrg1A6HYWQn047lHiJzb1tHo8RYZFfwGvggVH1Twop_Jp-OpZ6th1SWyjw7Ycw/s320/P9052161.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516125704587514402" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
So welcoming! She has both doors open for me, how sweet of her. That's probably because after I'm done spending some time in that bakery, I'll need that big of an opening to get out! On second thoughts, I better skip it this time!<br />
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The fall decorations were all over Main Street with little touches here and there. On the window boxes...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZQWyUIujBDEhdOIc33TFYfjFkfrNzSvgFhSKgEGwH9yzEiCHAoPo6C2ucv1Zgbj9u36U4OvmmKwcGYSb8KSivk-x9QOftLOWM9Q1mB2jpDjMwWZBVlP6toqprzjLlkHJu_Ji5Jcxs3o/s1600/P9052164.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZQWyUIujBDEhdOIc33TFYfjFkfrNzSvgFhSKgEGwH9yzEiCHAoPo6C2ucv1Zgbj9u36U4OvmmKwcGYSb8KSivk-x9QOftLOWM9Q1mB2jpDjMwWZBVlP6toqprzjLlkHJu_Ji5Jcxs3o/s320/P9052164.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516125737548389890" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>On window sills...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju35P_hrFV1bITAAu5a1m8m8f9J0c8lrXPlPV33_OBGcCi1loFl0y-feaWy5wUwMF2ijoVyY85sr76tO59uF2dQShDZIALw9HPJ61TU7kiW485dSxkuO-e-3H5GVLbG9Bv2RTQY1nYDiM/s1600/P9052152.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju35P_hrFV1bITAAu5a1m8m8f9J0c8lrXPlPV33_OBGcCi1loFl0y-feaWy5wUwMF2ijoVyY85sr76tO59uF2dQShDZIALw9HPJ61TU7kiW485dSxkuO-e-3H5GVLbG9Bv2RTQY1nYDiM/s320/P9052152.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516125070970520066" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>The lamp posts...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o68lkujkSkWkneGqoQfjZOG6be21pTlqiqe1xg0w7ClMuWF1NSiw9qoLrcZrBG5o7pznEPpqqKb5drWauFtisPEkS-rY3iMoz5uAPsruK3J0FiRfQNpXLo5sEh8dbvRU_ACldYl4G5k/s1600/P9052157.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o68lkujkSkWkneGqoQfjZOG6be21pTlqiqe1xg0w7ClMuWF1NSiw9qoLrcZrBG5o7pznEPpqqKb5drWauFtisPEkS-rY3iMoz5uAPsruK3J0FiRfQNpXLo5sEh8dbvRU_ACldYl4G5k/s320/P9052157.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516125084848794978" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
The Mickey balloons were selling like hot cakes on Main Street.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2YomGLM237Bll8GajdqIjZIx7Remg16b-aqnNvTRaIXf2OPP2m_1yhqIWXyiYzR4xGUiZaO7uatF3OD6bhacOaxyI0K4dlMrJAmP1GTb2Srh1P_N6TUcoS_D7e0Cz_-eVke1VgK6uRM/s1600/P9052150.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2YomGLM237Bll8GajdqIjZIx7Remg16b-aqnNvTRaIXf2OPP2m_1yhqIWXyiYzR4xGUiZaO7uatF3OD6bhacOaxyI0K4dlMrJAmP1GTb2Srh1P_N6TUcoS_D7e0Cz_-eVke1VgK6uRM/s320/P9052150.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516125721694558002" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>And just as Main Street ended, I arrived at the most famous castle in the world.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qfPiWVWekuj6Kn6rs4cwS41deOx__lijKQJ1-eD3YMNL-PbyUltELjiV1BptLx0Qu4umdzJpvRMXHJU75C4z_xbvbaSyRLSsnmALdfSeVHJ4QMm7TfkM2lHjtljI7YRrMtJc1wAyUS4/s1600/P9052147.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qfPiWVWekuj6Kn6rs4cwS41deOx__lijKQJ1-eD3YMNL-PbyUltELjiV1BptLx0Qu4umdzJpvRMXHJU75C4z_xbvbaSyRLSsnmALdfSeVHJ4QMm7TfkM2lHjtljI7YRrMtJc1wAyUS4/s320/P9052147.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516125046506401346" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Every time I see it, I feel like a little girl again! Cinderella sure lives in a beautiful place.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Cinderella, it turns out that she wasn't home at the time because I happened to catch her and her Prince Charming taking part in the parade.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWeVw_hF7ngyIztwAi5BoP9bWZ3EgeWCHiG8fVIEr0kyTZtFMffKTZcSMgIpj4Iimy4qgK5_PCx02B4SAuxV32jKQXfoKnwkkqKWAigVFtMLQduvPauYDewUQQTXmqNZM6gDDaTd3dG4/s1600/P9052178.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWeVw_hF7ngyIztwAi5BoP9bWZ3EgeWCHiG8fVIEr0kyTZtFMffKTZcSMgIpj4Iimy4qgK5_PCx02B4SAuxV32jKQXfoKnwkkqKWAigVFtMLQduvPauYDewUQQTXmqNZM6gDDaTd3dG4/s320/P9052178.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516127000981940322" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Another famous couple was there too. Don't they look mice? I mean <span style="font-style: italic;">nice</span>!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7T1CzP2-5kpjnDw7e_MAYUEhsWg7KEmlBJVwvKwl2yyDWAdwWUM9k_X5eHjLuVh9n08SnUJ-Wt_iESsZbNZ4hL0OrJ5BF_xKkUO7J2B3Ws-w2laodXMV-mTvU4b9Z0E-05qdQVnGeEg/s1600/P9052172.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7T1CzP2-5kpjnDw7e_MAYUEhsWg7KEmlBJVwvKwl2yyDWAdwWUM9k_X5eHjLuVh9n08SnUJ-Wt_iESsZbNZ4hL0OrJ5BF_xKkUO7J2B3Ws-w2laodXMV-mTvU4b9Z0E-05qdQVnGeEg/s320/P9052172.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516125756408610386" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
And there you have it, just a few pictures from our weekend. All the beautiful fall decorations that I saw in Disney World reminded me that I need to start getting ready for fall. They inspired me to make time to put up some pumpkin decorations here and there and even start thinking about Thanksgiving. It will be here before we know it!<br />
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Sweet blessings to you and yours!<br />
<br />
;)the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-38112049697148263272010-08-21T14:47:00.008-04:002010-08-21T16:29:42.970-04:00Christmas in AugustLast Saturday, you would have thought that it was Christmas at my house. No, I didn't have any Christmas decorations up or played any Christmas music, or wrapped any Christmas presents. But, there I was busy opening presents that someone wonderful sent me and it wasn't even my birthday either!<br /><br />In fact, a few weeks ago, I won a give-away. Yes, me! And it was a very special give-away from Sheila at one of my absolute favorite blogs, <a href="http://thequintessentialmagpie.blogspot.com">The Quintessential Magpie</a>. I didn't know what Sheila was giving away because she actually was going to buy something special for me based on the things that I like. She did some snooping around my blog and when she had bought the presents, she emailed me to be sure I was in town before shipping them to me. <br /><br />I knew that the presents were on their way so last Saturday afternoon, when I saw the mailman park his truck in front of my house and then walk up to my front door holding a couple of boxes, I admit I became all excited!<br /><br />I brought the presents inside and put down the two boxes. I opened up the first one....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPd0w5HzZI-VDGUWBwRvoQHtDcKLjqysdCxWbKg9-M23c5GD5c5E0IzENC5LyA3dhKz4mKnqhc3JFnty3j8OtFCRMcZ7UJzOMq_5_bVBI9H4XXq3ryhUjTgb1pjaN4f4M6d2Osb2Chbt4/s1600/P8142026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPd0w5HzZI-VDGUWBwRvoQHtDcKLjqysdCxWbKg9-M23c5GD5c5E0IzENC5LyA3dhKz4mKnqhc3JFnty3j8OtFCRMcZ7UJzOMq_5_bVBI9H4XXq3ryhUjTgb1pjaN4f4M6d2Osb2Chbt4/s320/P8142026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507940243446638594" border="0" /></a>And as I removed some of the packing peanuts, I saw that there was another smaller box inside. I gasped with delight because this is what the box looked like...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8AGsBSZ19OJDNAkvcBl23WxxzykXE2FgycSNQcdJMQrEDfr6E07_xJwMJ2Mn0MdIQ0UHEJJoiDZtaT90lcbhA9dV0ajZfAEutcRnkwN59ZYUr7P18agF-WriFXWJ6tPi_XFnxc2wxTU/s1600/P8142030.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8AGsBSZ19OJDNAkvcBl23WxxzykXE2FgycSNQcdJMQrEDfr6E07_xJwMJ2Mn0MdIQ0UHEJJoiDZtaT90lcbhA9dV0ajZfAEutcRnkwN59ZYUr7P18agF-WriFXWJ6tPi_XFnxc2wxTU/s320/P8142030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507940944077718018" border="0" /></a>An Alice in Wonderland tea-for-one set! I had wanted one for a very long time and I was so thrilled that she knew that this was the perfect thing to get me. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiHXn4Ot_F17RC3KuufL-xTpIit1cJkmi5Yb00cYT_pvpWbLuujgMtxL9sgejVN855n62zzOLG9w5evV4K3jb_sp-_TZLgcam6OPBibpUY6AS675o8LPXRd0Gd1jtP9780eyxgyYM-NI/s1600/P8142036.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiHXn4Ot_F17RC3KuufL-xTpIit1cJkmi5Yb00cYT_pvpWbLuujgMtxL9sgejVN855n62zzOLG9w5evV4K3jb_sp-_TZLgcam6OPBibpUY6AS675o8LPXRd0Gd1jtP9780eyxgyYM-NI/s320/P8142036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507940948778693394" border="0" /></a>I took it out of the box, gently washed it and took it to its new home in my tearoom. Each time I use it, I will think of you Sheila!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVYGLsjyob_JrIF1Kk2G1Y0cjYvhdSewU6ILw6BcU8uqB2Mr0UIQ04axKn6IwIjNNNzAShSVJ1gzyer7XeeMpmR2lur7fo-BTmiUSJeVHfA8JHyuHWUCEVzOtTPcVFH0pXKBqWjTFN6I/s1600/P8142040.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVYGLsjyob_JrIF1Kk2G1Y0cjYvhdSewU6ILw6BcU8uqB2Mr0UIQ04axKn6IwIjNNNzAShSVJ1gzyer7XeeMpmR2lur7fo-BTmiUSJeVHfA8JHyuHWUCEVzOtTPcVFH0pXKBqWjTFN6I/s320/P8142040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507940953950388818" border="0" /></a>Doesn't it look right at home already? A cup of tea in a whimsical teapot and cup like these can't help but brighten up any day! :)<br /><br />But wait, there's more!<br /><br />There was a second box, remember?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgk8dBUZHtS8PTq4uF4Q1gp3T68W0MMsn25HbhW6-hBmCzyAZbQtEJtQtdOCCkIf6EBX8b8S2ufIJGuryHVKY5hIVpBir5EkLsIS7xvVWnfRSNB9i98Lug9_vrn13g8pjWI3-Bx2_HnU/s1600/P8142031.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgk8dBUZHtS8PTq4uF4Q1gp3T68W0MMsn25HbhW6-hBmCzyAZbQtEJtQtdOCCkIf6EBX8b8S2ufIJGuryHVKY5hIVpBir5EkLsIS7xvVWnfRSNB9i98Lug9_vrn13g8pjWI3-Bx2_HnU/s320/P8142031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507944697792781666" border="0" /></a>Right on top was a sweet note that Sheila wrote me. And in the box were two more presents. One looked like this....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuz8XaMGItVOgcnat0IT3Z3JLthja_Ii9pDtgy-wsrbc0E8jbVXK5nmqBVQRJ1zlViTzuSN92tHX55UA6HmXvX2gaRQ7D7jSzfkfXnEAyqkDu1sI-YzTVxB_QC83QYDdlqF5-7hT2e8s/s1600/P8142032.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuz8XaMGItVOgcnat0IT3Z3JLthja_Ii9pDtgy-wsrbc0E8jbVXK5nmqBVQRJ1zlViTzuSN92tHX55UA6HmXvX2gaRQ7D7jSzfkfXnEAyqkDu1sI-YzTVxB_QC83QYDdlqF5-7hT2e8s/s320/P8142032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507944705135157970" border="0" /></a>Hmmm, what could it be?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmDCjk6mmWZ5HrC0mNZGoXoWuVhdqHoLOGL0bA6YczE_D0jW9uA3Nqw0u875hWtwFjLVPXiz4E82A9qtl1RC4GigT-irTc5NF_BtJlTcc5-fOteqSMGL7PpWMlao2vFNxRlYc-lqN4WU/s1600/P8142039.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmDCjk6mmWZ5HrC0mNZGoXoWuVhdqHoLOGL0bA6YczE_D0jW9uA3Nqw0u875hWtwFjLVPXiz4E82A9qtl1RC4GigT-irTc5NF_BtJlTcc5-fOteqSMGL7PpWMlao2vFNxRlYc-lqN4WU/s320/P8142039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507944703501781506" border="0" /></a>A cd of beautiful hymns! I have already played it a few times and love it. It soothes me after a busy day and brings me closer to God. Many of those hymns are actually new to me because I didn't grow up in church so I am mostly familiar with contemporary Christian music, but I truly enjoy them all. I can already picture myself trimming the Christmas tree in a few months while playing this cd. It's just perfect!<br /><br />You'd think I had been spoiled enough already but there was yet another shiny present to unwrap.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc89ZXy_bPM5-PEDMFv946U5HKyq2kqC47qkk9VzfYHUCVko5acJnjFJWGs_DNHbElNY9CpbxpX08IZ40xE3QoJRW2Gry7bA2W41q4kJcS2SHj7dA_tpOiOvo2A9A_DlyWmuW0AYBlGFw/s1600/P8142033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc89ZXy_bPM5-PEDMFv946U5HKyq2kqC47qkk9VzfYHUCVko5acJnjFJWGs_DNHbElNY9CpbxpX08IZ40xE3QoJRW2Gry7bA2W41q4kJcS2SHj7dA_tpOiOvo2A9A_DlyWmuW0AYBlGFw/s320/P8142033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507947951938453074" border="0" /></a>By the way, this was a great job of wrapping and packing. UPS has nothing on Mrs. Magpie!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZpawY7ef3LQBJW0hPZrw6eAZ7vDgNZngIyzlfFuEsvMRxdInXoscxcY3PKzzg05eY-KlQY4Z1VzwlKIwwVLtFgj2euMbkra3VbhMbMbzvR4c1FInRTl4bywowk4JnA8vJlYuHak99q8/s1600/P8142034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZpawY7ef3LQBJW0hPZrw6eAZ7vDgNZngIyzlfFuEsvMRxdInXoscxcY3PKzzg05eY-KlQY4Z1VzwlKIwwVLtFgj2euMbkra3VbhMbMbzvR4c1FInRTl4bywowk4JnA8vJlYuHak99q8/s320/P8142034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507947950694686578" border="0" /></a><br />Aaaaah, beautiful plaque, isn't it? The colors are so pretty and the verse always a wonderful reminder of the mighty Savior that we have in Jesus Christ. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLy1P3NDOC1QyAoVX8aIaKtZ5uKLYZRAIcLzfBoJ_hwbf21BrBfWKamqOXC9ub_vsuinbq3c2rPwxfE2VcDrlziesTTAdBK3awKZ8zqGwZ7r5FsHFFmIfASodXoOUB0aUoJoPwfwv9VAU/s1600/P8142035.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLy1P3NDOC1QyAoVX8aIaKtZ5uKLYZRAIcLzfBoJ_hwbf21BrBfWKamqOXC9ub_vsuinbq3c2rPwxfE2VcDrlziesTTAdBK3awKZ8zqGwZ7r5FsHFFmIfASodXoOUB0aUoJoPwfwv9VAU/s320/P8142035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507947955204347362" border="0" /></a><br />Sheila, if you stop by, please know how much I appreciate you blessing me this way with your generosity, thoughfulness and kindness. I have a note in the snail mail on its way to you and even though I've already told you that all your lovely presents made it to my home safe and sound, I wanted to show you just how much you indeed made my day... and week!<br /><br />{hugs} and sweet blessings!the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-66491813746007819362010-07-31T11:55:00.002-04:002010-07-31T13:14:30.704-04:00God's willHave you watched the news lately? Sometimes I think I may just have to stop. Why? Because it's difficult to see all the bad news that there is to see night after night. It's difficult to see the state of our economy not getting a whole lot better. It's difficult to see people and places being destroyed by fires, earthquakes, floods, and by the enormous amount of oil that spilled in the gulf. <br /><br />As a Christian, I find myself being asked by unbelievers "where on earth is the goodness of God in all of this? What kind of God lets terrible things happen?". Of course, I know that God is good all the time. I know that God doesn't delight in the affliction that so many suffer and in the slow but steady demise of our planet. But, how do I explain to an unbeliever that God is here, that He sees what is happening and is saddened about it? How do I explain that He cares about and loves all of us? How do I explain God's will to an unbeliever?<br /><br />Today, I found a great excerpt from C. S. Lewis' Mere Christianity. He puts it in a context that is quite easy to understand. He writes:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Christians believe that an evil power has made himself for the present the prince of this world. And, of course, that raises problems. Is this state of affairs in accordance with God's will or not? If it is, He is a strange God you will say; and if it is not, how can anything happen contrary to the will of a Being with absolute power?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But anyone who has been in authority knows how a thing can be in accordance with your will in one way and not in another. It may be quite sensible for a mother to say to her children, "I'm not going to go and make you tidy the schoolroom every night. You've got to learn to keep it tidy on your own". Then she goes up one night and finds the teddy bear and the ink and the French grammar all lying in the grate. That is against her will. She would prefer the children to be tidy. But on the other hand, it is her will which has left the children free to be untidy."</span><br /><br />This certainly makes sense. God has given us the freedom to live our lives as we please, but God's will is His perfect plan for our lives. It's to give us hope and a future, not to harm us.<br /><br />I hope I keep this in mind the next time I have a pity party and feel like asking God "why me?". (It does happen!)<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by and may you and yours be blessed today and always.<br /><br />{hugs}<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span>the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-51950416882941107972010-07-14T19:42:00.013-04:002014-04-02T10:10:34.255-04:00An afternoon of boatingThis past weekend, we had such gorgeous weather and we took advantage of it by going for a boat ride. Our son asked if he could bring a couple of friends along for the afternoon and of course, we said yes.<br />
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Now, why don't you go grab yourself a nice cuppa and join us for the ride? There's always room for one more!<br />
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These were some of the houses that we passed by on our way to the ocean. They are all very nice but I wonder how early I'd have to get up to clean my house if I lived in any of these. I doubt many of these homeowners clean their own homes, but I like to clean mine. Windows are another story... ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieILWovDHLzbEkpLyt4b1IcGwYybehHuLFdl_DWRucKySz2szAHe7Ig36xJK12yBb4okSLJ_qcH9G9CYGh7gCEplU4chj2tGchAScNQ_RCVwroLEllcE3HJZTvUj5CJv2B0hRd-1D5ceI/s1600/P7101961.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieILWovDHLzbEkpLyt4b1IcGwYybehHuLFdl_DWRucKySz2szAHe7Ig36xJK12yBb4okSLJ_qcH9G9CYGh7gCEplU4chj2tGchAScNQ_RCVwroLEllcE3HJZTvUj5CJv2B0hRd-1D5ceI/s320/P7101961.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493918919348577986" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScoWMKfz55gPAs6LXQAGdS2APTDJIOB8iXNrhQJH6zgKqF7ylQf-xw5Uljc_cpa_pBzgD_MpLnL1fizMjeNJqpG61Q4dDEeZyZA1lUNX8s0XmHiZeNHIKXTF4btfcL47nSztdlSemrI0/s1600/P7101978.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScoWMKfz55gPAs6LXQAGdS2APTDJIOB8iXNrhQJH6zgKqF7ylQf-xw5Uljc_cpa_pBzgD_MpLnL1fizMjeNJqpG61Q4dDEeZyZA1lUNX8s0XmHiZeNHIKXTF4btfcL47nSztdlSemrI0/s320/P7101978.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493919783825129170" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioue_xxMnauO7C4v-2Ykal4pbP0kTe3JiDWZxdz1A-mrCWbBIqo24QaOTWIgHSaEvbuJy0dJ8uesqrSl_HA6Os_U-FLjX_n2E582J8UR3oAbmmlu-RX8nJEcNNVmSxYet1BS60HiurbEQ/s1600/P7101872.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioue_xxMnauO7C4v-2Ykal4pbP0kTe3JiDWZxdz1A-mrCWbBIqo24QaOTWIgHSaEvbuJy0dJ8uesqrSl_HA6Os_U-FLjX_n2E582J8UR3oAbmmlu-RX8nJEcNNVmSxYet1BS60HiurbEQ/s320/P7101872.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493939281646912882" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Now there's something you don't see in many people's backyard. All aboard!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1mTlENA79_1cT5jZMK1B1QR97sjbEG539i2n5hXwEebPBxERVCbjex-Khg1fmEo0_-5G82wfzgDv05xPISlgcfXrtgZUhLg-qrUxWadPwBEZlEm-yXsvg9IH8TLotb1jbQxAwQJpIGw/s1600/P7101865.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1mTlENA79_1cT5jZMK1B1QR97sjbEG539i2n5hXwEebPBxERVCbjex-Khg1fmEo0_-5G82wfzgDv05xPISlgcfXrtgZUhLg-qrUxWadPwBEZlEm-yXsvg9IH8TLotb1jbQxAwQJpIGw/s320/P7101865.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493914619814628722" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>You don't see too many of these either, at least not this tall. Beautiful blue!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1slWdzuI9jJz_Tik9TlxPhjSCGNcALHrq9-fsZhMgGWbEeR7b-D5PdBfAB5PA5tvJgjSf3aaDPFTKnRbnQvtyda7FiQqUd8WqEny-z_4HUlF-EdlxjRXPPB-62rGSIN4Nmc97xfX_l6s/s1600/P7101881.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1slWdzuI9jJz_Tik9TlxPhjSCGNcALHrq9-fsZhMgGWbEeR7b-D5PdBfAB5PA5tvJgjSf3aaDPFTKnRbnQvtyda7FiQqUd8WqEny-z_4HUlF-EdlxjRXPPB-62rGSIN4Nmc97xfX_l6s/s320/P7101881.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493915682838947042" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>All right, I can almost smell the ocean now... we're almost there!<br />
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This guy might take a while to get there but what a workout that must be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-NNWTmLb8TSILgVNTjGCYicX4wBiGuqLN6XlxwATWuDNNAeP6pLuw8iecmZBLcJB5iTv_Erg7ng4LeWPfgJBk95oqyCbEVzoZGEL6N_o4AuqmtHiuhFtL8U-8v_u2fFslZVL-yqvVZA/s1600/P7101869.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-NNWTmLb8TSILgVNTjGCYicX4wBiGuqLN6XlxwATWuDNNAeP6pLuw8iecmZBLcJB5iTv_Erg7ng4LeWPfgJBk95oqyCbEVzoZGEL6N_o4AuqmtHiuhFtL8U-8v_u2fFslZVL-yqvVZA/s320/P7101869.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493914628936883410" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Call me lazy, but I'm pretty sure I'd rather get there in something like this....<br />
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Put my feet up and enjoy the ride! Who's with me?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXV7y8uU_mrPTPvs_dewngy-FFCDU5LUaZ54AR52rhJHPeC6tJSzMjChW6TCFZVHGJjygLcBNEiCgs2sXf8MbAVy2f2s6HNzcHILcj7LOpGLHnB9qFDxoe4YE_zZz33ku9j2B8SDaKz4/s1600/P7101953.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXV7y8uU_mrPTPvs_dewngy-FFCDU5LUaZ54AR52rhJHPeC6tJSzMjChW6TCFZVHGJjygLcBNEiCgs2sXf8MbAVy2f2s6HNzcHILcj7LOpGLHnB9qFDxoe4YE_zZz33ku9j2B8SDaKz4/s320/P7101953.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493918911427715762" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Is that a sailboat in the distance? Looks like we made it to the ocean!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DPzmOS99MOEZgU_Oqrvo864pbnteXv1M4q7YsOD7lk-IIZMqLhJYjNBCfqoP7xquqCm0q-gb7WIdrjmkycRasqAnAPcBCFyUNB5F9abaPueFjL4bvz2dAWvWO5ubm_a_jljbFnct38g/s1600/P7101908.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DPzmOS99MOEZgU_Oqrvo864pbnteXv1M4q7YsOD7lk-IIZMqLhJYjNBCfqoP7xquqCm0q-gb7WIdrjmkycRasqAnAPcBCFyUNB5F9abaPueFjL4bvz2dAWvWO5ubm_a_jljbFnct38g/s320/P7101908.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493916667646922450" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Who's going first?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBKXB0aZcm_tc8DuKNBWnNLLpizhHiAeCpV13kWKlbfx6hl7DhOQ-M2X-8lkCX-8scJSKyzaPpSGZEj3wcLKK9uUJxOjsX6sDnqwjLYnGzCuGxgm2kvaMyaWyUNz39RiP9NSDHxXQO3M/s1600/P7101895.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBKXB0aZcm_tc8DuKNBWnNLLpizhHiAeCpV13kWKlbfx6hl7DhOQ-M2X-8lkCX-8scJSKyzaPpSGZEj3wcLKK9uUJxOjsX6sDnqwjLYnGzCuGxgm2kvaMyaWyUNz39RiP9NSDHxXQO3M/s320/P7101895.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493916662307984002" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Looks like my little guy is getting ready to jump...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONJa1ReMCwo1QeAu4QRz6XJPatTNpOkMco8xCSzLdPR4PAkbYZm0Ue4bYAVxUeYEIKU-tLUQkCX93GeBu8ViuWK5u7Ji6tEtLZoR0X161B3ZCO-zLIxFyyzPy3iSRto8cViWDb8fJUOE/s1600/P7101912.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONJa1ReMCwo1QeAu4QRz6XJPatTNpOkMco8xCSzLdPR4PAkbYZm0Ue4bYAVxUeYEIKU-tLUQkCX93GeBu8ViuWK5u7Ji6tEtLZoR0X161B3ZCO-zLIxFyyzPy3iSRto8cViWDb8fJUOE/s320/P7101912.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493917487539207650" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>And there he goes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg2jEoBbmwKTXVpKAIqr7ifMCDtAUO_QVwNHh8BZqUBuE9hXrL7Re0Nvnf7AgWb3pLL3Oy19dANsKLCpHo38puHEoZM81HHGCwVZhHAl9HRPI_GW8p3_tUwWE5R1QI96XIe3cEnN_VUY/s1600/P7101921.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg2jEoBbmwKTXVpKAIqr7ifMCDtAUO_QVwNHh8BZqUBuE9hXrL7Re0Nvnf7AgWb3pLL3Oy19dANsKLCpHo38puHEoZM81HHGCwVZhHAl9HRPI_GW8p3_tUwWE5R1QI96XIe3cEnN_VUY/s320/P7101921.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493917491624680018" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>What's that I see up above? Two people who aren't afraid of heights, evidently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQt-OUHUI_D94Q4ahFGGfyEHqhjioEUQXMgSzzREqVuNyQ5m4eUdWsIFtyYLtr2HljeY4zNW1D9Ea8nHQJ-0gZiFEI9HXQDMWQjNRzdDKb3Si3MKx8oxulEyyiD94XwEDeCmXkTDMNps/s1600/P7101914.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQt-OUHUI_D94Q4ahFGGfyEHqhjioEUQXMgSzzREqVuNyQ5m4eUdWsIFtyYLtr2HljeY4zNW1D9Ea8nHQJ-0gZiFEI9HXQDMWQjNRzdDKb3Si3MKx8oxulEyyiD94XwEDeCmXkTDMNps/s320/P7101914.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493916669425651986" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>I suppose the view is amazing but I'm willing to take their word for it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IDWX-pPDl2nBY_wu-D21jPmV911emuB0GgjDL0CrEQ1CUvWb9mkLAMaTVjoLI4cz7gx60J_TXwFN8VswG9a5whhSA1afJKYVBafUnIAditmTpp9JdYG4EQOAzYYtwPFmAbAvprFzPyE/s1600/P7101929.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IDWX-pPDl2nBY_wu-D21jPmV911emuB0GgjDL0CrEQ1CUvWb9mkLAMaTVjoLI4cz7gx60J_TXwFN8VswG9a5whhSA1afJKYVBafUnIAditmTpp9JdYG4EQOAzYYtwPFmAbAvprFzPyE/s320/P7101929.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493917494334177090" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>After a swim in the ocean, it's time to start heading back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSByeK8baM4AiQt8r9l0la5N_qBpIyMoYTu-Db6yt-Kjz-HwExo28VAMNGSJvGc1IN5F2nlmoLnYt5adm0obGglEBJ1OUglxWWejkTLpevryQE2mO-FdcPYdLqZmM7-SxY21W5exK93w/s1600/P7101939.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSByeK8baM4AiQt8r9l0la5N_qBpIyMoYTu-Db6yt-Kjz-HwExo28VAMNGSJvGc1IN5F2nlmoLnYt5adm0obGglEBJ1OUglxWWejkTLpevryQE2mO-FdcPYdLqZmM7-SxY21W5exK93w/s320/P7101939.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493917511919545314" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Oh look - a vacant lot. With your own beach right out back, that's what I call prime location!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXNNJRlAV3QJz-T4RsKAlrV40xtORvz5kCulWdNwzag5jOG6KG0BSO_Bl0EmC9tB6utX2OQVtt7Eaknb1sFUQ0JvFB69QLGmw8cbP7vigVRJmghbtJH-9OHq2GyC_OjjNLNIocUHgr_Y/s1600/P7101951.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXNNJRlAV3QJz-T4RsKAlrV40xtORvz5kCulWdNwzag5jOG6KG0BSO_Bl0EmC9tB6utX2OQVtt7Eaknb1sFUQ0JvFB69QLGmw8cbP7vigVRJmghbtJH-9OHq2GyC_OjjNLNIocUHgr_Y/s320/P7101951.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493918906367075938" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>And speaking of location, I can think of worse parts of town for someone to go to church!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OV6NtmB6rIE7LroEu2fMwul4j9QjYrCNisLzX-nYdnB0TbMvL7cxGey7EcQFI5hWOVS7tnAN7AfCcgDkOMOhvAQXGArbuFvbxAwqE8OYzT-exBCZfsnzNDRTFeKmQQEtB-ksThTQvSw/s1600/P7101975.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OV6NtmB6rIE7LroEu2fMwul4j9QjYrCNisLzX-nYdnB0TbMvL7cxGey7EcQFI5hWOVS7tnAN7AfCcgDkOMOhvAQXGArbuFvbxAwqE8OYzT-exBCZfsnzNDRTFeKmQQEtB-ksThTQvSw/s320/P7101975.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493919773980515698" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbBtLuZ0ItWa6IYSq85UedZMWyH3908Jw99B5yiqVq-iBElQDJBE2Av8u4nQBSYbJMAizOvlmf1Cl1TgFx0upOL0xKTRDhzdDgd67fdV4Ix3gjJy4wbXYxXCej2U6qbWJ2f2FHDok5AI/s1600/P7101875.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbBtLuZ0ItWa6IYSq85UedZMWyH3908Jw99B5yiqVq-iBElQDJBE2Av8u4nQBSYbJMAizOvlmf1Cl1TgFx0upOL0xKTRDhzdDgd67fdV4Ix3gjJy4wbXYxXCej2U6qbWJ2f2FHDok5AI/s320/P7101875.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493915667600854914" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>This one was getting ready to go on a voyage to Bermuda. We ran into the owners while we stopped to gas up. I hope they had a safe journey!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7_SlmIJT_KDrAGwTQ1Qs2hob1uH81Av_ZsOQgKQQfz2Lx5JaiEz62_rDBPva9G0_HPj_kGiwCnk-UYgsPQy_TEaC8KY7scNmIztHQ0WKsmOT3loJzZIJkabvYvkb8IWOWhN30U4LRo8/s1600/P7101866.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7_SlmIJT_KDrAGwTQ1Qs2hob1uH81Av_ZsOQgKQQfz2Lx5JaiEz62_rDBPva9G0_HPj_kGiwCnk-UYgsPQy_TEaC8KY7scNmIztHQ0WKsmOT3loJzZIJkabvYvkb8IWOWhN30U4LRo8/s320/P7101866.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493914627109656546" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Barking dogs are not very common on the water so I looked around to see where it was coming from. And there he was, just a little bit ahead of us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf6uqXwaVqubdbpN0mIsbnlu8cvH24001oy0emYOkD3dyF8zatYNB6Cyrv_aJMkKyJdVgFFuYBa4LYPQgA-x8Qyo8ENG03JjIWhpMngmpBA0TCx9SAxYBDaC-nVU1uxhi4ryc2dYUUQY/s1600/P7101972.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf6uqXwaVqubdbpN0mIsbnlu8cvH24001oy0emYOkD3dyF8zatYNB6Cyrv_aJMkKyJdVgFFuYBa4LYPQgA-x8Qyo8ENG03JjIWhpMngmpBA0TCx9SAxYBDaC-nVU1uxhi4ryc2dYUUQY/s320/P7101972.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493919753614170946" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>And what was he barking at? You might have guessed it, two of his kind relaxing nearby!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBn6kVm7xE094enKBKui9LCs0oQEAwK425H5MmbfQxctuCKvZHz_le1-q1tNRhHpokgYWhC6U_GJXZ_YToFrqqcGJV9mY7JsZSL3qSm8d8uuxkJZG74TUwhpukc9JPR3vzAkDdPMnCfvg/s1600/P7101973.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBn6kVm7xE094enKBKui9LCs0oQEAwK425H5MmbfQxctuCKvZHz_le1-q1tNRhHpokgYWhC6U_GJXZ_YToFrqqcGJV9mY7JsZSL3qSm8d8uuxkJZG74TUwhpukc9JPR3vzAkDdPMnCfvg/s320/P7101973.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493919764037369922" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Speaking of animals, I don't think this house is in danger of being burglarized with one of these keeping guard...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRmFdwprVW1oxxURUfr2z3rEe2BBHwT3ZvjriaemfCSEmfQyB_JbFTA8cI11mwXuF_DjQGKzR_wtwNsVlmRl-68vNy04MsCoNFALKO39u0t1vsuXMWi5ZuOZKqBFXsf0iSvo2q-Z-8Sw/s1600/P7101970.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRmFdwprVW1oxxURUfr2z3rEe2BBHwT3ZvjriaemfCSEmfQyB_JbFTA8cI11mwXuF_DjQGKzR_wtwNsVlmRl-68vNy04MsCoNFALKO39u0t1vsuXMWi5ZuOZKqBFXsf0iSvo2q-Z-8Sw/s320/P7101970.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493918924206440482" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>He's not exactly the real thing, but he sure looks like it, right?<br />
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That's it for now but I hope you enjoyed the boat ride. Let's do it again soon!<br />
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{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-50813004100762554492010-07-05T18:39:00.012-04:002010-07-05T20:40:40.529-04:00I scream, you scream...We all scream for ice cream!<br /><br />Truth be told, if I was only allowed to eat one food for the rest of my life, I think I would choose ice cream. I'm not saying it's a very smart choice, but I'm saying I could learn to live with it.<br /><br />Now, if I ever brought this little machine home, I could be in real trouble!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAtym1BqNEPl476tSIpdhwbLEFuoo3NCaYNAO_p0R07U-lckc5we21S8R9z4pc7jWx7pBHhQdDIt7h1jyRis06d1C-QpEjRhym61aJtfwSgtd9v71UpVGkqItCn9EJ808tyEZi0HgGMI/s1600/Ice-Cream-Makers-Cuisinart-Soft-Serve-ICE-45-0610-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAtym1BqNEPl476tSIpdhwbLEFuoo3NCaYNAO_p0R07U-lckc5we21S8R9z4pc7jWx7pBHhQdDIt7h1jyRis06d1C-QpEjRhym61aJtfwSgtd9v71UpVGkqItCn9EJ808tyEZi0HgGMI/s320/Ice-Cream-Makers-Cuisinart-Soft-Serve-ICE-45-0610-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490576866271375538" border="0" /></a><br />Or I could open up an ice cream shop out of my kitchen, I suppose. ;)<br /><br />And then, I could serve yummy treats like these...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgianWd3PxQhOv6bGhCgtBvR0J6wRXWxr0nbr8uHiJQXhxfxj8BNekWoYL3d7IxRSl6TIzliLQKUX4iuj5bQn35E6EYxdAopTUfTZktKxNcfKWBTCfq_WoAQpJazHdHdlsPISD0VHnNhUs/s1600/Ice-Cream-Sandwiches-ENTERT0605-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgianWd3PxQhOv6bGhCgtBvR0J6wRXWxr0nbr8uHiJQXhxfxj8BNekWoYL3d7IxRSl6TIzliLQKUX4iuj5bQn35E6EYxdAopTUfTZktKxNcfKWBTCfq_WoAQpJazHdHdlsPISD0VHnNhUs/s320/Ice-Cream-Sandwiches-ENTERT0605-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490576882243040978" border="0" /></a><br />Or keep it a little simpler and go for the classics, vanilla and chocolate.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_DrSFHf0HKoWq7-xEhuAYLWkgbdYwuQyJAlfmxCYEiWXpfTHR1ZiSaGkbNtbfQM2_XuR7LOPE7TlGm8xY8dYKacTEs54hwLWclQ6jvdd_xWad5lanu3sMbLsY8iIrFDviY0IU5Eosss/s1600/Ice-Cream-ENTERT0605-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_DrSFHf0HKoWq7-xEhuAYLWkgbdYwuQyJAlfmxCYEiWXpfTHR1ZiSaGkbNtbfQM2_XuR7LOPE7TlGm8xY8dYKacTEs54hwLWclQ6jvdd_xWad5lanu3sMbLsY8iIrFDviY0IU5Eosss/s320/Ice-Cream-ENTERT0605-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490576861880545090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSY6f17GPATOP9Vll_Nd0LOWb0DNvU4NameybfqBNH3g4rPwMNdKkrH0zhAg0V3kzGnnuXezmFx6Nd72kOaEAVrx4chdcCFE3E9AaXyVVGmPqYRXR7Lvm6HGVh3CZD9LR-awP2-sMB_ow/s1600/Ice-Cream-Recipes-Chocolate-Ice-Cream-0610-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSY6f17GPATOP9Vll_Nd0LOWb0DNvU4NameybfqBNH3g4rPwMNdKkrH0zhAg0V3kzGnnuXezmFx6Nd72kOaEAVrx4chdcCFE3E9AaXyVVGmPqYRXR7Lvm6HGVh3CZD9LR-awP2-sMB_ow/s320/Ice-Cream-Recipes-Chocolate-Ice-Cream-0610-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490576875304548338" border="0" /></a><br />Maybe add a little crunch once in a while and serve up some yummy and dreamy butter pecan. Just one scoop at at time is a good sign of self-control, don't you think?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zRNYH7QCS2J0MjRpkVXEOhvww2z0vDEIoykWVAtldFiDYUbbXnE8V3b8TeVtVWEsjJYIlM9xf5FjUd3F-pe5c_6NrwQKzaZx0a77OL52y03OoRMEedODUQWTqOkts4pbP-hfJOGpUZk/s1600/Ice-Cream-Recipes-Butter-Pecan-Ice-Cream-0610-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zRNYH7QCS2J0MjRpkVXEOhvww2z0vDEIoykWVAtldFiDYUbbXnE8V3b8TeVtVWEsjJYIlM9xf5FjUd3F-pe5c_6NrwQKzaZx0a77OL52y03OoRMEedODUQWTqOkts4pbP-hfJOGpUZk/s320/Ice-Cream-Recipes-Butter-Pecan-Ice-Cream-0610-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490576868969659954" border="0" /></a><br />But let's not forget about the wonderful and lovely cherry. Would you care for some?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSoYmC2i-bbAZ6Cxz0gKAOOB8BWs8Rodlus7sbUtlyt7MEZVoyiH-WFfjGw8cKSVCW__s4TzPYtwzVXx6XXb2cQEMBQyeRkCk6CpuZGGjLCIRrD6Do0Dlazh-xptOd6vIzq0WMQLytp4/s1600/cherry-ice-cream-de.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSoYmC2i-bbAZ6Cxz0gKAOOB8BWs8Rodlus7sbUtlyt7MEZVoyiH-WFfjGw8cKSVCW__s4TzPYtwzVXx6XXb2cQEMBQyeRkCk6CpuZGGjLCIRrD6Do0Dlazh-xptOd6vIzq0WMQLytp4/s320/cherry-ice-cream-de.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490576359695942802" border="0" /></a><br />Better yet, I could add a cherry to this banana split but be sure you share it with someone. (You'll thank me in the morning, trust me!)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmetstgNW-ox2hoyegjOYBIKEwGyFVF9r_WWPaTSnWp3h0JJe2oQ95VyxktUHiFP8v-th5nJwIQyEPqNTCl2QvsKXUogxj9VNN1KLvhm9kg9wHzNg4eFJwDAuczRcsPtZbA1ltGNA_jM/s1600/banana-split-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmetstgNW-ox2hoyegjOYBIKEwGyFVF9r_WWPaTSnWp3h0JJe2oQ95VyxktUHiFP8v-th5nJwIQyEPqNTCl2QvsKXUogxj9VNN1KLvhm9kg9wHzNg4eFJwDAuczRcsPtZbA1ltGNA_jM/s320/banana-split-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490576098213286674" border="0" /></a><br />Then go for a walk, a long walk. I imagine 15 miles at a fast pace should take care of most of those calories, right?<br /><br />Well, thanks so much for your visit today and I hope you're having a great start to your summer! We actually just returned from vacation and I hope to have a few pictures to share soon once I have them all downloaded and sorted.<br /><br />Enjoy the season, keep cool, be safe and have fun!<br /><br />{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-16467975443492467872010-05-31T12:41:00.008-04:002010-05-31T13:21:01.569-04:00Love that smell!When I was a young girl living in Canada, we would go on beach vacations in the summer and in the winter.<br /><br />In the summer, we would drive across the US border and spend a week at Hampton Beach. I have great memories of the times I spent there. The boardwalk, the bicycle rides, the fun times spent at the beach and swimming in the motel's pool.<br /><br />In the winter, we would go to Florida during the Christmas break and I remember thinking that this was the most wonderful place on earth. The palm trees, the coconuts, the beautiful beaches and the warm weather in the middle of winter. What's not to like about that?<br /><br />For many years after that, each time I would put on some sunscreen, the smell of the sunscreen would immediately take me back to those beach vacations. I could just close my eyes and hear the waves crashing down, see the palm trees swaying in the wind, feel the sand on my feet.<br /><br />Almost 20 years ago, I moved to the southeast where I get to enjoy the beautiful beach, the palm trees and yes, all the warm weather I could wish for.<br /><br />And, guess what? Each time I put on sunscreen, the smell still takes me back to the beach vacations I enjoyed as a little girl! Somehow that Coppertone smell still does that for me and I have to say it's a smell I really like. :)<br /><br />How about you? Is there a smell or taste that brings back similar memories for you? Maybe it's the taste or smell of a specific food that brings back a certain memory. I'd love to hear about it. :)<br /><br />May happy memories overflow your heart today and always!<br /><br />{hugs}<br /><br />P.S. Still using hubby's laptop - sorry if the post doesn't look quite right. ;)the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-70840540483478840932010-05-25T18:17:00.003-04:002014-02-06T20:13:41.743-05:00Oh the irony...As I drove home this afternoon, I couldn't help but crave the most wonderful ice cream: Moose Tracks. Have you ever had it? It's vanilla ice cream with chocolate and mini peanut butter cups all mixed into one delicious concoction.<br />
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And then I remembered, today is Tuesday and The Biggest Loser is on tonight and of course, I somehow get a craving for ice cream or cake or anything else "forbidden" when I watch a show about people eating healthy, working out and losing weight. Why is that?<br />
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Please tell me I'm not the only one! It would make me feel better.<br />
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Hoping your week is going well and praying many sweet blessings upon you and yours!<br />
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{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-66396363808035029542010-04-14T21:59:00.003-04:002010-04-14T22:18:08.522-04:00Pretty in pinkDid I ever mention that I like flowers? Did I ever mention that I like clothes that feature flowers? No, well I'm about to show you the proof. Just a few days ago, I bought this pretty pink flowery tunic.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYXmzsSO4kHfKHE5dFIufW7vSXJSBJwDvAKEsg-dn-eP2yhEnX1Zz2dVnWP5AV-yyjkjOrbCXBn1txD9NqLjH4UzQMCb04lpRij67fnOj5KfKLwhAeWnm-g42DIcaQOlJZjXBrNeVD5Y/s1600/pinktunic.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYXmzsSO4kHfKHE5dFIufW7vSXJSBJwDvAKEsg-dn-eP2yhEnX1Zz2dVnWP5AV-yyjkjOrbCXBn1txD9NqLjH4UzQMCb04lpRij67fnOj5KfKLwhAeWnm-g42DIcaQOlJZjXBrNeVD5Y/s320/pinktunic.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460182039705404178" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I like how it flows and looks so feminine. Now, of course, I'm left wondering what on earth I can wear this with.<br /><br />White pants? Yes, I have those. But what else? I don't know why I seem to have a brain freeze with this one. If you happen to have any thoughts or suggestions on a great pairing for this, please do share.<br /><br />Thank you so much for stopping by!<br /><br />:)the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-74909452284988234132010-04-04T17:46:00.007-04:002010-04-04T18:54:49.473-04:00The gift of friendship<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrYm9LFwzZjkPipTBgIjxo5ZGhK8aj2GfI8PHZ6DUqxhZO2q6p_qmFJqRwTVBvNKDOkc8lekI3YbpTKemInHbPriY-HssUlGc7QrxcXqnVZhyphenhyphen0gM8FAb1fpB19mwCHcRtds5njTaYReg/s1600/gift-box.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrYm9LFwzZjkPipTBgIjxo5ZGhK8aj2GfI8PHZ6DUqxhZO2q6p_qmFJqRwTVBvNKDOkc8lekI3YbpTKemInHbPriY-HssUlGc7QrxcXqnVZhyphenhyphen0gM8FAb1fpB19mwCHcRtds5njTaYReg/s320/gift-box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456411261574500466" border="0" /></a><br />It has been a little while since I've had a chance to put up a post and visit you. Let's just say that once in a while, life happens. It shows up with its peaks and valleys and it makes it clear that an unplanned period of time away from the computer is the right thing to do. I've always tried to prioritize my life appropriately and this little break was much needed.<br /><br />Having said that, if any of you are still around, I'm glad that you've stopped by for a visit!<br /><br />Over the past several weeks, I've had a chance to get together with some of my girlfriends for morning coffees, lunches, walks, chats and most importantly for time spent in prayer. It really has made me treasure the blessed gift of a close friendship.<br /><br />Friendships are to me one of life's sweetest blessings. And what a wonderful thing it is to bring a smile to a friend's face? Or to receive one. Why just the other day, as I went to the mailbox....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW2-O9H49MN6xVdSOucB78E7u2dP6yZxcSxnRK4cpE-aactHNzO-uceNYdFs6BLgkCzNdlZnZAIC7S5hXxsLUPy9kDpz3-HMeTzXblbKLXRgnCC_WC9zf-8pE3JAYCpNpBFAAoLui9O8/s1600/mailbox.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW2-O9H49MN6xVdSOucB78E7u2dP6yZxcSxnRK4cpE-aactHNzO-uceNYdFs6BLgkCzNdlZnZAIC7S5hXxsLUPy9kDpz3-HMeTzXblbKLXRgnCC_WC9zf-8pE3JAYCpNpBFAAoLui9O8/s320/mailbox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456411633421956962" border="0" /></a><br />...no, there wasn't a puppy in it, but I simply had to post that picture because, well, it's just so cute!<br /><br />Back to the mailbox. I went to get our mail, and in doing so, I received a smile in the form of a beautiful card that one of my girlfriends had sent me. It was just to let me know she was thinking of me and to remind me that God is always by my side.<br /><br />I was amazed that such a simple gesture of friendship and thoughtfulness could have just about the same impact as though I had received a hug!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one's self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another."<br /><br />- Thomas Hughes<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When I read this quote, I was reminded of the power of friendship and my heart was even more thankful than before for all of my friends. How wonderful it is to be the recipient of someone's thoughtfulness and kindness! And what a sweet blessing it is to reciprocate and let our friends know how much we love and care for them too. :)<br /><br />Thank you for stopping by and may your heart be filled with love and friendship, today and always!<br /><br />{hugs}<br /></div></div>the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-40861363695143277252010-02-06T11:36:00.007-05:002010-02-06T12:22:33.900-05:00One special crownThese past few weeks, following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, my heart has been aching for all of the people who lost loved ones and are still without homes, food and proper care. <br /><br />Despite their extremely difficult living conditions, I see that there are so many surviving victims who have an unshakable faith, a knowledge that God is there with them and will see them through. A certainty that their loved ones who have perished are indeed with Jesus. Many people don't have that certainty and it's a blessing to know the glory of salvation. It's a blessing to have no doubt of where we are headed after our journey here ends.<br /><br />The following words from Charles Spurgeon have to do with exactly that and I thought I would share them with you today.<br /><br /><em>O, doubting Christian, you have often said, "I'm afraid I'll never enter heaven". Fear not! All the people of God will enter.</em><br /><br /><em>I love the refreshing statement of a dying man who exclaimed, "I have no fear of going home. I've sent everything ahead of me. God's finger is on the latch of my door and I'm ready for Him to enter."</em><br /><br /><em>Yet, he was asked "Are you not afraid you may miss your inheritance?"</em><br /><br /><em>"No", he responded, "there is one crown in heaven the angel Gabriel cannot wear. It will fit no one's head but mine. And there is one throne in heaven the apostle Paul could not fill. It was made for me - and I will have it!"</em><br /><br /><em>If you could fly across the eternal city, you would see written upon one of its many mansions these words: "This is reserved for someone special and is being held for him alone. Someday he will be caught up to dwell with God forever."</em><br /><br /><em>Poor doubting soul, look at your wonderful inheritance. It is yours - if you believe in the Lord Jesus, if you have repented of your sin, if your heart has been renewed. You are one of the Lord's people and there is a place reserved for you. A crown has been stored up for you and a harp has been especially provided for you.</em><br /><br /><em>No one else will take what is yours, for it is reserved in heaven for you. And throughout eternity it will be yours, for there will be no vacant thrones in glory once all of God's chosen have been gathered in. </em><br /><br />Don't you love the way Charles Spurgeon puts it? I hope this ministers to even just one person who may have needed to read this today. God loves you and has a special place and a special crown reserved just for you!<br /><br />Sweet blessings!<br /><br />{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-89388536456416133212009-12-30T22:17:00.008-05:002014-02-06T17:50:35.100-05:00Holiday guestsTwo weeks ago, we opened our home to a couple of guests who had no family to spend Christmas with. They were going to be in need of companionship, in need of comfort, food and care. There was no way I could say no.<br />
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I had never met them before so I must admit that I was a little apprehensive at first. I worried about all sorts of things. How comfortable would they feel in our home? What would they want to eat? Would they mind the fact that we have a dog?<br />
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But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I was probably worrying for nothing. After all, they came with two pages of instructions, a bag of food, two bags of bedding, and a cute little wheel for exercise. And best of all, my son was so excited to have them come home with us!<br />
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Apparently a lot of children at school really wanted to take them home for the two-week Christmas break. You see, they live at school.<br />
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Here was their car ride to our home...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHeeZyPUkbpo8MXY46Of23pwhg-_DTaYiZdZDz_PSlj-lw5kSRt-_C2qw_BFzlA29lRB5kf-wlYuigcoNLajsGmPNQHHxlRgjWkcGKncrQrkOJyLBpFN1QALwkH3n_ZoM88YqKBlDsRw/s1600-h/PC171491.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHeeZyPUkbpo8MXY46Of23pwhg-_DTaYiZdZDz_PSlj-lw5kSRt-_C2qw_BFzlA29lRB5kf-wlYuigcoNLajsGmPNQHHxlRgjWkcGKncrQrkOJyLBpFN1QALwkH3n_ZoM88YqKBlDsRw/s320/PC171491.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421240749741238930" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Meet the gerbils! You can only see one in the picture above but there are two. They are two boys. Brothers maybe?<br />
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So far, they have been perfect guests. And so far, yes I have touched them but no, I haven't picked them up. Let's not push it!<br />
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The science teacher said that they like to chew up paper towel rolls for fun. Here they are below enjoying their "hobby".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHw5oZgJWlblU6wlqokkndGzmNhkx5exqdzFPzJe9KzpYDhL4HLKxRvC44hAc_Q90BQzwa_HSZ37RgbdaJqzM7qyWPYmjY5yIUD4CVXudRJfpUXTbx_x8p6hwmGv_83CPE6hhScwzhU8/s1600-h/PC261525.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHw5oZgJWlblU6wlqokkndGzmNhkx5exqdzFPzJe9KzpYDhL4HLKxRvC44hAc_Q90BQzwa_HSZ37RgbdaJqzM7qyWPYmjY5yIUD4CVXudRJfpUXTbx_x8p6hwmGv_83CPE6hhScwzhU8/s320/PC261525.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421244998078973090" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Our dog Lizzy doesn't seem to mind having them around. As a matter of fact, she likes to lay down not too far from them. Maybe to keep an eye on them and make sure they don't get out?!<br />
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At 16, she's used to being the only pet in the house you know.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG14yRKp0k4Wed7LFrVNlEH_bZxAeFlwpsnBWPGf4i3hFgLgv65C57xofoCmaB1og4OB0HZv-n-gi-6av2-ne8HZEGtB8wkj9yBlLdbWqWRI47a29tS5CVuvSHWnIXGZg8NKiCyfsY3jw/s1600-h/PC291527.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG14yRKp0k4Wed7LFrVNlEH_bZxAeFlwpsnBWPGf4i3hFgLgv65C57xofoCmaB1og4OB0HZv-n-gi-6av2-ne8HZEGtB8wkj9yBlLdbWqWRI47a29tS5CVuvSHWnIXGZg8NKiCyfsY3jw/s320/PC291527.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421249512570038594" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Poor thing suffered a small injury to her paw yesterday and had to go for a trip to the vet. See her little paw all bandaged up? I'm sure she'll be fine in a few days.<br />
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I sure hope all of you are enjoying some relaxing and fun holidays with your family and friends. May this new year be filled with sweet blessings and memories to treasure forever. <br />
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{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-45392519554849252602009-12-20T14:30:00.008-05:002009-12-20T16:08:53.208-05:00The most precious gift of allAlthough there is not a snowflake to be found outside my home, I believe that a lovely blanket of snow adds such beauty and charm to this time of year.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SE1GIcQcq8c2YJoRvek6iXm2ea-I1J7wPGQZ17O15d0nbxGwyFvQ29REnCZAjBDJiZE3WZJUQRcT8SEzepcWr8efm7oHJp1_vQkKy1r-p2iYFIDQfuQ4HQdo9PApz4bacfhM7mfzEw4/s1600-h/christmas+house.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SE1GIcQcq8c2YJoRvek6iXm2ea-I1J7wPGQZ17O15d0nbxGwyFvQ29REnCZAjBDJiZE3WZJUQRcT8SEzepcWr8efm7oHJp1_vQkKy1r-p2iYFIDQfuQ4HQdo9PApz4bacfhM7mfzEw4/s320/christmas+house.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417413584742891154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Painting by Thomas Kinkade</span><br /></div><br /><br />Wintery paintings like this one remind me of the warmth and love that come from being home with loved ones at this time of year. Let's all sing together...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">'Cause no matter how far away you roam,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly face,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For the holidays, you can't beat home sweet home!</span><br /><br />We've been away for Christmas in years past but being home with my family is the best! Sitting together, watching a good movie, all of us enjoying hot cocoa overflowing with whipped cream. Does it get any better?<br /><br />Yes, for me it does, if we're doing all this while watching It's a Wonderful Life. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBEeBH4wRfvcnKiszbBPrc-rBqHt3UANSwsdfUjq5vxLmshOav5JdSwPlQMWsZ7VL9xJB_j9E1BdJ1pWwAThDOvT4g9QaMluFeaKrrTT3AFzyr21duduMYCju4BQW2fqx3B6bB6r4nlA/s1600-h/It's_A_Wonderful_Life.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBEeBH4wRfvcnKiszbBPrc-rBqHt3UANSwsdfUjq5vxLmshOav5JdSwPlQMWsZ7VL9xJB_j9E1BdJ1pWwAThDOvT4g9QaMluFeaKrrTT3AFzyr21duduMYCju4BQW2fqx3B6bB6r4nlA/s320/It's_A_Wonderful_Life.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417416484697172258" border="0" /></a><br />This movie always leaves me thankful for my family and the blessings that God gives us. In fact, the greatest blessing is the one that God gave all of us in the form of His one and only Son. He's the most precious gift of all, our Savior Jesus Christ.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS."</span> Luke 1:30-31.<br /><br />Despite all the distractions that can surround Christmas, may we honor God by celebrating what Christmas is all about.<br /><br />Wishing you and yours a joyful and peaceful Christmas!the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-31438947630151569252009-12-06T16:04:00.009-05:002014-02-05T15:38:53.698-05:00A perfectly imperfect ChristmasFor some people, this really isn't the most wonderful time of the year. Things can be a little overwhelming with all the shopping, gift wrapping, decorating, cooking, baking, cleaning, entertaining and wanting everything to be perfect.<br />
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Unfortunately, so many people complain about this time of year, almost as if they dread it. They say "I can't believe Christmas is almost here already"! As for me, I say "I can't believe Christmas is almost here, finally!".<br />
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I think what helps me to retain some sense of sanity this time of year is refusing to let perfection be my guide. The truth is I can't handle having to have every little detail be perfect. I don't have that much energy!<br />
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No, I'll never have the perfect outfit that matches my kitchen that matches my tablescape that matches my food that matches my drink. And that's exactly what I was thinking when I sat down last week to watch one of my favorites on the Food Network, Sandra Lee.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-umoHp9QDZ3k3n-C7VIwGys8ttPNCMYGk29J2JlwEufBqGJm23ICoXg1wTPT3xZVUEUJCVtSlZcl5gcMUknKM95jcEoekwtkmVAdfmxozQCNBIJskBQhLbrhXZgem2JUYYNBDlRNhWs/s1600-h/PB261384.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-umoHp9QDZ3k3n-C7VIwGys8ttPNCMYGk29J2JlwEufBqGJm23ICoXg1wTPT3xZVUEUJCVtSlZcl5gcMUknKM95jcEoekwtkmVAdfmxozQCNBIJskBQhLbrhXZgem2JUYYNBDlRNhWs/s320/PB261384.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412238817361178754" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Isn't that beautiful though? All the red and white everywhere. I sat there on the couch, surrounded by my imperfect decorations, next to my Christmas tree missing its angel which I can't find. And I thought "what a great job she did"!<br />
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I really enjoyed seeing all the effort that she put into this episode. Like so many other women, she is an inspiration to me. I thought her table was so pretty I just had to take a picture to show you. But, I sat there enjoying my hot cocoa knowing full well this isn't my reality and feeling completely fine with it.<br />
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So, this year again, I will continue to relax instead of letting the hectic pace of the season get to me. I will continue to strive for nice and simple and easy. That's how I stay happy in the midst of such busyiness.<br />
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Because did you hear? Christmas is almost here, finally!<br />
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{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-27063348911302926412009-11-25T16:58:00.006-05:002014-02-06T17:51:27.761-05:00A box of thanksIt may be small....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLEYNwegO1b3Eiw8U6E_X6ALWzykjAPrjiXTxyWoX260O0LWbWiWCSvjx9r2xsKeyvx9QVZlkKjP8AYKngovVG11yMKZe7C2kutgEjhrU7DwAOOiYyxQ_20J327wNvZOnHuNYHjMjXkM/s1600/PB221366.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLEYNwegO1b3Eiw8U6E_X6ALWzykjAPrjiXTxyWoX260O0LWbWiWCSvjx9r2xsKeyvx9QVZlkKjP8AYKngovVG11yMKZe7C2kutgEjhrU7DwAOOiYyxQ_20J327wNvZOnHuNYHjMjXkM/s320/PB221366.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408167193684146562" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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But it contains big thanks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaFVACS1Q6qbcz9b-rCqo4CKILsok1mdd-dZfWcFPbCPoyRnHovGDmGq4edktezntdC7VthJMNNawMaUtSvYgwvh23Pu13kNsx-nO1hLdFTIatBJJNW-wCD_crlnl7Dc4pMcdDB-4xzc/s1600/PB221364.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaFVACS1Q6qbcz9b-rCqo4CKILsok1mdd-dZfWcFPbCPoyRnHovGDmGq4edktezntdC7VthJMNNawMaUtSvYgwvh23Pu13kNsx-nO1hLdFTIatBJJNW-wCD_crlnl7Dc4pMcdDB-4xzc/s320/PB221364.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408167332073871538" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Everything that my son makes with his hands is a treasure to me and this little box of thanks is no different. I always keep it out as a reminder to be thankful everyday.<br />
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It's filled with little strips of paper and the idea is to simply write down what we are thankful for, especially as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4rCkU1XxeJ18EeP20c-jEs_oUuPZQvhtLibL6pmUFIB_wI06Wxmp-wu8IxBmmthV19zlVb7BcRnupbgmvPrBEGbGDgKLMVKHu0oX3NKGMKmCGXuaLKXPjHovi8aq9JTPQ8QwKaENhKg/s1600/PB221365.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4rCkU1XxeJ18EeP20c-jEs_oUuPZQvhtLibL6pmUFIB_wI06Wxmp-wu8IxBmmthV19zlVb7BcRnupbgmvPrBEGbGDgKLMVKHu0oX3NKGMKmCGXuaLKXPjHovi8aq9JTPQ8QwKaENhKg/s320/PB221365.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408167423754176514" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Then last week, his class made a special craft to celebrate Thanksgiving. Are you ready to see the cutest salt and pepper shakers?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPXLLMVGd1YDGXV0LVDyPcbj7Ym7Qw_FUpKAq0vXd_adRYVzLGPDp5ZFlayOm-U7varxsEV0daJOqc4nvfhGP6ywg8QcgJShQursHdGcbxD7oPsrZBG0Q9XacOj8iaEUfbfKNMg9-qYU/s1600/PB221363.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPXLLMVGd1YDGXV0LVDyPcbj7Ym7Qw_FUpKAq0vXd_adRYVzLGPDp5ZFlayOm-U7varxsEV0daJOqc4nvfhGP6ywg8QcgJShQursHdGcbxD7oPsrZBG0Q9XacOj8iaEUfbfKNMg9-qYU/s320/PB221363.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408167501130130258" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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It's Mr. and Mrs. Pilgrim of course! It does appear that Mrs. Pilgrim's hat is a little lopsided but that's because she was in a hurry when she got dressed. :)<br />
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For his part, Mr. Pilgrim's hat tilts to the back to reveal the top of the pepper shaker so they both serve a purpose, they don't just look good!<br />
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She and her dear husband will be on our table tomorrow to join in the festivities. I just hope they don't get sick when we turn them upside down during the meal. That could be trouble!<br />
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Sending lots of warm wishes to you and yours on this eve of Thanksgiving. I hope you enjoy a special day and plenty of good home cooking with your loved ones. May your box of thanks overflow on this Thanksgiving and always. <br />
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Many sweet blessings!the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-1247610375836846612009-11-18T14:09:00.004-05:002009-11-18T14:59:40.544-05:00It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a message in the sky!<span style="font-style: italic;">You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength. </span> Isaiah 26:3-4<br /><br />Last Saturday morning, I went for a walk in my neighborhood. The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm.<br /><br />I was deep in thoughts which slowed down my pace a bit. I was thinking about a certain situation that lately has been heavy on my heart. Then I looked up and saw a plane that was writing a message in the sky. The message read: TRUST GOD. <br /><br />At first, I thought "how neat!" and then I thought "how thoughtful of You God to answer me in this way, knowing that I can't possibly miss this message". Talk about the right answer at the right time!<br /><br />Instead of little me trying to figure things out on my own, how much better to let God handle it? I sure don't have all the answers but He does.<br /><br />Then the next day, on Sunday afternoon, as we were out with some friends, another message popped up in the sky. This time I did have my camera...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYqoMWEDG2QnIrQ7vaLH5l9eRbckEeGP4YE-885bzCFh0EX5yuu6ezdc3q47tKRzJWR2LR-MM4EqH5Hp44viUEvhT_zDnJJ_D-iFsLDhy54y7cMKkZHXICIQU3oEbncwKR0n-EqyAzYY/s1600/PB151288.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYqoMWEDG2QnIrQ7vaLH5l9eRbckEeGP4YE-885bzCFh0EX5yuu6ezdc3q47tKRzJWR2LR-MM4EqH5Hp44viUEvhT_zDnJJ_D-iFsLDhy54y7cMKkZHXICIQU3oEbncwKR0n-EqyAzYY/s320/PB151288.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405528886023750274" border="0" /></a><br />TRUST JESUS. Is it just me or is He trying to tell me something?!<br /><br />I'd say it's something that probably not just myself but many of us need to remind ourselves of. And I'm sure getting the message loud and clear. Sometimes that's just what I need to get the point. Make it plain and simple and put it right there in my face where I can't miss it.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. </span> John 14:27<br /><br />Hoping you're having a great week and may each of you be full of God's peace, love and strength. Those are indeed some very sweet blessings!<br /><br />{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-20274606431677962622009-11-06T20:10:00.013-05:002009-11-06T21:21:54.975-05:00Shortcut chocolate barsLet me start by admitting that I keep several of these bars tightly wrapped in my freezer at all times. These and a few brownies. After a quick pop in the microwave, they're as good as new. Or pretty close anyway.<br /><br />What I like best is that they're so easy to make and yet they're super delicious. My kind of treat!<br /><br />Here's what you'll need:<br /><br />1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips<br />1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk<br />2 tablespoons butter<br />1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)<br />2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />2 17-ounce rolls refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough<br /><br />Preheat your oven to 350 F. In a saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, condensed milk and butter. Cook and stir over low heat until the chocolate is melted. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the nuts (I don't use them but you may choose to) and the vanilla.<br /><br />Cover a 15" x 10" (or any pan similar in size) with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. You don't have to use foil, but I always do because it makes clean-up a cinch and anything to make clean-up quicker is a good thing! Then, press 1 1/3 rolls of the cookie dough into the bottom of the pan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTNwPxja2fedaUFX9ltWsp8NdWlaLDtcmc110s05vf_nDuyjOBie2RJHQ3De9G5-64e-U6zJhQoDZD6CrglZ1r0ANlfCsKElw3kuLQGNxB0iE5JDWG480pOLys3wW-r0Ytb74awd9QrU/s1600-h/Pajama+day+%26+cookies+054.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTNwPxja2fedaUFX9ltWsp8NdWlaLDtcmc110s05vf_nDuyjOBie2RJHQ3De9G5-64e-U6zJhQoDZD6CrglZ1r0ANlfCsKElw3kuLQGNxB0iE5JDWG480pOLys3wW-r0Ytb74awd9QrU/s320/Pajama+day+%26+cookies+054.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401166730128605394" border="0" /></a><br />Next, spread the melted chocolate mixture evenly on the cookie dough and resist the urge to dip a finger in it. Some of you have self-control, I'm sure. :)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5DdiUgLFhnkd8okpMlr65qb6J-EGtcZuZM7Dq1UB3rfFyq2h4fwMyvn_tALk7c_4FgQIfIn7AJqZ9SMlAni7PY8PlG7JLSlOn19r9v-yBim1-n7jKel_qQW3KBUD_6juVZELvOXHkN0/s1600-h/Pajama+day+%26+cookies+055.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5DdiUgLFhnkd8okpMlr65qb6J-EGtcZuZM7Dq1UB3rfFyq2h4fwMyvn_tALk7c_4FgQIfIn7AJqZ9SMlAni7PY8PlG7JLSlOn19r9v-yBim1-n7jKel_qQW3KBUD_6juVZELvOXHkN0/s320/Pajama+day+%26+cookies+055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401167423913903394" border="0" /></a><br />Dot the remaining cookie dough on top of the chocolate mixture. It doesn't have to be precise, so now is a great time to call in little helpers you may have around.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90mrcfectytJNuyl3iYkYUE6-6wznW4oXjZWmCwzwAP4fNXlimSPhJ2gEOBX9VpiGgSxbGi1eWIWQG51UTQsKneXHp8knXqrk8Mnz4bPAeFsgWR544ULf_Xsp02xodJLXF1TGwpwJNp0/s1600-h/Pajama+day+%26+cookies+056.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90mrcfectytJNuyl3iYkYUE6-6wznW4oXjZWmCwzwAP4fNXlimSPhJ2gEOBX9VpiGgSxbGi1eWIWQG51UTQsKneXHp8knXqrk8Mnz4bPAeFsgWR544ULf_Xsp02xodJLXF1TGwpwJNp0/s320/Pajama+day+%26+cookies+056.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401169019597451042" border="0" /></a><br />Bake for 25 minutes or so but be carefeful not to overbake. When the top is lightly browned, it's done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmcg5kF33gZpc_RCIxGyweoBusNP5yhiHkLhPKXFpH2bD99U2c8de9gVtWgz5H7H5mSw7VfyNpuxThCEO-plmpclf0RNsrtXYcU-gv2GML81kH9qogktX8BZvxRBB8xTajeO7tqqSvME/s1600-h/Pajama+day+%26+cookies+057.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmcg5kF33gZpc_RCIxGyweoBusNP5yhiHkLhPKXFpH2bD99U2c8de9gVtWgz5H7H5mSw7VfyNpuxThCEO-plmpclf0RNsrtXYcU-gv2GML81kH9qogktX8BZvxRBB8xTajeO7tqqSvME/s320/Pajama+day+%26+cookies+057.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401171507015820066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I find these bars even better the next day because they're extremely moist the first day so it's a great recipe for when you need something you can bake a day or two ahead of time.<br /><br />Now, let it cool for a while and then cut into bars. The size of the bars will be up to you!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfLRdfrtsdQywdn7tFZY2X1r3ET_sBuCmcxBjUfn6dDDlTWDeVBm3kBLHH4PB7rTry6O88gojvxBiegsQseXpvFS0HOPHgoSl7O4Y8hATdx21v-Q1pCTyOjscgvXDgS5-48-8E-yfPXY/s1600-h/Pajama+day+%26+cookies+060.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfLRdfrtsdQywdn7tFZY2X1r3ET_sBuCmcxBjUfn6dDDlTWDeVBm3kBLHH4PB7rTry6O88gojvxBiegsQseXpvFS0HOPHgoSl7O4Y8hATdx21v-Q1pCTyOjscgvXDgS5-48-8E-yfPXY/s320/Pajama+day+%26+cookies+060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401169229102398370" border="0" /></a><br />Wishing you God's blessings too numerous to count and may they all be as sweet as chocolate!<br /><br />{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-55828322021233813672009-10-24T10:59:00.013-04:002009-10-25T09:12:09.064-04:00Hello pumpkin!Growing up, I used to enjoying watching my mom carve pumpkins right before Halloween. She used to do a great job at it too.<br /><br />Now as an adult, I don't care for Halloween (at least not the spooky side of it) but I still enjoy beautifully decorated pumpkins, gourds and other seasonal fruits. Here are a few that I gathered from Country Living for inspiration. Not sure which ones I will try, they are all so interesting!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk1wQZ7Q1ayoCIFWzZevnEbCzClqvC7z7Iwvt_pHRbA9r6hRVSdeUJTCDWPlLEWPoD6nrXaEkVrzMxyNmQgrM5KslfKI_aGCBHaIqyPJRDblTs2zIBOuOM2kR53C_AQawoPrIK44rzQQ/s1600-h/CLX1008Gilding19-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk1wQZ7Q1ayoCIFWzZevnEbCzClqvC7z7Iwvt_pHRbA9r6hRVSdeUJTCDWPlLEWPoD6nrXaEkVrzMxyNmQgrM5KslfKI_aGCBHaIqyPJRDblTs2zIBOuOM2kR53C_AQawoPrIK44rzQQ/s320/CLX1008Gilding19-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396184487244993746" border="0" /></a><br />I really like this one below, I think it's so pretty! The sweater too...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0czs324mDC9wX9XEo4qEApuUOvBEZaM3ogChtvhfK3u7HP3PEKpWaSHyAtixPpUA7GvvWwQw1CF8_kuufGr1jH123RkWrpZ9AIFCEcYBpI893JHXnCiL__Wg81IgR1Y__OA4tfsRF6g/s1600-h/Poncho-Pattern-Pumpkin-GTL1006-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0czs324mDC9wX9XEo4qEApuUOvBEZaM3ogChtvhfK3u7HP3PEKpWaSHyAtixPpUA7GvvWwQw1CF8_kuufGr1jH123RkWrpZ9AIFCEcYBpI893JHXnCiL__Wg81IgR1Y__OA4tfsRF6g/s320/Poncho-Pattern-Pumpkin-GTL1006-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396184778823087682" border="0" /></a><br />What about this lovely lantern design?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PwrCWfmFOPtt473mwjvLY2OY23iJE0rihxQ9YmQ-5_64y5N-AvI3PkkY2VU0Gbh4j0dRfuEyfL8TwRa1JKCamD3mTsEO2dAJLctCzWCNaUyEf7dfRCwn_jRIGSP7RFR6mqz7vpGm0Zo/s1600-h/lantern-pumpkin-1009-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PwrCWfmFOPtt473mwjvLY2OY23iJE0rihxQ9YmQ-5_64y5N-AvI3PkkY2VU0Gbh4j0dRfuEyfL8TwRa1JKCamD3mTsEO2dAJLctCzWCNaUyEf7dfRCwn_jRIGSP7RFR6mqz7vpGm0Zo/s320/lantern-pumpkin-1009-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396184600941990290" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a view from the top of another favorite of mine. Is it a pumpkin or a flower? Looks like it's both!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2zQBLfKZWDXlcoamPZUM0DzYx6BIz8BFnox7j9dj1H5iM_1SNsxcPJuRG9nSRj5MiU6oyNyQ-Wn70TJeKTkjzYEmoVSRxoUDINGzg2FGBAkNHF21wgAthkdtPVzzTY2jnZI2tsKQEYw/s1600-h/Cinderella-Pumpkin-Flower-Design-GTL1006-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2zQBLfKZWDXlcoamPZUM0DzYx6BIz8BFnox7j9dj1H5iM_1SNsxcPJuRG9nSRj5MiU6oyNyQ-Wn70TJeKTkjzYEmoVSRxoUDINGzg2FGBAkNHF21wgAthkdtPVzzTY2jnZI2tsKQEYw/s320/Cinderella-Pumpkin-Flower-Design-GTL1006-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396184318359322674" border="0" /></a><br />Check out the wallpaper - another case of designs that blend in.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6B50CgD0nvFSOjGg-Lf_zw5QDMUJiBOa9bo7HyBIbzcpJmQvHnZYWw2ne7SGZC74RiBxKTbbmozdWsi9hlmr6fxqFPVas6DmEN58qONG0q5pa3tiPJqu7bp1zSN03gqGunY2kbdmriI/s1600-h/Vermicelli-Curlicue-Carved-Pumpkin-GTL1006-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6B50CgD0nvFSOjGg-Lf_zw5QDMUJiBOa9bo7HyBIbzcpJmQvHnZYWw2ne7SGZC74RiBxKTbbmozdWsi9hlmr6fxqFPVas6DmEN58qONG0q5pa3tiPJqu7bp1zSN03gqGunY2kbdmriI/s320/Vermicelli-Curlicue-Carved-Pumpkin-GTL1006-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396184203361383602" border="0" /></a><br />My mom used to decorate with candles. Maybe that's why I think this one is so special. :)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jmc7Kg0jj8RG3ia7Wf84iRYZIHdyyw_Iv6UHKvNq1v9HGxPU7GJTPNou-cw6oiyCQHKAoifjC-LHenC01Rxl2VRmYM4ca1WlBMM_edojVdUQQTv-mwmRT9HUhpkeN_v551VSzaE8pV0/s1600-h/CLX1007Cook1793-de-59090069.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jmc7Kg0jj8RG3ia7Wf84iRYZIHdyyw_Iv6UHKvNq1v9HGxPU7GJTPNou-cw6oiyCQHKAoifjC-LHenC01Rxl2VRmYM4ca1WlBMM_edojVdUQQTv-mwmRT9HUhpkeN_v551VSzaE8pV0/s320/CLX1007Cook1793-de-59090069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396184404826275106" border="0" /></a><br />How high can you go?! The colors, the shapes, the sizes, doesn't this pretty tower have it all?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVayAHv-ouyzakKsA_XG-o3YRlZ9ML4X_pLNK8FRpeODsCmYT2x8aEt94z_1J-Xc7xDXimzNAQ198gNZmlYkHL5YYMVLkS4sfDqk8bgaot_kvGgswDYgyHXYxblXHuLa8KNiiA1bTSrs/s1600-h/Pumpkin-Tower-GTL1006-de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVayAHv-ouyzakKsA_XG-o3YRlZ9ML4X_pLNK8FRpeODsCmYT2x8aEt94z_1J-Xc7xDXimzNAQ198gNZmlYkHL5YYMVLkS4sfDqk8bgaot_kvGgswDYgyHXYxblXHuLa8KNiiA1bTSrs/s320/Pumpkin-Tower-GTL1006-de.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396184865584628370" border="0" /></a><br />Have you or will you decorate this fall? I'd love to hear how you use pumpkins, gourds or other fruits in your decorations.<br /><br />May your day be joyful and full of sweet blessings!<br /><br />{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-63600021378047384062009-10-17T14:59:00.007-04:002009-10-17T15:23:55.773-04:00Enjoying teatimeOne of my favorite moments of the day is when I get to enjoy a nice cup of tea. I drink all kinds, but mostly I prefer green teas and white teas.<br /><br />Lately, I have been enjoying this one from Harney and Sons. It's a green tea called "Citron (lemon) Green".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_pKxwtWgCWIo4imLsZlh81IsTEyA1iQcS06_i1KxhaRPezGlVSp-C1ZST-zNEZ-mE43am76-7TC58IKjpK6myqRJUYWMBoY_jd7ttyPrmrIW5qjGMyCJJaA-GNjqDvVxlJuakNo1Mbs/s1600-h/citron+green+tea.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_pKxwtWgCWIo4imLsZlh81IsTEyA1iQcS06_i1KxhaRPezGlVSp-C1ZST-zNEZ-mE43am76-7TC58IKjpK6myqRJUYWMBoY_jd7ttyPrmrIW5qjGMyCJJaA-GNjqDvVxlJuakNo1Mbs/s320/citron+green+tea.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393649824195303698" border="0" /></a><br />If I'm at home, I like to put on some wonderful music, such as piano or harp. Often, I listen to Jim Gibson's music, and this cd is one I really enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOUp66igRJyFC045nBlhlxy3ugoGnjAP3MkFW7KyX6rDlGBrQ5DMJ8hyphenhyphenkldfAnOGndAy3MyDh6U__rxBV-cKItaCjLZ5B363iZMv7Rk-OtJBR2EPasoQ8tWDVIaTONEfL-VBk_5KugcM/s1600-h/Movies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOUp66igRJyFC045nBlhlxy3ugoGnjAP3MkFW7KyX6rDlGBrQ5DMJ8hyphenhyphenkldfAnOGndAy3MyDh6U__rxBV-cKItaCjLZ5B363iZMv7Rk-OtJBR2EPasoQ8tWDVIaTONEfL-VBk_5KugcM/s320/Movies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393650126905338786" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A soothing cup of tea along with lovely music somehow instantly takes any care I have to a far away place. Isn't teatime wonderful? I sure think it is!<br /><br />In fact, I like teatime by myself, just as much as I like teatime with a group of friends...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7MVH5Cs44flmy_vseI8HJ_t2GTmcHN9GRCvorH0pVYuv6UPYVcrTMP7AQz8NgaH7vfrnl_Ez_lNc7wkUxLbJCvyO45VSsRMcW5GQWVxP7u_Eej0kJPEkHpJZ0wTAYzHWJkhw4IwfMso/s1600-h/aliceinwonderland-teaparty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7MVH5Cs44flmy_vseI8HJ_t2GTmcHN9GRCvorH0pVYuv6UPYVcrTMP7AQz8NgaH7vfrnl_Ez_lNc7wkUxLbJCvyO45VSsRMcW5GQWVxP7u_Eej0kJPEkHpJZ0wTAYzHWJkhw4IwfMso/s320/aliceinwonderland-teaparty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393649648981370450" border="0" /></a><br />But my very favorite way to enjoy teatime is to share it with a very special loved one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fPmRKwjaHeMWQQyjC3hBPmnilfi2XeHU7xgLeotx2XUdmzFeErF1QzVBBd7GKgOut7e8refNxr0uyF3hbizQe8J-rKXXT8nsLLht62QIBx3kRYw4vGyeSxkxCPOPZKyYyaJkgl0mVc4/s1600-h/tea-party.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fPmRKwjaHeMWQQyjC3hBPmnilfi2XeHU7xgLeotx2XUdmzFeErF1QzVBBd7GKgOut7e8refNxr0uyF3hbizQe8J-rKXXT8nsLLht62QIBx3kRYw4vGyeSxkxCPOPZKyYyaJkgl0mVc4/s320/tea-party.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393649481547933394" border="0" /></a>May you enjoy tea and special friends to warm your heart today and always!<br /><br />:)the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-23693206374286873962009-10-04T11:44:00.017-04:002014-02-06T17:51:49.398-05:00By the lake with a boy and his dogThe lake in our backyard is one of my son's favorite spots. The fishing is good some of the time and even when it's not, well it's always a great place to relax, enjoy the breeze and the peaceful surroundings. Even with neighbors all around, it's surprisingly always very quiet. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ueb1KxaunAcWYdEHhYgKxxUyoacldqvqluUsBeiPBKQjkPr3oSixePzj3cAZ3N_fkj1RMF-SwrjKA0lVZBlH9K587HgcgJMS5KRy3k5XrqAe5vjOIyYOiV4j9lHmQmSJ099V_17X0kU/s1600-h/PB020214.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ueb1KxaunAcWYdEHhYgKxxUyoacldqvqluUsBeiPBKQjkPr3oSixePzj3cAZ3N_fkj1RMF-SwrjKA0lVZBlH9K587HgcgJMS5KRy3k5XrqAe5vjOIyYOiV4j9lHmQmSJ099V_17X0kU/s320/PB020214.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388780998250391714" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Whether or not a friend or hubby joins him while he's fishing, my sweet boy is rarely alone for very long. In fact, he's usually joined by a small 4-legged companion named Lizzy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgLtadacpX6cpD0AOqQOpS8STY8YZAR-2jWVJMBYqJAS6-3UNl-tlIoL675rXqTV0SeaOZV-WyfGpfOOZ-lQCZhjxUci8UHRjF7jfhB-ySCj4NohOzRfao5dT-yDRYdPn45fZxn5_eEc/s1600-h/P4120939.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgLtadacpX6cpD0AOqQOpS8STY8YZAR-2jWVJMBYqJAS6-3UNl-tlIoL675rXqTV0SeaOZV-WyfGpfOOZ-lQCZhjxUci8UHRjF7jfhB-ySCj4NohOzRfao5dT-yDRYdPn45fZxn5_eEc/s320/P4120939.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388782024175395010" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Yes, our family dog loves to tag along to enjoy the fresh air and the company of her boy...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkvvt-_ER_yVOWZPQEgnPpRcGMDacSRddLYIZTPSvAzVBFBBXO2UnZSBpI0ufmdNxV3xoiuk7pyLeq01tQMSdWFWspj4ak8mfvrroqsbAkcqym43XUfEaJSXeRb_uOfLMKMX4u8dpHZk/s1600-h/P4120947.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkvvt-_ER_yVOWZPQEgnPpRcGMDacSRddLYIZTPSvAzVBFBBXO2UnZSBpI0ufmdNxV3xoiuk7pyLeq01tQMSdWFWspj4ak8mfvrroqsbAkcqym43XUfEaJSXeRb_uOfLMKMX4u8dpHZk/s320/P4120947.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388782958812305282" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
Aaah, to be as carefree as a boy fishing and his dog keeping him company!<br />
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Wishing you a relaxing day and week ahead. May we all remember to slow down and enjoy the scenery. :)<br />
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{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-6094639412772250972009-09-26T16:22:00.004-04:002014-02-05T15:51:10.464-05:00Beautiful autumnHere comes autumn, and what a beautiful season it is! The colors, the shapes, the textures, all give it a glow no other season can boast. It is a season that is warm and comforting just like a dear old friend. Plus, how fun is it to enjoy all the beautiful decorations of this season?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6NaD1CuGCRfjwWJmjpmcD65nVMBNsPcP2nPtqXR4M2qN1IpKJdwGyWClqHssIDmZIUFllTr-wXklV7DtGVSgAl2itadkaopRmgg_CoYDNfTC-XD1gQwbETe0axvCopxnr6oQRCgxDjM/s1600-h/MarthaStewartautumnwindow.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6NaD1CuGCRfjwWJmjpmcD65nVMBNsPcP2nPtqXR4M2qN1IpKJdwGyWClqHssIDmZIUFllTr-wXklV7DtGVSgAl2itadkaopRmgg_CoYDNfTC-XD1gQwbETe0axvCopxnr6oQRCgxDjM/s320/MarthaStewartautumnwindow.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385881505063905970" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 281px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 225px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart</span></div>
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Even though the temperatures get a bit colder, it is to me a season full of warmth. The kind of warmth that comes from family and friends gathering together over a fireplace or cheering the home team at a football game or simply the delicious smell of pumpkin bread baking in the oven... how can any season compare?<br />
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And speaking of warmth, I must thank all of you who have left me such sweet and comforting words over the summer following my mom's passing. I don't know any of you personally and yet, I truly felt embraced by the support and kindness flowing through your comments. Thank you so much for warming my heart the way each of you did and for all of your prayers.<br />
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Now, I'm back to my little blog after taking the summer off and I'm happy to welcome you back. :)<br />
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Warm hugs and sweet blessings!the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-3243180082346106592009-06-20T11:32:00.002-04:002014-02-05T15:56:54.725-05:00Summer break<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8FxcyZUK5wXc_w_JxpfAxjlW9SJvziZDRZdqTHqXwGU9ahOlp_LM38-LpSAxoyrfSXE4j63Ritgp3y6Oo1UT9SOX3ueaQjhe-iZXXKS6njemWr7gYyteZ6WGN42_JdVG5kRjYZ0KzGI/s1600-h/friendship+cottage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8FxcyZUK5wXc_w_JxpfAxjlW9SJvziZDRZdqTHqXwGU9ahOlp_LM38-LpSAxoyrfSXE4j63Ritgp3y6Oo1UT9SOX3ueaQjhe-iZXXKS6njemWr7gYyteZ6WGN42_JdVG5kRjYZ0KzGI/s320/friendship+cottage.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349433201496200578" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 132px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 175px;" /></a><br />
A week ago, I received the sad news that my mom passed away unexpectedly. We lived in two different countries for the past 17 years (she lived in Canada and I'm in the US) and although I did not get to see her very often, she was very much close to my heart and in my prayers always. We loved each other deeply and the distance between us had never changed that.<br />
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The sadness of losing her will last for a while but I know that the Lord came to get her because He had chosen it to be her time and as His ways are not our ways, I will not try to understnd why it is so. Losing her made me reflect on my own motherhood and the little bit of time that I have with my own child. My little guy is already 7 and I want to treasure as much of our time together as possible, making family memories to cherish for years to come.<br />
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In order to spend as much quality time enjoying my family and the special activities that summer has to offer, I have decided to take the summer off from my blog and maybe longer depending how I feel come autumn. <br />
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I hope each of you has a great summer, with many fond memories to look back on. In the meantime, here's a short but beautiful poem written anonymously that I would like to leave you with today.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">May there always be work </span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">For your hands to do,</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">May your purse always hold a coin or two,</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">May the sun always shine </span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Warm on your windowpane,</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain,</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">May the hand of a friend always be near you,</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">And may God fill your heart</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">With gladness to cheer you.</span><br />
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Enjoy your summer, your loved ones and your many sweet blessings!<br />
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{hugs}the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584975888897816792.post-73092594837916849582009-05-30T18:57:00.009-04:002009-05-30T19:46:05.208-04:00Sugar or lemon?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKaqfudPjrwD_8JBcw8fe2eIhAUPcuJZhrswFQvYwxfy38Q7PZ61fwTR387i_6hDYbZtJVHMmDlc8QZF3rgDCXvWFTavTkEj2tM_kwBa6mOfnvMyO-x9UnKMmddCdZY5nMiNSukWQyDg/s1600-h/white-sugar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKaqfudPjrwD_8JBcw8fe2eIhAUPcuJZhrswFQvYwxfy38Q7PZ61fwTR387i_6hDYbZtJVHMmDlc8QZF3rgDCXvWFTavTkEj2tM_kwBa6mOfnvMyO-x9UnKMmddCdZY5nMiNSukWQyDg/s320/white-sugar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341761220603208338" border="0" /></a><br />Ah, sugar <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">and </span>lemon you say?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMYTEqPvq1c5wK2pPTBckbc1I31b_QyR1W0MClgBRGRjmpsgWyku7PVBQayl6tNJb9ALb0P99mD_dBHn8vPdluaQPKM-05FAf8i0T-BqZZqVFwGB_niM7BlvXnqglYLnPpIjHuxxUocY/s1600-h/lemon+slices.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMYTEqPvq1c5wK2pPTBckbc1I31b_QyR1W0MClgBRGRjmpsgWyku7PVBQayl6tNJb9ALb0P99mD_dBHn8vPdluaQPKM-05FAf8i0T-BqZZqVFwGB_niM7BlvXnqglYLnPpIjHuxxUocY/s320/lemon+slices.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341763237803095634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Those are two things often served with tea, of course. But if I asked you which one would you rather be, would you need to think about it for a while?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">These six things the Lord hates, yes seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies and one who sows discord among brethren.</span> Proverbs 6:16-19.<br /><br />I'd like to share with you an excerpt from Tea time with God which I really enjoyed on the topic of sugar and lemon (or how sweet and/or sour our words can be).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rZTXqrP7_ataUhI4MUOeyKoa82iiciDSbMOUFs-_VuqbvZOVEbI2ctw7FH-8OT2pZ8xf7MlE3C8lV4foZ1hAR7w4nX3ugmsDsBYwL3_6OsjktbWUL_AObuAgOSiDso7gJFEm2NLIz_Y/s1600-h/PA280110.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rZTXqrP7_ataUhI4MUOeyKoa82iiciDSbMOUFs-_VuqbvZOVEbI2ctw7FH-8OT2pZ8xf7MlE3C8lV4foZ1hAR7w4nX3ugmsDsBYwL3_6OsjktbWUL_AObuAgOSiDso7gJFEm2NLIz_Y/s320/PA280110.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341757766742873586" border="0" /></a><br />Afternoon tea is traditionally a time for reflecting on the day and chatting with friends. Perhaps because it comes at a low-energy time of day, we may be more careless in our conversation and include not-so-kind opinions about others.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRggjvZ-HnRMYKrkyArbCqzZXbInecs1UJIYSbdMMs7ITmvO4PzYlyGnaIs-43u2WKXLLKoLS2SzAPsK70nF1s99CAqwbTMsd0XJc3oxNMyHl3EhAd-0lVVYtseHpCyOvqUx9pDii2qq0/s1600-h/rockwell_society_rediscovered_women_with_box_P0000015461S0009T2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRggjvZ-HnRMYKrkyArbCqzZXbInecs1UJIYSbdMMs7ITmvO4PzYlyGnaIs-43u2WKXLLKoLS2SzAPsK70nF1s99CAqwbTMsd0XJc3oxNMyHl3EhAd-0lVVYtseHpCyOvqUx9pDii2qq0/s320/rockwell_society_rediscovered_women_with_box_P0000015461S0009T2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341756827050014226" border="0" /></a><br />At the very time sugar and cream are being slipped into the tea, verbal raspberries, lemons and sour grapes may slip into the conversation.<br /><br />Consider sharing this little poem with your tea-mates at the beginning of your time together.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I Know Something Good About You</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wouldn't this world be better</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If folks whom we meet would say</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I know something good about you"</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And treat you just that way?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wouldn't it be splendid,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If each handshake, good and true,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Carried with it this assurance:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I know something good about you?"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wouldn't life be happier,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If the good that's in us all,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Were the only thing about us</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">That people would recall?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wouldn't our days be sweeter,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If we praised the good we see;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For there is a lot of goodness,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In the worst of you and me?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wouldn't it be fine to practice,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This way of thinking too;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You know something good about me,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I know something good about you?</span><br /><br />- Author unknown<br /><br />How perfect of a poem for teatime or anytime, don't you think? I hope you enjoyed it.<br /><br />So, again I ask you: sugar or lemon - which one would you rather be? There's plenty of room so come and jump in the sugar bowl with me! ;)<br /><br />Many sweet blessings!the voice of melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10554382428127646569noreply@blogger.com22