tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17196918274458269022023-11-16T04:17:27.434-08:0038 and GrowingA look at where I'm at and where I'm going.Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-32971592142294794922010-08-29T17:46:00.000-07:002010-08-30T08:34:36.907-07:00Goodbye GirlSo today is the year anniversary of 38 and Growing. And it is my last full post. It is time to say goodbye to this stage of my journey. I am not abandoning the blogging world (you can't get rid of me that easily, she says maniacally!). But I am no longer 38, though I am always growing, and I am moving on to my own universe. Thank you to all of you who joined with me in this process. It became so much more than I dreamed. I feel like Marsha Mason at the end of one of my favorite corny '70s movies, The Goodbye Girl, when she realizes that she isn't alone and more importantly, will never be alone. I am not alone. I know that now. And this blog has been a part of me learning that.<br /><br />I hope that you won't be saying goodbye either. I hope you will join me at my new website, <a href="http://astarinmyownuniverse.com/">A Star In My Own Universe</a>. My beautiful friend, Lee, built it for me -- I went all Wordpress on y'all! Tomorrow is the official launch and I hope to see you there!<br /><br />Until then, you know I couldn't leave you without one of my equally corny favorite songs.<br /><br /><br /><br />All your life you've waited for love to<br />come and stay<br />And now that I have found you, you must<br />not slip away<br />I know it's hard believin' the words you've<br />heard before<br />But darlin' you must trust them just once<br />more... 'cause baby<br />Goodbye doesn't mean forever<br />Let me tell you goodbye doesn't mean<br />we'll never be together again<br />If you wake up and I'm not there, I won't<br />be long away<br />'Cause the things you do my Goodbye Girl<br />Will bring me back to you.<br /><br />I know you've been taken, afraid to hurt<br />again<br />You fight the love you feel for me instead<br />of givin' in<br />But I can wait forever, for helpin' you to see<br />That I was meant for you and you for me<br />...so remember<br /><br />Goodbye doesn't mean forever<br />Let me tell you goodbye doesn't mean<br />we'll never be together again<br />Though we may be so far apart you still<br />will have my heart<br />So forget your past my Goodbye Girl<br />'Cause now you're home at last.<br /><br /><br />And thanks to so many of you, I truly do feel home at last...<br /><br />Also, a final update on Heifer International, thanks to an additional donations by my wonderful mother, I was able to donate $440 to Heifer International. Thanks to everyone who posted and to Erin from <a href="http://abbyandizzysmom.blogspot.com/">The Mother Load</a> for making it such a success!!!Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-49258094051492577602010-08-26T11:39:00.000-07:002010-08-26T12:00:54.985-07:00I Am Taking the Inner Mean Girl Cleanse<a href="http://wakeupcallcoaching.com/programs/imgrs-fall-2010"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509790934065553778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3g7mRoKBpoFJJnONm_mXSzaCeIACRNopbKN4kvHhgxnoG_kikaq7SHeBCCzXFo_JBYn7o-OCHQDahun1Zd0Tj_BUBPE2RCk6oGLn3iPWbBSgftcxNLYrWcW_DkTjrHGPLML9CDvcaHk/s320/Mean+Girl.jpg" /></a><br /><div>The wonderful <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Trinmom</span> over at <a href="http://whendidibecomemymom.com/">When Did I Become My Mom</a> turned me on to this program. I am really excited to participate. This week I am promising to remove gossip from my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vocabulary</span>. Here's what I ave committed to:</div><div><br />TOXIN: GOSSIP<br /><br /><br />We all know that nothing good ever comes from gossip, right? Yet for some reason we might find ourselves participating in it. And in our society it can be really hard to refrain from it, even when we have the best intentions. For the next 7 days, your mission is to refrain from ALL gossip. To cleanse your system of this green <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">goopy</span> toxin by stopping all forms of gossip including:<br /><br />Being the Gossip. Talking or writing about a person who is not part of the conversation in such a way that either:<br />a. they would feel bad hearing what you said or<br />b. you wouldn't want them to hear what you said.<br /><br />Colluding in Gossip. Adding commentary and thoughts to a conversation or communication that create gossip. Gossip takes at least two - decline the invitation to join in!<br /><br />Witnessing Gossip. Standing by and listening to other people gossip still lets the toxin seep in. Take a stand for good talk or leave the conversation.<br /><br />Watching Gossip. Tuning into any form of media that promotes or shows gossip. Just because you don't know the people doesn't mean you're not gossiping! If you find yourself watching or listening to gossip (yes even celebrity gossip!) change the channel. Rather than picking up the tabloid in the grocery line, grab Yoga Journal or read Aspire on your <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Iphone</span>!<br /><br />YOUR DAILY PRACTICE:<br /><br />"Be impeccable with your word."<br /><br />Start your day: by saying this affirmation for at least one minute: "Today I speak only from my heart. I leave gossip and toxic words behind. I truly speak only from my heart."<br /><br />Live your entire day aware of your words, and choose Good Talk over Gossip.<br /><br />End your day reflecting about your new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">AHA's</span> and awareness.<br /><br />* daily practice inspired by don Miguel Ruiz's Four Agreements</div><div></div><div>So there it is. No gossip. I don't consider myself a gossip yet I know that I sometimes fall into its enticing trap. But this week I commit to dodging that mine and keeping my words kind. Or as my mother taught me, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!" So that's what I am going to do!</div><div> </div><div></div><div>*************************************************************************************</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Also, please check me out at my other gig: <a href="http://www.doctorsmiths.com/content/problem-solved-oh-yes-0">http://www.doctorsmiths.com/content/problem-solved-oh-yes-0</a>. Warning: I have a potty mouth (pun intended!)</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-80109756451717802092010-08-25T10:56:00.000-07:002010-08-25T12:47:35.495-07:00Wordless Wednesday -- First Grade is on!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvnnzPrqctLrW4KtIGhlZqUlC66_9XVVGh4dMueHKX2ae_y_7tEAkSoCsmXMHk_khragVd98J-obHsPE71jaP6UOsanq7McOOm4KOXCEePqXzqMvDnLQuT4GLYsCzFhliGemRk4XjMos/s1600/Dr+Smiths+logo.png"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsTaA5OI-wAOJk9Bjd1uJh8qX4ZovtxNzNcks3wRmPhX1O6WVkWczwdnY0fJTFQ1s9nnO1wlL9rF9M76BGB_raxhrVfPMjfrJbWGPZ8bO4kracMzgPWM4MlJMVKr-XwPHgL6ULr-BIl8/s1600/Ian+going+to+school.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509434003736737106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsTaA5OI-wAOJk9Bjd1uJh8qX4ZovtxNzNcks3wRmPhX1O6WVkWczwdnY0fJTFQ1s9nnO1wlL9rF9M76BGB_raxhrVfPMjfrJbWGPZ8bO4kracMzgPWM4MlJMVKr-XwPHgL6ULr-BIl8/s320/Ian+going+to+school.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">It's Wednesday, so it's time time again for Wordless Wednesday.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Check it out over at<a href="http://5minutesformom.com/"> 5 Minutes for Mom</a>.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://5minutesformom.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509434000679411394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXUid2muo6knpJoHd75HmAAYYtbZvX0Xw76OSrNni5Np-2QYhkgPXBofio20l10G83RJqoSK9ya6DTOFcKxusDf1JL-2Zg5TSA_gkAFejfFNUOzzFHquAkstewuN6bIzF8Bt5NLdMtUw/s320/5Minutes.png" /></a><br /><br />Also, remember when I told you that I was writing for the great people over at Dr. Smith's. </div><div align="center">Well so is Heloise. Yes, the Heloise. I met her. </div><div align="center">She's totally nice and exactly like she is on the Today Show. </div><div align="center">Well, her first blog post is <a href="http://www.doctorsmiths.com/content/heloise-here">here </a>today and be sure and go back tomorrow because I have a potty-mouthed post. That's right. I'm talking poopie and tinkle!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vFrujxmmdDhQ1j6s_V9MhABpr8YDyGyvnsPbWYWZfGiHvlTy4_kElO7fHR6VqBdMlmxC83IgCJYxoewE2brk9Y971x9RjTqYgExEDIuVWB6cbKxMJqCg8iJZcQE9bA9q5m0th3k9WR8/s1600/Ian+going+to+school.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.doctorsmiths.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 190px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509434547482188866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvnnzPrqctLrW4KtIGhlZqUlC66_9XVVGh4dMueHKX2ae_y_7tEAkSoCsmXMHk_khragVd98J-obHsPE71jaP6UOsanq7McOOm4KOXCEePqXzqMvDnLQuT4GLYsCzFhliGemRk4XjMos/s320/Dr+Smiths+logo.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-28116902861222539732010-08-24T20:10:00.000-07:002010-08-24T20:30:55.297-07:00Shh... I Have Got a SecretSo the fabulous folks over at CSN have given me yet another wonderful opportunity. You all know CSN, right? They sell everything, and I mean everything. They have gorgeous lighting, luggage, and wonderful furniture including absolutely terrific <a href="http://www.diningroomsdirect.com/Dining-Tables-C7087.html">dining room tables</a>. These are pretty enough that I might start cooking just so that I have something worthy of such a table!<br /><br />Well, they offered me a chance to review an item of my choice and I couldn't resist something for my favorite two product testers -- my kiddos, of course. So don't tell but something very big and very fun is on its way. I just can't wait to share it with them and you! If feels a little like Christmas around here.<br /><br />In the mean, if you'd like to guess what it is, check out <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/">CSN</a>. Here's a hint, it's from Little Tikes and it is a perfect fit for my two little artists. So stay tuned. I promise pictures of product and testers!Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-9167617289512562212010-08-22T07:32:00.000-07:002010-08-22T07:51:24.641-07:00Sundays in My City -- Galveston Edition<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4erb7Ww3UoBHB9cu9Z-ChDk67ZIPPXxO3F8qYWocqohn2sp1VL-r5ChYo85CQrXG0hyphenhyphen7fVqNjtl5K0IvsMCv6o2XvBqdTsHv5dUcpyP9kd8JTpD9PDPWiiXrVhi5tbLuObrdF51pWzQs/s1600/100625-F-5007P-002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508245552705413074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4erb7Ww3UoBHB9cu9Z-ChDk67ZIPPXxO3F8qYWocqohn2sp1VL-r5ChYo85CQrXG0hyphenhyphen7fVqNjtl5K0IvsMCv6o2XvBqdTsHv5dUcpyP9kd8JTpD9PDPWiiXrVhi5tbLuObrdF51pWzQs/s320/100625-F-5007P-002.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObIu4OTH_JvnHe2s_pefVokZvJd-rhHmRgMbRqjf5XAyryHgLMFeCAIw07geNflKMyIdRKHtm8wfsvcz70yDI_RhZyHKTyWfRnyMWJs2HOe5oDns6H0EjYpnbZE0nS5YLdibQfB1lyBY/s1600/100625-F-5007P-003-2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508245543639305122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObIu4OTH_JvnHe2s_pefVokZvJd-rhHmRgMbRqjf5XAyryHgLMFeCAIw07geNflKMyIdRKHtm8wfsvcz70yDI_RhZyHKTyWfRnyMWJs2HOe5oDns6H0EjYpnbZE0nS5YLdibQfB1lyBY/s320/100625-F-5007P-003-2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7ZJopi0-2_roja94vaPWrJVQr1K0xx1CowmCN76bibhXJK4cgrXsKhQxm_qN4PRmdSF98J4ZOQL4_jq5P5xelv6IFupLbPsz2FVslmO0Oy3dykuik1h6ykOklI_uCIhuZ5xkABLgXkc/s1600/100625-F-5007P-005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508245537230485986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7ZJopi0-2_roja94vaPWrJVQr1K0xx1CowmCN76bibhXJK4cgrXsKhQxm_qN4PRmdSF98J4ZOQL4_jq5P5xelv6IFupLbPsz2FVslmO0Oy3dykuik1h6ykOklI_uCIhuZ5xkABLgXkc/s320/100625-F-5007P-005.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge35v6ooLaAQpVktbntVBYRh93zZjMD3hx3yGZiVHJbNDER1i1ogSvylO3zUhkIfznyPI5jevQZqkvHI8v7LSl3b_es2HY7yqQanTudLPcfr96DzopQso1P6FDtGCkSia37cFZWxWMkVs/s1600/100625-F-5007P-006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508245529294555474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge35v6ooLaAQpVktbntVBYRh93zZjMD3hx3yGZiVHJbNDER1i1ogSvylO3zUhkIfznyPI5jevQZqkvHI8v7LSl3b_es2HY7yqQanTudLPcfr96DzopQso1P6FDtGCkSia37cFZWxWMkVs/s320/100625-F-5007P-006.jpg" /></a><br />This a glimpse at the wonderful Sunday we spent on our beach vacation. I love the beach. And thankfully so do my husband and kids. One day I will live there, but until then.. we will always have the weekend.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I showed you mine. Check out my friend, <a href="http://www.unknownmami.com/">Unknown Mami</a>, to check out other great Sundays in other great cities.<br /></div><div><br /><div><div><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.unknownmami.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Unknown Mami" src="http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt184/UnknownMami/SundaysinmyCity.jpg" /></a></center></div></div></div></div></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-17596698089212954442010-08-20T11:14:00.000-07:002010-08-20T21:56:16.176-07:00I'm Hopping and Following<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtXrUBIdKDhqH-4UnkP8B54pO7-WuEiFgp0GoWtclniFOPGvsQkMfGr2Z55f7n1JkyyoFGgIg8ugmhFPl-8DocNYxxzjonoE5aMS3C3XV8pLxI14fZQYAAsMQtJKU4j2MQtaCek9ulGY/s1600/fun-follow-friday26-150x150.jpg"></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.abloggymom.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507558188063051506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5OaHngXU9NbqNKhpL-juHd3R09UgmeqiRDuy2JohVG0YUzBqd1AXrmtzwPtJAD5I3MrF9DOkKYtv5bnHmNFSnLH2RsG3A3ztXKJr-0ofpyHPCSIvAHj-u0ZUDI7nVUuPLjGFE5Clymo/s320/A+Bloggy+Mom.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">I am participating with <a href="http://abloggymom.com/">A Bloggy Mom </a>and <a href="http://www.bloggymoms.com/">Bloggy Moms Network </a>in Friday Follow (Check out Tiffany and the other cool Moms <a href="http://www.abloggymom.com/">here</a>.) </div><div align="center">and Fun Friday Follow with <a href="http://simplystacie.net/">Simply Stacie</a> and <a href="http://myweeview.com/">My Wee View</a>.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><a href="http://simplystacie.net/fun-follow-friday-august-20th/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507721070948104706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtXrUBIdKDhqH-4UnkP8B54pO7-WuEiFgp0GoWtclniFOPGvsQkMfGr2Z55f7n1JkyyoFGgIg8ugmhFPl-8DocNYxxzjonoE5aMS3C3XV8pLxI14fZQYAAsMQtJKU4j2MQtaCek9ulGY/s320/fun-follow-friday26-150x150.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Happy Friday all!</div></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-4005394814306678292010-08-18T19:50:00.000-07:002010-08-18T20:35:25.141-07:00Born to BeAre you born to do something? Are you great at numbers? Can you paint? Do you make the best brownies? In other words, have you found your calling?<br /><br />For a very long time, I knew my calling was acting. I knew it from a very young age. I have memories (verified by mother) of dressing in my ballet leotard, having my mother tie a red ribbon around me neck (a fascination developed by watching Wild, Wild West on Sunday evenings), and performing in our driveway. I believed that I would be kidnapped/discovered. Maybe not the healthiest desire or practical -- we lived at the end of a horseshoe shaped street in a so suburban-it-was=almost-rural area. Needless to say that I was neither discovered (Boo!) or kidnapped (Yay!).<br /><br />The point is that I knew what I should and would be doing for all my days. I was confident without wavering of my life's desire.<br /><br />FLASH FORWARD 25 years, I am living in New York. Pursuing my dream. Loving it! I was never quite a SATC girl (I was married, after all) but I loved living in the city. I loved the trains. I loved living the life of an actress, even a struggling one.<br /><br />And on one of the most beautiful mornings in September, I was in Manhattan to be a small part in an even smaller film (No. I don't remember the name.) And two planes flew into two buildings. And everything changed. For the country. And for me.<br /><br />My husband and I were separated that day with little communication. For those of you who do not know, we lost cell phone capability when the towers fell. The trains were shut down. The tunnels and bridges were closed, Quite simply, I could not get home. And he could not come get me. He was enraged at his helplessness and he was forever changed.<br /><br />Soon thereafter, he started dropping the words National Guard into conversation. We had both been impressed by how the Air National Guard had secured the airports and how the city was protected from the chaos expected by so many. Finally, he told me that he wanted to join.<br /><br />Join? We were artists. We were the wacky, crazy, liberal gypsies. We were not a military family. Or so I thought.<br /><br />It seems that this became his calling. And almost nine years later, he is still serving. I am very proud of him. But there was a cost. We walked away from our life in the city. We moved back to Texas and started over.<br /><br />In September 2001, I was in a show. That was the last time I performed as an actress. I got to Texas and I focused on supporting our new life (Not surprisingly, the military does not pay exceedingly well) and then I focused on our family. I did not focus on acting. I would like to make this part of the story sound like Annette Bening walking away from Catwoman -- but the truth is I walked away from the acting world and it did not notice. At all. Nonetheless, I walked away for some time.<br /><br />And after the years past, I began to wonder if I was still capable of acting. I feared that I no longer had a calling. I came to believe that in supporting my husband's calling, I had lost mine.<br /><br />But this past weekend, I was proven wrong. As I mentioned previously, I was able to be a part of a series of staged readings. So wonderful! In several plays by young playwrights. And I discovered that a calling is forever. It may gather dust but it does not leave you.<br /><br />I still have a calling. I don't quite know how it will next appear in my life but I now have faith that it will arise again. And that I will be ready when it does. It is a calling, after all.<br /><br />So what's your calling?Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-75849735527706527152010-08-16T19:14:00.001-07:002010-08-16T21:21:33.993-07:00Rich Man, Poor ManI planned this post to be about my fabulous weekend that included my return to the stage, but that post will have to wait. Today, I had a moment that shook me to my core. It was a simple moment but a heart-breaking one.<br /><br /><br /><br />It is easy for me to feel poor. I have a LOT of debt. I live in a small apartment. We depend on ancient vehicles that are held together with scotch tape and prayer. (A tremendous amount of prayer.) Our savings account is often rivaled by our children's piggy banks. There are many things that I do not have. Many things that I will never have. If I <em>allow</em> myself, I can feel poor.<br /><br />But today, I sat at red light. A red light with a handsome man. A man about my age. A man without a home. I don't think that he has walked the streets long. While his clothes and hair were dirty and shaggy, they reflected a reasonable proximity to a more successful past.<br /><br />I was a lane over and a few cars back as I debated whether to dig out change and offer it to him. And then the light changed. And cars started to move. So I started to move. And I drove off.<br /><br />I could have gone back. I didn't. Instead. I cried for a few moments and then went on with my day. A day that was centered around Back-to-School shopping. Shopping. Because the reality is this. Yes, I need coupons to make ends meet. And yes, I buy many things second-hand. But I have never known more than a moment's hunger. The only nights I have spent outside the comfort of a bed involved a tent and a campfire. In other words. I am SO not poor.<br /><br />The point of this post is not about my financial score card. Or that man's either. I have no idea how he got there. My mom always says, "there but by the grace of God goes I". So by the grace of God, I drove by and he stood. And what good did my tears do? They did him no good. I did him no good. Some Samaritan I am.<br /><br />My husband and I often debate what to do when we see a panhandler. I sometimes give. He does not. The same dynamic is repeated in my parents. My mom does. My dad does not. I honestly don't know what is the right choice. I just know that I can still see him in my mind and as I prepare for bed, I fear I made the wrong choice by making no choice. I wonder where he will lie his head tonight. For even as I lay my head on my pillow, my head and heart are heavy. Very, very heavy,Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-16279798446341254212010-08-14T12:23:00.000-07:002010-08-14T12:38:31.071-07:00Out to PlayThis is my performance weekend -- yay! yay! yay! I performed for the first time in almost nine years last night. It felt a little like flying over the rainbow. I'll be back with details on Monday and be visiting the neighborhood soon but in the mean, join me "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".<br />Somewhere over the rainbow<br />Way up high,<br />There's a land that I heard of<br />Once in a lullaby.<br />Somewhere over the rainbow<br />Skies are blue,<br />And the dreams that you dare to dream<br />Really do come true.<br /><br />Someday I'll wish upon a star<br />And wake up where the clouds are far<br />Behind me.<br />Where troubles melt like lemon drops<br />Away above the chimney tops<br />That's where you'll find me.<br /><br />Somewhere over the rainbow<br />Bluebirds fly.<br />Birds fly over the rainbow.<br />Why then, oh why can't I?<br /><br />If happy little bluebirds fly<br />Beyond the rainbow<br />Why, oh why can't I?Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-43671206783984535442010-08-11T14:03:00.000-07:002010-08-11T14:26:31.588-07:00This is the LifeMy son is learning to play Monopoly. He is passionate about it. When he is succeeding (which in his world is buying properties, he has little interest in collecting rent -- like his mother, he is better at spending than he is buying), he leans back, laces his fingers together behind his head, and states, "this is the life".<br /><br />I have at times, questioned my <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2010/07/day-332-or-retracing-my-steps.html">path</a>, but it is moments like this that bring my life in clear perspective. Today, I watched my son walk a balance beam. I watched my daughter inhale a milkshake in the lap of her great grandmother, smiling with each sip and slurp. Together they splashed me like the Titanic going down as they demonstrated their ever-growing swim skills in our small backyard pool. And as I write this, he is setting up the Monopoly board yet again.<br /><br />So as the summer days wane and I look to the scheduling serenity of the school year, I am taking this moment to embrace the last of the summer chaos and remember that yes this is the life!Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-34065101038061818552010-08-08T19:47:00.000-07:002010-08-08T20:14:32.882-07:00Sundays in My City<p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96sVuZsB-21RDuvS0bAmcok70IilLc2OC6gQP3s5wDZottcCEQNU7qq_JFiX0XSjvtZmBqX_zPl0CD3szJlry7pKy6SEQyj-DXAW7yu2hAthob6YQF8dcOPlyLDuv_IPk22YlZ8rnnjg/s1600/Downtown+7.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503241887057161218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96sVuZsB-21RDuvS0bAmcok70IilLc2OC6gQP3s5wDZottcCEQNU7qq_JFiX0XSjvtZmBqX_zPl0CD3szJlry7pKy6SEQyj-DXAW7yu2hAthob6YQF8dcOPlyLDuv_IPk22YlZ8rnnjg/s320/Downtown+7.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFpSMdZ2AQpvIgNKbLCUwI7CzzvR7GHEBJ2tzBys7Akc0C2o7GKuH-ne62y80WXEF-HHXAcN7KV_hRT84ZBSWNAo74Wkl88dcMkiSwULADNgp8dytqLw91EZD6dvSpoV1yn9wBxlHmoM/s1600/Downtown+6.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503241876409867650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFpSMdZ2AQpvIgNKbLCUwI7CzzvR7GHEBJ2tzBys7Akc0C2o7GKuH-ne62y80WXEF-HHXAcN7KV_hRT84ZBSWNAo74Wkl88dcMkiSwULADNgp8dytqLw91EZD6dvSpoV1yn9wBxlHmoM/s320/Downtown+6.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8aVEEaWUyEeedRu6xK-Uk1kp89PNVIZ1zC0JjFvHeX7qo0FeeRzLe1TGA6fVgs-UZ6IyxA5eDwJ9pZGkhAdFFlBhV9cVcl16kjTUXKhpd5Bxy1klDcyTy_o8aurR3qBQ4pAojGGwNqg/s1600/Downtown+5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503241571177101890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8aVEEaWUyEeedRu6xK-Uk1kp89PNVIZ1zC0JjFvHeX7qo0FeeRzLe1TGA6fVgs-UZ6IyxA5eDwJ9pZGkhAdFFlBhV9cVcl16kjTUXKhpd5Bxy1klDcyTy_o8aurR3qBQ4pAojGGwNqg/s320/Downtown+5.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL3HKbDwPLebftoPrzcHzYkpR7Yyf9sPGhJMJHHKyxCl92vKtUT7nP1SSySyy5LAOErtDau8vlPE-icoznkkRmB7GYpWbZQ-UP-WUCDHcI-m2u5t9SKutxEEqvYM2wuF5ac3v6AimAsM/s1600/Downtown+3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503241565292415394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL3HKbDwPLebftoPrzcHzYkpR7Yyf9sPGhJMJHHKyxCl92vKtUT7nP1SSySyy5LAOErtDau8vlPE-icoznkkRmB7GYpWbZQ-UP-WUCDHcI-m2u5t9SKutxEEqvYM2wuF5ac3v6AimAsM/s320/Downtown+3.JPG" /></a></p><div><br /><br /></div><div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nBkKil-xeNZFoHWMy1ul_LX1KUQkI6xef3vTWhsTAvdpRN9-JyRxM7X17ZfPQC79EHkRBKgO3EglupQk32puJjel7T_-4CTfEDQwOoIS9-AYFzOFFfSnrsSJB3DjZZhLGuT2EO8_Fzs/s1600/Downtown+1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503241550948636002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nBkKil-xeNZFoHWMy1ul_LX1KUQkI6xef3vTWhsTAvdpRN9-JyRxM7X17ZfPQC79EHkRBKgO3EglupQk32puJjel7T_-4CTfEDQwOoIS9-AYFzOFFfSnrsSJB3DjZZhLGuT2EO8_Fzs/s320/Downtown+1.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This was the view of Downtown Houston from the window of my rehearsal. Pretty cool, huh?</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I showed you mine. Go see some more at the awesome <a href="http://www.unknownmami.com/">Unknown Mami </a>and her wonderful</div><div align="center">Sundays in My City.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.unknownmami.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Unknown Mami" src="http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt184/UnknownMami/SundaysinmyCity.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-19969960366346798832010-08-07T00:07:00.000-07:002010-08-07T00:07:00.848-07:00Time to PlayThis past week, I actually had time to play. I felt sand between my toes, hunted for shells, and thrilled at my children's delight as the waves crashed around them. In other words, I had a vacation. Something I can't remember having in a LONG time.<br /><br />Truthfully, I needed it. To clear my head and reconnect with my family. It has been a crazy summer but not without benefit. I already posted about my new writing gig over at <a href="http://www.doctorsmiths.com/blog">Dr. Smith's</a>. Also on the professional front, I will be acting. It is a small Staged Reading Series but nonetheless, I will be on a stage. After almost nine years! Yay! (Thanks to all of you who have been following my attempts to revive my ancient career with a resume that can be read in hieroglyphics!)<br /><br />On a lighter note, I finished two books! It took me seven months buts I did. I wrote about them <a href="http://traci-readingandwriting.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-finally-finished-book.html">here</a>. And I got to see a <a href="http://idletmykidseethat.blogspot.com/2010/08/cats-and-dogs-2-revenge-of-kitty-galore.html">film </a>with my kids. All in all, an incredible week.<br /><br />I have done a lot of thinking -- it's amazing what the sea does for me -- and I have more to share but I just want to say I'm back to life feeling far more refreshed than I have in some time!<br /><br />Happy weekend, all! I hope you find time to play!<br />:-)Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-3133353663496499922010-08-06T06:32:00.000-07:002010-08-26T12:01:57.233-07:00Turning the Page, Part 2Okay, it's taken me exactly one month to turn the second page. And no, my new site is not finished. (My fault solely -- it's taken me some time to get my vision together but we are on our way!) I was also waiting on some announcements which I can now make. So let's start there.<br /><br />In my previous Turning the Page <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2010/07/day-313-or-turning-page-part-one.html">post</a>, I alluded to an exciting opportunity. Well, now I can tell you that if you aren't sick of me yet, you can find me over at <a href="http://www.doctorsmiths.com/">Doctorsmiths.com</a>. I am writing as a Premium Parent for them and my first <a href="http://www.doctorsmiths.com/blog">post </a>goes up today. I am amongst some amazing bloggy ladies so I hope that you will check us out.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M_laM69OPwp5W82CEKBemReW93hLkwMbL9atJrvSWkUZtmY91O7dmbe-07e6jHaZYOxtnDZ2t5HIwKgOrkDXyBynlSRWnxn_tQO1qj0b7bxAyMGarpNniPN18pgi6Oun9yWmyLx5FuM/s1600/Dr.+Smith%27s.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 190px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502303805580000370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M_laM69OPwp5W82CEKBemReW93hLkwMbL9atJrvSWkUZtmY91O7dmbe-07e6jHaZYOxtnDZ2t5HIwKgOrkDXyBynlSRWnxn_tQO1qj0b7bxAyMGarpNniPN18pgi6Oun9yWmyLx5FuM/s320/Dr.+Smith%27s.png" /></a><br /><br />I am also now an affiliate for <a href="http://eshakti.com/">eShakti</a>. You may have noticed my pretty banner on the left. I was lucky enough to review a dress of theirs a few months ago and I loved it so much that I agreed to be affiliated with them. They make beautiful dresses that can be customized and I have personally worn my dress several times and I am complimented EVERY time. So check them out, as well.<br /><br />And for the record, in the case of both eShakti and Dr. Smith's, I am only working with them because I use and believe in their products. I am truly excited by both opportunities!<br /><br />Now there are many a thank you outstanding. First off, (and she has no idea that I am doing this) -- I owe an ENORMOUS thank you to <a href="http://www.unknownmami.com/">Unknown Mami</a>. She is not unknown to me so I can attest to her brilliance and beauty in person. Think that she is lovely and funny on-line, triple that plus one and you've got her. She has been a constant source of support and friendship to me as a blogger and I would not know many of you had she not introduced me. I love her on-line and in real life. No way I could turn this page without her.<br /><br />Next to the way overdue awards. I am terrible with awards. Not because I don't care but because I do. I am so honored that you shared a little love that I toss and turn on forwarding them properly. So I start a post that day and then I stop as I ponder what fabulous blog to award. I love so many of you guys so I keep this detailed list of who I have already awarded and when I did and then I look through those I haven't and I agonize. So I put it off. And then time starts to pass. and the guilt starts. And then more time passes and then I am embarrassed and UGH!!! So to those of you who have been gracious enough to pass them on, please forgive my lack of graciousness. As this moment inside my head has demonstrated, I mean well. But I am biting the bullet and acknowledging all of you. This may take a while.<br /><br />Doreen over at <a href="http://doreenmcgettigan.blogspot.com/">They Say Everyone Has a Story, This is Mine </a>gave me the Versatile Blogger award. Now I must share 7 things about myself that you may not know. I'm not sure if I have left anything to mystery, but we'll see.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVNS5GITgxHJP7Lrs1z7G77j4k4xoRVMN6NKT08qku5I4WV089KIQMz89X4N6BTDIp4dooaECfzoyLQDkbFCmYn75J5Luzj0vvq2JvE3PfHraYUitnIxK9n09nV2tvNBfpkrJrBpMQew/s1600/versatile_blogger_award.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502303075719741410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVNS5GITgxHJP7Lrs1z7G77j4k4xoRVMN6NKT08qku5I4WV089KIQMz89X4N6BTDIp4dooaECfzoyLQDkbFCmYn75J5Luzj0vvq2JvE3PfHraYUitnIxK9n09nV2tvNBfpkrJrBpMQew/s320/versatile_blogger_award.jpg" /></a><br />1) My eyes change colors -- the center of my eye is dark blue and they are surrounded by an amber color which causes them to look green at times, light brown at times, and dark blue at times (especially when I cry)<br />2) I love old TV shows -- Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Dyke, Maude, etc.<br />3) I have three fake teeth -- when I was 16, I had a terrible car accident in which I smacked my face into a steering wheel. I smashed all the bone under my nose and knocked out the top front three teeth. Since then I have worn a bridge.<br />4) My daughter is named after a David Sylvian song.<br />5) I watch way too much TV though I am seriously considering cancelling cable to break free of the bondage of my addiction<br />6) I love carbs -- not the complex kind, but the very, very simple kind -- like brand, new soft white bread. I can't stand healthy bread. I don't want to work that hard. Sorry, healthy friends!<br />7) I have read "The Secret Garden" at least twenty times, including several times as an adult<br /><br />Now I must bestow this honor onto 15 newly discovered blogs and they must share 7 things about them selves and pass it on. These are a mix of very different blogs -- some Mommies, some artists, and some giveaways. All are great.</p><br /><p>1) Tracie from<a href="http://whereiwastoday.blogspot.com/"> From Tracie</a><br />2) Mum in Flip Flops from <a href="http://muminflipflops.com/">MuminFlipFlops</a><br />3) Lemony Renee from <a href="http://oflemonsandhoney.blogspot.com/">Of Lemons and Honey</a><br />4) Templeton's Fury from <a href="http://circlingthecuckoosnest.blogspot.com/">Circling the Cuckoo's Nest</a><br />5) Leiah from <a href="http://www.arustysouthernbelle.com/">A Southern Belle Trying Not to Rust</a><br />6) Ericka from <a href="http://alabastercow.com/">Alabaster Cow</a><br />7) mathet zin from <a href="http://mathetzinnet.blogspot.com/">Myanmar (Burma)</a> -- a beautiful love letter to a country<br />8) Michele Chastain from <a href="http://michelechastain.blogspot.com/">Fake It Til You Make It</a><br />9) Jane from <a href="http://knottyawetizmmama.blogspot.com/">Adoption of Jane</a><br />10) E.L.M.Dyck from <a href="http://synnicity.blogspot.com/">Let Me Think</a> -- she also gave me an award as you will see below<br />11) Dana Chabino from <a href="http://danachabino.blogspot.com/">Daily Paintings -- Abstract - Impressionist Painter</a> -- gorgeous artwork shared (almost) daily<br />12) Connie from <a href="http://www.youngandrelentless.com/">The Young and the Relentless</a><br />13) Bridget from <a href="http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/">Readaholic</a><br />14) Kelly from <a href="http://kellysluckyyou.com/">Kelly's Lucky You</a><br />15) Jeanette Huston from <a href="http://www.mommyblessingsinsmallbundles.com/">Mommy Blessings in Small Bundles -- Giveaways and Reviews</a><br /><br />A fabulous man around town and a globe trotter, as well, Subu.PS over at <a href="http://subups.blogspot.com/">Passion for Road Trips </a>and E.L.M.Dyck from <a href="http://synnicity.blogspot.com/">Let Me Think</a>gave me the Beautiful Blogger Award.<br /><br />Share 7 things you find to be beautiful around you.<br /><br />1) My husband -- enough said<br />2) My son's crooked smile<br />3) My daughter's chocolate eyes<br />4) The sun coming up through my window<br />5) My growing grapevine<br />6) Steam coming off of a cup of coffee brought to me by my husband<br />7) The sound of my children's laughter<br /><br />Nominate 7 bloggers or more. </p><br /><p>1) Doreen from <a href="http://doreenmcgettigan.blogspot.com/">They Say Everyone Has a Story, This is Mine </a>-- I would have listed her above but she was kind enough to pass that award to me, so here is my opportunity to spotlight her<br />2) <a href="http://livinourdash.blogspot.com/">Living Our Dash</a><br />3) Alicia from <a href="http://weloveiowa.blogspot.com/">A Beautiful Mess</a><br />4) Anastasia from <a href="http://sweetbutterbliss.blogspot.com/">Sweet Butter Bliss</a><br />5) Aging Mommy from <a href="http://agingmommyblog.blogspot.com/">Aging Mommy </a>-- she is a gift giver, as well; see below<br />6) Holly from <a href="http://www.504main.com/">504 Main </a><br />7) Francesca and Kacey from <a href="http://mayhemandmoxie.com/">Mayhem and Moxie </a></p><p>And in my embarassment of riches, <a href="http://www.improbablehousewife.com/">The Improbable Housewife </a>and <a href="http://agingmommyblog.blogspot.com/">Aging Mommy </a>gave me the Honest Scrap Award.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-LwpI8VTObMuYPeQxL40Jg8BPnDGWDJUREjqiNnr1R4YebPX8t_T052iN9GeMUFKZP_YsaBDy_g_mWlHDHMH3YEDjSanhQ9hxO0S1nrVVry8I46GWPe2dhPP1w3wxmECgA0jpnsyThM/s1600/honest_award.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 165px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502450980491640802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-LwpI8VTObMuYPeQxL40Jg8BPnDGWDJUREjqiNnr1R4YebPX8t_T052iN9GeMUFKZP_YsaBDy_g_mWlHDHMH3YEDjSanhQ9hxO0S1nrVVry8I46GWPe2dhPP1w3wxmECgA0jpnsyThM/s320/honest_award.jpg" /></a><br />As I was supposed to tell ten things about me, I will simply add three to the seven above. Because really, I'm not sure you can stand to know much more!<br /><br />8) I think that if the choice was between Heaven and Mint Chocolate Ice Cream, it would be a very hard decision<br />9) Though I don't share them here, I have very strong political views which are very often in opposition to most people I am related. I am something of a black sheep.<br />10) I am a serial hobbyist -- by this I mean, I pick up hobbies, get completely obsessed with them and then allow them to gather dust amongst other lost pastimes. This happened a little with blogging. I was visiting 50-60 blogs a day until my family cried "Uncle". I then ran out of steam and blogging lost a little luster. I think I have found a happy balance now, however. I still love visiting and blogging but I have to remember sunshine, sleep, and oh yeah -- my kids!!! :-)<br /><br />And I will round out the group to ten more beloved blogs:<br />8) <a href="http://www.confessionsofafitnessinstructor.com/">Confessions of a Fitness Instructor</a><br />9) <a href="http://zplayhouse.blogspot.com/">Serena and Brandon's Playhouse</a><br />10) <a href="http://shelleysswag.blogspot.com/">Shelley's swag</a><br /><br /><br />Finally, my good friend, Andrea over at<a href="http://goodgirlgoneredneck.blogspot.com/"> Good Girl Gone Redneck </a>gave me this award.<br /><p></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeaN3a1jTfGgDjXyBPkUyTilKLd8zfVXBshOdikwXefHC3gayBsT93HSe7h8XhfdGSbone6fd1imvs9WOROxmi41WATUYneA9mFnD702gcNIQ50P6Uu7mW_HIh9Dz6yVA9-y3Amnq6M0/s1600/Going+Places.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 209px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492827169524907634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXeaN3a1jTfGgDjXyBPkUyTilKLd8zfVXBshOdikwXefHC3gayBsT93HSe7h8XhfdGSbone6fd1imvs9WOROxmi41WATUYneA9mFnD702gcNIQ50P6Uu7mW_HIh9Dz6yVA9-y3Amnq6M0/s320/Going+Places.jpg" /></a> Where do you see yourself in ten years?<br /><br />Well, after this time away, I definitely see myself living at the ocean. I just feel more alive there. And seeing my children and how comfortable they are in the water has inspired me. In fact, I have really spent the last week visualizing how I can get myself and my family living seaside all the time. (I'll be writing more on that soon.) So I see myself there. I also see myself writing professionally and hopefully performing on-stage at least once a year. Also, frighteningly, in ten years I will be the parent to two teenagers -- one of them driving. ARGH! So I see myself even more sleep deprived. But all in all, I see myself living my vision board! Here's hoping!<br /><br />There are probably a million other thank yous owed. I have made the greatest friends through this blog. Mostly, I want to say thanks for sticking around this year and especially this summer. It has been a crazy one. I'm looking forward to school starting and life resuming some routine. Then I should be able to get back to my passion -- reading and writing. Blogs, that is. </p><br /><p></p>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-90236597715121519652010-07-29T05:03:00.000-07:002010-07-29T05:08:49.388-07:00Sitting a SpellSo the family and I are headed for some much needed family time. We are staying at a beach house and I am not sure of the internet connectivity. Internet or no, however, I think that my family needs some connectivity with me without a laptop. So for the next few days, I am going to sit a spell. I'll come a-calling on y'all next week. (That was for my Southern folk!)<br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend. See you soon.<br />:-)Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-51135977307724646612010-07-26T17:25:00.000-07:002010-07-26T18:03:22.522-07:00Day 332 or Retracing My StepsI've been thinking a lot about steps. Taking Steps. Baby Steps. Every journey begins with a single step. Etc. When you start on a path in life, there is a time when the paths run parallel. You can look over at the path and have the comfort that it is still waiting for you. That you have a choice. A couple of steps and you are back on that path.<br /><br />But slowly and ever so subtly, the paths start to diverge a little more. There has been no dramatic right turns. You didn't miss the left at Albuquerque. You can even still see it. You know it would be a little harder to get there, a few extra steps, but you still hold the comfort that with a little effort, you could still resume that path.<br /><br />And then one day, you lose sight of the other path. At first, you're not disturbed. You know that you just saw it. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Yesterday</span>. Or maybe the day before. Definitely, no more than two days ago. But the day comes when you can't remember when you last saw it. Is it still there?<br /><br />For me, that is the time that I start to question my path. Did I take the right turns? Did I make the right steps? I often suffer from the grass is greener syndrome and likely I would have these questions whichever path I might have chosen.<br /><br />So what do you do when you find yourself here -- solidly on one path having lost sight of the other? Do you run around the woods looking for the lost path? Do you commit more fully to your current path? Or do you stand frozen wondering which path is the "right" path?Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-39113110854237741692010-07-23T19:03:00.000-07:002010-07-23T21:22:45.887-07:00Day 329 or It's Friday, I'm Fragmented and a Little Bit GreenThe last week have been really listening to the things my kids have had to say -- some silly, some profound, and some just darn funny. So in honor of Friday Fragments, I thought that I would share some wisdom from the mouths of babes.<br /><br />My daughter<a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2010/04/day-245-or-kids-say-beautifulest-things.html"> still speaks </a>a great deal about her grandfather that passed last winter. She also speaks a lot about angels. This week she told me about how she was an angel before she was born. She told me that she was waiting to come to Earth. Now she hasn't been exposed to the Well of Souls so I have no idea where this came from but it was super sincere. She then started an even deeper discussion about how people can be "in her heart". I attempted to explain that when someone dies, they never leave us, that they will always be in our hearts. Well, she then wanted to know how they could get there because her heart was inside. She was concerned that there might not be enough room. It is so sweet how literal she is and reminds of the beauty of child-vision.<br /><br />On the other side of this coin, my son on a completely different day, started a conversation about ghosts. But should you ever need to put into relief the difference between how a six-year old boy thinks from a three year-old girl thinks, here it is. We were in the car and as a good six-year old boy is known to do, he passed gas. I called him on it and he told me that a ghost did it. I answered that ghosts don't have gas. He then replied that they did not have "hineys". He furthered that ghosts also did not go to the bathroom because they did not have penises. So there you go. Important information to know, right?<br /><br />My daughter has also begun telling me that she is too busy for me as she has work. (Personally, her "work" looks more like mess-making than I might prefer, but what are you going to do?) This one hurt a little because I actually went back to work this summer. And, when I make a mistake, she says, "You didn't know, Mommy. You didn't know". So you heard it first here, folks, I didn't know.<br /><br />On a completely different note, I am still having issues with my iPhone after it is was "improved". Since the ill-fated update, the phone says that vibrate is set for sound or silent but it has not worked since the change. Any suggestions?I need my vibration, you know. I know that some of you are tech savvy, if you have ideas, please share.<br /><br />This week, I was inspired by my new IRL friend, <a href="http://abbyandizzysmom.blogspot.com/">Erin</a>, I re-visited my commitment to being <span style="color:#33ff33;">green</span>, I wrote more about it in my other blog<a href="http://coldcomfortliving.blogspot.com/2010/07/its-not-easy-being-green.html"> Cold Comfort Living</a>. I have failed a lot lately but I am ready to do better. I am proud, however, of what we are doing for<a href="http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.204586/?msource=TH1E100009"> Heifer International</a>. The latest tally of $220 buys a goat, two flocks of chicks, and a tree! Yay! That's got be good and <span style="color:#33ff33;">green</span>!<br /><br />Finally, here is my profund thought of the day. I am watching Veggie Tales with my daughter. The veggies are eating fruit. Is that akin to cannibalism? I don't know but it just doesn't seem quite right. Just sayin. :-)<br /><br />So there we are. Check out Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissing Time and join in the Fragmented Fun!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.halfpastkissintime.com/p/friday-fragments.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Mommy's Idea" src="http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w323/CarbaraB/scan00022.jpg" /></a></p>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-53651649430889944382010-07-19T14:08:00.000-07:002010-07-20T19:30:48.847-07:00Day 325 0r We Partied Like It Was 1999Well, if I drank Sangria in 1999 which I did not. I had much cheaper taste buds then. Like Budweiser taste buds. Don't judge.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anycheapbeer</span>, I met three fabulous <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">bloggers</span> plus got to hang out with my new girlfriend, Lee. (You all know Lee. I have already written extensively about my undying passion for <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2010/06/day-295-or-dont-you-love-it-when.html">her</a>). And while we might not have rocked the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Casbah</span>, the Heavens were. A terrific storm broke out and the lights were knocked out and stayed out. But being Moms as we are, we called for pizza, posted mini Hurricane lanterns around the table like a campground and shared stories as if it were a fire.<br /><br />First off, I met two of my all-time <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bloggy</span> loves, Erin from the <a href="http://abbyandizzysmom.blogspot.com/">Mother Load </a>and Tracie from <a href="http://www.stirfryawesomeness.com/">Stir Fry Awesomeness</a>. I have been following these two since I was a baby blogger and they rock. In combo with Lee, I felt like the new girl at school whom the cheerleaders invited over (and not in the cruel joke gone bad turned revenge-horror film kind of way)! They are both super cool and as funny in person as on their brilliant blogs. Also, Erin went off and doubled her donation to <a href="http://heifer.org/">Heifer International </a>from $50 to $100 which I matched. This makes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">her</span> my hero and takes our total to $220! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yay</span>!<br /><br />But that is not all. I met a new blogger who happened to share a lot of East Texas history with my family. It was fun talking to her about shared landmarks and Golden Triangle folks. She is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leiah</span> from <a href="http://www.arustysouthernbelle.com/">A Southern Belle Trying Not to Rust </a>(you've got to love that name, don't you?) She is funny and pure Southern woman. In <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">other words</span>, a great <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lady with</span> whom to share an evening.<br /><br />So all in all, super fun. Thanks, ladies for a great evening and even better conversation!Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-67217516933923444952010-07-17T06:39:00.001-07:002010-07-17T09:03:41.568-07:00Day 323 or Seven Link ChallengeInspired by Tesa over at 2 Wired 2 Tired (a fabulous blog -- if you've not checked her out, go <a href="http://www.2wired2tired.com/">here </a>now!), I checked out <a href="http://www.problogger.net/">ProBlogger </a>who was hosting a fabulous <a href="http://www.problogger.net/archives/2010/07/17/7-links-for-bloggers/">7 Link Challenge</a>. It is an opportunity to look back at your blog as a whole and see what stands out. Think of it as a flashback episode on a sit-com. Of course, the Simpsons would always slyly slam their own flashback shows but I am neither animated nor a part of the most successful animated series ever so I will not slam. I will celebrate. Because you folks know how I love a party!<br /><br />So here are the prompts --<br /><br />1. Your first post -- A <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2009/08/day-one.html">start </a>on this journey<br /><br />2. A post you enjoyed writing the most -- A reflection on a sweet <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2010/01/day-145.html">moment </a>of mommyhood<br /><br />3. A post which had a great discussion -- This was an early <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2009/11/day-sixty-eight-or-dont-stop-believing.html">post </a>that showed me just how lovely fellow bloggers can be<br /><br />4. A post on someone else’s blog that you wish you’d written -- So many to choose from but I went with one of my favorite bloggers in the world -- <a href="http://www.unknownmami.com/2010/02/anemic-and-drunk.html">Unknown Mami </a>and her unique look at how her mom tended to her health<br /><br />5. A post with a title that you are proud of -- A <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2010/03/day-193-or-recipe-for-disaster.html">look </a>at two ladies in my life at very different places<br /><br />6. A post that you wish more people had read -- Just because I love, Love, LOVE this <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2010/04/day-237-or-earth-day-im-heifer-are-you.html">charity </a>sooo much<br /><br />7. Your most visited post ever -- Things I <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2009/12/day-105-or-things-my-mother-said-that-i.html">said </a>that I swore I wouldn't<br /><br />So that's 38 and Growing at a glance. It was fun to look back at where I've been and how much this blog has grown. Thanks to <a href="http://www.problogger.net/">Problogger </a>for the walk down memory lane. (BTW, not sure how I went almost a year blogging without visiting you but I will definitely be back!)Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-29516315911419907162010-07-14T21:49:00.000-07:002010-07-14T22:18:14.506-07:00Day 321 or Wordless Wednesday -- Summer FunI haven't participated in Wordless Wednesday for a while so I thought that I would hop on board today with a few pictures of my kids enjoying their summer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAm8ntBvYhP3-hCuTjJJWPgQ3TyEeKV9YkmHhhNGiEeFdSCHYUBuWJ91jJOTBJQc_bv2A4Hn7NSX5oSwxStDgNwYR15F01u23vKBPq4wBEoMR41xJnL0d56cM-SNUkxIh7tmPH0nYYfs/s1600/5Minutes.png"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRjciYW15Ad56zYvtYms1jJ4WRU1sOHUccPxbNKgsuv5htAvLEUyFbjCdPJiTsMgydt5kBiRHLqJyez7KVeW2E7Z2h1niowBHMjF5z7VM1DScYBMvJrTRsvTQYrzhrr6kj_q7RIRCrus/s1600/SF1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493992279499210082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRjciYW15Ad56zYvtYms1jJ4WRU1sOHUccPxbNKgsuv5htAvLEUyFbjCdPJiTsMgydt5kBiRHLqJyez7KVeW2E7Z2h1niowBHMjF5z7VM1DScYBMvJrTRsvTQYrzhrr6kj_q7RIRCrus/s320/SF1.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div>Gotta love a splash pool!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCQbkSU5OLGbgW8X8JIGrreXOUbKLsnoFF3aNUMaxMKq9hcNMGSEr8UTkRHU76zoFXYqPP5xq0cyXmvMfVGGfSjxA4-VpYpX_ildPybJjYBcpucE32ry09s8OjtBMGqek9bx91SvYitk/s1600/SF2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493992260532447250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCQbkSU5OLGbgW8X8JIGrreXOUbKLsnoFF3aNUMaxMKq9hcNMGSEr8UTkRHU76zoFXYqPP5xq0cyXmvMfVGGfSjxA4-VpYpX_ildPybJjYBcpucE32ry09s8OjtBMGqek9bx91SvYitk/s320/SF2.JPG" /></a> It's a smile, I promise. First day at theater camp.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cYLQzUOY1SRLL-CZ43jKitLUq4OpyCSBrAJ7T6TmhnaWtHDThqiLUj0UsKHXUMoUjthDc3I-ZmBH4DHY9NE2iXqHKU6zDjIJkFLfdRK1rSQENHVXJ05zuq1kl7bUZ05iCViB33qEVvY/s1600/SF3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493992257173332546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cYLQzUOY1SRLL-CZ43jKitLUq4OpyCSBrAJ7T6TmhnaWtHDThqiLUj0UsKHXUMoUjthDc3I-ZmBH4DHY9NE2iXqHKU6zDjIJkFLfdRK1rSQENHVXJ05zuq1kl7bUZ05iCViB33qEVvY/s320/SF3.JPG" /></a><br />First day at swim lessons.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY6R0Pe_tc1LvYpE7wPJIiJxudVs5-joyxM5Ze3O2aST0l_4sSsc3-CNvU3A7fByJF4Er8oqOYK8V-49j3W-yEaWoMXS_OmmMEVS_YrEVlOQwUuzMWV9tsWMNkkeUzJm3Cgl0zZXBT90/s1600/SF4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493992246985452850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY6R0Pe_tc1LvYpE7wPJIiJxudVs5-joyxM5Ze3O2aST0l_4sSsc3-CNvU3A7fByJF4Er8oqOYK8V-49j3W-yEaWoMXS_OmmMEVS_YrEVlOQwUuzMWV9tsWMNkkeUzJm3Cgl0zZXBT90/s320/SF4.JPG" /></a><br />So that's our fun. Join the others at <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/">Five Minutes for Mom</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAm8ntBvYhP3-hCuTjJJWPgQ3TyEeKV9YkmHhhNGiEeFdSCHYUBuWJ91jJOTBJQc_bv2A4Hn7NSX5oSwxStDgNwYR15F01u23vKBPq4wBEoMR41xJnL0d56cM-SNUkxIh7tmPH0nYYfs/s1600/5Minutes.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493996132098478514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAm8ntBvYhP3-hCuTjJJWPgQ3TyEeKV9YkmHhhNGiEeFdSCHYUBuWJ91jJOTBJQc_bv2A4Hn7NSX5oSwxStDgNwYR15F01u23vKBPq4wBEoMR41xJnL0d56cM-SNUkxIh7tmPH0nYYfs/s320/5Minutes.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Also, with my husband being away so much this summer, my kids have been super needy and of course, as much as I love blogging, "Mommy" comes first. So if I haven't been around much lately, it's not that I don't love you. I am working my way around the neighborhood just more slowly than normal. </div></div></div></div></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-76912007194313300022010-07-12T12:55:00.000-07:002010-07-12T18:09:38.800-07:00Day 319 or File This Under "W"File this under "W" for "What the Freckle?" !!! Let me just warn you -- this is not a heart-warming look at motherhood kind of post, or a change the world inspirational post. No, this is a rant.<br /><br />Last night, I was syncing my iPhone with my new computer. And I was tempted by the little button informing me that I was not up-to-date. What? Has this computer seen my closet? I'm never out of season so I certainly can't be out of date. So I pushed that little button which embarked me on a four hour odyssey.<br /><br />And much like Homer's Odyssey of old, there were a few unexpected bumps and bruises along the way. But unlike Odysseus, I did not finally arrive back to all I had before.<br /><br />First off, let me warn you fellow non-techies (Computer geeks may tune out for this paragraph). If you are syncing with a new computer, make sure that you have "authorized" that computer before starting the process. I thought that I had but evidently had not. This is VERY important. Because when iTunes told me that I had not properly executed such directive, it was at the point of telling me that all my purchased items could not be transferred to the library. Point of fact for those of you interested, this is TOO late. I have lost all my apps. UGH!!!!!<br /><br />Now you might say that is a steep sacrifice but you now have the most up-to-date (old) iPhone possible. But what did I get for that? I got a phone that looks wet. I'm not kidding. It looks like water is under the screen. And that's what a mother of two young kids wants to see -- droplets of water on her iPhone. What "genius" over at Apple came up with that?<br /><br />In fairness, I must say that the new facebook app I could now download was awesome. And I love that I can send photos with texts. But please!!! Not a fair trade for all my apps plus all my settings, thank you!<br /><br />Okay. I feel a little better now. At least, until I unlock my phone and see all the black screen where apps were. And then the hex on Steve Jobs is SOOOO back on! (Just kidding. I'm not a stalker or anything. Well not a stalker in the real world. Virtual stalking doesn't count, right? LOL!)Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-31827465764486684892010-07-11T20:09:00.000-07:002010-07-11T20:40:25.248-07:00Day 318 or If it's Sunday it Must be HoustonHi guys! This is a quickie so you don't think I jumped the blogging ship. I owe many of you a visit and I know that I have promised the second half of my wrap up. The truth is, however, I have been in three cities in four days with both kids in tow and I am some kind of crazy. Not Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" pretending to be crazy or Winona Ryder as misunderstood "Girl, Interrupted" crazy or even Hannibal Lector super smart evil villain crazy but flat-out padded room, talking to herself, hair on end CRA to the Z!<br /><br />So in honor of that, I will give you a little Patsy Cline to tide you over until the "cr" in my life spells creative rather than crazy.<br /><br />Crazy, I'm crazy for feeling so lonely<br />I'm crazy, crazy for feeling so blue<br />I knew you'd love me as long as you wanted<br />And then someday you'd leave me for somebody new<br /><br />Worry, why do I let myself worry?<br />Wond'ring what in the world did I do?<br />Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you<br />I'm crazy for trying and crazy for crying<br /><br />And I'm crazy for loving you<br />Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you<br />I'm crazy for trying and crazy for crying<br />And I'm crazy for loving you.<br /><br />Thanks to all of you for the birthday wishes, the support for my new projects, LOL love, and all around awesome cheers for little old moi! You guys make me feel like a rock star or maybe a la Ellen, you make me feel like dancing.<br /><br />You've got a cute way of talking<br />You got the better of me<br />Just snap your fingers and I'm walking<br />Like a dog hanging on your lead<br />I'm in a spin you know<br />Shaking on string you know<br /><br />You make me feel like dancing<br />I'm gonna dance the night away<br />You make me feel like dancing<br />I'm gonna dance the night away<br />You make feel like dancing<br />I feel like dancing dancing dance the night away<br />I feel like dancing dancing ahhh<br /><br />Quarter to four in the morning<br />I ain't feeling tired no no no no no<br />Just hold me tight and leave on the light<br />'cause I don't want to go home<br />You put a spell on me<br />I'm right where you want me to be<br /><br />You make me feel like dancing<br />I want to dance the night away<br />You make me feel like dancing<br />I'm gonna dance the night away<br />You make feel like dancing<br />I feel like dancing dancing dance the night away<br />I feel like dancing dancing<br /><br />You take me higher<br />I'm gonna catch on fire 'cause<br />You make me feel like dancing<br /> I wanna dance the night away<br />You make me feel like dancing<br /> I'm gonna dance my life away<br />I feel like dancing dancing dance the night away<br />I feel like dancing dancing dance the night away<br />I feel like dancing dancing dance the night away<br />I feel like dancing dancing ahhh<br /><br />You really slipped me a potion<br />I can't get off of the floor<br />All this perpetual motion<br />You gotta give me some more<br />You gotta give me some more<br />And if you'll let me stay we'll dance our lives away<br />You make me feel like dancing I wanna dance my life away<br />You make me feel like dancing I wanna dance my life away<br />You make me feel like dancing I wanna dance my life away<br />I feel you make me feel like dancing<br /><br />Now see. You got two for the price of one and if you count the songs it wasn't such a short post. All right. All right. It was cheating but more in the vain of Princeton Review than a full on scribbling on the inside of your arm cheat. Right? Well that's my story and I'm sticking with it.<br /><br />Good night. Bon soir. Buenos noches. Ahhh, you get the idea. Sweet dreams to my friends on this side of the Greenwich Meridian and a guten tag, g'day and good morning to those on the other side.Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-430005442750944712010-07-07T16:33:00.000-07:002010-07-08T14:31:28.938-07:00Day 314 or I Almost Forgot That I'm Funny<a target="_blank"></a> <p align="center"><a href="http://livingwithlaughter.com/"><img src="http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj191/robinm61/LOLOL-1.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br />Laffy Lady has hooked me up over at <a href="http://livingwithlaughter.com/">LOL </a>and I almost forgot!!!! I have had it on my calendar FOREVER but my mommy brain forgot to look at the calendar. Whatcha gonna do?<br /><br />Please check me out over there -- she has a fabulous site that is dedicated to the sit-down comedians (that's bloggers, y'all). I submitted a story of my son's crazy rendition of the Pilgrims meeting the Indians. So check me out <a href="http://livingwithlaughter.com/?p=2058">there</a>.<br /><br />And no I haven't forgotten -- Part Two is one its way! See you soon.Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-57702980513172041112010-07-06T07:20:00.000-07:002010-08-26T12:03:37.473-07:00Day 313 or Turning the Page, Part OneWell, settle in folks because this is going to be a long one.<br /><br />So it is my birthday -- yay, yay, yay! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the much beloved author of the award-winning blog "38 and Growing" has turned 39. (I know, obnoxious, huh? After years of reading about people I knew written up by publicists, I thought that I would be my own publicist. LOL) Anyreality, it is my day. And I am celebrating. And who knows how to celebrate better than the Beatles?<br /><br />You say it's your birthday<br />It's my birthday too--yeah<br />They say it's your birthday<br />We're gonna have a good time<br />I'm glad it's your birthday<br />Happy birthday to you.<br /><br />Yes we're going to a party party<br />Yes we're going to a party party<br />Yes we're going to a party party.<br /><br />I would like you to dance--Birthday<br />Take a cha-cha-cha-chance-Birthday<br />I would like you to dance--Birthday<br />Dance<br /><br />You say it's your birthday<br />Well it's my birthday too--yeah<br />You say it's your birthday<br />We're gonna have a good time<br />I'm glad it's your birthday<br />Happy birthday to you.<br /><br />Now I promised you a party. And to start this party, I have a winner to announce. The winner of the $40 CSN gift card is... (Insert drum roll here.)<br /><br />Debbie from <a href="http://www.suburbsanity.com/">Suburb Sanity</a>. Yay, Debbie. Sometimes it works out great to be the first commenter!<br /><br />And there is more to celebrate than my birthday. You guys really came through on my Heifer challenge! Here's how the math broke down...<br /><br />18 Comments = $18.00<br />(The Amazing) Erin of Mother Load's Donation = $50.00<br />My Donation Match = $50.00<br />(My REALLY amazing) Son's Donation = $2.00 -- Yes, he donated two of his own dollars. So proud. SOOOOO Proud!<br /><br />TOTAL: $120.00 which buys a goat, And here is what <a href="http://www.heifer.org/#">Heifer International</a> has to say about the wonders a goat can do.<br /><br />Goat<br />Goats Are Great for Families<br /><br />The gift of a dairy goat represents a lasting, meaningful way for you to help a little boy or girl on the other side of the world.<br /><br />Goats can thrive in extreme climates and on poor, dry land by eating grass and leaves. The gift of a dairy goat can supply a family with up to several quarts of nutritious milk a day - a ton of milk a year. Extra milk can be sold or used to make cheese, butter or yogurt. Families learn to use goat manure to fertilize gardens.<br /><br />Goats often have two or three kids a year making it easy for Heifer recipients to pass on the gift of a goat to another family in need. This great investment allows our partners to lift themselves out of poverty by starting small dairies that earn money for food, health care and education.<br /><br />So pretty darn awesome, right?<br /><br />And over the past year, I have had so much to celebrate. This may not be the Oscars but here is my moment on the stage to say thanks. Thanks to everyone who has been along for the ride. Whether you stopped by once or once a day, you made the journey all the better. Thanks to everyone who has supported me, showered me with awards, listened to me whine (yes, I said whine, I know I have on occasion), given my tears a shoulder, and my wins a "Whoo-Hoo!".<br /><br />Thanks to CSN for allowing me to give away some fun stuff and thanks to eShakti for a beautiful dress to play with. Well there are so many thank yous that I will have to have a page two to turn. Many awards to acknowledge (some new, some HORRIBLY overdue!)<br /><br />Remember those two men that I bragged on for Father's day? Look what they conspired together to get me for this birthday...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF24iGt1A7D1-hJsoVNhjw2jeHTZcv-IFc19KsfwsIJQ0NxuXuHfuoBsCxoOY4FUQ0p4WxUM2NAeKdqC7WvSLe_j5uuVErPtO3p4OgLeMKO5az7ReT35NV2xEV1GaMtrm-mOQPP2cQIME/s1600/Computer+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491027033712374018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF24iGt1A7D1-hJsoVNhjw2jeHTZcv-IFc19KsfwsIJQ0NxuXuHfuoBsCxoOY4FUQ0p4WxUM2NAeKdqC7WvSLe_j5uuVErPtO3p4OgLeMKO5az7ReT35NV2xEV1GaMtrm-mOQPP2cQIME/s320/Computer+1.jpg" /></a> So light. So cute.<br /><br />Only 3 Strawberry Shortcakes tall.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEn-QLyNh-5P3SiYucg_CyU2LLO91-krsX43lojTuXdiHNacBr0xFW1rRmtXJRUuiFbxSFXymtRDGgM-MmMsBCQMQokH4PqpWv5W0wreqXf94EbvDAesMsUN4rqJbVrzrVtcj9JOTE1xw/s1600/Computer+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491027021598670034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEn-QLyNh-5P3SiYucg_CyU2LLO91-krsX43lojTuXdiHNacBr0xFW1rRmtXJRUuiFbxSFXymtRDGgM-MmMsBCQMQokH4PqpWv5W0wreqXf94EbvDAesMsUN4rqJbVrzrVtcj9JOTE1xw/s320/Computer+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My husband said it was a perfect blogging laptop. How much do I love these guys??? Another huge thank you there!<br /><br /><div>I have so many blessings, my plate is full. I am going to San Antonio tomorrow for an exciting opportunity brought to me by blogging. It's still a secret now but I can't wait to share it. I am now an eShakti affiliate, as well. So many great things that 38 and Growing has brought me. But best of all is you -- my blogging friends. So much more to say. Much more to come. But here's what you have all been waiting for...</div><br /><div>My new in real life friend and long time blogging inspiration Lee over at <a href="http://www.headacheshormonesandhotflashes.com/">Headaches, Hormones & Hot Flashes</a>, is going to help me make a proper blog so I am currently under construction, but I wanted to share the name of my new blog -- <a href="http://starinmyownuniverse.blogspot.com/">A Star in My Own Universe</a>. It's a nod to my past career aspirations and the fact that I spin in my own orbit (We have already established that I am a little weird. It's okay, I know this about myself!). So stick with me a little while longer here while I get it all straight over there.<br /></div><div>Whew! That was a long one with more to come. But the clock just clicked my birthday away so I'm letting the keys rest. See you on the next page.</div></div></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-51155593411651436142010-07-04T21:27:00.000-07:002010-08-26T12:04:14.428-07:00Day 311 or Sundays in My City, July 4th EditionOkay, I'm not nearly so grumpy -- we're all in the same city, yay!And it is a holiday to boot. My airman had to work, however, so we went to him. Here he is showing my little patriots around,<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qo8SQsDbInpNfN_pgZ13ZC5RrlXYY-n2c1rjJStgu_jh3jghClIZRsk5S40qU998OTz-E-eOsavfGjaP8VQx-7k4j3YsaG7JIfoMUTmJaKLLP8IpvAUds1yufSlYASMBkdMF6vzJQ4Q/s1600/4th+1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490275028471721666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qo8SQsDbInpNfN_pgZ13ZC5RrlXYY-n2c1rjJStgu_jh3jghClIZRsk5S40qU998OTz-E-eOsavfGjaP8VQx-7k4j3YsaG7JIfoMUTmJaKLLP8IpvAUds1yufSlYASMBkdMF6vzJQ4Q/s320/4th+1.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ai_Wn2k-0iETm7rwCtvW083Y8KJ03HUJeHptaAZVYF22dJWJf2fBGqdFSVedYis5UH24lumHAUb5ijgKoADmQL2ZEtEaf5xDFYopqUXYak69cQECs3DhTtaJfb-SWcEm-RSJRzezMtQ/s1600/4th+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490275017095911346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ai_Wn2k-0iETm7rwCtvW083Y8KJ03HUJeHptaAZVYF22dJWJf2fBGqdFSVedYis5UH24lumHAUb5ijgKoADmQL2ZEtEaf5xDFYopqUXYak69cQECs3DhTtaJfb-SWcEm-RSJRzezMtQ/s320/4th+2.jpg" /></a> Happy Fourth of July to everyone. I am proud to be an American and proud of my husband who serves this country,<br /><br />Please join my friend, <a href="http://www.unknownmami.com/">Unknown Mami </a>at her newly upgraded blog for her Meme of all Memes, Sundays in My City.<br /><center><a href="http://www.unknownmami.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Unknown Mami" src="http://i610.photobucket.com/albums/tt184/UnknownMami/SundaysinmyCity.jpg" /></a></center><center></center><div align="left">Finally, please remember that tomorrow night is the last chance to enter my fabulous <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2010/06/day-307-or-its-party-and-youre-invited.html">CSN giveaway</a> and to join my <a href="http://38andgrowing.blogspot.com/2010/04/day-237-or-earth-day-im-heifer-are-you.html">Heifer International Support challenge</a>. Tuesday is the big birthday and I will be full of announcements. I also have lots of thank yous coming, some very overdue.</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719691827445826902.post-5531024788764741992010-07-02T21:54:00.000-07:002010-07-02T22:19:08.286-07:00Day 309 or Hurricane, Thy Name is IsabellaSo you may have noticed that this week I have not fared so well with my promise to post daily. It has been one hurricane of a week. Now that Alex has proven to be a non-event for us Texans (I am sorry for those who have suffered in Central America), I feel I can vent a little about how this little hurricane has wreaked big havoc on my life.<br /><br />My husband was not home a full two days before he was called to one city for this storm. A city away from his family. Two days later when we had made a plan to join in him in that city, he was sent to yet another city. This is confusing and frustrating for adults. It is hard for my steadfast six year old son. It has been out and out devastating to my daughter.<br /><br />She does not understand any of it. What she knows is that she is now spending the better part of a third week away from her dad. She understands that the plans keep changing. She understands that her routine is gone, her life is in flux, and basically nothing is normal. In three year old terms, this is more Category Five than One.<br /><br />And what I understand is that she is as unpredictable as a rogue wave or pop-up tornado. Her emotions are as choppy and uneven as the waves raging in the Gulf (okay maybe I need to chill on the Hurricane metaphors) and I literally can't keep up. One minute she is her lovely self and without warning her war flags are waving (technically nautical, not Hurricane!) or she is dissolved into tears for the slightest infraction by her brother or myself.<br /><br />Tomorrow afternoon, he should get the all clear and we should reunite together under one roof for at least week. Until then, batten the hatches (again, really nautical) and say a prayer for me because this captain is tired, looking for her "Candle on the Water" so she may pull this ship in for the night.<br /><br /><br />I'll be your candle on the water<br />My love for you will always burn<br />I know you're lost and drifting<br />But the clouds are lifting<br />Don't give up you'll have somewhere to turn<br /><br />I'll be your candle on the water<br />'Till ev'ry wave is warm and bright<br />My soul is there beside you<br />Let this candle guide you<br />Soon you'll see a golden stream of light<br /><br />A cold and friendless tide has found you<br />Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down<br />I'll paint a ray of hope around you<br />Circling in the air<br />Lighted by a prayer<br /><br />I'll be your candle on the water<br />This flame inside of me will grow<br />Keep holding on you'll make it<br />Here's my hand so take it<br />Look for me reaching out to show<br />As sure as rivers flow<br />I'll never let you go<br />I'll never let you go<br />I'll never let you go...<br /><br /><br />P.S. For those of you who know my blog well, I did consider Styx's "Come Sail Away" but good old Helen's anthem from Pete's Dragon won out by a nose. Maybe tomorrow night I will be set for smooth sailing and then I might be ready to sail away to freedom with DeYoung and crew. 'Til then, smooth sailing to you and yours.Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14266639444882900212noreply@blogger.com4