Weekly Photo Challenge ~ SUNSET

Wow, it’s Friday again? Already?! This week’s photo theme from The Daily Post is SUNSET.

Again, I tried not to be so obvious with my interpretation with this week’s theme. This is a photo – on of my all-time favorites - from an evening at the roping arena when the sun was just beginning to set over the horizon. I think this handsome lil’ fella was enjoying the cool breeze and nice view of the action. It helped that he was curious and photogenic for the goofy photographer woman-with-a-camera! 

Enjoy. Plus, you can share your own photos at The Daily Post too. I hope you will comment and share your own submission link(s) too!

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend, Y’all!

 

9/11 Tribute & Giveaway (WINNERS ANNOUNCED!!!!!!)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Since this was an extra special tribute so I decided to award TWO lucky winners with a copy of National Geographic’s “A Place of Remembrance” in honor of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum located at Ground Zero in New York City. And the winners are:

 

#7: Amy Hill

 

#11: Jenny (Winstead) Ramage

 

Congratulations Mrs. Hill and Jenny!!!!!!!!!

 

I am really excited Mrs. Hill and Jenny were the randomly selected winners. The three of us were together at Webster County High School on September 11, 2001. 

Mrs. Hill (I’m sorry, I cannot call a former teacher by her first name!) was my freshman Honors English teacher. Jenny and I, while not in the same class the morning of 9/11, were students at WCHS. It is an honor and my privilege to send this special gift to these special ladies who were with me on this tragic day in our nation’s history.

I wish I could provide every participant with a copy of “A Place of Remembrance”.

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

I think every generation is marred by a particular event or situation in their lifetime.  I will never forget Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

 

I was in Ms. Catlett’s Honors English IV class with seniors at Webster County High School in Dixon, KY. During our lesson, Ms. Catlett excused herself to the hallway to speak with Mrs. Scholar, our principal. Ms. Catlett returned and immediately turned on the television. The screen showed a live view of New York City and black smoke was coming out of one of the buildings. A few minutes later, I watched the second plane crash into the south tower. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

I watched black smoke roll out of the World Trade Center, moments later people were jumping out of windows 70-80-even 90-stories above the ground. A few minutes later, the south tower collaspe. This had to be a bad dream. Just like a nightmare that wouldn’t end, at 10:28 am, I watched the second tower fall.

As yearbook editor, I knew I had a responsibility to my classmates and future classes at WCHS to memoralize the events on that tragic day in 2001. Ms. Catlett helped me collect newspapers from across the country with headlines and photographs. Together, we created a collage and I wrote an editorial. I take pride in knowing that the images and words from 9/11 will be a part of my high school’s heritage forever.

Nicole, 27

My greatest memory occurred two days after 9/11.  My wife and I, along with my brother and his wife, were scheduled to fly to Chicago on Thursday for our cousin’s wedding on Saturday. We went to the airport because the airline thought we could make it. As we stood in line, this well-dressed man walked by the counter wearing a turban. Everyone, including the airline employees, stopped what they were doing and looked at the man. We stood still and stared. 

I felt horrible for my judgmental thoughts about a man I knew nothing about. His choice of head attire caused anger and hate in my heart which, I believe, caused God to be disappointed in me, which is one of my greatest fears. Shame came be a great teach, I have definitely learned and grown from this experience.

Alan, 43

 

 

I was Director of the Sam Rayburn Student Center at TAMU-Commerce. I was going to a staff meeting when the first announcement came out. Sensing that this was a critical event, the staff immediately created a live TV feed to monitors throughout the building. Hundreds of students stopped what they were doing – stood, watched, waited and wept. I checked on friends who live and work nearby, as well as those who travel for a living ~ as they were stranded as airplanes were grounded. 

The events of 9/11 inspired me to:

• be thankful for freedom to assemble, travel, and speak
• acknowledge fear, but not let it control me
• receive each day as a gift to be used, shared and enjoyed

Rick, 57

On the morning of September 11, 2011, I was in a hotel in Burnaby, a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia. In an instant, I watched in horror as the towers came tumbling down. My coworker and I said a prayer, then I called home to check on my family.

My colleagues and I were stuck in the hotel so we attended the sessions and afterwards went to dinner. One thing I remember most was traveling by skytrain to the city for dinner and eating dessert at a place called Death by Chocolate. We all ate outrageous chocolate desserts, some ate two! 

My life has definitely changed since 9/11. In 2001, my son was in high school. Now, he’s preparing for his wedding. My mom and husband are both deceased. Some equate 9/11 to Pearl Harbor and, for some reason, that feels comforting to know we WILL get through these difficult times.

Debbie, 56

It was Tuesday. I was working on the post-partum floor when I heard a patient’s family member gasp. Voices begain to get louder, along with the TV. I decided to turn on a television in an empty room across from the nurses’ station. As I did, an airplane suddenly crashed into the second tower. 

I could not stop thinking about my kids. My oldest was three years, my youngest was 18-months. I wanted to take them and run into the wilderness. I wanted to get away from the violence. I remember being very thankful that my husband is a country boy ~ he can kill and cook his own food, he’s resourceful and we would survive off the land, if needed. I had crazy thoughts.

Once I gathered myself, I couldn’t help but grieve for the lives lost as they suffered or fell from tall buildings. I cannot imagine what those people must have felt as they fell to their deaths. It was more than I could fathom.

The events of 9/11 inspired me to pray for our country, leaders and, yes, even our enemies.

Jan, 37

I will never forget 9/11/01.  I had been in my freshman year of college less one week.  I used to turn the radio on every morning when I was getting ready for class, and that particular morning, for some reason all I could pick up was news on every station……then I actually listened to what they were saying.  I called my boyfriend who lived down the hall from me, and asked him to turn on his TV.  (My roommate and I didn’t have one.)  I remember my words exactly, “Turn on the TV.  Terrorists are attacking America.”  I dressed and ran to his room. We stood and watched in shock, we didn’t know what to say. Even though I knew my mom was safe at home in Paris, TX, I still called her. I’m not sure why. 

My classmates and I talked about this in a way that you would about a movie or book – it didn’t seem real. Why would someone attack America? Why would someone kill thousands of innocent people, even children? It didn’t make sense.

Since 9/11, the world has never been the same. Now, when I go to airports, I have to limit my liquid quantities, the weight of my bag, and take off my shoes and sweater before boarding the plane. I have to be swabbed or walk through metal detectors while someone in security rifles through my luggage. Businesses and schools now have terror emergency plans. As a child, I never would have dreamed of having to think of a plan for what to do with everyone if a terrorist attacked our facility. And, I never looked a Muslim and questioned whether or not his or her intentions were genuine. I think my heart breaks most of all for them because life in America will always be a challenge for their people. Ignorance breeds violence, and ignorant people simply don’t take the time to learn that Muslim Americans are not the same people who took away our innocence. 

In a line from one of my favorite movies, The Crow, one of the characters says, “Your childhood is over the moment you know you’re going to die.”  9/11 was sort of like that moment for Americans. Suddenly we were no longer innocent – we were victims. We were no longer the naive youths who could count on the safety and security of our homeland. Our childhood, in essence, was over after 9/11. 

Kimberly, 28

I was in Virginia teaching preschool with the most interesting class of 11 boys and no girls. A parent called to tell me what was happening. I turned on a radio and listened to Dan Rather’s report, while trying not to let my students hear the news. That wasn’t hard, as 11 boys are very noisy. Every 20 minutes or so, I would go into my closet to compose myself as I was so upset and didn’t want to alarm or scare those little boys. The hardest part of the day was taking them outside to the playground. As we were in the same state as the Pentagon, I kept one eye on the kids and one eye on the sky. It was a beautiful day to play outside, marred by terror and hatred. My babies did not deserve that, nobody deserved that.

Carolyn, 58

---

~ Giveaway Announcement ~

To mark this special anniversary, I am giving away ONE copy of A Place of Remembrance. To enter, please leave a comment on this post with your name and email address. One entry per person, please.

Contest ends Thursday, September 15. The winner will be selected by Random.org.

A Place of Remembrance honors the fallen and celebrates the spirit of hope as it tells the emotional story behind the creation of the National September 11 Memorial, from the tragic events of 9/11 to the process of rebuilding on these eight sacred acres in downtown Manhattan.

Like the memorial, this official commemorative book from National Geographic is a lasting tribute to those lost in New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, and it lists the names of all the victims and where to find the inscriptions on the memorial itself.

***Proceeds from its sale help support the memorial.***

---

Peace, love, and remembrance,

It’s a tough life…

 

Say hello to our house guest, Sabbath.

She’s been here since Thursday morning when her mother, and my best friend, Kimberly, dropped her off for the weekend. Within five minutes, Sabbath had confirmed the placement of her litter box and food bowls, located a few dust bunnies in the entryway (totally my fault) and comfortably perched herself atop the couch, ottoman, or the window sill.

 

Sabbath might have used one of her nine lives early this morning when she was sitting on the window sill and fell off. Fortunately, she landed on the ottoman. I found her later under our bed and she stayed there about an hour.

I’ve gotten my camera out a couple of times and she either gives me an evil one-eyed glare or physcially moves so her butt is pointed toward the lens. She obviously doesn’t want to be disturbed.

 

Evil Glare!

In the feline world, this has to be the Hilton!

 

What a tough life!

 

 

Sabbath decided she’d try out the comfort of the Persian rug … I guess she approved.

Note to self: vacuum ASAP!

 

(whispering to not disturb the Queen)

 

Happy Saturday, Y’all

 

Peace, love, and kitty kats,

 

 

 

 

p.s. I’ll be glad to accept applications for future pet-sitting jobs … although Blue is seriously irritated with these small, more compact four-legged beings invading his space. He just doesn’t understand why he doesn’t qualify as Snuggle Material. Poor guy.

Weekly Photo Challenge ~ PATH

It’s Friday and that means another photo theme from WordPress.

Update: I retract all of my references to CHODE as it related to WordPress as the really smart computer people have repaired the issues associated with adding and editing links. Thank you, whomever you really smart computer people are. You rock my socks. Thank you.

Anyway, my PATH photos are below and you can The Daily Post  to see photos from other bloggers.

Enjoy!

 

Nothing like a Kentucky sunset over fields of corn.

 

My parents riding their primary form of transportation around the homestead, garden, and visiting neighbors … a Kawasaki Mule.

 

My favorite: when’s the last time you looked down the “path” of a high-powered sniper target rifle?!

 

Happy Friday, Y’all …

 

Peace, love, and big guns,

Paint Your Own Pottery

If you read this post, you are familiar with my favorite local business, The Art Barn Studio. I had so much fun last Saturday that I returned for another project.

This creation was made especially for a sweet couple getting married next month in Kentucky. I’m excited to attend Josh and Lindsey’s wedding and personally deliver their gift…along with a batch of homemade secret BBQ sauce for Josh ~ but that’s a different post.

I know Josh and Lindsey both read my blog, but I am the world’s worst at keeping giftsa secret. I am “Fort Knox” when it comes to keeping secrets, but presents make me happy and I want to share them immediately If I ever become a parent, I’ll be the worst Santa ever.

I decided before I arrived at The Art Barn that I would use the couple’s last initial as the focal point. I found a beautiful scroll border online and selected a 15-inch square platter as my “canvas.” It had wide rim too, perfect for a decorative border. This particular platter is perfect for displaying on a shelf or piece of furniture.

Once I had an item, I needed paint. I chose four colors: Basketball (burnt orange), Deep Purple, Dark Olive, and Chocolate Brown ~ all beautiful, autumn, and earthy tones. Of course I had help selecting these colors when I talked to Lindsey and she willingly answered all of my specific questions (i.e. what are your wedding colors? What colors are in your home?) without hesitation!!!!

tee hee hee

I just realized something: Josh is a former basketball player and current coach. I didn’t think about this when I chose the paint named Basketball!

 

I used Publisher to place a font inside the scroll image (for spacing) and carefully traced the design onto the plate. I didn’t use any magical measurements or even graphite paper (which is a suggestion and can be purchased at any craft store). I used a plain ol’ pencil…with an eraser. You see, when the pottery is “fired” inside the kiln, all particles ~ including pencil lead and rubber eraser marks ~ burn off. I wrote the letter “S” by hand. Handwriting is about the only artistic ability I have. I can’t draw a straight line WITH a ruler. Seriously.

I learned from my friends at The Art Barn (hey Hilary, Katie, Lindsey and Adriene!) that a minimum of two coats, preferably three, are best for intense color. The above photo shows the scroll design painted in Dark Chocolate and the “S” is Basketball (burnt orange). I applied three really thick coats of paint to ensure proper coverage and reduce streaking, or brush lines. I’m pleased how this turned out.

No, it’s not perfect but it’s handmade. Love it or leave it.

Here’s the platter as it looked when I left the studio. It’s ready to be glazed and then it will spend 24-hours in the firing kiln. When complete, it will have a glossy finish.

I promise to post pics of the final-final platter!

Whether you live in Texas or Wisconsin (don’t ask where that came from!), I encourage you to find a paint-your-own studio in your area. I’m fortunate to live less than five minutes from The Art Barn Studio.

Before the end of the year, I want to create “something else” at The Art Barn. In fact, I’ve added this to my 2011 Bucket List.

If you are in the Fort Worth area, I encourage you to visit The Art Barn Studio in Joshua. Tell them I sent you! If you’re located elsewhere, find your own creative sanctuary and have fun getting your ART on!

Peace, love, and custom wedding gifts,

 

 

 

 

 

p.s. Congratulations, Josh & Lindsey! Please don’t hate me because I couldn’t keep your gift a surprise. Love y’all!

Empress Smart-as-a-Whip!!!!!!

Say what?!

That was my nickname at tonight’s “Cocktails & Create” held at The Art Barn Studio!

This place is fantastic and tons of fun. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be Picasso Jr. to create custom, colorful, and creative keepsakes. Tonight was the third time I painted a piece of pottery at The Art Barn. I’m enjoying it more ~ and building my confidence! ~ with each visit.

 

Photo courtesy of TheArtBarnStudio.com

Hilary, the owner, and her staff (Lindsey, Adriene, and Katie) make sure each visitor has an enjoyable experience. They offer great suggestions and helpful techniques for a variety of projects, including paint-your-own pottery, barn art, mosiacs, and even wearable art (clothing and jewelry). They also have silver jewelry-making and their adding canvas projects to their “menu” of options. There is a wide array of items to suit your fancy!

The Art Barn Studio has also recently expanded its facility. There is lots of room for birthday parties, bridal showers, art classes, and school field trips. This place has it all, you really got to visit this place and get your ART on!!!!!!

 

Photo courtesy of TheArtBarnStudio.com

Once a month, The Art Barn hosts a ladies night called Cocktails & Create. I’ve been saying for months that I wanted to participate, but something always came up or I was out of town on event night. Well, I ran out of excuses or prior engagements (or both!) because tonight I had the privilege and honor to be with four lovely (and very artistic!) ladies from church. We had a blast creating our masterpieces.

 

Lil’ Dulce painted an owl, her school’s mascot! Her nickname was Princess Loud Mouth ~ hmmm!!!!

 

Mama Debra painted an inspirational plate for her classroom, she wrote “Believe” in the center. Her nickname for the evening was Queen Sings-in-the-Shower!!!!!

 

 

Jenny made a glass tile mosiac on a peace sign. Her nickname for the evening was Princess Shopaholic!

 

I must’ve drank too much sweet tea because I decided that painting a large platter with an intricate monogram and border within a limited time frame was a good idea. Perhaps my nickname should have been Table Idiot!!!!!!!

 

I’m still a-paintin’!!!!!!!

 

Four HOURS later………my pottery creation is complete!

I’m really pleased with the platter and I’m excited to see the final product. One must wait at least a week for their painted pottery to be “fired” in a kiln…..afterwards though, it’s all pretty and shiny and glossy. It’s gaw-geous dawlin’!!!!!!!

 

 

Mama Dulce showed off her uber-artistic abilities by painting this beautiful floral motif on a large round plate. This woman is talented!

 

She’s also lucky….as she won a doorprize. You would’ve thought she had won the lottery, but it was a miniature disco ball. YEAH BABY!!!!!!

Good times tonight, I can’t wait to see all of our finished products for a big reveal post. Stay tuned!

 

In the meantime, only 24 HOURS REMAIN until the “big kahuna” Celebration Giveaway ends. If you have not entered, you must visit this POST and add a comment with your name and email address. There are lots of great prizes included in this collection, you don’t want to miss out!!!!!!

 

Peace, love, and pottery,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Peace…..one piece at a time

Attention dieters and calorie-counters, you will be offended by this recipe. Pants with elastic waistbands are highly recommended.

I’m convinced this chicken fried steak with gravy would bring peace to the world. If the crunchy, battered tenderized steak didn’t encourage people to be nice to each other, the thick and creamy gravy would surely change their attitudes. It changed my Husband’s.

 

You know those little crunchy bits you get when you fry something? Well, I took a big handful and added them to the cream gravy. Yeah, I’m livin’ on the edge. Mmmmm mmmmm gooooooooood.

Sorry, I was having a personal moment with myself.

Moving on!

Back to Husband’s change in attitude tonight…

Husband’s been irritated and frustrated all day while trying to find tires to fit one of the trailers parked behind our house. Currently, there are three ~ a horse trailer, a bumper-pull trailor, and a gooseneck trailor. He blew two tires last weekend coming home from an auction and it’s been tougher-than-nails to find two additional tires that match the new ones. He began this “scavenger hunt” EARLY this morning. Seven hours later, plus several trips to multiple retail locations bearing the same name, he found the tires.

Praise the Lord, the tires will be here Monday.

All was fine-and-dandy in Husbandville until I heard growling words. I peaked my head outside and quickly ducked back in. Minutes later, Husband appeared to share his bad news.

While re-attaching a new tire to the trailer, he stripped the thread on a nut and bent a bolt. That’s not a good thing. In fact, it’s going to require ANOTHER trip to an auto or hardware store for a new nut and bolt.

I know what you’re thinking – - ”Wow, this girl really knows what she’s talking about!” Keep telling yourself that. I won’t stop you.

Anyway……..I tell you all of this because as soon as Mister Frustrated entered the kitchen and smelled battered meat fryin’ in the iron skillet, his attitude quickly changed and he was quite pleasant. He even poured a glass of sweet tea for me. Bless his heart. 

World Peace Chicken Fried Steak

Start with a couple of pounds of tenderized steak cut into large pieces. I used two large steaks and cut into 12 pieces. Husband and I enjoy leftovers, but you can adjust the quantities to suit your needs.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, and seasonings. I use a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, combine add a good amount of Bisquick (or plain flour) and a healthy dose of more seasonings. In an assembly-line fashion, dredge the meat into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and return for another coating of flour.

Heat a large iron skillet over medium heat and pour in enough oil to completely cover the bottom.

When the oil is hot, add 2-3 pieces of steak, depending on their size. Don’t crowd the pan, this meat deserves respect and you’ll appreciate the crunchiness.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip. The steaks are done when golden brown.

Served with mashed/smashed/smooshed/baked/fried/whatever-you-like potatoes and gravy, this fried steak will promote peace in the world…….one piece at a time.

Oh, and would you believe this recipe is completely, totally, unequivalocally, 100-percent dairy-free. That means, no milk, no butter, no cream, no nothing from a cow. Well, except the meat, of course. I might have an allergy to cow’s milk, but I’ll still eat the cow!

Have you entered my current giveaway? If not, click HERE and add a comment with your name and email address. If 100 or more comments are received, I’m increasing the Target gift card amount to $100.00. Contest ends Sunday at midnight. Good luck!

Peace, love, and fried steak,

Weekly Photo Challenge: Flowers

It’s Friday and that means a new theme from The Daily Post for their Weekly Photo Challenge.

This week’s theme is FLOWERS.

It’s becoming more and more obvious to me that I am in desperate need of instruction and a one-on-one tutorial of Photoshop. Each time I open this silly photo-editing software, my spirit (none to mention my ego) loses a bit of vibrance. I am painfully aware of my lack in abilities to manipulate a photo. But, alas, I am scheduled to attend a FIVE~hour class on Photoshop this November. Just 46 days left…….not that I’m counting!

Back to the photos for the week. Some of these are from a trip with my best friend to her wedding venue (A and M Gardens in Azle, Texas) and others are from my recent trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

 

Don’t ask how I got this photo to look the way it does. Good, bad, or indifferent I was impressed with myself for a nano-second that I was able to accomplish such a feat. Now, I don’t remember what I did or how I did it. But I love orchid blooms and Kim’s engagement ring is gorgeous.

 

This one makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. How can you be sad if something is as bright yellow as this?!

 

I don’t  know what this flower is, but I like it. This photo was taken at the devastating scene and amongst the wreckage of the Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince. The hotel facility catered to Western (mostly U.S. and European) clients and was completely leveled in the 2010 earthquake. The team and I were able to walk around the property where a new hotel and convention facility is being rebuilt.

 

This blooming flower bush was outside the Methodist Guest House and I just noticed the leaves are shaped like hearts and the center of each bloom has a star-shaped bud.

 

This bloom, to me, represents the Haitian people. They are the most driven, passionate, and tenacious people I’ve met. An earthquake may shatter their lives and destroy their homes, but their faith will not be shaken, their hearts will not be moved, and they will find their way through the rubble to the SONlight.

 

I almost forgot about this sunflower. I snapped this shot last month in Kentucky at my parent’s neighbor’s house. They have a great backyard complete with a fire pit, garden, and play area for their two daughters. On the edge of their deck, they’ve planted several sunflowers and the blooms are incredible!

 

 

Blue says hi.

I say enjoy your Friday.

Don’t forget to enter my Celebration Giveaway ~ it ends this Sunday at midnight. There’s a ton of great prizes, including a Target gift card, Scentsy gift collection, a cookbook by The Pioneer Woman, and custom made textiles from an Etsy shop. ENTER NOW!!!!!

 

Love,

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Reasons I’m Happy

Reason #10 I’m Happy:

Tomorrow is Friday. Tomorrow is also an “off” Friday for Husband.

Whoop – Whoop!

Not that we have anything planned, but it’s nice to hang out and three-day weekends totally rock.

Reason #9 I’m Happy:

I’m going back to Kentucky in September.

Photo from Rachel Mathew Photography

My cousin, Lindsey, is getting married to Josh. They are an adorable couple. Josh is a genuinely GOOD guy and he fits right in with our crazy family. Josh has made it clear for many years the reason why he LOVES me so much………my family’s secret recipe barbeque sauce. This almost-seven-foot-tall Good Guy literally drinks the stuff with a straw.

On September 24, I will present Josh with several gallons of the liquid gold.

He will love me even more than he already does.

Smile.

Reason #8 I’m Happy:

The Hooter Hider

Right now, my evil, immature, and sarcastic twin is laughing out loud.

Until today, I had never heard of a Hooter Hider. Thanks to B, a childhood friend of mine, she introduced me this baby-necessity. For the record ~ again ~ I’m not pregnant. But I still want a Hooter Hider!!!

Reason #7 I’m Happy:

I know my Mother is reading this in horror. I bet she’s giving me the dreadful Mother Eye Roll.

It’s totally worth it!

Reason #6 I’m Happy:

Margaret Feinberg is totally awesome.

Earlier this week, she added my blog ~ 27 & Counting ~ to her blogroll. Celebrate!

I received another surprise from Margaret this afternoon……she’s invited me and a guest to a women’s conference in January where she’ll be speaking about her book, The Sacred Echo. I’m really excited to attend this event, and even more excited to share the experience with a friend. Thanks, Margaret!

If you’ve not read Margaret’s books, here are my favorites:

• Hungry For God
• The Organic God
• Scouting the Divine
• The Sacred Echo
• Twentysomething

Reason #5 I’m Happy:

I’m semi-employed as a substitute teacher.

There is peace, tranquility, and sanity in a flexible schedule.

Reason #4 I’m Happy:

I have three ~ yes 3! ~ ladies interested in starting a book club with me. This is monumental. This is pure awesome-ness. I’m still waiting for others to RSVP, but I’m already planning our first meeting and luncheon on September 17.

Reason #3 I’m Happy:

I know really talented people. Most of them claim me as their friend. I’m a lucky girl!

Visit “The Wood Shop” on Facebook ~ these front door monograms are made by Brandy Sutton

Visit Lindsey’s Etsy shop, Petit Cadeau Boutique (that’s French for Little Gift Shop), for these custom textiles…..you can also save 15-percent if you visit right now!!!

Visit Jan at The Diamond E for custom tile gifts.

Reason #2 I’m Happy:

I’m finally going to learn how to use Photoshop. Well, that’s my hope at least. I purchased a Groupon deal today for a five-hour Photoshop class in Arlington this fall. This class is limited to five people so the personalized attention is guaranteed. I think I could be the cover model for the book, Photoshop for Dummies. Obviously, I am the dummy!

Reason #1 I’m Happy:

I have a GIVEAWAY going on and YOU should enter RIGHT NOW!!!!!!

Seriously people, this is the Big Kahuna of Giveaways. Click HERE to visit the giveaway post and enter by simply posting a comment with your name and email address. It’s really easy. Pass the word along to your friends and foes ~ the more the merrier! Contest ends this Sunday at midnight.

Peace, Love, and Giveaways!

 

 

 

 

The Great Debate

Sweet or unsweet tea?

Sweet. (duh)

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke

Thin, hand-tossed, or deep-dish?

Hand-tossed

Ribeye or Filet?

Ribeye

 

I could keep this going forever, but I’d like to know your thoughts, suggestions, and preference on e-readers.

I don’t know much about them, except for the few things I’ve read online and a few brief conversations with friends who have (and love) them. I’m still nervous about this idea because I really love to sensitize with my books…..i.e. touch and feel the pages, write notes in the margins, insert my favorite bookmark, etc.

 

WHAT IS THE BEST E-READER?

 

Option #1: Kindle by Amazon

Option #2: Nook by Barnes & Nobles

Option #3: Sony Reader

 

Please leave a comment with your vote and explain WHY you prefer a particular brand and/or model…..or suggest another option. I’ve got my listening ears on!

 

I’m looking for an e-reader that will allow me to read whatever book I wish without a lot of bells and whistles. I’ve ruled out the Ipad because I don’t think I’m smart (or cool) enough to own one and, honestly, I don’t want to make a big purchase. With a simpler e-reader, I’ll be able to use our Internet service at home to download the books I want to read. Besides, I need my laptop computer for my blog and Adobe Creative Suite. I use InDesign for my church’s monthly newsletter and I’m desperately trying to learn PhotoShop for photo editing.

Note to self: splurge on that $80.00 Photoshop class via Groupon ~ consider it your birthday present!

After reading this, I’m really leaning towards the Nook Simple Touch.

Forget what I’m leaning towards……what do YOU suggest?

 

While you’re considering which e-reader is best, be sure to visit my Celebration Giveaway post and enter to win a myriad of great and awesome prizes.

 Love,

Me