tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68171124483691405112024-03-18T20:35:53.209-07:00The View From My Front PorchThe view from my front porch is BEAUTIFUL.
-It's Arkansas.
-It's Johnson County.
-It's Minnow Creek.
-It's a place to rest and be renewed.
But not only that. The "view" is my opinion; the way I see things. So when you grow tired of Facebook stalking others, check out my "view". It won't take up near as much of your time, it will sometimes prove to be entertaining and every now and then... it will be enlightening.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-43337130443159031592013-07-24T05:16:00.001-07:002013-07-24T07:56:58.436-07:00A Truck Load Of Sunshine<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes God brings someone into your life and, while you
don’t know the reason, you know that your meeting was not just by chance or
luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been fortunate enough for
this to happen to me several times and this last one has been like a much
needed breath of fresh air.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">While out photographing God’s beauty Ricky once again found
himself hearing me yell, STOP!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out in a
field to our left sat a freshly painted 1948 Chevrolet Pick-up with what appeared
to be sunflowers growing out of the back of it.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjynUCDVaJZ_LBhzjvO9vhW6CzNDdajoAptito1Fnx5IdHQ6apR1rsZI47-XHkWBOR4fBQYOs4I612Urwp-hZL9bGR1rypjsNg4bP_fyZ8jio97OlIkG7MQn-b7OVmo0-p1j8QdRMLzzGr/s1600/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjynUCDVaJZ_LBhzjvO9vhW6CzNDdajoAptito1Fnx5IdHQ6apR1rsZI47-XHkWBOR4fBQYOs4I612Urwp-hZL9bGR1rypjsNg4bP_fyZ8jio97OlIkG7MQn-b7OVmo0-p1j8QdRMLzzGr/s640/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-7.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We traveled to the end of the lane and I knocked on the door hoping to be
granted permission to photograph our find but no one was home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I returned the next morning and finally met the creator of
what is, by far, the most spectacular private garden I’ve ever wandered
through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69WaWj22KvIn5VFbSLhlWeYEhn9iOlJ0dL1yb-ZUMOw7IeLdua5_jYJ_Qhe9oGj94InQ5aHOheL-ftJTefrtbAaoze4fVcwT2mQe4h7slq_ePAMbORLx4qb2nI0ydQlDZhbyJZOmeIZfJ/s1600/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69WaWj22KvIn5VFbSLhlWeYEhn9iOlJ0dL1yb-ZUMOw7IeLdua5_jYJ_Qhe9oGj94InQ5aHOheL-ftJTefrtbAaoze4fVcwT2mQe4h7slq_ePAMbORLx4qb2nI0ydQlDZhbyJZOmeIZfJ/s640/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6V44v2o431kw99nS8sEUdkAkA1QJn3R3Txuz3Pj8bHi_9VSVslTivb9qzorQqfc2cZW9ZocqC3gvjtc3yaxlozfmoiR-xl-dklaGa95Is2D3zKavXBmrsvM4zHyf1sFVgXj2MkwZ3EKH/s1600/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6V44v2o431kw99nS8sEUdkAkA1QJn3R3Txuz3Pj8bHi_9VSVslTivb9qzorQqfc2cZW9ZocqC3gvjtc3yaxlozfmoiR-xl-dklaGa95Is2D3zKavXBmrsvM4zHyf1sFVgXj2MkwZ3EKH/s640/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The turquoise ’48 was just the
gateway to a perfect blending of vintage and bouquet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsxeIRhNo5LPbyuDl3KvlvMzhs-8zkmePjSUyKkzXEXEOVChrx1nV2opgTgg06zyPm9vrP7pna10PJpk68bCLFnuc_NhQvT1ukmXTflVNCVVAcO6RFtiQNjCiYdDEk1b2__l8xFjHlfdG/s1600/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsxeIRhNo5LPbyuDl3KvlvMzhs-8zkmePjSUyKkzXEXEOVChrx1nV2opgTgg06zyPm9vrP7pna10PJpk68bCLFnuc_NhQvT1ukmXTflVNCVVAcO6RFtiQNjCiYdDEk1b2__l8xFjHlfdG/s640/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-22.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I rambled around I was lost in the beauty
and uniqueness of this wonderland.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_Z7LNkb5oy1GyclFUqTqveAWK3WUaOOY0KucKNK3BpcRmLDVs3qw4I_ltvP2lFqYVnoq4c9R9BGN2VTOObrQNvSkMu5XtFPdcSCr_iXrTVYro9Mi3jcqevBTRZv9CD-TGQatcejCY_bb/s1600/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_Z7LNkb5oy1GyclFUqTqveAWK3WUaOOY0KucKNK3BpcRmLDVs3qw4I_ltvP2lFqYVnoq4c9R9BGN2VTOObrQNvSkMu5XtFPdcSCr_iXrTVYro9Mi3jcqevBTRZv9CD-TGQatcejCY_bb/s640/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-16.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOqir4UmHw7xiOufQZ4MdcaixKMwDvT-JuKXLEgB_qH4NPnq2-PyEJ0UP8y4lmBeW_4jakwekbfAkeQTwZHEDGRAxBmlc9R6GQpKfa_nivQMdbgyGedAvcD8SqunMZODPcPwklFDXIfTb/s1600/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOqir4UmHw7xiOufQZ4MdcaixKMwDvT-JuKXLEgB_qH4NPnq2-PyEJ0UP8y4lmBeW_4jakwekbfAkeQTwZHEDGRAxBmlc9R6GQpKfa_nivQMdbgyGedAvcD8SqunMZODPcPwklFDXIfTb/s640/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-15.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And the soothing sound of music coming from
the little potting shed was just icing on the cake.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGirQOiNFXfgRrdo0s1Eil6PCFoiCvlaSXt9c9WS6j-S3fy_DOMuP3jkcWmtpcplJNT5H_2w-bE5lwqNlsYrNNtHZPGNcBoGSvhQq9TzZG4WdSuOs92HWYwcAGXKds9TCqFy5tImKSi57u/s1600/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGirQOiNFXfgRrdo0s1Eil6PCFoiCvlaSXt9c9WS6j-S3fy_DOMuP3jkcWmtpcplJNT5H_2w-bE5lwqNlsYrNNtHZPGNcBoGSvhQq9TzZG4WdSuOs92HWYwcAGXKds9TCqFy5tImKSi57u/s640/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just a few minutes into our conversation and we found
ourselves sharing about our common interests and it was easy to see that her
greatest passion is for our Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
not the image that our media portrays… that of a radical, Bible thumping, cram
it down your throat, “Follow Jesus or go to Hell” personality, but one that songs
are written about… a sweet, sweet spirit that fills the place and leaves you wanting
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HBMXMP7-pI0ArnALUPPOv1v1Hgk6_TVbMjoN6gCflMSHSsDCyx-aBHHH9oeAmLR7XBs_tQYPsWzPphk6RoMa4SxF71NgvROlazUH8jpS5RIPwin9TmRD7-Htp_nxmGLz7OcxCAwoiVAr/s1600/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HBMXMP7-pI0ArnALUPPOv1v1Hgk6_TVbMjoN6gCflMSHSsDCyx-aBHHH9oeAmLR7XBs_tQYPsWzPphk6RoMa4SxF71NgvROlazUH8jpS5RIPwin9TmRD7-Htp_nxmGLz7OcxCAwoiVAr/s640/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-8.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I share this, not to embarrass her, but to tell you that the
whole experience left me in deep thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without even knowing it, our purely unsolicited meeting was at a time in
my life when I was feeling beaten down by negativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to be reminded that God’s love is
like a drink of cool water on a hot day… refreshing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNMWR1IxWCRJhNQIGcgNFklsM0jb73eUJAkHlp3kL5lsl37ybSG1TB0Gj8UVBsvwU4ZQTImyf67JTY7KoKA9cTWQDlQTMeMjIrLXoADxO6m_wqWL_WA59uEN8c44GOX8iLr9y9XCnx8vm/s1600/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNMWR1IxWCRJhNQIGcgNFklsM0jb73eUJAkHlp3kL5lsl37ybSG1TB0Gj8UVBsvwU4ZQTImyf67JTY7KoKA9cTWQDlQTMeMjIrLXoADxO6m_wqWL_WA59uEN8c44GOX8iLr9y9XCnx8vm/s640/Bird+Eggs+%2526+Truck+Beds-18.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So the real question for me is this… How has a chance encounter
with me left others feeling? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a
scary thought packed full of the realization that I am the only Jesus some will
ever see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must work on this and, just
like any gardener, I’ve got a LOT of weeding to do.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-9864854318518207012012-11-22T20:53:00.000-08:002012-11-22T21:11:32.820-08:00# 42<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">A few months ago Ricky and I met up with some friends and
spent the night watching the best meteor shower I’ve ever experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a retired blueberry farm located in the Ozark
Mountains, far away from city lights we circled our lawn chairs and positioned
our cameras for the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were so
many meteors falling from every direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The six of us sat, each looking toward the sky saying “There’s one.”, “Did
you see that one?”, “There’s another one.” etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To satisfy our curiosity, but mainly just for the fun of it, we decided
to count the number of meteors we saw in one hour starting at 11:00 p.m. As
streaks fell across the sky, one by one we heard “1… 2… 3… 4...” like a song from
a great symphony, usually from a solo voice but sometimes in two or three part
harmony. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were averaging one a
minute and the whole experience was quite amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the highlight of the night was #42.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When this light fell it was seen by all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember which was louder, the one
word drawn out as we southerners do so well – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“WOW!!!!“</b> or six voices shouting at once <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“42!!”</b> It was a night I will never forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since that night there have been other
opportunities for night gazing and, while we have seen other falling stars,
there has yet to be another # 42.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0tH21daWjfwOTmY6sYX2OGC0myN2t5bEZIRt-IYcx32B1zzvl4ISH2U99CkHpyc_9zd_KVcjAAxUp5H0FzdjbsgoFmaVsNpoBKTg5D9pCwCmyFRXKAJPD1OFKMLrYykCN_4sOSMi01z2/s1600/20120811-IMG_5785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0tH21daWjfwOTmY6sYX2OGC0myN2t5bEZIRt-IYcx32B1zzvl4ISH2U99CkHpyc_9zd_KVcjAAxUp5H0FzdjbsgoFmaVsNpoBKTg5D9pCwCmyFRXKAJPD1OFKMLrYykCN_4sOSMi01z2/s640/20120811-IMG_5785.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">This
got me to thinking…</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">First - How can anyone look into the pitch black of night
viewing diamond-like gems sparkling at a distance that looks as if you could
reach out and touch them, yet realizing they are light-years away, and
not sing praises the God of All Creation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just lying back staring into the vast expanse is one of the most relaxing
things I know to do.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa4TGrGlOYZti1U9ru8hrR4vPQHAsSl9O4eNo5ftoHFXChZ6wSUzgQmMK6thuMEILWPVKDZ-2WbUPM94L_4IQz7vreHjXhMz3w5CeDJU8VIxk68kBn0fWsrVmokJaOXw3olCC-eixfyGk/s1600/20120812-IMG_5800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUa4TGrGlOYZti1U9ru8hrR4vPQHAsSl9O4eNo5ftoHFXChZ6wSUzgQmMK6thuMEILWPVKDZ-2WbUPM94L_4IQz7vreHjXhMz3w5CeDJU8VIxk68kBn0fWsrVmokJaOXw3olCC-eixfyGk/s640/20120812-IMG_5800.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Second - God’s wonders can be experienced at the same time
in all places – just like His presence can be, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time that we were seeing # 42 in
Arkansas, Elizabeth, my oldest daughter, could see it in Tennessee. God's blessings are not limited by time or space. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Third – Not every meteor shower contains a # 42.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those times are special gifts from God and
are to be cherished. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I am so
thankful that I got to, not only experience # 42, but share it with a special
group of friends.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Today is Thanksgiving and as I am cooking and making preparations
to spend time with family I am reflecting on all the # 42s I have in my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve refrained from participating
in the 30 days of Thanksgiving for fear of leaving someone/something important
out, but I have SO MUCH to be thankful for!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The brightest, shining star in my life has to be FAMILY, not
only my immediate family of Ricky and our three beautiful girls, but EVERYONE
that we call “Family”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a
McCarley, Schmatjen, Pitts, married to one of these, or the child of one of
these you are family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a
member of the Donald D. Davis Family or the Bill Milam Family, you have welcomed,
accepted and loved us as one your own and we call you family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you are a member of Lamar Baptist Church, you are family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there’s even my “Sisters of the Traveling
Snake Boots” who continually share their knowledge, love and excitement for God’s
creation, capturing it in images to share with others through a passion that
has bonded us known as photography.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I extend to you all a sincere wish for a Happy
Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May the day be full of
blessings and reflections upon all God has done for you and those you
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remind you to cherish the moments
you have with your special ones for we are not guaranteed tomorrow but nothing
can take from us the memories we hold in our hearts.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Now… back to the kitchen… (sigh)…</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-58766381686985022032012-10-09T04:31:00.000-07:002016-05-22T06:23:10.380-07:00There's No Place Like Home<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I took a photo journey to a place that will always be
special to me. Though the place I visited looks nothing now like it did in my
younger years, the pictures in my mind can never be replaced. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M1C51iQeSRhJKlQTrR39osI59guk5jv73WiHnUc8HtPOjJ83U-mUUcpqvQRgKLS0k0cKl6JFe-2FwezAb4JugLum1cVNiOlMIqvk7Z2DHts76MuYZ20tA256aJIdv5ThQfJR9GJkXnHe/s1600/IMG_8927+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M1C51iQeSRhJKlQTrR39osI59guk5jv73WiHnUc8HtPOjJ83U-mUUcpqvQRgKLS0k0cKl6JFe-2FwezAb4JugLum1cVNiOlMIqvk7Z2DHts76MuYZ20tA256aJIdv5ThQfJR9GJkXnHe/s400/IMG_8927+5.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistpIdtLsWXd-AK6AZeKlOwz0xs5lIWp81hruWilYakO175qz4gh26yL87ulBBHJAeGs0cg2xl5u1jCnNGCRcUO8p9F8NKVE4KykGMUA_GFEk3pErjadYfaMzdzhpN1Wi1d7KusTDKfdH5/s1600/IMG_8943-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistpIdtLsWXd-AK6AZeKlOwz0xs5lIWp81hruWilYakO175qz4gh26yL87ulBBHJAeGs0cg2xl5u1jCnNGCRcUO8p9F8NKVE4KykGMUA_GFEk3pErjadYfaMzdzhpN1Wi1d7KusTDKfdH5/s400/IMG_8943-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> My grandparent’s
home on Stillwell Road just north of Clarksville is where I attended “pre-school”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where I learned many valuable lessons
that I’ve carried with me for over 40 years:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Hide and Seek is much more fun in the dark.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Fried Frog legs are “just miniature fried chicken legs.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Carry your own paper to the two-seater.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- With enough imagination, you CAN see the world in a junk
car parked behind the barn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Let sleeping uncles lie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Shoes optional but preferred when walking through the
chicken yard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Shetland ponies don’t need saddles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- You sleep much better under a stack of quilts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- If you can make snow ice cream you can make your own ice
skating rink.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Playing “Chase” around the wood stove can scar you for
life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- You can be Roy Rogers and I’ll be Dale Evans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You be the Lone Ranger and I’ll be Tonto. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You be Jody and I’ll be Buffy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- Swallowing watermelon seeds is not what causes belly
bumps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">-You want to be the first person to drink the well water from the dipper if at all possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">- The higher you swing the farther you fall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But the most valuable thing I learned is the importance of
having family around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best “Pitts
Memories” for me include family gatherings for Sunday jeep rides, 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> of
July at the lake, home-made ice cream on the front porch, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the years we’ve gone our separate ways
and seldom get together as before but the bond of family is still held together
with memories and love.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzmwQ3Gh0QalCOthS_PLxBhnom6rCWVykRE0dgo7P5wJ6NkFO2K1FG_tSkuVSnEDT9RhJyZdacIXb1ApkwBx-cfjVy3iVDlylqU01gQtVNWlGxAELs4s5AKaL74KW9ImL8OhUn39Nlort/s1600/IMG_8955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzmwQ3Gh0QalCOthS_PLxBhnom6rCWVykRE0dgo7P5wJ6NkFO2K1FG_tSkuVSnEDT9RhJyZdacIXb1ApkwBx-cfjVy3iVDlylqU01gQtVNWlGxAELs4s5AKaL74KW9ImL8OhUn39Nlort/s400/IMG_8955.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBy-vvAiJreQVZeldYu_-A7yAgyMPNkqtPkhBZVo2VP_cTNpLMh7NgiscwUA14lx65RpAbQRTXigyVC0So0EHYk0mWxiN1kPlPqDKPqtD0kdnfRLJ2FyDe4zrFLvB4-WUInSA-Yhtj2MW/s1600/IMG_8957-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBy-vvAiJreQVZeldYu_-A7yAgyMPNkqtPkhBZVo2VP_cTNpLMh7NgiscwUA14lx65RpAbQRTXigyVC0So0EHYk0mWxiN1kPlPqDKPqtD0kdnfRLJ2FyDe4zrFLvB4-WUInSA-Yhtj2MW/s400/IMG_8957-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Some might be upset that a place with such fond memories is
slowly deteriorating away and falling in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, to fix it up or to tear it down… either one would destroy the place
that now exists only in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfqxS68cnxNVlSQs8SJklfWYCtSSzTrLBQa28t1TM8lgLEJMWVquJTyUlMh-RbiEy52rLAsyIT4910vMfd4kFuJmPZ9e0EC9okgcRhyEo1ruccr7YfdtKAyKRTOG6VOI4birXny-VxhD9/s1600/IMG_9003-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfqxS68cnxNVlSQs8SJklfWYCtSSzTrLBQa28t1TM8lgLEJMWVquJTyUlMh-RbiEy52rLAsyIT4910vMfd4kFuJmPZ9e0EC9okgcRhyEo1ruccr7YfdtKAyKRTOG6VOI4birXny-VxhD9/s400/IMG_9003-2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I can still hear the sounds of "The People's Exchange" and "The Voice of Christ In Our Time" playing on the old radio as it filtered out the open windows onto the porch where we would sit and swing for hours. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFPiZzwqOVRQwi56BSQ4N4EF9sNPo0BCbHAEWHSDvzlZ9w5v3E60PX-aJb41Zt7KbL9AXFPfXlTtGFLWi9WX5KFSQPEhNnZaGnrICtzCu-qAcDLOPJBFrL7LWHguey-u22EeyPAczKrF2/s1600/IMG_8892-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFPiZzwqOVRQwi56BSQ4N4EF9sNPo0BCbHAEWHSDvzlZ9w5v3E60PX-aJb41Zt7KbL9AXFPfXlTtGFLWi9WX5KFSQPEhNnZaGnrICtzCu-qAcDLOPJBFrL7LWHguey-u22EeyPAczKrF2/s400/IMG_8892-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And the clover filled yard was my favorite place to lie, staring up into a bright blue sky with big fluffy clouds as I made up stories about where the planes flying overhead were going and who they were carrying. I’ve
traveled all over Arkansas photographing vintage and almost missed capturing
true vintage with special memories and meaning to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Don’t let the “almost” in life come out the
victor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA5N6Bjmysdr4l2EpdB5Zoe1QOqIk-VSMe6VP0gaE-ClmtvXd7ocF3QB45hntEXWVEtb0xzPJnbwsmL5xiZ0Kym_EnqiaWabI2VhjYShL49G_wBqytWry-N2C0YkwRB9mdCWR39Xz6x6o/s1600/IMG_8994-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfA5N6Bjmysdr4l2EpdB5Zoe1QOqIk-VSMe6VP0gaE-ClmtvXd7ocF3QB45hntEXWVEtb0xzPJnbwsmL5xiZ0Kym_EnqiaWabI2VhjYShL49G_wBqytWry-N2C0YkwRB9mdCWR39Xz6x6o/s400/IMG_8994-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-13075440153967152562012-09-27T21:24:00.001-07:002012-09-27T21:33:53.276-07:00See You At The ...What??<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;">SYATP (See
You at the Pole) is a time set aside each year on the fourth Wednesday in September where students pray on their campuses. This movement, starting in the 1990's, has grown from ten students praying at their school, to more than two decades
later, millions gathering all around the world.</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7ENCkOAZnX2Vhyyx7PqngyYDjkP7TfplhWMTNRP5p1QWn2zmGLhyphenhyphen1cfAW9BFpwjaufW_2e6XNQ8ff9QWDVdBLYxTapnpUuYxW-SkZkfBrOI2REVQSttx2EueLA304JTnk303p3luR5nB/s400/IMG_8448.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For the high school
students in the small town of Lamar, Arkansas, SYATP stands for See You at the
Pavilion because, where the flag pole once stood, now there is a pavilion. The
pole was moved to the front entrance of the building, near the street several
years ago so now students gather at the heart of their campus, the
courtyard. What better place for them to pray for their surroundings. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This time
of student led prayer starts at 7:00 a.m. It is estimated that there were
around 50 students in attendance this year. That’s a pretty good turn-out considering the
total enrollment for 9th – 12th grade is just over 400 students. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Lamar students were a shining example of Christian leadership. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwMCdY-3Ls1jdPsqaADaOXR39snwZJHGk5ythUb5ko93sn3yZY1wlOMyJp-PV_McZupBSFi8uUQ9U768a_toeUV0iEb8Wln8U5CccutNfsiXab5FVaQ1_gGIA0VcsmXZ0vwUyRAfUncHb/s1600/IMG_8447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwMCdY-3Ls1jdPsqaADaOXR39snwZJHGk5ythUb5ko93sn3yZY1wlOMyJp-PV_McZupBSFi8uUQ9U768a_toeUV0iEb8Wln8U5CccutNfsiXab5FVaQ1_gGIA0VcsmXZ0vwUyRAfUncHb/s400/IMG_8447.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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</span>One by one, they lifted up prayers for their friends, families,
teachers, school campus, and local servicemen and women to God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being bold enough to take a stand at school
for their faith and their God will make them stronger leaders in whatever they
wish to pursue as adults. Look out world - here they come!</span></div>
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<br />
The 2012 See You at the Pole™ theme is Awaken and the Scripture is Ephesians
3:14–21—“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father… I pray that out of his
glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your
inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts…And I pray that you… grasp
how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and…that you may be
filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…’”</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-70653317670788914082012-09-04T20:08:00.001-07:002012-09-04T21:06:23.146-07:00A Little Bit Mayberry... A Little Bit Minow Creek...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A visit to Nashville, Tennessee brings up images of country
music and cowboy boots, city lights and honkie tonks, urban meets rodeo… but to
me, a visit to Nashville means family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Our firstborn moved there some time ago to experience a life that moves
to a different beat from what can be heard/felt at Minnow Creek. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So a six and a half hour road trip down I-40 is
all that is needed to bring our whole family together for a little while.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0Nwz1TLGRJziWf1a-2LVXLc-jXCquXgJ0NJmSurwtTyAQKwvPmzTRdmvtQ_D0yOD4glMEmjz8ujMP_Uu-dnkQWBN0VedhcfBquaFgLcg8qXLD3tEDZDqIObHCUnm4PE2KQyfvjsXWP9e/s1600/20120901-IMG_7728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0Nwz1TLGRJziWf1a-2LVXLc-jXCquXgJ0NJmSurwtTyAQKwvPmzTRdmvtQ_D0yOD4glMEmjz8ujMP_Uu-dnkQWBN0VedhcfBquaFgLcg8qXLD3tEDZDqIObHCUnm4PE2KQyfvjsXWP9e/s640/20120901-IMG_7728.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As a Mom, having my oldest baby girl so far away is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But one thing that eases my mind is knowing that
she is not far from a special place that is filled with special people.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWem-sqQ1cWo2S5lqXnUXVfhDojLRIMZhpuYy_-2daQ60rAXDaJyHsz6Zu2cPlqvHbzO0_4yakeM4tLb61lNnNFVqP-PL9CJ0b_JSOUMOQ_XRXHHumYJ0yz6hHv3rTcGXBHCDD7Q1daQJ/s1600/20120901-IMG_7725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWem-sqQ1cWo2S5lqXnUXVfhDojLRIMZhpuYy_-2daQ60rAXDaJyHsz6Zu2cPlqvHbzO0_4yakeM4tLb61lNnNFVqP-PL9CJ0b_JSOUMOQ_XRXHHumYJ0yz6hHv3rTcGXBHCDD7Q1daQJ/s640/20120901-IMG_7725.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Red Tree Coffee is that place; the Conleys
and Bruces (a.k.a. The Davis Sisters and family) are those special
people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Located about 30 minutes from
Nashville, this little town feels like… a little bit Mayberry… a little bit
Minnow Creek… a whole lot down home USA.</span> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnMw3dZsqO0db3W8aINER_3MgbGwxx6foZeUdKzQnIqDbdKuI759gue2kZ5SbBmeWxzQYZAwVtTRT9P9Exkv_ZevfY8h4Vgwa1oX_4jNFfbaC0Fd6zOY9CVkZjl5eoEfn33FNkHepYcG0/s1600/20120901-IMG_7788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnMw3dZsqO0db3W8aINER_3MgbGwxx6foZeUdKzQnIqDbdKuI759gue2kZ5SbBmeWxzQYZAwVtTRT9P9Exkv_ZevfY8h4Vgwa1oX_4jNFfbaC0Fd6zOY9CVkZjl5eoEfn33FNkHepYcG0/s640/20120901-IMG_7788.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnMw3dZsqO0db3W8aINER_3MgbGwxx6foZeUdKzQnIqDbdKuI759gue2kZ5SbBmeWxzQYZAwVtTRT9P9Exkv_ZevfY8h4Vgwa1oX_4jNFfbaC0Fd6zOY9CVkZjl5eoEfn33FNkHepYcG0/s1600/20120901-IMG_7788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnMw3dZsqO0db3W8aINER_3MgbGwxx6foZeUdKzQnIqDbdKuI759gue2kZ5SbBmeWxzQYZAwVtTRT9P9Exkv_ZevfY8h4Vgwa1oX_4jNFfbaC0Fd6zOY9CVkZjl5eoEfn33FNkHepYcG0/s1600/20120901-IMG_7788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnMw3dZsqO0db3W8aINER_3MgbGwxx6foZeUdKzQnIqDbdKuI759gue2kZ5SbBmeWxzQYZAwVtTRT9P9Exkv_ZevfY8h4Vgwa1oX_4jNFfbaC0Fd6zOY9CVkZjl5eoEfn33FNkHepYcG0/s1600/20120901-IMG_7788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnMw3dZsqO0db3W8aINER_3MgbGwxx6foZeUdKzQnIqDbdKuI759gue2kZ5SbBmeWxzQYZAwVtTRT9P9Exkv_ZevfY8h4Vgwa1oX_4jNFfbaC0Fd6zOY9CVkZjl5eoEfn33FNkHepYcG0/s1600/20120901-IMG_7788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnMw3dZsqO0db3W8aINER_3MgbGwxx6foZeUdKzQnIqDbdKuI759gue2kZ5SbBmeWxzQYZAwVtTRT9P9Exkv_ZevfY8h4Vgwa1oX_4jNFfbaC0Fd6zOY9CVkZjl5eoEfn33FNkHepYcG0/s1600/20120901-IMG_7788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnMw3dZsqO0db3W8aINER_3MgbGwxx6foZeUdKzQnIqDbdKuI759gue2kZ5SbBmeWxzQYZAwVtTRT9P9Exkv_ZevfY8h4Vgwa1oX_4jNFfbaC0Fd6zOY9CVkZjl5eoEfn33FNkHepYcG0/s1600/20120901-IMG_7788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Upon entering this unique coffee shop you are greeted with
warm smiles, lots of hugs and a feeling that someone important is visiting that
day only to learn that someone is YOU!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ52D6vaI8VDc3xiXX_92AmtSthKqLr0ZJTHCqK9VPLTpYzpij4HEpZT6z1mKCt1CMMGp1cUkixpjEcv1czjJShFHvsSm_2zk4-bPnGNrK4C1bzrfXsHiBS9twMSym9zODs0pb6Z4Bsud2/s1600/20120901-IMG_7772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ52D6vaI8VDc3xiXX_92AmtSthKqLr0ZJTHCqK9VPLTpYzpij4HEpZT6z1mKCt1CMMGp1cUkixpjEcv1czjJShFHvsSm_2zk4-bPnGNrK4C1bzrfXsHiBS9twMSym9zODs0pb6Z4Bsud2/s640/20120901-IMG_7772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large; mso-spacerun: yes;">There are plenty of places to sit and visit with the locals, check your email or write a blog.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykjjd_c1fBgHXkd8V9SuOZ8mnpfWkdQstkitfkbKR7Zkk8YXKBpuR4HwIQE14hVDguqpFi5lZe33EPKMfa0jaP1UPzUIPN2KyezKJ3HTXwzp8NAS1L1gaQlCbWa24qd1HKQzjYD1uci57/s1600/20120901-IMG_7766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykjjd_c1fBgHXkd8V9SuOZ8mnpfWkdQstkitfkbKR7Zkk8YXKBpuR4HwIQE14hVDguqpFi5lZe33EPKMfa0jaP1UPzUIPN2KyezKJ3HTXwzp8NAS1L1gaQlCbWa24qd1HKQzjYD1uci57/s640/20120901-IMG_7766.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The place has a gallery feel thanks to walls decorated with artwork by Robert Langford, brother-in-law to the gals.</span> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-Lo-iQ7YVWvAjRoBVqr22d0HSs0GSh1nJlwuyPmOhsltQbNZG-S6ymWlFs9MXWyUzu0XU2R1dG5INkyXiuSHQTO7MMDOwC86Ec_tGpgAznfEraKyFCA5t1KNRf7wJe-eXAnsHAlbiR1p/s1600/20120901-IMG_7841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-Lo-iQ7YVWvAjRoBVqr22d0HSs0GSh1nJlwuyPmOhsltQbNZG-S6ymWlFs9MXWyUzu0XU2R1dG5INkyXiuSHQTO7MMDOwC86Ec_tGpgAznfEraKyFCA5t1KNRf7wJe-eXAnsHAlbiR1p/s640/20120901-IMG_7841.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1Re2AhsSqaVkmGwUt3YJYI5-z1IQcuyWSGTkZ4gm2Kns4YbZx_jmQZ2SsBTgSm6OAm7ldDSDuTu4Jo4I0uPobYg9FJjR_eNYAdJ8O_OvVywCvriSmBhDakUuByPpg6A7l0MiYVf2p6Ip/s1600/20120901-IMG_7838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1Re2AhsSqaVkmGwUt3YJYI5-z1IQcuyWSGTkZ4gm2Kns4YbZx_jmQZ2SsBTgSm6OAm7ldDSDuTu4Jo4I0uPobYg9FJjR_eNYAdJ8O_OvVywCvriSmBhDakUuByPpg6A7l0MiYVf2p6Ip/s640/20120901-IMG_7838.jpg" width="499" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">His wife, Camille, has hand-made lotions and soaps for sale</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"> and you can also purchase some of the shop's secret recipes packaged for "take and bake".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">S</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">aturday breakfast for us consisted of a wide display of goodies</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">and lots of coffee – both hot and iced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Live music is the norm here with new acts giving a first
performance or seasoned artists looking for some Friday night fun while filling
in an open date.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">While the talent shared from this off the path venue is
astounding, the love that flows so freely here cannot be matched.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div align="center">
"Stay out of my kitchen!"</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Find them on Facebook, MySpace or just give
them a “google”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the next time you
are in the Nashville area allow time to stop by and say “Howdie!”</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Red Tree Coffee serves breakfast and lunch
Tuesday thru Saturday and Friday Night offers Dinner and Live Entertainment.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-55591313455843832652012-07-25T18:01:00.000-07:002012-07-26T06:33:07.973-07:00The Barn at Twin Oaks Ranch<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Every girl dreams about the perfect wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ideas are often tucked away in dresser
drawers and scrap books for the special day when she will walk down the aisle
and stare into the eyes of her prince charming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And Mothers everywhere eagerly anticipate helping their daughters turn
their dreams into realities while Daddies reluctantly open their wallets. This
is just one of many reasons that I wanted to attend the Open Barn event held last
Saturday.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkGivI1YnnzWKuDbRqLObcGTFI68qP01q0AV2d_P0CDYHVRJCxB5YrKzz-UpoQolAM0DmcfU7YXNnGEncMDoE8qhIz-I-f2QjSDmzcMcTg_wx0fyhOf5FVD4C5LIlztNjBnJyv82d0J3b/s1600/20120721-20120721-IMG_4810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkGivI1YnnzWKuDbRqLObcGTFI68qP01q0AV2d_P0CDYHVRJCxB5YrKzz-UpoQolAM0DmcfU7YXNnGEncMDoE8qhIz-I-f2QjSDmzcMcTg_wx0fyhOf5FVD4C5LIlztNjBnJyv82d0J3b/s1600/20120721-20120721-IMG_4810.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQIh7yWE97hqBQYp3r9PPb06X2iJ0Q4ztBrB_utmih2VU6zfxZnh4RuYxZD_GLJNMzLayXQRBuAMxCJz6qv-wGDijctRmZ-KtE0rX85B2yh-NcM48n9j2sXW94tAUfDTa81h33sxtNeQQ/s1600/20120721-20120721-IMG_4791+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQIh7yWE97hqBQYp3r9PPb06X2iJ0Q4ztBrB_utmih2VU6zfxZnh4RuYxZD_GLJNMzLayXQRBuAMxCJz6qv-wGDijctRmZ-KtE0rX85B2yh-NcM48n9j2sXW94tAUfDTa81h33sxtNeQQ/s640/20120721-20120721-IMG_4791+Small.jpg" width="634" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My recent search for “Vintage Arkansas” found the pot of
gold as I strolled through the grass field, turned parking lot with my
sweetheart hubby, Ricky and daughter #2, Leslie.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfqPwxbqC0zsxBc2ZbAdiBykKAI2dExA295wBVeak_JeZU4AUSO6B_OzkfZB5ZRTU8vzsVuEOsjb1-fqNKu2kca2wY0KPKd225f3eCm4uE594vcS8m-LndMRIxAeVWiek8rOKSBwoZASZ/s1600/20120721-20120721-IMG_4800+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfqPwxbqC0zsxBc2ZbAdiBykKAI2dExA295wBVeak_JeZU4AUSO6B_OzkfZB5ZRTU8vzsVuEOsjb1-fqNKu2kca2wY0KPKd225f3eCm4uE594vcS8m-LndMRIxAeVWiek8rOKSBwoZASZ/s640/20120721-20120721-IMG_4800+Small.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able to experience first-hand how
Lesleigh Smith and her team can create a unique setting that is all out vintage
yet elegant and fresh.</span> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi6gXyEc-fHBLbagLAYmQyAOOqGhHAFi4xhV6uNh9ANXHMVN2i7amDiSAed7DWeru36HPe433pFsI3FsGduZ2Slv09yvqITMaUSYoOvh736hD_FklUfii_zz34CHIvXE-PcMWq41vE6m0/s1600/20120721-20120721-IMG_4790+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi6gXyEc-fHBLbagLAYmQyAOOqGhHAFi4xhV6uNh9ANXHMVN2i7amDiSAed7DWeru36HPe433pFsI3FsGduZ2Slv09yvqITMaUSYoOvh736hD_FklUfii_zz34CHIvXE-PcMWq41vE6m0/s640/20120721-20120721-IMG_4790+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWgdKnd55c6HmmQ0wqJCMUyZnhguKzE4PklY-U95P-S_YDQSsYhLs_3K_lxH5m6ZFH0A80kk5SL6AqNOUvQx24chwMvUazAjDCXkUCeJxT68Vco2rjvLJpg1tFimvoYWVwkdSY6mB3V4p/s1600/20120721-20120721-IMG_4797+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWgdKnd55c6HmmQ0wqJCMUyZnhguKzE4PklY-U95P-S_YDQSsYhLs_3K_lxH5m6ZFH0A80kk5SL6AqNOUvQx24chwMvUazAjDCXkUCeJxT68Vco2rjvLJpg1tFimvoYWVwkdSY6mB3V4p/s640/20120721-20120721-IMG_4797+Small.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: #7e7e7e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The whole experience proved to be</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: #7e7e7e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> “Fun and flirty yet,
hopelessly romantic!” - Lesleigh Smith.</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDZboTXdyWpyxmQaHaxjUP8-sHcjMGkc6kh1wbHGNpzDEFa0MAeWsJd39hAl3R4R_0hbjOldrCxegdhwtYaf7V-3N5sRBs2q0-njlvtvDnpgMm1R1b_AMlZdjXvwQEHeEjA-YCfrL7LEm/s1600/20120721-IMG_4805+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDZboTXdyWpyxmQaHaxjUP8-sHcjMGkc6kh1wbHGNpzDEFa0MAeWsJd39hAl3R4R_0hbjOldrCxegdhwtYaf7V-3N5sRBs2q0-njlvtvDnpgMm1R1b_AMlZdjXvwQEHeEjA-YCfrL7LEm/s640/20120721-IMG_4805+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Barn at Twin Oaks Ranch is the River Valley’s newest
venue established primarily for weddings and receptions.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8tq81omxCPd3sVdrr7sj_sPPHDcNYqlPNVPpeofGTUAJ4oxb9XrodN_sMFW2gsHtaYC3DnIU9XfKvMYf87yFwuCHlekDSPHFfBGesvMIC9yyitROAfnvVlkpUhlO5UEQA_pC47WApW1o/s1600/20120721-IMG_4803+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8tq81omxCPd3sVdrr7sj_sPPHDcNYqlPNVPpeofGTUAJ4oxb9XrodN_sMFW2gsHtaYC3DnIU9XfKvMYf87yFwuCHlekDSPHFfBGesvMIC9yyitROAfnvVlkpUhlO5UEQA_pC47WApW1o/s640/20120721-IMG_4803+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Located just outside of Dardanelle, Arkansas
a bit of something old is combined with something new.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRcUWfrMS3OUFQZ0FvRZ9FTNtO8HGP_nh5aEkj1aOjblG62tkDworRhPgDDlfMUkQ0OHyimTk2H1WY0psrXQRwg-cV7XMgTD3OdTBw-TyvDJHm-Cfwvwv4U-My7jKzgdyIhsZeqHvkhSJ/s1600/20120721-20120721-IMG_4798+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRcUWfrMS3OUFQZ0FvRZ9FTNtO8HGP_nh5aEkj1aOjblG62tkDworRhPgDDlfMUkQ0OHyimTk2H1WY0psrXQRwg-cV7XMgTD3OdTBw-TyvDJHm-Cfwvwv4U-My7jKzgdyIhsZeqHvkhSJ/s640/20120721-20120721-IMG_4798+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlpZbeNqgJguBgkBji-mrI06s815XVUO1ts1iWo4XlB2pXsyKSUjbhorKtq2_dBIUW4mayuBonNbLDp0-k6kqdllwOy2NH4_qaoeSwYVkDORDcCCQwLCPqYgRzJiN361qX1b1wdn8NxS1/s1600/20120721-IMG_4807+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlpZbeNqgJguBgkBji-mrI06s815XVUO1ts1iWo4XlB2pXsyKSUjbhorKtq2_dBIUW4mayuBonNbLDp0-k6kqdllwOy2NH4_qaoeSwYVkDORDcCCQwLCPqYgRzJiN361qX1b1wdn8NxS1/s640/20120721-IMG_4807+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A recently constructed barn made from old
materials houses room enough for your wedding guests to grab their partners and
doe-see-doe with room to spare.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WkgARuZoXVquZtWXE_TyqvLdnpv1hhSfJ8tCIP8yD91KD1FmObYLc7iXSek60dN_TCSnVmVmOj-nGfcE082viAazOIIxpcWqfayLoKICd2HiUNxvoRCst-FY9O2gznH9USkvqo6Iqmih/s1600/20120721-20120721-IMG_4788+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WkgARuZoXVquZtWXE_TyqvLdnpv1hhSfJ8tCIP8yD91KD1FmObYLc7iXSek60dN_TCSnVmVmOj-nGfcE082viAazOIIxpcWqfayLoKICd2HiUNxvoRCst-FY9O2gznH9USkvqo6Iqmih/s640/20120721-20120721-IMG_4788+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The design team will help you plan your special day coordinating
everything from invitations to the cake, decorations, catering and music.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHykcO8ockUjyC0PxqrR98wv-8fk6eBT6QwlO5eE94QEM4jWBgUaF-b2wT2FNIqtzcZ4cOCNEWDqL78x-OZKwXTqhqz3GzDvVXzNT3soEIYKv_Gk-DTsW_8LPoVHSEifoaDsS-iGS8BZ3T/s1600/20120721-IMG_4804+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHykcO8ockUjyC0PxqrR98wv-8fk6eBT6QwlO5eE94QEM4jWBgUaF-b2wT2FNIqtzcZ4cOCNEWDqL78x-OZKwXTqhqz3GzDvVXzNT3soEIYKv_Gk-DTsW_8LPoVHSEifoaDsS-iGS8BZ3T/s640/20120721-IMG_4804+Small.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">They will create a sensational setting for
you to live out your dreams without being stressed out.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For more information about The Barn at Twin Oaks Ranch visit
their website</span>
</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wix.com%2Fbarnattwinoaksranch%2Fhome&h=EAQEju9-S"><span style="font-size: x-large;">http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wix.com%2Fbarnattwinoaksranch%2Fhome&h=EAQEju9-S</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzf_r81ctK1borhXm6wkCl9zqEMnDZTEP_BonhNWKcxEWkVx3lDxdvdtCkog5G7BsZlOuRC-UtH-AzM65AHasAzVLJsV6bzb_oSO4gHoeA40WSufitIE1T2SQUqElwN1BrAXObefuesoiS/s1600/20120721-IMG_4809+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzf_r81ctK1borhXm6wkCl9zqEMnDZTEP_BonhNWKcxEWkVx3lDxdvdtCkog5G7BsZlOuRC-UtH-AzM65AHasAzVLJsV6bzb_oSO4gHoeA40WSufitIE1T2SQUqElwN1BrAXObefuesoiS/s640/20120721-IMG_4809+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-26594068939620992592012-07-21T21:49:00.000-07:002012-07-23T13:41:25.431-07:00Music Night<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first date Ricky and I ever had ended up at the “happeningest”
place in Minnow Creek – the Davis Home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was a safe haven for teenagers and parents never worried about what
their kids were doing if that is where they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was always something going on, an
invitation was not needed and all who visited were made to feel important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve heard Don tell that come midnight he
would announce “I’m going to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ya’ll
turn out the lights when you leave.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just one of the many ways that they made us feel like family.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thirty years later Don and Lou Nell are still opening their
doors to others with a smile and a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But some things have changed with time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead of circling to watch a marathon of table tennis in the basement we
are now sitting in a double ringed circle of sorts in the living room having a marathon
music sing-off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XSKH1ohesJyQOnqc8hNcAduMHR-I5kaRGO8RdrM-3QshH1f8_Mf23PfCJyJX2YxkwBEf-PbZUCnG3m0W0NeYcLJnFO9dtyC6GPkS-1IFqHHy8mxoovatr2bmELtkql7I684sIo9LFQNq/s1600/20120717-IMG_4578+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XSKH1ohesJyQOnqc8hNcAduMHR-I5kaRGO8RdrM-3QshH1f8_Mf23PfCJyJX2YxkwBEf-PbZUCnG3m0W0NeYcLJnFO9dtyC6GPkS-1IFqHHy8mxoovatr2bmELtkql7I684sIo9LFQNq/s640/20120717-IMG_4578+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who needs a karaoke
machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years we’ve been
accompanied by the best playing tunes on their guitars, ukulele, tambourine, flute
and fiddle. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREzuUDi1xWP6U-FNx3ZQpXl1gLzWhvVfyMhhbkDs0FAapJfGFmlXFIDP1Zpsg3220GyHVXAjrKOT3tCO-fAkf6LXe3kt4xpDgQwRpeqO9m8ZEIQVR7HEdmAmyUGfWcC51SFXsju5-DtFs/s1600/20120717-IMG_4638+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREzuUDi1xWP6U-FNx3ZQpXl1gLzWhvVfyMhhbkDs0FAapJfGFmlXFIDP1Zpsg3220GyHVXAjrKOT3tCO-fAkf6LXe3kt4xpDgQwRpeqO9m8ZEIQVR7HEdmAmyUGfWcC51SFXsju5-DtFs/s640/20120717-IMG_4638+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Jon Conley - band member for Kenny Chesney)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a form of Name That
Tune in reverse – if we know the name we just Google the lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq8l29F0mAaEfkKNvG7uVNMnjse4z8zjq7I4-ASxD9xkSW57LBaaA9ci2pSJ73096klb1lBxF0BpXCLCwrQCoWlWaWTiNTwm26P8Us7GAic1FWmP4OqUNOjLcHM3jOiZH83ncOzgc_eA0/s1600/20120717-IMG_4594+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq8l29F0mAaEfkKNvG7uVNMnjse4z8zjq7I4-ASxD9xkSW57LBaaA9ci2pSJ73096klb1lBxF0BpXCLCwrQCoWlWaWTiNTwm26P8Us7GAic1FWmP4OqUNOjLcHM3jOiZH83ncOzgc_eA0/s640/20120717-IMG_4594+Small.jpg" width="592" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if the guys strumming don’t know the song
you’re singing just give them a line or two and they will soon be faking
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw4MtzD0wTdZw_i14En1pJpxpxJYslAixV0XE1tiYjYGBZ3nNx87qETCIjozCR1kMCpPQuMr1nuH4m3YW3zbF1PD9XOyNxB0Nbpkse8VcEZdHGSpaKoh-GUGMsvO2hqEgG-XjJaOAo_ud/s1600/20120717-IMG_4608+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqw4MtzD0wTdZw_i14En1pJpxpxJYslAixV0XE1tiYjYGBZ3nNx87qETCIjozCR1kMCpPQuMr1nuH4m3YW3zbF1PD9XOyNxB0Nbpkse8VcEZdHGSpaKoh-GUGMsvO2hqEgG-XjJaOAo_ud/s640/20120717-IMG_4608+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">(On the guitar - Cole Bruce, Danny Davis & Jake Davis)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes our rendition veers off
the path from how the original artist recorded it but it’s beautiful, just the
same.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_4C7NLTxT1CRlHzyCASQ3bss6NObYzizm-pLe_J9ZVQUsRLjDxgDLFy5bD5KDkj_PNA1LzKdCFXRu-CWiFwbPab13XneWabvVh4HAHqUhTT4B24KpTlMuL_meomzFGPsnsiSdF6VENh9/s1600/20120717-IMG_4618Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_4C7NLTxT1CRlHzyCASQ3bss6NObYzizm-pLe_J9ZVQUsRLjDxgDLFy5bD5KDkj_PNA1LzKdCFXRu-CWiFwbPab13XneWabvVh4HAHqUhTT4B24KpTlMuL_meomzFGPsnsiSdF6VENh9/s640/20120717-IMG_4618Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(The girls singing "Taylor the Latte Boy". Robert eating ice cream.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many of the participants in our sing-offs have had their
moments on stage, singing and performing with big names in the music
industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the next generation has
proved to be just as talented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TTPCwzxF7mdXm7S9sZlj1eEMrrG2t4m5SFdbHuxEOM8nC5BMOl4t8VHlOCddtgsdTkLSpLgSiDoPrKw3TYzqnS6_eGbZZcWOck5N0aedRy5NO7JF_1EH93FXO5iHmBmbElpvV0uOB4Ox/s1600/20120717-IMG_4628+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TTPCwzxF7mdXm7S9sZlj1eEMrrG2t4m5SFdbHuxEOM8nC5BMOl4t8VHlOCddtgsdTkLSpLgSiDoPrKw3TYzqnS6_eGbZZcWOck5N0aedRy5NO7JF_1EH93FXO5iHmBmbElpvV0uOB4Ox/s640/20120717-IMG_4628+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(Emmy Davis and Savannah Conley sharing songs.)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it’s
easy to see that one of their favorite places to perform is in front of the
rock hearth in a log home near the banks of Minnow Creek. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year’s “Music Night” was a little different. Don gave us a talkin' to about how we should all love each other.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkL9CFsoPpIS4gkMGquJBC2lp7yy7s5LkdQDGxMjJRrB48gjDpdtYRDEvTFVf05Mtx6qYyHHQPJsB8Ls7zGF_u2n1ecyLpB57waD_A8m-sKnREbs4YVFBMi3MLnxA_T6Fabvgaz6Z3F1N/s1600/20120717-IMG_4564+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkL9CFsoPpIS4gkMGquJBC2lp7yy7s5LkdQDGxMjJRrB48gjDpdtYRDEvTFVf05Mtx6qYyHHQPJsB8Ls7zGF_u2n1ecyLpB57waD_A8m-sKnREbs4YVFBMi3MLnxA_T6Fabvgaz6Z3F1N/s640/20120717-IMG_4564+Small.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then he and Lou Nell taught us the night's theme song:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjfoU-OZiEbnKbcNLbvxrQaeY7t7ZLGAFCCwat09InnRNaF_ZVsLQPzuAIh0IrZE-16SszTOIvT2cmY5IRgmOv-xXC9dsc3g9G4hnNuaa8TK9mFHWdA2x8ePL2Rau2FgwjOTswA3nl7Sq/s1600/20120717-IMG_4580+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjfoU-OZiEbnKbcNLbvxrQaeY7t7ZLGAFCCwat09InnRNaF_ZVsLQPzuAIh0IrZE-16SszTOIvT2cmY5IRgmOv-xXC9dsc3g9G4hnNuaa8TK9mFHWdA2x8ePL2Rau2FgwjOTswA3nl7Sq/s640/20120717-IMG_4580+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Just a little lovin' will go a long way<br />
And you'll make me happy the rest of my days<br />
Put your arms around me then I'll be your slave<br />
'Cause just a little lovin' will go a long way.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since that first date night 30 years ago, I’ve spent many
hours wrapped in the love that flows so freely from this family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ricky and
I don’t have our parents with us anymore and this dear couple has filled the
void so beautifully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve also passed
this trait of hospitality on to their children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their girls have opened their homes to our oldest who is living in the
Nashville area, helping to shorten the distance between the Music City and
Minnow Creek (the place we now call home too), proving just how far a little
bit of lovin’ actually can go.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Through this family we have seen examples of Godly living
while living life to its fullest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTp9x2TbEv6xrN3wvcY4-pPzIoZSP2LMzQkBtrzoR25icZpyspPZdmh4dH5Hm6HnOYOCojb_qHSXAckRflVl1e6lJD5kPHMkl1SunOjj_YnZO0Rnof63mgvPMt0Osq2in7D5AQTmQeBWi/s1600/20120717-IMG_4562+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTp9x2TbEv6xrN3wvcY4-pPzIoZSP2LMzQkBtrzoR25icZpyspPZdmh4dH5Hm6HnOYOCojb_qHSXAckRflVl1e6lJD5kPHMkl1SunOjj_YnZO0Rnof63mgvPMt0Osq2in7D5AQTmQeBWi/s640/20120717-IMG_4562+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We’ve
also seen how music spans the generation gap</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ6jUMGTR8FnQDEjTnlSrAicOYM-gmAIxWRrsEy8QHLHiR6lfjmaG1uG2Lx5qnbtJJhqWIlsE4IYDB_pzYbEt_qWVyphM3p8dIR1qjXWApRxbSkrwUfRBBhJo4nB9G4H_jy6H6ss2Hl9m/s1600/20120717-IMG_4586+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ6jUMGTR8FnQDEjTnlSrAicOYM-gmAIxWRrsEy8QHLHiR6lfjmaG1uG2Lx5qnbtJJhqWIlsE4IYDB_pzYbEt_qWVyphM3p8dIR1qjXWApRxbSkrwUfRBBhJo4nB9G4H_jy6H6ss2Hl9m/s640/20120717-IMG_4586+Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> allowing the young and the … not
so young to share a passion that comes from the soul and joins together in sweet
harmony. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a little bit of that can go
a long way.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-50285370184506943832012-07-15T08:43:00.000-07:002012-07-23T13:48:42.608-07:00If Walls Could Talk<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I DO NOT LIKE GROWING OLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I like growing old better than the consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen others who are older than I am that
seem to have aged gracefully and the
more aging I do, the more I respect and even envy their ability to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just seems to me that the process of keeping
it all together takes much more effort than it used to. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old saying “This barn needs a fresh coat
of paint” is implying that covering up the old, the weather-worn and the
deteriorating will make it better but there are some things that paint just can’t
hide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIqw7CrA6gc8GX01Q5blHCo1-NJGJ0gcFgqqQewOv29aMjWQV2r3N2ErrPhoiMdtZr7TyR5i208BUoTaNyD5Iotml7ywPiHv5x2GJUG6JSkqHHf_k2aWsWIp_AkTzAKfVXU4w-ndqEpch/s1600/20120704-20120704-IMG_3810-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIqw7CrA6gc8GX01Q5blHCo1-NJGJ0gcFgqqQewOv29aMjWQV2r3N2ErrPhoiMdtZr7TyR5i208BUoTaNyD5Iotml7ywPiHv5x2GJUG6JSkqHHf_k2aWsWIp_AkTzAKfVXU4w-ndqEpch/s400/20120704-20120704-IMG_3810-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hagarville Store - Hagarville, AR</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
I recently visited with the owner of an old building that I was photographing about the struggles he faces in deciding what to do with the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While he understands the attachment everyone has to it and the memories just driving by it gives us, I sensed that he struggles with the matter of preserving history verses the cost of maintaining such a place and the safety of others if he lets it just sit there and grow older day by day.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you’ve lived in this area most of your life you
understand how passing through Hagarville causes thoughts of years gone by to flood your mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But closer inspection will prove as
a reminder that time is not always our friend and has a way of changing everything. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFbqGQK6R7SacgTLReY_Bk8pFoLP3Iub1tAF-Ow_8EqRBfY_x4iUSHJ90GzxhTmtQpO3zBN2gAGQ-Rrmn9mXZ9StvaztwQ8jQDuKgHJQxdZb_F_CnkLgmLrZtJ8BdG8T3MEMsgWq1Mt6L/s1600/20120704-20120704-IMG_3804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFbqGQK6R7SacgTLReY_Bk8pFoLP3Iub1tAF-Ow_8EqRBfY_x4iUSHJ90GzxhTmtQpO3zBN2gAGQ-Rrmn9mXZ9StvaztwQ8jQDuKgHJQxdZb_F_CnkLgmLrZtJ8BdG8T3MEMsgWq1Mt6L/s640/20120704-20120704-IMG_3804.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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Once a light, now a bird's nest.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The original Coke-A-Cola signs from the
outside have been removed and now the inside only houses discarded items that
at one point seemed too good to throw away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkuJmCOfOIGz_kqgHnC-WbpuXWp-FHeMmgti-tsyQehZ3hOpUmywJLOgUPbgC2vyfdj49BBoz2B5EgW7YMtC7ZJW_sodl-wbtgLUyKItJbIugQJvjYS0Hb_ECxYl-KYgOGa8CK7EsWDNd/s1600/20120704-20120704-IMG_3802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkuJmCOfOIGz_kqgHnC-WbpuXWp-FHeMmgti-tsyQehZ3hOpUmywJLOgUPbgC2vyfdj49BBoz2B5EgW7YMtC7ZJW_sodl-wbtgLUyKItJbIugQJvjYS0Hb_ECxYl-KYgOGa8CK7EsWDNd/s640/20120704-20120704-IMG_3802.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Inside the Hagarville Store</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The boards are rotting, much of the original glass is broken and I
questioned the safety of stepping inside. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there was a pull from somewhere deep
inside me that insisted I open the door and look around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
as if I was walking on some sacred ground so I quietly took my pictures and
left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had hoped to see some sort of nostalgic
memorabilia but was told that looters were stripping the place piece by piece
so anything of worth had to be removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This made me sad.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uswpbUeeApie4NXbGSQjUIf2YSe0LvBRfp9_zK4OJW88uyxoPVGcbbuM_odIUH5ctuTeZ4FUEl6y-LklKo9GmFH5Xk5Ewyj2DawkUmF38HIsRYPVCpJhbfZv1O-7HzdPfSGptpu7ljvM/s1600/20120714-IMG_4502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uswpbUeeApie4NXbGSQjUIf2YSe0LvBRfp9_zK4OJW88uyxoPVGcbbuM_odIUH5ctuTeZ4FUEl6y-LklKo9GmFH5Xk5Ewyj2DawkUmF38HIsRYPVCpJhbfZv1O-7HzdPfSGptpu7ljvM/s640/20120714-IMG_4502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ted Lee Store - Horsehead Lake, Clarksville, AR</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my earliest memories as a child is traveling with my
parents on our annual trip to Kansas City, Kansas for Thanksgiving with the Schmatjens
(a.k.a. Harpers and Pages).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those were
the days when I was small enough to curl up and sleep in the floor fitting on
one side of the hump. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was also before
the days of four lane highways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our journey
through the mountain roads of Arkansas and Missouri afforded us a stop or two at the
small town gas stations for a “fill-up and an empty-out”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HyDEo7OdEmM/UAK7-WICcdI/AAAAAAAAAQw/fu3tsAUYh8c/s1600/20120714-IMG_4474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HyDEo7OdEmM/UAK7-WICcdI/AAAAAAAAAQw/fu3tsAUYh8c/s640/20120714-IMG_4474.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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D & J's (Redlick Store) - Hwy 21, Clarksville, AR</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Most times the price of gas off the beaten
path was much cheaper than that found on the well traveled roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can remember the old signs posting a price
of gas for $.29 a gallon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those days
we didn’t think much about what our average miles per gallon were or that gas
might be one cent cheaper three blocks down the road.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ARI1sV4QjjVN45nuJ-ysonRi04qqiI0uySb2qs-JXubLUL8Zui72ueBMuaxMZ4VIGAd0MOOr3dR9niYjP49NhH4Q-Q60455VfSy59fYMy9MTIZG69Em_zKmZ8LEvF3cbvUf2-vzFuaF7/s1600/20120714-IMG_4476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ARI1sV4QjjVN45nuJ-ysonRi04qqiI0uySb2qs-JXubLUL8Zui72ueBMuaxMZ4VIGAd0MOOr3dR9niYjP49NhH4Q-Q60455VfSy59fYMy9MTIZG69Em_zKmZ8LEvF3cbvUf2-vzFuaF7/s640/20120714-IMG_4476.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
F.F. King Store - Hwy 103, Clarksville, AR</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week’s photo challenge for me was Vintage Gas Stations so
this also became the object of desire for my weekly “Adventures with Ricky”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew of one, maybe two, old stations I
wanted to visit but was not sure of their condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our route went from home to “Hunt Town” and
back by way of a few stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was amazed
at how many gas stations we came across, most no longer in business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A total of 16 store/stations in all not counting the modern-day stations still in operation.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_42QdIiQDdeanp8iKfYq15B8FQ6c1OAUv3RsU7gmUekKJufTK1CwPIJY-bOf6c4iLQcRuVcpmsZ72eSwU5Q_2FO7-rjYMoIaA_vXLFksExoYmUzZL5d_KCYqAzBsFSCFanwoMcvgz_JqD/s1600/20120714-IMG_4518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_42QdIiQDdeanp8iKfYq15B8FQ6c1OAUv3RsU7gmUekKJufTK1CwPIJY-bOf6c4iLQcRuVcpmsZ72eSwU5Q_2FO7-rjYMoIaA_vXLFksExoYmUzZL5d_KCYqAzBsFSCFanwoMcvgz_JqD/s640/20120714-IMG_4518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Argus Jacob's Store - Hunt (Hunt Town), AR</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While they were not all photo worthy, I did
manage to capture a few shots that, in my opinion, deserve to make it out of my
camera and into a frame on my one wall, art gallery at the CHA.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsuZAPl7O3gU5WBeHIYebRKDxapbN6O1ZD8fV74LR2PtPmaCHXtM9wWxcdNU8Rwi3w9Q2fA7sB72Da0PUKZ1YypEfwHBkDvOR65eMZDNmYy8ceo-cCyWT6Xr_dFQuGJmrJqhgv_5G13qs/s1600/20120714-IMG_4544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsuZAPl7O3gU5WBeHIYebRKDxapbN6O1ZD8fV74LR2PtPmaCHXtM9wWxcdNU8Rwi3w9Q2fA7sB72Da0PUKZ1YypEfwHBkDvOR65eMZDNmYy8ceo-cCyWT6Xr_dFQuGJmrJqhgv_5G13qs/s640/20120714-IMG_4544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">The knowledge I have about these
places is very limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I ask that you take a look and if you know any history about these relics
PLEASE add it, either as a comment or in a note, so that I may share the
stories that would be told if these walls could talk. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy the stroll down
memory lane… that is, if you are “mature” enough to relate and still have your memory. And about that "growing old" subject, I will try to do it with dignity and grace. Please remind me of this if I seem to have lost my focus somewhere along the way on this journey call life.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">LIFE LESSON:<span class="text Eccl-3-1" id="en-KJV-17361"><span style="font-size: small;">To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><div class="result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-2" id="en-KJV-17362"><span style="font-size: small;"> -A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-3" id="en-KJV-17363"><span style="font-size: small;"> -A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-4" id="en-KJV-17364"><span style="font-size: small;">- A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-5" id="en-KJV-17365"><span style="font-size: small;">- A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-6" id="en-KJV-17366"><span style="font-size: small;">- A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;</span></span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-3-7" id="en-KJV-17367"><span style="font-size: small;">- A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-8" id="en-KJV-17368"><span style="font-size: small;">- A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Eccl-3-8"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="text Eccl-3-8"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong> Ecclesiastes 3</strong> 1-8 </span><span style="font-size: small;">KJV</span></span></div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-56161473069895001322012-06-03T19:55:00.001-07:002012-06-03T20:47:38.015-07:00Don't Sweat the Small Stuff<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another chapter in the ongoing saga of “The Great Adventures
of Ricky and Lisa” resulted in a gorgeous patch of Cone Flowers (Echinacea) being
the photo subject of the evening.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvdZgpaXgQEigA3TLdDyR3Hr8RjeLjf_KzjWdlnoBSSgqaz7_r9Neu_1C4Rtvw_7-JjWhQ0j5-mWjJSrHfuKpaJ0mpsWFk2TerdSNBJue_UUgswMbimy2RFdJUGje5nm9FhszeoMOqLdA/s1600/20120522-IMG_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvdZgpaXgQEigA3TLdDyR3Hr8RjeLjf_KzjWdlnoBSSgqaz7_r9Neu_1C4Rtvw_7-JjWhQ0j5-mWjJSrHfuKpaJ0mpsWFk2TerdSNBJue_UUgswMbimy2RFdJUGje5nm9FhszeoMOqLdA/s400/20120522-IMG_1225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
lighting was just right for a great photo opportunity so I set up my camera and
honed in on the brightest flower in the bunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only after taking my first shot did I notice that my pick of the patch had
a visitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHer29mzOfaRg62-JUJ8LLdZEGJ9uH-OxRinKpHrCIR30tw-uKpFeenazjJtMqaXKby6kbB_eNPEyaqAMEOL4WbotmD563SWDRPkP6ouFYIzY4tqt_6e-xZRNFQqOEZOt9MKj7hXN8OASb/s1600/20120522-IMG_1239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHer29mzOfaRg62-JUJ8LLdZEGJ9uH-OxRinKpHrCIR30tw-uKpFeenazjJtMqaXKby6kbB_eNPEyaqAMEOL4WbotmD563SWDRPkP6ouFYIzY4tqt_6e-xZRNFQqOEZOt9MKj7hXN8OASb/s640/20120522-IMG_1239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The big eyes of a moth were staring me down.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am sometimes known to add thoughts and voices to the
animals in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so the
conversation between me and the moth went something like this:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lisa – Good grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a moth on this flower ruining my shot.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFbh5xsYapk4fQ41rZ32FM5jDJ79Xx3GjEwpXcCWlH40a_OF26cIMuH6bNZEGVrb783NrsnHPALqUTIADYci0Eu52JV8jHjX3U4bwf3pL13bAbHoYzSsLtWzCErT0ojQlyqVrk7ChxIUR/s1600/20120522-IMG_1218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFbh5xsYapk4fQ41rZ32FM5jDJ79Xx3GjEwpXcCWlH40a_OF26cIMuH6bNZEGVrb783NrsnHPALqUTIADYci0Eu52JV8jHjX3U4bwf3pL13bAbHoYzSsLtWzCErT0ojQlyqVrk7ChxIUR/s640/20120522-IMG_1218.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moth – “HEY!! What do you think you are doing???”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lisa – (waving hands toward the moth)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Go! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Move along and let me take this picture while
the light is good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzlT_aVPQeFAisNZ6CyfR8oscXqZMtE7g8eTAHhIlx20FqmWho53j3H0ybP902vX73EGEEK90Qm30r_TOe1_N-5pWze1OsDvnYGJXAtLBg4Yt0eZr3sxA0eT-oOJ7oEzWMUrUbMaaTLPE/s1600/20120522-DSCN2196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzlT_aVPQeFAisNZ6CyfR8oscXqZMtE7g8eTAHhIlx20FqmWho53j3H0ybP902vX73EGEEK90Qm30r_TOe1_N-5pWze1OsDvnYGJXAtLBg4Yt0eZr3sxA0eT-oOJ7oEzWMUrUbMaaTLPE/s640/20120522-DSCN2196.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moth – “I did NOT give you permission to take my picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No releases signed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had better not end up in some magazine with
a staple in my bellybutton.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lisa – “Come on… hurry up and get through with whatever it
is that you are doing.”</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moth – “Goodness, can't a guy have any privacy around
here?”</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB8edDpTjaAiAsOvCmYc-xMuqyYZWMXkQmfCnAOg1HGO5-OI3gMWJ8CSCvCWKpdeYf66deacKwAv-UTVC3V0gvsT13uSoxH3I4NVjCh3l1nrNVPAsuzqknIPtuEhfo7ai7KJImNZJMh9L/s1600/20120522-IMG_1246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB8edDpTjaAiAsOvCmYc-xMuqyYZWMXkQmfCnAOg1HGO5-OI3gMWJ8CSCvCWKpdeYf66deacKwAv-UTVC3V0gvsT13uSoxH3I4NVjCh3l1nrNVPAsuzqknIPtuEhfo7ai7KJImNZJMh9L/s640/20120522-IMG_1246.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lisa – “I don’t want to hurt you… you’re kind of pretty.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moth – “Oh… thank you!”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lisa – “Well, if you aren’t going to leave would you at
least be still so you don’t blur the picture?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moth – “OK, since you asked so nicely, be sure to get my god
side.” </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjzFkbPGruDcXvhyphenhyphenQS50jEI-x5DvsB6s-9GFks4RM4UskALXv35Xl9LZ0oGO1WmjZSoyUwewcWrOkIiLNv7TSkDN-0pZZ4G7aCeMIBB9mgTTetsdV44Y9x0nFkMs27yiwibiGY2KlFW8H/s1600/20120522-DSCN2197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjzFkbPGruDcXvhyphenhyphenQS50jEI-x5DvsB6s-9GFks4RM4UskALXv35Xl9LZ0oGO1WmjZSoyUwewcWrOkIiLNv7TSkDN-0pZZ4G7aCeMIBB9mgTTetsdV44Y9x0nFkMs27yiwibiGY2KlFW8H/s640/20120522-DSCN2197.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My point is
that I was probably disturbing his late afternoon plans just as much as he was
disturbing</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the
best way to get along in life is to just work with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get so stressed out over the things in
life that you have no control over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
things that we encounter throughout the day are not worth making yourself sick
over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently read somewhere “Change
what you cannot accept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accept what you
cannot change.” I’d like to add – Seek God’s guidance when deciding which of
these best fits your present battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure there is a life lesson there.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PcRA9UOxDRF91WJ8F-g5VCYN-tQ61tgoH3omXufkjpbya06-nNToGkI-CBik7OznfSA-8JOqbLXMNur9iJqNAMtxfheLkLV8VUX8Pn_EK5y-Il7Nqzi4tcdg00Qy8E-JAcuJRLhQWuDa/s1600/20120522-IMG_1222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PcRA9UOxDRF91WJ8F-g5VCYN-tQ61tgoH3omXufkjpbya06-nNToGkI-CBik7OznfSA-8JOqbLXMNur9iJqNAMtxfheLkLV8VUX8Pn_EK5y-Il7Nqzi4tcdg00Qy8E-JAcuJRLhQWuDa/s640/20120522-IMG_1222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh, by the way, Thanks Mr. Moth for some great poses!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-83741840095315145672012-05-26T22:04:00.001-07:002012-06-23T21:05:58.555-07:00Somewhere In Time<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many couples left childless on a Friday night will search
for excitement on such a rare occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My dear, sweet husband and I chose the extreme opposite as we retreated in
search of a photo opportunity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was curious
to try an artistic form of photography called “star trails”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that conditions were not ideal for
perfect images I still was eager to see what I could do and I knew just the
place to go.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes it’s nice to be able to step back in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we all know this is not actually
possible we can visit places that seem to have been caught in a time of
yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These visits allow us to
drift into a trance of semi-unconsciousness were all the hustle and bustle of
our daily lives are left behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hidden in the woods of the Ozark National Forest such a
place exists.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHFHRvRnc2_cFROkN9i6dsgxZJQPUwC4NP-Yf2MJmgu-dn6lYFsBarAm8JrBMpSjOACDNF_Sdg-IfIGhjCZNyb3qPMYpaesnDtP4nR2MuI2sEvniSN8E0jrroxiR3MmSF2FozEtBqvVWL/s1600/20120525-IMG_1346-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHFHRvRnc2_cFROkN9i6dsgxZJQPUwC4NP-Yf2MJmgu-dn6lYFsBarAm8JrBMpSjOACDNF_Sdg-IfIGhjCZNyb3qPMYpaesnDtP4nR2MuI2sEvniSN8E0jrroxiR3MmSF2FozEtBqvVWL/s640/20120525-IMG_1346-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> On a piece of property maintained by a family who understands
that our past is an important part of who we are today, you can find the Union
School.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbhdGqG9OH8qZUTJQZu5q7XB2SLbOnoo-CvOmRoaeMnKA-Vp09xE-vnU4A4QcjHhrEcdgb8XvvCggPRyG0Lf1LYecrRqZnNsAtwzm-X5P0cEM4oC7eljjvlQQ-Eoyuqs3zXFgO0YXXHG2/s1600/20120525-IMG_1338-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbhdGqG9OH8qZUTJQZu5q7XB2SLbOnoo-CvOmRoaeMnKA-Vp09xE-vnU4A4QcjHhrEcdgb8XvvCggPRyG0Lf1LYecrRqZnNsAtwzm-X5P0cEM4oC7eljjvlQQ-Eoyuqs3zXFgO0YXXHG2/s640/20120525-IMG_1338-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A building that sat vacant and
unloved since the 1970s has been revived and given new life due to the interest
of a young man generations removed from the daily activities of years past (Thanks Dustin). A
visit will cause your mind to explore what life would have been like had
you attended school, church or any of the other community events held here.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrived at our destination claiming squatter’s rights to
the far corner of the Union Schoolhouse yard and set up our mini-camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While waiting for darkness to arrive we
ventured inside to experience a moment of yesterday.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XeJ4EpDBvYKH-odjaFHXUh-_D39xq34mFTjArKkGBpq_Q_n5evOzK4HRjqpCMq4YGW7Zr8IpT_h6vYdZ_rfNndHOhOlaWYXiydgnV44bDazxk_3sFaAy9-vN_kCW9qZ9EmszfdLSbUC9/s1600/20120525-IMG_1337-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XeJ4EpDBvYKH-odjaFHXUh-_D39xq34mFTjArKkGBpq_Q_n5evOzK4HRjqpCMq4YGW7Zr8IpT_h6vYdZ_rfNndHOhOlaWYXiydgnV44bDazxk_3sFaAy9-vN_kCW9qZ9EmszfdLSbUC9/s640/20120525-IMG_1337-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixk94SRIY-C4a4Ge16qzr3gQTxqwnVhVI0MoaLf-TybtEtq8s9FBi-03Rr4AEWJ9xstnVmBxjM3SxbOcYJ8nzB7ZWakoBsLSEr-bjSN9y3qTcZ1O9Frs6FK-6Lc6pTJ-eextbGgMHPCilq/s1600/20120525-DSCN2209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixk94SRIY-C4a4Ge16qzr3gQTxqwnVhVI0MoaLf-TybtEtq8s9FBi-03Rr4AEWJ9xstnVmBxjM3SxbOcYJ8nzB7ZWakoBsLSEr-bjSN9y3qTcZ1O9Frs6FK-6Lc6pTJ-eextbGgMHPCilq/s640/20120525-DSCN2209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tLVa3MLZYN6gnS0PR-_L_NWHSmGThj2FtratNeNEixMqZJ0zt3u3_XFdvbG9FwCtAM6FUIIJW5ymUqpot811F9Iyzg1TJDiGFLa9sHXbd_QQjL5OeFsgtIkFBw-GH-s-RN5Gf4zlOSPT/s1600/20120525-IMG_1311-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tLVa3MLZYN6gnS0PR-_L_NWHSmGThj2FtratNeNEixMqZJ0zt3u3_XFdvbG9FwCtAM6FUIIJW5ymUqpot811F9Iyzg1TJDiGFLa9sHXbd_QQjL5OeFsgtIkFBw-GH-s-RN5Gf4zlOSPT/s640/20120525-IMG_1311-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The setting of the sun cast a warm glow
through large widows onto wooden planks of the floor and walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EbeKJr9w2dHdls-VkFZuMOHJ_sEaVBAg0PNPTS9sttg_EIa9U7r3OmF287_BSog1ip_ttexEerwRblpIGl-x5e_6c-LfVCmB-XYCodjIQ2wZGv3mINrzV7xRhHSRzLaGfOgOA3Ne3HRp/s1600/20120525-DSCN2213-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EbeKJr9w2dHdls-VkFZuMOHJ_sEaVBAg0PNPTS9sttg_EIa9U7r3OmF287_BSog1ip_ttexEerwRblpIGl-x5e_6c-LfVCmB-XYCodjIQ2wZGv3mINrzV7xRhHSRzLaGfOgOA3Ne3HRp/s640/20120525-DSCN2213-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The feeling of awe was such that even the
layer of dust covering everything could not dispel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwluMZejEMP44ukWIf0o5F9kwAHL1wsUJUDXoxz-hmimCjEt6FzUgqZ7MW0crTxVyfY6cVqgBzBk6PFOFBWZCYKCX25vSYsE2SyjmBvY_TvX70gWPl5nG02uAqvzT21rdojSDjCUy2wYg/s1600/20120525-IMG_1331-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwluMZejEMP44ukWIf0o5F9kwAHL1wsUJUDXoxz-hmimCjEt6FzUgqZ7MW0crTxVyfY6cVqgBzBk6PFOFBWZCYKCX25vSYsE2SyjmBvY_TvX70gWPl5nG02uAqvzT21rdojSDjCUy2wYg/s640/20120525-IMG_1331-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8QJk-khpbbTl5GmjyZg1W2BEjw3x0FzH-ZRmQXKs_RgD4Cr_nixW-Epik3IjVBWU6cfJdBAfW94fK9wEOQO3teDRvlnNJYE25Ewa8Sob56HbW8n7TjCMB2yCKUALT3dPWKVPqbnr3oqM/s1600/20120525-IMG_1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8QJk-khpbbTl5GmjyZg1W2BEjw3x0FzH-ZRmQXKs_RgD4Cr_nixW-Epik3IjVBWU6cfJdBAfW94fK9wEOQO3teDRvlnNJYE25Ewa8Sob56HbW8n7TjCMB2yCKUALT3dPWKVPqbnr3oqM/s640/20120525-IMG_1327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once the sun had set it didn’t take long for darkness to
take over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the needed adjustments
made to my camera all that was left to do was sit back and take in the
greatness of the clear, starry night. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvk-c9o13TYjwwlC5sBlNw71HiD6ep1uoq62gUva42K7MXdtShCOP4WgAtt4wSk6hO2q92iuVVRPT_HA-Vo__szRZNb_1sY_u-9d-WnLahUerl8VDclEExrTzVOyfptv-v1YjUvrlSiJi/s1600/20120525-IMG_1384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvk-c9o13TYjwwlC5sBlNw71HiD6ep1uoq62gUva42K7MXdtShCOP4WgAtt4wSk6hO2q92iuVVRPT_HA-Vo__szRZNb_1sY_u-9d-WnLahUerl8VDclEExrTzVOyfptv-v1YjUvrlSiJi/s640/20120525-IMG_1384.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One by one, stars seemed to appear until
the midnight blue sky was sparkling like a sea of brilliant diamonds. A new and
different piece of history was being captured one frame at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some 100 plus frames later phase one of my
first attempt of star trails was complete. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next day, with the help of notes from a dear friend I
was able to create this image.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx8aOU8KcBmkXtEqLAHX2CgsclFPbbaVZ908O_Rt_rM6FkbAi4tcRFrJo9KbJJ-BywSNG2apNqcRdOLPMd4Q0MZp-b0_mdI_dcAZ9FvU78eRQ86onWMZUZuRsSR-7BmS96gh1vUIYWkvD/s1600/20120526-20120526-Union+School+Startrail-+My+First-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx8aOU8KcBmkXtEqLAHX2CgsclFPbbaVZ908O_Rt_rM6FkbAi4tcRFrJo9KbJJ-BywSNG2apNqcRdOLPMd4Q0MZp-b0_mdI_dcAZ9FvU78eRQ86onWMZUZuRsSR-7BmS96gh1vUIYWkvD/s640/20120526-20120526-Union+School+Startrail-+My+First-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m sure years from now I will look at this picture and
remember how green I was to the whole concept of star trail photography but
just like the walls of the Union School, this picture has history and memories
to be passed on to the next generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can look at it with my children and grand-children and tell them about
the excitement of learning something new and the night their Daddy/Grandpa and
I spent at a place almost forgotten... enjoying yet another of the wonders of
God’s amazing creation.</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">LIFE LESSON:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of
the best things we can learn today come from knowing the things others learned
yesterday.</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> For more information about the Union School <a href="http://www.arkansaspreservation.com/historic-properties/_search_nomination_popup.aspx?id=2561" target="_blank">http://www.arkansaspreservation.com/historic-properties/_search_nomination_popup.aspx?id=2561</a></span></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-83934897238702108332012-05-21T21:56:00.001-07:002012-05-22T05:33:15.321-07:00Where's My Mortarboard?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUICnZSEpsAXqgmcsK4oIvhaDPc6y8TILuAC5sHnb-cu2dU9g4LLkmJUcTg7e3cQiLlMCYqKZd2LreaX22L2qE6TMG1B5uFtGkl8oSNLwcIBRXqcwsJnLriPpcRLntOUGPeJ-3H3D8mzw/s1600/20120522-motarboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUICnZSEpsAXqgmcsK4oIvhaDPc6y8TILuAC5sHnb-cu2dU9g4LLkmJUcTg7e3cQiLlMCYqKZd2LreaX22L2qE6TMG1B5uFtGkl8oSNLwcIBRXqcwsJnLriPpcRLntOUGPeJ-3H3D8mzw/s640/20120522-motarboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's the third one from the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"> We attended the first of several graduations
for our family this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My niece,
Katie, was one of the group of seniors wearing purple and gold at the
graduation at Lavaca High School.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">As Pomp and Circumstance played in the
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if it were just yesterday they were babes in diapers, playing in Grandma’s back
yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or performing for us in costumes
made by combining the findings from the bottom of a toy chest with their pile of
dirty clothes from the bathroom floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their laughter streamed through the house like a favorite song from the
radio. And as long as we could hear them we didn’t worry too much about what
they were up to.</span></span></div>
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forward to the next weekend where Katie is in the audience and Alison is the
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And at the same time Zane is attending his
own graduation in the next town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
memories this night were of the many miles they covered one 1/2 mile at a time
while traveling from one house to the other – first on foot, then bike,
four-wheeler and eventually by car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Here
they are in their caps and gowns, drawing close this chapter of their life
known as high school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pride spills from
within as I look at them and their siblings and think to myself “We made it and
didn’t we do good!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">LIFE
LESSON:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>” Time waits for no man.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when one door closes another one is
opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can hardly wait to see what
the future brings for these three.</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-70188572119712230332012-04-10T23:47:00.003-07:002012-04-11T08:44:54.448-07:00Liar, Liar Pants On Fire<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Honey, does this outfit make me look Fat??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOOOOoooo Dear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Is this a good color for me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YESSSSss Dear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Do I look as old as her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOOOOoooo Dear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">It all starts so innocently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ask a question knowing that if they know what’s best for all, the answer will only be a positive response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do it to our spouse, our children, our friends…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Children will lie without ever being shown how it’s done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a form of self-perseverance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also the sin nature rearing its ugly head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will blame messy rooms on their sibling, their pets or even their imaginary friend with the straightest of faces, believing themselves that they could not have been the culprit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Later in life we like to think of it as “little white lies”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone what does it matter, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s also the tactic of avoiding the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What time did you get in last night?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Around midnight.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1:30 am is “around” midnight, isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or we sometimes totally change the subject so that the topic is forgotten for the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">So when is it o.k. to lie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never, yet we still do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thou shall not lie is #9 on the Ten Commandments list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These commandments are rules for living peaceably given to Moses by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While man, not God, is the one who added weight to our sins deciding that one is worst than the other, they all have the same consequence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Separation from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5Ywj1GG-VO7hUDGuzl_uAGpZZyfJAxms85fKzbWzfBbyTN-tG3T5CneNSrCl0BQP5IYrxVBSZP8N_o2_mvRcrKcvyfxrqiSrIA3PjKqYAuGuJ3S10KW6alOZG9XItkOq-Qx6iziIxh62/s1600/Student+Ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5Ywj1GG-VO7hUDGuzl_uAGpZZyfJAxms85fKzbWzfBbyTN-tG3T5CneNSrCl0BQP5IYrxVBSZP8N_o2_mvRcrKcvyfxrqiSrIA3PjKqYAuGuJ3S10KW6alOZG9XItkOq-Qx6iziIxh62/s400/Student+Ticket.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">The Arkansas sports world has been rocked today because of the consequences of lies and deception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fans all across the US have had mixed opinions regarding the fate of a motorcycle ride gone bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve sat back and quietly read comments in support of a coach by young and old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of these supporters think that the actions of our state’s representative done on his own time are his private business and none of our concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many feel that wrong doings of a personal nature are not ours to judge and should be between him and his family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others lend a blind eye to any wrongdoing because he has coached our home team in the direction of continued victory.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvedVxMaqUT6VLSxFUvswiCf24jUgKP_h4uZRjPS7vDsak-m__ng9ud3_DiGQeOy3Ah5zC9qhDPhP3y8pFEBfShd3XNFjKK7tlrWPP5mVgSDX9izCiWCVhzkKAGHgBuMbZ5oGwMmPr-Kd/s1600/Snap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvedVxMaqUT6VLSxFUvswiCf24jUgKP_h4uZRjPS7vDsak-m__ng9ud3_DiGQeOy3Ah5zC9qhDPhP3y8pFEBfShd3XNFjKK7tlrWPP5mVgSDX9izCiWCVhzkKAGHgBuMbZ5oGwMmPr-Kd/s400/Snap.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve heard over and over again the phrase “everyone makes mistakes” but Bobby Petrino made a CHOICE, not a mistake, and with his choice came life changing results. His choice affected many around him and the paths of their lives are forever changed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I think the real tragedy here is not the loss of a great coach but the loss of our current generation understanding the need for integrity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have watered down morals and responsibilities by accepting less than stellar actions and standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many people today have no remorse or regrets at covering up wrong doings and the easy road wins over the high road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An even greater tragedy is when they have lied to themselves for so long that they can’t see this lie that stands before them on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many have turned their back to the truths with which they were raised and are immune to the pain this causes them and the ones who love and care about them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">As parents it’s our responsibility to teach by example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember my sister-in-law telling her boys that the punishment for telling the truth will not be as bad as the punishment for telling a lie - notice that there is punishment found in both because she and her husband were teaching them that actions have consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am proud to say that both boys have grown into fine young men with integrity and a healthy respect for honesty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that I have failed in the area of truthfulness at times in my life but tomorrow always holds another opportunity for me to be true to what is good and real even if it may go against my own desires. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For us to obtain truthfulness we must have self discipline and consistency and we must continually rely on help from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="messagebody2"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-size: large;">The life lesson here is so obvious – The truth will always win so don’t side with a lie.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="messagebody2"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Let us not forget about Jeff Long, Arkansas Athletic Director. </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span class="messagebody2">He went out on a limb and took a stand for truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks Jeff for being a prime example of class and integrity. May we all learn from you and how you have handled this tough situation</span>.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUyq-aoODAnNjR6LxGPE8RB_VB02-eu8HZUcfNNcJbTwJ565Zi3fWW3ovFX5ezSkZAz9PK617qnRnSzF4IeerWqblzo0pgHcTqmZRc5xZY0hmBTTLYKM8dxkzPAxuG_m0aOByvTqwiwfN/s1600/End+Zone+Score.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUyq-aoODAnNjR6LxGPE8RB_VB02-eu8HZUcfNNcJbTwJ565Zi3fWW3ovFX5ezSkZAz9PK617qnRnSzF4IeerWqblzo0pgHcTqmZRc5xZY0hmBTTLYKM8dxkzPAxuG_m0aOByvTqwiwfN/s400/End+Zone+Score.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">WPS - Go Hogs!!!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-13636698781090167732012-01-28T08:40:00.000-08:002012-01-28T18:40:37.207-08:00Time to Move On<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have moved many times in my life averaging every five years until our present address and we have been here for over nine years now. It doesn't seem possible. And every move there have been neatly labeled boxes that have gone with us but have never been unpacked. With each move the dust is wiped off the top and these precious treasures have been stored awaiting the day that they are needed. They are full of items that, for some reason, have been assessed great worth and are, therefore, worthy of our efforts to keep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One such box is labeled "Lisa's Size 10". Now I don't know how may people remember when I was a size ten but I promise you it was somewhere between the years of my engagement to Ricky and the birth of our first daughter (1982 -1985). Hold that thought...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everyone knows that there are some things you just don't ask a girl and the #1 question is how much she weighs. And everyone knows that there are some things that people will stretch the truth about and one of those is ... How much they weigh. Some people are very disciplined and work diligently to keep their weight at the desired level. Others don't ever give thought to what they weigh or how they got there. And others, like me, have moments of both styles, only worrying about it when it becomes a problem, bouncing back and forth from the many fad diets, when we finally face reality that something needs to be done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few years ago we purchased a WiiFit program and one of the first things I do when using it is step on the board and weigh in. The little animated "mii" will make some humorous move and a voice I've learned to hate says "Oh, that's OBESE". WOW!! What a reality check! There's nothing quite like an inanimate object being so truthful at 6 a.m. I quickly learned to mute the TV before my early morning weigh-in but that didn't erase the truth - that I was obese. But this past summer, due to some health problems I decided that I would get serious about making some changes in my life and take off some weight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After several months of the ELMM diet (eat less, move more) I stepped on the WiiFit board and heard "Oh, that's overweight". Now I know that was supposed to sound better but seriously... I did not feel any better about myself. I had moments when I wondered "why try" and there were days when the EMML (think about it, you'll figure it out) was the preferred diet but an image of me at a much older age would form in my mind and I would remember that I want to be known as the fun grandma - someday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am proud to say that the day finally came when the Wii could no longer taunt me by saying negative things about my weight. And somewhere in the storage room there was a box labeled "Lisa's Size 10" waiting to be opened. A little forethought at this moment would have helped prepare me for what was about to happen. But I was so excited to think that there would be one less box to move next time that I didn't even consider the fact of how fashion styles have changed in 30 years. There was not one single item in there that I would dare to wear in public.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many times we hold on to things from our past. By keeping a box of clothing in a size much smaller than I could wear I was holding on to a desire to be that size again. But keeping the box did not make the dream a reality. It took effort on my part. And once the goal was reached the truth was that things had changed around me and the way things were in the past is not how things are meant to be for me at this time in my life. I will never look as good in those things as I remember them being in the past.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are there things in your life that you've held onto thinking that you should keep but knowing deep inside you that they are not a good fit? For me it was a process but once I looked in the mirror and was honest with myself I knew it was time to let them go. At first I was sad because there was nothing wrong with them - no holes, no tears, no missing buttons. But they just are not my style any more. So out they go! It was a good feeling once I faced the truth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've lost 40 lbs. and feel great but I'm not through. And even though there is no box labeled "Lisa's Size 8" waiting for me to try them on there is a picture in my mind of an energetic grandma chasing after her neighbor's beautiful little girls - cause I'm too young to be chasing my own grandchildren - just yet! ;-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Life lesson: Look at your life and ask yourself if you are where God truly wants you to be. If not, what do you need to change to get there? It's not always easy to make those changes but there is never true peace if you are not living in God's will.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX8n-7aEp-I_uEnu1jETw6DYiX3EDHY4KotKJqd7nH_0-cRKidI80ys-VcenLW6VYXpm3KYeqAUt4KK-iP4FStF-aPa2YVhbBKivXL-FYAtjnKJFuPoJ7ZJY9-6Pe8RwWLFitCi_oGU7Z/s1600/Wedding+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX8n-7aEp-I_uEnu1jETw6DYiX3EDHY4KotKJqd7nH_0-cRKidI80ys-VcenLW6VYXpm3KYeqAUt4KK-iP4FStF-aPa2YVhbBKivXL-FYAtjnKJFuPoJ7ZJY9-6Pe8RwWLFitCi_oGU7Z/s400/Wedding+Photo.jpg" width="288" /></a>1982</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY4L1Dh9jJ4_A8vhyphenhyphenQdsarHvpMC3Agivexm4jzddmUgiRFB5gts-kcGs25oPLqgptXL3W8yocIg4fQ-uPjXEBwN83IQjHi3SbzQd205b0mWbzkTkJ07NcwMxpfMLvXlmgnk43lNRlda2W/s1600/Lisa+%2526+Ali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY4L1Dh9jJ4_A8vhyphenhyphenQdsarHvpMC3Agivexm4jzddmUgiRFB5gts-kcGs25oPLqgptXL3W8yocIg4fQ-uPjXEBwN83IQjHi3SbzQd205b0mWbzkTkJ07NcwMxpfMLvXlmgnk43lNRlda2W/s320/Lisa+%2526+Ali.jpg" width="320" /></a>2009</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaVQ33-I08lcQG4_eUvtpjdhsXzaehtmkGSTbT_RE2j3TJ7eyyVl8GJaXNatMHSt_UFdFNGOdYCpa5ZpdX3yk0OPLAkelZe-yHbp_smIMTo4bJG5W7Brp1DZujDHcFwDpfL-KPp7E07Mf/s1600/Lisa+Now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaVQ33-I08lcQG4_eUvtpjdhsXzaehtmkGSTbT_RE2j3TJ7eyyVl8GJaXNatMHSt_UFdFNGOdYCpa5ZpdX3yk0OPLAkelZe-yHbp_smIMTo4bJG5W7Brp1DZujDHcFwDpfL-KPp7E07Mf/s400/Lisa+Now.jpg" width="266" /></a>2011</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-17305698179163938512012-01-06T22:14:00.000-08:002012-01-06T22:19:24.331-08:00Shut Up and Drive<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="FO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span lang="FO" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that every state ban the use of cell phones (including hands free devices) while driving except in the case of an emergency. They feel that this will reduce the number of "distraction-related" accidents. This leads me to two thoughts:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Define "emergency". Is forgetting to pick up your outfit at the dry cleaners for tonight's event and calling someone else to get it for you an emergency? Is calling home to have someone check to see if you turned off the iron an emergency? Some would think so but I doubt this is what the powers that be had in mind.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Will they eventually want to ban all distractions from inside an automobile? If so we would have to leave our children, our spouse and our pets at home.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpdvVl6EhjseM5nGXGqltmK_Vq744flEUKPNIfMg8txT2EWEC7KHHYml9r2n7HtPort0Isxo-6P5PixbnB963yfw3aEnePPts4JcSXTWIzqiOY824Pg0UFtTl3rSYIbFoiRRMNO9oVl5H/s1600/untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpdvVl6EhjseM5nGXGqltmK_Vq744flEUKPNIfMg8txT2EWEC7KHHYml9r2n7HtPort0Isxo-6P5PixbnB963yfw3aEnePPts4JcSXTWIzqiOY824Pg0UFtTl3rSYIbFoiRRMNO9oVl5H/s400/untitled.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wonder if this pet is a "distraction" to the driver.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We will have to quit eating and drinking in our cars, remove all music devices (radios, cd players, mp3 players, etc.) from our car and quit picking up anything that can be dropped while driving... The list goes on and on.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You may have heard me say how I feel about this. It is not the fact of not being able to use a cell phone while driving that bothers me. It is the fact that someone is once again deciding that we are not smart enough to make wise decisions on our own. You cannot legislate intelligence and even smart people can make bad decisions. I wonder - by continually making laws that think for us are we limiting the next generation's ability to think reasonably on their own? If they are never allowed to weigh the consequences of choice A against choice B how can they be expected to make good decisions? Just some food for thought.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">And now, just for laughs, here are some actual laws that are on the books in some states (Disclaimer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This list of useful information was found on the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take it for what it’s worth.):</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- A United States federal law makes it illegal to issue a fake Weather Bureau forecast.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Arkansas, no person shall sound the horn on a vehicle at any place where cold drinks or sandwiches are served after 9:00 p.m.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Los Angeles, It is not legal to bathe two babies at the same time in the same tub.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Indianapolis, no horse shall be driven or ridden on any street in the city at a speed in excess of ten (10) miles per hour.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Ottumwa, Iowa, it is illegal for any man, within the corporate city limits, to wink at any female with whom he is "unacquainted."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Topeka, KS, servers are forbidden to serve wine in teacups.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Kentucky, a female shall not appear in a bathing suit on any highway within this state</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In New Orleans, fire code outlaws the cursing of firefighters while they are in the performance of their duties.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Baltimore, it is illegal to take a lion to the movies.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Nebraska, it is not legal for a tavern owner to serve beer unless a nice kettle of soup is also brewing.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">-In New York, a license must be purchased before hanging clothes on a clothesline.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Greene, NY, during a concert, it is illegal to eat peanuts and walk backwards on the sidewalks.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Ocean City, NY, it is illegal for men to go topless in the center of town. (This is a good idea!)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In New York City, women may go topless in public, providing it is not being used as a business.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Oxford, Ohio, it is unlawful for a woman to appear in public while unshaven. This includes legs and face.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Oklahoma, it is illegal to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7p.m.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">- In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Arizona, hunting camels is prohibited.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In California, animals are banned from mating publicly within 1,500 feet of a tavern, school, or place of worship.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In California, no vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 miles per hour.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">- In Arizona, it is illegal for men and women over the age of 18 to have less than one missing tooth visible when smiling.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: white;">I hope these made you smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve searched long and hard for a life lesson here and have come up empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe for me the lesson is that I should ease up and go with it rather than getting all worked up about the decisions our law makers impose upon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day everyone will have forgotten about it, something else will be the subject of our attention and it will be something for us to laugh about in the future. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: white;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-19114472365224614112011-10-25T19:50:00.000-07:002011-10-25T21:31:04.885-07:00My Daddy Said...<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our time on earth will come to an end but many of the things we say will live on in the heart and mind of others for years to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad had many sayings that I will never forget:</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-“You are sharp as a tack and just as flat-headed.”</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-“When you get right, it’ll get right.”</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-“There but for the grace of God, go I.”</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But one of the wisest things my Dad ever said to Ricky was to” find a fun hobby and then go do it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ricky, like my Dad in many ways, always has to be working at something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this is a great trait in a man it can wear you out before your time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoy doing fun things but it is just not in our nature to choose fun over work that needs to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ricky’s workday starts at 6:30 (He drives a school bus, teaches all day and then drives the bus in the afternoons.) and ends around 4:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he usually finds something to do around the house until dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the summers his ecology work takes him out on long workdays until the job is done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In between this work, his honey-do list usually has him working on some project around the house.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, all work and no play makes Ricky a dull boy so it is my job to find something fun for us to do, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have recently taken an interest in photography and one of the best things about landscape/nature photography is that it gets us out and away from the work at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ricky is great about loading up and taking me to see the beauty of the Ozarks or somewhere else equally as amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure there are other places on earth just as beautiful as Arkansas but we definitely live in photography heaven right here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently I decided that I would like to visit a spot known as the most photographed spot in Arkansas, Whitaker’s Point (Hawksbill Crag). </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To get the best shots we needed to be there early in the morning so I asked Ricky if he wanted to go camping that weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now remember that my style of camping in the past has been in a heated/air-conditioned travel trailer with a microwave, refrigerator, comfortable beds, running water, a toilet and a shower. We sold our camper some time ago so at this point in the conversation Ricky is assuming that I booked a cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much to his surprise I was really meaning camping… without a tent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ended up at the campgrounds in downtown Ponca.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Friday night date night did not include Lowe's for the first time in months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cooked supper over an open fire, had smores (without the graham crackers - I packed a little too light), and JiffyPop popcorn. (We now know why the packaging says to NOT use over open fire.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of a tent we slept (I use that word lightly) under a shade canopy in the two–man hammock next to a tent occupied by two men who had obviously consumed too much beer and too many beans that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chorus of snores and (insert imagination here) went on all night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were joined by the biggest dog I’ve ever seen and a large white cat curled up at our feet in the hammock before the night was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laughed all night long over things about our adventure that were much funnier as an experience than as stories later repeated to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m not sure if it was the 38 degree weather and heavy dew or being flipped out of the hammock and leg cramps that had us both awake at 4:00 am but we decided to pack up and head to the trail much earlier than originally planned. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This meant using flashlights for the first 45 minutes of our 1.5 mile hike to reach our destination which is one of the most breath-taking views in Arkansas. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLUuo4tlmGR5h5ZdrgzL8xN6p4g8gRPcwQI3mkX_IB0F4vhgVhOutG6E5pbAyKWoCtcnQ9IsUp-cYDcCCHpGPMboL7Ug7VJFgqQSRWW00tpJpHLe6zej1hiePiUx025zKhjpnl412cVIx/s1600/2011-10-15%252CHawksbill+Crag107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLUuo4tlmGR5h5ZdrgzL8xN6p4g8gRPcwQI3mkX_IB0F4vhgVhOutG6E5pbAyKWoCtcnQ9IsUp-cYDcCCHpGPMboL7Ug7VJFgqQSRWW00tpJpHLe6zej1hiePiUx025zKhjpnl412cVIx/s640/2011-10-15%252CHawksbill+Crag107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Along the way we found evidence that a bear had been there before us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To quote Ricky, “Lucky for us, it’s not steaming."</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrXX9ZUveVyTXa0y6f7ofqzQDA8jH4kd8ku0kQAqUM54xoDgPDMxkJ7X6t7hVvKB1CV13StDnUUMz9VGrxV9Sc5LyQ9obcnQjPWDzDxA3dmzytCklPN-VoJMrXjqIi5hm5cMnbE4mP-gJ/s1600/Bear+poop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrXX9ZUveVyTXa0y6f7ofqzQDA8jH4kd8ku0kQAqUM54xoDgPDMxkJ7X6t7hVvKB1CV13StDnUUMz9VGrxV9Sc5LyQ9obcnQjPWDzDxA3dmzytCklPN-VoJMrXjqIi5hm5cMnbE4mP-gJ/s320/Bear+poop.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The prime picture taking moments were short lived and then it was time to head back and see what we missed while hiking in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXY9-ofkz3UP3pjhhHrO_exc2QMFT8JyEnKSRlttm7l3TsJfvHt4WBk-0wx0xPWKUh9DyMeOPerV9d3TG5Y9h6kd2lSLJcfgGZCeGLWEjr2aPdwM_AQEQrNN8QD9fjpfBO2Rjepek5yuJ/s1600/2011-10-15%252CHawksbill+Crag136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXY9-ofkz3UP3pjhhHrO_exc2QMFT8JyEnKSRlttm7l3TsJfvHt4WBk-0wx0xPWKUh9DyMeOPerV9d3TG5Y9h6kd2lSLJcfgGZCeGLWEjr2aPdwM_AQEQrNN8QD9fjpfBO2Rjepek5yuJ/s640/2011-10-15%252CHawksbill+Crag136.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I-87jfRE-YJ7Z1VaB7PNkMaM0HVRBLjlt0g0EbcwBQ_xnnyrGVkcutZraSHiRwbC-5LMDayhNXxX2IXiKzZekfDWTy470znUQlOuDnborFXr4WJE-0rwWHrHy-57xnJaFVqjzwTtzGmN/s1600/_MG_4605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I-87jfRE-YJ7Z1VaB7PNkMaM0HVRBLjlt0g0EbcwBQ_xnnyrGVkcutZraSHiRwbC-5LMDayhNXxX2IXiKzZekfDWTy470znUQlOuDnborFXr4WJE-0rwWHrHy-57xnJaFVqjzwTtzGmN/s640/_MG_4605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But our journey back was a pack of three instead of two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While taking in the sunrise we were joined by Jim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some would be disappointed to have such a private moment interrupted by a total stranger but Jim packed two cameras and shared my desire for just the right shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After visiting a few short minutes we learned that Ricky and Jim have a common bond – teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have teased Ricky for some time about his ability to talk to anyone – anywhere, and this just proves it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In territory labeled as “Wilderness Area” Ricky made a new friend and they held animated conversation for hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did Jim know when he woke up that morning that he would later be introduced to the common name and Latin name of most all trees and plants in that area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, the teacher or the student.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64G_n5mhB5KjhcDrNK4kbR9BHwehodw7J72GsJ8RvxHTL5QQt03bxrSBG6kLOjQbmK_eyaT4mUsCdG6e7gvc-_QpS1aDzXa96BgBs62Gczxkmk_g-PyFpPNmdptggz5y52cYJZUrzDLtZ/s1600/2011-10-15%252CRicky+%2526+Jim001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64G_n5mhB5KjhcDrNK4kbR9BHwehodw7J72GsJ8RvxHTL5QQt03bxrSBG6kLOjQbmK_eyaT4mUsCdG6e7gvc-_QpS1aDzXa96BgBs62Gczxkmk_g-PyFpPNmdptggz5y52cYJZUrzDLtZ/s640/2011-10-15%252CRicky+%2526+Jim001.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, after Facebook stalking Jim, I learned that there is much Jim could teach us regarding animals as his past titles include <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">University Veterinarian and Director of Veterinary Services at Duke University and University Veterinarian and Director of the Animal Care Unit at the University of Kansas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our little time together left us all wishing for more time to get to know each other better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully our paths will cross again someday.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are moments in life that you look back on with a smile and this was definitely one of those.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t able to get that perfect picture to hang on display in my art gallery (one small wall in my office) but the picture in my mind will last forever … or at least until dementia takes over.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LIFE LESSON:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(You thought I forgot didn’t you…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take time to make memories with those who are special to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never know when, but a day will come when the memories are all you have left of them.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7GBY6ttVDDlJSAuxwRuXC4ye_tNdWS4_Ytqn2G82mWkQgTw8x4Or52GD_wiTRf77Er20YKqB9bAe_J9cjnFW-QBXTMlp5kAWjfnVum0ticbqTGK8jXoNoBSmJ1wn6-hyX57zDmbgbTno/s1600/2011-10-15%252CSteele+Creek040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7GBY6ttVDDlJSAuxwRuXC4ye_tNdWS4_Ytqn2G82mWkQgTw8x4Or52GD_wiTRf77Er20YKqB9bAe_J9cjnFW-QBXTMlp5kAWjfnVum0ticbqTGK8jXoNoBSmJ1wn6-hyX57zDmbgbTno/s640/2011-10-15%252CSteele+Creek040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Steele Creek, near Ponca</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iEZxDr0ZpcdbE19GiPaQ5QsqqA_fjwbQK3JJaAHVm4pKoGDqSR62-KOBuDOsncqsn2eMhk4Qf037XTk58FphEdTvf4XVqK7PRCE0Ssv3O2tqYiVH1ExwQgAD2UkQuUHzMukMZqGe7SAN/s1600/2011-10-15%252CSteele+Creek008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iEZxDr0ZpcdbE19GiPaQ5QsqqA_fjwbQK3JJaAHVm4pKoGDqSR62-KOBuDOsncqsn2eMhk4Qf037XTk58FphEdTvf4XVqK7PRCE0Ssv3O2tqYiVH1ExwQgAD2UkQuUHzMukMZqGe7SAN/s640/2011-10-15%252CSteele+Creek008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Steele Creek, near Ponca</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-22439898266092588312011-09-06T04:06:00.000-07:002011-09-06T10:29:36.424-07:00Ouch, That Hurts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBauzsiHGAGcu0wQbwlHI999QKly4VLHfLVvt4ufmxndNMba_72dsOaS1rfC16o6_BcEGRiLdtWAE75K85MTvT0yLx8oYPSfd2rNNmWtSM5__Y84qmxT3ulVa8On3-t2c4jLXDLsTBMYez/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBauzsiHGAGcu0wQbwlHI999QKly4VLHfLVvt4ufmxndNMba_72dsOaS1rfC16o6_BcEGRiLdtWAE75K85MTvT0yLx8oYPSfd2rNNmWtSM5__Y84qmxT3ulVa8On3-t2c4jLXDLsTBMYez/s400/photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yesterday was absolutely beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was Labor Day, the last holiday of summer, and for those of us fortunate enough to be off work, the last day to enjoy doing nothing. (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Labor</b> Day, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">do nothing</b> – is that an oxymoron??)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal was to sit by the pool, soak up some rays, read a book and do nothing else remotely close to the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">labor</i> if possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but somewhere along the way of my doing nothing, I picked up a tiny splinter in my big toe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember thinking, “Ouch, that hurt” for just a minute and then went on doing my... nothing.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now, here it is, hours later and I can’t sleep because of a throbbing pain in my big toe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve felt all around this little body part and can find… nothing… that could be causing my pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tried sticking my foot out of the covers and placing it in front of the open window that is letting a 45 degree breeze blow into the bedroom to cool it off but I can still feel every beat of my heart in my toe. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have you ever tried to look at the bottom of your big toe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you haven’t, just give it a try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see little babies putting their toes in their mouth but, let me tell you, the older you get, the harder it is to get your failing eyesight close enough to the bottom of your toe to see anything. Also, for me there is also a lot more between the eye and the big toe than there used to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I must look really silly in this Houdini contorted position only to find… nothing… there to be causing this pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve taken tweezers and poked around, scraped around and dug at this calloused appendage of my body and still found… nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would think that I’ve gone mad except for the faint memory in the back of my mind that at one point over the past 24 hours I had an encounter with something that made me think “Ouch, that hurt.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How many times have we experienced similar moments in our life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been invaded or even allowed something into our lives that is foreign to what we know to be the acceptable way of doing things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it first happens our conscience tells us “This is what you should not do so let this be a lesson to you” yet we secretly invite it to come on in. We’re having fun and experiencing life so it’s nothing to worry with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be hours, days or even months, but eventually, it starts to affect the way we act and feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t bother us too much though so we continue on as if it isn’t there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others don’t notice it so it’s no big deal, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But our body has a natural way of eliminating anything foreign to it through a process called festering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It starts off as an irritation and then becomes red and enflamed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If left long enough, infection sets in and a much larger area of our body is now included and hurting. An area that was once impossible to find is now easily seen, yet still hard to get too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the location of that intruder has not changed, our motive to remove is has become greater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The good thing about festering is that, no matter how bad it hurts now, the cause of the problem is much easier to remove. The bad thing about festering is that the innocent area around that point of entry is now hurting too and the healing process for all involved will take time. Now a little healing ointment is needed to cleanse the wound and fight the infection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In most cases the whole body can be restored to the original state as if nothing had ever happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But often we are left with scars that remind us for years to come of pain from the past.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt;">If I had been wearing shoes my big toe would have been protected and at this very moment I would be sleeping instead of writing this blog but I wanted the freedom of stretching my toes and not being hindered or feeling strapped in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Life Lesson</b>: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are given protection throughout our life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s when we want to exist outside those boundaries that Satan finds us vulnerable and an easy prey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He attacks us sometimes through little, unseen objects that easily pierce us only to grow into something that can become damaging to us. But we have a healing salve through Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants to cleanse and remove the infection and pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the healing powers of this ointment are new to us having never been called upon before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But many times it was there all along, sitting on the shelf, waiting to be used by us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we wait so long before applying such a miraculous resource? Is it fear of how others will see us, worldly distractions, contentment, or even pride?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should let… nothing… get in our way.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-86830227790084397332011-08-08T17:58:00.000-07:002011-08-08T17:58:28.107-07:00Here's Your Sign<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I recently had a conversation with one of my children about how to know if a decision she is making is the right one. Decisions made now will set the path of her future. She is struggling with knowing if this is what she should do. As a senior Alison is faced with many changes in the next year and she is struggling with the uncertainty of her plans.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This took me back many years to the days when I was faced with these same questions about my life. I'm not sure that I put as much time into the plans that set me on the journey into adulthood. Thank goodness I had the support and encouragement of my parents. In reflection I can see that while they never told me what to do they gently guided me toward choices that would be healthy and rewarding. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As parents we hesitate to tell our children about all the wrong moves that we made before we arrived where we are today. Too many times stories of our wrong doings when we were young become endorsements or permission for them to do the same stupid things. But allowing them to think that we never faced trials and temptations like the ones that are shoved in their faces today is misleading too. The middle ground is to share with them how God used those times in our life to mold us. God allows us free will which can lead to disaster when we try to go it on our own but He never leaves us to pick up the pieces by our self. We may ignore His help but He is always there.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Many times we ask for a sign from God that we are doing the right thing. We tell God what we want to see as conformation that we have made the right choice. We limit Him to our expectations when he has so much more in store for us. Martie Mangum, a Baptist preacher, blogged on this subject. He reminds us that God has already revealed His will for us and it is found in His word, the Bible. We ask God to be the one to move when, in reality, it is us that must take action. If we are not spending time with Him how can we expect to recognize His will for us?</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As Alison continues to search out her future we continue to pray for her. She may try many things before finding a perfect fit but that's o.k. When the right one comes along she will know. This year will go by so fast and I know she will live it to its fullest. She has already started marking the lasts- last year in high school, last year to be manager for the football team, last year to play basketball, etc. and a new chapter in her life is about to begin that will be filled with many firsts. As I set back and watch this all happen I will try to not cry. I did say "try" didn't I?</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ2pJ-LLHPO6fkbZyXtBpUv76dlgkYtYI22bOxRyyCXEcDrm9mehchUmuopDNmG-7njAZJ9QG4CRmcCFkGURZ_JMest2x_6ax9C9lk3-XyA3t9rMDJAr5VWhID_Aj4BMqZqrkM7OaC-vi/s1600/Retouch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ2pJ-LLHPO6fkbZyXtBpUv76dlgkYtYI22bOxRyyCXEcDrm9mehchUmuopDNmG-7njAZJ9QG4CRmcCFkGURZ_JMest2x_6ax9C9lk3-XyA3t9rMDJAr5VWhID_Aj4BMqZqrkM7OaC-vi/s400/Retouch+2.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-21912653048575347722011-07-28T12:50:00.000-07:002011-09-09T12:45:21.358-07:00There Ain’t No Fleas On Me<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">5:30 am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">There are four dogs in my bed as I write this, well, actually one<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> has temporarily fled for safety </span> under the bed at the moment but you get my point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three of these dogs live at my house and one is a visitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Way too early this morning, Drake (my niece’s dog – they are on vacation so he is with us) sat on Mocha (Ali’s 2 lb. Chihuahua) and no one in the room was happy about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I mention that this was at 5:00 am?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fight was on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drake lives with a very large American Bulldog and it is told that Drake “rules the roost” but this little Chihuahua just put him in his place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, I am wide awake now so here goes the latest blog.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">We love our house dogs very much and they pretty well do whatever they want when they want – to a limit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, yes, we usually have one or two, sometimes three dogs in the bed with us at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ricky jokingly accuses them of being the cause of any bug bite he receives<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because there is no way he could have gotten bit while traipsing around in the National Forest doing his summer job or while working outside.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We recently visited with an older gentleman who used the phrase “you lay with dogs and you’re gonna get fleas.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was referring to how we need to be careful who we associate with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His step-son was recently killed by someone he barely knew in what was apparently an argument that quickly got out of hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I’ve heard, it probably stemmed from a misunderstanding but J. is still dead and there is no way to undo any of their actions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My girls think I am “old school” and over reacting when I constantly tell them to be careful about who they are with and where they go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopping in the car with someone else’s friend that you don't know could lead you into a situation where you have no control over the outcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just looking “nice” or thinking they are safe because they hang out with someone you know is not a good enough reason to put your life in their hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Even allowing someone else to drive your car makes you responsible for their actions almost as much as if you were the one driving.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Which leads me to my next thought – how well do we really know those we call our friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us have at least one Facebook friend that we only know through someone else yet we call them our friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree that Facebook is a safe place to get to know that person, much better than getting in a car with them, but this seems to water down the true meaning of the word friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Webster defines a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">friend</i> as “one attached to another by affection or esteem.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be an honor to be called someone’s friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a title that I do not take lightly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I guess I just want my girls to understand that I gave birth to them and, for some strange reason, I feel responsible for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want them to realize that while we cannot control the actions of someone else, we can control our own actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They probably get tired of hearing me say “be careful” or “make me proud” every time they walk out the door but it’s my way of reminding them of this. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Back to the flea thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put drops and dips and collars on our dogs to protect them from fleas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wouldn’t it be great if we could put something on our children to protect them from whatever life throws at them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh … but we can ... it’s called ... <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PRAYER</i>!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">To those of you who are my friends, my true friends, I thank God for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To those of you who are becoming my friends, maybe a new Facebook friend, thanks for sharing the moments of your life with me through comments about your day or pictures of your happenings. I look forward to getting to know you better! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Have you met these members of our family? They drive me crazy but I love them all.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YHdFYP-JpDYh33VyFyIQofFduDeQTC77e6flNNUdqX5omHeIpmG1EgM_43L_Wc9XhIcAHiy9wJho6-VpVRoRBkDW0VCwzQdKSxUqYiKfEhWcZAIMwQl7MHvXdJfERufNBfmEeEAzS38n/s1600/Mocha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YHdFYP-JpDYh33VyFyIQofFduDeQTC77e6flNNUdqX5omHeIpmG1EgM_43L_Wc9XhIcAHiy9wJho6-VpVRoRBkDW0VCwzQdKSxUqYiKfEhWcZAIMwQl7MHvXdJfERufNBfmEeEAzS38n/s400/Mocha.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mocha</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxESZko1GEXk4jBwdKVpb4wd1iSBiE9FaCuciiEsjYsbZwmiZKgTyHbdLyjCR97qciYYoH66SCrn6pREIIBi2fMyWXzxSu5EFj1O9uQA5GYvYZ9u4SaO_quLxyPVqgx9Mv1slwJ4L-cVA/s1600/Toto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxESZko1GEXk4jBwdKVpb4wd1iSBiE9FaCuciiEsjYsbZwmiZKgTyHbdLyjCR97qciYYoH66SCrn6pREIIBi2fMyWXzxSu5EFj1O9uQA5GYvYZ9u4SaO_quLxyPVqgx9Mv1slwJ4L-cVA/s400/Toto.jpg" t$="true" width="313" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Toto</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lXDgVFN_Ji-2skVHSDsDiV5xUiDp6F2JMDB8Nf2ZXIWTRmAxTxosEEVD_kOrroB7b8fgf8FvO_PBDKv3GO9oUDHvSfY3moR0Z7P9gxbdULUrLKpeZUB7f7ZM0lwR33R8G_F0iBOJYgCj/s1600/Romeo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lXDgVFN_Ji-2skVHSDsDiV5xUiDp6F2JMDB8Nf2ZXIWTRmAxTxosEEVD_kOrroB7b8fgf8FvO_PBDKv3GO9oUDHvSfY3moR0Z7P9gxbdULUrLKpeZUB7f7ZM0lwR33R8G_F0iBOJYgCj/s400/Romeo+2.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Romeo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Life is good when you have the love of your family, your friends and faces like this-</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUGfZ-0KDqzLq-P5hs7RaCPJYvXgerepNPG5zWBJQKNwZZEzS0Rul68yjg28zhx0RjaW7YlUvhPDsynoQWNcvqt8QBWgInQ6S5jp3KMzpMVbP8swCxEpDDeDc3bevb26nqSW-Bidts3Xv/s1600/Romeo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUGfZ-0KDqzLq-P5hs7RaCPJYvXgerepNPG5zWBJQKNwZZEzS0Rul68yjg28zhx0RjaW7YlUvhPDsynoQWNcvqt8QBWgInQ6S5jp3KMzpMVbP8swCxEpDDeDc3bevb26nqSW-Bidts3Xv/s400/Romeo+1.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep Smiling!!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-80449656950350312092011-07-07T03:58:00.000-07:002011-07-07T07:33:02.018-07:00"Ding, ding...(cell phone)"<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I was awoken this morning a little after 3:00 a.m. by the quiet “ding, ding” of my cell phone letting me know that someone had sent me a message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message was from a dear friend and simply read “Mom just passed away.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind immediately rushed back 18 years ago to the day my own Mom passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both remarkable women left their families as a result of cancer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I often do when I can’t sleep I turned to Facebook to see how many of my friends are suffering the same plight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second message listed was a link (See below) about a subject that has become all too familiar in our little town of Lamar – Heatstroke in athletics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <img border="1" id="Pc0010900" src="http://epaper.ardemgaz.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=ArDemocrat/2011/07/04/1/Img/Pc0010900.jpg" /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://epaper.ardemgaz.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib%3AArticleToMail&Type=text%2Fhtml&Path=ArDemocrat%2F2011%2F07%2F04&ID=Ar00105&Locale">Click here to read article: Summer heat, ball practices can drop toughest athletes</a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Both of these thoughts, losing your Mother to cancer and losing your child from a condition common to their passion, have left me saddened to the state of tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have personally experienced the loss of my own Mom to cancer and my daughter was on the field there beside T.D. the day he went down; one experience just this past year and the other over 18 years ago, yet the tears flow freely and the lump in my throat just won’t go away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through blurry eyes I sit here typing as a method of therapy for me and others who know what I am referring to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We want to comfort others in their time of hurt so we often share a hug, bringing them close to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By wrapping them in our arms we relate that their pain becomes ours to help lessen their load.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But often times, God has given us the gift of “experience” as a way to comfort those we care for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Empathy is to actually know through experience the pain they are feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not take away what they are feeling but can help them by knowing that others understand the feelings from inside that cannot be put into words. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">While I truly know the feelings that are being experienced by the family of Ms. Sara Williams I don’t even pretend to understand what Mark and Tina have gone through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Losing a child has to be the most painful thing a person can live through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the obvious question is – Why would God allow something like this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have the answer but I found comfort in my time of loss by knowing that my Mom’s strength shown through her death was such a witness to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes people can see the love we have for our GOD through how we handle death just as much, if not more, than how we handle life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easy to say “God loves you and wants to know you” when life is “good” but to say it when you are hurting, be it in a cancer-stricken state or when your child lays lifeless in a hospital bed before you, is SO powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To all who have done this, I commend you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">This emptiness I feel this morning is not only for those I care about who are suffering but is, in part, a selfish longing to hear my Mother’s voice again, to be wrapped in her arms and to share a laugh over something her grandchildren have done. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Life is too short to be wasted on petty squabbling among each other or to let pride stand in the way of something we know in hearts should be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>seize the moment and take action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is something left undone in your life, ask yourself if it is really important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the answer is “yes” then start planning now to DO it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">To the Williams Family I want to say how sorry I am for your loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You all have been through so much in losing both parents in such a short time but you have the strength of faith, family and friends to lift you up – let them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">To the Davenport Family I want to say that I am so in awe of how you have presented yourselves through all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You so eloquently stand before the public eye fighting for awareness and prevention so that others will not have to suffer as you have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">We have this moment to hold in our hands and to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand; Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come, But we have this moment today. – Gloria Gaither</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-17890300496341293312011-06-26T14:51:00.000-07:002011-06-26T21:12:42.228-07:00(Revised) This is not One Tree Hill – You are NOT Payton Sawyer<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">For those of you who have no idea what I am referring to I have included a definition:</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9FZWDJK2S4/Tgeoc70jnwI/AAAAAAAAAGA/rZG-ZRnQkvo/s1600/210px-Original_five_of_One_Tree_Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9FZWDJK2S4/Tgeoc70jnwI/AAAAAAAAAGA/rZG-ZRnQkvo/s320/210px-Original_five_of_One_Tree_Hill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One Tree Hill is a young adult television drama set in the fictional town Tree Hill in North Carolina and follows the lives of teen, now adult characters, including basketball drama in the early years and intertwined relationships, be it friendship or love. Lucas and Peyton have been two of the main characters, as well as one of the central love stories, throughout the show.</span></span></em></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years the storyline has</span> covered the issues of non-functional families, first loves, break-ups, divorce of parents, alcoholic parents, devious Fathers, murder, lies and deception, rivalry, pre-marital sex, teen pregnancy, the trials of marrying while still </em><em><span style="font-size: large;">students, drug addictions, stalkers and hostage situations.</span></em> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Sounds like your typical soap opera, right? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;">As a child I spent most of my early days at my grandparents while my parents worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most days were spent lying on the living room floor under the quilting frame in front of the TV.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma and Lucy Black, Aunt Jeffie Ashlock, Bessie Frost or another of the neighborhood ladies would gather round the frame and quilt while “The Days of Our Lives”, “The Doctors and “Another World” would play out a fictitious world before us.</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">My first memories of soap operas include “Like sands through the hourglass, these are the days of our lives” and a then sixteen year old Julie Horton (Williams) lying on the beach in a bikini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very risqué for television viewing in the 1960s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having grown up watching these “Soaps”, I didn’t see any harm in allowing my children to watch similar shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is fiction and we all can tell the difference in real life and those of our fictional friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most TV shows push the limits of reality and normal lives but we tell ourselves “it’s just a show.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s all well and good until we can no longer tell the difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">My line of work brings in clients who have tried to live lives very reflective of the fictional characters of One Tree Hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only trouble is that at the end of the hour their problems have not been solved by a hero stepping in to make things right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every night in Tree Hill is exciting and fun but reality is that Clarksville is quaint and small town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some find this boring. While fun at the time, looking for excitement often has repercussions, some lasting a lifetime. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our feel good, instant gratification society is reaping the consequences of our actions through fatherless children and welfare dependant families. Some are able to overcome these obstacles and better themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family support and other resources help them make the best of their situation and obtain an education while raising their family in semi-normal conditions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But many end up in my office looking for the answer to all their problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have discovered that the partner responsible for the making of their child does not possess the qualities needed to be a Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others realize that their experimental use of drugs has resulted in a criminal background that now makes them ineligible for many of the support programs that they need to live independently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then there are some that are raising children with disabilities that are a direct result of substance use while pregnant.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">None of these results of living life on the edge of excitement are insurmountable but most could have been avoided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless life lessons are being lived out now because they wanted to experience the life of Payton Sawyer or her friend Brooke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you ask them later if it was worth it most will tell you that it looked much more fun in Tree Hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of these adventurists have managed to eventually get back on the right track but the burdens they have been dealing with bring on unnecessary depression along with physical ailments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are tired of fighting the fight and hope for the day their prince will rescue them just like in the fairytales of our childhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some, the prince has yet to come and they see no way out.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The desire to be independent and live life the way “I” want to just because “I” can needs to be approached carefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This approach seems innocent but often leads to making choices that lead a person down paths that become one way streets without our realizing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next turn –around spot is often much further down the road than we planned to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many circumstances, by the time we reach a place to turn around, we’ve forgotten how we ended up there in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is easy for me to stand on this side of 40 and say these things because I’ve never faced many of the temptations and trials our younger generation is facing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I can offer these words as reminders of why it is easier in the long run to be content with normalcy over choosing excitement</span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 Corinthians 13:4–8a</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (<a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/p/newinternationa.htm"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">New International Version</span></a>) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">. </span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">I feel certain that no soap opera relationship or fairy tale romance carries these traits but this is the definition of true love and it is something we all can have. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Love, the real kind that lifts you up instead of dragging you down, is definitely worth waiting for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To some it may seem as if it will never come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They give up and settle for something less or think they are experiencing love but have nothing else to compare the real thing to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at where this “fake” love has brought you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No relationship is A+ <u>all</u> the time but ask yourself “Are you experiencing positive relationship moments most of the time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">One last piece of advice I have to offer is…</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Don't settle for the one you can live with, wait for the one you can't live without.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did.</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k_NrKS4e-_pym4DgeYOJSMX3uUKvbLs6_41FjHfexymMCIxfS1KZKVdREDnrNORrUSS94c29y1BDJF7cYUW3fKq7wyXoRYSXjcQIibKcVW5wekHYNlnKKsPCWD9Ni-zB26OLq9baSdNT/s1600/Ricky+%2526+lisa+at+josh%2527s+wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k_NrKS4e-_pym4DgeYOJSMX3uUKvbLs6_41FjHfexymMCIxfS1KZKVdREDnrNORrUSS94c29y1BDJF7cYUW3fKq7wyXoRYSXjcQIibKcVW5wekHYNlnKKsPCWD9Ni-zB26OLq9baSdNT/s400/Ricky+%2526+lisa+at+josh%2527s+wedding.jpg" width="318" /></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-36159601195947091692011-06-14T22:23:00.000-07:002011-06-14T22:23:06.485-07:00Ole Glory<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The City of Clarksville goes all out to add color and interest to the main drag through town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> For e</span>ach holiday Main Street is decorated with related seasonal banners on the poles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This looks especially festive in the fall months with orange, yellow and brown leaves dancing in the breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A</span>round Christmas and on into January there are white snowflakes on sky blue banners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few days each year American flags are proudly displayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRvRGCZb5Wcgj7KS5nytUpKKKLcdex1CO1WBqIFaNBZHBTur8tW7ppJ4T7FrPvvMhkBt0pMKP7IXbpmuc5Ke-0yNqN_L4tSD36eq8wpicL900FbzvHVUho872THAKsxQdoxBTVZK-81zz/s1600/Flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRvRGCZb5Wcgj7KS5nytUpKKKLcdex1CO1WBqIFaNBZHBTur8tW7ppJ4T7FrPvvMhkBt0pMKP7IXbpmuc5Ke-0yNqN_L4tSD36eq8wpicL900FbzvHVUho872THAKsxQdoxBTVZK-81zz/s400/Flag.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is such a beautiful sight to enter town and see rows and rows of red, white and blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This happens every patriotic holiday and on the birthday of important people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can still remember when I was little I thought they put the flags out on June 14<sup>th</sup> each year for ME!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was certain that the only important thing about this day was that it was my birthday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of you are still at a loss as to why American flags would be posted on this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>June 14<sup>th</sup> is known throughout America as Flag Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The week of June 14<sup>th</sup> is designated as “National Flag Week.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During National Flag Week, the president will issue a proclamation urging U. S. citizens to fly the American flag for the duration of that week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President Barack Obama’s Flag Day proclamation states:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“When the American Flag soars, so too does our nation and the ideas it stands for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We remain committed to defending the liberties and freedoms it represents. And we give special thanks to the members of the Armed Forces who wear our flag proudly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Flag Day, and during National Flag Week, we celebrate the powerful beacon of hope that our flag has become for us all, and for the people around the world.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">While my parents were quick to educate me about the history of Flag Day, they still allowed me to inwardly celebrate that the flags were on display for me just like they are to celebrate the birthday of</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_wQ2AnuCmM3MFM4539Avebpj7JPonBlyH0_lqUcfKiSVFMK4RCWDAxxN3EasdvIgHmPlsiUa4UaHppOY_p6eV3PlSVAj64XbvC266r9wB81dZyD3A-zk5y7DdHk_G2MohDxkVvKuochp/s1600/Washington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_wQ2AnuCmM3MFM4539Avebpj7JPonBlyH0_lqUcfKiSVFMK4RCWDAxxN3EasdvIgHmPlsiUa4UaHppOY_p6eV3PlSVAj64XbvC266r9wB81dZyD3A-zk5y7DdHk_G2MohDxkVvKuochp/s1600/Washington.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">George Washington </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">and</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlTCnc1eKeparXCzGwM1ZRZ4COS4cAbWq07AvgmOFJR7PSP8K9nZ7H2gsgq-8Te0dKoVdtwxj1d9Mq5YGLMx_VV5HhWrDr3_7yc7VDPIohjgwsFDM-9qwwkwUM-jAQnQr_9WGEagyePIG/s1600/Lincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlTCnc1eKeparXCzGwM1ZRZ4COS4cAbWq07AvgmOFJR7PSP8K9nZ7H2gsgq-8Te0dKoVdtwxj1d9Mq5YGLMx_VV5HhWrDr3_7yc7VDPIohjgwsFDM-9qwwkwUM-jAQnQr_9WGEagyePIG/s1600/Lincoln.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"> Abraham Lincoln.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I like that they wanted me to feel important.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a parent now, I understand better their reasoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want our children to be self confident and know that they carry the necessary traits to be great things, even become a president.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it were up to us parents a flag would fly on each of their special days.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; margin: 7.5pt 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My children have heard this story and love reminding</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; margin: 7.5pt 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">me that the flags were out just for me today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; margin: 7.5pt 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">girls for keeping the memory alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we make </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.75pt; margin: 7.5pt 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">many more special memories in the years to come.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-19961580228789915742011-06-09T22:00:00.000-07:002011-06-09T22:00:14.449-07:00Phone In The Fridge = Time To Slow Down<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5:30 am<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alarm goes off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the dogs out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feed the dogs. Feed the bird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do the chores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hurry to get ready for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rush around and leave for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work, work, work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12:00 pm <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go to lunch with my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No – show an apartment to prospective tenant’s family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">12:30 pm <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now rush to lunch with my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rush back to office to leave for a meeting with Congressman, Steve Womack.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1:00 pm <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hurry to 1:15 meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait for 1:15 meeting that doesn’t start until after 1:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hurry back to the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work, work, work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4:30 pm <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rush home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Exhausted but much that needs to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rush, hurry, rush…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8:45 pm <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go to the truck to look for phone that I must have left there after lunch with husband because I’ve not seen it since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think, think, think …</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9:00 pm <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rush back to the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Open fridge where lunch leftovers were placed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove phone from on top of takeout box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rush home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLlUnt9kEtnnsvI6lAuOGPPdfkMGS6Jur60g4Vb8EQ4QF50fMeMGwOyUj0rwziAVKkhgK2inxUzr-qgkA4JQHZLOtNpJWvvy68WIjZhC-oSE7FAmopXlY7g-rQGPmlsqH_xg2vfIPSO-5/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLlUnt9kEtnnsvI6lAuOGPPdfkMGS6Jur60g4Vb8EQ4QF50fMeMGwOyUj0rwziAVKkhgK2inxUzr-qgkA4JQHZLOtNpJWvvy68WIjZhC-oSE7FAmopXlY7g-rQGPmlsqH_xg2vfIPSO-5/s400/IMG_0956.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you ever wonder where everyone is going in such a hurry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few weeks ago I was pulled over for going too fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t even realize that I was speeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Why in the world they feel the need for 40 mph there is beyond me.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just going on auto pilot at the normal speed of my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too fast! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day now when I reach that same spot I slow down but the people behind me, who obviously have never been stopped for speeding through there, ride my bumper and/or pass me, desperately in a hurry to get to something that must be very important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFrmJ947FEqz_f9nODF6UL_9AIlIv8RT3i5mTR_YnH47TEfSo4kbRICQo9IrMlnoicA01BtJmtYvXT0xWUIlf-YqV1bnneTC06_xNBo-CruXz5AQf4FBFnB_BkZC-X0DhRW73WFvpub5X/s1600/speed-limit-40-wallpapers_818_1280x960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFrmJ947FEqz_f9nODF6UL_9AIlIv8RT3i5mTR_YnH47TEfSo4kbRICQo9IrMlnoicA01BtJmtYvXT0xWUIlf-YqV1bnneTC06_xNBo-CruXz5AQf4FBFnB_BkZC-X0DhRW73WFvpub5X/s400/speed-limit-40-wallpapers_818_1280x960.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am reminded of a young child anxiously requesting that her Daddy “Come here, Quick!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parent told her, “Just a minute, Honey.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The child responded “You’re gonna miss it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joining the child, he experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets he had ever seen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things in life are worth rushing for but how do we know when it’s time to rush and when it’s time to slow down? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only you can know what is worth the anxiety that rushing causes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you in a hurry to nowhere?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you going to do when you get there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does all the rushing to get there make you too tired to enjoy the event itself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have the answers to these questions.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next time you feel the need to rush off to do something, ask yourself “What will I miss by being late?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What will I gain by rushing?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the case of the Daddy and daughter above, the time spent with the child is worth it all, even if the sky had not been brilliantly painted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the case of my being stopped for speeding, it could have cost me a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the nice officer I say “Thanks”!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now that I’ve found my phone, I can finish this blog, rush to do the laundry, pick up around the house and hurry off to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I not learn anything today???</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-82151842868922420422011-06-02T23:06:00.000-07:002011-06-02T23:06:36.810-07:00How do you eat an elephant?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One bite at a time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a statement that has come up in conversation with friends after the recent tornado that came through our neighborhood nine days ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPvErEx-JXuS_t8HjWGO6oZGCRVM_1r-HVL0zsYs2ce_6OaT3r_0T3lvcSMPn3vb5UYuFhfsaWJSRdzVzPy3SIWzsMU_k7DJjPx5UxU_8u21VXKx2WCDRT9HyQ4pQpz-kMIyGcD2As8ku/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPvErEx-JXuS_t8HjWGO6oZGCRVM_1r-HVL0zsYs2ce_6OaT3r_0T3lvcSMPn3vb5UYuFhfsaWJSRdzVzPy3SIWzsMU_k7DJjPx5UxU_8u21VXKx2WCDRT9HyQ4pQpz-kMIyGcD2As8ku/s640/12.jpg" t8="true" width="425" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It is unimaginable the amount of work to be done in the clean-up process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where does one begin? What is to be done first?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> T</span>he task as a whole may seem too big to swallow (the elephant), but taken one bite at a time it can be worked through until the whole thing is gone.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEn5zDEfakuFM4Hx_5qKKTaVFR5ZqrFOKEokcDrNnigQyPw2YmDOedb886_j3VdezSECY-woTEE3dy_4_PkY0EbV8kmzgByqNDDwyqqX0Aa3Coo1CewlBlA6O1PHYnzCS9zDmoV7ClyZh-/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEn5zDEfakuFM4Hx_5qKKTaVFR5ZqrFOKEokcDrNnigQyPw2YmDOedb886_j3VdezSECY-woTEE3dy_4_PkY0EbV8kmzgByqNDDwyqqX0Aa3Coo1CewlBlA6O1PHYnzCS9zDmoV7ClyZh-/s640/IMG_0762.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The view from my front porch has changed recently, not only pictorially but philosophically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen how in an instant our priorities can change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What seemed important to us yesterday is now irrelevant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The needs of others takes precedence over our own needs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQWvCqVSpFQVh54tIyLMBC_YU6UW4zYuC4S1HcrlXLMbjJ1fQt1XLZbH7N6RzzAKJf_OQAc4APD3kOgoBZBUFoK4MESMGfMNTDoXkIXI1SBIufN9YNB5YyKKX3uPt3fuu3rVlk6QbfbTK/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQWvCqVSpFQVh54tIyLMBC_YU6UW4zYuC4S1HcrlXLMbjJ1fQt1XLZbH7N6RzzAKJf_OQAc4APD3kOgoBZBUFoK4MESMGfMNTDoXkIXI1SBIufN9YNB5YyKKX3uPt3fuu3rVlk6QbfbTK/s640/IMG_0797.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While the tragedy of a fatality in our area is one of the results of damage done by a mighty wind, good can be found in everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neighbors who barely took the time to speak when passing before this event were working side by side that night towards a common goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Word of others hurt and in need of help sparked energy and efforts to clear a path through hundreds of fallen trees so that their needs could be met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTB_0LCDU3_Y7JUposnrUxIM2MyG56JmT6j761e_XX9Znqw0yXTjjR_jg9ony6rcxWjufoD9yY-2o1_QRHnrNMIxbcyOmrfRg4WlnCgUx_gbVIoaHT_iBhpVeEymN_RutU6-yu97y2cP2h/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTB_0LCDU3_Y7JUposnrUxIM2MyG56JmT6j761e_XX9Znqw0yXTjjR_jg9ony6rcxWjufoD9yY-2o1_QRHnrNMIxbcyOmrfRg4WlnCgUx_gbVIoaHT_iBhpVeEymN_RutU6-yu97y2cP2h/s640/IMG_0863.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both at work and in my home neighborhood, I saw people who just wanted to help others - in any way that they could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even the smallest gestures of kindness were greatly appreciated. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We spent five days without electricity, hot water and microwave and 9 days without cell phone, landline phone, TV and internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But life goes on and we managed quite well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We worked during the daylight hours ‘til our bones were weary and after dark we spent time as a family sitting on our front porch visiting with each other. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laughed and shared stories and made memories that will grow a little wilder each time they are recited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt good – it felt right.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each of us will at some point in our lives face a storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it is an act of nature or self-inflicted, there are still tragedies that evolve as a result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But life goes on and we must pick up the pieces, one by one, until some semblance of order is found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank goodness for true friends that are there to help us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we are unable to see for ourselves the damage this storm has caused. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But others are there to help us design a plan enabling us to carry on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have gained new respect for these storms and the damage they can cause. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve devised a plan to take cover when immediate danger is near.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riding out these storms can be scary at times but the journey will make us stronger in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUmPQsCt8y2c2vA7MOOjGmIP4bESRYlYtTctqCm2yVTGQU-vxauwnh_LQU3mT4w9PuycQRg_gp964i9cUqilOtmslDmlGxVa7YcLoQcDndY6TOcFyKElPvVRvgDGrDG-j8NJphlMwlbMO/s1600/flag+and+storm+damage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUmPQsCt8y2c2vA7MOOjGmIP4bESRYlYtTctqCm2yVTGQU-vxauwnh_LQU3mT4w9PuycQRg_gp964i9cUqilOtmslDmlGxVa7YcLoQcDndY6TOcFyKElPvVRvgDGrDG-j8NJphlMwlbMO/s640/flag+and+storm+damage.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That night, shortly after destruction came in the form of eerie, green skies and funnel clouds, we looked upward to see a clear, star laden sky sparkling like a sea of diamonds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The awesomeness of God’s creation and power was unmistakable. Just like the rainbow, it reminded me of one of God’s promises to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will never give us more than we can handle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when you feel as if you are eating an elephant,pour on the seasons as best as you can and go at it one bite at a time, enduring until the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-77707430180836568202011-05-21T21:53:00.000-07:002011-05-21T21:53:20.074-07:00Waiting for the Rapture<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did you really think it would happen today????<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you did then we need to talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole subject of Harold Camping and his ”End of the world on April 21<sup>st</sup>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just upsets me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To think that someone could be so wrong and yet be a representative of Christians in the eyes of the worldly unsaved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sure makes us Christians have our work cut out for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already wasted too much space on this subject.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s that time again – time for summer fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took the cover off of our pool and this is what we saw.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqAfuYTd8Ok2lvHzmxUNxayLcHiq99XRn9a0TVQm0GmwIs47kmmN1Jx1iLRch-qbmyGM_y8jUtfdZZZzmWIbIL9X8RSUd5hFwUeheeoiftOssZWf0TClRF6828DuqfeK9xBLjRRgKiv6s/s1600/Pool+-+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqAfuYTd8Ok2lvHzmxUNxayLcHiq99XRn9a0TVQm0GmwIs47kmmN1Jx1iLRch-qbmyGM_y8jUtfdZZZzmWIbIL9X8RSUd5hFwUeheeoiftOssZWf0TClRF6828DuqfeK9xBLjRRgKiv6s/s400/Pool+-+Before.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What a disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since this is our first year to do this I had no idea what to expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this is not what I thought it would look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not what it looked like when we covered it up for the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was stuff in there that I have no idea where it came from or how it got there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, I expected it to look a little different but not like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it would take a little work to get it clean so that we could enjoy it but I was truly shocked at what we found.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a little work, removing leaves, adding Shock, filtering and backwashing and vacuuming to remove the trash we were able to see the results of our efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sparkling clean water.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJoHeJuRrbhJOxeb5u8iWVgxSghrkxnlof6JWVhJgHffwo-Uxq6Ro1R4-su_n_OIj1y3JFJqejPIel76WP87Dt06jr8hF07RkXveBw95I44f-Y9H7x9x8_-QY_xV4JsTefB03-ZqFh_qz/s1600/Pool+-+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJoHeJuRrbhJOxeb5u8iWVgxSghrkxnlof6JWVhJgHffwo-Uxq6Ro1R4-su_n_OIj1y3JFJqejPIel76WP87Dt06jr8hF07RkXveBw95I44f-Y9H7x9x8_-QY_xV4JsTefB03-ZqFh_qz/s640/Pool+-+After.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here comes the life lesson – Aren’t we just like that pool?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things in our life look pretty good and we place a cover over them and forget about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes time to remove the cover we start thinking about what we covered up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deep down we know that it’s not going to be just like we left it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And sometimes we are so surprised by what we find underneath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes work to remove the ugly truth but once it is gone things look so much better – refreshing and clean.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many things in our life are like the leaves in the pool and have no business there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would have been better off if we would have worked harder at keeping them out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They caused lots of damage to us while they were there but it is not impossible to remove them, just hard work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some times it takes Shock to get us back to where we need to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shock destroys the elements that breed the ugliness making us able to cope with the results and continue the cleaning process.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Filtering is a way of quickly removing what does not need to be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may get in but it is removed before any harm is done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And backwashing shakes up things so that they can be swept away forever.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Vacuuming is a maintenance process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one of those things that must be done on a regular basis for the rest of our life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if done consistently, we will remain clean.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How does your life “pool” look?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you taken the cover off yet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that you can’t enjoy it until you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that I have lots of work to do but I plan to enjoy life AND the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grab your suit and come on over.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Oh, and about the Rapture... I'm ready and waiting. Are you?</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6817112448369140511.post-25257230805425804082011-05-05T21:46:00.000-07:002011-05-05T21:46:04.663-07:00Dedicated - 52 Weeks a Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeENjPrBmKlTY-yM47-5wc2vpLHERr4pUZF641lF4zQcXRwOFJQelX0ZR-goNdi-QMqqW9TkCvwdWXE2xJ3ze31Cv96aFawVaEWnVbdWMXidC89Dsp3d2vi1_PWslku9PhrPwEZHltRcXJ/s1600/Perfect+Attend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeENjPrBmKlTY-yM47-5wc2vpLHERr4pUZF641lF4zQcXRwOFJQelX0ZR-goNdi-QMqqW9TkCvwdWXE2xJ3ze31Cv96aFawVaEWnVbdWMXidC89Dsp3d2vi1_PWslku9PhrPwEZHltRcXJ/s640/Perfect+Attend.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, the little girl in this picture is me, being held by my Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This picture was taken documenting those having perfect attendance in Sunday School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To receive this recognition you must attend Sunday School EVERY Sunday in the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pin is given for year one, a wreath that fits around the pen for year two and then, each year after, a bar that attaches to the pen and wreath is given. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was celebrating two years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice the lady standing next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her pin and chain represent twenty-four years of Sunday School perfect attendance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WOW!! What dedication!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My chain made it to eighteen years before I missed a Sunday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dedication needed to accomplish this was not of my doing but that of my parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made the effort to see that I was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was important to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being dedicated teachers and leaders helped motivate them to be there for those depending on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But more than that, they were teaching me about dedication, commitment and reliability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only through their service to the church but through their service to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whenever we would travel, we would stop and take the time to go to Sunday School and church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a neat experience to visit and worship with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember one Sunday while traveling through Georgia we unknowingly stopped at the home church of then President, Jimmy Carter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Don’t think they didn’t check us out! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad had to answer many questions being fired at him by a group of Secret Service men.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I never really appreciated the dedication my parents had regarding this until I became a parent myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve since missed Sunday School for many different reasons and I sometimes wonder – does it matter if I’m there or not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But deep down I know it does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not being there means I’ve missed out on an opportunity to hear how God has blessed those that I worship with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means I’ve missed a chance to praise God, a chance to learn more about Him, a chance to grow through shared experiences of others and I’ve missed how God has used them or chastened them and lead them back to Him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As Mother’s Day approaches I reflect back to the years I had with my Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was one special lady!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cancer robbed me of time with her but I still have great memories that nothing can take away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure if my being an only child made our relationship closer or if it’s that way no matter how many children you have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just know that when I was with her I felt special too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As a mother of three I worry that one of my girls will feel that my love is not equally divided between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But really it’s not divided because they all get 100% - 52 weeks a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some may say that is not mathematically possible but you mothers know, like I do, that it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I take my role of being a mother seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it’s scary and I wonder if I did them right by teaching them what they need to succeed in life or if their trouble and heartaches could have been avoided if I had stressed certain points more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Ricky and I have prayed for them daily since they were born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The example of dedication I saw in my parents has set a high standard that I continue to try to achieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the memories of my Mom (and Dad) keep me smiling.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy Mother’s Day</span>.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAZ6rONd0zIiyjp28Pz7Vo-jXdseRFvkw3d62MkeETrOplrPNxgFGUF_2Jm2VJyO58frz4u1VH_ukSerf4upPOxe_Vz34KxhkvAkq4OfHA45AbAz6pXTT8mp6u-HauqIqvVrAzDmF8KmW/s1600/Me+%2526+my+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAZ6rONd0zIiyjp28Pz7Vo-jXdseRFvkw3d62MkeETrOplrPNxgFGUF_2Jm2VJyO58frz4u1VH_ukSerf4upPOxe_Vz34KxhkvAkq4OfHA45AbAz6pXTT8mp6u-HauqIqvVrAzDmF8KmW/s640/Me+%2526+my+Girls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elizabeth, Lisa, Leslie & Alison McCarley</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06331863642741290523noreply@blogger.com1