Hello It's Been a while...

Hello internets!   It has been a long while since I blogged on here.  Well most of you who are close to me know that I have been working out in the mornings (religiously--I never miss a workout if I can help it-you can ask Big Daddy).

Anyhow, I haven't lost much weight but today I measured.  I lost 2.5 inches off my waistline, 3 inches of my upper arms, 4.5 inches off my hips, 2 inches off each thigh, and 4 inches off my bustline :0/  WOW!

My scale says I am down from 39.6% body fat to 37.1% body fat.  So, although the scale still shows a healthy weight (hehehe) I am much tighter all around.  I am loving buying clothes to wrap around this body.  I like not having over hangs and bulges (although one thigh is still chunkier than the other).

There is NO MAGIC!  I bust my tail every morning at 5am and I say no to food when I want it more than my next breath.  It is hard and takes real self control.  Now if I could just control my bad spending habits so that I don't go bankrupt.

:o)

Blue Ribbon Photo

This is the winner.  The judge liked expression, activity, exposure, depth of field, and composition (for some reason it still looks blue and dark on this version-it doesn't in real life). I LOVED the subject.  Blue Ribbon and Prize Gift Card.  Cool huh?  You can go and see all the other entries at the Park.  Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center--20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble, TX 77338-2003.

The judge did give special mention to my other entries but, the winners were truly deserving.  The entries were beautiful.  I don't think I will post my "losing" pictures though LOL!

Dragonfly

He really loved posing for pictures.  Yes, this is a mail and if you look very closely you will see the evidence. He was a good model.  He didn't complain or whine or ask for pay.  He just stood there looking around back and forth.  I swear the critter turned his head to look at me a couple of times when I got close but, then he didn't seem to be bothered by the mommarazzi (me).

The only thing that I would have liked better is a shot of a dragonfly on a plant not a windshield wiper. LOL!  He was really beautiful.Oh and did I mention he did two sessions because I lost all the initial shots because of the corrupt files on my memory card. grrrr....

National Day of Prayer

Learning Christ
Teach me, my Lord, to be sweet and gentle
In all the events of life-
  in disappointments,
  in the thoughtlessness of others,
  in the insincerity of those I trusted,
  in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied.

Let me put myself aside,
  to think of the happiness of others,
  to hide my little pains and heartaches,
  so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.

Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path.
Let me so use it that is may mellow me, not harden nor embitter me;
That it may make me patient, not irritable. That it make me broad in My forgiveness, not narrow, haughty and overbearing.

May no one be less good for having come within my influence. No one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble for having been a fellow-traveler in our journey Toward ETERNAL LIFE.

As I go my rounds from one distraction to another, let me whisper from time to time, a word of love to Thee.
May my life be lived in the super-natural, full of power for Good, and strong in its purpose of sanctity.

What's for Lunch?

What do you get when you are starving and in a hurry and abstaining from meat? I don't particularly like paying $$$ for simple food like this. This whole meal cost me $7 and it fed me at lunch and my family of five at dinner. (There was actually more in the pan; this is what my eyes thought I would eat.)

Pasta With Mushrooms- A Recipe
cooked pasta
fresh mushrooms (any kind)
olive oil
salt n peppa
fresh parsley
garlic or garlic powder
asiago, romano, or parmesan (shredded)*

Don't even ask for measurements. I don't have them.  Just keep in mind that mushrooms shrink.
1. Brown the shrooms in olive oil (1tbsp or so).
2. Season with salt, peppa, and garlic.
3. Combine cooked pasta (I used spaghetti rigate) and shrooms; toss with olive oil (light coating).
4. Top with chopped fresh parsley. Cheese optional*(as if cheese is ever optional).

A smoky shot...mmm.

(pay no attention to the colander + dishes in the sink)

Good Friday

I think I will follow this little guy's lead. I hope that the rest of the year will bring healing and comfort to the people I love.  I hope this year will renew them in light and pull them from darkness. I hope this year that fewer tears will flow.  I hope that people learn to refrain from judgment, violence, and hatred.  I hope people learn forgiveness as God has asked us--to love above all else.

In the Name of the Father, The Son, And The Holy Sprit ~ Amen.

I am in a Vintage Mood

As of late I have been all about vintage items.  Not RETRO.  I don't want new items that are made to LOOK like the real thing.  I want authentic used (or not) VINTAGE items.  For whatever the reason, I just really have been wanting to return to the days of my childhood home with heavy appliances made of metal and made HERE in the good ol' US of A!

What is worse is that I have been browsing the web looking at all of these old school items mainly kitchen items.  And I have been pining for those uber cute anthropolgie housewares and linens, aprons...you get it.  I will not spend that kind of money on reproductions but, they are definitely throw back and I love, love, LOVE it right now.

Since I can not have all of these things--not to mention I don't need them and won't use them--I decided to apply some retro look to my photos.  Here are a couple familiar ones.  Like them but not sure if I want to buy the software to do it or just do it myself in PSE.  Still chewin' on that.

Wordless Wednesday

Something I Shot Today

I have sweet little orchid who sits on my windowsill year round.  She is quiet and peaceful and she keeps me company while I do my dishes at the sink. Once week I wipe her leaves and give her water to drink. And from time to time when no one else is around I sing to her and dance for her.  She is always a true lady and never ever insults my abilities. And then out of the blue, she will appear with a great big thank you of blooms to warm my soul.

Here she is in her glory. I got such pleasure from her today and I hope you will enjoy her beauty as much as I do.

FYI, I shot all of these myself.  They are unedited besides being sized down for the blogger server. These are my pictures of my sweet plant. You are welcomed to use them, just give me credit if someone asks about it. I have many great shots but, these were the most interesting.  I especially like the last one with all the shadows.

It's Time

Most of you know that I have sensitive skin--very sensitive skin. Recently, I was informed of my allergies to eugenols and other chemicals in products for the purpose of preserving fragrances.  In short, I am allergic to everything with pretty fragrances.  That means shampoos, soap, lotions, detergent, cleaners, air fresheners and even CANDLES.  No kidding.


It has been a long week for me and I need a long bubbly soak in the bathtub lit with candles and calmed by sweet serene music. So, it is time for me to take the plunge and just risk the break out for the sake of avoiding a break down. :0D

The Bid 3

My Baby turned 3 in February and I am just now getting to post a little something for my sweet boy. Here is Milky on his 3rd Birthday.  He has grown so quickly and at an alarming speed.  He is an amazing creature.  There is no one that can match his brand of charisma; people can never pass him by with out taking a moment to talk.

Milky, you are a wonderful blessing upon us all.

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Thoughtful.

Patient.

GENUINE.

Stomach Fix Drink

We have had a couple of bouts of stomach viruses in the house this past week.  Here is the stomach fix drink I make for my kids. The presentation really perks them up.

Stomach Fix Drink

crushed ice

7Up

slice of lime

In a clear glass, fill with crushed ice. pour in clear soda of choice (I used 7Up because it was in the pantry). Garnish it with a slice of lime or any other desirable fruit. Just throw in an obligatory straw and they will try to sip it.

Remember not to let them guzzle it down--small sips. :o)

Perk: There is usually enough left over to make a little refresher for mom or dad too.

Friday Quote(s) (because I liked both today)

"Women are like teabags; you never know how strong they are until they're put in hot water."

— Eleanor Roosevelt

and

"Patience is the companion of Wisdom"

--St. Augustine

Empty Promises

The weather people promised SNOW:

 

NOT SNOW...

 

NOT SNOW...

NOT SNOW...

Actually, it was horrible terrible ICE. :o(

Now I will just be grateful that we got the day off to hang out with each other. 

♥ 

 

♥♥♥HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!♥♥♥

Happy St. Valentine's Day! I just love this holiday. Secular or religious, I love the idea of a holiday reminding us to appreciate our loved ones.  I absolutely adore my husband and my kids.  I love all my friends and my family.
So, I don't really care if people call this a hallmark holiday, I think it is what our world needs more of. More kissing, hugging, smiling, laughing, and togetherness. A show of loving appreciation is always welcomed here.
Can we talk about this ancient valentine card?  Victorian artwork is so confusing. Are they drowning the hearts or are they rescuing them? How in the world are these husky little cherubs supposed to fly with those tiny wings? And what about that basket backpack?--I guess that one will just walk. Why are there trees blooming and bright green grass blowing when Valentine's day is still in winter? Why are those rocks (next to the blue-diped cupie) floating like that? And why do I think this is such a cute little valentine card?
Hope you all have a loving day!♥