1 day .... and I'm off to CO!

Yep, I'm traveling again. This is a girls weekend! very different .... so, I am anticipating great photos and storys to share with all of you upon my return!!

Enablers Unite .... EU

I just had this thought ..... I know you all and some of you are more better at enabling than others ... so maybe we need a support group. To share our wares, view eye candy, tricks of our trade .... EU ...... whose in???????

Sign on the dotted line: __________________________

I'll come up with a location, time, date etc.!!! I know you all are shopping and not sharing your stuff with the world!

realization ... some O' my favorites!

okay ... I got to thinking whilst on vacation! what are some O' my favorites? while traveling ... I love being served ... anything ~ cup of coffee, glass of water even, bread! Then, I decided to really narrow my list down ... and being real ~ here's my small list:
1. washing my hair .... using those little samples of shampoo! 2. a good ... I mean really good shower 3. iced coffee 4. reading magazines (these can be ancient issues or the current one!)

So .............. what are some of your favorites as you travel? please respond ... I'm beginning to think I'm blogging to myself. Even if I am, I am having fun!!

flowering beauty! at the Bel Air

This was outside our room! wow
This was inside the outside dining area!
incredibly beautiful
I love such colors!! and these are only a sample of the flowering beauty inside and all around the Bel Air Hotel.

Scaredy CAT!! Miss Priss

Meet Miss Priss! Grandie technically "owns" the dog. But she is loved and cared for all three of the Rays! Mimi is her primary care taker ~ doctor, feeding, conversing with etc. and Papa is the rough-houser! and Alpha dogs run together you know. With Papa being away, Doug decided to reminisce with Miss Priss and give her a run for her money! I entitled her Scaredy CAT ... why? b/c she is scared of most things ~ cats, thunderstorms, my camera even! She's not a small dog and often she thinks she is a lap dog ~ NOT!! Here is her hiding from me!
and sequentially her hiding from me some more. Does she think she can outwit moi? NOT!! So, there ya go .... from the bottom of the totem pole ..... Miss Priss.

Home Again Home Again ... jiggedy jigg!!

I am home!! YEA. Don't get me wrong .... I love, absolutely love to travel and especially with Doug! and to have a dream come true .... staying at a hotel that I had driven by and ooggled over in 1994!! what a blessing ... and it totally exceeded ~ truly exceeded all expectations and the pictures didn't do it justice. I fell in love with all the blooms, breath-taking! water fountains at every corner. Incredible. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the award winning chefs! The presentation, quality and taste .... I had to taste it all! even the lavendar ice cream. So many firsts! And now it's MONDAY ... the TO - DO's ~ and most got done! the list is long, and priorities must be made .... for I pack my bags and head to Colorado Springs with BB for a Beth Moore conference. I did tell you all that 2008 was my year to investigate and T R A V E L. And BTW, I have pictures!!

A Gentlemen & A Soldier .. this is impressive

sitting in the LAX airport (due to flight delay ... oh YEA!) I happen to witness a gentleman and a soldier ... encompassed within the same body. THIS TOTALLY IMPRESSED ME!!! As fast as I could, I unzipped my briefcase ~ grabbed my camera ~ turned it on ~ focused ~ grabbed a shot. This young man assisted an elderly traveler from her wheelchair. My heart swelled. Dear World .. it's in the small things that make our lives important. (And I got to be an observer!!) I thanked him for being a MAN and also a soldier!! Today is a great day!!

howdy from TX!!

well, we made it! Doug and I are at Mimi's house. Grandie (my gmom) is here too. Dad is away in Northern CA with Darrin and his family. BUT .... it's warm here! it's 84 degrees. It feels great! Just wanted to up date. Talk to you all soon.

ta ta ~ m

Rodeo Drive

did the Rodeo Drive with the corporate wives. Such fun! Rodeo drive is an icon. The shopping, the people, the stores, the scenery .... tons of eye candy!! sights to see .... had my make up done ~ we decided to do the "Pretty Woman" thing (you know we all are pretty women and daughters of the King!) at the Willshire Hotel and I sipped (ever so elegantly) a cosmopolitian. Then we walked some more ... incredible. Did I mention the gorgeously natural beauty in all the blossoming flowers? breath-taking. Had to do the cellphone thingy ... those of you got calls, should feel honored!! (gggggggg) Anywho, I can't post from my laptop photos but upon my return ... I will have a ton!! tomorrow onto Big D ~ Dallas to visit my family!!

greetings from LA ... as in CA

okay, this is too cool. And it may sound like I'm bragging .. not intended, but it's gorgeous here. So much in bloom!! of course my fav!! and flying in I saw the pacific .. as in ocean!! you all I've been land-locked (by choice of course!) since 1994. That is a looooooooong time .. yet God is good and gives me glances and chances to be near the big deep blues!! All this to say ..... HELLO from LA. I'll be back soon and have I got lots and lots of photos to share!!

ta ta~~~ m

Inspirational and admiration words!!

Over the years I have admired Audrey Hepburn ... her style, her class, her philanthropy ... every time I read these words ~~~ I am inspired.
As the story goes ... this was read at her funeral. Earlier on, she was asked about her beauty regime and this is what she had to say.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

dear friends, it's beautiful women appreciation month .....your are cherished!! and appreciated!! pass it along.

Magnificent & Marvelous MONDAYS!!

Oh Monday ... oh monday. I've decided to do a thankful Monday. Little things to the big things. My "to-do's" seem rather long on Mondays, so my diversion tactic is to divided and conquer! (General Patton would be proud!) ... never ever back track (due to gas prices!) and breathe deeply ~ do that with me ~ ready ? 1 2 3 b r e a t h e ... hold it .... exhale quietly. (BTW, I do this with my 3rd and 5th graders!) It just feels good. Please let me know what you are thankful for on this MAGNIFICENT & MARVELOUS MONDAY.



Here's my list: 1. discovered a new high fiber bagel (yummy for my tummy!) 2. youngest son ... decided to have a normal conversation with me and he did assist in diagonising my problem with my cellphone 3. we had flurries ~ as in snow! 4. I'm traveling with my DH and I get to play!



ta ta ~~ m

Give BIG!!!

I know that the finale of the Big Give was tonight .... and the winner was Steven. I'd like to challenge you all to be winners DAILY. You're right, we can't be given 1,000's or 10,000's of dollars but we can give big ... in small ways in our own worlds! So, I say begin .... tomorrow ~ Monday .... on your way to work, inside your homes, at school, on the highways and byways, .... just everywhere! Challenge yourself to give. A smile, courtesies beyond what you consider "normal" ... try it and let me know what's going on in your world. Truly it is what Emerson had in mind when he penned "Scatter joy." I am serious .... I'd like to hear about your BIG GIVES. Wouldn't it be a jolt to anonymously pay the toll fee for the person behind you? Or to buy that single mom with kiddos their lunches? Oh, the possibilities are endless.

ta ta ~ m

Scaler, explorers & protective gear! THE DENTIST

Alrighty now ... have you ever sat and listened to all the terminology at the dentist? It's scary ... and of course, you don't comment b/c you have 3 tools and 2 pairs of hands inside your mouth! (my mouth is physically small - no jokes please!) Then, the noises .... it's enough to make this strong woman faint ~ the clu-clunchs, buzzing, crackling etc. you know what I mean. Then comes the colorful ~ pink/purple/and now lime green (which happen to be some O' my favs!) ... GOOPEY GOP stuff! They say "bite down, especially on the back teeth" ... you nod b/c your mouth is full of GOOPEY GOP. Then it happens E V E R Y single time ~ the drool. Now, most women will not admit this ~ however, I hold no truth back ~ YOU CANNOT DO THIS LADYLIKE. Even when you try to dab it off .... it comes profusely more! All of this to say, I have been to the dentist 2X in the last 2 weeks .... and I ain't done yet!!! I know they enjoy when I come to visit .... I try to make them laugh at the most in-opportune times .... wait, that could be hazardous to my health. Anywho, the great Dr. Malan and his great cute staff are located in Eagle, Idaho ... 6085 N. Eagle Road (across the street from the Target). Tell them I sent you, they know me very well there!!!!

fantasyland .... and beyond!!

It's true ..... I am dysFUNctional and frustrated! Between busyness, viruses (that I have no control over), and many frustrations ~ they engulf me. I wish I had oceanfront property .... cause there I'd be. And, if you wanted to come visit you'd never need an invite! just come on over! And, believe it or NOT! it's only Tuesday. I must be gettin' older .... hhhmmm, to solve my issues: 1. run away (oh where oh where) 2. scream & yell (nobody listens anyway) 3. begin drinking heavily (I gave up soda in March) ... not sure what to do but I'll come with something. In the meantime, have a great day ... and I sure hope my days go better! because one cannot (is allowed to) have 2 bad days in a row ~ it's a rule written somewhere.

ta ta .... m

Happy Bday ~ DH!!

John & Wayne's in Caldwell is a hoot! Cowboy (or cowgirl) UP! Located right on Main Street.
It's your birthday.... it's your birthday. Happy 47!! What a smile. What a huge piece of meat! Oh, the meal did come with cabbage soup, salad, and cowboy beans of course ... plus a baked potatoe. We had fun .... just another local fieldtrip O' mine.

Happy Birthday my beloved MOSV!! darlin' hubby.

My new MOTTO

this was one of the sayings at the shop. I love this!!!! BTW, how does my glue stick look? I wonder what I could do with this saying? any ideas? please share!! and I'll provide the glue sticks!

Idaho Falls, ID

This is a magnificent scrapbooking boutique! I highly recommend that you visit and stop by. Kim is the new owner and she is a delight. She offers cropclubs, EXPOS and kits. Absolutely FUN!!
This is Le Ann. She works at Express the Moment. I cropped all day on Friday and we got to chat! Just a delightful person. I can't wait to go back. Maybe the ladies that live there and I can hook up soon! Of course, I visited Roberts and Porters and my checkbook reflects such visits!! I got some goodies. And I can't wait to play with all my stuff.

All in a day's drive ...

hey girlie girls .. I've taken a road trip with darlin' hubby. He had to work .... but, WHAT a girl (such as me!) can do with a map, my purse and a sense to explore. Okay, we didn't leave the gem state of Idaho ~ but we drove waaaaay to the other side. It's rather colder here than in Boise! But I've had fun with my camera, AND met some great owners of scrapbooking stores. (I'll post pics laters) ... and just enjoying being "away" for a bit. So, I just wanted to say hi to you all ... and have a great weekend. I saw this quote and it so spoke to me "Enjoy what you have ... while you are working towards what you want!" Let that soak into your heart. see ya soon.

Conversation with God

Good Mornin' God! Thank you for this day. Thank you for your unique beloved Son, Jesus. God, I just wanted to remind you (not that you ever forget) but tis' be technically Spring time. I woke up this mornin' to hard falling S N O W. Wow, was it gorgeous. But then I thought, where'd I put my boots, my jacket, my gloves??? And how You made me giggle. And I guess it's a way for me to begin conversations with the "world".
Example,
ME: "so what do you think of this weather?"
other person: "kinda weird and it's cold".
ME: "I guess God wanted to make us all laugh today and remember He's in charge of EVERYTHING." said joyfully and smiling
other person: "what do you mean laugh and in charge?"
psssssst ~~~~> what an open door.
Have a great day. Look and see God all around you today.

I AM Becoming ..... my mother

okay, this is a good thing! what about you? Are there things you do that you thought you'd never ever do? Let me list a few categories for you: ~ speech ~ cooking ~ cleaning ~ driving ~ emotions ... any of these ring any bells? I found this darlin' little book entitled "I'm becoming my mother" by Anne Taintor. It's too cute. Look for future posts from this book from me!! I hope this thing is working!!

Princess!!

okay, maybe I am reliving my childhood. Princessess ~ little girls have these parties all the time. I vote that us older women have these princesses parties!! with tiara included! you know Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty ... it all turned out "okay." I want it all to turn out "okay"! Don't you? If you were a Princess (oh, and BTW we are princesses!!) what would you do? What would you eat? It truly goes along with ... "Hand over the chocolate and NO ONE will get hurt!" and the ever famous "I have flying monkeys, and I am not afraid to use them!" Help! Lets play princess and everyone wins. Speaking of WIN ... who won the final?? I can't believe I haven't been able to turn the TV on tonight. have a great one you all.

xoxox m

Pray for Angie and Todd

~ Todd is in the Christian group SELAH. Excellent music. Angie is his beloved wife. They are going through the most difficult time of their lives. If you want to read about it ~~ the blog is: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/04/audrey-caroline-is-here.html

Audrey was born today. No parent should have to do this. Read, and pray won't you??? If you wanna talk about God, or have questions about who God is .... you know where to find me.

~ m

Miss Besty!

cards... I made some cards with Miss Betsy. Oh we had fun. Now, if I can find my pen and address book ~ I'll write and mail them out. If you happen to receive one ..... act surprised!!! love to you all.

The Prayer Warriors Prayer

"Thank you , Jesus, that I stand forgiven and cherished, firm and secure in the peace I have with you .Thank you that the belt of your truth holds me together. That the body armor of your perfect righteousness covers and protects me. Thank you that the filter that protects my mind is the truth of my salvation, of who I am in you. I pray your Word would come against every scheme of the enemy in my life and in those of my loved ones today, Jesus. And I thank you for the powerful shield of faith. I pray you would help me to stay under it. Strengthen my arms to lift it up. Put your angels around me, Lord. Help me to pray in the Spirit today, and lead other to pray for me."
by Linda Nichols

It takes awhile for this to sink in but sent to God ... whole-heartedly, knowing that God is God and I am not. Living with passion and purpose!

Happy Sunday!

S I S T E R S = CLGW!!

Sissy, Miss Pat, Becky B, BB and me. Sisters of another mother ... Sisters by His Blood!!

Fieldtrips .... we all should have them!

I love fieldtrips .....
local trips to local places ~ to shop, to learn, and to get to know my local area.
I have a list .... a continuous list. Is there a place I should add? Let me know! Better yet, let's go together. Today ... another "dream" O' mine came true ..... and I'm not sure I knew what I was dreamin' about!! What's that ~ we must evaluate, then re-evaluate ... and then evaluate what you just re-evaluated. Where O' where am I to be? Life ... what's it all about!!!