12/5/10

50 Things about Me Part 1

I've seen this done on other blogs but sometimes it's 101 Things About Me.  I'm not that exciting so I'll stick with 50 (or maybe less).

Okay, here goes.  50 things you never needed to know about me.

1. I have this form of Fiona as my pic on Facebook.
2. I rarely go on Facebook.
3. I'm a neat freak.
4. I have long, red hair.
5. I grew up in Mozambique.
6. I can be mischievous and tell stories.  That is why the first five facts are false.
7. The form of Fiona below is the pic I REALLY have on Facebook.

This form of Fiona suits me better.
8. I LOVE Facebook.
9. I'm a messy and ashamed of it.
10. Whatever color my hair once was, it is no longer.
11. I've never been to Mozambique but I know where it is.
12. I was born in Texas and spent some of my childhood there and some in CA.
13. I went to college in SC and CA.
14. I'm a credentialed school teacher.
15. When I was a kid I was chased by a bear- in the wild. (No joke.) And I lived to tell about it.
16. I sat by Steven Curtis Chapman's parents on a plane ride once.  Wonderful people.
17. After our first date, my future husband and I agreed we would never be more than friends.
18. At times during our marriage we both wished we had stayed only friends. (But we don't feel that way now.)
19. We have two dorky kids. (Probably because my husband and I are dorky. It's in the gene pool.)
20. My first born was a preemie.  SCARY!
21. My second born was normal size and came out hungry.
22. I like dogs. I absolutely adore them.  We have three. (Does that count as one fact or three?)
23. I'm not that crazy about cats.  I'm allergic to them. They make my eyes swell. (Was that TMI?)
24. I have backyard chickens.
25. I like to garden but don't actually do it.
I'm tired of doing this right now and maybe I'll finish tomorrow.  
See ya then, Sam


12/4/10

Photo Break 12/4

Final Glow of November (Big Sur, CA) by AprilM from WonderPhotos
 November has recently ended and in the midst of kid's homework, playing taxi cab driver and a few loads of laundry, I have attempted to figure out some more about this blogging thing.  I have learned that it can be quite rewarding to get several posts up in a week.  I have also learned that I do not have the time, energy or brain power to do it as consistently as I would like.  So, with the beginning of December, I have come up with a plan...

December First (Pajaro, CA) by observing from WonderPhotos
  My plan is to put something quick, easy, and beautiful on my blog  that may bring peace your soul or maybe just make you smile.  And since a beautiful photograph can do just that, on those days I just can't get a regular post together, I will be posting a photo that I love and brings peace to my soul and hopefully yours.

Most of these photos will be of nature, especially country shots.  Since I am a country girl living in the city, country shots are a respite from city life.  Shots of the ocean, like today, will be rare.  Even though I live very close to the ocean, it is not what brings peace to this girl's soul.  Here in SoCal you usually have to fight traffic and crowds to get to the beach and--well, those are not my favorite things.

These photos will usually not be my own since I am not a photographer.  I will do my best to make sure that I am not bootlegging someone else's work but only post what is fair and legal.

I will call these quick, easy posts, "Photo Break".  Whether it is a break for me or a break for you from reading my ramblings....I'll let you decide.

12/1/10

The Christmas Care Package Challenge

"Record Snowfall" by Derek1 from WonderPhotos

My sister-in-law LOVES birds. She loves to watch birds outside her window and she especially loves Christmas cardinals.  My SIL is also a pastor's wife and has learned to hate Christmas.  Her husband is the pastor of a small church and a lot of the work falls on my SIL's shoulder.  Christmas is usually SO busy, SO rushed, and SO stressful that she dreads it each year.  I wanted to encourage her so I gave her a Christmas care package.  I won't give you all the details but it had a lot of notes of encouragement and a lot of birds.

I have a very good friend who is going through tough times right now so I am giving her a care package too.  The gift bag is full of little bags with a note and a little gift inside. She is due here any minute and I can hardly wait to watch her open it. Here are a few of the notes I put on the bags:

Tough times don't have to get ya down if you keep a few tricks under your belt:
.1. The most important thing is - Be anxious for NOTHING but cast all of your care on Him because He cares for you.
2. Praise Him.  Look for what He did for you each day.
3. Find pleasure in the small and simple things.
4. Take time to relax and think ONLY pleasant thoughts.
5. Make time to have fun with friends.
6. No matter where you roam (she might have to move), home is where Jesus is taking care of you.

The were a few more notes pertinent to my friend.  I'll leave it to your imagination to figure out what gift I chose to go with each comment. (Hint: They were small, cute, and inexpensive.)

Do you know someone who is having a hard time this Christmas season?  Why not go shopping at thrift stores, dollar stores, sale racks and collect a few gifts that would mean something to that person, pack  'em up in a gift bag, add a few encouraging notes and make 'em smile.  It is SO much fun!

Encourage one another and happy shopping, Sam

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