tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57546045679116851592024-02-19T04:18:18.275-06:00xoBeaudesign | adventure | life
(with kids)xoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-86835600314140639452010-05-06T12:43:00.000-05:002010-05-06T12:43:29.980-05:00Help the Flood Victims in Nashville, TN<object style="background-image: url("http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/5bphz1WrZAg/hqdefault.jpg");" height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5bphz1WrZAg&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5bphz1WrZAg&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="295" width="480"></embed></object>xoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-17481284711559550922009-08-14T07:21:00.002-05:002009-08-14T07:23:45.406-05:00Just Dance ~ Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-LwuASPPt3Zadscrc8rWlQWMcNxhmiC1alyodbpok4szc8CadThUTFj8lVgr09d4mZFabGOnGvJ6-9nwYHJVV3T6i7XkwMHt9By7HlWbYW-cwci7ocYN5flFV7v_kBqqbcuB6vkcabbX/s1600-h/southern_movement_JustinJenkins_cool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-LwuASPPt3Zadscrc8rWlQWMcNxhmiC1alyodbpok4szc8CadThUTFj8lVgr09d4mZFabGOnGvJ6-9nwYHJVV3T6i7XkwMHt9By7HlWbYW-cwci7ocYN5flFV7v_kBqqbcuB6vkcabbX/s400/southern_movement_JustinJenkins_cool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369794022591190194" border="0" /></a><br />Congratulations to Justin and his team, Southern Movement, for progressing to the next round! Read more <a href="http://remotecontrol.mtv.com/2009/08/13/cowboy-hats-off-to-abdcs-southern-movement/">here....</a><br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-76035882519013528132009-08-08T09:37:00.005-05:002009-08-08T10:08:57.271-05:00Just Dance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/americas-best-dance-crew-season-4-crew-photos-southern-movement/1617821/4176051/photo.jhtml"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9QujCqL-GNWcGwWToI0lkAtPkxL3ZIhYDyz5ddmaItyu23wbfPpRhKWLPv0fMdJscc-5m2Xf8ppe-k8OXv4Fwq8z8Nu_a3PY1plcabKUZf77ycwaU5h94qLS_Ax99W4I0d1N9fMC8f1j/s400/Justin_Jenkins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367602143016905650" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/americas-best-dance-crew-season-4-crew-photos-southern-movement/1617821/4176051/photo.jhtml">Justin Jenkins</a> used to babysit my children. He came highly recommended. Justin was killer competition when it came to Playstation and Wii with Captain Awesome (well, there was this little incident with a busted light panel, but its all good). Often, I would come home to find Pippi snuggled up in his arms ~ fast asleep. They had always been well fed, diapers were always changed ~ I knew that they had been in good hands. Before Justin headed out the door, we would chat a little and he would usually tell me about the dance teams that he was working on. There were all night dance sessions and preparations for the local news crew. Justin was dedicated and passionate about his dance dreams. That is paying off, because now he is with the <a href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/americas-best-dance-crew-season-4-crew-photos-southern-movement/1617821/4176028/photo.jhtml">Southern Movement</a> dance team. And they are competing in <a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/dance_crew/series.jhtml">MTV's America's Best Dance Crew</a>!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mtv.com/photos/americas-best-dance-crew-season-4-crew-photos-southern-movement/1617821/4176028/photo.jhtml"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIDjkeB3DfcTRqTCzOXA3uaOVl9DBzDudPWBBZIA_zTQutCjTi03AhErL4_0Nb9LtRiiyOVi-x2VAdJnrogq026j5zZ2mYuGTOj884aCWxvLSsb9HR7cG5IazCzYJU3PZVRLs0MrX5roM/s400/Southern_Movement_DanceCrew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367602156437772610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/dance_crew/series.jhtml"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUS2ynad11-NttqYPsiQZTi4qkjgJ2KnIeX2E_tpwWi7EC2TBc36PwEEOeulP4LEWXQPwoK9qcg0bty0lyU6J8WHKG6o91QJW1lMKzRSGSvTDInGOZc9WFlTZJv2Kj2G5QaXPzWXzcZ80g/s400/MTV_Americas_Best_Dance_Crew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367602148623745554" border="0" /></a>Rock the beat, Justin! We will be cheering you on!<br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-9314602586838487012009-06-18T22:55:00.008-05:002009-06-18T23:46:29.403-05:00Happy Campers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkE7GL2qUP5rGosWn5mmy0tmz6S8gMaDDk_1TwTVDyPUWRTv_q8HPmcb80B4-9HsplgOJ0-N6W0UuTLaYqU-74paNssrjJ0oe91qh32fbNplGsB7Km5ZQew7Qq7mhgL6cQH8ZjiDAerkuT/s1600-h/Max_ShihTzu_Jeep.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 666px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkE7GL2qUP5rGosWn5mmy0tmz6S8gMaDDk_1TwTVDyPUWRTv_q8HPmcb80B4-9HsplgOJ0-N6W0UuTLaYqU-74paNssrjJ0oe91qh32fbNplGsB7Km5ZQew7Qq7mhgL6cQH8ZjiDAerkuT/s400/Max_ShihTzu_Jeep.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348882715389494498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDnYcDSe9Vd5tweh-SH4sT47ch9W4fkK45GRhnUdKidxHNhrxyXtEUZQCZMR8KgQg6XwNAZYb-mx8YKSJ2L5cX1yoqP-unP1kqikE9p2BefsH76GnQz2dt7t1crr4AdVcx6p-JYHN98YR/s1600-h/Pippi_Tent.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 665px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDnYcDSe9Vd5tweh-SH4sT47ch9W4fkK45GRhnUdKidxHNhrxyXtEUZQCZMR8KgQg6XwNAZYb-mx8YKSJ2L5cX1yoqP-unP1kqikE9p2BefsH76GnQz2dt7t1crr4AdVcx6p-JYHN98YR/s400/Pippi_Tent.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348882744033251938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzISrYLv6Nf_yCJJBjMFhAomo953D6WsG2fLbjA6E-PvjJyhIWNFSkXDdlmToNuE-xF2cZD6LNsQ0NPLTHHJjzYi9CvyGi02-hYobXtPzLun4uXu26HxYsNZe3TxP6i1g_gl6Phj-XcSSv/s1600-h/Pippi_CampGear.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 666px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzISrYLv6Nf_yCJJBjMFhAomo953D6WsG2fLbjA6E-PvjJyhIWNFSkXDdlmToNuE-xF2cZD6LNsQ0NPLTHHJjzYi9CvyGi02-hYobXtPzLun4uXu26HxYsNZe3TxP6i1g_gl6Phj-XcSSv/s400/Pippi_CampGear.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348882732070328290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9UKD2tggKQmAZnRospRjj3m5htfIOk-tnGZUyB3eqXkPZt4l7U3HGpwCsX_CXgXhrURMvv_l0oM58D8cm10QUsW7jH6SCANdIE09F6OuUMbtwBvuZW5J9vv3TjALPNIqDXQvDPuPX9QZ/s1600-h/Scout_TreeLine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 695px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9UKD2tggKQmAZnRospRjj3m5htfIOk-tnGZUyB3eqXkPZt4l7U3HGpwCsX_CXgXhrURMvv_l0oM58D8cm10QUsW7jH6SCANdIE09F6OuUMbtwBvuZW5J9vv3TjALPNIqDXQvDPuPX9QZ/s400/Scout_TreeLine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348882818485791554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5T-3zHV59uqIesV-QAIekjPBANGSV2Ee1HanFs_2JJYSvMRIYrToDun8ZUMGEMo0bFOA_D46e6OJus1TvaBsbXfyZW2kG5JLL7D6uSzoquDn6FosgmNRbkH6SsYtulZbdfPRenQs4ptB/s1600-h/CaptainA_Max_Hammock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 668px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5T-3zHV59uqIesV-QAIekjPBANGSV2Ee1HanFs_2JJYSvMRIYrToDun8ZUMGEMo0bFOA_D46e6OJus1TvaBsbXfyZW2kG5JLL7D6uSzoquDn6FosgmNRbkH6SsYtulZbdfPRenQs4ptB/s400/CaptainA_Max_Hammock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348882725714147874" border="0" /></a>Captain Awesome and Max wait to hang the hammock ~ which is draped like a towel around his neck. If you are taking a camping trip or just hanging out in the back yard, the <a href="http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/single-nest-hammock.html">Eagle Nest Outfitters' hammock</a> can be extremely entertaining or totally relaxing ~ depending on your preference or perhaps your age. Also, it is very compact and lightweight. The whole hammock stuffs into a bag that is about the size of your hand. This hammock is truly a must-have.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRW9v-_qtVZKR5G7pYeVk0BoCIXxTqi3kXEu-JfDfU6ha6fAg2K_gSiyDCoTakCAly8H5EfW_dZWFNXl-Q6zbyQc6adQvHHJGiVN_ti0VXQe7Gu_WSoL_ZoQllN9RaOqE3LlfDMl5aGwF/s1600-h/Pippi_Asleep_Jeep.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 557px; height: 416px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRW9v-_qtVZKR5G7pYeVk0BoCIXxTqi3kXEu-JfDfU6ha6fAg2K_gSiyDCoTakCAly8H5EfW_dZWFNXl-Q6zbyQc6adQvHHJGiVN_ti0VXQe7Gu_WSoL_ZoQllN9RaOqE3LlfDMl5aGwF/s400/Pippi_Asleep_Jeep.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348882727863928674" border="0" /></a>happy campers soon become sleepy campers ~ sweet dreams sleepy heads, so glad I got to see your beautiful smiles<br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-91415676385406211402009-06-17T09:58:00.017-05:002009-06-17T17:24:20.784-05:00Mother in NatureIf you step outside of the concrete village and travel high up into the mountains, you may just find:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqGYshnqese61-zqYzYahyLbdK1ynbI5MNB-1_Ls7_UdY2u-wkpoRm5z1aXsOG_sCsekIJeZpT207HExwczpns6qKtMwSoSIy72_8n6HaB0GK4snaw53Fh_e_sBTGDUiD5_dYFRsKljTF/s1600-h/MossCoveredTree_Creek_Elkmont_SmokeyMountians2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqGYshnqese61-zqYzYahyLbdK1ynbI5MNB-1_Ls7_UdY2u-wkpoRm5z1aXsOG_sCsekIJeZpT207HExwczpns6qKtMwSoSIy72_8n6HaB0GK4snaw53Fh_e_sBTGDUiD5_dYFRsKljTF/s400/MossCoveredTree_Creek_Elkmont_SmokeyMountians2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348410146628933938" border="0" /></a>moss covered rocks and trees soaking up the fresh mountain water<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpOAZ_z-y2Uowvjjge-krOobAE9EtwmmmqZIxd0jeRYzEhd2QcAZmLfHr9gOPgz8vfBJ-OSMM_CK-ZdGAFx_UVVtGvVFj4nCgHxRh8OQCPURxKcr3dS48dW0kl2ad7WIUHOPHSpffaBW4/s1600-h/WildDaisies_CadesCove.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpOAZ_z-y2Uowvjjge-krOobAE9EtwmmmqZIxd0jeRYzEhd2QcAZmLfHr9gOPgz8vfBJ-OSMM_CK-ZdGAFx_UVVtGvVFj4nCgHxRh8OQCPURxKcr3dS48dW0kl2ad7WIUHOPHSpffaBW4/s400/WildDaisies_CadesCove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348409143576221746" border="0" /></a>daisies sprouting and lifting their heads towards the sunshine in the heavens<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbk_lb__XDtWqp0XTQS37fXaQtp0_wF6lPssRtvn_NOEAH4iyMq6RnnopGYxrQFLYy5zu0TvIQNGNuY4rrQWrMuWgl9voLK-ZTSyiiJLujjIBbcSgRS382C5ysTyl9bv8OCqyN0ecTKKX/s1600-h/FernsRock_Elkmont_SmokeyMountains.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbk_lb__XDtWqp0XTQS37fXaQtp0_wF6lPssRtvn_NOEAH4iyMq6RnnopGYxrQFLYy5zu0TvIQNGNuY4rrQWrMuWgl9voLK-ZTSyiiJLujjIBbcSgRS382C5ysTyl9bv8OCqyN0ecTKKX/s400/FernsRock_Elkmont_SmokeyMountains.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348409139341617186" border="0" /></a>ferns springing forth creating a beautiful display without the influence of landscape designs, green thumbs or Miracle-Gro<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnm4YP6Gc_0e8qG4dAdqdMjYs5L2Zf2MHPG7PZClHIK971nGR0hiKUiJdyQLBAqzneOjn4xn88RIGHooXoN7it_RVnNxgYMiHpatO1ycIIv1ao7fo9D98HUVofbVz7PqhpD1IuFHCfQCw8/s1600-h/BlackBear_CadesCove_SmokeyMountains2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnm4YP6Gc_0e8qG4dAdqdMjYs5L2Zf2MHPG7PZClHIK971nGR0hiKUiJdyQLBAqzneOjn4xn88RIGHooXoN7it_RVnNxgYMiHpatO1ycIIv1ao7fo9D98HUVofbVz7PqhpD1IuFHCfQCw8/s400/BlackBear_CadesCove_SmokeyMountains2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348408534875142050" border="0" /></a>black bears in search of grubby worms<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBNUcD8q5pcYg4RdtoensaS5UqBocAfwz7_I6mxMynelIAzsp_zDmiWHViscdZmlCU4kgPDSXodaVdLjhenmNl1QCmzxccJa15WfkV8YEmWyGLLMH5DNv4nyUwt2Kl5xYzlw0vK35kvW3/s1600-h/MamaDuck_Babies2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBNUcD8q5pcYg4RdtoensaS5UqBocAfwz7_I6mxMynelIAzsp_zDmiWHViscdZmlCU4kgPDSXodaVdLjhenmNl1QCmzxccJa15WfkV8YEmWyGLLMH5DNv4nyUwt2Kl5xYzlw0vK35kvW3/s400/MamaDuck_Babies2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348408529392097698" border="0" /></a>baby mallard ducks following their mother's lead<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtl16vj8TJdFPrjMN-Qk9oZVrzeeQiwPEkpi6nymkOvDom46ns1V3Bz7aAUs36mIdj14hxRCGNmPDTwGA_djZnqAOVEp6MMbG9_7oFFZRYZRiF0pcjWiG-nJvD5j0He0AgnfukEYvsEZC/s1600-h/YoungDoe_YoungBuck_CadesCove2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtl16vj8TJdFPrjMN-Qk9oZVrzeeQiwPEkpi6nymkOvDom46ns1V3Bz7aAUs36mIdj14hxRCGNmPDTwGA_djZnqAOVEp6MMbG9_7oFFZRYZRiF0pcjWiG-nJvD5j0He0AgnfukEYvsEZC/s400/YoungDoe_YoungBuck_CadesCove2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348408528786471282" border="0" /></a>love at first sight between a young doe and a young buck<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryBcJF8OapphR9grZqMcwY5CtSjxCyHwxWf2y17S-uSsm_wNGYVpkrCIThS8tl4-D-LVTWpIzsQRewwK-n_EPLSZxh4zK-npuMYZT6-ajnzUtmwHOcv3pFtrWwhaHPksQW1ugebTbNb-0/s1600-h/Millipede_Elkmont_SmokeyMountains2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryBcJF8OapphR9grZqMcwY5CtSjxCyHwxWf2y17S-uSsm_wNGYVpkrCIThS8tl4-D-LVTWpIzsQRewwK-n_EPLSZxh4zK-npuMYZT6-ajnzUtmwHOcv3pFtrWwhaHPksQW1ugebTbNb-0/s400/Millipede_Elkmont_SmokeyMountains2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348418509741384882" border="0" /></a>a sleepy millipede navigating its way across the forest floor<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U0l3oSey1TQW_17vHauNYz4KbN1ChNLcYSjEiCCSHVqHOWohWKJr4_ZqcQFPUNQynPo43DIZkUG495VzGsxHZ8Z98G21clWAocKAXq_cTD4EVxN2jqQwzTmw4tqEmynhpigsHYwY13bO/s1600-h/KidsinHammock_Elkmont_SmokeyMountains2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U0l3oSey1TQW_17vHauNYz4KbN1ChNLcYSjEiCCSHVqHOWohWKJr4_ZqcQFPUNQynPo43DIZkUG495VzGsxHZ8Z98G21clWAocKAXq_cTD4EVxN2jqQwzTmw4tqEmynhpigsHYwY13bO/s400/KidsinHammock_Elkmont_SmokeyMountains2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348411371994368946" border="0" /></a>your children snuggling in a hammock by the light of a warm campfire<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSLRM_xISA3iOTuH0nG9H1GVwqxvfCrk72xPvE7w4_u5Mk2ybo87zbiRtkEpCptRR47cuOAUZ4wszT0gQ3chgsdhn3aISDmUekyH0UKSp18emHABUp9vVeA1BvesT62KQENTw6FJtiuxy/s1600-h/Shadow_Elkmont_SmokeyMountains.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSLRM_xISA3iOTuH0nG9H1GVwqxvfCrk72xPvE7w4_u5Mk2ybo87zbiRtkEpCptRR47cuOAUZ4wszT0gQ3chgsdhn3aISDmUekyH0UKSp18emHABUp9vVeA1BvesT62KQENTw6FJtiuxy/s400/Shadow_Elkmont_SmokeyMountains.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348406699527767090" border="0" /></a>and yourself ~ in nature.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I hope that you get the chance to find yourself in nature. This is <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/">a great place to start.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></a><br /></div></div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-25639816709932414362009-06-06T14:14:00.006-05:002009-06-06T14:43:24.037-05:00Willie-Nillie Bloomers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEdXCuh21Pze8qqRCkdmiF-nZCdhIZwhevEsir76sNDwjQp80u6V5TPO1gPWM_CO24SbBH9BZfqEjyk7a5Z1dBGv47n7sAlPdQRSCwRR6WhbPDEGva0nPeg8PNaizo8NMcV_ZWhdEm6Pc/s1600-h/purple_flowers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 662px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEdXCuh21Pze8qqRCkdmiF-nZCdhIZwhevEsir76sNDwjQp80u6V5TPO1gPWM_CO24SbBH9BZfqEjyk7a5Z1dBGv47n7sAlPdQRSCwRR6WhbPDEGva0nPeg8PNaizo8NMcV_ZWhdEm6Pc/s400/purple_flowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344302021504308994" border="0" /></a>Picking fresh flowers from the garden is always a sweet practice. However, beautiful blooms also grow willie-nillie by the roadside. Before meeting their devastating fate from the mower, I brought these in and dropped them into a frappuccino jar ~ turned vase, for a little admiration.<br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-26940901945217490402009-06-01T23:04:00.006-05:002009-06-02T12:32:05.042-05:00Beauty in the eye of the Brother<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqCYjLdF5xgVevFFAg5_MTEXHSga3ZiOgX3KfMaRwV_HGS4pMR0Q0kn33QV5ATnF7nI8BWm49VClQJ11v5tF1ciwrSPhNRjtN0AAEv5h9FxTs71Vj6BmIEkGRnLwXuLFFBtZQmX3FvQSK/s1600-h/Blair.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 657px; height: 491px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqCYjLdF5xgVevFFAg5_MTEXHSga3ZiOgX3KfMaRwV_HGS4pMR0Q0kn33QV5ATnF7nI8BWm49VClQJ11v5tF1ciwrSPhNRjtN0AAEv5h9FxTs71Vj6BmIEkGRnLwXuLFFBtZQmX3FvQSK/s400/Blair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342576333523025218" border="0" /></a>Big brothers should be encouraged to spend time with little sisters. It is in those tiny moments that sweet memories are made, which surely must be the basis for eternal bonds. When given enough time, they are required find ways to entertain themselves, thus giving way to creative urges ~ and art is found in their lives ~ allowing them to see the beauty within each other.<br /><br />Today, Captain Awesome snapped a shot of Pippi hanging from the basketball goal as black clouds rolled in the sky above. This has to be one of his most compelling photographs, yet.<br /><br />xoBeau<br /><br /><br /><br />{To Captain Awesome: You did excellent ~ I can't help but smile!<br /><br />xoMommy}xoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-5148608802640307892009-05-30T11:25:00.006-05:002009-05-30T23:08:56.428-05:00Southern Beauty for Sale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxT1NVZOL3iyz5ILGSWPRUj2fPzf5xQ8YOCzxGIpSxoupdYG0hd6Qbs1TBsC6dmWR3twxEC2c8xJPxdNu8olO99194E2sfHIlH5jrr9PyjiiMt30lAn82PqNaPlrWBJ7wf9VNMxMXgKJTB/s1600-h/SouthernHome_Yardsale.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 482px; height: 642px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxT1NVZOL3iyz5ILGSWPRUj2fPzf5xQ8YOCzxGIpSxoupdYG0hd6Qbs1TBsC6dmWR3twxEC2c8xJPxdNu8olO99194E2sfHIlH5jrr9PyjiiMt30lAn82PqNaPlrWBJ7wf9VNMxMXgKJTB/s400/SouthernHome_Yardsale.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341654155596815042" border="0" /></a>Just on the outside of the Murfreesboro city limits stands this Southern Beauty. I have admired her for a long time, but today was my opportunity to take a closer look. Because, today, under the canopies that have spanned for at least a hundred years and on a lawn that has been impressed upon by horse hooves, carriage wheels, laced boots, bare feet, high heels, flip flops and even Nike tennis shoes, was splayed a collection of wares for sale. And while the collection was new and modern, this homestead was rich with history and style that has graced these Southern soils for many a decade.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_p0bwNRQhyh6PPJb8bF82CnYF7VvvI3klm9cH2TciVqFgxXcnYpqfRsIgWVGh_3hXuAzHZ-MmKMdrgYU-I7r24DuLy5zM9mkbMZnXZU_ihO2kKZrTEyJXnAj2lE0ojQdltrzvnjyP0-a/s1600-h/SouthernHome_BrickWalk_Boxwoods.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 630px; height: 469px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_p0bwNRQhyh6PPJb8bF82CnYF7VvvI3klm9cH2TciVqFgxXcnYpqfRsIgWVGh_3hXuAzHZ-MmKMdrgYU-I7r24DuLy5zM9mkbMZnXZU_ihO2kKZrTEyJXnAj2lE0ojQdltrzvnjyP0-a/s400/SouthernHome_BrickWalk_Boxwoods.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341656493223512594" border="0" /></a>While I admire the architecture of the home, it is the design of the gardens that I am particularly interested in. You see, I cannot build a house, but I can plant a garden. Boxwoods line the reclaimed brick walk. Ferns grace antique iron urns, complete with pedestal. Impatiens gain footing at the base. By mid-summer, it will be as if the iron pieces are floating on clouds of pink and purple petals. These plantings will take the dog days of summer in stride, thanks to the expansive shade of the prestigious oaks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBkA1xLbhz8C6-FrON1bHmtg6OnCHzdoBybSTaPFXyCH_fYFy7IN71mwwabTfjrAplosLvxrtLYYgz5S8yk5DH7nFXe2yU1dh3DoJvTNIMR5HdMbGanm7jswC74OXQRotwnMCltCmkhXw/s1600-h/AntiqueUrns_Ferns_Impatients_BrickWalk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 628px; height: 467px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBkA1xLbhz8C6-FrON1bHmtg6OnCHzdoBybSTaPFXyCH_fYFy7IN71mwwabTfjrAplosLvxrtLYYgz5S8yk5DH7nFXe2yU1dh3DoJvTNIMR5HdMbGanm7jswC74OXQRotwnMCltCmkhXw/s400/AntiqueUrns_Ferns_Impatients_BrickWalk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341654160799585090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ8oddPp8QCWfuX-RHO2o7OPwSrBKn2ck1c3vd4RLY5LJVCj8Em7fMeu3sNOsL02nLNEo8yg3-Ccdp1N-c5FSciywzTRVYZMJC_90Hv31RMowOByw7pUxfUxddp-kMSHkVCOI9ITzs1mK/s1600-h/bricksidewalk_boxwoods_oaktree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 630px; height: 833px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ8oddPp8QCWfuX-RHO2o7OPwSrBKn2ck1c3vd4RLY5LJVCj8Em7fMeu3sNOsL02nLNEo8yg3-Ccdp1N-c5FSciywzTRVYZMJC_90Hv31RMowOByw7pUxfUxddp-kMSHkVCOI9ITzs1mK/s400/bricksidewalk_boxwoods_oaktree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341654148995048290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDEPD4SOiecBv3WzPocdWHacbxSMX_zjYa7wrg7ep6m373pcxGiOuC-S2EA_9mtRVIFmv4M3TqCnIAdEfpMl9hU1mL4eOVgFFCAbdK9mX7W9eHoVluVz3c8AXy2BtTxRFj05p5bVKEEi-/s1600-h/bricksidewalk_boxwoods.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 633px; height: 471px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDEPD4SOiecBv3WzPocdWHacbxSMX_zjYa7wrg7ep6m373pcxGiOuC-S2EA_9mtRVIFmv4M3TqCnIAdEfpMl9hU1mL4eOVgFFCAbdK9mX7W9eHoVluVz3c8AXy2BtTxRFj05p5bVKEEi-/s400/bricksidewalk_boxwoods.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341654150241994674" border="0" /></a>While Pippi's treasure was a pristine Barbie doll that was still in the box, the treasure that I found was just in the ability to gaze upon and dream of a world that I had not quite experienced for myself. Really, in some ways, I think that what we found is actually the same thing.<br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-43109189572629662722009-05-26T09:19:00.008-05:002009-05-26T11:02:16.213-05:00Red, White and Blue Remembrance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGTdfRGxRVgLhesEj3KvPrFl8wN3gewL_7kRDtdqhmJ0c1bFp9mQxR-WjAB2nIKFZJ-Iacjhq7jdEW4BPcJ7481LZz6T7Klje4UTYbOirHd5EwlhRWJEGITYKWx_XuaXBnMhBUsRx5MOc/s1600-h/PippiFlagofRemembrance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 627px; height: 470px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGTdfRGxRVgLhesEj3KvPrFl8wN3gewL_7kRDtdqhmJ0c1bFp9mQxR-WjAB2nIKFZJ-Iacjhq7jdEW4BPcJ7481LZz6T7Klje4UTYbOirHd5EwlhRWJEGITYKWx_XuaXBnMhBUsRx5MOc/s400/PippiFlagofRemembrance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340140609112396930" border="0" /></a>1,500 flags stood in remembrance of America's veterans on the Healing Field, this Memorial weekend.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmRSKt3CMeXtPZ0fMJniFb6c1yIpQmtlYZBDMtB-PyTeQ3idDadN8Z25lP8XGXszWxomHKQzPhpmQl4U_Om-3jVXB4KjEe7DiX5YHF_SYBaDpQ_TPMj9vAS-gan5Rg4ns7-fiPXNrTGUh/s1600-h/MemorialDaySignatures.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 491px; height: 654px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmRSKt3CMeXtPZ0fMJniFb6c1yIpQmtlYZBDMtB-PyTeQ3idDadN8Z25lP8XGXszWxomHKQzPhpmQl4U_Om-3jVXB4KjEe7DiX5YHF_SYBaDpQ_TPMj9vAS-gan5Rg4ns7-fiPXNrTGUh/s400/MemorialDaySignatures.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340140618063326978" border="0" /></a>Visitors were encouraged to sign their name as a testament to their presence at the Healing Field.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HmS4t78Bk7aGn1a6MSlAm3rJfD1g8-T43gDFiEvAtBxYJBZpEr2EwlgewhJh-EH4J8ir3ZLU5rt1_0ZgtSo6TjDffCgt6W21sXIdHsjaK1vHPWzXj4Kn28hs4QB9XCtOFE4s4UoYUm_m/s1600-h/Veterans.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 487px; height: 648px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HmS4t78Bk7aGn1a6MSlAm3rJfD1g8-T43gDFiEvAtBxYJBZpEr2EwlgewhJh-EH4J8ir3ZLU5rt1_0ZgtSo6TjDffCgt6W21sXIdHsjaK1vHPWzXj4Kn28hs4QB9XCtOFE4s4UoYUm_m/s400/Veterans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340141058607047106" border="0" /></a>Veterans were beautifully decorated in their uniforms and medals from years of dedicated service.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6prNh4OmGcAtsnSdKWzOsmIW40rzqkmCTc_qKiSSQaXlf2pEdz3gAH1l9Xy17-8z4BD22IllcbYjO8jXynXGZ2ep_t6meuJQG-krJDOkiGYCKN5WG8l7g9KcxOPJEuNf6PBFgvDnT9twW/s1600-h/FlagInHonorOf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 490px; height: 650px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6prNh4OmGcAtsnSdKWzOsmIW40rzqkmCTc_qKiSSQaXlf2pEdz3gAH1l9Xy17-8z4BD22IllcbYjO8jXynXGZ2ep_t6meuJQG-krJDOkiGYCKN5WG8l7g9KcxOPJEuNf6PBFgvDnT9twW/s400/FlagInHonorOf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340140613344607730" border="0" /></a>Many of the flags were tagged in memory and in honor of those who have served or are serving still.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVI45J4QPbiIEY1tlLWrdLzPJAPb5NFYCYb7ej2ZYux0LZCO9i-3FrNrB-p4ysHnzsHHGTZbam7qPsSm1YgvRHq-DEArqBC3Pe-UItxzFHwebGXK8xYV8kT-qzVk1Y4cTW5tGRzn03x2E/s1600-h/BoyscoutFlagofRemembrance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 490px; height: 651px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVI45J4QPbiIEY1tlLWrdLzPJAPb5NFYCYb7ej2ZYux0LZCO9i-3FrNrB-p4ysHnzsHHGTZbam7qPsSm1YgvRHq-DEArqBC3Pe-UItxzFHwebGXK8xYV8kT-qzVk1Y4cTW5tGRzn03x2E/s400/BoyscoutFlagofRemembrance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340140608863062242" border="0" /></a>Flags were carefully rolled in preparation for their relocation to a new home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinanohAn4sB71DWq9GVksxHYel6PjZAAvK6vxgQhreCj0NrrArUgUSjAAm0jn0GL-jga82gew5axdXE2gxvQsrI0lgPaCM_AzATPE6ygnnduMYVi-eOgzrME2ZIVJJJfwQO5DD1ACTiDyB/s1600-h/ProudtobeanAmerican.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 491px; height: 653px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinanohAn4sB71DWq9GVksxHYel6PjZAAvK6vxgQhreCj0NrrArUgUSjAAm0jn0GL-jga82gew5axdXE2gxvQsrI0lgPaCM_AzATPE6ygnnduMYVi-eOgzrME2ZIVJJJfwQO5DD1ACTiDyB/s400/ProudtobeanAmerican.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340141051558610514" border="0" /></a>It was touching to see the pride that each individual held as they carried their flag from the field.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe45dOL4R6S9OmVv6cp-abINoG4grj8oDkH1bEJnjzNgem7pGFf1WjDv_AhccycBxEoboKPaJwHaLY2LmmnpWgRmeiM4fKiM7SZf-Hybbn3s5h5ObsO4bL8oIHVgrR2Amq7awufjYfRiUL/s1600-h/CaptainAwesomePippiFlagofRemembrance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 490px; height: 367px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe45dOL4R6S9OmVv6cp-abINoG4grj8oDkH1bEJnjzNgem7pGFf1WjDv_AhccycBxEoboKPaJwHaLY2LmmnpWgRmeiM4fKiM7SZf-Hybbn3s5h5ObsO4bL8oIHVgrR2Amq7awufjYfRiUL/s400/CaptainAwesomePippiFlagofRemembrance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340143718060781266" border="0" /></a>And really, the pride was intoxicating, until you couldn't resist the urge to have one of your own. But flags that size and little girls this size just wouldn't be a good combination.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fYGsz8atm1FhGgCogKGOohfTDOAv-0Wgw61MvFXskKb3WY5sbk7K7b-4wCyBLJzw7AUBmSCUrQoQPrHV8MiCQv-n8zNYNE9zTISfE4BOPhGoYjYAwatl6y4K_8UkBhZduWIUfihrvqvP/s1600-h/FlagWaves2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 488px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fYGsz8atm1FhGgCogKGOohfTDOAv-0Wgw61MvFXskKb3WY5sbk7K7b-4wCyBLJzw7AUBmSCUrQoQPrHV8MiCQv-n8zNYNE9zTISfE4BOPhGoYjYAwatl6y4K_8UkBhZduWIUfihrvqvP/s400/FlagWaves2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340143935730209250" border="0" /></a>We were able to find the perfect one for Pippi. And, interestingly, the same level of pride still exists, no matter the size of the flag.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQSgi64dadBdgZR7RnLw6UdU8jYc5R3OkFC9OKXNkC8haCt9A22wIP-Xtb08fDA9yEbTSlrV_xFzCNp3lOBhEsuo_pNYxZH1vkgcVtNhGyVb9sFHiUKl2eYEGbk4tDzcdmvWgzjRLXx8Y/s1600-h/PippiFlagofRemembrancewithTreeline.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 494px; height: 658px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQSgi64dadBdgZR7RnLw6UdU8jYc5R3OkFC9OKXNkC8haCt9A22wIP-Xtb08fDA9yEbTSlrV_xFzCNp3lOBhEsuo_pNYxZH1vkgcVtNhGyVb9sFHiUKl2eYEGbk4tDzcdmvWgzjRLXx8Y/s400/PippiFlagofRemembrancewithTreeline.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340140619585747426" border="0" /></a>'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave<br />O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!<br /><br />Many, many thanks to the men and women who have served this great Country, it is because of you that the flag waves so freely!<br /><br />And special thanks to the <a href="http://www.murfreesboronoonexchangeclub.org/">Murfreesboro Noon Exchange Club</a>, whose mission is to work together to make communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities and its National Project, The Prevention of Child Abuse. Job well done!<br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-83254509651041168352009-05-21T22:05:00.006-05:002009-05-22T00:32:50.616-05:00~ All dogs go to Heaven ~<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RiSKrcMXTKQeBe9yAghjRuY2oFTM1FTdyZpWGalu7R7ILqJL5uZnHxzvEuqe_z3jsnXrK-GtlmHNk5umm0b6jwg3y79jBoRPBjB7AZJVkSxWrC7CvKJ7izuE3u67OikFvBCkbtZnsWWQ/s1600-h/BelovedBabyGirl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 633px; height: 472px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RiSKrcMXTKQeBe9yAghjRuY2oFTM1FTdyZpWGalu7R7ILqJL5uZnHxzvEuqe_z3jsnXrK-GtlmHNk5umm0b6jwg3y79jBoRPBjB7AZJVkSxWrC7CvKJ7izuE3u67OikFvBCkbtZnsWWQ/s400/BelovedBabyGirl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338509477018721042" border="0" /></a>Rest in peace, Baby Girl ~ I am sure that your angel wings are exquisite! Much love, xo ~<br /><br /><br />The vet had called me Monday night to say that the second set of Baby Girl's test results were very discouraging. I cried and cried until about 4:30 in the morning, to the point of making myself sick ~ and wrote <a href="http://xobeau.blogspot.com/2009/05/beloved-baby-girl.html">this</a>.<br /><br />On Tuesday, we went to visit with Baby Girl. And just like I had predicted, when I saw her, I could see the smile in her eyes and hear the beat of her tail. I took the large quilt that my grandmother made me and spread it out on the grass under the trees, where we visited with her for several hours. And I saw life in her. Her face glowed and her tail beat at the sight of my children's faces. Her ears perked at the buzzing of bees and beetles. She lifted her nose and sniffed the air as the smell of grilled steak drifted by. She lapped water until her heart was content. If we ceased petting, she rooted her nose under our hands to encourage it. If I moved, she would look me straight in the eye and start heading in my direction. (I will miss that look in her eyes, it is as if she could feel you ~ hear your thoughts ~ read your mind) And when I remembered that how sick she really was, saw her IV or heard her cough, I really just wanted her to be able to go to sleep, to be free from her pain and to free me from the pain of making that wretched decision.<br /><br />I excused myself and went to speak with the veterinarian. The questions that I had to ask ~ the words that needed to be said could barely come out of my mouth. I admitted to him that I was struggling to cross that bridge ~ from the side of having her, to the other and most dreaded side, of not having her ever again. I asked about taking her home for one last night. That was exceptable to him, but I knew that if I did, I would struggle to bring her back. I also knew that would be the same as me determining her end. And, so we talked about providing her with another day of treatment, which would be more fluids to flush out the kidneys.<br /><br />"Is there hope that this will actually work", I asked.<br /><br />And he said, "There is always hope, but she has a long road to recovery."<br /><br />I went back outside, loved on her some more and decided that I was going to give her that additional 24 hours. And, at the same time, give myself that additional 24 hours. We kissed her goodbye and I carried her back inside for more fluids and another night of hope. I knew that tomorrow, if need be, I would be ready.<br /><br />On Wednesday, we headed for another visit. On the way there, I laid it out in my mind, so that I knew the possible plans of action. I was not expecting good results. I know it is important to stay positive, but it is also important to be realistic. So the plans of action were: We could visit with Baby Girl for a few minutes inside the hospital before saying our final goodbye. We could bring Baby Girl outside for a while and visit before saying our final goodbye. We could take Baby Girl home until later that night or even perhaps the next day before saying our final goodbye.<br /><br />When I saw her, I knew that it was time. The smile in her eyes had to be searched for and she tapped her tail twice for me, but only because I encouraged her. I spoke with the vet. The test results were worse, her condition was worse. Yes, it was time. I carried her out to the Jeep and we held her. And we cried. We talked about how all dogs go to heaven, how of all dogs ~ she definitely deserved to go to heaven and how she was going to look beautiful in angel wings. I tried to get Pippi to touch her one last time, but she wouldn't, she just wept. She wept like she knew what death was and that she knew that was Baby Girl's fate. That moment whispered again in my ear, it is time. And so, just one more kiss, one more hug, one more rub under the ears and one more goodbye from some of Baby Girl's biggest fans. I carried her back inside.<br /><br />To the technician, I said, "We're ready."<br /><br />The technician asked, "Have you ever done this before?"<br /><br />I responded, "No."<br /><br />But, as I promised, I was going to be there as her spirit slipped away. I placed her on the table and she nudged my hand with her nose one last time. I told her that she was beautiful and brave ~ the best ever ~ and that I loved her. And as quickly as she had entered my heart, she was gone from my life.<br /><br />For the first time, I really saw the mother's perspective in this thing called death. What I have realized is, that as a mother, when a loved one passes away, it hurts 2x ~ 3x ~ 4x as bad. You have your own personal pain that you need to express ~ cope with ~ console. And you can't help but carry the pain that your children are experiencing. Your heart breaks again, for them. To hear their heavy sobs. To look at them and see that quiet loneliness and know what is missing. Its hard. You want to pull out a giant band-aid and wrap it all up. But you can't. As much as you want the unquenchable sadness to pass, you don't want to forget why the it was there in the first place. And so, you try to help them express, cope with and console their pain.<br /><br />I wondered why puppies don't live forever. Then I remembered that little boys and girls don't either.<br />I wondered why puppies only live for a part of a child's life. Is it to teach the value of life? So that compassion will be learned? To mold a frivolous heart into one that is tender and caring?<br />I wondered ~ and I think ~ maybe so.<br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-33770061090392482012009-05-19T00:23:00.018-05:002009-05-20T11:33:55.957-05:00~ Beloved Baby Girl ~<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsDFCZ40exiRAx10TdyIkgNYyHIbB03iq-lE5IJjO-tfGFwm_y9Kmamdt_UDI8XsjI8-82Aw7vBsBqSTzuuuPVTA3M4q8jNyU8VtxV76nhEhdWg3nOctb_eBhkmW-gFZpRaqBSLkeo5Ku/s1600-h/MaxBabyGirl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 624px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsDFCZ40exiRAx10TdyIkgNYyHIbB03iq-lE5IJjO-tfGFwm_y9Kmamdt_UDI8XsjI8-82Aw7vBsBqSTzuuuPVTA3M4q8jNyU8VtxV76nhEhdWg3nOctb_eBhkmW-gFZpRaqBSLkeo5Ku/s400/MaxBabyGirl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337436599524324418" border="0" /></a><br />Dear Baby Girl,<br /><br />When Captain Awesome was a little boy, he began wishing for a puppy for his approaching birthday. And so, a quest began for his new companion. The word went out near and far. Family and friends provided suggestions and recommendations. However, it was a mere acquaintance that mentioned their lady dog was expecting a litter of pups and one could be his for the choosing. A few weeks went by with no word of puppies being birthed, and in those same few weeks, a little boy's birthday was drawing nigh. We were pushed to move forward on the mission. Kennels were visited, newspapers were scoured and phone calls were made. A puppy was ready and waiting just a few hours drive north. So, we packed into the Jeep and made the trek upward until we reached a quaint and well manicured home. On the front lawn, we saw a lady trying to corral some black and white fluff, which was hopping over blades of grass like a bunny. His nickname was "Cow" and he was a purebred Shih Tzu. It was love at first sight for sure. He whined all the way home. After a few days deliberation, he was officially named "Maximum Rocket Power".<br /><br />Captain Awesome's birthday came and went. It was a perfect and wonderful celebration of a little boy and his companion. However, two days later, the phone rang. It was the previously mentioned acquaintance with exciting news. Their litter of puppies had just been welcomed into this world two days earlier. Yes, you were born on Captain Awesome's birthday. And so, we knew it was meant to be. There would be two puppies welcomed into our home that year.<br /><br />When you were around seven weeks old, we drove a couple hours south, across the river and through the woods to a home of meager existence. We were warmly welcomed inside. Captain Awesome leaned over to take a peek and your mama nearly snapped his nose off. I'm sure she meant nothing against him. She just knew that you were very special and wanted nothing but the best for you. Her master reached in and pulled you out for us to see. There you were, all teeny tiny and in your black and white beauty ~ a Shih Tzu mix. Again, it was love at first sight. We brought you home, stuck you in the sink ~ submerged in water up to your neck, and caught ~ oh, at least 100+ ~ probably more ~ fleas off of the top of your head.<br /><br />Unlike Max, however, you were not a companion of anyone in particular, but please don't fret because you were most definitely loved by us all. And unlike Max, a name was never officially provided. We simply called you Baby Girl and it just stuck. I was particularly pleased with this, because I had always longed for a baby girl, but never thought that I would actually have one. But there you were ~ a part of the sisterhood ~ helping me balance out the fraternity house.<br /><br />A couple other puppies came in over the years. Cheetah appeared to be a brindle greyhound, boxer, min-pin mix ~ but who really knows for sure, and that isn't really what matters anyway. She was an amazing soccer player. She also loved cowboy boots ~ not wearing them, but chewing them. Then, of course, came Rocky ~ Scout's beloved birthday puppy ~ a Yorkshire Terrier. He was much more teeny tiny than you. All of you got along fabulously. But it was you and Max who were tight. Whether it was bunking together, chasing each other or challenging the other for a scooby treat, whenever we saw black and white, we were usually seeing double. Remember when he had surgery just two weeks ago? You whined and fussed until he came home. And when he did, you were there, right beside him. Not once did you make fun of him for wearing that ridiculous looking cone around his head. Now, the tables have turned and Max is intensely longing for you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUM8eJrww1HK9UUFJaCayPzV_p92M1ipQY3kLgLZov4pnpcfcdyLgW8VxLMz-4EiTLVnlJRreWd4wuAc3B057an_XFu4s6SkrxlrQSKGGRN-sf9Ndd1qOAUSRRoAp57X4bckofqAMwE3Q/s1600-h/BabyGirlMaxintheCone.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 618px; height: 439px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUM8eJrww1HK9UUFJaCayPzV_p92M1ipQY3kLgLZov4pnpcfcdyLgW8VxLMz-4EiTLVnlJRreWd4wuAc3B057an_XFu4s6SkrxlrQSKGGRN-sf9Ndd1qOAUSRRoAp57X4bckofqAMwE3Q/s400/BabyGirlMaxintheCone.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337444454570915362" border="0" /></a><br />Just a few years ago, as you know, I did have that baby girl ~ adding to the sisterhood once again. And, to my delight, you two have become precious playmates. I would even say that she has claimed you as her own. A good indicator, is her renaming of you ~ "My Baby Max". Additional indicators: How many walks has she taken you on? Lots. How many times has she climbed into the kennel with you? Numerous. How many times has she squeezed you until you could just pop? A quintillion. And what about those scooby treats, she has always been good at making sure you had plenty of those.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMgqkJElPmvsdgAE1YWtyDAeiF1UiwyZqW1pn_5HlNzNddBEkZ8QRtFt9QxyhkmTwCzi2BNtkeBzq2CpTwHG-sWcDhC5TdrFzrS0-X9cSQ6ebPBIA5VcqwzGYVYXghXyaoQ5F0WPmHmR8/s1600-h/BabyGirlMaxPippi_GreenGrass.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 619px; height: 460px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMgqkJElPmvsdgAE1YWtyDAeiF1UiwyZqW1pn_5HlNzNddBEkZ8QRtFt9QxyhkmTwCzi2BNtkeBzq2CpTwHG-sWcDhC5TdrFzrS0-X9cSQ6ebPBIA5VcqwzGYVYXghXyaoQ5F0WPmHmR8/s400/BabyGirlMaxPippi_GreenGrass.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337445379792063746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwo_irJ__XChwMRYOaDM649MoiJfPycXy7t4AjSUUxOcQGLZxtCiO0HNXvFTwALcYNKZarfQ2hkoJRo8ndMVH4vuYKWBool94h9TVH13eyQ8QkKZ9ILOjS25djsVj3CNRpnu3IopSU43q/s1600-h/PippiBabyGirl4002X.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 614px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwo_irJ__XChwMRYOaDM649MoiJfPycXy7t4AjSUUxOcQGLZxtCiO0HNXvFTwALcYNKZarfQ2hkoJRo8ndMVH4vuYKWBool94h9TVH13eyQ8QkKZ9ILOjS25djsVj3CNRpnu3IopSU43q/s400/PippiBabyGirl4002X.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337455615527088482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBnrMG8u0AgMaa_ONpQmqkDxFd8V2EAqza0KAwGEa903FyGRaraC6L-fooOPMqNn1USLoRzVABaFHPeRGU9giy3Wgtzd54QBFDTrXyFfV9nrE6MA9ou8RFNFY0t6Q71G7frREoUS5tBfe/s1600-h/PippiBabyGirl_Trio.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 613px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBnrMG8u0AgMaa_ONpQmqkDxFd8V2EAqza0KAwGEa903FyGRaraC6L-fooOPMqNn1USLoRzVABaFHPeRGU9giy3Wgtzd54QBFDTrXyFfV9nrE6MA9ou8RFNFY0t6Q71G7frREoUS5tBfe/s400/PippiBabyGirl_Trio.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337455605689839810" border="0" /></a><br />Through these 7 (almost 8) years, Baby Girl, you have loved me unconditionally, that is for certain. And no matter the week, the day or the hour, I could count on your smiling face, the nuzzle of your little nose, the beat of your wagging tail. How absolutely sweet and devoted you have been. Oh, how I will miss you. And I will miss the pieces of my children and of myself that are embodied within you. To never hear their voices say sweetly to you, "Hey, Baby Girl", saddens me greatly.<br /><br />As I write this and as I prepare for our visit tomorrow, I know that when I walk into the Veterinarian's office, even though you are very sick, you will smile through your eyes at me. And I am certain that your long, white tail will begin its swaying motion. That is just your beautiful spirit. And as your spirit softly escapes into another realm, I promise to be there. It is the very least that I can do for my beautiful Baby Girl.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDD1TlheJjmkG-ks7UJOFmD6gON5ThCCz4TRYJxVmSybQyeTdGk3exIxoL_4e9Dv9pCLFf7-HNkFcV8KAKZxJDs3kSL5I-Z5sre9PfKWay5GuUb3aNyFffEeQsrjrm31SfddwL1FWnibx/s1600-h/BabyGirlandPippi.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 608px; height: 562px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDD1TlheJjmkG-ks7UJOFmD6gON5ThCCz4TRYJxVmSybQyeTdGk3exIxoL_4e9Dv9pCLFf7-HNkFcV8KAKZxJDs3kSL5I-Z5sre9PfKWay5GuUb3aNyFffEeQsrjrm31SfddwL1FWnibx/s400/BabyGirlandPippi.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337439530872455394" border="0" /></a><br />With much love ~ always & forever,<br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-60999938185469357422009-04-24T09:02:00.029-05:002009-05-19T04:25:11.778-05:00Earthday Celebration ~ 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sHCy9W35ZzK8tcteAWzaUBDIJzfJ-2Mv0NSv9AHyPfrSxqKopP3gbuBUPX_rxVv25ezF0JEzXMYUrbhmmQmNwhWQ219d8WeC59hmkkoGLJVy7SkHs5eottGLbjkpRIHnKvvlS-jGNihU/s1600-h/Earthday_GoGreen_Poster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 359px; height: 578px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sHCy9W35ZzK8tcteAWzaUBDIJzfJ-2Mv0NSv9AHyPfrSxqKopP3gbuBUPX_rxVv25ezF0JEzXMYUrbhmmQmNwhWQ219d8WeC59hmkkoGLJVy7SkHs5eottGLbjkpRIHnKvvlS-jGNihU/s400/Earthday_GoGreen_Poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331188791289502994" border="0" /></a><br />In celebration of Earth Day, we went to Centennial Park in Nashville, TN. And as we strolled by the booths of earth friendly patriots, I couldn't help but be inspired at how we ~ the most destructive creatures on this planet ~ are working to change our habits and preserve the environment for all living things.<br /><br />Green Home Practical Sustainable Design<br /><a href="http://hellogreenhome.com/">hellogreenhome.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZts1Eq7xa4n_xEJo7-kcOvYsWYfLFsMOCDZ1Q4uwF1c49BIqXXN4RJX9ckJEPztd20SWCbAWUrJ6uAP1mnTAyp1whkWJMJyBrKUtnf6i_ZEp34-fqlBIVACk6ppmFmSQ22BkV3sVAE4PD/s1600-h/GreenHomeDesign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZts1Eq7xa4n_xEJo7-kcOvYsWYfLFsMOCDZ1Q4uwF1c49BIqXXN4RJX9ckJEPztd20SWCbAWUrJ6uAP1mnTAyp1whkWJMJyBrKUtnf6i_ZEp34-fqlBIVACk6ppmFmSQ22BkV3sVAE4PD/s400/GreenHomeDesign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329954968947353906" border="0" /></a>Friendly Arctic Printing & Design<br /><a href="http://www.friendlyarctic.com/">FriendlyArctic.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNojwlw-PZXthMjtk5y6y1c_8cMTJvzpUWT_dQKAzFjEr9T6zPg1B7pX3roFw5WZjp4QJEizgrQ3AT__LWLWevaL_1xNaCc1JZ37g2Zef5kwVdyaxpEjpN6JDkE7k8AoKHDTCid9Kxp-KP/s1600-h/FriendlyArcticWaterBasedPrinting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNojwlw-PZXthMjtk5y6y1c_8cMTJvzpUWT_dQKAzFjEr9T6zPg1B7pX3roFw5WZjp4QJEizgrQ3AT__LWLWevaL_1xNaCc1JZ37g2Zef5kwVdyaxpEjpN6JDkE7k8AoKHDTCid9Kxp-KP/s400/FriendlyArcticWaterBasedPrinting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329951671293225138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgpDowY8_wtlEUwMaitimFTzKD40OEHYkWGT14zeupCe8OK-O7XhO7-0pb_WZAuPhM6bUbZhs72yQauQ38DKIkz1e2sYuli_kHwcY37viYdEw9qSVBXq1SXvxO5iXNxcYcBiThiAFeyRI/s1600-h/waterbased_inkprints_byFriendlyArcticPrinting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgpDowY8_wtlEUwMaitimFTzKD40OEHYkWGT14zeupCe8OK-O7XhO7-0pb_WZAuPhM6bUbZhs72yQauQ38DKIkz1e2sYuli_kHwcY37viYdEw9qSVBXq1SXvxO5iXNxcYcBiThiAFeyRI/s400/waterbased_inkprints_byFriendlyArcticPrinting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331183492658126162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDGAs7alwIcyWXr5t7y_5me2IiBKcHwuku8qwq-Zxzuj9__UtA1r-xWvT0YUBZVAvUx_1vOky_rdms7aHrBikgk2l_NUPz1jkUNuzRHVyPb-laKnvSbqSUZC0qc5buMQDnsGW72vv5YOd/s1600-h/FriendlyArctic_tshirtsample.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 395px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDGAs7alwIcyWXr5t7y_5me2IiBKcHwuku8qwq-Zxzuj9__UtA1r-xWvT0YUBZVAvUx_1vOky_rdms7aHrBikgk2l_NUPz1jkUNuzRHVyPb-laKnvSbqSUZC0qc5buMQDnsGW72vv5YOd/s400/FriendlyArctic_tshirtsample.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331190531132697106" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh7gkCG9wVWJU2YDUq4EvDRP3L5407jPZElRx1iYgyJWNX01fppGP7mEUuZaXFL0wA1h6SHqs0zO8iZnSnCcVk-950FHc9EQjrQo9MQy36nrFOjQD7hyHI6O-w144LpbEQLURnpKAHueS/s1600-h/FriendlyArctic_owl_tshirt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 434px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh7gkCG9wVWJU2YDUq4EvDRP3L5407jPZElRx1iYgyJWNX01fppGP7mEUuZaXFL0wA1h6SHqs0zO8iZnSnCcVk-950FHc9EQjrQo9MQy36nrFOjQD7hyHI6O-w144LpbEQLURnpKAHueS/s400/FriendlyArctic_owl_tshirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331183493332471842" border="0" /></a>Friendly Arctic's shirts and prints were very appealing to me and many others.<br /><br />Volkswagon Jetta TDI Clean Diesel<br /><a href="http://www.vw.com/">VW.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkquEHZD4B-VHeTWBKPXUG8ZN7EbR5C2VgNYPdzhsmr9r87p9Qp1fVLqRtay-7dQR9ijkUZeLs4gKA23tm1A9ltH4WlvYET403qrs0hyQew9xmIzTK7SoGHjcFBRzP6G8NNNEwkdVB1sTt/s1600-h/VW_Jetta_TDI_CleanDiesel_car.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkquEHZD4B-VHeTWBKPXUG8ZN7EbR5C2VgNYPdzhsmr9r87p9Qp1fVLqRtay-7dQR9ijkUZeLs4gKA23tm1A9ltH4WlvYET403qrs0hyQew9xmIzTK7SoGHjcFBRzP6G8NNNEwkdVB1sTt/s400/VW_Jetta_TDI_CleanDiesel_car.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331195975364777074" border="0" /></a><br />VerdeGoh & VerdeGoh General Store<br /><a href="http://verdegoh.com/">VerdeGoh.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuLzpnoAgWkyFu2xZ10ep3NN-KCIj8Hc1vn2USSSiL6yfnIwBjkyqYY-z8yDqqpePH1vfsVzs5mMxfF6qVeIyK2af-YBtykcaygiM5Qsk_KcsGDyDeE0qON2zjBeeYF31qBiJUA6qj_ss/s1600-h/VerdeGoh2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuLzpnoAgWkyFu2xZ10ep3NN-KCIj8Hc1vn2USSSiL6yfnIwBjkyqYY-z8yDqqpePH1vfsVzs5mMxfF6qVeIyK2af-YBtykcaygiM5Qsk_KcsGDyDeE0qON2zjBeeYF31qBiJUA6qj_ss/s400/VerdeGoh2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331199554340655554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAca4oKaC89qluH74nd_4YyC9aF9zDtBnBplaEjZrETo1DqJiJ-8673Y-oh1UXxwWrMUTudmM_TCoI-r-z65aIrKORtCpz9RumdK3_I_tYu0GQqslFPilFgwKofx9ijXZStSWxmrAsWjy/s1600-h/VerdeGohTruck2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 359px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAca4oKaC89qluH74nd_4YyC9aF9zDtBnBplaEjZrETo1DqJiJ-8673Y-oh1UXxwWrMUTudmM_TCoI-r-z65aIrKORtCpz9RumdK3_I_tYu0GQqslFPilFgwKofx9ijXZStSWxmrAsWjy/s400/VerdeGohTruck2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331209460306147650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgeybLpA2mJF1DxAmdVBcqTJ-Bwz0lS6yN83BSAGwu3JJ6L_eMf9jVRdXDps_1h4ktv_-A794KGmttRBQYmVByBo5jKudCgndPIUSlDQWYLQg68ph05FVidxc6nVnj9k0YnV8MwJ9J0qg/s1600-h/VerdeGohCar_cropped.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgeybLpA2mJF1DxAmdVBcqTJ-Bwz0lS6yN83BSAGwu3JJ6L_eMf9jVRdXDps_1h4ktv_-A794KGmttRBQYmVByBo5jKudCgndPIUSlDQWYLQg68ph05FVidxc6nVnj9k0YnV8MwJ9J0qg/s400/VerdeGohCar_cropped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331188784201446642" border="0" /></a>VerdeGoh's electric cars offer clean transportation and freedom from the dependency on fossil fuels. The electric cars are considered to be town cars, because they go around 40 mph and their distance is limited because they are battery powered ~ these are huge pros when it comes to considering a car for Captain Awesome.<br /><br />Kilowatt Ours<br /><a href="http://www.kilowattours.org/">KilowattOurs.org</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitwIE8dihEciWCcSFLkDJxVJXwbhYutIl0y9UWyYeIjjrQMgijGwABDiQRbG56uM7kfyQbxlG_91fpN2HOo1cJ_iRqYlSk-XeXD1soUXW20rEdCytbXo0ln3ffg4JTILD60io222eCp56/s1600-h/KilowattOurs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitwIE8dihEciWCcSFLkDJxVJXwbhYutIl0y9UWyYeIjjrQMgijGwABDiQRbG56uM7kfyQbxlG_91fpN2HOo1cJ_iRqYlSk-XeXD1soUXW20rEdCytbXo0ln3ffg4JTILD60io222eCp56/s400/KilowattOurs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331196713513746818" border="0" /></a><br />Smile Mommy ~ Nashville's Diaper Service<br /><a href="http://www.smilemommy.com/">SmileMommy.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWJp-0YC7WM9tQUoU5I1Qx9aonl6HqLVZNHjbpG7wRBfTTnkBU4VUJwlwGztqvxnjuSvk8FjG0p2XOAKEq4zELjkktYwx4CQzD3Pw8tDqTwH-QRs0vQo_6BOyYi33Rb8W5L248O3Rqxug/s1600-h/SmileMommyGreenDiaperService2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWJp-0YC7WM9tQUoU5I1Qx9aonl6HqLVZNHjbpG7wRBfTTnkBU4VUJwlwGztqvxnjuSvk8FjG0p2XOAKEq4zELjkktYwx4CQzD3Pw8tDqTwH-QRs0vQo_6BOyYi33Rb8W5L248O3Rqxug/s400/SmileMommyGreenDiaperService2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331199930280048914" border="0" /></a><br />10 Ways to Save the World<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASzaELQAGetdSgQJzxT3s0jWX7oTXauoT8546CUzJ9g4ZDEtFIX39V0JIh7c3biUFTC72u96MvKjThn7nuBoZpdVw3ho-niZZSKUUHDfSEozui8ePtweSsb8WnBm6nSolOQwJSITgJlsm/s1600-h/RainBarrelSign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASzaELQAGetdSgQJzxT3s0jWX7oTXauoT8546CUzJ9g4ZDEtFIX39V0JIh7c3biUFTC72u96MvKjThn7nuBoZpdVw3ho-niZZSKUUHDfSEozui8ePtweSsb8WnBm6nSolOQwJSITgJlsm/s400/RainBarrelSign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331195970898220418" border="0" /></a>Throughout the park, signs were posted with 1 to 10 ways to save the world. This one, in particular, spoke to me. I have been longing for a rain barrel for many a summer day. Most rains here, are torrential downpours and then nothing but hot, hot sun beating down ~ drying the earth until it cracks open. When the water bill comes, you would think that you are paying for liquid gold. For these reasons, and certainly many others, I long for a rain barrel. It is well overdue!<br /><br /><br />The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee<br /><a href="http://www.elephants.com/">Elephants.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml220erE1CpsGpivwE7cUEguGydOo8XU5TPx2yVvNSO2tQdzOvxYPQBsyfg7MADfVpuoK0mJohHTbqt75uH64jLoAkDWzcHlcI6ut-dqIJEsIDK1jGjkv_WZN3jxdL4sLecA0CG5XfiAF/s1600-h/ElephantSanctuary2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml220erE1CpsGpivwE7cUEguGydOo8XU5TPx2yVvNSO2tQdzOvxYPQBsyfg7MADfVpuoK0mJohHTbqt75uH64jLoAkDWzcHlcI6ut-dqIJEsIDK1jGjkv_WZN3jxdL4sLecA0CG5XfiAF/s400/ElephantSanctuary2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331195715758493314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusMF7tiYABlzsMx740ZIrw-s2TtZfXdoQ7sdBcALM2MMxI80SNL-Egc3Ja9l83b0uwwVsRoI_d9GYdG9_5WKP8iS_vi3YriTDvRKNWGuKT-mP0Z_hCV8K9nq3gFYE1kbYyZ32WeaolXsQ/s1600-h/PippiSupportsElephantSanctuary_SierraClub.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusMF7tiYABlzsMx740ZIrw-s2TtZfXdoQ7sdBcALM2MMxI80SNL-Egc3Ja9l83b0uwwVsRoI_d9GYdG9_5WKP8iS_vi3YriTDvRKNWGuKT-mP0Z_hCV8K9nq3gFYE1kbYyZ32WeaolXsQ/s400/PippiSupportsElephantSanctuary_SierraClub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331184230608491762" border="0" /></a>Outside of Nashville, there is an elephant sanctuary that cares for retired or injured elephants. It is a fascinating place, in fact, you can take a peak for yourself with the <a href="http://www.tappedintoelephants.com/asp/index.php">Elecam</a>. Pippi is very fond of elephants and wants to show her support, along with her support for the Sierra Club.<br /><br />Baby Bear Shop ~ Organic<br /><a href="http://www.babybearshop.com/">BabyBearShop.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQLr7GyOjA-o7jGc3c8n6ghaisRd2ccodyWDCItmhAxhQzMQDgUWk2wqzMiHwD-cJ_0iG9sSm6RXn7XaySchyphenhyphenXtF2oghETAZrI5wKH4WUkVAXNZiz0i8O1YZuZrL6uCgnaGDfvUKodmTa/s1600-h/BabyBearShop_organic2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQLr7GyOjA-o7jGc3c8n6ghaisRd2ccodyWDCItmhAxhQzMQDgUWk2wqzMiHwD-cJ_0iG9sSm6RXn7XaySchyphenhyphenXtF2oghETAZrI5wKH4WUkVAXNZiz0i8O1YZuZrL6uCgnaGDfvUKodmTa/s400/BabyBearShop_organic2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331184233669287074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVhIDMhryYx-FLzh8UbT4jb9OmT6XbSr0gJzcGfOsTg0-DYPBKFzWjIkHE1WEcCwhL4O7gI5GBcU2l_2wUPDLe1UQxa2ZlToqYzBDLmLt6BkJPIuMZ7twvhU2R7GgfH9JfUcw5OBwVOrN/s1600-h/BabyBearShop_signup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVhIDMhryYx-FLzh8UbT4jb9OmT6XbSr0gJzcGfOsTg0-DYPBKFzWjIkHE1WEcCwhL4O7gI5GBcU2l_2wUPDLe1UQxa2ZlToqYzBDLmLt6BkJPIuMZ7twvhU2R7GgfH9JfUcw5OBwVOrN/s400/BabyBearShop_signup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331188787960677202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHxtvqZCRjYQPDZ2NNaMYutxlsNU6sYnsl_94YXCm9ldbMWe4EWYIWmMiHZ4XUHLRf5wTaoo-lyAqG1rgmRAlWkowhe-L5eIVzNng0MRgrgDWCWqIxzUqpLu41WrvCCrLBX_HyTpDMeAM/s1600-h/BabyBearShop_organic_cropped.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHxtvqZCRjYQPDZ2NNaMYutxlsNU6sYnsl_94YXCm9ldbMWe4EWYIWmMiHZ4XUHLRf5wTaoo-lyAqG1rgmRAlWkowhe-L5eIVzNng0MRgrgDWCWqIxzUqpLu41WrvCCrLBX_HyTpDMeAM/s400/BabyBearShop_organic_cropped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331188787611750402" border="0" /></a>Creamy, dreamy butters and glosses ~ perfect for my baby's skin and my skin<br /><br />The Green Wagon<br /><a href="http://thegreenwagon.com/">TheGreenWagon.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXR0fhkr0olCiinCnpgmG2qCALxP3VlDUMGkEvQ9ce3IrbwwXT5THYZ3q17TJLUhUgQmjSrm11kxprns52QSb02SX7cIC9pY4VJc5lctT9jz-B4NLsuwz0oLjmwc4YL6ObpooVchgjCymb/s1600-h/theGreenWagon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXR0fhkr0olCiinCnpgmG2qCALxP3VlDUMGkEvQ9ce3IrbwwXT5THYZ3q17TJLUhUgQmjSrm11kxprns52QSb02SX7cIC9pY4VJc5lctT9jz-B4NLsuwz0oLjmwc4YL6ObpooVchgjCymb/s400/theGreenWagon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331188200045420674" border="0" /></a>A one stop shop for going green ~ the green wagon.<br /><br />Sparkling Creek Farm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi-wWipuJJ6xfml-oPmXP3mnKjLMOPWnf4WQtfwibWej6n6KNfH9mkHKTCrTZnUtRLQD3Zz25_FGErbVcU6_1v-sOz6up8h3d1JTgx3LVHorQDWuDceZiL2ekAXQw7Xu7iTWQrl34WhJS/s1600-h/SparklingCreekFarm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCi-wWipuJJ6xfml-oPmXP3mnKjLMOPWnf4WQtfwibWej6n6KNfH9mkHKTCrTZnUtRLQD3Zz25_FGErbVcU6_1v-sOz6up8h3d1JTgx3LVHorQDWuDceZiL2ekAXQw7Xu7iTWQrl34WhJS/s400/SparklingCreekFarm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331188199418571794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQlBsCWSXEctjrFlfWCyHPLMoLM9Kfkqrc6FYOo4Yl39GkVvgZtmwlAhGV0U2osMb2jALFUS1zKYvGblmz0u1WJ5VaPKLEcp_iF5yiepGzw3pNoihaJqJ7An8sKtBEA1yrEYutmABnH_w/s1600-h/SparklingCreekFarmsamples.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQlBsCWSXEctjrFlfWCyHPLMoLM9Kfkqrc6FYOo4Yl39GkVvgZtmwlAhGV0U2osMb2jALFUS1zKYvGblmz0u1WJ5VaPKLEcp_iF5yiepGzw3pNoihaJqJ7An8sKtBEA1yrEYutmABnH_w/s400/SparklingCreekFarmsamples.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331188202434406402" border="0" /></a>We had a taste of the organic oatmeal raisin cookies ~ yummy!<br /><br />Extremely Fun and Fresh Exhibit<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWH_KPLl8G6-3pnq4TNn0eoIObvOGlXpcZKlVmpP8gs19QQ1whh7d7gS34lPBRdImmTbjZKZ-k9sxv1oF4luVMJYUYz8cgfY_IBmOHD_SeXgI4zBr5LtZhI-Zj7exciYaVZcj_RK1T6dF/s1600-h/PippiDiscoversCreekCreatures.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWH_KPLl8G6-3pnq4TNn0eoIObvOGlXpcZKlVmpP8gs19QQ1whh7d7gS34lPBRdImmTbjZKZ-k9sxv1oF4luVMJYUYz8cgfY_IBmOHD_SeXgI4zBr5LtZhI-Zj7exciYaVZcj_RK1T6dF/s400/PippiDiscoversCreekCreatures.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331188199164672786" border="0" /></a>Pippi is serious about her investigation into the world of fresh water creatures. Magnifying glass and swishing stick in hand.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE4hRqemPEiRKrOX_TX0LfpUcPZ-W9qRyOt0uQyk7GlPAV4KATZD2geewdvF21L97Kxb4uDMQ4PSFLzoobcTvpXQpJmfzPHE-5CemSELK5ysYfZ_UUWmddUy8gbKcxUJh33AQZ6l23rTb/s1600-h/CrawDadwithEggs2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE4hRqemPEiRKrOX_TX0LfpUcPZ-W9qRyOt0uQyk7GlPAV4KATZD2geewdvF21L97Kxb4uDMQ4PSFLzoobcTvpXQpJmfzPHE-5CemSELK5ysYfZ_UUWmddUy8gbKcxUJh33AQZ6l23rTb/s400/CrawDadwithEggs2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331188192374544786" border="0" /></a>So being a crawdad automatically makes her a man?! Not so, this crawdaddy is carrying some crawbabies under the trunk. Congratulations crawmommy ~ wishing you and your babies many fresh and clean mud holes to live and grow in!<br /><br />Gardens of Babylon<br /><a href="http://www.gardensofbabylon.com/">GardensofBabylon.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ3wh8kDkk0RqXvBknFYvKsXkYCqsE2eSnavbp4r1iKaFBXYRgMUkyT7D77LNDH1ITN2plC87WJwqilqyyfE0_5QFQBa5_FEhmqe_E_zSmLzufvvA_OSJiW9MDFWH1UMkprrr8YJaYi11/s1600-h/GardensofBabylon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJ3wh8kDkk0RqXvBknFYvKsXkYCqsE2eSnavbp4r1iKaFBXYRgMUkyT7D77LNDH1ITN2plC87WJwqilqyyfE0_5QFQBa5_FEhmqe_E_zSmLzufvvA_OSJiW9MDFWH1UMkprrr8YJaYi11/s400/GardensofBabylon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331183498608680610" border="0" /></a>Organic gardening ~ ahhh, so lovely<br /><br />Avalon Acres ~ Fresh, All Natural Poultry Products<br />Avalon-Acres.com<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyS20lfeK7K-DgOuh6O7lQKfrqqhbO43qIFFsbJmul3Dl1J-zSxVl74MzSH0HoDaO9Q6VOB1ln2_XSL8DljL1CqBX5uALblrvLRSCcOanCxQeyqddCmuR1pgv2kkQJmer3_P6NE2HKnZky/s1600-h/AvalonAcres_NaturalPoultryProducts_cropped.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyS20lfeK7K-DgOuh6O7lQKfrqqhbO43qIFFsbJmul3Dl1J-zSxVl74MzSH0HoDaO9Q6VOB1ln2_XSL8DljL1CqBX5uALblrvLRSCcOanCxQeyqddCmuR1pgv2kkQJmer3_P6NE2HKnZky/s400/AvalonAcres_NaturalPoultryProducts_cropped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331201695019229954" border="0" /></a><br />Cool People Care & Cool Moms Care<br /><a href="http://coolpeoplecare.org/">CoolPeopleCare.org</a><br /><a href="http://coolmomscare.org/">CoolMomsCare.org</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs441Td3R5h8AaWgi-plMT-yuNeguFTV7kQGkU5ZZET56xK0cAzPM6JX0Rs7-8gRODzVTUePZvsNqE4r0Ics3I60L1hBoOSRROWgs97YY_-cvpgt-vtPUx_iHah_ZbXcteJAzzRLj6OdM/s1600-h/CoolPeopleCareScavengerHunt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs441Td3R5h8AaWgi-plMT-yuNeguFTV7kQGkU5ZZET56xK0cAzPM6JX0Rs7-8gRODzVTUePZvsNqE4r0Ics3I60L1hBoOSRROWgs97YY_-cvpgt-vtPUx_iHah_ZbXcteJAzzRLj6OdM/s400/CoolPeopleCareScavengerHunt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331184229177110578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ltOnZksXOlmDIHPbIoDGQoYQfERwnrX6b1pe2cO2HR9DCogLWUf72v5ZeKCxkc0H4xsej_4bg1MrIhjJGMhdISO8fM3Y5QRcv3gPnbJQ9YIisERYaledZZyqZr6VCSOxYkOoJdhsKuBR/s1600-h/CoolMomsCare.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ltOnZksXOlmDIHPbIoDGQoYQfERwnrX6b1pe2cO2HR9DCogLWUf72v5ZeKCxkc0H4xsej_4bg1MrIhjJGMhdISO8fM3Y5QRcv3gPnbJQ9YIisERYaledZZyqZr6VCSOxYkOoJdhsKuBR/s400/CoolMomsCare.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331195971767638194" border="0" /></a>Cool People Care and Cool Moms Care had set up a scavenger hunt, which was very simple and very rewarding. The hunt required that you take one Cool People Care or one Cool Moms Care card and visit 4 non-profit booths. At the booth, request that a star be placed in one of the four corners of your card. Then, return to the Cool Moms Care booth to collect treasures: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb, Bubbles and this colorful and inspiring poster:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Today is a New day!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;">You can wipe the slate clean & begin again.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold;">Today you can embrace kindness.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Practice compassion.</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-weight: bold;"> Stand up for justice.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);"> </span> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;">Talk to strangers.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Ask for help.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold;">Offer hope.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">Listen with your whole heart.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;">Work for the common good.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-weight: bold;">Love well.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">You can be the change you wish to see in the world.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sHCy9W35ZzK8tcteAWzaUBDIJzfJ-2Mv0NSv9AHyPfrSxqKopP3gbuBUPX_rxVv25ezF0JEzXMYUrbhmmQmNwhWQ219d8WeC59hmkkoGLJVy7SkHs5eottGLbjkpRIHnKvvlS-jGNihU/s1600-h/Earthday_GoGreen_Poster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sHCy9W35ZzK8tcteAWzaUBDIJzfJ-2Mv0NSv9AHyPfrSxqKopP3gbuBUPX_rxVv25ezF0JEzXMYUrbhmmQmNwhWQ219d8WeC59hmkkoGLJVy7SkHs5eottGLbjkpRIHnKvvlS-jGNihU/s400/Earthday_GoGreen_Poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331188791289502994" border="0" /></a><br />On our way out, we stopped by the pond in front of the Parthenon to see the geese. Some children saw us coming and quickly embraced kindness by offering Pippi a piece of their bread. Thank you, friends ~ you made our day even sweeter!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aSDpSBxHq3hxFxZTgLIedUoTpThNXnwupfT0VoTinESI-5EXvKUvbVhTMrKl2Kfrgo4ZTc_DJxmCvROcWFE69lcy1KqnJurCvts_TvtjmrLCArCk_uGkZgG3rCWmLnsrSo8g3zNwGhTc/s1600-h/Pippi_Parthenon_FeedingGeese.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 610px; height: 813px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aSDpSBxHq3hxFxZTgLIedUoTpThNXnwupfT0VoTinESI-5EXvKUvbVhTMrKl2Kfrgo4ZTc_DJxmCvROcWFE69lcy1KqnJurCvts_TvtjmrLCArCk_uGkZgG3rCWmLnsrSo8g3zNwGhTc/s400/Pippi_Parthenon_FeedingGeese.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331446280271588930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-22775839423433410272009-04-15T09:15:00.001-05:002009-04-15T09:19:53.175-05:00baby girl x 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU1kqfQSbg0fZVtVQyxdwBJHQfZLreJn82j1SXELMYMw2pVLfAWvvP7sTjTNSmLBRrI6u9LSXodsbLDxcdE4ny8u8FVfuen3GEPq60o-dDl5xPDHb5f8qd97PmrsRb_UFQkF7TZuj89sr/s1600-h/babygirls.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 574px; height: 764px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU1kqfQSbg0fZVtVQyxdwBJHQfZLreJn82j1SXELMYMw2pVLfAWvvP7sTjTNSmLBRrI6u9LSXodsbLDxcdE4ny8u8FVfuen3GEPq60o-dDl5xPDHb5f8qd97PmrsRb_UFQkF7TZuj89sr/s400/babygirls.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324921799666273938" border="0" /></a>xoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-68916251092433218102009-04-06T11:00:00.003-05:002009-04-06T13:07:32.337-05:00Earthday IX<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruoqkapEizDOOcLfNjc57VKssryEM3tqvjDICqsT892vJOCqOWhFq5gMiBLENn8LmgDvG_7QfXXawSTT_Dj80XR0x-702OD4XTqp3BVAUk49MlhPUGt-jnuEjaeUus-wtqYwkBR0zbGJp/s1600-h/riverscene.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 620px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruoqkapEizDOOcLfNjc57VKssryEM3tqvjDICqsT892vJOCqOWhFq5gMiBLENn8LmgDvG_7QfXXawSTT_Dj80XR0x-702OD4XTqp3BVAUk49MlhPUGt-jnuEjaeUus-wtqYwkBR0zbGJp/s400/riverscene.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321634690546011970" border="0" /></a>When I was a child, the New River was my backyard to play in. A swimsuit (boys or girls) and bare feet were my attire. It held many underwater tea parties, mermaid chior practices, and cannonball contests. On it's sandy banks, in the warm sunshine, we built dams, constructed water canals, baked mud pies and mixed moss milkshakes. On its grassy banks, under the glow of the moon and the sparkle of the stars, we would play hide and seek, catch lightning bugs, build campfires, pitch tents, eat smores and play spoons (the game, not the music). It was always there to catch us as we jumped from the wooden docks, swung from the ropes, flipped from the seesaws (inner tube of a car) and wiped-out from skis (skiing behind a fishing boat with a 25 horse power boat motor? yes, it can happen). It introduced us to many of its inhabitants, muskrats, water snakes, turtles, crawdads, Jesus spiders (you know, the kind that walk on water), minnows, muskees, trout, sunfish, catfish, one fish and two fish.<br /><br />I even received my first ticket on this river. For a month of Sunday's (as my great-grandfather would say), I had begged to put the boat motor on the wooden raft, which was normally motorized by a long pole and my girlie biceps. And one Sunday, it actually happened, the little 10 horse power boat motor was popped onto the back and away my friends and I went ~ two houses down to park alongside the cross-tie reinforced bank. This was certainly within poling distance. Not 15 minutes later, the game warden pulled up. A ticket was issued and needless to say, I never asked to break the rules again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyp_qaKeBPisu2dwSpA8fouEs1QcHAe353ZjTELv1YEhX66LrtUayjFPijLKEdIqKU8n4PbCjLh_jMQgodMJZzf1viUxs8HDqsDylg5RSPBXziCG46qoVXO94m4zoOUwlj-NAV-jC6L0o/s1600-h/riverdock.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyp_qaKeBPisu2dwSpA8fouEs1QcHAe353ZjTELv1YEhX66LrtUayjFPijLKEdIqKU8n4PbCjLh_jMQgodMJZzf1viUxs8HDqsDylg5RSPBXziCG46qoVXO94m4zoOUwlj-NAV-jC6L0o/s400/riverdock.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321634244618855058" border="0" /></a><br />Fear never entered my heart, in regard to this river. Not when the waves were high, we were far from home, the motor had disassembled and my friends and I dove over and over until the missing propeller and pin were retrieved. Not when torrential rains would force it to break it's banks, raging through the tree limbs that were meant for climbing, growing wider and wider until it seeped through the doors and occupied the basement only able to escape through the side windows.<br /><br />It calmed my soul, consoled my broken heart and gladly welcomed my tears into it's own body of water. One day, so broken-hearted ~ betrayed ~ angry, I walked straight into this river fully clothed. The river was the only place that I had left to turn. It wrapped its big gentle arms around me and held me like no mother could.<br /><br />Now, that I am older, I know that I owe this river for the confidence, peace and strength that it has given me. For this reason, I will work towards changing my harmful habits, raising awareness about its needs and supporting organizations like <a href="http://www.internationalrivers.org" target="blank">www.internationalrivers.org</a>. And since, the river always flows into the ocean ~ <a href="http://www.savethewaves.org/" target="blank">www.savethewaves.org</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis75XhNbduBYcSoUISsmkWGeLXsZkf9SLDqIE0ReESg17zPPX5fgaK8pmylUWvl26jDd_Q_Dlq1DNm1gbLV8vOW4IKpFoeFQ0IeXeMvsiqlZDgsJ3r_ny8liBEJPx1BLvK0eW-aMx7bOxW/s1600-h/riverboat2_small.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 520px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis75XhNbduBYcSoUISsmkWGeLXsZkf9SLDqIE0ReESg17zPPX5fgaK8pmylUWvl26jDd_Q_Dlq1DNm1gbLV8vOW4IKpFoeFQ0IeXeMvsiqlZDgsJ3r_ny8liBEJPx1BLvK0eW-aMx7bOxW/s400/riverboat2_small.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321634489090561218" border="0" /></a>Thank you ~ my beloved river<br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-9871592817284737782009-04-01T09:17:00.005-05:002009-04-01T09:21:05.279-05:00Zoo Bamboo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVcr9S_B7-2M3y4e11hovpQstahV03cvoHJFZ_7XjJ3VHInHgnwoVDCxr3hTmeEPMk4nR-qWZo8doSHYZQt7g4M3cQzFHVBHS_rSLUHCyiyrWwzJKRmPSyzrtfGVfLvXojTH5kG2JmhF0/s1600-h/NashvilleZoo2009+009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVcr9S_B7-2M3y4e11hovpQstahV03cvoHJFZ_7XjJ3VHInHgnwoVDCxr3hTmeEPMk4nR-qWZo8doSHYZQt7g4M3cQzFHVBHS_rSLUHCyiyrWwzJKRmPSyzrtfGVfLvXojTH5kG2JmhF0/s400/NashvilleZoo2009+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319727634307317346" border="0" /></a>xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-20096838051586214032009-03-28T17:10:00.003-05:002009-03-28T19:09:50.187-05:00Earth HourDon't forget, lights out from 8:30 - 9:30 tonight! This is in celebration of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Hour">Earth Hour</a>, which the WWF began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, as a way to raise awareness of climate change. Just imagine all the fun that you can have in the dark for one hour!<br /><br />1. light candles and eat dinner, enjoying the flavor and the company, because your senses aren't overwhelmed with all of the usual distractions<br />2. light candles and tell family or scary stories in the sweet quiet of the night (I know, sometimes family and scary are synonyms, so in that case, perhaps read one from a book)<br />3. light candles and sing "We are the World"(my 5th grade graduation song), "Down to Earth" (by Peter Gabriel from Wall-E) or your favorite earth song<br />4. play hide and seek with your kids<br />5. play hide and seek with your partner ;)<br /><br />These are just a few suggestions, but I know that if you use your imagination, you can come up with the perfect one for you ~ remember, it is for a very good cause!<br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-35645664909667579762009-03-25T17:26:00.011-05:002009-03-27T13:39:42.488-05:00the new p.b. ~ courtesy of j<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://buildanest.com/productlist.asp?categorynumber=13"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 598px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6x9BHT65fum96QostEzB6vKvJg2NWYsFFUKEYVrPE97qM52COofvXnNl5TusCtEYAzq5wIQJP4WiUiJ2xna3SQHy3MPKm6TbRTTxXSUmnjN7yGoFwLX97PGS2RHuaWIGRCPHCFAhR9YNq/s400/pillows.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317480749973626370" border="0" /></a><br />Who knew that<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" > p</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:100%;" >lastic</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);font-size:180%;" >b</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" >ottles</span> could be both stylish and comfortable?! Well, they can when they are recycled into ecofiber, stuffed into a hypoallergenic pillow insert and zipped up inside of a square piece of organic cotton that has been handprinted with nature-inspired artwork. <a href="http://buildanest.com/designerdetail2.asp?designerid=50"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:180%;" >J</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >olee Pink</span></a>, of Wabisabi Green, is credited with orchestrating this fantastic feat. I think you will have to agree that her <a href="http://buildanest.com/productlist.asp?categorynumber=13">EcoArt pillows</a> are nothing short of a masterpiece.<br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-28466439496752847062009-02-23T14:09:00.004-06:002009-02-23T15:00:38.681-06:00I chose love and I am hereWatching the Academy Awards last night, I couldn't help but feel inspired and touched by the energy of the moment and the artists as they walked the red carpet, presented awards, accepted awards or looked on with smiling faces, teary eyes and an appreciation for their peers.<br /><br />Special moments included:<br />Heath Ledger's family's acceptance of his well deserved Oscar for his role in the Dark Knight as the Joker ~ all on the behalf of his precious daughter Matilda<br /><br />Kate Winslet's acceptance of her Oscar for her role in The Reader as she referred to the other leading ladies as goddesses<br /><br />and the most touching for me, was the acceptance speech of A.R. Rahman, the composer from Slumdog Millionaire, where he said, "The essence of the film is about optimism and the power of hope in our lives<span style="font-weight: bold;"> and all my life I've had a choice of hate and love. <span style="font-size:130%;">I chose love and I'm here</span></span>."<br /><br />Such a powerful statement and one that can be used for every aspect of our lives, no matter your circumstances, no matter your occupation, no matter your religion, and no matter your life's goal. All of these require a path, and we all choose our paths. It is imminent when you say no to one path, that you say yes to another.<br /><br />It is my goal to remember to select the path that allows me to <span style="font-weight: bold;">choose love</span>. I am not sure where it will take me, but I cannot wait to see.<br /><br />xoBeau<br /><br />P.S. <a href="http://www.oscar.com/oscarnight/winners/?pn=detail&nominee=Jai%20Ho%20-%20Slumdog%20Millionaire%20-%20Music%20Song%20Nominee">more Oscars here</a>xoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-64858512002278893462008-10-24T15:48:00.003-05:002008-10-24T16:38:53.410-05:00Busy Bees<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARxibNCRI4Xk2NxRXTSlh4ZLkQHDFeTHZWCrsEUH8Z3aH_k5bSiGHInMglJQuoNF36RNAgBMdgHp3KQhsGwj51sxH2fOmzhe5MnVgm11FaT2SqJhnPlKeEhS3hz3dpnZUiXXQ-uyfipHZ/s1600-h/limelight_hydrangea.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARxibNCRI4Xk2NxRXTSlh4ZLkQHDFeTHZWCrsEUH8Z3aH_k5bSiGHInMglJQuoNF36RNAgBMdgHp3KQhsGwj51sxH2fOmzhe5MnVgm11FaT2SqJhnPlKeEhS3hz3dpnZUiXXQ-uyfipHZ/s400/limelight_hydrangea.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260825484934908034" border="0" /></a>Limelight hydrangeas went into the garden this week<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTKq51_LsKY-hluIb6PljAYoVg5gligQyhJx6LiepkpdIq2C6scWDRcXAnecxNsweB0NI-o1j9Kze0RqFbRrcQWYZBFEmoaMF-wjvyu7Aq7ODIzaMLatYuSGRIkI2Rm_HFydxEH59Nrg3/s1600-h/CaptA_Gardening.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTKq51_LsKY-hluIb6PljAYoVg5gligQyhJx6LiepkpdIq2C6scWDRcXAnecxNsweB0NI-o1j9Kze0RqFbRrcQWYZBFEmoaMF-wjvyu7Aq7ODIzaMLatYuSGRIkI2Rm_HFydxEH59Nrg3/s400/CaptA_Gardening.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260825492828760242" border="0" /></a>Captain Awesome is... well... awesome at digging the holes<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsigeSE6tqt_ZyP3lvRNyaWspl5o46Q8OPJvOj5tQZz7s3DkvUxc-EiSuLwyvOncJNAk8ybMYh1FSpRRvIKZqRE5hG32IUhs-mNhkU2jPk5UQH_MUxYDzIqJXWFlkqQyN4L7hWnSaxKfwj/s1600-h/Pippi_gardening2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 343px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsigeSE6tqt_ZyP3lvRNyaWspl5o46Q8OPJvOj5tQZz7s3DkvUxc-EiSuLwyvOncJNAk8ybMYh1FSpRRvIKZqRE5hG32IUhs-mNhkU2jPk5UQH_MUxYDzIqJXWFlkqQyN4L7hWnSaxKfwj/s400/Pippi_gardening2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260825477723483074" border="0" /></a>Pippi is fabulous at getting her hands dirty and discovering the little things<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOkOlFIVPH-9tYStBfRvhVhOIqjmRIBwneNOnnUidU-3Y5Vgnzs4NzcaEEwx4W8QF737rviy6BMeasHdL74j3_W5wnnta33GEZF9MYFRB5fHfKpZwIWrmdTwO4YjwKadffIsRdtrcT4Zc/s1600-h/bee.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOkOlFIVPH-9tYStBfRvhVhOIqjmRIBwneNOnnUidU-3Y5Vgnzs4NzcaEEwx4W8QF737rviy6BMeasHdL74j3_W5wnnta33GEZF9MYFRB5fHfKpZwIWrmdTwO4YjwKadffIsRdtrcT4Zc/s400/bee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260825476265432002" border="0" /></a>Like this little thing ~ bzzzz<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">xoBeau<br /></div></div>xoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-72030728094460165032008-10-21T12:53:00.013-05:002008-10-21T13:51:15.358-05:00So Blue!<a href="http://www.igetblues.com/" target="blank">IGetBlues.com</a>, a project that we and some large blues supporters have been working on, has gone LIVE! This is a mini site built to introduce the blues, intrigue your listening ears and entertain in a bluesy kind of way. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.igetblues.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGipIyC1OS1llEix7E0mbpvEMq7EGJNFecUypNIWIfNECqs7XI60BzhyphenhyphenZPAPcVLpyQ61AbHH2pa-yRAiuMYyAgfn3u8X0qlkoVdJaVwMoJjN6P4pp_bjSv9Uc6m2maJqVVZF3HwQiTCa54/s400/igetblues.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259671707848301474" border="0" /></a>Visit these pages to get the biggest bang out of the blues!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://igetblues.com/shades.php"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdzvUYluz2y-b9v8gkactgcTk9VkdcfxZ8ugY7LuAQpCZs-lkSYL5oMVrhKKScKaBHV7OS-Pd24XlTSpkjIzbuXIGRxscR6OI42srnMLl6Ybye6LqqhYaof5Bi0_Iu9iVTot21S2w1JqY/s400/igetblues_piano.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259672841550996882" border="0" /></a><a href="http://igetblues.com/shades.php" target="blank">Blues piano plays the Shades of the Blues</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://igetblues.com/without.php"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqNJ4veJjr4EzLYa3MykqXhBECkHTo2PDKgmG1VW2pKIjP-2BrNBMP3EH7lUOEKLupzH4Y4c1jyBzcv7peHCjNEo8-3c9GLV30CoyU1V4WhjvHFHBUz2CpFuvmCIfTN1r7hBRk1eH1YxO/s400/igetblues_video.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259673285552913234" border="0" /></a><a href="http://igetblues.com/without.php" target="blank">See legendary performers Without the Blues</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And you can even <a href="http://igetblues.com/share.php" target="blank">share the blues </a>with your friends, if you like!<br /><br /></div></div>xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-86312165579503947862008-10-14T07:28:00.006-05:002008-10-14T13:55:08.045-05:00Halloween Spirit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwH09tvhkCw-o5m0JpAvoBPwawEJAZjJfPqABHtsNRQ2vIMC_OABs-7rHAvpV6Q3jo13R6jaamC4xT26GEHR3pfUc5yecVRZdaXKLU8g8pDq7tC8ao814bxYy4XiOjykpWPAwXBZDB76D/s1600-h/halloween_decorations.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwH09tvhkCw-o5m0JpAvoBPwawEJAZjJfPqABHtsNRQ2vIMC_OABs-7rHAvpV6Q3jo13R6jaamC4xT26GEHR3pfUc5yecVRZdaXKLU8g8pDq7tC8ao814bxYy4XiOjykpWPAwXBZDB76D/s400/halloween_decorations.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256998552067933970" border="0" /></a>This weekend, in between some intense badminton games, the guys got creative and conjured up some spooky orange decor for the front of the house. They did a fabulous job, didn't they?!<br /><br />Very soon, little ghosts and goblins will be singing their praises with the famous phrase, "TRICK OR TREAT".xoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-80670429571075906932008-10-08T08:55:00.002-05:002008-10-08T09:02:42.572-05:00Spa Treatment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDLEBsT4U26hrXmQEMESmnuN5CORKRPIf04JA0f2jMSmTiOc7wYO4lyV93hOBjK2r_JaBIBf8-3RhXMn2XnbopEVNADdcwKoUhErPLahLNuo9EeGn7J2UkbMnOPxu2MoOuKCsdj6bGVip/s1600-h/pippi_spa_treatment.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDLEBsT4U26hrXmQEMESmnuN5CORKRPIf04JA0f2jMSmTiOc7wYO4lyV93hOBjK2r_JaBIBf8-3RhXMn2XnbopEVNADdcwKoUhErPLahLNuo9EeGn7J2UkbMnOPxu2MoOuKCsdj6bGVip/s400/pippi_spa_treatment.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254783098834261698" border="0" /></a>xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-80340812294110061262008-10-07T00:01:00.000-05:002008-10-07T00:01:00.809-05:00Gifts from the GardenA little garden clean-up was on the list this past weekend:<br /><br />Planting a few plants for fall<br />Weeding<br />Removing spent blooms<br /><br />And look at the gifts that the garden provided in exchange:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7xnJaeur_BheYF-Oo89KJZEhJ4LuKyqomqhKB8lilfJgjFFuIGSRFb_v-BRurwzQmMrhQuEmCGFLrHKmhXD6fgzAQDkRqDumwJZQmew5LTqAjlvq67BrPQYZkiq9NTCakripZEWzi2Oi/s1600-h/hydrangeas_shelves.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7xnJaeur_BheYF-Oo89KJZEhJ4LuKyqomqhKB8lilfJgjFFuIGSRFb_v-BRurwzQmMrhQuEmCGFLrHKmhXD6fgzAQDkRqDumwJZQmew5LTqAjlvq67BrPQYZkiq9NTCakripZEWzi2Oi/s400/hydrangeas_shelves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254167250057130754" border="0" /></a>hydrangea blooms tied gently with a satin ribbon set on the shelf to dry<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoiAPt-sqwcaxaRPCo-VxIZTX0x9mMuzx-8UTSjZseMVnJhL3Y15ZsMSOHiNBr4g2B1c0IP446wpb_pMKIHnqkKcr2oMUhQVpDo4tYCU4N7u6tIMQRNGVjTTJUUEBMM2-wbF057RIZOiI/s1600-h/hydrangeas_vase.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoiAPt-sqwcaxaRPCo-VxIZTX0x9mMuzx-8UTSjZseMVnJhL3Y15ZsMSOHiNBr4g2B1c0IP446wpb_pMKIHnqkKcr2oMUhQVpDo4tYCU4N7u6tIMQRNGVjTTJUUEBMM2-wbF057RIZOiI/s400/hydrangeas_vase.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254167258487579090" border="0" /></a>hydrangea blooms with stems freshly cut at an angle and placed in a vase of fresh water<br />~ I've heard that you can get hydrangeas to produce roots this way ~<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">xoBeau<br /></div></div>xoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-16281601589698009462008-10-06T15:38:00.007-05:002008-10-06T16:14:05.414-05:00Earthday VIIIHow I miss the days of composting! The satisfaction of not wasting good rich nutrients. The delight of harvesting rich black gold. The joy of watching the earth's bounty flourish from such a healthy diet. But now that we live in a more structured neighborhood, erecting a compost barn out of 4 reclaimed pallets would definitely land a cheerful little note from the homeowner's association in our mailbox! So, what is an earth-friendly gardener to do?<br /><br />These products from <a href="http://www.composters.com/" target="blank">Green Culture</a> might be good solutions:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.composters.com/compost-supplies/stainless-steel-compost-scrap-keeper_208_3.php"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhyphenhyphenJezKKJzk_7hJD14fH_TbmtQ7mQe6LOdJMCkrzDvjzpehDvIE8rbAecSaFXVr-RQZwtvCsQYz43A5yJJ8AhBT7GynipQE8MJDjxOovts0t_Dad4PJ8rJGoFMKhrlCzMaYQGK_k7jQ9S/s400/compostkeeper-ssteel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254146260583301250" border="0" /></a>I like the idea of this <a href="http://www.composters.com/compost-supplies/stainless-steel-compost-scrap-keeper_208_3.php" target="blank">Stainless Steel Compost Scrap Keeper</a>. A stylish container for keeping eggshells, coffee grinds, and veggie scraps from smelling up the kitchen.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.composters.com/compost-bins/the-outside-gourmet_93_1.php"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KMxDe2kDm7e4vC3aBBgWWz63gd-WvhhEcCh-5idoi1fNedLiZss1OyIyIf0VrpP3tMsk2YjgCoHLCXZCy2sAg4uG9ePSKge_cat25nOmn8tlFYwAc2Q9aqAjSOs2wedyV8pUzNM8btj1/s400/garden_gourmet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254146251278838482" border="0" /></a>Also, at 40" high and 23" square, this compost bin is small enough to hide in between the house and the bushes. It is called the <a href="http://www.composters.com/compost-bins/the-outside-gourmet_93_1.php" target="blank">Outside Gourmet</a>. Perhaps because it is preparing a fine meal for the garden!<br /><br />Do you practice composting? What do you recommend?<br /><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754604567911685159.post-64927142332210234952008-10-01T14:04:00.006-05:002008-10-08T09:03:23.888-05:00Brothers teach ~<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwSJY8K6QVE23S06D5FAHcDvknvfF_uOtLRc18KtWRK-Bmn0LFuB8yn3CnXj-RUrL7sGSULdTMQrxNU5Zu-ImNm5WpXOq0vv_Naxl8zPdAskhmkcexfMCJEly65AlNi8M-lE6JjyEfOCA/s1600-h/brothers2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwSJY8K6QVE23S06D5FAHcDvknvfF_uOtLRc18KtWRK-Bmn0LFuB8yn3CnXj-RUrL7sGSULdTMQrxNU5Zu-ImNm5WpXOq0vv_Naxl8zPdAskhmkcexfMCJEly65AlNi8M-lE6JjyEfOCA/s400/brothers2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252264056290477362" border="0" /></a><br />xoBeauxoBeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09842067493918520591noreply@blogger.com5