A Haven for Vee

Friday, August 31, 2012

My Thoughts on the Tampa Convention

I remember watching the 1968 Democrat Convention. Say! That was exciting. Fighting in the streets and burly policemen with billy clubs. I'm not sure what was really going on except for good old-fashioned politics and Chicago thuggery. I do know that it had been a horrific year with both Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy being assassinated within a short time of each other. It was a time of unrest and protests in the streets. Even worse times than these and, quite frankly, these are some of the worst times I've lived through. Still I feel a little better and brighter this morning.

Conventions have all been less exciting since, but this convention is one of the tamest I've seen, despite what I'm reading in the news and online about the president being beaten up.

So no one can say that I didn't tell you who I am, I am a Conservative and an Evangelical Christian, but not in that order. I bring this up in light of Rick Santorum's speech on Wednesday evening when he said: "The only Evangelical Christian running this year is Barack Obama." Yes, well, hmmmm. It may be that I am a size four Super Model, too. The point that Mr. Santorum was making is that Mitt Romney's faith should not have anything to do with his running for office. I would agree with that. The only time I'd disagree is if a radical muslim were running for office or a nazi or a skinhead or a ku klux klan member or a terrorist or...

My first impression of the Convention then is the tameness of it. Tame.

The second impression is the fact that the Republican women who have spoken are amazing. They're bright, articulate, and passionate. I had never heard Nikki Haley speak nor Mia Love.

~Mia Love~

Mia said this: President Obama’s version of America is a divided one, often pitting us against each other based on our income level, gender, and social status. His policies have failed us. We're not better off than we were four years ago and no rhetoric, bumper sticker or Hollywood campaign ad can change that.

I nearly stood up and cheered in my own living room. This resonates strongly with me. With so many people unemployed, losing their homes, and struggling with the high cost of living, I know that I am not alone.

Condoleeza Rice was very clear with these words: The world knows that when a nation loses control of its finances, it eventually loses control of its destiny.

When talking with a friend a few days ago, we decided that if everyone had children and grandchildren they would not be so willing to pass along 17 trillion dollars in debt to them. We would all have the courage to fix it now in our own generation. We would do the right thing.

I enjoyed hearing Paul Ryan's speech last night before last. I don't know all that much about him, though I like what I am seeing and hearing so far. I liked the respect and love he has for his mother; I liked his talking about caring for his grandmother with Alzheimer's. I especially liked these parts of his speech:

It all started off with stirring speeches, Greek columns, the thrill of something new. Now all that’s left is a presidency adrift, surviving on slogans that already seem tired, grasping at a moment that has already passed, like a ship trying to sail on yesterday’s wind.

College graduates should not have to live out their 20s in their childhood bedrooms, staring up at fading Obama posters and wondering when they can move out and get going with life. Everyone who feels stuck in the Obama economy is right to focus on the here and now. And I hope you understand this too, if you’re feeling left out or passed by: You have not failed, your leaders have failed you. 

My favorite speaker of all was Artur Davis on Tuesday evening who gave a wonderful speech, well crafted and beautifully delivered. You can find his speech in its entirety at You Tube if you'd like to hear it for the first time or listen again. Mr. Davis voted for the president in 2008. This is what he said in part:

Now, America is a land of second chances, and I gather you have room for the estimated 6 million of us who know we got it wrong in 2008 and who want to fix it.

Maybe we should have known that night in Denver that things that begin with plywood Greek columns and artificial smoke typically don't end well.
Maybe the Hollywood stars and the glamour blinded us a little: you thought it was the glare, some of us thought it was a halo.

He ended with these words:

Ladies and gentlemen, there are Americans who are listening to this speech tonight who haven't always been with you, and I want you to let me talk -- just to them - for a moment.

I know how loaded up our politics is with anger and animosity, but I have to believe we can still make a case over the raised voices.

There are Americans who voted for the president, but who are searching right now, because they know that their votes didn't build the country they wanted.
To those Democrats and independents whose minds are open to argument: listen closely to the Democratic Party that will gather in Charlotte and ask yourself if you ever hear your voice in the clamor.

Ask yourself if these Democrats still speak for you.

When they say we have a duty to grow government even when we can't afford it, does it sound like compassion to you -- or recklessness?

When you hear the party that glorified Occupy Wall Street blast success; when you hear them minimize the genius of the men and women who make jobs out of nothing, is that what you teach your children about work?

When they tell you America is this unequal place where the powerful trample on the powerless, does that sound like the country your children or your spouse risked their lives for in Iraq or Afghanistan?

Do you even recognize the America they are talking about? And what can we say about a house that doesn't honor the pictures on its walls?

John F. Kennedy asked us what we could do for America. This Democratic Party asks what can government give you. Don't worry about paying the bill, it's on your kids and grandkids.

Bill Clinton took on his base and made welfare a thing you had to work for; this current crowd guts the welfare work requirement in the dead of night.

Bill Clinton, Jack Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson reached out across the aisle and said meet me in the middle; but their party rammed through a healthcare bill that took over one-sixth of our economy, without accepting a single Republican idea, without winning a single vote in either house from a party whose constituents make up about 50 percent of the country.

You know, the Democrats used to have a night when they presented a film of their presidential legends: if they do it in Charlotte, the theme song should be this year's hit, "Somebody That I Used to Know."

My fellow Americans, when great athletes falter, their coaches sometimes whisper to them "remember who you are." It's a call to their greatness at a moment when their bodies and spirit are too sapped to remember their strength.

This sweet, blessed, God-inspired place called America is a champion that has absorbed some blows.

But while we bend, we don't break.

This is no dark hour; this is the dawn before we remember who we are.


***

As for last night's speeches... As stated, I am feeling brighter and better this morning. Mr. Romney was not my first choice. I didn't feel as if I knew much about him. After his wife's speech, I knew that she loved him and that's always good and I knew that they had worked hard to get where they are today and, yes, success is a good thing.

I have been dismayed beyond words by the current president's attack on business and successful men and women. This leveling of the playing field baloney that has been going on has been an all out assault on the American way of life. We all deserve an opportunity, but what we do with our opportunity is entirely up to the individual. The good thing is that there are second chances. I hope so as many of us must start building from the ground up again after this past four years.

The "speech" by Clint Eastwood was comical and left some wondering. We laughed and appreciated it for what it was: A Little Chat with An Empty Chair An Empty Suit. When his voice cracked for the 23 million unemployed Americans, I understood his being there very well.

Marco Arubio [Hahahahahahaha...that would be Rubio] would have been my choice for vice-president so it goes without saying that I so appreciated his speech, his comedic timing, and his love of this country. (ETA in 2019: I hope that this guy never gets anywhere near the White House.)

The third impression is this...LOVE of this country, its values and ideals, and LOVE for its people. I see that in the Romney/Ryan team.


It’s the genius of the American free enterprise system – to harness the extraordinary creativity and talent and industry of the American people with a system that is dedicated to creating tomorrow’s prosperity rather than trying to redistribute today’s.

That is why every president since the Great Depression who came before the American people asking for a second term could look back at the last four years and say with satisfaction: “you are better off today than you were four years ago.”

Except Jimmy Carter. And except this president.

This president can ask us to be patient.

This president can tell us it was someone else’s fault.

This president can tell us that the next four years he’ll get it right.

But this president cannot tell us that YOU are better off today than when he took office.


To the majority of Americans who now believe that the future will not be better than the past, I can guarantee you this: if Barack Obama is re-elected, you will be right.

and finally...


Everywhere I go in America, there are monuments that list those who have given their lives for America. There is no mention of their race, their party affiliation, or what they did for a living. They lived and died under a single flag, fighting for a single purpose. They pledged allegiance to the UNITED States of America.

That America, that united America, can unleash an economy that will put Americans back to work, that will once again lead the world with innovation and productivity, and that will restore every father and mother’s confidence that their children’s future is brighter even than the past.

That America, that united America, will preserve a military that is so strong, no nation would ever dare to test it.

That America, that united America, will uphold the constellation of rights that were endowed by our Creator, and codified in our Constitution.

That united America will care for the poor and the sick, will honor and respect the elderly, and will give a helping hand to those in need.

That America is the best within each of us. That America we want for our children.
UIf I am elected President of these United States, I will work with all my energy and soul to restore that America, to lift our eyes to a better future. That future is our destiny. That future is out there. It is waiting for us. Our children deserve it, our nation depends upon it, the peace and freedom of the world require it. And with your help we will deliver it. Let us begin that future together tonight.


~Mitt Romney


I have been back and forth on whether comments would be open today. I've concluded that having no comments takes everyone off the hook. If you'd like to comment on anything here, feel free to email. You know where I am!

*****

ETA on January 1, 2019... though I wish that we could have avoided a second term for President 0bama, I am profoundly grateful that Mitt Romney never became president and that Paul Ryan did not become vice-president. IMHO, they are men of low character, very low character. My opinions have changed so much since 2012. I want nothing to do with them and the many other RINOs who hold office. And I am sorry that I ever wrote this post in support of them.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Restraint


This is a piece I love to play myself; however, my restraint is not as fine as it should be. My playing is more intense rather than playing it as written — lightly, gently. My inability to play it properly even with this very good example annoys me, but I'll keep practicing. 

~the last mallow blossom and the long shadows of four in the afternoon~

Down here in the hollow/holler, it can seem much later in the day than it really is. It takes an act of the will not to make supper at four and be done with it.

On the other hand, I am lately being tricked into believing that it is much earlier in the day. The sun is up later and so I am waking later and rising later. The days of being up and at'em at six a.m. are probably a thing of the past for a few months.

***

We are right on time, however, for the political season here in the United States. The Republican convention is now and the Democrat convention is next week. I have listened to the speeches for the past two days and will listen again tonight. I've taken notes. Yes, I'm one of those types.

Tomorrow, for the first time in a long time, I will be writing about my perceptions and sharing some of the quotes I've gathered using them on the front page of this blog. I hope to use restraint and to be able to communicate in a way that is comfortable to read. If I don't, I expect that my stats will show me. A promise is a promise, though. I told you way back that, if I ever discussed politics again on the front page, my readers would get a fair warning. When you see tomorrow's post pop up, you can decide for yourself if you'll be here. It's really all about allowing myself a voice. I have been so very, very restrained.

And on that note, a pleasant Thursday to you...



Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Molasses and Other Gifts from New Brunswick


Oh dear, I have no patience for selecting music that complements a post. None. I am floating along like a downy feather on the breeze here. All I can say is that this particular selection can cause me to shed a tear. Sometimes there is no rhyme nor reason why seemingly unrelated elements have connections for me. Would it help to know that it brings back memories of my grandfather playing his violin into the night long after my sister and I had been sent to bed? Or that I've been thinking of my grandfather because my son and daughter-in-law made a flying trip to New Brunswick, Canada last weekend? Nah. I didn't think so. ☺

~The View from the Cottage taken by the travelers~

They went to the lake to check on things and button up against winter. My son asked if there was anything he could pick up for me while in New Brunswick. Oh good man! I remembered Crosby's molasses and he remembered Coffee Crisps. 



I shall have molasses for years to come...all the better to make that sweet brown bread I told you about last spring winter. Alas, the Coffee Crisps are no more.

***

Sam was joining me at the picnic table with his dish of ice cream saying as he arrived, "...and a yellow leaf fell down..." It makes me grin that he notices life's little gifts. Later he would show me that he can tie his shoes. Yes, his father very successfully taught him to tie his shoes following an eight-step plan. What? An eight-step plan?! Whatever happened to the little bunny with two little ears? 

Anyway, here's my contribution to autumn whimsy...

~azalea leaves wearing jewel tones~

Now don't look at that dust... 

A lovely Wednesday to you!



Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Concerning Music

~Another sort of Red, White, and Blue~

I'm trying something new today. I have missed music here. These days, most bloggers don't have music. All those dear playlists I loved are a thing of the past. One must use Mix Pod or perhaps Grooveshark. (My Grooveshark Christmas playlist is still out there somewhere.) Many of the selections on Mix Pod are listed from You Tube anyway so I've rather enjoyed Susan Branch's way of doing things.

The problem is that my links open one on top of the other ordinarily. If you follow a link I provide, you can not read my blog and listen at the same time. It would be one or the other. That is, until my dear and patient blogging buddy Donna told me what to do: When you create a link, just make sure to click on the "open in new window" option in the menu. Now, we'll see if it works. (It doesn't work in the sidebar, but it may work here.)


The joy of this method is that you don't have to listen if you don't wish to listen.

My day will be spent pretty close to the television set. I want to watch a lot of what is happening in Tampa. We are praying for those in Isaac's path and asking that he just fizzles out. I'm sure that we all are! Take care out there...

Monday, August 27, 2012

A New Graduate in the Family


On Friday last, Jake graduated with his friends. One will enter kindergarten with him in a few short days. I loved all the bright colors — these children look like flowers in a garden.


The children had practiced climbing a little bridge where they stopped to allow photos to be taken and to take their moment to shine. Jake's shining!


Have you ever seen a grad be so delighted with his diploma?

His parents and big brother are proud, his grandparents are proud, his aunties, too!

Onward and upward...



Edited to Add: The final two photos are courtesy of Jake's mom who took the far better photos that day!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Around the House~Mosaic Monday


Twenty-five pictures taken around the house today...


Weeded down to 20...


thirteen...


ten...


six...


three...


two


and a different two

What is your eye drawn to? Many photos or fewer photos? Do you have an exact number that you prefer or do you best tolerate between five and ten? I'm really hoping that you can help me with this. Thank you!

Joining Mary at Little Red House


Hard Work


Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage... ~Joshua 10:25


Be strong!
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do, and loads to lift.
Shun not the struggle; face it.
It's God's gift.

Be strong!
Say not the days are evil — Who's to blame?
Or fold your hands, as in defeat — O shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely,
In God's name.

Be strong!
It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long,
Faint not, fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song.
~Maltie D. Babcock

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Jam Jar


~Spearmint, Zinnias, and Rosemary~

A sweet weekend to you...

Friday, August 24, 2012

Pan Wonder

Thanks for my title today, BJ.

First things first...

~Climbing Brown Eyed Susan~

Now I am not the most observant person in the world. It has taken me until this week to notice how my climbing brown-eyed susans blossom out from a little pod just as you see above. Fascinating really. I haven't been sitting out much in all this humidity and so it's been lost on me.

A lot of you, on the other hand, are very observant. I heard yelps throughout yesterday's comments from gals wondering what was going on with the pan smack dab in the middle of my mosaic. And I even heard from Cheryl who wondered if that was the first mosaic I had used because she did not remember seeing a pan the first time she visited (before she went to the beach) and was now seeing it on the second visit (after the beach). She was probably wondering if the sun, sand, and surf had scrambled something. No, Cheryl, the only one scrambled here is I.

It is a long and involved story and I do not plan to spare you the details. Besides, one of you is responsible for the state of that pan!

1. No, it was not the first mosaic I used.

2. The pan was out in the yard because I didn't want it stinking up the kitchen any longer. It had been out there for two days, perhaps three.

3. While I was visiting a blog and deep in a very good post, I burned the rhubarb I was stewing.

4. Both kids tried to tell me.

~Mama, Something's Burning~

I'll say! The entire house filled up with smoke. John, up on the roof, thought I was roasting marshmallows. Hahahhahahahahaha...

5. This is what it looked like.


~Who else would show you her charred pan?~

I'm still working on cleaning it up.

6. I took the pan's photo yesterday morning because I was just experimenting with light. It was on the path right between the garage and the deck and safe from prying eyes. Very convenient.

7. I created a new mosaic when I realized that I had placed two identical pictures side by side on the first one. That simply couldn't stand. Though you may find this hard to believe, I do have my photo/mosaic standards.

8. The pan found its way into the second mosaic when I ran out of pictures and needed something to fill in. I really thought it would just blend in and go away. Yes, really.

So to all of you who noticed the pot, give yourself a pat on the back. Very well done!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Italians for Lunch


It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?"
~Winnie the Pooh/A.A. Milne 


Even better is a suggestion that includes Italians for lunch. Yesterday, we had these...



Italians are a native-to-Maine sandwich. Some of you are nodding your heads and thinking "hoagie" or "poor boy," and, yes, they are similar; however, these sandwiches are distinctive because of the rolls that are used to make them and the lack of mayonnaise and/or mustard. Come to Maine. Have an Italian! You'll see.

Originally, Italians were made so that the shipbuilders in Portland could have a quick, easy, nutritious lunch. In case you're interested in sandwich history, you can read more about it here.

Otherwise, all you need to know is that one should substitute one's own homegrown ripe tomatoes, toss the cardboard ones, and pour oneself a glass of chocolate milk. It is considered the perfect accompaniment.


Oh, John so must replace those cardboard tomatoes...

***

Just popping this mosaic in at the last possible moment to document early morning light (6:30), tree color, and troubles with the new camera. I do hate to have the neighbors worrying about me; they already can't imagine what I'm doing taking so many photos of the place.

~Leaves and Light~

Have a yummy day!




Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Happiness Shared

 ~Happiness Shared is Happiness Remembered~


The simplest things keep children happy like collecting the best acorns and creating a family with them. A papa acorn, mama acorn, two brothers acorns, and after a bit, even a wee little cousin acorn. Sam was inspecting for worms and imperfections. There were so many acorns on the lawn that he didn't want to settle for any old one.


Late afternoon on a grand day always finds us with the youngest grand as well. (We pick him up at school.) We go out for a dish of ice cream and a roll down the hill. We listen to stories such as the one you'll hear in the video.


Perhaps there's a bit of anxiety on the part of the about-to-be new kindergartner. He's done so well and come so far in the time he has been at school (year around for the past two years). We're all very proud of him and I am praying that he will learn just how to keep his hands in his own space and "off his friends."

Did you see the tree beginning to turn? Last year, the season was late. I'm thinking this year, it'll be early. Any such signs in your corner?

***

Thank you for sharing all those projects you've got on hold. I have many of the same ones waiting for perfect days when I'll not want to do them any more than I want to do them now. Today, I think I'll clean a closet or two.

Enjoy a lovely day!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

House Work of Another Sort

It's been such a muggy summer and hot, though we've not achieved a 100F day yet (and don't wish one) that John decided to follow other pursuits until it got cooler. This week begins with tidying up some loose ends on the house and then moving on to the garage.



This is all very good as I want the garage interior back. After over a year, it is time.

Any tasks that you've put off for cooler weather?

I'm off on Nonni duty until later this afternoon, but never fear I'll be catching up with you. Much too nosy curious not to...

Monday, August 20, 2012

Cluttered Country Store Style, Et Cetera

While many are able to define the decorating style of their kitchens — Tuscan, Country, Primitive, French Provincial — I've never quite been able to come up with a definitive name for mine. Well I have, but would be reluctant to share it for decency's sake. I spend a lot of time disguising that kitchen in photos for Blogdom having promised for years that I would share painting details and still it is not done. Not happening any time soon either.

So when I saw this photo of Sam in the apron he requested a year ago — one "just his size" and only recently finished, I gasped.


Through the magic of the camera's eye, I can definitively state that my kitchen is Cluttered Country Store. Ai yi yi... nothing like displaying the recycling bins prominently beneath the old farm table loaded with the stuff we need and can't seem to find a home for. Sigh. It is what it is for now.


Well then, let us just focus on the happy boy who has an apron his size and a denim jean pocket, an idea gleaned from visiting Linda and her camper redo. If you haven't seen Linda with her new grandbabies (right—quads!), you must check— so cute.

***

Remember when I mentioned that Site Meter was ticking down to zero? It happened. Slowly and methodically, it began ticking back up until, as of yesterday, it looks as if it might be back to normal.

I can smile again.


***


Here's a photo that makes me grin. First, it's that iced coffee recipe from Pioneer Woman. Oh boy howdy — it's yummy good! Second, the roses are rising right out of my glass. Bad, bad positioning. ☺

***


Lastly, we went bike riding in the cemetery over the weekend. I packed a little lunch knowing the boys would be thirsty and hungry after all the exercise. Their mom even had a blanket. Love this photo, though I'm feeling a little insecure about the snack. Look at those faces! =D

Must dash, as if you haven't figured that out already.

A lovely Monday to you.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Early Morning Photos~Mosaic Monday



It was lovely being out early this morning taking photos in the yard. Nothing like cherry tomatoes ripening on the vine, dew dripping from the etched clematis columbine leaves, and sunlight on the morning glories (though I am not as pleased with the color of the morning glories this year as I was with the blue of last year for this reason: these could just as easily be wave petunias as they are not particularly distinctive). The blooms in the front garden are nearly done — white phlox, a few yellow lilies, and a couple of knock-out roses are all the perennials that remain. Perhaps I'll plug in a few mums in autumn. Time moves on...

Join Mary at Little Red House to see more mosaics. They're always so neat.  

New Every Morning



It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His tender compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. ~Lamentations 3:22–24 (Amplified)


Saturday, August 18, 2012

Tiramisu Trifle~Ice Cream Social 2012

I always look forward to this event. This is the third (fourth?) year that I've participated. The weather has not cooperated this year and neither has the grocery store. Because it is raining, picture taking is a challenge and the store had no lady fingers! Horrors! How is a gal supposed to pull off an elegant dessert without them? I seriously considered whipping up a batch, but came to my senses. I settled for pound cake instead.



Tiramisu Sundaes

Lady Fingers Recipe (This recipe does not require piping. It makes the lady finger batter into cupcakes.)

My Very Simple Recipe

* coffee ice cream
* purchased pound cake soaked in a bit of coffee and flavoring (coffee brandy would be lovely; I had something else. ☺)
* whipped cream
* mini chocolate chips for garnish

Simply layer all ingredients in some lovely stemware ending with whipped cream on top and the chocolate.

It made a delicious "breakfast" now let me tell you! That's the look of the first hmmmmmm...

Thank you, Suzy, for another fun year of socializing over ice cream.

Join the fun at Kitchen Bouquet!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Old Names~Old PBS Shows

My choice for names? Jerusha. I know it's not on the list. I can break the rules, too! Did you ever see Julie Andrews play the part of Jerusha in the movie Hawaii? That's where I first heard the name. I thought the first part of that movie was so romantic.

~Julie Andrews in Hawaii~


Okay, just to be fair, I rather think I'll go with Lovicy Marantha. At first, I thought Marantha was Maranatha and I liked that a lot, too. Course this is from the gal who named her own daughter Mountain so you can see that I have no right to be choosing names.

Of the choices from the old list, Emeline is winning by a mile. Oh, and thank you to those who shared that you knew someone by one of these names. That was very interesting.

***

Speaking of old...

Wednesday evening, I spent an hour and a half at Vicki's Turkey Feathers.

She featured three videos from a 1980s PBS show called The Victorian Kitchen. Somehow I had missed that one. I'm telling you that it was a fascinating hour and a half. If you're interested in Downtown Abbey, you may well be interested in this. If you're interested in cooking and gardening, you may well be interested. I lovicy-ed  it! (Last night, I watched another three of the shows found on You Tube.)

***

Tomorrow is the Ice Cream Social...I hope that the sun shines today so I can get some good photos.

Edited to Add: EVERYONE is invited to the Ice Cream Social! I'm talking about the event right here in Blogdom. The information is to the right in my sidebar. You can participate as well as visit. 

Have a great day now...

Thursday, August 16, 2012

What's in a Name?

First, a thank you to all who participated in August's Note Card Party. It was a delight to see your photos and it never ceases to amaze me how talented you all are. I loved the variety — from ghost towns to scripture verses, back porches to lunch, flowers to vegetables, sunsets to swans!

If you haven't had the chance, check out the offerings and, if you haven't joined in before, please consider it for September 19. That will be just a couple of days before autumn officially arrives and I'm pretty sure that I know what that means: pumpkins ☺ beautifully colored leaves ☺ and a lot of mums. Mark your calendars now!

***

Before this post ends, I have a few questions for you. The first: If you had the privilege of naming a little girl, what name would you give her?

According to Family Education dot com, the top seventeen names in 2012 for little girls are as follows:

1. Sophia
2. Isabella
3. Emma
4. Olivia
5. Ava
6. Emily
7. Abigail
8. Madison
9. Mia
10. Chloe
11. Elizabeth
12. Ella
13. Addison
14. Natalie
15. Lily
16. Grace
17. Samantha

The second question: If you had to choose from the 2012 list, which would you choose?

I have another list gleaned from tombstones — you don't find that morbid I hope — I love a cemetery and reading the names I find there.


This list was chosen because I had never heard these names before:

1. Lurena
2. Emeline
3. Almeda
4. Lilias
5. Evelina
6. Zabelle
7. Lillis
8. Olevia
9. Salley (I cheated. I know a few Sallies; however, they don't spell their name this way.)
10. Columbia
11. Marantha
12. Elva
13. Bina
14. Elzada
15. Lovicy
16. Lovina
17. Sylvina

Third question: (You've figured it out, of course.) If you had to select from my old-time list, which name would you choose? 
I'm revealing my choice tomorrow.

Now if I were naming a puppy, I'd choose Bina...what a cute name!

A happy Thursday to you!

Love Vee

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Shabby-Shabby~August Note Card Party

Welcome! April, May, June, July, and now August. =D






Photoscape was used for special effects: antique photo and the note card frame.

Can't wait to see what you come up with this month!



Monday, August 13, 2012

A Good Suggestion

~Climbing Brown Eyed Susans~

We've had three days of rain and thundershowers making everything very green again. The temps are in the 70s and 80s with high humidity. It's a bit oppressive and not good sleeping weather, though I am not going to complain after the summer that so many of you have had. We have been blessed. Besides, I was up early to catch up with some of you!

Soooo, a good Monday morning to you. Just a quick post to share what I did with the mosaic I showed on Friday's post. My blogging buddy "D" who writes Podso shared in comments that day that the mosaic would look great made up into a poster. Hmmm...had never considered such a thing before.

I mentioned it to my daughter and she said that she uses the Photo Center at Walgreen's online.  It was a surprise to learn all the possibilities and the fact that I didn't need a credit card — I could pay at pickup.

This is what we picked up just two short hours after submitting and with no extra charge.

~mosaic done into a poster (on photograph paper) and framed~

I wanted to save the integrity of the mosaic hence the green border; otherwise, the edges were lopped off. Anyway, it's the least expensive 10x14 option, though there are many others. We found an inexpensive frame and now I'm trying to decide if it is staying or going. =D

Just thought that all you great photographers out there might check out the options available for gift giving using your own wonderful photos.

My next post will be up for August's Note Card Party tomorrow evening between 8 and 8:30. You may add your link early or all day Wednesday and even through 10 am on Thursday the 16th. Hope to see you here! Clicking on the icon in my sidebar will take you to the post on all pertinent information.