Sweet is the Word

"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea sweeter than honey to my mouth!" -Psalms 119:103

I spotted these cute scripture treats on Pinterest a while ago and wanted to make some for my Primary class. Well, today was the day. It was cold and rainy outside so naturally my crafting sensibilities were itching to lay hands on paint, scissors, and glue. I totally believe in make-it-work moments (a la Tim Gunn) so when I couldn't find any black card stock thick enough I just painted some Christmas chipboard black. Problem solved. I also had only white ribbon thin enough, and thanks to a helpful suggestion, applied a few strokes of green, blue, and maroon Sharpee to create colorful bookmarks. Another crafting crisis successfully averted. Now if only they'd actually remember to bring their Books of Mormon to class.

Black Founding Fathers

As it's Black History month I thought I'd share one of the most interesting and educational things I've seen on the black founding fathers of our country from historian, David Barton (via Glenn's previous TV show on Fox News). He's an incredible wealth of information and dynamic speaker. We're definitely blessed to have him here in Texas.

Why has such vital history been virtually erased from the educational system? Had you heard these incredible stories? Have your children been taught about these critical founders in schools today? Quiz them and find out for yourself.

Valentino

Source: quickmeme.com via SarahKeleise on Pinterest

"Here's to the husbands who've won you, the losers who've lost you, and the lucky ba#$%rds who've yet to meet you." (-Nick, The Wedding Date) I think that pretty well sums it up.

* * *

Also, developing news on the moonlighting front. (sidebar: "Moonlighting" was a great show, eh? Back when Bruce Willis had hair...ahhh) Details forthcoming so stay tuned...

Stumping in Collin

Rick Santorum was on fire tonight.

He made three campaign stump stops today in Collin County, the first in my own backyard (although I missed it because of work). I did, however, make his final event a priority. I raced over straight after work and arrived two and a half hours early before the line even began to form. Apparently my county is the fourth highest Republican voting county in the state which is why he was scheduled to be here.

The line quickly began to form and I met several wonderful, like-minded people while waiting. Very radical religious extremists: Tea Party members, Catholics, Glenn Beck fans, and a Cuban (oh my!). There was a decent warm up band who played for about an hour as we were compacted like sardines into the Fairview Farms party barn. Finally the moment arrived: Rick Santorum in the flesh. And he looked EXACTLY like he does on TV. He was humble and confidant. Steadfast and determined. Unaffected and sincere. He was also joined by his wife and nineteen year-old son. Before leaving he graciously accepted this white cowboy hat from our local Rep and made his way across the front of the crowd. I snapped this picture as he approached and noticed he was bombarded with extended hands all down low. I go-go gadget-handed over three layers of people and extended a high handshake to which he also stretched out across and shook my hand.

Now that's the kind of man I can vote for.

Pure Imagination

Another of my go-to classic movies is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the original not the creepy Johnny Depp remake. Granted, Gene Wilder was admittedly bonkered out of his wits while filming (actually doesn't recall much at all) but who are we to judge. I just adore it. Besides the fantastical musical score there are priceless life lessons about right and wrong including greed, gum chewing etiquette, TV watching habits, correct food choices, and caring for others smaller and oranger than ourselves. Mr. Wonka can do no wrong.

Source: imgfave.com via SarahKeleise on Pinterest

"So shines a good deed in a weary world."

Flames!

To celebrate my 800th post, holy ginormous number Batman, I decided to share one of my all-time favorite quotable movie lines. I think we can all use a few moments of unadulterated ridiculocity. If you're a Clueniesta like I am you'll be very familiar. Madeline Kahn's portrayal of Mrs. White is genius--pure genius.

As you're well aware I blog for my own selfish purposes (aka to keep some semblance of sanity) and delight, astonishingly, if anyone else happens to linger on my ramblings. It's been a wild ride and I look forward to the next 800 posts. Cheers!

P.S. Happy Groundhog's Day!
P.S. Happy Groundhog's Day!

The Accidental Country Girl

Apparently I'm the late-comer to the phenomenon that is the Pioneer Woman. I've enjoyed her new show on the Food Network and love how Wonder Womanesque she seems--wife, mother, writer, blogger, cook, homeschooler, photographer, and accidental country girl. Her style is easy going and no fuss while still impressive and delicious. Although I find myself constantly distracted by her hair, those dimples are precious as can be. You've gotta love a real woman who's managed to build an empire from her passions.

For detailed instructions and recipe see her lovely website for tonight's Sunday night snack: Apple Brown Betty. Additional apples were added for this batch plus cinnamon. I've noticed she inexplicably omits cinnamon from her recipes. She even had a fabulous giveaway on her blog that I just missed. Drats.

From Page 15

"So many of us believe we are alone in our shortcomings and fears and challenges and questions and hopes and dreams that we must keep ourselves undercover, lest we be seen for the imperfect people we are. But nothing could be further from the truth. There is far more that connects us than separates us. We are all struggling. We are all on difficult, sometimes tortuous, journeys that are really meant--designed, in fact, by God--to lead us to the best in ourselves." (Beck & Ablow, The 7, Seven Wonders That Will Change Your Life)

State of Division

Oooohhhhhhhhhhhh, I could hardly stomach the entire speech tonight. Lie after lie after lie after lie, not to mention the half-truths, wordsmithing, and spin. My blood pressure can't take much more of this. Tonight it was more executive orders, more debt, more power (call Congress and say NO! to the Consolidation Authority Act), more savior measures, and more historic rhetoric all in his special patronizing tone. What ever happened to:

Source: Uploaded by user via SarahKeleise on Pinterest

By far the highlight was when the orator in chief blathered about allegedly approving less regulation than Bush and the camera zoomed super close up on Senator Lieberman's face just as he was commenting to whomever was seated on his left. (forward to 43:50) You can clearly read his lips: "...son of a b%^#h..."! Whaaaa... After extensive review there's no mistaking it.

This speech was all over the place, disjointed and disingenuous, with all the campaign talking points in between. In the meantime ol' 43 GW was being pestered by another whackjob. Update: false alarm.

Agency

So this month in Primary we've been talking about agency, our freedom to choose, and the inseparable consequences that come with choice. Last week during Sharing Time we were discussing the Plan of Salvation and the point was brought up that even in our premortal life we were presented with the opportunity to choose to follow Heavenly Father's plan demonstrating how eternal and fundamental the principle of choice is and always has been. For some reason that concept resonated with me. Kind of a "hidden treasures of knowledge" moment, if you will. If agency is so vital to the Plan then, subsequently, that also sheds new light on the importance our choices here on earth truly are. Just a thought.

Pod & Pew

While ordering my new little friend (below) online tonight I received an unknown number call from New York City. This always makes me giddy.

Source: encrypted-tbn3.google.com via SarahKeleise on Pinterest

This time it was the non partisan think tank, Pew Research Center, offering $20 for my opinions on a variety of topics like race, politics, religion, jobs, education, etc. At the beginning they asked a series of questions in order to categorize my data based on ethnicity. I quickly surmised they were targeting people of Asian heritage so I quickly highlighted my Chinese ancestry. Soon thereafter it was rapid fire questioning to make the Spanish Inquisition seem like child's play.

Do you think the country will be worse off in 30 years? Which country will be the world's super power in 30 years? What countries do your parents come from? Do you send money to either of those home countries? Do you meditate? How many times a day do you pray? Do you have a sacred temple or shrine in your home? Do you believe in a heaven? Do you believe in a hell where people will be punished for the things they do wrong? Do you believe in reincarnation? Do you celebrate the lunar new year? Have you ever been discriminated against because of your heritage? Would you be concerned if your child married someone of another Asian descent? How do you think racial relations is between Chinese and blacks? Do you think parental involvement in education is important? Do you think parental involvement in selecting a mate is important? Have you ever solved neighborhood problems with members of your community? Do you believe immigrants are hard-working and add to the country or people who take American jobs?

And so on and so forth, but it was still kinda fun. Representin' for my Chinese people, yo.

Spooky

Today Obama asked for more power. Uh, no! I don't care what he alleges it's for. He may initially use it to consolidate a handful of federal agencies but then what else will he do? What will his left hand be quietly doing while he's distracting the American people with his rhetoric about bipartisan streamlining? And as we've all seen broken promises of transparency time and time again, I don't trust him. It's just that simple. So, in a word, Congress: no.

Happy Friday the thirteenth.

DIY Beauty

So I saw this on Pinterest and wanted to see if it worked as well as those overpriced Bioré strips I used to buy back in the day. Shocker--it does. Baby's bottom and all, although I do have a few tips:

• Use 1.5 T of milk rather than 2 T.
  
• Leave a good inch around your hairline. Or else.
  
• For the sake of peeling it's better to apply liberally than scrimp.
• Don't look too closely at what comes off.

And no, there were no photos taken of this experiment because, unlike the woman in the demo, I am too vain. How's that for self awareness and honesty? Cheers to another successful Pinterest adventure.

ever.

Source: google.com via SarahKeleise on Pinterest

Do You Know About Berga?

I caught the show Hitler's GI Death Camp on NatGeo last week and was astonished. Why didn't I know this?

"If they even got the Americans...then we're lost." - Paul Molnar, Berga survivor

America was the hope they were desperately holding out for. It both sickens and amazes me to see such evil perpetrated against mankind, and yet, observe the resilience and fortitude of the human spirit. And not just to those people over there (aka people who are wholly disconnected to me and my world) but to our very own military members. Our brothers, husbands, and fathers. This is now a dying generation whose tales must be preserved and taught so that history is more than just facts and dates. It truly was hiStory.

Today Glenn talked about a book that uses the example of the holocaust to show how powerfully persuasive deception can be.

Your Attention, Please

Source: milapalermo.tumblr.com via Madeleine on Pinterest

And, indeed, that is exactly what I did this morning. And it felt wonderful. I must admit, however, that I'd nearly forgotten about the holiday until Sunday afternoon. A mess.

So it's that time of year again. The time when we allow the calendar to dictate our guilty conscience and shock us into a submission of all our sins, deadly or otherwise. And every year I err on the side of the overly ambitious in my resolve for self improvement resulting in a terrible heap of failure by February. Not this year.

I've decided in 2012 I will focus on going the extra mile. Not waiting till the end of the month to VT. Paying bills early. Being the first to offer a salutation. Earnestly preparing my Primary lessons with each child in mind. Making preparations to ensure a punctual arrival (an especially difficult task for me). Thinking twice before uttering an unkind judgement. It seems simple enough in theory and, yet, quite a challenge.

On Bended Knee

Alex Boye's performance of "I Want Jesus to Walk With Me" on Glenn's show is extraordinary. Definitely one to share with your friends and keep on REPEAT throughout the holidays and into 2012.

Despite all the sparkly lights, loving gestures, and thoughtful gifts the holidays can still be a difficult time of year for many of us. This time last year I lost my Grandma who I was very close to so, understandably, it's a touch bittersweet. This can be an emotional, memorable, Spirit-filled, sensitive, and sometimes even a haunting season. With that in mind as I listen to this unconventional carol I hear, tucked tenderly between the notes, countless darkened nights of prayer and pleading. Sincere questioning and tearful confession followed by comforting peace and a hopeful joyous dawn.

"...let earth receive her King."

Enchanted

So I found this photo on Pinterest last week and instantly fell in love with it. Who is this angelic Christmas warrior? What is her story?

She appears to be some sort of mysterious Xenaesque figure trudging through the forest, performing her festive duty of claiming the most choice celebratory pine and transporting it home, all the while looking effortlessly stylish with her regal crown, billowing cloak, and majestic mane, I might add. I also applaud the fact that you cannot see her face because it emphasizes the importance of her efforts and her role, not mere superficiality. Whoa, what a concept! To me it demonstrates a woman with confidence, strength, and fortitude. Her gaze is steadfastly forward and unwavering, yet commandingly alone.

I love it! This is the type of role model our young girls should be looking up to. Someone of character and strength. Someone who does the unpopular things who isn't afraid or ashamed to walk the hard road alone. And where are her contemporaries?

If I had my druthers I'd proudly hang a life-sized version in my living room for the whole of December--heck, perhaps even year round for inspiration.

Move over Santa. There's a new sheriff in town.

My Humble Brag

My apologies for the cryptic bits and pieces the last month or so but I was bound (and gagged) to secrecy. Be that as it may, I would still like to at least offer a quick and dirty summary of my whereabouts of late.

So a few months ago Glenn petitioned his radio listeners for skilled volunteers (i.e. web design, writing, etc) for help on his many projects. Music to my ears. I'm in. Whatever the task I'm sure I can figure it out and use it as a chance to shine, right? I mean, my mantra "fake it till you make it" has never let me down so far. Clickity-clackity and off went my email. No word for a month and I actually kinda forgot about it altogether because, frankly, what are the odds.

Then out of the blue I received an email from Joe Kerry, Glenn's Chief of Staff and President of Mercury One, stating I'd been selected for the Mercury One writing team and that our first conference call would be the following day. Shock and utter disbelief. Seriously from zero to sixty in three seconds. Little did I realize then what an extreme pace Glenn keeps. The deadline had been moved up significantly and every day was critical. On the first call Joe explained that our focus was to create content for the Mercury One website and corresponding printed brochures. He gave us a rough outline of the non profit structure, it's mission statement, and vision leaving us with the charge to create content with a deadline of less than a week. He also explained that out of all the people who had responded to Glenn's on-air plea we were the ones he felt would be best suited to capture and portray Glenn's voice. I soon discovered there were around twelve people from across the country selected and I was one of them. So Twilight Zone.

As is my usual method, I pondered and mused for a few days on the assignment. Then I began jotting down some ideas every now and then--at work, in my journal, in an email. Shortly thereafter arrived the inconveniently unexpected kicker. I got sick. My seasonal sinus infection flared up and I was miserable, especially knowing I needed that precious time to write. With my deadline looming closer I gathered together all my fragmented thoughts and pasted them together as best I could in my Mentholatum-induced haze. I turned in my piece and actually received positive feedback directly from Joe. Such an honor. We continued to have calls, collaborate, and suggested feedback. With the impending launch deadline, and what turned out to be my last call, I was again selected from the writing team to be included as one of only four writers on a predominately technical call with the website designers and Facebook team. Afterward we had the opportunity to review the website while still in development to offer suggestions. A labor of love from so many faceless but dedicated patriots.

What an incredible opportunity this was for me. I don't know why I was chosen for such a great experience but I'm enormously grateful. Who knows--maybe there will be other opportunities in the future. Stay tuned for details on my jaunt to Tyler for Glenn's book signing.

Knock It Off!

Way to say it like you mean it, Adam Carolla. Dead on, no holds barred analysis formerly known as common sense.

Entitlement - Work Ethic + Reality = Shame
Shame + Resentment + Anger = Monsters

Gone Fishin'

Taking a little break from the ol' blog while I concentrate all my brain juice on the project at hand. So excited I can hardly contain myself. Really--somebody pinch me (on second thought...). Let's just hope the Creativity Fairy grants my wish so it oozes like melted butter off my fingertips.

So grateful for blessings unmeasured of which this is definitely one. Have a happy Thanksgiving and see y'all in December.

Holding My Breath

Musings

I love this.

I do. I love it in a way that I cannot even begin to articulate.

But there is truth nonetheless--real, agonizing truth of fire, passion, and feeling. Emergence of the tender soul through the effortless strokes and honest, uncrafted formations. It is liberated suffering and snow-capped expectation pooling together with delicate, abiding drops. Soon the life-sustaining fountain forms with the increasing desire and compelling necessity of the author to naturally unfold.

Good Times

I happened upon this the other night and couldn't help myself. What a trip down memory lane. It brought back a ton of memories from the old days.

"One time...two times..."

Bullocks!

As a singer I can say this is by far the nightmare scenario.

Frustratingly helpless. Praying for a speedy and complete recovery for my fav contemporary vocalist.