Happy 75th to 'Gone with the Wind"

In June 1936, a blockbuster of a book was published; it gave the world a sense of the Old South, an unforgettable heroine and (in the movie version) the phrase "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind sold one million copies in its first six months, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1937 and brought an explosion of unexpected, unwished-for celebrity to its author.

Read article here.

There is Something Magical about Trees

Random Thoughts...

• Why am I addicted to fake crime tv shows??? I know that shows like CSI aren't real... but I love them! I guess it's the fact that they are so DIFFERENT than my own life. Shows I'm currently addicted to are NCIS, CSI:NY and Dexter!
• I'm also addicted to shows that have women who are pregnant, or are moms. I know why this is.
  
• I'm really excited to go to the beach tomorrow even though it will be a eight hour drive to spend just about half that time actually on the beach. But I need my beach fix for the year and I'm ready to sit and soak up some sun! Not to mention, I'm going with my bestie and her son, so that makes the day even more fun! This is the first ever girls trip I've taken that hasn't been with my sisters, so that exciting too!
• I busted my head on the dining room table at my mother in law's house tonight after feeding her dog. It hurts!
  
• I love being a mom and my son, Ryan will be six weekss old tomorrow. I can't believe he's a month and a half old already! Time flies and he's growing up so fast!
  
• So freaking excited for HP in 14 days!
  
• Even more excited that my other bestie (and cousin) Kim will be in town to see it with me! This will be the first time we have gotten to geek out over a new movie together and see it at the same time! Also, she will get to meet her god son for the first time!
  
• I'm really craving a campfire and some smores!
  
• I really LOVE my new haircut! I feel like a new person, and I feel pretty again. It's amazing what a new hair style can do for your confidence.
  
• I miss my Iphone and AT&T. Don't get me wrong, I am glad I swapped to Verizon so that I have much better service at the house, but the Android I have just doesn't match up. Not to mention there is a lot of new info coming out about Verizon's data plans and the extra money that will have to be paid for so many GB.
  
• I'm really looking forward to visiting some local churches these next few months. My husband and I need to find some where we are both comfortable to serve God. I've been feeling the push to find somewhere recently, so it's time to start looking.
  
• Nail polish makes me happy! I love finding a new color at the store that I can get and match to an outfit! Currently, they are a teal green!

That's about all I've got for now - just some things that were on my mind today.

What's on your mind?

Those little things we call chick flicks... movies I love

What's my Favorite Color? All of them!

When it Rains, It Pours

"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill

These words are the only thing keeping me going this week - that and the love of a wonderful and supportive husband. Life has not been simple as of late. We are working hard to make ends meet - we have a house over our head, our bills are paid and there is food on the table, but we don't have money for anything else. So this week when the car broke down, his computer died and my vacuum fried up - I got a little bit discouraged. We don't have money to fix or replace these things.

Luckily, the car battery is the only problem. That will be $60 to replace. Also, the part for his computer is only $40. I can borrow a vacuum until I save enough to replace mine. I will make it work. But the best part through all of this is that I still have my husband and my son. I've realized that that's all I need! (:

I don't care if I can't leave the house, spend money, go out to eat, go to a movie or anything else... I have unconditional love in my life and that's all I need. Today, I asked my husband if I could take a day and drive to the beach near Savannah in South Georgia. It's about a 4 hour drive and I plan on packing food. I would only need to buy some gasoline for the car. I was honestly surprised when he told me that it was okay for me to go. I actually cried tears of happiness because I think he knows how much I need this day to get out of the house and do something that I love so much - sit out on the beach, listening to the waves coming in and soaking up the sun.

I can't tell you how much I love that man and would do anything for him, including sacrifice everything that I love just to be here and take care of his house and baby for him. I would honestly give up my life for that man and I hope he knows that. His hard work for this family means everything to me - to be able to stay home with our baby is my dream come true and I love that we are able to at least afford that for now, even if at times it's hard to juggle some bills.

True Blood S4E2 Reaction

Here is my reaction of Episode Two:

• I love that Jason was kidnapped - I can't wait to see him as a shifter/panther! (:
  
• I love the tension between Eric and Sookie - but I HATE that she went to Bill for help... I wish she was more apt to be attracted to Eric like in the books... I hope that the storyline with him losing his memory continues like in the book, allowing them to have a romantic relationship. I don't want Bill to get involved.
  
• Congrats for Hoyt, standing up for his girl. I am mad that Jess went back to the bar to eat on the young hottie though... two timing hussy! LOL
• I really like Sam and Luna... their relationship is different and interesting. I also enjoyed her story about being half Indian and shifting into her mother. Very compelling.
  
• Seeing Bill's past was interesting as well - going back to London in the 80's and meeting up with Nan Flanagan. I think seeing the power behind her and behind Bill will be interesting - even though I hate him having power over Eric.
  
• The baby busting Arlene's blood vessel in her eye was funny... I wish she would just tell everyone the truth about the baby's Daddy!
• I hope that Sookie does open up to Sam one day about where she was... I think he's one of the only people who would understand!
• I'm glad Tara came back to see Sookie... I hope they stay friends like in the books for sure.
• I look forward to more TB this season... and I hope we get to see some Alcide. I love that actor, Joe Manganiello. (:
  

Wordless Wednesday - Watching TV with Daddy!

Author Review: Thomas Ryerson

A few months ago I read and posted a review on a book called Travelogue by Thomas Ryerson. He's a Canadian author and I very much LOVED the book, so I looked into the others that he wrote and I have finally read the rest! (:

I have to say, I truly love this author's writing style. He keeps me intrigued, and makes me want to keep reading when it's late and I need to be sleeping! These are the first books I've not been able to lay down while reading since I read the last Charlaine Harris, Sookie Stackhouse book! Now, that's saying something! I don't usually get that into a book unless it's a series and I've been waiting MONTHS for it to be released!

My thoughts on his other books in the order I read them.

Castle Lake: A 16 year old girl dies on her birthday... a tragic accident that sends her Mother to commit suicide and her father to make a deal with the devil. Sixty some odd years later, another girl in the family line is about to turn 16 years old... the spirit of the father of the first girl's spirit returns from the grave to possess a human body because this young girl has to die. This book reminded me a lot of a Stephen King ghost story, and the whole book gave me goose bumps!

Fun City: This book took place way far into the future. It really didn't hold my attention as well as some of his other books, but I pushed my self to finish it and I did end up enjoying it very much. They are rebuilding after a holocaust and it's required many sacrifices. If you are interested at all in how technical our future may be some day, this book is for you. Ryerson's imagination ran wild in this one!

April's Call: An incredible thriller... really had me on the edge of my seat while reading this one! The issue in this novel was about April driving down the road and getting into some road rage with a trucker. I can kind of relate to this story because I used to work at a trucking company... and I've always hated driving near them on the interstate! This book actually scared me because it seemed the most realistic to me. I will never look at "How's my driving" stickers the same way... what a creepy story and I felt so proud of April and her courage to take this man on!

Carnal Wreckage: Okay, I have to admit I may not have read EVERY single word in this book because it's a collection of poems and lyrics for life. I did enjoy reading what I did of it! It was interesting to see how I could relate to most of it and apply some of it to my own life!

True Blood S4E1 Reaction

True Blood started back on HBO last night and I just wanted to give my reaction on Episode 1; be aware that this will contain spoilers if you have not yet seen the new episode. (Also, may contain notes that compare the book to the show.)

• The fairy plane - not sure how I feel about them... apparently includes some lotus flowers/fruit to keep time from passing for the people there. Sookie wasn't there very long and was gone from Bon Temps for over a year... it's weird all that happened while she was gone. I'm not sure how I feel about Bill being King of Louisiana... he should not be able to have that power over Eric. I hated when he yelled at Eric when Sookie got back to town - but glad that Eric told her that HE never gave up on her like everyone else. (:
  
• Claudene should not be brunette. She's supposed to be model hott, tall and blonde. She is NONE of these on the show. I hate it!
  
• I'm not sure how I feel about the 'evil' fairies attacking Sookie and her grandfather. In the books Sookie was never in the fairy plane, the fairies came to her on earth in the human plane.
• I was glad to see Jason as a deputy - I actually like this storyline for him in the show. He's not quite as much of a player anymore on the show - and that's okay. I like the man they are making him out to be. I do think it sucks that her house was sold... but glad that Eric bought it! It makes things interesting.
  
• I am NOT a fan of the V addict they have created with Andy - that's completely against the man he is in the books. I like the book version better, for sure.
  
• The witch coven makes things interesting... I think I might like where that storyline is going, but the acting is TERRIBLE. I think they could have found some better actresses for the coven for sure. Fiona Shaw as Marnie is a little ridiculous... she's from Harry Potter and the part I always refer to her with is from Three Men and a Little Lady... she was such a perv hitting on Tom Selleck's character. She creeps me out!
  
• Terry and Arlene's baby is creepy... should be interesting to see where that storyline goes.
  
• Hoyt and Jessica's newlywed cooking scene cracked me up! "Going to the piggly wiggly for me is like going to the morgue for you"... Love it!! (: Jessica being a made up character works for this show, for sure. I love these two together - I just hope she doesn't two time him after seeing the scene at Fangtasia.
  
• Tara has made some weird decisions on this show - and I don't like where she is now, although the actress looks good now that she's lost some weight! She's a lesbian now?? And a boxer?? WTF??
• I hope that Sam eventually cuts Sookie some slack - their friendship is important for the story most of the time!
  
• I love Lafayette's character even though he's supposed to be dead already! LOL I love the storylines they give him!
  
• What is going on with Tommy?? How did he end up with Hoyt's Mom?? That's just weird!
• I like that Sam has new shifter friends... makes things for him a lot more interesting. I can't wait to see what happens with him and Luna.
• I am really hoping that the hotshot guys do kidnap Jason...
  
• I love Eric walking in on a naked Sookie... can't wait to see how their storyline continues and how it matches up to the book. I hope they make him loose his memory and give them a love story! (:
  

The Five Love Languages

It’s time to talk the language of love. I read this book years ago when it first came out. I’ve wanted to re-read it since I got married, so that I can get a better handle on my husband and myself. Knowing your partner’s and your own love language can help make your relationship so much stronger. It can help you communicate better and it can also help you love deeper. I really do suggest this book by Gary Chapman for anyone that wants to better their relationship, or just want to learn some more about how they love and how they need to be loved.



Here is a basic explanation of all five languages:

1. Words of Affirmation: Sometimes, actions really don’t speak louder than words. This is your language if compliments and “good job” comments mean the word to you. Hearing the words “I love you” from your partner means everything – but hearing them tell you why they love you means even more. You are sensitive to insults and tend to remember the hurtful words for years to come.
2. Quality Time: Nothing says ‘I love you’ to this person more than their partner’s undivided attention. Being there with this person is important, but being there undistracted – no tv, music, video games – means even more. It’s hurtful to this person if you postpone dates, forget important events such as birthdays or fail to listen when they are talking.
3. Receiving Gifts: Don’t mistake this for materialism, this type of person thrives on the thought and love behind a gift, more than the gift itself. The ‘perfect gift’ for this person shows that they are known, loved and cared for. A missed birthday or anniversary can be devastating and a thoughtless gift would break their heart, so would the absence of everyday gestures.
4. Acts of Service: Can swapping out the laundry or taking out the trash be a gesture of love? Sure! Anything to ease the burden of some responsibility speaks volumes to this person. The words they want to hear is “Let me do that for you”. Laziness and broken commitments tell this person that their feelings don’t matter.
5. Physical Touch: This isn’t all about touch behind closed doors – it’s about a hand on the back while walking through a store, or holding hands during a movie. These are all ways to show care, concern and excitement in the relationship. Neglect and abuse are destructive in this partnership.

So, which language do you speak? What about your partner? Go to Gary Chapman's site to take an assessment to find out your love language!!

____________________________________________

My scores on the assessment were:

8	Words of Affirmation
10	Quality Time
1	Receiving Gifts
6	Acts of Service
5	Physical Touch

So, as you can see... my top two languages are Words and Time. The assessment is a series of statements that you choose which best applies to you or your relationship. I love spending time with my husband, but I also love hearing him tell me how good I look in an outfit or that he loves me. It's as simple as that!

What's your love language??

Moon Sand Recipe

Mix together:

4 cups sand

2 cups cornflour

1 cup of water.

Source: playbasedlearning.com.au via Meg on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday - holding Momma's hand!

Game of Thrones (Spoiler Alert)

This television show produced by HBO and is based off of an epic fantasy series by George RR Martin, first published in 1996. I was glad that it was HBO that picked up this series because I think they are the only station that could do this show correctly and have it play out in such an amazing way! The timings of all the storylines were amazing and the characters were introduced and played out so well.

Here are some more thoughts on the show. Be aware of spoilers if you haven’t finished the series yet!!

• Daenerys Targaryen is my absolute FAVORITE in this show – she’s amazing, strong, and in the end, she’s a powerhouse! Not only is the actress Emilia Clark amazing, she makes ‘Danny’ amazing as well! She ends up in an arranged marriage to the Dothraki warlord, her brother trying to use this tribe to gain fighters against King Robert. I found myself rooting for this couple all along – and even at the end, when Khal Drogo dies, she’s still so strong and I admire her!
• The Twins – Jaime and Cersei make me SICK! Who sleeps with their twin sister?? And creates children from it?? GROSS!!
• Tyrion Lannister (The Imp) is another of my favorite characters – he adds a comical level to the show that is just interesting and useful! He’s strong and not quite as deceitful as his twin siblings. He deals well with being blamed for his mother’s death (she died during giving birth to him). He’s a whoremonger – but still has a decent head for war on his shoulders. I think it will be interesting to see him as the hand of the king next season. I was glad to hear his father call him “his son” in the finale.
• Lord Petyr Baelish, nicknamed "Littlefinger," grew up with Catelyn and fought Eddard's brother Brandon for her hand – but Catelyn ended up married to Eddard once his brother died. Petyr betrayed Ned, and I hate him for that, but he was the one that helped Ned figure out about all of King Robert’s bastard children – and that Cersei’s kids weren’t Roberts.
• One of my other favorite guys is Jon Snow – Ned’s bastard child. I also love his wolf, Ghost. I think he’s going to be a great character in the Night’s watch.
• I also can’t wait to see what happens with Catelyn and Robb Stark – and their revenge on Joffery for ordering Ned’s death for treason against the Iron Throne.
• I’m also interested to see what happens to Arya. I can’t wait to see what becomes of her and her learning to sword fight and being there when her father was killed. I think she will join her Mom and Robb at some point to get her revenge!
• I feel bad for Sansa, she devoted herself to Joffery – but had to watch her father die. She’s stuck in King’s landing now and I fear for her! She’s not going to have an easy time there!

I have so much more to talk about, but don’t want to give too much away. I welcome comments about the show and I would LOVE to hear what you think, if you agree with me or disagree with my thoughts on the show or on a character! (:

Happy Father's Day!

Wishing my Daddy and the Father of my son a Happy Father's Day!

My Dream Library...

If I could re-design my house, my library would look like this!!

What's Your Love Style??

Lately I have been reading up on 'Love Styles'. Love Styles are models of how we as humans love one another. They are developed by a man named John Lee. He's identified six basic love styles that people use in their relationships. I'm going to list those six styles here and give you some basic details. I would love to hear from some readers what they think about this - if they agree, or if they can pick their love style from this list.



The first style is Eros; the style of Beauty; the most highly sensual style of love. These lovers are more typical in saying they "fell in love at first sight". They are erotic lovers, choosing who they love based on chemistry or intuition. These lovers tend to address loved ones with pet names and can be perceived as a hopeless romantic. The disadvantage to this style is the danger of living in a fantasy world.

The second style is Ludus; the style of players. These lovers choose who they love by 'playing the field' and typically recover very quickly from a break up. They tend to view marriage as a trap and are prone to be cheaters. Relationships are more of a challenge to them, something to win or lose and they view sex with a partner as a conquest or a game. The disadvantage of this style is the likelihood of infidelity.

The third style is Storge; the style of being friends first. This is a love that gradually develops out of friendship, sometimes these lovers are not able to pinpoint when the friendship turned to love. These lovers want their mate to be their best friend. They place a lot of importance on being committed to their partner, marriage is meant to bond them together. The disadvantage of this style is the lack of passion, sex tends to take a back seat to everything else.

The fourth style is Pragma; the style of being rational and realistic. These lovers choose their partners based on a shopping list of what they expect their partner to be. They want to find value in their partners and typically weigh the cost and rewards of their relationship. They view marriage as a potential asset and sex as a reward of sorts. The disadvantage of this style can be the lack of emotion.

The fifth style is Mania; the style of being obsessive and possessive. These lovers typically have a low self esteem and place a lot of importance on their relationships. Manic lovers usually discover their lovers by haphazard means. They view marriage as ownership and sex is a reassurance of love. The disadvantages include jealousy, obsessiveness, and insatiability.

The sixth style is Agape; the style of self-sacrificing, all-encompassing love. They are typically religious or spiritual people. They view lovers as blessings and wish to care for them. They avoid causing pain to their partners and are usually very generous. Marriage is a sacred trust and sex is a gift. A disadvantage is that it can induce feelings of guilt or incompetence in a partner.



So, what kind of lover are you?? Most people probably love in more ways than one, or are stronger in one style than any of the rest. I'm a mixture between the storge and agape styles. My husband is my best friend, but I also view him as a HUGE blessing in my life. I would do anything for him and I am very generous with my love to him and to our son!

What Type of Blogger Are You?

I took this mini quiz online to see what it said about my blogging type. I tend to blog for myself most of the time, sharing thoughts and recommendations with my friends. My blog is more of a personal journal and drama free place to write more than a place to share facts and ideas. I hope that my readers get something out of what I write - but I don't always write for them.

Here are the quiz results:

Your Blogging Type Is Thoughtful and Considerate

You're a well liked, though underrated, blogger. You have a heart of gold and are likely to blog for a cause. You're a peaceful blogger - no drama for you! A good listener and friend, you tend to leave thoughtful comments for others.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

Wordless Wednesday - My World!! (:

Polling my Readers

Alrighty - I always have questions that I like to ask people... so I thought that a good way to ask is to poll my blog readers and see what kind of answers I get!

I will be posting a new poll on the blog every week dealing with books, movies, television, advice, life, family, and many other topics. I cover many things on this blog - so the poll will cover many topics. I will make a post once it's over talking about the results and my opinions on the answers I got.

Feel free to suggest topics by commenting on this post!

Review: The Walking Dead, Episode 1 (Days Gone By)

I have heard many people rave over the zombie television show that was taped here in Georgia... my husband has already watched the first season, which consists of six episodes. Today, I decided to watch them myself, finally.

The show starts off kind of slow in my opinion - the story follows Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes and his family. He's the leader of a small group of survivors. (On a side note, the first season was nominated for several awards, including the Best Television Series Drama at the 68th Golden Globe Awards. Based on its reception, AMC renewed the series for a second season of 13 episodes to debut in October 2011.)




I've always been a fan of fantasy stuff - and zombies are one of my favorite 'creatures' to read about in books... so to see a television show about them seemed like a good idea!

And, it was! I really enjoyed the first episode! Rick gets placed into a coma - when he wakes, he finds himself in a world full of the walking dead. He has to learn all the new rules of survival and search for his family. He meets up with Morgan and Duane, who help him adapt to this new world. There's a refugee center there with military protection and food in Atlanta. The Center for Disease Control — where they're rumored to be working on a cure — is also in Atlanta. So that's where Rick decides to start looking for his family.

I don't want to give away too much, but I do suggest this show to those adults that can stomach the zombie gore and awesome makeup jobs on the actors!!

Post Apocalyptic World...

My husband and I were watching "The Book of Eli" on television today and it got me thinking about what it really would be like living in a post-apocalyptic world, or how to prepare for it!



Good ole' online dictionary defines 'apocalypse' as "prophetic revelation, especially concerning a cataclysm in the forces of good triumph over the forces of evil".

Wikipedia defines it as "The complete final destruction of the world, especially as described in the biblical book of Revelation."

Based on the movie, the second definition seems more fitting. Thirty years after the world is ruined and people are killing people to eat their human meat, doing whatever they have to do to survive. Denzel's character has the bible and reads it daily - his religion is power and others are willing to kill for the book that he's supposed to deliver to a safe place on the west coast. I won't tell you anything else about the plot, but it's an interesting movie and one I would recommend to fellow movie lovers.

I read an article today that tells you how to prepare for the Apocalypse. These are the steps they gave...

• Take a look at your life and the things you have accomplished. Looking back with a realistic approach will give you a chance to generate a list of things you can be proud of. Make a list of these accomplishments and attributes so you can be reminded of them at all times.
• Think about the things you still want to do before you die. Make a list of the things you can reasonably accomplish with the resources you have at your disposal. Putting things on your list that are out of your reach will only generate a long list of disappointing things you may never accomplish.
• Spend quality time with family and friends. Plan fun events that everybody can enjoy. Celebrate and savor the time you have with them. You never know which time will be the last time you ever seen them.
• Practice your faith. Many people pray to prepare for the Apocalypse. Others are simply at peace with the possibility of the end of the world because of their belief about what happens afterward.
  

I don't know that I necessarily agree with all of this - I'm a christian. My belief is that if we ever do experience an apocalypse here on earth is that my God will send his son back to retrieve me before I have to deal with a world of nothing. I believe in what the bible tells me! I just think it's interesting to see the spin that Hollywood puts on these things and how they are interpreted.

I love the prayer that Denzel's character makes at the end of the movie. It's so simple, faithful, and meaningful to the plot of the whole movie!!

Dear Lord, thank you for giving me the strength and the conviction to complete the task you entrusted to me. Thank you for guiding me straight and true through the many obstacles in my path. And for keeping me resolute when all around seemed lost. Thank you for your protection and your many signs along the way. Thank you for any good that I may have done, I'm so sorry about the bad. Thank you for the friend I made. Please watch over her as you watched over me. Thank you for finally allowing me to rest. I'm so very tired, but I go now to my rest at peace. Knowing that I have done right with my time on this earth. I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith.

From the Couch to 5K

I've always wanted to participate in all the 5K races that take place in cities and towns local to me - but have never had the body shape or time. Now I have the time - and I plan on getting the body in shape (after my six week check up in July).

This is something I plan to ease into and build the body I need to keep up with others during these 5K races. The workout I have planned is to get me from the couch to the races in two months, walking/jogging three miles (or 5K). It's a 3 days a week for 30 minutes in 9 weeks to get ready for my first 5k! I look forward to it! (:

I will keep you all updated on my progress, so be sure to check here on the blog and on my facebook for progress updates!

Check out this site for more info!

My Little Man

I swear, this baby grows and changes every single day that I spend with him.

Today he is three weeks old and he looks so much like a 'big boy' already! He's trying to hold up his head, he can sit up on the couch (leaning against the back) without instantly falling over, and I just upped him to a size one diaper!

Not to mention I love the bib he's wearing - one of many cute ones! (:

CMT Music Awards Review

I'm a HUGE country music fan... and I always watch the CMT Awards show. It's the most casual award show every year and the performances are always memorable! The show this year started with a throw-back to Thelma and Louise, starring Shania and Taylor, featuring Ron White and Kid Rock!

It was awesome to see all my favorite artists and some new ones this year. First. Let's talk about the Red Carpet. Like I said, this award show is really super casual. Some artists dress up, but most of the men stay true to themselves and wear their jeans!

My favorite look of the evening was American Idols' runner-up, Lauren Alaina.

My second favorite was Sheryl Crow's white dress. So classy.

My least favorite, as much as I love the girl, was Kristin Chenoweth.
I was NOT a fan of her white dress.

Moving on... I'm going to share some you tube videos of my favorite performances/songs that were performed. I also posted a recap at the bottom for those who missed it!


This is Jason Aldean, feat. Ludacris. This was the most interesting moment that night!

2011 CMT Music Awards - Dirt Road Anthem - Jason Aldean - Jason Aldean Videos

This is The Band Perry with "You Lie"... one of my favorites! I love her voice!

2011 CMT Music Awards - Love the Way You Lie/You Lie - The Band Perry - The Band Perry Videos

Here is a recap!!