tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86443946149273596522024-03-14T01:07:46.297-07:00Lexy Plexya little sunshine a little rainLexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-25806699395112269982012-10-25T23:10:00.001-07:002012-10-25T23:10:14.562-07:00A hard days night<div><p>Sometimes as I lie in bed and unable to rest (even though i haven't slept more than 5 hours consistently for like 10 years) I watch the hours tick past, 9:30, 10:00, 11:23, 2:30 etc I just long for sleep. I used to be able to sleep anywhere. Noise, light, super uncomfortable positions it did not matter. Those days seem so long ago probably because they are but i think i was able to sleep then because i had no idea what this world was about. Nor did I fully grasp what was just beyond the layers of atmosphere surrounding the earth. I think of the simple days when sleep didn't seem so important, but staying up late talking, plotting, planning, hoping and dreaming for what the future might possibly hold for me was way more worth while. Don't get me wrong those things still happen they just usually happen at 2am when neither my husband nor I can sleep. This had become our pillow talk time. These are moments that I will always cherish, the sleepless era of our married life. We've even grabbed or binoculars a time or two and sit in our backyard stargazing while discussing eternal things. What is it going to be like? I don't claim to have any idea what it will be like but i have plenty of hope and ideas as to what I'd like to experience someday whether in the near future, before I die or in the eternities. I used to hope for a good man and partner in life, i try to be a good person, I'm not perfect but i found that person and now i call him husband and he is my best friend. I've always hoped for children, that hope has been sparked by pregnancies that sadly did not come to fruition. Not many people know that I've had a few miscarriages. Not an uncommon occurrence but tough in the moment. Hope of growing our family still exists but along with that hope there is ebbing fear. Not just of losing another opportunity but of possible heath problems a child might have or raising them in this world so full of hate, death, destruction and greed. Not to.mention my worry that I'll be the worst mom there ever was. There is still so much beauty to be found but those worries are still there and not too far from my present thoughts. i am a firm believer in experience being the mother of all knowledge and that if we are open to learning we can and will learn some of life's greatest lessons from the hardest, saddest things that we endure. Hope and strength come from hard things right? So we move forward doing the best we can, working hard, being financially self sufficient, having plans for our future, enjoying each moment, each other, friends and family, literally slowing down enough to smell the proverbial roses etc etc. Riley can still dream of being a rock star, an aspiring writer and I can still dream of being a free lance nature photographer for national geographic travelling the world with my camera, pens and paper, a sketch pad, and a deep desire to be immersed in everything. Good night all, but mostly goodnight me since this is my apiece to muse and grumble. I should stop in more often and leave a note or two to remember that i am still breathing and that i still have dreams left to live and discover.</p>
</div>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-22525511725614308042012-04-30T22:47:00.001-07:002012-04-30T22:52:42.102-07:00The beauty of living...<div><p>"Trials and tribulations tend to squeeze the artificiality out of us, leaving the essence of what we really are and clarifying what we really yearn for." Elder Neal A Maxwell</p>
</div>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-51510360914699956692012-04-17T14:05:00.001-07:002012-10-25T23:13:53.816-07:00Stubbornly Summer<div><div><p>I enjoy being busy, however I reserve the right to keeping my own pace. I suppose it is time to let go and let life decide my pace for awhile! </p>
</div></div>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-34130571636713299972012-03-03T16:38:00.000-07:002012-03-03T16:38:12.496-07:00Don’t meander in the maze of mediocrity<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">I have been writing lots and lots lately emailing myself ideas, thoughts, concerns, questions that need study, prayer and resolve. It has been a strange time, full of unexpected change, busy with learning how to relax, how to let go of things (and people in some instances) that i have no control over, understanding myself and who I am as an individual, who i am as a wife, daughter, daughter in law, grand-daughter in law, niece, sister etc. There is so much that i have left undone and so much that i fell a desire to do and understand.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The paths to get where i want to go are innumerable, and being blazed as I write this and some have yet to be discovered. Maybe it is as a labyrinth? Or perhaps just a big open road with forks and sharp turns and divides and paths such as those left by army’s of ants in there vigilant pursuit of food and survival. Knowing that there is someplace to be, somewhere we are going and not just wandering round and round in a spiraling dizzy does in fact bring a brief sense of peace. I’ve discovered for myself that constant peace means constantly seeking, developing oneself, mind and intellect, body and soul. I am striving in earnest for balance with all aspects of self and deity. I hope to find my way back to these pages from time to time opening closed doors and windows to let some light in and anyone willing to enter in.</span></span></div>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-82414551403606765172011-10-15T09:00:00.000-07:002011-10-15T09:00:53.426-07:00Shoe Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGr7t0EGkHY/Tpmq2qx_2SI/AAAAAAAACu0/Nt1Zge_7I00/s1600/targettanpeeptoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yGr7t0EGkHY/Tpmq2qx_2SI/AAAAAAAACu0/Nt1Zge_7I00/s1600/targettanpeeptoe.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">{ ? }</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAilDsBHNHw/Tpmq21wHgBI/AAAAAAAACu4/WLDy-yKJhiA/s1600/anthrosidebyside.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAilDsBHNHw/Tpmq21wHgBI/AAAAAAAACu4/WLDy-yKJhiA/s320/anthrosidebyside.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> {Anthropologie}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KjrK2kMNN8A/Tpmq3MKQ1oI/AAAAAAAACvE/UlgAc7ObD1Q/s1600/anthrowishbonewedge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KjrK2kMNN8A/Tpmq3MKQ1oI/AAAAAAAACvE/UlgAc7ObD1Q/s320/anthrowishbonewedge.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> {Anthropologie}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itRPpyegeQE/Tpmq3WXDi9I/AAAAAAAACvM/s1D-y_j1ybI/s1600/bossdorrellas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itRPpyegeQE/Tpmq3WXDi9I/AAAAAAAACvM/s1D-y_j1ybI/s1600/bossdorrellas.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> { ? }</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFFGSOTuBV4/Tpmq3lef8dI/AAAAAAAACvU/kfGCr4OQ34Y/s1600/daniblackcruie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFFGSOTuBV4/Tpmq3lef8dI/AAAAAAAACvU/kfGCr4OQ34Y/s1600/daniblackcruie.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> {Anthropologie}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UAXLDbUAoes/Tpmq39i7ulI/AAAAAAAACvc/VMnQ1a1OjCo/s1600/shAMessence42gryiks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UAXLDbUAoes/Tpmq39i7ulI/AAAAAAAACvc/VMnQ1a1OjCo/s320/shAMessence42gryiks.JPG" width="259" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> {LULU's}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1n4Eo_OZ0zQ/Tpmq34lPtPI/AAAAAAAACvk/fg56dhqGcaw/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1n4Eo_OZ0zQ/Tpmq34lPtPI/AAAAAAAACvk/fg56dhqGcaw/s320/shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> {?}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-eIWF4I7Zc/Tpmq4WWpKKI/AAAAAAAACvs/C-7jOwFpP-U/s1600/Shoesshoesshoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-eIWF4I7Zc/Tpmq4WWpKKI/AAAAAAAACvs/C-7jOwFpP-U/s320/Shoesshoesshoes.png" width="317" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> {?}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6tzY_JmEAQ/Tpmq4rcnUKI/AAAAAAAACv0/V_5VUitTaB0/s1600/shRDharmonytan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6tzY_JmEAQ/Tpmq4rcnUKI/AAAAAAAACv0/V_5VUitTaB0/s320/shRDharmonytan.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> { LULU's }</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rfcl-MS76WI/Tpmq40U13ZI/AAAAAAAACv8/aDijr4dgTR4/s1600/shSAtahitibrownpu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rfcl-MS76WI/Tpmq40U13ZI/AAAAAAAACv8/aDijr4dgTR4/s320/shSAtahitibrownpu.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">{ LULU's }</div>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-33995288146569394002010-07-28T15:39:00.004-07:002010-07-28T15:59:44.472-07:00The ListSo I have a list of projects and things to do that is miles long. The top of the list and also what will probably take me awhile because I have to collect the bottles is new lighting for my kitchen. I can't find the picture that best depicts what I will be doing but this top one is closest to it. Just imagine two rows of bottles spread out and in straight line of varying greens and blues.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyvIo5oBI/AAAAAAAACl0/UXX0GWAzCJc/s1600/wine+bottle+winery+green+glass+chandelier+light+lighting+lamp+drink+drinking+alcohol+liquor+vineyard+home+house+decor+decorate+recycle+upcycle.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyvIo5oBI/AAAAAAAACl0/UXX0GWAzCJc/s400/wine+bottle+winery+green+glass+chandelier+light+lighting+lamp+drink+drinking+alcohol+liquor+vineyard+home+house+decor+decorate+recycle+upcycle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499091667862003730" border="0" /></a>{this one}<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyuwcR2nI/AAAAAAAACls/9T36GGlLo-w/s1600/treelanterns.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyuwcR2nI/AAAAAAAACls/9T36GGlLo-w/s400/treelanterns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499091661366614642" border="0" /></a>{as outdoor lighting in my trees for garden parties}<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyZWJeiWI/AAAAAAAAClk/-zylSjjIlQw/s1600/mason+jar+chandelier+200.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyZWJeiWI/AAAAAAAAClk/-zylSjjIlQw/s400/mason+jar+chandelier+200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499091293531179362" border="0" /></a>{this is so awesome}<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyYoust0I/AAAAAAAAClc/xT8NBBMtEPk/s1600/industrial-bottles-2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyYoust0I/AAAAAAAAClc/xT8NBBMtEPk/s400/industrial-bottles-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499091281339266882" border="0" /></a>{ I might use this idea instead }<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyYEOPAII/AAAAAAAAClU/4zM8M17imXA/s1600/img_artful-arranginglg_ss6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyYEOPAII/AAAAAAAAClU/4zM8M17imXA/s400/img_artful-arranginglg_ss6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499091271539425410" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyXxbQujI/AAAAAAAAClM/Tr5brfti1Pg/s1600/img15l.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyXxbQujI/AAAAAAAAClM/Tr5brfti1Pg/s400/img15l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499091266493790770" border="0" /></a>{YES}<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyXXKzWYI/AAAAAAAAClE/NyeMghNTJAg/s1600/0821_colombe.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TFCyXXKzWYI/AAAAAAAAClE/NyeMghNTJAg/s400/0821_colombe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499091259445434754" border="0" /></a>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-67780596949523999922010-07-11T15:19:00.004-07:002010-07-11T15:43:34.155-07:00stRipEs sTriPes StrIpeS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpIQIiMf7I/AAAAAAAACkY/y7UG7dlOiAE/s1600/tin_ceiling.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpIQIiMf7I/AAAAAAAACkY/y7UG7dlOiAE/s400/tin_ceiling.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492782137537757106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpIP8ZS6eI/AAAAAAAACkQ/Lq4L5n_0Bz4/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpIP8ZS6eI/AAAAAAAACkQ/Lq4L5n_0Bz4/s400/IMG_0277.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492782134279203298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{I would love these chevron stripes in the dining room but I'm not sure I want to commit the time}</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpIPVoJgNI/AAAAAAAACkI/psujXp7_Ebg/s1600/3744815552_b7b390e68b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpIPVoJgNI/AAAAAAAACkI/psujXp7_Ebg/s400/3744815552_b7b390e68b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492782123872518354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpIO5CRcqI/AAAAAAAACkA/zt45e7casoA/s1600/abb62c3f84eb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpIO5CRcqI/AAAAAAAACkA/zt45e7casoA/s400/abb62c3f84eb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492782116197462690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpIOY0TN0I/AAAAAAAACj4/HWejYGykTGc/s1600/0a587c208b125f1f4c25819045ba937b.wix_mp.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpIOY0TN0I/AAAAAAAACj4/HWejYGykTGc/s400/0a587c208b125f1f4c25819045ba937b.wix_mp.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492782107548923714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpGYtqRlWI/AAAAAAAACjw/CgRCwmCT8DY/s1600/twinstripesnathalievingotmeiid.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpGYtqRlWI/AAAAAAAACjw/CgRCwmCT8DY/s400/twinstripesnathalievingotmeiid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492780085919454562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpGYA9Z8cI/AAAAAAAACjo/s3Eq9q6BXMU/s1600/stripes3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpGYA9Z8cI/AAAAAAAACjo/s3Eq9q6BXMU/s400/stripes3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492780073920098754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpGXngU-oI/AAAAAAAACjg/pKZdLkRn_Q8/s1600/yellow-striped-wall-in-bedroom-0210.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpGXngU-oI/AAAAAAAACjg/pKZdLkRn_Q8/s400/yellow-striped-wall-in-bedroom-0210.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492780067087252098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpGXZ_A9oI/AAAAAAAACjY/ikd57NM0M2M/s1600/08.StripedPaintEntry1.lg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpGXZ_A9oI/AAAAAAAACjY/ikd57NM0M2M/s400/08.StripedPaintEntry1.lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492780063457867394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpGWx4tW-I/AAAAAAAACjQ/RGSbA8z2WNI/s1600/34e2bde9fd2b487d_gasl_redd_04xlarge.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpGWx4tW-I/AAAAAAAACjQ/RGSbA8z2WNI/s400/34e2bde9fd2b487d_gasl_redd_04xlarge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492780052693998562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpF6rweQ_I/AAAAAAAACjI/vYUk_Vh7mp0/s1600/stripes2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpF6rweQ_I/AAAAAAAACjI/vYUk_Vh7mp0/s400/stripes2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492779570012505074" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpF6XOlI9I/AAAAAAAACjA/zsd-SEKZQOs/s1600/striped_walls.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpF6XOlI9I/AAAAAAAACjA/zsd-SEKZQOs/s400/striped_walls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492779564501640146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{This one is for you Jessica!}</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpF6JovPCI/AAAAAAAACi4/MZmcYj7NsqU/s1600/bigtealstripe.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpF6JovPCI/AAAAAAAACi4/MZmcYj7NsqU/s400/bigtealstripe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492779560853257250" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpF5uxh_XI/AAAAAAAACiw/fyPaxvNm2h4/s1600/2009-07-stripes8_rect540.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpF5uxh_XI/AAAAAAAACiw/fyPaxvNm2h4/s400/2009-07-stripes8_rect540.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492779553642380658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{I adore this nursery ceiling}</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpF5fBbVkI/AAAAAAAACio/EMDitbIZ7qg/s1600/beane-dining.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDpF5fBbVkI/AAAAAAAACio/EMDitbIZ7qg/s400/beane-dining.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492779549414086210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Having to decide on paint colors has proven more difficult than first imagined, greys, aqua, yellow's and oranges oh my. What if I spend the money and end up hating it or in a few months change my mind? What if the color turns out all wrong? I guess it just comes down to the face that I love color and I am excited to paint walls that are mine so I am going to do what I want and have fun! p.s. I love these stripes and have been dreaming of them all night long.</span>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-43557593899651303212010-07-08T13:04:00.001-07:002010-07-08T13:07:36.292-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDYvjKVKTpI/AAAAAAAACig/aoM2-SRalqE/s1600/bikeseat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TDYvjKVKTpI/AAAAAAAACig/aoM2-SRalqE/s400/bikeseat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491629076739935890" border="0" /></a><br />I just painted my bike which was my mom's I believe from forever ago. This bike <a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51049501/edna-cruiser-bike-seat-cover-vintage">seat</a> would be the perfect addition to the sky blue bike.Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-89294855840725611462010-06-25T08:46:00.002-07:002010-06-25T13:30:10.679-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TCURMEh4pFI/AAAAAAAAChs/utVsBNUbdyo/s1600/daydream.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 555px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TCURMEh4pFI/AAAAAAAAChs/utVsBNUbdyo/s400/daydream.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486810620092785746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:85%;" >Te Amo, mi mejor amigo!</span><br /></div>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-64996105116090476162010-05-06T16:28:00.003-07:002010-05-06T16:33:29.767-07:00{Grateful}<span style="font-size: 180%;">"Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path." -</span>Proverbs 3:5<br /><br /><br />So very grateful for an understanding God whom I can turn to when I need him most and also to share my greatest joys with. This has always been one of my favorite scriptures.Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-968124572744306432010-05-03T10:39:00.002-07:002010-05-03T10:57:47.802-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S98OksOR3sI/AAAAAAAACc0/MMLoqhBopAo/s1600/haircollage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 64px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S98OksOR3sI/AAAAAAAACc0/MMLoqhBopAo/s400/haircollage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467104496160202434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Check out</span></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://lexyplexy.com/"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">lexyplexy.com</span></a></span>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-32323348333514717202010-04-23T16:11:00.002-07:002010-04-23T16:34:32.662-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S9IpQz-60nI/AAAAAAAACcU/kNCb27WTcQY/s1600/ithriftthereforeiam.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S9IpQz-60nI/AAAAAAAACcU/kNCb27WTcQY/s400/ithriftthereforeiam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463474666762588786" border="0" /></a>In recent months I have been able to be explore some of my "talents" (i use that term loosely) and spend some of my time sewing, thrifting and trying to be creative. With lots of encouragement from my hubs and hours of thinking, planning, sketching and sewing I have started to make headbands and hair pieces. And I've decided to attempt to sell them to make a little extra cash. I have an ETSY shop set up but nothing posted YET, but <span style="font-weight: bold;">soon</span> will and when I do I will be sure to let all know. Thanks in advance and more to come.<br /><br />AlexisLexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-64282191008934266662010-03-08T18:00:00.007-07:002010-03-17T21:28:37.517-07:00Spring Fever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S5WdyWMJU4I/AAAAAAAACaw/Xg8anKlAKJc/s1600-h/getaway.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S5WdyWMJU4I/AAAAAAAACaw/Xg8anKlAKJc/s400/getaway.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446432812650025858" border="0" /></a>Dear Spring, I'm am looking forward to all the beauty that you will unfurl. I'm looking forward to fresh starts, new beginnings and beautiful changes that blooming flowers, warmer weather and sweet smelling breezes will bring! I'm excited for good concerts, road trips both long and short, morning hikes, bike rides, lazy Saturdays(always), movie marathons, anything 3D, visiting family, weddings, anniversaries, game nights, sunbathing, popsicles and QT runs. We tend to do as the bears do and keep indoors and to ourselves, a hibernation of sorts during the winter months and I am ready to be out of the cave (smile*).<br />Please stay awhile Spring and let us enjoy your cool breezes and even cooler evenings for a few weeks more.<br /> ThxLexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-2007332705758243452010-03-08T17:46:00.002-07:002010-03-10T11:41:00.469-07:00<span style="font-size:130%;">“I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever.”</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">- <em>Amy Tan</em></span>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-52321579533482413862010-03-01T13:16:00.003-07:002010-04-08T15:15:07.660-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S4wiPdjh_7I/AAAAAAAACac/kTL0wiwGiJw/s1600-h/400248162_1246d9ae23.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S4wiPdjh_7I/AAAAAAAACac/kTL0wiwGiJw/s400/400248162_1246d9ae23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443763698611126194" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">out of the night that covers me,<br />black as the pit from pole to pole,<br />i thank whatever gods may be,<br />for my unconquerable soul.<br /><br />in the fell clutch of circumstance,<br />i have not winced nor cried aloud,<br />under the bludgeonings of chance,<br />my head is bloody, but unbowed.<br /><br />beyond this place of wrath and tears,<br />looms but the horror of the shade,<br />and yet in menace of the years<br />finds and shall find me unafraid.<br /><br />it matters not how straight the gate,<br />how charged with punishments the scroll,<br />i am the master of my fate:<br />i am the captain of my soul.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">-william ernest henley</span></em><br /></div>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-36138506739088011072010-02-12T17:28:00.000-07:002010-02-12T17:34:34.599-07:00Amen!<div style="text-align: center;">“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-Sarah Ban Breathnach</div>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-87689369243857428322010-02-05T15:23:00.002-07:002010-02-05T15:43:49.303-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S2yeseE4MZI/AAAAAAAACYk/XhVTT6ofqWM/s1600-h/peterpan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S2yeseE4MZI/AAAAAAAACYk/XhVTT6ofqWM/s400/peterpan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434893337154302354" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - Augusten Burroughs<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Oh how I'd love a holiday to Neverland, or England or Ireland. I suppose I'll have to make due with Dreamland for now :)</span></span><br /></span></span>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-61202713306655557782010-01-26T16:24:00.003-07:002010-01-26T16:34:38.342-07:00Casey O'Connell<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S196X1oB7rI/AAAAAAAACXI/FkRZX1xs0DA/s1600-h/wishyouwerehere-caseyoconnell.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S196X1oB7rI/AAAAAAAACXI/FkRZX1xs0DA/s400/wishyouwerehere-caseyoconnell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194225582665394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Wish you were here</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S196XSv8qzI/AAAAAAAACXA/jpoYBodHRXo/s1600-h/deepdown-caseyoconnel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S196XSv8qzI/AAAAAAAACXA/jpoYBodHRXo/s400/deepdown-caseyoconnel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194216220633906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Deep Down</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S196XMW5TkI/AAAAAAAACW4/4w8qaMNvl5E/s1600-h/where+we+end+up-caseyoconnell.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/S196XMW5TkI/AAAAAAAACW4/4w8qaMNvl5E/s400/where+we+end+up-caseyoconnell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431194214504943170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Where we end up</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><br /><br />I just love <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" href="http://web.me.com/caseyoconnell2/Site/Paintings/Pages/2010_2009.html">Casey O'Connell</a></span>, these are some of her </span><span style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:78%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: lucida grande;">new </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span>2010</span></span></span>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-79327532728328006392009-12-31T11:40:00.003-07:002009-12-31T11:45:32.288-07:00All our Memories<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“The time is ripe for looking back over the day, the week, the year, and trying to figure out where we have come from and where we are going to, for sifting through the things we have done and the things we have left undone for a clue to who we are and who, for better or worse, we are becoming. But again and again we avoid the long thoughts….We cling to the present out of wariness of the past. And why not, after all? We get confused. We need such escape as we can find. But there is a deeper need yet, I think, and that is the need—not all the time, surely, but from time to time—to enter that still room within us all where the past lives on as a part of the present, where the dead are alive again, where we are most alive ourselves to turnings and to where our journeys have brought us. The name of the room is Remember—the room where with patience, with charity, with quietness of heart, we remember consciously to remember the lives we have lived.”</span><br /></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span>— Frederick Buechner</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(A Room Called Remember: Uncollected Pieces)</span><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span>The "New Year" tends to push us all into that room thinking, reflecting, reeling outward and diving inward of where the paths we've taken have led and in all respects are leading.</span><br /><span>Each and everyday I am presented with thousands of choices, I only acknowledge a few of them and depending on what they may be my days may be full and fulfilling or empty and lackluster. I strive to have days of meaning but I have been known to get caught up in the noise, the static the chaos and miss out on the beauty that could have otherwise enlivened this soul of mine. Instead of dwelling on what if's I</span> </span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >hope to be able to enter that room of thought more often then not in the coming year. To see more of my plans, hopes and dreams materialize as I consciously and diligently seek to be more of the person I can be, the good honest hard working go getter that can at times be buried deep inside. I'm grateful for the year that is passed, for the lessons learned from the experiences lived, for smiles and laughter and tears of both joy and heartache for all such tears can bring us closer to our creator in understanding and love. I am ever grateful for Grace light and truth and that it can still be found if eyes, hearts and minds are left wide open to humbly receive them. Happy New Year, we love you all and thank our Father in Heaven for blessing us so often in spite of ourselves.</span><br /></span></span>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-84728209155510649992009-12-02T14:24:00.001-07:002009-12-02T14:24:56.126-07:00<span style="font-size:130%;">“Imagination was given man to compensate for what he is not, and a sense of humor to console him for what he is.”</span><br /><br />- <em>Francis Bacon</em>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-31515301660267158602009-11-29T16:27:00.001-07:002009-11-29T16:29:14.252-07:00Casey O'Connell<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/SxMDiQ7Xk7I/AAAAAAAACTo/53G9TAl2j5U/s1600/roundtwo-caseyoconnel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 204px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/SxMDiQ7Xk7I/AAAAAAAACTo/53G9TAl2j5U/s400/roundtwo-caseyoconnel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409671464596509618" border="0" /></a>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-67438892239102193592009-11-26T08:39:00.003-07:002010-07-02T11:16:54.522-07:00All in a KissWe know kissing as a social pleasantry, the appropriate ending to a date and a means of connecting with our main squeeze. The collision of lips and tongues that we often take for granted has a whole lot more bubbling under the surface than what meets the eye. Swine flu scares and mono aside, kissing actually does a body very, very good. <p><strong>1. Kissing boosts immunity.</strong> A recent study reported in the journal Medical Hypotheses says kissing may increase a woman's immunity from Cytomegalovirus. Cytomegalovirus, contracted through mouth to mouth contact, can cause infant blindness and other birth defects if the mother is a carrier during pregnancy. Otherwise, the bug is relatively harmless in adults. Kissing has long been thought to be a way to pass along bugs and thus strengthen the body's defenses.</p> <p><strong>2. Kissing helps you pick the best mate.</strong> Anthropologist Helen Fisher describes kissing as a "mate assessment tool."<br /><em>Much of the cortex is devoted to picking up sensations from around the lips, cheeks, tongue and nose. Out of 12 cranial nerves, five of them are picking up the data from around the mouth. It is built to pick up the most sensitive feelings—the most intricate tastes and smells and touch and temperature. And when you're kissing somebody, you can really hear them and see them and feel them. So kissing is not just kissing. It is a profound advertisement of who you are, what you want and what you can give.</em></p> <p>Other researchers note that kissing is biology's way of determining who in nature you are most genetically compatible with. "At the moment of the kiss, there are hard-wired mechanisms that assess health, reproductive status and genetic compatibility," says Gordon G. Gallup Jr., a professor of evolutionary psychology at the State University of New York at Albany who studies reproductive competition and the biology of interpersonal attraction. "Therefore, what happens during that first kiss can be a make-or-break proposition."</p> <p><strong>3. Kissing burns calories! </strong>Depending on different reports, anywhere from 2 to 6 calories a minute. Not quite a jog on the treadmill, but an hours worth of smooching may burn off half a handful of M&Ms or half a glass of wine. Hey, it's something. </p> <p><strong>4. Kissing keeps facial muscles strong.</strong> Sure tight abs or cellulite-free thighs may be first on the Tone Up list, but don't underestimate the workout your mouth gets during a makeout session. Researchers say you use 30 muscles while kissing and the smooching helps keep your cheeks tight. Nice. We'll take what we can get.</p> <p><strong>5. Kissing naturally relaxes you. </strong>Scientific reports say kissing increases the levels of oxytocin, the body's natural calming chemical and also increased endorphins, the body's feel-good chemicals. Swapping spit is also noted to increase dopamine, which aids in feelings of romantic attachment.</p> <p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p><em>--Written by Melissa Noble<br /></em></p>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-54097535605296992962009-11-07T22:53:00.001-07:002009-11-07T22:55:08.593-07:00}{Starfish}{<div class="entry-body"><div><div class="item-body"><div><p>This is what life does. It lets you walk up to<br />the store to buy breakfast and the paper, on a<br />stiff knee. It lets you choose the way you have<br />your eggs, your coffee. Then it sits a fisherman<br />down beside you at the counter who say, <em>Last night,<br />the channel was full of starfish.</em> And you wonder,<br />is this a message, finally, or just another day?</p> <p>Life lets you take the dog for a walk down to the<br />pond, where whole generations of biological<br />processes are boiling beneath the mud. Reeds<br />speak to you of the natural world: they whisper,<br />they sing. And herons pass by. Are you old<br />enough to appreciate the moment? Too old?<br />There is movement beneath the water, but it<br />may be nothing. There may be nothing going on.</p> <p>And then life suggests that you remember the<br />years you ran around, the years you developed<br />a shocking lifestyle, advocated careless abandon,<br />owned a chilly heart. Upon reflection, you are<br />genuinely surprised to find how quiet you have<br />become. And then life lets you go home to think<br />about all this. Which you do, for quite a long time.</p> <p>Later, you wake up beside your old love, the one<br />who never had any conditions, the one who waited<br />you out. This is life’s way of letting you know that<br />you are lucky. (It won’t give you <em>smart or brave</em>,<br />so you’ll have to settle for lucky.) Because you<br />were born at a good time. Because you were able<br />to listen when people spoke to you. Because you<br />stopped when you should have and started again.</p> <p>So life lets you have a sandwich, and pie for your<br />late night dessert. (Pie for the dog, as well.) And<br />then life sends you back to bed, to dreamland,<br />while outside, the starfish drift through the channel,<br />with smiles on their starry faces as they head<br />out to deep water, to the far and boundless sea.</p><p><br /></p><p>by: Eleanor Lerman<br /></p></div></div></div></div>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-22434361376001513552009-11-05T16:34:00.009-07:002010-07-02T11:53:51.854-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TC41i8gDCZI/AAAAAAAACiE/p-wf7DZ634s/s1600/anatomyoflove.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/TC41i8gDCZI/AAAAAAAACiE/p-wf7DZ634s/s400/anatomyoflove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489383870283581842" border="0" /></a><br />I love that the smell of his cologne clings in my nose after he has embraced me just before walking out the door for work.<br /><br />I love that he devours my home cooked meals and always, always tells me what a great cook I am and he means it,( he's put on 20 lbs to prove it).<br /><br />I love when he smiles and his eyes crinkle because of his cheeks (Squints)<br /><br />I love it when he snores, even when it wakes me up because I know he is actually sleeping<br /><br />I love how patient he is with me<br /><br />I love how he is changing, growing, "maturing", and that he is my Man-Child<br /><br />I love to rub my face in his beard and that he let's me<br /><br />I absolutely love talking to him in the middle of the night when all else is quiet and nothing is pressing aside from sleep, and we can hash through the meat of life, belief, dreams, fears and in those moments when all else is still we can truly feel as one!<br /><br />I love his willingness to teach me, I love how he loves me, how tender and sweet he can be and how willing he is to make me happy.<br />I love that whenever I ask him what I can do to help him he tells me "be happy, that's all"<br /><br />I love how he loves me, he knows I need to feel his arms around me when he gets home. I love how tender and sweet he can be, how when I've had a bad day or am in a bad mood he is his silliest self and can always make make me smile even if I don't want to. I love that he knows I sometimes all he needs to do is listen and that sometimes I just need him and nothing else to feel better.<br /><br />I love the insight he gives into matters of a spiritual and eternal nature, into life, that he always questions and not to instill doubt but to encourage me to dig deeper, think more, search and understand in a simplified way.<br /><br />I love that he lets me have it my way, way more then I let him have his way, I think it is because I am more persistent but really I know it is because he loves me and I really appreciate that sacrifice even if it is just the movie we are going to watch just before bed (Jaws is not a good idea by the way... lesson learned).<br /><br />I love that we can argue without really arguing and that we can agree to disagree, I am grateful to have someone who supports me and respects my opinions even if he doesn't always agree with them. I believe it keeps the relationship fresh and fun, give and take and open mindedness are some of our stronger traits and I love him for that!<br /><br />I love him for his desire to be good, to be better and to be his best in what he does.<br />I love his strength, that amid difficulty and stress he can still reassure me that all will work out, that everything will be okay and that we are stronger for the things we experience in life and from life.<br /><br />I have a tendency to focus on the negative in life and forget all the wonderful blessings we have, he never ceases to remind me of just how beautiful life is and together everyday can be gorgeous.<br /><br />I love that he is my best friend and that I can always count on him to be honest, to make me laugh that he let's me be me and that he is just as silly as I am, a kid at heart. and I love love to make him laugh and that he does laugh at the ridiculous ideas that I share with him, he never judges me and takes me for who I am. I have so much to learn with him and so much to share with him and I am so glad that I get that chance each and everyday to have him in my life.<br /><br />Life truly is so beautiful if we allow it to be such.Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8644394614927359652.post-27772012394623466552009-10-04T11:54:00.002-07:002009-10-04T12:00:21.046-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/Ssjv1itt6KI/AAAAAAAACRQ/LLmJ8LkMUUs/s1600-h/5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rrzMc_fi5KE/Ssjv1itt6KI/AAAAAAAACRQ/LLmJ8LkMUUs/s400/5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388820657279461538" border="0" /></a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://liztran.com/home.html">Liz Tran</a> is my new favorite artist.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">If I could have a few of her pieces to brighten my home I would! </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SOMEDAY!!!...<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">{image from: <a href="http://jessgonacha.blogspot.com/2009/09/liz-tran.html">Jessica Gonacha Swift</a> who happens to be another artist I love}<br /></span></div>Lexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982228281419120198noreply@blogger.com2