Done Dried Up

Still working on that re-evaluated, revised 40x40 list!  Should be posted soon!

As for me and my blog writing, well, . . . the well has Done Dried Up this week.

I'm just not feeling it.

I sit down, try to write and I get nothin'.

It's hard to write when you don't feel like a very good writer.  I know I've said this before and you'll probably get sick of me saying it.  But all the encouragement in the world, can't change ones personal view of ones own talent or lack there of.

You'll notice I write in cycles.  I have a pattern you see.

I'll write consistently and then, out of nowhere, I'll seemingly drop off the face of the earth.  Then, suddenly, I'll spring back to life and write about how I haven't written and need too and about how I don't like what I write.

It's a vicious circle really!

When I am writing, I'll read everything I write and hate it.  Scrutinizing every word choice, every sentence structure and reworking every thought.

I quite literally drive myself crazy.  Not like that's a long trip or anything, I'm almost there!

Yes, I know I should write for me.  I know I shouldn't worry if what I write doesn't read as cleverly or witty as the next.  I know this.  But, it still bugs me when I feel like my writing is drab, boring or just plain blah!

So . . .

When I feel this way, I just don't write!  That simple.

I wait until that creative spark returns or until the, "I'm itching to write about this," bug bites me again.

That's all from this little corner of the world . . . for now anyway.

Watch for my updated 40x40 list, coming soon!

A Re-Evaluation

Be forewarned!

This post is a mix of scolding myself--for turning a blind eye to my indulgence in procrastination--of revisiting and scaling back my initial goals and finally pressing on towards the goal line of August 28, 2011, with confidence.

I'm hopeful, that this time I will make progress; and ultimately succeed in my endeavors!

Back in February, I wrote a list of 40 things I wanted to accomplish by the age of 40!

My 40x40 list I called it.

Yes!  I wrote that list; and haven't looked at it since!

Now what good does that do?  Let me tell ya!  It does no good, no good at all.

I mean, come on Michelle!  What's your problem?

Get the list out.  Look at it.  Make a plan; and get it in gear lady!

You're NOT getting any younger you know!  Before you know it, 40 will be here!

Alrighty then, I feel better!  Nothing like a good tongue lashing to set things straight again.

Onward and upward we go!

I'm looking forward to reaching the age of 40.  I won't see it as the dark, dreaded,  forboding thing it's made out to be.  No, I'll see it as a feather in my cap.

Let me tell ya why.

Because it will mean that I'm here to enjoy another year of my life, my family, my friends and all that this beautiful world has to offer.

Now let me tell ya what that feather will say?

It's gonna say, "I'm 40 and I'm Alive!"  God willing, I'll get to place that feather in my cap!

In the meantime, I plan to accomplish some things.  I guess what I'm thinking is that it will be even sweeter to celebrate 40 years on earth, with some accomplishments under my belt.

I'm convinced you can't accomplish anything without setting goals; and you definitely can't accomplish your goals by putting them on a shelf to collect dust.

Figuratively speaking that is!

Okay, August has come and gone; and I'm officially 39 now!  What does that mean exactly?

Well, it means A Re-Evaluation is called for.  Especially since I no longer have 1 year and 7 months, but exactly 11 months and 15 days in which to put these 40 things to bed!

But first, I need to re-evaluate all 40 things and scale them back a bit.  I was a little to ambitious to start with.

The worst thing you can do, in my opinion, is set yourself up for failure.  Which I most certainly did!

So with that, I need a moment to revise my list.

BRB . . .

(For those unfamiliar with chat/text terms,

that means Be Right Back)

Hmm . . .

Hmm . . .

To Be Continued in A Re-Evaluation: Part 2 . . .

No. 7, Please

My blog world is off-kilter.

Why you ask?

Because of a certain, disliked number.  The Number 6!

I know this may seem a bit strange, awkward and even peculiar.  It really is quite bazaar, to tell you the truth.  Shoot, I can't even believe I'm writing this.  But it must be done!

It's all about the number of blog followers I have.

You see, my least favorite number in the whole, wide world--as you already know--is the No. 6!  I really don't like it all.  Frankly, it gives me the heebie jeebies!

(On a side note.  When I go to the grocery store for produce, I always buy fruits and veggies in sevens or threes.  You know 3 green peppers, 7 apples, 3 cucumbers, 7 pears, and so on.  But never 6!  Gasp!  Never!  My husband gets a real kick out of this.  I don't find it funny!  Okay, maybe a little funny, ha ha.)

However, my little blogger heart would be so thankful if I could see the No. 7--over there on the right hand side--in the little box!

My favorite number of all time, is the No. 7!  Oh, and the No. 3, but we passed that baby a long time ago.  Thank you!

So here's my proposition.

I promise to write more often and more interesting posts, if I could persuade one of you readers who follow me, but don't "Follow" me, to follow me!  Please. . .


Easy peasy lemon squeasy!  Right?

If you read my blog anonymously, would you be so kind as to click the 'Follow' button in the upper, far left corner of the page?  I would be ever so grateful if you did!

I just gotta get to the No. 7, please.

Then I'd no longer have to see that dreaded No. 6, ever again.  It's driving me batty!  Well okay, I am a little batty anyway and I would see that number again if I hit 16, 26, 36, 46 and, well, you get my drift.

At this point, I don't think I'll ever make it past 7 followers.  But just to see the No. 7 would be delightful.  I could live with that number forever and ever and ever and ever!

Is it terrible to dislike a number so much that you buy your produce in every number BUT that number?  I sure hope not.

Does anyone else out there have a number they dislike?  Or am I the only goof ball out here?

Thank you for reading!

With my most sincerest of sincere gratitude,
Michelle

Cold Yet Warm!

The Labor Day weekend was fantastic!

A delightful mix of family togetherness, fun activities, delicious food and the beauty of God's creation!

Our camping weekend was filled with Autumn like weather.  A welcomed reprieve from the stagnant heat of the past several weeks.

Surrounded by crisp air, it felt so good to bask in the warmth and gentle glow of a campfire.  Which, by the way, was my favorite part of the weekend!

It felt so good to be, Cold Yet Warm!

However wrong it may feel to say THAT was my favorite part of the weekend, it was!

Honestly, I DO love my family MORE than a campfire; and I DID enjoy each and every moment we shared.

But, if I had to choose, my favorite "thing" about the weekend would have to be, the crisp air and the feel of the campfire's warmth.

Without a doubt, it was wonderful!

I took a short video to share with you all.

A Red & Green Thing

For the past week, I've had several Keith Green songs streaming through my head.  It's amazing really, how the music can touch your heart and speak to your soul.

Keith Green's songs have had a big impact on my life.  The beautiful medlies always draw me in and the lyrics really make me think about life and examine my relationship with JESUS.

It's a Red & Green Thing!

I LOVE JESUS and Keith Green's music!  He knew JESUS and wasn't ashamed to say so!

I know, I know, you don't want to be preached to or hear any of that religious mumbo jumbo.  So I won't do that to ya.  I'll just let the music speak for itself.

Cobalt Glass

My Cobalt Glass on display
at the Library.

As promised, here are a few pictures of my Cobalt Glass collection.  It has been on display at the Bittersweet branch of the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public library, for the entire month of August.

Here you see the entire collection, all spread out
and beautiful.  It just needed a little sunshine!

It felt so good share my collection with the patrons of the library.  In light of the fact that my collection is normally housed on a single shelf of a very small china hutch, made it especially satisfying to see it spread out in that gigantic display case!  It was as much a treat for me, as I hope it was for the guests of the library.

"The Gift," that started it all 20 years ago.
Given to me by my dear friend, Beverly Brosmer.

What began as a thoughtful gift, has turned into a deep "blue" passion.  I now find myself watching for glints of blue, shimmering in the sunshine, at every yard sale along the roadside.  Thrift stores, antique shops and flea markets are havens for cobalt glass.  I find that my van seems to turn into these places, as though it were on autopilot!

Beverly has granted me membership into the Blue Glass Buddy Club.  I'm very proud to be a member!  I love the beautiful blue glass so much, that I even wrote a poem about it.  Enjoy!


Cobalt Glass Acrostic Poem
written by:  Michelle (Shapland) McCarty

C ollectible
O bjects made of glass
B rilliant shades of blue
A ntique to new
L ovely to look at
T reasures for me and you.

G lassware in unique styles
L ining the windowsills
A rranged to catch the sunlight
S hining through the hills
S uch beauty produces smiles.

Thank you for stopping by and reading about one of my many passions!  I hope you will comment here and share with me something YOU enjoy collecting too!

39th Birthday

Birthdays are a big deal in our house.  After all, it's the day the most important people in our lives came into the world.  We make the entire day all about that special person!  They get to chose the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus; and we do whatever they wish to do.  (So long as it fits into the budget!)  We also try to make it as stress and drama free as possible.


This past weekend was my turn to get that special treatment.  My family and I celebrated my 39th birthday.  The day started out with hugs, kisses and Happy Birthday wishes.  Then I received the most wonderful, handmade birthday cards EVER!  A handmade birthday card, in my opinion, beats a store bought card ANY day!


My youngest son Christopher, worked on a pop-up card for the majority of Friday night.  It was so pretty!  He did a very nice job cutting everything out, coloring it and putting it altogether.  He even wrote a message inside!

The front of Christopher's card.

The inside of my fantastic pop-up birthday card!
Underneath the butterfly it reads, "The rare Momarc Butterfly!"

Zachary, my oldest son, loves to draw.  He usually draws Anime characters.  But Friday night he spent a lot of time trying to draw something realistic, that he thought I would like.  He tried several pictures and wasn't happy with any of them.  So finally, frustrated and tired, he doodled a picture of Jesus and wrote me a little note.  Little did he know, it was the perfect card for me!

The doodle Zachary drew.  The little paragraph reads:
"Happy Birthday Mom.  I love you more than any child could
love their mother."

Most of the morning was spent relaxing and lounging around the house.  Then, in the afternoon, we piled into our hoopty van and ventured out to the car lots.  We're in the market for a Toyota 4Runner, you see!  I've always loved 4Runners and am itching to have one.  Even though we can't buy one just yet, I did get to test drive one.  I really, I mean REALLY loved it.  If only we could find one in the color we like and at a price we can afford.

After we reluctantly took the 4Runner back to the dealer, we headed over to my parent's house.  My mom had made a delicious German chocolate cake and we had picked up some Martin's fried chicken.  It made for a scrumptious birthday dinner.  Not diet friendly, of course, but delicious none the less!

The rest of the evening was spent visiting and watching old family movies.  My Aunts had taken the old reel to reel films and had them transfered onto DVD.  What a delight it was to see the old footage of days gone by!

It was the perfect way to spend a birthday.

New To Me Camera

Good morning everybody!

I'm so excited to tell you, that I have a New To Me Camera!  I still plan to keep and fix my old digital camera.  But in the interim, we came across a great deal on a digital camera my husband's friend was selling.

It's a Fuji digital camera and he was selling it for the unbelievably low price of $75 bucks!  This friend of ours is in the market for a higher quality digital camera, so we got to benefit.  It was too good a deal to pass up, don't you think?  And, this way, once I get my other digital camera fixed, we'll have TWO cameras for twice the picture taking fun!

If only I had the out-of-commission camera working.  Then I could take a photo of the new one and post it here.  But, since it is still in non-functioning mode, I'm unable to satisfy your curiosity in that department.

You know, I stink at spelling all the time, but my foggy brain is really causing me difficulties today.  I've typed that word, curiosity, numerous times now and just can't spell it right.  I'm gonna have to consult my little book of spelling words!  Dog gone my foggy brain!

Okay, I'm back.  For inquiring minds, I found out I kept trying to spell the word "Curiosity" with a "u" in it.  My blasted brain!

Now that that is out of the way, back to the camera.

It takes a pretty good picture.  My husband and I took it with us on our 18th Anniversary Getaway Weekend!  Here are few photos to give you a feel for how the camera does.

The Big Sable Lighthouse on Lake Michigan in Ludington State Park

The spiral staircase that defeated me in my attempt to conquer my fear of heights.  I wanted to go up in the lighthouse so badly, but the panic attack took over.

The glow of a gentle sunset, cast the perfect light for this beach grass photo.  One of my favorite pictures from our trip.

We had such a wonderful time on our trip to Ludington State Park.  Our plan is to make reservations and go back there next year.  That way we can take our boys with us.  I really think they would enjoy themselves immensely!  Our good friends, Eric and Ruth, plan to go with us too!  It should make for another spectacular getaway!

Donald Duck Applecore

I love, love, love apples!  I love the way they look, the way they smell, the way they feel in my mouth, the sound of the crunch when biting into one; and especially the taste!  Oh so yummy!


Not to mention they're healthy and we all know that saying.  An apple a day keeps the doctor away!


I'm eagerly anticipating apple picking season!  I can't wait for September!  My favorites are Honey Crisps.


Fall is my favorite season and that is apple season.  I can hardly wait to take the hayride out into the orchard to fill my basket full of yummy, crisp, delicious smelling apples.


While I was day dreaming of apple orchards, I remembered an old Disney cartoon I once saw.  It had Donald Duck and the chipmunks, Chip & Dale, in it.  It was all about apples, applecores and hilarious slapstick cartoon footage!


They just don't make cartoons like this anymore.  So here it is for your viewing pleasure!  Enjoy!

To Do List, F+

This weekend was crazy busy.  Now you would think, a weekend of busyness would provide a number of crossed off projects on the To Do List wouldn't you?  Yet, in classic Michelle fashion, I was unsuccessful in my efforts.  Several things from an almost year old To Do List, went untouched and unfinished.  They're still staring me in the face, waiting for the next opportunity to be crossed off.

How can that happen?  I mean really, how?

I'm not for sure here but, maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have a bazillion things on my mind, numerous projects going at once, a really large procrastination bone; oh, and three other bodies around me who play a part in the whole unaccomplished scenario.  If I come up with a better answer, I'll let you know.

The weekend started out with a grand plan, that was soon flushed down the toilet.  Then I revamped the plan and that flew out the window.  Since Plan A and Plan B were scrapped, I decided we needed to come up with a different type of plan--especially since, at this point, it was already Saturday evening.

So I came up with the, Do Whatever You Want To Do, Because You Won't Do What You Plan, Plan!!!!!  Can you sense a bit of irritation here?  If not, start sensing it 'cause it's there.  Yeah, this plan REALLY didn't work!

I do this to myself everytime.  I eagerly anticipate my husband's weekend off, thinking we are going to accomplish SO much!

For those unfamiliar with my husband's work schedule, let me fill you in.  He works for Federal Mogul and gets every other weekend off.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  However, he works 12 hour days that's the trade-off!  I don't envy him his schedule.

At any rate, I do look forward to the long weekends together!  Time to accomplish important tasks and enjoy accomplishing them as a family!  That's 3 whole, entire, complete, uninterrupted--whatever you call 'em--24 hour periods of time!  We should be able to accomplish a LOT of stuff, right?  Wrong?

It never happens!  It doesn't matter how planned and organized I try to be.  It never happens!!

I think somewhere down the line we got gypped in the gene pool category.  Neither of us got the organizational, get the job done now genes from our respective families.  I'm just sayin'!

We sort of feed off of each other's procrastination and lack of Stick-To-Itive-Ness.  If one says, "Lets go do something else," the other is quick reply, "Okay!  As long as we're together!"  Then our grand plan gets left in the dust.  Thus was the case this past weekend.

For inquiring minds, I'll give you all a glimpse at our year old To Do List.  Some of these things REALLY have to be done soon.  The fast approaching fall and winter seasons demand it.

*  Clean up & dispose of demolish scrap in the side yard

*  Clean the driveway side gutters out

*  Finish insulation

*  Finish hanging drywall

*  Tape, mud and sand drywall

*  Prime walls

*  Paint walls

*  Lay down new sub floor

*  Lay down laminate flooring

*  Fix walls in stairwell

*  Lay new floor in the kitchen

*  Put counter tops on new cupboards

*  Fix the kitchen sink faucet

*  Repair the shed & paint

*  Finishing putting deck on out back

*  Get van repaired

This is just a portion of the list.  It is a HUGE list, I can't believe we didn't accomplish MORE this weekend!

But, on a positive note.  Here's what we did get done:

*  Mowed the backyard

*  Planted the daylilies

*  Pulled nails & sorted wooded lath pieces

*  Several loads of laundry

*  Partially cleaned out the office

*  Sorted some paperwork

It wasn't much, but it was something.  While there was a bit of accomplishment, there wasn't enough to have a marked gain or loss.  Nothing really got crossed off of the old To Do List.  I think I'll call it a wash!  I hope to get a lot more done this week--in between the back-to-school rush!

Speaking of school, our project has been graded.  To Do List, F+!!!

Well, time to get off the computer and get to work!  Wowzers, it's gonna be a busy week too!

Thanks for reading!  I feel better having vented my procrastination woes.

Blog Hop 2010

Okay, I'm going to try and join the Blog Hop 2010!  I hope ya'll have some patience with me, 'cause I'm not sure WHAT I'm doing.  Okee-dokee, here we go.

Follow me on a trip through the Blogosphere.  I've joined up with the Blog Hop 2010, to try and find more blogs to read, make some new friends and maybe pick up a follower--or two--along the way!

A brief description of myself.  Well, as you will soon learn I am usually anything BUT brief!  So here are the Top 10 Things that make me, ME!  (Aside from God, Family & Friends, these are in no particular order.)

1.  Loving Jesus is definitely, my No. 1 thing!

2.  I adore being a wife, friend and companion to my amazing husband, Pete.

3.  God has blessed me with two amazing boys.  It truly is a privilege, to be called Mom.

4.  Friends are vitally important to my well-being.

5.  Nature is my friend.  Okay, except the bears--they scare the bejeebers out of me!  Oh and I loath flying, crawling, blood sucking, stinging bugs!

6.  To step into a Jane Austen novel would be grand; and Anne of Green Gables is simply the BEST!

7.  I'm a self-proclaimed Frozen Coke addict; strongly considering a 12 Step Program, if only there was one!

8.  I'm a member of the Blue Glass Buddy Club, a/k/a A Cobalt Glass Collector!

9.  I could do find-a-word puzzles all day long, while listening to my favorite music on my iPod!

10.  I was going to list my favorite movie, but I can't pick just one!  There are WAY to many to choose from!  I love a good movie.

Well, that's me in a nutshell.  I look forward to making new friends and reading as many blogs as possible!

A Discontent Town Mouse

I read Town Mouse, Country Mouse, by: Jan Brett today.

While I was reading the story, it reminded me of my need to be content.  Content with all that God has given me, whether it be in the town or in the country.

I also need to remember, there will always be things to fear, things to miss and new things to get used to.  This simple concept can be a challenge for me at times.  Especially when I'm in the grasp of discontentment.  Today was such a day.

I am trying to find my contented heart.  But, it has eluded me once again.

I crawled out of bed feeling very dissatisfied.  I felt like A Discontent Town Mouse, longing to be a country mouse.

"I need a vacation," said the town mouse to his wife.  "Let me take you to see the countryside where I was born.  Life is quiet and peaceful there.  The sun shines brightly every day, and the air is so clear that you can see the stars at night. . ."

Doesn't that passage sound wonderful?  I think so!  I've always wanted to live in the country.  As a little girl, I remember voicing my dislike for city life on numerous occasions.  My parents were very patient with me.  However, my childish ramblings made no difference in our living arrangements.  As a matter of fact, they still live in the same house I grew up in; smack dab in the middle of the city!

. . . they heard the town mouse exclaim: "This is the life!  Wildflowers, spring peepers.  If only we lived here!"

I can hear myself exclaiming the very same things!  You would think--having married a man who desires to live in the country too--that I would already be well established in my country mouse life.  Yet another desire, stronger than my desire to live in the country, prevailed.  It was my desire to stay close to family.

My husband, being the gentle, self-sacrificing man that he is, settled to live in the city so that I could be close to my family.  When your hearts desires conflict, discontentment can never be far away.

The country mice crept out.  "You like it here?" they asked.  "Why, we've always wanted to live in a town house." . . . "Why don't we trade houses?" said the town mouse.  "Would you?" asked the country mouse . . . "We'll leave right away," she said.  As they said good-bye, each of the mice thought that they had the better part of the bargain.

How I would love to trade houses with a family that lives in the country!  Our home is downtown, in the heart of the city.  Right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle.  Sirens 24/7, speeding cars racing down our narrow two lane street, booming music from the cars cruising the neighborhood--doing God only knows what, fighting from the rental properties across the way, not to mention all the lights that drown out the beautiful night sky.

Our neighborhood has changed considerably since we moved in, 7 years ago.  I think that's part of why I have grown so discontent with being a town mouse.  Living in the urban jungle just doesn't appeal to me--and never has really.  I'm definitely ready to pack up and move to the country.  The city is wearing me down so, that the thought of a little drive to visit family is looking more and more appealing everyday.

. . . The sun had come out, and everything was glistening and green.  "It is beautiful here," said the town mouse's wife.  "We should try to enjoy it."

In the end, the town mice go back to the city and the country mice go back to the country.  Neither wishing to live anywhere else but home.

Unlike the story, I'm fairly certain I would be content in the country and willing to leave the city life behind me!  The thought of it had me lost in the most beautiful daydream.

I found myself walking through bountiful vegetable gardens, fragrant flower patches and green meadows drenched in golden sunshine; as the sun peered over a big red barn.

My mind was full of wonderful sounds of farm life.  I could hear the mooing of cows, as they roamed the countryside searching for the perfect patch of grass.  The sound of hungry pigs, oinking profusely in eager anticipation of slop time.   The synchronized clucking of chickens pecking the ground for a bit of feed.  Then, off in the distance, the proud cock-a-doodle-do of the resident rooster; boldly announcing the break of dawn.

As I wandered farther into my dream, I heard the rustle of the trees, the sway of the grass and the eerie whisper of the corn fields.

As my mind was lost in the sights and sounds of country living, I began to imagine the smells of country life as well.  I could almost smell the scent of lilacs mingled with the mellow fragrance of freshly mowen hay; and the often sobering smell of manure.  My farm girls heart was delighted and I could sense it all in my mind's eye.  What a lovely daydream it was, until I opened my eyes.

Back to reality and the challenge before me to find my contented heart once again.  To let go of the daydream and seek to enjoy reality.  For my life is so blessed and I am so very happy; despite my hearts unwavering country desire.

In the words of Jane Austen:

"I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve."

Even greater still is the following Bible verse:

1 Timothy 6:6 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

Made Just For Me

A quick update on Blogenstein!  If you are reading this, then you are gazing upon a work of art.  No NOT my blog post, but the blog page itself.  Yes, it is a magnificent work of art by an amazing woman!

I woke up yesterday morning to find a message in my inbox from my dear friend, Amy.  She had read my Blogenstein  post and wanted to offer me some help.

Her assistance was just what the doctor ordered.  Blogenstein now has the perfect backdrop and it gives me that "warm fuzzy" feeling!  My blog page has been decked out in a beautiful shade of Cobalt Blue with wonderful beige lace accents.  It was Made Just For Me by Amy Sparks Harrison, of Mon Ami Designs.  What a kindred spirit, with a heart of gold.  She felt for me, and my blog dilemma.  Not only did she design the background, but she even put it altogether for me.  My Blogenstein dilemma is O-V-E-R, over.  I couldn't be HAPPIER!!

A BIG THANK YOU goes out to Amy!  Check her out on the web.  Amy shares her thoughts on life, love, marriage, children, gardening, canning, decorating, art and anything else that pops into her creative mind, on her blog, Confessions.  You're guaranteed to love it.  You can also check out her artwork at Mon Ami Designs, at word press.  Then she has an online store at Mon Ami at the Etsy Shop.  I hope you take a few minutes to take a peek at her lovely artwork and maybe make a purchase or two!

This very happy blogger, is off to complete one monstrous To Do List.  Bye, bye for now!

Blogenstein!

Okay, I'm not sure what's going on with my blog page on Blogger!  I'm a bit frazzled, to say the least.

Last week my chosen design from thecutestblogspot.com, disappeared!  This completely and utterly bummed me out.  I loved that design, and the colors.  The beautiful blues and beiges were great!  Where or where did my blog page go?  Wherever it is, it's under going some sort of Frankensteinian transformation.  I feel like my blog should be renamed, Blogenstein!!

So I've been attempting to find another template that strikes my fancy as much as the last one did.  I've not had much success in my endeavors; and the one I am currently using will only last a brief time, I can assure you of that.  It doesn't give me that "warm fuzzy" feeling like the other one did!  I mean, I love to wear the color pink and all shades of it at that.  But I prefer my blog to be decked out in brilliant shades of blue, accented with wonderful beige overtones.  I see it in my head, but just can't find it on the web.  (Hey, there's that inner poet coming out again!  Ba ha ha ha!)  The search is on!

If only I had a program to create my own background template for my blog.  That would be ideal.  I can feel the creative juices flowing now.  I would use the most gorgeous shades of blue, specifically cobalt blues and the beige like that in my grandmother's doilies.  I could see myself getting all creative and turning Blogenstein into a beautiful piece of art for all to see!

Anywho, I just wanted everyone to know that my blog background will be changing until I find a more suitable and agreeable template.

Beware the Blogenstein!

All Nerved Up

(Photo from: Mishawaka High School Alumni Site)

This weekend is a big deal. Why is it a big deal? Because I will be attending my 20 year class reunion, that's why.

I can't believe it has been 20 years since I graduated from high school. That in itself is enough to make anyone feel slightly aged. But honestly, it seems like just yesterday I was walking the halls of Mishawaka High School eagerly anticipating graduation day! How could 20 years have gone by so fast, in the blink of an eye, I scarcely know.

I remember all the preparations, I remember the itchy, hot maroon and white cap and gown, it was sweltering with it on. I remember the excitement of hearing my name called and walking across the podium to receive the long awaited, hotly coveted diploma. That symbol of completion of 12 years of school. It is an icon of long days/nights and many struggles to make the grade. The precursor to adulthood.

I haven't attended any of my class reunions to date. This will be the first and probably only one I attend; and I'm All Nerved Up about it. I get very jittery in large groups of people. You wouldn't know it to look at me, because on the surface things appear to be fine. But underneath I am a nervous wreck, trying to hold it together. I call it my floating duck syndrome. I've talked about it before. I feel like a duck floating across a placid lake, so calm and peaceful on the surface, but below the water her little duck feet are feverishly paddling to keep her moving forward. That's me most days.

Now begins the worries of what to wear, how to do my hair and what to say to everyone. I mean, I don't want to say the wrong thing and look like a complete idiot. Then of course there is my memory. It is not a good memory and I am so hoping that I don't forget who someone is. I have already experienced this a couple times through Facebook and in person it is so uncomfortable to not be able to pull up a name to go with the face! I have the usual vain worries that any girl will have, running through my head too. Mine mostly revolve around my weight. I try not to worry about it, but it creeps in there anyway.

I'm also nervous because my husband forgot to put in for the day off, he is scheduled to work, and he doesn't get off work until 6:55 p.m. The reunion dinner we paid for begins at 6 p.m. So now I will arrive to the reunion dateless and without my husband, who should arrive later around 8 o'clock. His dinner will be cold by then and he will have worked 12 hours! With his drive time and shower time that's the soonest he can get there. So add it all up and I'm one nervous Nelly, to say the least.

I am glad that I've gotten to know several of my classmates more through Facebook. I feel like I know some of the guys and gals much better now, then I ever did in high school. That will make mingling and fitting in much easier.

Despite all my nerves, I am looking forward to the evening. It will be fun reminisce of the good ole' days at MHS! Once a Cavemen, ALWAYS a Cavemen!

Beautifully Simplistic

Simple truths, like those expressed in the verse above, warm my heart. What a powerful verse draped over a Beautifully Simplistic photograph.

Thanks go out to Linda, at Prairie Flower Farm blog here on Blogger.com, for sharing this picture; and giving permission to reuse it.

This photo brings me to a place where I feel as though I could walk right into the picture, pull up a chair, sip a cup of iced tea and feel right at home! I love nature, I love flowers, I love old enamel containers, I love gingham and I love the Word of God! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Love.

Just thought I would share this simple photo with my friends too!

What Name?

I revel in the joys of riding my bicycle. Everytime I'm on a bike, it takes me back to the carefree days of my childhood. You know, those hot summer days when it felt so wonderful to feel the wind in your hair and on your face. When riding along listening to the birds sing, the chatter of summer bugs and the hum of your tires against the pavement was what you longed to hear. Yes, there's nothing like losing yourself in the magical power of a bike ride. Cruising along by your own strength and sheer leg power.

I also delight in the smells that linger in the air as I ride. The city scape is rich with smells from all sorts of places, like the local bakery, a freshly mown lawn or a lush flower garden ripe with fragrance. I love the mental pictures painted by such smells. Like that of flowers floating through the air as the scent of fabric softener sheets drench the breeze on laundry day.

I'm so grateful to be able bodied enough to ride my bicycle, pictured above. It's my material pride and joy! That's an old picture, seeing as my camera is broke and my bike isn't brand new anymore. I got it about two years ago now. It wasn't until recently though, that I decided to give my bike a name. But What Name? For the life of me, I can't come up with a good one! One that suits me as well as my bike; and isn't already taken by a relative or friend.

So here is my idea. I wanted to ask you, my friends, for suggestions of a good name for my pea green bicycle. I'm looking forward to any and all ideas at this point, as I have none of my own. Please leave a comment with your suggested name. I'll be sure to get back with you when a decision has been made.

I thought it would be fun to include a picture of me and my first bike. It was named Spring Fever and was the first brand new bike I had ever had. I rode that bicycle all over the yard and neighborhoods. I literally had bicycle fever! I couldn't get enough of riding it. It was special and meant a lot to me. So much so, that I still have it today. All it needs is a complete once over and some new tires, then it would be back on the roads once more. That's the plan anyhow. It's such a cool bike.

Fix it or chuck it?

So, I'm not sure I told everyone or not but my camera is fried. Yeah, seems that if you leave it in a closed up hot, Hot, HOT vehicle for any length of time it will fry the digital doohicky inside! Who would have thunk it? Obviously not me! Okay, I should have known better than to have forgotten it in the van but that's my forgetful nature; and I am trying to remedy that.

I'm at a loss as to what to do about it. I certainly can't afford a new camera and everyone keeps telling me that it would be cheaper to BUY a new camera than to have the old one FIXED! How can that be? I mean, couldn't they just fix the component that is fried and I'm back in picture taking business. Ba-da-Bing, Ba-da-Boom right? Wrong, I guess? So I'm left with the question, do I Fix it or Chuck it?

I've decided that I'm going to try and fix it. My plan is to take it over to the local camera shop and see what they say. Maybe the experts can tell me what would be cheaper. I know if I took it where I bought it they would only try to sell me a new fangled, late model one; and say the old one isn't worth fixing! Either way it's probably going to cost more than what I have to spend.

This whole camera problem has me thinking of a similar problem, with society, that sort of bugs me. I've been making some observations recently that have led me to believe that most of society has adopted a new way of thinking. I've noticed that society tends to lean towards the notion that if it's broke, don't fix it, throw it out and buy a new one. That mentality bothers me, greatly.

Take for instance houses. I know that Extreme Home Makeover does a great thing for people, I'm not knocking that. But it's still a television show that is sensationalized. They go in and tear down homes without trying to salvage any of the workable and usable materials. Materials that could be donated to help others who aren't so fortunate as to be able to have a new home built for them. That baffles me. I love the concept surrounding the Habitat for Humanity Restore! It's excellent! Click the link and check it out, there may be a store near you!

Another such observation, take restaurant chains. The Taco Bell on McKinley in Mishawaka was in a building that couldn't be more than 15 years old or so. It was a perfectly fine and functioning building. But, they tore it down only to build another building, that looks just like the old one, on the same piece of land. That sort of thing makes me scratch my head and say, "What? Why not just remodel?" A fine example of the, "It's cheaper to buy new (or build new) than to fix the old one," mentality.

Then you have the big grocery store conglomerates that leave huge, perfectly fine buildings to rot and fall apart so they can build a BIGGER brand-E-new one. They do this by taking up more tillable farmland just to put in a ginormous new building, farther away, where it wasn't needed in the first place. That just recently happened with one of my favorite shopping destinations. I liked its location and the building it was in. It had been there for years and was the store I went to with my grandma and my mom. I grew up with that store and now it sits empty, like an unwanted toy idle in a toy box. The prior reference is a telling sign that I recently saw Toy Story 3? It's still fresh in my mind!

I miss the old style stores. You know, the mom and pop grocery stores where the man at the meat counter knew your name and what your usual cut of meat was. Where the cashier was friendly and happy to see you. The stores where you're able to find what you need and get to it without having to walk a country mile! Where have they all gone? Out of business that's where! The big, money hungry chain stores are stomping them out of existence. This well known fact makes me very sad.

Okay, I'll get down off my soap box now. All this ranting hasn't solved anything. I still have a fried camera. I'll be making a trip to the local camera store. At least it's a small business that is STILL in business! I bet they can FIX my camera too!

Oh how I miss taking pictures!

1. Write About Lists . . .

I love writing a good list; and I make some sort of list every day. Why just the other day, I made a list entitled Blog Post Ideas. I bet you'll never guess what was listed first. I'll give you a hint,it's in the title. Yep, you guessed it.

1. Write About Lists.

So, here we go!

Categorizing, organizing and listing things is a routine part of most everyone's daily life. Everything can be placed in some sort of order, whether it be alphabetically or numerically, or by type, size, shape or color.

Lists play a vital role in the order of things. I think without them, it's quite possible that complete and total chaos would reign supreme. I'm not sure what, if anything, could be accomplished if it weren't for a list.

We're all familiar with the variety of lists out there; and a list could be made for anything that suits our fancy. Some lists are for things we need to do and some are for things we don't need to do. Others are for memory purposes, while others are for the enjoyment of listing things we like or don't like.

Sometimes we need to examine a current relationship or a possible new business venture. A list comes in handy when evaluating the Pros and Cons of either situation.

Yes, lists are a handy thing. Here are a few I use routinely:

* To Do List

* Grocery List

* Budget

* To 10 List

* Valentine's List

* Christmas List

* New Year's Resolutions

* Bucket List

* Random List

* Daily Gratitude List

The "list" of lists could go on and on. But for the sake of time and your fatigued eyes, I'll leave it at that.

Some of my favorite books are nothing more than gigantic lists compiled under a specific title. I have two books, in particular, that I love. Both are written by Barbara Ann Kipfer. The first one is entitled 14,000 things to be happy about. Click title to go to the website. There you can explore her book and create your own list. I've highlighted, circled and marked my copy all up! I just love it. In it the author names many of the things that have appeared on my lists over the years!

The other book is entitled 8,789 words of wisdom. I'm slowly working my way through it, highlighter in hand. It's just as enjoyable as the other. I'd like to have her book entitled the wish list. I think it shall be my next purchase!

Well, it's late. All this just to share my love of list making. It's highly entertaining stuff folks. But, I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. However, for those list makers out there looking for a good list book, Barbara Ann Kipfer's books are a good place to start. If you know of any other authors who have written books of lists, please share them with me. I'm always interested in reading new ones!

I will close this lengthy post with a Gratitude List.

5 Things I'm Grateful for Today

1. To be alive

2. My family and friends

3. To live in the U.S.A. & the troops who fight for our Freedom

4. My fans and Air Conditioning

5. Computer access to share my blog with you all

Happy list making everyone!

Write Michelle, Write!

I can't believe two months have passed since I've written a blog post! You'll all find that with me, it's feast or famine.

There are days I no sooner lay my head on the pillow and I have to get right back up; my mind a flood with ideas! Flooded so, that I couldn't sleep even if I wanted too. Then, just as swiftly as they came, the ideas are gone again; and months can go by before another idea pops into my head.

Sometimes writing the simplest thing is like pulling teeth. I love to write and when this sort of thing happens, this writers block, it really frustrates me. It's so weird! But, then again, it's me we're talking about and lets face it, I'm just weird in general.

I thought today that I would force myself to sit at the computer and write a post. Maybe, just maybe that would shock my brain back into writing. It's worth a try anyway!

So, this is the result of an experiment to try and inspire myself to write again. Can we inspire ourselves? In some ways I think it all boils down to my view of my life. I just keep asking myself, "What is so exciting about my life. What am I doing in my little corner of the world, that the rest of the world could possibly want to read about?" There in lies the rub!

I guess what I need to do is write for me and my enjoyment. Maybe in doing so I will unwittingly bring enjoyment to others. Yes, that is a good way to think about it.

So go ahead! Write Michelle, write!!!

A side note: My favorite way of putting thoughts into words is by using an IBM Selectric Typewriter from the 80's! Sure wish I had one. I remember those from my high school keyboarding classes. Loved them, especially the sound!

Walking My Way

Walking . . . we do it everyday!

We get out of bed, walk to the restroom where we empty our bladders, then we walk to the kitchen and guzzle down coffee; ensuring we'll NEED to walk to the restroom AGAIN in about 30 minutes. Ha ha, that tickled my funny bone!

We walk to the car that takes us wherever we want to go without the excursion of walking. Maybe it's to the grocery store, where we circle the parking lot wasting about 15 minutes in search of that perfect front row parking spot. Heaven knows we wouldn't want to over excurt ourselves walking into the store. After all, we're going to expend a lot of energy walking up and down those aisles.

Yeah, walking takes us many places. We walk at work, possibly a factory where the break room is about a mile from your work station or in the retail business walking from one end of a department store to another. At home we walk to the mailbox, back to the house, to the refrigerator and then to the couch (classic couch potato maneuver). We walk to the neighbor's house, walk to the park or maybe even to the ice cream shop down the road. All day long, walk, walk, walk. It's a tiring business, walking.

So why on God's green earth would anyone ever want to punish themselves by walking an extra 2-7 miles a day? Well, because it promotes good health.

Yes, we've heard it before, walking is the best form of exercise. Though I'm not quite sure who said it first, I am quite certain that every doctor, nurse, fitness guru or personal trainer has at one time or another said it to their overweight, out of shape public.

With this in mind, I have set out to do just that, walk; and walk I have. In the last 3 weeks I have walked 93.3 miles. Yes I said 93.3 miles. Now I'm not tooting my own horn here, well okay maybe I am in some small way! But for me, a lazy girl at heart, to walk that much! Well, that's no small feat (ha ha, put the word FEET in there and ya got yourself a pun!).

For this overweight couch potato, extremely fond of stuffing her face with high calorie goodies while reading up on and charting out the best course of action to rid herself of her unsightly spare tire; deciding to rid myself of my unhealthy habits is one big task!! I mean I have a whole lot of bad habits to break. This is going to be a long journey and at times I'm sure an arduous one at that!

I started with eating habits. I now eat for my health. I'm NOT using the D-I-E-T word! I am NOT on a D-I-E-T, I'm transforming my eating habits into a new, healthy lifestyle that I can stick with the rest of my life. That was the first step. But this post isn't about the eating part of my new lifestyle, it's about the exercising part. Back on subject here.

You would think a person with weak ankles that ache and legs that hurt under the strain of such excursion would never consider walking to be the best form of exercise. However, I thought about it and a little pain now is worth it in the end!

My goal is to walk a 10k five days a week. I know that I will not always reach this goal and have not made it everyday. There are just some days that I can only handle walking 2-3 miles. But I'm okay with that. Why? Because it's 2-3 miles (a 5k) of heart pumping, lung filling, weight dropping exercise completed! I don't sweat the small stuff like not making it to 6.2 miles everyday. My goal is there as a guideline, as something to strive for, but okay if I fall a little short. I mean, I don't want to injure myself either. I just want to push myself to go a little farther than the time before.

Another mini goal I set for myself, is when I walk to my car and drive to the grocery store, I don't circle the parking lot wasting 15 minutes searching for that front row parking spot anymore. Instead, I pull into a spot as far out in the parking lot as I feel safe with and walk in logging more steps!

So far, I'm happy with what I've accomplished these last few weeks. I would have NEVER thought I could have walked 93.3 miles, that's over 31 miles per week, a few months ago. I guess what I've learned is not to underestimate what I am capable of.

God has blessed me with two legs and feet that work. They are all the exercise equipment I need to stay healthy! They don't cost a thing and the park doesn't charge me to walk there. What's not to like about that?

What I wanted to share with you all is that starting this year I am making a commitment to myself. That taking care of me and this body God gave me is top priority. It is the first time in a LONG time that I have cared about myself and my health. I have a family that is depending on me being here for a long time!

This year I've also set a goal to participate in as many 5K walks as I can. So far I'm registered for 3 and I am also going to walk in the Mishawaka Relay for Life.

If any of you are interested in supporting my Relay for Life walk just click on the words "Relay for Life" underlined in this post. That will take you to the American Cancer Society home page where you can choose to donate. Search for my name and you can make a contribution online there. Thank you in advance for your donation!

"I am Walking My Way to a long, healthy and happy lifetime! God willing!"