Comic Relief

I love comedy.. movies, stand up, improv, ventriloquists, magicians.. you name it! Abbott and Costello are among my favorites. They are probably the best comedy team of all time. They're best know routine is Who's On First!? and it is one of the funniest routines ever. They're timing is infallible! They even crack each other up in it! Mind you this was from an old variey show, so there's a short song and dance in the beginning. But it's worth it to see these two in action! Just thought I'd share a laugh today..

Christmas Card List

Got this in an email from a dear friend. I thought it was a wonderful idea! I will do it when I send my cards this year! I wrote to a soldier in Desert Storm and things like this mean so much to them.

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get. When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

The Day PEGASUS Came To Earth.....

1973 Belmont Stakes... The great (perhaps greatest in history) racehorse Secretariat made a historic run winning by the greatest distance and time that still stands today. I only watch three races a year (the Triple Crown Series) and don't follow horse racing regularly. But, this performance was breathtaking and something that may never been seen again. I always get an "uplift" when watching it. The call of the race is amazing and brings me to tears. I'm dedicating this post to the memories of the beloved racehorses we have lost over the years.



Credit: burlm47..Thank You.

"ROCKED" My Vote Today!

...and the most important thing isn't who I voted for. But.. to me it's the fact that I'm fortunate to live in a country where I have the right and privilege to vote. Also..that I have choices on my ballot as many don't. It means even more to me being a woman. Susan B. Anthony and the women that fought for our voting rights went through Hell! Thank You ladies for standing up for us. Now..everyone that is eligible.. get registered and ROCK your vote!

Spill My "Purse" Guts

A few fellow bloggers did this a couple of weeks ago.. I got a kick out of it and thought I'd give it a whirl.. Here goes.. What's inside my "one of tons" purse..

Purse by Fossil (I love their purses! This one was off the clearance table at the department store!!) It's in 3 sections so..

SECTION 1..


* Sunglasses and case by Ralph Lauren (love his shades!)
* Cosmetic Bag - Lipstick (brand and shade change daily -today Sex Kitten by Victoria Secret) with a lip brush, Mary Kay eyeliner in black, Rose colored blush and brush, Cherry Chapstick (great product for keeping lipstick on!) , pill box, Neutrogena powder compact.
* Keys to car, house (front and back door), Del Sol Dolphin key ring (changes color in the sun!)Meat Loaf keyring (Given to me by the man himself!)
* Office keys on a neck cord and Courthouse security card.
*Wide tooth comb- must have for wavy hair!



SECTION 2


* 2008 Date Book- Can't live w/o it!
* Silk Fossil sunglasses bag w/ cleaning cloth
* Packet of tissues
* Assortment of cold meds ( I hate my sinuses!)



SECTION 3


* Change purse - Money, change, a few pictures, credit cards
* Checkbook with checks, credit cards, and Drivers License (Picture? Let's not go there!)
* Cell Phone - Motorola Razr V3a (pretty cool! has camera and video, and internet. Would love to try the Iphone though)
*Hand sanitizer (when you work in a courthouse..A MUST HAVE! )
*Ink Pin

Well..there you have it!

It's a wrap - Memories from BEIJING 2008

I didn't think I'd spend 4 blogs on the same subject but ..here goes. Beijing 2008 wasn't free of controversy or it's ups and downs. But.. I don't think I've ever seen a country or a people so proud to present the Olympic Games. Not that all of the other host cities/nations haven't been proud, but the history of China with it's past closed from the world doors, just made this one special.

Some of my favorite memories were... of course..Michael Phelps and his 8 Gold medal wins (two of which were so close!). US winning both Golds in Basketball... Kudo's to men's coach Mike Krzyzewski! ( Go Blue Devils! ), US in both men's and women's Beach Volley Ball, US Diver Laura Wilkinson's constant smile as she knew it was her last competition, Australian diver Matthew Helms Gold that stopped China from sweeping the diving medals, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin's gymnastic performances, Usain Bolt lighting up the track, and most of all.. 41 year old Dara Torres of the US showing the young ones what championship swimming looks like!

The opening and closing ceremonies were so beautiful and the countless volunteers and children really warmed my heart! Like I said in my earlier blog..Vancouver and London have their work cut out for them. I look forward to seeing many of the athletes returning and have been privileged to see the ones who gave us their final bows. In summary.. Thank You Beijing.

Michael Phelps... HE DID IT!

I just witnessed sports history, on my TV of course but... 8 for 8 GOLD MEDALS ! So glad I got to see this in my lifetime! Thank You Michael for representing the USA with such class and sportsmanship. I'm in total amazement!

BEIJING 2008 continued... Michael Phelps

I have had the best time watching this young man swim for the US! No..it's not a crush as I'm old enough to be his favorite aunt! Ha! Just his character and dedication to the sport he loves makes it so special. It was amazing watching him lead the relay team in that Gold Medal victory over France and to see him win Gold ten times in his career. Phenomenal! and...he's not even finished!

Amazed by BEIJING 2008

I have to say I'm not what one would consider a sports fanatic. But.. every two years I find myself glued to the TV for two weeks during the Olympic Games. I think it's the concept of athletes from all nations and cultures assembling in the name of sportsmanship. I watch sports I would never dream of watching any other time. Each time the host nation has never ceased to amaze me with their creativity and hospitality. Beijing, China is no exception. The faces of the participants, especially the beautiful children in the opening ceremonies really touched me. The lighting of the flame by Li Ning was simply breathtaking! I hope during these two weeks the world can put aside differences and show support for these athletes that have worked so hard to get to this moment in their lives. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the events and can only imagine what they have in store for the closing ceremonies! All I can say is Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 has some big shoes to fill!! Best of luck to all the athletes. And I can't end this with out saying....

GO USA!!

Justice?!

I work in a courtroom at least twice a week and see everything from the ridiculous to the sublime. People guilty as sin let go and good people getting the "book thrown at them" when it shouldn't be. The same repeat offenders getting away with the same thing over and over. It makes no sense and I find it hard to have sympathy for them! Children.. and I mean young children being brought in for adult crimes. Judges sometime are too harsh and sometimes too soft. Where is the line drawn? It's an endless cycle that sees no end. It's hard not to bring it home, but sometimes I do. I've fought back laughter, tears, stress, and anger all in a few hours time. Still, I feel our justice system here needs many changes. I'm more for the rights of victims and not criminals. They didn't care about the rights of the others when they committed their crimes. I hope that eventually enough people will speak out and get laws changed for the better. I know crime will never be fully defeated, but at least there could be a chance to have better justice in the end.

CHRISTIAN

I saw this video on youtube the other day. It has now been viewed by millions. It is one of the most touching scenes I have ever seen. Christian is the lion introduced back into the wild and a year later remembers the two men who saved him from a department store cage. A testament to true friendship..

IF JESUS HAD AN OBITUARY

I know religion can sometimes be a controversial subject. I'm not a religious fanatic and don't try to force it on anyone. But.. I am a believer in God and Jesus. This was sent to me by an email friend a little over a year ago. We sometimes forget that despite all that is taught about Jesus as the spirit.. he was also a man.

Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth, died Friday on Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull. Betrayed by the Apostle Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans, by order of the ruler Pontius Pilate. The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture, and loss of blood.


Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham, was a member of the house of David. He was the Son of the late Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, and Mary, His devoted mother. Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, Judea. He is survived by His mother Mary, His faithful Apostles, numerous disciples, and many other followers.


Jesus was self educated and spent most of His adult life working as a Teacher. Jesus also worked as a Medical Doctor and it is reported that He healed many patients. Up until the time of His death, Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News, healing the sick, touching the lonely, feeding the hungry, and helping the poor.


Jesus was most noted for telling parables about His Father's Kingdom, and performing miracles, such as feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, and healing a man who was born blind. On the day before His death, He held a Last Supper celebrating the Passover Feast, at which He foretold His death.


The body was quickly buried in a stone grave, which was donated by Joseph of Arimathea, a loyal friend of the family. By order of Pontius Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front the tomb. Roman soldiers were put on guard.


In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that everyone try to live as Jesus did. Donations may be sent to anyone in need.

The Dark Knight

I've anticipated this film for a while now. I've been a fan of the Batman movies since their beginning. I wish George Clooney was still playing Batman, but Christian Bale gives a very solid performance at best. I went in with a mix of excitement and sadness. The excitement was for the film as a whole and sadness in knowing I'd never see Heath Ledger in such a performance again. I haven't seen all of his work but I've loved every performance of his that I have seen. I think people may see me as a bit evil when I say..I was laughing at the character more than I was frightened or bothered by him. I guess that's the beauty of the Joker. Although he's evil, you still find the humor within the character. Heath's last project before he died was "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus". It's a fantastical story that thankfully was able to be completed and I'm hoping to see it.

SOUTHERN FRIENDS...Y'ALL

Staying true to my Southern roots...a Southern Friend sent this to me and I can say there is so much truth here!! People in the South may catch hell for the "funny accent" but we are some of the best people in the world!

FRIENDS: Never ask for food>>

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the food.>>

FRIENDS: Will say "hello".>>

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss.>>

FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.>>

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents Mom and Dad>>

FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.>>

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you.>>

FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.>>

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing, and just>being together.>>

FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.>>

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.>>

FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the>crowd is doing.>>

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds' back-ends that left you.>>

FRIENDS: Would knock on your door.>>

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, "I'm home!">>

FRIENDS: Are for a while.>>

SOUTHREN FRIENDS: Are for life.>>

FRIENDS: Might ignore this.>>

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will forward this to all their Southern Friends!>>


"Life is Short ... Dance Naked & Wiggle Your>Butt!"



Y'all come back now.. Ya hear?

The True Meaning Of Country Music

I'm a fan of all genres of music. Everything from Rock, Pop, Gospel (Southern and Contemporary), Classical, Metal.. you name it! But.. Being a true Southern Gal.. I just had to post this. Whether you are or aren't a fan of Country Music.. there is a lot of truth is this speech made by comedian Jeff Foxworthy at the 2007 CMA Video Music awards. I've had the honor of meeting him and he's a great guy! Thanks Jeff!! ....

..."I like Country Music because it's about the things in life that really matter.

It ain't about braggin' about how you're gonna mess somebody up, or how somebody ain't respectin' ya.

It's about love, family, friends, with a few beers, a cheap woman, and a two-timin' man thrown in for spice.

It doesn't take political sides, even on things as ugly as war. Instead, it celebrates the brave men and women that go to fight 'em, the price they pay to do it, and the longing we have for them to return home to the ones that they love.

It's about kids, and how there ain't nothin' like 'em. I get tired of hearin' about how bad kids are today, because there are a lot of great kids out there that just need somebody to love 'em and believe in 'em. Country folks love their kids and they will "jack you up" if you try to mess with 'em.

People in Country Music don't forget the people that allow them to do what they do for a living. They sign autographs and they take pictures with the fans because they know without 'em, most of us entertainers would be gettin' a lot dirtier in the course of our workday. We are thankful that people want to hear the songs and the jokes that we write.

Country music doesn't have to be politically correct. We sing about God because we believe in Him. We're not trying to offend anybody, but the evidence that we have seen of Him in our small little lives trumps your opinion about whether or not He exists.

We love Country Music because it touches us where we live.

It's about Mamas, and when they were hot, and when they were unappreciated, and when they were dying.

It's about Daddies and the difficulties they have sometimes in telling the people that they work so hard to protect and provide for how they feel about 'em.

Country Music is about new love, and it's about old love.

It's about gettin' drunk, and it's about gettin' sober.

It's about leavin', and it's about comin' home.

It's real music, sung by real people, for real people...the people that make up the backbone of this country. You can call us rednecks if you want to - we're not offended, 'cause we know what we're all about. We get up and go to work, we get up and go to church, and we get up and go to war, when necessary.

All we ask is a few songs to carry us along the way"


Jeff Foxworthy
CMA Video Music Awards 2007

Starting Out- The Table Cloth

I admit..I'm not usually one for blogging. But.. I've been recently inspired to try one. I don't know how often I'll update..but I'll try to make it as regular as possible. I thought I'd start with posting a mass email I got sometime ago.. It really got to my soul.. It's truly an amazing story!


The Tablecloth

The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve.

They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc., and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished.

On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.

On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.

The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.

On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.

By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.

She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.

Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet.. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that Tablecloth?"

The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria.

The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.

The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return.

One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.

The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.

He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison... He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.

The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the Pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.

He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.

True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid


Who says God does not work in mysterious ways?