What's in a Blog?

 

This is a new MEME begun by Elaine over at Honey Pie Accesories.  I don't think I have been following her long, but I am always looking for ways to increase my follower base.  I want my followers to really know about me and why I started this blog, so I love her first question.

"What's In?" link up will be posted every Wednesday! There will be a weekly topic that you'll get to blog about and link your blog post back to this blog. It will be a chance to gain new followers each week, but in a new and exciting way, than just posting a link to your blog!

Here are the rules:

• 
  
  Be a follower of Honey Pie Accessories
• 
  
  Add your link the McLinky- posting back to your topic of the week
• 
  
  Follow as many blogs as you'd like
• 
  
  Follow back the blogs that follow you
• 
  
  Add the "What's In?" button (on the right side of the page) to your blog.
  
  
  So, here's our first "what's in?" topic! "What's In Your Blog?"Tell us all about your blog, help us to get to know you better, and to learn what you have to offer!
  
  
  I have not been blogging too long.  I guess I started earlier this year as a way to make me accountable in my daily devotional life.  Prayer is something with which I have always struggled, and I thought I'd try it out.  
  
  
  Well, I soon gave up, and just decided to let it go.  Somehow, I started following blogs.  I wish I could remember how it happened.  I probably got an e-mail from someone or some company which led me to a blog.  That blog led me to another blog.  And I discovered giveaways!  Yes!!  I started entering with a vengeance.
  
  
  The summer was upon me, and I was following well over a hundred blogs.  I started winning a couple things here and there.  It was even as a result of a blog that we bought a Nintendo Wii on amazon at a good price.  I remember thinking, "This is fun to follow blogs, but I don't ever want to write an ongoing blog myself. "  
  
  
  I finally decided that I wanted to make something of my blog.  I have always loved to write.  I wrote my first book when I was 12/13.  I know God has given me a talent for that.  And I now am accountable to someone for my daily devotional time.
  
  
  But this blog is not just prayers and Bible studies.  I share my personal stories and struggles.  And then I throw in a few reviews, giveaways, and who knows what else??  
  
  
  So here I am.  It is a rather eclectic blog, but at the end of the day, everything relates to my relationship with God.
  
  

30 Days of Insight Day 1

Here we are--day 1 of 30 days of insight with special thanks to Pretty in Orange.

Day 1--Guilty Pleasure

Well, this one is not as easy as it seems.  I don't really think of anything being a guilty pleasure.  I can't say there is anything I like that I shouldn't really like.  But if I take this a little differently as a pleasure in which I allow myself to indulge on occasion, it is dark chocolate!

Yes, I know that dark chocolate is good for you, but I seriously could eat dark chocolate and eat it and eat it probably till I was sick.  I just won some Newman's Organic dark chocolate, and it is fantastic!  I allow myself to indulge in this dark chocolate even if I am "dieting."  I just make sure I don't eat too much.  For me, the darker the chocolate, the better.

Okay, day 1 done!

30-Day Song Challenge Day 14

My first giveaway ends soon, and then I also made a blogging faux pas today.  I posted on the MEME too early because I misread when I was supposed to.  But you know, if that's the worst I ever do, I can't be too horrible.

On to today--Krystal's Kitsch is the originator of this challenge.

Day 14 – A song that no one would expect you to love


Well that is an interesting one.  I'm trying to think through all the songs I like and all the groups.  What is a song that people would be surprised that I like.  I don't want to pick a country song because I am already classed as one that likes all country music even though I don't.  I could pick a Broadway musical song, but again, that's a favorite genre.  It would have to be a pop or R &B song.  I keep coming back to a song I don't necessarily love, but I can say I like it.  I asked my students to bring in some songs of various popular groups, and I had only ever heard of Destiny's Child.  And this was the first song of theirs that I heard, and i really did like it.  I suppose it did make me think of my then husband who wasn't doing any work!!


So here it is.  Destiny's Child "Bills, Bills, Bills."

Tell Me Tuesday 8/31

Tell Me More Tuesday is a blog hop, intended for fun. I post 5 ?s, you grab the button, post, answer the ?s, grab the code (if you want to), link up, then hop around reading others answers. You may even find some new blogs to follow.


If you would like to submit questions for future Tell Me More Tuesday, you can email me at ozzykelley1 at yahoo dot com.

Here are this week's ?s:

1. Have you ever ate a bug, or anything else that isn't food?
2. Colors, do they make you think of anything? ex:Purple=Passion

3. Do you decorate for the holidays?

4. If you were one of the 7 dwarfs, which one would it be?    (I saw this one somewhere).

5.  Beef, Pork or Chicken?
1.  I have never eaten a bug knowingly, but when I think about all the bug parts and animal parts that are allowed in our foods, I am rather disgusted.

2.  Red=happy/warm

     Black=sad/apart from God

     Blue=cold

     Pink=girly

     White=purity

3.  We try to decorate for the holidays.  It depends on our time.  We definitely decorate for Christmas, usually fall, and sometimes Easter.  The others are hit and miss.

4.  Doc  

Why?  Because I tend to be the brainy one of the bunch who often wants to solve the problems quickly.  

5.  If I had to pick, I would pick chicken because it is healthier, but I prefer eating a variety of foods.

     

Random Dozen August 31

1. What insect are you most afraid of? Feel free to post a picture.

This is the insect--a lovely palmetto bug.  I lived in Florida for several years of my life, and this was the bug that always got me!  It is an over-sized, flying cockroach.  And they fly right at you!  I'm serious!  Okay, so they won't hurt you, but they are horrible.  When I moved to Texas and people complained about the size of cockroaches, I always found it so funny.  You haven't seen anything till you've lived in Florida.  And I know it's even worse in other countries.

2. What is the greenest/most organic thing about you or that you do?

We do our best to recycle and combine trips to town.  


3. Tell me about a recurring dream that haunts you.

Okay, it may sound strange, but it was very real.  About an year and a half ago, as my family and I were really praying for my friend, Martin's salvation, I had a horrible dream that I will never forget.  I dreamed that Satan was on his throne and said that he was never going to release Martin.  It was very graphic, and the forces of darkness truly are still holding on tight to Martin.  But we believe he'll be saved one day.


4. Have you ever missed a flight? What were the circumstances?

Yes, it was always when I flew into Chicago O'Hare airport.  That is my least favorite airport on earth.  It was always because of the weather.  I would miss a connecting flight due to snow, ice, or fog.  Never fun.


5. What do you consider your best feature?

I have had many people tell me that my lips are perfectly shaped.  I have been told by more than one person that I could be a lipstick model.  But I would say that it would be my hair.  I love my natural hair color--golden blonde--and I am generally pleased with how it looks.
6. What was the last concert you went to?

I went with Martin (my friend from England) to the Reba McEntire/George Strait concert at the Tacoma Dome in Washington state.  The only thing that disappointed us was that we missed the first act--LeeAnn Womack--due to horrible traffic.  And then we got bored with George Strait so we left a little early.  But Reba was absolutely dynamite!


7. Describe the most embarrassing church moment you ever experienced.

There was a Christmas program I was supposed to help direct, and I forgot and showed up late.  That was very unlike me, but it was one of those things.


8. Are you a whistler, hummer or singer?

While I can do all 3, I am a singer.  That is what my major was in college, and I still love to sing.  I do it very regularly.  I have my own private concert almost every time I drive anywhere.


9. George Washington Carver said, "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." What is God saying to you through nature today, or this very minute?

Well, it is raining at present.  I think He is reminding me that Fall is on its way!


10. On September, 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. What memorable event will take place in your life on September 1, 2010?

I go back to work!  I will be subbing tomorrow for the choir teacher I subbed for long-term last school year.


11. Taco Bell or the Liberty Bell? (You must choose.)

Taco Bell--you can't eat the Liberty Bell!


12. Do you believe men and women can have purely platonic friendships?

I believe it is quite possible and beneficial.  My best friend, Martin, and I began with a purely platonic friendship several years before I divorced.  I was still married, and I would never have left my then husband for him.  Even when things were not good between my then husband and me.  Since that time, our relationship has changed.  I think a man and woman must be careful because the Enemy can come in at any moment and tempt either party to change the relationship into what it is not to be.

A-Z Music Challenge Day 1--A

Well, here goes.  I was thinking about this as I was getting dressed this morning.  Paul Anka.  Here's a video of him singing "Diana" one of his biggest songs.



I don't recall having heard this song, but it was his big song.  I knew his name more than anything else.

30-Day Song Challenge Day 13

Krystal's Kitsch started it, and I shall finish it!

Day 13 – A song that is a guilty pleasure


Mmm.  This would be a song that I like that I might be ashamed for anyone to know I like.  I am struggling here.  There are several songs that I like that others don't like.  And most of the songs that I like that seem kind of strange for me to like are a result of teaching them to my music students.  And I know exactly the one to do.


NSYNC.  They were a group I heard about as I was growing up, but I didn't listen to that kind of music.  So they passed.  Then I grew up and taught music.  I discovered them, and I knew the students would like them since Justin Timberlake was so popular.  I was so glad to find that their big hit "Bye Bye Bye" was an exciting video.  And it is!  I never tire of watching it.  I actually paid to download the song.  I don't know what it is that I like about it, but I sure do!  Too bad Justin Timberlake went on to get a big head.  I liked him better here!

Teaser Tuesdays August 31

 Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB ofShould Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I think that a lot of you will like this.  I heard good feedback when I said i was currently reading Claude & Camille.  I am not too far into it, but here I go.

p. 227

"The cold came and the skies were cloudy again.  Winter settled in and he and Pissarro ran out of canvases."

Enjoy!

Musing Mondays

Should Be Reading  is hosting Musing Mondays this week, and her question is rather intriguing.

This week’s musing asks…

Do you review books? If so, for who?

If not, have you ever thought about doing so? Why, or why not?

Well, I have not had the chance to review any books for anyone else but myself.  I am rather new to book blogging--to blogging in general.  And my blog is more than a book blog.  I have only barely begun to think about reviewing items, and I'm not always sure how to get started.  Right now, I spend my time reading and then writing reviews for online sites.  I'm glad that I finally have a place to share my reviews and ideas.

In time, I will hopefully be able to review books.  We'll see what the future holds.  I would love the chance to be able to help shape the future of books and authors and the whole writer's market.

Monday Minute in Stilettos

Never done this one before.  Just happened to see it.  Glad to be joining in!

Who was your high school Sweet Heart? 
I didn't date in high school.  But if I could have, it would have been Kyle Haugen.  He was an absolute musical genius, and he graduated valedictorian.  He was kind of cute, but it was his piano talent that won my heart.  He's still in the area---unmarried.  Oh well, I'm not interested in him any more.

What is your favorite vegetable to eat?
Oh, goodness, I guess I would say sweet potato--if it is baked--or fried would be fine.  But I'm in the minority in my household.  I could seriously eat several per week.

Do you plan on dressing up for Halloween, if yes, what do you have in mind?
If I do, I will be a female pirate like my daughter.  We'll see.

Are you a reality show junkie? If so, what is your guilty pleasure?
Let's see.  I used to be into American Idol, but now I guess it's America's Got Talent.  My daughter lives for that show!!
 

and finally

What year did you graduate high school?
I graduated in 1992.  No, I don't feel old.  Not really. 


Make sure you go visit the Monday Minute Co-host Melissa
and our guest hostess Jessica

The tradition of the Monday Minute must carry on! This week our guest hostess is 

Jessica from Stilettos & A Fishing Pole

Meet Me On Monday 12th Edition

Blogging is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is this person!?"  I know them...but yet I don't know them!  I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to "meet" each other!

Every Sunday I will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!

"Its a great way to to meet new friends and for others to get to know me better....one Monday at a time!!!"....as quoted by the Chacogirl!!

I will make this SIMPLE and FUN!!!

I will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!!  Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!
Questions: 

1. What is your favorite kind of potato chip?
2. Do you make your bed everyday?
3. How often do you go to the hair salon?
4. What do you dip your French fries in?
5 Do you shop with coupons?1.  I love baked chips--especially baked cheetos.  But I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to chips.  

2.  I make my bed every day unless my cat happens to be in the middle of it and I don't have time before I have to leave for work.  I didn't used to make my bed every day, but now I like it because I decorate my bed with pillows and dolls.

3.  I try to avoid the hair salon. I don't like to spend the money nor take the time.  When I was younger and had long hair, I was lucky to go once a year.  Now I go about once every 3 months.

4.  When I order French Fries, I did them in nothing.  I don't mind having cheese fries, but as a general rule, salt and pepper is good for me.  I used to love dipping them in ketchup but I can't stand the stuff now.

5.  I do shop with coupons, but when I don't have time, I don't worry about it.  I feel great when I can though!!

Be sure to link your post to Never Growing Old.

God is In Charge of Everything

I had been meaning to write this post this weekend--it has been on my heart.  Thing were busy this weekend with our yard sale and much more.  So I write it today.

As I wrote back on Friday morning, I won a big prize.  And it really got me to thinking.  So many people would say I was lucky.  I won a flip camera, and over 3000 entries were received.  It was only chance that my number was chosen.  It is always exciting to win, but it's all decided by fate and chance.  Many people, even Christian people, would see it that way.

But as I got to thinking about it, is that really true?  When the numbers were put into random.org, did it just happen that my number came up.  Did I just happen to have the right comment number?  I don't think so.  In fact, I know this is not the case.

Think about it.  God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.  He is Yahweh--God of the past, present and future.  He knows everything that is going to happen before it does.  He alone is in charge--of EVERYTHING!  That means that when I entered the contest, He knew I would win.  When the numbers were put into the hat, He knew my number would be chosen.  He knew every contest I would win.

Now does that mean that I am absolved of any responsibility?  No, indeed.  God gives us a free will, doesn't He?  He doesn't make us do anything.  I could have made the decision not to enter the giveaway.  And then I wouldn't have won, would I?  And God would have known I wasn't going to enter, and He would have known that I would not win.

When I think about this, it boggles my mind.  I have an finite mind, and it is impossible for me to understand the infinite.  But as Christians, I think it would be a good idea for us to recognize and live our lives as if we believe that God is in control of everything.  Because HE is!!

30-Day Song Challenge Day 12

I just love this!  I am having so much fun.  Thanks again to Krystal's Kitsch!

Day 12 – A song from a band you hate


Oh, this is so very, very easy!  There are loads of groups I absolutely cannot stand, but there is one right now that I just can't stand.  I actually don't mind the group's second single, but I shall never be a fan.  The song is stupider than stupid, in my opinion.  And yet it went on to be a huge hit in the country realm.


The group is The Band Perry.  Now if any of you are fans, that's fine.  Their first single is "Hip to My Heart."  It played on the radio so much, and when I finally listened to the words, I realized it was even worse than I thought!





Now, to show you that they can be all right, here's their second single:  "If I Die Young."  Sad song, but not too bad.  I much prefer her voice in this.





I always think of Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables when I watch the video for that song.





Okay, enough for tonight.  Till tomorrow!

Getting to Know You (I love these)

A wonderful MEME hosted by Mannland5.  I always love doing these!

To play..copy the questions..answer them..then come back here and link up for a fun fun time.*

The Q's.

1. If you accidently knick a car in a parking lot..Do you leave a note or do you get the heck out of there?

2. Love your body or plastic surgery?
3. What about your favorite blog(s) continues to drive you back?
4. What percent of your blog is junk just to make your life seem more interesting than it really is?
5. If you had to give up one type of meat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
6. How often to you eat out?
7. Skinny jeans or boot cut jeans?
8. If you caught your spouse cheating would you forgive, divorce, or plan your kill?

-------------------------------------------------

1.  Trust me, if I did this, I would definitely not only leave a note but try to find the person.  I would go into the store and do my best to make it right.  I was hit at least once in a parking lot, and of course, the person just left.

2.  I would not do plastic surgery unless I was a burn victim.  I am happy with who I am.  I worked hard to lose weight, and I do my best to take care of myself.

3.  I love the blogs that are eclectic in nature.  Don't just share about giveaways, reviews, and what I should or shouldn't buy.  Add recipes.  Share your spiritual journey.  Share about your family.  And make it real.  I have a long ways to go with my blog--seriously--but I am working hard to make it real and reflect who I really am.

4.  Seriously, I do not lie on my blog.  I do my best to never lie.  Seriously.

5.  I would give up bear--I never tasted it!!

6.  We don't eat out like we used to.  We eat out about 1-2 times per week.

7.  I can't choose.  It depends on the situation.  Boot cut jeans probably unless I'm wearing a long shirt and wearing flats.

8.  I would forgive, but divorce would possibly imminent.  Counseling would be a must for both of us.  And if our marriage did recover, it would be a long process.

(By the way, I did change one of the words in a question because I try to make my blog one without any reference whatsoever to any kind of profanity.  No, it was not profanity, but it was too close to it for me to write it.  Hope I didn't offend anyone in doing that.)

Library Loot August 28

I don't remember if I did this last week.  But it looks like fun!  It is hosted by Let Them Read  Books.  Here are the rules:

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Marg and Claire that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post, visit one of their blogs and link to Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

I am constantly getting books from the library.  Mainly it is that I prefer not having to buy books.  And sometimes I find a book that I want to own.  That was the case this week.  Here is what I currently have checked out of the library--as far as books go.

I am currently reading this book, and so far, I like it.  I think I only read the first chapter.  I'll certainly review it when I'm done.

I finished this book this week.  I reviewed it which you can read here.  It was the first real romance novel I ever read, and I would highly recommend it.











This is a book I plan on owning.  I reviewed it this week here.  My daughter loves Star Wars, and she was quite willing to cook from this book.  And the pictures are fantastic.










I also plan on owning this book.  It is fantastic, and you can read the mini-review I wrote this week here.











On Hold:
                    
I am looking forward to reading this book.  It has been on hold a while, so it must be pretty popular.


























I won't go into all the books I am waiting on.  I have a few, and my list is very long of books to read.  But this will take care of this week.

My First Big Craft Giveaway

Well, if anyone knows me, they know that there was a period of time in my life when I collected craft kits--and I don't just mean a few.  I used to hit the after-Christmas sales and the thrift stores.  I bought so many kits that I had at least 5 tubs full.  Large Rubbermaid tubs!!

Yes, I did a lot of crafts over the years.  I loved cross stitch and embroidery.  And when these kits were so cheap, it was worth it. 

But life happened.  I was in an unhappy marriage.  I taught full-time.  My daughter came along.  And now I just don't have the time to these.  And my daughter will do some of them, but she is very active.  Crafts are fun, but she would rather play a video game or just run and jump.

So I decided it was time to get rid of some of these kits.  I've gotten rid of a lot over the years.  But I still have some.  You can see in the picture that I am giving away 7 kits.  They are probably about 5-10 years old, but they have not been opened.  Most of these kits are no longer made by their companies.  I know that many of you are very crafty, and you could use these. 

I will post a few more pictures so you can see them up close.

Interested?  Well, I hope many of you are.  I would much rather give these to my wonderful readers rather than try to sell them on ebay.  (I used to do that--I just don't have the time!)

Rules for entry are as follows:

1.  What kind of crafts do you like to do?  Or if you don't do any, what kind of craft would you like to learn?
2.  Follow me via Google Friend Connect.
3.  Add me as a friend on facebook.  (Leave facbook name.)
4.  Blog about and/or facebook this giveaway.  Leave me the link to where I can find it. (1 entry for each.)
5.  Grab my button and place it on your blog.  Leave a link so I can find it.
6.  Tell me how these kits would be used or who would use them.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry.  Also leave you e-mail address if it is not accessible in your profile.  Entries to the contest will close on  September 6 at 10:00 P.M. Pacific Standard Time.  If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

30 Days of Insight

I have had this saved in my drafts for a while, and I guess I'd better post it since September begins soon!!  This particular blog challenge was created by Pretty in Orange.  Or at  least, that's the best I could figure out.  There was a lot of discussion surrounding where it originated.  So I've posted the questions for the challenge. I can't believe I have to begin on Wednesday!  The day I go back to work.  I am a substitute teacher in 9 districts in case you wonder.

Day 01- Guilty pleasure.
Day 02- Something that inspires you.
Day 03- The five songs you would have with you on a desert island and why.
Day 04- What you imagine paradise to be like.
Day 05- A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life.
Day 06- Earliest thing you can remember.
Day 07- Favorite cover of your favorite song.
Day 08- Someone you think would make a good president.
Day 09- Five things you want to see change.
Day 10- A dream you had this past week described in detail.
Day 11- Favorite picture ever taken of yourself.
Day 12- Your favorite musical artist’s life story.
Day 13- A memory that never fails to make you laugh.
Day 14- Best mashup you’ve ever heard.
Day 15- A moment, phrase, or song that has changed your life the most.
Day 16- Something that you want to do within the next five years.
Day 17- What you want to be remembered for.
Day 18- A picture that makes you feel.
Day 19- A passage from a book that has touched you.
Day 20- A band that you immediately liked and the song that made you like them.
Day 21- Your favorite medium of art.
Day 22- Someone you would give your life up for without question.
Day 23- Most awkward first impression you feel you’ve ever given.
Day 24- Something you did as a child that other people remember you for.
Day 25- Something you would do if no one stopped you or if you knew you wouldn’t fail.
Day 26- Your definition of love.
Day 27- Your definition of the meaning of life.
Day 28- A moment you remember being completely happy in and a description of why you believe you were. What is your definition of happiness?
Day 29- What you live for.
Day 30- Ways you believe you have grown over the past thirty days.

To My Wonderful Readers

Well, church was good this morning.  A couple things happened.  First of all, God is at least allowing me to have a music ministry in the church again.  It's been years since I really have, but I will be leading music for the early church service (which is the one my family and I attend).  It is a chance for me to be involved in music ministry again and use my gift for His service.  And it confirms that at least for now, I am where I am supposed to be.

And then as the sermon went on, God brought all of my wonderful followers to mind.  (I had 58 then, but it has since increased to 60).  The guest speaker spoke of young people connecting differently than they used to in regards to spiritual things.  Many don't even connect with local churches any more.  I had been praying about leading a Sunday School class or women's Bible study.  I hadn't received any definitive answers until this morning.

You, dear readers, have become my "flock."  What I mean by that is that God has given me each one of you, and I now have a responsibility to pray for you and to share with you what He would have me say.  In fact, I want each of you to know that I plan on praying through my follower list on a regular basis.  If you have any prayer requests you want shared, feel free to contact me.  While I do not hold myself up to be the best Christian there ever was, I have learned how to pray over the years.  And God is still teaching me.

Dear reader, I want you to know that I value each of you.  This blog is for me to remain accountable in my spiritual life, and it is to share with you various things about me and my spiritual journey.  Yes, I share books, product reviews, giveaways, and simple fun stuff, but more than anything else, this blog is for you.  While there may be times as the school year approaches--I go back to work next Wednesday--that I get too busy to post in-depth posts, I am completely committed to continuing this blog.  Your comments and support is appreciated more than you know.  People are actually entering my giveaways!  I checked today, and I was so astounded to realize that people are actually taking my recommendations!!  Me!!  The silver crayon in the crayon box is about to shine!  (See this post for explanation.)

I do have a lot of giveaways coming up.  I have several craft kits, dolls, and some other random items to list. So keep watching.  I should get some posted this week.

Happy Sunday, my fellow readers!!

30-Day Song Challenge Day 11

All right, I am posting a little bit later tonight.  I've gotten behind--still trying to catch up.  But I'm  committed!
My regard to Krystal's Kitsch.

Day 11 – A song from your favorite band


Well, my current favorite is Little Big Town.  I love Gloriana, but this is kind of my current favorite song.  It makes  me think about Martin every time.  It is a catchy song, and according to the group, this song has been the basis for a lot of weddings this summer.


So, "Little White Church" by Little Big Town.

Another Book MEME, and this is for Saturday.  It is hosted by There's a Book.

This Weeks Question: Who is your favorite female character, in a book or on a TV show/movie? Why?

Well, let's see.  This is such a hard one.  Who is my favorite female character?  I would have to say that it is a tie between two Biblical characters--Esther and Ruth.  They are both characters in the Old Testament, and the only books in the Bible named after women. 


I love Esther because she was the basic hard luck story.  She was an orphan, and she went on to become Queen of Persia.  She then risked her life to save her people.  If you don't know the story, read it here.


As for Ruth, well, I was named after her.  That is why I tend to identify with her so much.  She married a foreigner, and then she became a widow.  She followed her mother-in-law to a strange country, and then she married a very kind man.  Again, if you need to, read the story here.

Blog Redesign

You are going to notice some wonderful changes to my blog.  I won a blog package from Courtney at Crunch Beach Mama.  And I have just implemented the first portion of this blog redesign.  Kim over at Crafty Mom threw in the header for something extra.  And I am very grateful!  I may truly be able to make something of this.

When I began blogging, I would look at these beautifully designed blogs and think, "The only reason I want to follow blogs is to enter giveaways and get deals."  No longer.  I love following blogs, reading about people's lives, writing about my life, and interacting with other people.  People I would never have met if I hadn't started this experiment.

So if you get a chance, stop by Kim's site.  (I know where I'm headed!!)

Blessings!

Weekend Cooking

This is a first for me.  I did write a cookbook review this week--short though it was.  So I am eligible to participate in this blog hop.  Here's go.

Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page. For more information, see the welcome post.

Here's mine

Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would probably give this book 4.5 stars, but there's no place to do that.  This was a refreshingly wonderful read!  It was the first time I ever really read a romance novel.  It was certainly a good choice.

I was instantly drawn to the story since it took place in the 1800's in England.  I love historical novels, so this fit right in.

I fell in love with the main male character--Simon Hunt.  He was a charming man--rugged, yet gentle.  Annabelle, the object of affection, was has-been aristocrat.  The majority of the novel deals with her hunt for a titled, wealthy man.  She decides that she needs to marry a titled man and not marry for love.  She keeps the company of three other women who are "wallflowers."  No aristocrat wants to marry them.

As the novel goes along, Annabelle struggles to keep her resolve as Simon pursues her.  I won't give away the storyline, but it takes a predictable turn three quarters of the way through the book.

Towards the end of the book, Lisa Kleypas inserts an incident that takes the reader by surprise.  And finally, Annabelle and Simon come face to face with their true feelings.  The final scene between them is certainly worth the read.

Since the story is the first in a series, she inserts an epilogue that sets things in motion for the next books in the series.  I think she accomplishes her purpose of giving a teaser for future books.

I was very pleased with Lisa Kleypas's writing style.  She was very descriptive in the way she told the story.  It was a predictable romance novel, I but I felt that she held my interest quite well.

One side note--yes, it had a few bedroom scenes, but how refreshing it was that they only occurred after the two got married.  (Yes, I guess that is a spoiler.)  It may offend some readers, but I felt that it was handled in a delicate manner, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them.  I was not embarrassed in the least.  And thankfully, the language used in the book was not what I would call true profanity.  That was nice, too!!  I would recommend this romance novel to women in their 20's and beyond.


View all my reviews

Little Miss Can't Be Wrong (Saturday 9)

This MEME is hosted by Saturday 9.  You never know what will be asked next, and it usually loads of fun.

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: Little Miss Can't Be Wrong

1. Who was the last person you dealt with that felt that they could never be wrong?
I deal with him quite often--my best friend in England, Martin.  Okay, so he will finally admit when he is wrong, but he is rather arrogant and egotistical at times.  Even chauvinist.  I still love him with all my heart, but his favorite saying  is,  "I'm not always right, but I'm never wrong."  And he does tend to believe that his way is best.  He doesn't like for me to do things  my way.  But I do it anyway!

2. Tell us about one person who is the most like you.
I guess it would be my daughter, Martha.  She is only 7, but she already exhibits some of my worst faults.  While she is a drama queen that I never was, she is way too hard on herself.  And people often comment that they know she is my daughter since she looks so much like me.  She was even born on my birthday!

3. What is something you really want right now?
Okay, I'll be blunt but not too blunt.  I really would like to be married to Martin right now so I could claim all my marital rights!  Just being honest.  I'm rather hormonal tonight!


4. What are you doing this weekend?We are doing a yard sale at my sister-in-law's house.  We had one here last weekend.  We're trying to sell off the rest of our stuff.

5. Are you in a good mood? If yes, Why?
No.  My dad is really being himself, and it is getting to my mom and me.  My dad is mentally ill and has  all sorts of health issues that make him rather difficult to live with.
6. Do you have an ex that you are pretty sure thinks about you a lot?
Nope.  My ex dismisses me from his mind.  He won't admit that we had a daughter.  And in his mind, we aren't divorced.  He only thinks about me when it's convenient which is no too often.
7. What's one thing you wish you could do but can't?
See answer 3.
Also, I wish I could do better in sports, but I am definitely sports-challenged.

8. What's one trait you hate in a person?
Hypocrisy!!  It's the worst!!
9. What's one thing you like to do alone?
Blog hop and internet surf.
Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!