Musings from an LDS writing mom

Nothing like it

2012-01-31T16:43:00.000-08:00

I've decided there's nothing like having a grandchild! She is too much fun. Even if her mother buys her the noisy toys... lol

I WON!!

2011-11-29T15:06:00.000-08:00

Well...I had to brag a little...for the 8th year in a row, I've Completed NANO!! Yeah!!! lol

I was determined to actually finish the story this time, and I did. I ended up with 55,100 words. Not quite the leviathans that some have done, like over 70,000 or even 100,000 -- but I'm happy with it.

Now I can go back to normal life...lol

Happy thanksgiving!! ;)

An amazing book to read...

2011-10-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

I got the chance to read another book for review - Outer Edge of Heaven. Oh boy! This was a good romance! The author, Jaclyn M. Hawkes, told a convincing tale of life on a ranch, that made you feel like you were there. I was laughing at some part and frustrated with people in others.

"Charlie's a girl? When did Charlie become a girl?"

That's one of my favorite parts in this book. It cracked me up when it was discovered that Fo (short for Forest - some fun nick names in here) the male half of two best friends has a girl (Charlie)as his best friend. They've known each other since children. Charlie is talked into spending her summer with Fo in Montana on a large Ranch where she ends up watching the children like a part time nanny. There are many great adventures, some hair raising action and a great confusing romance.

If you want something that's an easy and fun read, you need to grab this. It's totally contemporary, and a good read - so go check it out! You can purchase it at Amazon, here's the link.

This is another blog tour, so there are plenty of other's who have done reviews of her book, so you might want to go check some out.

I have to say, the cover doesn't really do it justice, and it's not perfect - (there aren't many books that are now a-days, ya know?) but it's darn good! I'm tempted to ask the author if there is a sequel on the way!

Go get your copy and curl up by the fireplace with a cup of chocolate. You'll enjoy it!

Book Review - FALL - and a contest!

2011-09-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

Okay - being acquainted with many writers (since I'm a writer...ya know...lol) I get the opportunity sometimes of reading and reviewing new published authors. I get that privilege today. I just finished a book by Jennifer Hurst, and man, it's a change of pace for sure.

Fall is not your typical romance, thriller or fantasy. It's kind of like a horror movie and romance mixed into one...but I'm not sure I am doing it justice. If you're into fantasy type stuff, with a religious edge, you'll love it.
Jennifer has a blog, so you might want to check it out.

I was pulled into the story by the unique twist. I don't usually read books about angels or demons, so it was quite the change for me. I wouldn't recommend it for the younger reader - the subject matter is not for youth. But otherwise, definitely something to read.

If you're into ebooks, there is a version of that too that you might want to look into. Here's the site to go to.

Anyway - good read. Go find a copy and don't turn the lights off.

Along with that, the author is having a contest. Below is a list of questions about the book. Answer the questions for a chance to win a mention in the sequel! The more blogs you read about this book, the more you can enter your name, thus increasing your chances of winning the gift certificate, a copy of the book FALL, and your name in the sequel.

Get the book, read the book, and then read over the questions below. Once you have your answers, e-mail them to Jennifer. fall.jenniferhurst@gmail.com

Your privacy is respected and your email address will NOT be used for anything but the contest. Once the contest is over - your email address will be deleted from the database.

Here are the questions for you to answer:

What does JD stand for?

What were the inscriptions on the wedding bands?

Who is Roy Parker's father?

If you would like to visit the other sites, go here for the master list of all participating sites: http://fallbyjenniferhurst.wordpress.com/

Best of luck, and thanks for participating!

Can't sleep....sigh...so thoughts on a great movie

2011-08-14T00:39:00.000-07:00

Okay...I've been having bouts with insomnia lately...and it really bugs me. I'm sitting here, knowing I need to be in bed, I'm really TIRED, but all I do is lay there and my brain is going. I try and think soothing songs, but it doesn't seem to help. sigh.

I've been taking melatonin, but I try not to take it every night, and I thought I'd be tired enough tonight. Also...have to get up and go to church - if I ever get to sleep. UGH.

So, I'll talk about my wonderful hubby and the date he took me on today. He said he had a surprise for me this morning (well...saturday) and took me off to the theaters! I was thrilled one, because I love, I mean LOVE surprises, and two, because I like movies. I was even more happy when he got us tickets to go see The Help.

It's kind of funny how things have been working. I read an article on Yahoo about the author of the book, and how she'd gotten 60 rejection letters before finally getting published. I felt like if she got that many, the book might be worth looking into. Then on Friday I read an article on KSL about the movie, and how he really liked it. That made me a little more interested, though kind of guardedly, because sometimes when a movie critic likes a movie, I'm not going to. So, I looked up the trailer and watched it, and my daughter and I both thought it had promise.

So, anyway - that's what he took me to see. It was pretty fun, we were the first ones in the theater, so we had our choice of seats. By the time the movie started, there were more men in the theater, but they were definitely out numbered by the women. It cracked me up. But I digress...

The Help is definitely worth watching. It is so well done you don't even realize the amount of time that passes, as it's almost 2 and a half hours long! The acting is so good, the characters so believable and the story so touching -- you've got to see it. It's a great lesson in society and the culture of the 60's. My hubby wants our children to see it, and he's already planning on buying it when it comes out on DVD.

It's strange to see the one actress playing a 'bad' role, but she does it well. You really hate her! lol But anyway, I don't want to give any of it away. Go see it, enjoy and learn. You'll not regret it.

Okay...so then we went to do the first driving lesson for our youngest sons. UGH. I'm so glad my hubby is patient and willing to do this. Granted, the older of the two managed to do better than I ever dreamed, but still...it's a manual transmission! sigh. We ended up spending a half hour or so at Harmons while they drove the little by roads. They have the most fun cooking section of any grocery store! I was in heaven.

Well...It's really late now, (or should I say early??) so I'd better try and see if I can get my brain to shut off.
Have an excellent Sunday!

Some thoughts for the day - it's finished!!

2011-08-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite movies is Julie and Julia. Mainly because it's about food, and I'm all over anything about food and how to cook it...lol And in part because it talks about blogs and writing, the angst of a writer, which is me. So I feel in a way that it's a movie kind of about me and what I'd love to be doing with my life.

I've never thought about writing a cookbook, however. I've always wanted to be a published writer of romance or something. It's only been the past couple of months that it's been encouraged by my family to write a cookbook, so I guess that's my next project.

Anyway - One of the reasons this has come up is I've finally made sourdough starter and sourdough bread.

That may not be a big deal for many of you...if any of you, grin. But it has long been an ambition of mine, well ONE of my ambitions. Another one was to build an outdoor oven and then bake the sourdough in it. I can say that I've accomplished part of that, or two parts. I've finally finished my oven!!! I tell you, this is a landmark day in history!!

This is what it looked like when I rebuilt it...I don't know if you remember the story of it's demise last fall...sigh. IT was not pretty. :( But I persevered and rebuilt!!

So this is how it looks now! You can't see the can because it's inside the mud stuff as a proper chimney. We are going to use it this Friday, I'm soooo excited!

And since my starter has finally grown and worked and I've made bread, I'll be making a batch of it in the oven after we're done enjoying decent pizza!!!

sigh.

Life is good.

So anyway - back to my thoughts.

I'm munching on a piece of this amazing sourdough bread, (for photos you can go to my food blog.) and thinking that I've finally achieved something I had to work at for longer than a year. I kept at it, even though it was frustrating and discouraging. It was becoming a joke in my family, mom's dying jar on the counter. And I've come to the realization that apparently I like cooking more than I like writing. I wonder why that is??? I'm not sure. But, perhaps I can combine the two, because I will spend a whole day looking at recipes and cooking and have to force myself to write.

I have resolved several times in my life to make my writing a non-hobby occupation. So far that has NOT happened. sigh. My hubby is very patient and takes it in stride, but I think it's time to get myself going and get a grip on my life. I don't have unlimited time to explore my talents and build them. I don't know how much time I've been given in this life. I've been wasting it. totally.

So, I think I'm going to rethink the writing I've been doing. The book I've been working on is not progressing, and I don't feel any attachment to it right now. I know that's when I really need to work at it, so I'm going to give it another try, but I'm also going to start contemplating the cookbook idea. My hubby is going to build a website for me that involves altering recipes for people who want to shape them into lower fat, healthy things. My focus, therefore, is going to be more on food. Since I haven't published anything that makes anyone want to come hunt me down and beg for another story (other than my neighbors), this won't be a heartache to many. Say la vie. I'm sure things will change in a year or so, the writing bug never leaves me for long.

I hope you find me in a better place next year. Be sure and check my food blog for photos of the pizza on Friday!! We know how to party at my house...lol

a wonderful weekend...

2011-07-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

Okay - the past weekend was one of the best I've had in a while. I mean, June was amazing, and that goes without saying (you know, 25 year anniversary and all that...lol) but this past weekend, hmmm.

For one, my hubby was home for 4 days!!! It was like we were on vacation. I got to spend the WHOLE freaking day with him on Friday (had to add freaking for emphasis), which was just too much fun. We spent most of the day at his mothers, helping her with her computer issues, but it was okay. I had him all night for his college open house, which was good food and location as usual. Unfortunately they ran out of deserts before we could really have some...or should I say fortunately?? sigh.

Saturday we spent the day running errands and ended up going to see the late showing of Thor at the local theater...(love that movie) and my sons had a great time.

Sunday we got my granddaughter to babysit all night thru Monday! It was great fun. She loved her bath

and playing with the dog.

It was entirely too much fun. She's so cute!! I realize I'm totally prejudice...lol We also had a bbq at my sister's house, and they did fireworks after we came home so hubby could get to bed. He has EARLY summer hours! sigh.

Have I mentioned that we have this new little dog??

It was my brothers that passed away in April. He was a big Indiana Jones fan, and so he had these two little dogs. One was Indie, and one was Anna....this one was Indie, (anna had an unfortunate encounter with a car - sigh) and when my brother died, we kind of inherited the dog. It's some kind of chihuahua mix thing. It's WAY too cute for a puntable, I can't figure out why I like him, but he's cute and follows me around everywhere and loves the baby.

Anyway...I've been getting my oven going again! You might not remember last year how I started an outside earth oven. Here is the picture from last year...

Unfortunately, when my bro came to visit in September, we tried it out and it wasn't ready yet. It cracked like crazy and ended up collapsing. sigh. I hadn't done the second layer and the first one was too thin.

So, I've tried again. This time I made it a titch smaller, and THICKER!

Here it is now - I'm trying to get the rest of the sand out for the next layer.

I decided this time to use balls of mud so that it was more even in thickness. So far, so good. I included a chimney, as you can see. My hubby was thinking it could be out of pvc pipe...um, for an oven??

Anyway - I'ts been an interesting summer, in that I've been visiting a lot of food sites. I always thought I'd have a site that people would come and look at, but I have a hard time getting photos taken of the food I make because I'm not in the habit of taking pictures of EVERYTHING...lol So, as a result, you don't hear from me much. I'm hoping to change that, so you might want to check out my food blog every now and again.

Have a great rest of July!

I'm still alive...

2011-06-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Really - just because I haven't posted in like Forever doesn't mean I've disappeared off the face of the earth. sigh.

I used to think that blogging was a great thing and I loved doing it. Now I hardly have time to think about posting, let alone coming up with things to post about.

Right now I have this gorgeous bird outside my window and I'd rather watch it in fascination than come up with something someone might want to read. Part of the problem is I know that while I have followers - if they're like the kind of follower I am - they aren't waiting with bated breath for me to write something. They have lives and they are most of them writers themselves, so hey - no biggie.

This blog covers many aspects of my life, though it was only meant to be a writing outlet.

One of my critique group has self published and is having a great book signing/release party at Barnes and Noble in Layton on Monday. I know I'd be excited if it were me to have all my friends writing about it, so I thought I'd mention it for anyone who decides to peep at my blog between now and then and lives in the area. I'm so excited for her -- I'm also jealous as heck. I have to remind myself that it could be me doing this - if I'd the drive and gumption. sigh.

So anyway - lots of work this month to get some writing done and off to Createspace for my free copy of the book I wrote for Nano. If it works out, perhaps I'll publish both sets, and you'll have access.

Hope you have a great first weekend of school out!! ;)

The Perfect Gift

2011-04-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

For anyone who's been a mother...that is. Okay - Mother's day is coming up, and if you want something inexpensive and hilarious to give your mother-type person, you'll want to grab this little jewel, The Crazy Daze of Motherhood. Jane Still has written a collection of stories about being a mother that are just sooo close to home. Anyone who has been a mother, has lived with a mother, wants to be a mother or knows a mother should pick up a copy and hand it over. It's a laugh a page, and many of you will totally associate with her.

For example, one story is how her husband became a hypochondriac when they had their first baby. Another story is the about getting a spiral perm that I certainly related to. She delivers each story with dry wit and humor, bringing the story totally to life.

It has cute little illustrations (though, Jane, did you forget I do illustrations??? I don't remember getting contacted...ahem.) that enliven the story and add to the humor. Really - you need to grab this and gift it to anyone who needs a laugh about motherhood. Which is like, well everyone female on the planet. Right?

And to make it even better, you can win a fun prize from Jane to help celebrate the release of her book. Just go to her blog at http://www.janeisfeldstill.blogspot.com and become a follower, and then leave her a comment and tell her that you're a new follower. You could win:

1. Mother's Daze basket, soap, chocolate, lotion, decorative candles, and recipe cards

2. Box of blank cards with a smattering of Canadian chocolate

3. Chocolate

Anything better than chocolate?? Most woman wouldn't think so...and since most of you will be hinting for a copy of the book for Mother's day, then hey, there you go. Enjoy!!

I should have brought...

2011-03-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

My notebook.

I'm sitting at work at the phones today, standing in for the secretaries as they do training. Do I have much to do?? No. Nope. Nada. Zingo. sigh.

Once in a while someone will come with something for me to do, but it's the most bored I've been on the job in months and months... Interesting.

I finally made a post on my political blog, but I don't dare post it here, because I could get my daughter upset with me, since it's about unwed pregnancy. sigh. minefields...everywhere.

Then I realized that I hadn't written a blog on this one in about a month, and that's depressing. I knew I was busy, but ya know...

and so, here we are. One of my favorite bloggers, It's Like This, posted that she'd realized she hadn't posted in a while. She claims to have two readers...well, that's better than me, by a long shot. lol

I could be spending this time getting caught up on my writing, which is terribly behind right now, but I'm stuck here trying to catch up on blogs and looking at recipes. lol Well, at least I've got lots of soup recipes I want to try now...much to the bane of my youngest who seems to hate all things soup.

I think I've found a good chicken dumpling for my hubby - won't he be surprised? That's his favorite and I've made it like 2 times in our whole marriage. I guess it's time to perfect the thing and let him know how much I love him by cooking what he really wants!! ;) Good thing he generally likes what I cook anyway.

Have a good one!

In a perfect world

2011-02-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

I would like to be a famous writer. Unlike most people, I am not, and never will be popular. I just don't have that little something that draws people to me. People like to talk to me, tell me the strangest things that I would never dream of telling a complete stranger...but they don't befriend me and want to follow me home. Not that I'd want perfect strangers following me home...

But anyway - every time I watch Julie and Julia, I think about the blogging world and how I so missed the boat. Back in 2003, I started a blog about our pizza store. I had a reader comment, and I was hooked. Our store tanked, the free site started charging, and I switched to blogger.

Now everyone has a blog. Everybody can write and have the world read it. Some people actually make a living at it. I think some people are actually worth reading, and I have those blogs attached so that I can see when they've written something new. Invariably it's something humorous and witty, something that makes me smile. Which is why I like their blog in the first place.

My stuff, on the other hand, is what happens to come out of my thoughts and through my fingers at the time. Usually I just need an outlet to share my thoughts and figure no one is really going to be reading it, because rarely do I get comments. I know I have readers, but they have lives -- Everyone has more exciting things to do than sit and read blogs all day. (or should ;) )

However, watching that movie always makes me wish I were there. Wish I had that something that makes people want to know more about me, and eager to see what I've written.

The problem is, I've discovered I don't want to be tied to the computer. I already spend enough time during the day at my computer, either at work or at home. It's where I write, after all. I try to write each day - and usually I make it. But adding the pressure of keeping up a blog every day, just doesn't work. I even thought I'd try it once a week and do a scripture thought. Nothing came of that, did you notice?? Tuesdays are just blank as every other day.

I was going to document my experimenting with recipes on my cooking blog, but I don't have the time to do it on two places, since I'm usually eating what I'm cooking and have to keep track of it on sparkpeople.com. (which is a wonderful place to help with loosing weight, by the way). Sigh. I feel like there are already not enough hours in the day, why add more to it??

So. There you have it. The ramblings of a 50 something woman who is feeling some days as if life is passing her by and she's never taken the bull by the horns and made it hers. Some days I do - but most days I just wonder if I'm letting too much get by.

So...I guess I might try again. But I'm not going to announce it like some great fanfare...it's not like anyone's going to notice. But if you happen to read my stuff and like cooking, I will try to be more consistent with my entries on the cooking blog. I won't be posting everything, because my hubby is determined for me to publish my recipes and doesn't want anyone to steal them. We don't live in that kind of society, do we?? right. Even Julia Child was afraid someone would steal her recipes when she was mailing them to her friend in the states. So.

I won't promise to write more here - but I will try and be a little more consistent. I realized the other day that I could have been sharing my weight loss adventure. While I've given updates a few times, I haven't really let you know when the weight was coming off and what I've been doing from month to month. Well...I've lost 85 pounds now (which is a lot less than I thought I would have lost by now...sigh) and am still going. Next week I'm teaching a class to my neighbors about how to adapt recipes and menus to lower fat stuff. I'm hoping they like it. I couldn't believe my measurements last week. I've lost 10 inches off my hips and 10 off my waist. It blows the mind.

I guess my encouragement would be if a 50 year old can still do it, you certainly can!
Enjoy life to it's fullest and remember each day is a gift. That's why we call it a present. ;)

Well...He's on his way...

2011-01-21T14:28:00.000-08:00

Well, Wednesday we took our son to the MTC. The first time either of us has been back in over 27 years. It's amazing how little things have changed, and yet, how much they have changed.

The curbside bit is totally new -- and I guess it's better for everyone all around. It was fun to meet the missionaries that were leaving in three days for Korea, and I know they'll do great. It was hard to hug my son goodbye and hurry into the car to leave. I did fine till we got out of the car to go eat and then the tears started threatening.

It's crazy how hard it is after they are gone. It's not like he hasn't been gone before, so I guess perhaps it's the whole idea that he's gone for a longer period of time and I can't just call him when I want. I don't know. But anyway, he's off, and he's doing what we always dreamed he would. sigh.

Life is good. ;)

The Wait is Finally Over! And other news...

2010-11-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

Okay...I've been a little lax in my postings...mainly because it's November and Nano time again - but there has been soooo much going on!

First - my granddaughter looked soooo cute in her little ladybug costume! Mom had to come show her off on Halloween before heading to a party. I just had to take pictures, ya know? Don't you think she's just cute as a bug? lol

Then - we've been waiting for almost 2 weeks for my son to get his mission call. It finally came yesterday!! Party!! So, he's going to....

The Carlsbad California mission!! Way to go son!! His cousin was there that had gone to California and had been the only one to guess California as a mission, so he won the big prize...lol A lot of shrimp!

Anyway - life is just starting to get crazy - but it's been great. Especially the leaves! Our big tree has finally turned colors and is just starting to drop. I'll have to take my annual photo of it and post it later...

But for now - I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it...

Can you hear the song now??

There Seems to be a Need...

2010-10-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

There have been several comments to my husband at work about the food he takes for lunch. If you read my food blog, you'll feel like you're having de'ja vu, but I wanted to post this here as well. It seems that they have told him they would be willing to buy my food if it was pre-made for them.

I'm wondering how much of it is time and how much is knowledge. I've volunteered to teach a couple of women in my neighborhood how to lighten up their menus and recipes, and they are totally excited. I know for a long time I was frustrated with how to do the same thing, and it's been research and experimentation that made the difference. I guess the fact that I've lost 80 pounds in a year makes people think I know all, or more than they do. Perhaps - but I think it's all viewpoint.

So, I'm tossing the question out to the cosmic world of blogging to see if I get any kind of response.

What would you think of a web site that you could submit recipe or menu questions to and get help and advice for low fat, low sugar cooking? Possibly even money saving tips, but I'm not expert in that area by any means.

Fall Colors

2010-10-08T06:27:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year, hands down. I guess spring is in there too, followed by winter, but fall takes the prize. I think the colors are just amazing and every year I try to get my family to go driving with me. Last year we didn't make it, but this year I was determined.

Amazingly enough, by conference weekend (which is usually when we go) we still had leaves! After conference was over we went driving up Lambs Canyon. It was sooo gorgeous. I couldn't believe the yellows. On the way home we drove through East Canyon which had some pretty reds. sigh.

It was a wonderful afternoon and I got my leaf fix for the year. Fortunately, our big maple out front hasn't turned yet, so I still have that treat in store.

I'm a Grandma! Where Did Time Go??

2010-09-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

by G.Parker

If you've ever watched Star Trek, you'll know there are a couple of episodes that involve time travel. I feel like I've lived that this past week. Last week my first grandchild was born. It was like looking at a video of myself 23 years ago -- it looked that similar. It freaked me out. Not that I don't love this new little angel, quite the contrary -- she's a total doll. But it's just so odd to suddenly go from being a parent to a grandparent.

And then I got the news that I'm a grandmother, again. Another baby girl. Wow. We think it's kind of ironic -- we had twins first and now we have two grandbaby girls born in the same month. I guess we'll never really know the feeling of 'one'. I guess it's a lonely number that we'll never know...grin.

I did have a photo that someone had forwarded to me of this granddaughter, but I've been asked to remove it, so it's gone. Take my word for it, she's cute!

So, despite actually having had a few minutes to write this week, the blog wasn't a priority, so you just get the news flash. Next week it will be something writerly...is that a word Darvel??

Grandbaby Number two is here...

2010-09-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well, as if having one grandchild wasn't thrilling enough, I just found out I now have 2!!!
The second one arrived much earlier than expected, though everyone is saying it was fine and full term, yada yada. Anyway - granddaughter number two is here. Carrie Lee Parker...doesn't that sound like a country singer's name? lol
I don't have any photos yet, but when I do, I'll post it.
Life just keeps getting better and better... lol

Never Forget

2010-09-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

Well...today is September 11th. I can't believe it's been 9 years since that fatefull day in 2001. I wish we had a huge flag to raise, but we don't. We have two that we put in the window. Last year I put yellow ribbons everywhere and my kids were asking why yellow ribbons? I told them because we didn't want to forget. They got it, but I'm not sure anyone who saw them did - they probably just thought we were remembering or honoring a specific individual.

This year, we're still celebrating the birth of my first grandchild. We put pink balloons out on the mail box (we'd gotten some latex ones to take to the hospital and then remembered when we got there that they didn't want latex inside...sigh), but no yellow ribbon. Our commemoration is going to be a little less obvious, I guess. We have a neighborhood party, and I wonder if they planned it on this date on purpose. It kind of makes me wonder.

I hope you've had a chance to reflect and remember. I plan on teaching little Kestra all about this great country - if it holds together long enough for her to understand such things.

I hope you have a wonderful day and spend it with family. It's a special day. We're alive and free. Not everyone is able to enjoy that.

I'm a Grandma!

2010-09-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

Wow...I can't believe it finally happened. My daughter had her baby! She's the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen (short of when my own children were born of course) and I just can't believe it. Isn't she just sooo cute? The biggest brown eyes...sigh. Can't tell I like her or anything... ;)

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's driving we will go...

2010-09-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

Well...I didn't realize how long it's been since I posted. Life has been absolutely nuts this past month. We drove to California twice...once to southern Cal and once to northern. We just can't get enough, ya know??? sigh. The trip south was a funeral...sad and fun at the same time. We never get to see my hubbies family there. The trip north was fun, my uncle turned 90!! He is really amazing. I hope I have some of his genes...lol I took the camera, but did I take any pictures??? NO. I couldn't believe it. I left the camera on my bed while we went to the party. sigh. So, I took some with my phone and we'll see if I can get them to send so I can post them later. Now we just found out the hubby of one of his cousins we just met died in his sleep. wow.
We might be heading back to California...
sigh.
In between that, we had a baby shower for my daughter, (which was fun) and a double wedding shower for my niece and nephew's fiance, which was hilarious. Good times, I tell ya. And work started back up...so like I said, crazy month. I'm still trying to finish my earth oven...it's just slow going with everything else. I'm determined to have it finished by Monday so we can make pizza for Labor Day!!! We'll see how it goes...
;)

Still Going...just not there yet...

2010-08-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I've lost another 5 pounds. It's finally put me below the 250 mark!! WOW! It's so unreal to see the scale going that direction after SOOOO long.

The only problem is, my goal. Remember the goal I said I wanted to reach by my birthday? Well, that was to have gotten rid of 100 pounds by then. I now have 29 to go, and that means 15 pounds a month. UGH! That's probably not going to happen, but I'm going to try my darndest. My trainer said maybe by the END of October...lol sigh. July was just sooo hard, and so was June. I had really hit a plateau and slowed down. I'm just going to have to really kick things up.

At least she didn't recommend I change anything by way of diet... ;) I don't know if I could get any lower...lol I'm really getting used to drinking breakfast...

Have a good one!

Well, there's progress...

2010-07-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

I told my hubby I was bound and determined to get my earth oven done this week. I've taken FAR too long as it is. I really wanted it done in May. sigh.

Anyway, I finished leveling the ground and the bricks were pretty much level, so I said onward. I put the cinder blocks in, and it stayed level (miracles do happen!!), so I put the barrel on. You see, he suggested (my all knowing and amazing hubby) that I'd probably want to be able to reach the cooking area from the deck and not have to walk around, and he's probably right. So, in order to make it high enough, we have to stack things. ugh.

It looks rather ungainly, but the barrel is full to the brim with broken bricks to weigh it down and make it solid. With the ring on top, we're ready to fill it with the bottles and mud to make the heat sink base for the floor of the oven. Hopefully I'll have that done by tonight so I can start on the top tomorrow. Eventually we're gonna put brick around the base so you don't see the barrel and stuff, and it will look cool. But for now, pizza this weekend!!! (I hope!)

Well...step 3?

2010-07-10T10:33:00.001-07:00

I'm building a mud oven. Did I mention that before? I realized that I should probably document the process, and since I've already missed part of it, here's where I'm at now.

We had to cut down the bush and cut back the tree that was there before, and then get the sprinkler moved that was back in the corner. It's now up in front of the rail road tie, and now I've put a layer of brick as the foundation. Problem is, we need to build up a good two feet before I put a barrel on it to make it the right height to reach from the deck. Sigh.

Anyone have spare cement blocks? ;)

I Lost 7 Pounds!!

2010-06-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

It was so great today! I went in to see my personal trainer, after having been, if I do say myself, extremely good this past week as I wanted to get those two pounds off and perhaps 2 more...

Anyway, I get on the scale, and I lost 7 pounds!! I was SOOOO excited! She couldn't even believe it at first and had me get back on. She was totally floored. YAHOO!! It's such a relief. I'm now up to 66 pounds since October. My goal is to lose 4 more before the end of the month? I hope I can, I hope I can...lol

Anyway, had to share.

Song in my head? I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it... lol ;)

I'm a little discouraged...

2010-06-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

Well - we go on vacation and I come back to find out I've gained two pounds!! ARGH.

I know it's only two pounds, but I was sooo looking forward to it being down, not up. I've still gotten it down 60 pounds, but that just means I've got two extra pounds to go before October, which is my 100 pound goal date.

And lately, I've just felt FAT. Interesting, huh? I think it's satan working at me, but still - it's discouraging. oh well.

So, at least I did my work out today, so we're still moving onward. sigh.

If I could figure out what to do with my socks or shoes to keep me from getting a blister on my right foot, I'd be more excited about doing the 5K on July 3rd!

Any suggestions would be helpful...

Family Home Evening Helpers

2010-06-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to evaluate a book for use in Family Home Evenings this past month, it was really fun and I'm a sucker for a free book! I wasn't sure what to expect - other than it's the second in a series of helps from Diane Kirkpatrick. Apparently there are several different kinds of 52 weeks of Family Night.

The one I got to look at was 52 More Weeks of Family Night. It came with a CD with downloadable activities.

It's very simple - it's not a full lesson plan, it's simply a suggestion of activities for different subjects. I had my 16 year old teach a lesson out of it on Tithing, and he wasn't sure what to do (he's autistic and wasn't happy to be teaching anyway ;) ) Fortunately, it was easy for him to print up the chosen activity and he was able to give us the general idea from what they'd provided.

So, if you're in a rush and need something easy, this is your best bet. It's not a huge book, it's not very costly, and I think it would make a great addition to the Family Home Evening library. Go check it out!

Remember and Memorialize

2010-05-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

I read an interesting article the other day that said one of the reason for picking the last Monday in May was so that people wouldn't associate it with a particular war (civil war) and that it would be warm enough that flowers would be used on the graves.

My mother-in-law came over last night for dinner, and her husband was quick to tell me they had distributed 17 different mums to graves over the past two days. That blew my mind. 17???

We are going on the first ever family walk to the cemetery today. We live about a mile from the city cemetery and we talked about how we need to do more of the exercise variety with our children - so this was suggested. We are also thinking of doing a 5K for the 4th, and need an idea as to how out of shape we are, personal trainer aside - I mean, she hasn't been training me to walk a 5K... lol

So - Anyway - Today I honor my father. He was a veteran of World War II, and he was a Ranger at a time when being a Ranger meant you didn't have a long life expectancy. If you've seen the movie Saving Private Ryan - the group that they send in to find him is a group of Rangers, the same group my father would have been in.

He and thousands, hundreds of thousands others have fought throughout the years to preserve our freedoms and to help others in discovering it. They volunteered. I honor those who have gone before, and those who serve today. Thank you for being willing to be on the front lines.

Thanks Dad.

On a side note: it was pretty cool - we saw Elder Uchdorf at the cemetary!!! My son spoke to him, but we all restrained ourselves from mobbing him. At least now I can say I've seen him in person! lol

Just a Caution...Clearplay users

2010-05-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

Okay - Just for those of you interested in the Clearplay - it's good, we like it, but beware.

If you let your subscription time out, you can't use it anymore.

We noticed there was this little message when we used it last week that said we only had 3 uses, then 2, then suddenly it wasn't letting me. It's message was that you had to update the filters on the stick in order to use it.

What???

I figure, you know, once we've paid for the filters, they're on the stick, they're ours. But no. I emailed them and said what's up with this, and they emailed back and said it's how it works. If you don't have a current subscription the filters don't work.

I told them I'd be sure and get the word out.

It's a great idea - and we really like it. That's why we updated to the new one. Only you know what?? the old one would let us use the filters despite the age of the filters or the status of our subscription. Hmmm... Although, perhaps I'm being naive. We never let our subscription run out, so how do I know?

It hadn't even run out this time, we just don't update it every month. We're not that into the new movies.

Anyway- just a word for thought.

Have a good one!
;)

Life is Good

2010-05-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

I got to work this morning, and got out of my car to hear the sound of hummingbirds flying around. I love the sound of hummingbirds. Then as I walked to the entrance, I passed two lilac bushes that are starting to bloom. Pure heaven. I got to my office and sat down, realizing that I have it pretty good. I have my own office with a large window that looks out at a large flowering bush.

I've had worse jobs. I've had worse views - to be sure. There are many things to be thankful for, not the least of which is my job and the small pleasures associated with it.

Life is good.

Just Us and a Yard

2010-04-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we decided it was such a gorgeous day, we had to do a picnic. The kids were ecstatic as the ones that didn't live at home anymore texted back to say they wanted in. So, we got home from church, scrambled to make sure we had enough food for everyone - defrosting more meat...lol - and then heading out. We went to the park we usually go to, but it was chuck full. Okay...we were going to head to one across town, but my daughter called us from there, they were just as full. We went to a little less known park, but they didn't allow dogs and all three vehicles had one. So...

We went home.

See, we live on an acre, and we have loads of grass, our own bbq and picnic table. What more do you need? It turned out just fine. The kids pulled out the sports kit my children had given me for mother's day a couple of years ago and played volleyball and tossed a frisby around. We ate pasta salad (the heralding in of spring) and bbq chicken and pork ribs, topping it off with a great low fat gelatin cake that I'm highlighting on my food blog. It was great. We had loads of fun together, and I was glad we stayed home. It was a nice drive around town...

The Tulips Are Coming!

2010-04-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

Okay...I love tulips. I think they're one of the prettiest flowers. It's hard to decide between roses and tulips...lol.

Anyway, When I heard there was going to be a Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point, I'm thinking my family needs to go. Only, it's a little steep on the price side...so I don't know if it will happen. I'm thinking I might be able to talk my mother-in-law in going and perhaps helping pay, but that depends on when we end up going. There's no way it will be this Saturday...tooo much going on. Eagle project, RS conference, ugh. But - in an effort to win tickets, I am hooking you up with a chance to win free tickets!!

Greta's Deals is giving away a pack of 6 tickets to the festival! One of the things we have to do is link to her blog - so go check it out!!

Now...who else do I know that likes flowers? ;)

Welcome to Spring in Utah!

2010-04-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I should be used to this type of weather by now, but it's still mind blowing when we get this kind of storm that we really didn't get much of this winter...sigh. My poor son is just about ready to scream -- it should be spring weather in his autistic mind, the calendar says so!! lol

Thought you'd enjoy a photo out of my back door. Time to make a snow fort!

It's Working!!

2010-03-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

I may have said this before...but I had to say it again -- it's working! I've lost 51 pounds in exactly 5 months!! I never really thought it would happen a year ago...so it's just amazing. My clothes are falling off (well, most of my pants look like clown pants) and my shoes are even loose!
The only down side is my personal trainer had her baby, and now I'm going to this single guy that I wanted to shoot yesterday, but I'm being good. I'm still sore...sigh.
He's making noises like I'm stuck with him for the remainder...NOT. I can't wait till mine comes back.
Anyway...
They want me to come up with a before photo. I have always been a reluctant subject, you know? So, that means I have to go through my photos and see what shows a more than head shot. You know...the body. sigh.
anyway, When I find a good one, I'll post it so you can see where it all started. I'm not going to post the after until at least October, when I'm hoping to have lost another 50. That will be the most dramatic of the two.
Have a good one!!
I'm so excited! (Sing with me now) And I just can't hide it...
lol

A Voice of Warning...

2010-03-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was given the opportunity to peruse and read Cleon W. Skousen's book written before he died. It wasn't printed until now -- due to his asking his family to wait till it was needed. I think it would have been interesting to live with that man -- what's it like to live with someone who is so knowledgeable? I mean, my dad's smart, but there's a little bit of a difference -- even though I think they would have gotten along famously.

Suffice to say, his book, entitled The Cleansing of America is a voice of warning. It is filled with discussions of what is wrong with our country today, from the economic situation to the government; what will happen to us according to prophesy (both biblical and Book of Mormon) and what the future holds before the coming of the Savior. Much of the prophesies are familiar, but some of them have a little bit of a twist from what I was aware of.

I was surprised to see that it's printed much the same way as his other books are, with the scroll work on the background of the page, it's true to his feel, and his voice.

I am usually a quick reader, and thought perhaps this was something that wouldn't take a lot of time to read. I should have learned from his other book, The 5000 Year Leap -- which I still haven't finished. sigh. He's a little deep for me, and it takes a while to get my brain wrapped around his imagery. Also, it feels too real to be taken in such a light read.

It reminds me a little of the book President Kimball wrote called The Miracle of Forgiveness. It's a little heavy on the depressing stuff in the beginning, and then hits you with the wonderful aspects at the end. It does bring hope, albeit a little warily, and it is very enlightening. I would encourage all who are curious to read and seek understanding.

If you pre-order his book before April 1, you can get it at a substantial discount through Valor Publishing (a great new publishing force in the market). So if you have deep readers or anyone in your family who would appreciate his writings, order now and save! It's a must have for the family library, along with all his other writings.

Check it out...

2010-03-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hey, my hubby actually posted on his blog! lol I'm teasing him, because the only reason he started a blog was to comment on mine, that's why it's called Supporting the Arts...lol

But I digress -- He is in college, and one of his classes he's trying to finish had him write a paper on a subject he felt passionate about. So, he wrote it, and it's wonderful -- so I told him he needed to publish it on his blog. He finally did, and I'm telling everyone to go read it. He says it's a good cure for insomnia, but I think it's fascinating. Please go take a look...

Support of the Artists

Wow...another 3 pounds!

2010-03-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well...yesterday I went to my personal trainer and weighed in...another 3 pounds! Wow. All I can say is that it really does work, and it's gradually coming off! My hubby was a little anxious for it to come off faster, but my trainer and everyone there agrees that it STAYs off longer if it comes off slower. I figure that's everything I've read too, so I'm good. I figure 3 pounds a week is fantastic, and I'm happy. If I keep this up, next week will be my 50 pound mark. I can hardly believe it's finally happening!

We went shopping last Friday for some clothes, because, let's face it -- most of mine don't fit anymore. Especially the pants! We went to DI first, because I don't want to spend loads of money on clothes that aren't going to be worn for very long -- I'm planning on having them all be too big on me, ya know? I found some cute shirts, but no pants!! sigh.

We went to wally world, and still didn't find any that I liked. We got a pair of workout pants, which was good -- the ones I have are all too big too. So, I guess we're going to have to venture farther afield to find some good ones. What a hardship, huh??

lol

Wow!

2010-03-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm a little excited! I lost two more pounds and found out that I've lost 6 inches off my hips since October!! YeHa! It's working! The frustration with figuring out food, keeping track of the food, and doing weights that kill my arms and legs is working...lol
I knew my clothes were starting to get loose, in fact my skirts are really getting loose. My hubby says it's all a conspiracy to get new clothes...lol Whatever works, right?

Only 116 pounds more to go...

Okay...disappointment

2010-03-04T05:56:00.000-08:00

I was finally able to get my hands on a copy of Julie and Julia this past weekend. I was thrilled to finally have some time to read on Monday night (after FHE)and I pulled out the book, got settled in my comfy chair and started reading. Ugh. I made it through the first chapter and struggled toward the second and then gave up and went to something else.

While the writer has character in her writing, she uses too much sexual references and language for me. I'm very happy I saw the movie first -- I wouldn't have watched it if I had read the book first. sigh. So, now I have my hands on Julie Child's memories of France. I'm hoping it's a little more readable... Oh, such a joy to be able to read again!!! And I have LOADS I have to read...

Getting there one pound at a time...

2010-03-02T06:23:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't have time to post last week, so this week makes up for both. Things are still progressing with the weight loss, though not as quickly as some would like. My hubby still thinks that the initial weight loss of 15 lbs in two weeks should be the standard...but we keep telling him, (my trainer and I) that 2 lbs is the most sustainable and maintainable weight loss. Last week I managed to do 3 though...grin. This week wasn't as exciting...only 1. sigh. My trainer told me not to be discouraged though, I lost 3 lbs last week, so it will be lower this week. She said they'll probably change calories or something in March or April. Oh well.

It's becoming very challenging to get my calories and percentages within the required limits. sigh. I've become very fond of protein drinks...

What is it About Weddings...and Babies?

2010-02-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

Okay. Have you ever watched the movie The Mirror has Two Faces with Barbara Streisand? It's really a wonderful watch, and it has many corollaries to real life. There's this scene where she's describing her sister's wedding to her class (she's a literary professor) and I thought of this scene yesterday at my nieces wedding.

I had no part in it -- so unlike Streisand I couldn't say I was part of the stereotypes. But in watching the proceedings, I realized a book could have been written about this point in time. It wouldn't be a happy one, because in some eyes, there wasn't a happy ending. It's one of those, did she make the right choice? moments.

I watched my niece, who didn't look happy through the whole ceremony, and didn't really seem awake as she greeted us afterward, and wondered if she was on drugs. She didn't show any animation or happiness until after we were eating and things mellowed a little. My husband pointed out that perhaps it was nerves and she's pregnant, (yes, there is that) and stuff.

It could also be the knowledge that she'd shut her mother out of the proceedings and only allowed her to participate. Yeah.

I quoted an old phrase in my other blog a week or so ago... You can pick your friends but you can't pick your family. Boy oh boy.

Well...the wedding and it's initial drama is over. I guess we'll see how things go.

Did I mention I'm going to be a grandma before the end of the year?? That's right...the son that got married (which I hadn't mentioned before either...long story) told us last week that his wife is expecting.

Not only that, but my un-married daughter is also expecting. They are due within days of each other.

This should be a real interesting year...

Meet our Newest Family Member...

2010-02-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

We got a dog.

I'm not sure why...but she's huge. She's a tree hound, and she has a deep bark when we hear it, which has only been once. We're sort of use to the small dachshund my daughter got last summer, and so this dog seems huge. We're still getting used to each other -- trying to figure out when she needs to go to the bathroom outside instead of inside...sigh.

When we got her they told us her name was Marley. My first thought was, "Gee, like the movie, Marley and Me." My kids all thought the same thing. "Hey mom, that's like the movie!" None of us have seen it...just heard the title.

My husband told me we had a narrow vision of things. I looked at him for a minute, and then realized what he was saying.

"You thought of Jacob Marley," I said.

He nodded and the kids laughed.

"Just because you have a morbid thought process," my daughter told him.

I wasn't sure about that one...

and on a lesser funny side -- I only lost 1 pound this week, though I've lost two inches off my hips, so progress is being made! Just VERY slow.

sigh.

Book Giveaway!!

2010-02-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

Okay...I think you remember me posting about Josi Kilpack's book, English Triffle? Well, she has another book out, and a friend of mine is giving a free copy away. I want it!!! So, I'm posting about her contest in hopes I get it. You really want to check it out...
So here's her site.
Sandra's The Dance

Aerobics!

2010-01-26T06:05:00.001-08:00

Okay...I've decided that Zumba is really just another name for something that started about 35 years ago. Aerobics. Many of you probably won't remember, but in the early 80's there was this new exercise craze that everyone jumped on the band wagon for. Olivia Newton-John, Jane Fonda, all of them had tapes you could rent or buy to do aerobics. For a long time they had 'hooked on classics's on channel 11 that I used to tape and do later. Of course, that was after I was married and didn't have time at 7am, which was when they showed it.

Before that, I had a roommate that taught an aerobics class and I'd go do the classes with her. I took a class at the old Deseret Gym, but it was sooo crowded and insane.

The thing about aerobics was you had to wear certain clothing. Ugh. I've still got pictures that my roommate and I took that crack me up...the leotards, the tights, the leg warmers, the headband...it was a whole outfit.

One of the things I like about Zumba is that it doesn't matter what you wear. Oh sure, if you want, you could spend money on the cutsy stuff and look gangster, but it doesn't matter. There are some women who don't.wear.much.at.all. sigh. But on the whole, it doesn't matter what you wear, as long as it's comfortable and you can move in it.

Last night I decided it was time to find some different music. Something without the videos of the scantily clad women for our sons to be watching. So I dragged out all our cd's that looked promising and we stuck them in to see what kind of steps came to mind. I mean, it's dancing, right? We had sooo much fun. My daughter even liked it. We went almost an hour! It was great. So, if you like to dance, can work up a sweat while you're doing it, and have some fun music with a good quick beat, you're set. You don't need to buy anything...well, except perhaps a cd player... ;)
have a good one!

Oh, and I lost 5 more pounds!! That's 32 now. It's just fading away...lol

It's ZUMBA Time!!

2010-01-20T21:13:00.000-08:00

Wow...I've been doing Zumba now for about 2 months. I only do it a couple of times a week, as I alternate with weights, and sometimes I walk on the treadmill. Anyway, she purchased a set that has a couple of different DVD's with different sessions. One is 20 minutes, one is 45 and one is 55. The one that's 55 minutes, is a live workout show, where they shot it with a live crowd of like 100 people. It's crazy.

The first time I did it with my daughter, I thought I was going to die. Seriously.

The next day I could hardly move. My heart rate had gotten so high, that it hadn't been a good thing. I figured it was too much for now, and avoided it since.

I decided tonight to try it again. Wow...what a difference!

I don't feel too bad! I feel about like a regular workout, and I was mostly able to keep up with them...at least as much as the people in the audience... grin.

So, I guess I'm improving! My eating habits have changed a little too...

It's like there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Who'da thunk?

Of course...this morning was a whole different story. I think I did get my pulse up a little higher than I thought I would and this morning I had a headache. UGH. I have also done the 20 minute one twice, and that works nice. The class up above is someone else's, I haven't gone to a class. I think it might be fun...

Anyway -- I'm doing better and am determined not to let it get the better of me!! grin. Off to eat my protein bar now... Recipe on my cooking blog. Have a good one!

Slowly but Surely, 2 more...

2010-01-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

sigh. The first weighing in kind of spoiled me for the rest. I only lost 2 lbs during the past week. I guess it's good that I'm still loosing, but at this rate, it's gonna take me a LONG time to get rid of all this weight. I guess that's only appropriate, since it didn't come on really fast either...right?

Anyway...I figured I'd let you know how the progress was going. I've been having fun cooking -- you ought to check out my cooking blog and see the recipes.

My trainer says that I'm doing okay, she's really impressed with the recipes I've been adapting. I took her some samples yesterday and she really liked them. Grin. I guess there was a bit of good news out of all of it...

Well...off to clean my desk. Have a good one!

Okay...so, I'm Procrastinating...

2010-01-08T05:50:00.000-08:00

One of the goals I had for this month was to finish my Nano project. Have I glanced at it? Yeah...once. Have I written anything on it?? NO. sigh. It was such a fun story to start with, and then I let myself get sidetracked by the characters, and I didn't follow the outline I'd suggested. I hate when I do that.

So -- I need to get on the ball. I guess I'm going to have to rewrite. Before I even finish, I've got to revamp where it was going cause it left me with no where to finish.

sigh.

Added a recipe to my cooking blog, you ought to go check it out. Chicken Enchiladas...yum!

Gotta Love Julia!

2010-01-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, I finally got to see the movie Julie and Julia last night with my daughters, and it was a blast. I laughed so hard! Meryl Streep does such a good job of imitating her voice and mannerisms, it's mind blowing. It also made me want to do better at my blogging. The only problem was the ending -- Bummer!!! Can we protest?? ;)

My daughters and hubby think I should do a similar idea with my weight loss and recipes. Since I have another blog that is about food, I am torn with which location to do. I supposed I'll do the weight loss here, and the food there, but it will feel like no one is reading me, just like the movie. I guess it depends on why I'm doing it, right? For readership or to write?

Well, for now, it's to write. I guess we'll see how it goes, and if I get any more followers...grin.

And by the way...yesterday was weigh in day, and I lost three pounds over Christmas. I was disappointed because it seemed low, my hubby was impressed that I still managed to loose weight over the holidays. I guess that is a point... ;)
Have a good one!

Merry Merry Merry!

2009-12-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

Well...It's been a marvelous week. Christmas day was glorious with family and presents and joy. I wanted to wish all a very wonderful Christmas season and a Happy New Year!!! ;)

Wow...5 more and lots to go

2009-12-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

Well...yesterday was measuring and weighing day again. I'm down another 5 pounds! It wasn't as dramatic as the first time, but I had to remind myself that it was still good. That makes it a total of 20 pounds off in 6 weeks. Not bad, actually - for the first time in 5 years I'm seeing the scale below 300 pounds. Now we have another bunch to go... ;)

My personal trainer wants me to pick only one fat per meal this next couple of weeks. She said it was kind of mean to do during Christmas time, and she'd ignore Christmas day. I said heck yeah...I'm not even going to count it -- I didn't count Thanksgiving!

It's interesting how my stomach has shrunk and how I'm not tempted to eat a lot of candy...mostly. Making it at home is always a challenge, especially when the homemade caramel turns out soooo good. I want to buy a can of fat free condensed milk and see how it turns out. I'll let you know...

Have a good one!

Wow...it's happening!

2009-12-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first time I've been on the scale since going with the personal trainer. My hubby teased me that I'd be 15 lbs lighter...I thought perhaps 10. He was right! I lost 15 pounds in 4 weeks!! I've never done that good. I was sooo excited! And I didn't even go home and eat chocolate...lol I did make an excellent alfredo chicken dinner, yum. Anyway...just had to share! I'm so excited! One of the things I use is Sparkpeople. I have a button on the side if you want to check it out...it's been invaluable in keeping track of what I'm eating.

Have a good one!!

Okay...this is the best!

2009-11-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

We discovered this video today, and I had to share. If you love the Muppets, you're gonna love this. Enjoy!!

I Won!!

2009-11-27T15:26:00.000-08:00

Well...it's Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and I just thought I'd let you know that I won Nano...this past MONDAY!!! yeah!! Best I've ever done. So, I'm bragging. ;)

Anyway, I'm still trying to get some more words in, but at this point, I'm at 52,000 words.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, I know we did. LOVE that turkey. Have a good one!

I'm Doing It!!

2009-11-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

It's crazy, but this month has been the best year for my Nano participation. Partially because I've been sick half the time...sigh...and thus had time at the computer that I don't normally have. I guess there are blessings in disguise everywhere...grin.

But anyway, my fellow Authors Incognitos are having different contests through the month to honor the Nano, and I came in third last week! For writing the most words! I was surprised, and a little thrilled...I mean, just hearing the words you won always seems to mean something, even when all you won is a patch you can put somewhere, but I put it here with pride. It means I'm doing something productive, even if no one else can really see it...grin. Have a good one...oh, and my word count this morning? 37,536. Not bad if I do say so myself. ;)

So Far So Good...

2009-11-09T05:52:00.000-08:00

Or is that so good so far?? ;) It's second week of Nano, and I'm not that far behind. I should be over 12,000 words, but I'm only over 10,000 -- but considering that most of my writing is in the morning before work and at night before I go to bed, it's working. sigh. And I did over 5,000 on Saturday...grin.

Hope you're having an excellent day! I'm off to write some more...

I Really am Loosing My Mind...

2009-10-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Okay...you know you have too much on your plate when you forget things...but forgetting a party that you're giving??? sigh.

You know I do mystery shops, well, I gave a Pampered Chef party on Wednesday and Tuesday I told someone that I'd do a shop on Wednesday. In Wyoming.

I really need a vacation. I am SOOOO glad I have today off. I'm hoping to de stress, but I've got all my kids home for the day, so you know how that works. sigh. And then my son takes off with the truck (our only gas efficient vehicle at home) and doesn't tell me where he's going or why...

And I was going to do what today???

Also, I have started with a personal trainer. I know...it's really crazy, but my husband insisted. You see, if you are brutally blunt about it, I am extremely obese. At least that's the medical terminology. My family doesn't agree with it, but ya know. Anyway, I've been struggling to try and get the weight off for years, and just haven't had any success.

My hubby made me promise, oh, wayyyy back in February that I'd hire a personal trainer and see if that made the difference. Well, easier said than done, actually. I didn't want to go to some gym and have their specialty person, I wanted a personal trainer that came to my home. We couldn't find one. I finally thought of KSL.com the other day, and what do you know? They had personal trainers in their classifieds. (that was after wading through sooo many massage adds I thought I was going to puke) -- wait, pretend I didn't say that, my daughter-in-law is graduating as a sports massage therapist...sigh. (Yes, I have a daughter-in-law now...but that's for a future post)

Well...so we found a place called Lifelong Fitness. They are not a huge gym with no name workers and skinny, spadex clad instructors, they are a simple workout facility with personal trainers that you meet with to discuss your individual needs. You have addess to the facility 24 hours a day, and you meet with the trainer every week to discuss your progress, your nutrition (you'll notice I did NOT say the 'D' word)and are available when you are discouraged, frustrated, etc. Granted I've only been formally going for less than a week, but so far, so good. I'm encouraged, and that's saying something.

You track your eating habits on an online calorie tracker, and then bring in printed copies for them to look at. You could lie your head off, but they'd see it in the non-results, so you'd only be hurting yourself. I didn't think we could afford it in the beginning, but when we took stock of all the health issues I'm facing and what they would cost in the future, we figured it was the cheaper option.

I think part of my no brain stress has come from trying to do so many things at one time. I guess we'll see. I have lots to try and accomplish this weekend, but I'm not going to stress out if it doesn't all get done. Life goes on, right?? And my sanity is most important. ;)

Nano is coming...

2009-10-23T13:40:00.001-07:00

be afraid...be very afraid. If you're like my hubby, you run screaming into the night saying "No! No, not again!!"

Some people are sooo melodramatic...grin.

Just because it's the month of November and 30 days of insanity where my house usually looks like a wreak, the kids are always wondering what's for dinner and no one can find any clean socks...what's to be so afraid of?? ;)

The count down begins...

Finally...the leaves!

2009-10-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally had a Sunday free of obligation (sort of). After 4:30 we were able to go drive into the mountains to see the last of the leaves. So many years they have already dropped by now. Usually by conference weekend when we have a chance to drive up, they are already gone. But this year they've hung on, and it's been a gorgeous fall!! Just looking at the mountains every morning is an awe inspiring thing.

What is amazing, is our own large maple tree in the front yard has barely begun to change color. I can't wait -- it's a glorious sight. This is how it looked two years ago.

We enjoyed every minute of it, even driving around the reservoir and getting lots of pictures. sigh. I think I've had a refill of the serenity cup.

Have a good week!

Life is Crazy

2009-10-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

Okay...we have gone in one week from have 5 children at home to having 6 (the 6th one isn't ours) and by next week, will have 7 again. sigh. How does this happen?? grin. Well... My son is getting married. She's a cute girl and we like her, but he doesn't really know her, so it's going to be interesting. And they are both out of work and broke, so they're living with us. Isn't life fun???
Sigh. Problem is, I remember when he was just a little guy and having fun with life. When do they grow up???
Oh well.

Conference was wonderful, and the weather was fantastic and my bday was pretty good for most the day. So, I'm pretty blessed. If I get a couple of obstacles to deal with along the way, I can handle it, right? Like my white shirt coming OUT of the laundry dirtier or more stained than it went in??? ARGH. Ok...I'm ok.

;)

This is What it's All About...

2009-09-25T14:15:00.001-07:00

I read this article today, and it touched my heart. I thought, YES! This is what America is all about. This is how people can be.. I hope all of us would respond in like fashion. A Jobless Querk.

Autumn is Coming!

2009-09-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

I was able to talk my wonderful hubby into going to see if the leaves are changing yet in the Alpine loop. We haven't been able to go there in years, and I've been craving a decent look at fall leaves. Sadly, every year around my bday and conference, we go and the leaves are on the way to being dead...sigh.

They apparently were in the still starting phase...and it was a very quick trip. One year I'm gonna be able to see wonderful leafs...it might be when we're retired and go to the east coast, but ya know. ;)

Maybe we'll still get some good leaves over the UEA break...

I can always hope!

9/12 The Rally

2009-09-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, this wasn't the best photo, but it was taken with my hubbies phone. We were right behind the guy's head, and it was a lot bigger behind us...grin.

It was really fun to see people come out. I kind of felt sorry for the young couple that had just gotten married across the street -- they had to compete with the parking and the loud speakers... But it was amazing. We had a much larger turn out than anyone had expected. If only we could have gone to DC...now THAT was a march... If we'd had the funds, we would have joined them in the march, but we couldn't, so we stuck with Salt Lake. It was interesting, we enjoyed the speaches and mingling with those who had pretty much the same take on our situation right now as we do.

Also, a friend posted this thought on her blog, and I felt it was very appropriate for the thought:
"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made; I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tinted visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, positions, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, am lifted up in prayer, and labor with power. My face is set, my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or delayed, will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table with the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the case of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me and when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me”. - Author Unknown, quoted by Elder Henry B. Eyring

So, not only have we started on the road to try and reclaim our country -- I have resolved that I am one of the unashamed. I will always stand for Jesus Christ and for right and freedom.

I hope you will join me.

8 Years Ago Today...

2009-09-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

I am not what most people would consider an extremist. I am what Glenn Beck talks about when he says most people are conservative, and not into protests or other activism. But there are things that touch my heart, and bring worry and concern into my life.

8 years ago, I was getting my children ready for school when my husband called me and said to turn on the news, a plane had flown into the world trade center. My world was rocked -- not because I actually knew anyone that worked there or lived in New York, but because such a thing could happen.

I turned on the news and was just in time to actually watch the other plane fly into the second tower.

I stayed glued to the television for the rest of the day. Our peace, our safety as a nation had been threatened, and it was the scariest thing I had ever experienced.

The rest of the week I remember how quiet the skies were, except for when the air force was flying over head. That was a wonderful sight. Never before have I been more grateful to be next to an air base.

What saddens me, is how quickly people forget. I have no reason to remember other than those people didn't deserve to die. Terrorism shouldn't be allowed to be active in the world. People all over the world should have the peace of mind of freedom and happiness. But instead, our nation is facing it's darkest hour, and there was no terrorist act perpetrated. Just government.

But I don't want to talk politics today -- I just want to remind everyone what happened that September morning eight years ago, and remember what you felt in your hearts. Say a prayer for our nation and the healing of those families who had loved ones die.

Remember who you are and what you stand for. Remember 9/11.

Happy Labor Day

2009-09-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well...I know I haven't posted for a while -- Life has just been too crazy. I barely keep up with my other blog that I've committed to writing every Friday. This Friday I will be hopefully doing two blogs, because 9/11 is a very special day to me.

But today, today is the end of summer. So, I hope everyone is out there getting their last sunburn of the season, BBQ'ing their guts out and enjoying family. There's nothing like it.

We'll be cleaning out a workshop and perhaps starting on canning apples...I guess we'll see what we get done. Who knows...we might sneak in a water fight...grin.

Have a good one!!

Blog Tour!!

2009-08-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Illuminations of the Heart

Well...here's a new one from Joyce DiPastena. If you caught her first book, Loyalty's Web, then you were looking forward to this next installment of the characters she introduced. While this isn't a series dependent on each other for the reader, I'm sure it reads better, since you're already familiar with them, but for me, Illuminations of the Heart was a stand alone novel.

Joyce has a way of bringing the locations to life with her descriptions and deep research. Historical novels are difficult to write and time consuming, but she didn't take very long between Loyalty's Web and this one. I was really impressed with the plot outline she came up with and the research she did.

But beside all that, the characters draw you into the story and make you want to read to the end so that you can figure out how everyone gets out of this impossible situation. grin.

I don't want to give it all away...but you got to read it. Especially if historical romance is your cup of tea. Really!

She's also doing a contest and winners will be drawn from the comments on her blog tour blogs. The prize is a $10 gift certificate to Amazon, Deseret Book and Barnes and Noble.

Be sure and check out her publisher, Walnut Spring Press, for their other great books and blogs.

I did it!!! And so did my daughter...

2009-08-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Well...we did it. My daughter and I both submitted stories to the Ldspublisher for a Christmas story contest. Now everyone needs to VOTE!! So...go vote for my story (though I can't tell you which one it is.) And vote for my daughter's too...grin.

Just click on the button on the side bar and it will take you there. Good luck finding mine!!!

sigh.

Family is the BEST

2009-07-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well...I just had my brother and his wife (the two on the right side) visiting from California for the past weekend. It was sooo much fun. My bro and I haven't had enough time together for the simple fact that we've been separated for much of our lives. Whenever I get the time to spend with him, I cherish it, and this was the longest amount of time we've been able to be together. It was a blast.

I took them to Park City and Thanksgiving Point. I've never been to Thanksgiving Point since they've made the huge gardens, that was really neat. We took tons of photos.

They thought Park City was fun -- the shops are always great. Then we tried to do a family picnic in the mountains, with my other brother leading the way...lol

That ended up being a fun two hour ride, but no picnic. We ended up coming home and grilling hot dogs at 9:30 at night. It was not the best of evenings, but we still had fun. That's the way my bro is. sigh.

So, now he's gone home, and we are getting ready to go to Fish Lake. Somehow the house just seems quieter without them.

A World of our Making

2009-07-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

I realized tonight that I really like a particular movie. Mr. Magoriums Wonder Emporium. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. This movie is not your typical story line – it is narrated by a young boy who is much more adult than child and has a hard time finding friends. It’s all about Mr. Magorium, and he is none other than Dustin Hoffman.

I rented Tootsie a couple of weeks ago so that my children could see where this actor had come from. They’ve seen him in Hook, and they’ve seen him in Magorium, but they really haven’t seen him in anything else. I think he’s an amazing actor, I just wish he’d done more clean movies...grin.

Anyway – I think the main point of the movie is that we have wonderful lives to live. It doesn’t matter where we are, what we’re doing, or what kind of interests we have, we should live each day to it’s fullest. This was a man who enjoyed every moment of every day. Lived each moment as if it was a gift.

My favorite line from the movie is: “Your life is an occasion, rise to it.”

I would hope all of us took those words to heart.

You've Got to Read it!!

2009-07-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

Okay...I haven't been paid to give this review, in fact, Josi will probably never know I wrote it. Actually, you've probably already heard about the book -- there have been raves about it for several months now. But after reading it this morning, I couldn't help it.

She's come out with a series that I'm excited about and can't wait for her to continue. The first one is called Lemon Tart. It's wonderful!! If you've ever read one of Josi Kilpack's books, you know that she's a wonderful writer. She has taken her talent to a level higher, I think, and is ready to go national with this series. I really hope it goes, too.

She sprinkles her chapters with recipes that look to be delicious, and I can't wait to try them. A friend of mine, Danyelle has let it be known that she has been test taster to these recipes, and can vouch for their yumminess. (is that a word? grin)

Anyway, if you like light mysteries with romance and cooking thrown in, then you'll love these books. Her next one, English Trifle is due out soon, and from what I've read, it looks just as good as the last one. Be sure and check it out, you'll love it!!

What a Memory!

2009-07-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday being the 4th of July, there was the usual parade. This time I was actually in it! It was way fun. I was part of a group called DC 9/12. It stands for Davis Chapter of 9/12, which is something started by Glenn Beck, but taken on by the general citizenry.

9/12 is the day after 9/11, and he says all of us were different people that day. What kind of person were YOU? The point is not to forget how we felt that day and what we wanted to see happen in our world.

I hope you had a wonderful 4th. We spent it with family and I'm grateful that we live in a country where we are free to do so.

Kind of Funny...

2009-07-03T10:56:00.001-07:00

I got a newsletter in my email today...it was the one I used to blog for, the yourldsneighborhood one. Kind of funny...it brought back memories of the frantic searching for subjects for my blog twice a week...I kind of miss it, but mostly not. Probably doesn't make any sense, but that's the way my mind has been the past couple of weeks. I've been avoiding writing, perhaps, but I needed a break. I'm still not ready to really get back into it, thought I've written more in my blogs this past week than I have for a couple of months.
I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July, one that makes you remember why you are here and part of this great nation.

I Won!!!

2009-06-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited...I'm going to be grinning about it all day. Now I've got to wait until I get the signed copy in the mail!!! Yahoo! Anne's got another giveaway going today, and it looks like a pretty good book too, you might want to check it out...you never know!
;)

I want it!!!

2009-06-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, one of my favorite authors is giving away one of her books! Julie Coulter Bellon is one of the best suspense writers, (I know, I'm a little prejudice) but anyway, her latest book looks to be as great as her others. You should look it up! And anyway, go check out the giveaway on Anne's site...she's great too...;)
http://annebradshaw.blogspot.com/2009/06/give-away-romantic-intrigue-alls-fair.html

Graduation Day!!

2009-06-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday was my son's graduation. I know...one of thousands across the state...grin. But it was way fun. We only had to sit through 1 1/2 hours of ceremony, got to take lots of photos in his gown and cap, and thoroughly spoil him rotten for the day.

He was the first son to walk across stage, complete his eagle and do concurrent enrollment at the local University. We are just a little proud of him, can you tell?

We took him out for dinner afterward to Maddox, and that was an experience. Anyone who has been there will understand...it was Friday and it was packed. I was really glad we'd made reservations. It was loud -- not sure I would do that again. My hubby and I decided that it would be an anniversary type place the next time we were trying to think of somewhere nice, but in a booth, so it would be quieter. Of course, anytime you have our troupe together, it's noisy because they're all trying to talk over the other. smile.

Anyway, We had made a fun big sign that said Congrats 2009 with his name across the C part of it and taped it to the garage, and then lined the porch railing with balloons before we went to the graduation so it would be a surprise. (he'd already left) When we got home we found this:

During the time we'd been gone a microburst came along and totally tore the sign of and all but 4 of the balloons... sigh. My oldest son thought some local kids who were out playing night games might have torn it down, but that's something we'll never know and I'd hate to think someone would do that. So...nature had it's way, and he never saw the sign. Dang.

Otherwise....it was a great day!! It was definitely a Kodak moment...grin.

Greetings from No Mans Land...

2009-06-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

I really am alive...I'm just swamped with additional work hours, getting cars to the shop, getting some kind of food in the house, meeting old friends from 35 years ago, a nephew entering the MTC today, an 18th bday, a graduating son, (same son working at and finishing his Eagle) another son giving us attitude, two other sons having to be forced to do anything, and one of those sons getting sick yesterday and throwing up while I was at work. Can we all say, "Good timing!"? grin. His sister made him clean it up...sigh. Such empathy.

I've also been working on my proof copy of a book I wrote for NANOWRIMO last year that those who participated earned a free proof copy for...including shipping! So, anyway, most of my spare time the past month was spent in getting it ready to pretend to be printed. I'll let you know when it's available at Amazon so you can go see the cover and my name in print...lol

So, needless to say all my grand schemes for blogging on Tuesdays with an inspirational scripture have fallen by the wayside. In fact, most of my blogging efforts, now that I'm down to one 'Have to' a week, has dropped off. I apologize to anyone who might still be reading my blog.

I really am still alive, and I'll be trying to make more of a showing in the future.
;)

Memories

2009-05-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Today is Memorial Day, for anyone who happened to forget what day of the week it was...grin.

It's a gorgeous day, and I hope everyone gets a chance to spend some time outside and with families.

It's a day worth remembering, and worth creating memories.

It's this day each year that I wish I could go visit my father's grave -- but it's in California, and I've never seen anything but photos of it. My hubby says one year we'll go and visit it, but we haven't been able to find the time or money. Some day.

But after a day of working in our yard, we're gonna head over to my sisters and have a BBQ with family. We look forward to this every year, and I ponder the idea that some day it will be my children coming to my house with their own children. It blows the mind.

I just wish my parents were around to see their grandchildren -- but yet, they can see them. I just wish the kids could see them. sigh.

Have a wonderful day, and I hope you are able to honor those who paved the way for where we are.

Happy Memorial Day.

Love ya, Dad.

Amazing contest...help me win! lol

2009-05-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, a fellow blogger, Not Entirely British, is having a giveaway on her blog for two of Jessie Clark Funks CD's. Now, I think Jessie is an amazing singer, and I've always wanted one of her CD's. I even have reason to think she's a great second cousin, but I haven't been able to confirm that with my aunt. ;)

Anyway, go check it out and see what you think. Anne Bradshaw is a fun writer to read anyway, so you'll enjoy visiting.

Have a good one everyone... ;)

Spring or Summer?

2009-05-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well...I hate to say it, but I think Spring is on the way out. Yesterday it was SOOO hot, that I was ready to bag the whole thing and move to Alaska, and it's only May. I realize there are many times when I'm a whimp...sigh. But come on, 90 in May???
Anyway, this is going to be a very hectic summer. I hope you have vacation plans, because I'm sure not going very far from home -- too many weddings and stuff!

What was that again??

2009-05-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

I was reading an article in the Deseret News this morning and came across a referrence to an article in the MormonTimes written about a presenter at a conference. I guess it just goes to show that almost anyone can present -- it doesn't mean it's going to make sense.

The meat of the presentation was that Mormon film has failed. (I know, I don't write for the arts anymore - oh well.) It said what started with Richard Dutcher and God's Army has now failed and the reason is that they were trying to show Charity and Faith at odds with each other and (I guess) confused the audience.

Personally, I think Dutcher just flirted too close to the other side and the dark side won. He was simply frustrated that he hadn't made millions with his movies, that no one else was following his example and so he felt betrayed, lost and left the church. I figure if he's really as smart as we thought he was, he'll be back. The smart ones always come back because they know there's no where else to go.

But beside that -- the article ends with the idea that the only film that really met the goal and showed the power of faith and charity was Napoleon Dynamite. He mentions the part where Napoleon's friend is off stage watching him dance (which was the only part of the movie worth dancing in my opinion) that there is this big moment.

Whatever.

I personally don't think LDS film is dead. I think it's on hiatus right now because they're searching for subject matter that will make us want to come see the movies again, but I don't think it's dead. There is just too much good out there, and lots going on. Film is not what defines us. It is fun when there is a good one to watch, but it's not necessary to our salvation, and that's what everyone needs to remember. There are more stories like Best Two Years out there. Didn't we just have the one about sister missionaries?

There was a glut of silly/stupid films for a while that we've all decided to sit back and see what's worth watching in the next batch. They'll come. There will be another Dutcher to show us the strength of faith in action.

But I sure don't see Napoleon Dynamite as a definition of my faith. Do you??

Life Gets in The Way...

2009-05-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

I make a commitment to write every day -- and my job gets crazy. I make the commitment to do a blog on the scriptures every week, and I made it two -- I think. sigh.

I know it happens all the time, to everyone of us, but it's still frustrating. I feel that I've let those few that read and support me down, and I want to let you know I appreciate your support. I really am alive and I will be doing better.

May is a wonderful month, full of tulips and flowers and long grass...lol

Thanks for reading.

HAppy May Day!

2009-05-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't have a May pole to dance around, and I don't have excited kids that want to dance anyway -- they'd rather be playing their alotted game time...so, It's not going to be much of a May day, but it's been gorgeous -- in my view. I kind of like rain.

Anyway, hope you have a wonderful month of May. I'll try to put some thoughts down later, but this weekend is kind of busy. Got a baptism and luncheon tomorrow, as well as a temple endowment at the same time...we're going to be split up for much of the day...sigh.

Never fails...get a chance to be with your hubby and something else comes along.

Anyone want some dandilions? We have enough to share...

In Retrospect...

2009-04-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a year since I started writing blogs for Yourldsneighborhood. What started out as an exciting foray into the world of public journalism, grew into a stress that I've only recently begun to wonder if it was worth it.

Thankfully, or unfortunately, before I had to seriously give thought to resigning, the option was taken out of my hands. Last Friday (or this past Monday) was the last blog I will have written for those good folks. I appreciate their willingness to let me attempt descriptions of the world of art, and the chance to stretch my wings a little. I have grown a lot.

Now I can take some time to get some serious work done on the work I have in progress. I appreciate the opportunity this has given me, and I want to thank those of you who stuck with me, even when perhaps my subjects were not interesting.

Now, it will take a little time to get back into the swing of blogging for the fun of it. Perhaps you'll be more interested in my little tidbits than my artful thoughts...grin. Who knows.

But anyway...we're back to normal now.

Wicked...or Not?

2009-04-13T19:39:00.001-07:00

In trying to find the interesting and artful for this weeks blog, I heard about the Broadway musical that seems to have taken Salt Lake by storm.

Wicked.

My sister-in-law went and saw it Saturday with her children. Her youngest is a boy turning 8, and all he had to say was he didn't like the "kissing" parts...lol.

This is the musical based on the book written by Winnie Holzman.

I've known the book was around for sometime, and while my sister and everyone else seemed to be reading it, I was never attracted to it. Hearing the basic idea behind the story makes it sound intriguing, and the musical sound inviting. I'd like to see how they manage the idea of two total opposite girls becoming friends in college only to become enemies in adulthood.

I'm afraid that I have the Wicked Witch of the West firmly entrenched in my mind as the crotchety voiced crab (played by Margaret Hamilton)who acted in the original movie with Judy Garland as Dorothy -- my all time favorite actress. Who didn't want a pair of ruby slippers after watching that movie? Perhaps it's just the old fashioned part of me -- but then I don't like a lot of the remakes that have come out in the past ten years either.

Be that as it may, if you like theater and musicals, you'll probably not want to miss this one. It's truly a spectacular on stage presentation.

I hear the stage setting and costumes are amazing, and that everything is very much what you'd see on the Broadway stage. There is even some reference to the movie of it's base, The Wizard of Oz, and that would be interesting to see. Apparently everything is vivid color, like the movie, but the wizard is black and white. I guess you'd have to read the book to understand that.

The recommendation of my sister-in-law? She thought it was awesome and fantastic.

So, if you're in the mood for some musical theater this week, see if you can get some tickets and check it out.(I've heard two different sides to this...tickets are readily available, and yet, tickets are all sold out and the show ends May 3.) So -- apparently they're in short supply. I think the munchkins got to them...grin.

YourLDSneighborhood has added exciting new things to its website. Please drop by and take a look, browse around, check out our vendors, our radio station, our authors, our musicians and more. Check out the Neighborhood.

And while you're there, subscribe to the yourLDSneighborhood Newsletter. In addition to being able to shop in the new virtual neighborhood, the newsletter brings you articles, products, services, resources and interviews from around the world-all with an LDS focus. Look for issues delivered to your email inbox every week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Return to the Neighborhood.

Easter Moments

2009-04-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

If you watched conference on Sunday last week, you will remember an amazing talk by Elder Holland. (not that any of the others were less so, but his really struck a cord)

Apparently they created a short film of it and put it on the LDS Messages site. I want to share it with you today, that perhaps Easter might live on in your hearts. I had a wonderful Easter, and I hope you did too.

Two Wonderful LDS Artists

2009-04-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

If you watched the in between conference presentation on channel 5 Sunday, you were able to see a program about the art inside the Draper Temple. I've already talked about the windows and how wonderful the decor is, but I'd like to touch on these two artists, because their stories were so inspiring. Especially the first one...

Linda Curly Christensen

This wonderful artist has been able to realize a dream by heading up a team of Art Missionaries. Until this point, I never knew there was such a thing. She heads up a team of artists that paint the murals for the temples. What a wonderful mission! that would be simply...heaven on earth to me. Imagine getting up in the morning and going to paint for the Lord!

Fortunately, she has married a man who was equal to the dream and to the task of helping her in these projects. Greg built her a studio that will fit the tall panels of murals used in the temples, and also built large easels that roll on wheels. I can't even imagine the scope of these paintings. The largest thing I've ever painted was about 27" by 40".

She is really an inspiration to artists in the church, and a talented woman who has been able to share this wonderful talent with all of us who attend the temples. If you've gone through the Draper Temple, you've seen how amazing those rooms are.

The other artist that worked on those projects was Keith Bond.

He does amazing work as well. According to the program, and his website, he practices the art of painting en plein air which means outside. Of course he paints larger pieces in a studio, but he tries to do as much as he can outdoors where he can experience the reality of what he wants to put on canvas.

In addition to the murals he did for the temple, he has done two murals for the Utah Capitol building. They are both large and amazing works depicting two distinct scenes from Utah, in a way intended for those working there to remember that their state is beautiful.

This is the style of painting that I aspire to, since I love to paint flowers and the outdoors.

I was inspired by the program and the highlighting of these two artists, and wanted to share their talents with you. I hope you have a chance to see their work soon, and to enjoy the wonder and beauty of the world around us that was created by our Savior, and gifted to these talented people who are quick to share and answer the call.

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Um...Scripture thought went away for the day...

2009-04-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

I know I've been really lousy at getting the scripture thought out each week...this week is worse than most because we've been refinishing our floor and haven't had time to do anything other than prep it and get my other two blogs done.

I'm supposed to be on vacation!!! lol

Anyway...Conference was awesome. If you watched or listened to it, then I think you have plenty of wonderful things to think and ponder. Aren't you thrilled to be part of such a wonderful thing as the gospel of Jesus Christ? It's an amazing thing.

Have a wonderful spring break, week, or whatever, and Easter.

The ART of Relaxation

2009-04-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

When I think of spring break, I usually think of vacation time. Usually though, we don't go anywhere. If anyone has tried to travel during spring break, they've discovered how that's the same thing everyone else is doing, especially if it involves a warmer climate -- like beaches. Since a crowd cuts down the relaxation, that doesn't work very well.

This year we're doing some much needed remodeling on our home, which involves refinishing the floor in the front room. We figured we were going to want to clear out of the house for at least three days, so that involved actually going somewhere.

Since we're like most of the nation right now with not a lot of loose change, it involved "who can we bug to stay at their fancy condo??" Grin. You see, we are lucky enough to have relations who have a condo in Deer Valley. For those of you in the know, Deer Valley is a nice secluded little valley behind Park City. It's quiet, and calm, and gorgeous.

Fortunately, my sister said yes! So, we are planning on hiding out for a couple of days.

Now, if it were my mother-in-law, she would go stir crazy. She would want to have every day with something planned. She isn't thrilled with doing jigsaw puzzles and reading books or watching movies, munching on goodies and generally lazing around. That's not her idea of a vacation.

That's where we get into a discussion. There are Vacations, and then there are Trips. A trip is where you have locations and activities planned. You take a trip to see Yellowstone National Park. You take a trip to tour Zions National Park. A trip is going to the Grand Canyon and hiking down the trails or riding a burrow all the way to the bottom.

In our view, Vacations are for RELAXING. Did you know there was an art to relaxing? There is! One has to determine what that is for each individual, but for my family, it's easy. One of our favorite places to relax is Fish Lake.

This place is perfect for relaxing. If you like to fish, you can do that to your hearts content (actually catching something is optional). If you would rather relax in a cabin or tent, that's the best prescription -- at least in our view.

My sister has a cabin down there that's to die for, and when we go, we have no intention of doing anything. We go for walks, we do puzzles, we play games, sometimes I paint, the kids play Foosball until we want to toss the game outside, and we generally laze around and soak up the non-electric silence.

It's Heaven on earth.

What is your idea of relaxation? I've discovered there can be many ways to relax. Most of which can be done in your own home. If you like to take bubble baths, that's a great way to relax. Like to read? Curl up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa and tell the children to leave you alone for an hour. (Doesn't always work, but it's worth a try.) Finding a way to relax with children can be a challenge, especially if they are small children.

The best way I found was to get them to bed early and have a romantic relaxing dinner with my hubby. I remember one time I set up the wading pool in the back yard, found some ocean/beach sounds, lit some candles and fixed dinner outside. We relaxed in the pool with our dinner and it was a wonderful evening.

This past week has been extremely stressful for me at my work. As a result, the subject of relaxation has largely occupied my brain. I'm sure many of you can relate. We live in stressful times. How we handle that stress, and how we are able to relax, is very important in our relationships.

Chocolate is a great start!

I'd love to hear about your favorite way to relax.

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2009-04-01T05:03:00.000-07:00

No scripture today, I thought I'd share the fun "you are most like" test I took at a friends Facebook site. I was pleased with who it was, but I wasn't sure how closely I matched it...

You are most like SARAH
Dedicated to your spouse/boyfriend, you would do anything for them. You also are a woman of faith, who takes God at His word. You have much wisdom, and are a role model to many other women, both young and old. Your life is filled with adventure, oft times and is unpredictable as you live a kind of "nomadic" existence as the Spirit leads.

Robert Duncan's Art

2009-03-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

My dentist has several paintings in his dentist office, not in the reception/waiting area; but in the rooms. One of my favorites is this one at the top. I've often admired these paintings and wondered who the artist was. I love the way he uses light and color together. How he can imbue the painting with emotion and peace. They are wonderful.

Today a co-worker was showing me a little calendar she had purchased, and it was the paintings of this same artist, so I finally discovered his name. Robert Duncan. I was so excited that I finally knew who it was, I wrote down his name so I wouldn't forget it.

Now, I realize that I'm probably one of the few ignoramuses who didn't know who this man was, or how talented he is. I'm sorry! Grin. But, I'm repenting and determined to own some of his work as soon as I can afford it. Even if it's just a calendar.

This one of the boys in the orchard is another favorite from the doctor's office.

It makes me think of days gone by, when boys worked on farms during the summer, went fishing at nearby springs, and learned the values that are so important.

But what really grabs me is the ones he has painted of snow. You feel as if you are totally there in the picture, in the snow, feeling it coming down and enjoying the fun of play.

Obviously, I hadn't seem much of his work before today. I've only been privileged to see a handful of paintings, but they were enough to grab my attention and want to see more.

A good artist is able to do that. That's why people collect their work, hand their paintings, and sponsor them in galleries. When you come across something beautiful and inspiring, you always want to share it. Our joy in something grows in the added appreciation of others.

As we begin to see spring on the horizon, and winter edges out of our nights, these paintings help to bring those feelings into our hearts; make them real and bring back memories that are much the same as what is painted.

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I read in one article that Robert Duncan was elected into the Cowboy Artists of America and that he's received two silver medals in their annual exhibition. I would say he's captured the heart of the home, as well as the west and nature. He truly is an artist.

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Having a Moment here...

2009-03-25T20:02:00.001-07:00

I feel some days like I'm living in a cartoon. One of those with a woman sitting at her desk, photos of her family around her, co-workers vying for her attention, and a dozen things hanging above her head.

She's on the phone and telling someone she simply can't take on another project...if she did she was afraid she'd upset the balance of her juggling act and things would fall apart.

While I'm not nearly as busy as that, this week has felt that way.

I have so many things going on at work, so many things going on at home, that I'm feeling deep down I'm missing something.

I hate that feeling. So...in addition to missing getting the scripture thought out yesterday, I've notice my readership has dropped off too.

I'm sorry if you're feeling bored or uninterested in what I'm saying...I know it's my fault, because if it were cute or interesting, you'd be reading. That's what I do...grin.

So, I am working on it. Hopefully things will get better soon.

See ya Friday...

Stained Glass

2009-03-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

One thing that has always captured my interest and amazement is stained glass. I was somewhat taken back when I discovered my sister was creating her own works of stained glass. I thought it was a difficult and time consuming, let alone, um, dangerous, hobby. (Cut fingers, cut arms, missing fingers...grin)

When I went through the Draper Temple Open House, I was moved by the stained glass in the doors and windows. In looking up the information on the work, I came across this blurb:
"All of the art-glass windows created by Utah artist Tom Holdman for the Draper Utah Temple miraculously survived a fire that left only a portion of one window damaged, even though the art studio itself was so badly burned, it was condemned."
That tells me the Lord looks after the works of His house. I thought it would be nice to explore the other temples and some of the stained glass that we are given in them.

The Redlands Temple has some unique glass work around the edges of the windows. I tried to get a close up look at them, but this is as good as I could get. The contractor who had been in charge of the building of this temple (and a few others) used to live in our ward. When we helped them clean up (the youth of our ward), they offered to let us have some of the leftover glass pieces that made up this unusual design. I was able to have two (I had two sons helping) and gave one to my sister for her glass making. The other I'm trying to frame.

Here is a photo of the young man who designed the windows for the Rexburg, Idaho Temple at work. Amazingly enough, he didn't even know his designs had been accepted for the windows until he was already on his mission. He was able to work on them when he came home. His name is Josh Lewis. Below is the completed example of his windows.

(All photos of the Rexburg, Idaho Temple are from this website)
Last, but certainly not least, is the Palmyra Temple. The windows there were made unique by following the foliage from the surrounding countryside. They were designed to match the Aspen trees that made up a great deal of the forestry, and I think they're gorgeous.

I would have added more if I could locate good photos of them, but that's hard to come by unless you have access to the open house brochures...grin.
So, hopefully, that's enough to wet your taste buds and make you want to see all of them in person. Thinking about the idea that there are over 140 temples around the world, the idea that you could visit each one of them is remote. (though there was a time you could have done so...)
I hope you take the time to visit the ones closest to you and enjoy the spirit and beauty that you'll find there.

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The Manner of Happiness

2009-03-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a very interesting day for our Sunday School class. There were several scriptures that I thought I'd like to highlight, but then I forgot them between then and now because I try not to write on Sunday. I should have done it anyway -- this is a spiritual thought, right? grin. Anyway --

The scripture that caught my eye last night is 2 Nephi 5:27
"And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness."

I thought that kind of went along with the thought I'd had a week or so ago about how we, of all people should feel at peace about our world, despite what is going on -- because we know the end.

So, even though we feel as if we might loose our jobs anyday, or the bills might be too much, or our savings isn't what we had hoped, or the children aren't following our example as close as we would like, or have even strayed -- there is always hope.

We can always live in the manner of happiness if we focus on what is right with our world. If we count our blessings.

Someone commented that it's amazing how much food there is in our country, compared to others. I thank the Lord every night that we have a home to live in, electricity and warmth -- cars that run, food to eat.

They may seem like simple things, but they bring me a measure of happiness. There may be large problems with our country right now, but it's still the best one on the planet. We still have freedom, we still have rights, and we still have the gospel.

Have a wonderful day.

The Art of Temples

2009-03-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

This week I had the privilege of touring the Draper Temple. What an amazing building to add to our wonderful list of temples. I was astounded to realize that we have either built or are building 148 temples around the world! And to think that there will be 12 in Utah alone? What excuse do we have now to do our temple work? None!!

The insides are simple gorgeous. I know each temple has it's own 'theme', and this one appears to be the Sego Lily. It's all along the ceiling and in the carpets. The windows and doors are gorgeous, but my favorite room was the bride room. The chandelier and wall sconces were made of a metalic product and shaped into flower petal type design, it was so beautiful! This shot is of the ceiling in the Celestial room.

My autistic son kept walking into everyone in front of him because he was just so thrilled with it and the beauty he was seeing -- especially in the chandeliers. He is quite obsessed with them...grin.

I was able to find a LDS Jordan River site with photos of the inside, and I wanted to share some of them -- they just glow.

My son loved the idea that the Baptismal font was the same in this temple as in the Bountiful one. I loved the open feeling, and the wood work. I really loved the windows. The stained glass work, the height and tone of them...I wished I could have them in my home.

Since the church is dealing with the Big Love controversy right now, I felt this was an appropriate place to include the video the church has put out to help those who are unfamiliar with our temples and the work that goes on inside. Here is the video that explains things quite simply and clearly. I hope that anyone who needs to know or is curious will have the chance to see it somewhere.

Unfortunately, I think any openings left to see the open house are taken, and the chance to see the inside before it's dedicated is probably gone. I hope these photos give a taste of the beauty and peace that is found inside. I sincerely hope that you'll have the chance to see the insides for yourself someday.

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We Already Know the End

2009-03-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Instead of a scripture today, I wanted to share something from this past weekend. I'm sorry for the delay -- I fully intended to post this on Tuesday, but we were busy going to the Draper Temple open house...grin.

In Stake Conference this weekend, we had an amazing adult meeting. In that meeting, one of the speakers talked about how we know the ending of the world. We know how things are going to come to a head, and that Christ will come and save us all.

We know that if we are righteous, we will be there -- either dead and resurrected or alive and raised up to meet him. Beginning of the millennial reign...the end.

Have you ever been one to read the end of a book before the beginning? I'm not usually that kind of person. The only time I read the end of the book is if the beginning is getting scary and I wonder if there is a happy ending to look forward to. If there is, I'll keep reading because I know somehow the author is going to fix everything.

Well, Heavenly Father has fixed everything already. We already know, because he's told us.

It hit me as we were sitting there in stake conference and the stake president was talking about how we know what is coming.

I thought, "He's right. We know the ending." Of all the people on earth, we should be happy and have no fear. We can try to be prepared, we can do all we know we're supposed to do, and then be at peace.

We know how this is all going to end. The Savior will come in His glory, and right will win out.

I hope you have a peaceful day.

Well...this is sort of me...

2009-03-09T06:32:00.001-07:00

I saw this on Tristi's blog, and figured I'd give it a try. It actually is pretty close.

You Are Deep and Insightful

When You Are Comfortable:

You are very perceptive. You can see things from all sides. You don't allow your life or mind to be cluttered.

People see you as spiritual and charismatic. You have interesting and unexpected insights. You advice is highly valued.

When You Are At Your Best:

You are quite quirky, and you enjoy doing things your own way. You are optimistic, and you've always got a good idea brewing.

People find you to be positive and uplifting. You make people feel good about themselves.

When You Are in a Social Setting:

You are very unique and talented. You solve problems well, and you have a creative approach to life.

People see you as straightforward and level headed. You can see opportunities when others only see troubles.

What Do Your Initials Say About You?

Brandon McConnell

2009-03-06T11:07:00.000-08:00

Writing a blog sometimes takes all I've got. Coming up with new subjects for your interest is a time consuming and sometimes frustrating job. I want to present things that capture your imagination, but I don't find such things very often. Sometimes I come up with something interesting, like the Indian jewelry and sand art, which I found fascinating -- and then sometimes I find things by pure serendipity. (Although, I don't believe in coincidence.)

A friend emailed me a video of a spray painter and his one minute painting. She knew I was an artist and she thought I would find it interesting. I was grateful, because though I've seen it before, it gave me something new and different to present to you. Brandon McConnell has been able to take a medium that most of us don't understand or use for anything other than mundane tasks and turn it into an amazing art form. I've always thought that spray paint had potential, anyone who's seen the art work on the side of trains, or the second Santa Clause knows how it can be used. But Brandon's work is a whole new level.

This is the first painting I had seen. I didn't really even know his name -- an now you do.

This is the second one I came across, and I was amazed at how he produced it.

And just when you think there can't be anything more, he shows how he has developed his craft into using other items with the spray paint. Regular items that I would use in painting, and items I would use in painting my home...Kind of reminds me of Bob Ross in how he presents and makes it easy for the watcher to learn.

Some of his stuff is a little to strange for my taste, but I thought you would enjoy seeing him work and the amazing stuff he comes up with. Amazing what people can do.

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A Wonderful Message...

2009-03-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine pointed out this video on YouTube...I knew all of you should be reminded of it again. It's a message that I hope sinks down into the heart.

Religious websites

2009-03-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

It drives me nuts when you type something up, publish it, and then the computer wazes out so it doesn't do anywhere...
I had a post all written up and now I have to do it again. Sigh. Anyway -- due to my usual procrastination, I am running late on posting something related to the scriptures today. Fortunately, one of my visitors gave me an idea. She mentioned that they have a website that promotes getting familiar with the gospel on simple terms. I thought I'd link it here for you so you can check it out. I think it's kind of fun -- hope you like it.

Mormon Made Simple

Looks like everyone is doing their part. Have a good one!

Indian Jewelry

2009-02-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

As I was thinking about the sand art I talked about last week, I realized there was another aspect of the Native American culture that I find fascinating. Their jewelry!

In looking it up I discovered there are several different kinds. Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Pueblo and Cherokee -- and many more. I'm sure you've driven through the reservations in Arizona and New Mexico and seen the roadside stands selling authentic jewelery. It's amazing work of silver and turquoise. We stopped at Four Corners on our way back from Oaklahoma and it was fun because they had shops from all four states. Each state had their own particular type of jewelry. It was wonderful.

Back in ancient days, they made lots of jewelry with beads, corn, shells and other such available items, but the work they do with silver is simply amazing. I also am surprised at all the different shades of turquoise. I had no idea, I thought it was all just a basic blue/green.

This one is called an emerald valley turquoise.

This is called green king turquoise.

I could spend hours looking through all the various sites that offer authentic jewelry. There's a site that claims to have the only official Cherokee Nation jewelry, there are others that claim to be representatives of the Hopi, Zuni and others. It's mind boggling.

Especially when you think about how few of true craftsmen there are left compared to jewelers in our culture. Their training comes from the tribal elders or apprentice to others that know the craft.

Jewelry making has become a hobby for many women now, with beads, stones and other things available at every craft store in the state. But this is serious art -- something that takes years of practice and learning. Just like anything that is worth doing, takes time to do it right.

Next time you have the chance to go by a roadside stand, take a minute and admire the work -- tell them how much you appreciate their efforts, and perhaps purchase something that you will remember. Native American art abounds and is available to wear.

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Family Study

2009-02-24T16:12:00.000-08:00

1 Nephi 5:21 "And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children. "

If you ever had questions about scripture study and if you want to go through the hassle -- that scripture is a good answer.

The scriptures are something that hold a family together. I don't know how, I just know I feel when we actually get it done. We struggle to do it on a consistent basis, but I've decided to keep on. Once we give up, then we loose. Since our goal is the eternal perspective, I know which side I'm on. Just my thought for the day...

Sand Art

2009-02-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

When I came home from my mission I grabbed the first job I could find. That ended up being at Jacob Lake Inn in Arizona. I had never heard of the place before that point in my life, and I was in for an eye opener.

It was my first real exposure to Indian culture and art, as well as the Grand Canyon. I'd never even been to Arizona before. I had pictured it full of cactus and barren deserts. Boy was I surprised. Jacob Lake Inn is right at a junction in the highway to either the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, or south toward Flagstaff and the rest of Arizona. Jacob Lake is also on the top of a mountain...so they get snow. Lots of snow. I was in heaven.

Anyway -- they have a gift shop at the Inn, where they sell everything from Indian jewelry to hand woven rugs. The work is amazing. The pottery is gorgeous and I was very impressed with what I saw. One of the things that fascinated me was their Sand Art, or sand paintings.

These paintings are such works of art. I purchased a small one and brought it home with me, along with a small piece of pottery -- unfortunately anything larger was way out of my price range, but they are worth every bit charged for them.

There is sand art that you can make with your kids, involving different colored sand that you pour into a jar, (this site shows it being done--it's way cool) but this is more like a craft which involves glue and sand on paper.

In my research on Native American sand art, I have heard that it was a way of chasing away evil spirits, keeping nightmares away, and also part of the medicine man's healing.

Veronica Begay is the artist of this amazing piece, called Pollen Boy on Sun. I think the blues are eye catching, and are a different touch.

I can't explain exactly the way I feel in looking at their art work. It's so unlike any other medium. It captures a feeling of rural wilderness and yet a simple beauty unlike any other. It's refined, it's delicate and it's amazing.

This piece by Wallace Ben show's painstaking patience in developing each line, each color. I wish these artists had web sites that you could learn more about them, but apparently they tend to be private people, without much presence except for their art.

If you ever get a chance to visit that area of the world, you should. There are wonders and amazing things to behold and witness. You'll be impressed.

yourLDSneighborhood has added exciting new things to its website. Please drop by and take a look, browse around, check out our vendors, our radio station, our authors, our musicians and more. Check out the Neighborhood.

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