I want a dog like this to take care of me!

Isn't this dog amazing! I would love to have a servant such as this to wait on me all the time (and to love back!)

A Seed is Such a Miraculous Thing

A seed is such a miraculous thing, it can sit on a shelf forever.

But how it knows what to do when it's stuck in the ground, is what makes it so clever.

It draws nutrients from the soil through its roots, and draws its force from the sun.

It puts forth a whole lot of blossoms and fruit, then reseeds itself when it is done.



Who programmed the seed to know just what to do?

And who put the sun in the sky?

And who put the food in the dirt for the roots?

And who makes the water fall from above, to refresh and make everything pure?

Perhaps all of this is a product of love.

And perhaps it happend by choice.

Yeah, sure.

---Philosopher in "B.C." comic strip by Johnny Hart

oh, the luggage!

We spent a very long time reading all about luggage, the sizes, and what was and was not allowed in the luggage when flying.

I have never flown before, so this is all new to me.

We began measuring the luggage that we currently own, which actually consisted of one piece.


This suitcase is the only suitcase we have ever owned or used.  Both of us have packed in this suitcase for four or five day trips!

Imagine our surprise when we discovered it was a carry-on size!  Wow!  And to think all of this time we thought it was a huge suit case!

We decided we had one carry-on size luggage and would need another carry-on size and one large check-in size piece.  We went to four stores and shopped for hours.  Goodness, there was a whole lot of thinking going on and much to consider.



I found this piece and immediately loved the tan with the leather and we purchased it for my carry-on.  I believe I am even going to put my laptop in this bag. Hubby is going to carry my netbook in the other carry-on.

There was a full size in this still, but it was much thinner than the other full-size luggage, so we had to fore-go getting matching suitcases.


This is for all the people who have told us that they are riding in our luggage!  We couldn't resist seeing if anyone really could fit in the 29" luggage we purchased.

It seems so HUGE that we are wondering why we even need it, especially since it will be an extra $25 to bring it each way.  Since we apparently are much lighter packers than we really knew, what will we put in here?  We started a packing list (three shirts, three shorts, three underwear, swimsuits, etc.).  We only need three or four of each as we have a washer and dryer to throw things in over night.  Seriously, why do we need this suitcase?



He tried to get in it the other way and it worked no better.
Sorry everyone, even if we do not need it, it is too small for you!


I bought this new bag as my personal bag.  I wanted something that would act as a purse and my camera bag so I would only have to carry one bag.  In addition, the camera can get heavy, so I wanted something guy friendly just in case hubby would need to carry it.  This canvas bag which I got for $7 was perfect!  I bought some foam to put in the bottom and sides to protect my camera and it is just right!




We decided that due to the warnings of thefts on the island, especially at beach parking, that we needed something waterproof for my camera.  We bought with some gift cards that I had these two insulated coolers (lunch bags).  I was excited about the cute design.  My camera fits in both of them, so we can use one of them to carry my camera to the beach and the other one to pack drinks and snacks for picnic lunches on the beach.  They collapse flat and fit right in our big luggage for transporting.

Shopping for luggage was just one more way we spent our time getting excited about our trip!

Newsletter Freebie Sneak Peak

I thought this binder edge would be a fun freebie to make for you as we begin thinking about school starting up and getting organized. You could use it for your journaling or even to create a photo frame. What other creative ways can you think of for its use?

Here's a sneak peak at the next newsletter freebie!  If you are not subscribed to the newsletter, click here to sign up. We hope to send out the next newsletter on August 1st.

There's also a free kit download when you sign up, so be sure to read the automatic welcome e-mail after you sign up.

Join us in submitting caption photos!

I couldn't sleep this morning and was up at 3:30 a.m., so I decided to make some more caption photos.  I found it quick and easy to put them together with the free template (more information in this thread) and that it was actually a good exercise for a short "brain break" to look through all my photo folders searching for something that shouted out a silly quote.  It's a great way to look at your photos with a different perspective.

Anyone can join us!  We'll be making a book that anyone can download.  Check out the thread for more information.

What is your Motivation

In a garden somewhere in Europe, next to a beautiful flower bed, there was a sign, written in three languages:

In German: Picking flowers is prohibited.

In English: Please do not pick the flowers.

In French: Those who love flowers will not pick them.

What is your motivation for doing God's will, obeying God's commands?

Fear of authority?

Sense of society's expectations?

Or love?

--Marilyn Allen, Plymouth Presbyterain Church, St. Helens, Oregon

Windshield Wiper Lesson from a Child

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly, my son Ben spoke up from his relaxed position in the front seat. "Mom, I'm thinking of something." This announcement usually meant he had been pondering some fact for a while and was now ready to expound all that his seven-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear. "What are you thinking?" I asked.

"The rain," he began, "is like sin and the windshield wipers are like God, wiping our sins away."

After the chill bumps raced up my arms was able to respond. "That's really good, Ben." Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little boy take this revelation? So, I asked... "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?" Matthew didn't hesitate one moment with his answer: "We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."

I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on. Isn't it comforting to know that God does keep forgiving us? That all we have to do is ask Him to come into our lives and He will keep washing our sins away.

Author Unknown

I was from Fenton before it was cool!

While going through Facebook groups which will be archived, before I leave them, I decided there was some good information in some of them that I wanted to preserve.  I absolutely loved my time in the group called "I was from Fenton before it was cool!"  The conversations brought back so many memories!

I decided to compile some history and memories in a blog post.

Links:  Fenton History, Official Website, Wikipedia,

Was your favorite Fenton hangout the Malt Shop? Did you walk there? Do you remember the drug store next to the malt shop?

Who was once afraid to drive on Highway 141? Do you remember when 141 was two lanes? Do you remember when the only stop sign was at Bowles and 141? Do you remember when Bowles did not connect to 141?

Who hated driving over the old rickety Gravois Bridge? Did you old your breath as you crossed? Did you ever jump from it? Do you remember the shaking? Was it your bus stop in the early 70's? Do you remember the bar there called "The Rivers Edge?" Did you ever walk on the bridge? How much of your car's paint was left on the bridge?

Do you remember Fenton before all the subdivisions were built, when it was all country, corn fields, farmland, or green trees?

Do you remember Bentley Farms? Do you remember Bentley Manor?
Do you remember San Simeon Estates?
Do you remember Green Mar?
Do you remember San Luis Hills?

Do you remember riding your bike between subdivisions? Between Green Mar and San Luis Hills?

Do you remember Halloween in Bentley Manor - Bentley Farms? Do you remember sled riding in the "commons" in Bentley Manor?

Do you remember the Chrysler plant? Did you know someone who worked there?

Do you remember the white house on the hill where the QT is now located?

Do you remember the Duwe (do-we) golf course while driving down Bowles? Did your car ever get hit with golf balls? Did you ever sled down the hill at the golf course? Do you remember Sally Stalhuth who owned the property before it became a golf course? Did you ever get wet finding golf balls in the lake? Do you remember Riverside golf course?

Do you remember when all the schools were built? Do you remember being shuffled from school to school as they were being built?

Do you remember Vandover Elementary? Do you remember the creepy old house behind Vandover that used to be the original school?
Do you remember Bowles Elementary? Do you remember Mr. Pennycook?
Do you remember Kellison Elementary? Did you try to pet the horses during recess? Do you remember when Sheryl Crow was my Kindergarten music teacher at Kellison?
Do you remember Stanton Elementary?

Did you go to Our Savior Lutheran school or St. Paul Catholic School?

Did you live there before there was a high school (Rockwood Summit opened in 1994)?

Do you remember the long bus rides to Eureka High School?

Do you remember the Quick Shop? Do you remember ride the "Quick Shop" stop school bus after school? Do you remember riding your bike to the Quick Shop for candy?

Do you remember houses on stilts along the Meramec River? Do you remember students who road to Fenton School during the floods?


Did you play soccer at Fenton City Park?

Do you remember Buder Park and the old fire engine? Do you remember riding your bike to the book mobile at Buder Park?

Do you remember the boat races at George Winter Park?

Did you watch the parades? Do you remember the carnival?

Do you remember Wet Willies water slide at Highway 141 and Highway 44? Do you remember the colored mats that determined when your time was up? Do you remember all the scratched arms and legs from the concrete? Do you remember the long walk up the hill? Do you remember the Zoom Flume? Did you ever lose your top crash the pool below? Do you remember the hill behind Wet Willies for sledding and snow tubing?

Do you remember when the only stores were Brown and Sons' grocery, Rexal Pharmacy, Coast to Coast Hardware, Mr. Dave's Shoes, Velvet Freeze, Long Horn Restaurant, and a few other stores where Fenton Plaza is now? Do you remember Casey's Sports and Mac's Gym in downtown Fenton? What about the pawn shop? Do you remember Friedewalds Drug Store?

Do you remember buying groceries at Schnucks and it seemed a long drive to get there? Do you remember when the McDonald's was built next to Schnucks, with no drive-thru? Do you remember the Burger King built before the McDonald's as the only burger joint?

Do you remember Browns IGA (and the Easter Egg Hunts) and the Dime Store and Ben Franklin? Did you have shoes from Buster Browns? Do you remember the Fenton Produce Stand? Do you remember Carol House Furniture in Valley Park?

Do you remember the old cemetery near Greenmar Apartments?

Do you remember Weiss Airport and the day the plane crashed into the house on Larkin Williams?

Do you remember the Route 66 Drive-in in Sunset (Crestwood)? Do you remember Ronnie's Drive-in? Do you remember the I-44 drive-in in Valley Park?

Do you remember the Springdale Pool between Fenton and Arnold? Do you remember Surfside Meadows Pool, formerly Greenacres Park and Pool? Do you remember the Rivera swimming pool? Do you remember the Blue Springs Pool?

Do you remember when the phone exchanges were Davis 6 and Diamond 3 for Fenton? Did your telephone number begin 225?

****
Here are my memories.

I remember riding my bike and watching the streets extend outward from St. Bernard Hills subdivision. It seemed each day I road, the street would get a little longer.

Three subdivisions appeared as one, but the middle one, the oldest, was St. Bernard Hills and it had no sidewalks. Bentley Manor and Bentley Farm had sidewalks and I remember them being built. My parents were the second family to move into St. Bernard Hills on Gladiator Drive (I believe when my brother was 1 year old in 1963). I was born in 1965. The Spears next door were the first family and sometimes I wonder where Timmy Spears is today.

I remember that although we said we lived in "Fenton," the three subdivisions were actually a part of a small unincorporated area which included land up to the ever small incorporated area of Peerless Park near Highway 44 and down the road where the horseback riding place was located.

I plugged my address into Google Maps and was surprised to see a photo of the house!

I remember when Dover Mill Estates subdivision was built and I would ride my bike down Gladiator to Guebert to Ben Clare (Ben Clare did not circle back to Gladiator back then).  On the circle end of Ben Clare there was a small wooded area between the two subdivisions.  Rumors had it that bullies stayed in the woods who might "beat you up."  I remember the first time I adventured through those oh-so-dark woods, daring to get my nerve up, and being nervous as I peddled on the dirt trail as fast as I could, over child-made bumps and ramps.  It was exhilarating to make it out the other side and have traveled all by myself to some far-away unknown location!  Okay, yes, I was very young and it was not really that far, but to me, it was an expanse of my horizon.  Of course, once over on the other side of the woods, I had to travel back again, holding my breath the whole way.

I see there are houses there now!

I remember sledding in the commons area behind my house. It was a long trek across the commons to the top of the hill at the end of Quirinal Court. It was a spectacular hill to all the youth that would gather there. If you were not careful, however, you could accidentally sled right into the creek. The slope of the hill would cause the sleds to suddenly take a turn for the worse unless you knew how to make a hard left steer on the sled. At the speed of the sled, it was difficult to stop the sled once your direction was wronged. I remember my brother ending up in the creek one time and being really scared for him, but he came out with just some bumps and scraps.

We used to walk right along the creek and it was thrilling as a youth. I do not think our mom wanted us in the creek, but I mostly remember traipsing in it with my brother. I cannot even see any water along the creek area on the Google Maps now and I wonder what it looks like in person.

I remember that our subdivision was the best for trick-or-treating! Mom would hold us back until we saw someone else out on the street because she did not want us to be the first ones knocking on everyone's doors. The walking traffic from door to door was so much fun because there were so many people out you knew most everyone. There was a short line at every door.

GreenMar and San Luis subdivisions (and many others) are a memory of all countryside and trees. There were few houses along 141 between my house and Our Savior Lutheran Church where I attended. I remember all of the subdivisions being built. It seemed once the first ones went up, the others came along quickly.

As the subdivisions were built, new schools were built. I never moved, but attended Bowles through 4th grade, Vandover in 5th grade, and Stanton in 6th grade, as they accommodated the quick growth. I attended Eureka Junior High in 7th and 8th grade and graduated from Eureka High School.

I remember a bar on the playground at Vandover and being able to hook my knee around it, anchoring my foot around my shin, and turning around and around and around at a good speed many times. I had to jump to reach up and grab the bar, so it seemed a very high scary bar to fall from. I remember this because classmates marveled that I could do such a thing and always wanted me to do it again so they could watch.

Who doesn't remember the Malt Shop! But I only went there with my family when Dad would treat us. It was a special trip for our family. I never went there on my own to hang out.

The place to go on my bike was the Quick Shop. The ride down Gladiator and the whole length of Centurion seemed such a long bike ride. We would go there to buy nickel candy and then ride home. It was just something to do.

For those that went to Eureka, you may remember the "Quick Shop bus" which was an after school bus that made a stop at the Quick Shop. There was a 4 o'clock bus and a 6 o'clock bus. Parents would pick up their children after school there rather than traveling the half hour to the school. I remember walking home after getting off the bus there during high school. I understand that long after it became a 7-11, people continued to call it the Quick Shop stop/bus.

I remember Buder Park and attending summer programs there, but my memory is vague. My biggest memory of Buder Park was the book mobile that came there certain days of the week during the summer. I was at home while my parents worked watching my little sister and we would walk to the book mobile regularly to trade in books. I did a lot of reading during the summers while my parents were at work.

I was a teenager or a pre-teen when Wet Willies was built. I only went a few times because I remember it being too expensive. I do remember what a thrill it was to have such a gi-normous water slide! We had never heard of such a thing before and to think it was so close to my house was just an honor.

I remember Grandpa coming to town to play golf, but I also always wondering where the golf course was located. I was too young to have bearings on where the golf course was located. I think it was the Riverside Golf Course where he played, but it seems to me there was another one along Bowles Avenue.

I remember the Chrysler plant well. My Dad worked his entire career at the General Motors truck plant, so it was a big deal when his brother and his sister's husband began working at the Chrysler plant.

I remember Weiss airport, but mostly because you could see it from Highway 44 and the planes flew over the highway. My Dad's brother did fly planes there and I remember the only time I have flown in a plane, I was sitting with a parent saying "do you see it, that's our house." I looked and looked and could not make out anything until finally I just said "uh-huh" to get them to stop asking me. I know I was really little.

I remember fondly a model air plane park on the other side of Highway 44 near Valley Park. My Dad would take us there to watch him fly his model planes. I remember those planes always hanging so big from the basement ceiling.

I only remember going to the boat races at George Winter Park once and it seemed so difficult to see anything; I mostly remember being shocked that I had no idea that lake was even in Fenton.

I remember taking swimming lessons at Springdale pool between Fenton and Arnold.

I remember going to movies at the Route 66 Drive-in in Sunset (Crestwood). It was on the other side of the street from the Crestwood Mall.  I still have the original "Escape to Witch Mountain" record that my Grandma gave me after I watched the movie at the drive-in.

Of course, I remember the two-lane Highway 141. I remember we shopped at Schnucks in downtown Fenton and that it seemed to take 15 minutes just to drive there, which was a long drive for us. I remember the Dime Store in downtown Fenton too. When I was a child, the only time we ever drove that far was to go grocery shopping. Otherwise, we only went as far as church or school. Looking back, my world back then was very small, mostly known by peddling my bike. We would travel to my grandparents in Shrewsbury which was about a half-hour drive and that seemed like a long way to us and was a big event. Our doctor was in Crestwood and I believe we shopped there at the mall too.

I remember being allowed to wear dresses only to school until about the fourth grade. I remember the exciting feeling, yet odd feeling, of wearing pants to school for the first time. Of course, the pants were usually knit and not jean material. Each year Mom would take me shopping and I was allowed to buy five new school dresses, one for each day of the school week. If some of my dresses from the previous year still fit, then I had even more choices to wear.

What memories!

Layout Inspiration

Sue's layout was made using a well composed template (DSO June Template Challenge template by Bunny) which is bottom-weighted, well grounded, and includes that all important journaling!  You can find her layout here at Digiscrap Obsession.  Sue gives credits as: My Father’s Eyes by Jen Reed; Golden Vintage photo action from The CoffeeShop Blog; Fonts: PreludeFLF Bold, Veteran Typewriter

I like how Sue has duplicated that part of the photo which highlights the subjects of her journaling and tucked it in a swirl of flowers.  The tags tucked into the beads, as well as the shadowing on the bow, create depth and realism.  The choice of the typewriter font takes me back to the time frame of this photo and is well suited for the layout.

I think it would be really cool, as someone who lives in a city along the Mississippi River, to someday go to the headwaters which "begins as a small creek flowing from Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota."

CHALLENGE ALERT!
If you are inspired by this layout, please post your layout in the forum thread here. We welcome anyone (and any products) to participate. 

The Garden of my Heart

One day while thinking about my garden, God showed me how I could think about my soul in a different way. As a flower garden!

He said we could imagine that when we were baptized, God gave us this beautiful garden (our baptized soul). It is a beautiful garden with every kind of flower that He envisions for us.

He is giving us this garden to tend to and we are free to do whatever we want with our garden. When we die, we present to God our garden that He first gave to us.

I thought about everything that it takes to make a beautiful garden and how much deliberate effort it takes to keep the garden free of weeds and the flowers blooming.

A garden needs sunshine, which I see is God and his love for us. A garden needs water, which I see is the life-giving grace that he freely gives to us. In order to have strong and beautiful flowers and plants, fertilizer is needed to feed and nourish the soil and the flowers.

In order for a garden to do well, the soil needs to be tilled and broken up. I see this as the struggles and problems we have in our life. God lets things happen in our life in order to soften and nourish the ground (our soul) so that the flowers can have a perfect environment to grow. By cooperating with the grace that God gives us and being open to His will, we are allowing the seeds that He has sown for us to grow.

Of course a garden has weeds that always seem to pop up. Unless we keep control of these weeds they can overtake our garden and choke out all the flowers that were thriving. I see the weeds as the sin and vice that can be in our lives and that can keep us from being more closely united to God.

We are free to ignore or pay attention to OUR personal gift from God. God planted the flowers and it's up to us to nourish and tend our garden.

Finally I see that WE never planted the flowers and the plants in our garden. Our garden is perfectly suited for us according to Gods eternal plan. God planted the flowers and it's up to us to nourish and tend our garden so that everything God has planned for us can truly be, and that at the end of our life our garden will be most pleasing to our Lord.

Author Unknown

God's View on Lawns

GOD: Frank, you know all about gardens and nature, what in the world is going on down there in the U.S.? What in the world happened to the dandelions, violets, thistles and the stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of color by now. All I see are patches of green.

ST. FRANCIS: It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. They are called the Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers "weeds" and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.

GOD: Grass? But it is so boring, it's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, bees or birds, only grubs and sod worms. It's temperamental with temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want grass growing there?

ST. FRANCIS: Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing it and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn.

GOD: The spring rains and the warm weather probably makes the grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites very happy.

ST. FRANCIS: Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it has grown a little, they cut it-sometimes two times a week.

GOD: They cut it? Do they bale it like hay?

ST. FRANCIS: Not exactly Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.

GOD: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?

ST. FRANCIS: No sir, just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.

GOD: Now let me get this straight: They fertilize it to make it grow and when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?

ST. FRANCIS: Yes, sir.

GOD: These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work.

ST. FRANCIS: You aren't going to believe this Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.

GOD: What nonsense! At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep the moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves become compost to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life.

ST. FRANCIS: You'd better sit down, Lord. As soon as the leaves fall, the Suburbanites rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away.

GOD: No way!! What do they do to protect the shrubs and tree roots in the winter to keep the soil moist and loose?

ST. FRANCIS: After throwing the leaves away they go out and buy something called mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.

GOD: And where to they get this mulch?

ST. FRANCIS: They cut down the trees and grind them up to make mulch.

GOD: Enough!! I don't want to think about this anymore. Saint Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?

ST. CATHERINE: "Dumb and Dumber," Lord. It's a real stupid movie about...

GOD: Never mind -- I think I just heard the whole story from Saint Francis!

Author Unknown

Gardener on his knees

Adam was a gardener, and God who made him see that half a proper gardener's work is done upon his knees. -- Rudyard Kipling.

Simple Gift Idea (from my daughter-in-law)

My daughter-in-law in recent weeks just enabled texting on her phone and I am so blessed to be able to communicate with her more often.  It's great to bond with my "daughter."

She sent me photos today of all the new furniture they have been buying since they were married.  I LOVE her style of decorating and am actually anxious to go shopping and buy them something!

She sent me the above photo of a gift her friend made her for Christmas last year that sits on their kitchen counter.  I loved the idea and asked her if I could share it with the readers of my blog.

This is such a simple idea for a gift!  Her friend put some lace in a glass frame.  The idea is to use a dry erase (erasable) marker to write on the glass to change it up from time to time.  She told me my son put this Bible verse on the glass, "Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Joel 2:13"

I wonder why he choose this verse and why it is special to him.  My first thought when I read the verse is how wonderful it would be if we could be more like God.  I know that I am always striving, and will continue until the day I die as I will never be able, to be more like God.  How diffiicult is it for us to be gracious and merciful to those who sin against us?  How difficult is it for us to be slow to anger, being patient, and abounding in love?  I just love the word "abounding."  It's like the word "overflowing."  Those words are so descriptive of abundancy and never-ending.

How awesome that God loves us SO much that when we return to him, we can have these promises from Him.  How assuring!

Special gift from my Mom

My Mom and her husband came down on Saturday to take us out to eat for our 25th wedding anniversary. We had a nice dinner at Bella Italia, then got an ice cream at Port Cape by the river wall to eat while we walked along the river. The flood gates were finally opened here in Cape Girardeau sometime last week, but the water is still up really high.

My Mom gave me this very special gift. It is a silver serving set.

My parents along with other family members pitched in together to purchase this set for my grandparents (my Dad's parents) on their 25th wedding anniversary (married January 26, 1939) in 1964, so the set is 47 years old.

On my parents 25th wedding anniversary (married September 2, 1961) in 1986, my grandparents gifted the set to my parents.

If my Dad were still with us today, this year would have been my parents 50th wedding anniversary.  That means that hubby and I were married the same year as my parent's 25th wedding anniversary. 

What makes it also more interesting is that my oldest son and his wife were married this year, on the same year as our 25th wedding anniversary.  Maybe 25 years from now we will be gifting this set to them on their 25th wedding anniversary.

There is an interesting pattern of 25 going on, isn't there?

Some surprises (I got behind on blogging!)

I've gotten busy and have not had time to share the daily surprises (leading up to our vacation), but hubby has not stopped! Here is a continuation from previous posts. I last shared on Wednesday, July 20th.

We had fun recently playing with some new aps on my cell phone to share with you (linked below).
I luv Digital Scrapbooking
Kauai Here We Come
Into the Beach
Surf's Up



On Thursday, hubby left me these creative "tickets" to Kauai, along with the bottlecaps from our coolers the night before.



On Friday, since he did not have to work, he was not out of bed to "surprise" me with something on my car.  Therefore, when I came out to meet him for our weekly meal date, he jumped out of my car with a Hawaiian shirt and lei proclaiming that this was my surprise for the day.  Ah!  He wore that in the "Italian" restaurant too!  What a silly guy.


Monday these flowers were on the hood of my car with a note that matches. . .


. . . the movie that we had rented to watch (which he put on the console inside).  This movie called "Six Days, Seven Nights" was filmed on Kauai.  We have been looking at photos of Kauai so much in anticipation that we recognized most of the places.  The movie had a LOT of scenery and a good plot -- thoroughly enjoyed it!


Today hubby left one red rose and a note for me on the console.  (I had to think to myself, "my rosebush must have new blooms today.")  I think he cut the only bloom off!



Here's what the note said.  He's been telling me that this is how we say "Hawaii" in Hawaiian.  He's so into the language!

God's Guidance

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if one stops the car, or is walking by, one will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

Listening, one will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her bridle is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by God and those whom he places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see God.

Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there."

Author Unknown

No comments on your layouts in the gallery? How does it make you feel?

The above video clip is a fun pun on the classic etiquette rule of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."  Is this how people feel when they upload to a gallery and do not get any comments?

I doubt it, but no comments can be discouraging regardless.

In addition, comments such as "looks great!" are not much better than no commenting.

The reason most people do not comment in galleries is because it is just so time consuming to really look at a layout and really think of something creative to say about it to build up and encourage one another.  We are so time-strapped here in this day and age.  I wonder if people felt that way 100 years ago?

Leave a comment and let us know how it makes you feel when you receive no comments on a layout.

Today's Surprise

Today's surprise in my vehicle was a magazine with two flowers on the console.

Today was hubby's birthday. I went all out Hawaiian for him! It was fun to spend time together tonight in our own living room for a dinner, drink, and ....goodness....I'm too tired to blog it all, but I took some photos for later.

Choosing amphibious shoes

Since hubby and I will be doing a kayaking trip which includes hiking to waterfalls, so we were in need of a shopping trip for shoes!  We are in need of shoes that go from the sand into the ocean and onto dry land and hiking trails.  We need amphibious shoes!  I have never had a need for shoes such as these and did not know they even existed.  I can see me wearing them all the time!

As I have blogged before, because I wear a 6 wide, I cannot find shoes locally anymore. Every once in a while I will see a pair at Payless. We spent a long time Saturday looking online and decided because of our limited time that we would just order several of them on a credit card and then ship back the ones that do not work, having the refund applied back to the card.

The shoes came today and I'm having a hay-day trying them on!


These are the shoes that feel the best.  They are the Jambu brand name (which I'm learning to love!) and called a Diva Vegan Slingback Sandal.  These are a keeper!  I was worried about the little threading circles and whether or not it would be sturdy.  While wearing them, I have no sense that they are pulling hard on the threading circles.  I love the straps because I have a wide foot with a high instep that is difficult to fit.  The straps have hook and eye closures on both sides, so the straps can be adjusted to any length to feel comfortable.  Although the shoe does not come in wide, the straps make it work for me!

I read one drawback and that is that allowance of rocks and small things in near the toe area.  I can see this happening, but only time will tell.  Regardless, they will be perfect for entering stores and restaurants straight from the beach.

The bottoms have this cute flower patter in the arch area!  I should get a photo of that.

EDIT:  After wearing these for about four hours, I developed a pain on the little toe which had turned red.  Will continuing to wear them break in the shoe and take away this pain?


There were a great idea by New Balance, but too tight fitting.  They were the only water shoe that were available in a wide, but I've not had good fitting with any New Balance I have tried on.  It is a shame because it is a popular brand for those with foot problems.  I was not excited about them, but was willing to try anything that might fit.  These certainly would be the most protective of my foot with no open areas.  They have cool holes in them where the water drains out the soles.  These are expensive and going back.


These Teva Itunda outdoor closed sandals hurt at the base of my big toe when I walked, but I discovered later that the strap could be loosened.  I loosened it to the fullest and it did help with my high instep problem, but I am going to have to walk in them more to make a decision as to whether or not I want them.  I like them because they cover more of the foot to protect my feet from corral or other hard things in the ocean, but they are not very cute.

EDIT:  After a second try on with both shoes on this time, I realized that this pair felt tight, the part above my big toe still bothered me, plus I found the arch was not in the right place.  These are going back.


These Keen Women's Venice H2 Sandal rubbed at the arch, but I also discovered that the draw string could be loosened.  I loosened it as far as it could go and it did help.  I have to do the same as the above and walk around for a while in them to determine if I want to keep them.  I think I need to choose between the Teva and the Keen.  The Teva is more protective of the foot, but I'm more comfortable with the look of the Keen.  Which one will hurt the least?

EDIT:  After having put both shoes on and walked on them again, and after close examination, I realized that the part that hurt on the arch area was actually from a faulty rubber mold.  There was a raised area of rubber which I used nail clippers on and a nail file.  After that was removed, I've decided these do not hurt at all and are perfect! The shoes are tight as I have to use the provided loops to pull them over the heel and pull the tongue up, but yet they are comfortable at the same time.


These are the two that we go for hubby  The one on the left is the Men's New Balance water shoe which is the same as the woman's I tried.  However, hubby's feet are thin, so this may very well work for him.  The one on the right is a Teva Omnium closed toe sandal.  I cannot wait for him to get home to try them on!

EDIT:  Hubby liked both shoes.  He like the New Balance the best, but in the end, decided it was just another tennis shoe and he could wear an old tennis shoe in a creek, but he did not own any sandals.  Sandals are more "beachy" and more what he needs for this trip.

I Took Your Place

One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near and the driver got out and said, "I always park there! You took my place!"

The visitor went inside for Sunday school found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!"

The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday school the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit! You took my place!"

The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place".

What can you say but - "thank You Lord".

Author Unknown

Windows Thumbnail Problems and How to Fix Them

This video will share how to fix thumbnail problems on Windows computers.

Important Notice Regarding Digital Scrapbooking Classes

This is an important message to those currently enrolled (and those interested in enrolling in the future) in the digital scrapbooking classes at Hummie's World.

First, please know that I am taking a vacation (sort of) from HW and August classes will only be open for enrollment to those resigning up for a class which they were previously removed from (often people are busy and need a break and then sign up again when they are able to continue).

I am revamping the class structure to allow for more class opportunities.  I am going to be closing the variety challenge (therefore, it will no longer be available and if you already have the icon, you will be an elite member!).  Changes will become effective September 1.

Please see the new class structure here as well as class descriptions.  Registration for September classes is available here for paid subscribers.  FOR MORE INFORMATION and to ask questions, see this post on the homepage.

There will be eight main classes open at all times and three extras available each month.

CLASSES ALWAYS VISIBLE
AND OPEN ENROLLMENT EVERY 2 MONTHS

Classes begin:
every January, March, May, July, September, and November
Course 1
Filters
Templates
Photography

every February, April, June, August, October, December
Designer
The Fun Extras
Course 2
Elements

The above classes are either popular classes with downloads or contain video lessons, tutorials, and teach.  As always, these classes will be available and visible at all times for all paid subscribers, regardless whether you are currently enrolled in a class.  I do understand that some do not want to participate in a class and would rather lurk to learn.

CLASSES VISIBLE ONLY WHEN OPEN
AND OPEN ENROLLMENT TWICE A YEAR

every January and July
ABC Challenge
Font Challenge
Scrapping Goal

every March and September
Book of Me/About Me
Quote Challenge
Heritage

every May and November
Assorted Challenges
Speed Crop Chat
Prayer Journal

every February and August
Color Challenge
Journal Challenge
Themed Thursday

every April and October
Garden Challenge
Scraplift
Title Challenge

every June and December
Faithbooking
Recipe
Use It! Challenge


For the above classes without videos and teaching, I am going to be hiding the threads except for those months in which the class is active, as indicated above.

At the beginning of September, the new schedule will take place whereby the extra classes are only available two months a year for viewing and working on.  If you are currently enrolled in one of these classes, you will have until the end of August to work on the class and, thereafter, you will need to sign up to join the class during the month of its offering.  As always, you may pick up where you left off if you re-enroll in a class.

I will be spending time creating guides for the new classes which were never offered previously.   In doing so, new challenges will also become available.

If you did any challenges through the Variety Class, those entries will apply should you enroll in one of the new classes.

I feel Hummie's World has so much to offer that it is often overwhelming.  I am hoping that this will simplify things to make it more enjoyable, as well as to have more participation in classes when they are available.  It is more fun when we do things together!


I hope you will like this new set-up and enjoy even more opportunities to earn icons.

Today's Surprise

Hubby has a shirt he wears all the time from a beach on the south short of Kauai.  Today's surprise was his shirt with this note.  Too cute, huh?

I think I'll take him up on that "table for 2" offer!

Remember the Duck?

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.

As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."

Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, "Sweetheart, I know.

You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

Thought for the day and every day thereafter?

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done... And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating,debt, fear,bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness,
etc.)...whatever it is...You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness; He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.

Always remember: God is at the window!

When Jesus died on the cross; he was thinking of you!

Author Unknown

Today's Surprise

I was expecting a surprise today, but did not know what to expect.
Still yet, even though I was expecting it, I was taken by surprise when I reached my car.


I certainly did smile! I grabbed them all up and brought them to work where they sit now in a vase. We have plenty of these black-eyed susans in the yard right now (probably thousands), so I think it is okay for him to pick them!

What will tomorrow hold?

Christian One Liners

Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some people are kind, polite,and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Many folks want to serve God,but only as advisers.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and
the back of the church.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Quit griping about your church;if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

If the church wants a better pastor,it only needs to pray for the one it has.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Peace starts with a smile.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

We were called to be witnesses,not lawyers or judges.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God doesn't call the qualified,He qualifies the called.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God grades on the cross,not the curve.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

He who angers you, controls you!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!

*+*+! *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

We don't change the message, the message changes us.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The best mathematical equation
I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

Choosing PPI

This video will help you better understand what ppi is and how it relates to digital scrapbooking.

I created this tutorial a many years ago in the written format. You can find it here.  I have not recorded a video format.

I hope this helps you to understand ppi a little bit better.  This is a basic video for general understanding (what most people would wish to understand), but I am planning some more complicated mathematical videos for the upcoming photography class.



VIDEO ABOVE (if you are reading this in an RSS reader, you may need to click to view it on the blog)

Dangerous Websites - Guard your children

I found this article on our local television station website about http://omegle.com/

I couldn't help my curiosity, so I tried it out, without video.  This was my first conversation.

Here is how our conversation started.  punjab is apparently in sri lanka.

Of course, once again I was immediately confronted with sex conversation.
Our conversation did not go too far when I told him to rub his (soon-to-be) wife's feet and tell her he loved her.

Bottom line, these sites are out there and not just one and your children are finding them.  Be one up on them and protect them.

Barefoot Sandels

Aren't these just the cutest!

I think I need some of these for our trip to Hawaii, huh?

This video is for the shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ttgarden

She is selling them for $7.50, but I am wondering how difficult it would be to make with a quick run to Hobby Lobby.  I found this instruction.

Would it mess up my tan lines?

Today's Surprice . . . hubby is too creative!

If you have been following my blog posts this week (I hope you have!), you know that hubby has been leaving me a daily surprise at my car for each day as I leave for work.  (If you missed them, they are all under the "ramblings" label)


Today's surprise was so creative!  He made a grouping of the Hawaiian Islands with stickies and chocolate kisses!


Oh, well, he calls them volcanoes, not islands, but I think it is really a volcano symbol for an island!  Ah! 
See, he has even given me a geography lesson by naming the island.  Now, I will confess, I could not name them!




Above is a little short video to preserve the memory. Oh, what fun!

What will he do next? The anticipation is fun!

How many layouts have you made in 2011?

Click here to view written tutorial for XP users.



I created a thread in the forum here for you to share how many layouts you have made in 2011.  This is open to subscribers and non-paying members.

The video above shares with you how to search for files in Windows 7 and Windows Vista (as they are similar).  It will help you be able to count your layouts for 2011 only.

One Flaw in Women

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"

And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?

She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart -and she will do everything with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements.

"Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model?

That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."

But I won't," the Lord protested.

"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.

"But you have made her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"

"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride." The angel was impressed.

"You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing." And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Author Unknown

Today's Surprise

So, it's flowers for two days, then chocolate kisses, so what next?

For some reason, I wasn't expecting anything today, so I was taken aback once again when I saw my flippers and a beach towel with a note in my car.  The note says "Are we there yet?"  Ah!  He's just like a little kid!

I must confess though, that I have an ap on my iPhone set counting down the number of days to our vacation, to the second, and I do look at it every day!

Video Alert! Resizing for Galleries in six programs

Resizing photos for online galleries in Photoshop Elements, Photoshop, Batch processing in Bridge and Photoshop, Windows Live Photo Gallery, Picasa, and FastStone Image Viewer.

Twitter Round-up

This is a big one!  It's been a while since I've posted.

As always, happy clicking!

*****

Okay, Dawn and I talked, we are going to do an impromptu video chat on Google+ on Thursday evening -- so if you need an invite to G+, I need your email address. Only 10 people at a time can be in the room, but I can record a video of it-- I tested it. (July 12)

@WatchOnNetflix I'm not happy with my Netflix e-mail -- they are DOUBLING my cost! (July 12)

Hot? this "wine-o" is passing up her favorite drink for ice cream! (July 12)

There are 8 keys on my keyboard that type numbers instead of letters! What! Hoping a restart fixes it. (July 12)

It's so hot that I saw two trees fighting over a dog. : ) (July 12)


Everywhere you look there is sunshine and warmth. It’s like living in the french fry bin at McDonalds. (How hot is it for you?) (July 12)

@johndissauer More comfortable posting on G+ because I don't have to give real me information. More likely to post in response there. (July 12)

Facebook is too - I always delete everything. With G+, I don't have to cont. @johndissauer @HummieIsMe Google is in the biz of data mining. (July 12)

@SimplyKellyD I'm addicted to Google+ already; I'm ready to be done with Twitter (bad me!) (July 11)

I don't see how people take naps and then manage to get anything done afterwards (why I don't take naps, but am suffering now!) (July 10)

@DrGranma Thanks for the mention! (July 10)

@jessjgh1 Right now I see no integration with twitter/facebook and Google Plus; that's my one request -- auto posting to/from it. (July 10)

@JenniferCreekTN invite to Google Plus sent; if anyone else wants one, just shoot me your e-mail address. (July 10)

@jmmessex I can send out invites via e-mail for google plus -- but I won't drop Twitter totally, just see it happening in far future. (July 10)


Digiscrap Map on Photography #digiscrapmap #hummiesworld (July 10)

I'm wondering if Google+ will make people use Twitter less. My guess is that it will. I can already see me switching over. (July 10)

Lots of designers I recognize here at this new site. Are the kits downloadabe, or only for use in their software? Anyone want to share about this site with us? (July 10)

@JenniferCreekTN I'm very much "awake in my sleep" & opening a program to process videos/hoping I can go back to sleep to be awake for church. (July 10)
@JenniferCreekTN @SimplyKellyD lol So what do we do? Visit Twitter! Glad I'm not alone! (July 10th)

Why oh why am I awake at 4:30 a.m. -- tried to go back to sleep. (July 10th)

I'm broadcasting my live Stickam stream (July 9th)

Did you know that the Hawaiian word for Friday is Po'alima? #OGA (July 8)

I break for squirrels. Not that I intend to, but by reaction it seems to be happening daily. Are they getting stupider? (July 8)

I have self-diagnosed myself with "dinner preparation anxiety disorder" -- - - what is your anxiety disorder? (July 7)

Slow but steady wins the race!! Baby steps if progress are still that--progress!

Excellent video explaining the histogram (July 6)

I'm assuming there's a fly on this wall somewhere enjoying watching this TV--there's no human in the room! (July 5)

Is it nap time yet? (July 5)

“Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering.” Winnie the Pooh


For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. @oldguycomedy Romans 7 14 -25. This is what I am! (July 5)

Had a very busy and wonderful 11 days while Dawn was here, but now to get back to a regular routine and to get some things done. (July 5)

long day for hubby ...four hours on road to and back airport . . . before 10 hour work day ...what a trooper. (July 5)

*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆ ★ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆
╔╗╔╦══╦═╦═╦╗╔╗ ★ ★ ★
║╚╝║══║═║═║╚╝║ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆
║╔╗║╔╗║╔╣╔╩╗╔╝ ★ 4th of July ☆ 2011
╚╝╚╩╝╚╩╝╚╝═╚╝ ♥￥☆★☆★☆￥♥ ★☆
HAVE A HAPPY &; SAFE FOURTH OF JULY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

Let's play Words With Friends. My username is 'Hummie'. #GamesWithFriends (July 4)

This Photography Cheat Sheet is the best! (July 2)

Here's our July fun theme activity -- another book collection for you to contribute to! Read (July 1)

@digiscrapfun hi daughter! (June 30)

You put the whammie in us! (June 30)

Thanks! RT @aussiebearscrap I am having so much fun taking classes with @HummieIsMe! I am constantly being challenged to the maxx!! (June 29)

Yahoo now has a search feature for cell phone apps. cool! (June 29th)

@digiscrapfun So glad you are here to take care of me! Stupid foot of mine! (June 24th)

Some days are just meant to be gotten through -- and tomorrow will be another day. (June 22)

Dialated eyes are no fun. (June 20)

“@NBCNews: Domain names are about to get a lot more interesting. STORY (June 20)
  
WARNING!!! Facebook now automatically scans your brain through your monitor. To block: go to kitchen, get aluminum foil, and wrap it around your head Stay calm and breathe through your left nostril ONLY. This is a SERIOUS problem and has been confirmed by a friend's cousin's girlfriend's neighbor's son's baby's mama and her pet chihuahua. Copy and paste as your status to SAVE YOUR FRIENDS !!!


I am SO going to start doing this! Thanks @noellhyman Can I do video and share how? (June 15)


Learn the "Magic Tricks" of Photoshop's Layer Panel 

Cathy's Make a Page Monday posts are great for learning.

Tutorial – Maintaining Aspect Ratio while Resizing in PS/PSE

You can’t change people, but people change all the time.” (June 17)

-- me ...in this? Ha! (June 17)

@oldguycomedy Maybe I need an Hawaiian sarong for our 25th wedding anniversary trip? (June 17)

 @SimplyKellyD Oh man yes! It is a relief....and the crazy thing is that the database I waited days for was corrupt; created new one in mins (June 16)

@happytocreate @simplykellyD Yes, I've had great service and no down time for years; this is my first stress and don't know what to think. (June 16)

forums.nodaddy.com/index.php (June 16)

interesting (June 16)

Got a family reunion coming up? Free templates to print to collect information.

@oldguycomedy Dear, your tweets are cracking me up every time they hit my phone. (June 15)

Someone try this free filter and tell me if it's any good. #photoshop & #photoshopelements

I am busy making three new class award icons ..cannot install them, but at least have them made and ready to go. (June 15th)

RT @hollystarrmusic Jeremiah 32:27 - Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (June 14)

@SimplyKellyD I wonder if people are tired of me talking about how much I love twitter and digital scrapbooking? Wait, don't answer that! ;) (June 14)

God, quit testing me so much; I can't handle any more -- I know you think I can, but I can't. (June 14)

Michaels soon to open up online scrapbooking software. Click on red membership options button to see designers

A Father’s Day Gift That Measures Up! Cute hybrid box for measuring tape

Hybrid game night booklet

Hybrid birthday cake #digiscrap tutorial

Create a Custom Waterproof Book Cover

paint mugs for gift with porcelaine paint markers

Bow tutorial -- I sure could use some time on this page to tie them pretty.

hybrid tutorial -- sweet candy individually wrapped in paper to spell words

The way to make money on Facebook is to go into settings, delete your account, and get back to work. (June 13)

Hybrid Tutorial: Sweet Father’s Day Gift

Tool belt card for Dad

Hybrid summer photo cube by Kate Hadfield

Hybrid Photo Frame Idea for Dad

Fast and Easy Hybrid Gift for Dad: Love Ya booklet

“Reality is the leading cause of stress among those in touch with it.” LilyTomlin (June 13)

Shape files in PSD for PSE users I wish all digi designers would offer shape files in .psd. Can we start a new trend? I also want layer styles this way too...as per previous video.

Use Paint Chips Make Business Card Holder

using envelopes in minibooks. Cute book!

Check this video out -- 5 Minute DIY: Chalkboard Photo Frames

RT @mshanhun Ok - you need to load that brush set to make it stick for next time you open PS

500 internal server error again. Sigh. What to do now. (June 11)

Ah, my cow photo worked! The website is back up! (June 11)

The site finally went all the way down, so this is actually good news! They found the internal error and are working to fix it now. The intermittent downs made it hard to detect before. Hopefully we will be up for good sometime today. (June 11)

Convert solid digital images into outlines
Altered CD Case Mini/Photo Display- awesome hybrid

How to make a scarf {Craft Camp}

Love bird wreath~Darkroom Door...I love the of it hanging from an outdoor chair.

Love the way they put together stuff to inspire a color palette for designing.

Tutorial: Heritage Scrapbooking: In honor of Memorial Day

A teacher gift -- make a hybrid flower stick.

http://www.google.com/ Oh cool ..check out google guitar! By request, they are leaving it up one more day./ http://goo.gl/doodle/z31b6 my google guitar recording. uh, yeah, I"m a musician!/ http://goo.gl/doodle/EysF8 Made another one, couldn't resist!

I remember this day VERY well! I wondered what the date was. 25 years ago..wow... I'm old. (Flood of 1986)

Check out Dare's seashell hybrid mini album

@digiscrapfun You should invest in that bubble wrap -- might save you some pain. Remember, smile through all the troubles!

@scribler There's a facebook racial recognition? Haven't seen it, but that would bother me too.

It's always good to see a new baby; it's always good to get home too; downloading pics now. (June 9)

Headed to The Lou to see the newbie baby! (June 9)

RT @BookofMe RT @EllaPublishing: New post: Your Life in Lists

I found this free tool very useful in removing exif information on photos

Oh where oh where is my sidekick when I need company to do a task I have to MAKE myself do. (June 8)

Michelle made my day by putting my words on her desktop! (Her credits: Hummie's quote using cont..)

The current hybrid fad seems to be flowers!

Extractions made simple tutorial (Photoshop)

Take the shackles off- I just want to praise you through my circumstance! - Mary Mary-Shackles (Praise You) (June 6)

Good morning world! Have you taken time to back up your computer? It's on my to-do list today; why not do it together? (June 6)

RT @ckscrappers #digiscrap #hybrid CKS Coffee News: Issue 21

Obsidian Dawn has out some new painted foliage brushes

Check this video out -- PSE9 | Uploading and Using Brushes

I love this! @digivickie

Spending time with my friends while I work on these wedding photos-- I never have time when I don't work. (June 4)

I feel a need to forget sleeping a go nose to nose with a cow and a camera. (June 4)

Why oh why am I awake so early when I hardly slept! (June 4)

Getting excited about a girlfriend's weekend!! (June 2)

digi-drama (but necessary)

RT @Missourinet Joplin: Survivors tell their stories http://goo.gl/fb/ZWmBH

@MacklerMedia They told me the same story; so sad to think the city supports casino buying them out to make camping ground.

@MacklerMedia Watch Flood 2011 - #CapeGirardeau 's Red Star District on @Vimeo http://bit.ly/lsZ61k

first day of meteorological summer -- maybe the floods and tornadoes will stop now. (June 1)

Look at the cool hybrid candle Barbara made!

Making a hybrid project -reading own instructions to remember!

YouTube teen celeb confirmed dead at Joplin

Editing images in Camara Raw in Photoshop Elements

It's back to work Tuesday! (oh wait I worked all weekend at home too -- sigh) Have a great day everyone! (May 31)

Have you ever noticed that when you run into a spiderweb you instantly turn into a Ninja?

Okay, I must be living under a rock, but why do I see all this hype about the world may end today, May 21, 2011? Enlighten me please.  http://religion.blogs.cnn.​com/2011/05/18/tick-tock-g​oes-the-doomsday-clock/

WARNING, PLEASE READ - I don't usually re-post these but... If someone comes to your front door, and asks you to remove your clothes, and dance in your front yard with your arms in the air.. DO NOT do this, it is a scam!! They just want to see you naked. Please copy and post this to your status -- I wish I had received this yesterday.... I feel so stupid now.. :0) (May 20)

If you stop to think, don't forget to start again. Otherwise you'll never get anything done. (May 16)

INSTALLING SPRING...
███████████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░​░░ 44% DONE.
Install delayed..please wait.
Installation failed. Please try again. 404 error: Season not found. Season "Spring" cannot be located. The season you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable in your area. Please try again. (April 20)