Where was your first kiss?

Let's see... My first kiss;

Don't know if it was truly my first, but the first I remember was with a family friend under a truck while we were playing hide and seek. I must have been around 7-8 ~ HA!!! Silly kids!!

Funny end to that story... I have known that boy for around 40 years and oddly enough his Dad was my stepfather-in-law for a few years!

Come on - Join in; WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST KISS???

RED FRIDAYS

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families.

We need to thank God for them and their sacrifices.

At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday ~
The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all of our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts NOW - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message; That every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is... We need your support and your prayers..

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

A soldier's welcome by a thankful community

Here are a few shots I took last week-end when SFC Hall returned to his hometown of Elk Grove. As I have seen in several articles, this was not the way that Bryan's family and friends wanted him to return, but at least he is home.

I cannot begin to tell you how proud I was of this community as the turnout for the procession was incredible ~

The Fireguy was honored to be asked personally to drive the engine that brought Bryan home and he was simply awestruck by the outpouring of support. From the time they left Sacramento Executive airport until they arrived at the Elk Grove Funeral Home he said there was so many people, that especially near the funeral home there was barely enough room to drive a vehicle. We both agreed that this was one of the most humbling days that we have experienced and we made a committment that, god forbide any more local soldiers return to town in this manner, WE WILL BE THERE!!

These people have served our country so that we can be free!

Tomorrow is the memorial service for SFC Hall which we are proud and honored to attend. We attend to thank SFC Hall for his service to this fine country and to help the family begin their healing process.

~ GOD BLESS THE USA ~

GOD BLESS SFC HALL

More photos to come -

Need to do a few touch-ups

What an amazing event !!

Far from a blank screen

Got to thinking the other day about my tattoos -

I really did not realize how many I DO have until I put them all together!!

My tattoos all have a special and particular meaning to them:

My zodiac sign was my first and obviously shows my devotion to Leo the Lion

The Bird of Paradise was next - With the main flower representing my Love, Steve and the anthuriums for my two kids.

Next came the dedication to my Mom; the Whales. This is actually a copy of a painting that she painted for me and my awesome tattoo artist replicated them perfectly. I got this one on Mother's Day 2006, my first one without my Mom. I was blessed to have both of my kids there which made it even more special.

I added the hawaiian leis on each side of the bird of paradise. I love Hawaii, does that show??? It was at this session I had Steve's name redone in a fancier font ~
Erin & I got our first rib cage tattoos together in 2008. The purple color represents my Mom's favorite color and the orchids were from Erin's wedding. The one picture shows both Erin & I after our tattoos healed.

Following in suit, I got the next tattoo to match Tommy's; the hummingbird is for Mom and the Pacific Northwest Haida tribal art represents Tommy's new home. Note the picture taken on mine next to Tommy's.

Feeling out of balance, I had the other rib cage done in 2008. Again, following the hawaiian floral theme I had the artist draw up a bunch of hibiscus and plumerias.

If you hadn't noticed, I have the best tattoo artist around! She does such a great job and really sees my ideas!

Favorite Things - April

As I am constructing my thoughts, I am embarrased that all of this month's winners relate to food! Not that I am shy about my love of food, but seeing my list of favs this month really puts it out there!

I just love these!! 100 calorie bags and oh so portable! My greatest task with these is finding them to purchase...

Here is a super cool (HA!) snack! Frozen grapes... Pick them from the stems, wash and freeze them!

Let me tell you about my little slice of heaven... Blueberry struesel breakfast bread! Not so low cal (180/slice) but definately do-able. I have only found this at Raley's/Bel-Air stores, might be at the Nob Hill chain, but not sure. Oooohhhh weeee, I'm telling you one slice toasted with my morning coffee sets the tone of the day!

My final entry is this impulse buy!! The Fireguy and I saw it at the market and both laughed it off! The following week I HAD to have it... This is such a kick! The pancakes come out just as if you had used a mix. I'm planning on trying it out on the family this week-end!!

~HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL ~

God Grant Me The Serenity...

I realize that I maybe should let this issue sit for a while, but I really feel the need to vent... and to ask for guidance.

~ Yesterday we received word that a family friend's soldier paid THE ultimate price in Iraq ~

The young man was the brother of Erin's BF since daycare, softball buddy & bridesmaid and our families have a long history here in Elk Grove. This soldier was a son, brother, husband and father to a 2 year old daughter. His tour was to end in August and had just been home last week-end to visit family and friends.

I understand that the war has been going on for several years, but for me now it has a face and a name associated with it. I am feeling differently about the entire reason for the US being involved in a war now - I find it has no purpose other than the lose of life and putting our sons & daughters in harms way. I am also feeling very opioniated about the Iraqi people... Understanding not ALL of these people are responsible for the current state of affairs, but right now this is how I am feeling.

I am also appauled to think that there is a family that has been elevated in their community for their family member successfully completing their duty of detonating a suicide bomb, killing 5 innocent people... Makes my skin crawl!

Hopefully, you have not labeled me a bigot at this point, but will pray for peace and the understanding of this entire mess. I welcome your thoughts on this issue.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him

forever in the next. Amen.

You are truly a hero Bryan... May you rest in peace!

Sampling of new camera shots...

I can't decide if I am in love or obsessed!!! I took the camera and standard lense out back this morning to test some settings out. Since it had rained last night many of the flowers had moisture on them still! (Thanks for the idea Missy!!) I may have went a bit overboard but I was really having fun ~ Besides shooting my favorites; flowers, plants, etc. I also had two very obligatory subjects to work with; Belle our chocolate lab was really a ham and Bella my daughter's dog. She is very difficult to shoot, she is always running around... but I managed to make her sit for just one!

I'm pretty sure my shots will only get better and more creative as I continue to practice. I have so many shots in mind - Hawaii & Seattle are givens :-)