Saturday, December 06, 2008

Ah... the Bookworm


This is definitely me!

I was looking at a cute link on Scrapbook.com and they ask the question, "what kind of scrapbooker are you?"... after reading the descriptions, I am sure that this is me!

Try it...

http://www.scrapbook.com/articles/doc/36199.html

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

To Vote... or Not to Vote?

Believe me, there have been many times throughout this campaign when I have wavered about even going to the polls.

But I was reading the blog of a friend of mine, who had posted a link to another blog... (you know how that goes!)... and honestly, I cannot imagine ANYONE not standing up to vote after they take 5 minutes to look at this.

http://randyalcorn.blogspot.com/2008/10/im-not-voting-for-man-im-voting-for.html

Eternal perspectives... what an awesome name.

I believe that my children have grown up knowing and understanding that these unborn babies are really babies... unlike the women of my generation, the women's lib cosmopolitan super-women who could do it all and be it all, and by Golly it is our choice what we do!! Our generation was fed the lie that this is just tissue, a blob of fetus, nothing alive.

Who remembers the first time they saw an ultrasound of that little blob, and since when do blobs have beating hearts that you can hear?!

Lies are powerful, the devil is a deceiver. Encourage everyone to get out and vote for LIFE! Who here agrees with everything that ANYONE says? Make your vote count for life, whether you can support everything 100% or not, this is a path we do NOT want to take.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Women... ah the drama of it all

I cannot count too many women as friends. Guys usually say what they mean, you know where they stand.

On the other hand, women are catty, competitive, even manipulative.
We women have a whole "language" that we begin learning in grade school designed to CONCEAL what we mean... whether to save face, to hide our insecurities... who knows the myriad reasons for that. (Could it be distrust?) And because of our own language, we are constantly interpreting what others say to us.

Do you think we become addicted to drama? To sharing others' life circumstances that cast US in better light?

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself.
Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it.
She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection.

Have you ever admired a woman who has been through some major changes in her life?
Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look.

A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger.

Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up.
Before you wonder, “What's up with her?” ask yourself, “What's up with me?”

That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker.
Hey! That woman could be ME.

But as a Christian woman, I believe my fellow believers are my Sisters in the Lord. And we should be able to support and encourage one another; celebrate in others' success and happiness; weep with those who have experienced loss.

Women have such great strength and compassion; we need to have our hearts softened and our eyes opened so that we can see and love each other the way that God sees and loves us.

Think about it ladies. Doesn't love expand? We do not have to hoard it and be selfish. We have unlimited supplies to give out.
So share the love and share some mercy.

Ask God to send some emotionally healthy women into your life. We all need a few good girlfriends!

***********************************************************
I received this in an email but it is so true:

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They are a Godsend and they are there for the reason you need them to be.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi.

Encourage and love,
forgive and forget,
learn to trust,
practice mercy.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Kingsport Animal Shelter... Bring It On


Okay... it has been one week since one of my cats died. We had two cats, Princess and one of her babies from her first litter, Brandy. She was not a baby, she was 6 years old. For an unknown reason, Brandy died. She was our greeter, outgoing and flirtatious with a healthy appetite.

I was dealing with the loss. I, as Mom, am the one who is caretaker of all pets, so I am the one who most missed her coming to greet my car as I returned home after each outing.

For the record, I am not a cat person. Don't get me wrong. I am not an uncaring person, but I am not inclined to get too attached to things - people or animals. My experience has proven that 100% of living people and animals die. The people are hard enough. And I had always hoped to spare myself the pain of losing multiple animals in my lifetime as well. At least, I figure, I have control over that, right?

(yes, i know, i suffer under the delusions of thinking i can control things!)

ANYWAY, I digress.

Tonight, on my local television news station, I heard this most unbelievable story about how the Animal Shelter needs more funding because Adoptions are DOWN! Imagine my immediate reaction --- fuming anger and disbelief --- and then read my letter to the station, which I also sent to the Asst. City Manager of Kingsport (a fellow D.B. Alumni), and asked him to forward it to the appropriate city personnel.

Really... if they need people to adopt, why are they being so rude and turning away someone who was willing and able to provide a suitable home??

Here is my letter sent 9/22 - and following it is the website link to the article on WJHL's website.
----
Dear WJHL,
I was pretty shocked when I saw the news story regarding how the Kpt. Animal Shelter is needing money.

I went to the Animal Shelter for the first time this past Saturday, 9/20, in order to adopt a cat.

I expected that the folks there would be WELCOMING to me, and would be HAPPY to have me come in to “rescue” one of their cats.

However, that was not the case.

I went with my daughter.
We entered the foyer, and behind the glass were 4 women. After standing there for about 7 minutes, one finally turned toward me and asked, “can I help you”.

I told her that I was there to adopt a cat.
She nodded and said, go through that door, first door on your left.

I paused. I hesitated.
I told her: “This is my first time here.”

Again, she said, go through that door, first door on your left.

So my daughter and I entered the hallway, and we approached the first door on the left, covered with warning labels, and were not sure whether to enter or not.

Taking a big step of faith, I tentatively opened the door, and entered a room with a sink, dishes, and then we saw the rows of cages.

Still unsure about what to do, we started to look at all the cats and kittens that were there.

I began to cry --- I had just lost one of my two cats. It has been one week ago today.
And it made me sad to remember my loss --- and then to see all of these beautiful animals, and to think that we would be having to choose only one.

And so, we spent 30 to 40 minutes in that room, looking at all of them, visiting, even getting a couple of them out.

FINALLY, we made our choice. We would take two of the older ones.

A visiting lady and her grandson were there (she said that she has 2 daughters that worked there) - she told me that she would send someone back to help us.

And so a worker came, and we told her that we had chosen “those 2”. The worker said, oh you cannot have those. They are not available yet.
And I asked her what that meant.
I was told that there is a waiting period for possible strays, so that the owners would have an opportunity to come and rescue them.

(Well, that would have been good to know...)

So we went through the ordeal of making another decision.

And we chose. Again.

And then the worker came back, looked at the card, said okay.
And then when I ask if she gets the cats out now, she also tells me that I will not be able to take a cat home today.
I say Why? And she said that they go to the vet from there, then I go pick them up from the vet.

I go up front. I am given an application.

I fill it all out – completely – drivers license, where I work, my address, am told that I may get a home visit, they want my animal history and where are they now... Along with where my animals will be living.

I filled it all out. I handed it back to the 4 women who were more interested in visiting with each other than in helping me. I stand there, and wait for one to notice me.

And then, am told to sit down and wait.

And then we waited. Again. Another 15 minutes.

And the worker woman sticks her head up and says to me, these are indoor cats you know.
And I answered her. And she could not hear me.
And she turns off a fan or something that was making noise inside the glassed in area.

And she said, what?
And I said to her again, but we have 5 acres, and our other cat lives outside.

And she said, well, these are indoor cats. And I said, how do you know?
And she said, that’s how they came to us.

And then, just like that --- I said thanks, and we left.

TO ENTERTAIN THE IDEA THAT ADOPTIONS ARE DOWN and that is why the shelter needs more money?????!!!!

I am outraged at the rude treatment that I received.
And I had been considering who to contact in order to report that.
When you aired that story today, it was just the push I needed.

You really need to consider another side — if those folks were actually doing their job WHEN A CUSTOMER COMES TO THEM, then perhaps adoptions would NOT be down.

I was in an emotionally down mood when I entered, and someone there should have given me some helpful information before subjecting me to the situation I experienced!

In a fantasy world, I expected that the animal shelter wants to give the animals a good home.
Instead, they are screening two cats from me, a mature and responsible adult, who wants to take two cats home to love and care for...

I hope that the city does NOT give them more money.
It was insulting how I was treated.

----Link to News Story----
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/article/kingsport_animal_shelter_falls_on_hard_times/14232/

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Scrappy Days with the Bearnson gals





I have to tell you that I came home from Baltimore TOTALLY exhausted, but what a wonderful few days it was!

Amy was hosting her friend Lisa and Lisa's two precious girls, what fun they all are. However ~ Lisa neglected to post photos of HERSELF in our Cafe Hon get-up --- feather boas and cat eye glasses. As long as I was doing that, I thought I would just go ahead and share a few more! :)

I have to tell you that I really enjoyed meeting and interacting with Brecken and Sage. My girls are older now, and being around these two made me realize how much I missed having little ones around.

But growing older is the only acceptable option, right? lol

Enjoy the photos!

Monday, July 07, 2008

Importance of Cell Phones

Anyone who is over the age of 30 will remember that you used to have to stop along the roadways and put a dime or quarter into a pay phone in order to call home while you were traveling...
Well... those days are long gone.

Who would have ever imagined that we would be walking around with phones attached permanently to our hands or hips, carrying them in our purses, talking while we shop or eat or drive?! Wow. The advances of technology happen so quickly and then we cannot even fathom living without these items.

I came across this particular article in a sister church newsletter when I was substituting at our church office this last December. It was so good, and I felt like it was so relevant, I photocopied it and left it in the folder to use as filler when the next opportunity came. And it did. Just this past month in June.

I want to reprint it here for you, and I hope you will take a moment to consider the message.

What Would Happen??

Wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible
like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
This is something to make you go… hmmm…
Where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phone, we don’t ever have to worry
about our Bible being disconnected because
Jesus already paid the bill! Be Blessed!

Friday, June 27, 2008

George Carlin... and eternity

As you grow older, it is only logical that more people you know (or know of) die.
So... When I heard that George Carlin had died, I got a bit sad.

I started to remember some of his comedy from the early days - I was a child of the 70's, when the big event was everyone gathering around the TV and watching together - for us, it was usually a variety show, Carol Burnett, Sonny and Cher... but somewhere in there, I remember meeting George Carlin.

The funniest comedy routines are always recognizing the normal everyday things, then speaking of them and adding a crazy twist - and this was always true of George. I will never forget his hilarious routine about STUFF. He talked about all the stuff we have, then when we go on vacation, we take a smaller version of our stuff with us in a little suitcase... he was just brilliant.

But then, I began to wonder where George was spending eternity.
He seemed like an okay guy - someone you would like... he did lean toward being crude, and his language was too strong for me at times... but I know that these do not determine your final destination.

And I became sad. Sad for him, and then sad for others who have not accepted Jesus as their savior. It is so simple to ask for forgiveness for our human condition, and then to acknowledge that there is one God that created everything... so why is it that not all will accept?

I am reminded to live today with eternity as my focus. And that all of this junk, ALL of these routine and boring details of our lives, even the glorious wonderful things, ALL of it, will fall away and be no more. Because we are living with numbered days. We ARE going to die. Our bodies are starting to die from the moment of our birth. And it is inevitable. So please pay attention to what is truly important. Eternity is a long time.

In order to not leave you with a depressive, sad post - I want to share a few of my favorite George Carlin quotes:
----------
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

I'm always relieved when someone is delivering a eulogy and I realize I'm listening to it.

Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.

Not only do I not know what's going on, I wouldn't know what to do about it if I did.

The reason I talk to myself is that I'm the only one whose answers I accept.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Maddening Musings of a Mother Unmasked

This is the six word title of my Memoir.

No ~ I am not writing a memoir, but I was tagged to write a six word title for mine!

I say that my musings are maddening, because I am sure that is what my children would say. I have been afflicted/blessed with the C personality (of the DISC model) which is perfectionistic, problem-pointing-out, task-oriented, and indeed, maddening! I have taken a long time to learn this about myself. Thus I am trying to correct this in me... but perhaps it comes too late. At least for these children whom I love so dearly.

Unfortunately, I happen to recognize myself in movies and tv dramas, the mom who expected too much, the one who receives a lovely drawing from her precious child and instead of appreciating it is likely to say, 'how wonderful darling, don't you think the tree should be green instead of pink?', thus squashing a great moment with her realistic point of view.

Oh yes... realistic is MY word of choice, but most others would say pessimistic. In this particular case, I would say this type of thing is even depressing and ugly. :(

Unfortunate that I did not learn it earlier --- but glad that I am learning now... it just shows that I am a slow learning hard-headed stubborn person, or maybe just selfish, or spoiled, or all of the above. It is a wondrous thing that God not only tolerates us, but actually forgives and even really loves us. In all of our mess. In all of our exposed selfishness. How great is our God?

Wow. Did not expect me to be posting all of that, did you? Me neither.
Thanks Great-Granny Grandma! The introspection is something I am used to doing, just not usually baring it all for the world to see/read.

Now, I think it's appropriate that you say prayers for me, and for my children. We oh so need them.

Friday, May 09, 2008

Military in America

When in England at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of 'empire building' by George Bush.

He answered by saying, "Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return was enough to bury those that did not return."

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then there was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break one of the French engineers came back into the room saying, "Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intended to do, bomb them?"

A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly, "Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 6,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and the injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?"

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries.

Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, "whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English." He then asked, "Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?"

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied, "Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German."

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A group of Americans, retired teachers, recently went to France on a tour. Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on. "You have been to France before, monsieur?" the customs officer asked sarcastically.

Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.
"Then you should know enough to have your passport ready."

The American said, "The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it."

"Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France !"

The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, "Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in '44 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find any Frenchmen to show it to."

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What Is a Veteran?
A "Veteran" -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to, and including his life."

That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today, who no longer understand that fact.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Home from Cropmania

I finally got home tonight... attending Cropmania in Anapolis, Maryland with a friend and my sister. It was a great weekend - I got 19 pages completed, we ate great food, had a lot of shopping opportunities, even a mini-massage, and I am worn out! But it was good, all good!

After the crop, a trip to IKEA was on the agenda - that place is amazing and I can't wait to get one closer to my area. Daughter #2 got some new bed linens and some lighting. I got more mundane things - a glass canister to keep my tea bags in and a dimmer switch for a lamp. :)

Picked up hubby from the airport tonight, since he was gone as well - he was south though, in Alabama.

And we are both off tomorrow (today!) for Good Friday, dinner and a movie is on the agenda, and some organizing of my scrapping materials will be tackled for the morning. Later!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Political Review ~ interesting sites

This is a pretty quick assessment, you answer your views on issues and it will map out who you most closely "match" in the presidential race:

www.electoralcompass.com

And if you are curious about who is giving how much and to whom:

http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com

And for those of us with a comical view of the election process, you need to go here:

http://CaglePost.com

Helping Hand

Tag, You're It!

This is how the tag works:
1 - Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
2 - Open the book to page 123
3 - Find the fifth sentence
4 - Post the next three sentences
5 - Tag five people

So... I first picked up Velvet Elvis, which I started a couple of months ago and cannot seem to finish. Page 123 is a title page, no writing.

Leading to my next book to read, which was a Christmas gift, Mosaic by Amy Grant. And the segment reads:

Tell me what, what can I do
What can I do today?
We've all seen trouble from time to time...

Does that leave you hanging? If so, let me know and I'll finish it out for you! lol

Kiss me once...

...then kiss me twice, and kiss me once again ~ it's been a long, long time...

okay, are you wondering why the kissin' comes in?
well ~
i went to check out my blog, and realize that it has been way over 6 months!! Yikes!
and thus, the long, long time came to my mind, and i remembered a song we learned for a special chorus program we did when i was a 9th grader - wow, now THAT has been a long, long time as well!

I guess i have not had much to say since the last posting? ha! you KNOW that's not true.

seriously, as many of you know, my mom has been battling cancer and i just had too much of real life to deal with - so, i am in between right now, and she is finishing up the chemo - but we are dealing with side effects still...

however, i do have a little less driving and scheduling due to her medical appointments

is anybody out there? i know that this blog is mostly for my own therapy, but i just wondered.

be back to chat again soon.