PENSIEVE

Let's do lunch...& breakfast...& dinner! BlissDom '08

Top Ten Reasons to attend Blissdom '08

1. Don't jump on the bandwagon--be a part of its creation!  Blissdom '08 is the inaugural event for what will become an annual, East coast blogging conference.  Plans are already underway for the next event!
2. Your chance to meet a lot of bloggers in one venue.  It's safe, central, and a great opportunity to put faces with headers with names.  New bloggers? Business bloggers? Casual-to-everyday bloggers?  Authors & consultants?  Yep, this is for all women! 
3. Networking.  Bloggers are the best resources for learning about blogging! 
4. Attendance can lead to future opportunity. I met Karla, Creative Director and Vice President of BD Publishing, at SheSpeaks, which eventually played a part in my becoming editor for Inspired Bliss. 
5. Interactive format, not lecture-student.  Sessions will be led by blogger panels, a Q&A inviting discussion among participants.  (I'm thrilled to be sitting on one of those panels!!! :) )
6. Jessie Baylin.  Meet this up-and-coming signed, recording artist as participants are treated to a mini-concert.  You might not know Jessie yet, but it's just a matter of time until hers is a household name!
7. Prizes...lots & lots of prizes.  Door prizes will be awarded throughout the conference (if you own an Etsy store, or are affiliated with a business that can sponsor a prize, please contact Alli asap).
8. Intimate setting at The Hotel Preston in Nashville.  A special place for a special meeting of blog-minded women.
9. VERY limited space still available!  If you'd like to attend, there's no time for procrastination.  Click here for registration details.
10. The cost?  FREE! Due to the generous sponsorship from Epson in association with One2One Network, there is no registration fee for the conference. Participants are responsible for meal and travel expenses, but they're getting a whole lot of something for nothin'! 

Doesn't this sound FABULOUS?!  I'd love to meet you there, and if you're interested in seeing who else is registered and speaking, click here. 

If you ARE going, please be sure to pick up a badge to tell your readers.   You're also welcome to link to this post or pick up information if you'd like to write your own.

She's trying to kill me, but I still love her

This afternoon, I planned to do two things I rarely do:  watch daytime TV and iron. I figured one made the other endurable, though really, I'm not sure which one I disdain more. 

Some friends of ours were on Rachael Ray's talk show today, and since I knew I was going to be out during the segment, last night I asked my son to record it for me.  In the midst of doing all things house and home, I set up the ironing board, rounded up a stack of wrinkled cotton, and scanned the DVR for my show.

Instead of finding Rachael Ray's talk show, however, Thomas had recorded $40 a Day.  Because many things In My Real Life mirror Seinfeld moments, "The Doll" episode popped in my mind--if you're a fan, think Kathy Griffin and the wrong barbecue sauce, and if you aren't a fan, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?! never mind.

But I digress. 

This is about pre-meditated murder; the weapon of choice?  a stick of lard.  Why does EVERY RECIPE "SHE" USES include at least ONE STICK of BUTTER???  I'll get to that shortly....

I had already had one glitch in my domestic intentions when I discovered after cleaning the "trap" for our front loading HE washing machine, I HADN'T SCREWED IT BACK IN CORRECTLY AND THE ENTIRE LAUNDRY ROOM FLOOR WAS FLOODED WITH AN INCH OF WATER, but that's another story, and just cleaning up the mess nearly did me in, adding two extra loads of laundry to tend.

I was bummed about not getting to see Chip and Tracey (thanks to the internets for bailing me out on that one!), so I scanned the guide to see what else was on--there was no way I wasn't going to iron SOMETHING and I needed a distraction to keep me going.

Well, la-di-dah, my BFF PAULA DEEN was on, cooking up a breakfast that had my mouth watering almost as much as my washer.  And though I haven't had time to try them out myself, I was compelled to share my favorite with you--a true taste of the South: 

Baked Garlic Cheese Grits

Ah....just the sound of them has me livin' at altitude again (name the movie reference?).  I'll be fixin' these for breakfast the next time we have company...and if I don't live to tell ya about it, a) you can find Paula in Savannah, and b) I will have "passed" fat, dumb and happy. 

Enjoy!

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups regular grits
• 16 ounces Cheddar, cubed
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 8 ounces grated sharp white Cheddar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 4-quart casserole dish.

Bring the broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir in the grits and whisk until completely combined. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the grits are thick, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the cubed Cheddar and milk and stir. Gradually stir in the eggs and butter, stirring until all are combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with the white Cheddar and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until set.

Note:  check out the episode link for the other Sunday Brunch recipes:  applesauce bread, creamy apple butter and sausage balls.  Click the graphic for TONS of great ideas at Rocks In My Dryer-hosted WFMW.

Photo credit:  About.com (I couldn't find an exact photo, but this is a good representation).

I miss Cliff Huxtable...

...he's probably my favorite father on television.

I wonder how many men--fathers--remember his classic lines from this clip...and use them from time to time themselves. :)

From see to shining C

{Second in a series from my attendance at Atlanta's Women of Faith Conference.  Click for all posts.}

Sweet mercy, she's got the most beautiful arms in the business.

Does it really matter what I mean by "business"?

And style....does this girlfriend not have some serious, fun, funky s t y l e goin' on??

(Click the pic for a close up of THOSE AWESOME SHOES? BOOTS?  HI-TOPS??)

I've been a fan of Nicole C. Mullen ever since I heard "When You Call on Jesus" years ago, followed by "Redeemer" (must-listen-to's if you've not yet heard them!).  Though I preferred these power ballads, after experiencing Nicole in concert--you don't just listen, your body is compelled to participate!--I have a newfound appreciation for her eclectic fusion of rock, pop, R&B and funkabilly (her word, not mine :) ).

Here's the thing:  the more I discover about this amazing wife, mother, daughter, friend, singer, songwriter, the more I love. 

Her commitment first is to her marriage and family.  She ministers through her local church with Baby Girls Club and a tween/teen dance group.  She doesn't just perform her music at Women of Faith Conferences, she invites conferees to worship with her; and she shares her life, her story...one that isn't perfect but points to the One who is.

Rather than re-write a bio about Nicole, please check out the fantastic links below.  Instead, I thought I'd end with a fun(ny) story that demonstrates "who" Nicole C. Mullen "is", at least in part--

During the Women of Faith conference, a fair amount of the time, I was running around the floor taking pictures.  I'd snap a few, then run back to sit with my friend, Erin, take a few more, then return. 

During one of my "runs", when I returned to our seats, my BFF Patsy Clairmont was there with a "friend" of hers, talking to Erin and waiting on my return.  Patsy was eager to introduce her, and because the worship team had already begun singing, I couldn't hear very well.  Or, let's be honest:  at all. 

Without actually hearing her name, I said, "So nice to meet you," and extended my hand to this beautiful young woman; she sweetly ignored it, instead, hugging my neck like we were long-lost best friends.

I speak in the Language of Hug, so I was thrilled that a stranger would be at ease meeting me with such a personal gesture.  My philosopy?  Any friend of Patsy's is a friend of mine.  A "good" hug is as impressive to me as a firm handshake (but I limit "meeting-hugs" to ladies only).

I continued, "Are you going to sit with us?".  This was early in the conference and I figured Patsy had several guests "like me" and this was another one of 'em.

You know where this is going.

The lovely lady smiled a blinding dazzle in my direction and said, "Oh, no, I've got to sit over there," and sort of apologetically nodded to her left...The Porch...where the speakers are seated.

STILL not getting it, when she left, Erin turned to me and said, "Can you believe Patsy just introduced us to Nicole C. Mullen?!".

WHATTHEHECK???

I was so flustered from running around, I didn't even realize who I was meeting!  She looked very different from my thank-you-very-much-TINY CD cover and I hadn't recognized her!  If she realized my faux pas, she gave no indication, and I'm sure it wouldn't have mattered to her.

Soon after, she seized the stage and captured my heart with song and story.  Over and over again.

Flanked by the dance troupe she mentors, her last performance Saturday afternoon earned not one, but TWO standing ovations for the "right" reasons. God-focused, magnifying, electrifying, soul-enliving, I wish "everyone" could worship the Creator in the presence of one of His souls--in this case, Nicole C. Mullen--who so beautifully and excellently and obviously lives out her calling.

She was flat spent...and though the applause lauded her performance, her countenance and demeanor humbly looked Godward, wanting to give glory to an Audience of One.

There won't be any confusion the next time I see her...we're blood sisters now :).

Related Links:

• "About" from her official site
• Interview by Joe Montague, Growthtrac
• Christianity Today

 

   

Wanna know how I have FUN in the kitchen?

It's the little things in life that give me reason to smile.  When I'm washing my trillionth dish, whimsical rubber gloves almost makes me forget I'm workin'.

Almost ;).

Do you have a tip for making household chores fun?   One lucky commenter will receive a pair of "Fun in the Kitchen" gloves!

See Patsy. See Patsy C.

She's wit and wisdom in a double dose of dynamite, and yes, she comes colorfully wrapped in a small package.

She's kind and compassionate, sweet but sassy, and I know she's a hospitable hostess--this, without ever having gone to her home. 

She's entertaining and enthusiastic, fun and friendly, and she manages to blend humility with a strong sense of self, understanding who she is in Christ; that it's Him who matters most when they meet her. 

She's not afraid to share her struggles, her fears, her victories--her life!--in a way that makes her approachable, relatable and downright lovable.

I "knew" Patsy Clairmont long before our paths crossed in the blogosphere and Twitterville; any author who finds the humor in faith quickly captures my attention.  After discovering her blog I had a crush; a few tweets & comments exchanged?  It evolved to puppy love; but after the generosity and kindness extended to me when I finally met her face to face?

I'm smitten.

She's aware of my involvement with Inspired Bliss and she went out of her way at the Women of Faith Conference to welcome me and make sure I wasn't left hanging.  She was a beautiful example of Jesus with skin on, accepting me, wooing me and loving me, when I hadn't done a thing in the world to "deserve" it.  She loved my dear friend, Erin, too, who joined me for the conference.

I wish I could tell you more detail about her sessions--she bravely conquered the subject of women and their emotions!--but you'd be much better served to check out her book "I Second That Emotion" (the graphic below will take you right to her Amazon page) where she'll help you understand the deception of emotions and help you navigate the murky waters beyond your own entanglements. 

On one hand I wish I had taken notes from the speakers, but on the other, I just wanted to absorb the atmosphere--one of hope and encouragement and exhortation and and worship.

Did I mention that Patsy has a whiz bang sense of style?  You can tell by a quick glance at the photos above, but I absolutely wanted to steal the shoes right off her feet Saturday!  Forget about Manolos or Jimmy Choos--I wanted her Geisha girl hi-tops!! 

If you haven't visited Patsy before now, please do yourself a favor and click on over.  Let her know a scary stalker her biggest fan sent you :).

Still magnolia

Magnolias are the Southern belle of trees--steely, proud and enduring.  With charming appeal and unforgettable fragrance, their beautiful exterior masks a complicated interior, full of life and secrets worth discovering.

 

When I close my eyes and quiet my mind, fragmented childhood memories struggle to surface--playing underneath the cover of a thousand-foot-tall, thousand-year-old magnolia.  Low-lying branches, tangled and gnarled, rival a Hogwartsian staircase. 

Cradled in secure branches, I remember "peeling" the bloom when it was just a velvet pod; in so doing, robbing it of life and the world of one more touch of beauty.  Children are indifferent that way; seldom do they understand the consequences of selfish, self-indulgent action.

Two young magnolia trees stand sentry at our neighborhood's main entrance.  Every day I've watched with delight as blossoms take turns unfurling their milky petals, reminding me of fragile ornaments on a Christmas tree.

I finally made an appointment with the twin magnolias; they begged to have their portraits made.  When I began clicking image after digital image, I realized I wasn't alone--the blooms were very much alive with activity!  Bees were buzzing all around, busy about their business but having so much fun!  They'd navigate space between each petal and roll around in [whatever that stuff is in the pictures] before flying out with legs dusted in pollen (reminiscent of toddlers in a ball pit at your nearby Chuck E. Cheese).  These black and yellow fuzzies held me prisoner; I was so enchanted by their machinations, I almost forgot why I was taking pictures in the first place.

A l m o s t ;).

I'm adding this to Carmi's Thematic Photographic for this week; his current theme is "nature".  He'd love for you to join him, so visit Written Inc. for complete details.

The original web writer

It is pure joy to my person when one of my children excitedly runs into the house and with great enthusiasm spouts, "IF YOU WANNA TAKE A PICTURE OF THE CRAZY-BIGGEST SPIDER I'VE EVER SEEN, GET YOUR CAMERA--NOW!!!".

Nothin' says "I love you, Mama" like them knowing what makes my heart flit and flutter, even when it's of the arachnid variety.  If you searched my blog (hmmm, I DO want one of those little search boxes...suggestions?) or if you're a long-time reader, you already know I have a macabre fascination with spiders and snakes and creepy crawlers of every flavor.  Mice and rats are another story.  And roaches.  THOSE are the bane of my existence.  When I get to heaven, God has some 'splainin' to do. 

But I digress.

Really, truly, with GREAT (albeit, rather questionable) pleasure, I bring you Charlotte and her web--

But wait!  That's her underbelly and the center of her web obscured a "good" view.  OF COURSE, I had to walk around to the other side, wade through waist-high bushes and photograph her dead on.

Aren't writing spiders amazing??  Why do they do that little zig-zag stitch?  Is it for aesthetics?  Strengthening their web?  And why only in one place?

I wasn't stuck in her web, but she held me captive.  Can someone PLEASE explain to me why I will get inches away from all manner of insects, etc., when I'm behind a camera lens?  This makes no sense to me.  If I happened upon her the way Thomas did--chasing a basketball and almost falling into her web--I'd be screamin' like a girl.  They woulda heard me three counties over.

But...nooooo!  I just kept taking pictures, fiddlin' with the settings on my SLR. 

 

The photo shoot apparently wore Miss Charlotte OUT and stirred up quite an appetite (either that or she was giving fair warning to me if I got any closer).  She curled around her innocent victim and I'm pretty sure proceeded to suck his brains out. 

 

Which was such a thing of wonder, she had me waxing poetic.  Let's close on Mary Howitt's classic tale (and oft mis-quoted) verse, The Spider and the Fly.

Will you walk into my parlour? said the spider to the fly.
Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy,
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there.

Oh no, no, said the little Fly, to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair, can ne'er come down again.
I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high
Will you rest upon my little bed? said the Spider to the Fly.

There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!
Oh no, no, said the little Fly, for I've often heard it said
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!

Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice
I'm sure you're very welcome, will you please to take a slice?

Oh no, no, said the little Fly, Kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!
Sweet creature! said the Spider, you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!

I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself.
I thank you, gentle sir, she said, for what you 're pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day.

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.

Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing,
Your robes are green and purple, there's a crest upon your head
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!

Alas, alas! How very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue

Thinking only of her crested head, poor foolish thing!
At last, Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour, but she ne'er came out again!

And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed.
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

 

Oh--I almost forgot:  Carmi's (Written Inc.) theme for this week's Thematic Photographic is "nature".  How kind of him to select one that so perfectly suits yesterday's photoshoot!   Click here for details.

Orange hands & yellow feet ~ Pictures of Compassion

Has it ever occurred to you that you have the power to change the world for good?  That through your generosity and compassion, you can alter a child's future, bringing hope and help to one who has true need.  Not want, but very real economic, social physical and spiritual needs.
 

This is Isaura, my baby-girl I sponsor through Compassion International's child sponsorship program.  She had been waiting over six months for a sponsor when I "met" her, and when I looked into her dark, soulful eyes, her gaze penetrated my heart and I knew she was The One. 

Isaura lives in the Dominican Republic and her parents are laborers; most adults who are able to find employment make the equivalent of $120/month. My sponsorship (through local project staff) affords her opportunity she would not otherwise have access to:  birthday celebrations, dental care, educational field trips, health education, Bible teaching--things taken for granted for my own children!

I've been aware of Compassion International "forever".  When Shannon (Rocks in My Dryer) and Sophie (BooMama) blogged about their Africa trips, I began seriously considering sponsorship; I trust them, and their words lended credibility to the mission.  But it was Shaun Groves who convinced me to act; two of his blog posts answered lingering questions that haunted me.  Click to read his posts in full, but highlights might interest you:

He answers questions posed by readers here (Does all of my $32 go to my sponsored child every month?  Am I the only one sponsoring my child or does my money go into a fund or something that takes care of lots of kids?  How on earth does 80% of $32 make the difference you say it does?  How?  You can’t be shooting straight.  So I’ve heard you say Compassion International works through local churches and pastors.  Ok, well, what’s in it for them?  Are they making some cash off the deal or what?   and more...).

Here, he explores in detail the difference between Compassion International and World Vision (Compassion ALWAYS works through the local church; Compassion International child sponsorships are actual whereas World Vision’s are symbolic; World Vision is a relief organization whereas Compassion is in the work of child development.)   

This is where I wish I had thousands of readers; this is where I'd love to be able to play Jedi mind tricks and compel you to action. 

For about a dollar a day will you say "yes"?  Will you join me and so many others who are "releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name"?   Have you already been considering sponsorship?  Maybe you're reading this today because "it's time" for you to move!

Look at my paycheck!  These hand and foot tracings accompanied the first letter I received from Isaura a few weeks ago!  Working with her local project coordinator, she told me about her siblings, her pet kitties and that her favorite color is yellow...and she likes cherries.  HOW RANDOM IS THAT?  She wanted me to know she likes cherries!!

Here are some suggestions for supporting Compassion International and its good works; you can be a life-changer if you do one or all:

• Click this link to find children in greatest need, who've been waiting the longest for a sponsor.  When a pair of eyes penetrate your heart, you'll know your baby-girl or baby-boy (even if the child is a teen!).
• Stumble, Kirtsy or Digg, etc. this post.
• If you can't commit to a monthly donation, would you consider a one-time contribution?
• Email your non-blogging friends and family with a link to this post; ask them to read it and to consider sponsoring a CI child.
• If you're a blogger who sponsors a child, tell your story in a post (and please, let me know if you do or already have--I'll link it here!)

I know these are bold requests; but it's a simple way to join a global work, that seeks to incarnate the gospel for "the least of these". 

It's not about me, it's about "them"...and I'm privileged to speak on their behalf :).

More stories!  They're blessin' my heart, internets!  Blessin' my heart!

• Dawn's post for Guadalupe
• Antique Mommy's post for Monserrat
• Julie's story at Elisharose
• Cathy's gonna have a story soon!
• ...yours?

Sing a rainbow

Red and...

yellow and...

pink and...

green...

Purple and...

Orange and...

Blue.............

You can sing a rainbow...

Sing a rainbow...

Sing a rainbow, too.

"I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth."  Genesis 9:13-16

Perhaps one of the most taken-for-granted indulgences offered by Invisible God is His gift of color to us; He certainly could've created a world in shades of gray had He wanted to.

Instead, He gave us promise...a pledge...His covenant...in the form of a rainbow.  Unbreakable and everlasting, it's a miraculous demonstration of His love for humanity.  That remembrance is clear indication of color's significance in the economy of God. 

Oh, my, consider this:  color is so important to God, when He created man, He created people of color!  Because we're created in His image, and our skin color is not homogeneous, color must be inherent in who God is!  Is your mind blowing?  Mine is.

When was the last time I thanked God for "color"?  Ummm, that would be never.   Never before have I thought how dull creation would be devoid of it, never have I imagined a world confined to black and white.

Today, I'm praising God for the richness and magnificence and diversity and delightfulness and beauty of the colors that envelop me.  May I always see it with the clarity and appreciation for it God has impressed upon me now.

Initially written for Carmi's Thematic Photographic at Written Inc., I returned to add thoughts on color for Scribbit's monthly Write-Away contest.  Michelle always offers engaging themes which are among my favorite to write--why not try YOUR hand this month?