Odds and Ends

Today's post is a mix of odds and ends of the last week.

Once a year this lovely Amaryllis shows it's true beauty, in an explosion of deep coral blooms. It seems a long time to wait, but it is well worth the few weeks of enjoying these exotic flowers.


I finished this novel over the weekend. It was so finely written, a living scrapbook of one families journey through all the trials and joys of life in the Appalachian mountains. Each character is finely wrought, with the voices of each first person narrative ringing out uniquely. Different perspectives of life emerge through the family members as the novel unfolds, each character taking their turn to tell the story.

This is a first book by Amy Greene and I really hope she writes more, it was superb.

It was the big 13 for my youngest son last week. I was looking at him the other day thinking, man, when did this kid get so big. He's as tall as me and I'm sure will pass his older brother someday.
I am proud of the responsible young man he is turning into.
I love you K!

Along with a bunch of silly stories for story time these last few weeks, I wanted to do some fun crafts. This spiral snake was a big hit, although the moms had to cut him out. Following a circular cutting line is not a skill preschoolers have mastered.
A great book to go along with Mr. Snake is The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash.

Here is what Mr. Snake looks like all stretched out.

This little paper plate cow is one cute critter, but a pain to cut out and assemble all the pieces and parts. It is much to hard for my preschool group to do the whole craft, so I did all the cutting. All they have to do is color the spots, draw his face on and glue him together.
Usually I do projects that little hands can handle, but once in a while I do something that takes a little more pre-assembly or help from parents.
A great book to go along with this craft - Click, Clack, Moo, Cows That Type.

Etsy Giveaway

A dear blogging friend of mine has so graciously agreed to host an Etsy interview and giveaway on her blog for me. Please visit Henrietta at a Hen's Nest to read my interview questions and learn how to enter the giveaway for these handmade Tookie Trinkets earrings.
These earrings are all sterling silver with pearl, jasper and Czech glass dangles.

Have a great weekend!

My Valentine Movie Picks

Valentines Day always puts me in the mood for some good romantic movies. The funny thing is that, those types of films are not my usual favorites. Sci-fi films fit that docket.

I went to a couple of films recently that were good romantic stories. Leap Year was a fun comedy about a woman who wants to use the tradition of a lady proposing marriage to a guy on leap year in Ireland, to get her boyfriend to commit. Apparently the guy won't be able to resist and he'll have to say yes. In the mean time however, the woman ends up falling in love with the guy whom she hired to help her get to Dublin, so she can pop the question to her man.

Leap Year was cute and funny and that bit of Irish brogue is always a plus!

The Young Victoria is the story of Queen Victoria of England and how she met and fell in in love with Prince Albert of Belgium. This film required a bit more attention as to not be lost in who's who in the film, but it is defiantly worth the extra concentration. I learned a few things about Victoria's early years and how she lived in an imprisoned home with control wound around her as tight a spring. She grew, caught between men who aspired to capture her power.

This was a great film about the character of a woman in leadership and the heart that longed for freedom and love. This movie is a new favorite with me.


Have any current or past film favorites that are great romances?

P.S. Click on the Movie titles in black to view the trailers.

Official Driver

Well, we now have another official driver in our household. I was at the DMV early this morning with my eldest son. He was quite nervous about the test, he's got quite a bit of the worry wart in him. I just prayed he'd remember all he needed to do and wouldn't let the stress of worry make him forget.

Most parents might have a little trepidation about their kids driving, but K has a good head on his shoulders, pays attention and is a cautious driver. I don't really like to drive, so I'm happy to have another qualified driver around.

I just can't believe He's growing up so much. It seems like just yesterday was the first day of kindergarten. He's gone through a lot of firsts since then and I'm happy to see him growing well, it just seems strange. I know I always rolled my eyes at parents when they would say that time goes so fast, one minute they're a kid and the next they are grown. It's true though. I already miss those days when those little short arms would reach around my neck and give me a hug. Now I have to beg for one.

Prayer Pennies

(photo taken from clipartguide.com)

Someone I love is going through a tough spot in life and as I found myself praying for them this morning my mind grew heavy with thoughts and hopes. Even though my thoughts feel like a well in a deep cavern, my prayers then seem like wishing pennies. Pennies that, once tossed in, add a brightness to the well that wasn't there before. These pennies represent not empty wishes but hope filled faith. Here is a poem I wrote this morning with these thoughts in mind.


Prayer Pennies
My mind, a cavern deep today
prayers like slow rain
trickle down
careful fingered harp music
falling gently
in hollowed pools
one drop, a note
blending with the next
a continuous resonance of life

My soul, a well deep today
thoughts echo like far off shouts
bouncing against
the rim of my mind
falling pennies
in soul water
one splash of brightness
polished with tears
a hopeful act of faith in dark places

Scrapbook of a Closet Poet/ January 26th, 2010

The Miracle of Movement

I've slowly been dropping a few pounds, but now I'm pumping things up a tad by walking, working out on our new recumbent bike, and doing some yoga type exercises.

I never thought I would like the exercise bike but I do. Really it's a miracle I can use it. My leg muscles have given me so much trouble the last few years. I've been on rounds of doctor visits but no one could ever pin point what was wrong.

My muscles would tremble (I could physically see them jump) and ache so bad that I would pop Aleve like candy. That has slowly gotten better and I can finally use my legs normally now, even though my muscles always feel a bit crawly or shaky.

I am just so happy to be able to use my muscles and do a little exercise. It was something I always took for granted before, but I don't any longer.

Fun Day

My sister-in-law is here visiting from Colorado. The two of us hadn't really had time yet to just bum around. Today was my day off of work so we got ready early and headed into town.

The first stop was a coffee place that sells all kinds of goodies besides coffee and tea. I ended up getting a lb of loose tea and some decadent chocolate. Items are a tad pricey there, but I know they buy fair trade products so it is a good incentive to spent just a little more than normal.

After leaving the coffee place with steaming lattes we headed over to TJ Maxx. I have been looking for a new wallet. I kind of wanted to be with the "in" crowd and get one of those slim wallets that all the young gals seem to have these days. But alas.....I stuck with something that I could get everything in. It may be more traditional, but it still has BLING, with that lovely gold leather!

Now of course if you get a new wallet.... you have to get a new purse. My new pick is more a bag style, yummy buttery leather and in a deep rich turquoise. I love it!

One more stop to the mall for a quick look at the sales rack in my favorite clothing store. Yes! Score it was there, gold dot sale with 50% off the lowest price. I found several shirts and a new pair of jeans that fit like a glove.

Last but not least, a new hairstyle. Well, not for me. My sis-in-law took the plunge and got some highlights on her virgin (never been color treated) hair. She looks good! All I have to say is, hubby better notice when she gets home!

Well that was my fun today. Any fun come your way today?