Spring=Serenity

I've been working in my Serenity Garden this afternoon.

There's a lot of yardwork to do, so I put on my shorts and little spaghetti-strap top and began pulling weeds. I was also hoping to give this shiny white body of mine some sunshine and perhaps become slightly darker.

It's around 90 degrees here today, so it didn't take long to get all the sun I needed for the day. Now I'm sitting here, cooling off, with a big bottle of ice water. But it sure felt good to get out there and feel the warmth.

To me Spring=Serenity, so here's a fun little mime for us. I've filled in my version. How would you fill in the letters?

S-SUNSHINE
E-EVENING SHADE
R-REST
E-EASY GOING
N-NESTING BIRDS
I-ICED TEA
T-TERRY BEACH TOWEL
Y-YELLOW TULIPS

Who Wrote?

A question.....

Who wrote "Lady Audley's Secret"

* Wilkie Collins
* Mary Elizabeth Braddon
* R. C. Terry
* George Eliot

Find the answer at Everything Victorian (Especially Books).

Don't forget the Pashmina giveaway on June 1st. Leave a comment for a chance to win.

Also! Become a "follower" of Everything Victorian (Especially Books) for 3 chances to win a Victorian Teapot bracelet. Giveaway June 1st.

Can You Guess?

Do you know the answer to this question?

Who wrote "Corgiville Christmas".....

Was it:
1. Tasha Tudor
2. Tovah Martin
3. Richard W. Brown
4. Emily Dickinson
5. Charles Dickens
6. Victoria Holt

To find the answer, please go to Everything Victorian (Especially Books).

My New Blog + Bracelet Giveaway

Today I'm announcing the grand opening of my newest blog, "Everything Victorian."

I hope you'll become a follower and come by often.

I'm also having a Giveaway over there. I'll be giving away one silver Victorian Teapot Bracelet. Drawing for the bracelet will take place on June 1st.

Rules are simple:
* Leave a comment on the new blog for 1 entry
* Become a follower of the new blog for 3 entries

Hope to see you at EVERYTHING VICTORIAN.

Pashmina Giveaway Ends Soon

Don't forget my Pashmina Summer Shawl Giveaway!

Drawing will be held on June 1st.

The rules are simple:
1. Leave a comment- 1 entry
2. Become a new follower - 3 entries
3. Mention my blog on yours - 5 entries (let me know if you do this)
4. Color of scarf is not yet determined

This wrap is perfect for wearing around your shoulders on a cool evening by the pool, or sitting in your secret garden. You can wear them on luxury cruises, resort vacations, to proms, weddings, club meetings, dinner parties, or just sitting beside the fire with a good book.

***What are your three favorite colors?

Good luck!

Whatcha Reading?

What are you reading this week?

* Grab that book.

* Turn to the first page.

* Find the first sentence.

* Post that sentence under my comments, with the title of the book, and name of author. (Post more sentences, if you wish).

Happy Reading!

She Still Calls Me Daddy

She Still Calls Me Daddy
By- Robert Wolgemuth
Author of the Best-Selling Book SHE CALLS ME DADDY

If you are a father (actually it doesn't matter whether you are a father or mother), you know how difficult it is to anticipate your daughter growing up and leaving the immediate family unit.

It is even more difficult when the time finally arrives for her to walk down the isle and take the hand of a virtual stranger. You may feel you are losing her forever.

This book gives a father/parent the tools to cope with the inevitable feelings of loss and shows one how to go about the blending of two families--the one she is leaving and the one she is forming.

Families need not feel torn apart by marriages. As a father, with experience along these lines, the author gives positive steps toward acceptance and suggests ways that fathers can go through the process of "giving away" one's daughter and growing into solid extended relationships.

We all know that adjustments, for all parties, is tricky business, but when you read this book and take the steps suggested by Robert Wolgemuth, you will have the means and grace by which to travel the prickly path.

You will no doubt find this Christian book comforting and inspirational.

The author has written many other books, including "She Calls Me Daddy."

Memorial

America the Beautiful
Words by Katharine Lee Bates

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America! God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet

Whose stern impassioned stress

A thoroughfare of freedom beat

Across the wilderness!

America! America! God mend thine every flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

America! America! May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness

And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America! God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the enameled plain!

America! America! God shed his grace on thee

Till souls wax fair as earth and air

And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,

Whose stem impassioned stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness!

America! America! God shed his grace on thee

Till paths be wrought through wilds of thought

By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale Of liberating strife

When once and twice, for man's avail

Men lavished precious life!

America! America! God shed his grace on thee

Till selfish gain no longer stain

The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America! God shed his grace on thee

Till nobler men keep once again Thy whiter jubilee!

Merit Badge Friday

Hi Ladies!

It's Merit Badge Friday!

If you could give yourself a Merit Badge for Excellence Award this week, which of the following would it be:

1. Reading

2. Gardening

3. Friendship

4. Nurse

5. Home Interior

6. Patience

7. Mother of the week

8. Hostess

9. Seamstress

10. Writing

11. Painting

12. Something else?

***Tell us why you should receive this award. Feel free to copy my Serenity Merit Award photo (above) onto your site and link it back to mine.

Have a safe and happy weekend.

New Book Giveaway Blog

Hey Everyone!

Shauna has a new BOOK GIVEAWAY BLOG. She's going to be giving away some great books, so stop by and take a look.

Have a GREAT DAY!

Blown Away

Anita over at Rollercoaster Days has given me the Beautiful Blogger Award.

It is amazing how many wonderful women there are out there in Blogger Land. I am forever blown away by the friendships we make over the internet!

Thank you Anita for honoring me!

Cherokee Fox

Cherokee Fox has given me the honor of the "One Lovely Blog Award." It was so sweet of her to think of me! Thank you so much, Cherokee Fox!


When I started blogging last year, I would never have imagined the sisterhood that is created throughout the blogosphere. I appreciate all of you very much.

Blessings, Barbara

Little Kendyl Grace

Do you remember little Kendyl Grace?

My great-granddaughter, Kendyl Grace, was born premature last fall, with most of her intestines outside of her tiny body. It was touch and go for many weeks while the doctors and nurses took excellent care of her.

After making a miraculous recovery, she is now a well and happy little girl, living a normal life with her parents.

Thank you again for all your prayers for our sweet angel.

New Babies

Our last old Araucana hen died last summer. She was 5+ years old and had consistently given us an egg a day. We had great respect for her productive longevity. It was hard to see her go.

We didn't know if we would ever have chickens again, but with the economy taking a nose dive, we decided it was probably best to buy some babies. We figure it will make us a little more self-sufficient.

A couple of days ago, our 6, Araucana, one day old, little hens (we hope they're hens) came in and Jim has been nurturing them ever since.

Our little Araucana's will eventually lay Easter eggs. They actually lay colored eggs--usually green shells. What a great treat!


***In which ways are you thinking of becoming more self-sufficient?

Lilacs and Peonies

Lilacs above our garage.
Peony in the front yard of our country home.

Pashmina Summer Shawl Giveaway

Don't forget my Pashmina Summer Shawl Giveaway!

Drawing will be held on June 1st.

The rules are simple:
1. Leave a comment- 1 entry
2. Become a new follower - 3 entries
3. Mention my blog on yours - 5 entries (let me know if you do this)
4. Color of scarf is not yet determined

This wrap is perfect for wearing around your shoulders on a cool evening by the pool, or sitting in your secret garden. You can wear them on luxury cruises, resort vacations, to proms, weddings, club meetings, dinner parties, or just sitting beside the fire with a good book.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Merit Badge Friday

It's MERIT BADGE FRIDAY.

I've decided to offer this feature each week. I think it will be fun to look back over our week and decide what positive thing we should congratulate ourselves on.

If you could give yourself a Merit Badge for Excellence Award this week, which would it be:

1. Reading

2. Gardening

3. Friendship

4. Nurse

5. Home Interior

6. Patience

7. Mother of the week

8. Hostess

9. Seamstress

10. Writing

11. Painting

12. Something else?

***Tell us why you should receive this award, then go ahead and award it to yourself. Draw it on a blank sheet of paper and hang it on your refrigerator.

National Chocolate Chip Day

Ladies and Gentleman, tomorrow is National Chocolate Chip Day!

Don't we have a special day for everything? If you're like me, though, anytime is a good time for a party or special celebration.

So anyway, speaking of chocolate....if you could have a delicious chocolate treat, which would you prefer?

1. Chocolate chip cookies

2. White chocolate

3. A mixture of white and dark chocolate

4. Dark chocolate kisses

5. A chocolate candy bar with nuts

6. A chocolate candy bar with caramel

7. A big piece of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting

8. A hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and a cherry on top

9. A chocolate mocha

10. Or something else?

Don't forget the Pashmina drawing on June 1st (see last post)

Another Pashmina Giveaway....

Hey ladies!

It's time for another Pashmina Shawl/Scarf Giveaway!!

The rules are simple:

1. Leave a comment- 1 entry

2. Become a new follower - 3 entries

3. Mention my blog on yours - 5 entries (let me know if you do this)

4. Color of scarf is not yet determined

I'll draw the lucky winner on June 1st. Good luck!

The American Patriot's Bible

I've been a collector of various versions of the Bible for many years and have over two dozen which I use for devotional reading, study, and leadership purposes.

A few days ago, I received a copy of The American Patriot's Bible.

Wow, did I get a pleasant surprise! What a beautiful book. What an incredible gift to the American people! What a work of art!

Featured in this New King James Version are numerous letters and speeches by former presidents, leaders, and statesman; colorful illustrations and photos; patriotic songs and poems by famous Americans; "I Have A Dream" by Martin Luther King Jr.; Lincoln's Gettyburg Address; prayers and quotes from our founding fathers; The Seven Principles of the Judeo-Christian Ethic; full color Bible maps, a concordance, a subject index, and so much more. It is an over-flowing treasure trove of freedom thoughts and documents.

It is difficult to turn a page without finding something so amazing that it will make you want to stand up, place your hand over your heart and salute the American flag, or sing out with pride, America the Beautiful.

This book should sit on the shelf of every library in America, both public and private. It is one of the those special tools which will be used over and over again; read, studied, and treasured for it's depth of content and insight into our country's history and founding ideals.

The American Patriot's Bible is an ideal gift for a veteran, a student of American history, or anyone who deeply loves this country.

Beautiful Blooms

Our peonies started to appear on Sunday (Mother's Day) and by Monday had burst into full bloom.

Jim planted these in our front yard a few years ago and each spring we get to enjoy their beauty for a week or two. They are absolutely gorgeous. I've even had people come up to our door to ask about them. They are definitely my favorite flower.

***What's growing in your yard or garden?

My Book Wish List

Customers of online bookstores frequently keep a wish-list. If you're like me, you do, too.

I browse Amazon and other sellers, almost daily, and buy favorite books, each week, through the mail. The company's wish list feature, helps me keep up with books I'm interested in, and those I'll probably purchase in the future.

My wish list includes:

1. The Infernal World of Branwell Bronte - by Daphne du Maurier

2. The Return of the Soldier - by Rebecca West

3. The Haunting of Hill House - by Shirley Jackson (I've read this before and loved it)

4. The House In The Churchyard - by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

5. The Mill On The Floss - by George Eliot

6. Bleak House - by Charles Dickens

7. The Haunted Hotel - by Wilkie Collins

8. Tess of the D'Urbervilles - by Thomas Hardy

This is only a very short list of my "book wants."

***Which books are on your wish list?

The Heroine Is You

Yesterday, I finished reading "Jane Eyre" and loved every page of it (my kind of book). My goal this year is to read at least one classic every two weeks, with a few recent works thrown in, somewhere in between. So, as not to lose any time, I started my next reading project, "Hester" by Margaret Oliphant, last evening.

I read almost anything I can get my hands on (I've hardly ever met a book I didn't like), but the books I relish most are usually those written in 19th century or early 20th century England or France. I enjoy Victorian and Edwardian settings and stories about strong independent women or women who have overcome great difficulties and come out of top.

My favorite genre is Victorian Gothic Romantic Fiction. Does that make me shallow? *smiles*

***If you were the heroine of a great novel, in which of these settings would it take place?

1. Bible times

2. Medieval times

3. Napoleonic era

4. Victorian era

5. Civil War Days

6. Edwardian era

7. The Wild West

8. The Roaring 20's

9. 1930's-1940's

10.1950's

11. 1960's-present time

Going Away

Dear Friends,

Just like many of you, I'm expecting company this weekend for Mother's Day, so I'm going to be away from the blogging world for a couple of days.

My sincere wish is that you have a wonderful special day with your family on Sunday.

I'll be back (God willing) on Monday.

Happy Mother's Day!

Riley's New Clothes

Hello again friends! Please come through
my Serenity Gate so we can sit and talk awhile.

Riley is barking again as you come in, but don't be alarmed, he just loves company.

He has two barks...one is a high-pitched bark that he uses for greeting friends and the other is his "bad boy" bark that he uses for the UPS and Postal men when they come to our door.

Yesterday, I told you about Riley wearing my t-shirt (see the last post) to protect his surgery boo-boo .

After writing my last blog post, I drove out to Walmart in search of a long sleeve boy's t-shirt. Since summer is almost here, and the winter clothes have been sold off, I could only find this little red one in size 4-5. I brought it home, laid it out on the table, cut off about 1/2 of each sleeve, then cut off 6 inches from the hem, and put it on Riley. The photo above is the result of my shopping trip and fashion experiment.

There was an immediate change in his attitude. He is so proud now and loves his new red shirt. He's been a happy boy ever since.

He's not licking or chewing the stitches on his leg and the incision is looking much better. I think we're on our way to recovery. (knock on wood!)

Poor Baby

Hello friends! Come on in through the gate. Don't mind
Riley barking a little....he's just happy to see you.

Last Friday, I had to take Riley into the vet's office for the removal of a cyst on his little front leg. He was a complete gentleman throughout the procedure and his afternoon stay went well, too.

But since then, he has become obsessed with the stitches and wants to lick at them constantly.

Well, now, he's gotten himself into a "pickle"....having to wear one of my shirts to protect his wound. He's very embarrassed to be wearing it. I've told him that if he doesn't co-operate, he's going to have to wear a "cone" around his neck and then life is going to get much worse. What will he do when his girlfriends come over to visit (platonic, of course)?

Wish us luck!

The Little Things

I come in the little things,
Saith the Lord:
Not borne on morning wings
Of majesty, but I have set My Feet
Amidst the delicate and bladed wheat
That springs triumphant in the furrowed sod....

-Evelyn Underhill

DON'T MISS THIS BLOG

A few days ago, while surfing for unusual blogs, I came across one that I think you will not want to miss. It's The Secret Garden and presents the most unique and enchanting garden photos!

The Secret Garden is a place of fairies and gnomes, forest dwellers, and countless other magical and mystical wonders. It takes the reader on a grand tour of one or two magnificent gardens each month. I was swept away in complete awe while visiting there.

If you wish to spend a few minutes in pure fantasy and serenity, you will certainly want to visit The Secret Garden. Please be sure, also, to turn up the volume on your computer, so you can enjoy the outdoor sounds of the gardens.


Note: Click on each month's featured garden (under the months in Archive, near bottom of her page) while you're there. Each one is unique and fascinating.


Get ready for an EXPERIENCE!!!!! DON'T MISS IT!!!!

***It inspires me to enclose my property and get to work!

***How did it makes you feel? Inspired, relaxed, uneasy, or something else?

Abby and Tileena

Dear Friends,

Please go over to Tileena's blog and read her wonderful post. It's truly beautiful and I think you will be blessed.

Love, Barbara

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged by Lesley over at Blooms and Beasties.

Here are the rules:

1) Name the person who tagged you.

2) List six unimportant things that make you feel happy.

3) Tag six people and link to their blog.

4) Leave a message on those peoples' blogs to let them know they've been tagged.


My six unimportant things that make me happy.

1. An afternoon nap

2. White chocolate macadamia nut cookies

3. Daydreaming

4. Doing nothing at all

5. Playing computer games

6. Surfing the web

It's hard for me to pick six of my readers...you're all important to me. So I'm going to tag anyone who wants to play along and put this cute meme on your blog.

The Serenity Room-A Peek Inside

Some of you have ask what my Serenity Room is like. I've talked about it for the past year, but few have actually seen inside it.

Here's a little peek..... I spent Sunday afternoon redecorating. Jim and Becka installed the mini-chandelier directly above the bed. Afterward, Becka and I hung the gauze canopy around the bed.

My Serenity Room is a quiet place where soft music plays, fragrant candles are lit, and favorite books are housed on selves all around.

With the canopy making a cozy nook enclosing the bed, I can now nearly shut out the world when I read or write.

This is my space. It is where I go to dim the lights, gather my thoughts and escape the noise and cares of the world.

My mission is to encourage all women to find a spot that is truly theirs, a spot they can decorate and call their own...a sacred space of peace and harmony.

Blessings.

Get Caught Reading Month

The month of May is "Get Caught Reading Month" .... included below is a statement from the American Association of Publishers.

About Get Caught Reading

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009, Get Caught Reading is a nationwide public service campaign to promote the joy of reading.

Through celebrity involvement, the campaign carries the message that reading inspires, educates, empowers, entertains, touches the soul, sparks the imagination and opens the door to a world of opportunities and rewards. A Spanish language version Aja! Leyendo! brings the campaign to the Latino community as well.

Read the latest GCR Newsletter. For a full tool kit on the Get Caught Reading campaign, please visit the web site at http://www.getcaughtreading.org/

© 2007 American Association of Publishers

***What are you reading this month?

Classics

A FEW CLASSICS FROM MY OWN SHELF

I recently found the following list of Top Ten Greatest Books (according to one person):

1. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
2. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
3. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
4. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Hamlet by William Shakespeare
7. The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
8. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
9. The Stories of Anton Chekhov by Anton Chekhov
10. Middlemarch by George Eliot

Books added by my readers:

11. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (added by Barbara)

12. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (added by Joanne)

13. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury (added by Joanne)

14. The Brother's Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Literary Nut)

15. Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder (Literary Nut)

16. Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak (Kathleen)

17. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (Kathleen)

***How many on this list have you read (remember this is only one person's list), and is there one or more you would like to add? (I'll add them as your suggestions come in.)