tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80273316118997005912024-02-18T22:14:34.449-05:00Stacks of Pi"A circle is an open doorway to eternity, where perfect wholeness begins to be a reality. it's continious path reminds us of our ceaseless attentiveness to well-being. As all becomes attuned, the song of the universe is surprisingly familiar-here life is complete. The circle's oneness is always enough to embrace all, just as a shower of light contains the whole spectrum. Finally, we learn to live in the eternal now."amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-64518048905016173162010-02-09T12:24:00.003-05:002010-02-09T12:37:10.770-05:00Wishes FulfilledI wanted to share something with all of you that I think will provide another perspective after a loved one dies, and one that I plan to do as well.<br /><br />It also makes me think about the reasons for life insurance and the expenses and stresses involved with funerals, and that really it's just a business providing services for the community. Funerals are not for the dead, but really only for the living. I do want to say I sincerely respect anyone who feels a funeral home is the way for them to remember/bury a lost loved one because I think we all need to do what brings comfort and peace with death, and/or death of a loved one.<br /><br />My grandmother decided years ago she did not want a funeral, and only graveside services. Then she decided she didn't even want graveside services. Being younger, at first I didn't understand, and I thought she was being selfish. Later I just accepted her wishes without really understanding.<br /><br />The day I found out she was gone, even though when I saw her in Sept I knew she wouldn't make it much longer-she was getting tired of old age, still left me at first just blank, and then slow increments of thoughts, and what to do next, some spoken out loud some not. Then I remembered there would be no funeral nor graveside services, which filled me with so much peace and calmness, and so many funny, happy, loving memories of her as she was in life, and completely erased the sadness that surrounds death as I have known it before.<br /><br />I quickly began to understand her wishes, and how much she wanted to make sure we were completely surrounded in comfort, peace, and love when her time came to pass on. She had already been through all the sadnesses of death with her mother, her siblings, her husband, and other loved ones. I too, can remember the uncomfortableness of the steely, cold, dark funeral home, all the people you haven't seen in years, strangers of funeral home directors walking around in formal suits, the dead body laying in the casket with death, tears, and the sounds of crying heartache all over it, especially at the last viewing complete with the sad music during the services, all of which was so gutwrenching for me to hear, see, and feel, and I had not lost my mother, any of my siblings, my husband, or anyone so close to me, so what I felt was not even close to what my grandmother felt- I will never forget.<br /><br />I also will never forget when I was 11 yrs old the same thing, at my dad's brother's funeral who died fairly young at the age 50....the anguished cries of his mother, his children, and his wife hanging on to the casket and the dead body inside because that would be the last time they would ever see him before the lid was closed. I was waiting my turn on the very last pew in the building, and I was already filled with such heartache at what I was hearing and seeing I couldn't handle it. I didn't want to go for the last viewing I just wanted to flee! So I can only imagine what my grandmother went through at the funeral home when she lost those so very close to her adding on to the top of such loss and pain the stresses involved when a funeral home is involved, and then to leave the ones so loved that have passed on with those being the last memories.<br /><br />Because of my grandmother's wishes for no funeral of any type she has not left us like that at all, and it has been such an incredible blessing, and shows that she was not selfish with her wishes at all, but in life was more concerned about us at her death because she knew those experiences intimately she had already experienced, which she did not want for us. She left us surrounded in her lovingcare, and our last memories of her are of her in life, which is so joyous, comforting, peaceful, and filled with so much happiness, and no sadness even though we do and will miss her. Instead of mourning her death, we are celebrating her life and the memories we have with her. Her wishes were fulfilled.<br /><br />Thanks Nanny and I love you, and I miss you.amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-58459418094558941332010-02-03T12:17:00.002-05:002010-02-03T12:50:15.158-05:00In memory of My Nanny<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxc-dzxcAFl2T2vlGJukmR_fk36R8BifWleWsj3VuPJkpLP9iYVCYJXIo0m8qaIid3IeeT2QEmZmJUqFIh2JCy_alXGW84hY8xPG8UkHqGQiacDhHuUlgId7j6o4WrcxGqC2cZ79uDmyD/s1600-h/l_7874b4bbf3ff4e11a66b1cdb91ccc335-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434075901709740466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxc-dzxcAFl2T2vlGJukmR_fk36R8BifWleWsj3VuPJkpLP9iYVCYJXIo0m8qaIid3IeeT2QEmZmJUqFIh2JCy_alXGW84hY8xPG8UkHqGQiacDhHuUlgId7j6o4WrcxGqC2cZ79uDmyD/s320/l_7874b4bbf3ff4e11a66b1cdb91ccc335-1.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">July 27th, 1929-January 20th, 2010</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div>I was blessed to have my grandmother for almost 40 years of my life. She passed away January 19. I wanted to remember her here on my blog.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I love and miss you Nanny, and you will always be remembered,</div><br /><div>amanda</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-58438172173912402642010-01-17T23:03:00.002-05:002010-01-17T23:43:48.042-05:00Thanks For Your Empathy!Thanks you all for identifying in some way with my raw mom heart in the last 2 post. <br /><br />I think we as mothers....deeply caring mothers just try so hard to make life "perfect" for our children and homes that when upsetting and trying scenarios happen we tend to blame/fault ourselves. We think we have failed somewhere because in our thoughts we don't know where, or what else to possibly do, and we wonder and we compare, and we ect. (I'm saying "we," which may hold true for you, but is just my opinion, although I certainly welcome yours.) <br /><br />We are nurturers first and foremost, while also juggling many other varied roles as mothers, and that alone an be overwhelming and consuming (most of) at times! So I'm gonna try to take it a little easier on myself, so that I don't let myself get so hurtfully RAW when she's repeating, whining, crying over and over again "I WANT MY GREEN BUCKET." Because that's all it is-she just wants her "GREEN BUCKET." <br /><br />I hope you other mothers can try too,<br />amandaamandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-1114279074809714592009-12-20T22:14:00.003-05:002009-12-20T22:21:12.527-05:00The Last Post...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">....was just one of those really, raw, emotionally trying times of parenting...albeit the worst I've ever had. Thanks for listening and for your comments. It helps to know I am not alone, and it also helped...even though it was emotionally raw to just write out my feelings I was feeling that night. The green bucket is history, and hopefully there will not be a red bucket any time soon...unless it's related to the colors of Christmas, and with that I would like to wish each and everyone of you a Very Merry & Warm Christmas and a Very Happy Shiney New Year!</span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-53038224487793688402009-12-02T23:19:00.005-05:002009-12-03T00:01:34.095-05:00I WANT MY GREEN BUCKETI wish I could at least type about the title, but I can't because I've heard it for the last hour and a 1/2 over and over again like a broken record, and now there is a broken window, and my tears are about to break.<br /><br />I see all these blogs where family and parenting life seems to go so smoothly and peacefully. It's 11:30 pm and she still in there crying this time over and over again "mommy.....mama........<br /><br />and what so bad is I've done the no eye contact, no communication, calmly laying her back down in her room, and then I heard the glass break.<br /><br />Parenting isn't a pretty picture if we are all honest. I hope. Not that other's have to be if the same rings true in their/your lives, but I find myself having to vent the trying, difficult, times of parenting, especially when there's this sweet little red headed girl who has a serious case of STUBBORNESS!!!, and that's all, which fortunately doesn't happen very often, but when it does it is NOT pretty in many ways. Wears me out mentally, and makes me feel at a loss, but I still am calm to the point of wanting to scream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even with a broken window, and breaking tears, the feelings of guilt/self-blame, and whatever else these tears are I can't name. Oh..a complete failure I've failed somewhere?! I just cant take this anymore. Why does my life have to be like this? <em></em>I don't know what else to do. And I don't have just one girl, but 2, 2 yrs apart, and they have almost, no not almost, they have the 2 of them together drove me literally insane. At times. More often than not. And I don't know what else to do. or how else to explain all the negative I haven't even mentioned that comes with trying to be the best parent I can be for them. I just don't think I'm good enough. I'm doing something wrong. There's a 13 yr and a 15yr age difference between my oldest who turned 19 the 27th, and the experiences with him are totally different, and I'm in a lot of ways in some very uncharted territory where I feel totally overwhelmed, and in all honesty I wish I could just run away, but I can't because it's too heartbreaking to think of leaving them, but yet the fantasy of escape is tranquil for my frazzled self.<br /><br />I do feel guilty posting this because of all the other blogs I read where parents have lost their children, and would probably give anything in the world to hear over and over again "I WANT MY GREEN BUCKET." But I cannot minimize the feelings I have by comparing myself to others who have lost babies because my feelings are just as valid, as all our situations and lives are so unique.<br /><br />This is raw, and if anyone reads this please forgive me if I have hurt anyone because it's so not my intentions at all.. I'm just a frazzle of emotions right now and this is the only place I don't come because of the all consuming of trying to parent these children. My life is totally upside down, and everytime I right it it's always teetering on the brink only to turn upside down again. Like the game Jenga...that's my life. Over and over again, and I'm getting tired, but when the blocks fall I start again just like the game of Jenga, except I'm living it.<br /><br />Am I thankful? Yes and No.<br /><br />All is finally silent now, and my tears will break the silence until I fall asleep.amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-31863757990535284462009-10-16T18:27:00.001-04:002009-10-16T18:27:01.905-04:00I'M SO EXCITED!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/2NOkQ4dYVaM' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/2NOkQ4dYVaM'/></object></p><p>This was my (and still is) favorite book as a child. We went to see Ice age a few months ago, and when the preview for this movie came on I knew exactly what it was or I was hoping it was, and it was!!!<br /><br />WTWTA starts today in theaters, and I'm going with my children tomorrow. I can't wait:)</p></div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-66767924044533108272009-10-15T08:35:00.001-04:002009-10-15T08:35:10.747-04:00Hurricane Ike Eye<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/YOQ4b6i3I08' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/YOQ4b6i3I08'/></object></p><p>Analogy of meditation</p></div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-19386441314434563222009-08-21T14:27:00.001-04:002009-08-21T14:28:16.623-04:00Designs and Directions..Please excuse my blog construction and it's lack of directions.amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-12315681182521225582009-08-21T13:53:00.004-04:002009-08-21T14:26:40.403-04:00What have You Done?Taken from "Tale Of Two Coins" blogspot.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Bought everyone in the bar a drink</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Swam with wild dolphin</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I would LOVE to</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Taken a Ferrari for a test drive</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Been inside a Pyramid</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Held a tarantula</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Hell No!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Taken a candle lit bath</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Said I love you and meant it</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Hugged a Tree</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Bungee jumped</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Visited Paris</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes. Paris, Tennessee</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Watched a lightening storm at sea</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Oh yes.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Seen the Northern Lights</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes..I will not ever forget that night!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gone to a huge sports game</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Walked the stairs to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I doubt I would if I could</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Grown and eaten your own vegetables</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Touched an iceberg</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Slept under the stars</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No, I would like to in the fall/winter</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Changed a baby’s diaper</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes, yes, yes, yes.......</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Taken a trip in a hot air balloon</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No...I'm just a watcher</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Watched a meteor shower</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gotten drunk on champagne</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Given more than you can afford to charity</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Looked up at the night sky through a telescope</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No, but I would like to</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes:)</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had a food fight</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes...and it was soooo much FUN! Made the clean-up worth it</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Bet on a winning horse</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Asked out a stranger</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had a snowball fight</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yeah...a hit the face hurts</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Screamed as loudly as you possibly can</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Held a lamb</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Seen a total eclipse</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Ridden a rollercoaster</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Hit a home run</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Danced like a fool, not caring who watched</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Adopted an accent for an entire day</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I can't do the accent thing</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Actually felt happy about your life, even for a moment</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Oh Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had two hard drives for your computer</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Need another one</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Visited all 50 states</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Taken care of someone who was too drunk</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes...and I didn't even know how to drive a stick shift-lol</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had amazing Friends</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Danced with a Stranger in a foreign country</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Watched wild whales</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">On TV</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Stolen a sign</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">A trunkful...in high school</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Hitchhiked in Europe</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Not ever</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Taken a road-trip</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gone rock climbing</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Midnight walk on the beach</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Bunches</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gone sky diving</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No, but I want to</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Visited Ireland</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Been heartbroken longer than you were in love</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Feels like sometimes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">In a restaurant sat at a stranger’s table and ate with them</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Visited Japan</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Not physically</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Milked a cow</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Alphabetized your CDs</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Pretended to be a superhero</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Pretended NOT to be "Wonder Woman"</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Sung karaoke</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yeah</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Lounged around in bed all day</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Posed nude in front of strangers</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">NO</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gone scuba diving</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I would love to....but I'm too claustrophobic</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Kissed in the rain</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Played in the mud</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Played in the rain</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gone to a drive-in theater</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Visited the Great Wall of China</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Not physically</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Started a business</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Thought about it</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Fallen in love and not had your heart broken</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Of course not</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Toured ancient sites</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Taken a martial arts class</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Played a computer game for more than 6 hours straight</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Almost</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gotten married</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">For 20 yrs</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Been in a movie</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Crashed a party</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gotten divorced</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gone without food for 5 days</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">R u kidding?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Made cookies from scratch</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Won first prize in a costume contest</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No, but I've always wanted to</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Ridden a gondola in Venice</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gotten a tattoo</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I am</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Rafted the Snake River</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No, just floated the Buffalo, which is just as 'Snaky"</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Been on television news program as an “expert”</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Got flowers for no reason</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Performed on a stage</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Been to Las Vegas</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Recorded Music</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Eaten shark</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Probably so</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had a one-night stand</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gone to Thailand</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Bought a house</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Been in a combat zone</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Buried one/both of your parents</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No Thankfully</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Been on a cruise ship</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Spoken more than one language fluently</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Not</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Performed in Rocky Horror</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No...don't like it</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Raised children</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">In Proccess</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Followed your favorite band/singer on tour</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No..I wish</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Reminds me too much of "Hostel" No Thank You!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Picked up and moved to another city</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Walked on the Golden Gate Bridge</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No, and won't</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Sang loudly in the car and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">All the time</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had plastic surgery</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I want too in a few areas</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Wrote articles for a large publication</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Maybe someday?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Lost over 100 lbs</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I WISH!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Held someone while they were having a flashback</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No...I wonder if that would be possible because I would be startled if held during a flashback</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Piloted an airplane</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I wonder what that's like?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Petted a stingray</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes..flying angels</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Broken someone’s heart</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes, and it broke my heart that I did</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Helped an animal give birth</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Many times</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Won money on a TV game show</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Broken a bone</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Just one...my pinky finger</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gone on an African safari</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had a body part below the neck pierced</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Never..unless I had a tummy before children</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Fired a rifle, shotgun or pistol</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Eaten mushrooms gathered in the wild</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Ridden a horse</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had major surgery</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No..thankfully</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had a snake as a pet</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Slept for more than 30 hours over 48 consecutive hours</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Almost</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Visited more foreign countries than US States</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Visited all 7 continents</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Eaten Kangaroo meat</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Only ostrich</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Eaten sushi</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">My favorite!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had your picture in the paper</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I don't know?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gone back to school</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Parasailed</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Not yet</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Petted a cockroach</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">NO</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Eaten fried green tomatoes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">YUM!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Read the Illiad</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Some</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Selected one important author who you missed school to read</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I don't understand?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Killed and prepared an animal for eating</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Never</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Skipped all of your school reunions</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Communicated with someone without sharing a common language</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Been elected to public office</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Written your own computer language</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No interested</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Partly I am</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had to put someone you love in hospice care</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Build your own PC from parts</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Sold your own artwork to someone that didn’t know it was yours</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Had a booth in a street fair</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Dyed your hair</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">One time..and never again depending on what my gray hair looks like</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Been a DJ</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Shaved your head</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Caused a car accident</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">No</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Saved someone’s life</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Yes</span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-49662032901200886432009-08-05T17:50:00.004-04:002009-08-09T13:11:19.371-04:00Remembering HarryHarry passed away a few weeks ago, but his "smile" will always be remembered.<br /><br /><br /><br />He was only 5 in cat years-a beautifully sweet persian.amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-56833377000379988972009-08-03T14:44:00.002-04:002009-08-03T14:56:19.588-04:00Caught in a WhirlWind...<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;">....that's me. Caught up so much in a whirlwind for so long I didn't even have a name for what I have been experiencing, until my Dad and I had a talk while he was here a week or so ago visiting.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;">It's nice to have at least a word to describe...basically everything, including not visiting my blog that much.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;">I am in a whirlwind struggling to see the directions I must go...I'm called to go, but as Dad said the same happened to him years ago when he became closer in his relationship with God after God revealed Himself with such clarity.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;">There is an evil force that surrounds all of us everyday, but it's when 2 powerful forces collide I'm caught in the whirlwind. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;">There is a purpose for this whirlwind. I think it's because God is protecting me and making me stronger for the purpose He has for me that I feel called to. I get aggravated sometimes, but He takes care of me by providing the rest I need. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;">Whew....He gives me rest, but today I am spinning rapidly in the whirlwind.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffcc;"></span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-1845066384637437482009-06-28T18:41:00.011-04:002009-08-09T13:44:46.606-04:00<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyMi4pTBaifpCsxafx6il7OCX83ujt2uvAEeyw0Hmo60Nw4thGfuF9EwQDpSrUNt4jf4VHMHACFLLJdi25-NhUKKGLLlLot_Uo3JJPXZ0y1n-qRO5Wi5qQJWd7nn93A-VHtFWam_cjQXb/s1600-h/100_4698.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyMi4pTBaifpCsxafx6il7OCX83ujt2uvAEeyw0Hmo60Nw4thGfuF9EwQDpSrUNt4jf4VHMHACFLLJdi25-NhUKKGLLlLot_Uo3JJPXZ0y1n-qRO5Wi5qQJWd7nn93A-VHtFWam_cjQXb/s400/100_4698.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9B3XL6p7gstmDYzdDsAJVXYDEOzH5B9LqTgP7Z-CkXpqzJBKbznmPk-Sr49BxHwoPonVz2uHqh9ljjP6g_mKlkAJwgmwH18_weBZ3JbTAGRGpucH6kyQlu0Q7V4KS56WPPSt_5aWYsZ1J/s1600-h/100_4696.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9B3XL6p7gstmDYzdDsAJVXYDEOzH5B9LqTgP7Z-CkXpqzJBKbznmPk-Sr49BxHwoPonVz2uHqh9ljjP6g_mKlkAJwgmwH18_weBZ3JbTAGRGpucH6kyQlu0Q7V4KS56WPPSt_5aWYsZ1J/s400/100_4696.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpmqMXTAfEDNSHizC7PbrJlEhSyAECcrjyxGScBQq3-SWvLHXvxHmPtwPz29EVqhC8qWAzJLoYlk2FF5E6Lvj2vCzWQDcU6N1U5IFBxMz4C7cmn0AQ3b7qYNyec9upAon-1NP-KMMCieH/s1600-h/100_4693.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpmqMXTAfEDNSHizC7PbrJlEhSyAECcrjyxGScBQq3-SWvLHXvxHmPtwPz29EVqhC8qWAzJLoYlk2FF5E6Lvj2vCzWQDcU6N1U5IFBxMz4C7cmn0AQ3b7qYNyec9upAon-1NP-KMMCieH/s400/100_4693.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jIk148r7gCnICYYiqAiIP8yFGwo8lvZACr6MznHXxGuXARf2dhB_vR2chIBLAfQci6Lw8SOgqHuo7qKShS5WNPrWM6R1e1UWy4lIKmdRpuDGxFI7eFonzPUgQKpbn72e65vBZrlVY23G/s1600-h/100_4688.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jIk148r7gCnICYYiqAiIP8yFGwo8lvZACr6MznHXxGuXARf2dhB_vR2chIBLAfQci6Lw8SOgqHuo7qKShS5WNPrWM6R1e1UWy4lIKmdRpuDGxFI7eFonzPUgQKpbn72e65vBZrlVY23G/s400/100_4688.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfBXbaIhWbxRNkbFTqi3dtQ4gpGwj6jCwScARLuJLI5gYWIi2O_UHOkB6AhCry-2EOfkyQOkui6Cs8omjBNBWZg05IgY2Oa934wRfvBE4HWUx5sxksv8KkQDNgOMyBTE2YYnD5j8fmuBs/s1600-h/100_4687.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfBXbaIhWbxRNkbFTqi3dtQ4gpGwj6jCwScARLuJLI5gYWIi2O_UHOkB6AhCry-2EOfkyQOkui6Cs8omjBNBWZg05IgY2Oa934wRfvBE4HWUx5sxksv8KkQDNgOMyBTE2YYnD5j8fmuBs/s400/100_4687.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">This is not a storm cloud. I knew it could not be a storm cloud when I turned the corner at my home that day, but I did wonder, could it be? The sights in my eyes made my mind run through a lot of "could be's," such as a plane crash? A military exercise that went wrong? A gas explosion at a gas station? A chemical explosion? None of those questions were even close to what I saw here in a photo that does not even begin to give justice. I have never seen a cloud as large, wide, tall, and as dense as this. I also had never seen the white parts of a cloud covered in such shiny irridescent colors. I quickly went inside simultaneously grabbed my camera and checked our local online news. This cloud was a smoke cloud created from an out of control wildfire here in Myrtle Beach that unfortunately made the news and caused many losses, but incredibly and thankfully not one life was lost.<br />This photo was taken from my front yard, and even though the cloud seemed to be so close I could touch it..the distance is approx 20 miles away, which is actually WAY TO CLOSE! If the winds had shifted like they were forcasted to do I sincerely doubt I would be sitting here at my computer sharing this with you. 76 homes were lost that day not counting all the cars burned to steel skeletons.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">If you would like to help the many victims who lost everything they had, except for the breath of life, you may do so by clicking </span><a href="http://www.wwaytv3.com/fund_set_help_fire_victims_myrtle_beach/04/2009"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">, or </span><a href="http://thesunnews.com/opinion/story/930150.html"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">. Thank you. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">Update 8/9/09: One person and the first person to move back into his neighborhood and home just happened last week. Check it out </span><a href="http://www.thesunnews.com/photos"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;"> and click on "Back Home in Barefoot."</span></p>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-43057398159569418572009-06-17T17:21:00.002-04:002009-06-28T17:45:03.347-04:00His Prom<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">It hasn't been too long ago when I held him in my arms when he was a wee little one, and dreamed of the approaching years ahead. It only seems like yesterday.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuons_rrz4XpKxHfKYussw6UVO8OQQfUXpRAvuSG9qSZ7Rhyphenhyphen0lzTz1Vujrzj2h3s7POYnuPprGetyegwBA35cizrJIiV8_X1BgUZmqZX692PW5F4CS3Wk-ITeFMB5JeS9Zx1skccqkNeBK/s1600-h/100_4047-2.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuons_rrz4XpKxHfKYussw6UVO8OQQfUXpRAvuSG9qSZ7Rhyphenhyphen0lzTz1Vujrzj2h3s7POYnuPprGetyegwBA35cizrJIiV8_X1BgUZmqZX692PW5F4CS3Wk-ITeFMB5JeS9Zx1skccqkNeBK/s400/100_4047-2.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-58491836686852300272009-06-17T12:37:00.002-04:002009-06-28T17:47:12.945-04:00Hiding & Peeking...<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">....with a sparkle in her eyes with "Bunny."</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Unn1g_6St32HUMGSl7-wDimV0LlKXPr6NUJ_ECzeyGlxvFlOWUN8R-R0KHeIaJ9GKVEbBvi5tb-S5aoXuVxL0Y3YpDScbO9Ogh9ivY_N9XPhIAMZONDKhjQ_8paFJ5XzN5UZdy8LLFby/s1600-h/100_4724.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Unn1g_6St32HUMGSl7-wDimV0LlKXPr6NUJ_ECzeyGlxvFlOWUN8R-R0KHeIaJ9GKVEbBvi5tb-S5aoXuVxL0Y3YpDScbO9Ogh9ivY_N9XPhIAMZONDKhjQ_8paFJ5XzN5UZdy8LLFby/s400/100_4724.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-33964502657234267782009-06-17T12:32:00.001-04:002009-06-28T17:49:04.635-04:00Dirty Face Pose<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">But the eyes have it!</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8rffe5VY024ta23yB7HkQ2Y6elFvizxzNLYVIPlWkOPa_hxRyF8HUz1NlCkevPEghOihxRKOuDp849LQQqcUoXo4ikkBGCZ06_XdQ2shx4S83uEyE4NtmIGvfRlcZZWiQ82vstVOOrRQ/s1600-h/100_4715.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8rffe5VY024ta23yB7HkQ2Y6elFvizxzNLYVIPlWkOPa_hxRyF8HUz1NlCkevPEghOihxRKOuDp849LQQqcUoXo4ikkBGCZ06_XdQ2shx4S83uEyE4NtmIGvfRlcZZWiQ82vstVOOrRQ/s400/100_4715.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-6099877027235667502009-06-10T11:20:00.006-04:002009-06-10T12:37:58.898-04:00"His Will Wednesdays"<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffcc;">I don't post much on my blog, and it's not because I don't have something to say, or I am a fake...so far from that... I just don't have the words because my words are trapped in trapped emotions right now. Also what is me trapped I don't know what direction to go with it, and other people like me, their blogs are open. I just don't have the courage to do that, but I pray I do gain the courage because my words need to be spoken.<br /><br />I really don't know where to begin exactly because this coincides in some kind of way with my last entry.<br /><br />I guess I will begin with the first blog I checked on this morning, which had been removed, so I checked some other blogs to see what was going on. I did have doubts in the last 2 weeks, or maybe a little longer with the decision of a home birth with an unhealthy baby among a few other things, but it was extremely easy to give a huge benefit of a doubt, which slowly began to fade. I just made up my mind I had to stay with the benefit of a doubt because "What if it was?" until it was proven to me.<br /><br />Since it has been proven to me, I do not feel whatsoever any negative feelings toward "B" or the "April Rose's" blog based on what I know. Let me explain if I can.<br /><br />This is what I know and this is why I do not have any negative feelings toward "B." On mother's day I posted a comment on her blog wishing her a " Happy Mother's Day." The next post after mother's day on her blog, I totally assumed was about my wishes of a happy mother's day because she did not post my comment and was referring to the hurtful comment(s) she had received on mother's day i.e., something about being happy with a sick baby-I can't remember exactly.<br /><br />I immediately emailed her, and explained why I only commented those 3 words on mother's day, and I was not trying at all to inflict hurt, and why I was only able to comment with those 3 words, and nothing else. I also told her mother's day was painful for me, and words were difficult for me to own, and a vague explanation of why, but regardless of deep pains many mother's live with, and the trials and tribulations of being a mother with all it's varied emotions we still should be HAPPY that we are mother's! and I wished this for her even in her pain. I also shared vaguely with her my spiritual struggles..remember I have a difficult time finding, freeing, and owning the words, so it was very brief. I didn't expect her to email me back, and she didn't, but....<br /><br />The next "His Will Wednesday's" she had me posted for prayer-I needed direction in my life....I can't remember, I think something about seeking God's Will, or something like that.<br /><br />Then, I see this morning April Rose's blog has been removed, and my previously held doubts I put aside were revealed to me, and this is what else has been revealed to me.<br /><br />This person "B" does not need our anger, our disappointments, or any negativity, and the reasons why are because she desperately needs and deserves the LOVE, PEACE, ACCEPTANCE, COMFORT, from us through GOD who LIVES in us, so that HE maybe fully revealed to her. She NEEDS HIM and she NEEDS us. She never asked for a dime that I know of, she remembered with the help of the Misty Rice blogger so many people who desperately needed the love and prayers of God, and she even remembered me in my vagueness. I have never, ever on a blog seen so much pain remembered for other's to reach out to in a great time of need I saw in "His Will Wednesdays."<br /><br />This is really what she needs, that's what she's asking for in the only way she knows how. She deserves it! We should all do a "His Will Wednesdays" and she should always be included,and remembered because obviously she is in some deep pains, and even more so now, and if she has a conscience, which I think she does....she can do without any of our negativity because right now she's in more than we could ever give.<br /><br />The only thing negative I see in this...is the trust that has been, could be, and can be destroyed with fellow bloggers, and bloggers in general because it creates a "crying wolf syndrome," along with the people who have been deeply affected by such actions, and the overwhelming stress things such as these create for those directly affected, and other's as well.<br /><br />I have only seen one other blog hoax, and it was really nasty because these people had stolen<br />money "crying wolf" very loudly seeking donations for their personal "sickness."</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><span style="color:#ffffcc;">Just my thoughts, and finally a few words I can own.<br /><br />Thanks for listening.<br /><br />And for "His Will Wednesday's" please remember in your prayers all that are suffering, and all that are dealing with this issues, and any other issues we all face in painful, difficultm different circumstances and situations.<br /><br />In His Love,<br />amanda</span></span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-19094740390544512232009-05-17T11:36:00.002-04:002009-05-17T11:38:31.707-04:00ListeningI'm listening trying to find and own my own words. Until then just listen to my eyes at my photo blog link to the right.amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-85966441341343763412009-05-17T11:25:00.001-04:002009-05-17T11:35:43.156-04:00Listen<span style="color:#ffffff;">Listen or your tongue</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"> will keep you deaf</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"> ~Native American Proverb</span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-85189841158673147612009-05-13T15:27:00.001-04:002009-05-13T15:28:51.968-04:00One Day....<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffff;">...I will have the words, even on "Wordless Wednesday"</span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-40883326776723720332009-05-12T22:57:00.001-04:002009-05-12T22:59:00.447-04:00Sweet Little Kayleigh<span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">Still lives, even though she passed from this world May 11th. Please remember her family in your prayers. I know their hearts are aching over the loss of this precious baby.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#ffffff;">Thanks</span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-76665866210621723992009-04-24T11:10:00.003-04:002009-04-24T12:02:43.088-04:00We are Burning Up!<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffff;">I went to pick up my children Wednesday afternoon, and on the way back I saw this humongous cloud of smoke standing in the sky like a large skyscraper. I had never seen anything like that before, although I have seen smoke rise from fires, but not like that.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">I was alarmed because I knew if it was a fire it was a big one! I at first thought military plane crash? Then my next thought was a wildfire, because the smoke cloud was just too large.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">I take photos of clouds, and I did take some photos I haven't uploaded off of my camera yet.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">A friend of mine's mother lives in that area, but she's on the other side of the waterway offering some protection, unless the fire decides to jump it, which it can, but hopefully not! </span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">The last update 69 homes had been burned with 100 damaged. The fire has burned 20,000 acres. The fire is 50% contained overall, and 75% contained in the N Myrtle Beach area.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Yesterday the wind wasn't as bad as the day the fire started, and today we have had an increase in humidity, which has helped some, but the winds are supposed to increase to around 25mph mainly for coastal areas, but this will affect the fire and it is expected to increase and move toward the Poplar community on SC90.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">The good news is there have been no fatalities or injuries, but there are many displaced residents whose homes that have burned to ash, and their cars are completely charred. There are pets that have been rescued. Pets are not allowed in shelters, and the Red Cross has requested a mobile canine unit at the shelters, which should just be mandatory if you ask me!</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">I know firsthand about the American Red Cross-They Are Truly Awesome! If you wish to help please call 1-800-GiveLife to donate to the American Red Cross.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">I know all our firefighters are really burning up today with this humidity and a HOT, raging fire they are trying to battle that has a mind of its own.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">This fire is a little too close for comfort for me, but the only affect we have is a smoky haze that hasn't been too dense, and also depends on which way the wind blows it the hardest. I have seen some ashes, and ashes have been reported even in Little River yesterday.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Pine trees like to burn hot, and that's mostly what we have with lots of undergrowth in undeveloped areas.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Roads are closed due to very low visability like at one time only a 1/4 mile visability.</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">Please don't burn when advised not too. It can wait! Or load it up and take it to your local landfill. </span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-68786943663795699802009-04-22T11:37:00.007-04:002009-04-24T11:07:14.293-04:00For Kayleigh She needs Urgent Prayers!<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I know not many people read my blog because I don't have the time I need to blog like I want because I have too many interests, but I do still read the stacks I like, and this I found on one of those stacks this morning.</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ffffff;">Please visit this little girl Kayleigh and her family </span><a href="http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#33ffff;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span> <span style="color:#ffffff;">She needs our prayers and so does her family. If anyone happens to read. Please.</span></span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-86598348607036468432009-03-28T16:46:00.018-04:002009-03-29T01:27:16.200-04:00Special Olympians are Olympians!<span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#ffffcc;">Yes I am referring to his style of bowling he mentioned on the Jay Leno show. Obama says he bowls like he was in the Special Olympics. He should be proud because that means he is an exceptional bowler. He should be proud because that means he defies great odds stacked against him. He should be proud because that means he owns courage. He should be proud because that means he believes whole heartedly in himself and owns a strong self-confidence of "I can do anything" or I can become anything." He should be proud because he never gives up and works tirelessly to overcome, and never succumbs to defeat. He should be proud because he owns determination. He should be proud because he sets goals and reaches them, and owns the examples of preseverance and endurance He should be proud of all the encouraging example(s) he owns and sets for all to see and learn from. He should be proud to own the spirit of a Special Olympian, and should be proud to own the title of a Special Olympic bowler.<br /><br />He also should be proud that his uneducated and shallow comments can be applied in so many areas, and in so many ways on such a grand scale for all the Special Olympians in the world. He should be proud, and give himself a big hug because his comments have facilitated the uneducated to become educated, and think about how they react to Special Olympians in thought, in stares, in speech, and in any stigmatizing behaviors. His should be proud that his comments will facilitate personal and interpersonal awareness, and that this awareness will facilitate more aggressive action oriented approaches for all our Special Olympians. Who knows one day we might be on the same team, but if not I will be cheering from the sidelines.<br /><br />This is dedicated to my Special Olympian Hayden "He talks to Angels" Warren and all Special Olympians past, present, and future.</span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-53726400677453151662009-02-24T02:18:00.001-05:002009-02-24T02:18:03.895-05:00MyPersonality.info Badge<a href="http://candybeach.mypersonality.info" target="_top"><img src="http://badges.mypersonality.info/badge/0/13/133501.png" alt="Click to view my Personality Profile page" border="0" /></a>
<br /><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTIzNTQ1OTgyOTUxMCZwdD*xMjM1NDU5ODg2Nzc1JnA9MTc5MDgxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmdD*mbz*2YjFmYjFiMTA*YTQ*ZDAzYjA1MmNmNGRkNjg2OWRkMA==.gif" />amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027331611899700591.post-37085595735933255552009-02-23T07:46:00.003-05:002009-03-29T01:33:32.354-04:00Cheesedoodle Rants<span style="color:#ffffcc;">Good Morning...<br /><br />I was just over at Nate's blog </span><a href="http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">http://cfhusband.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="color:#ffffcc;">. I enjoy his blog so much because it just isn't about what all they have been through, but about so much more and all they have been through with the so much more together..if that makes sense. If you've never visited "Confessions of a CF Husband it's worth your time to travel over there and check it out. He also has links to other relevant blogs such as his wife Tricia's blog, his photo blog, and others that are just as god to visit.<br /><br />A few weeks ago he posted some photos of his cute little daughter Gwyneth holding and looking at a cheesedoodle, and then she decided to take that orange looking thing to her mouth to check it out. The photo's of her cute exploration can be found </span><a href="http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/2009/02/doodle.html"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">here</span></a><span style="color:#ffffcc;">. Unfortunately...there are comments from a few that make me want to have a cheesedoodle rant, and that's what I'm gonna do here on my blog.<br /><br />Get OVER it! We only live once! Enjoy life and live it to the fullest. We are all dying this very second, and none of us are guaranteed the next second whether we smoke or not, drink or not, take vitamins or not, follow the food pyramid <em>exactly</em> or not, or eat cheesedoodles or not. None of us are perfect. None of us eat perfectly. None of us have the ability to eat, exercise, and/or do everything perfectly to prevent us from dying or being healthy. All that we can do is do the best that we can and there is nothing wrong with trying, but none of us are going to do those things needed absolutely <strong>perfectly.</strong><br /><br />Maybe you don't eat cheesedoodles, or you don't agree with a father feeding his baby daughter a cheesedoodle because it's "unhealthy," or the doodle contains too much sodium, but do you eat a diet of foods <strong>perfectly?</strong> Do you avoid <strong>all</strong> those foods that are considered unhealthy? Of course not. So stop being so critical of someone else and what they do, and mind your own business.<br /><br />And be thankful. Be thankful there are cheesedoodles to eat. Be thankful there is food to eat. Be thankful there is freeedom to eat, and quit trying to make such issues out of food choices because there may, and let's certainly pray and hope there's not, be a day where cheesedoodles is all anyone can afford to eat, but since they have been deemed <em>unhealthy and unfit for human consumption, and banned</em> there will not be anything to eat.<br /><br />Cheesedoodles may be feeding children that otherwise may starve because that's all their families can affor to purchase right now.<br /><br />During the Great Depression people literally starved to their deaths, and I am sure would have appreciated cheesedoodles.<br /><br />I'm disappointed in you people that keep making such a big deal out of these things, and can't mind your own business because little do you know that you are taking your own freedoms of choices away as well as our own, so please....GET OVER IT!!!</span>amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07835599199163769758noreply@blogger.com0