tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82126360702345997322024-02-18T21:01:54.677-06:00A Touch of InspirationPamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-65404976122102015002009-06-17T23:33:00.004-05:002009-06-17T23:39:28.126-05:00Switch and Artist FeatureAha! I have switched over to Firefox (which I'm still getting used to) and I am having fewer problems with this blog. Thank you to those who suggested making the change! I feel torn now because I love this blog but am also enjoying blogging at the one I started when this one was giving me trouble: <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">http://blog.sweetsoliloquies.com</span>.<br /><br />My artist feature of the amazingly talented Camille Boggs appears Thursday, June 18th (tomorrow) and I hope you'll stop by and check it out: <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);"> http://www.textyladies.com/?p=406</span>. I just know you'll love her work like I do!<br /><br />I'll be back here in the next day or two to properly thank <a style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);" href="http://lamont-uphill.blogspot.com/2009/06/queens-of-awesome-and-adorable.html">Lamont</a> for gifting me with the "Queen of All Things Awe-Summ" award! Lamont, you're the best!Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-85317219512083511892009-05-31T22:39:00.002-05:002009-05-31T23:57:59.759-05:00New BlogI am posting today at <a href="http://blog.sweetsoliloquies.com/">Sweet Soliloquies</a>, the new blog I'm putting together to combine several of my blogs. How many does a girl really need? With all the issues I've been having here, I thought it prudent to set something else up. <br /><br />I plan to keep this blog going but for now, until I post something new here, you will find me at<span style="color:#ff99ff;"> blog</span> <span style="color:#ff99ff;">dot sweetsoliloquies dot com</span>. I have several more blog links to add and some of the pages are not completed yet but they should be soon. <br /><br />I hope to see you there!Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-31039468780607291042009-05-27T21:57:00.007-05:002009-05-28T11:10:22.149-05:00Wishcasting Wednesday - FrivolityIt's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wishcasting</span> Wednesday again and our inspirational host <a href="http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Jamie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ridler</span></span></a> asks this question:<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#cc66cc;">What <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">frivolous</span> treat do you wish for?</span></em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">I would just love, love, LOVE to participate in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">weekend workshop</span> at:</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.valleyridgeretreatcenter.com/"><span style="color:#66cccc;">Valley Ridge Retreat & Conference Center</span></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.valleyridgeretreatcenter.com/"><span style="color:#66cccc;">Valley Ridge Art Studio</span></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Take a look at some of these workshops!</div><ul><li><a href="http://www.valleyridgeartstudio.com/programs/workshop.asp?WorkshopID=116"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Story <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Booklace</span>: an Intensive Three Day Journey into the Magic World of Jewelry Designs I</span></a> - Instructor: Nina <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bagley</span></li><li><a href="http://www.valleyridgeartstudio.com/programs/workshop.asp?WorkshopID=154"><span style="color:#99ff99;">The Black Swan and the Lost Key</span></a> - Instructor: Juliana <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Coles</span></li><li><a href="http://www.valleyridgeartstudio.com/programs/workshop.asp?WorkshopID=125"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Stairway to Heaven I</span></a> - Instructor: Michelle Ward</li><li><a href="http://www.valleyridgeartstudio.com/programs/workshop.asp?WorkshopID=150"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Personal Geographies: Mapping Your Life</span></a> - Instructor: Jill Berry</li></ul><p>Spending a weekend with other creative souls being inspired by such tremendously talented people sounds like a dream! Maybe you can meet me there?</p><p>(I don't really think this frivolous but it's something I'd love to do!)</p>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-36866290510514927002009-05-25T20:31:00.005-05:002009-05-25T20:55:57.552-05:00FrustrationI'm having all sorts of trouble with this blog and I'm not sure if this will even get posted. I understand some of you have had trouble commenting here as well. I'm not sure what to do but I'm considering transferring everything to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WordPress</span>. My links to all my blogging friends are here at this site and I've had difficulty getting to them when I'm bumped off this blog without warning. There have been so many issues here and I don't know if it is Blogger or something I've done with or added to my site. Maybe a little of both. <br /><br />Having these issues with my blog has had a bright side in that it forced me to step away after getting frustrated enough and I think I needed that down time. I've known for some time but have finally admitted to myself that I must cut back a bit, participate in only a few memes, not be so obsessed with everything to do with this blog. It has become unhealthy and I've spent too much time at all these different blogs I've started. A Touch of Inspiration has become so special to me because I have met so many beautiful people through it. I will keep this blog (here at Blogger or transferred somewhere else) but I'm going to close up some of the newer blogs I've started. I think two blogs should be enough in addition to participating in my group blog, <a href="http://www.textyladies.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Texty</span> Ladies</a>. I've I'm going to write that novel or book of poetry (or any of the many projects I'd like to work on) I've got to make the time for it. <br /><br />Hopefully, these words will post. If I decide to transfer this blog elsewhere, I'll definitely let you know where.<br /><br />I hope everyone has had a fantastic Memorial Day and weekend! See you tomorrow or Wednesday for more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wishcasting</span>!Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-37886806750025691622009-05-21T23:38:00.002-05:002009-05-22T11:05:10.955-05:00Jamie Ridler asked me...Jamie Ridler of <a href="http://www.jamieridler.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Jamie Ridler Studios</span></a> and <a href="http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/2009/05/michelle-ward-asked-me.html"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Starshyne Productions</span></a> was kind enough to answer my request that she interview for this awesome interview meme. After losing my initial answers, I've finally answered them again and am sharing them with you here. WARNING: This gets a bit lengthy so hugs and kisses if you make it to the end! <div><br /><p>THE INTERVIEW RULES</p><p>* leave me a comment with your email address saying: “interview me”</p><p>* I will e-mail you five questions of my choice</p><p>* you can then answer the questions on your blog {with a link back to my blog}</p><p>* you should also post these rules, along with an offer to interview anyone else who emails you, wanting to be interviewed</p><p>* anyone who asks to be interviewed should be sent 5 questions to answer on their blog</p><p>* it would be nice if the questions were individualized for each blogger.</p><br /><p></p><p>MY QUESTIONS FROM JAMIE</p><p><strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">1. What were you like in high school?</span></strong></p><p>I should have applied myself more in high school. I was placed in a high potential/gifted student program the year of its inception. We were able to choose a career we were interested in and the school would team us up with a mentor in that field. I chose journalism and was a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlz8umBSHok-f2mlTLH1-vcpaIfq5Tszahek906Cr1K5EwEvvaqD4WcUnooYG_mmpuHZ6uKZ_2j-pdY00XsNlsmibURjDaPYJVlpoU-L4R8eXuBrEwTYAsPmJJKPaMQis2l86BWqdUOdB/s1600-h/pam_hs009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338502464587359570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 189px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlz8umBSHok-f2mlTLH1-vcpaIfq5Tszahek906Cr1K5EwEvvaqD4WcUnooYG_mmpuHZ6uKZ_2j-pdY00XsNlsmibURjDaPYJVlpoU-L4R8eXuBrEwTYAsPmJJKPaMQis2l86BWqdUOdB/s320/pam_hs009.jpg" border="0" /></a>ble to tag along with a journalist during their interview of a Minnesota State Senator. It was exciting and I had visions of myself as an edgy and hip Barbara Walters. A week later, I was told the journalist was not able to continue the mentorship so I needed to choose another field of interest. I chose child psychology and was able to work with kids with learning disabilities. I just loved those kids and it was a rewarding experience but I did not continue with more training in this area. </p><p>As I look back now, I see an uncertain teenage girl who was more concerned in becoming what others wanted than in exploring what she (I) wanted. I was the girl who got along with everyone but felt I belonged nowhere. I went to the parties but found them shallow and disappointing. I was fortunate enough to have a few true friends and I’m happy to report we still keep in touch today. Our class was apathetic and being a cheerleader or belonging to a group was SO uncool. Maybe that’s why I’m a joiner today. Making up for lost ground. I did belong to the Choir for two years and the school newspaper my senior year. The seniors were asked to state their ambition in life which appeared in our yearbook. Mine said: “To live in Jamaica in a beach house and write science fiction novels. Also, to become a psychologist.“ Hmmm…what happened there?</p><p align="center"></p><p><strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">2. What do you love about the woman you’ve become?</span></strong></p><p>While I’m trying to be more trusting, I’m basically an optimistic person and look for the best in others. I like that I can usually read people and situations fairly accurately, but as any true Libran would do, I play out the “but what ifs” in my head and do not pass judgment. </p><p>I’ve been through some difficult times over the last 44 years but they’ve only served to make me stronger. I explore this further in my answer to Question 5. </p><p>It is important to me that I was able to break free from destructive relationship patterns and give myself permission to accept a truly good and loving man, my husband.</p><p><strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">3. On National Guilty Pleasure Day, what would you be doing?</span></strong> </p><p>I’d probably watch Clerks, Sandra Dee movies (The Reluctant Debutante!), the Top 100 80’s Songs on VH-1 (Tainted Love by Soft Cell anyone?!) and a host of other lighthearted fare. I’d then break for a lunch of tacos with sour cream, Fritos and M&Ms, and a Butterfinger Blizzard. Next, I’ll run through the Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel series while pretending to kick butt in my living room in a pitiful attempt to channel my special powers and work off lunch (as the guilt starts to seep in). </p><p>Hmm, maybe I could break out the old Monkees albums, too…</p><p><strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">4. How do you get through challenging times?</span></strong> </p><p>My husband has called me Warrior Woman because he says when I’m sick, I just battle through it. When something is thrown my way, I’ll usually take it on regardless of what anxieties or fears I might be feeling. Maybe that is because as a single mother for 15 years, I pretty much had no choice but to keep on keepin’ on. It was not easy working full time while caring for a special needs child but I tried not to let that be the focus and we just lived our lives. Maybe having to be strong and positive for my son as we faced different challenges helped me tap into an inner core of strength (or maybe I‘m just stubborn!). </p><p><strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">5. What would you say is your personal signature?</span></strong></p><p>Hmmm… This is by far one of the most difficult questions to answer that I’ve ever been asked. Perhaps that is because I don’t know what my personal signature is or should be. While I think I know myself pretty well, I have a difficult time reading how others view me or what I’m doing. I would say that I’m a listener and wary optimist who enjoys encouraging others. My friends and acquaintances tend to seek me out when wanting to hash out a problem and they need a (hopefully) nonjudgmental ear. At least, that is what I’ve been told.</p><p>With regard to my writing, I prefer to write efficiently and get my thought across in the fewest amount of words possible. Maybe that is why I struggle with longer projects like novels. It seems overwhelming to whittle so much away and still be left with an acceptable word count. Sheesh, you probably don’t believe that last statement after the way I’ve been rambling here! </p><p>As I said, I’m not really sure how to answer this question and would be interested to know what others think my personal signature is.</p><p><br /><em>Want me to interview you? Leave a comment including your email or email me directly and I'll send you 5 questions just for you.</em></p></div>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-69536486464059497222009-05-21T11:58:00.007-05:002009-05-21T12:01:53.123-05:00<div>I hope you'll swing over to <a href="http://www.textyladies.com/">Texty Ladies</a> today and try today's prompt. It's easy and fun!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Tomorrow: I'll be answering Jamie Ridler's five questions to me. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It's another crazy day but I plan to catch up with everyone tomorrow and over the weekend. Hugs!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338323192822091906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwSd8MUKDSQVD7xd6ahkB2NuD5Y9t_pbqc3xB3TYCGRJX3Bpq3aJEYXRlt_EcJw-26ylfTONZAfc0OY5fa1fiC7w3sZt6yR5dES5J2OcYtS_4fdNsekpDGauPBX82dmV6sLYomI8YHlke/s200/Banner+2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-36711976592980489242009-05-20T05:39:00.014-05:002009-05-20T20:11:59.556-05:00Wishcasting Wednesday - Soul Wishes<div align="center">This week our inspiring Wishcasting Hostess Jamie @ <a href="http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/">Starshyne Productions</a> asks:</div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#66cccc;">What is your highest self wishing for?</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#66cccc;">What's rumbling in your soul?</span></em></div><br /><div><br /><strong>What is my highest self wishing for?</strong><br /><br /></div><div>I wish to be ever closer to God and know His plan for me. I wish to hear and truly listen when He speaks and I wish to be used as His instrument for the benefit of others. I wish to ease the burdens of others and encourage them in their endeavors. I wish to be more selfless and think of random acts of kindness before the opportunity instead of after it.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div><strong>What's rumbling in my soul?</strong></div><br /><p>I wsh I had more time for writing and drawing and other creative pursuits. With my day job and the commute, I'm away from home for approximately 11 hours per day, then there's supper and errands, laundry and whatever family time we can pull together. I fire up the laptop around 9:30 p.m. and try to get some blogging, commenting, site creation, writing, research and surfing done between bouts of falling asleep with my fingers on the keyboard. Round about 12:30 or 1:00 a.m., I give up the fight, shut down the laptop and shuffle off to bed.</p><div>The possibility exists for me to take one day off every other week which would allow me time for the activities I've mentioned but it would require me to either work longer hours the remainder of that week or take a cut in pay. Neither one is a viable option right now unless we can get creative with our finances. I'm not sure I can get any more creative in that area than I already have!</div><br /><div>I also wish to take better care of myself and my family by eating more healthy and non-processed food. I wish to get more sleep and pray that my struggles in this area be resolved. I wish to amp up the exercise and also find time to just sit and look out the window and dream. </div><br /><div>There's a whole bunch of wishes right there! I pray that all of our wishes come true! :)</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338077435508266706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gm4THHBR8D4K0lCmnK_xIJ3ZtsFl6IL74cksx4N3gJ5GkiuorHzImS_w0iJ5qzirhL6HE-8K_PE-VBHWb_Z6naPj7wqNG0qivb_0EvzTEYEtQItyopQ18_Vpkp-dD3kXa0wPzTYpdfQ2/s200/wishcastingwednesdays02mini.jpg" border="0" /> <p></p><p align="center"></p>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-56028988234946100302009-05-19T10:09:00.002-05:002009-05-19T10:10:44.797-05:00Still Kickin'I'm still around folks but have had an abundance of tasks to complete so will post as soon as I'm able. I hope you're all doing well!! :)Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-45117367726067415742009-05-15T05:47:00.006-05:002009-05-15T09:09:33.172-05:00What?!!I could cry. I've started typing my longer posts in a Word document before inserting into my blog because I've lost far too many what I'm sure were absolutely brilliant words (ha!) to that darn sneaky blogmonster! Well, I smugly followed this procedure with my answers to <a href="http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Jamie Ridler's</span> </a>five question interview only to discover my document has vanished! Grrrrr!!! How could this happen?!<br /><br />I do not have the heart to recreate my answers this morning so I'll do so later and post them this weekend. Sigh...<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Cute and Funny Cat Comments" href="http://sugarlipz.net/" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 296px; HEIGHT: 277px" height="349" alt="Cute and Funny Cat Comments" src="http://sugarlipz.net/graphics/cutecats/cat2.gif" width="334" border="0" /></a></p>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-50964369897702932662009-05-14T08:53:00.005-05:002009-05-14T09:06:57.660-05:00Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMN1ki-uYXcs3MbkNmzbVVl6Cmrn40FsYnAF-MwEeAd50EEtDDjx8VRq0bkAV7pX4ylqoBJFBD3nFh0OTGXQuYZiTMH5lIivNyzJrbrXRjctHSSXIaoz-HDm-pmOmiwogGnGtLBh5tYIi/s1600-h/TL+Logo+Test+1a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335679877185145794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMN1ki-uYXcs3MbkNmzbVVl6Cmrn40FsYnAF-MwEeAd50EEtDDjx8VRq0bkAV7pX4ylqoBJFBD3nFh0OTGXQuYZiTMH5lIivNyzJrbrXRjctHSSXIaoz-HDm-pmOmiwogGnGtLBh5tYIi/s200/TL+Logo+Test+1a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It's a crazy busy day! I'll post later this evening when the world quiets down..... I hope!</div><br /><div></div><div>In the meantime, I've posted the <a href="http://www.textyladies.com/?p=379"><span style="color:#99ff99;">prompt</span></a> for Poetry Play Thursday over at Texty Ladies. If you're game, stop on over and have a look-see. :)</div><br /><div></div><div>Have a bright, shiny day friends and I'll catch up with you tonight! </div><div></div><div><br/><br /></div><div><em>(The logo above is one I created for Texty Ladies.)</em><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-86786604725843591642009-05-12T23:45:00.015-05:002009-05-13T16:25:57.600-05:00Wishcasting Wednesday - Connection<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZtTpTMNXM7ccHHOTVLl2dM7XotFfZDdKNU4Jf87UoWB-aEfSPef0P8SmxkCd64TyZhR6slyAUyFbas916M3YNETk4FrbJzJ1URo4Ep3BviMyOhbLuTMN2qc-Wfd-qojDXVCXT7VgR_4U/s1600-h/connection.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335335106541413538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZtTpTMNXM7ccHHOTVLl2dM7XotFfZDdKNU4Jf87UoWB-aEfSPef0P8SmxkCd64TyZhR6slyAUyFbas916M3YNETk4FrbJzJ1URo4Ep3BviMyOhbLuTMN2qc-Wfd-qojDXVCXT7VgR_4U/s320/connection.jpg" border="0" /></a> Super cool funky chick and Wishcasting hostess <span style="color:#ff99ff;">Jamie</span> asks this week:<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#339999;"><em>Who do you wish to connect to?</em><br /></span></div><br /><p align="center">I wish to connect with my son in a more meaningful way that will ease his anxiety and release his negative self-talk and self-image. He is intelligent, kind, handsome, talented and a complete stitch(!) and I pray that he develops a true self-love.</p><p align="center">I wish to have a deeper connection with the creative and fearless side of me. She and I are getting closer as I'm able to start a few projects and make a few messes BUT the connection could be stronger.</p><p align="center">I wish to continue the beautiful connection with my husband. As we grow older, I pray we continue to grow ever more committed and in love with each other.</p><p align="center">I sometimes wish to disconnect with the more empathic side of me because the feelings can be overwhelming but today I wish to embrace empathy and pray that I'm shown the best way to use it.</p><div align="center">I wish to connect in love and friendship with my family, friends (on and offline) and all those I'm supposed to meet.</div><br /><div align="center"><br />For more connections, please visit the other Wishcasting Wednesday participants <a href="http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/2009/05/wishcasting-wednesday-may-13-2009.html"><span style="color:#99ff99;">here</span></a>.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335335868317045842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHDtfV-pzNisrzQuAllVQxrKRbH12wDfpdDL5xnnzcy7sZp2nJWkW_ZLBGpK3KjxbQc9Ps80lmh5GrI5u-ABTPkktxPq-koOND3FIKHhnj9XD84EN1Ivas1feG_bPA4oDVldvt-CqHubg/s200/wishcastingwednesdays02mini.jpg" border="0" /> </div>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-24617539562484720992009-05-12T06:20:00.002-05:002009-05-12T06:28:18.208-05:00Freedom<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmjtgveJDS4LeD9is6vbD20OFggdR0MnKtGc6_aDrrPW3Go9Vb3YLdpmsXZan5qpnmSIcSvYJXbr7ZPI-8K0p5k7tgCaq90HzZW6F-MlRkrsbOCteAieA2jqaVTMgsNtx8uzCgH5YG2K3/s1600-h/Freedom__by_Beancat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334896664874282770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmjtgveJDS4LeD9is6vbD20OFggdR0MnKtGc6_aDrrPW3Go9Vb3YLdpmsXZan5qpnmSIcSvYJXbr7ZPI-8K0p5k7tgCaq90HzZW6F-MlRkrsbOCteAieA2jqaVTMgsNtx8uzCgH5YG2K3/s320/Freedom__by_Beancat.jpg" border="0" /></a> by Beancat</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I'm not sure where I found this but I think it's lovely.</div><div align="center"> </div>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-77707677091481395392009-05-11T22:27:00.002-05:002009-05-11T22:31:45.748-05:00Such Lovely Awards<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5iLVbeo0R3wUqnwT4yG8v8dRyH5oZxmwOtyDMalfFQxt3yrZZeuz5RmZKGLn1k-EM63o2FfnF5yiVrSSV09mzNiKk_7EC0vHHRcvuDoW4JtpAgk8BkW4zAHxCukMA1FOnWNo7HFAzegC/s1600-h/OneLovelyBlogAward.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332785661967058418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5iLVbeo0R3wUqnwT4yG8v8dRyH5oZxmwOtyDMalfFQxt3yrZZeuz5RmZKGLn1k-EM63o2FfnF5yiVrSSV09mzNiKk_7EC0vHHRcvuDoW4JtpAgk8BkW4zAHxCukMA1FOnWNo7HFAzegC/s200/OneLovelyBlogAward.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The very sweet and super cool <a href="http://clairedulalune.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Clairedelalune</span></span></a> has gifted me with the One Lovely Blog Award! Claire and I recently discovered each other and I am having so much fun getting to know her. She's fun and is a breath of fresh air in the blogging world. Thank you oodles and oodles, Claire, for honoring me with this award!<br /><br />Here are the rules attached to this award: 1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. 2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bloggers</span> to let them know they have been chosen for this award.<br /><br />It would be difficult for me to list 15 blogs, not because there aren't 15 worthy of it, but because I'd surely make myself sick worrying about the choice. Instead, I will do this (please forgive me gods of the lovely blog award; I hope you'll accept my twist of the rules):<br /><br />Since this award is called the "One Lovely Blog Award," anyone who writes in the next week about <strong><span style="color:#ff99ff;">an act or expression of loving kindness</span></strong> may accept this award. If you do so, please let me know by leaving a comment on this post and I will link to your blog in next Tuesday's Simply Kind Tuesdays post. OR, if I visit your blog and see that you've written about this subject, I will mention you as well.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333669493081937106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 102px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 102px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgpvsI2xCNCERk3tF7pswxZ_ragPW7oQHCdzewFyauEUg_sGaTgjeIGFfF1iMHY7__4ibVvcyzhcwSTVL2wP8pqQxcc97WCFxvDDQwtND60uH4IriBAKigrDUheZngqhFIRNPFbUG3c_j/s320/noblesse_oblige_award2.jpg" border="0" /><br />The lovely and talented <a href="http://hybridj.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Hybrid J</span></a> has been so kind as to award me with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Noblesse</span> Oblige Award. Whenever I visit Hybrid J's blog, I always come away with something to think about. I am so glad she received this award, because it is well deserved! I humbly accept it and thank you with all my heart, Hybrid J!<br /><br /><span style="color:#9999ff;"><strong><em>Details of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Noblesse</span> Award:</em></strong></span><br /><br />The recipient of this award is recognized for the following:<br /><br />- The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs.<br /><br />- Their Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage, and offers solutions<br /><br />- There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Cultures, Sciences and Beliefs<br /><br />- The Blog is refreshing and creative<br /><br />- The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#9999ff;"><strong><em>The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following:</em></strong></span><br /><br />- Create a post with a mention and link to the person who presented the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Noblesse</span> Oblige Award<br /><br />- The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post<br /><br />- Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts as support<br /><br />- The Blogger must present the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Noblesse</span> Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions<br /><br />- Blogger must display the Award at any location at their Blog.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hmmm</span>, what has my blog thus far achieved? I have tried to keep this blog a positive place to visit. Pretty pictures, positive thoughts and stories, and a sense of welcome and comfort. I'm inviting you to slip your shoes off, kick back in a comfy chair and share a cup of tea or coffee (or perhaps a margarita?) and some lovely conversation. I have met many beautiful and inspiring people through this blog and am deeply grateful.<br /><br />Now, to whom do I give this award?<br /><br />I have decided to give this to the group of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">bloggers</span> who regularly participate in "<a href="http://sleepwithbread.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Sleeping With Bread</span></a>." What is Sleeping with Bread?<br /><br /><span style="color:#9999ff;"><em>During the bombing raids of WWII, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, "Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow." (Linn, Dennis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">et</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">al</span>, Sleeping With Bread, p.l)</em><br /><br /><em>These are the beginning words of a book that introduced me (</em><strong>the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">meme's</span> host, Mary-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">LUE</span></strong><em>), to a practice called the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">examen</span>. The orphans held on to what nourished them and were thus able to sleep peacefully at night. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">examen</span>, based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, helps a person hold onto what spiritually nourishes him by looking at what is giving him consolation in his life or causing him desolation. It allows someone to express his gratitude to God for the good stuff and turn to him for solace for the bad stuff. It is quite simple. You simply ask yourself, in the last day/week/month what gave me consolation and what caused me desolation.</em><br /></span><br /><a href="http://ltuande.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Mary-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">LUE</span></span></a><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><a href="http://melsdream.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Mel</span></a><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><a href="http://lamont-uphill.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Tara Lamont</span></a><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><a href="http://gaudiumveritate.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Ashley</span></a><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><a href="http://diannepolome.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Dianne</span></a><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><a href="http://atomiczebra7.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Skeeter</span></a><span style="color:#99ff99;"><br /></span><p>If I have missed someone, I do apologize. On the weeks I have participated, reflecting on the previous week's ups and downs has helped me find the good that wasn't always apparent. It helps clarify what brought me through the tough moments and serves as a reminder of what or who will stick by me and where my focus should be. I do hope you will try it sometime. Thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">SWB</span> members for inspiring and nourishing me!</p>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-19719338435775164202009-05-10T14:51:00.003-05:002009-05-10T14:52:21.732-05:00A Day of RestFeeling a little under the weather today but I'll post tomorrow. I have some lovely awards I'd like to show my appreciation for!<br /><br />Have a wonderful Sunday my friends. :)Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-79713726285100877432009-05-08T18:51:00.004-05:002009-05-09T08:38:05.761-05:00Full Flower Moon Dreamboard<p align="center"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">FULL FLOWER MOON</span></p><center><a title="Full Flower Moon Dreamboard by Indya43, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angelpubs/3512330874/"></a></center><p align="center"><a title="Full Flower Moon Dreamboard by Indya43, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angelpubs/3512330874/"><img height="500" alt="Full Flower Moon Dreamboard" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3512330874_71cc854408.jpg" width="334" /></a></p><div align="center">1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/86905391@N00/565904882/">full moon {полная луна}</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/13098925@N00/3237333300/">I love art</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/29003954@N00/326234433/">...art...love...art...love...art...love...</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/44687375@N00/2052830239/">Winter Peace</a>, 5. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/44687375@N00/704288259/">Earth Wind Water</a>, 6. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/9550033@N04/2805822565/">MAGIC in B&W</a>, 7. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/10843892@N00/2729715065/">Magic</a>, 8. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/81098784@N00/180745941/">Magic</a>, 9. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/38493348@N00/694248236/">magic moment</a>, 10. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/12936340@N06/2344069066/">The colorful world of pencils!</a>, 11. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7856430@N07/2486895886/">~ Magic Forest</a>, 12. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/11568078@N04/2006021594/">Write your destiny</a>, 13. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/86526019@N00/2881360561/">Abbotsford House from the gardens</a>, 14. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7644891@N07/1036742005/">Me Must Be Dreaming!</a>, 15. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/12948065@N00/3004198583/">joy</a>, 16. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/54831239@N00/254852972/">tranquility</a>, 17. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/85095637@N00/1803502274/">Autumn Ride !</a>, 18. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/17489747@N03/2428309555/">Dreams of a Journey</a>, 19. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/15426365@N00/53060750/">You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one</a>, 20. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/9201324@N03/2439724693/">CXXXIX "imagine"</a>, 21. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/47213930@N00/2131666840/">Minnie the Dreamer</a>, 22. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/51408394@N00/230377281/">zero gravity</a>, 23. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7129588@N07/2854492853/">Fairy Castle~Explore</a>, 24. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/7129588@N07/2966580560/">Dream Fairy</a></div><center></center><div align="left"><br /><br />I'm excited to finally be participating in the <span style="color:#66cccc;">Full Moon Dreamboard</span> posts! In keeping with the name of this month's full moon, our heavenly host, <a href="http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/">Jamie Ridler</a>, has asked us to visualize what we want to flower abundantly in our life this month.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Some time ago, in a post far away, I mentioned that I have strange and unpleasant <span style="color:#ffff66;">dreams</span>. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed one. Most nights, I'll doze in front of my laptop a few minutes here, a few minutes there and stay up until midnight or later, waking up at 5:15 a.m. During those hours in the <span style="color:#9999ff;">dreamworld</span>, I'm usually either on a quest or running from something or someone. I'm never really sure who that person is but I know they want to harm me in some way, emotionally or physically. My task in these <span style="color:#ff6666;">dreams</span> is to find a particular object or person. While most of these quests or escapes are set outdoors, houses and buildings are almost always an important prop. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Most people look forward to sinking back in their comfy beds after a long, busy day allowing Morpheus to have his way with them, but I truly prefer to encounter my <span style="color:#66ff99;">dreams</span> during the day when I have some measure of control. The soft, comfy bed is kinda nice, though. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">What I want to flower abundantly this month is a practice of visualizing pleasant scenarios and locations before going to sleep in an effort to direct where my <span style="color:#ff9966;">dreams</span> will take me. I long to look forward to those hours in <span style="color:#66ffff;">dreamland</span>.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">NOTE: This was posted before Jamie's Full Moon Dreamboard post and I took her question from her newsletter. In her actual post, she also asks <em>What seeds will you plant this month</em>?</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Along with recreating my garden, I would like to sow seeds of contentment. I know there are others like me who love and and enjoy their lives and the people in it but are always thinking there's something still needed to make them truly happy. Maybe that something or someone is God, maybe it is something else. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I am NOT saying we shouldn't have wishes and dreams, long for a partner, plan a new career or work toward equality, justice and an end to hunger. I'm saying that while we are doing those things, we should appreciate where we are in our lives and discern what our purpose is at any given moment. I truly believe there is a purpose for our circumstance; that we can find something in our situation to hang on to and work with, no matter how difficult.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I have found that always looking to the future and not living in the present can be destructive. It can eat at you and breed hopelessness. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Let us wish our wishes, dream our dreams, search for hidden treasures and pray for the answers. And while we're doing that, let's also be thankful for our blessings and content in our situation knowing that it is where we are supposed to be <em>right now</em>. Perhaps it is where we need to be in order to get to where we're going.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">P.S. I'm sorry if that sounded preachy. I just felt compelled to talk about this because it has been an issue for me for many years and I hate to think of others always feeling that churning in their gut, that frustration that what they're looking for (even if they don't know what that is) is forever just out of reach.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br />Many blessings to you all!Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-54736011836810137222009-05-06T13:52:00.020-05:002009-05-07T05:38:22.957-05:00Wishcasting Wednesday<p>With our esteemed Wishcasting Wednesday hostess <a href="http://www.starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Jamie Ridler</span></a> on a balance break, I still planned to write about wishes today. It just doesn't seem right not to. Then, I saw Tabby's, of <a href="http://www.ichoosebliss.net/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">*I Choose Bliss*</span></a>, post about wishes and thought, "Hmm, she must feel the same way I do." I was then off to Genie's blog, <a href="http://reality-insanity.blogspot.com/2009/05/awards-and-wishes.html"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Reality Insanity</span></a>, and found that Jamie had given her permission to host this week's WW. </p><p>Seems to me there's something special going on here. Something I've always felt and have noticed even more so in the last few weeks as the list of participants grows longer. Wishcasting Wednesday gives us permission to wish out loud. We are given the opportunity to think about what we truly want, explore the possibilities, and sometimes find out that we don't really want what we thought. WW also nudges us to dream and support others in their dreams.</p><p>Genie's question for today is:</p><em><span style="color:#6666cc;">What do you wish to find on your doorstep?</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#6666cc;"></span></em>Goodness, what possibilities! I might have to write a list for this, both selfish and non. I wish for:<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">1. A giant box of books that I've never read by my favorite authors and some from authors new to me.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">2. Another box of paints and pencils, markers and erasers, beautiful papers and stamps and all sorts of cool art supplies.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">3. An envelope with a certificate stating that some kind soul is gifting me with maid service for the next year or more.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">4. Might as well ask for a gardener, too!</span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">5. Ed McMahon with a big fat check. One for my family and one for himself since I hear he's having difficulties.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">6. Family who live out of town.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">7. A bunch of friends who have come to pick us up for a day of fun and serving others.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">8. A beautiful box filled with the endings to the stories I started and never finished.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">9. An abundance of energy and confidence, both of which I often lack.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ff99ff;">10. A key that will open the door to cures for the world's diseases and hate, bigotry and greed.</span><br /><br />What would be really awesome is if all of you showed up on my doorstep. I'd welcome you warmly and we'd spend a glorious day sharing stories, encouraging each other and bonding with our tribe. Just like we do now, only in person! :)<br /><br /><div align="center">..................................................</div><br />When asked what my son would wish to find on our doorstep, he said: <span style="color:#66cccc;">"All my friends! I like them for them and they like me for me." </span><br /></span></span><br />I love that answer, Alex. People who do that are true friends.</span><br /><br /><div align="center">.................................................</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Thanks, Genie, for hosting this week's Wishcasting Wednesdays!</div><em></span></em>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-72033801041551259482009-05-05T00:01:00.003-05:002009-05-05T00:03:59.050-05:00Simply Kind Tuesdays - Mother Nature<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg03sdmLMIwPKeyzTM_o9zD3TINop3XrkJSI3nZB0WvybUKLGhCJSFmD8oDqogDvZaSC03ObrclDxBjjGvCssOHaRmUC54Q6JxQ2QKo3BiDiKQEKPkHDR7JmC0MG4trb7MVsJunHpaxTKn/s1600-h/natures_kindness_by_alya_g.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332175129307073922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg03sdmLMIwPKeyzTM_o9zD3TINop3XrkJSI3nZB0WvybUKLGhCJSFmD8oDqogDvZaSC03ObrclDxBjjGvCssOHaRmUC54Q6JxQ2QKo3BiDiKQEKPkHDR7JmC0MG4trb7MVsJunHpaxTKn/s320/natures_kindness_by_alya_g.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nature's Kindness</div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffccff;">By Alya G.</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.uacukrainerelief.org/programs/art_from_the_heart.php"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Universal Aid for Children Ukraine - Art from the Heart Program</span></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">Think of the ways </span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">Mother Nature shows us kindness.</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">She provides sustenance</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">and offers shade.</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">She heals with warmth</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">and feeds our spirit with beauty.</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">Her majesty inspires</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">and teaches us respect.</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">Her infinite fragrance calms fear,</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">provokes memories and warns of danger.</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">She shows us the way</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">through birth, death and rebirth.</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">Her kindness is immeasurable</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#66cccc;">and must be appreciated to continue.</span></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Please join me in showing appreciation</div><div align="center">for Mother Nature's kindness. </div><div align="center">What one kind act can you show Her today?<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center">For other thoughts on kindness, please go to Claudia's <a href="http://www.on-a-limb.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Simply Kind Tuesdays</span></a>.</div><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332197019354496162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 85px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBs3y8y63XsFyvXIZ1k2DnxS0h1dw0TECNA4SdT10bizFgCHyDH0h1dAdgYgu0m3Xd2MA9PuJ1Uw_IdBHuOcHbh-sbx4pr6kdmKWcWB5XKpuHu_rnc2bSujZEg-FT5ECctyDxPt_YCtHm/s200/SKT.bmp" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"></p><div align="center"></div>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-24974226522848223432009-05-04T05:42:00.013-05:002009-05-04T11:35:42.937-05:00The Simple Woman's Daybook - May 4, 2009<div align="center"></div><div align="center">For my fellow Sleeping with Bread participants, I will join you again. I've just felt compelled to post my Simple Woman's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Daybook</span> the last few weeks.</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331918028943893234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZKz2SxvKxNILH91aaHruEH0v26V1XIRc-8QkXkw63-kGl7qBOM7JL4xCmQMsQ5DVNv1iPX_PCNofCfKcrHocCogdhJ3Wu_mVOC3lWVAeDYALwU3HE7vx-kmBQWfZUrh3y7pJoSNrz0_Y/s200/simple-woman-daybook-large.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong>For today...</strong>May 4, 2009<br /><br /></p><p align="center"><strong>Outside my window...</strong>The sun will soon rise. The chairs are strewn about the patio from last night's fire. It was fun roasting marshmallows, making <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">smores</span>, talking and picking out constellations. </p><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>I am thinking...</strong>I will feel better once I complete a task I've been putting off for the last week. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>I am thankful for...</strong>easy breezy spring evenings sitting by the fire and enjoying each others company.</div><p align="center"><strong>From the kitchen...</strong>I'm not sure what my husband will whip up but he broke out the grill yesterday so I'm thinking that might be involved.</p><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>I am wearing...</strong>grey slacks (it's Monday) and my favorite black top. Darn, I forgot to color my hair this weekend. I could let it go silver but it's coming in patches so I'd look pretty strange. Oh, well, I guess my hair will match my outfit!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>I am reading...</strong>the last few chapters of <a href="http://www.susanwooldridge.com/books.html"><span style="color:#99ff99;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PoemCrazy</span></span></a> by Susan Goldsmith <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wooldridge</span>. I suggest everyone read it whether you're interested in poetry or not. It is plump, juicy and full of life. The chapters about the kids from her workshops will tug at your heart.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>I am hoping...</strong>for a quiet work week so I can get caught up on some projects.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>I am creating...</strong>my Full Moon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dreamboard</span> this week!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>I am praying...</strong>for beautiful weeknights so my family can get out for a few walks.</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Around the house...</strong>I cleaned the house this weekend so there's really only laundry and a little darning left to do.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>One of my favorite things...</strong>the smell of oranges and tangerines. I've been allergic to them since my teen years but I can still enjoy their scent!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>A few plans for the rest of the week...</strong>I'll take my son to see the Wolverine movie and I'd like to get more writing and drawing time in. I'll also make the effort to throw in some random acts of kindness. :)</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...</strong></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331925781718139378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRttxBTMpVyJy6Yf1lJ_YQUqoAKvLvGu4LPSKnSMmoNrK2Qe3hLY2bpPvJTjZjsmB02AEBinYAOmJnfW4t7ITuy99A9FtLpL_cE6a346id9TqRU5gcUwwSDfhCC0ohoNk5i-4z_LGDY98I/s320/100_1002.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="center"></div><p align="center"><span style="color:#99ffff;">Kali<br /></span></p><p align="center">You can find more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Daybooks</span> <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2009/05/simple-womans-daybook.html"><span style="color:#99ff99;">here</span></a>.</p>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-4506384070978014672009-04-30T16:05:00.024-05:002009-05-01T05:52:52.108-05:00Kreativ Blogger Award<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mza3Wa1cdRKCblquP-jsIsST4wnY6gDLV_gauKmq2BtR0wUnvE32KPp-MeNDBW11S3wvURHqZEly4zH63Po1dAspBKWzoszHfvlXoGqVIXSM43O4xAhw4WyjIyNIFdWYn8OaA-DRBJL5/s1600-h/kreative_blogger_award.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330593591430460082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mza3Wa1cdRKCblquP-jsIsST4wnY6gDLV_gauKmq2BtR0wUnvE32KPp-MeNDBW11S3wvURHqZEly4zH63Po1dAspBKWzoszHfvlXoGqVIXSM43O4xAhw4WyjIyNIFdWYn8OaA-DRBJL5/s200/kreative_blogger_award.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">You know, this blogging community rocks! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Isn</span>’t it incredible that we can find and become part of such a supportive and nurturing community when we haven’t actually met its residents? One of those awesome residents, <a href="http://pushbuttonalpha.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Alpha B.</span></a>, has awarded me with this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kreativ</span> Blogger Award! Thank you so much, Alpha B.!! I do so enjoy your visits here and am happy you received this award because your blogs are fantastic!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">With this award, I'm asked to tell you about seven of my favorite things.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">With a previous award, I spoke of seven things I love and listed my husband, son, family, pets, etc., so I'll create a different type of favorites list here.</div><br /><div align="left">1. I enjoy early mornings when everyone is sleeping and I can write, read and surf online to my heart's content, usually with coffee nearby.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">2. I enjoy staring into a fire, especially outdoors, while new age type music plays in the background. Visions and ideas come so easily then.</div><br /><div align="left">3. Autumn is my favorite time of year. Cool brisk air...sweaters...school...turning leaves...apple orchards...baking...anticipation...Halloween!</div><br /><div align="left">4. Being accepted by a kitten or cat...or at least tolerated.</div><br /><div align="left">5. Chocolate. Wait, why isn't this number one? I must be slipping.</div><br /><div align="left">6. I love lilacs. Not only do I love their scent and pretty little petals, but they always bring me back to lighter, more innocent times, my parents' home, and gathering bunches and bunches to bring as gifts for my school teachers.</div><br /><div align="left">7. Studying other cultures. I don't know if or when we'll be able to take a big trip but until that day happens, I can soak up as much knowledge as I can about the world around us.<br /><br /></div><div align="left">I'd like to send this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kreativ</span> Blogger award to the following seven creative blogger friends:</div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">1. Tabitha at <a href="http://knittingjourneymanredux.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">http://knittingjourneymanredux.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><br /><div align="left">2. Sara at <a href="http://mama-craft.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">http://mama-craft.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><br /><div align="left">3. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lors</span> at <a href="http://threepupperonis.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">http://threepupperonis.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div align="left"><br />4. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sema</span> at <a href="http://affirmart.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">http://affirmart.blogspot.com/</span></a><br /></div><br /><div align="left">5. Roxanne at <a href="http://never-shower-in-high-heels.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">http://never-shower-in-high-heels.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><br /><div align="left">6. Brandi at <a href="http://brandireynolds.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">http://brandireynolds.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><br /><div align="left">7. Melba at <a href="http://www.melbamcmullin.com/"><span style="color:#99ff99;">http://www.melbamcmullin.com/</span></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Thank you again, Alpha B.!</div>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-16783656664426793372009-04-30T09:31:00.015-05:002009-04-30T11:15:02.952-05:00Poetry IdeasThe contest <a href="http://www.textyladies.com/?p=369"><span style="color:#99ff99;">winners</span></a> for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Texty</span> Ladies National Poetry Month poetry contest have been announced today. It was difficult to choose the winning entries, as you can imagine, but a contest generally requires a winner so there you go. It was fun reading <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">the</span> entries and we received quite an eclectic mix. They were all winners in my book!<br /><br />We learn as we go and I think to make our next contest easier for the participants and judges, we will post a blurb about what the judges will be looking for in that particular contest. My personal preference and belief about poetry is that the meaning should not be a complete mystery to the reader; they should not have to work overtime to discover its purpose. Not that it has to be simple and spelled out for you. Like other forms of art, a poem can be subjective just not a complete mystery. Those are my thoughts on the subject anyway. I should clarify that the meaning or message was fairly clear in the poems submitted to the contest.<br /><br />I'm still tinkering with Poetry Play Thursday. I'm not sure if I should switch up the format each month or just pick a different form of poetry to explore each week. For May, I'd like to give a structured prompt for people to use, not just one word but something like the following:<br /><br /><span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="color:#ff99ff;">What if _____________?<br />I might _____________<br />What if _____________?<br />I could _____________<br />What if _____________?<br />I would _____________<br />(Ask a Question)______________?</span><br /></span><br />Would anyone be interested in trying something that structured?<br /><br /><span style="color:#9999ff;">What if there was no daylight?<br />I might run with wolves and howl at the moon<br />What if the moon spoke in whispers?<br />I could learn the secrets of the universe<br />What if words brought life to dreams?<br />I would write of the pack, intuition and truth<br />What if we listened to the Wild Woman within us?<br /></span><span style="color:#9999ff;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/us/" rel="license"><img style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nd/3.0/us/88x31.png" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span rel="dc:type" property="dc:title" href="http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text" dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">Wild Woman</span> by </span><a href="http://touchinspiration.blogsopt.com/" rel="cc:attributionURL" property="cc:attributionName" cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#"><span style="font-size:78%;">Pamela Sweet</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> is licensed under a </span><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/us/" rel="license"><span style="font-size:78%;">Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">.</span>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-54105171659631696212009-04-29T06:00:00.014-05:002009-04-29T07:51:42.495-05:00Wishcasting Wednesdays - Read<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJuADi8LjnHY8MPhXFjdWWxwLU7K80kxifUy6lQ_KcK5btIOhdyjcjRH4ymIZyEIoqj7jdiZcOaPD8MHRSv7b_0lkQzslxYlvXFDSS4ANyguSAFld8AeNx19H2L38_2GEt4qeOwpKBDY3/s1600-h/wishcastingwednesdays02mini.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330066717116635202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJuADi8LjnHY8MPhXFjdWWxwLU7K80kxifUy6lQ_KcK5btIOhdyjcjRH4ymIZyEIoqj7jdiZcOaPD8MHRSv7b_0lkQzslxYlvXFDSS4ANyguSAFld8AeNx19H2L38_2GEt4qeOwpKBDY3/s200/wishcastingwednesdays02mini.jpg" border="0" /></a>How do you do it, Jamie? Each week, I read on several participants' blogs that you asked a question pertinent to what was in their hearts at that moment. Once again, you've hit the nail on the head, so to speak. Jamie's question this week is:<br /><p><span style="color:#3366ff;"><em>What do you wish to read?</em></span></p><p>Reading has been one of my greatest joys my entire life. Escaping to new lands, caring for new characters, and resolving new conflicts not only takes us out of ourselves, it provides us new perspective on our own lives.</p><p>For quite a while now, I've tried to cram in some reading while riding the bus or immediately before falling asleep which leaves me with a fractured reading experience. It gives me bits and pieces and not a good overall picture. </p><p>I've been telling myself I must write, write, write; put what little free time I have toward that. However, my writing has been sporadic and my enjoyment of books has been the same.</p><p>In order to write, we must read. We must lose ourselves in fantastical journeys, gain insight from the sage advice of others, and be inspired by those who have overcome. Isn't time spent reading time well spent?</p><p>I wish to spend more time reading without worrying about other things I "should" be doing instead. I wish to take my coffee, tea or hot cocoa and curl up on the sofa or a chair on our Juliet balcony and enjoy a light, warm breeze as I lose myself in another world. I wish to read without guilt.</p><p>A few books I'm looking forward to reading:</p><p></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkojNPOWv-y1Gn2aHGhZMLWHsKSj1XFVdW37TJga5SWeIA-7iCB8ttldrzJ9TWjMYW0nBBG9tw8Vwn0kQZr4-PW0G4jDcHCQ-le3xcH_s46AkITof3BzJVaKAbMdy3d_AyVtOpJW1hWr6k/s1600-h/Collage_Journeys.jpg"></a></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330081238169499970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hTAxymhXqdSN-gnSBVRhNLdcgB5bEdi04WPuz4tYwMB0_GDD4aBwE66zihZ57KFMQq_aX-CkZYX8yBT-cAYoT5XHbgq8HD4K4F5VkfAV9ZbImJhMQU0xzCgW2JkesqZ3QcClZ2FRKRKM/s200/Collage_Journeys.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330081772463311778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2nLgxa4uZmfKXJKauvx9wNSd6UD7-GJgtm_shl80xdwZQM9CgIHqPJopHEvpsGWGGzLKqKqYa7b2BO4e4qHKm-7WqKtyzeXTa6fWXuBjG0LJVQSi-8cDPWQIjHPAXudv1YKK0t2PkDxx/s200/TheGraveyardBook_Hardcover_1218248432.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330081403022328178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtefjuFCX61ccwdCCAaBmnQmuROj1KJag0cwmYev8la0IUC8YC77P-EWYWpgb2f5WwC_vyFMuW-OapubKgolaNrMU7eNs_u8a7__M4__LYlwZZHXITlp1dCkOR7334wHsYJt6HHc7vmzV/s200/Underground.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330082033934194994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz8tR-flYRYOgWl3laIvpW7nsWfRA0vMbzGaG1l3aQ2q7xJMwGSmAX3z3ZptPyWIEehbUs3pLKVYPubASQ9hNycUgiVVC9H9eTck_8A5EZ48mWiPc5Q_oLbv4x21bQKHyoXwVHMtqWK71/s200/1+ee+cummings.jpg" border="0" /><br />Happy Reading!!<br /><br />More wishcasters have cast their wishes <a href="http://starshyneproductions.blogspot.com/2009/04/wishcasting-wednesday-april-29-2009.html"><span style="color:#99ff99;">here</span></a>.Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-69388008916464371092009-04-27T00:40:00.020-05:002009-04-27T16:52:48.876-05:00Simple Woman's Daybook - April 27, 2009<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlfZW7m3kt-uj4nMDQIFfla1KsRnuFXVZJgQ2z45WI1B1DKuwVdHqHGpwUgI1lT9bNcQhaPiqRGOVKh2j86QTA7ELMZ6FJuCOWUcCoBXfK-NHsQjEe0JszwJ_zp15l884YKt8IoyzcfhB/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329242691870224290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlfZW7m3kt-uj4nMDQIFfla1KsRnuFXVZJgQ2z45WI1B1DKuwVdHqHGpwUgI1lT9bNcQhaPiqRGOVKh2j86QTA7ELMZ6FJuCOWUcCoBXfK-NHsQjEe0JszwJ_zp15l884YKt8IoyzcfhB/s200/simple-woman-daybook-large.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">For Today...</span></strong>April 27, 2009</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">Outside my window...</span></strong>The clouds are light gray, promising a time of waiting and then rain. A lone bird's insistent call disturbs the calm.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">I am thinking...</span></strong>that there are days when I enjoy the gray, the rain, and quiet. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">I am thankful for...</span></strong>the weekend I had with my husband. We had originally planned to stay at a swank hotel and have a fancy dinner to celebrate our anniversary. Instead, we looked at books, books and more books, ate lunch and dinner out, spent quiet time alone, and just enjoyed the silence. </div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">From the kitchen...</span></strong>Dinner will be spaghetti and meatballs courtesy of my husband. I am so thankful that he cooks dinner during the work week! </div><br /><div align="center"></div><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">I am wearing...</span></strong>my burgandy sleep shorts and a soft peach long-sleeved shirt. As I've said before, I sleep in some of the weirdest ensembles.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">I am going...</span></strong>to learn to let go.</div><p><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">I am reading...</span></strong>I finished <em>Poltergeist</em> by Kat Richardson and am deciding whether or not to move straight on to the third book in the series, <em>Undergound</em>, or slip a book in between them. For some reason, I like to torture myself that way. ;) I'll be starting <em>The Tao of Writing - Imagine. Create. Flow</em> by Ralph L. Wahlstrom soon.</p><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">I am hoping...</span></strong>for a stress-free, productive day. </p><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">I am creating...</span></strong>another collage for Full Moon Dreamers that will be posted May 9th or before. I just knew once I started to collage, there'd be no holding me back!<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">I am praying...</span></strong>that the reawakening I feel in my spirit continues to grow and flourish. I also pray that the endeavors of my blog friends do the same.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">Around the house...</span></strong>Goodness! There is so much to be done around the house this week. Catching up on laundry is a must and I'd love to dig out the hostas in the backyard. The previous owner planted in them in too sunny a spot. They also house the bunnies that I'm fond of watching but am not fond of their eating habits!<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">One of my favorite things...</span></strong>Looking through the windows and out over the balcony to what appears to be stillness but is actually a haven of life, critters stirring preparing for their day... It makes me think of the Wind and the Willows or some other children's story.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">A few plans for the rest of the week...</span></strong>I'd love to get some reading and writing time in. I'll also be judging the Texty Ladies poetry contest and gathering prizes together for shipping.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc99;">Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...</span></strong></div><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329368262338363458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 96px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 91px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5YfeZndKHgb5s11lNNWCcXRS-C8A2JoyGR8vVipOLBCQBbW7TSp-xWL8Jyt996XnE2Jlh522EqtcZ_GUbHssWGzio0o6BkEnGPvs1XYE2WPQZjRcMlZ8N6vml0SeAwn_JarQPbVMhqvo/s320/1507349.png" border="0" /><br />Just because.</p><p align="center">You'll find more Simple Woman's Daybook entries <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2009/04/april-27th-edition.html"><span style="color:#99ff99;">here</span></a>.</p>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-48523797110607977912009-04-26T21:13:00.019-05:002009-04-26T22:12:15.693-05:00enCouraging Bliss: My Happy Place<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJlAyP7N6D5eleBL1I6gEzgA81OH5wP_acHTa-U6TUr9ulM1mqIprOmoCm4qlPFp3ZNfcLBOuGmQOrdiQe2m3YeWOg_oy7Z_w8hcUng9gOBAzMEveFYxUP5J0lap3WNFK3dl7vr2wP-zC/s1600-h/mosaic2.jpg"></a></div><p><span style="color:#ff99ff;">Christine </span>(BlissChick) encouraged us to create a collage that represents our Happy Place. Collaging is new to me but I've been wanting to try it for a while and Christine's prompt made it fun! I could create dozens of Happy Place collages! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329203536369067186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkZRyuBaPElqaKjjPN4gK_FYhb1M2Erv0jncsdbmjVJUZmsd0gBJmAhUVcYHtNtKUhWDvLKoWsC5mtfYQ7QcTBoZUEkd8Gwk3jJhrZ64-Rpm04gcUUswGzsFYKN5tFVg51yiuA5ptDOch/s400/mosaic3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I apologize that the photos are so small. I used Mosaic Maker and Flickr to create this so if anyone knows how to save the collage so it appears larger, please let me know. :)</p><p>It's interesting to look at the choices people make when collaging. As I look at my choices, beauty is apparent. Beauty has always given me a high, as I'm sure it does most people, but digging deeper I find comfort, warmth, solitude, spirit, celebration, culture and knowledge. What do you see? </p><p>For more <span style="color:#ff99ff;">Happy Places</span>, please check out Christine's Blisschick blog on <a href="http://www.blisschick.net/2009/04/encouragingbliss-building-your-happy.html"><span style="color:#99ff99;">enCouraging Bliss</span></a>.</p>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-76732274760487713292009-04-25T18:20:00.002-05:002009-04-25T18:23:19.301-05:00<a href="http://magickalgraphics.com/"><center><br /><img alt="Inspirational Comments" src="http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h268/mysticalmoon_2006/Miscellaneous/Inspirational/insp98.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br /><center><span style="color:#ffcc99;"></span> </center><center><span style="color:#ffcc99;">What we do for each other.</span></center><center></center><center></center><a href="http://www.magickalgraphics.com/"></a>Pamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8212636070234599732.post-79516491027574782502009-04-23T22:04:00.005-05:002009-04-24T10:50:51.211-05:00To Sarah at Cottage Garden StudioSarah,<br /><br />Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving such warm comments that make me smile. I want you to know that I am having difficulty leaving comments at your blog for some strange reason but it is not for lack of trying! My computer has been a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">temperamental</span> lately so it is probably on my end.<br /><br />Your story about the purchase of "Heart of Darkness" by Tabitha's husband as a gift for her is so touching! I'm happy for you that everything turned out the way it did. To everyone else, please go to <a href="http://rowenleaf.blogspot.com/2009/04/one-of-those-amazing-things.html"><span style="color:#99ff99;">Sarah's blog</span> </a>to read about this. I don't want to give away too much here.<br /><br />With regard to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wishcasting</span> Wednesday and the steps you wish to take with your art, I must say that you are very talented and I have every confidence that those steps will be successful. May you be blessed with courage and joy during the journey! Thank you for sharing your bliss with us!<br /><br />Let's hope this computer issue disappears and I can comment at your blog again soon. I am still in the process of catching up with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">everyone's</span> blogs and hopefully this won't happen elsewhere.<br /><br />Love to all,<br /><br />PamelaPamelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18408240293389246512noreply@blogger.com1