Stylish Blogger

My friend, Esther, at Catholic Mom in Hawaii has generously gifted me with this award.  I have found awards like this one causes me to reflect on who I am and that's a good thing.  So here's what I must do.  I am to share 7 things about myself.  ant thin I must honor  5 other bloggers.  Again thank you Esther for thinking of me.

1.  I really wish I lived where the summer humidity is low.  This last summer here in Indiana was just miserable.  Some days the humidity was 90% and the temperature was in the 90's.  Oh, that trip to Montana and Colorado was a real blessing!

2.  I enjoy knitting and needle work, but sometimes there is just not enough time in the day. 

3.  I enjoy listening to Old Time radio programs.  My XM radio is a treasure.  I remember listening to the radio before we got the TV.  And even after that if there was a radio program the Folks enjoyed listening to the TV was not turned on.  We didn't have a radio or TV in every room of the house so the living room was the place to be.

4.  I love being a grandmother, but if you read my blog you already know that, huh?

5.  I've been married for 43+ years and find my best friend and I still enjoy doing all sorts of things together, especially traveling.

6.  I graduated from college at 48 with a degree in gerontology.  To which my afore mentioned BEST FRIEND said, "You'll be in the forefront of your field."

7.  Finally, I feel myself blessed to have learned a long time ago that the grass is not always greener on the other side, and have tried to Bloom Where I've Been Planted.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Five of my favorite places to visit are listed below and I offer them this award in thanksgiving, but oh there are so many more I enjoy!!!!


Daylilly

Time for Reflections

Jackie's Life in Surrey

St. Nicholas and Christmas-all year long

Are We There Yet?

~Sunshine Award~

I received this beautiful award from very dear friends! It's called the Sunshine Award. It makes me smile and boosts my morale. It fills me with humility that someone would think of me. In this case two very special people Abbey and Brny have offered this award to me and I graciously accept. A wonderful day to ponder sunshine when the report for today is torrential rains!

Here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog and/or within your post.
2. Pass the award on to twelve bloggers.
3. Link to the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and the link to the person from whom you received this award.

So my awards go to...

SuzyQ at Scraps of Starlight
Lisa at Are We There Yet?
Jan at A Tapestry of Life
Doylene at A Gracious Home
Tracy at A Catholic Mom in Minnesota
Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii
Sarah at Prayer 4 the Journey
Queenmother Mawmaw
Eileen at Umma's World
Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musings
Bia at La Dolce Vita: the sweet life with three sons
Carol at Charlie and Me
and three for good measure...
Sarah at My Wonderful Life
Sue at In Him We Live and Move And Have Our Being
Bernie at On My Own

To Abbey and Bryn I say thank you very much!!! To all who visit here and with whom I visit I say thank you, too, for you invariably make my day!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

It has been gently brought to my attention that I missed another who has given me this gift. Anne at Like Showers On the Grass also offered this award. To her a offer a heartfelt thank you and also my apologies. To others, I would ask you to drop by for a visit!

Award and Ash Wednesday

This morning I awoke to a wonderful surprise and one that has set before me a dilemma. You see if I had gotten this yesterday I would have had no trouble accepting it...It wasn't the first day of Lent. Today it is. I am committed to offering up prayer and sacrifice in preparation of the Resurrection. As I was raised that this time of penance and not for celebration, what am I to do...

What would Jesus do? He would be gracious, kind, and grateful. And so it is with gratitude that I say, "Thank you, Jackie, so very much." Her home is The Way of the Upright Is the Highway.


Here are the rules:

~~Thank the person wo kindly passes this to you and link your award back to them.
~~List 7 thing about yourself
~~Pass it on to 15 Beautiful Bloggers

About Me...
1. I like to knit, but have to have a reason, so I have started knitting baby booties as the Elizabeth Ministry at church is wanting them.

2. I'm going on retreat at St. Meinrad Archabbey on Friday for 2 days.

3. I love cream of tomato soup with melted cheese and Ritz crackers.

4. I have sincere hopes of returning to Ireland again!!!

5. I miss the Colorado Rocky Mountains!

6. My family is the most cherished treasure of my life!

7. I believe in miracles!!!!!!

My 15 bloggers:

Laura
MightyMom
The Duchess
Bernie
Sarah
Tracy
Lisa
QMM
Zuzana
Squelly
Abbey
Valeri
Anita
Suz
Sue


Now please visit these generous people and basque in their beauty!






I cannot leave today with out offering my Ash Wednesday Post!

Today we begin reading the Passion Narrative of mark. One way to pray the Scripture is to 'take someone with you' and talk with them along the way. For example, Mary Magdalene, or Peter, or Mary the mother of Jesus. (from The Little Black Book)


Give this serious consideration. If you need a Companion On the Journey, who better to spend time communing. A good way to meditate on Scripture.

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Thanks be to God!!!

Gorgeous Blogger Award

Yesterday Therese of Aussie Coffee Shop gave me this award. Isn't cute? So to here I say, "Thank you very much!" And now I will continue.

Here are the rules:

By accepting this award I am required to tell you six things about myself that you don't know and then award it to six other gorgeous bloggers.

1) I have 5 children (I know you know that) born in 4 states, Colorado, California, Oklahoma ("where the wind comes sweeping down the plain) and Indiana.

2) I received my degree in Gerontology at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College at the age of 48.

3) I need to tune my harp and practice...It's getting close to the Christmas Season and even though I am NOT very good at playing, I really should try.

4) I am hoping to go on retreat to St. Meinrad early next year. It is so invigorating.

5) I wish I had a professional camera...probably not a good idea though. I'd probably not understand how to use all the gadgets!

6) Wish I could dance...but the klutz that I am enables me to stumble, fumble and generally look as "graceless" as you can imagine.

Now 6 bloggers to pass this award onto:

In Him I Live and Move and Have My Being

RoyalTLady

On My Own

The Dutchess

Made for Joy

Mrs. Pogle's World

And three for good measure

Blessings Each Day

Are We There Yet

A Journey Through His Garden

Wishing all a grand day! Will be off to INDY for Halloween with the Grand Kids and a Happy All Hallow's Eve to you. Can hardly wait! [Will be staying home...I have a cold! DRAT! That's why I'm soooo blue!]

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

So Thankful for Friends

I was given this award by Marcy at Blessings Each Day. To her I say a heartfelt Thank YOU!!! I love surprises and she is a treasure. Visiting her blog is a wonderful experience.

IF YOU COULD COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL, WHICH WOULD IT BE?

I believe if I was to come back as an animal I think it would be a kangaroo. Bouncing around seems like fun and with that pouch there's no need to carry a purse.

SOMETHING YOU COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT

The presence of God in my life and hope of a new tomorrow.

WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST IN ANOTHER PERSON

A sense of humor, compassion, tenderness and a dreamer

THE COLORS YOU TEND TO WEAR ARE

Navy and shades of brown

THREE WORDS THAT DEFINE YOU

Caring, understanding, hopeful

A PLACE YOU WOULD TRAVEL TO

Ireland again.

YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE FROM A BOOK OR MOVIE

"We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed firmly on God." Saint Francis de Sales

SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO

I'd like to spend more time with family and friends.

YOUR MAIN STRENGTH/FORTE

The ability to offer an ear for those who need an attentive ear.

You are also supposed to send this on to seven "young" blogs and seven blogs of wisdom. the nice thing about something like this is that it enables us to get to know one another just a little bit better and these 'tags, you're it' are fun and finally, if you have blogger's block, instead of walking around the block (get it...hee, hee???), you have something instant and easy to post.

Here is my list of Young and Wise Blogs (in no particular order):

1) Aussie Coffee Shop

2) Castles, Crowns and Cottages

3) Catholic Teacher's Musings

4) Cuisine Kathleen

5) Eileen on Him...At Least I Try

6) Jenny of Elefantz

7) La Dolce Vita: the sweet life with three sons

8) My Chocolate Heart

9) Umma's World

10) Tamara's Treasures

11) Scraps of Starlight

12) So...This Is The Road I Am Traveling On

13) My Wonderful Life

14) Catholic Mom in Hawaii

This was a great pleasure for me as I was able to offer to you all some blogs that Have welcomed me and offered me pleasure, insights and laughter. Please enjoy!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Loyal Friend Award

Much to my surprise and delight Sue at In Him I Live and Move and Have My Being offered me this gifts. She is a delight to visit as her blog offers insight and reflection. I will offer this award to those who have been loyal to me since the very beginning.


Here are the rules:

1. Copy the loyal picture above and post it on your blog.
2. Pass it on to who you think who is/are deserving.
3. Leave a message to them
4. Pass as many as you want.
5. Message back or leave a comment to the owner.

Right now I'd like to echo the words of Saint Paul.

I give thanks to you God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work to you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right that I should thing this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace, confirmation of the Gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every ind of perception to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. (Phil 3-11)

I offer this first to my daughter-in-law Kelly at Musings as she was the one who gave me encouragement.

Then to Esther at Catholic Mom in Hawaii and Therese Aussie Coffee Shop, friends on the journey.

Lisa at Are We There Yet invites me into her home and makes me welcome in the "Garden of Colorado," the Eden I can only visit now through her gorgeous pictures.

Mike at This I Do who offers words of wisdom and some of the grandest photos anywhere!

Finally to Ann at Prayer, Poetry and Praise and SuzyQ at Sailing by Starlight who inject beauty into my world with their use of words and poetry.

Thank you again Sue and thank you to all who visit here! To everyone who visits here you are most welcome and I cherish all your words and wisdom.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God

Warm Hearts Blog Award

Eileen at Umma's World has generously offered me this award.

Created By Sandy at beachgirl77 this very beautiful Warm Hearts award is in memory of her son Jonny and it is a tribute to all the wonderful characteristics Jonny portrayed.

This award should be passed on to those who are bolstering, uplifting, reassuring, soothing, calming, cheering, consoling, and encouraging to those around them.

I feel privileged to have had this offered to me. It is my pleasure to offer this award to some who have touched me in every way nearly everyday.

Lisa at Are We There Yet

Bernie at On My Own

Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop

Marcie at Blessings Each Day...

Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings

Abbey at ABBEY'S ROAD

Wishing all who visit here today blessings, joy and love through God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who guides us.

~~~^j^~~~
~Thanks be to God~

As an aside, I am playing I Left My Heart In San Francisco because it was one of my dad's favorite songs.

True Heart Award

"Those who receive this award are of the sweetest nature. They are kind, friendly, funny, loving, eager to share their love for Jesus with others, and brave in their efforts to reflect Him to this darkened world. They are the kind of folks you're blessed to know, even if it's only in the bloggy-sphere."

I am sincerely humbled by this gift given by Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart. And so I offer this award to those who have been models for me along this Blogging Journey. This is only a few of those who have touched my life.


1) Esther at Catholic Mom in Hawaii
2) Ann at Poetry, Prayer and Praise
3) SuzyQ at Sailing by Starlight
4) Lisa at Are We There Yet
5) Mrs. Pogle's World
6) Bia at La Dolce Vita: my life with three sons
7) Abbey at Abbey's Road
8) Deb at UKOK's Place
9) Sojourner at A Catholic Notebook
10) Tracy at a Catholic Mom in Minnesota

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Friendly Accolades

In the last week I have been privileged to be awarded distinguieshed awards. I will continue with the award that Abbey at Abbey's Road extended to me.

"This is how the award works: This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

The award also asks that I tell 7 "random" things about myself. There probably isn't much I haven't already said about myself but I will do my best.

They are:

!) I dislike summer in IN. It's HOT and HUMID. Having been born and raised in CO where the altitude is high and the air is dry, this is AWFUL! (It was 59 in Denver this early a.m. It was 72 here!)

2) I like the music of CCR, the Beach Boys, Jim Croche, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, and Billy Joel.

3) My favorite old movies are mysteries like Charlie Chan, Sherlock Holmes and the Thin Man. (Kellie, my grand daughter has spent enough time with me that she likes to watch them too.)

3) My favorite television show is on PBS. It's Mystery and this next few weeks they are airing newly produced Agatha Christi movies.

4) My youngest son will be married in December, 2009. And my 10th grandchild will be born in October, 2009.

5) 41 years ago in July Ron I were married and our honeymoon was overnight in Aspen. Wish we could go back again, but in 1969 none of the celebrities had found it yet and is was much less expensive to stay there.

6) Seeing the Grand Canyon was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. If you don't believe in God before you visit there, surely you will find Him while you are there.

7) This year on our numerous travels we hope to have visited everyone in the family including our brothers and sisters as well as all the kids. Thanks be to God!!!!

To those who have who touch my life nearly daily I offer this award:

1) Marcy at Blessing Each Day

2) Bernie at On My Own

3) Sue at In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being

4) Cathy at From the Field of Blue Children

5) Sue at Made for Joy

6) Angie at Sonflower

7) Kim at Falling On His Grace

8) Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musings

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Honest Scrap Award

My sincere thanks to Lisa at Are We There Yet and Eileen at Umma's World for this delightful award. Both of these ladies offer me a place to go and enjoy the environment and down home friendliness. I will try to do justice by them in accepting this award and sharing a bit of who I am.

Rules:

1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
2) Share "ten honest things" about myself.
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it.

Ten Insights I may not have shared before:

1) I knit, crochet, embroider, and do counted x-stitch (not all at the same time) but cannot skillfully use a sewing machine. My poor mother really tried, but I am totally inept!

2) I played the organ at church for 5 years, but found it to be the most difficult thing I ever had to do. I felt as if I never celebrated Mass on Sunday because I was so concerned about "getting it right." I am grateful I was able to assist in this ministry, but am most grateful to have passed it on to another.

3) I take real pleasure in being a part of the RCIA process here at St. John the Baptist Church. Being "used" in the preparation of those entering the Catholic faith has been one of my great joys. Witnessing the work of the Spirit in the lives of those choosing to enter is a thrill!

4) I love to travel. Will spend a good deal of this summer on the road! YEAH!

5) I have 5 children born in four different states, Colorado, California, Oklahoma and Indiana.

6) When in nursing school I found that the worst patients in the hospital were the Dr. and nurse. I was determined that when I was in the hospital I would not be demanding and bad humored. I hope I was successful.

7) Giving birth in a military hospital is an interesting experience. One is not allowed to lie around and feel sorry for oneself. The next day the corpsman comes in with your sheets and towels and gives them to you so you can get ready for breakfast. You shower, change your sheets and then get breakfast. (That was 30 years ago so I'm not sure if it has changed.) Not much time to develop postpartum blues.

8) I enjoyed Forensic and Debate in high school. There's a lot to be said for being able to stand in front of a group, perform, and take the criticism...Like American Idol?

9) Would much rather watch a live sporting event than watch it on TV...No on can hear me yell when I'm home alone watching!

10) One of my favorite flowers is the day lily! When we were in NC this last weekend I saw BLANKETS of day lilies on the highway medians!!!! It was glorious. I just wish I could have gotten a picture to show you all!!!!!

Now for the hand-off (football term)!

Abbey at Abbey's Road

Anita at Castles, Crown and Cottages

Eileen at Eileen on Him...at least I try!

Dorothy at Musing at 85

Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart

Sarah at Ora et Labora--Journey of Truth

Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii

It just occurred to me that two of the women above are in Hawaii! INTERESTING!

~~~^j^~~~

For all this fun and ecxcitment I say,
"Thanks again
and
Thanks be to God!!!"

The Oscars...

Funniest of stories...

While watching the Academy Awards, Duchess was asleep on the floor in front of the TV. When the winner for costume design was announced for the movie Duchess, OUR Duchess sat up and looked at the television waiting for her TREAT. She looked at both Ron and I as if to say, "Well? Where's the treat?"

Sorry, Duchess, no Oscar for you...only a doggie bone. (We could only laugh out loud at our "puppy.")

~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!

Marie Antoinette Award

Tracy at a Catholic Mom in Minnesota has graciously offered me this award. If the picture appears different than on other blogs it's because that one apparently is not one of Marie. It struck me as odd that Marie Antoinette should be chosen as the cause for an award so I did do some research. It is intended for those who are deemed "real" in who they are. And so I am honored. I am to pass this award on to 7 other bloggers who exhibit this quality in their blog. Well I will do my best! And thank you Miss Tracy for this opportunity!

1. Bia

2. Melody

3. Linda

4. SuzyQ

5. Lisa

6.Kathleen

7. Kimberly

My best to everyone and may you all have a wonderful day.

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Thanks be to God!

China Little Flower

This letter from Shannon at China Little Flower is just a reminder to all that we are entrusted with the care and nourishment of souls that cross our paths. In this month in which we give thanks for all our blessing. Please take time to investigate how you can personally become involved in the lives of those in most need. God will be good to you just as he has always been.

I received this gift from Esther. I am pleased she thinks this blog is HOT. So, I will pass it on to some other Hot Blogs. Thank you Esther!!!

1. Mike at This I Do
2. Angie at Sonflower
3. Joy at Norwich Daily Photo
4. Tracy at A Catholic Mom in Minnesota

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

It's Gold...

The Dutchess has honored me by awarding me the GOLD. Her site is delight to visit. She has such wonderful pictures and poetry. It's a lovely world to visit in which our imaginations are allowed to run wild. Please drop and visit her and see if what I say isn't true. Thank you most sincerely, Dutchess.

Since I was privileged to receive this award, there are also responsibilities that come with it. One must share the "wealth." Please visit these friends, too. And so I begin...

Laura at Exuberance
Kelly at Musings
Angie at Sonflower
Tracy at A Catholic Mom in Minnesota
Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musings

The Blogging Friends Forever Rules are:

1. Only five people allowed.
2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog.
3. One has to be someone new, or recently new to your blog, or live in another part of the world.
4. You must link back to whoever gave you the 'Blogging Friends Forever' award

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For Family and Friends,
Thanks Be to God