3 Magpies

Road Trip: Next Stop... In the Movies

2009-07-19T13:23:00.001-05:00

Juliette Georgia

The location for one famous flick chick caught the attention of 3 Magpies. Juliette is situated just off I75 a couple of hours south of Atlanta. The movie set facade houses several small gift shops, but the cafe is no facade. It was refurbished and brought back to life for the filming and has been in the genuine restaurant business ever since.

"Whistlestop" Train Depot

Note the train moving through town behind the depot. Are we lucky or what?

The infamous railroad track of movie fame were particularly interesting to CeCe. She also captured a shot of the long since closed industrial building which now houses a Harley Davidson motorcycle museum... only open on weekends.

Of course we ordered Fried Green Tomatoes and we ate them up feeling quite nostalgic in doing so. The spicy crispy breading crunched with each bite and we left happy and full.

We give Fried Green Tomatoes (both the food and the movie) "thumbs-up"!

Life is Good!

Next Stop Summer Road Trip 2009

2009-07-18T20:55:00.003-05:00

Atlanta Georgia

Atlanta Hyatt &
The Georgia Aquarium

We spent the

We spent the first night of our road trip in a fancy schmancy place in downtown Atlanta just blocks from the next morning's destination.

The accommodations were quite appealing and 3 Magpies slept well. Bella was enthralled with the balcony overlooking the sparkly lights of downtown after dark.

We were well prepared for the road trip and our itinerary was set with prepaid tics for the Georgia Aquarium, the Titanic exhibit and a 4D feature playing in the IMAX-like theatre inside the aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States. The largest display included three whales sharks. They are quite large and it was an amazing experience to see them up close. My favorite exhibit was the Beluga Whale feature. Hosting three Beluga's, one male and two female, the exhibit was mesmerizing. The whales were so graceful while swimming and frolicking. Beluga's have necks and facial expression, almost appearing human from time to time. They are quite amazing creatures.

Upon entering the Titanic Exhibit, each visitor is provided a boarding pass. These unique passes include the actual information of a passenger aboard the doomed luxury ocean liner. This made it interactive and more interesting. The passenger information included both personal information about the passenger such as name, age, hometown... and trip information including classification and location of accommodations. The lights were dim and a rumble, somewhat louder while touring through third class, made us feel we were aboard the ship. Recovered relics encased in acrylic display boxes provided a visual tour of the lifestyle of those living during the Titanic time era. Replications of staterooms in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class were eerie to view. Recovered personal passenger papers, clothing, leather shoes and luggage were in remarkable condition. A crew member uniform was also recovered and displayed, complete with the brass buttons. A leather pouch containing perfume vials was my favorite recovered item on display. The stoppers in twenty or so of the vials were in place and the yellowed fragrance still inside. One wall in the final room of the exhibit listed each passenger and crew member by category of "survivor" or "perished". It was here we learned of the fate of the passenger listed upon the boarding pass we each received upon entering the exhibit.

4D was a term of which I was unaware when advance purchasing the theatre tickets. No explanation was given. The little Magpies and I discussed what the 4th D might be and concluded it must be touch or smell. The movie featured was really, really cute and we were somewhat surprised to get "splashed" during the movie presentation not once, not twice, but three times!!! That and the aqua blue stringers and occasional scented bubbles that floated around made the film more entertaining. We enjoyed it!

HOTlanta is awesome and life is Good!

Summer Fun 2009 Road Trip

2009-07-18T13:45:00.004-05:00

First Stop

Kennesaw Georgia for a wonderful dinner with friends. It is always good to see old friends and even better for them to cook, well, grill to be more precise. We ate and ate, and ate. Great job Judy on the portabellas, Rick on the spicy rubbed chicken, and Gus on the chocolate cake all the way from Austria! We are still stuffed!

Sparkle and Fade

2009-07-02T23:55:00.000-05:00

My little one talking about the 4th of July:

Bella: You know those things momma?
Me: What things Bella?
Bella: Those shiny things that are really pretty and you say BE CAREFUL when you give me them to hold. I usta just think they were pretty and fun til one of the shiny things fell on my foot. It burned my foot.
Me: Oh, I say, SPARKLERS.
Bella: Yeah, sparklers. Thanks for telling me be careful momma.
Me: You're welcome, Bella.

I got a BBBBBBIIIIGGGG hug and I give you a reminder: Always be careful with fireworks. 4th of July is hard on kiddos, injury-wise. Each year hundreds of Americans are injured by fireworks.

CNN reports the following:
* Consumer Product Safety Commission put warning on fireworks out Friday
* 70 percent of fireworks accidents occur between June 20 and July 20, says CPSC
* Largest number of young people injured by fireworks are between 14 and 17

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday! Life is Good!

God Bless America

2009-07-01T00:06:00.000-05:00

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE
TO THE FLAG,

OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR
WHICH IT STANDS,

ONE NATION
UNDER GOD,

INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY
AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

America is Beautiful and Life is Good!

Legends

2009-06-27T20:11:00.001-05:00

Iconic Sidekick

Iconic Beauty

Iconic Entertainer

God Bless America

My New Favorite Song

2009-06-26T18:58:00.001-05:00

Dave Matthews Band
Funny the Way it is Lyrics:

Lying in the park on a beautiful day
Sunshine in the grass and the children play
Sirens passing, fire engine red
Someone's house is burning down on a day like this
And evening comes, and we're hanging out
On the front step and a car goes by with the windows rolled down
And that war song is playing, "Why can't we be friends"
Someone is screaming crying in the apartment upstairs

Funny the way it is, if you think about it
Somebody's going hungry, someone else is eating out
Funny the way it is, not right or wrong
Somebody's heart is broken, it becomes your favorite song

The way your mouth feels in your lover's kiss
Like a pretty bird on a breeze, or water to a fish
The bomb blast brings the building crashing to the floor
Hear the laughter while the children play war

Funny the way it is, if you think about it
One kid walks 10 miles to school, another's dropping out
Funny the way it is, not right or wrong
On a soldier's last breath, his baby's being born

Standing on a bridge, watch the water passing underneath
It must have been much harder when there was no bridge, just water
Now the world is small, compared to how it used to be
With mountains and oceans and winters and rivers and stars

Watch the sky, the jet plane so far out of my reach
Is there someone up there looking down on me
Boy chase a bird, so close but every time
He'll never catch her, but he can't stop trying

Funny the way it is, if you think about it
One kid walks 10 miles to school, another's dropping out
Funny the way it is, not right or wrong
On a soldier's last breath, his baby's being born
Funny the way it is, not right or wrong
Somebody's broken heart become your favorite song
Funny the way it is, if you think about it
One kid walks 10 miles to school, another's dropping out

Standing on a bridge, watch the water passing underneath
It must have been much harder when there was no bridge, just water
Now the world is small, compared to how it used to be
With mountains and oceans and winters and rivers and stars

Memorial Day (Reposted)

2009-05-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

Sgt. William "Jack" Smith
U. S. Army 4th Infantry Division
November 8, 1917-June 6, 1944

KIA on June 6, 1944 during the amphibious invasion on Utah Beach in Normandy, France. He served along side Theodore Roosevelt Jr. Sgt. Smith was listed as MIA from June 6 - June 10, 1944 until his body was recovered and his status was officially listed as Killed in Action at that time. His remains were interred in Normandy at St. Mere Eglise Military Cemetery Number 2. His family, wishing to bring Jack home, asked for his remains to be returned to Grand Rivers, Kentucky four years later. His body was accompanied by a young soldier who remained with the Smith family until Jack's remains were laid to rest in Dixon Cemetery.

Jack's mother, Anne Smith, received some criticism from local folks for her decision to have Jack's remains returned to Kentucky. It was said to her that she would never know whether or not it was her son who was actually returned. Mrs. Smith told the critical doubters that while she would never know for sure, all she could do was hope and pray that if her son's remains were laid to rest by the hands of others, they would treat him with the same love, dignity, and respect as she had treated this soldier.

William Jack Smith's military portrait hung on the wall of his mother's house until the day she died. It then hung on the wall in my grandmother's (Jack's sister) house until she passed. The same portrait hangs on the wall of my brother's house... and will...until the day he dies. We will never forget the sacrifice.
William "Jack" Smith's nephew was my father. He is buried in Dixon Cemetery beside my grandmother and across from Jack. He served in the US Army in a time of peace. My brother served in both the Air Force and Army. My nephew is currently serving in the Army and has served two tours in Iraq.

God Bless America!!!

Saturday's Treasure

2009-05-23T21:23:00.002-05:00

I Love Flowers

Just Created and Soon Available at: www.3magpies.etsy.com

Life is beautiful!

Fun Sunday Jewelry!

2009-05-17T17:17:00.000-05:00

Think Green Earrings! Pressed Czech Glass and Mother of Pearl

Mother of Pearl Cross Pendant

Birds, Birds, Birds

2009-05-08T21:00:00.009-05:00

Calm New York Birds

A Few New York Birds

Silly New York Birds

Crazy New York Birds

The birds seemed to follow us everywhere we went while visiting Niagara Falls. It was kinda freaky, a little cool, and somewhat reminiscent of the Hitchcock thriller. We tended to duck and hide when the birds came too close for comfort, thus no photos of close up birdies. New York has some strange little birds!

Niagara Falls

2009-05-03T23:23:00.000-05:00

We're Here! Oh La La! It's Niagara Falls!

View from the New York Foot Trail...

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...

2009-05-02T14:22:00.001-05:00

Somewhere over the Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls, New York, you may view this perpetual rainbow. It is absolutely glorious and an unexpected visual treasure. At one end of this rainbow is a time and water worn huge bolder. Another visual treat, especially to 3 Magpies. We really like rocks!

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!

Arrgh, Matey! Rocks ROCK

2009-05-01T21:51:00.000-05:00

Even without the "Treasure Map" the 3 Magpies managed to find the "x" that marked the spot. This "x" was in New York at Niagara Falls!

The "X"

The Booty, The Loot, aka "Treasures"
One piece of Quartz and One Heart Shaped Rock

Life is Good and Rocks are Beautiful!

Oklahoma City Memorial

2009-04-19T21:09:00.005-05:00

In somber remembrance of a cowardly act of domestic terrorism. Justice was swift and severe as one was executed and the other wastes his days confined in a small cell with no hope of ever being again free. The Oklahoma City Memorial is moving and beautiful, but spray painted on an adjacent building and preserved for all to view is this touching message from "Team 5".

Truer words were never spoken.

The Oklahoma City Memorial is beautiful. God Bless America!

Spring Break Road Trip 1st Stop Lady Liberty

2009-04-19T09:59:00.002-05:00

Happily out of the car... and onto the ferry!

We rode on the ferry "Miss Liberty" but, met this ferry on our way.

In all her glory, she is breathtakingly beautiful. We were among the tired, poor and huddled masses who had gathered at her feet. We fit in perfectly!

New York City is beautiful and life is good!

Spring Break 2009... 3 Magpies Style

2009-04-10T17:22:00.000-05:00

Road Trip

Whew! What a blast! 2161 miles later we are home, safe and sound, and TIRED. It is a GOOD tired, though. We came, we saw, we conquered, and we shall return. Where? NEW YORK!

This week is Spring Break and the 3 Magpies love to travel, so off we went. This trip we had another travel buddy ride to NYC with us. We were delivering her home to NYC from KY and her work with ShOtS for a Cure. This was certainly our pleasure. The little magpies and I have made a forever friend.

While in NYC, we visited many of the sights. The two little magpies and I then headed westward to Niagara Falls. After our stay at the falls, we were on our way home. More pictures and tales from our travels will be forthcoming.

New York is beautiful and friendship is, well, as our new friend would say... MINT!

ShOtS for a Cure 2

2009-04-07T11:23:00.003-05:00

Gunner's Magic Train Foundation

Over 20 appointments (which included 36 children and one dog) in just under 10 hours was like watching a magician wave the wand and poof! ta da! presto!... beauty, mischief, and kidness was captured for posterity. ShOtS for a Cure 2 was a great success. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to all those beautiful children and their awesome parents (and the cool lone doggy Maddy) for making this event so much fun.

The brainchild behind ShOtS for a Cure is New York photographer Dari McManus. She follows the path of childhood awareness. Her ShOtS for a Cure raises money to fund additional research in pediatric terminal illness. The benefactor for this ShOtS was Gunner's Magic Train Foundation. Gunner was a very special little boy whose life was cut short by DIPG. His legacy continues through Gunner's Magic Train Foundation set up by his parents, Gus and Janna Gillespie, to bring awareness, hope, and additional research dollars to find a cure for the disease that claimed the life of Gunner, who will be "Forever 8".

Stay tuned for additional information on the next ShOtS for a Cure.

How I Spent My Weekend! What FUN!

2009-03-30T18:25:00.000-05:00

Cool... Refreshing... Pink Lemonade!

I've Got Sunshine!

I See Starz!

Old... Really Old... Like From 1928... Vintage Black Beads

*** Available for purchase: www.3magpies.etsy.com

My Home Town

2009-03-29T13:23:00.000-05:00

I have bragged about Grand Rivers before, but it is officially a great place. Well, at least according to Southern Living Magazine. I lovelovelove it here and so do many Southern Living Readers. I think ranking 8 out of who knows how many towns is awesome. Especially since this little town only has 352 residents. This is a great place to vacation and a wonderful place to reside!

He Loves Me... He Loves Me Knot

2009-03-24T16:14:00.004-05:00

Yummy yellow new Jade carved into a Celtic Knot and strung on waxed cotton cord. Simple and sweet making an elegant statement when worn to work or out on the town. Fall in lovelovelove with this unique piece!

Spring Fling Earrings

2009-03-22T20:11:00.000-05:00

I lovelovelove these! The weather today was 70 degrees, sunny, and perfect! It felt just like Spring and EVERYONE on our street exhibited classic symptoms of SPRING FEVER... you know the signs... doors open, grills going, car washing abounds...

As for me, I made jewelry. Life is Beautiful!

Sully Update From His Family

2009-03-19T19:11:00.001-05:00

Lots of people have been asking about Sully lately, and they have urged me to post another update.

Well, no news has been good news for us. Sully has not had a seizure since the surgery!! He is so happy and healthy. Physically, he has a long way to go. He has a pronounced weakness on his right side and still doesn't have use of his right hand. We are considering participation in a study this summer in Birmingham. Sully would have his left side restrained for one week with hopes of inspiring use of his right side.

Mentally, he continues to make progress. His speech is constantly improving. His latest is "Hey, dude, whassup?" Too funny. He's sleeping in a big boy bed and is still learning potty training.

Sully no longer has an interest in Wheel of Fortune - sorry, Vanna and Pat! He still likes Barney, but mostly it's Elmo time. He likes to ride his tricycle (Santa brought him a special adaptive one with a seatbelt), and he loves riding with Macy in their little electric jeep. he also likes to sit on the floor and feed our dog by hand.

The media frenzy has ceased, marking the end of our family's 15 minutes of fame. Thank goodness! We have a very normal life now, and it is wonderful.

We will never forget the events surrounding Sully's operation, but it does seem like a lifetime ago.

CheapTweet - GO GREEN for a GREAT DEAL FREE SHIPPING through March on GREEN pendants! SWEET! - Twitter Deals, Coupons, Bargains, Sales and Discounts

2009-03-16T21:07:00.001-05:00

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Posted using ShareThis

ShOtS for a Cure 2

2009-03-13T20:33:00.000-05:00

ShOtS 2...

For appointments, please contact Denise Johnson @ 270-362-3911 or via email 3magpies@bellsouth.net. Calls and emails will be returned as soon as possible to get the show on the road. Slots are filling up quickly for this great event with all proceeds going to Gunner's Magic Train Foundation.

What: ShOtS 2 for a Cure

When: April 3, 2009 4 - 8 pm & April 4, 2009 10 am - 6pm

Where: Central Elementary School Gym in Marshall County, Kentucky

Why: To support DIPG research for a CURE

How: Make an appointment then show up

Cost: $25 sitting fee; $25 per photo sheet; $50 per photo CD

Multiple background options including... TRAINS, Easter, white, and black.

ONLY the finest Photographer all the way from NYC... Dari McManus

Donations may be mailed to:

Gunner's Magic Train Foundation
Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB)
PO Box 467
Benton,
KY 42025

Connect to the Contest! WooHoo! Free Stuff! WINWINWIN!

2009-03-10T23:55:00.001-05:00

Jewelry Giveaway from All American Mommy
I am so excited to be offering this fantastic jewelry giveaway! This is the perfect addition to your jewelry collection and just in time for spring!

This jewelry package includes a sterling silver cuff bracelet which retails for $149, a pair of CZ sterling silver ball earrings (the latest earring craze) which retail for $28, and a CZ sterling silver ring which retails for $38. Each piece is made in the US!

This giveaway is being sponsored by All American Mommy so we can learn more about what you want to read about here. I will be doing away with google adsense and bringing more of what you want and enjoy to my site.

For more information on the contest, contest rules, and to enter... GO HERE:
http://www.contests4mamas.com/

Jewelry is shiny and Life is good!

Jewelry Jewelry Jewelry

2009-02-28T13:23:00.000-06:00

This has been a busy week at work and even busier at home. To wind down and enjoy life a little, I made some cutecutecute earrings. Creating jewelry always makes me feel better!

Fan E-Mail

2009-02-15T21:00:00.002-06:00

Now to answer all of the questions that have arisen from the last post:
(No names are being used to protect the guilty.)

Ahem... Yes, I get it. Fan e-mail is a pun. Clever? You decide.

No, I'm (not so) sorry to say that the aforementioned misadventure won't be played and replayed on You Tube.

Yes, the tree cutter guy from South Carolina was a hunka hunka, but he was hired via telephone sight unseen. We only met briefly in the bank parking lot when/where I paid him. And you are welcome for his number... Not that you sounded desperate OR ungrateful!

No, I will not show you my panties even though the neighbors saw them without even asking.

Yes, I am a little clumsy and yes, that was my second spill of the week and yes, I did blame both on the weather. NO, no one else felt the need to point that out. Thank you for doing so.

Yes, I do have a few battle scars. A flimsy little branch, much more pliable than most, managed to smack me in the mouth and bust my bottom lip. My knees, shins, and backside are covered in scratches and sadly, bruises. I did, however, manage to complete the clean up WITHOUT breaking a nail! That, people, is my true measure of SUCCESS!

If I failed to answer your question... Too bad! Unless you are brave enough to actually post it as a comment here rather than sending a chicken-like e-mail, don't bother asking.

Sticks and stones folks, sticks and stones...

The Misadventures of a (sometimes stupidly) Independent Mom

2009-02-14T17:45:00.002-06:00

Clean up after the ice storm is well underway. This is the second Saturday I have spent clearing tree debris. We had a total of five of our beautiful trees in our yard damaged by the ice storm. Countless other trees in the field were broken and damaged. A tree cutter guy from South Carolina gave the low bid to cut the severely damaged and broken limbs. He completed his work yesterday. I asked him to keep the tree pieces smallish so that the girls and I could manage to remove them ourselves. He did a great job. We are piling the debris near the road's edge. The city will remove any debris within a 12 foot easement of the road. Hooray for the city! This kept the cost of clean up relatively low since removal costs were not included.

These pictures don't adequately capture the amount of tree debris. Piles are everywhere! All up and down our street and the next street and the next street look just like our street... piles of broken and cut limbs and branches.

That brings us to the misadventure. Since the littlest magpie spent last Saturday helping mom clear tree debris, I did not ask her to help. CeCe had homecoming last night and was still sound asleep when I got started, so I was on my own. No big deal. A couple of neighbor offered to help, but being the independent mom that I am, I declined their kind offers. I can do this myself. (I thought, sounding like a toddler.) Clearing began around 9:00 am. The first hour and a half were pretty uneventful. Most of the tree debris from the cut tree tops in the backyard near the house was relocated to the drainage ditch near the road. Trip after trip after trip to the ditch I went sometimes carrying sticks and limbs and sometimes dragging them. I took a little break when I finished the tree debris near the swing set.

After the break, I decided to clear out the tree tops near the back field. They were a little larger and more cumbersome to maneuver, but still I knew I could get it done. One top after the other I scooted, pulled, pushed, and drug to the roadside. Then I met my match. This particular top was spindly and long, probably 12 to 14 feet long. It was a chore to get it started. I pulled and pulled and pulled until it finally gave way from the earth that it had impaled when it fell. Now we were moving right along. To get it turned length ways so that it would lay properly near the road, I had to navigate the tricky graveled terrain near the barn. This is where my strategy came up short. I did not account for the smooth driveway in my efforts. I was pulling the tree down the hill with my back facing the road walking backward. Once upon the gravel drive the amount of effort it took to pull the tree minimized, but my efforts did not. I tripped over some branches and limbs and fell with the large tree top coming to rest squarely on top of me.

Well, that tree top was pretty heavy and I had to kick and twist and wiggle to get out from underneath it. The wiggling part is when I realized that the tree had snagged on my pants and had pulled them down just enough for me to embed some gravel in my tailbone! YIKES! I quickly yanked up my bottoms, but not before thanking the Lord that I had on cute panties! You know that is really important. If you are gonna moon the neighbors, make certain you are wearing cute undies! Thank you, thank you Victoria's Secret 5/$25 sale!

Well, the yard is roughly half cleared and I have all day Sunday to get it finished. Things are looking up! In addition to getting that task well on the way to completion, I saw little signs of SPRING! I lovelovelove SPRING! Jonquils cover our yard. A sea of bright yellow does wonders for the soul. I am hoping the Farmer's Almanac is wrong... very wrong with the prediction of two inches of ice on February 28. I believe we have had enough ice for a while and I have had enough winter. Today was sunny, warm and beautiful. Just the right kind of day to give me SPRING FEVER!

But we all know that it takes bad times to appreciate good times, cold days to appreciate warm ones, and humiliating experiences (such as unintentionally mooning your neighbors-- even with cute panties) to appreciate the days when you feel like a wallflower... or dandelion.

Life is beautiful and fun and sometimes just a little embarrassing.

and the Winner Is...

2009-02-09T00:07:00.000-06:00

I won this tote on this site: http://spoolofplenty.blogspot.com/ How awesome! Go on ov er and visit at SpoolofPlenty. Tell her 3 Magpies sent you!

Thanks for the tote. It is sooooo cute and perfect for me to use in my daily jaunt from the house to the car to the office. Perfect, I say!

May the Lord Bless You and Keep You

2009-02-07T21:32:00.008-06:00

The ice covered magical paradise is an all but faded memory and reality has set in. Clean up efforts are fast and furious statewide, with our little town being no exception. Across Kentucky, nearly 85% of the estimated 792,000 residents who originally lost power due to the storm have regained power. Thankfully, our home has power, water, and heat.

The beautiful ice caused bold, upright, majestic trees to split, break, and uproot under the added weight and stress of the ice. In so many cases, as was the case at the home of 3 Magpies, not one tumbling tree branch damaged our home. It was as if the hand of God directed the falling limbs away from our home. This scenario was played out at home after home after home... I have heard countless tales of homes being "protected" from ice covered falling trees. Isn't God good?

My littlest magpie and I cleared the limbs and debris from our backyard today. We worked carrying sticks, limbs, and some larger branches to the edge of the yard to haul off or burn at a later date. The front yard, as seen somewhat in these photos, is another story. The massive limbs are from two 60 year old Oak Trees and from two smaller trees, as well. Little magpie's tree house was covered in sticks and small limbs, but no damage was sustained to the tree house. Again, aren't we blessed?!? I think we will leave that clean up effort to the professionals. It just seems too daunting to the 3 Magpies.

May the hand of God protect you and all you hold dear as he has protected 3 Magpies.

Well, I Went to Bed in Memphis I Woke Up In...

2009-02-03T08:45:00.009-06:00

I love Sheryl Crow! Her songs run through my mind most everyday, with today being no exception. In her "Like Steve McQueen", she has a quarter in her pocket and she'd call you if she could... I have felt that over and over through this last week. I wanted to tell everyone about the beauty of Montana!

I am leaving Bozeman Montana in about 45 minutes headed for Minneapolis/St. Paul, then on to Memphis. From Memphis I will be driving back to the great state of Kentucky. It kinda feels like I'm heading to Green Acres. Can't you hear the theme song?! I am heading from places with electricity and running water back to the great unknown. Very few in our small town have regained power. It is my understanding from news broadcasts that still over 300,000 are without power and over 200,000 without running water. No big deal because I am ready for whatever is awaiting.

While in Montana, I saw so many beautiful God made scenes. Lone Mountain, located in Big Sky, is one of the most spectacular visions known to man. Situated beneath the peak are ski villages galore. The snow was piled soooo high that it covered mail boxes and cars. All the people I encountered there were bent on one thing, skiing. No one had any time for anything else and with good reason. To see the snowboarders sache down the mountainside made my heart race with excitement. I wanted to do that, too!

Driving 40 or so miles past Big Sky, I visited West Yellowstone. The temperature dropped about 25 degrees in that short drive and the snow piles were endless. Snow drifts covered the branches of the many tall spruce trees and made the snow in Kentucky look like a joke. Along the drive in the road follows the many natural streams and rivers. Fellows were fishing for trout at many points along the way. Delightful little covered bridges, stone bridges, red bridges, and arch bridges adorned many a path allowing the residents of the area to cross over the streams to enter the highway. Beauty abounded in each and every glance around. Truly, Yellowstone is one of natures marvels. I so appreciated the scenery (and electricity and running water)!

Ice, Ice, Baby

2009-02-01T08:54:00.004-06:00

On the wee new hours of Tuesday January 27 at 1:18 am an ice storm of epic pppproportions hit Western Kentucky chilling the residents to the bone and practically paralyzing the state. As of Sunday, over 500,000 residents are still with out electricity, most have no water, and many are without telephone service... neither landline nor cell service. This has been devastating so some, debilitating to others. I prefer to look at this as another adventure...

First let me say the dawn of Tuesday was a moment I'll always remember. Looking out at the ice covered trees and terrain was surreal. Imagine being surrounded by glistening trees in still silence. I have never felt anything quite like it. The breathtaking beauty of it all was too much for words. My mother said it looked like science fiction, my brother thought it looked like a prehistoric setting, the girlie girl in me felt like I had been thrust into a magical land and I expected to see unicorns at any moment.

This has caused much stress to many. The elderly and sick are shut in without access to many necessities. The area in which we live is rural with many winding backroads. In our county, all the roads have been closed to traffic, curfew has been imposed, and all local businesses are closed. One restaurant has been utilizing generators and the kindness of townsfolk to prepare meals and deliver them to the residents of our village by the lake. This small town of 350 people has a huge heart. I spent one day delivering the meals with a friend. My brother and mother have delivered meals, too. The recipients are so kind and gracious.

My brother built a generator to use temporarily at his home. (He has subsequently rebuilt it seven times... but, hey, whose counting!) Even during the coldest days, his house maintained a warm 60 degrees. Mine, on the other hand with no generator or heat is situated around 36 degrees. I am thinking of buying a generator in the next day or two. We'll see. I have witnessed the kindness of strangers and the generosity of friends through these days of need. I have seen the angst of teens unable to text, communicate through facebook, or recharge their iPods. I have witnessed the cleverness of youth in finding ways to entertain themselves. I hope the school libraries are ready for the mass droves of elementary children ready to take AR tests upon returning to school because when all else failed, they **gasp** read books!

This weather situation has been an experience... I sat in line at a generator powered gas station for three hours to get ten gallons of fuel. With that ten gallons of fuel, I have gotten out of iceland... That's where I am now and that is why I have power for this laptop and that will be the topic of the next post...

Until then... STAY WARM and appreciate the things you take for granted.

The ice was beautiful and God is good!

...I have been changed for GOOD!

2009-01-22T17:54:00.002-06:00

I saw the incredible "WICKED" last night at Whitney Hall in Louisville and it was quite amazing. So witty, creative, and imaginative. The "Wicked" Witch, Elphaba, was portrayed by the very beautiful and talented Donna Vivino. She was perfect. Her voice is strong and appealing. Her credits include the young Cosette in the original Les Miserables. She was simply, perfectly, WICKED in WICKED!

Her performance has made me doubt my all time favorite Muppet. She makes being green look easy.

Everything about the show was just right. The mood of the audience was lighthearted and festive. All were easy to laugh and really enjoyed the show. The cast spot on in each act. They never missed a beat and were full of energy and spunk. Each wardrobe change topped the last. And THE music. What to say about the music? It was remarkably poignant at times and sensibly silly at others. The orchestra? Flawless.

And those flyin' monkeys... well... I didn't cry like a baby each time they appeared, but I did scrunch down in my seat and shield my eyes... twice, only twice.

I give WICKED a perfect score!

WICKED is Sparkly Fun for Friends and Family and Life is Good!

I Have a Dream

2009-01-19T21:20:00.003-06:00

"I Have a Dream"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEMXaTk

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My little one asked me yesterday where MLK is buried. We did the research and looked at his tomb. I am thankful her school and teacher found the way to her head on this topic. Bella has no concept of racism. Everyone is just like her to her. She later asked me if we can visit his grave. I told her certainly. She smiled and said, "He's my hero cuz he made my world a better place." And off she went.

My child is not being judged by the color of her skin, but by the content of her character. And she IS a character. We should all be so Bella-like!

Bella is beautiful and Life is Good!

Yay! Fun!

2009-01-18T09:36:00.008-06:00

I am featured on another blogger's blog! www.expressionsbydevin.blogspot.com

Devin makes cutecutecute cards and sells them here: www.devinprather.etsy.com

I bought one to give for Valentine's Day and turns out I was her 50th customer. She wanted to celebrate the 50th sale, so she created an article for her blog about said customer.

hmmmm...

I wonder why CNN isn't all over this???!!!

Oh yeah, I know what's keeping 'em busy... Miracle plane landings and new world leaders...

Miracles are beautiful and Life is good!

10 Happy Thoughts

2009-01-13T20:28:00.003-06:00

10. Music is a universal language.
9. My warm comfy bed.
8. Beads and rocks.
7. Trip planning.
6. Completed "to do" list.
5. Pink.
4. Treasure hunting.
3. Miracles.
2. The genuine laughter of a child.
1. My girls!

I needed an attitude adjustment. It is cold, cold, cold, damp, dreary, and gray. I decided to think happy thoughts to make the sun shine. Not everyone can run off to the Caribbean to escape the humdrum days of winter. (Yes, that is a pointed remark directed at my spoiled brother... Happy thoughts only go so far!)

Sunshine is beautiful and Life is good!

Sexy Mama Award

2009-01-07T03:07:00.005-06:00

I am just as surprised as you must be, but my blog buddy, Chef E, has given me the above award. I'm soooo proud! She must have noticed my two beautiful girls and decided that "They got it from their Mama". I've been telling them that for years! Thanks so much Chef E! I really appreciate this special recognition and lovelovelove the award! You're a doll!

Sixteen Candles

2009-01-04T14:48:00.002-06:00

This is what 16 looks like!
Happy Sweet Sixteen CeCe!

Ramblings of a Momma

2009-01-03T01:07:00.001-06:00

I was reminded by my brother yesterday of the adage, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned". It made me think about the time I spend in court each week listening to others recount the trials and tribulations of their lives. Mostly it is "he said, she said" but occasionally it is really a "somebody done somebody wrong". (Do you remember that ooooooold country song???) I listen as the blame is laid squarely on everybody else wondering what part the complainant really has/had in the matter. We could all blame someone else for whatever we feel is wrong in our lives, couldn't we?

I complimented my little one the other day when something did not go her way and she just went on about her business as if nothing was wrong. I noticed it again when her momma forgot to leave Santa some cookies and milk and he decided to leave her trampoline in the box. That's what happens when you don't take care of business. Consequences... Well, she has not said a word about the trampoline, even though the weather has been nice and she could have had a couple of good days of jumping. So I again complimented her on the way she was dealing with the disappointment of the trampoline not being, well, quite "jump ready" at this point. Do you know what she said? She said, "That's just how I roll." I asked her to explain. She went on to tell me that sometimes life is like that and kids just have to find something else to do instead of worrying about what is not just like you want it to be. I told her that was a really good attitude. She smiled and said, "Did you notice I said, 'Dat' 'stead of 'that'? I said, 'Dat's just how I roll 'cause dat's just how you 'post to say it." And that was the end of the discussion.

My little one has the right attitude. She believes that life is not what happens to her , but how she chooses to deal with it. One of my favorite authors is Charles Swindoll. His writing has influenced my life in a positive way. He wrote a poem about attitude. I have it posted on my office wall and a reduced copy in my wallet. He states that "I am convinced that life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% how I react to it." I think that is what my little Bella was saying, don't you?

I enjoy my kiddos and I constantly learn from them. I have enjoyed my time at home with them during Christmas break. They go back to school on Monday and I am already back to work, but I am thankful for the time we enjoyed together while we were all at home and I am looking forward to our next extended break. Plans are underway to visit New York. Maybe we should start spreading the news... New York look out 'cause girls with attitude will be heading your way in April. Do you think New York is ready for southern girls with good attitudes?

My KIDS are beautiful and LIFE is GOOD!

New Year's Blessing

2009-01-01T00:27:00.001-06:00

I am sending you a New Year's Blessing!

May the light of God surround you.
May the love of God enfold you.
May the power of God protect you.
May the presence of God watch over you and give you peace.

Showin' Some Love

2008-12-30T09:41:00.002-06:00

My good buddy Dari has lost yet another loved one to cancer. That makes two kiddos and one kitty cat in the last three months. Bless her heart. Here is hoping 2009 is happy and healthy for all!

We Wish You a Merry Little Christmas!

2008-12-24T12:54:00.004-06:00

I tried and I tried to get just the right image to capture the Christmas Spirit and convey the many blessings of this season, but my kids just would not cooperate. Either one was fussing or the other one was scolding or one was looking away or one was talking... So I settled on this non personal cartoonish greeting to say it for us! (That's Bella on the left and CeCe on the right!)

No matter the image, here's wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy prosperous 2009!

Hello. My name is...

2008-12-17T17:00:00.000-06:00

... and I'm a Bubble Shooteraholic... I recently found this game on another bloggers site while I was catching up on blog reading. I really like bubbles 'cause it sounds like baubles and everyone knows I love playing with baubles. Well, anyhow, I have wasted a many an hour playing this addictive and muy time consuming game since discovering it last week. I am vowing to STOP. I know I need to take it one day at a time and that I could possibly backslide into the addictive time wasting habit once again, but for now... NO MORE BUBBLE SHOOTER! My kiddos need their mother to do things with her time like, say, ummm cook and do laundry and help them with their homework and... Wait, I think I hear that game calling my name...

WOOOHOOO! Can you hear them?

2008-12-15T21:56:00.003-06:00

The children, I mean. (Well, I might hear a teacher or five, too...) I hear them rejoicing and praising God! Times haven't changed. We ALL love the first one of the year.

The Road Not Taken

2008-12-10T01:12:00.000-06:00


TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. Robert Frost (1874–1963) Choose your path carefully.

On The Way To Making Millions...

2008-12-07T20:00:00.002-06:00

This Turquoise Gogo Pendant is going to Paris France! WOW! How wonderful is that!?!?!

~*~ EDIT ~*~

We have made four Etsy sales, now! Paris, Washington DC, Rogers Arkansas, and Staten Island New York! We have also made three local sales not listed on Etsy. Thank you, thank you, thank you! MUAH! 12/10/09

We just made our first sale on the Etsy site! My 2 little magpies and I are dancing around the house in delight! We are going to celebrate by giving the profits to the youth service center in my school district. Many, many, many children are doing without this Christmas season. We are hoping our donations will help alleviate some of the stress for those families. We have given over $125 already!

3Magpies Jewelry is beautiful & life is good!

I BELIEVE in the POWER of HUGS!

2008-12-05T20:36:00.005-06:00

I am a believer. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth. I believe happiness breeds happiness. I believe in a hard day's work. I believe in the power of ONE. I believe people are good. I believe in the innocence of children. I believe in choices. I believe in the value of a good education. I believe if at first you don't succeed, try try again. I believe sometimes nice guys finish last. I believe life is sometimes unfair. I believe chocolate can make things better. I believe children need parents who act like parents, not like friends. I believe people can change. I believe old dogs can learn new tricks. I believe good people can make bad mistakes. I believe if I try hard enough, I can overcome any obstacle. I believe experience is life's best teacher. I believe in admitting mistakes. I believe an apology helps right a wrong. I believe in using good manners. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in this country. I believe in faith, family, and friends. I believe a kiss can make it better. I am a believer.

I believe life is beautiful and GOD is good!

Lovin' Life & Liking It, TOO

2008-12-01T00:12:00.010-06:00

My brother, who enjoys being the center of attention, began singing the old Tom T Hall song, "I Like Beer," (does anyone remember it???) the other evening after we enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at my mother's house. Now he's not much of a singer and his song choice wasn't one of my favorites, but it did make me do some thinking. I know, I know, uh oh, she's thinking, but these are some good thoughts.

Things I Like:

(Yeah, like she's afraid of fish... in an aquarium in Chattanooga... or could it be a ruse to get attention... hmmm...?)

My Kiddos

They are funny, funny little people. They make me laugh. They make me proud. They make me happy. I really, really like them. They provide hours of entertainment!

(And this kid, she was supposed to be helping clean her sister's room... hmmm?!? Wearing all the dress up clothes and the magician's top hat really doesn't seem like helping, at all, now does it?)

Laughter

I like to laugh. I find humor in almost everything... sometimes it's not the most appropriate response, but I can't help it. I think life is funny! It really is. I think my kids do, too! Lead by example, I always say!

Books (That's The Library of Congress & Me in DC in the above photo .)

Books hold the key to information, entertainment, and enjoyment for me. I collect them. I have piles of them stacked around the house. I have bookshelves in most every room of the house. I love to read books.

Travel (My kiddos searching for treasure @ Daytona Beach last Christmas. Did I mention that this photo landed the girls in the local newspaper with a story 'bout not shopping on Christmas??? What can I say, I'm not the only one who thinks they are newsworthy...)

I plan awesome vacations. We go many, many places. We have tons of fun and laugh, alot. We find used music and book stores. I buy books on vacation as souvenirs. We go to bead stores, rock shops, and wherever else we decide to go. We go treasure hunting and look for dinosaur bones. We play and play and play. We also get lost, but we don't fret, we have always found our way home. It's not the destination, its the journey!

To be continued...

I like many other things, too, but they must wait for another post. I must get to sleep, which I also like, to be rested for my day job... and you guessed it, I like it, too.

Shhhh.... Don't Tell

2008-11-28T20:52:00.005-06:00

Marvin the Martian
Bart Simpson
PeeWee Herman

What do these three have in common?

I can imitate their voices, but shhhhhhh... don't tell! I don't want Conan or Dave to be calling me away from my day job!

Teen Fest 2008

2008-11-25T22:11:00.000-06:00

I took a group of teens to see Twilight, just as any good mom would, anticipating getting some good movie popcorn and little else. Boy was I wrong! The popcorn wasn't all that good and the movie was unexpectedly fantastic! I am looking forward to reading the Stephenie Meyers series upon which the movie was based.

The theatre was FULL of girls, teenage girls, shrill voiced teenage girls. This could have been bad, very bad indeed, but this particular group was quiet, mature, respectful, and all around very well behaved. No cell phones ringing, no shrill shrieking, and good hearted well meant clapping when the movie ended. It was a great night! WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!!

Edward and Bella are beautiful and life is good!

Oh Bother! It's THAT Time of Year, Again...

2008-11-23T11:17:00.001-06:00

Repeat:

Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . . Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . . Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . . Must. . .Not. . .Hibernate. . .

Death Penalty Upheld

2008-11-22T19:34:00.005-06:00

You remember the line from The Shawshank Redemption where Morgan Freeman's character states that he needs to "...get busy living or get busy dying..."? Well, here is a story about someone who got busy dying.

Death-penalty foes meet across Ky. for protests
(Reprinted parts of Courier Journal article)

- Newsvin
- Buzz up!

EDDYVILLE, Ky. -- A dozen death-penalty opponents held a vigil outside the Kentucky State Penitentiary last night as state officials executed confessed child killer Marco Allen Chapman.

Huddled in a tent holding candles, the opponents read the names of Kentucky's 37 death-row inmates and their victims and prayed. "It's important to the policymakers to know the current policy of killing people is not acceptable to everyone in Kentucky," said the Rev. Patrick Delahanty, chairman of the Kentucky Coalition Against the Death Penalty, who organized the vigil. He said he wasn't disappointed by the small turnout because of freezing temperatures and the distance to Eddyville from the state's population centers.

Vigils were organized in other communities, including Louisville, Frankfort and Bowling Green. About 40 people gathered in downtown Louisville in Jefferson Square at 7 p.m. for an hourlong vigil and demonstration. Many held candles and signs with messages such as "Execute justice, not people." The opponents at the Kentucky State Penitentiary were directed to a field facing the building where Chapman was executed at 7:34 p.m. CDT.

The group began arriving about an hour before the scheduled 7 p.m. CDT start time. Some held signs, which had sayings such as "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

Two large, heated tents were set up. In a tent about 100 yards from the tent where the opponents gathered, four individuals huddled, saying they were "observers." They would not identify themselves or say whether they supported the death penalty.

Amanda Bragg, a death- penalty opponent from Bowling Green, said she drove to the prison from Lexington, where she is a law student at the University of Kentucky, because she believes the death penalty is unnecessary. "I don't support the execution of anybody," she said. Sister Judy Morris, of Louisville, said she made the long drive to Eddyville because the event "demanded sacrifice." She said she does not believe Chapman's execution will offer the family of the victims closure.

Chapman was convicted of killing two children, Chelbi Sharon, 7, and her brother, Cody Sharon, 6, in 2002 in the Northern Kentucky town of Warsaw. He also sexually assaulted their mother, Carolyn Marksberry, and attacked their sister, Courtney Sharon, who survived and is now 16.

***Chapman asked for a death sentence, and a week ago was permitted to dismiss public defenders who were trying to halt his execution.***

At the Louisville vigil, participants also read the names of prisoners on Kentucky's death row and those of their victims, observed several moments of silence and sang a rendition of "We Shall Overcome."

Cathy Hinko, 56, of Louisville, stood with the circle of people huddled beneath the city's Christmas tree for the demonstration, spearheaded by the Kentucky Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. She said she attended the vigil because she believes capital punishment does not deter crime, is costly and could be used on innocent citizens when the justice system fails."I think the death penalty is an unintelligent response to crime," Hinko said. Dona O'Sullivan, 61, said she opposes the practice even in cases where death- row prisoners abandon their appeals."He wants to die and really it's state-sanctioned suicide," she said.

Here is Chapman's KSP mugshot and prison bio:

CHAPMAN, MARCO ALLEN, DOB 9-4-71, was convicted of murder, 2 counts; attempted murder, 2 counts; rape I; burglary I; robbery I and PFO II. He was formally sentenced on 12-14-2004 to death. In the early morning of August 23, 2002, Marco Chapman murdered a 7-year old girl and a 6-year old boy in their home in Warsaw, Kentucky (Gallatin County). Both the children's throats had been slit and they had multiple lacerations and stab wounds on their bodies. Their 10-year old sister played dead after being stabbed several times. The children's mother's hands were bound with duct tape and she was tied to a bed frame. She was raped and stabbed in the chest with a knife that broke off in her chest. She was later stabbed with a larger knife and left for dead. After stabbing the victims, Chapman burglarized the home and left the scene. He was arrested later the same day by state police in West Virginia. He received a change of venue from Gallatin Circuit Court to Boone Circuit Court.

Below is a pic from the lake of Kentucky State Penitentiary aka The Castle on the Cumberland.

You may remember as part part of my real job, (blog post from 9/23/08) I teach parenting classes at KSP a couple of times a month. I have no contact with deathrow inmates. They are not eligible for my classes, so I never met Chapman. His death was his choice, just as his actions to murder two children were his choice. I really have no feeling about the death penalty other than to say he got what he asked for... busy dying...

The view from Kentucky State Penitentiary is beautiful!

Great Idea!!!

2008-11-21T18:15:00.002-06:00

When doing your Holiday cards this year, take one card and send it to the address below. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

When you are making out your Holiday card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Please pass it on.

Random acts of kindness are beautiful and life is good!

Angels Explained By Children

2008-11-20T21:00:00.003-06:00

Angels Explained By Children

I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold.

--Gregory, 5

Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore.

I forget why, but scientists are working on it.

--Olive, 9

It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven,

and then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to

agree to wear those angel clothes.

--Matthew, 9

Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else.

--Mitchell, 7

My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science.

--Henry, 8

Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows.

--Jack, 6

Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven.

The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead.

--Daniel, 9

When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten.

And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado.

--Reagan, 10

Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth,

an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under

your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go north for the winter.

--Sara, 6

Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter

--Jared, 8

All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it.

--Antonio, 9

My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start

on helping me while she was still down here on earth.

--Katelynn, 9

Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets.

And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over it.

--Vicki, 8

The logic of children is beautiful and life is good!

ABC's and 3 Magpies

2008-11-18T19:47:00.010-06:00

Amazing Sully Heads Home

Wednesday brings Sully back home to Atlanta from Baltimore. He has made a remarkable recovery from his brain surgery. You remember, on October 14, 2008 Dr. Ben Carson took a section of each of the four quadrants of Sully's brain to STOP the seizures. SUCCESS!!!! Please keep Sully and his family in your prayers for continued recovery and progress.

Beautiful Bella

She can see clearly now! Bella was born with myopia nine years ago. She has had at least annual eye exams to check on the growth and development of her optic nerves. This last year she grew an incredible amount and her vision changed, as is common with such a growth spurt. Bella chose cutecutecute Java Blue Vera Bradley frames. Just when one thought she could not get any cuter... she goes and gets glasses. She is a doll!

Cart Contentment

Well, we finally did it. After much internal debate, we bit the bullet and went to Super WalMart to grocery shop. $218.00 later... I no longer feel like Old Mother Hubbard with a bare cupboard! Our fridge is full and so are our tummies. We have the ingredients to fix up big ole' batches of chicken enchiladas, chili, spaghetti and meat sauce, and a few other faves. Hooray!!! Well until the next time the pantry is empty.

and...
3 Magpies

Saturday's Holiday Shopper's Mart was fun! My new designs sold as well as the more traditional pieces and I was quite happy with that response! I lovelovelove designing jewelry and playing with silver and gemstones. I can't think of anything much more FUN & relaxing to do in my free time!

Grand Rivers Holiday Mart

2008-11-14T18:52:00.002-06:00

3 Magpies Jewelry will be set up for business on Saturday, November 15 from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm at the Grand Rivers Holiday Mart housed @ the Grand Rivers Community Building. Many new beautiful necklaces have been designed just for this show. These are part of the handcrafted exclusive collection. WooHoo!! Pretty, sparkly, glittery, glossy jewelry!

Life is good!

Feed the Hungry

2008-11-13T20:23:00.006-06:00

I just looked in the fridge. Here is what I saw:

2 mini bottles of ketchup (courtesy of Embassy Suites)
half liter of diet Mt. Dew
3 bottles of water
huge (Thanks Sam's Club!) bottle of Ranch Dressing
4 eggs
box of Arm & Hammer baking soda
1 bell pepper
jar of sweet midgets (from last Thanksgiving)
6 bottles of various brands of steak sauce
half gallon of skim milk

I think it is time to go grocery shopping...
What do you think?

Surprises from SULLY!

2008-11-12T19:05:00.003-06:00

Sully is walking, running, playing & feeding himself. He did not feed himself before the surgery, so he is making gains at an incredible rate. His seizure activity has subsided since the surgery. Sully is seeing life with new clarity. He is ahead of the anticipated recovery schedule. His parents expect to take him home near the end of next week. ROCK ON SULLY! You are AWESOME and GOD is good!

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana

2008-11-10T20:06:00.002-06:00

Sgt. William "Jack" Smith
U. S. Army 4th Infantry Division
November 8, 1917-June 6, 1944

God Bless America!!!

Remembering the Sacrifice

2008-11-09T18:01:00.003-06:00

Some Gave All

Thank A Veteran!

2008-11-06T18:00:00.001-06:00

Freedom is beautiful & life is good!

Another Beautiful Day

2008-11-04T22:00:00.000-06:00

*70's in November!

The weather was beautiful today! Did you take advantage of such a great day to enjoy outside? WE DID! CeCe ran to the jetty. Bella played with JoJo. We all went to the park. This beautiful Village Between the Lakes offers its' residents so many forms of recreation we take for granted. This caused some confusion for the Magpies today. I asked Bella if she wanted to go with me to vote. She excitedly agreed. I was putting the finishing touches on my wardrobe when Bella asked me if she needed to change into her bathing suit. Quite puzzled, I asked her to repeat her question. It was then I realized the phonemic articulation miscue...

*A Great Day to be an American!

Did you vote? We did. I was so enthused to get to include Bella in my right to vote. Our polling place officials allowed me to keep Bella by my side in the voting booth. We examined the ballot while waiting in line, so when it was our turn we were ready to vote. The electronic voting machine was quick and easy to use. Bella understood the basic principles and assisted in selecting the candidate of "my" choice. Lucky for me, we agree on politics! The best part of election day...The End of Campaigning!

The Weather is Beautiful and Life is Good!

Catchin' Up...Lookin' Ahead...

2008-11-01T12:57:00.011-05:00

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Gunner's Memorial

Gunner's Memorial Service will be Monday, November 3, 2008 at the Calvert City United Methodist Church in Calvert City, KY at 6:00 pm. A Celebration of Gunner's Life will take place after the service in the fellowship hall. Please continue to keep the Gillespies in your prayers.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Gunner Gillespie's Magic Train Memorial Fund at:
Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB)
PO Box 467
Benton, KY 42025

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Sully Update

The Amazing Sully has moved to rehab! He has actually walked with some assistance. His sister spent the week with him . She flew up with Poppa to Baltimore from Atlanta to see her favorite brother. Her biggest worry was Sully's "bad" haircut. Keep the prayers flowing! .

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Ready to say, "Whoa, Horsey!"

On Wednesday I went to Nashvegas to purchase a new to me car. You remember the September post where yours truly t-totaled the old Volvo wagon. Well, it is time for me to get out of the Mustang and give it back to CeCe. The Mustang is boss, but I was ready for a grown-up car. (Honestly, I grew quite tired of the deprecating looks from others indicating I must be going through a mid-life crisis.) Our new ride is a 2005 Volvo XC90. WooHoo!

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3 Magpies

On Saturday November 15, 3 Magpies will be set up selling shiny, sparkly, and glittery pretties from 1:00 - 5:00 pm at the Holiday Shopping Mart in the Community Building in beautiful downtown Grand Rivers. Other vendor wares include florals, candles, home decor, beauty goods, and additional jewelry vendors. Please stop by, come on in and shop, shop, shop...

Jenzie the Kitty Returns From the City

2008-10-31T23:34:00.000-05:00

Jenzie the Kitty

Well, heeeeeee's baaa aaaack... Jenzie the Kitty is back from the city. It seems city life wasn't meant for this pretty kitty. He's gladly back "home" safe and sound and no worse for the wear. Welcome Home, Jenzie! We're glad you are here!

Activism is Contagious...

2008-10-26T22:06:00.010-05:00

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results." - Anonymous

Delta Dawn, Variety Style

2008-10-25T08:43:00.008-05:00

I volunteer ushered at the Badgett Playhouse (http://www.grandriversvariety.com/) last night. I simply had a super wonderful extremely fantastical time. Last night's show was Variety, Music, Memories & More. Just as the show's name describes, many different music styles were performed. My favorite was the fast paced, high energy glitterized Motown segment closely followed by the sparkly Disco montage, however, the well rehearsed stage performers paled in comparison to what I was hearing from the back row.

No, no it's not what you think. Yes, the theatre was dimly lit and yes, I did mention the back row but, from the back row I was gleefully serenaded by the children of one of the band member's. The two little boys, ages 5 and 7, knew practically every word to practically every song! My favorite miniature masterpiece was the older of the two brothers singing right along, word for word, with the very beautiful & extremely talented Sara Minihan as she belted out Tanya Tucker's "Delta Dawn". Simply priceless!

Children are beautiful and life is good!

LoveLoveLove is Stronger

2008-10-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

"In our lives we hunger for those we cannot touch.

All the thoughts unuttered & all the feelings unexpressed

Play upon our hearts like the mist upon our breath.

But, awoken by grief, our spirits speak

How could you believe that the life within the seed

That grew arms that reached

And a heart that beat.

And lips that smiled

And eyes that cried.

Could ever die?

Here come the blue skies

here comes springtime.

When the rivers run high & the tears run dry.

When everything that dies.

Shall rise.

lovelovelove is stronger, than death."

the the

shared by

Dari McManus

"The words we utter,

the thoughts that clutter,

the blind faith that binds hearts.

Beating hearts of friendships

born of hope & purpose.

Purpose sparked by a child,

inspired by such strength & grace.

It is this,

it is Him,

it is you

& it is me.

We move forward because love,

lovelovelove is stronger

than death."
Denise Johnson

Forever Friends!

2008-10-23T16:24:00.001-05:00

"We are forever friends." This is how my little one responded to the death of her sweet dear friend Gunner Gillespie. She has an uncanny way of making me feel better. I hope those words make you feel better, too.

Please take time to send warm and comforting thoughts to the Gillespies or take the time to sign the CaringBridge guestbook: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gunnergillespie

If you would like to contribute financially,

Donations can be made payable to
The Gillespie Family and sent to the special account set up for them at
Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB)

PO Box 467
Benton, KY 42025

PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY

2008-10-23T13:33:00.000-05:00

Today's post from: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gunnergillespie

"Our faithful and precious train riders
It is with great sadness that I write this. My heart is full of pain and my stomach aches, hospice thinks it will be within 48 hours that Gunner will trade in his red and blue, “I think I can” train for the all white and gold “Heavenly Express”. I have not given up hope nor have I stopped asking the Lord to allow Gunner to stay on this earth healed and tumor free. Please join me in praying for that miracle. This can still be a miracle in the making.
We ask that you give us time with Gunner just in case the Lord does call him home. We want to spend every moment we can with him. Please leave your messages on the site or email if you need to get in touch with us as I will be checking them. I need to hear your words so that I stay uplifted and comforted. The whole family does.
God bless each and everyone of you.
Gunner’s proud mama
Janna"

Please drop to your knees and put your hands together and pray for this child and for this family. We must all come together to lift one another in faith, hope, & love.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Gunner's Favorite Movie Night...Success!!!

2008-10-21T21:47:00.002-05:00

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Wow! What a magical night we had at the Badgett Playhouse enjoying The Polar Express on Gunner's Favorite Movie Night. The response was quite simply overwhelming. We truly live in a community of loving and supportive friends.

A special "Thanks" to Bill and Sara Minihan for their generous donation of the use of the theatre and the concession proceeds! You guys are beyond awesome!

Gunner's Favorite Movie Night is Tonight!

2008-10-21T06:18:00.003-05:00

ALL ABOARD!!

Join us tonight at 6:00 pm at the Badgett Playhouse.

Feel the magic!

Friendship is beautiful and life is good!

Gunner Gillespie, Grand Rivers, & Variety

2008-10-20T00:05:00.015-05:00

We live in a really small town. The population is around 350. This place is crazy busy in the summer, bursting at the seams with as many sightseeking tourists as can possible fit. As I drove through town today, I noticed what the buzz is about here. This is where we live. We are so, so blessed by the beauty and recreation surrounding us daily. Just look at this view!

Not only is the landscape beautiful & blog worthy, so are the people. Bill & Sara Minihan are the operators of the Badgett Playhouse. They have not only donated use of the theatre for Gunner's Favorite Movie Night, Bill & Sara are also donating all of the proceeds from the concessions sold during the feature. HOW GENEROUS!

Please show your support and appreciation to the Minihans by attending a paid performance at the Badgett Playhouse. The shows are outstanding and well worth the ticket price.

Grand Rivers is beautiful and God is good!

1 Awesome God, 2 Cool Dudes, 3 Magpies ~~~~~~~~~~and This & That

2008-10-19T00:01:00.019-05:00

~ Sully UPDATE:

Sully said, "Hi Mom. Hi Dad, " after the breathing tube was removed. He is eating. Sully is also making funny comments that have been his trademark since he could speak. His sense of humor is present, much to the relief of his parents. He has been moved to a private room. He is recovering nicely. Keep the good thoughts and prayers flowing.

~ Gunner's Favorite Movie Night:

Two more days until Gunner's Favorite Movie Night! WooHoo! I am so excited about being in a theatre full of folks who want to show love and support for such a great family. Remember ALL admission donations and concession sales go to the Gillespies...so give, give give!

Details here:

http://3magpies.blogspot.com/2008/10/gunners-favorite-movie-night.html

and here:

http://www.ilistpaducah.com/200810.html#21

and here:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gunnergillespie

~ This & That:

CeCe had another cross country track meet this weekend. She ran 3.5 miles in less than 27 minutes and was not satisfied with her finish. I am really proud of her. She has really improved her time since the start of the season. She is never satisfied with her finish. She want only to place first...

I have enjoyed a couple of extra days off from work this week as we were out for Fall Break. It was nice to be a little less rushed in the mornings. Since the girls were out last week, we did not get to plan anything special, but we did have a nice couple of weeks, just the same. The weather was very cooperative and simply perfect.

~3 Magpies

I am currently working on designing a line of a little fancier jewelry using some larger, more exclusive components. The "work" is enjoyable and I am hoping to introduce this line prior to Christmas! Keep checking in for additional photos, if you are interested.

God is good and life is beautiful!

Jenzie the Kitty

2008-10-18T07:23:00.003-05:00

Jenzie the kitty has moved to the city! He is going from living (mostly) outside to being an inside kitty. Statistically, inside kitties live an average of 8.5 years as opposed to outdoor kitties with a life expectancy of less than three years. So this move is good for Jenzie. Bella will be able to visit regularly. Jenzie has already made it through the night at his new home without incident. Good luck Jenzie! We will see you soon.

Belated Birthday Wishes

2008-10-16T07:34:00.002-05:00

A little birthday wish for my brother, Lamont. Love ya!

Birthdays are good & families are beautiful!

THE Amazing Sully

2008-10-15T21:47:00.001-05:00

Sully had surgery yesterday. You remember Sully, I told you about him last month. The surgery was over ten hours in duration and was performed by the renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson at John Hopkins in Baltimore. Sully was born with hemimegalencephaly, a rare brain disorder which causes severe developmental delays and progressive seizure activity. It was determined that Sully's seizure activity has become so severe that his quality of life was greatly diminished when they reached 25 to 30 seizures per day. Sully's parents had been medically advised all along that this was his prognosis and without this surgery, Sully would have a minimal quality of life and would live it in severe discomfort and pain.

The tremendously remarkable thing is that these loving parents made the gut wrenching choice, a giant leap of faith to go ahead and do what many of us as parents simply could not do, and give the go ahead to the surgery.

Sully has had part of each of the four quadrants of his brain removed. He will need to be still, with his head turned right for at least 48 hours so that his skull cavity can refill with cerebral fluid. He is partially paralyzed on the right side, which is a normal side effect of this surgery and will diminish over time. In fact, his parents saw his right leg move slightly today. Sully is heavily sedated and recovering in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with a full time RN assigned to him 24/7. His parents report that he is receiving unbelievable care. I have posted a pic below that was taken this morning in PICU by Sully's dad. Put your hands together and give thanks for this successful surgery & send along good thoughts wishing Sully a speedy recovery.

God is good and Sully is beautiful!

Gunner's Favorite Movie Night

2008-10-14T20:30:00.006-05:00

JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US

GUNNER'S FAVORITE MOVIE NIGHT

Featuring Gunner's Favorite Movie:

THE POLAR EXPRESS

When: October 21

6:00 pm

Where: The Badgett

Playhouse

in Grand Rivers

Why: To Show Love

for

The Gillespies

JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US JOIN US

Ten Things to Love About Fall

2008-10-12T11:20:00.014-05:00

10. Beautiful Fall weather

9. Weenie roasts

8. Gorgeous sunrises

7. Colorful falling leaves

6. Glorious sunsets

5. Trick or Treating

4. Fall Break (Insert dancing school teachers uhhh.. I mean students here.)

3. Hunter's Moon Festival

2. Hunter's Moon PARADE

and

f i n a l l y ... the Number 1 thing to LOVE about Fall...

PARADE CANDY!!!!

Fall is beautiful & candy is good!

Celebrate!

2008-10-11T05:31:00.002-05:00

Yay! It is that time of the year again. The time when a very small town celebrates itself with a parade, cake walk, beauty pageants, and vendors... Yes, 3 Magpies will be set up on Saturday selling beautiful, sparkly, glittery, glossy, sterling silver and gemstone one of a kind custom designed jewelry. Our spot is beside Lake Realty (thanks Ms. Brenda!). I will be sharing the spot with a pumpkin vendor. I am looking forward to having a great time!

In the near future... JOIN us for Gunner's Favorite Movie Night! This event will feature a movie especially selected by Gunner Gillespie for all to view at the Badgett Playhouse in beeeaauuuutiiiiful downtown Grand Rivers. Donations helping to defray the medical expenses for the Gillespies will be accepted. Stay tuned !!! More details to follow...

Message in a Bottle

2008-10-07T20:02:00.002-05:00

As I commented a couple of posts ago, my daughter is a good wisher. She has the undeniable blind faith of youth, a passion for life unchallenged by the doubts of adult reality. I absolutely love, admire, envy, respect, and want, want, want to possess (??repossess??) that quality. Pretend with me, just for a little while, that you could make any wish, any wish you want to make with no boundaries and no grown up doubts. What wish would you make?

Make that wish, place it in a bottle, and flail it into the body of water of your choice. Or you could simply add your wish here. Go ahead... tell us your wish.

Thank You For Today

2008-10-04T22:12:00.005-05:00

With giggles and grace and a silly, silly face.
Freckles and fun and they let the train just run.
Mischief and messes and those two exchanging glances.
Wisdom and words, few needed yet heard.
Beautiful and rare the friendship these two share.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gunnergillespie

2008-10-02T19:29:00.008-05:00

My little one is going to have a birthday next month. Remember how much fun birthday parties are when you are eight years old?!? Pictured above, you see her with some of the guests at her 8th birthday party. The handsome boy in the photo is her good friend Gunner Gillespie. Just three weeks after this party Gunner was diagnosed with DIPG. Gunner's incredible mom, Janna, (also pictured above) keeps current information posted about Gunner and DIPG here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gunnergillespie .

Out of friendship for Gunner, Bella requests no gifts for her birthday. Instead, please contribute to Gunner's family fund. The information for contributions is listed on the caringbridge website.

Friendship is beautiful!

Paul Newman: 1925-2008

2008-09-27T19:18:00.010-05:00

One of my earliest memories as a young child was my brothers and me barefoot in our pajamas in the backseat of an old brown Buick Riviera with a speaker attached to the window. It was dark outside. We were eating popcorn. My parents' laughter was coming from the front seat. We were at the Sunset Drive-In in Gilbertsville watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid flicker across the old wood screen. Now this was in Kentucky, so it was probably a couple of years after the movie was actually released, maybe in 1970 or 1971. I fell in love with those dreamy unforgettable blue eyes, at my first drive-in movie. ~**sigh**~ Paul Newman was sO00oooooo beautiful and life is good!

Scoreboard: Volvo 2, 3Magpies Unbreakable?

2008-09-26T21:55:00.011-05:00

Unbreakable, starring Bruce Willis, was on television tonight. I did not watch it. I simply do not buy in to the idea that one single person can live, practically unscathed, through such a severe train crash. It is impossible. Especially impossible since the train was not a Volvo. Last night near Elizabethtown Kentucky, (Yes, the one and the same, the namesake of Elizabethtown, the movie, starring Orlando Bloom and what'sher?name Dunst.) I totaled my second Volvo (in 6 years, neither accident my fault) and walked away practically unscathed. Is this movie worthy? No. Is this Volvo praise worthy? YES, a resounding YES!!! Life is beautiful and Volvo Rocks! Enough said.

The Castle on the Cumberland

2008-09-23T18:55:00.006-05:00

Twice a month or so, I teach parenting classes to the pre-release inmates at Kentucky State Penitentiary (KSP). Dubbed "Castle on the Cumberland," KSP is a foreboding structure with a majestic view situated on the shores of Lake Barkley. Kentucky State Penitentiary houses around 850 men, including 32 on Kentucky's only Death Row. The Castle was constructed over 100 years ago using locally quarried limestone and primarily inmate labor.

Participants of the classes I teach are nearing a release date or a parole date. The curriculum focuses on reacclimating into society in the role of "parent". The majority of the guys I work with are drug offenders. Statistically speaking, 82% are high school drop outs, over half are minorities, and most are classified as being from a poverty background raised by a single parent. Over 60% are repeat offenders. It is my desire to aide the participants in breaking the cycle of illiteracy, poverty, and recidivism by assisting these parents with understanding of the importance of education.

My life is what I make it. I want to make it count. Life is beautiful and so is the view from KSP!

Sully Rocks!!!

2008-09-22T20:02:00.013-05:00

Please spend a little time reading about and praying for a dear little one. This beautiful boy is undergoing surgery in October. See Sully on YouTube. Amazing Sully is the nephew of my friend Deb. Read about his awesome surgeon, the famous Dr. Ben Carson. Dr. Carson rocks!

3Magpies was happy to support Sully in a fundraising auction in Atlanta this weekend. Over $32,000 has been raised to date. Hotlanta rocks!

Blogworld

2008-09-21T19:27:00.008-05:00

This is my 18th post. I am a blogging newbie . I just recently discovered this world and wanted to explore more of it. Here is how it happened: I was introduced to blogworld by Michael Manning. I was introduced to Michael Manning by Gunner Gillespie. I was introduced to Gunner Gillespie four years ago by my daughter, Bella. Bella and Gunner met and became fast friends at IKids. Both currently attend Marshall County Schools.

Check out those sites. Maybe you will be entertained and laugh, inspired and act, or motivated and help. People are beautiful and life is good.

The Sunny Side of Life

2008-09-20T18:40:00.009-05:00

We have mostly recovered from hurricane Ike. It was simply amazing to recognize that a hurricane could affect the status of anyone or anything in Kentucky, but that is precisely what happened. So many were without electricity, water, and/or telephone service for time periods ranging from a few hours to 5 days. I really cannot say anything good came from the winds. I saw lots of destruction and mess. That is usually the case. I can find the silver lining in most every situation.

A couple of years ago we vacationed in Florida. We first stopped in Orlando to visit Disney and Sea World. Tropical Storm Alberto hit on the day we visited Disney. Disney sells rain ponchos for $7... one size fits all. We had our pick of the rides and shows with no long lines. I think we rode everything... twice! We had a blast. Sea World also sells ponchos. No worries about getting splashed in the front rows of the shows, we were already soaked. Again, no lines, no wait. We had a splashing good time!

Finally, we made our way to Sanibel Island. We arrived on the last night of Alberto. Our room was right on the beach. The sounds of the surf lulled us to sleep. We all awoke really early ready to enjoy the sun, surf, and beachcombing. And ENJOY it we did! The silver lining of this trip was the shelling on Sanibel after Alberto. It was absolutely amazing. PILES of shells were everywhere. Many large, colorful, beautiful shells were everywhere brought to shore by the churning waters tropical storms produce. How lucky is that?!? Life is beautiful!

We HAD a Weird Weather Day!

2008-09-15T15:22:00.003-05:00

Tailwinds…
That is what they were called.
Wind gusts up to 65 miles per hour.
The sun was shining.
No rain fell.
No electricity.
No telephone service.
Minimal property damage.
No injuries.
We are missing Jenzie, our cat.
~UPDATE~ Jenzie’s home! Yay!

Microbursts…
That is what they are called.
My brother lives 2 miles away.
His patio roof fell onto his Harley
…and his car.
His garage is now in the garden.
Trees are twisted and uprooted.
One fell through his neighbor’s house.
The sun was shining.
No rain fell.
No electricity.
No telephone service.
Major property damage.
No injuries.

Thank the good Lord we are all fine!

I Choose to be Happy!

2008-09-13T10:00:00.003-05:00

Joy of Youth aka Leap of Faith aka Bounce

2008-09-10T18:43:00.016-05:00

~ENERGY~ My real job is wearing me out! I have had deadlines to meet, reports to complete, places to go, and people to see. Not that I'm complaining. I am reminded constantly of the seemingly endless energy of youth, and I want it, too. Heck, I'd settle for half as much energy as my little one. She is in constant motion. Occasionally I get a blur-free shot of her, but most images are "action" shots including a broad bright smile!

~FAITH~ Another thing I admire about youth is the blind faith that life is good. Bobby McFarrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" always makes me smile. (Go ahead... hum it now... get it out of your system.) Years ago Bob Costas compiled into book form lists of favorite things from some famous people and from some lesser knowns. This book led me to compile my own list. Topping my list is the sounds of groups of children playing. My office is located near a school playground. I often get to enjoy the sound of children enjoying life and I love it!

~RESILIENCY~ Try as I might, I just need time to recover. I was out a little later than usual last night and I was tired all day. Kids, on the other hand, bounce right back. They are also quick to get over being slighted, rejected, and / or dumped. As an attempt at self improvement, I am going to take my vitamins, eat my vegetables, and imitate my kids. I want the energy, faith, and resiliency. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Life is good and kids are beautiful!

Dave Matthews Rocks (and so do his fans!)

2008-09-08T23:17:00.018-05:00

My daughter and I recently attended a Dave Matthews concert in Louisville. It was her idea and we were both SOooooo excited about the concert. The show opener was Willie Nelson. It does not get any better than that! Or does it?!? We make it to Slugger Field in Louisville in record time. The traffic and the weather were on our side. Upon entering the arena, we were both tagged with a field wristband and ushered into the SRO area near the stage. Everyone was excited and happy.

The concert began with Willie and crew singing a couple of golden oldies. Did I mention this concert was attended by masses of college students... many of whom had obviously never heard of Willie Nelson... and were into drinking... and pot smoking... and being naked? Well, not entirely naked, but mostly naked. I know I mentioned that I took my daughter. The same daughter who had her first driving lesson a couple of weekends ago. This is not exactly what I had in mind for our mother/daughter outing, but what can you do but go with the flow. We did not drink, or smoke, or get naked, but we DID have an outstanding time.

The college kids were understanding to this teenager's mom and kind to the teenage daughter. They were respectful and polite. They blew their smoke in the opposite direction after we declined their offer to share, kept their empties to themselves after we declined their offer to share, and only exposed us to partial nudity (No mention of wanting me to share in this!). The kid next to me was mostly naked and mostly free of body hair. He reminded me of an Abercrombie and Fitch mannequin. You know mostly naked and hairless... His very loose fitting cargos only fell below the hips twice, that I noticed and I only saw his girlfriend's right breast, never her left ( but we did see, on more than one occasion, that she wore no bloomers).

The music was OUTSTANDING! I love, love, love Dave Matthews! I love, love, love Willie. I really love, love, love loud music and happy kids. I especially love, love, love to see my happy kid! The entire event was (almost) perfect.

DMB tickets ... $130

Concert Memorabilia ... $180

Making memories with my daughter ... priceless.

Concerts are loud and life is beautiful!

Turn Out the Lights Sweet Darling

2008-09-06T12:39:00.016-05:00

My girls are typical kids. They leave trails of empty containers, wrappers, and half eaten bowls of cereal. Many times their clothes are left in a heap wherever they have been removed. School books and supplies cover the kitchen counter and, well, you get the picture. I pick my battles but, one thing they aware of always doing properly is turning off the lights when leaving a room. We have become much more energy conscientious and I was becoming agitated each morning upon arising from bed only to discover the lights in the kitchen and laundry room illuminated. I fussed about it to each girl only to hear, "Mom, it wasn't me." They are good girls, but like any kid not wanting to be in trouble, they are not above telling a story. In this case, however, each appeared & sounded truthful.

One evening after the girls were sound asleep, I was quietly preparing myself a midnight snack of cheese & crackers. Using only the glow of a night light to aid my binge, I was placing the final quarter slice of cheese upon my Ritz cracker when suddenly, much to my surprise, the kitchen light was lit. I immediately turned in the direction of the switch only to discover Neo proudly prancing toward me. My beloved kitty was the culprit. Apparently, he did not enjoy being in the near dark and lovingly did not want me to be in the dark either. Life is beautiful!

No Shirt, No Problem?

2008-09-04T19:41:00.017-05:00

My little one and I ate at Cracker Barrel yesterday in Calvert City. We both had chicken and dumplins. This is a treat for us since we usually eat at home. As we were finishing our meal, a couple arose from a nearby table and made their way toward our table on their way to the exit. Many restaurant patrons were staring at the couple and I suddenly sensed that the exiting couple were of some elevated status. As they drew nearer to our table, I recognized the man as being country music singer Marty Stewart. He was dressed in faded bib overalls and a black velvet sequin and rhinestone blazer, no shirt. His companion, a peroxide blonde female, whom I was later told was his wife, was completely dressed..including her shirt. Mr. Stewart politely addressed the dining room patrons in his soft baritone voice bidding all a good night then thanked the serving staff. What I found so interesting about this experience was the fact that this "celebrity" wore no shirt into Cracker Barrel. Is this a new country music style of which I am unaware? Is this appropriate dinner attire? Do good manners make up for poor fashion sense? I'm just wondering... I googled images of Marty Stewart and in every image I viewed (about 200 of the 159,000), he was wearing a shirt. I know Kentucky has a reputation as being hillbilly country, but please, for goodness sakes, when visiting Cracker Barrel, wear a shirt. Keep life beautiful!

One More Time Around the Loop

2008-09-01T20:04:00.019-05:00

Today was another awesome day. The weather was, again, absolutely flawlessly beautiful. It was the perfect day to drive with the top down and the tunes up. After sleeping in to about 8:00 am, I decided to take a long hot shower and get ready for an event. The long anticipated arrival of this once in a lifetime event was just minutes away... and no one knew.

My daughter and I left the house and headed toward LBL. The art festival was still in full swing, but attending to this was more important. As I drove south toward LBL, I was smiling with delight. I turned right onto Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive and informed my daughter that she would be taking the wheel for her first hands-on driving lesson. She squealed in delight as I pulled over to relinquish to her the driver's seat. After adjusting the seat, mirrors, CD player, and her hair... in that order (she does have her priorities right). She asked me what to do next. I showed her how to use the blinker and shift into drive. We were rolling. She made it around the loop, twice, without incident. She informed me that this was the best day... EVER! She was even seen driving by a couple boys on her cross country team! Life is beautiful!

What a Wonderful Day!

2008-08-30T19:20:00.024-05:00

Today was another beautiful day, perfect weather to enjoy being outside. The outdoor art show is going really well. The jewelry I posted photos of was sold, along with about 30 other pieces I designed. I am returning to the show tomorrow with many new pieces I have assembled tonight based upon the top sellers from today. I am having so much fun creating shiny, sparkly, and, glittery beautiful items. It is such as awesome feeling seeing others take pleasure in wearing the art I create. Since this is not my "real" job, I benefit from the lack of stress and pressure associated with "work". Let's hope it always feels this good and is so much fun. Here's wishing you a shiny, sparkly, glossy, and glittery tomorrow!

...Name That Tune

2008-08-29T21:18:00.001-05:00

By nature, most children are very curious. My little one is no exception. She loves to be outside exploring. Living things are the most fascinating to explore for her. And frogs, she loves, loves, loves frogs. She loves frogs so much that just after it rains, she will go outside to collect all the frogs she can find. She kept them in an old metal minnow bucket until we added the koi pond to the front of the house. That became her new frog haven. She collects frogs and relocates them. I can't imagine she has much of a future as a frog relocator, but it keeps her busy! It rained today and I hear the sweet melody of the fruits of her labor. Life is beautiful!

3 Magpies Jewelry

2008-08-28T21:22:00.011-05:00

I am so excited!! I have been working really hard this week designing and creating jewelry. I am really excited to be setting up at the KWW Art Show this weekend in Grand Rivers. I have been designing for just over a year now, and I still find so much fun in playing with rocks! To feel such pleasure and delight making beautiful works of art is not at all over-rated. I have finally gotten caught up on my special orders, repairs, and promised pieces. It is really nice to create whatever the mood decides to create. I have about 100 pairs of earrings, fifty bracelets, and thirty-five to forty necklaces/pendants. If I were a better photographer, I'd insert lots of pictures here. Please come by my table beside Lake Realty and look at my jewelry. I am interested in finding out what you think! Have a great Labor Day!

I'm er... awh... Too Old to Disco

2008-08-24T14:03:00.003-05:00

My daughter was eight or maybe nine years old when her birthday party was held at the local roller-skating rink. The setting was something blended from the 1960's and 1970's. Stale cigarette smoke lingered in the air from the night before, a disco ball was spinning, reflecting the lights at random points around the dimly lit rink, and the owner, complete with his slick black pompadour and massive gold chain adorning his Burt Reynoldsesque exposed chest, was quickly ushering the children past the counter, skates in hand, and onto the rink. The music was blaringly loud. I was preparing the table with the usual party supplies trying to think. I could not. The music was simply too loud. I like music. In fact, I really like loud music, but this was my child's party and I was trying to think. Not wanting to disappoint the party girl or her thirty or so guests by leaving off some important party ritual, I was trying to review my mental birthday party checklist. I had to do something, so I made my way across the worn shag carpet to the counter to ask that the volume be slightly adjusted... just enough for me to resume my thinking. It was there at the counter, next to the nacho cheese warmer I noticed the handwritten sign posted beside the crank on the cash register and simply retreated... utterly defeated and recommenced organizing the party table. Brazenly stated in inch high block print lettering, "IF THE MUSIC IS TO(sic) LOUD, YOUR(sic) TO(sic) OLD". The party was a huge success... even though I forgot to deliver the party favor treats to the guests.