Month of Erin

The Hutch Project

I posted about the kitchen hutch project I've been working on.
CLICK HERE TO SEE IT

Guest Blogger

Click here: The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills

I am the guest this time! I'm blogging at The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills this weekend and would love it if you came by and left me a comment!

Columbine

This beautiful columbine blooms in a bed between the front walk and the garage/driveway, so I see it everytime I go in or out the front door and when I look outside from the front door.

Erin Month

Graduates

This is Erin and Alex. Her folks call Alex "her little fella."

It's May!

The bleeding heart on the north side of my house. It likes the shade.




This tree is on thesouth side of the house. It's the one I picked out for me when we first moved here.




This bush is in the corner of the backyard. I love the green before the flowers turn white.

chives are ready to flower

I love chives. We eat them in salads, on baked potatoes, in mashed potatoes, in tuna and chicken salad, and sometimes just on sandwiches. I've divided them several times, and still have two huge clumps in the back and one in the front.

David Cook - one of my faves

How do I decide who to vote for? If they had CDs for sale right now, which one would I buy? David Cook hands down. This song is one of my favorites by him.

Time Management Tips: 10 Things You Can Do To Be Effective With Your Time

If you find yourself constantly frustrated at the end of the day, with a pile of things that need to be done and wondering why you weren’t able to do it, you’re not alone. Plenty of people suffer from an inability to make the maximum use of their time, but there is a solution! By implementing these simple time management tips in every area of your life, you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish – and how quickly things will get done – every day.

1)Know what you want – set goals.

Since you can’t change time itself, you need to change how you work with time. This can be done by making small personal goals to start with, moving to larger goals as you progress in your time management skills. For example, set a goal to not check your personal email while at work for one week. At the end of the week, evaluate whether you achieved that goal and add another one or try again.

2)Do what you need to – create a plan.

This is a more overarching goal, but something that can be implemented as part of a plan for time management success. For example, your plan for trying these time management tips might be to increase your productivity or to lower your stress levels.

3)Learn about yourself – where are you losing time?

For a week, track what you do every day. Take note of your activities, how long they took, and even the breaks you take for a personal phone call or for lunch. After a week, look at the areas that took up your time, and evaluate where you wasted time that could have been given over to more productive activities.

4)Use the available tools – write it down.

Time management tools are an effective way to give concreteness to your goals and the tasks you need to accomplish. Whether it’s through a daytimer or a computer program, physically manage your time by listing the tasks you need to do now and in the future.

5)Keep perspective – prioritize.

Each morning, look at the tasks you need to accomplish and prioritize them. Figure out which ones are urgent and which ones can honestly wait if you don’t have time for them. Do the important things first – don’t put them off, or you’ll be stressed and rushed at the end of the day.

6)Keep moving – create a routine.

If you have an established routine, you’ll be more able to complete your goals each day. When crises arise, move with them and deal with them – but don’t let them distract you for the rest of the day. Once you’ve dealt with the problem, get back on task.

7)Don’t dawdle – set time limits.

If you only need an hour to check your email, set a timer for an hour until you can get used to that amount of time. A day can be easily wasted on one thing if you let it, so this will ensure that you don’t waste extra time surfing around that could be spent on other projects.

8)Ask for help – delegate.

You don’t need to do it all yourself – no person is an island! Allow others to carry some of the burden for you, but be willing to help them along the way – that way your creative hand is still in the pot. You need to decide to delegate, and then just ask. What’s the worst that could happen, someone would say no? It’s not the end of the world.

9)Know yourself – don’t waste time waiting.

Whether it’s standing in line at the grocery store, waiting for a doctor’s appointment, or even if you’re sitting in a lobby waiting for a meeting, realize that you don’t need to spend that time waiting. With a task list set out, bring something with you at all times that you can work on – a report to read, a notepad, your checkbook, or your PDA to check your email. Keep moving, keep working on those tasks. Don’t let a moment go to waste.

10)Be realistic – don’t get discouraged.

If you’ve set realistic goals and you’ve followed the tips outlined here, there may still be some days that you just can’t get everything done. That’s okay! There are only 24 hours in a day, and all you can do is work with them and manage yourself. Time doesn’t change – you can, and that’s really the best thing you can do. Realize that some days will be successes and others may be a little more disappointing. That’s life – and tomorrow is a new day!

ADAM THOMPSON
Published At: www.Isnare.com

Idol Prediction

I don't think anyone missed the Idol prediction for this week. It was unfair of the judges to come down hard on the contestants - especially Syesha. It was a no-brainer. It wouldn't have mattered what she sang - she was going home this week.

She could have sang like Alicia Keys and the two Davids could have sang with their mouths full of crackers, and she would have gone home tonight.

Syesha really grew and did well the last few weeks. Seeing all of them at their home towns was great.

David Archuleta played it very smart with the teeny bopper song. Did you see the crowds of little girls in Utah? Holy cow! Do NOT underestimate the tween vote! Look how many Hannah Montana concerts are sold out. He has a huge fan base.

Kristin downloaded Davis Cooks's song for me.

It will be really close. I predicted the battle of the Davids, and now I predict David Cook as the winner.

But I've been disappointed in America's voting before....

National Wear An Apron Day

In America this unusual holiday falls each year on the first Wednesday after Mother's Day. While I was growing up my mother and grandmother wore aprons all the time.

My mother wore housedresses, and didn't have Spray'n Wash or Spot Shot, so I suppose protecting her clothing was necessary.

I keep several aprons in a drawer in our antique sideboard. One was my grandmother's and one was my mother's. One isn't good for anything except looking pretty. I tend to like the practical ones with the big pockets.




Click here to learn how to make an apron from an old skirt.


Here's a link to a great article on aprons.


And click here to read Linda Broday's great blog on the history of aprons.


*lizzie starr sent me this link to a store in Lincoln, NE that sells an assortment patterns for beautiful aprons. There's an online store.


*lizzie gave me this link to The Paisley Pincushion, another source for wonderful apron patterns.


Do you have any aprons? Do you ever wear an apron? Do you have memories of your mom or grandma wearing one?

Mother's Day Brunch

Here's Kristin, me and LeighAnn. Sometimes we can get LeighAnn to stay wake for these things, but not always. LOL

I bought a Photoshop book, so I'm going to learn how to make her eyes open in pictures.

ERIN, Month of Nostalgia

As you can see, she didn't stand a chance. That's me in the driver's seat and her parents are the two on the right - I think this must be BEFORE she was born. ON top of the truck is Jennifer. from left to right in the bed of the truck: Kristin, LeighAnn, Brad.



Here I am with Erin on my shoudlers when she is about 2 or 3.




And here is Erin asking, "Are you sure those are my grandparents?"

Newest Angel Cheeks

Introducing the newest members to my Angel Cheeks family.

The one on the left was from Kristin and the one on the right was from Elijah. Kristin ordered these online to get just what they wanted. Aren't they adorable? Now it's going to be a challenge to get them all in a banner for my header next time, but I'll give it a shot.

I got two new ones for Christmas, too, so I have thirteen!

ERIN and the Month of Nostalgia

It was a very sentimental weekend, with Mother's Day and Erin's graduation. And wouldn't you know it, OF ALL PEOPLE I forgot my camera!? So while I'm waiting -- did you hear me say WAITING? for daughters to send me pictures, I got nostaglic and found a few to post in honor of the graduate.

In fact I believe this will be the month of nostalgia. Yes, it's official. If it's in the post label, it's a done deal.

Here she is, day one, minutes after being born into our waiting arms.
Yes, that's me. No, I didn't need glasses to see her. And to be honest I did a double take when I found this picture, but after noting the ring I am never without on my middle finger, confirmed it was indeed me.



And here she is with her Papa. Eighteen years is all it takes for dark hair to disappear, imagine that....



Ain't she sweet? Erin's lying on a blanket I made. Her hair was dark for a few weeks and gradually got lighter and lighter.


More to come........

Winners of Beaded Book Thongs

Okay, it's after 10pm on Friday and I promised to announce winners of the bookmarks I made. You guys did great with your lists! Thanks to all who posted.

And the winners are:

CONNIE - blue
PAT COCHRAN -green
BETSY - purple

I'll go to the post office at the first of next week and mail them out, so send me your addresses at SaintJohn@aol.com

title generator

This is pretty funny. In desperate search if a title idea, I found the Danielle Steele title generator. It's a stitch.

Good-bye to Jason

America's Sweetie

Jason Castro left American Idol this week. It was his time to go. The votes have been right on for the past few weeks. Honestly I would have voted off Syesha weeks ago, but she's pulled it off with her showtune style. If she just wouldn't sing high notes - YIKES.

I predicted Jason this week. It's going to be down to the two Davids, of course, and I think David Cook will win. David Archuleta can definitely sing and updates songs, but he's just a little...well, boring. David Cook brings the excitement every time.

So, what's your Idol prediction? Syesha next, and then the two Davids will battle it out and David Cook will win. Agree?

Blogging at P&P Today

It's my day at Petticoats and Pistols today.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MAGIC CARPET RIDE

What I Learned About Writing From Watching American Idol

What I Learned About Writing From Watching American Idol by Julie Rowe

Yes, I admit it, I'm an Idol addict. I love watching the show; I love the individual singers, the judges and the annoyingly perky host. But, the other day, I realized I was learning an awful lot about the creative process from watching the show. Skip the singing folks, I was learning things that could actually help me become a better writer.

So, in no particular order, here's my list of lessons learned from watching Idol.

1. You actually have to show up at the audition - Yep, that's right, in order to sell a book you actually have to write one. Most people who say they want to write a book, or say they're writing one, never finish it.

2. While at the audition, you actually have to sing - it's no joke, not only do you have to write an entire book, you actually have to submit it to someone.

3. Have realistic expectations about your talent - we all secretly hope that what we've written will be the next breakout best-seller. You'll get offers of representation from multiple agents who'll have so many publishers clamouring for your book that it will end up selling at an auction, and you'll never have to work again. Um, I hate to break it to you, but THAT isn't realistic. THAT occasionally
does happen, but only to that guy who also got struck by lightening three times and survived. Reality will far more likely result in a rejection letter.

4. After you've sung your song, accept criticism gracefully - Criticism is a part of the publishing process. Be respectful and grateful to anyone who takes the time to evaluate your writing. To do anything else is rude, unprofessional and stupid. Publishing may seem like a large industry, but it's not, it's more like a small town where everyone knows everyone else. Nothing spreads faster than bad news or bad behaviour.

5. If you didn't get a golden ticket, go home, take voice lessons and try again next year - So, your manuscript was rejected. Now's the perfect opportunity to strengthen your skills and learn new ones. Join a critique group, enter contests, take online classes, go to live workshops and go to conferences. Learn, edit, revise and submit. Repeat as often as it takes.

6. The judges love singers who take risks musically, have a definitive style and can make well-known songs their own. - Editors and agents are looking for more than good writing, they're also looking for a compelling Voice.
Every writer has a voice, a combination of style, tone, pace, emotion, theme and technique. Really good writers are really good because you can't put their book down - their Voice compels you to read on. How do you develop your Voice? There are three ways: Write, write and write.

7. Hollywood week has one purpose: To weed out the weak. Most of the singers who go to Hollywood will either quit or get sent home - Publishing is not easy. Only the strong, the passionate, the dedicated, and those writers with the ability to adapt to the ever-changing market will survive to have long, successful careers. Strong writers take nothing for granted and keep an eye on where the market is going while focusing on their deadline next week.

8. Not everyone who gets a golden ticket will end up famous - Most writers don't earn enough money from their writing to support themselves. Don't quit your day job until you actually have enough money in the bank to live for at least one year without earning another dime.

9. All contestants will be required to sing in styles they may not feel particularly strong in and often surprise the heck out of themselves when they do a really good job - Don't become complacent. Try new things once in a while. I'm not talking about following trends, I'm talking about taking a trend in a new and unexpected direction - yours. You might score big.

10. Sometimes the last person you expect gets voted off the show - Art and logic are incompatible. Things don't always go the way we expect or want, but failure is only failure if you give up. If you get knocked off your feet, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get moving again. Chocolate helps.

A Golden Heart double finalist in 2006, Julie Rowe has been writing for ten years and has completed sixteen manuscripts. Her freelance work has appeared in numerous magazines and newsletters.

CONTEST WEEK!

In honor of Mother's Day, I'm holding a contest! The prize is a beaded glass book thong (bookmark) made personally by me just for you.


What you must post here is a list.


Pick one of these:
The Top Five Things I'd Like to Get for Mother's Day

or
The Top Five Things I Wish I Could Give My Mom for Mother's Day

or
The Top Five Worst Gifts You Could Give Me For Mother's Day

:::click to enlarge photo:::

And -- don't forget to leave your list lying around where someone can see it!
And -- I think I might have to include a book with that bookmark!
And -- I'll probably draw more than one name ... oh for sure, more than one.

Also let me know which one you would prefer to win, the green one, the blue one or the purple one.

Get started on your list!

American Idol Top Eight

SHOUT TO THE LORD

Melissa Endlich Part 2

Writers At Play hosted Steeple Hill Love Inspired Editor, Melissa Endlich last Thursday. Melissa was kind enough to answer dozens of questions. In fact, she had so many questions she couldn't answer them all that day. However, she was kind enough to answer the rest and they're up at WAP today, Monday, May 5th.

If you visited WAP and didn't get your question answered, it's there now. Check it out by CLICKING HERE.

intriguing book titles

Look for these in a store near you...or not.

1. How to Avoid Huge Ships by John W. Trimmer
2. Scouts in Bondage by Michael Bell
3. Be Bold with Bananas by Crescent Books
4. Fancy Coffins to Make Yourself by Dale L. Power
5. The Flat-Footed Flies of Europe by Peter J. Chandler
6. 101 Uses for an Old Farm Tractor by Michael Dregni
7. Across Europe by Kangaroo by Joseph R. Barry
8. 101 Super Uses for Tampon Applicators by Lori Katz and
Barbara Meyer
9. Suture Self by Mary Daheim
10. The Making of a Moron by Niall Brennan
11. How to Make Love While Conscious by Guy Kettelhack
12. Underwater Acoustics Handbook by Vernon Martin Albers
13. Superfluous Hair and Its Removal by A. F. Niemoeller
14. Lightweight Sandwich Construction by J. M. Davies
15. The Devil's Cloth: A History of Stripes by Michel Pastoureaut
16. How to Be a Pope: What to Do and Where to Go Once You're in the Vatican by Piers Marchant
17. How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren

Garage Sale Fever

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Yes, it's here. The season of bargain shopping. I wait all year for my favorite subdivisions. My favorite of all is Arbrust Acres, the next division west of us. Incredible homes, many of them established (ahem--mature) homeowners. Today was a jackpot.

I have wanted some of these for a long time, but you can't touch them on ebay for less than $30 each. When I saw this little trio standing in the back of a garage full of wordworkers tools I looked at the stickers (AWK- stickers on Lefton!) and each said $5. Okay. My budget for this is deliberately small. I start out with a pocket full of ones and quarters so I don't go crazy. But all right, maybe I won't get much else today, because I have to have these.

I take them to the nice elderly lady who tells me they were her mother's and that none of her chidlren wants them. How sad. I assure her I'll give them a special place and enjoy them year round. She says, "That's five dollars."

"For all three?" I ask in amazed delight.

"For all three."

Whoo hoo!

If you don't have the collector gene like me, you won't get it, and I just feel bad for you. But if you do, you'll know how happy I was to take them home with money to spare!

Thursday is Ask An Editor and Get A Prize Day

Thursday is is "Ask An Editor & Get A Prize Day" at Writers At Play
CLICK HERE FOR THE MAGIC CARPET RIDE

Don't forget to drop by Writers At Play for your chance to win loads of books and other prizes. Plus chat with Harlequin editor, Melissa Endlich and find out how your favorite books make it from an editor's desk to a bookstore near you. For loads of editor insights, book giveaways and fun, visit: Writers At Play

When: Thursday - May 1, 2008
Where: Writers at Play
Who: Harlequin Senior editor Melissa Endlich & You
Time: All day

the big bang theory

I accidentally watched The Big Bang Theory. I thought I was taping Dancing With the Stars, don't ask.

Anyway, what a hoot! These four geeky guys who are toral nerds and collect superhero figures and stuff like that bought a time travel machine - the one from Rod Serling sat in - on ebay. It was a stitch.

Season 1: Episode 14: The Nerdvana Annihilation
When the guys buy the old time machine prop from the movie, Penny accuses them of acting like children and tells them to grow up. This prompts Leonard to get rid of all of his nerdmorabilia, as he realizes that girls like Penny don’t end up with guys who have time machines. But when Leonard sees Penny on a date with a gorgeous hunk, he decides to keep his things.

And what about Bones?

For its season premiere next fall the Ausiello Report claims it will be Bones' biggest show ever. A two hour show being taped in jolly old England. The only clue is a phone booth. Could be they get trapped in a phone booth? No big deal - unless of course the phone booth is underwater or something. Could be a play on words, since his name is Agent Seely Booth.

I'm just enjoying the rest of the remaining new shows finally released after the strike. Bones has more remaining than most of the others - four was my understanding and we've seen two. How sad. I may have to get a DVD of another season to hold me over the summer. My Bones fix....

I loved this week's episode with the baby. Adorable. And Temperence was actually playing wth the little guy when no one was looking! LOL What terrific characters. If you missed it, go watch it on the Fox website.

Pair of Klipspringers

PHOTO BY CHERYL ST.JOHN
Klipspringers are dwarf antelopes found in woodland regions of Africa. They have an excellent sense of balance and can stand on the tips of their hooves.
My photo contest entry for Kasey's blog: