Pandora's Box?

DH noticed a trend recently...the use of "Pandora" as a brand name. He asked me "why would a company want their brand to be named "Pandora", isn't Pandora's box a bad thing?" While I don't know the answer to this question, I have found a bit of Pandora to be an added joy in my life. It's Pandora radio!

I heard about this quite some time ago, but was reminded of it in a recent discussion with my uncle. So I decided to finally check it out and I just LOVE it!!! If you're not familiar, it's free online radio that is created to your own personal taste. You can even create multiple radio stations if you like. I like to listen to music softly while I'm working at home but with any radio station (whether on line or on the TV) I always have to choose a specific genre. With Pandora, I've been able to create a station for me, which includes many genres, consisting of only songs and artists that I like. If a song comes on that I don't like, I just give it a thumbs down and it won't come up again.

Try it...it's fun!

Reading List - February 2011

I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I last updated my reading list. It's not that I haven't been reading. Actually quite the opposite, I've done quite a bit of reading in the past many months. Following are my thoughts on the books I've finished, along with an updated reading list. My "to be read" list is MUCH longer than what appears here, but it would be overwhelming to include them all:) Here goes...

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Okay, so this is a book written for preteen/teenagers, but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was like a lighter version of Harry Potter, minus the magic and younger heroes/heroines. I enjoyed the story line, the development of the characters and the mystery that unraveled throughout the book. There was one especially interesting development at the end (part of a subplot) in which I was like "ahhhh, now it makes sense". So for kids and kids at heart, I recommend this fun, easy read.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
This book was not at all what I expected. First, I didn't realize that it was the author's actual experience. Second, I guess from the movie previews I was expecting something lighthearted. Third, I did not expect the book to make me think and reflect so much on my own life and I never expected to relate so much. I'll leave it to you to get into the details but I loved the writing style of the author and her transformation throughout her story was relatable at many different intervals. I have already recommended this book to a few people and would do the same in general. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie...I hope it doesn't disappoint.

Promise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon
A deviation from my typical genre, this one wasn't quite what I expected but it was actually quite good. It's an easy read, not too long, but for a relatively short book I felt that it was pretty well developed and the build up kept me turning the pages. I definitely had difficulty putting this one down once I got started. When I read the reviews, they were mixed so I think this is one that you would either love or hate. Give it a try and let me know what you think. For me, I'm looking forward to reading another of Jennifer McMahon's books.

127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston
Yes, THAT Aron Ralston...the one the movie is about (though I can tell from the previews that the movie took some liberties). This book is amazing! The true story of Aron Ralston's experience when his hand gets caught by a boulder while hiking and he has to make the unthinkable decision to cut off his hand. Very well written...loved the outline, his writing style is incredibly engaging and sucks you in, and of course the virtually unbelievable experience that this man went through. I started off the book feeling sorry for him, went through a phase where I felt he kind of deserved what happened after tempting fate so much. But at the end I only have admiration for all that he went through, how he survived and especially how honest he was about himself. I strongly recommend this book, but beware that the part where he cuts off his hand is not for the weak of stomach.

Not Lost Forever: My Story of Survival by Carmina Salcido (with Steve Jackson)
I decided I had to get this book after I saw this young woman's story on a show titled "Kids of Killers" on TV. I was so intrigued by the show that I went searching for more about her and found a 20/20 episode on YouTube. That picqued my curiosity even more. So I got the book for Christmas and have just recently finished. The book is heartwrenching and gives me nothing but hope and prayers for a better life for Carmina Salcido. But at the same time I'm inspired by her strength to endure all that she has over the years. Please, read her book, hear her story in her own words. And share with me in raising up continued prayers that she will find peace and healing in her life.

So with those books done, here's my updated list of books to read:

1. The Flight of the Romanovs by John Curtis Perry & Constantine Pleshakov
2. To Full Term: A Mother's Triumph Over Miscarriage by Darci Klein
3. Patti Jane's House of Curl by Lorna Landvik
4. Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
5. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown
6. Emma by Jane Austen
7. Fair Game by Valerie Plame Wilson
8. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
9. The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Klaus
10. Me: Stories of My Life by Katherine Hepburn
11. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
12. Have a Little Faith: a true story by Mitch Albom
13. The Hunt for Bin Laden: Task Force Dagger by Robin Moore
14. A Long Way Gone: Memoir's of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
15. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

I find that this past year I leaned toward true stories and, based on my reading list it seems that I'll stick to the trend (at least for now).

What are you reading?

My new favorite for baby gifts

In late Spring 2009, I tried crocheting my first real stuffed animal as part of a gift for a colleague's baby. I have since crocheted 4 more stuffed animals and I have more fun making them every time.

Traditionally I have crocheted blankets; however, as life gets more hectic I've found sometimes it's easier to get the stuffed animals done. They're quick, easy, and oh so cute! I still do some blankets, but the animals are a nice addition to the arsenal. So far, I've crocheted...

Wesley the Elephant (my first)

Lourdes the HippoNestor Lochland

Amigurumi Turtle

And, the cutest froggie in the world

I have to give a shoutout to my hubby...him buying me a pattern book of stuffed animals is what got me started (the first of the 3 listed above are from that book). He took care in picking out a book that he really thought I'd love and would use and he did a fantastic job!

Carrying on a Family Pasttime

Last weekend my cousin and her family came to visit and we all went peach-picking at a local orchard. Between the 2 families, we got just under 50 lbs of peaches! We had a great time and me and my hubby ate a few of them throughout the past week. But my ultimate plan was to can a bunch of the peaches.

Yep, that's right...CANNING. From the time I was about 13 or 14 years old, we spent lots of time every summer canning, canning, canning. We canned just about everything, was even reminiscing with my mom about the time we canned jalapeno peppers. I DO NOT recommend it by the way...latex gloves DO NOT keep the oils from getting on your skin. Ouch!

Mom was surprised when I called last night to ask for her syrup recipe (to carry on a bit of the family pasttime) and then we had a nice chat while I started my first crack at canning (without Mom's supervision, that is). It all went pretty smooth and I'm happy to say that all of the jars sealed. Okay, so there were only 5 jars, but still, big accomplishment for my first time. Here are a couple pictures of my first attempt at canning (BIG SMILE):



I had a great time all around and learned a few things along the way:

• Picking fruit is an absolute blast when young kids are involved...they get so much joy out of the whole experience:)
• It's not that easy to find all the canning supplies and sometimes you have to get inventive.
• ~23 lbs of peaches really don't go that far. I still have some peaches left, probably enough to can about 5 more jars; however, I have other plans for those little guys. Next year, we'll definitely need to pick more.
• Hard water (which we did not have growing up) leaves a coating of calcium on everything after the canning is all said and done.

Thanks to my cousin and her family for picking peaches with us (she froze most of her peaches...I'm going to freeze some of our remaining this weekend) and, most of all, huge thanks and (((HUGS))) to my mom, the canning queen! Mom, you taught me well and I feel so blessed to have grown up learning the nearly lost skill/art of canning. I will carry this torch and, Lord willing, pass it along to future generations. I love you Mom!!!

Who knew?!?

So, me and my hubby had a great day of finding bargains this past Saturday. Hit a couple yard sales, a flea market, one of our favorite bookstores, and a discount store near us. It was a great day of LOTS of deals.

The hubs' favorite was a book that is probably worth $100+, that he got for $4!!! My best deal? Well, check this out...I got this piece for $1.

I know, it looks pretty bad, right? But, it's all about seeing the potential. I remembered reading in my "Real Simple" magazine about more uses for an ordinary household item...TOOTHPASTE, which is supposed to be able to remove tarnish from fine metals. Me and the hubby were both a bit skeptical but, since I only paid $1, it was definitely worth a shot.

So, with a little toothpaste and a rag...

And some elbow grease, here is the final product...

Definitely worth the work that went into it. This is a great alternative to using harsh chemicals to clear up tarnish and, hey, the final product is minty fresh! But, if you don't want to get dirty, or just don't want to use some elbow grease, this solution is not for you.

So after about an hour that ugly serving dish (which I'll use for rolls at Thanksgiving, btw) was transformed. All thanks to my "Real Simple" magazine and to my aunt for getting me the subscription to such a useful magazine!!!

Did I pass the test?

I feel like I might have been undergoing a test yesterday. Me and my hubs went to a BBQ at a friend's house, which we go to every year. It's always a great party, a few people I know and several that I don't...always a great crowd. So I'm sitting there talking to my friend's parents and another person comes up to say "hi" to them...she's obviously pregnant, they ask when she's due and what does she say...December 10th. The exact same day that "B" and I would have been due. I immediately felt weak, dizzy, on the verge of tears (thank God for sunglasses!)

That made things tough for awhile but then a little later, we go in for a cool off in the house and a bunch of other people come in and another guest comes in with her two kids and I can't remember what she was talking about but she said something about the only boys in her family all having the same birthday...the day was the exact month and day of our m/c.

What are the odds that of the 365 days in a year the only 2 dates I heard all day were the 2 dates linked with our little angel baby?!? Okay, so I calculated the odds and it's 0.5% chance!!!

So, did I pass the test? I don't know, but I made it through the day. It was a wonderful BBQ, as always, but it was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I'm still emotional about it but I'm not a basketcase. What caught me off-guard more than anything was my physical reaction...after hearing the due date thing and for a couple hours afterward I felt so weak, shaky, dizzy, and at times a little nauseous. Sigh.

Natural Insecticide?

I saw this on my calendar...has anyone ever tried this?

• Add onions and garlic to a jar of water, let it stand for a week, and spray garden plants with the water.

And, if so, does it work? If so, what a great option!!!

(((HUGS)))

This is beautiful! Look at how much joy is brought to the recipients of this one, simple, FREE, and yet priceless act.

Shel Silverstein couldn't have said it better!

On the East Coast, we're having a bit of a heat wave. Okay, so a lot more than a "bit". Today we got into the triple digits and it's just ridiculous. It reminded me of a poem by one of my all time favorite children's authors..."IT'S HOT!", by Shel Silverstein:

It's hot!
I can't get cool,
I've drunk a quart of lemonade.
I think I'll take my shoes off
And sit around in the shade.

It hot!
My back is sticky,
The sweat rolls down my chin.
I think I'll take my clothes off
And sit around in my skin.

It's hot!
I've tried with 'lectric fans,
And pools and ice cream cones.
I think I'll take my skin off
And sit around in my bones.

It's still hot!

Goodbye May...Hello June

I'm saying a hearty "goodbye" to May 2010...a month that saw more stress and tears than it did joy and smiles. I'm hopeful and confident that June will be a much better month all around. Of course, knowing that I'll see my fam after more than a year is a great start!!!

Do you remember?

30 years ago today...

Mt. Saint Helen's blew her top! Although I was only 7 years old at the time, I still remember all the ash that came down (and we weren't even in the wind direction). I remember not being able to play outside for what seemed like a couple weeks (I'm not really sure how long it ACTUALLY was). And I remember having to wear a mask over my mouth and nose when going outside.

I went up to Mt. Saint Helen's several years ago when back home...hmm, maybe it would be good to go back for another visit when I'm back home this year. We'll see.

So, where were you when she blew? Do you remember?

The Power of Music

After going through what can only be described as one of the worst weeks I can remember, I was remembering a post on my dear friend Dirkey's blog, which she posted last year. I re-read this blog post and I have to agree with her 100%. Everyone turns to their own form of comfort during difficult and painful times, some healthy...some not so healthy. But music has also been a source of solace for me when I have a weary heart.

This past week has been no different and, on a couple occasions (namely on my long drive to work) I have driven in my car listening to certain tunes that I can either identify with or that serve to reassure and restore me. The one that really stuck with me this week is the song "Get Me Through December", sung by Alison Krauss. I've listened to it so many times, I almost constantly hear the following lyrics in my head (put to music, of course):

"I've been to the mountain left my tracks in the snow
Where souls have been lost and the walking wounded go
I've taken the pain no girl should endure
Faith can move mountains of that I am sure
But faith can move mountains of that I am sure

Just get me through December
A promise I'll remember
Get me through December
So I can start again"

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of music. I can hear You through the medium of music...one place I can always go to seek Your comfort. And thanks to Dirkey for sharing through your own pain...it has helped me in mine.

Reading List update and "book reports"

I've been a little behind on updating against the reading list I posted several months ago. It's not that I haven't been reading...just haven't been in much of a mood in the evenings to stay on the computer and keep up with my blog. I have read a couple more books on my list and have read another that's NOT on the list. So here are my thoughts on the latest books I've read:

The Color Purple by Alice Walker
This was a wonderful book. Many portions were very close, if not exactly like the movie, with other parts being very different. Isn't that to be expected though? The book explored the relationship between Celie and Shug MUCH more than the movie ever did, which was good for the book but there were some parts that I thought were overdone. My favorite difference between the book and the movie is the process of reconciliation between Albert and Celie. The movie interpretation shows the reconciliation as being sudden, as soon as Celie's kids come home. In the book, its a slower, more realistic, and much more touching and personal account of the reconciliation. I definitely appreciate how the book handles this better. All in all a fabulous book that I would highly recommend!

Captivating: Unveiliing the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Stasi Eldridge
I have to thank my dear friend Dirkey for giving me this book. After 3 years, I have finally gotten around to finishing this book. Although there are a few portions which I think go to a bit of an extreme, my overall impression of the book was uplifting, inspiring, and encouraging to me as a woman. It also gave a bit of a look into the heart, mind and soul of a man which, in the first year of marriage, I found quite helpful. On a more personal level, this book really spoke to my heart and soul when I was going through some rough patches in my life in the past year. This is a book I could see myself reading again and possibly giving it as a gift to others. Two thumbs up!

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
This one wasn't on the list; however, ever since I saw the movie series, I've wanted to read the books. So, a couple months ago, when I saw the series on a stand in a bookstore...I just had to pick them up. I started reading the 1st book of the series almost immediately. I am very impressed with how well the folks that made the movie stayed true to the story and character of the book. This is a rare event. But what I appreciated even more in reading the book was really getting into the mind, heart and character of Anne. She is such a precious little soul and her metamorphosis is obviously impressive. A book can always capture more of the actual character, so reading this was priceless. In reading this, I decided it would be a great book to let my 10 year old cousin borrow so, when I see her on Wednesday, I'll be passing the torch.

So, with those books crossed off the list, here's an updated list (new books added):
1. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
2. Fair Game by Valerie Plame Wilson
3. Patty Jane's House of Curl by Lorna Landvik
4. Emma by Jane Austin
5. The Flight of the Romanovs by John Curtis Perry & Constantine Pleshakov
6. Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
7. Me: Stories of My Life by Katherine Hepburn
8. The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer
9. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
10. The Nancy Diaries by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Klaus
11. Shindler's List by Thomas Keneally
12. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
13. Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery
14. Have a Little Faith: a true story by Mitch Albom
15. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (recommended by my mom)

As always, I welcome recommendations for more reading. HAPPY READING!!!

Words to Live By

My mom just sent me this beautiful quote...seems like some words that need to be hung up in the house as a constant reminder:

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

Happy rainy Tuesday!

(I'm grateful for the rain as it means pretty flowers next week:)

Rike rotarry, rude!

Translation: Like totally, dude!

I know I may be dating myself here but, doesn't she look like a valley dog in this pic?

Ok, before you think I'm nuts for dressing my dog in a T-shirt, first know that we don't typically do that...she's usually all natural. Little Abbey was spayed a few days ago and a T-shirt is much more acceptable prevention (in her opinion at least) to her licking her wound than the E-collar. This picture was taken the day after her surgery, when she was already up and around and driving us crazy!

Happy New Year

A quote I got from someone at work (slightly modified by me):

May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy; may the problems you had forget your home and work addresses. In simple words...may 2010 be the best year yet!!!

Happy New Year all!!!

Good thing she doesn't have free run of the house!

We did our normal Christmas routine this year...morning and early afternoon with B's family and late afternoon and evening with my family. The difference this year? A 5-month puppy at home. Here's a pic of our little Abbey Rose, since I haven't written about her yet.

A couple days a week, she's at home by herself (in her crate) for about 9 hours. But, since our families live over 1-1/2 hours drive away (one way), she was cooped up in her crate for 13-1/2 hours! And this is what we found...

Thank goodness for crates is all I have to say...Lord knows what she would have done, had she had free reign of the house:)

Book Report: "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" by Mitch Albom

It's taken some time to get completely through one of the books on my reading list, but I have accomplished it at last. It was my intention to read "The Color Purple" first and, although I am most of the way through, I picked up "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" by Mitch Albom and I struggled to put it down ever single time I picked the book up!

First off, I have to say that Mitch Albom wrote this book beautifully. It was not at all what I expected the book to be. I never expected that it would be a fictional story, but that it would be more of a "how to" or "spiritual" book of sorts. The story of Eddie (the main character) was exceptional...great in concept, well written, and it taught a couple valuable lessons about life.

There is this question that many of us might ponder from time to time...what is heaven like and how will it all happen? Many people may have an idea of what it's like and/or how the transition from this life to the eternal life will happen. I've never had any ideas about this, so it was easy to use my imagination while reading Eddie's story and this idea of what the experience in heaven may be like.

I don't want to give the story away as I think it's much better to leave the twists and turns for the reader. All I can say is, if you haven't read the book...please do! It's 200 pages of easy reading with deep and thought-provoking concepts and lessons along the way, with a few surprises chucked in there. Mitch Albom has a way of writing that is tender and engaging...so much so that today I picked up his latest book "Have a Little Faith" (a non-fiction book about an event in his life) and I can't wait to read it and his other non-fiction "Tuesdays with Morrie".

If you've read "The Five People You Meet In Heaven", I would love to know what you thought of the book!

My Ever-growing Reading List

While packing for my move from NJ to PA last March, I realized how far behind I am on my reading...TONS of books! Fortunately, I've had opportunity to read a few over the past 6 months; but, my reading list has also grown during that time since a friend at work and I have begun to recommend books to each other and have begun a little book exchange between the two of us.

I love to read, even if I'm not the fastest reader so, in an effort to keep myself reading, I decided to post my reading list (or at least a portion of it). And, I thought I'd post little "book reports" as I finish the books, since I know how I hate to pick up a book without it first being recommended. Maybe the 3 or 4 people who read my blog could benefit from the books reports. So, here's the list (in no particular order):

1. Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Stasi Eldredge (I'm actually about 1/2 way through this one)
2. The Color Purple by Alice Walker (I think I'll start this one next)
3. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
4. Fair Game by Valerie Plame Wilson
5. Patty Jane's House of Curl by Lorna Landvik
6. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
7. Emma by Jane Austen
8. The Flight of the Romanovs by John Curtis Perry & Constantine Pleshakov
9. Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
10. Me: Stories of My Life by Katherine Hepburn
11. The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer
12. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
13. The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Klaus
14. Shindler's List by Thomas Keneally
15. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah (I'm actually about 1/2 way through this one, but will need to backtrack a couple chapters...it's been awhile since I picked it up)

Well, that's my starter list...there are others in my pile at home, but I thought I'd limit to 15 so I don't get too overwhelmed. I don't have any particular timeframe to complete these...that would drive me crazy...just want to have a method to stay on track.

Hey, and if you have any suggestions for books that I should add to my list, please share. I don't mind adding to the list...like I stated earlier, I LOVE to read:)

Beauty in the Storm

I've been thinking of writing this blog for several weeks, but life has gotten in the way. After events in my life in the past couple weeks, I can put this off no longer.

Several weeks ago, "B" and I were enjoying a quiet evening and I looked outside and saw this:

Probably one of the most beautiful storms I've ever seen...to attempt to show the sheer size of these clouds:These pictures barely begin to capture how beautiful the sky was that evening, but I knew there was a blog post in my future. When I started to think of what the blog might be titled, I came up with the title you see above. Then my mind started working overtime, thinking in the abstract of the other types of storms we experience in life.

I've been through my fair share of "storms"...the past couple of weeks haven't been the biggest storms, but I feel like I've gone through a storm nonetheless. Our household has faced what felt like the plague (in actuality, a REALLY bad flu/cough thingy), I had a rash which turned out to be an allergy to a lotion, we've had little things breaking left and right around the house, normal daily stress, and the worst of all...our dog got away at the park and has been lost for over a week now. Again, small compared to the storms that some people face in life but added all together, these things wear you down.

So you might ask what "Beauty in the Storm" has to do with this? I'm a true believer that God has a plan for all things, even the "storms" we go through in life, meaning that all things happen for a reason. What that reason might be varies greatly, whether we ever see the reason for going through life's storms is not always certain, who benefits from God's plan for those storms is not always the individual going through the storm. But as I look through the storms I've been through in life, I nearly always can see the beauty...just like that storm several weeks ago that took my breath away. The difference is that the beauty we can see in life's storms (and, yes, it IS there) is the lessons we learn, growing closer to God, growing closer to friends and family, teaching others about God, learning more about ourselves, etc.

Oh, it's easy to sink into a pity party (at one time over the past couple weeks I told "B" that it felt like someone had a voodoo doll of me) but, even now, coming out of these rough couple weeks, I'm starting to see hints of the reason(s) why I've gone through this.

I'll leave you with this thought...there IS beauty in EVERY one of life's storms. The beauty can be found in any number of ways, but it is most certainly there, many people just often choose not to look and see. It's like the person who complains about the pouring rain, but forgets of the beautiful flowers that are the result. Or the person who can't stand the cold weather in the winter, but doesn't realize that we need the cold to reduce the bugs the next year. EVERYTHING happens for a reason, we just need to weather the storm and then look for the beauty on the other side (and sometimes even as you go through the storm). The beauty is not always obvious, sometimes needing to be found. So, the next time you are going through a life storm, I encourage you to look for the beauty. You might be surprised about what you find and oh how wonderful to know that there is a purpose to all the craziness!!!