Pay it Forward

Do you remember how fun it was to get mail when you were a kid? Blogging has returned that joy to me. Getting the mail had become a drag- just bills, bills and more bills. I’ve decided kids can get excited about mail because it’s never bills. It’s just cards or gifts or fun surprises. Blogging can put fun things in your mailbox again!

I recently won the Pay it Forward drawing over at Mocha with Linda’s and now it’s my turn to pass along the fun. I've seen a couple of different ways of doing this - giving a handcrafted gift to the first 3 people or the way Linda did it, drawing for one prize not to exceed $15.

Since my best only crafting is done in the kitchen and that really doesn't seem too appropriate for unseen friends, I thought I'd give away a $10 gift card. I chose Starbucks, partly because of an already colorful history with people paying it “backward” in Starbucks lines. One news story on the phenomenon is Here. But you can choose between Starbucks, Target or Chic-fil-A. If money is tight and you win – you can always just pay it forward by sending it on!

So here are the rules:
1. Leave a comment on this post by midnight Thursday (3/12/09).
2. In your comment, indicate which gift card you would like.
3. If you win, you continue to Pay It Forward by doing some sort of giveaway on your blog.

I'll post the winner Friday!

Every Monday Matters

This 3 minute movie by the folks at Simple Truths has given me an idea to incorporate into my 40 day journey with Everyday Epiphanies. I’ll let you know this Friday which one I chose and how it went. (Hint: It’s not blood donation. I think I’ve told you the Blood Mobile staff politely suggested there are other ways for me to make a difference.)

Keeping it Simple – Saturday Stirrings

I’ve never liked making soup. Until I found the way to make delicious soup with just 3 ingredients. Really. The secret is Bear Creek Soup Mix. Just add water. I also add some fresh vegetables. I started with the Creamy Potato and we really liked it. It’s sheer magic how a dried soup mix can be so creamy and rich.

We went to a Super Bowl party where the hostess offered 4 different kinds of soup. I was impressed, but she laughed and confessed they were from Bear Creek soup mix. My favorite that night was Broccoli Cheddar and I’ve made it several times since. It’s not as fattening as it sounds. One cup has 170 calories, 7 grams of fat and 1 gram of fiber. That’s just 4 weight watcher points and it’s filling. Granted, that doesn't compete with Carol's ZERO point soup! Go on over to Saturday Stirrings for the recipe.

Everyday Epiphanies- Week 2

Generosity of the spirit is not measured in this world’s currency. One can always afford to be extravagantly kind.

As I venture into the second week of Everyday Epiphanies, I am acutely aware of the power of my words. It costs nothing to speak encouragement to those in our lives. Probably because of the seminar on marriage I gave last week, I’ve even been more aware of telling my husband all the things I appreciate about him. What a powerful exercise.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold, in settings of silver. - Proverbs 25:11

I’ve noticed I'm not procrastinating on doing the small things that come to mind to do for others during this 40 day focus. Good intentions are not the same as the gift of time to write a note or make a phone call. Not procrastinating is major progress for me.

Attitude is the aroma of the heart. You can be a pleasant fragrance everywhere you go.
Focusing on Everyday Epiphanies is good for my heart and my attitude.

Have you had any experiences with Everyday Epiphanies that you’ve shared on your blog? Then link on up below, or leave a comment. My favorite math rule is this: A problem shared is cut in half and a joy shared is multipled by 2!

Blogging Without Obligation

Here's a great list that makes me feel free. · Because you shouldn't have to look at your blog like it's a treadmill.
· Because it's okay to just say what you have to say. If that makes for a long post, fine. Short post, fine. Frequent post, fine. Infrequent post, fine.
· Because its okay to not always be enthralled with the sound of your own typing.
· Because sometimes less is more.
· Because they are probably not going to inscribe your stat, link and comment numbers on your tombstone.
· Because for most of us blogging is just a hobby. A way to express yourself and connect with others. You should not have to apologize for lapses in posts. Just take a step back and enjoy life, not everything you do has to be "bloggable".
· Because if you blog without obligation you will naturally keep your blog around longer, because it won't be a chore. Plus, just think you will be doing your part to eradicate post pollution. One post at a time. . .

Now that you are free from obligation, I have a question that popped up while I was reading someone's blog housekeeping rules. (Blech- I don't like housework much.)
Computers crash and I'm certain blogs have been lost. I've never backed anything up from my blog. I wouldn't want all of it but there would be regrets if I lost it all. Do you back up your blog? If so, how do you do it?

"I Love Jesus But I Drink A Little"

Just to thin the blood, ya know. I got your attention with this didn't I?? I really didn't plan to post today, but I just got such a good laugh from watching this video, I had to share. Here's to Gladys....

Year of the Scarf

It’s freezing even in Florida this morning so I figured it’s a great day for a scarf. They make me warm. And unlike a turtleneck, if I start to feel stifled I can loosen it or take it off. I didn’t wear scarves much until this year, so I guess it really is the year of the scarf.

Rachel at Unexpected Blessings is hosting a blog carnival and it seemed like a great idea to join in until I started trying to take the photos. LOL.

This might be basic information to you, but I find a plain-neck solid top is the easiest thing to wear a scarf with. I love that it takes something plain and makes it more of an outfit. This first scarf I bought this year on sale at Ann Taylor Loft, one of my favorite stores.The second scarf is a little harder to wear because it’s short, but my mom made it for me and I really like it. She’s really handy with a needle. (That inclination totally skipped me.) I love jewel tones; bright, rich colors make me happy.
Photographers know better to than to make it look like your ceiling fan is a headdress, but I’m not a photographer. For more scarf inspiration, visit Rachel’s place. Happy Monday!