Good words.....

The other day I finally got all my songs downloaded onto my IPOD.......my middle son came over to the house and while he was here he helped me to find what had gone wrong and fixed the problem for me.
Lovely!!!

Last night Don and I were in our room and Luke was in there too laying on our bed tormenting us like he does every night before we go to sleep.

It's really not a terrible thing....but sometimes.....we JUST want to go to sleep....and I promise you....he comes and knocks on our door EVERY time he gets in from his little, job...and it's usually about 10:15pm and he sits or lays on our bed and tells us all kinds of crazy stuff. Things he's done at work, things that happened at school, you name it.

WE love our kids to do this though. Because it's "communication" and it's important. No matter how tired you are. Kids need their parents..... 24/7.

ALL three of our boys have ALWAYS done this at night....it's crazy too because sometimes they would have friends over and THEY would come in our room too and hang while our boys would talk to us..sometimes they too were adding in their own "two cents" as well.....WEIRD I know.

IT was sort of strange to us too in the beginning but we felt like "at least they all feel they can come chat with us."

I NEVER would have done that with my parents.

So we are glad they do/did.
We are currently down to one son at home now and Miss Priss. The nest is emptying out a bit. Although that bird Gabe has come back to the nest a few times after one of his wild adventures somewhere.

Usually because he's ran out of money. HA!

Miss Priss never really does this night time "ritual" unless she wants money or something.

Anyway the other night.....I was playing the new songs on my IPOD while Luke was in our room driving us batty with some nutty conversation and some of the Christmas music I had downloaded came on......it was the "Bing Crosby" CD I put on there.

It was VERY nice...refreshing even.

I love old 40's music like that. If ever I were supposed to pick a "time" in which I would have wanted to live....it would have been the 40's. I told my husband that while the music was playing and he said to me perplexed like..."during World War II???"

To which I said...."oh yeah....EVERYONE was on a level playing field." I mean think about it....everyone had or knew someone fighting in the war. Everyone was involved in the cause. Hearts were open. It was the best of times and it was the worst of times.

Anyhow at some point....this unusual song comes on that is a bit different than the
"White Christmas" type of songs on this CD......it was called

"Faith of our Fathers"....and I started listening to the words and I thought....."that must be a hymn." And it was and actually the wording was powerful. I had never heard it before let alone as a Christmas song.... but it was nice.

"Der Bingle" did a great job with it too.
Oh I have to tell you.....Bing's in my
ALL TIME favorite Christmas movie too....."Going My Way." We will talk more about that later for sure. I LOVE that movie.
I watch it every year. Own it. You have to see it sometime it's SO good.

Tonight I came to do a little "search" on that song I had heard and found out it's got an interesting background behind it.

Hit the link and you can read about it too....."Faith of our Fathers."
Check out the words below......I have to go now....it's 10:06pm and Luke has just gotten home. It's all good.


Faith of Our Fathers
Verse 1

Faith of our fathers, living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword!
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word!
Faith of our fathers! Holy faith!
We will be true to Thee till death!

Verse 2

Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free.
How sweet would be their children's fate
If they, like them could die for thee!
Faith of our fathers! Holy faith!
We will be true to Thee till death!

Verse 3

Faith of our fathers! God's great power
Shall win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then be truly free.
Faith of our fathers! Holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

Verse 4

Faith of our fathers we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach Thee, too, as love knows how,
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Faith of our fathers! Holy faith!
We will be true to Thee till death!

Verse 5

Faith of our fathers we will strive
To win all nations unto Thee!
And thro' the truth that comes from God
Mankind shall then be truly free:
Faith of our fathers! Holy faith!
We will be true to Thee till death!

Asian-Inspired Fashion

These are just some of the Asian-inspired clothes that we see everywhere today. I don't really know why there's a sudden boom in these kinds of designs. It could be the color, exotic and aesthetic images...or the fact that the designers saw that Asian patterns are the next big thing in the fashion industry.

We see all sorts of designs in clothes, bags and shoes. As far as I can tell, the most popular designs are (in no particular order):

• Dragons
• Koi
• Geisha
• Chinese characters

They really do look good in clothes, especially when simplicity governs over the design. Does anyone like Asian-inspired patterns?

Pictures are from the clothing line, Ed Hardy.

November News

Hey everyone - Here are the latest news and updates for my products. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.


NEW CUSTOMERS
All new customers receive 10% off their first order.

NOVEMBER BIRTH FLOWER
Chrysanthemum Spider Mum




NEW THIS MONTH

Coral Earrings














Bougainvillea Candle Holder



Bougainvillea Stem



Lilies



Ivy Stem



Pine Needles



Starr Flower Stem


That's all for now. Have a beadiful day!

My "Mashuga" friends........

Okay my friends are "Mashuga" I know that.

That's why they are my friends.
Because I am Mashuga at times as well, like the past few days in fact.

Today and yesterday well,.....and even the past few days.....well, maybe for up to a week even.... I have been forgetting everything it seems.

It's been one of those...."hummm...better write that thing down days" for me.

So this morning after reading an e-mail update from my friends, Keith and Iwona,
I write this big long story about them and present their case and what's going on with them and so on and so forth and then I get a new e-mail/newsletter "CORRECTION" story from them like a few hours later.

I write Iwona immediately and say.....
"are you people crazy, do you mean I REALLY have to re-write my blog post and tell all these people this stuff"

To which she responds......oh and let me say this...
I love Iwona she is a VERY forthright European, I might add....... and I DO like that.

"and answering your question:

I am sorry to say, but I think you need to redo it, so I can sleep better at night time.......

and my favorite part of her response was this line.....

"Well, better to have conviction after 2 hours, then burn in hell for eternity....

iwona"

I laughed my head off because you have to understand......this is the lady that comes to America to marry her American "Prince" and at some point when she is at our church where we were all at then she gets an oppertunity to "share something" from the pulpit.

It's during one of the services.....and I can't remember now what the occasion was.....like "why" she got to have this chance but she gets to stand before the church and speak to the people and she has this to say amongst other things but this stood out to me and many others that were there for that "Golden moment"......

Personally, I will NEVER forget it.

I think you will understand why....she said this...ummm....with a very thick Polish accent.....

"You Americans you think you are so something because you have RED CARPET in your church."

Okay....when that happened....I started to sweat and felt panic. I mean you had to be there.

It was a fantastic moment....but I was thinking....

"Okay they are sooooo much trouble".....because you see...Keith was on staff at the time.....along with my husband and many other good friends of ours now. So you can see.....it was a scary moment.

What she said was......CORRECT...I understood her statement. Because she was addressing PRIDE in the church. It was just the "HOW" it came out part that freaked me out on their behalf.

Anyhow...I called Keith today and talked to him for about 2 hours....OUCH.......
my ACHING CELL PHONE BILL.

But it was fun and I did have a blast talking with him, laughing my head off and comparing notes on passionate subjects that aren't so funny that we have a common interest in like "HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

Long story and we will be going there later on another posting. It's too much to tackle right now at this moment and Keith gave me some new info.

For now......let me give you the current UPDATE.....for Keith and Iwona. My friends.

By the way......I am VERY excited about the Polish Pastors coming to K.C. tomorrow.....very excited.

In fact my family is getting involved in that cause......regardless of the update. We will be helping on that new issue as well because we believe in what they are doing.

You have to understand.......ALL IHOP'ers raise their OWN support. They all have to find their own funding. Keith receives a tiny bit of money for they IV/Media work he does at the IHOP but the main support for their family comes from financial gifts and donations.

Just like a missionaries. Because that is what they are.

Oh how I WISH I had a million dollars just to give away for missions and other good causes. Sigh.

Please read on.....again, and thanks for your understanding.
*********************************************************************

This is a very important message. You were informed in the previous e-mails about the program for Polish leaders.

In the e-mail I sent this morning, I stated somehow that we still need money for the Internship. The Internship expenses are covered. The $5000 dollars we need is for our personal needs as a family of the Major household.

We have not been able to raise enough support for the last 2 months. We have been involved so many hours in the ministry, that we have not been able to raise the money otherwise. If nothing will change, I will have to go back to a secular job within the next month or so.
I am sorry for the wording in the previous letter suggesting that the money is needed for the Poles.

Please forgive me, I want to be clear in this as much as I can.
If you still decide to support the Polish Internship or if you have sent donations already, we will keep the money for the future training for Poles at IHOP, which will take place next year.

If your heart is moved to support us personally we will be grateful.

May God bless you,
Keith Major

Hats and Caps?

We see a lot of celebrities these days going about their daily lives wearing hats or caps. Different kinds of them too. They go around wearing all sorts of hats that either blend well or clash with the set of clothes they have, but seldom for the latter, of course (since they have to be careful about what they wear).

But whether we do like them or not, hats and caps have been a mainstay in the fashion and showbiz industry. Below are a series of pictures of celebrities with different kinds of hats...

Johnny Depp

Hilary Duff

Britney Spears

Cameron Diaz

Samuel L. Jackson

Jessica Biel

Steve Tyler

So who among these celebrities look best with a hat on?

"Major" update..... Re: POLAND!!!

I got up this morning, WAY tooo early I might add, and I AM going back to bed after a horrible night of little sleep.

I fed my dear husband breakfast because he's a great guy, works hard and takes care of us all so well that I like to take care of him as well when I am able to do so.

I checked my e-mails and had this GREAT letter from our good friends
Keith and Iwona who live in Kansas City.

Keith works on staff at the "IHOP"
(International House of Prayer) base there and Iwona does some very, important volunteer work there as well.

I was so excited about the contents of the letter that I decided I HAD to share some of it with you all as well because many of you don't recieve their mailings.

It's so awesome to see how God is using Keith and Iwona and continuing to fulfill their LOVE for missions and to hear what is going on with POLAND!

They have served in many nations.....but have a deep love for POLAND, Iwona's home country. Their plan is to go back to Poland one day and start an IHOP there.

Which is a SUPERB ideal!!

My son went to Poland on his travels and he LOVED Poland. He was traveling with a Polish boy that was from Iwona's city so he even got to go to where she was from and he thought the Polish people were very cool.
He loved their food and the country.

I have to say that through the years, especially growing up in the Midwest where it is VERY European ethnic, which I might add that I DEEPLY miss......anyway......we were always around Poles.
I mean you didn't go anywhere without meeting someone with a "ski" on the back of a or some other Polish distinction on their last name.

Plus "Polka" music was HOT where I grew up.
It's so funny to think about now......

I love Polish people.
Several of my good friends even now are Polish and have interesting stories.

Poles have really gotten a BAD rap through the years.
So many jokes have been made about them. People have degraded them.

But if you knew them.....you would learn and understand the horrible sufferings that the Polish people have been through at the hands of several countries.

Check your history books people.
You might want to focus on this one word in regard to Poland......

Auschwitz.

Not only that.....there were 8 actual death camp sites in Poland this isn't even counting what happened AFTER the country of Poland was "liberated."
Then the Polish people suffered again after that happened at the hands of another country.

I've talked with Iwona intimately through the years and I know what she personally saw and went through under the hands of communism. Her "faith" and "church" helped her and many others to get through what they did.

I have seen her struggles with what happened to her country.
It's not an easy thing to get over I realize that.
But she is full of forgiveness.

The best thing is.......SHE is making a huge difference. Even from America.
So is Keith.
I love it.

Missions can be done from afar. Don't think it can't be. Do what you can from where you are at if you can't go right now. If you can't "go" then "give" of what you can....time, money, knowledge, whatever.

We are dropping in to see Keith and Iwona next month on our way home to Iowa, we have to go right through Kansas City on the journey so we always make that stop....and then hopefully we are going back up in December for the "ONETHING" conference.

It will be GOOD to see our old friends again.
We really love and miss them.

Read on this is really a good letter.....
**********************************************
The Poles are coming!

On November 1st, over 100 Polish church leaders will be arriving to Kansas City to be apart of a program that Iwona and I have put together at the International House of Prayer called onething.popolsku.
They will be spending several hours in the prayer room daily as well as being taught by Mike Bickle, Lou Engle, Rick Joyner and other IHOP leaders during this 12-day intensive program.

Iwona has been translating IHOP material into Polish several hours a day for the past few months so that these leaders would be able to take it back to their churches. Our desire is that this program will immerse their hearts in the IHOP message and lifestyle. We pray that God will surprise them, draw them, unite them and prepare them for the future.

Pope John Paul II prophesied to Poland,
"You be a spark that will cause world-wide revival that would usher in the second coming of Jesus Christ".

Poland has taken a very strong moral stand in the European Union. Abortion has been illegal there for over 18 years and gay-pride parades are not allowed.

onething.popolsku

Over 100 Polish leaders will be arriving to IHOP this week

The concept of organizing this program started last year, after a few friends from Poland visited IHOP and clearly understood that this is the time which would be very beneficial for the Christian leaders of Poland to hear the call and message of the Forerunner message and visit the IHOP Missions Base. The leaders of IHOP graciously listened to us and gave us permission to proceed with the idea of creating the first Polish Internship at IHOP.

Iwona and I met with a number of Polish pastors and leaders when we visited Poland several months ago; however, we did not expect such a response and interest in this program which the International Department of IHOP has allowed us to develop.

Of the leaders attending, 38 are pastors and 22 are worship leaders. Over 60 of them are coming from 3 cities in Poland, the rest from all over the country.

Many of these servants are seasoned and experienced leaders, who came to know Jesus during communism and started their ministry then. Many are well known in Poland. There is a sense of divine urgency among them, prompting them to come to IHOP at this time. Most of them are on a journey of establishing the prayer movement in their cities and regions.

The link for this program is:www.onethingpopolsku.pl

Financial update
$5000 still needed

IHOP is not charging anything for the program, but the Poles had to pay for their housing, food and airfare. With funds donated from Poland, we were able to provide scholarships for fifteen of these leaders. We are still needing around $5000.

If your heart is moved by the opportunity to invest in Polish leaders and you would like to sow into this opportunity please contact us.

Let me know and I can get you in touch with Keith and Iwona or you can contact the IHOP directly and donate towards this event. It's a great cause.
Never any fluff involved.
I promise you this.
ALL your monies will go towards helping Polish leaders.

Am I nuts or what??

Last night I realized I've been taking my antibiotic prescription wrong!

Duh....I was only taking one per day and was to be taking 2 per day.

Okay so then TODAY I go for my "Dr. appointment" to find out that they don't have me down for today.....and I was WRONG it's for next Monday.

Ugh....what am I nuts??

The girl said "Monday" and the date when I was there last week and I just thought it was THIS MONDAY! Maybe it was wishful thinking because I've been feeling soooo crummy.

Oh well....now I can at least get the infection (HELP quick Lord!) knocked out before next week I guess and then we can re-run some tests. Then my immune system can quit ATTACKING my joints too instead the REAL Bug.
OOOOUCH!

Also....did you all have problems with your clocks "self setting" themselves ahead? We had that issue too! Crazy......our bedroom clocks adjusted themselves a WEEK too early.

We aren't "Falling back" until next week......Gabe's cell phone did it too. Weird. So Miss Priss didn't get up in time for school today which is sooo not like her.....then she found out that HER clock did the same thing. Weird. So she was home today. Luke's clock didn't do it.

It was like some odd poltergeist of clocks or something. It made us late going to Miss Priss's birthday dinner last night at Olive Garden too. We kept thinking it was a different time other than what it actually was at the moment.

Saturday and Sunday I loaded TONS of new music into my IPOD library and "thought" my IPOD was loading the songs as well....I even "bought" a few songs from the "Itunes" store. Fun.

All was going well.

So I thought.
This process took FOREVER and then once I unplugged everything and checked my Ipod...I realized that it didn't grab the new music AT ALL!!!

UGHHHHHH! I hate that. I am SO not the electronics person so it's a HUGE thing for me to even mess with any of it.

I will have to figure what is up with all this now.

I think I will go BACK to bed......even though it's 3:30pm.

Oh well, I've done it before.

Hey, by the way, did you know that "Nuts are Fruit?"

That is way too complicated for me today.
Right up there with Ipods and self setting clocks.

Type of skirts

Do you like wearing skirts? Personally, I don't really enjoy wearing skirts as I tend to feel a draft of wind between my legs whenever I'm forced to wear one. A lot of my friends do wear skirts though and I always hear them talking about which kind of skirts they like the most.

So which type -- well, length of skirt do you like wearing the most?

We know that these days, there are already so many kinds of skirts that I find it hard to remember them all. Long skirts, pencil skirts, mini skirts, micro mini skirts, peasant skirts...it's getting tedious to list them all here.

So...does anyone think skirts are cool? Or hot, for that matter.

Homecoming

I only have photos of "Miss Priss" and her boyfriend "The Russian"....Luke hasn't given me his photos because the group he was with took them at someone elses house. Hummmm.....boys they never care about things like photos for their own PARENTS!

Anyhow, good night was had by all I know that much.

We also had company at our home sitting with us Saturday night, while they themself, waited for their child who was at a different Homecoming celebration than our kids.

That was nice, except I felt horrible and I know I wasn't too good as a host.
I was a terrible one in fact.
We watched football with Don and chatted I laid on the couch. Fun!!!

Oh well....

I'm Blessed

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
This is what I am hanging onto today.
I have felt bad for a week now and wonder....."what is happening?" I was a tad better in the beginning of the week and have slipped downhill ever since then. Not really sure as to "why."

I want to get to the "root" issue of what is going on so pray with me that we can do this and soon. I have another Dr. appointment tomorrow with the new Dr.....second visit in a week. More tests to run and other stuff to go over.
I hope to get back on track VERY soon.

I've had no energy and very little inspiration.

Inspiration in and of itself isn't a sickness or a trial.....but I know for me it is.
Because when I feel well......I AM inspired. Inspired to take on the world even.
Right now....ummmmm....I just want to lay down and rest. I hate that. It's SO not me.

Anyhow...
We press onward...we "rise" above it...that's what we do.
Regardless of the situation.

I'm thanking The Father for His "Grace," this very moment even.

Ya, im a slacker

i admit it.

Sorry I have ben so neglectful lol. This week has been pretty crazy with the new job and the spoiled little five (1/2) year old getting sent to the principal's office not once, not even twice. but three times this week. I even had a meeting with her teacher. Nothing is working.

So tough love it is. I am contemplating carrying a bar of soap around with me. And I am NOT kidding about that.

But I am not going to rain on my new job parade. Things are going GREAT. Yes, I took a chance and jumped in with little to no information about it....but thats a good thing. I was freaked out at what I was doing, but in all honestly, if I hadn't I probably would have regretted it. There are some negatives to the job, but the positives definitely outweigh them. THis is a HUGE stepping stone to bigger and better things for me, so I am making the most of it.

Oh, and dont call me anymore. ANYONE. Cause i hate you.

KIDDING!

I have a new phone and its on that city Fido plan which means i have unlimited talk time for something ridiculous like $40. Work pays for it, so i do not need to be paying for my own cell phone anymore. If you call my original #, the voicemail will give you the new #. Stupid fucking Telus wont call forward for me. Basically, it isnt long distance for my old # to call the new# but its long distance to call forward to it. Fuckers. Money hungry, selfish, FUCKERS. Ther eis no way I am paying long distance charges when you guys call me just cause I am call forwarding. You're not worth it. LOL

Any poopers... I am off to go score some drugs. It's a halloween party tonight.

*please note my sarcasm, I dont need anyone else calling me a coke head*

**I hope you all get that I am kidding**

***Mom, I dont do drugs***

****Dad, seriously, I AM KIDDING****

*****pssst... Nadine, call me, I have your stuff*****

******giggle******

I'm now on CafePress.com

I just wanted to inform you all that I have a new online store at CafePress.com. There you can purchase greeting cards, note cards, postcards, prints, calendars, etc. with pictures of my French beaded flowers on them. Don't see something you like? I can customize a listing with your favorite flower AT NO CHARGE. Go to http://www.cafepress.com/ayanacreations for more information and to see my new items.

NOTE: You'll have to chose an item that I have already created from my gallery. If you want something specific, contact me directly.

Don't do it Tony........

Okay this scares me.
Not the photo but this new bit of news I found out.

I was reading the other day and learned that there is "talk" of Tony Blair becoming the new "President of the E.U."

Ewwww...I just felt a chill go down my spine.

Most of you know by now that I LIKE Tony Blair and thought he did a pretty good job as England's last Prime minister. However, this new "E.U." post bothers me. A bunch.

I read where Gordan Brown said this regarding the new European Union post possibility for Tony.

"British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Blair would be a "great candidate" to become EU boss."Tony Blair would be a great candidate for any significant international job," Brown told reporters at the end of the EU summit. "As you know, the work that he is doing in the Middle East (as a peace envoy) is something that is of huge international importance."

I hope Tony's not going to take this job because then he could end up becoming the Anti Christ or something.

Scary. I don't think that Tony would fill the bill for that spot really because of his background and such......but more than likely that person that takes the "E.U." President" position for any long term amount of time "could" end up being the
"False Prophet" maybe and I don't want him to be either one of those things.

I think he's better than all that and needs to beware.
So what if the E.U. President job pays roughly about $400 thousand a year for a "two and a half year fixed term."
That's not bad money but still you would have to deal with all those fighting "unions."
Nations rather. Making them obey all those "E.U." rules and such.

But the worst thing regarding that type of post would be.....that he would have to "give up" his friend ship with America basically.
That my friends, is not a good thing. Especially since alot of the E.U. hates America.

I've always said....."let's get Tony over here and let him work for us or in one of our Universities or something".....but maybe the wife doesn't want to move here.
Who knows.

Alot of Brits move to America though. Take my son's, girlfriends, family.
They moved here to America permanently a couple of years ago from England.

Not long ago while having a conversation with her about England....she told my husband this ....."England's 'over rated.'"
To which, I yelled and said....."don't tell him that!!!!"

She was the SECOND British person in a non related situation to say that EXACT same line to my husband and I in the spam of about 2 months.

What's up with England I say??? Cool old buildings, Royalty, great accents.
Fish and Chips. Great music sensations. Awesome writers. Major, major history. Beautiful scenery.
What's not to like???

It's the "beach situation" I bet. It has to be.

I've heard over and over that they don't have decent beaches there. I know people from England that GO as far as Africa or Spain just to go to the beach.
That is crazy to me but someone I personally know in England went to Africa TWICE this year just to go to the beach.....in KENYA of ALL PLACES!

Appalling.
I mean if you go to Africa, it's to do "missions work" not to go to the "beach" of all things. I just find that odd, but I suppose if your desperate for the beach, and you live in England, you have to do something extreme.

My advise to Tony Blair is...."keep the job in the Middle East."

Otherwise.....move over here to America.
We have cool beaches here.
I know many Brits LOVE Florida for that very reason, warm weather. palm trees and nice beaches.
In fact.....alot of Europeans love Florida.

We had to go to a conference once in Florida with some other staff members. One of the staff guy's wife was from Poland and she and I were hanging out at a Mall one day during a break and she said to me..."I can't wait to call my Mom and tell her that we went to Florida." I'm thinking....."so what."

Then she told me how Europeans "long to go to Florida." For several reasons.

I mean have you ever been to Disney World?
Half the people there are European.

So there you have it....Tony Blair could become Governor of Florida when Jeb leaves.
There's a thought.

Or he could run Disney World. Whichever.
Disney World is probably more like the E.U. anyway.
It might even pay more.

Chatterings and a quote......

It looks like another grand, Fall like day out. I'm glad.

When I was still in bed this morning I was a bit achey and I could TELL that it was cold outside. The joints have a way of forcasting the weather at times. Weird I know but it happens.

I have a million things to do today....well somewhat, so I can't even believe that I am sitting here at my computer. Obsession I suppose.

The "Girlfriend" is in from Connecticut.....she came to see me for a tiny, bit yesterday. It was good to see her face. There was special "surprise birthday party" held in her honor last night at Hibachi. My son has been planning this for awhile so I hope she was pleased. We weren't invited! Hummmm....it's okay though. This was for their friends and such.

Tonight is the Homecoming game for my other two kids High School. They will be going to the Homecoming dance tomorrow night so we have been buying "Homecoming attire" for weeks now. I'm broke.

"Miss Priss" is going with "The Russian" as she calls him.....her boyfriend of over a year now. Luke is going with a friend of his. I needed to find a name for him to use on here. I'm trying to move away from some things "name wise."
I will explain all that later.

Tomorrow is Miss Priss's birthday......17! Yikes!! My baby girl.

Right, and I had already moved out from my parents home when I was 17, can you imaigne? Long story.

My kids have such a totally different life than I did. They don't get it either.
Oh well....one day maybe.

So on Sunday we will go to eat as a family somewhere and celebrate "the Girlfriend and Miss Priss's" birthdays. That will be nice.

Got to go...visiting the Chiropractor this morning. I am WAY too young for all this stuff.
Take care of yourselves people!! Don't abuse your bodies or you will pay at some point.
I can't drive that message home hard enough.

I saw this quote today and liked it....it's a good one.

"Use your ministry to build people, not people to build your ministry."
--Jacquelyn K. Heasley

I think that is the way it should be...........not "my will" but yours.

Have a lovely day.....we will talk more later.

The wild, wild, world of blogging

Blogging is more than just sitting down and typing you know.

I've learned just how complicated it can be to "blog."

There are "rules" and "secret codes" and words that I have never heard of in my life. It's downright baffeling even at times.......all this blog "stuff."

When I first started to do this.....it was only to be in communication with family and friends on a "broader scale" and to of course be able to express myself "creativly" through my writing.

I KNOW I'm no Jane Austin.....but I DO like to write.
And I'm glad to be able to have this outlet especially now since my only other outlet, the Writer's Group that I attended, disbanded.

However I've learned that it's a wild and crazy place sometimes in this blog world.

I've made mistakes. I've done some things wrong. But who knew?
I mean, I didn't or ......I wouldn't have done it.

Say for example....some one writes you a comment.

Do you comment back to them on your page or if they have a blog do you comment to them on theirs?? That's been one of my questions. So I just write back on mine.
Is that politically correct? I haven't a clue.

Sometimes I just follow what I see other fellow bloggers do....I do what they do and it could be wrong. What if they aren't informed either? Then one must be careful because it could get into that "blind leading the blind" thing happening.

Plus where did all this blog madness come from? Who started it all? And how does it all stop. A friend of mine was telling me the other day that she doesn't read blogs anymore because "everyone has one and it's too hard to keep up with them all."
Good point. I can understand how that person feels. I feel that way myself at times.

So how do you choose "which blogs" you will read, say if you are just a
"reader of blogs" and not a blog writer.
OR maybe you ARE a blog writer. And so you read and you blog.

This all gets very time consuming too. For all parties involved. But something compels us to do it anyway doesn't it? Or we wouldn't be doing this.

The other day I was reading two different blogs and I came across the "blog term" called a "Meme" in both of them.
"Well....what in the WORLD is that??" I thought to myself. I had never seen that word used before.
Well only in a couple of instances.

Now this gets confusing because in the South, a "Meme" is a Grandma.
Surely THAT is not what they meant??
Plus, my sister Jenny and I use the word....."Meme's" for "naughty" children.....or little "beasties" if you may.

I don't think that is how these bloggers meant their "Meme" word to be interpreted.

So of course I had to look it up and it's complicated.....sort of.

Let me try to "condense" it for you a bit.
By the way....I grabbed this "insight" from the "Daily Meme".....
I hope that is okay????

By some other definitions memes are viral and propagate around sometimes mutating as they propagate. Someone proposed something along the lines of some blog posts are viral, they write about something they see on one blog and the next person does the same sometimes their interpretation varies slightly changing the story (I cannot find this original reference).

Eventually some people decided they were going to creating weekly questionnaires (memes) and post them every week. Some are monthly, a few are daily and some are always there. Some suggest that you get five other people to do the same meme and they have to get five people (and so on), which sometimes increases their propagation. This probably stunts their mutated growth, having a permanent storage place where people go to find them but many people copy them from the site where they see it and they'll still change a bit.

Personally I liked these sites; sometimes they give me things to write about that I would have never started the topic on my own. So I started collecting them here at The Daily Meme http://thedailymeme.com/.

It goes on and on....and really.."yawn"..it's just WAY too much information for me.

I'm not really into all these things that I may be "missing." I'm thinking that I don't do this for anyone but myself really so do I have to play all these games and such?
This is just an outlet and not much more.
I want it to be that way. I don't want this to get complicated.

I'm not on the "cutting edge" of the blog world and I know that.

I'm just not really "living la vida loca" in terms of blogging I guess, but that really wasn't my purpose in the first place so I'm okay with where I am.

Don't expect too much from me or from this site....I'm just trying to have me some fun along the way on this "blog journey" and that's about it.
I'm not trying to impress anyone with my great writing talents and abilities.
Well, not really.


I will probably make some more mistakes along the way.
Just incase I do.....
Mea Maxima Culpa in advance.

Customized Orders

I gladly accept commissions and customized orders using my consultation design service. I will provide a free consultation with you via email or telephone for the design of your custom floral package. During the consultation we will discuss the size and type of flowers you wish to have in your custom package. This may include sending you photos of flowers we have made in the past and photos of beads to select the colors. We may be able to provide a rough indication of the price of the custom package as well, but any amounts discussed at this point are subject to change once the full crafting process begins.

How to Order
If you are interested in placing an order after our initial consultation, a non-refundable deposit fee of $50 will be required to begin the crafting process. For orders under $50, the total amount of the item(s) will be the deposit. Once we have designed the items of your custom package, I will be happy to create it.

The Crafting Process
I will begin crafting your order once your deposit has been processed. During the crafting process, I will send you photos of the arrangement, bouquet, wreath, etc. before the final assembly has taken place. You are free to request small alterations at any time; however, major alterations (i.e. change in color, type or size of flowers or beads) will require an additional fee. If you are satisfied with your finished custom package and would like to finalize your order, your remaining balance will be due prior to delivery.

Cancellations
If you are not satisfied with your finished custom package, you are not obligated to purchase it. You can simply cancel your order (but you will lose your deposit) or you can request small alterations. I reserve the right to refuse to accept alterations that are deemed too major. All custom orders and special request sales are final.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

What are "French beaded flowers"?

The term "French beaded" refers to the techique I use to create my flowers. When using this technique, thousands of tiny seed beads are strung onto flexible wire and sculpted into various flower components (i.e. petals, leaves, etc). These parts "come to life" when they are crafted to make flowers and foliage. Next the stems are wrapped with floral tape and embroidery floss to give them a silky finish.

Let me know if you have any specific questions about French beaded flowers.

Music to my ears....

I love to listen to "classical music." I like it all, some of my favorites include "chamber music and liturgical music." But basically I love to listen to all kinds of classical music.

There is not a day that goes by where I don't have my computer turned on and am listening to the "classical" music station on the internet.

There are several listings under "Classical" on my providers station listings so if you get sick of one song or have had enough of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" you can switch it to say "Romantic classic" or to "Top Classical" and so on and so forth.

Something I know is that "music inspires me" in various ways and fashions.
It calms me, and causes me to reflect and to ponder.
I need it.

I heard this regarding classical music on WRKF (National Public Radio) the other day from Bob Mooberry, who was the announcer at that time.

He said......"Classical music ain't going to change." I was driving in my vehicle and I guickly wrote down what he said afterwards, because I thought the point he was making was interesting. Because you know.....it hasn't. I mean think about it. Through the years....classical music is the SAME. It doesn't change....that's why it's called "Classical" I suppose.

I like that. It's steady.

I mean when you want to hear Chopin's "Piano Concerto #2"...it's always going to be the same. Maybe a tad bit of variety of the instrumentation depending on who's playing it but more than likely "no."
It's always going to be the way Chopin wrote it and meant for it to be played.

Don't get me wrong, I like change. But some things, I don't want to change.
Like Classical music.

That's why McDonald's has done so well through the years. Because you can order a "Big Mac" anywhere in the WORLD and a "Big Mac" is still a "Big Mac" no matter where you travel.

I like this about the scriptures too.
Scripture is to be scripture. You can't vary the story...you may have a tad bit different story teller but, it's the original story.

It's so good to know, that some things never change.

Such things will stand the test of time and there will be no varying when it comes to the "Masterpiece."

Good to know.

Dickens quote....and the crazy new "Dickens World!

Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.
Charles Dickens
English novelist (1812 - 1870)

I like Dickens.
Alot. The man wrote some of the very best stuff that's out there as far as British literature goes and lots of other countries as well.

Think about some of his most famous writings with me........
*A Christmas Carol ..we all know this by heart.
*A Tale of Two Cities
*Bleak House (LOVED the PBS Special on that last year!!)
*David Copperfield (umm...not that creepy magic guy)
*Great Expectations
*Hard Times
*Nicholas Nickelby
*Oliver Twist ....I love Oliver Twist.....awwwww!

I have to stop there because I'm drooling.

But I probably won't be visiting the new "Dickens World" Theme park they've just opened in Kent.

It' not really high on my
"list of things to do while in England."

In fact....it's not even on my list.

What is your favorite Dickens book or story?

**** Thank Goodnes my sister Jerrijust wrote me and e-mail and rescued me...I had earlier wrote that "Johnny Depp" was appearing in "Nicholas Nickelby" but she just wrote and correctly stated that he's appearing in "Sweeny Todd."**** Regardless..I'm going. HA! Johnny Depp is a bit of a freak at times, but I like his acting in certain roles. Like the "Pirate" movies.

I was going to go see the new "Elizabeth" today with a friend but had to cancel due to me having a "bad" day body wise.
Odd and quick "weather change" here in the area...we went from like 80+ yesterday to 60 degrees today. Ugh.
We will see it go another day soon.

You've got to be kidding me......

So I hear this new bit of trivia from the news this weekend and I don't know what to think except.......
"you have GOT to be kidding me."

How does a fictional character namely one "Dumbledore" (yes, I had to look up which one he was and how to spell his name) now take on a "real life"outside of the books and movies he's in?

Especially since all writing and scripting by the writer is over.
I guess she didn't want to reveal this tidbit of news before?

This is a bit bizarre to me.
I guess we should have seen it coming.

Hang on, I'm sure there is more on it's way regarding new "revelations" of these character's lives.

I mean J.K. Rowlings is now RICHER than the "QUEEN OF ENGLAND!"
How did that happen?
I've never bought one of her books but someone has.
I'd have to guess that many people have.

All I can say is this......

"Writers, someone, anyone, give us something that can compete with these books on a higher level."
I may have to take up writing "Children's Fiction."

Inspiration......

Inspiration. Well, I haven't much of it today. Not to write that is. It's been a very, busy RAINY day here and I'm exhausted.

I have some things to write later but for now I am going to probably retire to my very, lovely, warm BED and curl up for the night with my "Wind in the Willows" book I've been reading.

This afternoon while I had Miss Priss at Sam's for an eye Dr. visit, I saw the new
"Jane Austin Book Club" book and picked that up to read next.

I've decided for now...and I know I am right on this.....that I need a BREAK from "heavy" book reading. Not heavy Bible reading....or my Bible study stuff.
But from ....reading all kinds of books about every thing under the sun that relates to what is going on at this time in "church world."

I'm a bit tired of some of it. This opinion, that opinion, this thing that thing.

I think, actually it was Solomon that said....."There is nothing new under the sun" didn't he?
Well......hummmm why am I buying all this stuff??
It's starting to totally frustrate me.
Besides they all say the same things..basically....just different angles.

That's all good and fine but....I've been thinking though...
"how much more I need to spend my time (and save $$$) just reading the most "VALUABLE" book in the known world."

I think today's society gets a bit "crazed" or at least I do at times, with all these new "cutting edge" books full of "new revelation" and ideals that are out there and frankly...I've not learned anything much that has been so grand.

I need five minutes to regroup on some things.

So I shall.
This includes not reading every book that hits the current market on every subject known to "christiandom."

Not to say I won't pick them all back up and read on again at some point... because I'm sure I will.....but for now I'm entering a new "season" and I know it.
I know how this works for me.

It may all change next week, but for this week...I'm not doing it and I'm "under orders."
Works for me.

And it's time for this too.

I have a few other things that I'm not going to be doing either.

Though I will still make myself available to write about issues that are important when they are laid on my heart. So we will see how life leads me in the next few weeks.
I'm looking forward to it actually.

Tea "question" for the night:

What is a tea cozy?

50 points if you know it.......

Answer:

A tea cozy is a fabric cover, much like an oven mitt, which is placed over a teapot in order to prevent heat loss. Tea cozies come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most are designed simply to cover the entire pot, handle and spout.

Some, however, are made with openings and elastic so that they cover only the body of the teapot, leaving the handle and spout exposed so that you needn't remove the cozy in order to pour the tea.A cozy is primarily useful if you make several cups at a time and want the extra tea to remain hot in the pot until you're ready to drink it. Note that ceramic handles tend to become very hot when the pot is kept warm in this fashion.

I think "Tea Cozies..hummm is that with an "ies" or a "y"???
Oh well........
I think "Tea Cozies are cute...I just don't have one. I almost bought a lovely, white, lacy, eyelet, one once but then I thought it a bit pricey.

Maybe I can get my Mom to sew me one. She's good at stuff like that.

Off to read about "Badgers and Moles and Otters" now.

Cheers!

Fall photos from Connecticut

These photos came from Gabe's girlfriend in Connecticut today!
She said in her e-mail........
"Hello,
Just thought you may like some pictures of Connecticut in the fall, I have never seen anything like it, it's beautiful.
see you very soon.
All My Love."
She will be here in a few days....poor thing... I hope she isn't looking for that kind of lovely "color works" happening here. Or the cool weather.

I think I want to move there at least for the pumpkins. I love this photo.
I love "pumpkin patch photos" don't ask me why. Isn't that weird??
Maybe there is a bit of "Linus" in me?

I don't know what it is but I love to see them all piled up and all over the place.

We saw a HUGE pumpkin field in Texas one year on our way to Colorado one year and it was so big and orange and AWESOME....this "pumpkin patch" spread over acres and acres and it was hilly and just fabulous looking as we passed by on the Interstate.

I wished we could have known it was there ahead of time and we would have stopped.

She sent more photos too, I just couldn't get them all on here tonight.
I will do some more later.

Sounds as if they trees didn't change colors in England. I wrote her a note back and asked her that.....she hasn't responded yet. That's odd to think the trees didn't turn color because I would have thought they would have changed color as it cools down over there.

Maybe not in her area of England?

Who knows??
It's now become a "Fall" mystery that I must solve.

Quotes and poems

I think I'm going to start a new thing on the Secret Gardener.
Not counting that last little diddy of a poem my sister sent me.....I've thought about giving you some poems and quotes that I've found that are are meaningful.
I want do do this for various reasons.

One is, I love quotes. I always have.
They inspire me. They may inspire you too.

Poems, make me think.
I laugh at some. Especially Haiku's.

I am no poet, but I've been around some and their passion is amazing to me. I've at times been embarrassed even for them. I guess really for me.

Especially when they are big strong men and they write the sweetest sentiments and read them with trembling voices.

I've not know wither I should stand and applaud them or laugh quietly to myself because they seemed so silly, yet they were not at all silly.

Oftentimes because of the emotions being broadcast, the air in the room would seem heavy, like you almost couldn't breath, or didn't want to take a breath beause the moment was so raw. You didn't want to spoil it.

What I loved though was their genuineness and their willingness to expose their deepest thoughts and to lay their souls bare before us.

I want to always put these types of things on this site.

*Things to make you ponder.

*Possibly to stir up your heart.

*To maybe make you cry.

*Encourage you to make a difference somehow, somewhere.

*For you viewing pleasure.

*To cause you to laugh.

*To make an impact on your soul.

And much, much more awaits us in this area but for now the hour is late and
I am tired.

I will post things on occasion and will just call some of this......
"quotes and or poems" for lack of a better title. HA!

Here is tonight's quote.....I love it.

There's so much to be said about this one. So much to be said about this Organization as well and about the Founders.

"While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while children go hungry, as they do now I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight-I'll fight to the very end!" --William Booth
Founder of the Salvation Army.

What a great illustration of what they still do today.....
Couldn't you just feel it????

The Salvation Army is certainly not a "Glam" organization that's for sure. You have to wear a uniform and everything if your a minister in this group. No trendsetting going on there. This place has a lot of dedicated servants in it.

I appreciate them for many reasons.

One being,
They conducted my Grandfather Ayres' funeral several years ago.

I was humbled and I was impressed by them.

I was so glad they were there for him at the end of his life.
He was just frail, and lonely.
A widower of over 20 plus years.
No one famous.

He wasn't an addict, nor an alcholic, or a derilict that needed help.

He didn't have any riches, nor friends, and only a tiny, handful of family members left.
One of which was me.
He was just an old man.

They were kind to him.

And THAT made all the difference in the world,
and in heaven for him.

They've done this for lots of years now and continue to do this for many of the
"lest of these" people who are out there.

Here's a REAL "Nobel Peace Prize" winner.....

Above photo left to right.
Curtis, Nobel Peace Prize winner
"John Humme", his wife and
"yours truly."
The people behind us are "Dan Rooney" and his wife, the owners of the "Pittsburgh Steelers" Who were there touring with the Humes.
We are at "Grianan of Aileach" an old stone fort in No. Ireland.
**************************************************

Last week while my husband, daughter and I were away on a bit of a "holiday." Miss Priss and I were taking a little "nap" in our room while my husband was watching the news.

I was in and out of a light sleep, but I thought I heard that "Al Gore had won the Nobel Peace Prize." I figured I was having a nightmare, then I thought I must have heard wrong since I was groggy. So I kept napping.

A little bit later, my cell phone rang and it was my good friend Susan.
I love Susan because she KNOWS everything about what is going on in the entire world.
Usually.
Ever since "Meemaw" died this summer...Susan's Mom...we've lost a vast informational source that was renowned. Delores was semi bed ridden, so she read 2-3 newspapers a day, plus all kinds of stuff like books, newsletters, magazine.

Not counting that she watched every news broadcast available. If you wanted to know anything, or didn't want to know something.....Meemaw knew it WAY before the rest of us.
I really miss that, plus she would always be praying for you so that is now a great loss.

So I'm laying in my comfortable bed in our hotel room when my cell phone rings. I answer it and this is what I heard from Susan.

First thing out of her mouth was...."hey where are you?" So I told her.
Second thing was......"hey what do you think of Al Gore getting the Nobel Peace Prize?" HA! I started laughing because I love it. She's SO on "my page."

During our converstation, we both concluded that the "Olso" people had been smoking "pickeled herring" and we couldn't belive that they gave AL Gore that award.
For peace???
Whatever.

That made me remember my one and only "claim" to meeting a pretty famous person in my lifetime.
Who just happened to be an appointed "Nobel Peace Prize" winner.
A "Real" one.

The meeting was TOTALLY was by accident. But I believe it was a "Divine appointment" forsure.

The day after I arrived in Ireland, the Pastor we were working with asked me and the other leader shown in the photo, who was from California at the time, (can't you tell?) if we would "care to go see Grianan?"

Which we didn't have a clue as to what that was, but we said...."sure." I was totally game because I wanted to start seeing some of what was around us. We were the only ones to go along with him.

By the way, I don't want to say this Pastors name or information, just incase.
You have to understand what they've been through in that area and then you would know why. Besides one word.
"Paramilitary."

I've learned you can't be too careful (especially on the internet) and this man has a wife and children and a church that needs to be protected.

When we arrived there it was COOOLD and it was windy. It was June in Ireland.
Brrrrr.

While walking around and taking in the fort and the landscape, the man that took us was all of a sudden overcome and was he very excited and awe struck and he told us..."There's John Hume." The other leader and I were like.....
"and John Hume is?????" Crazy Americans.

The Pastor then started to tell us that he was the "Nobel Peace Prize" winner along with David Trimble.
Okay, I knew who Trimble was. I'd studied about him and I knew he shared the Peace Prize award with another man.....who turned out to be this man John Hume who was standing near us.

David Trimble was Protestant, John Hume was Catholic. This was a huge deal.
These two men had helped work on what was to be called "The Good Friday Agreement" which was an agreement between several conflicting groups in No.Ireland to try to come to some terms for peace.

It's complicated to explain. The United States even helped to work up the agreement with Great Britian as well, but it eventually fell apart.

The Pastor went over to Mr. Hume and told him "how much he appreciated his work and what he had done on behalf of No. Ireland" and other such sentiments which I thought was very nice. He also asked him...."would he mind taking his photo with these leaders, (Curtis and myself) who had come to do some reconcilation work in the area."
He agreed.

He and his wife were very nice and accomidtaing. We didn't say much to them.

The other leader Curtis, was very excited after the photo because the other man that had been there with them had introduced himself to him and gave him his business card and he was Dan Rooney the owner of the Pittsburg Steelers. Whew hooo.....now your talking American royalty. HA! I learned later that they are very supportive of "Irish causes." Good ones.

What an honor that was though for all of us!
Yet, I always forget that it even happened because SO many wonderful things took place for me on that one trip.

This Al Gore thing brought it all back to my mind.

I think there is a HUGE difference with what those two men, David Trimble, and John Hume acomplished in the world as compared to Al Gore.
It's kind of sickening to me because I don't see ANY comparison to what he's done in comparison to what those men did.

Peace is something that can't be compared to much else on this planet.
Peace is something that must be fought for.
Peace is something many people do not have.

I think you get my point.

John Hume died a few years ago and I was sad when I learned of his death.
David Trimble is still working in politics and is a memember of the "House of Lords" associated with the "House of Parliment" in London.

We continue to pray for lasting "peace" in No.Ireland.
Incidents still do happen there sad to say.

"Tea Bags versus Loose Tea"

Tea Bags versus Loose Tea

I've always used tea bags and I'm not afraid to admit it.
I have some loose tea that I bought from my friend Marsha when she still had her cute, little tea shop...and I have to say....I STILL haven't even used it yet.
Ugh.

My friend Marsha, ALWAYS uses "loose" tea.
But I, who is usually in some sort of a rush..do not take the time to do it that way. It does taste better I think.

They "say" they, the big tea companies, put the "chopped up leftovers" into the tea bags. Yuck. But who knew. I didn't even know that until someone told me.

I read Frank McCourts "Angela's Ashes" years ago.

After reading it, I HAD to read McCourts second book to see what happened next.
Some where in the book he recounts a story where he's been living in America for quite some time and his Mother "Angela" whom the book is based off of, comes from Ireland to live and at some point...she sees him making tea with "tea bags" and is appalled.

I guess after living such an impoverished and sad, life you wouldn't think she'd notice such a small imperfection in her child but notice she did and she wasn't a happy camper about it. Tea bags. Wow.

Oh well Frank, we can't always please our "Mum's" totally.
I mean you did go on to write a pretty intriguing AND "Pulitzer Prize" winning book based on your Mother's wretched life.

And most importantly you did get her ashes back over to Ireland after she died.
Even if you couldn't make a proper cup of tea in her eyes.

Frank McCourt is a great story teller but hang on to your hats, or cover your eyes when you read his stuff.

Angela's Ashes and the rest are laced with so much "language" and other disgusting artifacts of the McCourt family. Too much information people Frank. I could have done without some of that stuff.

Plus his books are filled with that favorite Irish word of all...
the infamous "F" bomb.

And mind you, not once, not twice but about two thousand times or more.
Good golly Miss Molly are you kidding me?

By book number 3....."Teacher Man" I had learned to "check" his books out at the library.
I read a tiny bit of it....then....I checked it BACK into the library.

I like Frank McCourts story telling.
I like to hear him on the radio or on TV.....doing interviews and such where the
"FCC has a few airwaves codes."

Love the accent of course.

His writing is vivid.....you can see it and it was horrible the life they led.
No denying that part for sure.
But some of us can only take so much. I am the kind of person that wants to "help people" so books like that "undo" me.

Especially if I see "no light at the end of the tunnel for the writer."

How would I know that Frank would eventually go on to own the L.A. Dodgers?
mean I totally didn't see that coming when they were having a "pig head" for Christmas dinner because they were so poor when he was growing up in Limerick.

I made my husband take me to the movie "Angela's Ashes" when it first came out.
He was so disgusted with it all. I figured that would happen. It is very oppressive actually. I had read the book so I sort of knew what was going to happen.
I remember Don saying at some point during the movie.......
"Oh my gosh, does ANYTHING GOOD happen to these poor people????"

I whispered back over to him...."yeah the guy writes a book, it wins a 'Pulitzer Prize' they make it into this movie and now he's a bizillionare."


Here's a bit of "Tea Bag" trivia....

The tea bag was invented in the U.S. in 1908 by Thomas Sullivan, a thrifty tea importer, who replaced the large sample tins of tea he was sending to retail customers with small, individual silk bags of tea. Filter paper has since replaced the silk and the tea bag has become a staple.

Many people automatically assume that loose tea is “better” than tea in tea bags. In the U.S., this assumption is based in part on consumers’ familiarity with supermarket-grade tea bags, which are made with lower-quality tea.

While the very best teas are sold—and brewed—as loose tea, there are many excellent teas that come in tea bags. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your choice.

The English, who are very particular about their tea, use tea bags for 87% of the tea they drink.

I'm sticking with my tea bags people. The Brits know best. Plus I saw the Irish using them too with my own eyes.
Works for me.

Sláinte

Please consider praying for these people:

Oftentimes, I receive word of people who need prayer through various lines of communication. Sometimes I write it down or I save the e-mail or else it may just be embedded in my heart.

Alot of times we ask others to join in prayer with us. There is power in "AGREEMENT" on such things you know.

I have to tell you about this man man here in Baton Rouge named Larry G.

He oversees a vibrant Servant Cooking ministry at HPC.....he heads up the "Cooking for Christ" ministry but I have to say.....the man does SOOOO much more.

He takes his time to use the Internet and his e-mail address and his mailbox and his telephone I'm sure, and he then "communicates" those people's "NEEDS"......
like, "I need a car, I need a home, I need a bed to sleep in" and people's "WANTS,"
such as..."I want to help, I have a job opening for someone, or I want a little dog....
and people's "PRAYER Requests," which tie into those same things above all the way into crucial, life threatening prayer needs.

People then begin to "network" that way......through his passing on of their e-mails or whatever. They pray, and they HELP each other.
I love it. That my friends is the "Body" in action.

All this takes time. It just doesn't "happen."

I think he is a huge servant to do this. Because he doesn't have to. He could just read it and delete it but he doesn't. He just simply puts it "out there" and people are able to work through this very simple avenue.
It's cool actually.

Plus I like him and it says alot about his heart and....
He's one of the nicest guys on the planet too. He and his wife have had a lot of sad prayer needs themselves this year alone. But they still press onward. I appreciate that in them.

Today I have some things I want to share with you as well because I am a bit overwhelmed with it all. I need some help. Plus I don't feel I can run all these through Larry's prayer network. HA! It would be an all day event that is for sure but to these people......it's life or death for some of them.

Please read them and keep them in your heart.

People depend on those of us that can and are willing to pray. It's not always convenient I know but I do know that when I need prayer......I am depending on people to stand in prayer with me as well.

It's quiet simple. It does take some moments of your time.

Please pray along even as you read these names and situations if that is all you can do.

I usually recieve no less than one "Missionary Prayer Request" e-mail DAILY (sometimes it's several) from "AGWM" and at times ALL I can do is read it and pray as I go. Because it's so much to read and deal with. Many times it's not one need it's three or four missionaries with needs and many are very important or life threatening.

Sometimes not only with those but other requests as well...IF I can do more....I do. I try to. However, life is busy and there are so many important needs all over the place.

There is no condemnation with this. I've learned not to "come under it all."
We must try to do what we can though. When we can.

You may know some of these people, and you very well may not.
But the Father knows them. That is the important thing.

Thank you ahead of time. I appreciate all of you and wish you blessings!

*************************************************************************************
PRAYER NEEDS

Please Pray for:

A young man named Scott L. that has Leukemia, he is the son of a friend of mines boss.

A Mother and Father of a teenager that is going through a very serious time right now in their life. The situation isn't good. The child needs help and the Mother is about to have a breakdown if something doesn't change. They are all on thin ice. I'm very concerned for them all. This is very good family and they are very distraught over this situation

Rachel, a Pastor's wife from Canada who is flying to the U.K. this weekend to help her Sister in Law with her small children. Rachel will fly and help her with the children that far and then the Sister in Law and kids must go on to a destination much further away where they will reconnect with her husband who is already there. They both will be doing "nursing" work in that mission field.

Mitch W. a little boy who is "scheduled" to have hernia surgery. Pray he has no fear and all goes well and he heals fast.

My friend Nora who just had her colon re-attatched and is recovering from surgery.

Robin who just had surgery on one arm and is about to have another.

A young man in his 20's named Jay on the East Coast who is being tested for possible Leukemia.

Two men who are going through severe difficulties with their job. Injustices.

Madeline Mccann who is still missing from her parents. Pray they find her. Pray for her parents to have peace.

Pray for a ministry family, friends of ours who have been through a traumatic time. They need healing, wisdom, finances, and new direction.

Pray for Norried and Doris Chaisson who went to a new mission field in June. We have had NO communication since they left.
The field they went to is very remote and HARD and they told us all that they would have no way to contact anyone for some time.....but it has been 4 months now and nothing. We don't even have an address.
They have been on my heart and I am concerned for them.

A pregnant lady whose husband who just moved here with her toddler so that she can live with her family while her husband prepares to leave for Iraq.

Pray for all our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and all the U.S. Military where ever they may be. I appreciate what they do.

Our friends daughter "K" has applied to a very special college and it will be a "miraclous" event if she is accepted into it. She has the faith for it so pray God's will for this matter.

For some ladies traveling to a retreat this weekend in Arkansas.

Pray for a Pastor's wife named Melinda with cancer.....

A Pastor's Mother named Sandra who was just in a horrible accident and needs alot of healing at this very moment.

Human Trafficking is a HUGE issue on MY list to pray about right now.
Some news came across my plate this week and I have been so upset about this topic ever since then.

We must pray about this.....all the time.

These are just a few things.....however, they are so important to each and every person listed here.

Thank you again for your time.

A variety of thoughts.......

Did you see that blogger Mom on the news the other night...I think she's that infamous "E-bay Mom."

Well let me tell you what...she is making $4000.00 a month off her blog along on ADS! Whew! Plus she's gotten a "book deal"....ugh.

My husband was like...."why can't you make money off your blog, your always writing on it?"

My reply....."it's all about audience appeal."

I'm maybe not as interesting as Mama's with 6 kids who are sneaky and put those nasty little Pokemon cards in the grocery cart and have squirrels in their back yard.

I saw a "squirrel photo" on her blog page that they showed on TV...

I though "Hey, wait a minute I feed the squirrels at my house"... and I'll a cute squirrel photo on my blog site too and we'll see if that generates 30 thousand "hits" a day like hers does.

That is amazing isn't it? 30 THOUSAND hits per day.

Right, well I ALSO have had some of those "sneaky kids" that tried to get stuff past me as well pver the years...
but they ALWAYS get busted.
I've always told them....

"Don't try it. GOD always shows the parents."
And He does.....ha! ha!

Oh well....I write regardless. For no pay.

New thoughts for today.....
a variety actually, a "virtual vegetable soup."

Although who might I ask, would order "vegetable soup" on a day like this? Ewwww! It's so hot and humid out today. I'm surprised I can even move. It's been a good day actually for me. Thankfully.

I just went outside to mail some stickers to my two little nieces in Iowa.....
and my "Children's Cup"
Christmas Card thing...by the way........

EVERYONE please mail in those cards they need them by the 31st Oct. if you want to help send "Christmas" to the kids in Africa.

Anyhow, I went out to the mail box and it felt like I stepped into a STEAM SAUNA.

Welcome to Louisiana in late October. Guess I WON'T be wearing that new "Toile" sweater I bought on a MAJOR clearance anytime soon.
Maybe that is why it was on clearance???

Gabe's girlfriend is flying in next week from the East Coast.

I hope she DOESN'T bring her "warm weather clothes" with her. It's been nice and cool up there where she's living now with her family since moving from Baton Rouge.

PLUS they have had no humidity. I may be going there.
To live forever. Although, I would have to hibernate like a bear come winter. Which could work actually.
It's WAY to cold there for me.

She came in last month. I picked her up one day to go to lunch. She was telling me over lunch how the day before she had on shorts and some boots that were just below the knee.
What I wanted to say was......
"Honey we don't dress that way in America and especially not in the hot South unless your a Spice Girl."
But like a good son's Mother....I held my tongue and only said..."oh were they 'Ugg' boots?"
Thinking to myself...."yeah that's probably what they were."
Because people wear those with shorts, .... but not often in Lousiana.

Although I've seen Britney Spears wearing them on TV with dresses or shorts and she's from here. Never mind....poor thing.

So the girlfriend proceeds to tell me in answer to my UGG boot question
with her very British accent.......

"no they were tall, leather ones, and when I was coming outside out of the building yesterday and this man yelled at me and said

....."GIRL...your going on SAFARI!!!'"
Then I nearly feel off my chair and DIED laughing.
I loved that line SO MUCH that I said it to her several times that day just for fun.

AND I did tell her too that "shorts and boots...it's a bit hot here for that." HA! Funny!!!

We ate lunch at Le Madeline's...we both like it there.
It reminds her of her of England for some odd reason, I haven't figured that one out. Maybe it's the soup?

It reminds me of .......Le Madeline's. HA!

Well I guess it is a bit like "rural" France maybe.
But NOT Paris for sure. Not that I've been there but I know many people including my son that has....and I know plenty believe you me.....about Paris.
It's like I've been. HA!

My FAVORITE thing at Le Madelines is
the bathroom.
Well, besides a few food items. But hang in here with me a minute.

I have that "gluten thing" going on so I can't enjoy all the food they offer that has flour in it which is basically......90% of it. HA!
I stick to the SAME thing every time I go to eat there....
"Tomato Basil soup and a Wild Field Salad." Yummy!
Refreshing, filling and low budget.
My fave.

So back to the the bathrooms.....you have to try them. Not because they are posh or anything....but because there is something unique going on in them......
French linguistic tapes.

Yep.....I thought it a bit odd the first time I entered in and after a few moments thought to myself..."
Good Lord are they teaching me French in the toilet???"
And they sure were.
It sort of felt like some sort of freaky "mind control" thing at first.

But then I realized...
"Hey you can learn a whole line of useful French phrases upon entering until the time you wash your hands and leave".
It's amazing.

What a great way to learn a little French.

It's really a "free added lunch BONUS or dinner bonus or whatever that you never even expected.

I can't tell you though with sadness... that I haven't retained it. Not the French lesson that is.
You know.....it's the "use it or you'll loose it thing."

Now I'm talking sbout the Le Madeline's at the "NEW" Perkins Rowe restaurant.

I don't believe they have that special element in their bathrooms at the Bocage location which is a tad easier to get to.

The Perkin/Bluebonnet Le Madeline's is a NIGHTMARE to travel to. I would rather be ran over by a train than to maneuver through that intersection....but that's where we choose to go.

After that the "girlfriend and I" went to do a bit of shopping.

While at TJ Maxx we were checking out and there was a ton of Halloween items there.
She told me totally out of the blue
"her family doesn't celebrate Halloween."

Hummmmm.....I'm thinking to myself "Halloween is THE biggest holiday of ALL in the U.K. and Ireland. What's is up with that?"

I am VERY curious at that point.

So I said....."Halloween is the most celebrated holiday in all the U.K....in Ireland the kids get an entire WEEK out of school for it and they shoot off fireworks and act like it's New Year's. How come you all didn't celebrate it?"
She then told me how "her Mum had studied it and had learned about it so they never celebrated it when they were raised up as children and to this day her family doesn't even living here in America because it goes back to bad beginings."

I was blown away to hear what she was telling me. That was heavy coming from a British girl.

But glad to know they felt that way.

Because her family has that knowledge and has held to what they feel about it and still do to this day.
That is especially impressive to me because of there is such a hard environment over there and it truly is such a respected aned anticpated holiday.

I myself since going to Ireland and after learning how important Halloween is to them and after becoming so surprised that it is way BIGGER than it is here.
I decided to check it out further and see what the deal was.

I mean most of us have heard some of the background regarding it. But I found out so much more than I was ever told regarding the roots of this event.
I've studied it and it's pretty bizarre.

In fact I sometimes send out a highly informative e-mail article that comes from an Irish Website with all the information usually to my close friends about this time of year.

Not to scare them or to condemn those that celebrate Halloween....many people have various "takes" on the day. I only EVER want to inform. That's it.
No condemnation.

Everybody has to work out their "holidays" because many have some crummy backgrounds afixed to them and how they started.

The other night a good friend of mine and I were talking on the phone.......
we haven't talked on the phone in probably a year???

We e-mail occasionally. She was a missionary to Africa for several years and has friends in England and has been there on her way back and forth to Africa and she too likes the U.K. having been there before.

I had to call her on another matter so we briefly got onto the "U.K./ very celebrated Halloween subject" and she asked me
"if I was sending the article out that article again this year?"

I told her "possibly I might, this year I could just use the blog. Much easier in some ways." In other ways it's a bit more complicated because I could choose who the article went to.

The article is very lengthy though. There is a lot of history.

I was very surprised when I found it on this website that I pay to be a member of, because it IS so detailed. They do not cover up anything regarding what is and has gone on.
Highly interesting reading.

I have to figure out how to break it down and condense it and I don't know if I can really.

But for those of you that want to get a "head start" or in case I get distracted or something and don't get it all on here. Here is the link.
DO Read both pages if you read it at all.
Irish Abroad/Mythology


In Ireland, I was befriended by a lady at the church we worked with.
We became close and she was such a help to our campaign.

While I was there.... a terribly, tragic thing happened in her family.

She was devastated and rightly so. I couldn't believe it when told me what had just happened.
It was incomprehensible and I was sworn to confidentially in the matter so no on in the American group knew about it...she her Leadership there at the church.
It wasn't anything you would want people to know about your loved ones anyway, but she needed GRACE to get though the situation. It was very, very, sad.

I appreciated that she shared it with me....but it made me also understand the SERIOUSNESS of such things. It didn't scare me at the time...nor does it today.
I just know you don't involve yourself in certain aspects of a lot of things, and all for good reason too.

I won't tell you what had happened that was so horrific. I will tell you this....her family had been participants in Druidism. I'm not going to go into it all.
Just trust me on this.

Earlier in the week we had an American boy who was talking about some kids TV show that was popular in the States.

It was some kind of "Mysticism/Witchcraft meets Power Rangers" kind of thing and it was based of off Irish Mythology. It was called....."The Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog."

This lady I mentioned earlier was there during the conversation and at some point....she addressed him about it and he went on to just make light of it and joke around say things like..."it's all just made up and it's just for fun, it isn't real.... etc, etc."

At that point, she totally REBUKED him and told him how it wasn't made up and provided some various informative things about that subject.

No one moved. We all listened. She knew her stuff.
I don't think that boy EVER dared to watch that show anymore.
I think he learned a lesson.
I think we ALL did.

I took this lady shopping with me one day so she could point out to me which Gaelic and Celtic things were possibly things that had certain symbalism or writing on them in Gaelic that I might have bought otherwise, unknowlingly, and porbably woudn't have wanted in my house if I had known what it was all about.

She had a deep love for God and she also knew the dark part of the other side.

The "girlfriend" ...."Miss Safari girl," is flying back into Baton Rouge next week and I think we will make a
"Le Madeline's" lunch appointment together again.

That way we can "kill many birds with one stone"......we can eat that lovely "French" food....we can brave the traffic, we can catch up on how we are both getting along and we can......"learn French phrases in the toilet."

I wonder if they have the traditional bathroom greeting that says....
"Hey, I'm out of toilet paper over here can you pass me some?"
on that CD that's playing.
Just in case.

Au Revoir