tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171835592011-07-07T21:13:51.302-04:00mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.comBlogger1181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-65431385571811037122010-02-11T22:01:00.002-05:002010-02-11T22:33:10.014-05:00

Life has whizzed past since I started this blog in 2005. That's just crazy. 5 years. My kids were 11, 9 and 4. Wow.Now my oldest has a shiny, white Jeep Cherokee that is nicer than my car. It's already been repaired once and has a fresh new bumper crunch from backing out of the carport last weekend and hitting a pole.My middle child...still the gentle soul...has his first girlfriend,

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-3861374533583482592009-01-30T22:14:00.003-05:002009-01-30T23:16:55.151-05:00

Fifteen months later...here I am. Happy to have survived my oldest's first year of high school. Happy to be halfway through her second one. It's been a tad bumpy. And going back to work full-time hasn't made it any smoother. But, I'm happy to say, we are figuring it out. I think. :-)Oooohhh, how I've missed this. Yes I have.So much has transpired and my head is so full that my fingers

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-19312905814246999562007-10-01T22:21:00.000-04:002007-10-01T23:36:30.738-04:00

So...have you ever left church barefoot? Not only that but have you ever left behind your favorite pair of shoes, never to see them again? Ever dream of doing just that and feeling very much okay with the whole thing?I never would have dreamt it. And if I had, I don't think I'd have been at all "okay" with it in my dream. But dreaming and doing are two totally different things.Of course, it's

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-19214610959803104522007-09-16T21:17:00.000-04:002007-09-16T22:00:01.367-04:00

Aaaahhhh...I found I had a few hours to myself yesterday. It was a fabulous occurrence. So I treated myself to an afternoon with Jane Austen, sort of. I am a bit of an Anne Hathaway fan and I also love most anything Jane Austen. So Becoming Jane was the movie I chose. If you find yourself with a few free hours, go see it!One of the best things about the movie was the previews...not your

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-176801879665817372007-09-11T22:02:00.000-04:002007-09-11T22:36:28.590-04:00

I don't drink coffee so, technically, it's not really a coffee table that sits in front of my couch in our living room. Up until about two months ago I could have called it my Diet Coke Table. But now that's history as well (that was really hard, btw!)Honestly, even if I were to pour a cup of coffee, there isn't one square inch of tabletop available for setting it down. No room. It'd have to

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-57584553039784053752007-09-10T22:58:00.000-04:002007-09-10T23:07:18.387-04:00

Recently I was asked, "So Marianne, what movies have you seen lately?" All I could answer was, "Pirates, Shrek and (in a hushed tone) The Simpsons Movie."My embarrassment led to my new lower -end membership to Netflix...no kid movies allowed on my Rental Queue!So, sitting on my DVD player ready for viewing are Hotel Rwanda, The Last King of Scotland and The Constant Gardner. I'm in URGENT need

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-81995522750535424752007-09-06T22:31:00.000-04:002007-09-06T22:59:16.403-04:00

New book...same topic...teenagers. But this one is a really really good book. Get Out of My Life, but first could you drive me and Cheryl to the mall? (Anthony E. Wolf, Ph.D.), is a must read for any parent, aunt, uncle, teacher, grandparent, neighbor, or anyone else who may happen to come across a teenager in the near or distant future.I'm almost finished reading it (for the first time...

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-23013497955841589022007-09-04T22:39:00.000-04:002007-09-04T23:26:57.595-04:00

Since my oldest daughter gets most of the attention on my blog these days and my youngest daughter gets scads of attention at home the rest of the time, then my middle child - the boy of the house - is due a tribute here and there, every now and then. Besides...he's really nice to his mom.My son, as some of you know, is a gentle compassionate soul as well as an expert lizard catcher. Really...

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-59675127040432405182007-09-03T22:24:00.000-04:002007-09-03T22:50:55.499-04:00

...and check out these three chic flicks...Catch and Release - Jennifer Garner and an equally cute co-star with really great teeth as well. Need to Google him...just a sec...Timothy Olyphant. Hmmm, well, very nice teeth. Because I Said So - Diane Keaton plays a hovering mom to her youngest of three daughters, Mandy Moore. It was fun to watch a mother/daughter relationship struggle (only

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-21852048019956298202007-09-03T21:40:00.000-04:002007-09-03T21:43:03.791-04:00

Things aren't happening quite as I had planned. Very little exercise so far. Yesterday...some abs. Today...some arms. Impressive...not so much. But I can only go up from here. I'll let you know.:-)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-56701739954554841032007-09-02T00:53:00.000-04:002007-09-03T21:43:32.996-04:00

Kat is challenging the blogosphere once again with the 21 Day Challenge. And (how embarrassing) I already missed the first day. But as Kat herself pointed out, that's the beauty of having more than 21 days in a month. So...I start today developing a new (old) habit of exercising in some way every day.One day it could be 3 miles on the treadmill followed by 30 minutes of free weights. Most

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-67166408671671156062007-08-30T23:23:00.001-04:002007-08-30T23:25:27.273-04:00

Means nothing to you...means EVERYTHING to my kids - at least on Friday mornings. Don't even ask how it came to be because I have no recollection. It just is what it is.:-)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-75245944885859230632007-08-30T22:47:00.000-04:002007-08-30T23:01:08.901-04:00

I've been told it is way past time for a new post...Back to School was like soooo long ago. But it isn't just Back to School that has me distracted from reading my favorite blogs and blogging myself...it's this whole new job thing. For the first time in, hmmmm, 7 or more years I am working full time. School schedule but still, pretty much full time. And, no kidding, this is the hardest work

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-9193880231338755362007-08-19T22:46:00.000-04:002007-08-19T22:56:18.499-04:00

And yeah, they are ready to go. One more excited than the other two about Back to School, but it's happening anyway.Amazing that moving on to first grade seems as scary an adventure as does starting high school for each of my girls. But the lure of middle school and all that goes with it - cooler uniform shirts (if there is such a thing)...longer lunches...better lunches...buddies...girls (

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-12837049824579585842007-08-15T00:10:00.000-04:002007-08-15T08:15:06.212-04:00

I wish I could think of something else...anything else...to write about but almost the only thing on my mind is the teenager sleeping (or quietly watching MTV) upstairs. In every conversation we have I fail to take the highest road. Usually I do take a pretty high road but, really, I should be taking one higher still. How else will she learn about self control, patience and boundaries?Kat (my

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-7686391256706998192007-08-13T23:14:00.000-04:002007-08-13T23:48:25.230-04:00

I've heard that word many times when someone struggles to describe the emotional world of a teenager. Let me point out that it applies just as perfectly to the upside down world of a mom desperately and clumsily trying to parent one of those teens.Yes, I'm blogging (all about) me again. Sigh.I'd heard of moms locking themselves in the bathroom to reign in anger, but had a hard time picturing

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-67003534942624177582007-08-08T22:17:00.000-04:002007-08-08T22:51:28.436-04:00

It happened...the first meeting about getting the kids to raise money to build a well in Africa. We're really going to make it happen. We talked about Bulletin Boards, Well Buckets, Two Weeks of Sacrifice and why we are doing this. We have a plan and a start date - September 1.For one year, September 1- September 1, the students are going to raise money for Blood:Water Mission. Some will go

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-38890711515452233142007-08-08T00:59:00.000-04:002007-08-08T01:38:04.878-04:00

Finally...I have internet. But it's been 5 days since my daily visits from the Internet/Cable Guys began. And, still, they have to come back for more tweaking. I think that means they are hoping whatever wires or splitters or boosters (those are just words I've heard cable guys use before) they leave me with will, once and for all, solve my problems. For now anyway.So, for those of you who

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-45713459469314345622007-07-31T09:43:00.000-04:002007-07-31T10:12:15.076-04:00

Today is the last day of the 40 Day Fast and Toby fasts and blogs for our U.S. Armed Forces. He highlights the organization Treat Any Soldier in his post and says...I know there seems to be so many troops in Iraq right now, but there are so many more of us. I can only imagine how great they must feel to get some sense of home in a package. We take for granted things like M&M's, Starbursts,

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-81000311287385165852007-07-30T10:14:00.000-04:002007-07-30T10:24:30.562-04:00

Kat's back at it...challenging us once again...placing ways to help others right at our feet. No excuses. There isn’t a person reading this who can’t afford 5 minutes and $1 dollar, writes Kat. Read more here.At the time of this post there is $66 left to go to buy a goat for a family in need through World Vision. If you and me donate just $1, there will be only $64 left to go. It's that

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-5905047085432044082007-07-30T09:52:00.000-04:002007-07-30T09:59:58.163-04:00

If so, please consider donating them to a family trying to get to Orlando soon. They are friends of Shaun Groves and his family. The wife has been diagnosed with cancer and is said to have only a few months to live. She wants to travel to Disney with her husband and kids before she begins chemo...very soon. If you don't have the miles to donate and would like to make a contribution, that'd

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-40485948297112942912007-07-30T09:47:00.000-04:002007-07-30T09:48:52.338-04:00

Today Tressa writes about her family's time spent in India with the Dalits. Please read her post here.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-37311364197036615892007-07-29T12:38:00.000-04:002007-07-29T12:41:35.742-04:00

Charla and Rick fasted and blogged for Days 37 and 38 of the 40 Day Fast (although I don't think Rick has posted just yet...I'll check back later and let you know.)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-43829653307565113952007-07-27T09:27:00.000-04:002007-07-27T09:36:37.861-04:00

Today's blogger for the 40 Day Fast is Ted. Please take a few minutes to read his post. Over the past 35 days, he has been moved to action after reading many posts highlighting Compassion International...Somewhere in this 40 Day Fast, I’ve been moved to action. I think it began with the initial shock of the picture, and then continued as I read many wonderfully written posts about people

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-45490844114963974372007-07-26T23:08:00.000-04:002007-07-26T23:37:08.058-04:00

It's the name of Kendall Payne's newest CD...Paper Skin. So far I've only heard four of the songs in their entirety(ies?). You know what I mean. Anyway, Myspace still works for me for stuff like that. Or you can go to CDBaby.com and hear clips of each song from Paper Skin. Highly worth your time...in my opinion.I first heard Kendall Payne last November in Anaheim at a YS Conference. First

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-40714970582746026052007-07-26T21:24:00.001-04:002007-07-26T22:09:39.504-04:00

I've fallen so far behind here in posting and I hope if you've come here in the last week to check on the 40 Day Fast Bloggers that you've known to click on the blogs in my sidebar.Last week Amy posted about human trafficking. Not a day has gone by since last Saturday when I first read her post that I haven't thought about the things she wrote. Please take a minute to read her post if you have

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-85740899004923931462007-07-26T21:03:00.000-04:002007-07-26T21:21:56.682-04:00

I'm a creature of habit. I find huge comfort in things staying the same. Change messes me up in big ways.I know that about myself but, still, I guess I like to live on the edge. So a week or so ago I decided to switch my template here to the new Blogger. Things got kinda messed up. I got a little cranky.I decided to change my "Cousin It" profile pic. Close friends (who...btw...never comment

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-67190071157584199822007-07-20T09:31:00.000-04:002007-07-20T09:47:02.809-04:00

Today Brody writes about Compassion International. He and his wife sponsor two children through Compassion. He describes how far their $32 goes in the lives of the children they sponsor:How far does my $32 dollars go in the life of a child cared for by Compassion International? I’d say about half an inch. About half an inch was the difference I saw on James’ face when the new photo came in the

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-79904505421097834602007-07-19T10:40:00.000-04:002007-07-19T10:52:37.531-04:00

Yesterday, Lorijo fasted and blogged for the 40 Day Fast. Prompted by the 40 Day Fast to take action, she now sponsors a child through Bridge of Hope.Today's blogger is Euphrony. He writes,Do not dwell in inaction, break the inertia and step into action when God calls you. Both in global and local needs, simple actions or grand, organized or spontaneous, find the place where God has prepared

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-6728992278224244862007-07-17T23:48:00.000-04:002007-07-18T00:25:17.640-04:00

For me reading fiction comes and goes. I can go for a couple of years and not read any. But then, that one really special book comes along...the book I just can't put down, not to make dinner, not to run carpool, not to pay bills (kidding)...and I'm on another fiction frenzy.The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini started this one. And, in my typical fashion, as soon as I finished it I bolted to

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-50746627572610198332007-07-17T08:45:00.000-04:002007-07-17T09:07:14.682-04:00

Yesterday's blogger for the 40 Day Fast was Andrew Osenga who wrote about the Dalit Freedom Network and how they are "fanning the flames of Dalit independence." Please take the time to read his post here. He has spent time with the Dalits and tells very specific ways we can help.Today's blogger is Shawn. He reminds us that needs are all around - right here at home. It'll be hard to drive

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-52917611041764897902007-07-16T10:03:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.850-04:00

Tim Harm posted yesterday (sorry I'm late again) about "The Trendy Poverty" saying:But if poverty and suffering are so ancient themes, then why is it now, just now, that they are getting so much attention? Why has the picture of Africa become so... so trendy lately?Interesting question and great post you can read here. Make sure to watch the video about TOMS Shoes and "Shoe Drop '06" while you

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-7131165062644618232007-07-14T13:41:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.851-04:00

Today Lucas Parry writes about Kiva...How can we be involved in eliminating extreme poverty?? By fostering the entrepreneurial spirit and empowering people to earn an income. Offering people a leg up, while also giving them a sense of self-worth and satisfaction as they grow a small business. By giving in this way we avoid corrupt bureaucracies and deliver the help where its needed, to the

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-81716679217934588202007-07-14T13:28:00.000-04:002007-07-14T13:40:08.176-04:00

For me, the best all-nighters are those spent curled up with a great book. And that's exactly what I did last night...into the wee hours of the morning. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, is magical in that once you grab onto and open the cover, you are unable to let go of it for (almost) any reason. It's been out for several years and so probably you've read it already. But if not...read

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-83773347989878602262007-07-13T08:48:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.851-04:00

Michelle blogs today for the 40 Day Fast...

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-69325346558060961822007-07-11T21:21:00.000-04:002007-07-11T21:24:51.152-04:00

I took this silly test, also. More than half of the fun was taking the test...especially the buckets part.Considerate I totally get. Inventor...I'm not as sure about. :-)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-8840150555806480072007-07-11T00:22:00.001-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.852-04:00

Up until last month I was pretty sure nothing I could do would make a real difference to anyone in Africa. Or in any other impoverished country for that matter. The needs are too numerous and the places too far away. In fact, I distinctly remember a panty-hosed church lady once telling me that my kids were my mission field for now. Forget about the far away places. I never forgot but, then

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-67665039759590470112007-07-10T21:39:00.001-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.853-04:00

Transition Pete includes a Podcast in his blog for today...an interview with the HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator for Food for the Hungry. (Sorry I put this up so late!)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-28847197803177988652007-07-09T22:13:00.001-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.853-04:00

Still in vacation mode this morning I got the 40 Day bloggers confused. Today was Scott's day to fast (Todd was yesterday) and he writes about the colonias of South Texas. Read his post here.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-17679363674240183332007-07-09T13:10:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.854-04:00

I hope to catch up on last week's 40 Day posts today and tomorrow. I missed being online for those. Today, I believe, is Day 18 of the 40 Day Fast and Todd writes about Darfur. Check it out.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-27027852891548280632007-07-09T12:48:00.000-04:002007-07-09T13:08:55.276-04:00

Back from the beach already. Time flies when you are busy sleeping in, slathering sunscreen, playing cards and...oh, sorry, you probably wish you had been at the beach, too.Actually, I am making it sound far more relaxing than it really was...for me at least. My kids, yeah, they had it made! But that's what family vacations are all about - kids having a blast until they pass out at night and

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-31998490894126005132007-07-01T12:08:00.001-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.855-04:00

We're off to the beach for one whole week. Wow...it's sooooooo much work packing everyone up but CAN'T WAIT to be there later today!So for the next week just follow along on the 40 Day Fast by clicking the links each day from my sidebar. I hope to find a library or somewhere mid-week where I can catch up on the new posts.Have a great week.:-)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-2789620944203153412007-06-30T12:30:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.856-04:00

Today Jeanine writes for Day 9 on her blog, The Positive Space. She writes about her work with Youth With a Mission and highlights several organizations fighting for victims of injustice. Her primary focus is children affected by war, slavery and oppression. Please read her post and check out the links she gives.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-2319165299841540622007-06-29T23:14:00.000-04:002007-06-30T00:16:21.627-04:00

About a month ago I made my mom laugh. I told her that although my (older) brother is very very nice, what I really need at this point in my life is a sister. She found that humorous.I think I told her that because I knew tonight was coming - the night before Maggie, my "sister" for the last 7 years, moves away. Pretty far away. Maggie and her husband are moving to Chicago. I met Maggie right

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-238320789665023752007-06-29T10:02:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.856-04:00

Today Stephen writes about Blood:Water Mission which is the organization I will be focusing on as well. Please read his post and click on the link to BWM's website to find out even more.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-43338302784218319822007-06-28T11:32:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.857-04:00

Today Stephanie writes about sexual abuse, shares heartbreaking statistics and encourages us tosupport our local organizations devoted to this cause. Please take time to read her post and maybe find out more about how your community cares for victims of abuse.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-57949724919752156102007-06-27T12:39:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.857-04:00

Chaotic Hammer highlights Compassion International on Day 6 of the 40 Day Fast. Please click here to read his post.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-63667661977270929302007-06-26T22:19:00.000-04:002007-06-27T12:48:49.964-04:00

Here we are just 5 days into the 40 Day Fast (About something other than us) only this post is going to be about me.Before the 40 Day Fast, IDidn't think twice about burning two pieces of toast, tossing them into the garbage and then trying one more time (but today I did)Never thought to start my day with a glass of cold water instead of downing a can of Diet Coke before I was even awake enough

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-617625465787272232007-06-26T08:49:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.857-04:00

Kristin blogs today on raising compassionate children. Please check it out here.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-80113108311931767212007-06-25T09:31:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.858-04:00

Shaun Groves is the blogger for Day 4 of the 40 Day Fast.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-57085383021149846402007-06-24T04:40:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.858-04:00

SAM is the blogger for Day 3 of the 40 Day Fast.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-79073359518798821772007-06-23T10:06:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.858-04:00

Brant Hansen is the blogger for Day 2 of the 40 Day Fast.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-8610445817353715612007-06-22T10:19:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.859-04:00

Today is the first day of the 40 Day Fast. Each day I'll post a short sentence or two reminding you to click on the link of the blogger fasting for the day. The links are listed in the sidebar of my blog directly under the 40 Day Fast logo. Just find the date with the blogger's name next to it and click on the link. You'll be taken to their blog to read about a need or cause and the

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-15269199611045971432007-06-21T11:14:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:32:43.859-04:00

Tomorrow is the first day of the 40 Day Fast. Scoot over to Kat's blog and find out how you can follow along and even get involved yourself. And beginning tomorrow, each day I'll be posting a link to the blogger who is fasting. Come on...check it out. It's going to be very inspiring.:-)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-6889528633084727582007-06-19T23:11:00.002-04:002007-06-19T23:58:40.261-04:00

Been dying to post something new the last day or two and even thought of about five random subjects, but summer already has become a little lazy for me.Or maybe I've just adjusted to being a "be at home mom" again...and enjoying it because it's so temporary.Lots of movies seen already (we've seen 5 of the top 10.) Way early mornings driving my oldest daughter to summer school, just up the hill

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-18979117146540447252007-06-15T06:48:00.000-04:002007-06-26T23:39:01.228-04:00

Trampoline - Where my youngest and I play our newest backyard game called, ummm...well, we really haven't named it yet. But here is how you play. Climb onto a trampoline (in our case, it's our neighbors') and warm up by slowly running around the perimeter of the bouncy part. Then, (oh...make sure to throw a ball onto the trampoline before climbing up) lie on your back on opposite sides with

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-12643663112547355732007-06-12T14:14:00.000-04:002007-07-16T14:31:55.772-04:00

Once I re-entered the blogosphere (again), it didn't take too long for me to check out Kat's blog. And just in time for an amazing idea she is presenting of a 40 day fast for her friends and readers in an effort to "take a long term stand against poverty."For 40 days beginning on June 22nd, 40 bloggers will fast one day each and on that day will blog about a need, nation or cause and an

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-70530624326765394972007-06-12T00:04:00.001-04:002007-06-12T00:07:38.279-04:00

Check this out, Thinkmap Visual Thesaurus. I believe you get five searches for free but then that's it without paying. I happened upon it quite by accident but never knew a Thesaurus could be so much fun. :-)Try it out.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-55439743301706539382007-06-10T22:19:00.000-04:002007-06-19T23:56:47.896-04:00

Tonight - once again a little down in the dumps about my lack of skill at parenting my soon to be 14 year old amazing daughter - I remember that there is Google.Google. Of course. I go and type in “when your teenage daughter hates you,” thinking that may be a bit exaggerated, but...WaLa. Nearly perfect article. Points me in the direction of what looks to be a nearly perfect answer to my

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-28309178538003150262007-06-09T11:13:00.000-04:002007-06-09T11:32:40.278-04:00

Decluttering...oh, yeah...one room down. Only like 5 more to go. But hey, it's only June. Got all summer.Got all summer to finish those three books I started as well. Bad habit I have - reading lots of books at once. It's kind of hard to finish one that way. Sigh.What am I reading? This Beautiful Mess: Practicing the Presence of the Kingdom of God by Rick McKinley. I read Jesus in the Margins

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-66353623979553302622007-06-04T22:44:00.000-04:002007-06-05T00:07:58.945-04:00

Exactly one year ago today I went back to work. And wasn't all together thrilled about it either. Seems like just yesterday we had a dog. Seems like just yesterday he made me late for the first day at my new "real job" and like just yesterday that I paid a babysitter every penny I brought home for 2 1/2 months. Seems like just yesterday I thought that was a really great idea. :-)Wow...so

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-52161927065660146182007-01-28T22:38:00.000-05:002007-09-03T21:44:40.985-04:00

I owe last night all to my(older) brother. He was supposed to breeze into town after being close by on business but...didn't. Couldn't. Wouldn't. Whatever. Okay, okay - I'm being a baby.Anyway, since the sitter was already booked and although the thought of curling up with a stack of books at Barnes and Noble all by my lonesome for 3 hours on a Saturday night was terribly tempting (sad but

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-45600731070477207672007-01-21T23:47:00.000-05:002007-01-21T23:55:59.149-05:00

Since I'm officially on my way out of the dumps (for now) thought it was high time to add to my list of Sweeter Sites. Typed the previous post while indulging in my new nightly ritual of drinking a mega-mug of hot tea. But not just any tea - Tazo Tea (Calm is my personal favorite.)So I thought I'd check out their site. Definitely sweet...can't wait to go back and play around with it more

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1328950419280512992007-01-21T21:56:00.000-05:002007-06-05T00:11:20.941-04:00

Lately, I've been totally exhausted by the end of the day. Actually, I've become totally exhausted by the time I make it to work. Some days I'm even exhausted as soon as I wake up.I have wondered if maybe I'm getting sick. Or if I've developed an awful disease. But then I realized that all my joy and typical silliness were no longer around, and I had to accept that (oh no, not again) I'm a

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1156969036123488022006-08-30T15:34:00.000-04:002006-11-26T16:33:33.646-05:00

Yes, I'm still alive and kicking.But some things are not. Like my iPod. And my printer. And we are down to one working shower...but good for that, right? :-)But the best thing....no, the GREAT thing is that, I'm hardly fazed. And I'm not sure why but I'm totally glad at this remarkable change in me.Not long ago, just one of those things "messing up" in my world would have irritated the heck

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1155770340761555122006-08-16T19:10:00.000-04:002006-08-16T19:23:03.023-04:00

Someone very very special has a very very special birthday today. Hmmmm...just in time for me to post a new Matt Wertz song on my (Mommy's Watching You) MySpace Page today. Head over to his page and guess which one I picked.Happy Birthday, Sweet Teen! :-) And enjoy the song because, soon, I'm going to have to put Chris Rice back on there.:-)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1155696469303215982006-08-15T22:39:00.000-04:002006-08-15T22:56:00.233-04:00

Yep, it's that time again. Just when you thought I had moved way way past O Magazine and Lisa Kogan (groovy little writer). Just when you thought I had chilled out from my shiny magazine crisis. Here we find ourselves once again.But...it's already my "new" (earlier) bedtime and so...I'm off to bed to...wait a minute. I was going to say that I'm off to bed to flip through the mag and locate

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1155522645527086382006-08-13T22:11:00.000-04:002006-08-13T22:30:45.546-04:00

Truth is this - my daughter h-a-t-e-s Kindergarten. Okay, so it's only been one week. But one week too many in her five year old opinion.One week ago just tomorrow morning, I snapped cute, sunshiney pics of her all dressed up and happy on her first day of Kindergarten. And that night, along with every morning and night that has followed, she has cried and cried and begged me not to take her

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1155482985213058202006-08-13T11:08:00.000-04:002006-08-13T11:29:45.230-04:00

You know how it happens. You post to your blog, read it over (and if you are like me you have to edit it again for dumb typos) and then maybe you chose a blog from your links list and step outside of yourself. Something there grabs your attention and you scroll through the comments. You find a new blog to check out or a subject to Google or to blog about yourself. I think that is the

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1155402415042092312006-08-12T12:33:00.000-04:002006-08-12T21:23:42.633-04:00

I don't know exactly how or when it happened, but not too long I ago I started to disappear. And not just from my blog. Slowly but quickly, every little part of my life has begun to lose "me" and I don't know where those pieces are hiding. Or why I'm even writing about that here.Actually, I do know why I'm writing about it here...I think. This blog is a part of me that went away. The part

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1154659089997538752006-08-03T22:34:00.000-04:002006-08-03T22:38:10.010-04:00

Too bad, so sad...no time for blogging. :-(With last weekend's whirlwind Anniversary Extravaganza and this week getting ready for back to school (which turned into Theme Park Week for the kids...lucky ducks), I am all out of blogging energy. Yep, I have the time, just not the energy left over at the end of the day.It really is too bad. And it really is very sad. Because I love this blogging

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1154485858818945112006-08-01T22:12:00.000-04:002006-08-01T22:31:34.190-04:00

I look at this picture and I wish I could have known my parents pre-kids somehow. They look so young ('cause they are) and carefree and happy.Anyway, here are Anne and Bill, or A and B as the Grandkids call them. This past weekend they celebrated 50 years of being married. 50 years of thick and thin. I am so proud of them. They are awesome parents but they're even better at being husband

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1154315367860169092006-07-30T22:53:00.000-04:002006-07-30T23:09:27.873-04:00

...at the Georgia Aquarium? That is what this guy is asking as he looks out at the sea of faces squished up against his fishtank glass and watches them nudge and push and step on each other. And he also probably notices a lot of the the really big men are sweating. And babies are crying. And little kids are jumping up and down because they can't see. And he probably hears my kids saying, "

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1154314192238260602006-07-30T21:19:00.000-04:002006-07-30T22:52:13.706-04:00

The only good thing about losing my camera before I even left the airport on Wednesday (I left it in the little plastic bin it rides in through security), is that I discovered my cell phone is way cooler than I knew. Not only can I take some fairly decent pics with it...I can shoot video clips. Whoa. Who knew. Well...not me.So maybe, just maybe, I can get a video clip uploaded and into my

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1153672455288794462006-07-23T12:14:00.000-04:002006-07-23T12:36:26.860-04:00

Before I start, let me say that this Tribute has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that in only four short days I will be needing a ride from the Atlanta airport to my dearest brother's (yeah, the older one's) home. And a place to sleep for four nights. :-)Really.So, despite all the fun my oldest daughter and I had writing the Teva Tan post - she can't get over those tan lines - I realize

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1153544497962578242006-07-22T00:36:00.000-04:002006-07-22T15:30:57.026-04:00

It is with an inkling of hesitation and with even less (but some) regret that I retell this tale of humiliation...at my older brother's expense. Of course. It's only natural after years of repressing memories of Red Bellies and Indian Burns and Misguided Fashion Advice (why, why, why did I listen to you we went shopping together??!!).Anyway...revenge is sweet. I'm here to tell the world, or at

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1153542216088620992006-07-21T23:37:00.000-04:002006-07-22T00:30:42.406-04:00

Sort of. One summer ago my daughter discovered MySpace. And like some others of us who have visited...just to check it out...she majorly got sucked in to a never-ending urge of adding more and more and more friends, obsessively messing with her layout and putting up songs only to replace them with another days, hours or even minutes later.Whew. MySpace wears me out.It's been a battle and a

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1153365253783547882006-07-19T22:47:00.000-04:002006-07-19T23:14:13.876-04:00

Don't know what it is but, this week, I feel like the lady from the 70's (?) bubble bath commercial for Calgon. Remember (and if you don't just keep reading anyway) the lady squishing her eyes closed, rubbing her temples and trying to shut out the 85 things simultaneously going on around her? A few of the 85 things were shown in like little video clips all around and above her head: the dog

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1153197454284157892006-07-17T23:56:00.000-04:002006-07-18T00:37:34.340-04:00

Yeah, sounds crazy right in the very middle of July. But there I was tonight sitting on the couch with my "grumpy to be thinking of wearing a stiff khaki skort five days a week" teen wearing out the pages of our Lands End Uniform Catalog. Then...I realized it's an All Uniform Year. Yep, my little kindergartener will be part of the Khaki Skirt Brigade this year. Only she can throw in a navy

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1153023441024322492006-07-15T23:58:00.000-04:002006-07-16T00:20:37.313-04:00

That's right...we're back! Safe and sound. We had an incredible week at the beach-my new favorite place. And more about Longboat Key later but wanted to mention a few special souvenirs.Yes, we returned with the usual snowglobe, coffee mug (for hot tea), clunky fridge magnet and, of course, t-shirts. However...the best find and my most cherished of souvenirs is a bar of soap. It's sitting

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1152334431010001572006-07-08T00:45:00.000-04:002006-07-15T18:06:58.836-04:00

Here we go...we're off. Well, not exactly yet. But by tomorrow afternoon if we are lucky.Yippee...the beach. Can't wait. One whole week of sun, sand and wet grainy towels. Or, sitting inside playing cards and glancing out the windows hoping the rain has stopped. We'll have to wait and see which one our week away from home will look most like.Much, much, much needed getaway - at least that

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1152158991514122262006-07-06T00:03:00.000-04:002006-07-06T00:18:05.790-04:00

If you do, don't be shy...drop by Kat's Blog for some not so secret discussion about just that. She's working on building a new site for singer/songwriter/megablogger Shaun Groves and she says she'd love to hear your thoughts. Or read them at at least.If you've got time, click on the link above and leave her a comment. Check out Shlog, too - it's an awesome blog.:-)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1152047081583106502006-07-04T16:59:00.000-04:002006-07-04T17:04:41.603-04:00

Happy Fourth to anyone who happens by to read this. Hope your day was relaxing and that your evening is full of fun and fireworks. The sun wasn't really in a great spot for taking this picture, but I wanted to get the shot before a threatening shower washed it away. So, this is it...I'm running back outside to enjoy the holiday with my friends and family. Hope you are, too!:-)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151894016700459692006-07-02T22:13:00.000-04:002006-07-02T22:34:25.050-04:00

Here's what happens when you take kids who live life in the fast lane and try to bring things down a notch or two. Okay, maybe this was more like bringing it down twelve.Whatever the number, it didn't quite work out. They didn't create the perfect looking pot within the 36 seconds they are used to achieving an end result.Channel Change - 2 seconds maxMovie on Demand - 10 seconds...maybePop Tart

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151790964807531892006-07-01T17:33:00.000-04:002006-07-01T19:51:57.310-04:00

I believe tonight will be Sissy's first real babysitting job. I LOVE it. She got the job totally on her own and she really likes the kids. She even took a fresh shower, prettied up and starting talking like a Mom saying things like "Use your words" and "Are you supposed to be doing that". I told her I didn't like using words all the time and that she wasn't the boss of me. :-)Kidding.But

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151634657607664432006-06-29T22:22:00.000-04:002006-06-29T22:32:12.483-04:00

Tonight - no cute pictures, no fun links and no serious, girly, chatty blog post. I am yanking my hair out here trying to get my email to send/receive in Outlook. ARRRRRRGGGGGGG!! That's Pirate for "Oh My Gosh, could somebody please just hang me upside down by my toenails and zing water balloons at me instead of this madness?" :-)Of course, my internet service provider says to call Norton -

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151554016367541052006-06-28T23:41:00.000-04:002006-06-29T00:14:31.666-04:00

I'm dying to upgrade my cell. I want a Treo so bad that I've gotten stupidly lazy updating my current calendar on Yahoo. Like I said - that is pretty dumb. But in my mind I've already moved on. Just don't actually have it yet.But some snazzy new cell phones in Japan are making me think smartphones aren't quite as superior as I've been thinking. Sure I'd love to make little man's next

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151551299304386852006-06-28T23:17:00.000-04:002006-06-28T23:23:27.576-04:00

Go here and watch some pretty cute ads for Mac. (I'm the guy in the tie.) Sorry, didn't know any other way to post the link so you're gonna have to click on the ads individually. In your spare time.:-)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151454959863040502006-06-27T19:01:00.000-04:002006-06-27T22:16:07.393-04:00

Life may not be very exciting (other than the ant convention held at my house yesterday) but I do have something on my mind. :-)Today I must admit that I am confused over friendship. I watch my oldest daughter with her "friends" and often end up confused. In my own world, I skip along thinking I'm nurturing and growing deep and solid friendships only to find myself strangely out of touch with

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151445911176102462006-06-27T18:00:00.000-04:002006-06-27T18:07:52.493-04:00

My older brother once told me that living in Florida is like living on top of one gigantic anthill. And, as usual, he is correct. Here are my latest visitors hanging out on my carport column thingy. Looks like they were having some kind of meeting or maybe getting ready to spell out a secret message. Could be they just realized someone made a wrong turn back there in the grass and now they are

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151292778378093372006-06-25T23:28:00.000-04:002006-06-25T23:32:58.390-04:00

Another favorite on my Sweeter Sites list is WordSpy. Most recently my favorite entry there is ringxiety. How perfect a word. Just the day I read that term, I had been in a meeting with my friend Rachael who has the same ringtone I was currently using. Her phone rang and I jumped out of my skin. My phone rang and she knocked over her purse trying to get to hers too quickly. Made us both

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151289079362683702006-06-25T22:14:00.000-04:002006-06-25T22:31:19.373-04:00

I have a feeling I do things a little backwards in the world of blogging. Take for instance my "Sweeter Sites" list on the sidebar. I think it is more normal to list either blogs or websites or to separate them maybe. But since I'm not sure and wonder why in the heck it really matters anyway, I listed a variety. Places I think are sweet. Sweeter than here. By very very far. :-)Jes MaHarry.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151189664393915072006-06-24T18:45:00.000-04:002006-06-24T19:19:15.936-04:00

Woo Hoo - it's chick flick night. The Break Up or The Lake House. Never heard of The Lake House until tonight. Looks a little sad. :-(My friend and I are both saying it makes no difference which one we see. I wonder if she means it. Because I actually... really really want to see The Break Up. :-) Only I told her it didn't matter.And honestly, I think the X-Men would be the most fun to

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1151030420563716122006-06-22T21:40:00.000-04:002006-06-22T22:42:24.206-04:00

For a day that started rather sadly (my little girl didn't want me to leave this morning) it turned out just swell.She cheered up and chatted with me on the phone this afternoon. When I got home there was chocolate icing all over the kitchen and tiny spot of it still on her cheek.Later on, I woke up my older two from their computer trances and made them interact with me. Although the air was

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1150860646999394252006-06-20T23:01:00.000-04:002006-06-22T07:13:03.020-04:00

It's pretty huge for me to admit that being on a computer has stressed me out. But today is that huge day for me.The very very few things that I do know about computers usually impress most of my friends and their friends, too. That's because they don't like computers. So the truth is that I actually know pretty much nothing but had no clue just how little. It felt good believing I was

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1150802043662775562006-06-20T07:03:00.000-04:002006-06-20T07:14:03.676-04:00

It's here. The July issue of my former favorite magazine. The one that doesn't feel so sweet sitting in my hands this month. And this time I've figured out where Lisa Kogan's article is online so you can have a clue what I am writing about. July's column is very tame compared to last month's (which, sorry, will not contain a link). And since I just read the newest article this morning, I

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1150773100239329522006-06-19T22:29:00.000-04:002006-06-19T23:19:00.826-04:00

My mom says the first night they brought me home from the hospital was very exciting. They put me in my little bassinet and then crashed in their own bed for some much needed rest. I think my brother was still up watching Mr. Ed or something. Kidding. But he is way way way older than me.Oh yeah, back to me and the first night I spent at home as a newborn. Apparently my Dad woke up the next

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1150683650069669522006-06-18T22:16:00.000-04:002006-06-18T22:21:51.910-04:00

Maybe this is a better pic, although I like the one with the sun shining through the trees. I'm no wonderful photographer. And these were taken back in April. But still, I drove "home" to wish my Dad a Happy Father's Day and the trees of my hometown always do wonders for my heart. Wish everyone could see them in person and watch the wind blow them around. It's beautiful. And peaceful.

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1150683208910816922006-06-18T22:06:00.000-04:002006-06-19T06:48:23.750-04:00

I can think of nothing that ever will be more beautiful to me than Georgia Pines. They forever will remind me of the sounds, smells and memories of growing up in smalltown South Georgia. Even the tropical beauty of white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees can't compare - but I understand if you don't agree. :-)

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17183559.post-1150430333133360222006-06-15T22:56:00.000-04:002006-06-15T23:58:53.143-04:00

Wondering the meaning of that gibberish I posted early early this morning? So sorry - what a mess that became.Maybe this complex mixed up interpretation of mine calls for bullets (bullets rock by the way):O Magazine comes to my house once a month, for nowMostly I just like how it feels when I hold it - it's thick and heavy and the pages are slickI like to tear out the scented perfume ads and put

mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11272398842575157598noreply@blogger.com10