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I've created this overlay for blog reader Senati, who wanted a theme using doves, to grace a layout she made of her son's baptism. I hope this works for you – I did it in two versions, one a little funkier than the other.

Well, this will be a short week for North America! Don't you just love the week after a weekend, other than the fact it messes us all up on which day is which? I think that could be because with the removal of the Monday of work, then Wednesday is no longer a “hump” day, so there's no day smack in the middle to get thru before we slide down toward the weekend again. Heavens, since I'm a stay-at-home gal every day blends into one another for me. I get so mixed up with days that my sweet, patient husband has to carefully write his work schedule into a PAPER format as it changes between different work places and towns, sometimes in the same day, and in three sessions. Its not unusual for me to call his workplace and have to ask the secretaries “is he here, or the other center?”

I've decided that today will be a day of Thanks for me. I have so much to be thankful for, and whats the point of waiting till the official Thanksgiving day, when my heart is overflowing right now? I'd like to leave you with some Thankful Thoughts for the day, and I would love to hear yours too!

Have I ever really thanked you, Lord, for the fact that I can see
A clear blue sky, a bird in flight, a child upon my knee,
A sunset's glow at eventide, a cloud so full and white,
In never-ending gratitude – the wonderous gift of sight?

Have I ever really thanked you, Lord, for the fact that I can hear
A bird in song, my children laugh, a spoken word so dear,
A welcome knock upon my door, rain on my window pane?
It means that I am part of things and have so much to gain.

Have I ever really thanked you, Lord, for the fact that I can walk
A country lane, a city street, meet friends and stop to talk,
To climb upon a hillside and marvel at the view?
All these things are blessings, gifts sent down by you.

We walk along life's highway, and seldom stop to say,
Thank you, Lord, for all these gifts so dear to us each day.

By Maralyne I. Fawcett-Smith

Gratitude is born in hearts

that take time to count up past blessings.

“Always give thanks

for everything

to our God and Father

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Ephesians 5:20

I've got some good things happening in the background, so I may not post for a day or two, plus my Mom and Dad-inlaws are arriving for a week's visit on Wednesday. I may get a small post in between though.

download me and make me 'into something!'

DO NOT COPY - copyrighted picture!

My friend's version of what this wood would be!

I saw this wood 'would be' a whale!

I keep forgetting to post a picture that a friend of mine created. She took a photo of a wood pattern, and then she added to it to make it into her own thing. I decided to take her example and make it into my own thing, a whale. This reminds me of an excersize I do now and again when I feel dry, in traditional art. Instead of choosing a subject and then painting, I take whatever's at hand, something abstract, and then make it into something. My friend and I challenge you to take the texture and see what you can make it into!

You know, I was heard this little tidbit on NPR radio the other day, and it made me shake my head. If you live in the USA, and you want to 'botox' your lips (YOU pay), you can get a date to do that within a week. However, if you have a dangerous looking mole and need an appointment, it takes a month! Money talks, I guess. How sad is that?

Along the lines of health, and because I have 'creaky' knees, the following article on NPR will be of interest to you. It appears there is a new 'gender specific' knee replacement being manufactured out there! Remember, your doctor cannot read and know about every single new thing out there, so you may want to make your doctor aware of this new development. Just click here to read or listen to the article.

Here's a quirky bit of news – there was a patient, right here in Vancouver, BC, who bled GREEN (really, like Mr. Spock on Star Trek!) To read more about this phenomenon, click here.

On a totally different track now, I recently read this good idea in a recent Canadian Living magazine, submitted by Teresa Sousa, which I'd like to share with you:

If you're taking your children to an event, and you would like to keep them entertained, pack individual lunch boxes (or a nice sized plastic carry all you can find in the dollar store – make sure it has a carry handle) with games and craft materials. Playing cards, colouring book, a blank journal, crayons and stencils, scrapbooking supplies, puzzles would all be good ideas.

And this is totally unrelated to anything else I've posted today, but I will just mash it up with the rest. It's a neat article from NPR on a company in North Carolina which is making odd-flavor popcicles, like avacado, chili and even a version for doggies which has an edible stick! Just click here to listen to the audio file!

Today in History:

476 - Romulus Augustulus, the last Roman emperor of the West Empire, was deposed.

1609 - English navigator Henry Hudson, working for the Dutch East India Company, arrived at the island of Manhattan, before sailing up the river that now bears his name. In making his trip up the river, Hudson claimed the area for the Dutch and opened the land for the settlers who followed.

1618 - The "Rodi" avalanche destroyed Plurs, Switzerland, killing 1,500.

1781 - Los Angeles was founded by Spanish settlers and named ``El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora La Reina de Los Angeles'' (The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels).

1833 - After answering an ad in "The New York Sun", Barney Flahery became the first newsboy. Ten-year old Barney really became what we now call a paperboy.

1866 - The first Hawaiian daily newspaper was published.

1882 - Thomas Edison demonstrated the first practical electrical lighting system when he turned on the lights for a one square mile area of New York City.

1885 - The Exchange Buffet, the first self-serve cafeteria in the United States, opened in New York City.

1886 - Legendary Apache leader Geronimo surrendered to Gen. Nelson Miles at Skeleton Canyon, Arizona, ending the last major United States-Indian conflict. Miles lied to Geronimo, promising him that he would be reunited withhis family and that the US would grant him a pardon for his actions. Instead, he was made a prisoner of war and banned from his homeland, Arizona.

1888 - George Eastman of Rochester, New York, registered the name Kodak. Eastman patented his roll-film camera, United States Patent #388,850.

1921 - The first police broadcast was made by radio station WIL in St. Louis, Missouri.

1951 - Viewers across the United States saw the first coast-to-coast telecast using coaxial cable. This first telecast featured United States President Harry S. Truman speaking to the nation from the Japanese Peace Treaty Conference in San Francisco, California.

1957 - Governor of Arkansas Orval Faubus ordered National Guard troops to turn away nine black students trying to enter the formerly whites-only Central High School.

1957 - The Ford Motor Company introduced the Edsel.

1971 - On ABC-TV, "The Lawrence Welk Show" was seen for the last time. Reruns allowed the music to continue until 1982 as a weekly favorite. From 1956 to 1961, Welk charted a half-dozen hits on the pop music charts, including 1906's number one song "Calcutta".

1991 - Country music star Dottie West died in Nashville, Tennessee, of liver and heart failure as a result of a one-car crash earlier in the week. The popular singer underwent three operations, but doctors were unable to repair her ruptured liver. West was 58 years old.

Barb's Handy Tip #304

Pre-Paint your Rooms for Fall?

Ah, falls arriving, and if you are thinking of changing your decor and paint to a fall theme, you can now 'try out' painting your own walls, thanks to the following website! You can either upload a photo of your own room, or use one of theirs - so cool and helpful!

Design My Room

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Just a little something for you - to brighten up your layouts. I would LOVE to see how you use this - I would be happy to feature your layouts here on my blog. Just leave me a message with permission to publish your layout and where to view it, and all the credits etc... Have a wonderful day everyone. PS - THANKS SO MUCH for all your comments. They give me a boost!

Think only thoughts of love today,

With understanding as your guide.

For you can help along their way

The weary ones who cross your path,

And cheerfully greet the folks you meet

And spare a while to listen to

That lonley woman on the street,

That boring person on the phone.

Perhaps she needs a friendly smile,

That woman with the screaming child?

And surely you can stop a while

To help them both get off the bus.

In helping others in this way

You'll make this such a happy day.

~Joyce Francis Carpenter

(I think I would like to meet this Joyce...)

if you right click on the download link, and open it in another tab or window,

you won't be taken away from todays blog entry!

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Ah and the days fly by, and the days fly by. I keep meaning to sit down here and share all with you, but I go off on all sorts of tangents. I'm in a baking phase. I simply had to make an apple pie when the orchard was being picked. I don't believe I've ever had 'fresh from the tree' apple pie – and its SO good. When I was at the coast last, visiting with Mom, she stood over me while I made a batch of pastry to bring home, so I'd get it right. How nice it is, to simply pull a few 'balls' of dough from the freezer and whip up a pie in no time at all. How comforting to catch the aroma of fragrant pie wafting from the house. How rewarding to taste it sweet and tart on my tongue. Really, if you all lived just a little closer I'd send a piece over for you...

I pick YOU, Honey!

Credit: Tracy Sims Paper Frame Freebie

This freebie frame was still available yesterday (scroll down) ... just click here (leave love!)

Shabby Princess has a (free) and lovely calendar desktop for you for September. Just click here & please leave some love while there!

mmm... foccacia!

“To make bread you knead dough”

Several of you requested me to give my Foccacia bread recipe – so I'm complying. A word of caution, I don't measure in exactitudes. All the measurements I've provided are correct, the only thing you may have to adjust is the amount of flour used... I just go till it feels right, you know? If you haven't made bread by hand much, you would judge this point as when your dough is no longer sticky, it's elastic and boasts a smooth, dimply surface. Please, let me know how this turns out for you!

Barb's Rosemary and Olive Foccacia

2 ½ cups warm water
½ tsp brown sugar
¼ cup skim milk powder
1 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp fast rising yeast
2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil – or melted bacon drippings
1 can black olives
aprox 6-8 cups flour
fresh rosemary
1 cup grated mozzerella cheese
grated parmesan cheese
pepper

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water, along with the brown sugar for about 10 minutes. Add salt, skim milk powder and then begin adding flour until it's too thick to stir. Use your hands to knead in the rest of the flour – my measurement is only aproximate, mix in enough until you get a nice dough. Set to rise in a large bowl with some vegetable oil (so it does not stick) Set bowl over the top of a big pot filled with hot water. Raise till double in size, about an hour or more.

Prepare two cookie sheets, or one cookie sheet and a large pizza pan, by greasing with vegetable oil and then sprinkling with a little cornmeal or ground corn flakes. Punch down the dough and divide into two unequal halves – one being just a bit smaller than the other. Take the large piece of dough, lay it on the big pizza pan, press it out toward the edges until it fills the pan. Take the second piece and either press it out on the cookie sheet, or devide it into two and make two small rounds (nice size for giving away – giving away makes your baking taste better haha – or to freeze for a rainy day)

If studding with olives, take a can of black olives, drain and slice into 1/2's, then 'stud' them cut side up into the dough. Grind pepper liberally over breads. Let raise 30 min. Sprinkle with mozerella and parmesan. Add fresh or dried rosemary generously overtop. Bake at 425 for 15-20 mins. Enjoy!

A mile of smiles is better
Than a marathon of moans.
Chasing after laughter
Is more fun than trailing groans.

The race of Life is hectic,
But when all is said and run -
When Optomism takes the lead,
Contentment can be won.

By J.M. Robertson

I can't believe the end of August is here. I've mentally got one foot in September already, and have had for a week now, but the most of my body is still stuck in Summer. The lake sure is cooler. Where I used to look forward to a good long float, now it's a jump in and get out quick sort of deal. I shall miss our days at the dock when the season moves on.

Jeepers Creepers - get a load of these peepers!

Got all your kids back-to-school clothes shopping done? Well, if you find yourself with scads of money left over, you could make provide your child with the latest of trends, sure to impress. How about the latest in Japanese fashion, some jazzy feather eyelashes? I can't imagine myself in something like this – I go batty if I even have a piece of lint on mine! To find out more about these fluttery fashions just click here.

And are you going to miss your little girl or boy so bad and wish you could just give them a big virtual hug during the day so they could know you're thinking of them? Well, you can, or will be able to soon, it appears thanks to one of Time magazine's best inventions – the Hug Shirt. Its a high-tech garment that simulates the experience of being embraced by a loved one. “When a friend sends you a virtual hug, your cell phone notifies the shirt wirelessly, via Bluetooth. The shirt then re-creates that person's distinctive cuddle, replicating his or her warmth, pressure, duration and even heartbeat. And, yes, the Hug Shirt is fully washable.” To see a photo of the shirt just click here.

On the other end of the scale – there are millions of children around the world who deserve what we give our children. I was so encouraged to find the following site called One Laptop per Child. This organization's mission is “To provide children around the world with new opportunities to explore, experiment and express themselves.” The say “Most of the nearly two–billion children in the developing world are inadequately educated, or receive no education at all. One in three does not complete the fifth grade. The individual and societal consequences of this chronic global crisis are profound. Children are consigned to poverty and isolation—just like their parents—never knowing what the light of learning could mean in their lives. At the same time, their governments struggle to compete in a rapidly evolving, global information economy, hobbled by a vast and increasingly urban underclass that cannot support itself, much less contribute to the commonweal, because it lacks the tools to do so.”

The project allows you to donate your time or money to assist the program – I believe I read somewhere that each of these computers will cost very little, so any contribution you could make would be a small step to a bigger vision! Click here to find out how you can help. Check under the 'participate' button.

As Francis Bacon said:

“Money is like muck, not good except it be spread”.

We are individuals with power to affect other people.

“And let us consider

how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

Hebrews 10:24

How I actually found out about OLPC was through an article about a small device which will be able to power one of these special little computers. The device is called a Pull-Cord generator, put out by Potenco. It resembles an oversize yo-yo, really. The idea is you pull the cord and it will generate power which can charge your small devices. They claim that one minute of pulling on the cord will generate 20 minutes of talk time on a mobile phone, 1 hour of Ultrabright flashlight use or 4 hours play time on an iPod Shuffle. The technology is not there yet, but will be in the future. To find out more just click here.

Another concern you may have as a parent, is about ensuring your kids get enough sleep. It's certainly not like when we were teens – I clearly remember having a firmly set bedtime and that was that, but today kids have so much more to stimulate their senses, and you may appreciate any information you can find to help understand how you might help him/her manage their sleep time wisely. I found a terrific article on NPR radio just on this very thing. Just click here to read or listen to this article by Allison Aubrey.

he's thinking of the ant...

should I stock my pantry for winter, or not?

Today in History:

891 - Arnulf defeated the Vikings from Scandinavia at the battle of Louvain in Belgium.

1159 - Pope Adrian IV died. He was originally Nicholas Breakspear and was the only Englishman to be Pope. He was elected Pope in 1154.

1810 - John J. Wood patented the first plow with interchangeable parts.

1830 - Sarah J. Hale published her nursery rhyme, 'Mary had a little lamb'.

1859 - The Pullman sleeping car, built by George Pullman's company with help from Ben Field, was put into service.

1864 - The Charlottetown Conference began on Prince Edward Island, representing the first steps toward Canadian confederation.

1878 - Emma Nutt became the first woman telephone operator when she went to work for Edwin Holmes and his Telephone Dispatch Company in Boston, Massachusetts.

1887 - A patent was file for by Emile Berliner for his invention, the lateral-cut, flat-disk gramophone; better known as the record player. Emile got the patent, but the glory went to Thomas Edison for making his American inventiont work.

1923 - A magnitude-7.9 earthquake struck Japan and completely destroyed Yokahama and nearly destroyed Tokyo. At least 142,000 people were killed and 2.5 million made homeless.

1928 - Albania was declared a kingdom, with Zog I as ruler.

1944 - The movie Arsenic and Old Lace, starring Cary Grant, opened in New York.

1951 - Britain's first supermarket opened in Earl's Court, London.

1953 - Jacques Thibaud, French violinist, died in an air crash. Famed for his technique, he was a member of the famous trio with Alfred Cortot and Pablo Casals.

1972 - Robert "Bobby" Fischer, United States chess player, defeated Soviet player Boris Spassky in Reykjavik, Iceland, becoming the United States' first player to officially win the World Chess Championship. Fisher's strange demands during tournaments, off-the-wall antics, and unexplained forfeiture of his world title brought him an uncharacteristic notoriety than most chess champions.

986 - At his annual telethon on Labor Day weekend, Jerry Lewis raised a record $34 million for Muscular Dystrophy.

1997 - In France, the prosecutor's office said the driver of the car in which Princess Diana was killed, was over the legal alcohol limit.

Barb's Handy Tip #303
Movie Night without Renting the Movie!

My sweet husband found this link for me! These are some movies from the Wimpy Website (media players), and the movies are all just a few minutes long, but they are VERY well done! They are exceptional quality in animation, designed by the folks at the Ringling College of Art and Design.) Ah, ah – get away from that mouse for a second, I need to warn you that not all of the movies are appropriate for children. Many of them are, and many you will want to share with them, but I'd hope you would preview all the movies first so you know which are which. Do tell me which are your favorites!

Ringling Movies Via Wimpy

if you right click on the download link, and open it in a new tab or browser

you won't be taken away from today's blog entry!

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I've been experiementing with swirls. I see them everywhere and I love them, but somehow when I put the pen in my hand my mind draws a blank. I made myself 'sit still!' for an hour until I came away with something of use! Hope you enjoy. Don't forget you can easily change the color of the swirls. In case you're new to Photoshop its quite easy to make a color change. The simplest and quickest way is to go to the menu bar and choose Image - Adjustments - and then Variations. Just play around there until you get the color you desire!

'nudder award (BLUSH!)

Awwwww! My friend Kim selected me for this sweet award. I'm overwhelmed folks. This from Kim, who I enjoy to visit as often as I can for a good belly-laugh daily as well as her amazing talent (she is totally over-generous with freebies too, folks!) You better scoot over and see what's up with her today and snap up her goodies - and shout hello to her too, while you're there. You can visit Kim by clicking here and I've added a permanent link on my sidebar as well. HI KIM!

For my choice for this award I would like to lift up Fantacy. I'm bowled over by you, girl. Seems whereever I go to leave a comment on anyone's blog, I'm bound to see you've been there first, leaving a whole lot of encouragement and praise. You lift the corners of everyone elses mouths in a smile - so I'm doing this for you today. Fantacy has a giving nature too, and you can often find some nice 'stuff' to download at her blog too. You can find her by clicking here.

Most smiles are started by another smile

"A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance"

Proverbs 15:13

Life is mostly froth and bubble,

Only two things stand like stone

Kindness in another's trouble,

Courage in your own.

by Adam Lindsay Gordon

Ahhh ... Foccacia

Yesterday was Miles first day back at school, so I spoke his "Love Language" by baking him happy. It was pleasantly cool outside, so I made a HUGE pot of homemade beef noodle and vegetable soup - almost completely from our garden veggies. And of course, I made bread to go along - Foccacia with and without olives. I love to top it with fresh rosemary. Yes, my sister Nina, I'm thinking of you as we eat it. Nina made me almost weep when she informed me she has a huge bush that gets mowed over all the time... wish I could send you a piece.

apple time in the Okanagan!

Today in History:

1475 - The Truce of Picquigny was signed, under which Edward IV of England agreed to withdraw his invading army from France in return for gold and a yearly pension.

1828 - For his self-regulating wagon brake, Robert Turner of Ward, Massachusetts received a patent.

1833 - In England, the "Factory Act", legislation to settle child labor laws, was passed in England.

1842 - The Treaty of Nanking was signed between the British and Chinese, ending the first Opium War. The treaty confirmed the ceding of Hong Kong island to Britain.

1882 - Australia defeated England in cricket for the first time, prompting an obituary notice in the Sporting Times declaring the "death" of English cricket. More recently, in the final game of the 1999 Cricket World Cup, Australia beat Pakistan by eight wickets.

1885 - Gottfried Daimler received a patent for the first motorcycle.

1886 - The chef of Li Hung-Chang, China's ambassador to the United States, came up with a new dish in New York City. It called chop suey.

1946 - On Decca Records, Ella Fitzgerald and The Delta Rhythm Boys recorded "It’s a Pity to Say Goodnight". The song would be one of Lady Ella’s most popular.

1964 - The Roy Orbison single, "Oh, Pretty Woman", was released. On September 26, 1964, it hit number one for a 3 week run, becoming Orbison's biggest hit ever. "Oh, Pretty Woman" was his second #1 hit, the other was "Running Scared" on June 5, 1961.

1966 - The Beatles, one of the most popular Rock and Roll bands of all time, made their last scheduled public performance before the group disbanded in 1970. Performing in front of 24,000 screaming fans at Candlestick Park (called today 3Com Park) in San Francisco, the concert began at 8 pm and lasted about 33 minutes.

1973 - United States President Nixon was ordered by Judge John Sirica to turn over the Watergate tapes. Nixon refused and appealed the order.

Barb's Handy Tip # 302

Who's your Match?

Ever wondered if you look like a celebrity - (or vice versa?) With this site you can upload your own photo and they will try to match you! Then you can send the match to your email. A great way to waste some of your day away. Let me know who you resemble?

STARS IN YOU

if you right click on the download link, and open it in a new tab or browser window

you won't be taken away from today's journal entry!

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I created some fall-themed elements for you, from some photos I took while we were away at the coast. While walking with our nieces we found these 'treasures' of nuts and leaves. I hope you enjoy them. I had created the first single ones, but got carried away making the set with the swirls as well using some filters etc. I still have some different type of nuts in waiting to be done, which I will share with you soon. These single acorns may make some great brushes for your layouts.

Sweet little bird in russet coat
The livery of the closing year
I love thy lonely plaintive note
And tiny whispering song to hear
While on the style or garden seat
I sit to watch the falling leaves
The songs thy little joys repeat
My loneliness relieves.

By John Clare

Our Niece with Treasures!

It's kind of a nutty time, isn't it... summer is winding down to a quick end, and fall not quite here yet. I imagine it's more 'real' to my neighbors in the U.S.A as you've already got kids back at school – our schools don't go back in for a bit yet – though there is lots of preperation before that actually happens. Some apples are ready to be picked, hanging blushing red and ripe on the sagging tree branches. If I were a tree I'd be so relieved to have all that extra weight gone! I'm looking forward to trying all sorts of recipes using apples.

I've managed to can yet more peaches, and Miles is indicating he wouldn't be upset if I decided to do say a dozen more or so jars. I did the first lot in slices, but this second time I did them in halves – much more attractive! I always add ginger in too, for a bit of kick.

We spent a lovely day celebrating our daughter's birthday with her – in the city... She lives in Kelowna, a place which, like so many communities everywhere, is suffering great growing pains. There's always a wait at the bridge which crosses over the lake into town, and there's no way to get around that. We are generally used to a short wait, but during the summer tourist season the wait can and does grow into a one hour or longer affair. Such was the case for us. A little hint to pass along – if you're headed there, make sure you go potty beforehand... I had an agonizing wait. The bridge is being replaced by a new one, but that won't be ready for a year yet.

We went out for lunch and some shopping at the mall. Miles sank into a big easychair (the malls pretty smart to provide these for weary husbands – they surely profit from this!) and waited while we stuck our snorters into the Lush Store. Oh, its a veritable feast for the nasal canals! Intending to merely buy one item for Melanie, she turned it around and we both wound up with three items – something to do with a buy one get one, buy more get some more kinda thing... I ended up with two fizzy bath bombs, as follows:

SUGAR RUSH Can't seem to wake up in the morning? You need a Sugar Rush! As bright as the morning sun and as crisp as your favorite breakfast cereal, Sugar Rush bath bomb will motivate you like jolt of a double espresso. Feel energized with its stimulating cola-inspired fragrance with spicy cassia and cinnamon leaf. Orange oil helps revive while a hint of lavender adds balance. Go ahead, take a bath then take on the day!

BLACKBERRY This was Melanie's choice for me, and when I cut it in half (a whole one is just overkill for me) I found a little comic paper which ready BOOM BOOM! Despite its dark exterior the Blackberry bath bomb is the perfect antidote to winter days and nights. A berry blast with bergamot and frankincense will uplift your spirits and keep you motivated to maintain the resolutions of a new year.

The other item I 'had to have' was a yummy bath melt called You've Been Mangoed. Truly, it is so fresh smelling it makes your mouth water and pucker!– and the description is: If you're lookin for a refreshing pick up rather than a peaceful wind down from your bath - get Mangoed. The citrus explosion of lemon, lime and lemongrass will awaken energy reserves and keep you charged.

What's YOUR favorite Lush product? A gift basket from Lush would be my dream prezzie – I always take away a catalogue and drool over it, thinking “if I had a few hundred fall from the sky...”

Yesterday was our first day back at church this entire summer. The message was so good, and timely. Pastor Ed 'told it like it is' – about Faith. As he spoke my thoughts were brought to a personal revelation that to me, that though Faith is an not considered a verb, to me, it's an action word, its the action of Trust. See, when we Trust, then we move forward in Faith to actually do something. Faith is not passive. Trust is solid. It does not move, and it does not cause us to change (other than in our thinking). Faith, on the other hand, can move mountains. It's believing in what we trust to move ahead – even if it's strange or uncomfortable for us. To me, Faith is like the 'gift' of trust, for if I trust (that God is in control) I may have the gift of Faith, to walk in. Walking in Faith is never walking alone. Walking in Faith is knowing that no matter where the journey takes us, we can be confident it's where God wanted us to go. We can just enjoy the ride! So Trust in God, my friends, and have Faith He's with you, all the way.

1 Corinthians 13:2

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,

and if I have a faith that can move mountains,

but have not love, I am nothing.

Matthew 17:20

He replied, "Because you have so little faith.

I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed,

you can say to this mountain, '

Move from here to there' and it will move.

Nothing will be impossible for you."

Mark 10:52

"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."

Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Ok, that was all my 'heavy stuff' and now I'll get on to some lighter subjects. I have a couple of reader layouts queued up – one is waiting permission to publish here. Actually the one I did recieve the go ahead on is one from GrumpyPup (ok you MUST share the tale of how you chose your username with us ...) I invited GrumpyPup to share a blog site with us, should she have one, and she doesn't ... but her dog Lucy does – and so since this layout is about Lucy, it's fitting! You can visit Lucy's blog by clicking here and thanks so much getting your talented owner to create and share your layout with us!

Film strip © Miles Derksen.

I used the VanDerLee Camouflage Filter for all Camo effects.

Net © GrumpyPup

Journaling reads: Lucy must think that our backyard is being invaded by terrorist (a.k.a. squirrels.) She goes outside everyday racing from tree to tree, looking upwards in hopes of seeing a terrorist. When she sees one, she sits, barking at it while wagging her tail. Occasionally she will see one on the ground searching for food. As she moves slowly, stalking it, she must be thinking, "Oh boy! I know I can catch this terrorist now." Getting closer and closer, she suddenly blasts off like a rocket causing the terrorist to flee to the closest tree.

We were informed that the annual 'star party' which takes place at a local mountain each summer, passed us by... darn. It's quite something, attracting astronomers from all over the world to our area. Well, can't change that, but I found something which is almost as delightful. If you have and use Google Earth, it now has a new feature which allows you to explore the night sky! It's pretty impressive – I've tried it out myself and I can see how this will be a huge asset to educators and up and coming astronomers too. Its as simple as a mouse click on the icon for the sky, and Google Earth swings you up for a view of all the constellations etc. To find out more about Google Sky just click here.

For all you teachers who are returning to school, or already at school – I've got a cute site especially for you. As the weather changes to fall, then into winter you certainly deal with your fair share of colds and runny noses. Who knew they could be useful? Piqued your interest? To find out what I'm talking about (and you get a bonus musical instrument through this too) just click here.

Sorry - no time for Today in History as I'm tutoring this morning. I will try to post again soon. Have a great day folks!

Barb's Handy Tip #301
Where'd You Snap That Photo?

This site is almost mesmerizing, really. Every minute as someone updates their Flickr Photo Gallery, the photo may make it into this feature, which shows you the photo and where it was uploaded from. Kind of a 'living screensaver' of sorts. A bit scary meybe. Good scary. Hint: when you hover over the small preview a large view opens.

FlickrVision (Beta)

** HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELANIE **

Layout Credits:

Papers and Elements: Chili Chocolate by Catharina Oelting at Scrapladies
Font: Rilo

This will be a very brief blog entry today - but had to wish our beautiful daughter here! We love you and are so very proud of you and can't wait to spend the day with you - have marked your time off on the calendar. Hugs and Kisses from both of us!

Amber Flower Download

I just hadda give something pretty away to celebrate - so I hunted up this pretty, something which belonged to my Gramma at one time! I've saved two different versions for you - the first one has no effects added, so those of you who are more advanced can enhance it any way you like! I would love to see how you use this! How bout sending me your layouts and I will feature them here? Just email me at lalalime_at_hotmail_dot_com? (doing it this way to avoid spamming)

Today in History:

Melanie was born, 24 years ago - nothing else seems as relevant or special today! LOL!

BARB'S HANDY TIP #300

Want a NEW CAR?

Really Mel, if we could afford it we would buy you the Real Thing, but for now you will have to make do with one of these amazing little fold up cars. So small they fit in your palm - you should not have any problems parking one of these ... on your desk!

PRINTABLE PAPER CARS

if you right-click on the download link, and open it in a new tab or window

you wont' be taken away from today's entry!

download

Home SWEET Home...



Dorothy really summed it up in the Wizard of Oz, when she proclaimed "There's NO PLACE like home!" Though we had a completely wonderful time at the coast with our folks, it was so good to arrive back. Part of home was with me during our time away - when we shopped or hunted at the yard sales my thoughts were always on how each item would fit in or enhance our home. More about the 'sales' later... so much to tell.

woo hoo!

Firstly, I've been awarded Rocking Girl Blogger by no less than TWO friends! Melanie voted me before we went to the coast for a week, and then Valinda voted me again, not knowing. Thanks to both of you - I'm Rocked! In turn, I'd like to vote the following fab five:

Gina - you Rock because you're so real. You're the sister of my heart. You don't 'pretend' to be someone you're not, and you've shared your journey with us - whether painful or pleasant. You've been an inspiration to me more than you can ever know. In fact, it seems my friend could use a little encouragement right now (& prayer too!)

Becky - You and I are years apart in age - but who's counting or even noticing - you and I 'clicked' from day one, and any differences we have only complement a very special freindship. YOUR blog is often my daily spiritual breakfast.

Cicero - your love for flora and fauna and food... haha, not necessarily in that order... well, you teach me so much. You and I live life much the same - a little away from the hustle and bustle of the world, but able to connect and engage and enjoy it when we find ourselves away. I always look forward to seeing what flower or insect or recipe you will feature next. I just know that when we meet face to face, it won't be a surprize at all - I feel like we're old friends already.

JanMary - I once told you that your blog is like reading a Mauve Binchy novel - your adventures in Northern Ireland and surrounding areas, with your beautiful children and friends make me long for something I can't even put a finger on. I live precariously through your photos and journaling some days... Thanks for sharing and always letting me know when you update your blog as I'm bad at even checking my RSS feed! LOL!

Amy - you never lose confidence in me that I will get our little project done SOMEDAY... lol. And I WILL... One day sparks will fly and we will whip it up in a couple of hours and wonder why we did not do that sooner. Your blog Rocks because besides sharing your life with us and many photos of sweet Emma, you also GIVE so much. Thanks for compiling your freebie lists - I know without your generosity (along with several others) my blog would not receive much of the traffic it does.

So, I am so touched at being selected as your Rockin' Blogger - but I can't take all the praise myself. My blog is only an extension of my faith - and I'm grateful my Lord has enabled me to be able to find some way to entertain and enrich your life. The word that crosses my mind is the word 'worthy' ... which caused me, naturally, to look up the word itself. You found me 'worthy' enough to choose my blog as one of value to your own blog readers.

Worthy:

1. Having worth or merit or value; being honourable or admirable
2. Worthy of being chosen especially as a spouse
3. Having qualities or abilities that merit recognition in some way

And, by now, you also know I'd of course look that up in the bible - this is often the way I do my bible study, is by seeking life's answers and experiences there. The word worthy is mentioned 48 times - and almost always as God being THE one worthy of ALL of our praise. So, when I'm deemed worthy of YOUR awards, I have to give praise to the ONE who enables me to build my blog daily.

Psalm 145:3

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

I always rely on HIM to provide me with my blog content - truly I suck at writing - but if I pray and ask to be filled with stuff for you - I'm always rewarded!

Proverbs 8:6

Listen, for I have worthy things to say;

I open my lips to speak what is right.

And if I can't rightly, fully describe where my blog flows from, perhaps watching the following video can capture it for you. It's a music video by Jason Morant - and it really sums up how I feel - humbled in Him, who provides me with words and creations for you daily. Really.

do you see a face here too?

I can see this blog could get away on me FAST today - I did not even have an element made when I started this a.m. (had to think HARD!) and its gettin' on in the day, and its SUNNY outside, so I'm going to try winding it up pretty fast. I will just hunt out a few handy hints for you and today's history and a great site to keep your appetites whetted for the next one - which won't be for a few more days.

With summer winding to an end, and the kids bored out of their little skulls I've got a few ideas for you to get them thru till you can give them over to their teachers. Here they are:

Take a 'penny walk'... Take a walk through your neighborhood - taking a coin along. Each time you come to a corner, flip the coin to see whether to go left (heads) or right (tails).

Become nature detectives.

Take a digital camera along on your walks. Keep an eye out for any unusual items. Take pics, later look up the items on the internet together.

Trail Tote:

Lizette Castano at the Children's Nature Institute came up with this neat idea:

Pack a canvas bag with the following items -

Egg Carton: Paint the bottom of each compartment a different color, then challenge kids to find natural souvenirs in a matching hue.

Magnifying Glass: Encourage your family to take a closer look at things and discover treasures hidden in plain view, such as the silvery veins on a leaf or tiny mites on a decaying log.

Magnets: Run a strong magnet across the soil to see if iron bits are lurking about (they'll stick to the magnet). For an even greater wow factor, bring a paper plate, top it with soil, then run a magnet underneath it to see the iron bits dance.

Water-filled spray bottle: See how a gentle spritz can change the look of things, such as spiderwebs and color shifting rocks.

Homemade soil slides: Cut a 1/2 inch square in a notecard cover and cover the hole with a piece of clear tape. Press the sticky side against the soil, then use a magnifying glass to discover the individual components.

And to keep yourselves amused (tho I would have enjoyed the previous activities as any kid) - why not send a DQ VIRTUAL cake to someone - all the fun with none of the calories LOL! Just click here to send your cake!

ah, home!

Our beautiful Okanagan fruit and mountains!

Today in History:

1831 - Nat Turner, a former slave, led a violent insurrection in Virginia.

1841 - Venetian blinds were patented by John Hampton of New Orleans, Louisiana.

1878 - The American Bar Association was formed by a group of lawyers in Saratoga Springs, New York.

1888 - The adding machine was patented by William Burroughs of St. Louis, Missouri. The invention bore the Burrough’s office machine company name for years.

1911 - Leonardo da Vinci's most famous painting "Mona Lisa" was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris by Italian waiter Vicenzo Perruggia. The painting was recovered two years later. Painted at the beginning of the 16th century, Mona Lisa is believed to be the portrait of Lisa di Noldo Gherardini, wife of Florentine nobleman Francesco del Giocondo. Today the Mona Lisa is behind bullet-proof glass in the Louvre Museum.

1912 - The first boy to reach the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest Boy Scouts of America rank, did so today. His name was Arthur R. Eldred, a resident of Oceanside, New York.

1931 - Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees hit his 600th home run.

1950 - The United Nations moved to a new permanent location at buildings in New York City , on land donated by the Rockefeller family.

1959 - President Dwight Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Hawaii as the 50th state of the United States. Two months earlier the Hawaiian electorate had approved a referendum in favor of statehood. The name "Hawaii" is believed to derive from Hawaiki, the former name of Raiatea, an island in French Polynesia.

1961 - The United States and El Salvador signed the first Food for Peace agreement.

1971 - Laura Baugh, just 16-years old, became the youngest winner of the United States Women’s Amateur Golf tournament.

1976 - It was announced by RCA Victor Records that sales of Elvis Presley records passed the 400 million mark.

1990 - The first pictures from Venus by the space probe Magellan showed features similar to volcanoes and valleys on Earth.

1997 - A plastic artificial leg was fitted to a pink flamingo in Lincoln Park Zoo, Illinois. The flamingo, know only as B9720, was believed to be the world's first with an artificial leg.

what can I say?

BARB'S HANDY TIP #299
Get some Color!

I love this site - it causes me to look in for colors in a whole new way, and it's filled with terrific resources! (you can view and download tons of wonderful palettes!) MAKE SURE you explore this entire site - there's a lot to it!!!

COLOURlovers™ is a resource that monitors and influences color trends. COLOURlovers gives the people who use color - whether for ad campaigns, product design, or even in architectural specification - a place to check out a world of color, compare color palettes, submit news and comments, and read color related articles and interviews.

The COLOURlovers™ community is regularly updated with information and examples of the way colors are used in the real world -- along with news articles on color trends and interviews with top creative professionals. Here everyone who is interested in the practical applications of color can find an index of color trends as they are happening. Together, they create a color trend index for the entire world provided by users of color worldwide. It's a tool designers and artists of all kinds use to work with colors in new ways and quickly find out what's hot and what's not. This site allows anyone to find their inspiration for color by searching, sorting and filtering through keywords to a color scheme that interests them... or create and share your own!

COLOURlovers

If you right-click on the download link,

and open it in another tab or window,

You won't be taken away from today's blog entry!

download

Today's element was inspired to me by a Drive In movie sign we pass every time we go across the U.S. border. I used to go to the actual Drive In as a kid, with my family, but it's fallen into disrepair over the years. I wanted to be sure to take a photo of this unique sign before it succumbs to the elements. Now, it's an element for you!

I can't comprehend the fact that summer vacation is coming to an end. I was brought up short when looking at the calendar yesterday - I guess I've been in denial that the days march by without my permission. Usually we've been 5 weeks gone, camping in our VW, but this year we've just stayed put. Don't get me wrong, the Okanagan Valley is THE place to be - as the ads say "the best place on earth"... but it just threw me off time-wise.

MY SISTER!!! u

We had two busy weeks of company, first with our daughter and then four days with my sister Nina. We don't live close to each other, so we don't get loads of time together - so when we do we pack a LOT in. She was on a mission to gather fruit and and veg at the same time (No, she's not an 'earth mother' or anything like that. We managed to make four types of jams - pineapple/peach, damson plum, chokecherry and cherry. Besides these, we dried a plethora of stuff - peppers, apples, peaches, plums, cherries and nectarines.

We did all the 'touristy' tours about our fine little town - well most things, we did save some things for 'next time'. Fanks for the bestest visit together Sis! You're not so hard to be around! ;) I'm already counting the days until our next visit!

Miles baked too, one of his own delectable creations, this time a coconut ball & pecan cheesecake... mmmm

So here's some trivia and fun things I've hunted up to share with you-all over the past week.


I found these sweet small cube containers which I thought would be perfect to store freezer jam in. Being there's only two of us, these would be ideal! Priced at $6.50 for ten these would be a perfect item to have. They are meant to be the right size for single serving baby-foods - but so what! To view, just click here - oh, and if you actually have small children, you will love this entire site!

At another site from a Parents magazine, I found this terrific idea, which will appeal to the scrapper in all of us... its a site where you can have photos of your loved ones put into neat items such as cuff-links for your guy, even items for your pet... Just click here

Ever wanted to try on a new hairdo - or makeup, but did not want to have to purchase a computer program? Now you can do it at the Sunsilk site, just upload a picture of yourself and let the fun begin! Just click here to start.

You EAT - or else!

I've been thinking on the word 'rescue' lately, both in terms of the dictionary meaning and in spiritual terms for my life. The dictionary defines rescue as follows:

• 
  to free from confinement, danger, or evil
• 
  to take (as a prisoner) forcibly from custody
• 
  to recover (as a prize) by force
• 
  to recover (as a prize) by force

So these are the 'official' definitions of the word rescue, but my thoughts were along the path that I've been rescued many, many times in my life. I'm not talking about someone physically taking me from danger, although I am sure that must have occurred as a child (who does not have some things to be rescued from, as we are too young to identify danger?) I was thinking more along the lines of being rescued in other ways. Like when you say something stupid (regretting it instantly too...) and someone 'rescues' you because they see what you need. Or, you get in over your head, financially, and someone rescues you by giving you money (like my Sis did during her visit, when I insisted to pay for the groceries only to arrive at the till and realize I left my wallet at home... really!) Or, you're painting your nails and drop some polish on your fave dress (yes, you never should have painted your nails in your best outfit) and someone does a spot clean with the remover. But its even bigger than this at times...

Do you notice that when someone 'rescues' you, it mostly involves some type of personal sacrifice? That when someone steps up to the plate for you, they shoulder the blame, take the flak? Sometimes, we don't even know we are in any sort of danger, but our 'rescuer' sees what we don't, and they step in to save us from sure pain or sorrow.

And I was thinking how God has rescued me so many times. And mostly, I could not see His hand in it until much later. He has saved me from situations ... and at the time I was completely unaware. In fact, I'm sure that some of the things I prayed for, He denied me, because they would not have been right for me, and when I was disappointed, I should have been grateful He rescued me from some unknown.

Do you know, the bible mentions the word 'rescue' some 122 times? In fact, the entire bible and faith is based on the premise of being rescued, from the world, from evil, from sin, from shame. And after the rescue comes a delivery. Remember, no matter what your situation, our Lord is waiting to rescue you.. . there's no situation He can't help you overcome, if you'll simply ask. I've seen it in my own likfe so many times. Following are a few scriptures and such which impress me and I'd like to share with you.

2 Samuel 22:18

He rescued me from my powerful enemy,

from my foes, who were too strong for me.

2 Samuel 22:20

He brought me out into a spacious place;

he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Nehemiah 9:27

So you handed them over to their enemies, who oppressed them.

But when they were oppressed they cried out to you.

From heaven you heard them,

and in your great compassion

you gave them deliverers,

who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.

Psalm 81:7

In your distress you called and I rescued you,

I answered you out of a thundercloud;

I tested you at the waters of Meribah.

Selah

Jeremiah 1:8

Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you and will rescue you,"

declares the LORD.

Do you know someone YOU can rescue today?

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can.

by John Wesley

Today in History:

1492 - Spanish-born Rodrigo de Borja was proclaimed pope, upon which he changed his name to Alexander VI. His historical record appeared to have been mixed: While historians have charged Alexander VI with corruption, including the buying out of church officials to obtain the papacy, he did adopt a policy of tolerance and respect towards Jews.

1860 - The nation's first successful silver mill began operation near Virginia City, Nevada.

1874 - Harry S. Parmelee of New Haven, Connecticut got a patent for the sprinkler head.

1877 - U.S. astronomer Asaph Hall discovered Deimos, a satellite of Mars.

1896 - The pull-chain electric-light socket was patented by Harvey Hubbell of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

1906 - The first sound-on-film motion picture was patented on this date by Eugene Augustin Lauste of Paris, France. The first all-talking movie would not be available for another twelve years.

1909 - The first United States ship to use the "SOS" radio distress call was the liner "Arapahoe". Finding itself in trouble off the coast of North Carolina, the ship sent out an SOS signal which would be received by a ship nearby. SOS does not stand for anything, it was merely adopted as an international distress signal because it is easily transmitted and interpreted.

1919 - Scottish-born American industrialist Andrew Carnegie died at 83. His business grew into one of the largest iron and steel works in the United States from which he made huge bequests, including public libraries in the U.S. and Britain.

1924 - In Washington, DC, the first newsreel pictures of United States presidential candidates were taken.

1934 - The first federal prisoners arrived at the island prison Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay.

1951 - New York City's WCBS-TV broadcast the first color doublheader baseball game. The featured teams were the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Boston Braves, with a Dodgers win, 8-1.

1965 - The Beatles' second movie, Help!, opened in New York to hundreds of waiting teenage fans.

1965 - Karen Yvett Muir, age 12, became the youngest person to break a world record when she swam the 100-yard backstroke in 8.7 seconds at Blackpool, England.

1965 - A minor incident between Marquette Frye, a 21-year-old African American, and two White policemen set off six days of riots in the Los Angeles's South Central neighborhood of Watts. The rioting, during which 34 people died, was caused by a growing racial tension and poor socio-economic conditions among African Americans.

1968 - It was the start of National Apple Week in England. The Beatles launched their new record label, Apple.

Barb's Handy Tip #298

'Do' Your Desktop!

With a zillion really nice desktops out there, it has to be pretty special to interest me... and there are several at the following website that do. I can hardly decide which, in fact, and they are of the highest quality. And they are FREE. And, for my sis-in-law, Judy, theres even some very nice ones for her Vista. Enjoy!

DESKTOP WALLPAPERS AT VLADSTUDIO