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I recently spent several weeks in California. I was very interested to see how I would react, having been out of the US for almost one year. Here are my thoughts:
What I missed most about the U.S.
1) Street signs
2) Radio options in the car
3) Fountain Diet Coke that tastes so good.
4) Being able to chit chat with just about anyone I run into.
Can I live without those things. Yes, of course. But life there is definitely more convenient. But it also seems to take longer.
What do I dislike about there:
1) SO SO MANY Street lights.
2) People actually follow the rules. Yes this is good, but they do so without thinking if things make sense.
3) Life seems so much more compressed and fast paced at the same time.
Another big difference: Costa Rica is dirty outside, clean inside - the US, with it's manicured lawns and filthy restrooms, is quite the opposite.
What was interesting, on the airplane trip there, the airline showed a segment about the happiest places in the world. You have probably seen this, Denmark tops the list. But in the preamble they said, "...many countries lead the U.S., including ....Costa Rica." So I started thinking. Where were people (speaking in general) happier. And I think that they are definitely correct. Costa Ricans as a whole are more content than those in the US, or at least my little corner of the US. But that is the key word. Content. In a simplified idea, happiness is at odds with ambition. People here are happy, but not pushing hard for more. Or at least that is the way it feels to an outside observer.
But what about me? It is fine to speak in generalities, about the happiness of a group of people. But what about me? As I mentioned the other day, I can be happy anywhere. Part of me likes this place, the difference of it and what is available. Part of me wants to go home. Only time will tell which part wins out.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
CA vs CR
I recently spent several weeks in California. I was very interested to see how I would react, having been out of the US for almost one year. Here are my thoughts:
6 comments:
- Anonymous said...
Ooooo, I can relate! Costa Rica has won my battle. There are moments I still want to go back, but no more homesickness. Life is just easier there, but I'm more content here.
Funny, some friends of mine and I were talking about happiness vs. contentment. Happiness is such a silly goal: happiness is an emotion. So fleeting and sorta made up. Whereas contentment can be attained via acceptance and living in the moment. WAY easier to maintain.
Good post, good writing. thank you1
- July 11, 2008 at 9:14 AM
- email@example.com said...
Hello. I'm over at motherjungle.com. I'm going to link your site. It's fun to see others making it too! I too just got back from States. It sure is a contrast! Susan at Motherjungle.com
- July 22, 2008 at 10:09 AM
- don_mecca said...
I must agree with saratica, and a nice comparison of happiness and contentment.
We have come down for the summer (June till mid August) to see if we like it, and how we can live here. And all of us dont want to leave. Now we have to figure out how to make the jump (and earn a living here). We are tired of the traffic, rat race, and decline of the society of the US.
Sure there are some things that we will miss, but the attitude/lifestyle here is way above that of the US (for the most part). I just hope that we dont ruin it much more (here).
- July 25, 2008 at 1:27 PM
- BreeWee said...
Hola amiga (or from where I live ALOHA!)
I was day dreaming... I used to live my summers in Costa Rica and the other time in the Florida... BUT I moved far to Hawaii and have not been back in about 5 years. So, today, day dreaming I googled Costa Rica blogs and yours popped up.
What a great post to find... I needed to read this. I miss my time in Costa SO much, you have certainly brought back many memories for me as I read through bunches of your posts!
Enjoy Costa for me...until I return!
- August 8, 2008 at 8:30 PM
- marina said...
I also just spent some time in the states, and there are lots of things I miss about it in comparison to Costa Rica. One main thing was the options of organic food, CR just really lacks in that! and with all the craziness going around, i dont' want my son to be exposed to it all.
Hi, I'm new to the blogosphere, and just saying hello to fellow Costa Rica bloggers.
Hope to see you on my blog and develop a blogger friendship:)
- September 23, 2008 at 12:34 PM
- vacation costa rica said...
I'm European and i'm thinking of moving to Costa Rica next year with my wife. In a house in dominical
Hapiness is an individual feeling and each and everyone of us has it's own objectives in life. That's why immigration should be legal for anybody anywere...
As you said, what most attracts me of Costa Rica (appart from climate and beaches) is that people are not so BOUND to rules and laws. That's MY point of view but I hate being told what I have to do or not and here in Europe they are all sorts of laws against nearly everything.
- October 29, 2008 at 4:43 AM


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Friday, March 26, 2010
April 2010 Photo Opps
Every Spring the Wild Animal Park has a small Butterfly House, Butterfly Jungle. Get there when the park opens, by lunch the lines are a mile long. Good selection but very small. http://www.sandiegozoo.org/butterflyjungle
April 17-25 - National Park Week - USA
If you are traveling this week, entrance fees into the National Parks will be free for all 392 National Parks. In addition, many national park concessioners are offering special promotions that are certain to add to your fun. http://www.nps.gov/npweek/
Through April 18 Santa Anita Race Track - Arcadia
Early mornings before the races, go to Clockers Corner where you can see all the horses going to the track for practice. Get great close up shots and images of the horses runing the track. Also on weekends FREE tram tour, Board the Seabiscuit Tram at Clockers Corner and take a tour of the stable area, receiving barn and Paddock Gardens. See Seabiscuit's original stall and barn, areas used during the filming of the movie Seabiscuit, the jockeys room, silks room, saddling paddock and walking ring with its topiaries and statuary. Meet the equine star of Seabiscuit, Fighting Furrari, who played the primary role in the film. See the carriage horses in their home under the grandstand. Truly a unique experience you will not soon forget. Tours depart at 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday during the Santa Anita season, excluding Super Bowl Sunday, February 7 and Derby Day, April 3. Season ends April 18th. http://www.santaanita.com
April 11-Sept. 6 Butterflys at LA Natural History Museum - Los Angeles
Opens to the public on April 11th, Pavilion of Wings. More than 40 different butterfly and moth species and an array of plants take up residence every summer for our much-anticipated seasonal exhibit, the Pavilion of Wings. Wander through a unique changing and growing ecosystem. Witness wondrous free-flying creatures interacting with plant life and with each other and emerge with a better understanding of the environment needed for the survival of these spectacular animals. Los Angeles Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Park, 9:30 AM- 5 PM. http://www.nhm.org/site/explore-exhibits/special-exhibits/pavilion-of-wings
April 9-11 Del Mar Nationals - (car show) Del Mar Fairgrounds
More than 2,000 hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and trick trucks. Hours 8-5 Friday and Saturday, Sunday 8-3. www.delmarnationals.com
April 10 Bakersfield Highland Gathering and Games Bakersfield
Scottish atheletics, Celtic Music, pipes and drume, dancers, food and dring, vendors, kid's games at the Kern County Fairgrounds. www.kernscot.com 661-753-3306
April 10-11 Civil War Reenactment - Prado Park - Chino. Prado Park is off Euclid, south of Chino. This is my favorite civil war reenactment. It is big, covers a lot of land and the battles are in a large field of rolling hills. Not much in the background to get in your way. Large camps with lots to shoot, lots of vendors. www.sccwa.com/pradornactrflr10.pdf
April 10-11 Irvine Lake Mud Run - Irvine
Santiago Canyon Road, $5.00 Parking. This is a foot race with an obstacle course with mud pits. The Irvine Lake Mud Run is an approximate +5k course beginning and ending at picturesque Irvine Lake. The course is partially on the road and partially on trails and includes hills, water (no contact with lake anywhere), professionally built obstacles and "eight+" mud pits. May be interesting to photograph. http://www.irvinelakemudrun.com
April 10 - May 23 Weekends - Renaissance Pleasure Fair - Irwindale
This is the largest of the Renaissance Fairs, located at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 E. Arrow Hwy. Hours 10 AM - 7 PM. www.renfair.com/socal
April 11 Festival 0f Dancing Colors - Eastern Dance - San Bernardino. At Cal State San Bernardino, Santos Manuel Student Union, 55500 University Parkway. All types of Eastern Dance and belly dancing. $5.00, hours 1pm-5pm.
April 17 Inland Empire Veterans Parade - Riverside
Starts at 10:00 AM, Parade route, Magnolia & Romona to Market & 10th to the Historic Riverside County Courthouse. Includes Marching Bands, Military Vehicles, Airplane Flyovers, Bagpipes, Antique Cars, Dancers and Mounted Horse units.
April 17-18 Vista Civil War Reenactment - Vista
Location: Antique Gas and Steam Museum, 2040 N Santa Fe Ave. Time: 10AM-5PM each day. Visitors can expect to see real live cannon fire, period costumes, historical figures, authentic battles, meet with the soldiers in their camps, attend demonstrations and more during the two-day festival. Battles will be held twice daily at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. both days. Civil War living history tours will be held throughout the weekend and include demonstrations as well as displays. The museum will also have walking tours of their collections of antique equipment and offer visitors a selection of food and refreshment. http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com/VistaCivWar.html
April 18 Civil War Reenactment - Ft. Tejon. Ft Tejon was an actual Fort during the civil war days. It is between Bakersfield and LA in the Grapevine area on Hwy. 5
Battles are at 10:30AM and 1:00 PM on the 3rd Sunday during the Spring and Summer. Like all events, get there early to get the best images. battles are on the actual old Fort Tejon grounds among some of the old buildings. Bring lunch.
Apr 18 – Orange Plaza Car Show - Orange
16th Annual Car Show in downtown Orange surrounds the circle with beautiful classic cars, More than 400 pre-1975 custom, classic, hot rod and street rods will be on display. There is no admission fee for spectators. Time: 8 am to 3 pm. Location: Chapman and N. Glassell. firstname.lastname@example.com.
Apr 18 - Charity Car Show - Ontario
Hosted by JDRF Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. Sunday - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is open to all: Customs & Classics ~ Muscle Cars ~ Street Rods ~ Rat Rods ~ Trucks ~ Special Interest ~ PT Cruisers ~ Exotics ~ Military ~ Motorcycles and More ~ Trophies ~ Opportunity Drawing, DJ Music. 225 cars last year with 2000 spectators. http://www.jdrfinlandempire.com/charity-car-show.html
April 23-25 Lakeside Rodeo and Parade - Lakeside (San Diego County)
PRCA Rodeo events, food, live music. Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, Hwy 67 and Mapleview.
Rodeo Events at 2 PM each day, gates open at 12:30. www.lakesiderodeo.com
April 24 - Doheny Wood (car show) - Dana Point
Great chance to take pictures of classic Woodies. The 2010 show is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2010. The meet will be held at Doheny State Beach beginning at 8 AM and concluding at 3 PM. Doheny State Beach is located in Dana Point Harbor area at 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629. The woodie meet will be held at the south end of the park. $10.00 park entry fee, no charge for the show. http://socalwoodies.com/doheny.htm
April 24-25 Fun With Chalk, Street Painting Festival - Mission Viejo
Both Days 10AM-5PM. Artist from all over transform and capture amazing beauty of art using pastel chalk as the medium to blend onto asphalt as their canvases. With each artist's techniques and their enthusiasm for the love of art you can truly experience the metamorphosis around you. Norman P Murry Community Center, 24932 Vetrans Way. www.funwithchalk.org
April 24-25 Renaissance Faire - Escondido, CA
Location Felicita Park, 742 Clarence Lane. Hours 10-6 Daily http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com/EscoGenInfo.html
April 24-25 Cowboy Festival - Santa Clarita
Big yearly event at the Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio. Tours, street shows, living history performers, buffalo soldiers and lots of music and food. For more information call 661-286-4021 or www.cowboyfestival.org
April 24-25 California Poppy Festival - Lancaster
Hours 10am-6pm, Lots of enteratinment, foot, crafts, etc. Location: Lancaster City park 43011 N 10th Street West. If you go, be sure to go to the Poppy Perserve where the real pictures are. http://www.poppyfestival.com
May 1 Pasadena Doo Dah Parade - Pasadena
SATURDAY, MAY 1st, Colorado Blvd., in East Pasadena, stepping off at 11:00am. Daring to go where no parade has gone before, this year's Pasadena Doo Dah Parade will venture eastward for the first time in its colorful history. While the alternative event has enjoyed much popular success in the Old Pasadena retail and entertainment district, organizers are excited to bring the eclectic parade to the town-like setting of East Pasadena. "Old Pasadena has been a terrific backdrop and host for the Doo Dah Parade," says organizer Tom Coston. "But East Pasadena is an exciting new frontier with its own local character and possibilities. It'll be a great party for all!" WHERE: Colorado Blvd. (between Sierra Madre and San Gabriel Blvds.)
Pasadena (Start Location: 2627 E. Colorado Blvd. 91107http://www.pasadenadoodahparade.info/
May 1-2 March AFB Air Show -- Rverside
Gates open at 8 AM, close at 6 PM. Free admission and parking.
May 1-2 Renaissance Faire - Escondido, CA
Location Felicita Park, 742 Clarence Lane. Hours 10-6 Daily http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com/EscoGenInfo.html
May 2 American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure 2010 - Long Beach
while this event is designed for cyclists, it sounds like it might be a great chance to get a lot of rider images, especially on the bridges.
The Tour de Cure offers cyclists a once a year opportunity to ride the Gerald Desmond and Vincent Thomas port bridges from Long Beach to Los Angeles. After pausing at our San Pedro Ports O Call rest stop, cyclists choose between a scenic ride to the southern bluffs of Palos Verdes; a metric century, which includes a breath-taking climb to the top of Palos Verdes East; or a relaxing return to the Queen Mary on a harbor cruise that cyclists young and less young will enjoy.
May 8 - National Train Day - Los Angeles
Downtown Union Station, 800 N Alameda St. Come on down to the station and join the celebration in Los Angeles! Don't miss your chance to see model trains, train equipment displays and much more: •The Railroad Braceros Exhibit* •Train Equipment Displays* •Model Train Displays* •AmtraKids Depot Go-Green Express: Eco Exhibit*
•National Park Service Trails & Rails Exhibit* •Snapshot Station •Trains Move our Economy Exhibit* •Amtrak: Dining the Rail Way* exhibit and culinary demonstrations, featuring Chef Marcel Lagnaz •Amtrak Brand Display - Enjoy the journey®* •Amtrak California: A Winning Partnership* •Live performances by the USC Trojan Marching Band and Playhouse Disney's Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve! http://www.nationaltrainday.com/events/la/
May 8 - June 20 Weekends. Koroneburg Old World Festival - Corona
This is my favorite renaissance fair located at Riverview Park, off River Road. They have permanent buildings that make great backdrops, lots of shade, flat walking area. This is a smaller event than the one in Irwindale. I think this makes for better images. Lots of entertainment. Meet hundreds of family members living, working & playing in Southern California's only permanent Renaissance Village! Visitors to this 1450-1600 European Village are entertained, discover fine arts and crafts, and enjoy delectable food and beverages. The setting is the fictitious estate of the Baron Heinrich Von Lauffer, located along the Rhine river (aka Santa Ana River) between Mainz and Strasbourg. Each year the Baron invites the finest minds and most talented actors to celebrate the coming of spring at his Barony of Koroneburg. The festival celebrates the inventions and changes of the renaissance period. Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays & 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Location: Crossroads Riverview Park 14600 River Rd, Corona, CA 92880. Cost: $18 Adult; $15 Child 5-11 or Senior 62+; $12 Military with valid ID; Children under 5 Free.
May 15 Moonridge Zoo Photographers Day and Photo Contest - Big Bear
This small zoo in the mountains has a photo day and contest to get pictures for their calender. Susan and I had 4 images in the 2009 Calender. View at the website. Photo Day is 10AM-4PM. Special photo ops with some of the animals. www.moonridgezoo.org
May 15-16 Battle of Costa Mesa - Costa Mesa
Civil War Reeanactment at Fairview Park, Hours 9am-5PM with battles at 11am and 2 pm. This annual event sponsered by AMVETS.
May 15-16 Planes of Fame Airshow - Chino Airport
Great airshow with lots vintage planes. Warbirds from all over the US come to Chino for this event. The theme of Airshow 2010 is "A Salute To The Greatest Generation." This year, the Museum will fly its aircraft to honor the men and women whose service and sacrifice during World War II has caused them to become known as the "Greatest Generation." http://www.planesoffame.org/airshow2010.php
May 15-16 Western Days - Temecula
Weekend annual mock gunfights, activities, vendors, and entertainment in the streets of Old Town. Saturday will feature a Western and Historical art competition and art show presented by the Temecula Valley Art League. Join the cast from the Temecula Gunfighters, numerous visiting gun fighting clubs, and other Old West costumed characters as they perform humorous skits and the high noon shoot out and robbery at The Bank. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. cityoftemecula.org
May 15-16 - Annual Muckenthaler Motorcar Festival - Fullerton
Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern, Fullerton. A One-of-a-kind Automotive Cultural Event, this oldest and grandest car show in North Orange County hosts Hot Rods and a Concours d'Elegance with the true classics of the automotive industry spread out over 8 acres of lawns.
May 15-16 All Nations Pow Wow - Acton, CA
Billed as a traditional pow wow. 9:30AM - 7PM each day. KOA Campground, 7601 Soledad Canyon Rd. Acton is on HwY 14 near Lancaster.
May 16 Civil War Reeanactment - Ft. Tejon
Another of the monthly civil war reeanactments held at this real fort on the Grapevine just off Interstate 5. Battles at 10:30am and 1 pm. Walk through the camps between battles. Bring Lunch.
May 16 50th Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest - Aguroa Hills
Location: Paramount Ranch, Cornell Rd. Agoura Hills. 4 stages {for the contest stage you will want to bring blankets or LOW BACK chairs.} There is jamming throughout the park, every where you look there are folks meeting up to play,
clogging and square dancing too. 9am - 6 pm, $15.00/$10.00 seniors at the gate, early ticket sales discounts. http://www.topangabanjofiddle.org
May 22-23 Ojai Renaissance and Pirate Faire - Ojai at Lake Casitas
Near Ventura, great rolling hill and Lake location, 10AM-6PM
May 25-30 Mule Days Celebration - Bishop, CA.
Every year during the Memorial Day Weekend, more than 700 mules compete in 181 events at the Bishop Mule Days Celebration. There is no way to actually describe Mule Days. It is part mule show, part test of skills, and part Wild West show.
Situated on the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop, California, Mule Days has become an international world class event. Crowds have grown from 200 to more than 30,000 fans! The longest running non-motorized parade on Saturday morning, Steer roping and penning, an event normally reserved for quarter horses, and the Packer's Scramble – the wildest, noisiest and funniest event of the weekend. http://www.muledays.org/
June 5 Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade. - Santa Maria
67th Annual rodeo and parade lineup features a mini rodeo and PBR performance on June 3, followed by rodeo performances on June 4, 5 and 6. Opens at 9 AM, Horse race, the famous mutton bustin', Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association events, including bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, barrel racing, local team roping and specialty acts. The rodeo parade, featuring marching bands, beautiful floats, show horses and more will be held on June 5 along South Broadway from Mill to Enos. Location: Elks Unocal Event Center 4040 Highway 101 at Santa Maria Way Santa Maria CA. Call: (805) 922-6006 www.santamariaelks.com
June 12 - Optimist Car Show - Redlands
Time: June 12, 2010 from 7am to 3pm Location: Sylvan Park, Redlands. http://www.redlandsoptimistclub.org/
June 19-20 - Surf 24 - Huntington Beach
24 hour surfing competition features surf celebrities, actor Ed Begley, Jr.,Celebrity surfers include Sam Trammel (True Blood), Dylan Bruno (Numb3rs), Jesse Spencer (House), Sean Patrick Flanery (Boondock Saints), Chad Lowe (24), Michael Munoz (Amazing Race), Eric Balfour (24), Brandon Boyd (Incubus), David Chokachi (Beyond the Break), Gregory Harrison (Trapper John, MD), Chris Bruno (Dead Zone) and Kathy Zuckerman (Gidget).
Time: 11 a.m. to Sunday, June 20 at Noon. Event includes surfing, vendors, a breakfast, silent auction, speeches, etc. Location: South side of Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, CA. Registration for surfing event: projectsaveoursurf.org or call 424-781-0865.
June 27 Firefighters Benefit Car Show - Rancho Cucamonga
13th Annual Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters Benefit Car Show on Sunday, June 27, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Red Hill Community Park, 7484 Vineyard. Enjoy beautifully restored classic cars, opportunity drawings and Oldies music in this lakeside park setting. Public admission is free so bring the kids, family and pets to check out this event in support of local burn survivors. Money raised will benefit the Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors and the Burn Institute-Inland Empire.
July 10 Lotus Festival - Los Angeles
2-day Asian/Pacific Islander event which provides entertainment, foods, arts, crafts, children's entertainment, dragon boat racing, health & community information. 75,000 attendees expected. At Echo Park Lake, 751 Echo Park Ave. Starts at 10AM. If you are not into the festival, this is the time of the Lotus blooms that make great pictures. You might want to go here on another day just to photograph the blooms.
July 10-11 Old Fort MacArthur Days - San Pedro
Location fort MacArthur Museum, Angel State Park, 3601 South Gaffey. Big Event with reeanactments from Civil War to WWII. Hours 10am-4pm. http://fortmacarthur.tripod.com/
July 24 Cruise Aboard the Lane Victory, WWII Ship - San Pedro
The Lane Victory is a WWII Merchant Marine Ship built in 1945 and docked at San Pedro. Normally a museum, it sails out to Catalina Island and back several times a year. This is the first cruise of the year. I did this cruise last year and had a blast. Lunch is served along with drinks. WWII entertainment and reeanactors on board, German spy is captured and the ship will be attacked by WWII German aircraft on the way back and saved by the US planes. Lots to photograph and a fun day. Located at Pier 94 in San Pedro. LA Fire Boats greet the ship on the way into port--blowing water. http://www.lanevictory.org
July 31- Aug 1 Long Beach Civil War Reeanactment - Long Beach
Location: El Dorado park, 7550 E Spring St., Hours 10am-5pm. $10.00 adults/$8.00 Seniors. http://www.beachcalifornia.com/california/civil-war-reenact-events.html
July 31 - Hurley US Open of Surfing - Huntington Beach
8am-5pm After a record-breaking 2009 event, the Hurley US Open of Surfing is back in Huntington Beach. In addition to great surfing, you'll find the Hurley Walk the Walk Fashion Show, a 14-acre Festival Village that allows attendees to sample products and services from the action sports industry, a BMX and skateboard competition and more. Admission to all events is free, so don't miss out on this exciting, action-packed beach festival!
July 31-Aug. 8 - US Open of Surfing - Huntington Beach
Welcome you sand lovers! US Open of Surfing & Beach Games isn't just surfing. It's music, sand, limbo, spray on tattoos, freebies, cute guy & girl poster signings and a whole lotta xtreme sports. http://www.usopenofsurfing.com
Aug 28-29 Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo - San Juan Capistrano
The rodeo will take place at the Oaks Blenheim Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, located at the intersection of Ortega Highway and Antonio Parkway/La Pata on the western border of the Rancho Mission Viejo in South Orange County.
The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is good old entertainment for the entire family, not to mention the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation with a purse totaling over $200,000. The top 30 rodeo contestants in saddle bronc and bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping will come to San Juan Capistrano for this chance of a lifetime. Gates open at 2PM Sat, rodeo starts at 4PM and gates open at 11:30 AM on Sunday, rodeo starts at 1:30 PM. While I have not photographed at this rodeo, I have heard it is a good one. http://www.rmvrodeo.com
Sept. 4-5 Civil War Re-Enactment - Huntington Beach
Where: Huntington Central Park 18000 Goldenwest St. Visit and tour large scale Confederate and Union encampments as more than 200 re-enactors stage famous battles of the Civil War. The two-day event includes live canon and weapon demonstrations, actors in full costume, food vendors and a Civil War-era band. On Saturday the first battle will be at 1:30 p.m. and the second at 4 p.m. Sunday features a church service at 9 a.m. then a battle at 11 a.m. and another one at 2 p.m.
Sept. 11-13 - Tall Ships Festival - Dana Point Harbor
The largest annual gathering of tallships on the West Coast, this festival features a spectacular array of family-fun activities including live music, art shows and a variety of tasty food. Interactive living-history encampments including blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists, and the infamous Port Royal Privateers are sure to entertain and amaze guests of all ages and are not to be missed. Additionally, you can explore the historic tallships and listen to the crew share tails of adventure and life at sea. The festival begins on Friday evening as the tall ships parade into Dana Point Harbor. On the weekend, visitors can enjoy maritime displays and demonstrations, music concerts, Polynesian dancing, pirates, and dramatic sunset cannon battles. Visitors can also explore the historic tall ships and listen to the crew share tales of adventure and life at sea. Inside the Ocean Institute guests can experience live parrot shows, pirate games, music, wood carving, ship models and special presentations. Join us for a weekend of fun and adventure as we celebrate the area's rich maritime history. Participating tall ships typically include the brig Pilgrim, Spirit of Dana Point, Californian, Curlew, Exy Johnson, Irving Johnson, and the American Pride. Visiting ships are subject to change. For complete information about the festival visit www.tallshipsfestival.com.
Oct 2-3 San Dimas Rodeo - San Dimas
Will be held Saturday October 2nd and Sunday October 3rd, 2010. The gates will open at 11:00. AM Events Begin At 1:00 PM at the Tex Shoemaker Rodeo Arena at Horsethief Canyon Park. http://sandimasrodeo.com
1 comment:
Keep telling that history:ReplyDelete
Read the novel, Rescue at Pine Ridge, "RaPR", where Buffalo Bill Cody meets a Buffalo Soldier. A great story of black military history...the first generation of Buffalo Soldiers.
How do you keep a people down? 'Never' let them 'know' their history.
The 7th Cavalry got their butts in a sling again after the Little Big Horn Massacre, fourteen years later, the day after the Wounded Knee Massacre. If it wasn't for the 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers, there would of been a second massacre of the 7th Cavalry.
Read the novel, "Rescue at Pine Ridge", 5 stars Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the youtube trailer commercial...and visit the website http://www.rescueatpineridge.com
I hope you'll enjoy the novel. I wrote it from my mini-series movie of the same title, "RaPR" to keep my story alive. Hollywood has had a lot of strikes and doesn't like telling our stories...its been "his-story" of history all along…until now. The movie so far has attached, Bill Duke directing, Hill Harper, Glynn Turman and a host of other major actors in which we are in talks with…see imdb.com at; http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0925633/
When you get a chance, also please visit our Alpha Wolf Production website at; http://www.alphawolfprods.com and see our other productions, like Stagecoach Mary, the first Black Woman to deliver mail for Wells Fargo in Montana, in the 1890's, "spread the word".

subset: commoncrawl


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Compare properties of two functions each represented in a different way (algebraically, graphically, numerically in tables, or by verbal descriptions). For example, given a graph of one quadratic function and an algebraic expression for another, say which has the larger maximum.
49 Lesson(s)
Phoenix, AZ
Environment: Urban
Ipswich, MA
Environment: Suburban
Fort Collins, CO
Environment: Suburban
Independence, MO
Environment: Suburban
Salem, MA
Environment: Urban


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Sarpy County leaders confirmed plans today that they plan to resurrect the bill to use state funding to pay for much of their proposed Chalco baseball stadium. This same plan that has been rejected twice before for development in Sarpy County (specifically, the Cabela's store) and a baseball stadium (in downtown Omaha, designed specifically for the Royals).
Third time's a charm, correct? Well, the devil is in the details, but in this economy with tax revenues likely to shrink, I'm not sure how practical it is to divert state tax money to build a second ballpark in the Omaha metro area. It remains to be seen how this proposal will differ from the previous ones, but I hardly think that simply expanding the reach to allow other areas of the state to utilize these tax incentives is going to work. In fact, that's how the second go-around to use this in downtown Omaha came about. As noted, it failed as well.
Backers of the proposal point to the success Kansas City, Kansas has had with their "STAR" financing proposals. Which is true; the "Village West" area has blossomed as a result of this. But there is a huge difference between what Kansas City did and what Sarpy County is doing.
Huge difference, but it only takes six letters: N. A. S. C. A. R.
Yes, they built a ballpark out there as well, not to mention a regional Cabelas. But the big driver is the Kansas Speedway, which draws tens of thousands of people to this area from across the midwest. That's the driver for all this development. That justifies everything.
That's not happening in Sarpy County. There's absolutely nothing in the works to attract tourists from outside the Omaha metro area.
And that's why I'm waiting to hear what Sarpy County's "Plan B" is, because that is the most likely way they will be able to get their stadium built. Certainly "Plan B" got Cabela's built in La Vista. "Plan B" got a downtown stadium built as well. (A bigger stadium, in fact, that actually will attract tourists from across the country, I might add.)
If I'm a legislator who is likely going to need to be making difficult budget decisions, I'm not sure I'd react too positively to a third go-round with this measure with the knowledge that this proposal turned out to be unnecessary the previous two times.


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Voices: Lorne Abramson, on Tax-Smart Retirement Spending
Voices is an occasional column that allows wealth managers to address issues of interest to the advisory community. Lorne Abramson is co-owner of ELM Advisors in Burlingame, Calif.
There was a time when many retired clients could just live on the cash flow from dividends and interest from their investments. But given the low-yield environment that we're in right now, it's uncommon for people to meet their cash needs based on dividends and interest alone. That's why it's important that we help clients minimize taxes when they make withdrawals in retirement.
As advisers we can do a better job of communicating this when clients are retired and relying on their assets for income. Advisers often talk of different "buckets" where clients hold their assets, and the key to tax efficiency lies in which buckets money should be drawn from in retirement.
There's no steadfast, one-size-fits-all program, but there are some general guidelines advisers should make known to their clients. First, clients that are age 70½ or older have mandatory distribution requirements from retirement accounts. That should be the first source of cash.
Any funds they need after that should next come from taxable assets, the money that's held outside of the retirement accounts. Anything you're selling ultimately has to make sense from an investment and diversification standpoint. That being said, look at assets where the cost basis is higher or where there are capital losses to be harvested.
Then you move on to assets where the cost basis is lower and there is a larger embedded gain. It's worth noting, however, that I'm always going to make sure that any sale in that account or bucket first makes sense from an investment standpoint. Taxes are important but diversification is paramount.
You should generally tap Roth accounts last because Roth assets have already been taxed. So you want to let those funds compound as long as you possibly can.
Sometimes clients may have their own idea of where things should come from, so it's up to the adviser to explain that it may be more tax efficient to take from another bucket.
Maximizing a client's assets is not just about increasing the return our clients earn, but also minimizing as much unnecessary tax as possible when it comes to withdrawals. Given bond coupons and dividends alone may not cover a client's retirement needs in the current yield environment, it's more important than ever to make cash available in a tax-efficient manner.


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"We know it's important to our Federal clients to have someone who knows the business and understands the challenges that it presents. Michelle is that person." --- Gayle Roberts, Stanley Consultants' President and CEO
St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) February 28, 2014
Michelle French, C.I.H., a project principal at Stanley Consultants, has been promoted to Federal Practice Leader. In this role, she will lead all programs relative to the domestic Federal market. She is tasked with identifying and implementing strategies for growing the domestic Federal business, as well as driving sales for achieving target goals.
Stanley Consultants, a consulting engineering firm, provides program management, planning, engineering, environmental, and construction services worldwide. The firm has provided services to Federal agencies for nearly 80 years.
French comes highly qualified to the Federal Practice Leader position with over 20 years of experience, spending the past four years as a project principal, selling professional engineering services to domestic Federal clients in the central and western U.S. She works regularly with the Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Air Force, serving as a client service representative to multiple Federal clients and leading strategic planning and development initiatives.
"Stanley Consultants has been serving the Federal government for decades and we know it's important to our Federal clients to have someone who knows the business and understands the challenges that it presents," said Gayle Roberts, Stanley Consultants President and CEO. "Michelle is that person. She understands the market and has tremendous insight into the needs of our Federal clients."
French holds a bachelor of science in physics and mathematics from the Centre College of Kentucky, a master's degree in health physics from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a master's degree in industrial hygiene from Central Missouri State University. She is a certified industrial hygienist, a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and a sustaining member of the Society for American Military Engineers.
About Stanley Consultants: Stanley Consultants provides program management, planning, engineering, environmental and construction services worldwide. Recognized for its commitment to client service and a passion to make a difference, Stanley Consultants brings global knowledge, experience and capabilities to serve clients in the energy, water, transportation and Federal markets. Since 1913, Stanley Consultants has successfully completed more than 25,000 engagements in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and in 103 countries. For more information on Stanley Consultants, please visit http://www.stanleyconsultants.com.


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Inspiration for Self's Blossom
In terms of literary inspiration, I was influenced by the works of D H Lawrence, especially The Rainbow, by André Pieyre de Mandiargues' The Girl Beneath the Lion, and Paul Metcalf's Will West, both of which have exquisite beach seduction scenes. In terms of cinema, such scenes as the beach kiss in From Here to Eternity were deeply influential.
Having had something of an academic background, I am very aware of the inhibitions and self-doubt facing a lot of intellectuals. So I suppose Self's Blossom is an attempt to bring these two threads together.
I was further catalysed by a close friend who wrote a romance; my work is to some extent a response to hers.
A romantic, erotic tale of a vivid portrayal of the quest for the inner truth, empowerment and sexual liberation of Selene, a woman searching for primeval abandon and reckless adventure. Intelligent, a university graduate and a successful careerist, Selene became emotionally scarred by unhappy relationships. Riled and taunted through the years by her former college roommate Janice, Selene gave in to the long-term desire to "get one back" at Janice by having a passionate holiday encounter.
Immediately drawn to the sea and enthralled by its brutal yet sensual waves, Selene seduces a young boy on a deserted beach. Once she comes to meets the mature and powerful Hudson, Selene finally begins to claim her sensual destiny. Through a slow process, accentuated by Selene's shyness, introspection and circumspection, she embarks on a long and elaborate interplay of leading on and rejection. The volcanic passion builds until there is a blazing row. A possible drowning, the final ritual undressing at long last leads to the ultimate flowering of the woman Selene was meant to be.


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Sunday, July 17, 2011
Two Great Questions About Marriage
2. Why is it important that they just be two?
I would love to see if anyone can answer these two questions.
1 comment:
I stumbled upon your blog and decided to answer your question:
#1 In my experience it brings you closer together because you are freely giving your most vulnerable self to another. There are so many factors from your "past" life that can damage married sex life: abuse,premarital sex, contraception...just to name a few! When someone has been a victim to any of the above he/she does not have "trust" and therefore can never really give themselves fully to their spouse. Unfortunatley, many marriages have ended because of "sex"...people may say it is because of other reasons but I believe it is the root of it all! That is why it is so important to read, listen and learn the teachings of the church. They seem so complicated but they really are so simple and easier than having to "fix" all the problems because you didn't follow it!! Take my word from experience...I can say now that I am the happiest I've been in 21 years of marriage, thanks to the church....I am sure there is a lot of room for improvement on both our parts but we are a work in progress and by the grace of God we will get to heaven and know that our Lord is pleased with us...I could go on more about this subject but I'll leave it as is! God bless you!
- July 22, 2011 at 7:17 AM


text: Cops Launch Global Hunt for Pedophile Interpol appeals for help identifying man filmed abusing boys By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff Posted May 6, 2008 8:29 AM CDT 0 comments Comments Interpol is asking Tuesday, May 6, 2008, for the public to help identify a man suspected of sexually abusing young boys from Southeast Asia, images of whom were spread through the Internet. (AP Photo) View 1 more image (Newser) – Interpol has launched a worldwide appeal for help in tracking down a man suspected of sexually abusing young boys, the BBC reports. Pictures of the man abusing boys 6 to 10 years old in Southeast Asia were found on the hard drive of a convicted pedophile in Norway. Police think the images date from around 2000-01. A similar appeal last year led to the quick arrest of another high-profile suspect. "We are now asking the public to help identify this predator and protect other potential victims from abuse," said a top Interpol official. View 1 more image


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The journey from Myanmar to Malaysia took 5 days. Lia Neino (not her real name) undertook this journey with her mother and bigger sister. As I was getting the story of the crossing from the mother, i turned to her and asked if she remembers it. Lia nods, and says "I was afraid and I was very hungry. We eat only once a day".
Lia comes across as a shy little girl. She spoke little, and when she did, more often than not she would be looking down and drawing imaginary circles on the table with her right index finger at the same time. I get glimpses of what she does and likes. She prefers the food here, and likes fish and vegetables. Lia says she prefers it here because she can stay with her dad and the whole family. She has a few friends here – children that she meets every Sunday at church. She says her best friends are Bethany, and Siah Siah, and Jen Jen.
Do you have any friends at home? I enquired. Lia shakes her head. No. Even though they share an apartment with 16 other Myanmarese refugees, none of them are in her age group. She has 1 doll that she plays with, and she watches TV. Her favourite program is "Mr Bean".
Her mother adds "Sometimes I cut out puzzles, and I teach her how to read and write the Zo language. Sometimes we play snakes and ladders, and sometimes I tell her stories."
"But I'm bored staying at home. I want to go to Jusco and ride a car," referring to a shopping complex which has small coin operated cars for children.
She doesn't get to go out often, because her mother is afraid that they will be arrested. The family went out to the KLCC shopping centre 4 months ago but "police in yellow hats were asking people about their ID and passport. I was so afraid. I heard that RELA will still arrest you even if you have a UNHCR card." They have not been to a shopping centre since.
When she grows up, Lia wants to be a doctor. "I pity sick people. That's why I want to give treatment to them". According to her mother, Lia is not the quiet, shy person in front of me now. "She is very talkative. She is open and frank. The elder sister does what I tell her to, but she is always saying "why are you asking me to do this? She is like me," the mother says, smiling.


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Blue is the colour of The Beautiful South
and the swear words to help you know Alice
it is power and sadness that combined with gold
makes a green known for envy and malice.
Blue is the tone of the angry dark sky,
It is ice cool, it is sirens and cops
It is powerful waterfalls, quaint garden birds
it is seasides and strutting peacocks.
Blue is the colour of comfortable jeans
It is water- half the surface of Earth
We attach it to boys and their violent toys
Yet it's the shade that they chose for the Smurfs.
Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, alcopops
All the valuable things- Chelsea's football socks
For the old to the new- there's a fashionable blue
Whether sex pills or willow plate pots.
To a wonderful hue then, wherever you find it
From the oceans right up to the skies
Build a tapestry quilt from the various shades,
For we all need some blue in our lives.
Thanks for reading, S


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1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
1 can crushed pineapple (8 oz - not drained)
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 can cherry pie filling
1 tub Cool Whip (12 oz - thawed)
Stir all ingredients except Cool Whip and mix well. Stir in pie filling. Fold in Cool Whip and chill until ready to serve. This is best if it done the night before.


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In the faced-paced technology world, where we say change is the only constant, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) and analytics are defying the stereotype. Perhaps, this is what one can conclude after going through the lists of top 10 technology trends by Gartner published in the year 2013, and again in 2015. Their unswerving position is just a hallmark on their immense capabilities that they carry to change the world for a better tomorrow.
At Techvedic, we don't see them separately. We converge them together to build an agile, flexible and secure IT infrastructure to help businesses derive the best from the emerging technologies. We serve clients across different industries – Information Technology, High-tech, telecom and media and advertising are a few to name.
IT Management Consulting
Our IT consulting services help in opting the right technology platforms, services and solutions and ways to reduce TCO (total cost of ownership) and improve business efficiency with better utilization of IT resources, data and manpower.
Enterprise Computing & Cloud Services
Our IT services are instrumental in centralizing the data center harnessing the built-in virtualization capability of the server operating system. This eases the accessibility of data, improves collaboration and makes business operations faster.
Infrastructure Security
Our IT solution featuring better planning, preparedness and resilience helps businesses to mitigate IT risk and data breaching and comply with the regulator's protocols to ensure trustworthy relationship with stakeholders at all levels.
Network & Convergence
We help our partners to make their IT infrastructures more competent to cope with the existing and emerging business demands. We empower their people to make the most of the disrupting trends like mobility, social web, virtualization and analytics and deliver more.
Remote Infrastructure Management
We help partners to successfully manage their dispersed offices, networks and people without being failed. This helps in improving workforce and business's efficiency and avoid any potential threats.
Workplace Services
With our IT services, we help our partner build a flexible, scalable and cost-effective computing environment. We focus on keeping operational complexity at bay thereby enabling end-users to contribute their best by being focused on their core jobs.


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Wedding Season is upon us! Help the Bride To Be celebrate with a fun and lively banner! Banners read, "Bachelorette Party" & "Bride to Be" and is seperated with a lingerie cut out. A coordinating cupcake topper is also pictured.
For more information or to purchase this item, please visit: http://www.etsy.com/listing/75106929/bachelorette-party-hot-pink-zebra-banner
A huge Thank you to my dear friend Shannon @ http://www.shannonbowphoto.com/ for taking this gorgeous pictures and many more to follow!!


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Sign up HB!Affiliate to enjoy free gift!
Friday, June 3, 2011
1st GIVEAWAY by shawlforyou
Labels: giveaway
2 comments:
- SHaWLFoRYou said...
salam dear, thnx for joining us in GA..:)
hope u r the lucky one.nt jgn lupe tunggu dan tengok sape yg bertuah di fanpage dan juga blog yer dear...<2 gud luck dear.jom singgah for the new items
- June 4, 2011 at 12:13 AM
- SHaWLFoRYou said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- June 4, 2011 at 12:14 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sneakie Peekie ;)
91 comments:
Adorable card like always Nikki.ReplyDelete
This is such a cute card!!ReplyDelete
sierrababy08 at hotmail dot com
Really cute card Nikki!ReplyDelete
cascrapper at gmail dot com
Nikki, Your card is so cute! Wishing I could take a bath and soak the day away! Sounds like heaven.ReplyDelete
OneCreativeMomma at yahoo dot com
i could hop right in that tub and take a bubble bath too. cute card. thanks for sharingReplyDelete
This is adorable! TFSReplyDelete
Nikki great card. Love the bubble bath! cant wait to see Emmas new stampsReplyDelete
- Angel GrahamTuesday, June 21, 2011
Great card! My Mom and daughter love bubble baths. I always enjoy looking at your blog each morning!ReplyDelete
Nikki - I LOVE THIS CARDReplyDelete
All the elements came together prefectly
So darn cute! Sentiment could be used for so many things! Love it =)ReplyDelete
Adorable Card! Absolutely LOVE bubble baths, too! The sentiment is perfect!ReplyDelete
This is SO flippin' ADORABLE and just what I want to do RIGHT NOW!!!! Awesome job! Hugs- GloraReplyDelete
So very cute!!! I love all your cards!ReplyDelete
brigitteetleschats at hotmail dot com
This is super adorable....love it!ReplyDelete
I'm with you. Love a bubble bath! Cute card. Thanks for letting me know about My Creative Time and these stamp sets.ReplyDelete
sheila email@example.com I am now following you on Google reader too.
I need to find myself a really good white stamp pad. I love how your card turned out! -YvetteReplyDelete
Love your card Nikki! So cute!ReplyDelete
Jennifer H - Scrapaholicjen
qtme2003 at yahoo dot ca
That is SOOOO adorable!!! LOVE the Peachy face, and that sentiment is PERFECT!!!ReplyDelete
Who isn't happy after a bubble bath? What a fun card!!! Amazing job. So cute!!! TFS.ReplyDelete
~Madison funkycards.blogspot.com
Love this, Nikki! It's saying, "Calgon take me away!"ReplyDelete
Have a great day!
Saundra :)
Luvscrappingtogether at gmail dot com
Ok, I have this cart and why am I not using it more?? LOL Nikki, luv this card and the sentiment is a MUST HAVE for me. I'm always telling my 9 yr old dd to do what makes her happy in life. Great job and TFSReplyDelete
As always a cute cute card Nikki - love your blog and am always scrapbrowsing to find inspiration..ReplyDelete
This is such an adorable card and the face is perfect for it. TFSReplyDelete
Nikki! You make the most adorable cards! I love each and every one! This one is too cute! It looks very relaxing and cool on this super hot day here in Ca! Loving the sneak!ReplyDelete
So creative and inspirational! Thanks for helping us "creatively challenged" individuals...!ReplyDelete
Fantastic card,Nikki! I love her face! :) Gorgeous!!!ReplyDelete
That's just the cutest!! Love it!!ReplyDelete
Great card. You are so creative!ReplyDelete
This card is sooo adorable!! I Love it. Her face is just soooo cute!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Nicole T.
Fabulous card!!! Tfs and have a great day. :)ReplyDelete
I love the card. What a cutie - and I agree with you love bubble baths.
Thanks for sharing.
terri_ski at yahoo dot com
This card is too adorable! I totally need a bubble bath tonight! Thanks for the inspiration. deegeescraps (at) gmail (dot) comReplyDelete
That sun card is adorable...This is my first time to your blog and it will definately not be my last! Thanks for your inspiration!!!ReplyDelete
Always adorable....loving the new stamp set too :)ReplyDelete
What a sweet card, love that tub with the bubbles and the little girl is so cute.ReplyDelete
Super cute Nikki. It is adorable and that sentiment is perfect for it.ReplyDelete
Great job on your card. She looks so relaxed and happy :D Tried to share the news about stamps but facebook is not sending...like frozen...when it finally does it there may be many copies.ReplyDelete
quilt 4 fun 2 at hot mail dot com
I love that die cut...how can it not make you smile? You card is adorable!ReplyDelete
Very cute card! Love Emma's new sentiments and also the little peachy keen face! Adorable!ReplyDelete
Hee! What cute card. Love her sweet face and foofy hair!!!ReplyDelete
This is the cutest Nikki. Makes me want to jump into a bubble bath myself...well not jump in (lol) but certainly treat myself to one. Love, Love, Love. Smooches... Felicia at frankleecrafts[at]gmai[dot]comReplyDelete
Being a teacher and having my last day yesterday, your card holds special meaning! I have 64 days to do what makes ME happy -making cards :-)ReplyDelete
Have a great summer!
She definitely looks happy in the bathtub--very cute!ReplyDelete
Great card! Love the color combo:) That sounds so good about right now:) Bubble bath...here I come!ReplyDelete
Sherrie K
Love your card. How fun it would be to win some of these stampsReplyDelete
krazykcrafters at msn dot com
Too cute! Love the eyes.ReplyDelete
I sure wish I knew what a URL is for the comment post.
What a sweet little card. I wish I had a tub for those "calgon take me away" days, we just have a handicapped shower:( TFSReplyDelete
mexicopetshop at hotmail dot com
Hi Nikki!ReplyDelete
CUTE card! I always love your adorable cards...thank you for sharing!
I HATE you bahahahaha! You always make the most adorable cards EVER!!! This one is absolutely adorable! Hugs, LeanneReplyDelete
Love the tub and sentiment! Cutie pie bathtime.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousWednesday, June 22, 2011
Love your cute card. It sure looks relaxing.ReplyDelete
Love the sentiment also.
Cute card, a bubble bath would make me happy.ReplyDelete
Great card, and love the sentiment :-)ReplyDelete
Amazing card! I agree with the sentiment! You put it togethr perfect.ReplyDelete
This card is soooo cute. I just love it. Can't wait for the new stamps.ReplyDelete
Adorable, love love love this card, makes me smile!! cheers jendewar at optusnet.com.auReplyDelete
How cute. I love the girl popping out of the bubbles.ReplyDelete
Adorable card! Thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete
coupondenise at live dot com
This card is adorable. I love your blog your are so creativeReplyDelete
Love your card and the sentiment!ReplyDelete
Love your card....and that face is to cute!! Loving Emmas new stamps!!ReplyDelete
You have the cutest cards. They just make me smile and give me the motivation to make them for someone!!ReplyDelete
Another fab card. You never disappoint.ReplyDelete
This is such a cute card! Thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete
Posted it to my wall! Thanks!ReplyDelete
braundk at comcast.net
I truly adore this card. This playtime cart seems to have some great designs. I also gotta tell you I had seen this card and couldn't remember whose blog but it was my inspiration for a card I entered on Emma's Throwback Thursday challenge.ReplyDelete
- cricut09Wednesday, June 22, 2011
WOW I LOVE YOUR IDEA YOU ARE GOOD JOB NIKKI... WOW IT SO BEAUTIFUL AND CUTE. YES I HAVE PEACHKEEN FACE STAMP. I LOVE IT BUT I NEVER TRY. I WILL TRY SEE HOW IT COME OUT WELL. I LIKE UR IDEA PROJECT. I WILL TRY.. THANK YOU FOR SHOW US.ReplyDelete
This card is just precious!! I love all those little faces! Thanks for sharing and the chance to win!!ReplyDelete
Love your newest adorable card!!!ReplyDelete
I love the bath card, too cute. I just received the "PlayTime cart the other day. Cant wait to play with it.ReplyDelete
Dawn RI
Another great card. Love it! Thanks for sharing and the chance to win.ReplyDelete
You did it again--super cute card. Love the way the image and sentiments are so perfect together.ReplyDelete
Okay! I think I'm going to NEED this stamp set!! Loving the sneaks ;) These are AMAZING cards Nikki! Thanks for sharing and the chance to win :) Suzy firstname.lastname@example.com
Super Cute card! Thanks for sharing..ReplyDelete
another adorable card. tfs.ReplyDelete
This is such a cute card. My dream card it looks so relaxing. Great job as alwaysReplyDelete
Another great card!ReplyDelete
I think this card is so cute! I love the plaid paper, the stitching...and I love the sentiment. Great job! TFS!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousWednesday, June 22, 2011
Love this. Makes me want to steal away for a bubble bath. :)ReplyDelete
I think this card is super cute. Bubble baths are the best. TFS.ReplyDelete
Love it Nikki!!!!!ReplyDelete
brodiec88 at hotmail dot com
This is so cute card Nikki! The coloring and choice of papers. I love it. tfs.ReplyDelete
adorable! thanks for sharingReplyDelete
gayle_shrader at yahoo dot com
Such a Cute Card!!! Love the Face. Great Job! Love It. :0)ReplyDelete
cindymarshall63 at hotmail dot com
- AnonymousThursday, June 23, 2011
That saying goes great with your bathing beauty.ReplyDelete
AShu93 at aol dot com
Cute the bath looks inviting.ReplyDelete
Great card and great sentiment! Thanks for the chance to win!ReplyDelete
I love your card nikki great job!ReplyDelete
Your card is the cutest ever. Perfect for the sentiment.ReplyDelete
oH Nikki, i just love your cards.....You give me so much inspiration.....I love seeing your workReplyDelete


text:
In anticipation of the madness to come, the Los Angeles Times published an article on Thanksgiving about how stores are opening their doors to Black Friday shoppers earlier and earlier. While in the past shoppers had to wait until early on Friday morning to get major deals, this year they could do so as early as 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving night. Shoppers took themselves away from their families, lined up, and strategized how to spend as little time as necessary purchasing a 39" LCD TV for only $329 or a $60 Mickey Mouse doll for only $19.99.
This is how those of us in the modern world relate to time: It is something to be managed, calculated, and, in the case of Black Friday shopping, squeezed for everything it's worth.
Along these lines, one of the most common questions I'm asked is how long a person should meditate. Right after calculating how long it will take to purchase a heavily-discounted TV, they want to use a similar form of analysis to calculate how long it will take them to achieve bliss. If I leave Thanksgiving dinner by 7 p.m., I should be at the store by 7:30. With a half-hour on line, five minutes to shop, and 20 minutes to check out, I should be home by 10:00 p.m. Then, I can meditate for 20 minutes and achieve peace and contentment by 10:20.
The yogic path was developed many thousands of years ago by sages in India. They did this through a spiritual practice in which they devoted themselves to daily rituals so as to attain self-realization of their spirit. They of course didn't have the distraction of Black Friday deals, but even during their time they were susceptible to their egos and the workings of their minds.
Each of us has an ego that is vying for control during any given moment of our day. When presented with the task of having a satisfying holiday season, it is the ego that tells us that the season will only be of value to us if we buy enough presents for everyone, receive enough attention from others in kind, and fill ourselves up with an ideal amount of holiday cheer. Since the ego wants control, we suffer when it loses that control: If we don't do everything we think we're supposed to this holiday season, we won't feel like we're connected to the rest of the world.
The ego and its need for control is also the reason why we feel compelled to analyze something as basic as the amount of time we spend meditating on any given day. Just like our ego tells us, "If I don't get enough gifts for everyone, I will hurt other people's feelings," it tells us, "If I don't meditate for long enough, I won't ever feel peaceful." While it's true that a spiritual practice that works toward a meditative state is ideal for developing true peace and contentment, the ancient sages didn't teach us that it's something that must be practiced for a set amount of time each day. If we don't get to the department store early enough, they may very well be out of TVs. But if we meditate for 40 minutes one day but only 20 minutes the next, we're not necessarily undermining our progress along the path.
A consistent, daily practice of yogic meditation chips away at the workings of the mind. As we devote ourselves to this practice over time, we empower ourselves to observe our ego as being separate from ourselves. This allows a more natural insight to emerge. This insight is known as intuition, and it is the aspect of ourselves that shows up when we no longer feel the need to analyze everything. It is what emerges when we have a spark of chemistry with someone on a first date that tells us flat-out that this person will be in our lives, or when we are completely in our element when completing a particular task at work. It is also what tells us how long we should meditate on any given day: After having devoted ourselves to our practice over time, we intuitively know how long of a practice will benefit us. When we come to our mat and take a steady seat, we don't set a timer. We don't squeeze our practice into a lengthy schedule of other tasks to be fulfilled, but rather allow our intuition to dictate however long it needs to be.
Of course, this intuitive ideal is not likely to emerge at the beginning of our practice. If we're just starting off, the ego will run rampant and likely have control over everything. This is why it can be helpful to work around the ego with a more timed, analytical practice until it ultimately becomes an intuitive experience down the line. In my upcoming book The One Plan, I present a precisely-timed schedule for building a yogic meditation practice. But spending some time with this scheduled practice will invariably quell the ego and allow the spirit to emerge. When it does, the question of how long the meditation should last will no longer come up.
And by the time Black Friday rolls around again next year, the spirit will intuitively know that it's easier to shop online.
Have questions for me? Comments? Visit me on my Facebook or Twitter page if you'd like to know more. And stay tuned to learn more about my upcoming book The One Plan, due out in January.
For more by Yogi Cameron Alborzian, click here.
For more on meditation, click here.


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Judge Overturns Murder Conviction
A judge overturned the murder conviction of a man imprisoned 27 years in the death of a convenience store security guard, finding grave errors by virtually everyone involved in the trial.
Bail was set at $10,000 Friday for Michael Austin, 53, who did not attend the hearing.
Yvonne Rahman, 56, a teacher who worked with Austin in prison and has offered to house him after his release, said two peach cobblers were waiting for Austin in her home freezer. "He's been talking about it for five years," she said of the cobblers.
Deputy State's Attorney Sharon May said prosecutors would decide whether to appeal, drop the charges or proceed with a new trial after New Year's Day.
Circuit Judge John Carroll Byrnes wrote in his decision Thursday that Austin's trial "was plagued by multiple problems which, cumulatively, present the inescapable conclusion that he was denied a fair trial."
Austin was convicted in the 1974 shooting death of Roy Kellam at an east Baltimore market.
Centurion Ministries, a New Jersey-based group that seeks to exonerate those wrongly convicted, found that prosecutors failed to tell the jury that the man presented to them as Austin's accomplice was freed after police admitted they had the wrong man.
"I can't imagine spending a day in prison, let alone 27 years, for something I didn't do," said James McCloskey, the ministries' executive director.
The only physical evidence against Austin was a wallet card with the alleged accomplice's name scribbled on it. Byrnes ruled that was no evidence at all.
Byrnes also said Austin's trial judge gave faulty jury instructions and that the prosecutor erred. He said the defense attorney, who has since died, was unaware of the case until the day of trial and didn't subpoena key evidence and witnesses.
The victim's widow, Alviera Kellam, said she supports the judge's decision and hopes Austin is freed.
"There's so much evidence that it wasn't him, and it doesn't look like there was any that says it was him," she said. "I feel sorry for him. I hope it's over now."
^___= http://www.criminaljustice.org/public.nsf/Freeform/CenturionMinistries?OpenD
On the Net:
Centurion Ministries: ocument


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Medeski, Martin and Wood, but he has done quite a number of side projects as well. Wicked Knee consists of Martin on drums, Curtis Fowlkes on trombone, Marcus Rojas on tuba and Steven Bernstein on trumpet, and the music they make investigates aspects of New Orleans funk combined with rhythm and blues and jazz. The take the music in some interesting directions, such as covering The White Stripes garage rock anthem "Button to Button." Rojas' bumping tuba beat is what drives the propulsive song, propelling the music forward and developing a lurching, rolling gait with bass and percussion. This works really well and is one of the high points of the album. "99%" goes in another direction with a female vocalist sitting in for a slightly histrionic spoken work piece with the fractured and angular recitation layered atop squalls of brass. Some textural tracks break up the good time music, but it is the uptempo numbers that I found the most interesting. "Ghumba Zumba" and "Sugarfoot Stomp" ripple with muscular energy that takes the gutbucket flavor of the blues and funk and mixes in some of the intellect of jazz. Heels Over Head - amazon.com
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Received Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Verona Park, NJ- Monday, May 18th. My mother was in the park with my daughters and spoke to your nanny who was watching your twin daughters, age two and your eight month old son. Your nanny was kind, care and gentle with your children. She cut up some fruit for them, and was attentive to their needs. My mother went on and on about how wonderful she was and how happy your children seemed. She is a keeper.


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Monday, July 23, 2007
The Grey Havens
Our last day in Norway was hard for all three of us to swallow. We were certainly not ready to leave yet, and were not looking forward to saying goodbye to our family and new friends. Luckily, we had a full day to keep our minds off our melancholic moods. We spent the afternoon on Uncle Mikal's farm and got a tour of the pigs and cow that are raised and milked there. After attempting to get the pigs' "special" smell off with a shower, we decided to head by train over to a mall near Stavanger. Mikal and Zac found a few things to take home to share with their families but I could not muster an impulse to buy anything. When we arrived back, we once again went over to Anders' house and hung out for one last time. Our trip ended much like this last blog, abrupt and yet satisfying.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 1:38 PM 2 comments:
Friday, July 20, 2007
Land Of My Lineage
We woke up early this morning to help bring the tables and chairs from reunion at the school to another building. This caused us to have a little bit of a late start on our way to Ualand. Ualand is the home of the farm where my great-grandpa raised his family. The house where my grandpa and his siblings grew up is still standing and is in the care some of my relatives. Our visit included another terrific meal of Norwegian pancakes (sorry I still can't get the real name right. I always say lempas but that is from Lord of the Rings). After this, we got a tour of the grounds including a look through the old house. Crossing the threshold into this place was a fantastic experience. We were given the opportunity to visualize the lives of our family from almost 100 years ago. For precious moments we were able to see our grandpa bossing around his younger siblings in their crowded upstairs bedroom. Able to see great grandma cooking in the kitchen while proudly watching great grandpa working on the farm. Able to see the entire family sit down at the table and dream about the great family that would one day spring from this small white house. After the tour, we were going to hike up the side of the hills and get some pictures of the whole farm, but it started to downpour and we left for Vigrestad. Later that evening, we drove down to Egersund to visit Marion, a friend of Alexander's. On the way we stopped at the beach. After some volleyball and dune jumping we were on our way. At Marion's house we hung out by a lake and sang worship songs and made S'mores on small disposable grill (apparently no bonfires in Norway). We then went into town and visited the harbor where the still, soothing waters were very conducive to conversation. Suddenly the cold night chill and body's weariness told us it was time to head back to Vigrestad.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 9:21 PM No comments:
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Shhh don't tell my mom about today's adventure! One of the things I wanted to do while in Norway was to go on a hike and see some of Norway's views. Peter suggested Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock as a place to get a great view. I'll leave the words to Twain and Steinbeck and let my pictures describe this fantastic place, but it is basically a rock you can go out on and look over 2000 foot cliffs. I've seen this rock in movies and pictures and the real thing is very intense. The hike to the actual rock was very nice. Unlike monotonous switchbacks in the forest of hikes in Washington, this hike offered open view for the whole time. There were an incredible amount of people climbing the mountain, and I was amazed at how elderly people and children were climbing as it was quite difficult and pretty dangerous. When we got to the rock the tingle in the ankles immediately kicked in. We ate lunch first because we decided if we had to, we wanted to die on an empty stomach (just a joke mom). We then very carefully took our first peek over the edge by crawling on our bellies. The drop makes you feel sick instantly, and your whole body tingles. After many photos to prove our manliness, we were ready to head back down. The family was relieved when we finally arrived back at the house and we were quite ready for a delicious meal. We spent the rest of the evening at the house of Alexander's friend who has a home theater. I am quite happy to be off the rock and sitting on the couch with a warm laptop on my legs.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 3:22 PM 3 comments:
2007 Vasshuas Reunion
We woke up to the fateful sound of rain on the panes by our bed. This unfortunatly meant that we could not have the family reunion outside Peter and Kjellaug's house and would have to relocate to the middle school where Kjellaug works. We arrived there just in time to see the first guests drive in. As relatives poured in Mikal, Zac and I were barraged with delightful introductions. Some of the people we vaguely remembered from the 2000 visit, others were new faces. Having everyone talk to us and welcome us to Norway was a true blessing. There were a good amount of people from our generation and it was fun to talk to them and get to see their children. We also got to see the remaining siblings of our Bestefar, Aunt Anna, Uncle Magnus and Uncle Arnt. After dinner, we were honored to hear Uncle Arnt tell the emotional story of my Great Grandfather. It was a beautiful story and further tied the bond between all the people there that all owe their lives to the result of that story. What reunion would be complete without group portraits and the toil of the cameras to take them? We all piled into the gym and lined up for our family mug shots. We felt very welcomed into the family and are extremely thankful for the oppurtunity to have materialize and actualize this illusive thing that has always been in our minds, 'our Norwegian family'. We aren't entirely sure how God will use the ties and connections we have made but we are excited to find out.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 2:46 PM 1 comment:
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Exploring Stavanger
Today we decided to travel to the second largest city in Norway, Stavanger. We started our tour of the city at a small park that had three giant swords sticking in the ground. They are supposed to be a monument to three warriors that fought in a battle near that location. Once in Stavanger we met a couple of Lisbeths friends, but by this time our stomachs were leading the way as well as most of the conversation. Zac, Alex, Mikal and I ate at a subway, Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki for those of you who were wondering, and Lisbeth ate a bagel shop next door. From here it was a short walk to a big church where Lisbeth was baptized as an infant. The interiour was very similar to other Catholic churches I have been to. We then went down to the harbor and bought some shrimp right off a boat that was docked. We did some shopping without the shopping part, which gave us a good chance to see the nice, expensive Norwegian products. Around the harbor was 'Old Stavanger' a part of the city with small cobble stone roads and beatiful, old houses. Oh yeah, and kitties, lots of cats. I tried to catch one but it was obviously used to the abuse of visitors. We ate that evening at a nice pizza restaurant called 'Peppes Pizza'. The food was excellent but my Dutch father will disown me when he hears how much I paid for the pop I got there. We finished the evening by seeing Die Hard 4.0 in a theater near Stavanger. And as Bruce Willis always says in these movies, we had "another day in paradise".
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 5:46 PM No comments:
A day of rest
After such a busy schedule, Mikal, Zac and I were gracious to have a relaxing day at Alexander's house. We woke up late, played Alexander's new Playstation 3, played computer games, and watched Norske TV. In the afternoon we sat down and watched Catwoman. This movie has won several awards as the worst movie ever and we found that it was quite deserving of the title. In the evening, we got to hang out with some of Alexander's friends. It was one of those days that slips by with out much incidence, yet,
can be every bit as memorable as the exciting ones.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 5:20 PM 1 comment:
Thursday, July 12, 2007
…and back again—Vigrestad
For the trip back to Vigrestad from the cabin we had a choice between going back along the coast as we came, or we could go across the mainland of Norway and climb the mountains. In the words of Robert Frost, we "took the road less traveled by/ and it has made all the difference" (The Road Not Taken). Our mountainous journey allowed us to see more of the beauty that Norway has to offer. We visited a stave church that is the oldest wooden church in Norway. Eidsborg church was built in the 13th century and is set in a lush green valley. The rest of the trip we had our eyes glued to the window as the slim road wound through miles of mountains, lakes and a lot of green.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 2:15 PM 1 comment:
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Trip to Stavern
I was awoken abrutly this morning by Mikal's alarm clock. It was time to hit the nets and pots to see our catch for the night. Apparently, however, my morning mind did not find this to be an appealing idea and I grumbled for Mikal and the others to go on without me. They had fun pulling in another good catch and I had fun finishing my sleep. We spent the afternoon in a small town near the cabin called Stavern. In this town there was an old fort that was used in the days of Norway's alliance with Napoleon. Here we walked along the beautiful waterfront that was accented by unique rocks. This bay formed a perfect area for a little sailing school where children could sign up for week long lessons in small boats. There was also a small museum that chronicled the maritime activity of the area. We then headed back to the cabin for a big seafood dinner. And don't worry, I made it through the meal but I feel a bit whoozy now. After one last swim in the fjord we packed up our stuff and are ready to head out tomorrow morning.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 3:13 PM No comments:
Monday, July 9, 2007
Surfing and Fishing in the Fjord
This morning we got to see our first bit of Norwegian sun. After lunch, we headed down to the dock with the windsurfing board and wetsuits. The latter is not really a necessity as much as a convenience. I was surprised to find out that the water here is quite a bit warmer than back home in the Sound and the ocean. Peter took everyone and gave individual coaching in windsurfing technique while the others watched from the rocks. While awaiting our lessons we caught crabs under the dock, but they were a bit too small to eat. My turn with windsurfing was mildly successful, Peter taught me a few techniques that helped in getting started, and made it a better attempt than some of the mishaps we've had with our board. This board was also a bit smaller than ours, making it easier to manuever. The afternoon was gorgeous, and I spent much of it basking in the sun on the deck with a cool drink and watching the sun glisten on the fjord below. I was struck in this moment with the incredible way that God can bless me with just some heat and a nice background. Thank you Lord! Before dinner we decided to give fishing another try because we hadn't caught anything the time before. We did not fish with poles, however, but with string on handle that had 5 hooks on it (see http://www.flickr.com/photos/90846584@N00/764317598/). The Norwegian gods of the ocean provided these foreign Vikings with a good catch, 11 fish, on just a short trip. After an authentic Scandinavian dish of tacos and burritos, with the confidence from our recent success, we decided to try another method of fishing. We took the boat out on the fjord and set up a crab pot and a fishing net that we will pull out tomorrow morning.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 3:16 PM 2 comments:
Cabin on the North Sea
After packing all of our gear from the festival we headed out of Lygøs with a rather late start. Our destination was a cabin 2 hours north near Oslo. Mikal drove their Subaru stationwagon because both Alexander and Lisbeth cannot get their licenses until they are 18. Mikal soon found out that the roads in Norway are very different than those in the States. Sharp turns, constant speed changes, and one lane for both ways made the trip interesting for both driver and passengers. But Mikal drove very carefully and we arrived at the cabin only slightly behind schedule. When we got there we met one of Peter's cousins, Bjørn, his wife and son. After lunch we took a trip in the boat and went fishing. Before we knew it, it was time for another meal. This one was very familiar to a few hungry Americans: hot dogs, chicken, pork, and potatoes. We ate our fill and spent the rest of the evening relaxing in the living room where we found a convenience we had been missing for a few days: the internet. I got a chance to upload photos and blog, and Mikal got to reconnect with his home social network through his MySpace.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 8:27 AM No comments:
Sunday, July 8, 2007
The Big Festival Day
Today, was the festival's biggest day, with the largest bands, a few from the US, playing in the evening. In the afternoon Alexander brought us to an awesome swimming area where we jumped off cliffs and attempted to dodge the millions of jellyfish (the kinds that can actually sting you). It was also really fun meeting and hanging out with Lisbeth and Alexander's friends from Vigrestad. Even though they spoke broken English, it was fun to get to know them. This day was not as rainy as yesterday, and the evening event was a Black gospel choir from Los Angeles (an interesting choice for a main event in my opinion). After this the entire field of people, about 6 or 7 thousand, participated in worship and communion. All three of us felt very honored and blessed to be able to fellowship like this with our Christian brothers and sisters in Norway. The topic of unity in the church, and the problems that dissention and disagreement can cause, has come up in many of our conversations here. I couldn't help appreciating the importance of unity as I worshipped on that field in a language I did not understand.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 11:59 AM 1 comment:
Norway makes a few Washingtonians feel right at home
Rain has a unique power to bring people together in the midst of the misery that it causes. As the festival plowed on, the rain began to dump. The entire camp became a gaint mudhole. With smells that would put the Lynden fair to shame, the festival went on with music, speakers, and worship. Before the rain hit, however, Alexander took us to his Grandmother's cabin that is out on an island in Lygøs. Both Zac and I were kicking ourselves all afternoon because we forgot our cameras and missed out on capturing some truly unique and amazing views. After a quick swim and a delicious lunch we headed back to the festival to meet an evening under hoods.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 11:49 AM No comments:
From Vigrestad to Kristiansand
After 16 hours of sleep we were ready for our trip to Norway's biggest Christian music festival. We packed up there two vehicles and headed out from Vigrestad. It was a long scenic drive along the southern Norwegian coast and we got to see the many unique features of Norway including the massive fishing operations and very long tunnels. Mikal and Zac also took this time to comment on just about every vehicle that passed. But their excitement over these unique vehicles and their desire to race along these foreign speedways quickly evaporated as they learned of the strict enforcement over the roads. We got to the festival around 9:00 and spent the rest of the evening listening to concerts and attending a worship session that was half English and half Norwegian.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 11:43 AM No comments:
Norway or Bust
We arrived at the airport with 2 and a half hours until our flight. But after we got through the massive line for check in, we were looking at a possible reschedule of flight because we had less than a half an our to get through the security line and to our gate before it closed. Thankfully, the security line went fast and we got right on our plane. Zac, Mikal and I settled into our seats and took in the long plane ride with movies and games provided by the flights 'International Entertainment System'. Before we knew it, we were landing in Amsterdam. The transfer here went smoothly but we were quickly on our plane to Stavanger, Norway. By now, our bodies were telling us it was time to find a bed, but as we landed our eyes told us otherwise. The drive from Stavanger to Vigrestad was exciting as we took in the beautiful landscape with a feeling of euphoric disbelief that we were finally in Norway. We got to Alexander's house around 1:00 PM their time but he was not there but at the festival that we would soon be going to. My eyes were now starting to drop, however, I was determined to stay awake to try and keep a normal sleep schedule. Lisbeth took us out and gave us the tour of Vigrestad and we got to see all five buildings. Along with the grocery stores there was the church where she and Alexander attend and the school where they attended and Christina, their younger sister, now goes. When we got back we had a delicious dinner of meat cakes and potatoes. Soon after this we headed over to see some of our cousins that we haven't seen for years and ended up at Fredrick and Turron's house for pancakes or lempa as they call it. By this time my body had completely shut off and had become disconnected with my brain. I was so tired it became hard to comprehend and follow conversation and it didn't help that it often broke into fast squabbles of Norwegian. I had never been awake for so many consecutive hours. Mikal, Zac and I retreated to the downstairs and I fell asleep in the middle of taking off my clothes.
Posted by Markus Bulthuis at 11:34 AM No comments:
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A new study conducted by Ipsos MediaCT on behalf of IGN Entertainment concludes that gamers are, unlike their stereotype, more active, and social than their non-gaming peers.
The nerdy loner stereotype doesn't seem to have any basis in reality when applied to gamers as a group.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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The fresh associates of the lath will be inducted at a accession at Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture Study in Beverly Hills in September this year.
About 135 artists and admiral accept been arrive by the Academy.
"The assignment of these individuals has been accepted by admirers all about the world. The Academy is appreciative to allure anniversary and every one of them," said Academy admiral Tom Sherak. "It's a abundant honour to be nominated as a voting affiliate by the lath of governors," Pookutty said


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The other day I was scrolling through my Twitter feed when I happened upon this Tweet from Knob Creek:
Naturally, my response was to ask where the Mother's Day label was. The question of whether women drink bourbon has been asked and answered ad nauseam, with multiple articles and even a book dedicated to the answer. I understand that bourbon is being marketed to men much more so than women, even in this day and age. But why ostracize half the market over a free customized label?
I had the pleasure of meeting Fred Noe as I was preparing for the Bourbon Classic back in January. One of the things he said really resonated with me: "Mamma mixed her bourbon with ginger ale and I never once saw my dad give her shit about it." He went on to say that Booker said, "drink it any damn way you want to." Then there was something about if you mix it with Coke, it's going to be the best damn bourbon and Coke you've ever had.
As I sat ruminating over this latest marketing blunder in the bourbon industry, I thought about Booker Noe and the legacy he left behind. Booker Noe invented Small Batch bourbon. Knob Creek Single Barrel was a project that made him uncomfortable, because, according to Fred Noe, he was not a fan of inconsistency. Ordinarily barrels are blended to get the right characteristics, because every barrel ends up different depending on where it is in the rack house.
I poured myself a shot of Booker's 25th Anniversary and inhaled the sweet heavenly bouquet. And then my phone alerted me to a new Tweet:
As it turns out, I can get a custom label for my Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon made for free any time. It's too late for Mother's Day this year, but maybe next year they'll come out with a special Mother's Day label for all the bourbon drinking mamas out there. I also wouldn't mind a special custom label for my Knob Creek Rye.
I returned to my bourbon, contemplating what to put on my custom label. Do you have an idea? Tweet me @LouGirl502 and tell me what you want to put on your Knob Creek label.
Photos and Screenshots are Courtesy of Knob Creek's Facebook and Twitter


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|CHP Officer R Torres (ID 14455)
On a midweek day in September of this last year, at approximately 11:05 am my wife and I were in our son's parked vehicle in a construction zone just off an exit of US 101 in Petaluma CA. I was the driver. My wife was in the passenger seat. The car's engine was not running. My wife and I are respectable looking and were dressed well and we were in a fairly new vehicle. There was nothing suspicious to provoke a police inquiry, except, perhaps, that we were on the side of the road and that motorist assistance would have been a good reason for the police officer to approach the vehicle.
CHP Officer R. Torres (ID 14455) approached the vehicle on a motorcycle from the front of our vehicle on the driver's side and inquired as to what I was doing. I indicated that since I was not from the area and unsure of the way to the location we were attempting to go that we had pulled over to the side of the road. The officer asked for the driver's licenses for both myself, the driver, and my wife, the passenger, and for the vehicle registration. Upon inspection of their driver's licenses he noted that both of us were from out of state, and then inquired as to who the owner of the vehicle was since it had CA plates. I indicated that the vehicle is owned by our son, who we were visiting and who lives in CA, and that we had borrowed the car from him. The last names were both the same. All documents requested by Officer Torres were provided to him promptly and we were very polite. Officer Torres indicated that the vehicle should not have been parked in the construction zone. He also noted that my wife did not have a safety belt fastened and issued her citation for violation of VC 27315 (e) --passenger not wearing a safety belt.
At all times from the time the officer saw and approached the vehicle until the time that the citation was issued, the vehicle was in a stationary position, located off the road, and with the engine not running.
VC 27315, the CA seatbelt safety law, is an important and useful law that was enacted to protect motor vehicle drivers and their passengers. Both my wife and I believe that the law, as enacted, is appropriate and we wear seat belts when traveling in a vehicle on the road. I still had my safety belt on at the time Officer Torres approached. My wife uses her safety belt whenever she is either a driver or passenger within a moving motor vehicle on the road.
In this situation, the prerequisite conditions necessary for the issuance of a citation were not present. The vehicle was not on the road, it was not moving, and the engine was off. Upon pulling off the road and stopping the vehicle my wife had merely removed her seat belt to have enough flexibility to reach a roadmap which was located in the back seat of the car. The removal of the safety belt occurred while we were stationary, off the road, and with the engine not running. If the law were intended for this type of situation then any driver or passenger entering a vehicle and sitting in that vehicle in preparation for driving or to be transported in that vehicle would be in violation of the code until such time as they got their seatbelt fastened before the vehicle was actually started and moving.
Also, on the citation document itself in the box labelled :"Speed Approx." is the symbol "S". If the symbol "S", as we suspect it is, presumedly meaning "Stationary" or "Stopped" it further confirms the facts.
To add insult to injury, Officer Torres, upon noting that our state of residency was very liberal on gun laws, said that for all he knew we had a trunk load of guns, but that he was not permitted to ask us to open the trunk without further suspicion.
Okay, it wasn't even a parking ticket, but the fine in CA for this offense is about $175. We decided to go to court and protest the ticket. In court my wife stated her case, reciting all the facts above. The judge dismissed the case. But, Officer Torres won in this case. We had set aside an entire day (December 30) that we could have been with our family for this matter. In fact, it only took us about 5 hours to and from the court, not counting the time to prepare what was going to be said. We traveled almost 100 miles round trip, not to mention the stress of a court appearance. How fortunate that we could be with our son at Christmastime so that we did not have to travel more than 500 miles to answer the complaint.
Shame on you Officer Torres. You should be reprimanded by your supervisors for this. You knew that the offense would not hold up. In the best scenario for him we would have not contested the citation and paid the $175. Do the police in CA have a quota?
Anyone else being harassed by the California Highway Patrol in California


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When we are struggling with String concatenation issues, specially which is the best way to concatenate the strings. One of my colleague suggested following articles to me.
- String Concatenation vs Memory Allocation
- String concatenation the fast way…maybe not what you think
though this may not be giving every thing you are looking for, but really very nice and worth readable for the .NET developers.


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BUT - my favorite gift from them was all of my old dance uniforms (from ages 3 and up) It absolutely made me cry. I had no idea my Dad kept all of that stuff! It was a box full of them, and at the bottom, there were 2 baby blankets I didn't even know existed that my grandmother had knit before I was born. I'm so thankful for these possessions! I can only hope for a little girl one day to remake all of my silly dance photos :)
Christmas morning with Caleb is DEFINITELY one of my favorite days of the year. Something about it is just so fun. We wake up in no rush at all, take our sweet time exchanging some presents, and eat donuts and/or brownies. I love knowing how much thought we both put into the gifts we have for each other, and getting to see his reaction is my favorite part. He did SO well in the gift department, as always. But I do have to say... my favorite part of Christmas is just spending so much time together and with our families!
We always go to my Nanny and Buddy's house for brunch, along with my aunt, uncle, and 2 cousins! My mom only has one brother, so we're very close with them and my only 2 first cousins. They make life so fun!!
We read our notes of thankfulness that we all wrote on Thanskgiving, per our annual tradition, and a few of them made me tear up.
Saturday Caleb and I (believe it or not) got started on NEXT CHRISTMAS, ALREADY!!! We've designated a box in the basement solely for future christmas presents so we don't forget where they are/what we've already bought. It wasn't much, but hey, its a start.
Sunday we had our Christmas with Caleb's family and it was a blast, as well! Just recapping all of this is making me so thankful, all over again! His parents love to get extra silly with the gifts which added lots of extra laughter. We got an awesome griddle for our counter so I can make all the pancakes EVER, the cutest polaroid post-it holder, and lots of other awesome goodies!!
I've taken a bit of a blogging break these last few days and its been kind of nice. Just trying to enjoy all that these last days of the year have to offer! Although I have to say, I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store for us!! :)


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The card is 5.5" x 8.5" (a full sheet folded in half). I chose the colors based on the picture and Pearl herself. Obviously she is black (that little stamp from Man's Best Friend is just perfect as her!), and her collar and leash are red. I love the contrast. Then I got the Sahara Sand from the sweater she is wearing in the picture. That was from her first Christmas, and you can tell she'd had enough at that point! I just love how the colors of the card work with the colors in the pic. I think I'm ready for scrap-booking now! :D
This adorable treat bag and hand-dipped peanut butter bone treats are from Two Bostons, a pet boutique in downtown Naperville. If you live in the Naperville area I highly recommend this store, as well as The Crate Escape.
Supplies: Happy Everything, Man's Best Friend, and Short Order Alphabet Stamp Sets; Real Red, Basic Black, Sahara Sand, and Whisper White cardstock; Real Red and Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pads; Scallop Circle, Scallop Edge, 1-3/8" Circle, 1-1/4" Circle, 1" Circle, and 3/4" Circle Punches; Stampin' Dimensionals