books,crafts,decorating

Monday, December 29, 2008

I did it.... I finished my tomb!

I started this book June 28, 2008 and finished it tonight. WHEW!! What do you think of that?

I blogged about this book back in early June before I started to read it for the second time. I told you all then, that I had read it years ago, 20 or so years, that is, and so I wanted to read it again. I enjoyed it so much the first time but realized that I am a different person now in my 60's than I was in my 40's.

What a difference a few years make, my friends. This time I absorbed every nuance of growth in the main characters as revealed by our author, Helen Hooven Santmyer. The book begins in the mid 1800's right after the Civil War. It takes us through those horse and buggy days when people died for lack of antibiotics and a knowledge of keeping things sterile while delivering a baby.

I was aware of how busy those ladies were. They didn't have a TV to watch, but when they sat down in the evening after dinner, they had their basket of mending on their laps. If they had their knitting it was to make socks for their family rather than the way that I do it and make decorative throws etc. for my home as a craft project. What different times those were.

I read about gas lights coming onto the scene and then electricity. Soon people were driving those contraptions called automobiles that spooked the horses of those who drove by.

Yes, those were simpler times in a way, but also very rigid and market by customs that dictated what everyone should do. It was wonderful to visit that time in history through this novel, but I'm glad I live in the 2000's.

It took Ms. Santmyer 50 years to write that book. She wrote a few others as well which I have also read. Ladies of the Club is by far her best work. By the time it was published she was a very old lady.

I highly recommend that you consider this book for your "after the holidays" or your summer reading. It's an amazing journey you won't be sorry that you took.

I just love candles

Really! I love candles. I don't know what it is about them. I love the soft light they emit and the scented ones are wonderful for setting a mood.

Quickcandles.com has an amazing selection of wonderful candles of all kinds. They offer scented as well as unscented candles. They have pillar candles, votive candles and floating candles. I'm personally very partial to the tealight candles. You can get the candles as well as the holders at quickcandles.com.

Really, if you love candles as much as I do, you owe it to yourself to check out this site. I bought some for my daughters. They love them too.

Promoting your blog

Most of us bloggers spend a lot of time promoting our blogs by visiting other blogs, commenting on them, joining blogging communities etc.etc.

There is another idea I'd like to suggest to you. iPromo.com sells promotional product. You can buy a wide variety of products with your blog url printed on it. There is a long list of products available at a variety of prices. I'm sure that you will find a product at a price that fits your budget on which to advertise your blog or other business. I found some great tote bags that are just what I'm looking for.

Do check out iPromo.com and see what you can find for your advertising needs.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

What do you think?

I have been asked to review a youtube video for Buy.com staring Howie Mandel and friend. (you can see the video here .

While watching it my 10 year old granddaughter was sitting here with me, so I asked her what she thought this commercial was about. She said, "it's about how you can get anything you need at buy.com". (I'd bet you could get most things on sale at this time of year too)

I felt that Howie's presentation was a bit over the top, however, he captured my attention, and Sierra's, and got his message across. That is what a commercial is suppose to do, after all. I would give him and buy.com an excellent rating on this video.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Christmas Memories


I live in South East Texas. Here in the South, warm weather is what we expect and usually get. Our summer temperatures are in the mid 90's, and it's not uncommon to have an entire winter pass without a freeze. This year we're having some pretty cold days, but you don't hear many of us complaining. It's a nice break.

Many Christmas' have come and gone. All are a little hectic, some have been full of joy, some a little lonely. I'm sure most of you could say the same. Most are enjoyable, though.

As for Christmas memories, though, the one year that will always stand out when I think of Christmas is the year that it snowed here on Christmas Eve. Imagine!! Snow in South Texas on Christmas Eve. Not the day before or the day after Christmas, but Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This Minnesota native stayed up until the wee hours of the morning watching this miracle of God taking place before my eyes. I saw that snow as a love gift to all of us it fell on. I felt unworthy, I felt surrounded by His love and a gratitude in my heart that returns and fills me whenever I remember that Christmas Eve snowfall.

After nearly 69 years of Christmas', that one Christmas memory will always remain as my favorite.

Do you have a special Christmas story you want to share with us? Do leave a comment. Share your story with us too.

Need a great idea for a Christmas gift?

For those of us who have a person on our Christmas list who is disabled or who just likes unusual gifts, well I have just the perfect gift idea for you. Consider talking watches as a gift idea. They not only will say the time, their time is automatically updated by National Institute of Standards and Technology`s (NIST) radio signal.

At www.activeandable.com not only do they have watches that speak the time, they also have a long list of other items that will make life a lot easier for anyone who needs a bit of special help. Do check them out. You'll just maybe find that unique gift for someone hard to buy for.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Christmas Spirit


How are you all doing with Christmas spirit this year? Finding it hard to grab hold of that holiday joy with such uncertainty all around us?

I'm struggling a bit with this myself. However, I have decided that the biblical principle of giving out of one's need is tried and true. Therefore, in order to get a bit of that spirit, I know that I must give some.

This principle works in everything and anything. If you are feeling tired, nothing will perk you up more than going for a brisk walk. Try it. It's amazing. Are you feeling blue? Get out around people, smile and be friendly to someone who looks like they could use a friend right now. This has always worked for me and continues to amaze me when it does.

So, what are we going to do to get into the spirit of Christmas? Get involved in sharing your Christmas with others. In our town there is a lady who has a group of kids that she looks after and makes sure they have presents under their tree. I plan to be "Santa" for one of her kids this year. Toys for Tots will have some gifts from me as well, and I am going to make some special decorations for my wonderful neighbors too.

In giving we get 10 fold back. This is true not only at Christmas time, but year round. Merry Christmas to you all.

Our Alex is driviing!

It's so hard to believe that our grandson Alex is driving now. We are pleased with the amount of common sense this youngster has shown and have rewarded him by making our vehicles available to him to drive at times.

With him driving we decided that it would be a good idea to get some updated auto insurance quotes as well. At www.2insure4less.com, we found that the coverage we had already was competitive. It was good to know that we weren't under or over insured and that we were getting the best price available.

In this financial market, none of us want to pay any more than we have to for anything. Don't you agree?

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Wonder of His Love


It isn't even Thanksgiving yet and I already am feeling the spirit of Christmas starting to stir inside of my heart. Precious family and dear friends all around me are the reason for this early Christmas joy beginning to sprout in my heart.

Some years Christmas just doesn't quite make it to my spirit, but goes on around me. Oh, I go through all of the motions, alright, but inside it's just another gathering, just another day, just another meal, just some gifts. Isn't that sad. I wonder how many people feel that way? I know many who absolutely hate the holidays. How very sad.

I'm not sure why this year in particular that I feel this early Christmas cheer. Maybe it's because of all of the turmoil in our world with wars, stock market going crazy, uncertain futures for many and so forth. With all of that craziness, in the very midst of it there is this peace that can only come from the Lord Himself. He whispers to my heart, "Be still and know that I am God"......and I am still, and I give thanks, and I praise Him for His enduring love. That, my friends, is Christmas. That's why "Christmas" is stirring in my heart. His love, His promise to guide and protect. His comfort every present.

I praise Him and thank Him. Amen.

Products compared

If you're into weight lifting or body building this article will be of interest to you.
At www.consumerpricewatch.net Hydroxycut hardcore you'll find out what these products contain, and how they work. You'll also find their top ten weight loss aids reviewed and why they consider their choices the better bargain.

I feel strongly that we can't research enough the over the counter products we use. Information is our best tool and with it we can't go wrong. "Be informed" is my slogan. I feel that the same applies to medications that doctor's prescribe. Read the fliers that come with drugs. Know the side effects.

Information!! It's our most effective weapon no matter what!

Christmas gifts for hard to buy for people

We all have people on our Christmas list like this. They either have everything or what the would want, is out of our price range.

T-shirts are big these days. Especially those that express our senses of humor or support our favorite team. There is a great site where you can buy funny t shirts just the right t-shirt for whatever person you need to buy for.

At www.roadkilltshirts.com you'll find that special something for that hard to buy for person on your list. I'd be willing to bet that you'll be ordering a t-shirt or two for yourself as well.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Finding the right lawyer

Our son-in-law bought a motorcycle a few months ago. He's a very cautious man who knows what he's doing and doesn't take any unnecessary chances.

Nevertheless, he had a little accident and the car involved was trying to blame him for everything. Well, my son-in-law was smart enough to know that he needed a special lawyer. He needed to find motorcycle accident attorneys. He did some research and found www.michaelpadway.com. This firm specializes in motorcycle accidents. They know motorcycles and they know what they can do and what they can't do.

I feel better knowing that Brian's case is in good hands. He deserves the best.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

President Elect Obama and His Family


I am in absolute awe of our soon to be first family. Having raised three children myself I recognize in the Obamas just how important their children are to them. What an awesome experience for those two little girls, growing up in the White House.

I wonder if they really get it. If they really understand how huge this is. Maybe having their father become a senator has already prepared them somewhat for being in the public eye.

I pray for this family, for their safety and that the Lord will guide them in all of their decisions.

We're all watching and this Republican is full of hope that that Democrat soon to be our president will bring about badly needed change.

Need help losing weight?

If you're dieting, and who isn't I might add, you may want to take a look at this site that I found. It's www.pricesexposed.com is the site, and they list and review OTC diet pills. I really like to get as much information as I can when I'm looking for a product I will ingest.

Not only do they review the weight loss aid, but they compare prices so you can decide which best suits your health needs and your pocket book too.

There are a lot of products out there. As always, I strongly urge you to read the labels, research, research, research, and ask your doctor before beginning any new program. For research purposes and price comparison, www.pricesexposed is a great place to begin.

Good luck.

Changing jobs? Live in Texas?

I know a lot of folks are doing just that, looking for a better job that pays more money. Maybe you're out of work altogether.

If any of these scenarios are true for you, might I suggest a great website where you can search for Dallas jobs online. Dallas, as everyone knows is a huge city with a lot to offer. On this site you can post your resume and have it seen by employers who are looking for people just like you with the skills you have.

This site is a very "now" concept. In my day we had to pound the pavement going from one employment agency to another. This makes so much more sense.

Oh, and you can also search for jobs in your area of expertise as well. Now that's convenient.

Good luck in your search.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Just what we needed

I found a great site the other day while surfing, www.rentalo.com. They offer vacation rentals anywhere and everywhere. You name a country or a place that you want to go and they offer rentals there for vacationers.

When we're traveling here in the USA, we take our RV as a rule. However, we hope to do more traveling overseas, so this is one site I intend to bookmark for future reference. Next year we will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary and I intend to surprise my husband with some wonderful trip that he wouldn't even dream of going on himself.

I'm going to check and see if I can't book it a year in advance and pay it a little at a time so that the trip will be paid off when we're ready to go. I'm getting excited about it already. =)

Saving money! We all love that.

2008 Black Friday is upon us. What is Black Friday you ask? Traditionally it is the Friday after Thanksgiving which is when retailers offer their best sales hoping to draw buyers into their stores. It's a great day for us shoppers, because we can save a lot of money by doing our Christmas shopping early beginning with that Friday after Thanksgiving.

Black Friday is also known as the busiest shopping day of the year and one of the days with heaviest traffic on the roads as well. I guess that figures. Those two things go hand in hand.

Because I love shopping online I am always on the look out for sites that offer those same great savings and some even offer free shipping. Ritzcamera.com is offering some great deals and are not charging sales tax. I am going to get my shopping done early this year. =) How about you. We don't want to miss those great deals.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Sarah Palin, What's next?


I have a sneaking suspicion that we haven't heard that last of Sarah Palin. I do believe that she has captured the hearts of many and the interest of most people.

I think the thing that I like about her is that she appears to be just who she is, with no facade, no games and no agenda. She says what she wants and means it completely.

I understand that the Republican party is already sending people up to Alaska to groom her for more. I hope they don't "groom" that charm out of her.

We shall see.

The latest thing..

Media centers are the hottest thing in home improvement projects. The reasons for this are as varied as the people who are adding them to their home.

For me, to have one room that is designed with enjoying media in mind is as good as it gets for home entertainment. To have your music, television etc all in one room for your family or when you entertain just can't get any better.

What I would envision for a media center would be first off home theater seating. These are amazing, comfortable and made with comfort and convenience in mind. Most have places for your drinks, they recline, and are made of fabrics that can take the wear and tear that this room must be able to take.

If you're adding a media room to your home, I strongly suggest you check out www.treomodern.com for a great selection in all media room needs. Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Have you heard about the contest???





This is SO EXCITING I can hardly contain myself. You AND I can win up to $33,000 in prizes. All we have to do is go to www. ShopandConfess.com and tell them about your online shopping experiences. Before you do, though, view some of the great videos at the site. They have a ton of great ideas and hints to help to increase your chances of winning.

When you do sign up, be sure to give them my url, www.revealedreflections.com. I more of my readers enter then my fellow bloggers I'll win a separate contest. So, it's important that you give them my url. Tell all your friends to enter too. Maybe get a group together and do a group video and share the winnings.

Whatever you decided to do, who in todays economy can't stand a chance to win some cash?? Let's all enter!!! GOOD LUCK!!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Daylight savings time. Do you like it?

I guess that's a moot point. We have daylight savings time and there are more that enjoy it than those who would rather do away with it. However, it has never been one of my favorite things. When the children were young, each season going onto daylight savings time of coming off of it through their schedules off and took forever to get them back to normal. Their poor inner clocks were always confused. =)

We're about ready to switch back to regular time, so I am patiently waiting that. When we Fall back you can be sure I'll be launching into a diatribe about my inner clock being messed up too.

Some of us are just hard to please I guess. =)

Fall back!

We're patiently waiting for daylight savings time to end here in South Texas. Meanwhile, we are having cooler weather which is such a treat for us all. The air condition has been turned off and we find that our ceiling fans offer us all of the breeze that we need to be very comfortable.

Summer went by so fast this year, and the reprieve from the heat is a welcomed one. I love having my windows open. This is my favorite time of the year.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I love books!!!

A couple of months ago I posted a picture of the book I'm reading and told you all that I didn't expect to be able to blog on this book for quite a while. It contains 1400 pages!! The title is "...and Ladies of the Club".

Well friends, I am still reading. Though about two thirds through this novel, I still have a way to go before I'm done.

May I add that this is the second time I read this book and after 20 years or so since the first reading, it's like a totally new book to me. The characters are like old friends, but because I'm more mature, as I read things have a different meaning to me. The first time I read it, I hadn't experienced the death of a loved one. I have now, so when I read about that I fully understand and identify with these characters and their grief.

There is truly a tremendous value in re-reading books that you once enjoyed. You'll find that you will enjoy those books in a completely different way, to a richer fuller degree. Give it a try and see for yourself.

What did we ever do without them?

What did we do without them? Of course, I'm talking about my PDA. These days there are few businesses that don't utilize computers. That being so, most of us need to have access to our valuable business information wherever we are. Thus a PDA. My daughter has an ad agency and one day she showed me her PDA. She demonstrated how she can take the advertising campaign her when she has a business meeting. She can show her customer what she has in mind and make changes that her customers suggest right there and then. Well, I was sold and knew I needed one as well.

My first stop at all times when shopping on the internet is buy.com. When looking for PDAs that was again my first stop. I found just what I was looking for and at a great price. I could blog just on the joys of owning a PDA. But that's a subject for another blog.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Always on the lookout

My friends and family know that I spend a lot of time on the internet doing research. When I want something or need a service, I turn to the internet.

Knowing this about me, my friends and family all come to me when they have something they're looking for. They know that if I find a good site I will bookmark it. Recently my neighbor ask me if I knew of a site where she could order
modern furniture. She had come to the right place once again. I had bookmarked a site that has a wonderful variety of modern furniture for every room in the house.

Well, my friend checked it out and let me know later that she found just what she wanted, ordered it and is now anxiously awaiting it's arrival. I'm always happy when I can help out a friend that way.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

A new toy in our house

Anyone who reads my blogs on even just a semi regular basis knows that I am nuts about "toys". I love all of the new gadgets on the market. My husband and kids are the same way.

Well, the latest "toy" at our house is pop up tv, and we couldn't be happier with it. Not only is it a great TV, but it's also a lovely piece of furniture as well. I really like the way the TV disappears down into the console when we turn it off, and lifts up when we are ready to watch again.

We like traditional style, but they come in any style that suits your fancy. A great TV, a beautiful piece of furniture, an exciting new "toy". It just doesn't get any better.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Some things never change

I was looking through some family pictures the other day and came across one of me as a teenager. My young face was covered with acne. I used alcohol on those blemishes, which dried out my skin terribly.

Today, much more is known about acne and treatment for it. I came across a great site the other day that has some interesting new thoughts on treatment for this problem. It's acnecuresrevealed.net. Some of their products attack the problem from within rather than just topically. These products are worth investigating if you or someone you love suffers from this problem.

Consulting your doctor before taking any over the counter medication is always the best thing to do, as well as choosing products with natural ingredients.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Join the club!!!

I say that a lot, but when I do it never has anything to actually do with a club. However, today, right now, I actually mean it. Join the CLUB!! The wine of the month club, that is.

We've joined the Gold Medal Wine Club of California and are really enjoying the experience. They offer several programs with different prices. When you receive your wine you also receive a booklet telling you all about your wines. I've always been fascinated by the different wines, how they are made and what makes each one different.

I just might become a wine expert yet. We shall see. A wine club! What a great idea!!! Don't you think?

Moving made easy

Moving used to mean hiring a moving company to come out and pack up the truck with your belongings. It was very costly. The other options for moving were limited at best.

Now days there are more options when it comes to moving services. I like the idea of having a company bring out an empty trailer or even a box like container which we then fill with our things at our own pace. They come back and pick it up to be delivered to our destination. They even will store these trailers or "ReloCubes" (containers) if we need them too do so.

I like this option and it's a lot cheaper too. I am always looking for ways to save money. =)

Monday, September 22, 2008

My friends in South Carolina

When I stop to think of it, we have friends spread all over the United States. I like that. Whenever we travel we try to work in a visit with those special ones that we don't get to see that often.

In talking to our friends in South Carolina a couple of weeks ago, Penny told me about her husband having hurt his back on the job. They didn't know what to do. I was so happy to be able to help. I had just what she needed.

South Carolina injury lawyer is a firm of lawyers who deal in just that. Personal injury cases. The reason I know about them is that another friend told me about having consulted with them on a matter they needed help with. They came highly recommended so I checked out their website and bookmarked it. I'm so glad I did.

I'm always glad when I can help a friend. Aren't you?

Friday, September 19, 2008

An impressive site

Money is tight for everyone these days. Any sites that I can find that check out and compare prices is worthy of note and of review here in my blog.

Always on the lookout for more bang for my buck, I was pleased as can be when I came across weight loss product on Consumerpricewatch.net. They compare the various weight loss aids, what they cost, and where you can get them at the lowest price.

It is always a pleasure to review this type of site. No matter what we're buying, it's nice to have all of the checking out done for us as consumers and the information compiled on one site for us. Check this one out. It's a good one!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

The very best for your baby

I must say, I am proud to review Britax for you. Britax has developed a child seat system that has made them the uncontested global leader in car seats and strollers. They sell many other items for your baby and all are made with safety in mind.

If you're in the market for anything for a baby, do visit Babyearth.com You'll find a unique variety of products offered, but most important of all is the fact that all items are safe. There is a lot of security in knowing that.

If you're looking for baby products, you owe it to yourself to check out Babyearth.com. An awesome site.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

School time again

Our grandson is in his senior year of high school this year. I can hardly believe it.

Alex is so excited about this year. He said it's going to be his best year yet. He fussed with this and that getting ready for school as most kids do. Wouldn't you know it though. His skin broke out the week before school was to start.

Luckily, he had ordered some acne treatment from a great site I found for him online, so he began to use the ointment right away. By the first day of school, his acne was all cleared up. That was one less thing for him to be worried about that first day. He certainly is growing up fast! We're so very proud of that young man.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

What happens in Vegas...........

We haven't been to Las Vegas in ages so I told my husband we're overdue. He agreed to go if I find a good deal on a trip for us.

So, I did some checking on Las Vegas travel and found a super link with some great deals. Being the end of the season, this is the perfect time for a trip there.

Well, I have booked a trip for us and can hardly wait. There is something very relaxing about the desert and Las Vegas. I'm off to pack. =)

Always looking for deals

My family and friends know that I spend a lot of time on the Internet looking for good deals on this and that. Knowing this, they always let me know if they are in the market for something in particular.

My neighbor is planning a trip for the holidays and asked me to keep my eyes open. Well, I did some checking around for travel deals and found this great site with some incredible prices for trips. I sent the link to Shermans Travel to my friend and she is booking a trip as I write this.

I am always so happy to be able to help out a friend.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Love my computer!!

I truly could avoid going out at all if I wanted to. I can pay bills, invest, order everything we need in the way of household goods and wearing apparel, all online.

I can even shop for online auto insurance, compare prices and get the best deal available. All of this conveniently taken care of from the comfort of my own home.

This is especially important now with gas so high. I try to do all that I can online and save driving for appointments to the doctor etc. We are all so fortunate to live during this computerized age. We really are.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

My newest multimedia toy

I don't know when I have been more excited about a new device as I am my
Nokia N810. The latest thing in handheld devices, the N810 has a full pullout keyboard. Easy to use, convenient for when I'm away from my computer, it's really a must have for anyone who is in business. We all use email in our business interactions these days. We even communicate with our doctors via email from time to time.

I don't know how I ever got along without my hand held. They have come down in price and keep improving with every turn.You'll wonder how you ever got along without yours once you get one.

My love affair with books

I have had an ongoing love affair with books for as long as I can remember. I truly can't remember a time when I didn't have a book that I was reading waiting for me to just sit down and lose myself in it's pages. Always looking for a good buy on the latest books I am pleased when I find a site that has great prices on books.

I must admit, though, that I never thought of buying
textbooks online, but why not?? Textbooks are usually in such demand in school bookstores that you have to wait to get what you need. With competitive prices and a steady supply, I find that my "off to college" nieces and nephews are all ordering theirs online. What a great idea!!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Keeping in touch

We have a motor home and are doing a lot of traveling this summer. Right now we are in California visiting friends and family.

My husband and I both have online businesses so we need internet access. Most RV parks have wireless internet access now, so we recently bought a
laptop computer. We are so pleased with it and were amazed at how reasonable it was to purchase.

Now, no matter where we go, we are able to keep up with our work as well as stay in touch with our family.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

It's Party Time!!

My sister is having a party for her husband's 60th birthday in a couple of weeks. She is so creative!! Her husband had very serious major surgery several months ago and so she has asked all of us women to come dressed in
nurse costumes. I thought she was joking when she said she wanted us all to dress as "naughty nurses". She wasn't joking, however, and knowing her husband Joe, he's going to really get a kick out of it.

We all were very concerned about Joe's health not too long ago. Our prayers were answered, though, and he is just fine. I guess to have a good laugh now is the best way to celebrate that he is better than ever.

So, we're all going to squeeze our over 60, over weight, drooping bodies into short skirted nurses costumes. I think it'll be a hoot! I may post some photos here from the party. Then again, maybe I won't. =)

Until next time,

Mary

Traveling abroad

My daughter and her husband just left on a business trip abroad. Once they got everything ready they were excited to be going, but I must say, it strained my daughter's nerves trying to get all of their papers in order for the trip.

The biggest problem was that they needed to get a passport and time was of the essence. Well, my daughter is very savvy when it comes to working under pressure. Before we knew it, she had found a a passport service on the internet. Imagine!! Only my daughter would think to look on the internet for passports.

Anyway, she got their papers all in order and off they went on their trip. She amazes me sometimes. I had her send me that site too so I could bookmark it for future reference. I still have my heart set on a trip to Europe one of these days.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Goodbye to a special neighbor....

My neighbor is moving and I am so glad to see that she has help with that stressful process of moving her entire house to another state.

Most of us have used moving companies at one time or another, but the one she found is exceptional. She said that U-Pack Moving will deliver a trailer or a ReloCube to her home, she will pack her things into it, then they will pick it up and deliver it to her new home safely and soundly. She said the savings is incredible and that she had been able to get a quote online before hand. I really like that idea. I checked out the site and have bookmarked it for future reference.

My brother the golfer!!

We just got back from visiting my brother Fred in Minnesota. Fred discovered golf when he was a very young man. He's an excellent golfer himself, and has a group of friends who share his passion for the sport.

While we were there, he was telling us about a trip he and his friends have scheduled. One of the guys went online and found a great site where he was able to book an Orlando golf vacation. He was even able to schedule tee times at the golf courses they wanted to play as well as hotel rooms and so forth.

My golfing husband got the URL for the website they used from Fred before we left. He said he and his golfing friends are going to book a golfing trip to Orlando for later this summer. He can hardly wait.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Help for these financially challenging times...

We have always kept tight reins on our finances and the peace of mind that goes along with that is invaluable.

I realize however, that many are struggling during these times, so I asked for some advice from a CPA friend of ours.

He said that what he would recommend that those who are drowning in credit card debt would be to look into a balance transfer credit card. This would enables a person who has credit cards charging high interest rates to transfer that balance to a card that is offering 0% interest rate. That would save you a ton of money right off the bat. Then, you could take that money that would normally go towards interest and apply it to your balance owed, thus paying it off sooner. What an excellent suggestion! Don't you think? I sure hope this helps those of you that are feeling stressed over your bills!

Until next time,

Mary

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

How to make pork and sauerkraut by a "KRAUT"

Unless you make your own sauerkraut, buy it packaged in a jar, NEVER in a can. (mom says!! ) You can use either a roasting pan or a dutch oven. My sister Alice uses her dutch oven, I use my roaster. This recipe makes a lot, so if you're cooking for two or don't like leftovers, I suggest you cut this recipe in half.

Pork and Sauerkraut

Drain two large jars of sauerkraut. (some people rinse it. I do not)
Put half of the kraut into the pan
Next lay pork chops or pork ribs (I have six chops)
Cut 6 med. potatoes into 1/4 sized pieces and place in pan
Put the other half of the kraut over this.
Add a cup of water

Cover and cook 3 1/2 hours at 350
Serve sour cream on the side for over the potatoes.

My sister Alice is a great cook. She says that she grates her potatoes into the kraut and cooks potatoes on the side. This time I have grated two large potatoes into my kraut and also put the cut up potatoes into the pot. We shall see how that works out.

Enjoy!!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Computer memory

Because I'm a writer, I really use up the memory on my computer fast. I'm always having to add more. Another thing is that I have a laptop that I use when we travel, and need portable devices so I can take my projects with me.

Well, today I ordered the greatest device. Portable computer memory that works with a USB port. I can save my project on the memory stick, take it with me, stick the portable memory into my laptop and I'm ready to go to work when we're traveling, or I have an appointment away from my desk.

This is only one of the many ways of adding memory to your computer. You'll be amazed. I certainly was.

Until next time,

Mary

What did we ever do without our cellphones?

We live in such an amazing period in history. I am just old enough to remember what it was like to not have a TV or even a phone, so my cell phones delights me every time I use it.

I had stopped in to see our son at work last week, and when I tried to call him to let him know I was there, I couldn't get a signal. He told me that they had just hired a cell phone repeater company to solve this problem. He said it's not uncommon for certain buildings as well as trucks and cars to have difficulty getting a good signal. He said that they make RV power boosters and antennas as well.

I truly didn't know these products were available.. Before we leave on our trip this summer, we're going to have a cellular antenna installed in our RV.

Until next time,

Mary

Thursday, June 26, 2008

And Ladies Of The Club by Helen Hooven Santmeyer

Well, I started my tomb! This book is somewhere in the neighborhood of 1400 pages long. It begins in the middle 1800s right after the Civil War, and goes on through the process of getting electricity in homes and cars on the roads.

At present they all have a horse and buggy to get them where they want to get and do things like "call" on one another each day. That means that the women get all dressed up and go visit with the other ladies in town. They have "cards", like our business cards, only they are just cards with their names on them. They didn't have telephones yet so this was a necessary routine to keep in touch with your friends. That and church on Sunday and prayer meeting on Wednesdays.

I so enjoy reading about this period in history. Even books of fiction are full of reality and one gets a look into life during an earlier time. In the main ways, people are still the same, but there were a whole different set of social rules that they lived by back then. It's quite eye opening.

I wasn't going to do a book review on this because it's such a big book and will take me a long time to read it. I guess, though, that I could come back and periodically update you on what is happening with the ladies of the club. I could take you all on the journey with me. =)

Until next time,

Mary

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Summer Is Officially Here

In South Texas summer means heat. To manage this, we have added a Four Seasons Porch to our home. We use it as we would any outdoor space. When we were ready to furnish it I found this great site online that has a wide variety of styles, colors and prices in patio furniture.

I can't tell you how much we enjoy that room. I read in there as the light is so wonderful. Early in the morning, I open up all of the windows and sit there with my cup of coffee and enjoy the morning breeze. It has become my favorite place to sit. The furniture is as comfortable as any we have in our house. We just love it.

Friday, June 20, 2008

What's for dinner?

I never considered myself a good cook. However, over the years of cooking for my family I have developed a knack and creativity in cooking that I do believe qualifies me as a good cook.

I must say, however, that I do get tired of making the same things and to find a new recipe is always nice, especially during the summer. I recently discovered a site online that has a wider variety of great recipes as any I have seen. There is something for every pallet and for every occasion. Quick and easy meals as well as fancy, company meals.

This is one site that I have bookmarked and will be visiting a lot. My family enjoys new dishes and so do it.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

"Cross" by James Patterson

I just finished "Cross" and enjoyed it a lot. The main character in this series is a young man names Alex Cross. You can't help but feel you know this very engaging young man. A intelligent and talented detective on the police force in Washington, D.C., he's been dubbed "The Dragon Slayer" because if his ability to understand the minds of serial killers, and to capture them.

In "Cross" we learn more of the details of his beloved wife Maria's murder. One almost mourns his loss with him as we go back to the event and little by little hear the story of their love for one another and their family. We learn to love Nana Mama, Alex's grandmother, and his three children, Ali, Damon, and Jannie.

The villain in this book is called "The Butcher", and is a particularly twisted individual who enjoys torturing before killing his victims. As a release for the adrenaline rush that he gets from these murders, he then finds a young woman to rape. He terrorize these young women into not talking by showing them pictures of those he has sadistically and brutally murdered, and promises to do the same to them and their families if they talk. This vicious, cruel man is the very one who killed Alex Cross' wife

Another page turner by James Patterson, I highly recommend "Cross" to any mystery/thriller fans. It's a good read for sure.

I have started "And Ladies of the Club" by Helen Hooven Santmyer, a 1435 page novel that is 3 inches thick. I don't expect to be doing a book review anytime soon. When I am done with it, however, if I'm not blind =) I shall review it here as well.

Until next time,

Mary

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day. What a nice day it is here at our house, Southeast Texas. The kids all called or came over to tell their dad that he is so very loved. He is that and more. Very loved, adored, honored and treasured.

The dad at our house opted to have a quiet day of not going anywhere, so he has been watching Tiger Woods and the guys play golf at the US Open. Poor Tiger has a bad knee, but continues to play "Tiger Style" golf in spite of it.

Were we to honor this dad this way daily, I fear his legs would rot off for lack of use as I have fetched and carried for him, refusing to let him do more than wipe his own nose. =)

I hope your dads/husbands/special men all know that they are appreciated today. They give so much to us all each day. They deserve this day just for them, to hear and see how very much we love them.

Until next time,

Mary

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Teen grandaughter's complection issues

Our granddaughter just went on her first date with a young man she has had her eye on for quite a while. Wouldn't you know it, a few days before hand, her face became all broken out with acne. Bless her heart. She was heart broken.

Her mother is so smart, though. She did some asking around and a neighbor of hers told her about natural acne treatments that her daughter had used and had amazing results with.

Well, she gave my granddaughter some of the scrub to use and we were all amazed at how fast it cleared up Jenny's skin.

Needless to say, the big date went wonderfully, and they have another date for next weekend. It makes me happy to see a smile on Jenny's face again.

Until next time,

Mary

When you need more computer storage space.....

We are going to be doing some traveling this summer. I always take my digital camera and take a lot of pictures. Generally, I have to transfer my pictures onto the laptop to make room for more pictures. Then when I get home, I have to transfer them onto my PC to share or print. This is time consuming and less than efficient.
Well, I have found an amazing solution to my storage problems,
flash memory storage. This particular little gadget plugs into a port on my laptop and supplies me with several Gigs of added memory. So, all I have to do is transfer the photos from my card onto this device. When I get home, I plug the memory stick into my PC, and can access my photos easily and just leave them on the memory stick. It doesn't get more convenient than that.

Whatever your storage needs, there is a device for it. Photos, music, documents, anything. They aren't expensive either. Check them out. You'll be amazed!!

Until next time,

Mary

Sunday, June 8, 2008

What I'll read next......."And Ladies Of The Club"


My next book will be the one shown here. It's "And Ladies Of The Club" by Helen Hooven Santmyer. As you can see in the picture on the right, this is a BIG BOOK. It has 1433 pages, and took the author 50 years to write.

Helen Hooven Santmyer was a very old lady by the time this book was published. The story begins in 1868 with several young ladies who live in the same town, attend the same college and form a club that goes on for generations. It begins with these young women meeting the men of their dreams, marry, have children, grow old etc. Through the generations the reader becomes entwined with these families and soon feels very much a part of them all. That to me is the trademark of a well written book.

I read this book when it first came out in 1984. I had just gotten out of nurses training at that time. One would think I would have been brain dead by then, and unable to undertake a book of this size. However, I enjoyed every word, enjoyed it so much that I am returning to read it again. Much has happened in the 24 years since I first read this book. I'm not the same person I was then. I suspect I will see this book through whole new eyes this time around. I'll let you know.

Perhaps I can inspire you to join me in the reading of this book. I got mine at a used book store, and I am sure you could too. Copies are available online at Amazon.com, though. Check out the link on my page here. You should be able to order it.

Anyway, if you do decide to join me in this wonderful journey, let me know. We can share it. =) Write me at mary1440@gmail.com. I'd love to walk this road with you.

Until next time,

Mary

Always looking to save money....

The price of everything is up these days. I don't have to tell you about how high gas is or how it's affecting everything else in our lives. I see no reason to panic about any of this. I've lived long enough to see this happen before many times. As the pendulum swings to the left, and then comes back to swing to the right. It's just a matter of when.

Meanwhile, however, I am taking strides to make our dollars go further. As an example, I am on a diet and have been using generic Phentermine. I found this site that offers reviews and generics on many of the most popular weight loss products. If I can buy a generic, that's what I will do. It just makes more sense to me.

Until next time,

Mary

Books, Books, Books

I love books. I love the look of them filling up a shelf. I love the smell of a new one and the totally different smell of an old one. Like old and trusted friends, I am never without a book that I am reading and a stack of books waiting to be read.

When I hear of a book I want to read I go to my favorite site for ordering books online, and send for it. That way I can be sure it's here when I am ready to read it.

I hope you'll excuse me now, I am off to read. =)

Until next time,

Mary

Thursday, June 5, 2008

The Birth of a Child

I don't know of anything that brings more excitement into the lives of family members than to have a new baby on the way. What an incredible time of joy for everyone involved, especially the parents to be.

Our neighbors are expecting a new baby in a couple of months. With new technology, they already know that it's going to be a boy this time, their second son. We live in a smaller community, and I haven't been able to find anything really unique for this new one, so got busy searching online and found this great site for unique
baby gifts. They have so many cute things I had trouble decided what I wanted. Now that is a treat!!

I finally made a selection, though, and it should be here in a few days. I love giving gifts that I know will be enjoyed.

Until next time,

Mary

Summer RVing

I have posted many a blog post on RVing. My husband and I have been camping for years, starting when our children were very young. They are grown now, but we still enjoy it and go as often as we can.

One of our favorite spots is a place called Almost Heaven. They have a lake, lots of shade trees and the nicest friendliest people anyone could hope to meet. The last time we went up there the couple camped next to us had two inflatable boats, one for each of them. It looked like a lot of fun to us, so when we got home I got online and check out some sites that sell them. I found this site that has boats of all kinds and prices. We ordered one to take with us when we go on our trips this summer. I think they'll be a lot of fun. Good exercise too.

Until next time,

Mary

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

"The Overlook" by Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly is an authors that I really enjoy reading. "The Overlook" is one of his "Harry Bosch" books. "Harry Bosch" is an investigator for the LAPD. He has had several partners and in this book, has yet another new one. So far his partners aren't remarkable. His strong personality and penchant for breaking the rules is more than likely why Harry has a lot of new partners.

Harry is one of those guys who is very good at his job, knows it, and mows down anyone who gets in his way when he's on a case. In this novel, the ones who are getting in his way are the FBI. Someone has been killed, and it is discovered that the dead man's job was to transport cesium for use in gynecological cancers. This element does it's job when treating disease, but in the wrong hands it can kill. Terrorists are suspected as being behind the theft of the cesium and the killing. It is feared that the terrorists intend to use it to kill a lot of people.

Michael Connelly is a good writer and is able to grab your interest and keep it. A page turner and a very entertaining book, "The Overlook" is a novel I would highly recommend if you're one who enjoys a detective/mystery novel.

Mr. Connelly isn't "Voltaire" by any means, but I like to be entertained when I read for pleasure. I don't want to have to work too hard. He fills this prescription to a tee.

If you read it, do let me know. Tell me what you think. I'm always interested in hearing how others feel about things I recommend.

Until next time,

Mary

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Goin' clothes shopping

I love to shop for clothes. I like to take my time and look and try on things to my hearts content. However, when I went shopping the other day, I found that my regular size is tight on me due to holiday eating and the sitting around that takes place in the winter months.

Well, I am not happy about this at all, so as of today, I am on a diet! I have ordered some diet pills to help curb the hunger pangs and to boost my metabolism. I have also vowed to get on my treadmill daily and walk for half an hour. You can believe me when I say that if I make up my mind to do something like this, I do it. The next time I go shopping for clothes, I expect my regular size to be a little on the big size.

Until next time,

Mary

Take advantage of the money crunch

With gas as high as it is and the price of most everything going sky high, one would think that it's a time to stay home and watch television.

Not so!! I have been searching travel sites online and I have found that many resorts and vacations spots are offering luxury vacations with discounts on activities and attractions. It stands to reason that this would be a perfect time to get some good prices on vacations, so rather than staying home, what a great time to go see and do.

Happy vacationing,

Mary

Ponderings.........born in the wrong century

I have always enjoyed reading historic novels, and have decided that if I had a time machine, I would don my renaissance clothing and head for a time of castles and kings. What an exciting time that must have been. Gallant men, and ladies who knew that to be a lady was a very special thing.

The clothing of that era is what I find particularly appealing. Those beautiful dresses, the jewels and hairdo adornments were just spectacular. Whenever we have an occasion to dress up, you can be sure that I look for a costume from the renaissance period. Just thinking about it makes me want to throw a costume party.

Until next time,

Mary

A joyful event

I am so excited!! My daughter is expecting a baby. It's her first, so she and her husband, his family and our family are all beside ourselves with excitement and anticipation. It's a little early to buy things for the baby, so I have decided to buy some maternity clothes for the mother to be.

When I was an expectant mom, there was so little available. I made a lot of my own maternity clothes. Today, however, there are so many cute outfits for pregnant women. The styles and variety are amazing. I think I'll take the mom to be with me. We'll go to lunch and make a day out of it. I can hardly wait.

Until next time,

Mary

Thursday, May 29, 2008

The Value of the Classics

I have blogged about Pearl S Buck before, but feel that this author is worthy of mention on a regular basis to make sure people consider reading her books.

I have several first editions by Ms. Buck and have read them all. It's been many years since I read most of them, though, so am going to go back and read them again. In the 20 or so years since I read Pavilion of Women, for example, I have grown and changed. I'm not the same person I was then, so will look at the story through new eyes.

More recently, I read the "House Of Earth" trilogy by Ms. Buck. I you only get "The Good Earth" and read it, you will be richer for the experience. It is the first novel in the trilogy, and gives us a heart wrenching look into what life is like in other countries. Her novel takes place in the 1930's, but sadly, the conditions that she writes about in China in the 30's, still exist in countries recently in the new for earthquake and cyclone disasters. It's hard to believe that there are countries today that are still under such oppression and whose people live in a state of unbelievable poverty.

I truly think that "The Good Earth" should be required reading in High Schools. Our young people need to learn these lessons of what life has been and is like for others. A sense of outrage at the inhumane way human beings live and are treated in other countries should burn in the hearts of us all.

I highly recommend Pearl S Buck's books to you all and hope that for summer reading you will consider her books as well as other classics. There is much to learn from all of them.

Until next time,

Mary

Monday, May 26, 2008

"2nd Chance" by James Patterson Commentary

"2nd Chance" is another in the "Women's Murder Club" series. In this novel, our heroine, Lindsay Boxer of the San Francisco, Ca police department is once again at the top of her game. As always she is joined by her friends and support group, Jill who is assistant D.A., Claire who is Medical Examiner, and Cindy who is a reporter assigned to crime desk of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The ladies of the club have a sharp shooter serial killer on their hands who appears to be a member of a white supremacy group. The victims all lead back to the police department, as they are either on the force or beloved family of past policemen. Someone is targeting the families of their own and that gets the S.F.P.D. on edge.

The novel takes some twists and turns and our author once again takes us on a ride of uncertainty. As a woman, I found myself holding my breath when our heroine goes into a maximum security prison to interview one of their most vicious killers. Although they have this thug chained and guards standing at the ready with tazer guns, we know that if she gets too close he could still hurt her easily. She has been warned to not get close.

"2nd Chance" has a surprise ending and kept my interest, but I didn't feel that it was as good at "1st to Die" or "Along Came a Spider". I'm growing a little weary of the characters so am not sure I will read any more of the "Women's Murder Club".

I would still highly recommend this author's books for entertainment and "page turn-ability", though.

I just started a new Michael Connelly mystery and will let you know what I think of it. I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them all. My husband Gary really liked this novel, so that's one vote so far.

Until next time,

Mary

Saturday, May 24, 2008

"Women's Murder Club" TV Series

I work for Mahalo.com writing pages for them. I just finished one on "7th Heaven: Women's Murder Club". I never got a chance to watch the TV series staring Angie Harmon, though I like her as an actress and meant to watch it. I guess it's on at the same time as one of my other favorite shows.

Anyway, in doing this page for Mahalo.com, I found out that the "Women's Murder Club" series has been canceled. BIG BUMMER!!(<------------ages me a tad. I know) I never even got a chance to check it out.

Well, I will continue to enjoy James Patterson's "Women's Murder Club" book series. I'm almost done with "2nd Chance" so will review it for you in a day or two.

Meanwhile, I can't recommend an author more highly. James Patterson has a real gift for writing page turners. I love books like that. They grab you right at the start and keep you hooked until you read the last page. It's not a lot of work, just sheer entertainment. I like that in a book!!

Until next time,

Mary

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

"Along Came A Spider" by James Patterson

This is such a great book. Truly a page turner. My husband and I both read and enjoy the same genre of books, as a rule. If one of us reads a good one, we hand it over to the other to put in the stack of "to be read" books. Gary just finished "Along Came A Spider" after only a couple of days of reading. He highly recommends it as well. So, there you have the male and female vote for this one.

"Along Came A Spider" tells the story of the kidnapping of two children of celebrities in the Washington D.C. area. The kidnapper secures a job as a teacher at this exclusive private school, and in doing so catches everyone off guard and enabling him to take the children and hide them before anyone realized what happened.

James Patterson weaves a story that keeps the reader on the edge of his seat, wondering if the children are alive or dead, giving us occasional glimpses into the terror that they are feeling, and an occasional glimpses into the extremely sick mind of their capture.

Earlier on in the story than one would expect, the kidnapper is captured and jailed, but the children remain missing.

Thus we hang suspended. Will they find the children in time? Is the killer really a victim of multi-personality disorder or is he conning everyone? Plans and leads continue to be set up and go awry getting the readers hopes up only to fall flat again...but then, there is a thread that keeps you hanging on and believing that all will work out in the end.

Someone wrote regarding this book, that "James Patterson does everything but stick your finger in an electrical outlet to keep you shocked". That pretty well sums it up.

I hope I have whet your appetite to read this novel. You'll enjoy it and if you aren't one already, you'll find yourself becoming a fan of James' Patterson. We are. I'm reading the "Women's Murder Club" series. Excellent reads too.

Until next time,

Mary

Monday, May 12, 2008

"1st To Die" by James Patterson, a commentary/review

I have been reading James Patterson's books lately and am really enjoying his narrative style of writing.

"1st To Die" introduces us to the "Women's Murder Club" which is made up of our heroine, Lindsay, who works for the FBI, Cindy, the reporter, Jill, the prosecutor, and Clarie, the medical examiner. These characters have become the central figures in a TV series called "The Women's Murder Club".

In this novel, there has been a brutal killing of a bride and groom, up in the bridal suite. The killings are heinous and sexual in nature which suggest a serial killer. This turns out to be the case, when a second bride and groom are killed and a little later a third bridal couple.

The added twist to this story is the fact that our main heroine has been diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder that can be fatal. Ah but our sturdy Miss Lindsay doesn't let that stand in her way of chasing down leads, carrying on a love affair with her new partner, and then solving the case.

James Patterson has a gift for keeping you on the edge of your seat, and never misses the opportunity to throw in the unexpected just when you think you have it all figured out.

I don't want to tell you too much or to spoil this for you. I hope that if nothing else, I have whet your appetite for more. Get the book and read it.

I'm reading "2nd Chance" by this same author, and once again, he has me hooked. I'll report back in on it when I am finished.

Meanwhile, let me know if you have read or are reading "1st To Die" so we can discuss it here.

I think it would be fun to have an online book club/discussion group. More on that to come.

Until next time, happy reading.

Mary

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Enough said! =)



This is such a cute picture. Our kitties pull a similar trick when we want to trim their nails. You would think we were killing them the way they carry on. Gary holds them one at a time, talks to them, loves them and tries to distract them while I clip as fast as my little clippers will let me. =) Once we set them down, they stay right nearby and do a once over grooming to wash off the "sheer terror" of the experience. Poor babies. =)

It's these very things that makes me love cats so much. They are so bright, but don't as a rule like anyone to know that about them. =)

Until next time,

Mary

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Ready....... Set ......... SCRAP!!

Written by our resident scrapbooking professional, Penny!




Now that you've trimmed all of your photos and have gotten an idea of how you'd like to arrange them on the pages, you're ready to begin scrapping! I'd also like to add that a very good tool to have on hand is a corner rounder. This is a small hand - held device that when using, feels sort of like a hole punch. What it does is it gives your photos nice, round corners. I've found that I like to do both rounded corner and straight edged photo layouts. Again, it's a personal preference.
What is the theme of your first layout? By this time you'll have already chosen your background pages that coordinate with your theme. Next, if you like the way matted photos look, you should choose what type of matting paper will look best with your photos and your theme. Once you've decided on this paper, you'll take your photos one at a time and lay them on the matting paper. Depending on what you like, you can use your cutter to make your matting narrow or wide. Later on after you've completed a layout or two, you can also double or even triple mat your photos. For this one though, let's just try single matting. There is also the option of using no matting at all. Whatever you choose to do is perfectly fine. Once the matting paper is cut, you'll need to put adhesive on the back of your photos to adhere them to the matting paper. For this, a tape dispenser is easy and quick. Once all of your photos are matted, then you can again lay them on the backround page and get a more precise idea of exactly how they will be glued down. When you are sure of how you'd like them arranged, go ahead and proceed with the gluing.

Here are two examples of single - matted photos. One is straight - edged, and one is with rounded corners.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Getting Ready to Scrap by Penny



Now that you have your basic supplies, let's get started. What you'll want to do first is to lay out your background pages in front of you. A typical layout is 2 - 12X12 scrapbook album pages. This is by no means the rule, and you can absolutely do anything you like. Many times I will only have a few items or photos from a certain occasion, and a 1 - page layout is all I really need. Remember! There are no rules!
Once the background pages are laid out, start by placing your photos and/or items on the pages and begin to get an idea of how you'd like to arrange them. I say items because I'm one who loves to save "things" from various occasions. For example, I save and scrap all the receipts from my son Christian's birthday cakes. I think someday it will be fun to look back and see what birthday cakes cost "way back when". After all, it is called scrapbooking, not photobooking. This is one area where I really enjoy getting creative with seeing what fun and different things I can come up with to scrap.

A little snag that I've run into more than once is choosing which pictures to include in the layout. Choosing the ones that best tell the story of your occasion can be challenging, but necessary. There will be times when you will feel that you want to scrap every single photo you've taken. By process of elimination, try and narrow down each occasion to 10 to 12 photos. That's just a guideline I usually follow, but again this is your layout. You get to do whatever you like. Once the pictures are chosen, the next thing to do is to trim them. You want to trim off as much as possible while still leaving the focal point of the photo. This is one helpful thing I did learn at that first scrapbook party I went to, so it wasn't a total waste of my time:o) Think of it this way. When looking at a photo, are you really looking at what is surrounding the subject? No, you're looking primarily at the subject, the whole reason you snapped the photo in the first place. Keep what you need, and get rid of what you don't. This is key when making room for all the photos you've chosen for your layout. Once you give it a try you'll see what I mean.

Here is a before and after look of a trimmed photo.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Scrapbooking: "You can do it too" Part 2. by Penny


I had taken the first step. I had my first scrapbook album, but now what the heck was I to do with it? I decided that I would begin with pre-baby photos.You know, pictures of the nursery that was ready for my baby, maybe a shot or two from my baby shower, my ultrasound picture, that sort of thing. I gathered my items and laid them out before me. First and foremost, I knew that each page of my scrapbook album would have to have a background page. Thankfully, the album that I had purchased came with these pages that matched the album itself. This made choosing the background pages very easy and convenient for me. Next, I remembered seeing a couple of scrapbook albums before where the pictures were matted, meaning that they were "framed" so to speak, with some type of paper, also known as card stock. I knew I liked antique looking, soft fabric- like paper, so I made another trip back to the scrapbook store to find it. Once I found some that I liked, I knew it was time to think about adhesives.What was the best way to adhere my pictures to the album? If I can think of one key thing that has helped me the most in my adventures into scrapbooking, it's to ask questions. The women who typically work at these stores LOVE it when you ask them to share some of their expertise. They've always been more than willing to share some tips with me and suggest certain things. The two main ways I adhere - or glue my things, is either with glue dots or squares of tape that are automatically dispensed from a tape dispenser. Both of these are standard scrapbook supplies and can be found in any scrapbook supply store. Also, when getting started, another essential thing that you will need is a portable paper cutter. In the beginning I didn't use one, and it made scrapbooking much harder and time consuming. I bought mine at my local office supply store. Now I wonder how I ever lived without it!

Alright, so now I had my album, pictures to scrap, adhesives, matting paper, and paper cutter. I was almost ready to begin creating my first layout. A layout is the subject matter that you are scrapping about. In my case, it was awaiting the arrival of my new baby. With each layout it's always a good idea to introduce, or make it apparent to to the person viewing your album, exactly what that particular layout is about. In my first layout I chose letter stickers to show the title " Awaiting your arrival", as if I was actually speaking to my son. After all, these albums I'm creating will ultimately be for him. Lastly, as far as the basic supplies go, you may want to include what are known as "embellishments" in your layouts. These are things that will be used to decorate and really personalize your pages. Being artistically challenged, I rely heavily on embellishments. I love the way they look and how they add so much to my scrapping. In my next post I will walk you through putting together your first scrapbook page.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Scrapbooking: You Can Too!!!

Readers, I would like to introduce you to my friend, Penny. She lives in Southern California and is a scrapbooker. She has agreed to write a few articles on scrapbooking for you and to share some of her work in pictures as well. Here is her first article, and a picture of her very FIRST album. Imagine! This is her first try!


"How I Became a Scrapbooker. You Can Too!"
By Penny

Growing up I never felt that I had any artistic flair, or that I was in any way "crafty". In grade school, and even in later years I would cringe when it was time to do any sort of art project. I always felt my talent in this area came up short, and it made me feel inferior. My problem was that I was constantly comparing myself to others.
Then, many years later I was introduced to scrapbooking. A close friend of mine was having a scrapbook party. Oh yikes, I thought. I loathed parties, whether they be Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Princess House or the like. I was never one of those women who just loved to get together with other women to discuss such things, let alone ooh and aah over all those ridiculous products. I felt that I should attend the party to support my friend who would benefit in the way of free products once her party receipts were tallied. How bad could it be? I went and decided I would try to show some enthusiasm.
Once at the party, wouldn't you know we were all give mini-kits to make our own scrapbook page and show our artistic and creative sides. Here we go.Yikes once again. I was a grown woman, married, and still self-conscious. I forged ahead and attempted to make something halfway decent out of this kit I was given. Looking back, I realize that the pressure I felt to perform actually inhibited my creativity, and what I produced that day was nothing short of dismal. The other women, I felt, were producing gorgeous creations, showing great imagination and ability. I did what I could, pretending to enjoy what I was doing. I finished my page, purchased a couple of products as a favor to my friend, and headed home. What was I thinking? Scrapbooking was way too complicated for me, not to mention much too intimidating.
Fast forward about five or six years. I'd just had my son Christian and it became my heart's desire to create lasting keepsakes for him that he could have for years to come and show his own family one day. What was I to do? I had no choice but to take the plunge once again and give scrapbooking another try. Deep down I felt that when done in the right way, it could be a fun and beautiful way to capture, save,and organize mine and my husband Dino's precious memories with Christian. I knew deep down that even I, the artistically challenged, could do it.
I decided that venturing out into scrapbook territory alone would be the best way to go. If I failed, then who would know? No loss. No big deal. I located a nearby scrapbook store and mustered up my courage. I was going in. In my head I was playing that old Helen Reddy song "I Am Woman" over and over again. I had to, if I was going to do this. I wanted to make it light and humorous, with no pressure. I was just going to give the place a look - see. My first visit to that store can only be described with one word - overwhelming. There was so much stuff in that store, that one barely had room to walk, let alone shop. I quickly cleared my head, took a deep breath, and decided I would start with the basics. On that visit my only goal would be to locate, choose, and purchase a scrapbook album. I knew I wanted it to be big, as I had a about a bazillion baby photos accumulating at home. I knew when I saw it that I had found the one for me. It was for baby, with soft pastel colors, and I thought it was just perfect. I felt absolutely victorious as I left the store. I had taken the first step! I actually had the scrapbook album in my hands, and since it wasn't in any way a cheap purchase, I knew I had no choice but to keep going. I was going to be a scrapbooker no matter what it took. I was determined.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Scrapbooking


I've been saying I wanted to try scrap booking for such a long time now. Well, friends, the time has come!! I have two occasions that I feel are just calling for me to begin this new hobby. Want to join me?

One of those occasions is my class reunion. I plan to take my digital camera along and take photos of memorable moments. Later I will gather all of those wonderful photos along with the many I have from years past with these same people and begin my first scrap booking experience.

The picture on the left is from a wonderful site I found http://www.scrapbook.com/.
It's loaded with amazing ideas, supplies, tips and everything a beginning scrap book maker could want. All that is missing is a friend who knows all about scrap booking and I just happen to have one of those at my disposal too. I've seen some of her pages and they are amazing. I'll see if she has any beginning tips for us to share.

So, do I have you all on board with me? I have heard that this can be a costly hobby, but I think that the challenge and the real fun of doing this would be to use what you have around the house already. Challenge yourself to see just what you can do by utilizing things you already have and to see just how cheaply you can put together some wonderful pages.

I hope you will take some pictures and share your project with us. My reunion isn't until July 19, but meanwhile I'll be gathering up old photos and copying them to preserve the originals. I'll also gather up any other things that I might find useful. Scraps of fabric, paints, whatever I can find around the house. I may even dig through my stash of things I keep here for my grand kids to play with. I bet I'll find some useful treasures there.

Let me hear from you if you're going to join me in beginning this new hobby. Be sure to take pictures as you go along and do email me or leave a comment here. I will post any emails for everyone to enjoy, unless you prefer that I don't.

Check out Scrapbook.com. If you aren't inspired to try this yet, a visit to that site will surely have you chomping at the bit.

Happy hunting for scrap booking supplies.

Mary

Monday, April 7, 2008

Quilting Project in the Making



I have always been fascinated with quilting. I have my machine set up at my favorite sewing spot, and am ready to begin a quilting project to share with you all. I want to make a runner for our dining room table so a quilted one would be just perfect in my "Country Style" decor. I posted on this a while back, but am finally getting to it. Life does get busy. Does it not?

In the photo you can see the fabrics that I have to work with for this room. (click on the image to see an enlarged view) I have the largest amount of the smaller print that is shown on the table, but I find it too busy for my liking. So, I will use it along with the bigger print and some of the other fabrics I have in a patchwork arrangement. I don't know if it'll actually be quilted or just patchwork. We shall see. =)

Meanwhile, if you're interested in this, subscribe to my blog and you'll be notified via email when I post more on this. I hope to have something to show you in the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, I'd love to see what you're doing, so please leave me the URL to your site so we can all enjoy one another's craft projects. =)

Until next time,

Mary

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

The House of Earth Trilogy, by Pearl S Buck


The House of Earth Trilogy is made up of three great books by Pearl S Buck, "The Good Earth", "Sons", and "A House Divided". I would be hard pressed to pick my favorite of the three. I had read "The Good Earth" when I was in my early 20's and it started me off on my love affair with books.

Re-reading The Good Earth at this time in my life was a whole new experience, however. It was like reading an entirely different book to me, with things that stand out now being totally different than what stood out to me at 20. The one thing that got to me then and now, though, is the description of the famine that the characters of her book went through. It was heart wrenching and unbelievable, and I don't doubt that she was speaking of things she saw with her own eyes. She tells of famine so far reaching that there isn't a thing to eat, not even a rodent for they had all been eaten. Wang Lung and his wife feed their children dirt because they feel that there surely is some nourishment in dirt, minerals and so forth.

I don't think I'd be alone in making the statement, "I have never missed a meal because there was nothing to eat". I don't think I'd be alone in saying I have made the statement, "There isn't anything to eat in this house!", when our pantry was full as were our freezer and refrigerator as well. In "The Good Earth" Ms Buck speaks of famine and drought to the very point of death. Where family members lay in bed all day long, too weak to speak. Too weak to speak Can you imagine? The youngest of their children was under a year old and due to lack of food, she became retarded and stayed mentally at that age for the rest of her life.

Their will to live intervenes, however, and gets them out of the drought area to the city where the wife and children beg and Wang Lung pulls a rickshaw even though he is still so very weak. They fought their way back by saving whatever bits of silver that they could save, until they had enough to go back to their home and start over, once the famine in their part of China had passed.

Wang Lung's love of the land takes them all back to their home where Wang Lung begins to not only recover, but to buy more and more property that he can plant, and harvest and save every cent that isn't needed in the sparse lifestyle that they are used to living. Eventually, Wang's meager holdings grow into great wealth. He and his family then leave their earthen house for a city home that was once owned by the riches family in their area. There they stay and raise their three boys and the little retarded one whom they refer to as "the fool". She nor any of his children have names, but are referred to as first son, second son, third son and so on.

The boys grow and by the end of The Good Earth, they have personalities and names that have come from what they do in life. In that country at that time, parents chose what children would become when they grew up, and chose occupations that will benefit the entire family and generations to come. (why didn't I think of that? ) Families lived together under the same roof, but if possible, in sections to themselves.

So, "Sons" is all about these three boys of Wangs. They are called, Wang the Landlord, who is the oldest son and in charge of vast land holdings of the Wang family. Wang the merchant, the second son, is in charge of selling the harvest and all of the other things needed to continue farming. Wang the youngest, the third son, Wang ha determined would take his place in the fields when he himself can no longer work the land. Wang the third didn't see his future the same way his father did, so at age 12 or so, he ran off and isn't seen again until he is a grown man.

Ms Buck develops the personalities of these three sons, though Wang the third, who becomes "Wang the Tiger" I felt was the focal point of this second novel. The other sons play supporting parts, but Wang the Tiger is the one we "live with" most of the time in the second book. He is a war lord and has visions of becoming very great and being lord over vast areas of China. He doesn't do too poorly, and manages to accrue a good deal of wealth for himself and a vast army as well.

The custom of parents choosing the brides and grooms for their offspring is still alive and well in "Sons". Wang chooses wives for his first two sons, but the third son doesn't feel a need for women at all, though when he does, it's his choice as to who she is. He is perhaps in his thirties before he meets a woman who captures his heart and for the first time, "The Tiger" is smitten. Because he is so blindly in love with this woman, who isn't worthy of that devotion, he ignores all warnings given to him by his trusted men. He marries her and trusts her with his every thought. This women, however, is a viper in his bosom. When he discovers this, his heart is broken and he drives his sword into the heart of this beloved creature as she lay sleeping in his bed.

Again, I must praise Pearl Buck's writing abilities here. I can't even begin to describe the complex personality that is "Wang the Tiger". I have tried and can't do it. How she manages to weave into one personality, the variety of complexities that make up Wang the Tiger, leaves me in awe. His ability to love to the depths that he does, and his ability to be evil enough to kill this woman that he adores because she means him harm, leaves me shaking my head.

Wang the Tiger isn't without his pain over the loss of this woman, though, as he does mourn her. When he catches himself doing so, though, he snaps himself out of it and reminds himself what evil she had planned for him and how he needed to do what he did. This gets him through this time.

Eventually, The Tiger's life appears to be lacking much and he yearns for a son. His father has long been gone, so he appeals to his brothers to find him a wife. They both find one so he marries them both. They are two different types of women, so they serve his purposes. He wants more than anything, to have a son. So, he impregnates both women. One of his wives is educated and not "ugly" as it is said. The second wife is strong and capable of bearing many sons, though has only a few black teeth. These women are not needed as mates, but rather as baby factories. When they deliver, the smarter of the two gives him a "slave" as they call girls. Not any worth there!!! The one lacking teeth gives him a boy, however, and The Tiger can hardly contain his joy. He sits for hours just watching this baby nurse and grow. He is afraid to pick him up, though, so he is unable to express all that he is feeling towards this creature.

As is the custom, he chooses this boy's future and of course wants him to carry on the family "war lording" business. When he is about 4 or so, Wang the Tiger takes his son away from his mother and keeps him with him. He hires a tutor to train the boy in ways of war, as well as the usual subjects. The boy misses his mother and sister and gets depressed. The Tiger notices this but doesn't understand what could be going on. One of his trusted men finally clues him in and he lets the boy go to see his mother and sister once in a while. Problem solved. The Tiger never does figure out that it's okay to be a rough and tough war lord and still show tenderness towards his child. The boy grows up as a quiet and very intense person, which doesn't surprise any of us, now does it!! As "Sons" draws to a close, we find The Tiger getting on in age and not really up to being a Tiger, though still plans to wage war on this group and that one, one day.

Times are a changin' in China, however, and a great revolution is taking place. Young people are rebelling against the old ways of their parents, are dating whomever they want and refusing to allow the parents to choose who they should marry and when. (sound vaguely familiar? Thought it would) The grandsons of Wang Lung are all into the new ways and it's no wonder that eventually The Tiger's son ends up in the local jail for something that happened while he was associating with his rowdy cousins. Rather than being put to death, however, his neck is spared and he and his cousin are whisked away by the family and sent to a foreign land to go to college.

"A House Divided" follows these boys to this new land that sounds a lot like the good old USA, though a name for the country is never given. Ms Buck isn't into labels, which adds a dimension to her work that is lacking in many a writer's books. Because she doesn't tell us everything, we're free to build it, shape it, color it and decorate it for ourselves.

In this third and last novel in the trilogy, the people have names. Yuan is the name of Wang The Tiger's son, and Ai-lan his daughter. He never really gets to know this girl, but brother and sister remain very close over the years.

A House Divided follows the years of going to school and growing up of primarily the son and daughter of Wang the Tiger. Yuan is growing up in a foreign country but also in a foreign time as well. Being brought up in the part of China where the old ways were still taught, he finds himself in the midst of conflict about who he should be, how he should be and what he should do with his life. This struggle and the many encounters in the life of this young man make up the story of A House Divided. This young man, though very much an individual, strives to find a way to embrace both the old and the new ways and seems to accomplish this when all is said and done.

After reading House Of Earth I went on to begin a novel by one of my favorite modern authors and found it "thin" and lacking substance in the beginning. The modern auther, Belva Plain, is an excellent writer, but I must say that even a good modern day writer can't hold her ground when put back to back with the likes of Pearl Buck.

I liken the Classics to ribs. The meat on these bones are so wonderfully tasty that they keep you coming back for another rib to get those tiny bits and pieces of that oh so savory meat. Though sparse on the bone, those morsels of meat are well worth the work of picking those bones dry
Thus are my feelings about the classics, Pearl S Buck's books in particular. Do pick up one of her works and taste it for yourselves. You won't be left unsatisfied when you do.

Happy reading,

Mary