Amazing Things Happening All the Time.

Last week, I dropped in to our local library to return and renew some books. I've been reading the Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker -- which is an excellent blend of sci-fi and romance. And the love of God, foremost. I'd read "Blink," which is also very good. The books are titled "Red," "Black," and "White."

So because I was there, I looked through some books that the library was offering for sale. They were having a 2 for 1 sale -- hardbacks 50 cents, and paperbacks 25 cents. Not a bad deal.

I found a paperback I need for homeschool, and one of those little magazine cookbooks you find on the checkout aisle. I happened to pick up a hardback with no dust cover, just so I could read the title and see what it is. I love old books -- I tend to collect them.

I couldn't believe my eyes. I opened the cover and there in ink was an autograph by Jacqueline Kennedy.

In ink. Like, pressed into the page with an ink pen. As in signed, not stamped.

Holy cow!

The book was titled "A Day in the Life of President Kennedy" by Jim Bishop.

Then I noticed that I'd seen several books about President Kennedy. So I pulled out a couple more.

ALL AUTOGRAPHED PERSONALLY BY JACKIE KENNEDY.

Whoa.

So I bought them. I spent $1.50 on everything.

I've been doing a little research on their value, but haven't really found much. I may keep them, or maybe give them back to the library.

Or if they're really valuable, it would be great if they'd contribute to the upcoming college education of my two 17-year old daughters this coming fall!

Wow. Stuff like this never happens to me. It's a grand occasion to thank God, the Giver of all good things, the Lover of our souls, our Maker and Saviour.

Whose birthday is in just 3 weeks. I think He tends to be one of those people who gives gifts to others on His own birthday, you know?

xox

Giveaway!

OK, it's not much, but it is handmade by me and a nice addition to your kitchen -- I call it "Tropical Punch."

Just leave a comment with the name of your favourite go-to recipe. On Friday, I'll draw a name, and publish the recipe for everyone.

BTW, I'm trying some of the things in Jessica Seinfeld's "Deceptively Delicious." Yesterday I made brownies complete with zucchini, carrot, and banana puree.

However, I was on a "down day" for the Alternate Day Diet, so I didn't even get to try them! My southern friends here told me they were good . . . but you never know with these proper southern women. :)

Enjoy!

xox

OK, OK, I Give.

Being surrounded by five gorgeous girls with little skinny, teenage bodies has an effect on a person.

I look in the mirror, and I am no longer the young, cute thing I once may or may not have been.

I am The Mom.

You know, the lady that accompanies the young, cute things that shop in malls and sit at Starbucks.

I look matronly.

Kinda like the Matron of Honor (the married maid of honor) -- but older.

Like my mom used to look when she was next to me.

So I've resolved that although I can't fight the aging process, I can fight the weight gain.

I've started "The Alternate Day Diet" simply because it's kind of the way I already eat anyhow.

Linda at 2nd Cup is also doing the diet.

I'm a Weight Watchers Lifetime Failure; I've gained back all the weight I lost there, and am reluctant to count points. I know it works, but I go hungry a lot.

I think going hungry every other day might be a good alternative for me.

The trouble with Weight Watchers is that it didn't change my eating habits. And I ate a LOT of diet food -- WW ice cream bars, sugar-free candies, etc. I am determined to eat real food.

So we'll see how it goes.

I Ran Away Yesterday

I got tired of being the one who never gets the car. So I stole it and ran away.

(IF YOU'RE HERE FOR THE GIVEAWAY CARNIVAL, KEEP SCROLLING)



Just to the nearest big town, really, to drop off my dead serger and browse Tuesday Morning. Great store -- also went over to Big Lots, another favourite store. I found a few things. At Tuesday Morning, I found the greatest decorating book:

I used to be a big fan of Lynette Jennings, until she got her American show and things went downhill. It was a show with a live audience, and I just didn't care for it. She started sounding like the penultimate know-it-all of home decorating.

But she was the one that got me started on HGTV with decorating. She was the one I'd watch and learn from -- I remember one thing she said that has never left me. She held up a piece of wood to a white wall and said "see how this looks brown?" Then she held it up to a colored wall -- red or blue or something -- and said "see how now it has woodgrain, and depth?" I couldn't believe my eyes. She was right.

When I picked up this book yesterday at Tuesday Morning, I didn't have much hopes for it. But was I ever surprised! She throws out all the rules about decorating, and rather helps you organise yourself and identify your own style based on what you already have. And based on what things you own which mean a lot to you. This is really good stuff. I even sent a copy to my good friend Chari via Amazon.

I just finished upstairs installing a new ceiling fan for Rose. I think I bruised my thumb. Waaah. I also removed the cabinet doors and hardware from my bathroom cabinet. Time to paint. I have the girls painting doors today -- I haven't had a door on my bedroom, my bathroom, my closet, the half bath, or the hall closet for a few days now.

Actually, I kind of like it.

Lynette has me thinking I should knock out a wall. One of the pages in the book says "Your kitchen can be your living room. Why not?" What a great idea. Talk about an easy way to alleviate all the food dishes that accumulate in the family room!