tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62443112620437507062024-03-13T08:51:55.713-04:00LifescapesDebrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.comBlogger372125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-24851619455673374092011-01-19T18:24:00.005-05:002011-01-19T18:41:17.804-05:00Hit 'Refresh" and head south!<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TTdy8-Ah7FI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/HgiVATdo7Ic/s1600/vero-beach-florida.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564042256402476114" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TTdy8-Ah7FI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/HgiVATdo7Ic/s320/vero-beach-florida.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#666666;"> ~<span style="color:#336666;">Vero Beach, Florida</span>~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#666666;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I have really been missing in action this fall and into our winter.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">My sweet sister has invited me to visit her in Florida and I'm taking her up on it.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It's been cold and snowy here in the northeast and I think a little change of scenery will be a tonic for me.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#336666;">* * *</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I am hoping to get my blogger-groove back when I return~ warmed-up, a little sun on my shoulders and refreshed.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">* * *</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">Thank you for the emails, notes, phone calls and sweet thoughts.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">You are all dear and very special.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#336666;">* * *</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#666666;">I will be thinking of YOU...... and YOU know who you are.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#336666;">* * *</span></div><div align="center"></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-27097236870700409732010-12-31T14:50:00.006-05:002010-12-31T15:01:42.534-05:00Happy New Year~<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TR41aEPJ8XI/AAAAAAAAC38/-Q9L-iz91cQ/s1600/Happy%2BNew%2BYear.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556937712151949682" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TR41aEPJ8XI/AAAAAAAAC38/-Q9L-iz91cQ/s320/Happy%2BNew%2BYear.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ~Happy New Year~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">May 2011 bring good health, much happiness and many memories in the making.</span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#666666;">***</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Love~ Debra</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#666666;"> </span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></p><div align="center"><br /></div></span><div align="center"></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-91235347150220077102010-12-23T17:16:00.004-05:002010-12-23T17:40:10.751-05:00Merry Christmas<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TRPOcrp0C5I/AAAAAAAAC3w/irRumz1-44o/s1600/tumblr_lcrr6aka5X1qcn20ko1_500.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554009757627714450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TRPOcrp0C5I/AAAAAAAAC3w/irRumz1-44o/s320/tumblr_lcrr6aka5X1qcn20ko1_500.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ~<span style="color:#990000;">Happy Holidays </span> My Sweet Friends~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#666666;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">May 2011 bring each one of you good health and special memories.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I am hoping to be back in the New Year, but for now~ I wish each and every one of you a wonderful, warm and loving holiday.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">With Love, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Debra</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;">***<br /></span></div></span><div align="center"></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-76156753558277935712010-10-04T18:57:00.003-04:002010-10-04T19:05:11.226-04:00Happy Autumn~<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TKpcEo4EceI/AAAAAAAAC3M/_dk-MJ1oYYM/s1600/velvet+pumpkins.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524329127685157346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TKpcEo4EceI/AAAAAAAAC3M/_dk-MJ1oYYM/s320/velvet+pumpkins.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#999999;"> </span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#999999;">~Autumn~<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">~*~</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">You have only to disappear for a short while when you find out that your friends really do miss you~</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">Thank you for the very thoughtful emails, notes and telephone calls.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">I am here.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">Just rearranging a few things and getting back into the swing of things.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#999999;">Love to you~</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#999999;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#999999;">Debra</span><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">Image:</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;color:#999999;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">dreamsicle</span> day</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;"></span><br /></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-1425421605429566372010-09-08T03:00:00.000-04:002010-09-08T03:00:06.338-04:00Properly Prepped<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TIafzjMzMqI/AAAAAAAAC3E/OopqiJDZXNs/s1600/True+Prep.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514270501732823714" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TIafzjMzMqI/AAAAAAAAC3E/OopqiJDZXNs/s320/True+Prep.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc66cc;"> ~True Prep~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc9933;"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc66cc;">By~Lisa Birnbach</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#cc66cc;">with Chip Kidd</span></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000066;">The highly coveted and anticipated TRUE PREP is finally out!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#000066;"><span style="font-family:arial;">A light, fun read. It's been such a great summer</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, it's hard to let go.</span></span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000066;">This will help usher in Autumn, along with a few new things to update my inner prep!</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc66cc;"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000066;">What are you reading... just for fun?</span></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#000066;">Image: </span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#000066;">True Prep</span></p>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-61150931663663375302010-09-07T03:00:00.002-04:002010-09-07T03:00:02.589-04:00Labor Day Tag Sale<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TIVRfa_tlQI/AAAAAAAAC28/BxJBOEjt6tA/s1600/tag+sale.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 199px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513902919049385218" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TIVRfa_tlQI/AAAAAAAAC28/BxJBOEjt6tA/s320/tag+sale.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> One Man's Trash, is Another Man's Treasure...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">{Pup not included}</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~*~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">On Monday I had a tag sale. I spent a few days going through storage boxes in my basement- wanting to do one last purge! And purge I did. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I now have lots of empty space, clear shelving and very few odds and ends taking up space in my basement~ ahhhh!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I love simplicity!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~*~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">That was how I spent my Labor Day- how about you?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"><br /></div></span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Image:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Courtesy of Country Living</span></div></span><div align="center"></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-46085495286351751642010-09-03T19:32:00.003-04:002010-09-03T19:52:45.085-04:00Sweet September~<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TIGIJGW5HCI/AAAAAAAAC20/t7jSwlP0Wt8/s1600/Doing+what+you+love.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512837108785028130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TIGIJGW5HCI/AAAAAAAAC20/t7jSwlP0Wt8/s320/Doing+what+you+love.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;"> Ohhh... Hello my friends.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">It's been well over a month since my last post. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">It was a full month of kids camp, a few summer escapes, completing several commissions and relaxing and enjoying the waning days of summer.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">~*~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">It was all wonderful~ but I did miss you and will be back here next week- right after Labor Day.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">~*~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">A Happy and Safe holiday weekend to you.</span></div><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#999999;">Image~</span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Dreamsicle Day</span></p><div align="center"></span> </div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-36894134869411930892010-07-27T03:00:00.000-04:002010-07-27T03:00:00.324-04:00Summer Reading<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TE4BqZwEoYI/AAAAAAAAC1s/c93ZOXYmdyU/s1600/books.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 151px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498334023044604290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TE4BqZwEoYI/AAAAAAAAC1s/c93ZOXYmdyU/s320/books.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ~<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Same-Kind-Different-Modern-Day-International/dp/084991910X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280181302&sr=1-1"><span style="color:#999900;">Same Kind of Different As me</span></a>~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">by~ Ron Hall and Denver Moore</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">~*~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">Have you read this book? I haven't, not yet.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">It was a gift from a very good friend. Last week while she was on vacation she read it and says, it has changed her life.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">My friend stopped by on Saturday evening and handed me a copy. Apparently she bought every copy at a local independent bookshop and then went to our Barnes and Noble and bought every copy they had. She then returned to the little bookshop and ordered several dozen copies.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#999999;">In August she is celebrating a special birthday and has decided to gift a copy of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Same-Kind-Different-Modern-Day-International/dp/084991910X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280181302&sr=1-1"><span style="color:#999999;">Same Kind of Different As me </span></a><span style="color:#999999;">to each guest attending her birthday party!</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">~*~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#999999;">I'm looking forward to settling in with </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Same-Kind-Different-Modern-Day-International/dp/084991910X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280181302&sr=1-1"><span style="color:#999900;">this book</span></a><span style="color:#999999;">.</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">Later this week we will be flying to North Carolina to visit my Father-in-law.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">I anticipate many hours of reading, relaxing, walking and enjoying the company of my sweet Father-in-law.</span></div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;"></span><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TE3_6MIYhWI/AAAAAAAAC1k/s54hB75-5G8/s1600/Dreamy+Books.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498332095243126114" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TE3_6MIYhWI/AAAAAAAAC1k/s54hB75-5G8/s320/Dreamy+Books.jpg" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">I'm still catching up on illustrations that have deadlines quickly approaching, and my stack of summer reads is getting taller each week.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">So many books... so little time!</span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;">If you've read this book, I'd love to know your thoughts.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#999999;"></span> </p><p align="center"><span style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Images: </span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Same Kind of Different As me- website </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;"><span style="color:#666666;">and</span> <a href="http://dreamsicleday.tumblr.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Here</span></a></span></p>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-62854328641487482512010-07-15T19:34:00.002-04:002010-07-15T19:43:59.537-04:00A Mid-Summer Break<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TD-baa-3SNI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/OCIfQBZvbBE/s1600/Summer+Cocktail.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494280948637190354" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TD-baa-3SNI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/OCIfQBZvbBE/s400/Summer+Cocktail.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ~Thinking of you~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Enjoy each day~ summer is passing quickly.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~*~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">For those special friends in the southern hemisphere~ curl up by a warm fire with a mug of something warm.</span></div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-89241818401483157532010-07-12T17:50:00.002-04:002010-07-13T05:22:30.778-04:00A Little Time-Out~<div align="center"><a href="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_422/1248434521qIYU0M.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_422/1248434521qIYU0M.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> I've been spending a lot of time with these......</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.villamaniboc.com/wp-content/Pictures/vacationpx/Cinque%20Terre%20beauty.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 376px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.villamaniboc.com/wp-content/Pictures/vacationpx/Cinque%20Terre%20beauty.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">When I sit at my drawing table I do a lot of daydreaming...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">like......</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">The five beautiful walking villages of the </span><a href="http://www.lecinqueterre.org/eng/"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#666666;">Cinque Terre </span></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">along the Italian Riviera.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">More Information </span><a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/08/05/travel/05hours.html"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ff6666;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">The Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places I have visited.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I'm thinking of my first visit to this gorgeous spot when it was early in July, really warm, the water so blue, the bougainvillea so profuse, the wine refreshing and cold.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I will be taking a bit of a blogging break, a 'time-out' to catch up on several painting projects.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Summer here in the northeast is short and between painting, some gardening, my Pilate's classes~ the days feel very short and they are passing too quickly.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It was such a difficult decision because catching up with all of you is such an important part of my day. I really won't be gone all that long, so please check back with me when you can or keep in touch via email.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I will miss you and don't be surprised to see a comment here and there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">Sending Prayers to this very special <a href="http://holdingcourtblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#6666cc;">family.</span></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Images:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Top-google search</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Cinque Terre Website</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></p>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-3474620637192507622010-07-06T03:00:00.002-04:002010-07-07T06:21:14.192-04:00Wyeth's Maine<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EYMAdo4Ms84/SXE9TXHNtXI/AAAAAAAACzI/5V-8QGphVHw/s400/AndrewWyeth2ByPeterRalston1x.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 361px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EYMAdo4Ms84/SXE9TXHNtXI/AAAAAAAACzI/5V-8QGphVHw/s400/AndrewWyeth2ByPeterRalston1x.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~Andrew Wyeth~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">July 12, 1917 ~ January 16, 2009</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">{Image~<span style="color:#6666cc;"> </span><a href="http://www.pralston.com/"><span style="color:#6666cc;">Peter Ralston</span></a>}<br /></div></span><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TDJnVX97KyI/AAAAAAAACzw/-3aoSSZFILg/s1600/IMG_1623.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490564512626715426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TDJnVX97KyI/AAAAAAAACzw/-3aoSSZFILg/s400/IMG_1623.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~On The Edge~</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">On Monday I visited the<span style="color:#990000;"> </span><a href="http://www.farnsworthmuseum.org/hours-admission"><span style="color:#990000;">Farnsworth Museum</span> </a>in Rockland, Maine.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">What a gift.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I am a fan of the works of the late Andrew Wyeth.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I have been for years. Just out of high school I started collecting Wyeth prints and having them matted and framed.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TDJnUhGV6YI/AAAAAAAACzo/7vW9j5d6j3Q/s1600/IMG_1624.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490564497898072450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TDJnUhGV6YI/AAAAAAAACzo/7vW9j5d6j3Q/s400/IMG_1624.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Fast-forward several years... I became the gardener on an estate here in central Maine. One of the owners was a gallery owner in New York City. He was a friend of Andrew Wyeth and held the exclusive for Wyeths at his gallery.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Occasionally Andrew Wyeth and his wife Betsy would visit the estate. One particular August the famed artist was due to arrive for a weekend visit. I knew well of this pending visit- I arranged the flowers for the guestroom that the Wyeth's would have for the weekend.<br /><br /></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TDJnTx-wrvI/AAAAAAAACzg/HVAqo0JSNMc/s1600/IMG_1625.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490564485249806066" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TDJnTx-wrvI/AAAAAAAACzg/HVAqo0JSNMc/s400/IMG_1625.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span> <span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~Nicholas~</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">On that Saturday morning I made a quick trip down to the greenhouses to do some light watering and venting of the beautiful glass greenhouses. As I was driving up the lane to my home, also part of the family property, I saw an imposing figure walking along. I knew just who it was. Worn, baggy khaki pants, very faded navy canvas shoes and an old comfy navy cotton sweater- it was him. I pulled into my driveway and dashed inside. I went from window to window trying to catch the best view of the well known artist.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">He made his way to the horses right across from my cottage.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I could see him gently clapping his hands to get their attention.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I took a deep breath, threw on a crisp white shirt, tossed a brush through my hair and nonchalantly walked outside of my cottage to where Mr. Wyeth was leaning against a newly painted white fence talking with a couple of the horses.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">With the blush of a young woman I told him that I was a fan of his work. He was gentle~ he took my hand and put his other hand on my right shoulder. He was very complimentary of the gardens that I tended for the family and asked several questions about the horses and the greenhouses. He seemed more interested in the work that I was doing then talking about himself or his work.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It was a short but substantial introduction.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It made my summer.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TDJnTg22pZI/AAAAAAAACzY/LdvT4cbF5zY/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490564480653239698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TDJnTg22pZI/AAAAAAAACzY/LdvT4cbF5zY/s400/IMG_1626.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">This man was a gift to Maine and to art.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">If you are in Maine or have the chance to </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">visit the Farnsworth Museum</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">it will be an afternoon well spent.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#6666cc;"><a href="http://www.farnsworthmuseum.org/">The Farnsworth Museum</a></span><span style="color:#6666cc;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">16 Museum Street</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Rockland, Maine</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">04841</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">207-596-6457</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TDJnSk_S-zI/AAAAAAAACzQ/OS6_OTv50IQ/s1600/IMG_1621.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490564464582523698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TDJnSk_S-zI/AAAAAAAACzQ/OS6_OTv50IQ/s400/IMG_1621.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~Rockland, Maine~<br /><br />Images:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">Thank you to Peter Ralston {top}<span style="color:#6666cc;"> </span><a href="http://www.pralston.com/"><span style="color:#6666cc;">http://www.pralston.com/</span></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Others are mine own<br /></span><br /><br /></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-39657036063722299042010-07-03T08:51:00.004-04:002010-07-03T17:23:42.127-04:00July 4th~ 2010<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TC8ycBb6hXI/AAAAAAAACyw/bNvL-J6WZPw/s1600/patriotic-house-s2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489661927791166834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TC8ycBb6hXI/AAAAAAAACyw/bNvL-J6WZPw/s400/patriotic-house-s2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;"> ~Happy July 4th Weekend~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#cc0000;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">My favorite holiday of them all!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Have fun and be safe.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">~Happy Birthday United States of America~<br /></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#666666;">image:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Country Living</span></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-72075587329239421712010-07-01T03:00:00.000-04:002010-07-01T03:00:09.167-04:00Quote of the day...<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TCvNtN7bhcI/AAAAAAAACyY/IrXqAhpEGQs/s1600/PJ%27s+motto.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488706747597817282" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TCvNtN7bhcI/AAAAAAAACyY/IrXqAhpEGQs/s400/PJ%27s+motto.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ...and this is just what makes summer so darn fabulous!!!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">You can stay in your jammie bottoms all day long...and no body even has to know.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Not that I'm doing this.......I'm just saying.......<br /></span></div><div align="center"></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-2383212937966355942010-06-27T05:14:00.019-04:002010-06-27T05:49:31.689-04:00Summer Sundays<div align="center"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2778158454_2ce7ee7c4a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 500px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2778158454_2ce7ee7c4a.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~ Sunday ~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Today we will be off on a jaunt with a special little girl.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"><a href="http://www.trails.org/map_files/mackworth_page_description.html">Mackworth Island</a>~Portland, ME</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">First, we will read this delightful book.<br /></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.parentingtree.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/fairy-house-book.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.parentingtree.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/fairy-house-book.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~<a href="http://www.fairyhouses.com/about_author.htm"><span style="color:#336666;">Fairy Houses</span></a>~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">by Tracy Kane</span><br /><br /><a href="http://sisterlysavings.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/dunkin-donuts.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://sisterlysavings.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/dunkin-donuts.png" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Then a quick stop for this...<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/c/0/0/1d/6/AAAADBaGoqUAAAAAAB1oIQ.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/c/0/0/1d/6/AAAADBaGoqUAAAAAAB1oIQ.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> Then to Mackworth Island to visit all of the Fairy Houses and the Pet Cemetery.</span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"><br /></span><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://patriciaafuller.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/pixie-hollow-small-houses.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 391px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://patriciaafuller.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/pixie-hollow-small-houses.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I'll be taking plenty of photos.<br /><br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://www.eso-garden.com/images/uploads_bilder/fairy_doors_garden_2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.eso-garden.com/images/uploads_bilder/fairy_doors_garden_2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">And return with a full report.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://www.about-recipes.com/imgrec/300720-Festive-Strawberry-Nut-Salad.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 450px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.about-recipes.com/imgrec/300720-Festive-Strawberry-Nut-Salad.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Later this evening, a light strawberry salad for dinner...<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://snagwiremedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/shutterstock-1611432.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 334px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://snagwiremedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/shutterstock-1611432.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ...and our evening will end with this~</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">and a very tired little girl crawling into bed after a fun filled day on the coast of Maine visiting Fairy Houses~ what could be more fun for a little girl of five?</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Images:</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Google</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">flickr</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">my own<br /></span><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-15677311329885821892010-06-22T11:33:00.002-04:002010-06-22T11:42:12.927-04:00Happy Birthday JD<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TCDYHkCwhwI/AAAAAAAACyQ/ORfJdjbWN4A/s1600/Mom+and+Jonathan.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485621970583193346" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TCDYHkCwhwI/AAAAAAAACyQ/ORfJdjbWN4A/s400/Mom+and+Jonathan.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~ Mom and Jonathan ~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Happy Birthday to my wonderful son Jonathan.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I remember this autumn day as if it were just yesterday.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">You are so loved and I am proud of the man, husband and Father you have become.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Love,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Mom</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Tonight we celebrate!<br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Image:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">My own</span></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-21690562614098016812010-06-18T08:03:00.016-04:002010-06-18T09:15:41.914-04:00Loveliness from Mimi Charmante<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBthi56ReII/AAAAAAAACyI/Kpt7475tyzM/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484084223542392962" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBthi56ReII/AAAAAAAACyI/Kpt7475tyzM/s400/IMG_1553.JPG" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">The lovely and oh so chic Kimberly, creator of the fabulous blog, <a href="http://mimicharmante.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Mimi Charmante</span></a>~ recently held a giveaway. I was the beyond lucky winner! I have been a follower and fan of 'Mimi's' blog for as long as I've had my own blog.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">This beautiful Mom of four sons {instant Sainthood} is a talented photographer, as you can see here<span style="color:#666666;"> </span>with my new prints!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">She also knows her way around dressing up a lovely home.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">If you haven't, please visit <a href="http://mimicharmante.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html"><span style="color:#ff6666;">here</span></a> and then cruise around until you find some interior shots of this family home!<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBthiRWIAjI/AAAAAAAACyA/fSpP0QDfEn8/s1600/IMG_1555.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484084212653359666" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBthiRWIAjI/AAAAAAAACyA/fSpP0QDfEn8/s400/IMG_1555.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">This past April she went back to France with friends and was able to connect with a very special blog buddy. Lucky for us, when she returned~ Kimberly shared her adventures {and there were some adventures} with us. I dread the day that she has exhausted the gorgeous photos and stories of her wonderful trip!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~*~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">This incredible parcel arrived on Thursday. Three of Kimberly's beautiful prints of her trip, and a few of her cupcake notes! Now I want her real thing- can those be sent across the country Kimberly???</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I'm heading out Saturday to look for some vintage frames for my prints and know just where they will hang.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">There was a little package of French verse confetti and a couple of her lovely business and calling cards. Which I will add to my ever-growing collection of special cards!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Thank you my sweet friend~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">You definitely took the sting out of a busy week.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~Now..... back to those cupcakes..."</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~<a href="http://mimicharmante.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Mimi Charmante</span></a>~</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Images:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">My images of Kimberly's Photographs</span></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-25829368063967165942010-06-14T00:05:00.003-04:002010-06-14T00:05:00.312-04:00We have a special winner~<div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBVX3nqiyTI/AAAAAAAACx4/rTgjxrMsrbQ/s1600/Sharon%27s+home+%234"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 165px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482384734445291826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBVX3nqiyTI/AAAAAAAACx4/rTgjxrMsrbQ/s400/Sharon%27s+home+%234" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~Sharon's snow house~ </span></div>
<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">One of my many favorite blogs is <a href="http://myfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#006600;">My French Country House</span></a>.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Sharon lives in France with her family in this beautiful country home!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I especially love this image of Sharon's home in the winter with a blanket of fresh snow.</span>
<br /></div>
<br /><div align="center">
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBVX3TGa7sI/AAAAAAAACxw/T1Ogg-lbjXQ/s1600/Sharon%27s+home+%233"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 165px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482384728925073090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBVX3TGa7sI/AAAAAAAACxw/T1Ogg-lbjXQ/s400/Sharon%27s+home+%233" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~A glimpse of Sharon's garden~ </span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It's funny~ after reading Sharon's blog a few times I became a follower. Then I added <a href="http://myfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#006600;">My French Country Home</span></a> to my blog roll.</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">And it disappeared!</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#006600;">{There really are times that I don't know what happens with blogger. Everything goes along beautifully and then something disappears or you can't download an image...and sometimes you can even post. But we love you just the same!}
<br /></span>
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBVX3KBHv9I/AAAAAAAACxo/2rVWC3cOflg/s1600/Sharon%27s+home++%232"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 165px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482384726486925266" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBVX3KBHv9I/AAAAAAAACxo/2rVWC3cOflg/s400/Sharon%27s+home++%232" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~Outside of Sharon's home~</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">So I added her to my blog roll again! And...again it disappeared!</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">You can't make this up! Gone...not once but twice!</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I do hope she's here to stay now!</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">So, when I had a special someone draw the winning name for my Lifescape giveaway~</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I was thrilled when it was Sharon from </span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#006600;"><a href="http://myfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com/">My French Country House! </a></span>
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<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 165px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482384361708438050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBVXh7HJwiI/AAAAAAAACxg/vPF1izAOBfs/s400/Sharon%27s+home" /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~I could stare at this view forever~</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~*~</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Sharon, I will be emailing you a questionnaire to fill out so I can get started on your special Lifescape.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Congratulations!</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">I'm looking forward to illustrating this for you!</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">A huge Thank~You to all of you that entered my giveaway and to those of you that mentioned it in you posts.
<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">
<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Images:</span>
<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">via <a href="http://myfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#006600;">My French Country House</span></a></span> </div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-51372734247225003612010-06-13T05:43:00.020-04:002010-06-13T07:58:14.746-04:00Summer Sundays and a Special Birthday~<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBTGn7eJCnI/AAAAAAAACxY/UlYdUZuT_b8/s1600/IMG_0541.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482225035698047602" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBTGn7eJCnI/AAAAAAAACxY/UlYdUZuT_b8/s400/IMG_0541.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ~Happy Fifth Birthday~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">To a very special Water Baby</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBSwnnJOc7I/AAAAAAAACxQ/hbfJaMiFC60/s1600/Summer+Sundays_thumb.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482200840985801650" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TBSwnnJOc7I/AAAAAAAACxQ/hbfJaMiFC60/s400/Summer+Sundays_thumb.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> While having my coffee early this morning, I dropped in on</span> <a href="http://collageoflife-henrqs.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#666600;">Jeanne.</span></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">She was sharing her first Summer Sunday with us!</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">She got the idea from The Tablescaper {see link below to go visit, if you haven't already}.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">What a genius idea for the busy weekend! Find or photograph images that mean summer to you. Not much text needed, so you can get on with fun summer activities!</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Here are a few things that mean summer to me!<br /><br /></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2542702879_a1c49935e9.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 414px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2542702879_a1c49935e9.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">A seaside cottage, windows open, a light breeze~ just right for curling up with a good book or a short nap!<br /><br /></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4aqeyNMaRYI/Slayz949gLI/AAAAAAAADbc/s9-VhALW0R4/s400/front+porch+swing_white+black+painted+floor+rocking+chair+summer+outdoors_evan+sklar+photographer.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4aqeyNMaRYI/Slayz949gLI/AAAAAAAADbc/s9-VhALW0R4/s400/front+porch+swing_white+black+painted+floor+rocking+chair+summer+outdoors_evan+sklar+photographer.png" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> This beautiful porch~ gleaming floor, white furnishings, bright bouquets of summer flowers, another good book and some lemonade nearby!<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lefthooklobstah.com/images/lobster-dinner.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.lefthooklobstah.com/images/lobster-dinner.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">And of course, a few great lobster dinners-paired with heirloom tomatoes and some fresh picked then roasted corn!<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/Empty_sands_at_South_Beach.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/Empty_sands_at_South_Beach.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Long walks along my favorite beach...<br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2009-08-21-IMG_1370_1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 363px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2009-08-21-IMG_1370_1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~and lots of herbs, plucked from my garden, then creating a delicious dinner around them.<br /><br /><br />Be sure to visit:<br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#666600;">http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Add the Summer Sunday button and tell us a few of your Summer Sunday favorites!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">My giveaway will close tonight at midnight- and I will announce the winner-chosen randomly, Monday morning.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">For your chance to </span><a href="http://lifescapes-luccag.blogspot.com/2010/06/thanks-jeanne-and-giveaway.html"><span style="color:#666600;">win your own personal Lifescape</span> </a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">watercolor!</span></div><br /><div></div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Images:</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">My own and google search<br /></span><div></div></div><br /></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-9950862703566047472010-06-11T03:00:00.002-04:002010-06-11T11:31:31.238-04:00Quinoa~ {Keen-wah}<div align="center"><a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/taste_impact/2008/10/medium_quinoa-smoked-tofu-salad.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://blog.cleveland.com/taste_impact/2008/10/medium_quinoa-smoked-tofu-salad.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ~Quinoa Salad~</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Last night I made a delicious quinoa salad. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Diced red onion, yellow and orange peppers and cucumbers.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Add lots of fresh sliced strawberries, chopped raw almonds and some grape tomatoes.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">A drizzle of ginger dressing and you have a healthy, light meal.<br />I also added lots of fresh chopped herbs~ parsley, dill, basil, tarragon and chives!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">Sorry- my camera batteries were dead- so I got this image online. My salad looked so much better than this. It really did! This one appears to have some diced chicken in it which would also be a good source of protein.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.susanjanemurray.com/images/cms/quinoa.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 640px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.susanjanemurray.com/images/cms/quinoa.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~Quinoa~</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Read about the benefits of quinoa </span><a href="http://www.bodyecology.com/07/04/12/quinoa_benefits_guide.php"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#996633;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">.<br /></span><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/kitchen/2008_09_18-quinoa1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 540px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 405px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/kitchen/2008_09_18-quinoa1.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Quinoa~ {pronounced Keen-wah}</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Not a grain- actually it's a seed. Related to the spinach family.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Quinoa has a wonderfully nutty flavor that is very versatile.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It is a great source of protein and fiber and contains the essential amino acids.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It's high in calcium, potassium, iron and zinc among other important nutrients.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It really is a 'complete food'.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I don't follow a recipe for this type of salad. I use whatever I have in my refrigerator- but the fresh strawberries really add something special.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I always make extra quinoa to have on hand. It's works well in soups and stews and I spoon it onto leftover veggies for breakfast...<br />So, if you haven't tried quinoa- head to your health food store and pick some up.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">Rinse the seeds with cold water and let</span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> it come to a slow boil then reduce it to a simmer for about 13 minutes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">I used 1 cup of quinoa to 2 1/4 cups water.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">A light rinse under cool water and it's ready to use.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Give quinoa a try- I think you'll like it!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***<br />Don't forget... my giveaway closes this Sunday~ June 13th!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Read all about it <a href="http://lifescapes-luccag.blogspot.com/2010/06/thanks-jeanne-and-giveaway.html"><span style="color:#996633;">here</span></a><span style="color:#996633;">!</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Image:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">google salad search</span> </p>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-53973741335064489622010-06-08T03:00:00.001-04:002010-06-08T07:05:23.171-04:00Stand Tall~<div align="center"><a href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00CI2hD3RHamK/340x.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 510px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00CI2hD3RHamK/340x.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">My Mother was a stickler for good posture! Growing up she was constantly reminding my sister and I of the importance of good posture...shoulders back-standing tall.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.womenslifelink.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Little_Black_Dress_by_visioluxus.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 451px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.womenslifelink.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Little_Black_Dress_by_visioluxus.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Early ballet classes helped to drive that plea home. After years of seeing a fabulous chiropractor and the reminders of my dear Mother- I know and FEEL the importance of keeping the shoulders back and opening up my spine.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I start private Pilates sessions next week and am very excited to be starting something new and challenging.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">After several private sessions I'm sure I will feel comfortable joining the classes-but for now, I'm looking forward to having this time all to myself.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Did I mention that standing tall with good straight posture also takes pounds off our appearance? Just one of the few benefits of standing tall.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">If you haven't already, please check out my GIVEAWAY <a href="http://lifescapes-luccag.blogspot.com/2010/06/thanks-jeanne-and-giveaway.html"><span style="color:#990000;">here</span></a>.<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Images:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Google search and my file</span> </p>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-71790924320070872442010-06-04T07:33:00.017-04:002010-06-06T19:28:00.161-04:00Thanks Jeanne... and a Giveaway!<div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;"></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TAj2ifUS-dI/AAAAAAAACxI/nzVmdvnyqgg/s1600/Jeanne.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 147px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478900019078822354" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/TAj2ifUS-dI/AAAAAAAACxI/nzVmdvnyqgg/s400/Jeanne.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~ Jeanne ~</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">What is any better than blatant self promotion? When a good friend is taken with your illustrations and creates a post about them!<br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">My sweet and gorgeous friend Jeanne posted about my Lifescapes </span><a href="http://collageoflife-henrqs.blogspot.com/2010/06/loving-lifescapes.html"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"><span style="color:#ff6666;">here</span>.</span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">If you haven't visited Jeanne ~ please do so now. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I am lucky to be a co-conspirator with her fabulous brain-child</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">The <a href="http://b-wellreport.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">B-Well Report</span></a><span style="color:#ff6666;">.</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Please come visit us there also and make it part of your daily blog visits. We are treading our way to better overall health and well-being. We would love to hear from you.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It amazes and thrills me daily that we meet and connect with such wonderful people through blogging. I just know that I will meet some of you in person one day.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">To celebrate the summer, good friends and what blogging has meant to me, I am holding a giveaway!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">My gift to you will be a personal 11" X 14" Lifescape.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">All you have to do is visit Jeanne at <a href="http://collageoflife-henrqs.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Collage for Life</span></a>. Leave her a comment and then come back to me and tell me what your Lifescape would include and become a follower.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">~Would you want a Lifescape about your life?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">~A special surprise gift for a friend or relative?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">~Would it contain all of the memories of a special holiday or vacation?</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">You get to chose~ it's your Lifescape!</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Read all about Lifescapes here:<br /></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://collageoflife-henrqs.blogspot.com/2010/06/loving-lifescapes.html"><span style="color:#ff6666;">http://collageoflife-henrqs.blogspot.com/2010/06/loving-lifescapes.html</span></a><span style="color:#ff6666;">.</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Thanks Jeanne~</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">This giveaway will close on Sunday June 13 and the winner chosen randomly.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"><span style="font-size:85%;">P.S..... If you mention my giveaway on your blog, you will receive an extra entry.<br /></span></span><br /></p><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-18030162647744128422010-06-03T03:00:00.006-04:002010-06-03T03:00:04.045-04:00Bend and stretch...reach for the stars***<div align="center"><a href="http://static0.unlike.net/system/photos/0025/8847/yoga.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 550px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://static0.unlike.net/system/photos/0025/8847/yoga.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ~Yoga~<br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.sapphirelifestyle.co.uk/users/www.sapphirelifestyle.co.uk/upload/Preacher_Stretch.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 512px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 640px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.sapphirelifestyle.co.uk/users/www.sapphirelifestyle.co.uk/upload/Preacher_Stretch.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ~ Pilates~</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">***</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">I am enrolling in Yoga and Pilates classes to strengthen my back and overall core and well-being.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">I have taken yoga classes in the past and loved them- loved the flexibility, enjoyed the peacefulness of the classes... a mind cleanse if you will~ and how strong I felt.</span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">I have never taken pilates before and I'm looking forward to it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">I will give them both some time, space out the classes and see which one I want to</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">become more involved with. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">***</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">I would love to know your thoughts on pilates~ I'm there for the yoga classes, but pilates~ I'm not so familiar.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;">***</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;"></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Images:</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">webstarter</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></div></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-81139620918301096832010-05-29T03:00:00.000-04:002010-05-29T03:00:04.629-04:00Memorial Weekend~<div align="center"><a href="http://www.murrayontravel.com/images/weekly_ma_boston_beacon_hill.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.murrayontravel.com/images/weekly_ma_boston_beacon_hill.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"> ***<br /></span><a href="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/12/4b/63/beacon-hill.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 450px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/12/4b/63/beacon-hill.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">*** </span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://rjosephhoffmann.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/beacon-hill-street.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 533px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 800px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://rjosephhoffmann.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/beacon-hill-street.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">***</span><br /><div><a href="http://www.usfieldhockey.com/juniorworldcup/images/CobblestoneHistoricBoston.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 452px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.usfieldhockey.com/juniorworldcup/images/CobblestoneHistoricBoston.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="color:#000066;">Beacon Hill- Boston</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">Memorial Weekend</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">There is something about the cobbled streets, the quaint brick townhouses of Beacon Hill in Boston.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">The way they proudly fly the Stars and Stripes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">***</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">For those that have given the ultimate for our freedom and those that are still fighting~</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000066;">We give Thanks.<br /><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#000066;">Images:</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;color:#000066;">Beacon Hill Homes</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;color:#000066;">google search</span></div></div><br /></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-49360949229522196632010-05-28T18:34:00.012-04:002010-05-30T08:21:32.966-04:00Prelude to Summer~Memorial Day<div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;"></span><a href="http://www.findagrave.com/photos250/photos/2006/258/CEM46799440_115842828940.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.findagrave.com/photos250/photos/2006/258/CEM46799440_115842828940.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~ Maine Veteran's Memorial Cemetery ~</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Memorial Day weekend was always the prelude to summer. The family gatherings, special holidays and vacations.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Cottages are opened for the season, dates are set for coastal lobster bakes, the cupboards are well-stocked for frequent s'mores and life just becomes a little less hectic and a bit more fun.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/images/maui/attractions/maui-veterans-cemetary-makawao-usgs-starr-05-500x375.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/images/maui/attractions/maui-veterans-cemetary-makawao-usgs-starr-05-500x375.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It's important to remember the reason <span style="color:#666666;">for</span> the holiday weekend. The men and women that have fought and continue to fight to keep our country free.</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It is a special day to remember those that lost their lives while fighting for our country.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#cc0000;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">My Dad fought in World War 2~ he was a very handsome Navy man. </span><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Lucky for us, he made it home safely and met my Mom on leave in New York City~ the rest, as they say, is history. And a great love story was born.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#cc0000;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">My birthday falls on Memorial Day weekend and back when that holiday was always on May 30th, there was always a parade-much like Memorial Day anywhere, America.</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">My Dad told me the parade was especially for me- my very own birthday parade.<br />Isn't that just the sweetest memory for a child?</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#666666;"></span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://larrygilbert.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551ff2ac2883301156fc771d6970c-320wi"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 427px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://larrygilbert.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551ff2ac2883301156fc771d6970c-320wi" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">My parents are both buried here at the </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Maine Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">***</span></div></span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">It is especially beautiful on Memorial Day.<br />The lanes are lined with large American flags and there is a flag at each site.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Let's not forget~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">***</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">... this parade is for you Dad.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6244311262043750706.post-46388080257928412732010-05-27T03:00:00.003-04:002010-05-27T03:00:06.258-04:00My little Goldfish~<div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/S_2bFEoJ0fI/AAAAAAAACxA/sqE1ttJbFds/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475703233396199922" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/S_2bFEoJ0fI/AAAAAAAACxA/sqE1ttJbFds/s400/IMG_1523.JPG" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">~Erin {in the yellow} part of the Goldfish T-Ball Team~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">Probably ignoring the coach's suggestions and sizing things up on her own...</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/S_2avnuKqQI/AAAAAAAACw4/Ncbvq3KFmRU/s1600/IMG_1531.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475702864859539714" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HpgTJJhTcxA/S_2avnuKqQI/AAAAAAAACw4/Ncbvq3KFmRU/s400/IMG_1531.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"> ~Erin set for the play~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">I love T-Ball for these little ones. No winners, no losers, no score. Each little girl does her very best and is proud to hit, run, play and learn the importance of sportsmanship.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;">All things in life should be so fair and so much fun!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Images:</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#666666;">Me<br /></span></span></div>Debrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04767701070804383829noreply@blogger.com9