Celia's Puppies: The Denver Cereal Vol 2 ~ Book Review and Giveaway

Product Description:


Celia Marlowe believed people blossom with loving support and resources. Over the course of her life, she gathered those who needed her special brand of love. Now, nine years after her death, Celia's puppies are facing themselves and their lives. Exciting, heart warming, and always fun, Celia's Puppies is the second installment of Denver Cereal. An internet sensation, Denver Cereal is a serial fiction grounded in Uptown Denver, Colorado. 


About the Author:
Claudia Hall Christian is a beekeeper who writes novels and serial fiction. She lives in Denver, Colorado.


Product Description and About the Author were taken from Amazon.com


MY THOUGHTS:
When I first began to read the book, Celia's Puppies, I have to say that I was a bit confused with the characters as Celia's Puppies is the second installment of Denver Cereal. But with the wonders of the internet I was able to read the first book as it is a "serial fiction" book.  What is "serial fiction" you ask? Serial fiction is the practice of publishing a work of fiction while it's written. The evolving nature of serial fiction lends to depth looks are people's lives, complex relationships and lots of drama.


Once I had read the first story I realized that Claudia’s characters aren’t the type you can leave. Luckily I already had the second book in hand and I could take it anywhere I went. Yes, I love the fact that I can get on the computer and read a chapter every week but I also love to take the book with me.


Celia's Puppies was the second book of the series. Both the Denver Cereal books are available for free download here.


I was instantly hooked once I started this book. I didn't really want to put it down! I found myself engrossed with the characters lives and wanted to read more. Remember, I'm a busy mom and that makes it harder to put a good book down. I would recommend this book to anyone! It's that good!


Would you like to win your own hard copy of it? Well now you can! One lucky reader will win a copy of Celia's Puppies in Paperback.


Mandatory Entry:
Tell me if you think you would like reading serial fiction.


Extra Entries:
2 Entries ~ Subscribe to my blog newsletter via email as you don't want to miss anything including upcoming giveaways!
5 Entries ~ Post my button on your blog and leave a link to your blog
5 Entries ~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
1 Entry ~ Become a fan via Google Friend Connect
1 Entry ~ Become a fan on Facebook
1 Entry ~ Follow The Misplaced Midwesterner via Networked Blogs
1 Entry ~ Follow me on Twitter and leave me your twitter ID
1 Entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link to your tweet. You can tweet this once daily for 1 entry a day.


Giveaway ends 5/14/10 at 9pm Central Standard Time. Giveaway is for US residents only. No P.O. Boxes. Winner will be chosen randomly. Winner will be contacted via e-mail and then will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen.


I was given this opportunity  from the wonderful folks over at Business2Blogger to team up with Claudia Hall Christian, author of Denver Cereal to do a book tour.
Disclaimer: I received the listed product(s) in exchange for this review. I was compensated in no other way. The thoughts here are my own honest opinions.  I was not required to give a positive review. 

Book Review: It's Either Her or Me

BOOK REVIEW: It's Either Her or Me: A Guide to Help a Mom and Her Daughter-in-Law Get Along by Ellie Slott Fisher

Product Description:
THERE’S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT—YOU’RE NOT LOSING A SON AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE GAINING A RIVAL.

For a mother who’s accustomed to having been number one in her son’s life, the arrival of a girlfriend, fiancée, or wife can be a complicated, confusing, and emotionally challenging event. Likewise, coexisting harmoniously with the mother of her partner can be an overwhelming challenge for any woman. Sons, often caught in the middle, are sometimes understandably reluctant to take sides.

In It’s Either Her or Me, relationship expert Ellie Slott Fisher examines the complex dynamics of these potentially fraught relationships and how they can be made rich in rewards for all parties. As a wife and the mother of a grown son, Fisher has been on both ends of the spectrum. She recounts her own experiences and those of the mothers, sons, girlfriends, fiancées, wives, and even sisters she interviewed. With the help of psychologist Dr. Beatrice Lazaroff and licensed professional counselor Esther Ganz, Fisher offers practical solutions to help women on both sides cope—and thrive—in this most sensitive of relationships. Discover how to

• gauge when it’s time to voice an opinion—and when it’s best to bite your tongue
• reach out to the woman in your son’s life without being overbearing
• handle the partner or mother-in-law who’s truly impossible
• show respect to your partner’s mother
• ensure that your partner’s mother respects your boundaries
• deal with jealous sisters and other difficult family members
• and much more

Also including welcome advice on what he can discuss with either woman, It’s Either Her or Me is an invaluable resource for women and the men they love.

About the Author:

Recognized by the national media as a relationship expert, Ellie is the author of Mom, There’s a Man in the Kitchen and He’s Wearing Your Robe (Da Capo Press 2005), Dating for Dads (Bantam Dell 2008) and the soon-to-be released It’s Either Her or Me: A Guide to Help a Mom and Her Daughter-in-Law Get Along (Bantam 2010). She also contributed to the anthology, Single Woman of a Certain Age.

A print journalist with more than 25 years of experience, Ellie has been featured in CHILD, Working Mother, Parents, Essence, Complete Woman, and numerous regional magazines. A former reporter and editor for United Press International, and landscape designer, she has also edited a magazine for professional landscape designers. It was during that time, Ellie’s husband of 15 years suddenly died. In her late thirties with two small children at home, she unexpectedly found herself doing something she had long ago given up: dating.

My Opinion:

This book was very informative and helpful and it would benefit anyone who is or is going to be an "in-law". I know that with having a son I am going to refer back to this book constantly as he grows up. I'll refer to it while starts dating, starts to seriously date and then once he gets married. I know that he's only 10 now but it will be great! I would recommend it to anyone!

WIN THIS BOOK:

MANDATORY ENTRY:  Why would you want to win this book?

Extra entries:

2 Entries ~ Subscribe to my blog newsletter via email as you don't want to miss anything including upcoming giveaways! 

5 Entries ~ Post my button on your blog and leave a link to your blog

5 Entries ~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link

1 Entry ~ Become a fan via Google Friend Connect

1 Entry ~ Become a fan on Facebook

1 Entry ~ Follow The Misplaced Midwesterner via Networked Blogs

1 Entry ~ Follow me on Twitter and leave me your twitter ID

1 Entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link to your tweet.  You can tweet this once daily for 1 entry a day.

Entries will be taken until May 6th at 11:59 p.m.  Everyone entering must have the mandatory entry or they will not be counted.


This giveaway is open to US residents only. The winner will be chosen by Random.org. 

Disclaimer: I received 1 copy of this book for my honest review. 

Purchase The Book:

Booking Through Thursday ~ Restrictions

The question today on Booking Through Thursday is:


God* comes to you and tells you that, from this day forward, you may only read ONE type of book–one genre–period, but you get to choose what it is. Classics, Science-Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Cookbooks, History, Business … you can choose, but you only get ONE.
What genre do you pick, and why?


*Whether you believe in God or not, pretend for the purposes of this discussion that He is real.


ANSWER:


I would choose Young Adult Fiction because I feel as though this genre has more imaginative plots as adult fiction. Not to mention that for that age they also incorporate sci-fi, mystery, romance, and some history into this genre.


How about you? Leave me a comment and let me know your answer.

Wordful Wednesday & Wordless Wednesday - Hat

I'm going to start knitting some hats for winter and this is one that I want to remake.  This one was made about 3 years ago.  

If you would like to see more Wordless photos head on over to Wordless Wednesday, 5 Minutes for Mom, Live and Love...Out Loud, and J. Leigh Designz. Now if you're like me and sometimes you can't stay wordless head on over to see some Wordful Wednesday photos at Seven Clown Circus.


Please sign in below so that I can visit you!

Happiness Project - Week 9

I missed last weeks Happiness Project so I want to make sure that I don't miss this weeks. What makes me happy you ask?  The smile on my hubbies face when he met Nolan Ryan at last years 4th of July Parade!  It was a great day!  What makes you happy?  If you'd like to play along just click on the button above.

Spring Reading Thing 2010 - Update

It's been 5 weeks since the Spring Reading Thing of 2010 started.  I can hardly believe it has already been that long.  Thought I would give you all an update as to what I've read, what I'm currently reading and what is still on my list.

1. Donut Days by Lara Zielin ~ DONE
2. E Is for Ethics by Ian James Corlett ~ DONE
3. Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently
 by John C Maxwell ~ DONE
4. The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman ~ DONE
5. Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff ~ DONE
6. Nurk: The Strange, Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew by Ursla Vernon - DONE 
7. Remember Me?: A Novel by Sophie Kinsella - DONE
8. The Host: A Novel by Stephanie Meyer - Currently Reading
9. Spiced: A Pastry Chef's True Stories of Trails by Fire, After-Hours Exploits, and What Really Goes on in the Kitchen by Dalia Jurgensen - Currently Reading (review and giveaway coming up!)
10. Little House in the Ozarks: The Rediscovered Writings (Laura Ingalls Wilder Family Series) edited by Stephen W Hines ~ Currently Reading
11. The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel Miller ~ Currently Reading (review coming up)
12. Little House on the Prairie (Little House, No 2) by Laura Ingalls Wilder ~ Currently Reading
13.Masterpiece by Elise Broach
14. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
15. Sunny Holiday by Coleen Paratore
16. Living Dead in Dallas  by Charlaine Harris

As you can see I finally have the links up to all of the books.  Since I'm still on track to finish these by the end of this reading challenge (June 20th) I may add some more books to the list.  We'll just have to see.

Are you participating?  Do you want to? Just click on the button above! It's a lot of fun and I find myself reading more and more during these challenges. You can join at any time too so don't let the dates hold you back. If you don't have your own blog it shouldn't deter you from participating...leave your list here in my comments! I'd love to see what you are reading.

Putting It Together

Here is a video from one of my favorite knit authors and blogger, Susan B. Anderson. Enjoy and don't forget to head on over to her blog too!

Unconscious Mutterings

It's time to get that brain of yours working! Every Sunday over at Unconscious Mutterings she puts up a list of words and you respond with your first thought. It's amazing how different and how alike our responses can be. Here's mine:

1. Hell :: Heaven
2. Scott :: Towels
3. Dominion :: Supreme Authority
4. Stunt :: Man (or woman)
5. Cougar :: Bobcat
6. Columbia :: District of
7. Gasp :: For Air
8. Cancerous :: Tumors
9. Bitty :: itty _____ book light
10. Quit :: Stop

PhotoHunter - Addiction

This week's PhotoHunt theme is addiction.  I really had to think about this one.  I went through almost all of my pictures that I have stored and found a picture of one of my addicitons...yarn!

To see more head on over to TN Chick to see more.

Looking At The Sky On Friday

I'm still using some older pictures for now as my computer is still in the shop.  I'm pretty sure that I haven't shared this one before.  I took this photo of a cloudy sky in Louisiana while we lived there.  If you want to see more Looking At The Sky photos head on over to CrAzY Looking Mom.

Barnes & Noble Giftcard Winner

After going through all the comments and making sure that they were eligible (I had to take out some entries) the winner for the Barnes and Noble Giftcard Giveaway from Lara Zielin is: 7! Congrats to: Julia at Everyday Mom Ideas. Julia will have 48 hours to contact me back with her info or I will pull another winner.

Wordful Wednesday & Wordless Wednesday - Summer?

Summer is almost here in Texas. We've already seen weeks in the 80s! Soon we'll be going swimming and we can't wait. Here's a picture from last year.



If you would like to see more Wordless photos head on over to Wordless Wednesday, 5 Minutes for Mom, Live and Love...Out Loud, and J. Leigh Designz. Now if you're like me and sometimes you can't stay wordless head on over to see some Wordful Wednesday photos at Seven Clown Circus.

Winner - EcoSMART

After going through all the comments and making sure that they were eligible the winner for the EcoSMART Giveaway via Random.org is entry number 17! Congratulations to Lois! She entered this giveaway with 16 entries! She must have really wanted to win this one and she pulled it off.  Lois will have 48 hours to contact me back with her info or I will pull another winner.

Quote

It's sad but I honestly can't think of something to write about this evening. So I leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

"The only way to have a friend is to be one."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Unconscious Mutterings

It's time to get that brain of yours working! Every Sunday over at Unconscious Mutterings she puts up a list of words and you respond with your first thought. It's amazing how different and how alike our responses can be. Here's mine:

1. Drug :: Medicine
2. Questions :: Answers
3. Active :: My son
4. Facts :: Fiction
5. Amount :: Quantity
6. Supervise :: Manage
7. Ingredients :: Recipe
8. Dentist :: ACK!
9. Meal :: Food
10. Packaging :: Peanuts

Don't forget to enter my two current giveaways!

EcoSMART

Barnes & Noble

Camping

So where am I? Sam and I along with his Cub Scout Pack are at the Dinosaur Valley State Park in Texas this weekend. I'm hoping that we are are having a great time and not getting rained on. Here is the official park video for you to enjoy.

Friday Follow

Hello all of you Friday Followers! It's so nice to have you here today. I however am not going to be on here much this weekend. My son and I are going camping this weekend with his Cub Scout Pack. We both are very excited about it and can't wait for school to be over today so that we can go. I however could use a few more hours to make sure I have everything ready. YIKES! I have so much to do today and even have drs appts to go to. Hopefully they won't be running behind.

Thursday 13 ~ Camping

For Thursday 13 this week I thought I would list the 13 things that I need/must have for our camping trip this weekend.

1. Tent

2. Tarp

3. Sleeping Bags

4. Air Mattress (for me)

5. Pillows

6. Water

7. Food

8. Camp Stove

9. Dishes

10. First Aid Kit

11. Clothes

12. Camp Chairs

13. Compass

I could go on and on but it is Thursday 13! If you would like to see more head on over to here.

Don't forget to enter my two current giveaways!

EcoSMART

Barnes & Noble

Wordful Wednesday & Wordless Wednesday - Ballgame

Okay...now take the above picture and imagine that I took it from the other side of the field right by the 3 base foul pole on the same level.  You see I took pictures of the game that we went to last Friday night but my computer is in the shop and I don't have a card reader to get the images off of my camera right now so this will have to work.  


If you would like to see more Wordless photos head on over to Wordless Wednesday, 5 Minutes for Mom, Live and Love...Out Loud, and J. Leigh Designz.  Now if you're like me and sometimes you can't stay wordless head on over to see some Wordful Wednesday photos at Seven Clown Circus.

Don't forget to enter my two current giveaways:


EcoSMART Value Bundle
Barnes & Noble Giftcard


I'm trying to raise money for Relay for Life and would love to have your support!

Please sign the Mr Linky below so I won't forget that I'll be sure to stop by!

Happiness Project - Week 7

For this weeks Happiness Project photo I am using one from a couple years back. It's one of Sam standing in front of a tent that we borrowed and put up by ourselves. He was very proud of himself for helping me out. I love camping and it makes me VERY happy when I get to go. Guess what?!?!  We're going this weekend! I can hardly wait!




Don't forget to enter my two current giveaways:

EcoSMART Value Bundle
Barnes & Noble Giftcard

I'm trying to raise money for Relay for Life and would love to have your support!

Donut Days ~ Book Review & Giveaway

Synopsis:

Emma has a lot going on. Her best friend’s not speaking to her, a boy she’s known all her life is suddenly smokin’ hot and in love with her, and oh yes, her evangelical minister parents may lose their church, especially if her mother keeps giving sermons saying Adam was a hermaphrodite.

But this weekend Emma’s only focused on Crispy Dream, a hot new donut franchise opening in town, where Harley bikers and Frodo wannabes camp out waiting to be the first ones served. Writing the best feature story on the camp for the local paper might just win Emma a scholarship to attend a non- Christian college. But soon enough Emma finds the donut camp isn’t quite the perfect escape from all her troubles at Living Word Redeemer.

In a fresh, funny voice, newcomer Lara Zielin offers up a mesmerizing, fast-paced narrative full of wit and insight.

Review:

A few weeks ago when I was at the public library while Sam was there for his tutoring I was looking for some new books to read. I was in the Young Adult section and found a display of the books that were on the reading list for 6th - 8th graders. Okay...I'll bite. Looked at the list and picked one out. I'm so glad that I did. I picked up Donut Days by Lara Zielin. I had posted it on my Spring Reading Thing 2010 list and Lara saw it and contacted me! How cool is that! From those emails she asked if I would do a review of her book and do a giveaway. SURE! I was reading it anyway so why not go ahead and review it. Now that I have read it I am very pleased that this book is on the recommended reading list.

I honestly was hooked from page one. It was completely refreshing to read a book about a young lady struggling with her faith. You really don't see that much in young adult books. It's not pushy on the religion but it is a main theme of the book. I feel as though it would not be a turn off if you are not a religious person.

Emma, the main character and narrator, is a wonderful refreshing young girl. She is struggling with her faith, she is having a fight with her best friends, and she is trying to write an article to get a scholarship because her parents have put strings on her college fund. Speaking of her mom and dad, they are going through a lot at the church where they are the preachers and Emma really wishes they would share their feelings and thoughts about everything that is going on there. For Emma to write her article she turns to the Crispy Dream Donut Camp. The main characters that she meets at the camp are a bike gang that are born-again Christians that help her realize that it's okay to be different.

Emma is such a believeable character as well as all the others. I would highly recommend this book to young adults and adults that love to read young adult fiction. It's a quick read, funny, and refreshing. Great job Lara! I can't wait for your next book!

Now Lara is offering a giveaway! She is offering a $10 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate to be won by commenting about the most bizarre donut you have ever tried or liked. I'll select the winner by using random.org on Wednesday, April 21, at 9:00 pm Central Standard Time.

EcoSMART Review and Giveaway

One thing about gardening is that you need to have protection against bugs, weeds and biting inscets. But trying to find a way to do so without harming us or our pets with chemicals is hard to do. Step in EcoSMART!


EcoSMART is the world leader in safe pesticide solutions whose mission is “To create the world’s safest, most effective pesticides based on natural ingredients.” They have 15 years of scientific research and a wealth of patents under their belts. EcoSMART offers the only complete line of EPA exempt pesticides sold in the US and they are the only 100% safe pesticides proven to work. By using the basis that plants and trees have used their own oils as defense against insects and pathogens, EcoSMART uses the same essential plant oils.

I received the EcoSMART Safe Plant and Garden Value Bundle, which contains four great products that I feel safe using around my family and pets.  This bundle contains:


-- Weed and Grass Killer (24 oz spray bottle)
-- Garden Fungicide (24 oz spray bottle)
-- Garden Insect Killer (24 oz spray bottle)
-- Insect Repellent (6 oz bottle)

I've loved using the Bug Spray and the Weed & Grass Killer so far.  It's not far enough into the growing season to use the other two yet but if they work just half as good as the other two I'll be THRILLED!  It's so nice to use a spray outside and know that either my son or dog won't get into any harsh chemicals while they are outside playing.  Peace of mind equals a worry free mom.

Want to BUY?  You can shop at a local retailer near you.  They have a finder on their site which is very nice and easy to use.  Or you can shop the EcoSMART online store.  Want to WIN a bundle of your choice?  Follow the rules below to enter and I'll randomly pull a winner on Tuesday, April 20th, at 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Mandatory Entry:

Go to EcoSMART and leave me a comment as to which value bundle you would like if you win.

Additional Optional Entries:

Eligible after completing mandatory entry above.  You can do any or all of the following for the number of entries posted.  Please leave a separate comment for each that you have done. 

10 Entries ~ Purchase a Value Bundle from EcoSMART and leave a comment here stating that you did.

2 Entries ~ Subscribe to my blog newsletter via email as you don't want to miss anything including upcoming giveaways! 

5 Entries ~ Post my button on your blog and leave a link to your blog

5 Entries ~ Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link

1 Entry ~ Become a fan via Google Friend Connect

1 Entry ~ Become a fan on Facebook

1 Entry ~ Follow The Misplaced Midwesterner via Networked Blogs

1 Entry ~ Follow me on Twitter and leave me your twitter ID

1 Entry ~ Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link to your tweet.  You can tweet this once daily for 1 entry a day.

15 Entries ~ Donate to my Relay for Life team:

Once the winner is chosen I will contact them by email and they will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is for the Continental US residents only and no PO Boxes.  Comments not meeting requirements will be deleted.

I was given a package to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.  If you want to read my full disclosure policy just click here.

Unconscious Mutterings

It's time to get that brain of yours working! Every Sunday over at Unconscious Mutterings she puts up a list of words and you respond with your first thought. It's amazing how different and how alike our responses can be. Here's mine:

1. Habit :: 21 days to make a _______
2. Relaunch :: Try again
3. Mondays :: and rainy days
4. Bootstrap :: Pulling them up
5. Funk :: In a _____
6. Appreciate :: Me
7. Yay! :: Woo Hoo!
8. Life :: is good!
9. Sheets :: Bed
10. Date night :: Need one!

Love Above All ~ And Friday Follow

Some of you may remember this post where I talked about my friend Wendy that is going through cancer and that my family is going to participate with her team "Love Above All" in an upcoming Relay For Life.  Now just yesterday we heard from on of Andy's best friends that his sister was just diagnosed with ovarian cancer and liver cancer.  No one here can do the surgery but a surgeon from MD Anderson in Houston has already contacted her and has scheduled her surgery for next week.  Also yesterday we heard about a friend of ours from church that plays in the orchestra and has been in musicals with us is awaiting test results from a huge mass in her colon and liver.  They are almost certain that it is cancer.  We also have another lady from our church that works in our children's ministries that is currently battling pancreatic cancer and is terminal.  I now have 4 people on my prayer list that currently are battling cancer.  Never thought I would say that.  

So...before I get to Friday Follow...I asked my friend Wendy if I could share a post from her Caring Bridge journal that she posted before Thanksgiving last year.  As you can see below she said yes.  Please take a moment to read this and then if you find it in your heart please hit the below button and make a donation.  

WRITTEN SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21:

Several years ago my father in law gave the kids and I a pin that reads “Love Above All Else”. We all still have them, mine is attached to a hand made wooden cross someone gave me. Seems appropriate.

With no doubt many of you have heard that the last 2 rounds of my new chemo have had some unpleasant side effects. I’ve been sick for weeks, missing work, basically detached painfully from society. I’ve too many days of not being able to get out of bed, 2 trips to the hospital, not being able to take care of Nick who missed two weeks of school. Sick to my stomach every day, pain from head to foot and a rash on my face I will spare you the details of. But each time I looked in the mirror I would just start crying all over again. That was on top of a usual day of self pity and crying. I forgot about Love Above All Else.

My every blessed church family and friends have been calling, sending food, sending cards, just showing up and sitting by my bed side at home and in the hospital. We did even manage a quick trip to Florida for a very special couples wedding and 2 days of Universal Studio – was good but could have been better had I felt human. Love Above All Else. One morning when I thought my face couldn’t look any worse; Kelly came into my room found a clear spot on my face, gave me a kiss and said “Mom your still beautiful”. I cried again, happy tears. Love Above All Else.

Nick came in my room later that day had a look at me and said “Mom it’s really going to be okay, we love you.” Love Above All Else.

While I lay awake thinking at 2:30 this morning I came up with so many examples of Love that you all have given me these past few weeks. The most awesome boss who surpasses understanding of what I’m dealing with. Who knows she and I will somehow work out the work, no guilt, no worries, her main concern is me getting healthy and healed. The meals that have simply showed up at our door. The unexpected company at the hospital, the sacrifice of a friend simply showing up to spend the night. The cards, the texts, the emails. The cute pink tee shirt. The hospital treats. The unexpected company at home. Love Above All Else. How did I miss it for so many weeks?

Love really heals just about everything from skinned knees to broken hearts and can feed lost souls. It’s such a simple, selfless act. It provides warmth, forgiveness, comfort, and peace. And that no one loves us more than God, and His Love REALLY is Above All Else. God loves us so much; I know He’s not having me suffer for these pains for no reason. I know He Loves Me Above All Else and will heal me.

A conversation I had with Dr. J. sometime ago wandered back into my thoughts this morning. Just before one of my surgeries he and I got to talking about walking our path with Jesus as our guide and we have come to fork in the road, one side is a cleared and easy path. The other side is full of weeds, thickets and brambles. We talked about if we stayed with Jesus on the thorny path how much greater our rewards would be at the end. The gift of faith that would sustain us during this journey would provide us great rewards from God. We learn so much during our hard times.

So I got to reflecting on what a thorny, thicketed path I’ve been on the past several weeks. But I also came to see that there were so many treasures on that path that I realized if I had just started looking up off the cracks in the path and past the thorns there were so many sparkling jewels I missed. All the above treasures of each of you I just mentioned. And amazingly God placed them ON the path, I didn’t even have to get to the end of receive them (thought this time I did have to reach the end of it to see that they were there all the time).

LOVE ABOVE ALL ELSE BABY!

Now on to Friday Follow:

Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:

--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops. 
--Grab the Friday Follow and Sponsor buttons and include both on your Friday Follow blog post.
--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
--Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like.
--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.
--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

This list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed. 

 

Sponsored this week by: 

Booking Through Thursday

It's getting late and I haven't posted anything today as I've been terribly busy!  So I thought I would participate in a meme that I haven't participated in for quite some time.

The question this week over at Booking Through Thursday is:


Plots? Or Stream-of-Consciousness? Which would you rather read?


For me I would much rather read a story with a plot over a book with a stream-of-consciousness any day.  But I do have to say that I have enjoyed many a book with a stream-of-consciousness.


How about you?  I'd love to hear the responses to this question.

Wordful Wednesday & Wordless Wednesday - Peppers

One of these years I'd like to grow some peppers like these.  They are so colorful!


If you would like to see more Wordless photos head on over to Wordless Wednesday, 5 Minutes for Mom, Live and Love...Out Loud, and J. leigh designz.  Now if you're like me and sometimes you can't stay wordless head on over to see some Wordful Wednesday photos at Seven Clown Circus.

Please sign the Mr Linky below so I won't forget that I'll be sure to stop by!

Happiness Project - Week 6

Since my computer is in the shop I'm going to have to use an older picture for my Happiness Project picture.   Here is Sam last year on a hike that we went on.  It had rained the day before and he was finding snails everywhere.  What makes me happy?  Is when my son explores and finds all sorts of things and is happy doing so...happy son means a happy mom!

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Out Of The Mouths Of Babes

I love reading the Chuck Lorre Productions Vanity Cards at the end of their shows but I honestly don't see many of them. I did see one tonight that I want to share. As most of you know Andy and I adopted Sam when he was just 4 months old. He's bi-racial which means that he has parents of two different races. He's one of the most beautiful children I've ever seen.  I don't notice his color that often.  I notice my child.  He once stated exactly what Chuck Lorre has said here. Out of the mouths of babes. Now only if we all could see this way. I know that we do.


CHUCK LORRE PRODUCTIONS, #269

I have long believed that part of our problem with resolving race issues in America is our inability to accurately name what we are. Aside from the occasional Johnny and Edgar Winter, there are no white people. Any child with a box of crayons can tell you that white people are, in fact, beige. The sickly ones are gray. Following this crayon logic, one can easily see that there are really no black people. They are brown. Or perhaps raw umber. Or maybe burnt sienna. Frankly, every time I hear someone comment on America's first black president, I can't help thinking, "No, he's not. He's more like caramel." Which is why I think we should all get in the habit of calling each other what we really are. How can you racially slur a man by calling him "beigey" or "umber?" The answer is you can't. Because that's exactly what he is. The melanin doesn't lie. Buy a box of Crayolas and see for yourself. We are all members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Can I hear a kumbaya?

You can find all of the Chuck Lorre Vanity Cards HERE.