Wordless Wednesday - Home Manicure

Linking up with Ramona from Create With Joy

and Hilary at Feeling Beachie

Six Word Saturday - Glad this long week is over

After traveling last weekend.....week dragged

Never seemed to get groove back

Looking forward to rest and relaxation

Unfortunately it will a working weekend

At least I am not flying

Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, go to Show My Face. and Cate explains it all....feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing.

Friendship Friday ---- recipes anyone?

I do know that I have been absent from this blog hop for several weeks...


but that does not mean that I haven't been THINKING about you..    doesn't that sound familiar???

Anyway..... I am joining Ramona at Create With Joy for Friendship Friday where this weeks' topic is favorite summer recipes..


OKAY.. who can start off the summer without a Margarita?

Buy This at Allposters.com

Not a drinker... then how about ceviche.... anyone got a really good recipe because I have tried it three times and not been too successful.

Living in California I barbeque all year round, so a summer barbeque is not really anything spectacular... but the fruits and vegetables of the summer make for a great fruit salad.......... who doesn't love fresh strawberries, rasperries, papaya, watermelon, cantelope and bananas in a salad (besides... think of all those brilliant colors!)

BUT my absolutely favorite summer receipe has to be this awesome pasta salad I discovered a few years ago....

Small Shell Pasta
Cucumbers (remove the seeds and cut into tiny pieces)
Hard Boiled Eggs
Sliced Black Olives
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise (equal portions of each)

It is amazing!!!

I tend to use one cucumber for each bag of pasta, and 3 hard boiled eggs....... but you can change the proportions to fit your desires....  It is a sure winner!

I can hardly wait to hop around and find some new summer recipes.... Thanks Ramona, great subject!





 I am also linking up with my friend and sister  Hilary from Feeling Beachie for Friday Four fill in Fun... she post four fill in questions and then you can post and link...

This week's questions are:

1. I learned how to make _____ in ____
2. I have always wanted to ____
3. My purse always has a __________and _______________.
4. One day when I am ____________I am  going to _______________________.

My answers:

1. I learned how to make _cookies____ in 4th grade____
2. I have always wanted to _drive a bus___
3. My purse always has a _drivers license_________and _____ credit card__________.
4. One day when I am _famous___________I am  going to __give back~!_____________________.

Pondering with a Purpose - Staring

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose -

 This is my weekly hop where I post a prompt and you get to write to it on your blog - come back here and add it to my linky and then we all get to go read what you wrote!

I started Pondering with a Purpose because -- simply put -- I am a writer - - that is what I do (I just can't help myself)! And although I love following all the hops, I wanted to see if I could bring out some creativity in not only myself, but some of my blogger friends as well.

The rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in my sidebar)

2. Look at the week's prompt

3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.

4. Come back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list below.

5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.

6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

This Week's prompt: Staring

When you stare off into the distance... what is it that you are thinking about?

AND do you only stare off when you are really tired?

Me? Well I find that it really depends on what is going on around me.... I LOVE to stare out of my kitchen window... not that it is the greatest view or anything...

I just have this need to stand over my kitchen sink and stare off into the distance... do you think I am thinking of what could have been?   Maybe!

Or perhaps I am counting my blessings as I look into my tiny little back yard and realize that I have a roof over my head, food on the table, a job and children that (I think) love me!

I have the opportunity to drive by the Pacific Ocean everyday on my way home from work....

I can pick up a phone and call ANYone I want at any time of the day!

and.... to be openly honest about it... I don't have many things to complain about... so perhaps I DO just stare out of the window when I am really tired and my mind needs a break!

How about you?

When and what do you stare about?

I would love to hear your comments, or read your post that is linked up... or better yet both!

HAPPY PONDERING!!!!

Wordless Wednesday - The View from Above

Am linking to Feeling Beachie and Create with Joy....

Won't you join the fun?

Six Word Saturday - Traveling

What a week.... went to Germany


AND then came back home again


all within seventy two hour period

(when this goes live, I'm flying!)


Let's just say that I'm tired!


 But all are safe and sound


And my daughter is home now!

Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, go to Show My Face. and Cate explains it all....feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing.

Pondering with a Purpose - Extremes

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose -

 This is my weekly hop where I post a prompt and you get to write to it on your blog - come back here and add it to my linky and then we all get to go read what you wrote!

I started Pondering with a Purpose because -- simply put -- I am a writer - - that is what I do (I just can't help myself)! And although I love following all the hops, I wanted to see if I could bring out some creativity in not only myself, but some of my blogger friends as well.

The rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in my sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Come back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list below.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

This Week's prompt: Extremes

As this week has unfolded I have thought a lot about what extremes we are willing to do for those we love.  A very good friend of mine lost someone that was near and dear to their heart and that just reinforced in me the need to write this post......


What is it that you are willing to do for those you love? What extremes are you willing to go through.... Oh yes, I know so well the saying, "I would die for you." But would you???? Seriously... would you put yourself in harms way for those you love..... I think that when push comes to shove (who comes up with these sayings?) it just wouldn't happen.....
I happen to have a great love for my dogs... yes, I included my daughter's dog in that "plural version of dogs".. but the absolute truth is that I would not lay down my life for my dogs.... but my children??? well,..... that is a completely differ story....,. it would be nothing... and I do mean nothing... for me to give my life for theirs..... so as much as we say that we love our pets as much as our children...do we really???


B
U
T


that is not the reason for this post.....


As you read this... I will either be in the air, or in an airport, or .... waiting to arrive to see my daughter......
AND I cannot tell you how many people have  said to me, "She's 20, why does she need you?" and the simple answer is this... she asked and told me she needed me... so I flew across the world to help.


So seriously now, what extremes would you go through to help those you love?  Obviously my answer is fairly clear... I would (and am) fly across the world for them.... and back!






AND then the question beckons.... would they do the same for you??


I would love to hear your comments, or read your post that is linked up... or better yet both!
(Please accept my apologies as I will be unavailable to reply!)


HAPPY PONDERING!!!!

Wordless Wednesday - Germany again

I am off and flying
and when I come back.... my daugher will be with me!!!

Yay and sad.... :(

Six word Saturday- letting go!

What a week I have had!

My new grandson is absolutely amazing!

He sleeps when he supposed to!



 He is a great eater too!

And then they had to leave ;









( Now I need to get my daughter)

Time to go to Germany again!!!!

Pondering with a Purpose - Respect

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose -

 This is my weekly hop where I post a prompt and you get to write to it on your blog - come back here and add it to my linky and then we all get to go read what you wrote!

I started Pondering with a Purpose because -- simply put -- I am a writer - - that is what I do (I just can't help myself)! And although I love following all the hops, I wanted to see if I could bring out some creativity in not only myself, but some of my blogger friends as well.

The rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in my sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Come back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list below.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!


This Week's prompt is:                          Respect

When you hear the word respect, what do you think of?
Treat people the way you want to be treated regardless of your views on the person. Be pleasant around them regardless if you like them or not. Give that person the respect you would like given back to you.

This is the answer my middle son Randy gave me when we were discussing this post. Randy just had his first son and I believe he is going to be a wonderful father.... Irregardless of that, I explained this hop and asked him for a subject... he came up with Respect... and then I asked him the above question.

As for me? Respect is so much more than just the way you treat others, but also the way you treat yourself and the world you live in. Treating other people, no matter what their station in life, should be at the very minimal the way you wish to be treated yourself.

Respecting yourself is so much more than not over indulging... it is recognizing when you need help and asking for it. It is not putting yourself down --- ever --- and it is realizing that no one and nothing can be right around you unless you are right yourself.

As for respecting the world you live in.... We share this planet and we better figure out how to keep it clean --- in all aspects....


How about you? What do you think of with the word respect?

I would love to read your post and have you link up, or read your comments... or better yet... both!!

Happy Pondering

Some Kind of Peace - A Book Review

Dr. Siri Bergrman runs a private psychotherapy practice in central Stockholm with her best friend Aina. Since her husband's death in a diving accident, Siri has lived alone in an isolated cottage outside the city. Terrified of the dak, she drinks wine to steady her nerves and leaves the ligths on when she goes to bed, unable to shake the feeling that someone is watching through her windows.

This unconventional and evocative thriller marks the first in a seris by sisters Camilla Grebe and Asa Traff.

I belong to the Free Press Book Tours group on Book Blogs and through them I received a copy of Some Kind of Peace. The above quotes are from the back of the book - and it is only an excerpt of the back.... I love a good thriller and there was something haunting about this book that made me excited about opening the front cover.

It is 314 pages of pure drama, excitement and psychological warfare. Siri Bergman is the main focal point of the book and she is a psychtherapist with her own demons. The idea that a psychotherapist is being 'psyched' out by a mad man is extraordinary and if it has been done before it has not been as well as it is here. Siri's fears and acknowledgements ring true to each and every one of us and these sisters (Grebe and Traff) have written a tale that is ageless.

If you are a fan of the thriller genre this book is a must read!

Awards --- can you feel the love?

I have been given two awards and am quite tardy in spreading the thanks and the love..... it is not because I don't appreciate the awards... because believe me!!! I DO!!!! It is just that I've been have a blogging dilemma and wanted to be 'here' for this post......

First.... and I LOVE this award....
AND I love the person who presented it to me.... it came from Janice at Janice's Footsteps 
It does not seem to matter what is going on with me she always knows EXACTLY what to say... and I have to say that I truly do believe we are a sisterhood out here in the blogosphere. Personally I don't have any sisters and I love the relationships I have cultivated.... these are people I would not have otherwise met ....

SO... I am suppose to come up with 7 random facts and then pass it along..... PLEASE know that I am passing it on to my 'sistahs' and it is okay if you already got it.... don't want to pass it on.... don't have time to post... this is my way of sharing the love <3

Random facts:

I prefer sunsets to sunrises
I rarely sleep more than 3 hours at a time (not out of choice... mind you!)
I am still called Mommy by two of my children
My house is surrounded by blooming flowers 12 months a year
Muttley is the first dog I've had that lived past 4
I tend to wear baggy clothes ...
I feel awkward at social gatherings


Passing it along:

Leslie at Time out for Mom --- I truly believe Leslie and I are sisters.... with almost everything we do we think alike, react alike and have the same values... and isn't that what a family is?

Hilary at Feeling Beachie --- Hilary and I look alike! We could actually be twins.... (if I was a bit younger... hee hee hee)

Tami at Empty Nest in Il ---- Tami and I  have walked the exact same path and somehow both came out smiling....

Jennifer at Just Another Day ---- There is something about having a little sister that you adore.... Jen's mine!


AND speaking of little sister's..... Jen also gave me an award:
The Fabulous Blogger Ribbon... and here are the rules for that one!
1. Post the rules.
2. Name five of your most fabulous moments, either in real life or in the blogosphere.
3. Name five things you love.
4. Name five things you hate.
5. Pass the ribbon on to five other bloggers.  (Leave them a comment to notify them of their win.)


My most fabulous moments:  Having my children, Moving into a new house, Getting my first comment on my blog, publishing my first book, reading a great review of one of my books
Things I Love: My children, my grandson, my dogs, fresh cut flowers, a GREAT cup of coffee
Things I Hate: Abuse, Violence, senseless hatred, Prejudice, Traffic
Passing it on: (again.... don't feel oblilgated... this is my way of showing love )))

Beth Ann at Its Just Life
McGuffy at McGuffy'sReader
Megan at meganblogs.com
Denise at Suspense She Writes
Ruthi at Abitosunshine







Beth Ann at It's Just Life ---

Six word Saturday --- Ryan

The newest member of the family 

He arrived July 5th at 4:07

Impartially speaking....he is really cute!!!!


Ryan Logan weighed in at 6....3



something surreal about children with children :)

 

Apology

Pondering with a Purpose will return next Thursday....

Let's just leave it at... I was otherwise engaged... check back on Saturday