Thoughtfully Blended Hearts

Mosaic Monday With Mary @ Dear Little Red House

2012-02-12T20:41:00.001-06:00

Nothing new going on here

it’s cold

I’m ready to see some springtime color

Mosaic Monday @ Little red House

Heroism Comes In Many Forms

2012-02-10T07:35:00.001-06:00

Heroism comes in various forms…

just an individual who has done things that I consider to be heroic…

Dedication – to something bigger than the individual…

I’m not going to identify these people…

because…

none of them would admit to being a hero…

because…

they’re committed to something bigger…

May God Bless and Protect Each of You…

What A Lady

2012-02-07T19:39:00.001-06:00

My Mom would have been 89 years old today.

Indulge me while I celebrate, since she would have wanted me to …

Only she would have not let me post her photos…

She hated photos of herself…

Therefore, I don’t have very many and I cherish those that I have

Coming Your Way…Soon…

2012-02-05T18:26:00.001-06:00

Visit Mosaic Monday at Little Red House…

Best Of Friends

2012-01-29T15:06:00.001-06:00

Pictured above are…

an aspiring US Senator (aka Christian Dad, hubby, etc.),

a service dog,

a chemical engineer,

a judge,

a university president

along with some fantastic citizens and true friends!!!

they all care about this great country and

dedicate their lives to keeping the USA great.

I travel in the absolute best circle of friends because of them…

Visit Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday to see lots of photos!!!

Blue, Blue, Blue

2012-01-24T13:54:00.001-06:00

I’m continuing with the theme from yesterday… “self entertainment”

Maybe that should be “lack of a theme”…

Oh well, it’s January and it tends to make me a little crazy…

So I’ll pass it on to you, my friends…

I’ve always loved the color blue … to a fault…

If something is a pretty blue, I’ll drag it home or dream about it…

I love pairing my blues with yellow… or a variation of yellow…

Golds and browns are sorta yellow…aren’t they???

I also love birds’ nests but don’t bring them inside the house very often…

I’ve kept this one under glass since fall…

It still has some soft down from its inhabitants who moved on…

I used to love setting up a still-life to paint…

I guess that is still what I’m trying to do with my camera…

Just haven’t gotten to where I want to be yet…

A pretty bouquet of daisies or sunflowers might help!!!

Only problem is…it’s January…and it makes me a little crazy…

Seems like I’ve heard that somewhere before!!!

Have a beautiful day Peeps!!!

January “Color”

2012-01-23T15:04:00.001-06:00

There isn’t much “color” in Tennessee in January…

you have to look for it…

So I made a little of my own…

Silk flowers, a thrift store “set-up”…

And a few copies of a Kim Klassen texture.

Ok…it doesn’t take a lot to entertain me!!!

If I could just do this with my own cosmetics every morning…sighs to self…

New Processing In Picasa…

2012-01-12T02:03:00.001-06:00

Picasa has a new version available…3.9something…I love it…

A Milestone Birthday

2012-01-08T20:04:00.001-06:00

Well, today is one of those “milestone” days in my life,

a new decade of my life starts today. It is one of those days when I think, not me, I couldn’t be “that” old.

Then I think, WOW,

I have a lot left to do before I leave this earth.

I’ve lived and loved…

and I’ve been graced by God to see these two grow into beautiful young adults…

Only to realize to I’ve come full circle…right back where I started…

I’ll never really grow up…

It’s been a wild and crazy ride…and this guy will continue to rock my world!!!

There is so much more left to learn, to do, to visit, to see and to try…

I’ve gotta get crackin’… I can’t afford to waste a single minute!!!

Have a beautiful week Peeps!!!

See you all over at Mary’s Little Red House…

My Inspiration

2012-01-05T16:40:00.001-06:00

More Cruise Photos…

2011-12-31T17:23:00.001-06:00

via pinterest

Happy New Year

Mosaic Monday @ Mary’s Little Red House is the place to be!!!

A Very Relevant Message About Christmas

2011-12-22T14:05:00.001-06:00

http://www.lc.org/misc/reagan_christmas.htm

Ronald Reagan's Radio Program on Christmas under Communism

"Someone sent me a Christmas item - yes, a Christmas item. It is 'The Nativity According to Marx & Lenin.' I’ll be right back.

In these few months since the holidays, I’ve told a couple of Christmas stories on these broadcasts and, as a result, received one in return. Or possibly it was because of a broadcast about the Ukraine. Whatever the reason, I’m grateful for it.

When the Ukraine was free and not under Soviet bondage, Christmas was, of course, the religious event that it is in the Western world. A favorite Ukrainian carol was 'Nova Radist Stala' -- 'The Joyous News Has Come To Us.' A Ukrainian now teaching at the University of Utah has written an article about the evolution of Christmas under Communism, at least as it applies to this carol. In the good days of freedom, the people of the Ukraine sang these verses:

The joyous news has come which never was before. Over a cave above a manger a bright star has lit the world, where Jesus was born from a virgin maiden, clad in raiment poor like a peasant baby, the shepherds with the lambs surrounded the child, and on flected knees they Him glorified. We beg you our King, we pray to you today, grant happiness and joy to this family.

Now, of course, this was neither fitting nor permitted under Communism. Still the commissars were a little leery about an outright ban. They chose to allow the song after some rewriting. In fact, they provided the Ukrainians with two versions, neither of which could be expected to have made the Ukrainian Hit Parade. Here’s the first version:

'The joyous news has come which never was before, a red star with five tails has brightly lit the world." See they only changed one line in that verse, but wait --

The altars have crumbled and all the kings have fallen, glory to the working people, to shepherds and the plowmen, glory to our host and to his fair hostess. May their friendly household know only happiness. May all their family, especially the children, grow up to be strong and happy so as to fight the rich men.

You know, our own kids could probably get away with singing that one in the classroom. The second version is a little meatier, even though they got the Christmas story down to two verses instead of four.

'The Joyous News has come which never was before. Long-awaited star of freedom lit the skies in October.'(If you’re wondering about what happened on the date, the revolution took place in October.) 'Where formerly lived the kings and had the roots their nobles, there today with simple folks, Lenin’s glory hovers.'

The people of the Ukraine, both in and outside the Iron Curtain, were so carried away by these verses, they added one of their own. They sing it, but carefully refrain from putting it in the songbooks. It goes: 'We beg you our Lord, we pray to you today. Grant us freedom, return glory to our Mother Ukraine.' I guess we all hope their prayer is answered.

This is Ronald Reagan – thanks for listening."

Sand Through The Hourglass….hhhhmmm Beach

2011-12-18T19:52:00.001-06:00

Wishing Each of You a Very Merry Christmas!!!

Visit Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Would You Like Some Dip With Those Chips???

2011-12-07T22:15:00.001-06:00

The entertainment at a beach bar in Cozumel, Mexico…

I had more fun taking photos of the “critters” than anyone else who was doing what

you’re supposed to do at bars…

I passed on the chips…for obvious reasons!!!

Sharing with Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch

Visit Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

An Early Christmas Gift

2011-12-05T09:50:00.001-06:00

My daughter gave me an early Christmas gift this past week…a Caribbean cruise…wow…what a beautiful week.

It was certainly the trip of a lifetime and ten days with my wonderful daughter!!!

Linking with Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Texture Tuesday

2011-11-22T07:40:00.001-06:00

I love Kim Klassen’s Textures and I wanted a header that was “fallie” looking…

Michael and I had some neat shots made recently at Shiloh National Military Park and I thought

I could make these “fit the bill”…

I edited my photos in Picasa and PhotoShop Elements and made the mosaic in Picasa.

I added this texture of Kim’s

I’m thankful that Kim Klassen makes these lovelies available for us to use!!!

Thank you Kim!!!

Thanksgiving…

2011-11-20T21:34:00.001-06:00

Giving thanks for such a simple thing…

Christmas Cactus…

Yes, my cactus is a non-traditional…sorta like me…

It wore it’s Christmas finery for Thanksgiving…

We had Thanksgiving on Sunday before Thanksgiving…

Just one of the non-traditional things we do!!!

Have a beautiful week Peeps!!!

Joining Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Mountain Snaps

2011-11-13T21:38:00.001-06:00

We got to see the grands and their Mom this weekend

…so I took a few photos…

As we were snapping these photos a gaggle of Canada Geese flew over…

made a great background for this mosaic…

Joining Mary for Mosaic Monday

“Fallen Hero”– Some Of The Family He Left Behind

2011-11-02T08:26:00.001-05:00

Sharing with Savvy Southern Styles on Wow Us Wednesdays

Shiloh National Military Park

2011-10-30T21:26:00.001-05:00

A quaint little log cabin nestled alongside the Tennessee River

Shiloh National Military Park is known for it’s beautiful split rail fencing used on many of the sites

Since Michael is a California native, this was his first visit here, but certainly not his last…

Joining Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

An Awesome Ten Days…

2011-10-26T09:39:00.001-05:00

I’ve been busy for the past couple of weeks…doing lots of things…

Here are some highlights…

A weekend hotel stay and convention…this was taken from our balcony…

Got to meet and hear Bobbie Patray of the Tennessee Eagle Foundation.

New President elect of TN. Republican women and some great delegates…

Beautiful and creative ladies…

We met book authors, Congressman Marsha Blackburn, Senator Delores Gresham and

the most “passionate” speaker I have ever heard talked about Sharia law and it’s effects right here in TN.

Numerous health care professionals were talking about the horrific medical conditions

of women victims of Sharia law in Tennessee

Cindy Ramsey and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey of Tennessee

The REAL America

2011-10-15T07:20:00.001-05:00

Some photos from our real world . . .

Breathtaking . . .

Awe Inspiring . . .

Real Hope . . . for a country being falsely portrayed . . .

Happy Birthday Hannah!!!

Our Future . . .

Visit

Savvy Southern Style for Wow us Wednesdays

Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Tennessee Rally For Gibson Guitar

2011-10-09T22:02:00.001-05:00

Gibson Guitar CEO Henry Juszkiewicz is in the middle right photo

Congressman Marsha Blackburn---second row middle

Bobbie Partay---first row left

Visit Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Metamorphosis Of A Portrait

2011-10-02T18:29:00.001-05:00

I took one of my photos and added Kim Klassen’s new free texture. . .

Actually, I added it a couple of time . . .

Then I changed it to a sepia tone in Picasa . . .

Same Kim Klassen texture…just a little different process.

Joining

Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Met Monday

A Silver Tea

2011-09-25T12:55:00.001-05:00

The Weakley County Republican Women,

who are members of the Tennessee Federation of Republican Women and

the National Federation of Republican Women

hosted a Silver Tea Saturday afternoon.

Here are some photos of the attendees and I sure loved photographing our event.

Lynn Fincher is the beautiful wife Tennessee Congressman Stephen Fincher.

Weakley County GOP President David Hawks and his beautiful wife, Katana, who is the secretary of our group.

How cute are these candies???

One of the lovely young ladies who served at this Silver Tea.

Local attendees of the tea.

(l to r) Katana Hawks, Mary Lucille Counce, Becky Gookin and Lynn Fincher

We had the most gorgeous day.

Michael and I made a fruit tray for this event.

Our gorgeous entertainer and her beautiful musical instrument.

Hopefully I’ll get to publish more about her in another post.

Visit Mary @ Little Red House for more beautiful mosaics!

My Recovery From PWD

2011-09-16T08:05:00.001-05:00

I’m so excited about being able to play with my photos again.

I was suffering from PWD (Photoshop Withdrawal Disease) until yesterday.

I’m getting my fix again now. SIGH . . . . . . . .

Have a beautiful weekend Peeps!!!

Loving and Living In The USA

2011-09-15T08:52:00.001-05:00

I have this wreath and frame on my wall…

I took a photo of them one day recently while playing with my camera.

Today I got a new baby…(new Toshiba PC) so I am able to play with my photos in PhotoShop again.

I may never get any housework done ever again!!!

Car Show Or Art Show???

2011-09-05T17:42:00.001-05:00

We went to a car show that was held in a neighboring small community . . .

Now I’m thinking it should have been called an Art Show. . .

or . . . I could have titled this post . . . “What Guys Lust After” . . .

that will send the search engines a whirling. . .

I had some competition ! ! !

Happy Labor Day peeps ! ! !

uhhhhmmmm...Hey Jackie...This Is Us!!!

2011-09-01T16:54:00.001-05:00

via Pinterest

Enjoy . . .

2011-08-28T21:36:00.001-05:00

I’m looking forward to cool and crisp fall days . . .

But, I sure will miss the flowers of summertime ! ! !

Linking up with Mosaic Monday at Little Red House

Inspiring or Invasive

2011-08-25T21:28:00.001-05:00

I love these yellow blooms, my husband says they’re invasive . . .

The theme is “Bokeh” . . .

and I love yellow flowers . . . which has nothing to do with it!

Live Every Moment

and Fertilizer Friday @ Tootsies

America

2011-08-23T13:19:00.001-05:00

I snapped this photo last week as our local National Guard

was deploying to Kuwait for a year of duty.

This young lad tugged at my heartstrings as he held his Dad in a deathgrip.

I posted it on Facebook for all the participants to view and was contacted by

his Mom. Her identification of their son made it even more special.

Please support your local soldiers and their families!!!

Sharing at Sweet Shot Tuesday @ http://my3boybarians.com/

Portrait Tweaking

2011-08-22T13:08:00.001-05:00

Portrait tweaking . . .

Mitzi . . . doesn’t her name fit her perfectly ? ? ?

I love the look on this little girl’s face . . . she was looking at Santa Claus!

This little girl was also looking at “Santa”.

Looks like everything worked out all right ! ! !

Deer Derrieres, Etc.

2011-08-21T20:31:00.001-05:00

This may be the oddest post in blogger history!

Yes, these two photos are Deer “Derrieres” or at least they were. . .

I talked to a great couple who had a taxidermy business Friday . . .

No, they did not “kill” these animals, he preserves dead animals. . .

I think I appreciate a “twisted” sense of humor ! ! !

because these stopped me in my tracks and I just had to find out

if they were what I thought they were . . . yep . . . that is what they were

If anyone is interested, contact me and I’ll email you his info.

His work was really beautiful.

Now for the fun stuff. . .

You know that I love photographing people,

young or old, it doesn’t matter to me, I think everyone is

beautiful in their own unique way...

Here are some people who stopped by our Republican Booth at

the county fair Friday night. . .

TN. State Rep. Andy Holt joined us for a couple

of hours (bottom right man in middle)

Tn. State Representative Bill Sanderson was there to

visit with everyone ! ! !

(third row with the orange shirt)

The world’s best salesman works here . . . Ask for Justin ! ! !

Discovery Park of America . . . a world class museum is being

constructed right here in our little town ! ! !

We gave away an American Flag and a Tennessee Flag every night ! ! !

This little fella got really unhappy when the tractor pull started . . .

it was right beside us but he was happy again in just a minute . . .

A Year . . . 365 Days . . . 12 Months

2011-08-19T12:30:00.001-05:00

Dads . . . gone for a year . . .

View This With An American Flag and A Box Of Tissues Handy

2011-08-18T12:25:00.001-05:00

This is a link that I’m adding for more information about this deployment.

Here

Our local National Guard Unit deployed this morning to Kuwait

in support of Operation Enduring Freedom

About 165 soldiers from our community deployed

I photographed the deployment

Through quite a few tears

For the families and soldiers that were there

I’m sharing these photos with all of you . . .

because . . .

I can count on all of you to remember these heroes in your prayers ! ! !

A huge contingent of the Patriot Guard

escorted our Guard on their way . . .

. . . you did get those tissues before you sat down, didn’t you???

I have lots more photos that I will post,

later . . .

Have a beautiful day Peeps.

Three Munchkins

2011-08-16T09:39:00.001-05:00

I spent the afternoon yesterday photographing this family . . .

it was fun and challenging . . .

One young man had a meltdown and the baby had a tummy ache . . .

The weather was perfect . . . finally!!!

I think we got some pretty neat shots !!!

We even giggled a lot ! ! !

Painting Chairs

2011-08-14T21:11:00.001-05:00

My vintage pressed wood chair looked like the above photo last week

Today it looks like the following photos

I got half of it painted!!!

I only have one and one-half chairs left to paint!!!

Joining Mary @ Little Red House

and Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch

A Symphony

2011-08-07T20:35:00.001-05:00

This statue is in front of the Nashville Symphony building.

I thought it was very cool and snapped up a storm . . . sorta . . .

Kim Klassen texture

. . . joining Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday . . .

I’m planning on a little “quality” time with my chippy chair and some

Annie Sloan chalk paint this week!!!

Have a beautiful week peeps ! ! !

How Many Eggplant Photos Can I Post???

2011-07-31T21:14:00.001-05:00

It is so hot and humid here that I can’t breathe . . .

A little asthma coupled with cornfields on all sides of my home keeps me

captive until we get some weather relief . . .

Michael and I picked this cute little eggplant trio and some cherry tomatoes . . .

He spent the afternoon finishing the mowing that I started earlier this week.

Aren’t they cute???

Their diminutive size reminds me of my Mom . . .

not that she was diminutive . . .

she just had to pick things before they were really ready to pick!!!

We always had those teeny tiny potatoes that you see now

being advertised as organic baby potatoes . . .

Not . . . she just couldn’t wait for them to get any larger!!!

Good memories ! ! !

That nice smokey effect on these photos . . .

My camera lens was fogged because it was so hot and humid . . .

I made these photos at 8 p.m. on my porch . . .

I never managed to get it completely unfogged.

My little eggplants all dressed up in a Kim Klassen texture!!!

It makes a mama proud!!!

Joining Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Woo Hoo I’m joining Marty for Table Top Tuesday...with my eggplant trio

A Modge Podge of Recent Photos

2011-07-28T14:22:00.001-05:00

. . . a beautiful granddaughter/grandmother duo

. . . a “good ole country gal” . . .

. . . Mom and politician – in - training

. . . baudo’s . . . the very “BEST” restaurant in Jackson, TN.

. . . good friends

. . . a diverse group of friends sharing a meal and a good conversation

. . . “group photo” . . . my favorite saying!

. . . looks Jackie and I had some serious conversation going on . . .

. . . sometimes they “make” me a part of my “group photo”

TN. Rep. Andy Holt and Chairman Phillip Senn

TN. Rep. Andy Holt and a local “celebrity” . . .

“EYE CANDY”

Sssshhhhhh. . .

2011-07-23T23:31:00.001-05:00

This is why I am active in politics . . .

She doesn’t belong to us . . .

Her Daddy loves politics . . .

Baby Toes

Baby Nose

Sweet little lips

Joining Mary @ Little Red House

The Parthenon In Nashville, TN

2011-07-22T09:49:00.001-05:00

The following photos are NOT the Parthenon . . .

they are just random shots

made in downtown Nashville.

The at&t building is known as the “Batman” building . . .

a local landmark.

Pretty cool building isn’t it ! ! !

Not much going on here in West Tennessee right now . . .

other than the “HEAT” and it is really busy keeping

us close to the a.c.

I LOVE AC.

http://www.independentmail.com/photos/2011/jun/09/94270/

I’m A Confirmed Thriftaholic . . .

2011-07-14T15:41:00.001-05:00

. . .aka cheap!!!

I’ve been collecting flatware/silverware

for quite a few years and I have a lot of spoons.

I found this via Pinterest...it costs $750, what do you think???

I think I should go shopping for some more flatware/silverware.

Don’t you???

What a way to have a “good excuse” for thrift shopping!

“Elvis Has Left The Building”

2011-07-11T14:26:00.001-05:00

When you live in a small rural community life can get

a little complicated and sometimes scary.

Then your neighbors show up . . . and help you out.

Saturday night we attended a small community benefit for one of their

young men who had been hurt in a work accident.

Everyone volunteered their time and work... even ELVIS . . .and

he had a little sidekick (Elvis trainee I think).

Look at that shiner ! ! !

It was great and we had a blast.

I’m sharing some of the photos I got.

This was held in the local volunteer fire station and yes,

that is a Christmas tree in the background,

I’m sure they were just getting ready a little early :-) ! ! !

On a sidenote, this little community was completely destroyed

a couple of years ago by tornadoes.

Peeps, this is The “Real” America!!!

. . .but maybe not the “real” Elvis . . .

Hey Linda, look at your little sister!!!

“Elvis trainee”

Wooo weee

Joining Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Please Pardon My Little Indulgence

2011-07-09T15:56:00.001-05:00

Please pardon my little indulgence in these photos.

They don’t tell you a story,

They don’t make your eyes explode with pride,

They don’t make you cry with excitement,

They make me do all of these ! ! !

Just a few snaps of my son . . . What can I say . . .He is 25 . . . and he actually

allowed me to post them.

This last one is one of my favorite photos from almost a decade ago . . .

Justin and his Grandmother were the very best buddies...

they truly got into a lot of mischief together...

on the wall is a photo of my beautiful daughter and son in love!!!

Now I’ll go and take some photos of some dogs, furniture, dishes,

flowers, weeds or politicians!!!

Everything But The Kitchen Sink

2011-07-08T15:29:00.001-05:00

I’m behind with everything . . . on the blog . . . in the house . . .

my car is even needing a thorough clean-out . . .

I thought about the dilemma and decided that . . .

I need to catch up pinning on Pinterest, first

Then my blog needs to be updated

Then . . . well, it’ll probably be suppertime so that will be the next “important”

thing I’ll catch up with . . .

There is always tomorrow to clean the house and car, right???

First ....... Pinterest is addictive and should be banned!!! . . .

at least till I get my house cleaned.

If you want to become addicted - - -here is my page- - -

send me a message and I’ll send you an invite . . .

so you can live in a ~~dirty~~ scattered home

and drive a messy ~~dirty~~ car !!!

I got to meet these wonderful people a few weeks ago. I met them in

Jackson, Tn. for lunch. This is Betsy and George, you know, those famous two

from Crossville, Tn. Betsy writes Joyful Reflections and that is exactly the perfect

description of her and her blog. I love her bird and landscape photos so much and

she posts yummy photos of their beautiful gardens and flowers....awww shoot...I’m

just a big stalker when it comes to her blog.

Now George, he is such a great photographer and gardener that he needs two blogs,

Senior Moments and Photos by Senior Hiker.

Yep, what a guy, and he grows the most fantastic roses. I also stalk his blogs!!!

It was a very special lunch we (Michael got to join us) shared when

they stopped in Jackson, Tn. and I loved every moment of it.

Wanna know a secret, in person, they are exactly the same as they are on their blogs!!!

How cool is that???

It was wonderful meeting you two and we look forward to

seeing you again!!!

Betsy and Becky

Guess I’ll go clean my house now . . .

Three Little Crabapples

2011-07-05T08:10:00.001-05:00

THREE

Three little crabapples on our tree . . .

Trying out Kim’s textures times three . . .

One little Texture called Granny’s Cupboard . . .

Applied to my little crabapples times two . . .

And Loveinlayers times one

Sorry, I’ll stick to my camera from now on . . .

Any type of poetry is way over my head.

Happy Birthday to Us ! ! !

2011-07-03T21:30:00.001-05:00

Patriotism comes in every shape, every color . . .

Most of all it comes from those who know sacrifice . . .

I have been so blessed to become friends of so many

people who epitomize patriotism these past few years.

Thank you

from the depths of my heart.

Happy Birthday to Us ! ! !

Joining Mary’s party at Little Red House

I Love Lantana

2011-07-02T15:27:00.001-05:00

For years I’ve loved Lantana.

The color combinations that are available now are magical.

They also love hot weather and direct sun which are both so important in the South.

I actually snapped these blooms before I planted them.

I just couldn’t wait to see those gorgeous blooms.

Via Pinterest . . .http://sarahfritzler.blogspot.com/

As Boring As Tree Bark

2011-06-28T22:02:00.001-05:00

We have a couple of pretty birch trees.

The bark is extraordinary, so

I snapped some photos to show you.

A close up of the bark

I know...this post is so exciting, the cyber police may shut it down!!!

Zoe thinks she lives in a rain forest...

I think she may be right

We have had record rainfall for June

Every single day I think

The weeds love it

Daisy Petal Pickin’

2011-06-26T19:42:00.001-05:00

To see what my future’s gonna beeeee. . .

I’ve always loved daisies . . .

Such a simple flower . . .

Not Complicated . . .

Straightforward . . .

Zoe likes them too ! ! !

Baby Crabapples on the right.

Enjoy some daisies everyone ! ! !

Joining Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

and Boogieboard Cottage for

Hydrangeas

2011-06-22T17:13:00.001-05:00

Summertime is “Hydrangeas”. . .

Same photo...the first one has some texture added in Photoshop.

I love growing daisies and Calla Lilies . . . I’d have lots of them if the Japanese

Beetles would go back to Japan or somewhere . . .

This is the unedited version of the preceding photo . . .

My “Before & After” Dining Area

2011-06-19T20:43:00.001-05:00

I spent my spare time yesterday and today spiffing up my blog using

some photos of my dining area...

I thought I wanted to use a blue background but ended up going back to a

turquoise color.

I edited a photo of my dining area in Photoshop.

The colors were edited in the above photo.

I did a lot of things to it...wish I could tell you what I did...

I do remember that I used a watercolor effect and crosshatching effect.

I thought it turned out pretty neat.

Birdhouse-------before & after!!!

It is the selective cropping that gets rid of my clutter

I like the Photoshop version a lot better than the “before” version.

Wonder if I can make this area look like my edited photo???

Geezeee, if only redecorating was this easy!!!

Joining Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Met Monday

A Moment

2011-06-16T17:19:00.001-05:00

I don’t know where this week has gone...

it has flown by.

Aaaahhhhh, summertime, that’s the reason it goes by so swiftly.

It’s like a fleeing moment of freedom that

I don’t always stop to savor.

I did stop long enough to snap some photos of my hydrangeas...

Our heat will probably dry them up soon...

These were some wildflowers I spotted growing behind a

building where I was attending a meeting .

~~(Crazy lady running around with the camera looking~~

~~under, over and around things!!!)~~

I believe that they are Coreopsis.

You know that I wouldn’t be a true Southerner

if I didn’t have a few Magnolia photos!

Magnolias are beautiful but I never have wanted one in my yard.

I get leaves from neighbors’ yards and they are like

tough cardboard, they take forever to disintegrate and

usually have to be picked up by hand.

We always enjoy our Spiderwort plants...

They never need any care...just a little appreciation occasionally.

I’m joining Tootsie for

Fertilizer Friday

Have a beautiful weekend peeps!!!

Vibrance

2011-06-12T21:27:00.001-05:00

I used the free Iced Blue Texture by Nine Acres Photo...actually I used it

three times, 100% soft light, 100% multiply and again at 52% soft light

and erasing the texture from the yellow petals. Then I made my mosaic

in Picasa.

nineacresphotography@hotmail.com

Carol, Bethany and Kerry...at Bethany’s Bridal Coffee

Congratulations to Bethany and Ryan

Joining Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Blogger and People In Nashville

2011-06-09T18:31:00.001-05:00

UPDATE!!!

They’re (Followers) BACK, thank you Blogger!!!

Thursday, May 9, 2011

Dear Blogger,

I’m so sorry that our relationship is so stormy right now.

I do love you!!!

But, I love my followers more,

they make my heart so merry!!

Please, pretty please, with a cherry on top...

May I please have my followers back???

With Love

Becky

P.S. Wordpress is looking pretty good today!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nashville, TN

“Josh Thomas”

We were in Nashville this week, the CMT awards and Festival were

going on...it was 100 degrees!!!

I love to people watch...and snap!!!

Don’t you just love this manicure...I emailed her photos to her Mom!!!

I’m rethinking my whole attitude on cowgirl hats after seeing this pink one.

This little guy was dancing up a storm!

Just Cause and Live, Love, Laughter

2011-06-07T09:41:00.001-05:00

I used two of Kim’s textures on this...

Just Cause and Live Love Laughter

My original...no editing.

Parthenon Skies

2011-06-07T08:36:00.001-05:00

We were at the Parthenon in Nashville last night and

caught the beautiful sky in these shots.

Michael caught the shots, my glasses broke after

we had been there a few minutes so I’m editing these

with glasses that are probably 6 years old...

not a good thing peeps!!!

But I was thrilled to find my old ones stashed in my car...

Soooooooooo Far Behind...

2011-06-03T14:36:00.001-05:00

I’m so far behind with my blog posts that

I’ve decided to just play for a while.

I’ll play with my photos...you’ve seen some of them...

Some are new...

Right now I’m on sensory overload...

Stay with me peeps, please,

I’ll have some something of substance to say soon.

I think I just need a “brain” vacation...

My thermometer says ~~101~~ 103 so I’m not going anywhere...

Quite frankly, what is going on in our country depresses me.

I need to spend some time seeing and creating a little beauty in order

to be able to live in the present.

The following snaps are from a meeting held here last night.

Mrs. Barbara Harding, Col. Jim Harding, Shirley Senn and Phillip Senn.

(Hint...click on each of Col. Harding’s links)

Phillip Senn, Chairman GOP, Sue Jackson Vice Chairman GOP,

Col. Harding, me, Secretary GOP, David Parks, Treasurer GOP

and Rob Joyner, Assistant Treasurer GOP.

Col. Harding and Felecia Garrigus.

Kurt Holbert, TN State Executive Committee and Mike Daniel.

State Representative Bill Sanderson and Allison Ellegood.

Mrs. Barbara was the photographer of this photo

of Michael and myself...thanks Barbara.

I love that we are friends of Barbara and the Colonel.

They are true Christians, Leaders and Patriots.

Truthfully, I’m in a much better mood after posting this and

realizing how lucky we are in this country to be surrounded

by such wonderful people.

Metamorphosis Of My Photo

2011-05-29T20:29:00.001-05:00

I can’t tell you all the steps I used (sorry ) .

But I did use Kim Klassen’s new texture

Stained Linen @ 100% Soft Light

I found a few things I had never used and know

exactly nothing about.

It sure was fun experimenting with them.

Sharing at Little Red House and Between Naps On The Porch

Some Gave All...

2011-05-28T17:17:00.001-05:00

Memorial Day 2011

Memorial Day Weekend Plans...

2011-05-27T15:42:00.001-05:00

Weeding out the flower beds...the spiderwort is a little crowded.

I’m thinking our holiday may involve a “lot” of work!!!

Visit Tootsie for some lovely photos...

Texture Tuesday With Kim Klassen

2011-05-24T12:32:00.001-05:00

The first texture is Kim’s Yesteryear @ 100% multiply.

The second texture is Portrait @ 100% soft light.

This is one of my “Shabby” chairs photographed

in some flowers at the back of my house.

You can read about my chair transformation here.

I used Kim’s Yesteryear texture twice--

the first application was multiply @ 100%

and the second application was soft light @ 100%

Thanks Kim for providing these textures!!!

Flowers and A Big No No

2011-05-22T17:44:00.001-05:00

A cloudy day, an old chair and some flowers in my backyard.

These are my pretty pressed wood chairs.

They had gotten pretty dirty.

So in all of my infinite wisdom

I Powerwashed both of them!!!

The dirt came off but so did the paint.

The powerwashing was NOT a good idea!

I don’t think that wonderful chalk paint could save these

So, now I have two---

“New” rustic pressed wood chairs.

Joining Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Met Monday

Honoring Our Pets...With Donna @ Funky Junk

2011-05-21T19:28:00.001-05:00

There is no doubt about “dogs” ruling here at Thoughtfully Blended Hearts!

There is always something to giggle about...

even if it is a dog “butt”..

Most days we have white squirrels and grey squirrels

stealing bird seed from the feeders.

Zoe can sing us a song as we work around “Thoughtfully Blended Hearts”.

Grandpuppy Sassy is quite capable of watch “duty”...

alerting us to any “squirrel attack”.

Zoe is the pro when it comes to photography duty...

she sniffs out the very best photo locations!

She has also been known to “shmooze” around with our guests.

Anything for a photo opp!!! That’s my girl...always thinking

about getting cute pics for the blog.

Grandpuppy Sassy can “shake a tail” for a photo opp anytime!!!

It is a family blog ya know!!!

No problem around here when we need Christmas Card Cuties.

Our CEO, Mr. Buddy, keeps everyone on time and in place.

Would you dare be late when you know those eyes will be scolding you?

Mr. Buddy, CEO, is also Mr. Photogenic here at TBH.

You can always count on him for a pensive moment.

...or a good roll in the grass...whatever.

Sassy and my girl.

Zoe and my boy, aka (her boy).

Michael and “the kids”.

The staff here at TBH...it is all about the “blog”

and providing our “peeps” with

continual cuteness!!!

Linking up to honor Donna’s Beethoven over at Funky Junk.

This & That---Here & There

2011-05-20T10:55:00.001-05:00

No stories today...just some photos I’ve taken...I do love these old jars and this

metal basket...the basket was something my Dad had in his shop...don’t know

what it is or where it came from...I just like it...

I’ve collected the jars from here and there and love

all the different kind of lids they have.

Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend!!!

Mosaic Play Time...

2011-05-15T20:06:00.001-05:00

My texture is from Shadowhouse Creations...

I applied it numerous times...

aka...I forgot how many...

but it sure was fun...

The mosaic was made in Picasa...

Here I used a new Shadowhouse background...

and some older photos that I applied textures to a while ago.

The mosaic is also made in Picasa and a Kim Klassen Texture is applied over

the complete mosaic.

Mosaic Monday is at Little Red House.

“Do” Of The Day...And TIME OUT...

2011-05-11T19:58:00.000-05:00

It is an emu...and I think it was having a “bad hair” day!!!

Aren’t you glad you came here today???

Michael took these photos when he took the grandkids to the local safari park...I think

he had a hard time with the camera, kids, car and the rain...

I’m guessing this is a white deer...but I don’t promise to be correct.

It was at this point that Shianne was heard screaming....... “TIME OUT- TIME OUT”

I don’t think she like getting up close and personal with this one!!!

Tuscaloosa Tornado...

2011-05-09T10:28:00.001-05:00

Robin @ Robin’s Nesting Place is documenting the devastation of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Please visit her blog and send her some love. Her family lives there and were evidently right in the path of the devastating weather. She has some awesome stories and photos.

Debbiedoos Pet Party...

2011-05-04T13:44:00.001-05:00

Debbie’s Pet Party is today...and we almost forgot!!!

No worry...we’ll just go as we are...

Lots of the girls will have on their party clothes but we’ve been

so busy trying to find our friends homes that we didn’t have time to shop...

Come on Zoe...Beatrice is waiting to party with you!!!

Remember Beatrice...she is a Morkie just like you!!!

Zoe...you and Buddy get out of the dirt!!!

Buddy is getting himself ready

with that “rollin in the dirt thing”...

yeah...they’re country dogs living in the ‘burbs...

Come on you guys...you might find a “furrever” home at this party!!!

This beautiful girl is very shy

Because she was abused...but she is sooooo sweet!!!

She needs a very special person to love her...

Come on pretty girl...you will be the only one there with a heart on your tongue...

You don’t need party clothes either...

One blue eye and one brown eye...that’s better than any party outfit!!!

Here comes our “ultimate” party animal...he’ll liven things up...

Right after a little nap...

With a beautiful coat like this one...who needs clothes...

This girl is the one who can say the prayer before we eat...

Then she can turn the light off when we leave the party room!!!

Hurry up Zoe...run...or we’ll be late!!!

Please visit PudgeNPals ...on Facebook...

just like us if nothing else...tell them Becky and Zoe sent you!!!

USA...USA...USA

2011-05-02T13:28:00.001-05:00

What better way to celebrate???

Mary @ Little Red House is hosting Monday Mosaics.

Orphans :-(

2011-05-01T21:57:00.001-05:00

I caught a sunshine filled day last week and got to snap these photos

of our rescue dogs...

they need forever homes!!!

Just look at those eyes...pure love...and they don’t match...even more love!!!

A beautiful white dog who has a great big heart on her tongue...

she would be your forever friend...

Her foster Mom calls her Casper...I think I’d call her “Cupid”

This one is gorgeous and such a “lover”...

She just melted into a pile of butter when she got some attention!!!

Here is my subliminal message...It comes via Kim Klassen’s texture...

Cherish, Finish, Live, Grace, Enjoy and Connect...

She’s getting into your head...You want her...

This is one smart cookie.

She can turn a light switch off,

pray for her food and make your home complete!!!

Can you see the love this foster Mom has for these dogs???

This HUNKA Love is a big baby and I was smitten with him...

All he needs is a cigar and an American flag in the background.

He is a true blue American guy.

Did you know there is a network of pet friends who

give their time to deliver these dogs to their forever homes.

I think they could be delivered to just about anywhere in the

lower forty-eight.

Contact me via this blog or my email listed here or

Contact PudgeNPals via Facebook

Please...

Mary is hosting Mosaic Monday @ Little Red House...

Serenpidity

2011-04-27T14:20:00.001-05:00

Serendipity is the name of Kim Klassen’s texture that I used on this photo...

I used Serendipity on the top photo at 100% in the multiply mode of CS5....

On the bottom version I cropped it more in Picasa and

applied the Picasa Sepia Effect...

I’m still trying to learn CS5...taking baby steps here...

What Little Girls Do...

2011-04-24T21:38:00.001-05:00

Grandaddies...and grandgirls...

relationships made in Heaven...

Beauty Queens ... all three!!!

This Grandaddy, who just happens to be our county Mayor, is no exception...

One proud “Papa”!!!

Flash Mob

2011-04-24T16:32:00.001-05:00

Just Outside My Door...

2011-04-21T23:55:00.001-05:00

Just outside my door is a trellis with a Clematis Vine

...and this year we have a birds nest...

It had only one egg the day I took these photos

Now it has three...

I’m kind of excited!!!

The photo above is from my files, I think it was a Dogwood Bush or something

like that...I don’t think it has bloomed since it’s first year...

I think this Candy Tuft might be my favorite perennial ...

This Japanese Maple is more of a bush than a tree...

it is about four feet tall and probably six feet in diameter...

It currently has a nice crop of weeds, ivy and a black dog under it...

Michael thinks this Japanese Kerria is downright invasive..

I love those prolific blooms...

“Wild with abandon” comes to mind when I look at them...

I love taking photos of them...

Wishing all of you a Happy Easter Holiday

Enjoy your families!!!

Just a little snippet of the Phlox...

Texture...

2011-04-18T15:01:00.001-05:00

Texture...

...a crocheted bedspread draped over my curly willow tree branch...

Springier and Springier...

2011-04-17T20:39:00.001-05:00

I took these photos a week or so ago...

Could anything look any springier???

Have a beautiful week peeps...

Visit Mary @ Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

What A Doll!!!

2011-04-13T16:23:00.001-05:00

I ran into this young lady recently when

she was helping her Grandmother...we

decided she needed some cute shots taken...

even though it was raining buckets outside...

We had some fun!!!

She and her Grandmother made these cute elephant pins!!!

Mosaic Monday...

2011-04-10T19:36:00.001-05:00

Thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers

on my previous post...it was greatly

apppreciated and much needed...

I have the very best friends here...

The white dogwood blossoms are from the Governor’s Mansion in Nashville...

These are some of the ladies that attended

“Ladies Day On The Hill” in Nashville last week and

The guy is our Representative Bill Sanderson...

The lady in the red blazer in the top and bottom right photo is

Mrs. Susan Witcher, President of the Tennessee Federation of

Republican Women

www.tnfrw.org

Mary is hosting Mosaic Monday...

Please visit her...

Bittersweet Spring

2011-04-10T10:35:00.001-05:00

Spring...

Is the beginning

Of new Life

Life is bittersweet

Yesterday we buried

Our stillborn grandson

Jameson Thomas Gookin- April 5, 2011

Son of James and Demanda...

We grieve as the earth welcomes spring

...and God has another angel...

New Header Ideas...

2011-04-03T18:41:00.001-05:00

I thought I would play with some photos and some new header designs...

I always start with a mosaic that I’ve made in Picasa...

then I add text and crop it down to what I like...

I get a lot more fails than keeps...

Wishing you a beautiful week...

I’ll be away this week...

With a little luck...I’ll have some new photos when I come back!!!

Mosaic Monday photos are at Mary’s Little Red House

No Perfection Here...

2011-03-31T16:30:00.001-05:00

Beauty is NOT Perfection...

Have a beautiful Friday Peeps...

Hope Is Her Name...

2011-03-29T18:15:00.001-05:00

Need some good news...for a change???

Here it is...

She has a forever home now!!!!

Send up the fireworks!!!

Break out the “bubbly”...

Success for one little furbaby!!!!

Her name is “HOPE”!!!

Perfect...