Today Is National Tooth Fairy Day

I want to wish a Grand Day to all of you Tooth Fairies and Former Tooth Fairies out there in Bloggerland. (You know who you are.) You have brought happiness to many a youngster and today it's all about you. So happy National Tooth Fairy Day!!!

Many a quarter has been placed, ever so gently, under the fluffy pillow of a sleeping child, awaiting the magical lady with gossamer wings. The beautiful fairy princess would take their wee little tooth sometime throughout the night and in it's place leave a silver coin.

My own children would receive a quarter for a tiny tooth and a half dollar for a larger one. There was one occasion when the Tooth Fairy was so very tired, she forgot, and didn't remember our house until the next morning! But the kind fairy managed to fly through the window while no one was looking and correct her sad mistake.

***Was the Tooth Fairy a tradition in your family? Tell us about her.

My Hero

Yesterday my post was about other people's heroes. Today it's about my own.

Each one of my family members is my hero. I could go through each name and tell you they have had their share of adversity. I know because I have watched with my heart breaking, as they worked their way through the battles of their lives. But I won't tell their stories--those are their own, for them alone to tell, or not.

Today I want them to know that I'm celebrating the courage and strength that each person in my family has shown. I have learned so many lessons from watching them and each one has made me a stronger person by their example.

A Personal Hero

First graders were asked to write about their personal heroes. One little girl wrote about her father. Her father was flattered to find out that she had chosen him. "Why did you pick me?" he ask.
"Because I couldn't spell Arnold Schwarzenegger." she replied.

***Who is/are your personal hero/heroes?

Don't forget my March 1st Giveaway (rules are in the right-hand column).

Watch What You Say

Well, as usual, I've spoken too soon.

I've been talking for the last few days about the weather here in our peaceful little valley. It's been in the high 50's and one day was 60 degrees. My heavy coat had been discarded along with winter shoes and I was getting ready for Spring, even though I knew there was going to be a few more cool days in store for us.

Well, guess what. This morning I awoke to Snow!! It took me awhile to wrap my brain around what all that white stuff was, outside, on the ground.

And that's not the worst of it-- the snow had started to melt. When we turned Riley out into the backyard, he came back to the door with muddy feet, which we had to clean before he could come back into the house. What a mess that was, but not nearly as bad as my family and friends in eastern Washington state have had it!

Now on a warmer note--my Naot sandals (photo above) arrived yesterday, viva the Postal Service. I immediately took them out of the box and tried them on. Wow, what heavenly comfort!! I can't wait for Spring and early summer to get here, so I can wear them with shorts or even casual dresses. Thank you Linda for introducing me to the Naot brand. I intend to buy other styles and colors in the future. (Note: I don't work for the Naot company. lol)

***What's the first thing you look forward to doing/wearing when summer comes?

An Extension Of Myself

"Man creates culture and through culture creates himself." -Pope John Paul II

*** What do you create that is an extension of yourself?

Tileena's Blog Update

Tileena's blog comments are working now. I think it must have been a Blogger problem. We were having problems with commenting all afternoon.

Anyway, Tileena is telling all about her accident and winter weekend with photos-- over there at her place. So go take a look and say "hello" if you wish.

I'M SENDING HUGS AND BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU. HOPE YOUR DAY WAS GRAND!!

Never Take Life For Granted

Matt and Tileena are back, safe and sound, from their snowy vacation trip.

In her posting today, she talks about their car accident and vacation and shows photos. It's very interesting, so I hope you'll go over and say "hi." (For some strange reason, I can't seem to leave a comment on her blog. Let me know if the same thing happens to you.)

I'm so thankful they were not seriously injured.

Wishing all of you many blessings and a beautiful day!

READ ME WEEK 2009

This is READ ME WEEK 2009. It reminds me of all the books I've read to my six children as they grew up. One of our very favorites was "Katy And The Big Snow." My children loved it and I think we wore out three of them over the years. I now have a new copy that I keep in the bookcase beside my big chair. I pull it out every now and then and silently reminisce about the good old days when the kids were young and loved our reading time together.

Some of you still have young children and some of us have grandchildren. I think it's so important to read to them while they're young. It not only encourages a love for books, but creates special memories that will never be forgotten.

***Do you and your children/grandchildren have a special book you love to read together? Perhaps it is dog-eared with pages falling out or faded from wear, tear, and time. Whatever it's condition, it will be forever treasured in the mind of your young person.

What Makes A Good Blog?

I read several blogs each day and I'm sure you do, too. Some of them I read daily and keep going back.

I'm beginning to put together a mental picture of what I like in a blog. Let's see if you agree. Here's what I've come up with so far:

1. Brief posts with lots of white space.

2. Short paragraphs. I become discouraged and usually stop reading when I see long, seemingly unending ones. There's not alot of time to spend on any one blog. Most of us are short on time these days.

3. Color. Art. Photography.

4. A question at the end of each post. It encourages comments.

5. Do some giveaways. Everyone loves a game and free stuff.

6. Write the way you normally talk. It grows trust between you and your reader.

7. Try to respond to each comment, so the reader will know you've actually read it and value their remarks. Sometimes it's not practical, I know, but it's usually doable (is that a word?).

8. Add some humor.

9. Try to post something each day. Regular readers want to have their daily visit with you.

10. Don't share your most intimate information online. You never know who's reading it.

***Now it's your turn. What do you think makes a great blog?

BOOK GIVEAWAY...A FEW DAYS LEFT

My newest giveaway will end on March 1st. I'll giveaway this brand-spanking-new book, "The Poet's Companion." (I will also add a beautiful journal, so that the winner can record their thoughts, notes, and poems.)

Here's a look into the Table of Contents:

Introduction 11
Subjects for WritingWriting and Knowing 19
The Family: Inspiration and Obstacle 30
Death and Grief 39
Writing the Erotic 46
The Shadow 56
Witnessing 64
Poetry of Place 74
The Poet's CraftImages 85
Simile and Metaphor 94
The Music of the Line 104
Voice and Style 115
Stop Making Sense: Dreams and Experiments 129
Meter, Rhyme, and Form 138
Repetition, Rhythm, and Blues151
More Repetition: Villanelle, Pantoum, Sestina 161A Grammatical Excursion 171
The Energy of Revision 186
The Writing LifeSelf-Doubt 195
Writer's Block 199
Writing in the Electronic Age 204
Getting Published 217
Twenty-Minute Writing Exercises 225
App. ABooks on Poetry and Writing 257
App. BAnthologies for Further Reading 261
App. CFinding Markets for Your Poems 266
App. DMore Resources for Writers 267
Credits 272
Index 277

Here are the rules for the giveaway:
~ 1 Entry for leaving a comment. Enter everyday if you like!
~ 3 Entries for becoming a "Follower" (see right-hand column).
~ 5 Entries each time you mention my giveaway on your blog. (Mention me everyday and get 5 entries each day!!)
Good luck to all.

An Accident

I'm babysitting Matt and Tileena's baby schnauzer, Abby, this weekend while they are on a ski vacation with Tileena's family in McCall, Idaho.

Matt called late last night to tell me they had been in an accident and Tileena's car was totaled. It sounds like they swerved to miss a deer and the car spun out of control. He assured me they were not seriously injured--just shook up a bit. Tileena's family came to pick them up and transport them, safely on, to McCall.

I am so thankful this morning that my son and Tileena were not injured or worse. Thank you Lord for watching over them.

Frugal Style

Last evening while shopping for a few more Saint Patrick's Day ornaments for my Holiday Tree, I found these wonderful bargains.

1. A fantastic new summer tote by Ralph Lauren ($8.00)
2. A beautiful, medium size, pink scented candle for my Serenity Room ($2.99)
3. An ultra thick, leather-like journal to carry in my tote ($3.99)

I bought all of this at Ross Discount.

Yes, I love fashion, candles, journals, books, etc. and I can have some wonderful items by shopping with bargains in mind.

***Do you shop for bargains? Have you found something really great recently? Where do you like to shop?

The St. Patrick's Day Tree

Today I finally took down my Valentine's Day tree and put the ornaments away until next year.

I now have the St. Patrick's Day tree decorated with little sparkle leprechaun hats, glistening shamrocks, silver beads, light green and emerald flowers, etc. I've tried to take a good photo, but it just doesn't come out as pretty as it is in person. It must be my camera. (The lights on the tree look yellow in the picture, but they are actually bright white.)

I cannot begin to express how much Jim and I have enjoyed the Valentine tree and now we have almost a month to enjoy this one.

I don't know why it has taken me so long to have these holiday trees in the house year-around.

I've started to collect ornaments for my Easter tree and have two bags full already. Fun!!

I hope you like the photo. I'm so happy to share it with you and wish you were here to see it.

***Don't forget the March 1st giveaway!!!

A New Gadget

I have a new favorite kitchen gadget....it's a microwave bacon rack, purchased at Walmart.

Now before you say anything, I know most of you probably have had one of these for years, but I seem to try out gadgets a little later than most people.

Anyway, I love bacon (I know that's not a good thing) and have always stood over a hot skillet frying and turning for what seemed forever--grease popping everywhere, especially on me. Then after the bacon was cooked and consumed, I would have the unhappy job of cleaning the stove and pans. What a greasy mess!!

A couple of weeks ago I decided to buy a microwavable bacon rack and try it out. I couldn't believe the bacon would be as delicious as that fried in a skillet, but to my surprise, not only was it as good, but it was so much easier and faster. Now I'm hooked for good. I even went back to Walmart and bought two more. I figure having several will save time when we have company for breakfast.

Now it's so convenient to take a few slices out of the package, place them on the tray, cover them with a paper towel, pop them in the microwave for three minutes and have my bacon! I will never be able to live without my microwave rack.

***Do you have a favorite kitchen gadget or small appliance that you cannot live without?

Let's Go Shopping...I'm Thinking Summer

The weather here is in the cool 50's, but it doesn't stop me from thinking "summer". I'll be so happy when I don't have to wear a big coat and scarf each time I go outside. So yesterday while dreaming of warmer weather, I did a little online shopping.

I bought this dress from http://www.chadwicks.com/ and the sandals below from http://www.onlineshoes.com/. I'll wear the dress on a night out and the sandals I'll wear with jeans or shorts.

The sandals are Naot. They are made in Israel and are one of the most comfortable shoes you can imagine. My daughter Linda introduced me to this brand a couple of years ago. I bought a pair of thong-type right after that. This year I thought I'd go with the strap style.

***What's your favorite Summertime outfit?

Just One Question

Don't forget my March 1st giveaway drawing!

I'm giving away a brand-spanking-new book, "The Poet's Companion" and a beautiful journal (so that the winner can record their thoughts, notes, and poems).

Here are the rules for the giveaway:
~ 1 Entry for leaving a comment. Enter everyday if you like!
~ 3 Entries for becoming a "Follower" (see right-hand column).
~ 5 Entries each time you mention my giveaway on your blog. (Mention me everyday and get 5 entries each day!!)

I have one question today. Answer it and get two entries for the giveaway. Here it is:
~What do you like most about your best friend (someone other than your spouse)?

Valentines, Pizza and Birthdays

Shiloh and Me

Saturday was not only Valentine's Day for our family, but it was also our granddaughter, Shiloh's birthday. Shiloh is Linda's daughter and as some of you know, they are both skilled horsewomen. Linda blogs at Beautiful Mustang.

Several of our family members got together for a birthday pizza party at a local restaurant. Later that evening some met for appetizers at our house.

It is wonderful to see the beautiful, accomplished woman Shiloh has grown into.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

I'm going to be with family members today and won't be around the blog very much, so I want to wish all of my wonderful friends A VERY HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY. I WISH YOU MUCH LOVE!

May God hold you in the palm of His hands today and forever.

ABC's and Me

Here's my version of an ABC meme for all to see.

Hope you'll play along with me.

A-Z About Me

Absent-minded or focused: Focused

Best Friend: Jim

Cake or Pie: I love vanilla birthday cake with lots of frosting!

Day of Choice: Monday because my favorite reality shows are on TV.

Essential item of clothing: I love sweaters and jackets!

Flavor of Ice Cream: Vanilla with cherries.

Gifts: My favorites are books and candles.

Hometown: Clinton, Tennessee

Indulgences: Chocolate covered cherries

Juice or soda: Orange juice.

Kids: 6

Last Movie I Saw: "The Ultimate Gift" on DVD (a wonderful movie)

Merry-go-round or Roller Coaster: I DO NOT LIKE ROLLER COASTERS!!!

Number of Siblings: 1

Oranges or Apples: Apples

Phobia (or fear): I think I have a fear of heights

Quote: "Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrong." -Charlotte Bronte

Reason to smile: Babies and puppies

Season I like best: Summer

Tag 5 Friends: Too many friends to name 5, so everyone is being tagged.

Unknown Fact About Me: I'm very open, so there is little that is unknown.

Vegetarian or meat and potatoes gal: Meat and potatoes (especially potatoes!)

Worst Habit: Eating too much sugar.

X-ercise (what kind): Curves

Your favorite book: The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Zodiac: Cancer (I'm nurturing by nature. Love my family deeply and very devoted to them.)

***How would you answer the questions from A-Z?

Don't forget my March 1st giveaway! Scroll down the page to see the items I'm giving away.

I'll giveaway a brand-spanking-new book, "The Poet's Companion." (I will also add a beautiful journal, so that the winner can record their thoughts, notes, and poems.)

Here are the rules for the giveaway:

~ 1 Entry for leaving a comment. Enter everyday if you like!

~ 3 Entries for becoming a "Follower" (see right-hand column).

~ 5 Entries each time you mention my giveaway on your blog. (Mention me everyday and get 5 entries each day!!)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF MY WONDERFUL READERS ! ! !

Enzo Speaks

I love this quote:

"To live every day as if it had been stolen from death, that is how I would like to live." -Enzo speaks in "The Art Of Racing In The Rain."

***How do you wish to live life?

Don't forget to enter my March 1st giveaway. Scroll down to see details.

Dogs, Dogs, Dogs

Riley after his grooming appointment

I've been talking about dogs alot lately--a book review "The Art Of Racing In The Rain", Tileena and Matt's little Abby, and my little man, Riley (perhaps to be a daddy within the year).

I take Riley to the groomer every two or three weeks and yesterday was his day to go again, so I just couldn't resist putting his cute little picture on my blog today. Doesn't he look handsome with his Valentine scarf on? The groomer makes scarves and gives him a different one each time he get his hair shampooed and cut.

I KNOW....it's like bragging, but I can't help myself. Please have patience.

Don't forget my giveaway. Scroll down to see details below.

I Can't Believe I Won

Kathryn over at Tender Graces held a contest to see who could guess the singer and the song from a scene she had written in her new book, "Tender Graces." I guessed Billie Holiday singing Summertime and I got it right. Can you believe it?

My prize is a brand spanking new book called "On Bear Mountain" by Deborah Smith and I believe it's signed, too. Wow, I can hardly wait to receive it.

Thank you, Kathryn! What a fun contest.

Abby Comes To Visit

Baby Abby and Riley

Yesterday I made a big crock pot of beef stew and of course let it cook most of the day. Isn't it nice to have that savory aroma waft through the house all day and then sit down to a warm meal that you haven't had to slave over?


Matt, Tileena, and little Abby came by around 5:30 and we got to spend the evening with them and share our crock pot meal. We also introduced Abby to Riley and vice versa. They are, someday, going to be close friends. I hope they can even have puppies together next year.


Abby is one of the sweetest, most tranquil puppies I've seen. She has already bonded with her new human mom, Tileena, and she loves to be held and was soooo cute in her new little black and white feminine sweater (not shown in photo).


Riley just turned four years old. Playing ball, and having family drop by, are his favorite things. So last night you can just imagine how excited he was to have Matt, Tileena, and Abby here. He was smiling all evening!!


***Do you have a pet/pets? What are they and how many?





Don't forget the March 1st Giveaway. See details below.

Racing In The Rain---A Review

On the recommendation of a blogger friend, whom I believe was Janna (but not sure), I ordered "The Art Of Racing In The Rain" and finished it a few days ago.

It is definitely one of the best books I've read and apparently many other readers think so as well, since it has received 318 reviews on Amazon and has a 4 1/2 star rating.

This book will touch you on so many levels. I will never look at a dog the same way again.

To quote one review: "On the eve of his death, Enzo (a dog) tells what amounts to his master's life story. Stein's attention to detail was amazing - the book reads like it was written by somebody who took the time to stop and think "what would a dog feel/do in this situation?" As a result, Enzo is memorable and lovable. He's at once a crotchety old man, and an innocent youth. He's wise, he's naive, and he is devoted."

Watch a great video about this book here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m21A77I4M0UM2A

Also, Tileena has the sweetest new video on her blog. "Potty Training Little Abby"..you'll love it. I promise!!!

Don't forget my newest giveaway (see details below).

The New Arrival

Hi Everyone!!

There's a "special edition" over at my good friend Tileena's blog. Tileena is a new journalist who specializes in television, radio, and web video. Please go over and take a peek. I think you'll love it as much as I do.

Oh.... and by the way, Tileena loves to get your comments! Stop by and say hello.

Enjoy!!

Friends Award

A few days ago I was pleasantly surprised with the "Friends Award" from Linda at My Own Velvet Room and also from Pat at Pat's Place. Thanks Linda and Pat for thinking of me. I was so thrilled to receive your kindness.



"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbon of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight more and include the cleverly written text into the body of your awards"


The eight friends I choose today are:

Patty

Lea

Linda R.

Tileena

Dawn

Jill

Judy

Joy


"Small kindnesses, small courtesies, small considerations, habitually practiced in our social intercourse, give a greater charm to the character than the display of great talents and accomplishments."
-Mary Ann Kelty

The Winner Is......

The contest is now closed and a winner has been drawn from well over 400 entries. I want to thank all my readers who entered.

Congratulations goes to..Terri Tiffany. You are the winner of my Big Valentine's Day Giveaway!!!!!

Please send me your address, so I can send your Valentine's Day package out immediately. Enjoy!

Thanks again to all who entered. There will be another contest shortly.

VALENTINE GIVEAWAY

DON'T FORGET MY GIVEAWAY WHICH ENDS TOMORROW.

This is the biggest one I've done so far. The name of one of my lucky readers will be drawn tomorrow. That person will receive all of the items listed below just in time for the holiday:

1. 1 NEW RED LACE AND FRINGE SHAWL
2. 1 "LOVE COMES SOFTLY" DVD
3. 1 NEW FAUX PEARL AND RHINESTONE NECKLACE SET
4. 1 NEW WHITE LACE EXPANDABLE VICTORIAN FAN
5. 1 NEW SILVER TONE SERENITY BRACELET
6. 1 BOX OF CHOCOLATE VALENTINE CANDY
7. 1 BEAUTIFUL NEW JOURNAL

Here are the rules:
~ 1 Entry for leaving a comment. Enter everyday!
~ 5 Entry each time you mention my giveaway on your blog. (Mention me everyday and get 5 entries each day!!)

Good luck to all.

A Challenge

Here's another challenge for all of you.

I'll start with my answers:

Outside my window.....It's dark

I am thinking.....I'm not thinking very well because I have a sinus headache

I am thankful for....Lots of books

From the kitchen....Today I made homemade chili and cornbread for dinner.

I am wearing....Pajama bottoms and big flannel shirt.

I am creating....Crewel work.

I am going.....To watch American Idol

I am reading...."The Ladies Lending Library" by Janice Kulyk Keefer

I am hoping....For good weather tomorrow

I am hearing....The Spokane news on TV

Around the house....Candlelight

One of my favorite things....Chocolate candy

Plans for the rest of the week....Picking the name of a lucky reader for my Valentine's Day Drawing. Only a couple of days left.

***What answers will you give to these questions?

Reality Shows

Like most of you, I have many interests--one of them being "reality" shows. I spent last evening watching two of my favorites--"The Bachelor" and "True Beauty." I, especially, like "True Beauty" because a young man from our little town is a contestant. His name on the show is Billy. He owns our local GNC store at the mall.

My favorite "reality" TV shows are:

1. Survivor

2. Dancing With The Stars

3. American Idol

4. True Beauty

5. The Bachelor

6. Big Brother

***Do you have favorites? Which ones are they?

The Heavenly Committee

Here's a little humor that reminds me of some of the committees I've been a part of in the past.

An old legend says that when God created the world, the angels were in awe. As he created the animals, the angels asked to give it a try. God agreed, so the animal-creation committee designed the platypus, a creature with the bill of a duck, the fur of a dog, the tail of a beaver, and the feet of a frog.

Since that day, there have been no committees in Heaven.

(~Do you sometimes add humor to your blog? Is it important to add a little humor now and then?)