The Carver One...

...when this becomes available, I am so getting it. How fun would it be to drive this and commute through traffic! It's like driving a car, steering a motorcycle and flying a jet plane. I'm there!! ;-) peace

Happy Friday...

...ok it's a bit early on Friday but I had to work late and I also got back from the movies. I went and saw Oceans 13, um...it's ok... a rental. Life is good here but busy! So my hobbies of golfing and bowling are intensifying and I'm looking to meet more people who are in to that. Found this vid on youtube, it's from a different angle than the one I've posted before. Hope all is well with everyone... ;-) peace

Michael Buble...

...hmmm. He's kinda cute! Life is well here, my friend Greg is doing good and he is in Palm Springs doing lawd knows what! :-) Right now, he is doing Everything. Enjoy. ;-) peace

Ok, so it's been a bit...

...life has been busy. The job is going well, been playing catch up lately. My friend is doing well and my "second dad" is doing better, prognosis isn't great but he's out of the coma at least. All in all, life is wonderful. Hope everyone has a good week and I just needed a bit of eye candy. I'm thinking of quitting my job at Intel and being one of the people who fluffs these guys hair, or rubs in lotion...or anything at all!! ;-) peace

Janet Muirhead Hill is my guest today. She is the author of the acclaimed, young reader/teen series, Miranda and Starlight, about the bond between a girl and her horse. Danny's Dragon, the award-winning story of a ten-year-old boy facing heartache and uncertainty when his father is killed in Iraq. And, if that isn't enough, she is also president of Raven Publishing, Norris, Montana.

MARY: Welcome, Janet. In your Miranda and Starlight series, are you Miranda? And, if so, how much of your childhood translates to the series?

JANET: Thanks, Mary. I am Miranda to the extent that I am whatever character I’m writing about. I get into all of my characters’ heads, experience their trauma and emotion to varying degrees. But Miranda began as a composite of my granddaughter Jayme, for whom I told the story, and a younger me. Many experiences of my daughters and my siblings were integrated along the way. Of course Miranda, with her impulsive nature and tendency to take things into her own hands, much like Jayme’s, takes on a life of her own. Miranda’s fearlessness and willingness to take dares and risks came mostly from me. As a child I was a dreamer. Though I had horses to ride, I longed for a horse of my own. I was determined to own a horse ranch when I grew up, because I had a stronger bond with horses than I had with peers. Jayme, as an eight year old, shared those desires. She lived with me, her grandmother, missed her mom, and had a hard time fitting into a new school. Starlight, the handsome black stallion, is the horse of my childhood daydreams.

MARY: Miranda grows older with each successive book. Was this planned when you wrote Book One?

JANET: No, not really. Each book called for another, and Miranda continued to grow and face new challenges that could not be contained in one book.

MARY: You ended the series with Book Six. How difficult was it to "let go" of Miranda and Starlight?

JANET: I felt that Miranda had grown up through her experiences. The problems and challenges facing her throughout the series were resolved—at least to the extent that the reader could fill in the rest of the story with their own imaginations. However, I haven’t forgotten Miranda. I recently revised the second book, making a few slight changes. It was fun to “be” her again in the process. I have plans to combine the six books in an anthology some day. Young readers still ask for book seven, however, so I haven’t ruled that out. In fact, I just started a blog, Miranda and Starlight Blogspot, inviting kids to talk to Miranda. I let Miranda speak through me, as I write “journal entries” of her experiences prior to the beginning of the story. I can hardly wait to see where it goes when kids become familiar with the blog and write their questions and comments to her.

MARY: Although Miranda faces many challenges, Danny's Dragon focuses on a child's worst nightmare; the loss of a parent. Was this experience based on a true story, or just a composite of the many challenges facing children today?

JANET: All of my stories begin with a “what if,” based on challenges I see kids facing. How would I feel if I were in their shoes? How would I react? This was especially true when writing Danny’s Dragon. I’d seen a news clip on TV of a very young child saying a tearful goodbye to both parents as they were deployed to Iraq. About the same time, I asked Jayme about the new kid on her bus route. “He moved in with his grandparents because his dad is in Iraq,” she told me. I was filled with sadness for the losses these kids were experiencing. I remember how hard it was for me to be separated from my parents at the age of nine, when I stayed with neighbors for a week or two. I thought I’d die of homesickness. That was nothing compared to having a parent sent thousands of miles away into a very dangerous situation. Thousands of kids have a parent missing, and in some cases both parents, because of the war. I became very passionate about speaking to this problem, giving these kids a voice. “What if the parent never returns?” became the next question. Danny’s Dragon answers that through the eyes of a Montana rancher’s son. Like all my stories, the characters take control of the story, and many challenges and adventures pop up. Danny’s horse, Dragon, powered by Danny’s imagination, plays an important role.

MARY: Has your dream of owning a horse ranch come true?

JANET: (Laugh) I made a bet with my brother when I was about 8 or 9 years old, that I would be the one to own a horse ranch. He said he would. We bet five dollars, and neither of us has paid up yet. He owns a cattle ranch and has three or four horses now, but more in the past. Years ago, I raised a few Arabians, though it was hardly big enough to be called the ranch of my dreams. Today I own three horses on our acreage in rural Montana, so no, I’d have to say I never realized that dream. But dreams change, and I’m living my dream daily when I write and publish books.

MARY: And, finally, what is your latest project? Another series?

JANET: Yes, I’m currently working on a trilogy about twins who were separated at the age of four when their parents divorced. I have the first book written (about the girl twin, who at age eleven lives in a foster home in Kansas after her mother’s death—and runs away). The second book (her brother’s story) is well started. Then there will be a third one in which they get together—or at least that’s what I think is going to happen. Like I say, the characters lead the story.

Now that I’ve learned to blog, I thought it would be fun to invite readers to participate in my stories—give me some ideas as I write, present challenges for my characters, for example. With this in mind, I started another blog where I list several projects they can write about. One is the trilogy I mentioned, another is a book and its sequel, which I wrote before the Miranda and Starlight series. When people read the manuscript they say, “You’ve got to publish this book!” So I’m considering it. I could certainly use some help from my readers, however, as it is part fantasy and quite “scary.” At least that’s the reason I’ve put off publishing it. Is it TOO scary for kids? Maybe not for middle-grade or young adults. I’d love to hear from kids to find out. They can find the blog at fictionwritingwithkids.blogspot. There are links to all my blogs on my publishing website: Raven Publishing and soon will be on my author website.

Janet Muirhead Hill

Good Fishin'

I created a new wall sculpture today from things that I bought for the purpose and things that I used. It's called "Good Fishin'." Like Duchamp's Readymades, it makes a humorous comment about life and art. The insulated bottle holders have clips on them - belt clips? - which gave me the idea. Here's a photo of it. So laugh already!

Soon I'll post photos of recent paintings.

That's the latest step on the journey of Jay Rolfe From Starving Artist To 21st Century Picasso. You can see some completed expressions of Jay Rolfe's unique artistic idea on his website at www.3dssc.com/.

The Artistic Journey of Jay Rolfe

On Monday I completed two new paintings. I'll try to photograph them tomorrow and post photos soon. Yesterday I spent the day at a funeral for a friend's father. Today I started two more 3-D Shaped Stretched Canvas (3DSSC) paintings.

That's the latest step on the journey of Jay Rolfe From Starving Artist To 21st Century Picasso. You can see some completed expressions of Jay Rolfe's unique artistic idea on his website at www.3dssc.com/.

Happy Monday...

...hope everyone had a good weekend, mine was reflective. In my life, when it rains it pours because I also found out that my other best friends step dad is in a coma and might not make it. He is a cool guy and at times was like my second dad. So a rough weekend yes, but life is still wonderful and the only way I can support those who need it, is to still be me. Which means having sunshine raditating out of my ass as always! ;-) it's true...like the skittles rainbow!! Oh yesterday I went to bingo with my parents (hey it was Father's Day!) I actually won...the game I won on? Well all the men got a free game called the Father's Day special...AND that is what I won on! LOL how ironic!!
I found this pic...I love it...it makes you really look and appreciate it, just how life is. ;-) peace

Hey all...

....I haven't posted in a bit, had some rough news regarding my best friend this week. Been trying to deal with that, I created another blog to deal with his news and to kind of let loose how I feel and how I am going to accept this.
I'm just in a weird place right now, but as me and my BFF ;-) spoke about, life does go on, so on Monday I look forward to posting more often. Just kind of need the weekend to deal. Thanks.
;-) peace

Always cool to get another review

My very first romantic suspense, DISCOVERING VERONICA, was re-released this year, and here’s a review of it that was just posted this week:

http://reviews.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/discovering-veronica

“You want to stay with these people long after the story ends.”
~ArmChair Interviews

Woot-woot!

I spent my weekend in Chicago at the Printers Row book festival. This was my third year to attend, and like all the other years, this one rocked! Thousands of people were there packed into the downtown streets of the windy city. There were authors and musicians and readers and animated characters (ya know, like Disney) and food and booth after booth after booth of books and trinkets and clothes. Basically anything having to do with literacy, you could’ve found at this festival.

And the best part (other than meeting awesome people), I sold out of my young adult book, MODEL SPY! Everybody say woot-woot!

Here’s a pic of me with Simone Elkeles and Sam Morton, two stupendous authors.

Today's Weather...

...has been hella hot!! So I'm thinking...the less you wear...the better! ;-) peace

"Wine = Tax Deduction"

Jay Rolfe completed a new, small painting yesterday titled "Wine = Tax Deduction." The words of the title are spelled out with wine corks. The artist buys the bottles of wine and uses the corks for the painting which is, as are all of Jay Rolfe's paintings, for sale. Art supplies, including the corks, are tax deductible for the artist. Brilliant, right? Here's a photo of the painting.

That's the latest step on the journey of Jay Rolfe From Starving Artist To 21st Century Picasso. You can see some completed expressions of Jay Rolfe's unique artistic idea on his website at www.3dssc.com/.

Rabbit Dance...

...our equivalent to a slow song for most people, it's actually hard to do 'cause the women do it a bit different then the men. Enjoy ;-) peace

It's powwow nite...

...so I just got done about a half hour ago working from home and finishing things I needed to finish. So to relax, I take my ass to youtube and look for videos involving my people. So I found this vid, it is normally a traditional dancer man who closes out the ending of a powwow, but this lil girl did her thing. The reason it struck me so, was because she just has a shawl, no outfit, just a shawl. In the olden days that's all it was, just a shawl, all you needed. Nowadays, you have sequins and sunglasses and bright colors, but back then, if you had a shawl that is all you needed to be fancy. She's young, and technique? mmm...not the best but she dances, she closes it down. I give her respect for dancing in her tennis shoes...for not feeling bad she don't have no outfit, she uses what she has and she does it well. To me this is a real fancy dancer. ;-) peace
One more thing, more importantly...when everyone else is walking out...she finishes the song, she dances until the end. That is so cool. Love that. Hahempi waste yelo (have a good night) ;-)

Smoke Dancin...

...I don't know what tribe this originated from, but it's pretty cool (yes, all Natives are not alike) the men dance slower than the women in Smoke Dancing. If you notice it's the women who aren't in dress that dance really well. I wonder if they are the more traditional and grew up with smoke dancing...they do a good job. Enjoy ;-) peace

Kyle XY...

...So I wake up and stumble into the living room this morning (ok around noon) and flip on the TV. I don't know why but it's on ABC Family and this show is on called Kyle XY, and the boy is hella fine!! He's actually 25 but plays a teen ager in high school. He is gorgeous with dark hair and blue/green eyes! So I'm like ok he's cute, but come on ABC Family? Turns out the series is quite good, kind of like Dark Angel, along those lines. Oh and of course Kyle is hot, his name is Matt Dallas. "Matt Dallas stars as Kyle, a mysterious teenager who wandered out of the Seattle woods with no past, no belly button and no idea who he was. With the help of the Tragers, a loving family who opened their home to him, Kyle began piecing together who he was and where he came from. But the more he uncovered the more his past began to seem more mysterious and more dangerous than his present. In season two Kyle finds answers to many of his questions, answers that force him to lead a double life that could tear apart the only family he has ever known."

He's extremely fast and strong, he can jump off the roof of the house no problem, I think he's an alien. Reminds me of that short lived show Invasion. N E ways...so I'm hooked and I'm watching the whole marathon in preparation for tomorrows season premiere! He's dreamy... .*swoon*. I think season 1 will come out on DVD or you can watch the episodes online. Of course there are the gay rumors (as with all new hot young actors).

To go or not to go...

We didn't go to church this morning largely because I needed a break from commitments for a bit. I don't know if this was the right choice but it was the one we made.

We had a great time with the Wilsons last night getting to know another family with a lot of children(5) same age as ours. It is so refreshing to talk through challenges, and issues and experiences with others. I wonder what people without lots of kids even talk about these days. I think it is possible that I live in a different "universe" from them. I feel like the invisible guy in HEROES, walking around the city but not really participating directly in the machine, the social system.

Our family is going to the movies this afternoon. For us, this is a big deal. We almost never go out to the movies because the cost is so prohibitive for a family of 6. DVDs and on-demand is cheaper across the board plus we get to leverage our big screen TV better. Somehow, that makes me feel better about the investment in something that is so indulgent.

The movies represent this attempt to escape reality. My problem is no matter how far I go out of reality, I know I have to come back. The awareness is like an anchor for me. I'm not sure if that is good or bad.
I long for a time when I could go to a movie and be totally lost for the 2 hours, or listen to music without deconstructing its form and performance practice or even attend a worship service without thinking "critically" about the flow, content, themes and impact.

Curse of growing older? maturity? or is it some protracted state of psychosis? Who knows...

Isaiah 40:21-31
Have you not been paying attention? Have you not been listening? Haven't you heard these stories all your life? Don't you understand the foundation of all things? God sits high above the round ball of earth. The people look like mere ants. He stretches out the skies like a canvas— yes, like a tent canvas to live under. He ignores what all the princes say and do. The rulers of the earth count for nothing. Princes and rulers don't amount to much. Like seeds barely rooted, just sprouted, They shrivel when God blows on them. Like flecks of chaff, they're gone with the wind.
"So—who is like me? Who holds a candle to me?" says The Holy.
Look at the night skies: Who do you think made all this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name —so magnificent! so powerful!— and never overlooks a single one?
Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, "God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me"? Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.

It's All In The Translation

I happen to notice that "Cynthia's Attic: The Magic Medallion" is available through Amazon, France. Naturally, the page is written in the French language. Duh. So, I decided to 'translate this page' and got a chuckle.

In the section that says you can be the first to write a review, the translation read: "Be the first NOBODY to comment on this book." Sounds inviting, huh?

Repost...

...I had a reader who asked if I could repost this blog. I was like why? and he said because it's important and not everyone has read it, as your blog has reached more people. Ok, nuff said. this is a repost of an IM convo with y brother, I think I held my own. ;-) peace

Homophobia...

...I'm going to post an IM session I had with my brother. I'm not sure if he's homophobic or not, he's come along way having a gay brother, but he definitely has conservative views when it comes to gay marriage. He's my brother and I love him, but we have very different views on the world today. Let me preface this by saying he loves the movie It's a Wonderful Life and he thinks I don't like it because it's wholesome and about family values. That's not true, I really don't like black and white movies or old movies (ok take my gay card) but that's just my thing. Here is the conversation that we had that started with the movie and ended up about gay marriage, byt the way I'm oglalaboy and my bro is Owen...

Owen: i'm tellin you... this movie is good!

Owen: it's wholesome with family values.... that's why you don't like it

oglalaboy: whatever, it's in black and white and all those people are dead...I live in the NOW...

Owen: you are a liberal..! you are against family values!

oglalaboy: no I'm for Family Vaules...but I don't discriminate against ALL families...as you do. Which is a contradiction, how can you say family values yet you PICK and CHOOSE which family's are allowed to be familys...that's a hypocrite and a small minded person.

oglalaboy: You really don't want to have this conversation with me.

Owen: we have to have boundaries as as society

Owen: and the boundaries of a traditional household consists of man and woman!!

oglalaboy: boundaries? or bigoted lines drawn by overzealous bigots?

oglalaboy: Well you know, we don't live in traditional times anymore do we?

oglalaboy: we are in modern times and fight as much as you want, but times are changing.

Owen: well.. it's up to consertive people like me to keep a hold on civilizaion and keep things sane for future generations

oglalaboy: women don't stay home and cook and clean and most kids up to 5 don't even believe in santa clause but they know how to hook up a dvd player...it's a different world and you either join or just be a dinosaur and let the world pass you by.

oglalaboy: you'll lose

oglalaboy: it's already happening. There are 5 countries that allow gay marriage, there is one State that allows gay marriage there are 3 states that allow gay civil unions (same as marriage rights, just not the same name as gay marriage)...it's just a matter of time before the world realizes we are all the same and we can all love and we can all be productive members of society.

oglalaboy: the religious movement is failing, the leader of the biggest church in Colorado has resigned because he was outed as paying a MALE prostitute for sex...the leader of the SECOND biggest church in Colorado...also came out the of closet and has resigned. The religious movement is failing because people realize it's all a sham.

Owen: well... right now.... i'm watching it's a wonderful life.. along with a lot of people in this country.... and i'm sure they are all not thinking of the pervert men who want to marry men and the men who want marry their toaster next!!

oglalaboy: And you know what? I know right now there are a lot of gay couples who are watching it's a wonderful life also, with their kids and with their partners, so it's just not for you conservative (small minded ignorant) people...life...is for everyone to enjoy. As a matter of fact, it's a wonderful life is the favorite movie of the majority of my lesbian friends. They watch it with their kids. And to think there is no difference between a man marrying a man and a man marrying a toaster is not only ignorant, but it also shows the lack of intelligence amongst people who think that. I think Delta (a junior college) will do you good, you need an education.
Owen has signed out. (12/24/2006 8:31 PM)

heh heh, like most republican conservatives, he had to change channels! ;-) I'm sure he went to check the status of Iraqs WMD's. ;-) peace

Repost...

...I had a reader who asked if I could repost this blog. I was like why? and he said because it's important and not everyone has read it, as your blog has reached more people. Ok, nuff said. This is a repost of an IM convo with my brother, I think I held my own. ;-) peace

Homophobia...

...I'm going to post an IM session I had with my brother. I'm not sure if he's homophobic or not, he's come along way having a gay brother, but he definitely has conservative views when it comes to gay marriage. He's my brother and I love him, but we have very different views on the world today. Let me preface this by saying he loves the movie It's a Wonderful Life and he thinks I don't like it because it's wholesome and about family values. That's not true, I really don't like black and white movies or old movies (ok take my gay card) but that's just my thing. Here is the conversation that we had that started with the movie and ended up about gay marriage, byt the way I'm oglalaboy and my bro is Owen...

Owen: i'm tellin you... this movie is good!

Owen: it's wholesome with family values.... that's why you don't like it

oglalaboy: whatever, it's in black and white and all those people are dead...I live in the NOW...

Owen: you are a liberal..! you are against family values!

oglalaboy: no I'm for Family Vaules...but I don't discriminate against ALL families...as you do. Which is a contradiction, how can you say family values yet you PICK and CHOOSE which family's are allowed to be familys...that's a hypocrite and a small minded person.

oglalaboy: You really don't want to have this converstaion with me.

Owen: we have to have boundries as as society

Owen: and the boundries of a traditional houshold consists of man and woman!!

oglalaboy: boundaries? or bigoted lines drawn by overzealous bigots?

oglalaboy: Well you know, we don't live in traditional times anymore do we?

oglalaboy: we are in modern times and fight as much as you want, but times are changing.

Owen: well.. it's up to consertive people like me to keep a hold on civilizaion and keep things sane for future generations

oglalaboy: women don't stay home and cook and clean and most kids up to 5 don't even believe in santa clause but they know how to hook up a dvd player...it's a different world and you either join or just be a dinosaur and let the world pass you by.

oglalaboy: you'll lose

oglalaboy: it's already happening. There are 5 countries that allow gay marriage, there is one State that allows gay marriage there are 3 states that allow gay civil unions (same as marriage rights, just not the same name as gay marriage)...it's just a matter of time before the world realizes we are all the same and we can all love and we can all be productive members of society.

oglalaboy: the religious movement is failing, the leader of the biggest church in Colorado has resigned because he was outed as paying a MALE prositute for sex...the leader of the SECOND biggest church in Colorado...also came out the of closet and has resigned. The religious movement is failing because people realize it's all a sham.

Owen: well... right now.... i'm watching it's a wonderful life.. along with a lot of people in this country.... and i'm sure they are all not thinking of the pervert men who want to marry men and the men who want marry their toaster next!!

oglalaboy: And you know what? I know right now there are a lot of gay couples who are watching it's a wonderful life also, with their kids and with their partners, so it's just not for you conservative (small minded ignorant) people...life...is for everyone to enjoy. As a matter of fact, it's a wonderful life is the favorite movie of the majority of my lesbian friends. They watch it with their kids. And to think there is no difference between a man marrying a man and a man marrying a toaster is not only ignorant, but it also shows the lack of intellegence amongst people who think that. I think Delta (a junior college) will do you good, you need an education.
Owen has signed out. (12/24/2006 8:31 PM)

heh heh, like most repubican conservatives, he had to change channels! ;-) I'm sure he went to check the status of Iraqs WMD's. ;-) peace

Kelly Rowland...

...I think she has some talent, and I don't really care for Beyonce, so here is Kelly's new video. Yes I'm all about promoting the underdog!! I like the song though and video is good. I hope she makes it! ;-) peace

Kathy Griffin

Love her and saw her in person!



Oh and this clip from Knocked Up which was deleted...funny as shit! Hmmm...wonder why it was deleted... ??



enjoy and I know, I know...I will get some hot men pics on here tomorrow! ;-)
peace

Sexy Red Stiletto Pump

Jay Rolfe created a 3-D Shaped Stretched Canvas painting four foot by four foot by 5 1/2 inch deep red stiletto pump called "Sexy Red Stiletto Pump." Here are two photos of it.

This is the latest step on the journey of Jay Rolfe From Starving Artist To 21st Century Picasso. You can see some completed expressions of Jay Rolfe's unique artistic idea on his website at http://www.3dssc.com/.

American Gothic Nude painting

Artist Jay Rolfe created a four foot high "American Gothic Nude" painting. Including the hayfork, it has a depth of 11 1/4 inches. Here is a photo of it.

This is the latest step on the journey of Jay Rolfe From Starving Artist To 21st Century Picasso. You can see some completed expressions of Jay Rolfe's unique artistic idea on his website at www.3dssc.com.

Music Sunday's

Today I choose Billy Currington because he is hot and I love his new song Good Directions but yet I can't find the video for it, so my next favorite song is Why Why Why, his eyes are dreamy ;-) enjoy!
peace
p.s. Back to work tomorrow...ugh! Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Trim

Yesterday, I got a haircut. Last month, I shaved most of my beard. Today I made my annual(or so) valiant attempt at grooming my dogs Tanner and Scooter. I feel better, they feel better. I think we all look better. Grooming/Pruning is an important part of growth. Without the trim, we get a bit out of control. Without correction, we cannot grow properly and eventually destroy ourselves. The trick is to remember who is doing the trimming, at least for me.

------------
Proverbs 3:5-12 (The Message)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this.

---------
John 15 (The Message)
^{1 -3} "I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn't bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.

⁴"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

^{5 -8}"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

^{9 -10}"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love.

^{11 -15}"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.

¹⁶"You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.

¹⁷"But remember the root command: Love one another.

A long ass week!

So the new job is kicking my ass and I'm exhausted. I work long hours, I'm on a global team so my times for conference calls are varied (to late at night or early morning). I like it though and I'm learning a lot. Not much going on, I hope I don't repeat myself but did I mention my bro came down last weekend and we golfed and bowled? I may have, to tired to go back and look ;-)
So if you are a regular reader and know that when I have a bad day, a long week or just stressed...what do I do? I post me some Joseph Sayers! ;-) I know I posted this before but he is so damn hot I must do it again because I deserve it! Hell, I may post two of him! Hope everyone has a good weekend, no plans myself, maybe a little more work and a visit to my parents... ;-) peace



Oh hell...why not...life is wonderful after all :-)

Random Thoughts

Odd enough I don’t have anything to blog about. And usually I’m full of hot air. Lol!

Um, let’s see. What random thoughts will pop into my mind...

I just cranked up my lava lamp and its making really cool clumpy wax designs.

My coffee’s extra strong with this new cream flavor called blueberry cobbler. Hello? Can anyone say yum?

My right arm’s numb where I slept on it weird.

My trusty pooch, Guapo, is fast asleep beside me. Awww...

My digital thermometer died last night, so I have no idea what temp it is outside. But this is Florida, so the temp is most likely warm and muggy.

I’m going to go babysit a friend’s two year old today. We’ll probably just hang out at the kiddie pool.

Okay, that’s it for random thoughts.