Announcing ... for Best Musical!

Melissa Lee, come on over and accept your award! You are winning the award for the art of song! I haven't actually heard you sing, but I do honestly believe in my heart of hearts that you can sing. Lordy, girl, can you sing!!

I feel you are one of those people who can have you weeping through a ballad one minute and jumping up and down in the aisles the next. You would seriously FEEL the music and make ME feel it too! I have always loved music myself, but, alas, no one wants to sign me for a recording contract. In fact, while my kids insist I just must try out for the next Canadian Idol, I know they jest, but it's because they love me.

Melissa, by the way, is expecting. She is expecting coupons, and chicken, and maybe some Julio's. She is also expecting. Expecting! Isn't that exciting?? When you stop on over there (I know initially you came from there, anyway, but just humour me here, okay?) let her know that you are thinking of her and praying for her, and if you so choose, that you are sending something to her. Just pray for the magazine. If you don't know what I'm talking about, well then read this.

If you need a good laugh, I highly recommend you check out her jaunt through the funhouse. That is the post that got me hooked ... and almost fired. I absolutely could not hold back my laughter!

Now, Melissa, the award is in your hands. If you so choose you may pass it on to five other deserving recipients. Stop by and direct Melissa to your very best musings, photos, music, art, whatever. Oh, and DEFINITELY scrapbooks. She just LOVES scrapbooks! lol

To recap - Heather won yesterday for best mini-series!

And the first winner is.....

As promised, our first winner of the Artsy Fartsy award is ...... (drumrolllll) HEATHER from Mindless Junque!!! She is mom to four girls, wife to PB, loving master to gay dog, and one of the creators of the Secret is in the Sauce.

She was one of the first blogs I started stalking. Her mini-series about her early years before PB and how they met and how he swooped her up in the kiss of the century left me and countless others breathless and anxiously awaiting the next part! She almost lost this most prestigious award for complete and utter disregard for our feelings for the times when she would make us wait a WHOLE WEEKEND for the next entry! But really, it wasn't all necessary ... because she had me at PB!

Now, Heather, this award is in your hands. If you so choose, you can award five others! You will most certainly have a tougher time than me, seeing as you know far more bloggers than I do!

Make sure you stop by and congratulate Heather! Let her know if you wish to be nominated as one of her five and direct her to your very best stuff! Good luck!

Tomorrow I will be announcing the second winner. Will it be you??

I'd like to thank....

Okay, I won't lie. I'm honoured. I'm a bit overwhelmed. (I hope this shade of flushed pink is flattering. Does my gown make my ass look fat?)

I was awarded yesterday with an "Artsy Fartsy" award. (I'm calling it that because I can't actually read what it says on it.) It was shocking to say the least. For those who don't know, I am a photographer in the making.

I'd like to thank my mom for giving me the "shutter" bug. For many years my brothers and I were the victims of her relentless snapping and clicking. I'd like her to know that I forgive her for the trauma. My counsellor says he feels I'm managing well and I'm now ready to face the world.

I'd like to thank my husband for all of his (sniffle, sniffle) support over the years. He has only choked on one camera bill, and has stayed quiet, with only a few big fat tears, at the rest. Now THAT is love.

I'd like to thank my children. They said good-bye to their mother a few years ago. They accepted losing me to the computer while I edit pictures, create DVDs and burn discs. They were my unwilling victims for a time, while I learned how to use my fancy camera.



I'd like to thank Bradie for this incredible honour! I didn't even know I had been nominated! Just for that, and for all of Matt's help with these awesome headers on my sites, I would like to offer you one family sitting, free off charge! Let me know when you are available!

To all my devoted fans (weep) I thank you.

I will be giving this award to five other very deserving people. Stay tuned, as I will give out one per day. This gives you the opportunity to invite me to your best posts. If you want to win this most coveted award, leave comments directing me to your blog!

Stay tuned..... The winners are....

A Wedding Walk

This picture is one from the last wedding I photographed. It is such a sweet picture, and reminds me of the song "Dance Little Jean". It's an old country song. It is worthy of a listen if you have never heard it before. It is about a little girl whose mommy and daddy are finally getting married, told by the DJ for the event, who is against marriage. This happy little girl helps him to see marriage differently.

The little girl in this picture is "Abby" and it is indeed her Mommy & Daddy getting married.


Thanks Candid Carrie for hosting this wonderful feature on your site!

Check out my photography site too!

HOW I GOT MY BODY BACK!

WTF???

Are they kidding me???

It's called a chef.
And a trainer.
And a nanny.
It's a make-up artist.
It's called air-brushing, for crying out loud.
It's called mega-bucks, folks.

Is that wrong of me to think that way?

Does that make me a bad person?

Now, don't be thinking that I think it's impossible for the Average Joe to look like this after babies. It's totally possible. I just do NOT like the fact that the media let's OUR HUSBANDS know that it is do-able. That's just downright rude!

While I never quite had those boobs, like, EVER, I did get my body back after my first two. It's after the third that it flew the coop. It's looking pretty permanent at this point. My DH tells me that if I don't like my body, then do something about it. I like to think he wants me to do it so I will be happy with me, not so that he'll be happy with me. But, he's too nice, and too smart to say it. Thank God.

My ass, round and dimpled and dumpy, and not at all the delightful upside-down heart shape it should be or used to be, is a testimony to all the things I've done in my life. Months of growing babies. Long nights of rocking and feeding. Years of sitting on my duff to make money for my family. Hours and hours spent with all of you and my Facebook family.

I would love to be slim again. I would love to wear size six again. But that would take work, people.

And I have to tell you, the one thing I WON'T do .... Is this:



Oh, Puh-leeaase!

Just Li'l Ole Me

There once was a sad lonely writer,
Who kept her mood oh so much lighter,
By griping and venting
'Bout kids, jobs and tenting,
That her blog truly satisfied her.

But lately she's been doing more talking.
And feels that it's all for naught-ing.
She's learning blog-sass,
Comments with humour and class.
And still so few are stalking.

So how do they do it, these bloggers?
How do they become blogspot hot-doggers?
She wants blog friends
With comments to send,
But maybe she'll have to take up clogging.

She thinks you should read her post from July 11th.
Or a silly poem about her family on June 27th.
You can get to know her,
Through April 23rd's Meme.
And perhaps you'll come visit again.


I know. That was really, really bad. But seriously. To those who get a hundred or more coming to your blog, interested in what you have to say, how did you do it?

Free stuff from Mama's Losin It!

So I'm trying to win free stuff from Mama's Losin It. The challenge is to blog using the words she has given us in order to get our name in the draw three times. So, sadly, I couldn't think of anything FABULOUS to amaze you with. I just did my homework, like always, for completion, and not top marks.

Read on.

-epistemology
-shower
-myspace
-best friend
-lesbian
-greyhound
-fluke
-LOL
and
-beige

Okay, so, get this. I was in the shower the other day, when my greyhound, Fluke, came flying in with my best friend, an epistemology major, on his tail. He was eating her beige thong, and she was NOT IMPRESSED. (She’s a lesbian, so seeing me naked was the highlight of her day, to say the least! LOL) It didn’t phase them even the slightest bit to see that they had invaded myspace. My. Personal. Space.

Okay, so it’s a little lame. Okay. It’s a lot lame. But she didn’t even once say it had to be good!

Humiliation is good for the soul. No, really.

I was trying to figure out what to write about that would catch the attention of all (3 or 4) of you.

I considered a child birth story.

I tossed around the idea of a love story, like Heather and Carrie. (Would you call Carrie's latest series a love story? Probably not.)

Maybe, then, some of my most embarrassing moments? (Mom, we're not going to let Dad get ahold of this blog entry, are we??) If someone can truly laugh out loud at themselves, then they are surely well adjusted, right?

Nope. However, I shall share anyway.

There were many stupid moments in my life.

1.  The time I actually thought I could run over a soccer ball on my bike. You know, like a speed bump. It. Didn't. Work. I fell. It hurt. On the up-side though, my brothers, who kicked the ball at me in the first place, totally got heck over it. I got to watch. When all else fails, make someone else feel even worse. It is very satisfying.

2.  How about when I was so totally over the moon for Murray Sparrow that I copied him when he dove into our pool. He dove into the shallow end. It turns out I can't do that. I went straight down. My nose hurt. My pride hurt. I bled. But I think he put his arm around me to lead me over to the chair. That was sweet.

3.  That same visit, he asked Matt to go get him some warm salt water. I followed Matt and made a glass for myself. After all, if that fine looking specimen is going to drink this crap, well then, so shall I! I came down the stairs with my glass and proceeded to drink it. I gagged. My nose wrinkled. I think my eyes watered. But through the waterfall, I could see him looking at me like I had grown a third arm right out the top of my head. It turns out that he had an injury on his finger, and he needed to soak it. I. Felt. Stupid.

4.  When I was pregnant with my first, they were trying to induce me early, and had me in the hospital for the delightful gelling process. My parents came in to visit. My Dad wandered off as my mom sat by me. He came walking back in with a huge camp-style flashlight and said "Hey, what's this for?" Silence. You could see it register in my Dad's face when he realized what that was for. "Oh." he said. And he slunk quietly away. I'm not sure who was more embarrassed. Him or me.

5.  There was one time at a party when .... ummm. Nope. That one is just going to stay in the tomb where it belongs. Never to be brought up again.

6.  There would be the time my Dad walked in on me. I was young. I wasn't alone. If it means anything at all, he was truly my first love and while I would delete that one episode if I could live my life over (but Please God don't do anything so rash!) the rest would remain. I can't even allow myself to try to bring any comedy into this. It was just plain awful.

7.  The time I got piss-drunk babysitting at 13 and puked all over the place. I had to use my earnings - plus - to pay for the steam cleaning. I was grounded for a long time after that. This stunt led to the discovery of all my not-exactly-properly-purchased items I had socked away in my room. That made things even worse for me. I know. Shocking.

Now you know a little more about me. Do you feel blessed? I have been long-winded for the last few posts. I promise to keep the next ones short and sweet.

Have a fabulous weekend all!!!

Remembering Shelley

A look back...See our beautiful Shelley here


Two years ago today ....

My sister-in-law probably had a cup of tea.
She probably had absolute faith that she was making the right decision.
I'll bet that she was relieved.
I'm sure she did it early on, so that no one would disturb her.
I'm absolutely CERTAIN that she thought of Buddy, but just couldn't see him through the darkness.


Two years ago today ....

Buddy came home and was welcomed by Catdog, who was outside in the rain.
He saw Shelley's car in the driveway.
He knew that she wouldn't leave the cat out in the rain if she was home - and okay.
Buddy had the courage to hurry around the house, calling Shelley's name.
He knew this wasn't good.
He found her.


Two years ago today ....

A husband cried for his wife.
Parents mourned their daughter.
Mom came home to the police delivering a shocked and devastated son.
I got a phone call.
Family gathered.


One year ago today ....

We tried our best to be what Buddy needed.
We gathered as a family.
We set balloons free and watched them rise up, up , up to where Shelley could catch them.
Maybe she laughed at our silliness.
Maybe she cried for our grief.


Today ....

We won't be able to gather around each other.
Perhaps each person will, in their own way, just think of her.
Remember one thing about her.
Those weird little green tomato pickle things that Gramma loved, and I never did try.
The way she just loved to stay and visit. I wish she had stayed longer.
The way she held my wee Olivia. And went truckin' up the road with her in her stroller. She loved my other girls too, but it's different when you watch a tummy grow, and get caught up in the excitement of a new baby. When you hold that sweet little thing. You bond. She bonded. I loved that so much.


Two years ago we said good-bye to an incredible person. She was warm and loving and had a wonderful laugh. I can still hear it.


Today her memoriam reads

When someone you love becomes a memory,
That memory becomes a treasure.
But then ... you were a treasure even before you left us.

And she was.

I'm layin' it out there folks!!! No offense intended, but ....

http://www.asiancanadian.net/2007/09/politician-wants-music-promoter-bruce.html


It is NOT racist.

It is FACTUAL.


SPEAK UP FOR YOUR COUNTRY CANADIANS!


Bruce Allen is not out of hot water yet.



VANCOUVER/CKNW(AM980) - Despite being given a show of support by Vancouver 2010 organizers, embattled music manager and CKNW editorialist, Bruce Allen is not out of hot water just yet as the fallout continues from his recent commentary indicating immigrants to Canada should 'fit in,' or 'go home.'

Richmond Liberal MP, Raymond Chan, is set to file an official complaint with the CRTC (Canadian Radio & Television Commission) about Allen's recent 'reality check' alleging the piece was discriminatory. Chan is also demanding an official apology and a retraction of the comments.

It's time we all get behind Bruce Allen, and scrap this Political Correctness business. His comments were anything but racist, but there are far too many overly-sensitive 'New Canadians' that are trying to change everything we hold dear.

For example, our National Anthem: Don't know what your opinions are, but I certainly agree. --- I'm sorry, but after hearing they want to sing the National Anthem in Hindi - enough is enough. Nowhere or at no other time in our nation's history, did they sing it in Italian, Japanese, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German, Portuguese, Greek, or any other language because of immigration. It was written in English, and should be sung word for word the way it was written. The news broadcasts even gave the translation -- not even close.

I am not sorry if this offends anyone, this is MY COUNTRY - IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY SPEAK UP ---- please pass this along.... I am not against immigration .. Just come through like everyone else... Get a sponsor; get a place to lay your head; get a job; pay your taxes; live by the rules ...AND... LEARN THE LANGUAGE

As all other immigrants have in the past .

And LONG LIVE CANADA!

PART OF THE PROBLEM? Think about this: If you don't want to forward this for fear of offending someone-----YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM !!!!

Will we still be the Country of Choice and still be CANADA if we continue to make the changes forced on us by the people from other countries who have come to live in CANADA because it is the Country of Choice??????

Think about it! IMMIGRANTS, NOT CANADIAN'S, MUST ADAPT.

It is Time for CANADA to Speak up.

If you agree - pass This along.


Rhonda's Thoughts:

I forwarded an email like this not long ago and it started quite the controversy! And I love a good debate.

I whole-heartedly agree with this message.

What other country caters to the customs of their "guests"?

This is not racist. I do not care if you come from Ireland, China or the fine USA.

Don't tell me I can't say Merry Christmas because it might offend someone. It is Christmas, and I do hope you have a merry one. If you choose to wish me "Happy Hanukkah", I won't be offended. If you ask me over for pyrogies for Ukranian Christmas, I would come. And I would eat a lot to show my appreciation. No, really. I totally would.

Don't let someone carry a weapon just because it is his/her custom in "their" country. (That is always the wording, which I find funny in a very not funny sort of way.) If I carry a dagger in my pocket, it would be called "carrying a concealed weapon" and I would likely find myself in front of a judge.

When I am applying for a job, don't ask me if I am a visible minority before you have even looked at my qualifications!!! May the best person win, regardless of gender or race. (I told my husband recently, when he was filling out a job application, to say that yes, he is a visible minority. He is a caucasian male!!)

It's pretty plain and simple, really. If you liked the ways of things so much where you come from, then why did you leave? If you don't like it here, go somewhere else. Don't expect us to molly-coddle you and make you feel at home.

I think multi-culturalism is great. I really do. BUT, multi-culturalism in Canada without the Canadian customs makes US feel discriminated against. How fair is that?


So, I've laid it out there. What do you think?




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