tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47947357847038119392024-03-14T01:53:03.637-04:00Basically AmiAmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-42060392044499276112013-04-03T20:23:00.003-04:002013-04-03T20:23:44.880-04:00Fresh StartI needed a fresh start, a more streamlined place to share my photography and document life. I have a new blog! Please join me <a href="http://amigodfrey.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">over there</a>... :)<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kcyqh5kXz3lCwiPTGXHhx9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="538" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OT92n2lSl0E/UVy-v94Jg5I/AAAAAAAAIaM/fvbudKIXsiA/s800/DSC00022.jpg" width="800" /></a>Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-91250377372232611992012-11-09T19:34:00.000-05:002012-11-09T19:56:46.477-05:00Three WeeksI don't even know where to start with the events of the past three weeks, so this may be a little jumbled and rambly.<br />
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On Tuesday, October 16th, in the evening, we noticed that our kitty, Augie, was a little lethargic and not eating. We were concerned, but had had kitties be a little under the weather like this before, and it turned out to be a little kitty flu or something not too serious. We called the vet first thing the next morning (Augie was still feeling bad, but didn't seem to be worse than the previous evening) and made him an appointment for that afternoon. This vet was one we used because of the decreased cost, which comes in handy when you're caring for a lot of cats. We had used them many, many times with no problems.<br />
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We got him to the appointment, where the vet and tech checked him out, told us he had a high temp and was dehydrated and that he was sick with something viral. They wanted to admit him overnight for fluids and observation. We agreed, and said a tearful goodbye to Augie because we were pretty worried. The vet's office was 45 minutes away from home, so we left and came back towards home. About an hour after we left Augie, the vet called my cell phone to say that he had died.<br />
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I don't want to go into detail about my and Brian's reaction to this, but suffice it to say that we were devastated, cried a million tears, and went back to pick up his body. We each held him for a long time. It was so unexpected and it really destroyed us. We took him to Mama and Daddy's, where they were so wonderful to us and agreed to let us bury him in their beautiful backyard by the garden. We buried him at sunset.<br />
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This picture was taken just a few days before Augie died.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9pHSdKfgDT5I2MKfe17bLdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-v1Jg0hXF0ks/UJ2OfAUHRBI/AAAAAAAAIU0/XXsiJRA-xyE/s800/DSC05562.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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The aftermath of Augie's death was gut wrenching, grief-filled and so raw. We were not expecting our five-month-old kitten, whom we had rescued from heat and dehydration at Whitewater Park over the summer, to die such a horrible and sudden death. I could write an entire post on his death and the questionable circumstances surrounding it, but I will save that for another day.<br />
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Augie died on a Wednesday. We spent the next several days grieving heavily and searching everywhere we could for answers. WHAT took him? WHY? We found some viral diseases that fit, but without a necropsy (which we could not bring ourselves to agree to), we had to accept the fate that we may never know what killed him. <br />
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On the following Sunday, we noticed that one of our other babies, Simon (who is just over a year old) was acting lethargic, disinterested and was not eating. We immediately thought the worst. He and Augie were best buds, and the virus we suspected is HIGHLY contagious. We felt sure that Augie had transmitted it to Simon. We isolated him from the other cats right away. On Monday morning, we took him to another vet, five minutes from our house. A vet we have used before and trust wholeheartedly. (We will never be able to go back to the other vet--for our suspicion over Augie, and simply because we can't handle the association of that office to Augie's death. It would just be too hard.)<br />
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They examined Simon, and did some blood tests. He had a horribly low white blood count, and a fever of over 104. This was not good. Augie's death was very fresh in our minds, and we were absolutely convinced that Simon was experiencing the same condition. The vet agreed that the symptoms were scarily similar and she said she suspected the culprit to be panleukopenia, or feline parvo. It is also called feline distemper. They gave Simon some fluids, and something to bring his fever down. I brought him back home.<br />
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He worsened overnight, with the fever spiking again, and now he had bloody diarrhea and vomiting. We were scared and took him back to the vet Tuesday morning. She ran some more blood tests, this time testing for the major things it might be--panleukopenia, feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, and feline infectious peritonitis. None of these diseases are good, to say the least, with panleukopenia and FIP being potentially fatal, quickly. These tests would have to be sent off, so our waiting began.<br />
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Simon was extremely sick over the following several days. I posted on Facebook to ask for prayers, and so many wonderful people responded. We are so appreciative of that. We took turns sitting with him, in his isolation chamber (our master bathroom), I sat on the cold tile floor, looked up through the window at the golden, gorgeous foliage in the tree canopies in the backyard, and I prayed. A lot. I don't remember a time that I felt as close to God as I did sitting there, praying for my sweet boy to make it through this. And I sang. I sang "In The Garden," "Jesus Loves Me," and several other comforting hymns. Choking back tears, I sang to God, to Simon, and I felt peace. And Simon got sicker.<br />
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Brian and I were really just running on fumes by this point. Not eating, not sleeping, nursing Simon around-the-clock and at the same time, still grieving Augie and worrying sick about the other cats showing signs of this awful disease. <br />
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On Wednesday night, Simon spiked a high fever again. We called the vet on call, who advised us to rub Simon down with a cool, wet rag at least every couple hours and to give him water via syringe by mouth. We did. We got him through the night, keeping him cool and checking his temp often. And holding him, rocking him and praying. He was not very responsive. He had a glazed-over look in his dull eyes. Eyes that were usually full of life and mischief, now those eyes just stared blankly at me. It broke my heart. He seemed so tired, so lifeless. I asked God then and there to please not let Simon suffer. That if He had to take Simon, to please do it, and peacefully. But that if Simon was going to make it, to PLEASE give us a sign. <br />
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Right after that, Brian held up a set of stainless steel measuring spoons that we had with us in the room and dangled them over Simon's head. Simon reached up and pawed at them! We immediately took that as our sign and thanked God. (We had been using them to measure out powder for kitten formula, which we had given Simon via syringe to help get nutrients in him--he had not eaten on his own in days, so we were force-feeding him human baby food with crushed cat food in it, and kitten formula.)<br />
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On Thursday of that week, Brian went with me to take Simon back to the vet. Despite our "sign," he was so sick by this point, we thought surely the vet would recommend putting him to sleep. We were beside ourselves with worry and grief, both our continued grief over Augie, and anticipatory grief over potentially losing our Simon. <br />
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She did not recommend it. She said he was in the thick of the disease, and we had to use supportive care to keep him alive while his natural defenses tried to kick in. She taught Brian how to give Simon sub-q fluids, which we were to administer every 12 hours, as well as give Simon a dose of an antibiotic to help his gut and stop the diarrhea. Brian was so grateful to have an active role in Simon's care. We were both feeling so helpless, just the simple act of giving him fluids made us feel like we were DOING something, finally.<br />
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Over the next couple days, we did just that. We gave him his fluids, we gave him his antibiotic, and on Friday, his fever spiked again. I took him back for a shot to bring his fever down. I knew this shot would only last for about 24 hours, so I mentally and emotionally tried to prepare myself for what may come next. <br />
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On Saturday night, there was no fever, but Simon seemed to be giving up. Once again, we held him, prayed and cried. I was absolutely certain that he would die during the night. I was up a lot that night, as I was many other nights, checking on him.<br />
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Sunday morning, I went to check on him early, and he was still with us. Not only was he with us, he was bright, playful and was grooming again. It seemed that he had turned a corner during the night. He still would not eat and drink on his own. We were discouraged, but still hopeful. Over the next few days, he continued to improve. On the following Tuesday, October 30th, Simon finally ate some canned food from a plate, on his own. When he took the first bite, I cried and just thanked God over and over (and over). We had force-fed him for nearly seven entire days, and now our prayers were answered--he was eating.<br />
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We finally got the test back from Cornell--it had been delayed by Hurricane Sandy--and it was positive for <a href="http://pets.webmd.com/cats/cat-panleukopenia" target="_blank">panleukopenia</a>. The other tests had come back negative. So at least we finally knew what had made him so sick, and also, what killed Augie. It didn't matter that the test took a while, because the treatment Simon would have received would have been the same. There is no cure--only supportive care to get the cat through it.<br />
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<a href="http://pets.webmd.com/cats/cat-panleukopenia" target="_blank">Panleukopenia</a> is a terrible, and often fatal, disease. I wish I had never learned the word. It kills kittens like Augie VERY quickly, before you really even see symptoms. An older cat like Simon has a better chance of surviving it, although only if caught early enough. I have read that during their suffering with this terrible virus, cats often lose the will to live. They need a lot of love, care and time spent with them. We were absolutely exhausted--beyond exhausted--but we gave him everything we had.<br />
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This disease is preventable through vaccination. We had no idea that this was even a THING, let alone something that could be vaccinated for. Even if a cat is strictly indoors, they still need this vaccination. The virus is extremely hardy, can live in an environment for up to a year (!) and the only things that kill it are bleach and fire. We feel devastated that had Augie been vaccinated, he might have lived. We are certain he picked up the virus from the vet (the one who is 45 minutes away), a week before he got sick, when we took him there for his neuter surgery. The virus incubation time fits perfectly, and he had not been exposed to anything, anywhere else. I will tell more of Augie's story in a future post. He deserves his own.<br />
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Simon is now mostly back to his old self. His appetite is great, he is loving and playful, but he still has to be in isolation for several weeks because he is still shedding the virus and therefore infectious to the other kitties. He has a sunny windowsill to sit in and look out, toys, yummy canned food brought to him three times a day, and a soft pillow bed to sleep on. <br />
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When we go in to see him, we have to completely change clothes, wear protective gloves and shoes, and then change back before coming into contact with any of the other kitties. We are very careful about contamination, have bleached everything we possibly can, and remain on heightened awareness and worry about spreading the virus.<br />
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We are planning to get the other cats vaccinated against panleukopenia, just in case. Thankfully, they have not shown any symptoms of this awful and deadly disease. Hopefully they won't have any adverse reactions to the vaccine itself. So, our ordeal isn't quite over, but we can sort of see a light now. <br />
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Our sweet Simon boy, about a week before he got sick.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PaD4qujMknBOTafiPAI-ztMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y-qdCTx0ZiY/UJ2Oh1914pI/AAAAAAAAIVM/37NB-SBNtiU/s800/DSC05581.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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All of this, what seems like a lifetime of exhaustion, tragedy and stress, has happened in the last three weeks. <br />
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Some people don't understand our love for our cats, but it is very real and it is very deep. With no plans to have human children, our cats ARE our children, and we will do whatever we can possibly do for them. In return, they fill our home and our hearts with love beyond measure. We appreciate everyone's prayers and support so much.<br />
<br />Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-48052872644732138922012-10-16T16:27:00.000-04:002012-10-16T16:30:48.252-04:00A Mini Photo WalkLast Monday, Ginger, Brian and I met up to spend the day hanging out while our kitties, Augie (ours) and Tabbie Hoffman (hers) had their "big boy" surgery. We needed something to distract us from worrying about our sweet babies. We decided to go to Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley again, but it turned out that they were closed. So, we drove about 20 minutes farther south, to Mama and Daddy's house. But first, we stopped in Montezuma to do a mini photo walk. It was fun! I shot a roll of Arista Premium (black and white) 400 film on Brian's Fujica AX-3 (with 50 mm f/1.6 lens). Here are some of those shots!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HIXhzTg6Y75noUuljOxu-9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--QIdkylsfVg/UH27yf3JFWI/AAAAAAAAIN8/9MfsjoDSeCE/s800/img484.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M3D7QwfRwyGbj5lZWjZM9tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LIFecCwe7BA/UH27zicGTcI/AAAAAAAAIOE/oXKk7jEjs5U/s800/img485.jpg" width="501" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bYMdhBCeh9CeoYImunFR59MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="496" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XSezMchG7bU/UH276S4HNtI/AAAAAAAAIO0/buJ6D7lpltU/s800/img492.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3wZqHULfy3FCxI-JUDuQxNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t84Rg0dLoUk/UH2771KMwKI/AAAAAAAAIO8/cscDEpNP8lA/s800/img493.jpg" width="496" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oMfM-0Q_z2j9VduLvch6-9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="493" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zcZUdceB0nQ/UH27-BHz3lI/AAAAAAAAIPM/UPYn61FlF58/s800/img495.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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LOVE this one. Film does beautiful things!!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LLzxGvQ8hwENvuEuhOt4D9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="506" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wsYE8waEu7g/UH28BMr6grI/AAAAAAAAIPc/sDXp9j6n7x8/s800/img497.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bQNUWKmwR_RkmcjYC8HTE9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="508" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b5dVXemPcB0/UH28GLOomCI/AAAAAAAAIP8/_aPvRE6DicA/s800/img502.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dk0Vj2our8dhsqZmy9sdetMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="507" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HwEbsgXjBN0/UH28I1Ldq4I/AAAAAAAAIQM/fEZcoHxGkaE/s800/img504.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_m7rnexoMLw6q0BG7MsactMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QTCU36X48wY/UH28LdIoKBI/AAAAAAAAIQc/3ut8acK7Ruc/s800/img506.jpg" width="508" /></a><br />
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And a few digital favorites:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7SFb90JY-ccoc2gpXeEdPDzrqHiP0-loNdA5NE2ntBc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EqGFvq2ONPg/UHioJMRNjrI/AAAAAAAAIFg/B4ei3tNHUbA/s800/DSC05358.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7IrwueVB7o0mvUait_LwizzrqHiP0-loNdA5NE2ntBc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xvKtKCVpWF4/UHioL0QA18I/AAAAAAAAIFw/cSmLT1ro3yk/s800/DSC05361.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x4BqEAh0nro77nvs4EU-izzrqHiP0-loNdA5NE2ntBc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bUPjfR9MKm0/UHioPACxLsI/AAAAAAAAIGI/CZjrHweh5C4/s800/DSC05364.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oNmXKDxNEfC652T-iYUggTzrqHiP0-loNdA5NE2ntBc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pBKPOTmivgo/UHioQudQ_hI/AAAAAAAAIGY/0W40eI7xJqA/s800/DSC05367.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/waBWpHB631BPaB_l-lUabzzrqHiP0-loNdA5NE2ntBc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-avqMi3KOzB8/UHioTa4_MoI/AAAAAAAAIGw/6aKhesyoiWc/s800/DSC05374.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2Eza3l-Dn1LK2CeZnfwdrDzrqHiP0-loNdA5NE2ntBc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-No7bGL8lXE8/UHioXzRzXQI/AAAAAAAAIHQ/9NkmTRU-5cA/s800/DSC05380.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gtX_1mbL_l4wdPhLNxAAczzrqHiP0-loNdA5NE2ntBc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="506" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0_J1PcnED2I/UHioar3rwKI/AAAAAAAAIHo/aLNdH7bDKJc/s800/DSC05391.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AYdex8z0dutOyYWRGHP0sDzrqHiP0-loNdA5NE2ntBc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o6lvX3SfJYo/UHioe2TXzNI/AAAAAAAAIII/_zO640bJLyc/s800/DSC05400.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/brcCzLPlVnztfyeBhABHAzzrqHiP0-loNdA5NE2ntBc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IGUCaj2_8cQ/UHiok5r11vI/AAAAAAAAIIo/NKT7ouAnWgQ/s800/DSC05405.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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We had a great time walking around some of our "old stomping grounds," despite the fact that so much has changed and deteriorated since we were younger. Sometimes you have to relearn how to see the beauty in things, and remember them for what they used to be while appreciating them for what they are now. <br />
<br />Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-65922046368074985752012-10-12T21:29:00.000-04:002012-10-13T23:30:31.241-04:00Where I'm FromMy sister, <a href="http://gingersjunket.blogspot.com/2012/10/where-im-from.html" target="_blank">Ginger, did this meme a couple weeks ago</a>, and wanted me to have a go. So, here I go! (By the way, <a href="http://gingersjunket.blogspot.com/2012/10/where-im-from.html" target="_blank">check out her version</a> as well, because I'm from all those things, too! :D )<br />
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I'm from red dirt roads, playing "school" in the woods and markers on posterboard.<br />
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I'm from He-Man and She-Ra dolls and saving the world with Wayne on the front porch steps.<br />
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I'm from cats in the yard, sweet old dogs, and walking till dark to find scuplins (that's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuppernong" target="_blank">"scuppernongs"</a> to most folks).<br />
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I'm from the afternoon smell of supper cooking, homework after school, and summers full of "The Karate Kid."<br />
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I'm from a boombox in a swing, a homemade basketball goal, and a lavender 10-speed bike.<br />
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I'm from a little painted cinder block church, solos on Sundays, and tinsel halos on Christmas angels.<br />
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I'm from a little Casio keyboard, a black, clunky upright, and Mrs. Fowler's baby grand.<br />
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I'm from nickel candy at the Suwannee Swifty, makeup from Revco, and buying only Cokes from the liquor store.<br />
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I'm from Maw and Major's country life, Edith's spunkiness, and a Mildred who was really a grandmother.<br />
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I'm from a Mama who is my compass, a Daddy who is my hero, and the reflection of my potential in their eyes.<br />
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This is me. And this is where I'm from.Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-62478992110792179402012-10-05T13:16:00.000-04:002012-10-05T13:16:02.260-04:00Lately<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/scHs7ZhJK-mdYKftpQtbG9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dUwVlZZ7G6U/UG8RoquEK8I/AAAAAAAAIEw/82_3unzGXGA/s800/27616320.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Welcome, October!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O4K0HcfkyeClvKzseM5tF9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZhrbRN_qAcY/UG8Qf23C5AI/AAAAAAAAICw/hEX8hndFQzw/s800/15_yellow.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zGJRSD_bhzpDb83_T1tjPNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="490" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3xUIduHm01g/UG8QhPTZ_-I/AAAAAAAAIC4/5deQbnVUxbo/s800/DSC05197.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sLy7daZQZvc30dhZSF0kUtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UZhXW6ucpF0/UG8QikM9mMI/AAAAAAAAIDA/98P1uZMYK9k/s640/panda.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kOy5S4wGJJ3IV1Sm8IBfCtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZA7Q92qL0xc/UG8Qjxm24RI/AAAAAAAAIDI/j6ObtTqdDag/s800/DSC04803%2520copy.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/39tNv0P5en2-sMDFeag1bdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2HOXMf5Qjuk/UG8QkqkGUeI/AAAAAAAAIDQ/VXkz-V182Bg/s800/DSC04842.jpg" width="523" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SV4xo9RM_wj2MkYDL2kYBNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j8D4gL1YBGQ/UG8Qlhr1YCI/AAAAAAAAIDY/H7_yecry_TM/s800/DSC05128%2520copy.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eEgTMfhDY2_wS94Vce5y29MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ihDqR-x3FLs/UG8QmWthMKI/AAAAAAAAIDg/DYz83iSQ5g4/s800/DSC05286%2520copy.jpg" width="534" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LG48dA4ZIOxtRKe4-8tBK9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-INidQSILuQQ/UG8QnkIUmAI/AAAAAAAAIDo/Z7sO67ldvj4/s800/DSC05326%2520copy.jpg" width="528" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7sHvZUrWuhmSjD02a0oBGtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6qZm-Ry971o/UG8QphtzhCI/AAAAAAAAID4/_gyMsdQUZ_Q/s800/DSC05345.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rE4EmJ87C7w22JCANoVLqNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lse3u9iUVeA/UG8RbW_9iBI/AAAAAAAAIEY/nPr9L2UlW_Q/s800/DSC05219.jpg" width="557" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZzvrQ02ZqtJVJujAOl8KMtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--oRjbQHY1As/UG8RmraAjgI/AAAAAAAAIEg/8lYbUTqKx5Q/s800/DSC05230.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/evT4wnlJruvmUt3tj4J_ENMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ej9CSrlczcE/UG8RYZK7KOI/AAAAAAAAIEA/Zv9U_XYE-8Q/s800/DSC05255.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/meY7WhHo0073N479fv-9ANMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dzD5DP_mu6o/UG8RaLXc1nI/AAAAAAAAIEQ/PnVHHRi6InI/s800/DSC05221.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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So excited for the season!!<br />
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<br />Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-21923139534298900822012-09-25T17:29:00.000-04:002012-09-25T17:32:19.390-04:00One WeekMy niece, Jessi, had her sweet little baby girl, my great-niece, one week ago, today. We all gathered this past Saturday to meet our new family member, Elizabeth Faye, aka "Lizzie." She is just gorgeous!! Of course, we took lots of pictures! Here are a few of my favorites.<br />
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Mama and Baby.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h5DISwUN5Glii82NIQc0itMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HDzr0wvpaEU/UGIaQKX4s-I/AAAAAAAAIAo/onCojMyyvSw/s800/DSC04921.jpg" width="525" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oUSz5tsLCOcniddDfSsYutMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="549" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q6D5S_ibHBg/UGIaPfOb0mI/AAAAAAAAIAg/deKGRbLoK8A/s800/DSC04948.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jCcXxaDpwS2IgZGJZ5sRq9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rOxpaMYe-Jo/UGIaRpOOwSI/AAAAAAAAIA4/uQUJoTlhDHE/s800/DSC04908.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mJ-zv-FxFyBbIeDKMQXdJtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y4Cg7L9Mruw/UGIaNhNNHRI/AAAAAAAAIAQ/LvcNJJ0hGEA/s800/DSC04962.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/re26FKcEiVoEHpoYNfWMrNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yx89KUpdSdI/UGIaQ_eimpI/AAAAAAAAIAw/Jq41ln0wHQ8/s800/DSC04910.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9wObg8IYLdCmjVSe5LIldNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0b_ehw1zWlA/UGIaOeEHCYI/AAAAAAAAIAY/xuZEQ45aV8k/s800/DSC04949.jpg" width="526" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OPao0g9gH10iAm46JX0OPdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PTkcGwgXYT8/UGIaSWyA3AI/AAAAAAAAIBE/3kaf-CcroDg/s800/DSC04901.jpg" width="512" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1QI9r7TgewOkezBEkv7xPNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rwyK1_BPank/UGIaTFthULI/AAAAAAAAIBI/81JB3gTLa6g/s800/DSC04881.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WvQNt25E0VhfKWHNSxsXs9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FGHOP-2yp3E/UGIaTy6zn2I/AAAAAAAAIBQ/9_DmZTirMdk/s800/DSC04876.jpg" width="481" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n1Q9tnZPdBfA57_CvgC9QtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UhC5GQodN4s/UGIaUsA-UVI/AAAAAAAAIBY/ItVeoI1_QNs/s800/DSC04873.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-QcAI0ly0V1Qx1PpAPRcm9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8Ug-dAXeAl0/UGIaVbq5p9I/AAAAAAAAIBg/FYq4soUY7CI/s800/DSC04862.jpg" width="529" /></a><br />
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Baby Lizzie had her very first photo shoot. She was a diva from the very start. :D<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7P8fB6JndZGv6KPXrGpV2tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tZAf5eD8lRk/UGIaNNV7rhI/AAAAAAAAIAI/JcNKlwy5Lzs/s800/DSC04974.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GyWMosgfPwisJDinkf0CB9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CoqaNC2J1uY/UGIaMb3fUuI/AAAAAAAAIAA/xXvwqCPYyHU/s800/DSC04975.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZrHITftLhZtxJWsY8hCaXtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OA3zY2MhGrk/UGIaI7qPMyI/AAAAAAAAH_Y/qe-OvQxUCQE/s800/DSC04990.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZVotuPQoLC9bbYHVuUeTVtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="552" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HlntZiNT6_A/UGIaIMiDPcI/AAAAAAAAH_Q/aPYkTOBtnOw/s800/DSC04992.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CWhh5mm2eLQGcEBF1JZJi9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tP6WI27p0vI/UGIaF6We7XI/AAAAAAAAH_A/oJUyReT6MfQ/s800/DSC05000.jpg" width="613" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ka53KPpzQBjUTNZHgBJeiNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="485" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o4ArJ4EKSTM/UGIaFZgbXFI/AAAAAAAAH-4/7SVLgiLmhKM/s800/DSC05002.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S0rOYzcNgT_Ygh1NZaqUdNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="497" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B1Au4SsAQaQ/UGIaCDm6Z3I/AAAAAAAAH-Y/RNZFyLM-yJA/s800/DSC05030.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Rkcdy9GqPwzAhHTIQNovj9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0FnYf9UJBt0/UGIaAYrBO4I/AAAAAAAAH-I/Fn8SV7jpApA/s800/DSC05035.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JyLkHkFIXfkqbpbknAnEa9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="537" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gyFTiLJKLBA/UGIZ8CoEqSI/AAAAAAAAH9w/zIh2fTtuw3A/s800/DSC05047.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XenCruU5S996OU_bCLsksNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wcMs7GE-fmE/UGIZ7bdTDrI/AAAAAAAAH9o/-1APBE3Ewkc/s800/DSC05051.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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She will be so tired of the camera before she can even say "camera." :D<br />
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I think I speak for the whole family when I say this to Baby Lizzie:<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/grZ6OMjjHFuyzpMRq5QgstMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="289" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WnwtYgJcP5M/UGIaWpihqmI/AAAAAAAAIBo/j8PWOOe1lSw/s800/175570085443382900_3ftpYsRo_f.jpg" width="414" /></a><br />
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Welcome, sweet girl. We look forward to sharing our lives and love with you.Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-35358156001959518282012-08-30T18:12:00.001-04:002012-08-30T18:12:24.059-04:00Happy Birthday, Mama!<div>
Today is my sweet Mama's birthday.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J7hZwDTnD_gmHTg8D-9qfNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CclT9Mit0OM/T9936d03B9I/AAAAAAAAHmk/k5GuRLLgg8c/s800/DSC02148.jpg" width="521" /></a><div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/igLIcF3MIr_mlon5cniNB9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="511" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rPcHufnnG-w/UD_jS7K0W6I/AAAAAAAAH8I/12sGU1HH40g/s800/4503668347481756_CGCjPfUU_f.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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I am so blessed to have a Mama like her. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8ELX4eXDvqsS2F27-SD4X9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="301" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NlDNPo9SUn8/UD_jU8rjoEI/AAAAAAAAH8g/ASEkkr9ndgs/s800/4503668346855652_HRg509B3_f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9zp-GkGSP4WYqxFOTIAX1dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7CfL6QxwUKM/Tk7gItAdSZI/AAAAAAAAGIM/bp-TCxqYY3M/s800/DSC03090.jpg" width="533" /></a></div>
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Happy Birthday, Mama!! I hope your day has been wonderful, and I love you bunches!</div>
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Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-14615724863320587842012-08-16T00:29:00.000-04:002012-08-16T00:30:52.835-04:00Hope<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2O2YU8LmXgWcxeLkwkwSL9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fxT_44wznu0/UCxydjbpXrI/AAAAAAAAH6Y/MoZJMRbNt_A/s800/43417583877739687_iFd1zcft_f.jpg" width="491" /></a><br />
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So true.<br />
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For so long I have hoped. I have hoped for a psoriasis treatment that will work for me, that will give me my life back. I have severe psoriasis and it keeps me from doing a lot of things I used to enjoy, including dressing comfortably for the seasons. I wear long sleeves and pants year-round, even through miserable, hot Georgia summers. This week, I started a new treatment called Stelara, and it seems to be the most promising yet. I'll know in a few weeks if it will work for me.<br />
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I had my first injection yesterday, and Brian snapped this photo.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eZ_8_9xFTLJktrLKvlbgWNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4uVdAVMjZPc/UCxyk1DKnGI/AAAAAAAAH7I/9Md_s9bmyl8/s800/DSC05687.jpg" width="532" /></a><br />
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That's just a little snippet of my skin. Those spots you see? There are many, many more. They cover me, make me miserable and I'm tired of them. So, please do your thing, Stelara! <br />
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Even through failed treatment after failed treatment, I will not despair. I will choose hope.<br />
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A couple years ago, I created this bust for Scrap n' Art. It still represents my struggle with this disease. August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month, so I wanted to share it. Creating art is very therapeutic for me. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hGRKzS-Rss8P5yBNGYI_qtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XDLyPpHV6nw/UCxynWSklBI/AAAAAAAAH7g/qgQJyzzgkA8/s800/DSC03360.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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This bust represents "My Two Psides," meaning my two identities or sides of living with psoriasis. There is a clear side, with smooth, beautiful skin. I haven't seen that side of myself in well over a decade. The other side, or "pside," represents the ugly, inflamed skin. Red, burning, itching, scaling, flaking, miserable. The two wings represent freedom and imprisonment. One wing is free, ready to fly. The other is tethered, tied and confined. Held down by this disease. The key represents my search for a treatment that will work for me. <br />
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It represents hope. And I cling to it. Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-14657208950201317362012-08-11T16:23:00.001-04:002012-08-11T16:24:43.590-04:00Be Happy<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z5ioZ5NYnTfZOPqP1gylutMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="583" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r_N5BE3FOpk/UCay8Y7ZpTI/AAAAAAAAH34/XswdLwD8ZbQ/s800/90423904988081206_5sAgNIg0_f.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Today is my Daddy's birthday.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/75atCOuLRJ_UGK2T_jssPtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rYInDh6xb4Q/UCazdXzpjuI/AAAAAAAAH4o/WPWySK7_jRA/s800/DSC01853.jpg" width="511" /></a><br />
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Daddy, you are a one-of-a-kind, amazing person.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wQ_WJ9afprfE9pXx9d8P7tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="450" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--mNOgkCfpyk/UCa1oZY7qsI/AAAAAAAAH44/ujoOUb-dzeI/s800/236931630365951403_J9UKPc9S_c.jpg" width="554" /></a><br />
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Be happy.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Iikb8Zfetbduxo9jZxXZy9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="700" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u-s_pe8vfS4/UCay-DJhEII/AAAAAAAAH4I/NovweYY2FFs/s800/173107179396657726_m8RrHJ0P_c.jpg" width="553" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DPvBUSf1o84bl8in7uoq5dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="525" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wg2PmVEN5xI/UCay9GUQtuI/AAAAAAAAH4A/_BNbyCk3yV8/s800/73957618850204862_aqolHWbn_f.jpg" width="420" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sHsxuGGC1qVwVtGj-ew_5dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pwBj-_f-yho/UCazbMF7sKI/AAAAAAAAH4Y/DfgMr1ZU7M0/s800/DSC01956.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UyZVQNQvdmJTA84bivO4-tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c1QsMVA8TzI/UCazcqRSGqI/AAAAAAAAH4g/yxLFMUPGu0o/s800/DSC01954.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B1qeKM1Mz2ffzmEXpLG949MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vQ6asuaM1Ss/UCay-zf8ieI/AAAAAAAAH4Q/xYfuNi2x3hY/s800/143904150562803502_4qSCf5DZ_f.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IWNZqzd7oj34YiomiL-mO9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gz7PZ8qBtm0/UCazxJYkNzI/AAAAAAAAH4w/h7HlfayMvEc/s800/welcomesmehome.jpg" width="515" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qhn-0c02z1HZqJ82TzNiktMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9tncPegefWE/UCa2sT3gIuI/AAAAAAAAH5A/BjOW4vdJsX8/s800/210121138834631842_Rok5BRWs_c.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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Thank you for being so wonderful! I love you and wish you every happiness, today and always. Happy, Happy Birthday!!<br />
<br />Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-51766188086680809902012-06-25T21:47:00.000-04:002012-06-25T21:48:10.205-04:00Here Comes The SunWhat a difference a week makes.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jRKAl5pyyY04YAllDdQXWNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6xGIRQoC2YY/T995UcN8UHI/AAAAAAAAHrs/Kf-55KhE_D4/s800/DSC01930.jpg" width="565" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bh8UDZEAnBvvCZUb0SFFzNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_twbeWVlRHs/T-kUB0QF2JI/AAAAAAAAHxI/5R9Rks5zZ_4/s800/DSC02469.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fgCd8xfhQ4rCZ1nKsYnMx9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r-VBu2W9JU4/T-kUFrhhnTI/AAAAAAAAHxY/sBg7XIEP04g/s800/DSC02446.jpg" width="533" /></a>Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-48075210711200187532012-06-24T15:13:00.000-04:002012-06-26T00:07:38.505-04:00Happy Birthday, Ginger!!Today is my sister, Ginger's birthday! I have never known a time without her, since she is several years (we won't say how many) older than me. :D I am so thankful and blessed to have always had her presence throughout my life.<br />
She was my first friend (along with my brother, Ricky). Although I was a really small, bratty, annoying friend. :D<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/apKF417aKiOlH7_rIlFMlbHpwcqRBwAea4JIVwcgtXo?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="419" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--QD73qy-eI4/TgTuM4793AI/AAAAAAAAGGc/T9Qpt4td6eY/s800/scan%2520001-2.jpg" width="619" /></a><br />
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And now she is my best friend.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3kuuQV2-9llFjfpG4z2kG9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="622" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fjXFE1uneGc/TZyXqGn1c3I/AAAAAAAAF6Y/hP5_OCJ_mQw/s800/DSC01425.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T4IiEr5KTzdzwyeJ2vejn9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="569" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EuzsjQV9jG8/TZyXrhgNxAI/AAAAAAAAF6g/rJBdbjDdEfw/s800/DSC01429.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We have so much fun together.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n6_a9uk6MR7X5X8oUVJB1NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="551" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TE2rY8nKTi0/TppdlEpmVeI/AAAAAAAAGU8/Rim1YS9soxI/s800/DSC00518.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R0lDaIOofa7SjESYplfgGtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OLe_oLxpMx8/T9942_vlg0I/AAAAAAAAHqM/pozUwlhpsiI/s800/DSC01965.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6ASlQhdpMCiQCvOz4nq1TdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9d22LxwDwLM/T994wkgaXbI/AAAAAAAAHp0/_drvH0AjKCE/s800/DSC01979.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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I celebrate her, today and always.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XKPLh39zntOqavxwuOoZmNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="550" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4bQfcHf1Zus/T994rXXbmkI/AAAAAAAAHpc/AEYJHyk1r-0/s800/DSC01989.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Happy, Happy Birthday, Ginger!! I love you!! <br />
<br />Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-90670364862542210732012-06-18T18:19:00.001-04:002012-06-18T18:19:45.837-04:00Father's Day And Early Birthday FunYesterday, we had our Father's Day celebration and we also had Ginger's birthday celebration a little early (her birthday is the 24th). We had such a great time! Here are some pictures from the day.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dbnr1oN611qQZ4ma39xbhNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4YJv73a-qus/T995f2Ir4KI/AAAAAAAAHsc/a0WNBLf-H7g/s800/DSC01853.jpg" width="511" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T6QoBaQBK_ZqoLNW3RWmLdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1MM7SJqyryU/T995cxdsluI/AAAAAAAAHsM/GI_58yMPXxw/s800/DSC01872.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NPE9F1GScjnK7TJFl_RuMNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HQpOhFSFWmQ/T9958cNHgtI/AAAAAAAAHuk/SdSIW1A4pMw/s800/DSC01787.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XPKDfWvNR36PUUDpj8ZP1tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="526" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tNXZxUrW8FE/T995sxhoFrI/AAAAAAAAHtc/cd1-pyscXew/s800/DSC01821.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zd1qznb86IostZdZVN42HtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-saDLoDVWCpE/T9953ln7XcI/AAAAAAAAHuM/hFTGSHUo0XQ/s800/DSC01791.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t24Jk-BAaJEcVV5fhUOHCtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-635w4tOYMH0/T995rdPyqvI/AAAAAAAAHtU/f8ynB73LIrE/s800/DSC01822.jpg" width="517" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U8wVEjDLq_3Bg_MJOJVV1dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dbO2Ar-Pb2A/T995v9eBvPI/AAAAAAAAHts/uHDau7CEqhg/s800/DSC01806.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XKPLh39zntOqavxwuOoZmNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="550" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4bQfcHf1Zus/T994rXXbmkI/AAAAAAAAHpc/AEYJHyk1r-0/s800/DSC01989.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XYML5OTAo9U-6GqQr2usSNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J44ibHFLvo8/T9948hNXmpI/AAAAAAAAHqg/Qd_DucE-2dE/s800/DSC01956.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R0lDaIOofa7SjESYplfgGtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OLe_oLxpMx8/T9942_vlg0I/AAAAAAAAHqM/pozUwlhpsiI/s800/DSC01965.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GuNc2KoOjkrDgRHQmdh0f9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="520" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wdl7Fqsilb8/T995DZw2_FI/AAAAAAAAHqw/b45HcprgnME/s800/DSC01950.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X870ZO8TfHxp0dVBtpQaXNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JiijYBRww-k/T994_stHBBI/AAAAAAAAHqo/Q3GhJ0crB1Y/s800/DSC01954.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L0wAG6qTyQiKnLl5-igqINMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="545" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f0SlqBNCJ_s/T995Lu9eLYI/AAAAAAAAHrI/uRmvwojdV3A/s800/DSC01943.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k6sXFQZoz_evcgR8P7uXD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5iqaXetlozA/T995H1lKlUI/AAAAAAAAHrA/ot8Vyig-hYI/s800/DSC01947.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DRgJI16UiOgLs8eEiuNQbdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BkUfR0e4vy0/T995osIGTEI/AAAAAAAAHtE/q3Uk7BsRGxA/s800/DSC01830.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GT7juAybjyUxUUMOJUq1XNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="534" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4bN8D4jn47w/T993oOAvYtI/AAAAAAAAHlE/ZZjWw8EsqZ4/s800/DSC02231.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mN19bKkJUAq1pUO_iO_brNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8bFC94dklhs/T9940kH4DVI/AAAAAAAAHqE/w9nctK7v5VE/s800/DSC01969.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J7hZwDTnD_gmHTg8D-9qfNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CclT9Mit0OM/T9936d03B9I/AAAAAAAAHmk/k5GuRLLgg8c/s800/DSC02148.jpg" width="521" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hAJQmbCO8q7dW1PvYEiPZNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aSi5NsYTWUQ/T993S-aUBAI/AAAAAAAAHjc/S6OITebC5-0/s800/DSC02038.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-JD7q_7AvY2rEl8j7N6GWNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nXvnybJowII/T994Lcb0wbI/AAAAAAAAHng/CyScUOGZmBY/s800/DSC02091.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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What a great day!!Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-74996726414337869712012-06-18T16:48:00.001-04:002012-07-09T23:48:39.353-04:00Embrace The Current SeasonGabrielle Blair said, "Embrace the current season of your life." OK, Gabrielle, here goes! It's almost officially Summer on the calendar, and I am pleased to say that so far, Summer has been on her best behavior. Mild temps, mostly in the 80s, and those have been welcome! But the local weather man says Summer is about to bust out some mid-to-upper 90s foolishness later this week.<br />
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You know what, Summer? That's ok. Bring your hotness. I will embrace it. I can't say that I won't oftentimes be embracing it inside in the air conditioning, but I will embrace it all the same.<br />
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I will live life, savor it, cherish it, and not wish away the precious days that Summer brings. Even if they are hot and uncomfortable, those days are still important.<br />
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So, here's a little photography of life lately. On the cusp of Summer.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EpMohCK8rb90kFT7BBmvWdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vmzzqUsVYt4/T993NPuRVyI/AAAAAAAAHjM/l-s3xt67jIg/s800/DSC02243.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VTwC9i9-oTXAG7qKsgneV9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wgZtAMPX72Q/T993U_n_x2I/AAAAAAAAHjk/ixN7S8_HO3Y/s800/DSC01918.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TAHBLS2JevivdtteBrr829MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s47hFiTOStk/T993X9KloII/AAAAAAAAHj0/68mNkO4Pi1k/s800/2_Transportation.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ee_x7NM7br7OIwVZq0qhidMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KZEYKqKafyw/T993QfS0bBI/AAAAAAAAHjU/ZolqR9n3kVg/s800/DSC02061.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TrWer9RKISez8coZYjecg9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2zhzLyjMG9M/T993t8nINWI/AAAAAAAAHls/Yb5goiu77Z4/s800/DSC02218.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m-ECSeBV2oVbXbcSTttl3NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d7_Blz-_kIU/T993pCyF6AI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/PYS3geycVPQ/s800/DSC02225.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nnN0oXVy6GFQVdc3CY7GkNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5rKBoxW5lho/T994JtwrcQI/AAAAAAAAHnY/1D89AhxaCW8/s800/DSC02093.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/q2_iLkdnGAFT3z00TMMTENMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C13UqRDv0Rk/T9938EZBhLI/AAAAAAAAHms/Kl3l9CHBH5o/s800/DSC02143.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9bQpmps5aMhS5c-rmI3n79MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1u_zvGyVH1s/T9930ANqa1I/AAAAAAAAHmM/H2XPC4bu3pY/s800/DSC02180.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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Just a few shots I took with this:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lJVk-Lf07NQOg6-o6R_QjtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VwhhJsyG8gc/T_ulx80ALFI/AAAAAAAAH3M/GMHg5Y4zXnM/s800/photo%2520copy.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
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It's an old Minolta film lens that Brian found in our local Goodwill for $7.07!! A 50 mm f/1.7 prime. I have been wanting it, and was going to eventually order it. For $150! But instead, I got it for seven bucks!! This one is in mint condition, with clean glass and just a small bit of cosmetic wear. We just could not believe our luck. I shoot Sony. No, I'm not a Nikon or Canon girl. I'm a Sony girl. I have a Sony dSLR, and since Sony bought Minolta back in 2006, I can use all the old Minolta film lenses on my Sony dSLR. I think this is super-duper cool, because there's just a different quality to film lenses that is really amazing. The coating on these lenses was optimized for film, which just gives it a different look and feel. But they're still usable on a digital camera, so it's like the best of both worlds! Amazing, vibrant color reproduction and sharpness. I have a Sony 50 mm f/1.8 that performs beautifully, so I am ecstatic to have two amazing "nifty fifties" in my arsenal. I also have an old Minolta 24 mm prime, which is excellent as well. Oh, and I'm not a zoom lens girl, either. I shoot only primes. I love the lightweight, small size of primes and the wider aperture capabilities. They are sharp and excellent in low light. <br />
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I am looking forward to embracing the rest of this season.Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-31286706673367987232012-06-12T16:50:00.000-04:002012-06-12T17:19:59.360-04:00That Is HomeMade some art today. Had this frame from IKEA and decided to create something to hang by the front door. I recently created a large canvas art piece for my last issue of Scrap n' Art (I resigned as of the June issue), but I can't share that just yet due to it being artwork for the current issue. The canvas is also hanging by the door, and needed a "friend" to hang with it. <br />
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Here's a picture of the little piece I created today. I just love the sentiment; it has personal meaning for Brian and me.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eFjeuSKY3h8g9Ffah8IBXdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PT-xdF95hZ4/T9ep4bnnSjI/AAAAAAAAHg4/WBGek-LK7DA/s640/DSC01670.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It was great to create something fun "just because," and not for a design team assignment. I am planning on opening my Etsy shop in the coming months, and hope to sell similar handmade art pieces, canvases and other handmade items. So let me know what you think! Thanks for looking! :DAmihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-34075004712067778842012-06-06T11:16:00.000-04:002012-06-06T11:17:27.420-04:00Forty-seven<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S9EuTTleh7SkUEml1QJAkdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DFqM_hlGSzA/T85m_TThvkI/AAAAAAAAHcs/ZDXk9a_WVu8/s800/185773553348757457_stzAU2Gy_c.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P0O6S23skUaraRu2oLVdPdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="450" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rYDMd6enKl4/T85m-45QkUI/AAAAAAAAHck/Vm6oo95s6Bg/s800/253609022736576257_VyJZd5ya_f.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />
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Look at these two sweethearts. Today, they celebrate 47 years of marriage.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mhl3A1wlEYzuGWHiHIJLR9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="500" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UuZiRC7l5TM/Te1CDWvGCeI/AAAAAAAAHcI/kWi0VHauTUE/s800/mamaanddaddywedding.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Everything I know about love, commitment, and marriage, I learned from two amazing examples. Two people, that, through thick and thin, through hard times and happy times, never gave up on each other. They built a life and a family and are still standing strong after all these years.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JkhRKsx4cUIqa7H1A_aBsdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-okURYDgUYyA/T85qJlMayAI/AAAAAAAAHdU/aQ4buVCxlrQ/s800/photo.JPG" width="800" /></a><br />
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Oh, how I love them! And today, I celebrate them and a love so big, it just radiates and shines on everyone who knows them. Happy Anniversary, Mama and Daddy! May you have love and happiness beyond all measure, today and always. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yWGDeBFLsf8" width="420"></iframe>Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-37136899902922514982012-06-02T22:34:00.001-04:002012-06-02T22:52:59.916-04:00SeventeenAlright, grab a hanky or a barf bag, I'm about to wax nostalgic up in here.<br />
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This weekend, seventeen years ago, I graduated from high school. June 1st, 1995. But we celebrated all weekend. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9R0gCvwOnTNZEcf54it3NNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="603" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lrf5Acjshkk/T8rFPwvm21I/AAAAAAAAHag/5ID5n7yt8iA/s800/1995%2520Class%2520Picture-2.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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I loved high school and I loved all my friends (and still do!). A lot of people hated high school and couldn't wait for it to be over. It wasn't like that for me. High school was a time of great happiness for me. (I *did* meet the Love Of My Life early in my junior year, after all!) After we graduated and went our separate ways, I really missed that closeness we all had. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gsmnH7Xp6lsE0IvUA-aVzdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8YHcrIK24zw/T8rFMgj8fLI/AAAAAAAAHaM/d2JMVhB0nnE/s800/scan0017.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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I look back on those days with a lot of love and fondness. Christine was still with us. Wayne was still with us. Two precious souls who are physically gone now, but live on in our hearts. We all have our own lives now, with families, careers and responsibilities. But no matter where life takes each of us, we are still always connected. The parts that make us who we are, are intrinsically linked together. I am who I am, in part, because of these beautiful, wonderful people I had the honor of sharing classrooms and friendships with.<br />
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Now for some fun 90s pictures. :D<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Iy_FWNM7io4dtKXuAIZ7qtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="580" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/---dBKYC5i_Q/T8rFADf_YoI/AAAAAAAAHZk/Vydk2ww2e94/s800/scan0007.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_96enATPTlgh_MJkCRJqrdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="584" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S0sGKzmeqvY/T8rEmELSV8I/AAAAAAAAHX8/4I0FUMFDhD8/s800/scan0004.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S9keaRPyK9dVgdz-HArx2dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Pso-JtvPObM/T8rFHUBA1II/AAAAAAAAHZ8/9Fc0vEe2JDw/s800/scan0015.jpg" width="574" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tZ9yUyA59OvZbhZa92Jm1dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="502" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DPGYrtGkRrg/T8rEepsbaBI/AAAAAAAAHXc/Z-iXg0Th3Lc/s800/img337.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w-1s7SqNt0k0fXGhBeD0ndMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="559" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZgOZsrOkG4w/T8rEtnTD21I/AAAAAAAAHYc/_ftCjtvF6Kw/s800/scan0010.jpg" width="670" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6bH2yYUdJXnS5t0XctlwG9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="530" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-65_Pai3Sv-E/T8rE6w8ozVI/AAAAAAAAHZM/VD4fa5xLmRc/s800/scan0021.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Sure do miss this boy.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/78LBEnXaTCJa-onf_O3jJtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="554" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OcEemaPuMhw/T8rFB0fluAI/AAAAAAAAHZs/fBXdotcQhQY/s800/scan0008.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wG6sJcKJCuJtYfPa4JlN3tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="749" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CMxGCWGfKAo/T8rE1kI2b1I/AAAAAAAAHY8/C49E9otkesM/s800/scan0018.jpg" width="619" /></a><br />
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Macon County High School Class of 1995, this one's for you. I'll always remember.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0628NtGJAWQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Happy Seventeen, friends!!<br />
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<br />Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-51022141811651367402012-05-31T22:01:00.000-04:002012-05-31T22:03:26.411-04:00Collected MomentsHere's a post of collected moments. Life lately, according to my camera. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5Hsq_DJqny20R1xVNINc0tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vnPfUROEAaU/T8gcRWpBghI/AAAAAAAAHWE/cRkuk8enqU4/s800/66287425735295358_kDkL6ymP_c.jpg" width="401" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aH7-KSKhGTzDx54VLAe80NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V_Q3HdpneU0/T8gcjXAXO5I/AAAAAAAAHWM/_5zwjaxwMyQ/s800/DSC00015.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Mc_LbRJNzh-DTt5HqKJXEdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="527" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DVqrno5USwc/T8gcmP6_QZI/AAAAAAAAHWU/PRRHvRBDyMc/s800/DSC00862.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1QE6c2B5-bg7HkMZY1vneNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p-f8BcK-APM/T8gaGI0l71I/AAAAAAAAHRc/X3etLzZuGXY/s800/DSC00693.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/onHyiMBWzqGpMbcVJ2iUvdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SUqMt7r5EUA/T8gaA92_w7I/AAAAAAAAHRM/AvQPMLe4b38/s800/DSC00809.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ivcdeLy-oTv6eoUKQDwHrNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yEzL-jABXWs/T8gbJWrxq0I/AAAAAAAAHUE/gTrwcX8bA4g/s800/yellow.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RsfJORI1OUnVk-sqgY-yOdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yWytUaVLKZs/T8gaz5YiZ7I/AAAAAAAAHS0/ruzwUhIGbW8/s800/DSC00974.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rU4WGRjOo8PZEkJ43r1xMdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="496" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BcXNVJIrcqc/T8gajU68XII/AAAAAAAAHSk/91H2UTdjhCk/s800/DSC01282.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NA4BC50OeG6JOPsJF7E6EdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fdZetgusIOY/T8gbBbBvxeI/AAAAAAAAHTk/ldh4l5-PST0/s800/DSC01375.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TMISDzga6cIB-ss3IvqEu9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="517" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hmIuhgcm3t4/T8gcGqLAI2I/AAAAAAAAHV0/4h_4ZHS2Wis/s800/DSC01099.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6A7KiEwTnoJUQieLYh4uidMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="544" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s1M8Ycy6iBk/T8gaLxRJaUI/AAAAAAAAHR0/LD3Ar2d0IVk/s800/DSC01499.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r76e4pA85s6sJMNt41YsO9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rrom5XBvfbA/T8gaM20VUpI/AAAAAAAAHR8/UTd6yKKCyuI/s800/DSC01502.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tWoNXZ-iPe_nKlrV0oCd-NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EdCcRtKLX6g/T8gaO-seYII/AAAAAAAAHSE/1eYrc6PEzvE/s800/DSC01511.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-3Ene9N8ug4PDOEJgVBTB9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v2dUDXolXlU/T8gZ8yiAAyI/AAAAAAAAHQ0/M3rzxy4ayOQ/s800/DSC01557.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k7ojbm9DNruzig1fKsCoh9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IR7GXh5q_5U/T8gcHiK3whI/AAAAAAAAHV8/uccr_sQnZo8/s800/DSC01546.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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So much beauty in the everyday. The "ordinary" moments are extraordinary when those moments make up a life. All those little details, scenes that might go unnoticed, unless we slow down just a bit and capture them. I love collecting moments.Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-91927924120163916162012-04-18T16:49:00.002-04:002012-04-18T17:06:41.170-04:00So Long<span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">"Hey, it's Mr. Dick Clark! What a place you've got here! Swell spot, the music's hot here!" </span></span><div><span >--American Bandstand, "Bandstand Boogie" </span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qnpeoay_IbTTkSbw9meohdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xh-YSeOcHGI/T48pdreSyDI/AAAAAAAAHNk/gP1yrtVxkqs/s800/3201080_10_full.jpg" height="460" width="460" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Icon. Inspiration. Legend.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g_ncYUOBEbYbGQU3OHJeP9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oVwuRoD8qzw/T48p0caXFHI/AAAAAAAAHN0/foJv8p0i-CQ/s800/0418-dick-clark-3.jpg" height="275" width="550" /></a></span></div></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >"So Long," Mr. Dick Clark.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >photo credits: <a href="http://www.tmz.com">tmz.com</a></span></div>Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-43129012456089696152012-04-11T15:33:00.002-04:002012-04-11T15:51:22.965-04:00Amazed<span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">I continue to be amazed by the generous abundance my sweet parents give to our family. We had our family Easter celebration over the weekend, which included a mini-family reunion for some of our relatives on Mama's side. Mama and Daddy were so gracious and prepared a huge meal for about 30 people. It was a wonderful day spent with family. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day.</span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GUjaAliwftQzaxCt_fc9jdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iqT8YR0oPhw/T4NN5W3_hOI/AAAAAAAAHHk/lYPDqbxFnxs/s800/DSC00101.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3Ldndl5laXLUpgOP14VXptMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a6bHr2CcAp0/T4NOCY3z9mI/AAAAAAAAHH0/jzPnC8A2EHI/s800/DSC00109.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AfSAWLBzPWSgH-7qsa5IatMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ayOlf0LxbAg/T4NOG9HvSOI/AAAAAAAAHH8/zcn970Fig0g/s800/DSC00113.jpg" height="800" width="533" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VtfHdXdw6nYc_wWIguzVb9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9pkXBAbeZUs/T4NOLOEcGKI/AAAAAAAAHIE/YC9WhdPm_Qg/s800/DSC00126.jpg" height="800" width="508" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LDim-gbkHqgY-oABLpHU8tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Xg0mar9b-Bo/T4NOPBiETZI/AAAAAAAAHIM/AeD6uUEd-Po/s800/DSC00127.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TqryQyEg15FQhPibcF4xZNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8eDvovz5obQ/T4NOczQDd3I/AAAAAAAAHIs/JB7NgjBLTKY/s800/DSC00141.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uWRwtQ8LHB_2jgFPgcGTotMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-59WmUzUb4kk/T4NOfpvgMTI/AAAAAAAAHI0/8j9PpljZdQ4/s800/DSC00169.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1TfVPTyEztyNwAfBQ7UwqtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wgFSCAKfZr0/T4NOlIkag9I/AAAAAAAAHJE/q6rP4Bj0AX4/s800/DSC00199.jpg" height="800" width="531" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xpI_aL0S8poQOz101nC_-tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ppkjzLTEZic/T4NOnqnVCuI/AAAAAAAAHJM/LaMVSmbubbw/s800/DSC00201.jpg" height="800" width="522" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dD53jnUZUX4GY5WLEGOhItMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xYh6XT-GUrk/T4NOqfBwjUI/AAAAAAAAHJU/O58uFp43ZOM/s800/DSC00203.jpg" height="800" width="533" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9ResXPj_Qg0eYynedCN6L9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GuVFNO8O6wE/T4NOrv2mAVI/AAAAAAAAHJc/048yBIZ_Iwg/s800/DSC00205.jpg" height="800" width="506" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a76njx3y3FqfgHTfv-QV8tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T0Nn_zfYlaE/T4NOznkm-zI/AAAAAAAAHJ0/74gckzGxuQ8/s800/DSC00281.jpg" height="559" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eVr67meHuRR1bAMbIWB-I9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oUHNS81dyUA/T4NO28jbEoI/AAAAAAAAHKE/7XrDCv2vCdg/s800/DSC00289.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1xIZg1tYSUtpUniqKvW9JdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fCip16TP-n0/T4NO5IMN1GI/AAAAAAAAHKM/QOtUOnQXwiE/s800/DSC00304.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wUkZTsJZts4ZeEZPdvP9kNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-f8yN8DwT2as/T4NO904mD1I/AAAAAAAAHKc/E8BBqKC2NwQ/s800/DSC00352.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XpDKkcoqvfkMuZCjzrazyNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7tuagQFVAw/T4NO_t3BmGI/AAAAAAAAHKk/23zk1UbLSNs/s800/DSC00361.jpg" height="800" width="533" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZmWm4PX3TBsfx9aVja3Qp9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SHS4k6nex9Q/T4NPEMjYz8I/AAAAAAAAHK8/Cyg4Sh86ufU/s800/DSC00371.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jwguBFLuO6-l1XTli95gDdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-it11m8t5EDg/T4NPCofFrEI/AAAAAAAAHK0/khYRPNcDwB0/s800/DSC00369.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GrZtPHyPF5qSD-aV6_coIdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w46j5fo5O_A/T4NPH-BuJ0I/AAAAAAAAHLM/BfNnpwyxndU/s800/DSC00386.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tDU-nGFur4O3iwW59iguItMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JbpAKjyKQ14/T4NPOC6rt4I/AAAAAAAAHLk/S_h4bib9uek/s800/DSC00389.jpg" height="800" width="533" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jsgmhnUWRYSZr6uJ7EldpNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C70toyQBzqk/T4NPP9ZoWCI/AAAAAAAAHLs/xFiKlL2Rmyo/s800/DSC00396.jpg" height="800" width="533" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q3I5-x69iVQy6G5epmNa49MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wYsuwSIwV5g/T4NPSrdaZhI/AAAAAAAAHL0/HyjAOuOAjek/s800/DSC00402.jpg" height="524" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GxCR2vICUW6hlsg9cHBXDdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1kmRXQ4o7WU/T4NPVn-PGeI/AAAAAAAAHME/N5ExiZ8m_YY/s800/DSC00412.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >I sure do love these people. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div>Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-19127545954847058642012-02-28T13:50:00.002-05:002012-02-28T18:18:03.881-05:00RootsMy Grandma was a Leap Year Baby. She was born on Leap Day, but her birthday was changed to today for convenience. She was my Mama's Mama: Edith Bray Clark.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I6nzPSFWMeWCqjACNvgisNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ew9NOwii-ic/T01AbOVFftI/AAAAAAAAHFs/9MV17YiMIIU/s800/img475-2.jpg" height="800" width="535" /></a><br /><br />She died when I was in the seventh grade. She would have been 92 today. I miss her and am sad that I didn't get a chance to know her as a teenager and adult. <br /><br />My memories of her have faded with time and my own aging. But I do remember and know that she was so strong. So brave, tenacious and determined. After my Grandpa died in 1957 (way before my time), she was left to raise their five children alone. And she did. She was a pillar for her family and never gave up. She gave those wonderful traits to my Mama, who has passed some of them on to me. I remember Grandma loved cats and always had a house full of them. I must get that from her, and what a blessing it is to have such an immense love of animals and to know it is deeply rooted.<br /><br />Mama and I joke often about our shared stubbornness, and even call each other "Edith" from time to time. And although we jest, I take great pride in it. I know I have her spirit in me, her determination and fire. So while I only had her here on Earth for a short time, I have her for always in my character and personality. And that's pretty awesome. She is forever part of my tree of life. The one she created strong roots for.Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-62055260168505930442012-02-24T12:19:00.003-05:002012-02-24T16:46:03.754-05:00BeautifulShe would have been 89 today.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vk2kGtEqFvb3fFaoaEBRwNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eHpG-evl3yI/SaLXUc4xm2I/AAAAAAAAGJQ/E04Kms_RIOA/s800/DSC00199.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And I miss her. <br /><br />Her smile, her eyes, her laugh. I miss holding her hand and hugging her. I always will. But her presence is still here. Not in the physical form, but her spirit and her love are easily felt.<br /><br />We were blessed beyond measure to have had her with us as long as we did. It is still hard to <a href="http://basicallyami.blogspot.com/2011/09/threads-that-are-golden.html">let her go</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oS240eoO8ZL4yMTNO197ONMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7TxLTMh3hQ4/T0gAkm1z5pI/AAAAAAAAHFQ/GW5bm5WRc78/s800/73957618850261455_ecnVmULb_c.jpg" height="791" width="510" /></a><br /><br />She sure did make this place beautiful. <br /><br />But her beauty remains, and her <a href="http://basicallyami.blogspot.com/2011/09/threads-that-are-golden.html">golden thread</a> will never break. Happy Birthday, beautiful lady.Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-26904360641536990072012-02-17T00:06:00.004-05:002012-02-17T00:19:10.802-05:00"Hi."<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LfU1LQwAGR8qQ8YLKX6Q49MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c8decJBlF-s/Tz3gHvqCpZI/AAAAAAAAHDk/jHEEUnHMrkw/s800/1548181091446545_U19FVvjy_c.jpg" height="392" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Still striving to make peace a daily goal. I'm learning that peace isn't always about grand gestures that you are sure to notice. Sometimes the peace doesn't shine in as a warm, golden ray of sun.<br /><br />It doesn't bring rushing waters to wash the chaos away. It doesn't blow a calming wind through your soul.<br /><br />Sometimes, it simply tiptoes up behind you, and gently whispers in your ear,<br /><br />"Hi."<br /><br />You just have to be still enough to notice it.Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-59663017733819320232012-02-13T15:30:00.005-05:002012-02-13T20:59:45.644-05:00Defining MomentsWhen I was in the seventh grade, it was an awkward, weird time for me. I was far from pretty, with one bad perm after another, glasses and several extra pounds. I had friends, many of whom I maintain friendships with to this day, but at the time I wasn't quite sure where I belonged. I wasn't super-popular, I wasn't quite completely nerdy, and I was quiet, shy and introverted. (Wow, have I come a long way! :D )<br /><br />My escape was music. I played piano and sang as much as I could. I sang in church choir, in the car and at home, in my room. But my favorite place to sing and truly escape was the swing in my parents' backyard. Nearly every afternoon after school, I'd head there with my dual-cassette boombox. (Later I got fancy and had a cassette/CD player.) It was there that I found my voice, singing along with my favorite singers, such as Madonna, Debbie Gibson, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Elton John, and...<br /><br />...Whitney Houston.<br /><br />Whitney's voice transported me. And the more I sang along with her, the better I got. I had a similar mezzo-soprano range, so it was great practice to sing with her. I realized that singing was something I would always NEED to do, like breathing. My identity was forming, my true self emerging. And music and singing were at my core. My family already knew and my parents encouraged and supported me in all my musical attempts. But at school, it isn't that easy when you're shy and unsure.<br /><br />One day, during P.E., it was a no-dress-out day where the coach allowed us to just get our exercise in by walking the campus yard. A few friends and I stopped to rest and talked for awhile. Somehow, my cousin Kevin convinced me to sing something for the group to hear. I was reluctant and shy, but came around after their encouragement. I sang Whitney's "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" and I felt, for the first time, that I was staking a claim to something. I was becoming Ami, <span style="font-style: italic;">the singer.</span> It's a risky thing to open yourself up like that and show your innermost self, but at the same time, it's something you WANT to show. And bless their hearts, they loved it.<br /><br />We all have defining moments in our lives. And if we're lucky, we have the presence of mind to recognize when they're happening. This was a defining moment for me, for sure. After that P.E. class, the news spread. People stopped me and asked me to sing. I was no longer in the shadows. I had an identity. My classmates, friends and the whole world, it seemed, welcomed this information, this previously-hidden part of myself.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I could sing, and the world knew it.</span> Well, my little world, anyway. ;D<br /><br />After that, I simply blossomed and happily grew more into this identity. I sang all throughout high school, in Literary trio, solo, and in our school's show choir. I sang solos in church. I sang in weddings. I just <span style="font-style: italic;">sang</span>. And to this day, I am never happier than when I'm singing. It will always be at the center of who I am.<br /><br />So that leads me back to Whitney. Her music helped me come out of my shell. Everything happens for a reason, and it was not by accident that her music first fell upon my ears, was imitated by my voice, and settled to make its home in my heart. She was one of my first and most powerful influences, musically. She inspired me.<br /><br />She died Saturday. And the whole world is buzzing about it. But very little is being said about the huge talent she shared with us, the musical legacy she leaves us, and her value as an artist. Most people are diminishing her life to be solely about her drug addiction. That's sad to me. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitney_Houston#Reaction">She was so much more than that.</a> Maybe not to everyone. But she was to me. Small things become big things. A music note becomes a song, a song becomes an album. And a musician, singer or artist, when influential to you at a critical time in your life and development, becomes a part of you forever.<br /><br />I've been observing people on Facebook in the couple days since her death. I read someone say, "Don't mourn her."<br />"You don't know her personally."<br />"Move on."<br />"She wasn't a good role model."<br />"She was just a junkie."<br />And now I've even started seeing pictures of soldiers' coffins, draped with flags, with a caption that says, "Whitney who?"<br /><br />Wow.<br /><br />No one did this a few weeks ago when Etta James died. Was it because Etta didn't have a drug problem? Etta (and rightfully so) received love, adoration and recognition. And people openly mourned her passing. Does Whitney's alleged drug problem make her trash, unworthy of compassion? I don't think so. Everybody has their problems. Their addictions and demons. It doesn't have to mean those things define them and what they bring to the world.<br /><br />Of course all lives are important. Soldiers' lives are very important. EVERY life is important. It's not a competition between Whitney Houston and every.other.person who suffered, struggled or died. No, everyone isn't going to make the news. And that's ok. Don't diminish what she was just because she's all over your TV and you don't think that's fair to everyone else who has died. I'm totally fine with not making the news when I die. I haven't contributed talent, defined what music would become for generations after me, and had an impact on billions of people. I'm ok if I go quietly. :D<br /><br />Whitney Houston was one of the great artists of my generation. Her music and style contributed to our culture, our society. She was a role model for me, growing up, both with her then-clean, Christian lifestyle and her musical influence. She paved the way for many female African-American singers. She was the <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=6gbQHxb_P0QC&pg=RA1-PA459#v=onepage&q&f=false">most-awarded female act of all time</a>. She was truly a pioneer for today's R&B, pop and gospel genres, and the ripples of her influence continue in the music of many great artists today. So no one should dare say she wasn't a good role model. She influenced me, I looked up to her, and I didn't grow up to do drugs, drink or participate in crime. Score one for Whitney!<br /><br />I don't care how many drugs she did or how many poor lifestyle choices she made, she deserves credit, recognition and RESPECT for what she did for music. You don't have to even like her music to appreciate her as an artist and the contributions she made. She is not solely her poor choices and mistakes. She is so much more than that. She <span style="font-style: italic;">deserves to be</span> so much more than that.<br /><br />And I can totally mourn her. No, I didn't know her personally. You don't have to know someone to mourn them. To mourn the void they are leaving. To mourn what they COULD have been. When someone's music has an impact on me, I feel it deep within my soul. Music is not just "fluff" to me. It's not just something in the background of life. It IS life. It's ingrained in me. And Whitney will always be a part of that. So I will mourn that she is gone, that her life didn't turn out differently, and I will mourn that the voice that impacted BILLIONS is now silent. I will mourn her openly, defend her without apology.<br /><br />She shouldn't be judged. No one knows her circumstances. None of us really knows *anything*. All we need to know is that she was a monumental and crucial figure in music, someone whose legacy will remain long after we're gone. That's something to celebrate, not condemn.<br /><br />I will always look back on Whitney's earlier career with very fond memories. I will always appreciate and respect her as a singer. I will always be sad that she couldn't overcome her troubles, her demons and go on to do greater things. But I will always, always celebrate her music. And I will always be grateful that her music was with me during a defining moment in my life. I will always be PROUD to say that Whitney Houston's music is forever a part of me, my culture, my generation and my heart.Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-7068040155618879412012-02-10T20:28:00.003-05:002012-02-10T21:19:29.408-05:00Grits CafeBrian and I went out to eat at <a href="http://gritscafe.com/">Grits Cafe </a>in Forsyth to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We have eaten there before, and it tends to be one of those "it's a special occasion" places to eat. The food, atmosphere and service are so amazing, I thought Grits Cafe deserved its own blog post.<br /><br />It's Southern cuisine "with flair," so that means they prepare foods that are definitely rooted in Southern recipes, but they somehow reinvent the food to take on new, scrumptious characteristics. From their website:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;color:f9f6b9;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Grits Café’s menu focus is traditional southern food, not exactly like Mom used to make, adding creativity and flair by fusing old and new ideas. Many appetizers and entrees spotlight local produce, seafood and cheeses, with a touch of Cajun, Southwest and Asian influence thrown in to keep things interesting. The flavors are trendy and unique, and closely rival the artistic detail paid to the presentation of each plate. The wine list features a number of handcrafted boutique wines produced in limited quantities, many not readily available in other areas of the country."</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Yum.<br /><br />Here are a few pics from our special night at this special place.<br /><br />The view from our table, looking back towards the entrance:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m3gyxn2f_7PNazBRt-ZfqtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8LFWlzTRYxs/TzXBO_8Hh-I/AAAAAAAAGw0/zXHwONCg7us/s800/DSC07621.jpg" height="800" width="533" /></a><br /><br />The menu:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aTm9ynhTXqCAlIQSseN4sNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NEORKcdBUnk/TzXBS8HBd3I/AAAAAAAAGxc/5rcSOh-0ecU/s800/DSC07612.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Pretty table vignette:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5Lwkgn69o3mxLnGLaxc8hdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ibTYuC44XRs/TzXBSEPbjsI/AAAAAAAAGxU/xWnxWt1IOhc/s800/DSC07614.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />My handsome anniversary date:<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ljjus7CFY0uOoUq9kKWVq9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aNnrmkFpyiU/TzXBROSozHI/AAAAAAAAGxM/IIy1QWIxaE0/s800/DSC07615.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />This Diet Coke is fancy.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uFCeU-mqknnz1TuGBPKYCdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JHT94ETd2Y8/TzXBQV-qmEI/AAAAAAAAGxE/UrcQZkwQh00/s800/DSC07616.jpg" height="800" width="533" /></a><br /><br />Awwww...<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JEQBDjNLM6Vz5SViSOIiE9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6TdgYt7CyL8/TzXBPgOco6I/AAAAAAAAGw8/NUjkTt_w5Tc/s800/DSC07619.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Grits Fritters. Shutcho mouth.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g9VRC2lVrtD1C_AygzaWc9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8cdjvEakGfY/TzXBNHM1UeI/AAAAAAAAGws/bioXvVv5YxY/s800/DSC07625.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Caesar Salad with Grits croutons. What-what!<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TqPpUdBYM8kvhz73L5g87NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jIQqLT4xfNU/TzXBMVrySBI/AAAAAAAAGwk/hqcB4vV82Bc/s800/DSC07631.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Cheddar and white peppercorn biscuits. Ridonk.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X1KNzNFjADds-4TZFGhK_dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HGucb7faYBY/TzXBLBMxuKI/AAAAAAAAGwc/N1xDH2GPPuQ/s800/DSC07633.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />And this. This is the Praline Chicken. So seriously amazing. It's one of the best things I've ever eaten. Anywhere. Anytime. In all my 35 years. The description: <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic;font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;color:f9f6b9;" >Pecan coated, stuffed with forest mushrooms and spinach, with a goat cheese potato croquette</span>.<br />It's beyond comprehension. Just look at it.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:Tempus Sans ITC;color:f9f6b9;"></span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VrQRgZ-0MJa6Cpn6Kral1tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SC_j2RWVmkA/TzXBKWh4EwI/AAAAAAAAGwU/INThhVFtx58/s800/DSC07635.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Seriously, LOOK at it.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dOYRiZuFffhCJsP9SU3mK9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dbMmMn_EO3w/TzXBIJtaU8I/AAAAAAAAGwE/Yw6Ma5rSfFQ/s800/DSC07639.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Brian snapped this pic of me. I was a little Praline Chicken drunk.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uFQomzExyneHbP9YQzxnrtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RAKgtN79Cbo/TzXBFZIpM9I/AAAAAAAAGv0/gxKkJeHzzd0/s800/DSC07646.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />We had mentioned to our server (the amazing Annie) that it was our anniversary, so she surprised us with this special anniversary dessert, on the house!<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JnVvnp7a-IcWYsoKrforKNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HtKCLqyQJCE/TzXBDM91qtI/AAAAAAAAGvk/GD-yCUJo3uE/s800/DSC07648.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wy3b-G9x3WK90g3tVftj_9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wtHWlJFDXXk/TzXBBPwY_xI/AAAAAAAAGvc/nFa61prPjFs/s800/DSC07653.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Bye-bye chocolates they gave us.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1PJ9nzzP00XzgjK6CYaTDdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9cqWeAfwDaA/TzXBAPrnNTI/AAAAAAAAGvU/CR1C-M_hZYg/s800/DSC07654.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Outside view.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BicRsDFOHoRbyBz1lo0B9NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0QVUYqtAbmQ/TzXA-r6764I/AAAAAAAAGvM/JaNOtqSAbtQ/s800/DSC07669.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HGJLfdMWAAo_QFEJbqLJodMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4iAq8loZNl8/TzXA9o9LiSI/AAAAAAAAGvE/zxm0OkonOhw/s800/DSC07671.jpg" height="533" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Amazing food, amazing service, amazing date with my amazing husband. If you get the chance to go, GO! Grits Cafe is a pure delight.<br /></div></div>Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794735784703811939.post-37267350280533956512012-02-08T21:56:00.003-05:002012-02-08T22:26:44.820-05:00Fifteen.I can hardly believe fifteen years have gone by. On February 8, 1997, I married my best friend and soulmate. We celebrated our fifteenth anniversary today. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8WbIJBg6RfwTyrQC81TNQtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-F178pRhhXIo/TVDTRdz70iI/AAAAAAAAFnE/FgPtFJFqXUM/s800/1.jpg%2520copy.jpg" width="800" height="554" /></a><br /></div><br />Words can hardly express what he means to me. <br /><br />But here are a few I found that come pretty close.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Fc-y_gR1grnrRp2XI9futNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WZCgwyJ2J-o/TzM7Awdp8YI/AAAAAAAAGuo/_fwbca72Q-k/s800/tumblr_lxdhajjruL1qbpwzeo1_500.jpg" width="500" height="426" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cn_OFlN1FBCluouAOGFNttMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CvQqfWoF9Qc/TzM7StJe6kI/AAAAAAAAGu0/EeOD3i2GSFw/s800/73957618850210086_PPlelXzk_c.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LtHUI5_eWD-Jpu6FeJT5PtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jSMWCI8VhTM/TzIEyJYLOHI/AAAAAAAAGtg/7SJRoFU9ZIA/s800/73957618850212011_O5OYo0cs_c.jpg" width="500" height="508" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r1aXBw1sYdsDHx1xYfDr39MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z4nEOFRh2lk/TzIEymwvt6I/AAAAAAAAGto/FRsVU75W-QM/s800/73957618850213821_0eXFd5KF_c.jpg" width="553" height="738" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c9La08wfawuHC4o5-o1KBNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xr0JbMbujxc/TzIEzHS2IBI/AAAAAAAAGtw/gQLze52WST8/s800/73957618850204433_usRK7dmi_c.jpg" width="355" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SeYfV8g4CaKBj23I2GHXC9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5cC3QGrUMLw/TzIEzUcM6ZI/AAAAAAAAGt4/H6xjQcvZEOA/s800/73957618850213639_fXH2Sr2D_c.jpg" width="318" height="320" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MJ969Ja9-9ty7rjIqhK1q9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RuvIQI3P8Vw/TzIE1IDrv8I/AAAAAAAAGuA/bXhGQj7NQXE/s800/73957618850213609_HSQ8qb08_c.jpg" width="553" height="692" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GC9tCUHYx9VjtBoC9ZwTFtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-O-hR2PRfDgQ/TzIE2EgDeqI/AAAAAAAAGuI/WZDKWYDL9Zw/s800/letterpress_layers_1.jpg" width="800" height="800" /></a><br /><br />What a happy fifteen it's been. <br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/se0M0AmCquPqCdn82edb39MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BcuQs1v4QVs/TzIFiLoTzzI/AAAAAAAAGuY/7fx_JPAvHZs/s800/124223310572061921215_white%252C_brown_rounded_rectangle.svg.hi.jpg" width="600" height="488" /></a><br /><br />I love you, Brian. Thank you for being my dream come true.Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13228642145968606598noreply@blogger.com1