Happy Anniversary

I know I have been lax in posting and I need to be better about it. But it has truly been a strange summer. Too many ups and downs. Too many nights of bad dreams and lack of deep sleep. Too many worries about the future and too many thoughts of the past. I will try to do better. Really....

But I guess you are wondering about the title. Today marks 19 years of a glorious honeymoon that Pan and I have traveled together. It seems to be such a short time of space, but as I think back, I cannot with great clarity recall what it was like before. I think it is safe to say that I absolutely adore the man I married. More than Love (which I do love him), I count him as my best friend, my confidant, my shoulder to lean on and my sounding board. I happen to also LIKE him. Thank you, Pan, for this wonderful honeymoon of a marriage and I am looking forward to many more years together.

Lyrical Tribulations

It was time for another lyric challenge at the GP Corral. This month was to use the lyrics from Elton John's song "Blessed." As Tbog says "It is perfect for expectant parents!" Unfortunately I did not have one of me pregnant. Probably have tons of Bombshell, but I have done so many of her. I opted to use a picture of Bombshell with Nuke trying to hold her. Isn't he just the sweetest big brother ever?

May Gotta Pixel Mega kit ©Gotta Pixel Designers; Alpha by Sarah Meyer; template by Andrea Gold; Font: Honey Script Light

People, Places & Tribulations

This month in the Been There Done That challenge ScrappyStitcher said that she wanted to:

See pictures of interesting people you've snapped during your travels.

Flip Flop Summer ©Kathryn Estry; template by Michelle Swadling; Font: Times New Roman

A Tribulation of Weird

Fri 7/18 Blog Prompt: What's the strangest, scariest or weirdest thing you've ever seen in person?

I may have actually posted on this before, but then again I may not have. The strangest, scariest and weirdest thing I have ever seen in a person, was in Pan.

We had just gotten back from our honeymoon in Gulf Shores and were settling into new roles as husband and wife. Things were definitely on the up-side. I loved him, the kids loved him, my dad thought his was darn near perfect.

But then that night. If I try real hard, I might be able to conjure up the sounds of thunder in the background with flashes of lightning bolts piercing the nearly shut curtains. Okay that was a lot of rubble, in fact it was just a hot, muggy night.

We had full wave waterbed and I was awakened this particular night with waves showing their white tops. My eyes peel open to see Pan jumping up and down on the bed brandishing a machete. OH, MY, WORD. Who did I actually marry?

While still terrified myself, I was able to get the bottom of the story.... Seems Pan is afraid of cockroaches and one crawled across or near him and he was going to make it suffer.

I hid the machete the next day.

Summer Skies ©Sarah Meyers; Doodle ©acm designs; Font: Agnes

Road Food Frenzy & Tribulation

Thur 7/17 Blog Prompt: Do you have a favorite snack to eat on a road trip?

I usually pick up pretzel logs and potato chips. They are fairly easy to contain and not get everywhere, nor make a sticky mess if some do end up in the seats or the floor. Personally I like fruit or veggies with dressing, but that is just too much to worry about. So I guess the pretzels and chips will have to do for a while. :)

A big thank you to Pam of Digitreats for the tutorial on this.

A Mouse, an Engine & a Tribulation

Looks like today was a free day for blog prompts so here is one for you. But more specifically for Mrs. Who after her BUSY BEE post.

Way back in 1973-1974, I think it was probably '74, I was driving my sister and a friend of hers around the thrift shop on the base. I was so proud of myself, having a license and having parents who trusted me with the car.

There was the usual chitchat that teens seem to have in abundance, but I was still keeping my eye on the road (I really didn't want to betray that trust); when what to my wandering eyes should appear but a tiny grey field mouse in the wiper well. He put his tiny little paws on the window and he looked terrified to death. I guess if I was that small and I was on some huge machine going the speed of light (we were doing 35 mph, but he's small remember), I would look pretty terrified myself. As I said we were in the neighborhood of the thrift shop, so we pulled into the vacant lot and popped the lid.

As we were checking diligently for this grey furball of a pest, a young AP showed up to ask us what we were doing. I don't think he believed us when we said that we were looking for a mouse in the engine and probably was wondering what we had been smoking, when our little friend decided to make another appearance. There was one started AP that day, as well as 3 startled teens. We did manage to get him out of the car before we started up again.

I was holding my breath though. For all I knew he could have been a key component of the engine block.

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The Tribulations of Flying

Tue 7/15 Blog Prompt: Today in History: In 1954, the first Boeing 707 flew. How do you feel about flying?

Does "Where's the plane?" mean anything to you? I love to fly. Looking out the window or curling up and sleeping. Pan usually takes his laptop and we take along some movies or series that we can watch so we aren't dependent upon what they are showing (which is usually something we don't want to watch anyway). Or taking the time to read a good book.

The only time it is a real let down is when we are placed in an area full of children. Don't get me wrong, I think children have every right to be on the plane as the next person, but when they sell the tickets you would think they could figure out when people have children and which don't. I have the same beef with restaurants. In fact, just recently, Pan and I went out and they placed us at table in the middle of families with tons of children. If they had been well-behaved it would have been okay, but they weren't and the parents were to busy in their conversations to notice. I went up to the hostess and explained that Pan and I had come out to have a nice quiet dinner and to be away from children, could they please set up elsewhere.

And speaking of restaurants another pet peeve is when they let kids sit in the bar area. Seems to me, this should be reserved for adults, unless the restaurant is soooo busy they don't have anything else available. Most times though it is because the parents want to watch the game on the tv. If that is the case.... stay home or go to a sports bar where there are televisions all over the place. We would never consider asking for a table in the bar area if we have The Princess or Indy with us. Okay enough of my rant. I'll continue it at some other time. :)

Cute Stuff "Daisies" Kathryn Estry; template by Miss Tina; Fonts: Nemo, La Jolla ES

Daily sights, sounds & tribulations

Mon 7/14 Blog Prompt: Describe each day of the week using colors and/or sounds.

Sunday: Waking up and seeing the sun streaming through the skylight above me; maybe a dog or two barking in the background.
Monday: Closing my eyes to the sight of the paper strewn around the house by Indy and kfkap. The garbage trucks are moving through the neighbor with the whir of their arms extending and retrieving the trash cans.
Tuesday: Alarm clock at 6:30 a.m. reminding me I have to go to work. Water bottle, purse and several checks looking to make sure I have two sets of keys.
Wednesday: A bounce on my back and a lick on my eyelid is enough to get me into the kitchen to look at the cat food. Major purring going on.
Thursday: Repeat of Tuesday.
Friday: Repeat of Wednesday
Saturday: 7:30 alarm clock call and a quick look into the fridge before the kids get here to make sure I have something to feed them.

Swing on a Star ©Ziggle Designs & Pineapple Plantation; based on layout by photocrazy; Font: AvantGarde Bk BT

Happy Birthday Princess

Today our little Princess turns 9 years old. Hopefully the weather will hold out for us and we will be able to have her party at the pool as planned. We had bought her Indiana Jones Legos for the Wii but ended up giving it to her early because Indy didn't want to share it on the x-box. So we bought her some books to open tomorrow. One she specifically asked for.. "Little Women." It was one of my favorites growing up and I think it will be one of hers as well. Pan is giving her "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein. We also picked up some books to give her from our parents. Pan's parents are giving her "Journey to the Center of the Earth." We thought she might like it since a new "Journey" movie is coming out soon. And "Heidi" from my mom.

Happy Birthday, Honey.
Hope you enjoy your special day.
Love, Pan & Tink

Poppy ©Retrodiva; Font: AvantGarde Bk BT

Some Days Are Just Better Than Tribulations

I have received a very special BLOG AWARD from my dear friend and designer, Linda of Bon Scrapatit. Thank you SO very much Linda! In addition to being an honor, it also came at a time when I really needed a pick me up.


The rules of the award are:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you've nominated

vw bug: My real life sister and fellow blogger who got me started in this.

Mrs. Who: One of my southern comforts can write what I feel and is a teacher extraordinaire.

Glynis: My companion in prompting and special web-friend who hales from my place of birth.

Loonyhiker: My other companion in prompting and a very special retired teacher.

ArtcTrish: My other southern comfort who is talented in so many ways.

Tammy: Didn’t you know southern comforts come in 3? Tammy is a transplanted southerner; but you wouldn’t know it, she fits in so well.

Simply Yin: And some friends are half a world away. Yin is one of those very special friends who is an inspiration in her blogging and scrapping.

Summer Tribulations

Wed 7/9 Blog Prompt: Describe your perfect summer day.

Well, I think my perfect summer day is going to be this Sunday when we celebrate the Princess' 9th birthday. Did I just say 9? Whoa, where has time gone? Seems just yesterday she was telling me that she didn't want to be 5 years old.

Okay, that was off track. The perfect day is going to have the daughter, The Princess, Indy, Pan and myself with a group of The Princess' friends and their parents at the pool. We have the pavilion reserved so it will be set up with celebratory tablecloths, streamers and food all of the hungry yung'uns after their playtime in the pool. It has been so hot that even I will enjoy my forays into the delicious blue liquid.

Maybe I'll get a head start and go to the pool on Friday all by my lonesome, LOL

But then spending the day on the 4th at my sister's was pretty perfect for a summer day too.


Summer Daze ©Amy Sumrall & Ziggle Designs; Template by Michelle Swadling based on layout by MelindaH; Font: Turtles Normal; AvantGarde Bk BT

Unexpected Twists & Tribulations

Tue 7/8 Blog Prompt: What kind of stories do you like best? Tear-jerkers? Happy endings? Unexpected twists? Or all of the above?

I like most books, just about all, in fact. Although I prefer those with unexpected endings like "Colossus" trilogy which they ended up making a movie about. Okay they only made it based on the first one, but still it was the first one that had the unexpected. I prefer happy endings as long as it is in line with the book, but can deal with those that have less than happy endings, such as "Gone with the Wind." I guess it is just the raw power Scarlett exudes that makes you know everything is going to come out right, even if it isn't in the book. I like books that make me think but are still entertaining. And I love science fiction and fantasy for a quick get away from reality. I enjoy some horror books but I am not into the slasher type books or movies. Again it just boils down to being entertained. If I can read it without being bored, then it has may seal of approval. :)

Color Revolution Boldly Brown ©Connie Prince; Word Art ©Jennifer Maceyunas; template by by Hexichen Leia; Font: Andalus

One Word of Tribualtion

Mon 7/7 Blog Prompt: If someone asked for your advice on life, what ONE WORD would you choose to share with them and why?

LIVE. Take time to enjoy the present not dwell on past mistakes or what the future may bring. As the last couple of weeks have shown me, you just never know what is around the corner.

Now if I could just take my own advice. While we are all getting over the shock, the reality is starting to set in. Reality in the guise of employment. Hopefully this week will prepare us for what the future may hold in store.

Gotta Grab It mega kit ©Gotta Pixel designers; template by Monica McGill

Camera Hunt Tribulations

This month in Paula's Camera Hunt Challenge we were to find:

1. A Kiss (Indy gives The Princess a kiss after her recital)
2. Crazy Hair (sometimes I wonder what gets into my daughter to do this to her son, but it does look cute on him and reflects his personality.)
3. Ice Cream (okay, so the kids finished their bowls of ice cream before I could get the picture, but here is a bowl as proof there was some)
4. Water Fun (while at Bear & ddpup's, the kids had a grand time in the sprinkler)
5. Silliness (still at Bear & ddpup's, there is nothing like a good wrestle in the grass)
6. Shape: Cube (Indy swipes the cat's cube and crawls in it himself)
7. Color: Pink (more from ddpup's, one of her pink daisies that among all her other butterfly flowers. This one was taken over by bees)
8. Picture of your house or home (it was a real icky day when this one was taken but look... the grass is still green)

Color Revolution "Boldly Brown" ©Connie Prince; template by Paula Yagisawa; Font: AvantGarde Bk BT

A Day of Freedom

Fri 7/4 Blog Prompt: In America today we celebrate Independence Day. What does freedom mean to you?

Life:
The physical, mental, and spiritual experiences that constitute existence.

Liberty:
a. The condition of being free from restriction or control.
b. The right and power to act, believe, or express oneself in a manner of one's own choosing.
c. The condition of being physically and legally free from confinement, servitude, or forced labor.

And the pursuit of happiness.

To have the right to choose my destiny as long as it does not infringe on another.

June 2007 Mega kit ©Rakscraps designers; template by Becky Fleck; Font: Times New Roman

Tribulations of a Beautiful Woman

Thur 7/3 Blog Prompt: Today is 'Compliment Your Mirror Day'--look in your mirror and tell us about the beautiful woman you see!

As I think back to the 3rd of July (since this is being written on the 12th in actuality) and stare into the mirror, I see thin, almost none existent lips, cheek bones most women would die for, eyebrows trying merge back into the unibrow it wants to be, shiny lustrous hair and tired eyes from all that has occurred in this past month.

But behind the tired eyes is a woman who has a twinkle in those eyes, a ready smile and genial laughter just waiting to be released. Especially upon seeing the photo below.

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War of the Tribulations

Wed 7/2 Blog Prompt: Today is World UFO Day. How do you feel about that?

I'm not sure how I feel about little green men flying around and watching us; but I can't imagine being the only planet with life on it either. To paraphrase Carl Sagan "It would be awfully lonely." Maybe one day we will find that life.

Commercial use products ©Gotta Pixel designers; sketch from Just Ad Inspiration; Font: Times New Roman

Spontaneous Tribulations

Tue 7/1 Blog Prompt: What's the most spontaneous or impulsive thing you've ever done?

I may have to think on that one for some time. I'm not a very spontaneous type of person. Ahh, I think I have one.

It was when I had my ears pierced. I never wanted them pierced and still don't wear earrings much these days. But I was in my late 20's/early 30's when my ex and I had been quarreling. I went to the mall just to calm my nerves when I saw they were giving away free earrings with a $10 piercing. I don't know what came over me, but I just walked up and had it done. I still can't believe I did it, what with my fear of needles and such (in my mind, posts and hooks still represent needles). But there you have it, I did it and it was very spur of the moment.

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