May 14th: Whimsical Fashion Fun

 

There isn't a linky, and there aren't any rules.

Take a look at the gown and tell us which purse she should carry.

It's all for fun, and just a whimsical thing!

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

--------------------------------------------

I think this dress is beautiful.  Maybe she is the mother of the bride?  Maybe she is a bride herself?  Or just dressed up for a black tie event?  

Look at the purses, count down 1-2-3, and tell us which one she should carry for her evening out.  It's all for fun, and just a whimsical thing!!

My thoughts:  I think I could pull this one off, even now.  I'm sure it's out of my price range, but it's fun to play dress-up!  As for the purses, none are big enough for all the stuff I think I need, but I'll choose #3, since it is only for dress up!!  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One;

Give thanks, because He’s given

Jesus Christ, His Son.

(Verse 1, Give Thanks, Henry Smith 1978)

May 13th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge

 Thanks to our hostess, Joyce, for today's fun!  Click HERE to be a Hodgepodger!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 653

1. What's one piece of advice you would give to a recent or soon-to-be graduate?  Do what you love, and love what you do, but keep your people in your life, always.  Make time for the people in your life because life is precious, and it goes by fast.   

2. May 15th marks the birth date of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. At this point in time, are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.  I can always use more wisdom.  No real explanation, but there is always something new to learn.

3.  "There's no place like home" is an oft-repeated line from Baum's book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?  LOL... when I was stuck in O'Hare Airport and wondered if I would ever get home from there (but, I did!!).  That was last July.

4. May is National BBQ Month...do you own a grill? Yes. Who does the grilling at your house?  No one does the grilling at my house unless I have guests who want to do the honors. What's your favorite thing to throw on the grill?   I'm not sure I know how to make it work.  Hot dogs taste best when they are grilled. What's the last thing you grilled? I don't remember the last thing that was cooked on my grill.  I think Jim (Elaine & Jim) grilled for us three years ago, or so, when they were here visiting.  Grilling was Joe's thing.

5. What's a memory you replay in your head when you need a little joy?  I have so many wonderful memories that continue to warm my heart. Most of them include Joe and the boys, but I have great friends and family memories that also bring me joy.  I am blessed beyond measure!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I am writing this Tuesday night, and it is RAINING!!  We've had rain falling for about 45 minutes.  I sure hope it continues through the night (but not according to the radar).  

Peace and Hugs!

“A heart is not judged by how much you love, 

but by how much you are loved by others.”
― L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

May 12th: The Tuesday 4

 Thanks to Annie for today's fun!  You can join in by clicking HERE!

Those Little Annoyances

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4!

Life can be tough.  Especially when dealing with traffic, government, or just people!

1. What pet peeves bother you the most?  Probably first on my list is people who are late.  Please apologize in advance and be forgiven, but don't hold everyone else hostage while we wait for you.

2. Do you air your grievances or keep things to yourself?  It depends on who it is, but my face speaks volumes, I'm afraid!! 

3. What government ordinances, city requirements, mandates, or just plain red tape annoy you?  I don't hide the fact that I am a conservative.  Smaller government, less intrusion, stick to the constitution, etc., etc.  I don't know that I get annoyed (exasperated is a better word, perhaps), but I do vote!!

4. When the annoyances of life gang up on you, do you take it to the Lord in prayer?  Yes.  What else helps you gain your equilibrium...music, a movie, a treat?  Faith!  How do you deal with it?  I think this is answered above.  

Peace and Hugs!

Matthew 21:22: "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."

Mark 11:24: "Therefore I tell you,  whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

 

May 11th: Monday Musings

 

Oh my goodness, friends!  I have had such a great week/weekend and am so excited to record these photos and blessings that go with them!

First, though, I have to write about my husband, Joe.  Today would have been our 41st wedding anniversary.  He died from covid in February 2021.  Going to Mayfaire is always bittersweet for me because I always had to work the art festival while I worked at the museum (20 years!).  Joe volunteered to drive the golf cart trolleys.  We always picked a piece of art for our anniversary gift, and he always got me some jewelry at Mayfaire.  Great memories!  He also always took me for Chinese food after closing on Sunday for Mother's Day.  I hold all those memories in my heart, and they bring me joy.  That said, let's get on with fun new memories made this week!!

I already posted about my day of Cricut lessons with my niece, Jackie, and my first project. 

 On Friday morning, Jackie and I went on an airboat ride!  She had never been on one before, so it was extra fun for me!  It was hot, so we didn't get to see many gators, but there were lots of birds, bison, and cows grazing in the water!

  Eagle in the tree...

Gator under water...

Our tour guide told us the cows are too big for the gators to bother with.

Later, Jackie treated me to a Cajun dinner at Harry's in downtown Lakeland.

On Saturday, we went to the Mayfaire by-the-Lake Art Festival!!  Susan and Sandy (neighbors) went with us, and we all had a great time!

Jackie, Sandy, Susan, me (and one of Lakeland's swan sculptures)

I saw this dog painting and immediately thought of blogging 

friend Joyce's 'little brown dog'!!

The artist list for this year...

Jackie had to leave for the airport and home after we were at Mayfaire.  Sure hated to see her go, but what a great time we had!!

On Sunday, dear friends (and son Jeff's girlfriend's parents) came down to go to Mayfaire!  I've been asking them to come for a few years.  Stuart is an avid photographer.  If you are interested, you can see his photos on his Instagram site.  I didn't take a lot of photos since many would look like Saturday's photos.

Maureen and Stuart...

Maureen has some health issues that make it hard to walk for long, 
so we rode the shuttle a few times.

When we headed away from Mayfaire, they wanted to get some lunch, so we went to the Chinese restaurant where Joe always took me on Sunday after Mayfaire.  We all enjoyed our meals, and I brought half of mine home to enjoy today.  It was so nice of them to treat me to lunch!  I had such a good time visiting with them.  I had a 'happy Mother's Day' text from Kali, and she said they really enjoyed their time here and at Mayfaire.

It's been a beautiful week with so many blessings!!  Thanks for getting this far!  Your comments are blessings as well!!

    

Peace and Hugs!

At the cross, at the cross

Where I first saw the light,

And the burden of my heart rolled away,

It was there by faith I received my sight,

And now I am happy all the day!

(Chorus, At The Cross, Isaac Watts and Ralph E. Hudson)

May 9th: The Saturday 9

 Thanks to Crazy Sam, The Gal Herself, for today's questions!  

Like My Mother Does

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post
9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so to speak. We encourage you to visit other participants' posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: Like My Mother Does (2011)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Lauren Alaina tells us she knows she's beautiful and strong because she sees herself as her mother does. Who in your life consistently sees the best in you?  My mom, first of course.  Then Joe.  Miss them both!!

 

2) She sings that her mother is her "rock." In this context, what do you think that means?  The person who is always there for support, trust, and respect.

 

3) When Lauren performed this song in concert, she brought her mother, Kristy, up on stage and held her hand as she sang. Kristy said she was touched, but also embarrassed because her daughter was the entertainer, not her. Do you get shy when all eyes turn to you?  I do not like being in the spotlight or even the lowlights.

 

4) Lauren began reading in pre-school and always read well above grade level. As a child, were you a big reader? Are you a big reader today?  I was a big reader all through elementary school and always got my "Readers' Circle" stars.  I've been an avid reader all my life, until the last couple of years.  I've lost my reader's mojo.  I need to get it back!

   

5) According to the National Restaurant Association, we like to eat out on Mother's Day, and brunch is especially popular. If you could have whatever you want for brunch, what would you order?  Eggs Benedict with crispy hash browns, orange juice, dark roasted coffee... Unless it's a buffet, at which I would hope to see shrimp, bacon, and maybe some pasta!!  LOL

6) Mother's Day is the third biggest card-sending holiday in the US, just after Christmas and Valentine's Day. Who received the last card you purchased?  A birthday card for my neighbor.

 

7) While flowers are the most popular Mother's Day gift, jewelry comes in second. Are you wearing any jewelry as you answer these questions? If yes, did you receive it as a gift or buy it yourself?  I am, and I bought them for myself.

 

8) According to the National Retail Federation, more and more of us are celebrating our mothers by taking her to a paint and sip event, a pottery class, or candle or soap making. Which of those four options do you think you'd enjoy the most?  My mom and I enjoyed a paint event (years ago), so I would choose that again.

9) While there's a spike in phone traffic on Mother's Day, these days it seems the trend is texting. On holidays, do you receive more calls or texts?  Probably texts.

Peace and Hugs!!

[Proverbs 31:25-28] (NIV): "Her children arise and call her blessed..."

May 8th: Friday Focus

 

I've had such a great week!!  I posted a few photos on Wednesday, documenting the visit I had from blogging friend, Barb, and her hubby, Gary!  I had such a good time with them!!  If you missed my post on Wednesday, here are a couple of the photos...

My great-niece, Jackie, arrived on Wednesday!  It's so great having her here, and we did some work on the Cricut yesterday.  My first project is completed!!

My favorite Psalm!!  To hang in the guest room!

Last night, we went out with the Mas Verde group.  Dinner was at Beef O'Brady's and was good!  Jackie got to meet a few of my friends, and they got to meet her!

Today, we are off to Lake Kissimmee for an airboat ride! We are going to the Mayfaire art festival on Saturday, before Jackie has to head home.  Susan and Sandy (my neighbors) are going with us!  

I will go to Mayfaire again on Sunday!  My son's partner, Kali's parents are driving down from Clermont to attend Mayfaire with me!  I've been inviting them every year and am so happy they are coming this year!  Kali's dad is a very accomplished photographer.  Click here to see his photos.  I hope they all enjoy Mayfaire!  I always do (especially now that I don't have to work the event!)!

Peace and Hugs!

"Creativity takes courage." — Henri Matisse

May 7th: Whimsical Fashion Fun

 

There isn't a linky, and there aren't any rules.

Check out the dress and then tell us which shoes you like best.

It's all for fun and just a whimsical thing!

Photos are from The Storybook of Dreams and Beauty.

I think she was at a Kentucky Derby after-party.  Which shoes did she have on with her dress?  Count down 1-2-3 and let us know what you think!

My thoughts:  This isn't a dress I would choose to wear, but I do like it, and she looks cute in it.  As for the shoes, I think I'll go with #2 this week.  I like the blue accents that seem to match the dress.  What are your thoughts?

Peace and Hugs!

Praise, praise the Father,

Praise the Son,

And praise the Spirit,

Three in One!

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

May 6th: The Wednesday Hodgepodge

 Thanks to Joyce for today's Hodgepodge of questions!  You can be a Hodgepodger HERE!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 652

1. What's something you may do this month?  March, April, and May have been full of family and friends.  I may begin to feel lonely real soon!  Who wants to visit next?

2. Hola! Hodgepodge Day lands just after Cinco de Mayo... how do you feel about Mexican food? I love Mexican food!  What's your favorite dish?  I order a taco salad most often, but (please don't judge me) I LOVE Taco Bell's Taco Supremes.  Do you make it at home, or is it a strictly dine-out option?  I make pretty good fajitas and also chicken enchiladas (if I do say so myself).

3. When the children of today grow up, what do you think they'll say about this time period?  The same stuff we say about our parents' time period.  LOL  What do you most hope they remember?  The good stuff.  Only the good stuff.

4. What advice would you give a new mother?  All they need is love.

5. What's a phrase your mother often said to you? The best advice my mom gave me was to "know when to leave the party".  It can be applied to lots of things other than a 'party'.  If you're a mom, do you say it to your own children?  My boys were 16 and 20 when I became their step-mom.  Jeff tells me that teaching him to do laundry was the best thing I taught him.  He was 16.  I'm not putting Joey's advice in writing, but he listened to me!  :)  I don't think I ever told them the party quote.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  I had such a great day yesterday, with Barb and Gary here visiting!!  We didn't have nearly enough time, but we used what we had well.  Here are a few photos from our day!!  We fed the birds on Lake Morton (Barb's request), we visited the art museum, and we had lunch at Metro Diner.  We shared pictures back and forth, so you may see some of these on Barb's blog,  Journal Memories!

The Museum's Shop is a must-see.  

We both spent some money.

Barb and I had the eggs Benedict, San Francisco style...

Peace and Hugs!

Would You bless our homes and families,

Source of life who calls us here;

In our world of stress and tension,

Teach us love that conquers fear.

Help us learn to love each other

With a love that constant stays;

Teach us when we face our troubles,

Love's expressed in many ways.

(A hymn written by Walter H. Farquharson in 1974)