Spreading some sunshine….

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
William Arthur Ward
This post is long overdue but…the time that has passed since these awards were graciously bestowed upon my being has given me the chance to enjoy so much of what my blog favs share as well as meet many new ones that I’ve come to heart!
One reason I’ve been dragging my heels was due to the “rules” that go along with these awards; mainly, telling things about myself that, frankly, even I find freaking boooooooooring!  But, possibly, someone might find my “all about me” nonsense amusing and read it with a smile. 
Or they’ll just click-off and go read another blog.  Whatever…like the song goes, “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden”.
The other reason is choosing people; it’s dayum difficult because I’m so fond of everyone I follow and feel horrible about leaving anyone out of this award process.  I might just have to design my own special system of recognition in the form of a button that I can send to everyone so that they can post it on their blogs. 
Sound like a plan?  I’ll work on it.
Right now, I’m going to pass along this award and tweak the rules a bit, sending it to a bunch of my favorites.
  And..for your listening pleasure while reading, a zippy little tune from “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkNbMZhEGEw]

…Don’t you just love George Clooney?

Okay, back to business…



Back in April, Crystal from Never In One Place and Ixy from Illusion were both so kind in passing this award along.  These, my second, and third, blog awards, left me as thrilled as my first!  Many thanks to Crystal and Ixy along with my apologies for taking so long in getting my wheels moving and sending it along to some special people.

To accept this award a few small details need to be followed.

1. Tell seven things about yourself.
2. Pass along the award to fifteen other bloggers. I’m doing more, just because I can!

Okay seven probably pretty boring things about myself…..

1.  I’m a Virgo.  Overly-analytical, artsy, caring, etc., etc., and a pain-in-the-ass, according to my husband.  What does he know?  He’s a Virgo as well.
2.  I like to sing like no one is listening.  That, my friends is a good thing because I carry a tune like the sound of falling rocks.
3.  Dancing.  I love to but never get the chance because I rarely go anywhere except an occasional wedding.  Even then, my spouse only slow-dances.
Note in my memoirs to Granddaughter…..
                                               Never marry a man who can’t dance.
4.  The Saxophone.  I was made to take lessons when I was a kid.  In a nutshell..it sucked!
5.  Christmas movies.  I get lost in them, become part of every tear-jerking holiday special that I can watch. 
6.  I have a shoe, snowman, Italian pottery and various other “collectible” problem.  Come visit me sometime and we can try on shoes, I’ll cook fabulous foods served in colorful bowls and we can start decorating for Christmas.  I need help.
7.  I read the entire “Twilight Saga” during one week-end.  Probably the last time that I had any free time to myself. 
           Are you still awake?  Good.  Now…for the really fun part!
                                        
                                               
                                 Spreading some sunshine…
1.  Narragansett No. 7
I really don’t expect Kelli to take the time to do this because she’s running in twelve different directions these days, trying to maintain life around her and preparing for her MFA.
Just wanted her to know how much I heart her wonderful blog and her friendship.
2.  Reflection of Something
Branson is so special and reading her blog makes me feel all warm and peaceful inside.
3.  The Unpopular Girl in Womanhood
Ms. Blase` is more popular than she realizes, at least from where I sit. 
Intelligent, warm and so spiritual.
4.  Many Waters
Shanna is such a sweet, gentle person.  I love her posts, her kindness and her fur babies.
5.  OK in UK
Mollie just makes you smile with her witty and sarcastically-intelligent comments.   That’s it! 
6.  McCormick Madness
Debbie…what can I say..she’s charming and fun and…she has Leo, but not at present. 
Who is Leo?  Go read her blog and find out!
7.  Mika’s Pantry
Mika has some of the most delicious recipes I’ve seen, and tried.  She’s also a sweet person.
8.  My3littlebirds
Mary Lauren is a busy Mom, keeping life together and a partner in “Captchouli”. 
Definitely run over to her blog and join the fun.
9.  Just Hide the Dishes in the Dryer
Jennifer is fun and you’ll enjoy all she writes about.
She blogs in between being a Mom, working full-time and studying for her Masters Degree.
10. House Unseen. Life Unscripted
Dwija will make you laugh until your sides hurt and she does it with such elegant sarcasm.
11. The (Not Always) Happy Homemaker Diary
This is just one of Missy’s blogs…she also writes The “Mental”-ist Mom Paranor-Mel and Our Transplanted Life.  She’s one incredible lady!
12. Rancher Mom’s Realm
I so heart this fun lady.  Sadly, she had bandwidth issues over two weeks ago and hasn’t had internet access.
But…when she gets back, oh boy!  I promised to get her back for that Handwriting Meme she recently passed on to me!
13.  Living in that blonde moment
The first time Morgan left a comment on my blog, she was someone I wanted to immediately follow; am so glad I did.
14. My Own Little Corner
Erin writes a comfy blog.  Her cakes are lovely and so are her fab flea market finds. 
15.  A Muddled Mother
She is everything I remember feeling when my kids were small.  As she says, if “Get Me Out of Here” is your mantra, her blog is for you!
16. Chicken Noodle Gravy
Katie is a treasure-trove of fun, recipes and more fun.  Did I say fun?  She’s the second Co-Conspirator of Captchouli!

17. TexaGermaNadian
Take some great desk chair trips with Lindsey while enjoying her terrific blog.  A real sweetie who always has some fun twists to her posts that keep you coming back for more.

Thank you all for sharing your lives, loves and laughter!




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An Imperfect Mother

 

Random thoughts kept popping-up in my head last night as I sat here vainly trying to put together a post for Mother’s Day.  Everything I typed ended up being backspaced off the screen and I continued to stare at a blank page.

Why was it so difficult to lapse into some grand celebration of thoughts that would form meaningful sentences about this special day for all mothers?  Possibly because my late mother was far less than perfect and the memories surrounding her aren’t what I see so many others sharing about their moms.  Well, it is what it is and if it wasn’t, in part, for my mother, I wouldn’t be here writing this.  Because of her, I’m a survivor and developed the determination to live life on a more positive path.

I’m an imperfect mother as well, always wishing I had done many things differently but, my four kids make me absolutely beam with pride.  And, rumor has it that I’m a pretty terrific Gramma.  That, is a very good thing!

Right now, I’m enjoying reading so many wonderful posts from other bloggers about their moms along with special tributes spread all over social media; my heart is heavy for those who have lost that special lady in their lives.  I hope that, when I depart this hectic life, my children remember me with similar fondness and focus on all things positive that I leave behind…especially when they start dividing up my obsessive collection of Snowmen!

Enjoy your mothers, cherish their memories. 

I send heartfelt wishes to every woman who is a mom, waiting to be one or someone who is important in the life of a child.

      Happy Mother’s Day!

                                                    

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Thirsty Thursday…for Mother’s Day

A little something all soft, pink and tingly for Mother’s Day….kind of a Cosmo twist called a “Rasmopolitan”.

                         

1 1/4 parts Raspberry Vodka
1/2 part Cointreau
1 part Cranberry Juice
squeeze of Fresh Lime Juice
Slice of Lime for garnish

Mix in cocktail shaker half-filled with ice
Pour into chilled Martini Glass

Garnish with fresh Raspberries or a Lime peel/slice
          

 
And…..don’t forget some flowers for Mom too!

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