Leapin' HodgePodge

1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day? This morning I am at work. I'm hoping the storms blow through, the streets dry up, and it's warm enough to get on my motorcycle. I should be out splittin' the wind by 2. 

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part? Retiring. Maybe. Probably. Scary.  

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far? Yes, I am doing both. It's going pretty well so far. You?

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire? Too long ago. I love sitting by a fire. I would build one in my back yard, but my husband doesn't think that would be prudent. We live in town. Our neighbors are close. There are city ordinances. Blah, blah, blah.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option? Steak and lobster. Steak and shrimp. Steak and Mahi Mahi. Or just steak. I'm a carnivore. What can I say.

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose? Mork and Mindy. Robin Williams was hysterical in this show. At the time this program aired, I was actually living in the town portrayed in the show, Boulder, Colorado. Ah, those were good times. Here's a short clip:

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat? It depends. I know, you're surprised by that. lol. When it comes to numbers, I'm a whiz. If you asked me what I said two minutes ago, I probably wouldn't be able to tell you. Ugh!

8. Insert your own random thought here. This morning we had tornado warnings. Severe thunderstorms. It's February, right?

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 120:1 (NKJV) In my distress I cried to the Lord, And He heard me.

Oh the Joy

Do you remember this couple?

I took their engagement pictures last June. In a wheat field. The photo session was a lot of fun. They married in October. I did not take their wedding pictures. I turned down that assignment. I'm much more interested in photographing babies and children and families, and women. Weddings? Not so much.

I've known for a while that they are pregnant. It's very exciting. I am taking maternity progression pictures right now. We've done two sessions. This past week, they were able to find out the gender. So, we took some gender reveal pictures today. Several weeks ago, we discussed using small chalkboards for this shoot. It would be cute. I already had the idea pictured in my mind. But, someone was going to be disappointed. Can you tell who?

Eventually, the joy of having a little brother will replace the disappointment of not getting a little sister. Of course, there is always next time.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Have a fabulous week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 John 4:9 (NKJV) ⁹ In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

The Birthday Girl

This past Thursday, February 16, was my daughter's birthday. I generally take her to dinner for her special day. She likes a good steak dinner. This year, I chose to do something a little different. I kidnapped her. Took her against her will. Ok. That's an exaggeration. She went willingly. lol.

Anyway, a day in the city awaited her. A little shopping. Some dining. And a new look. She has been wanting to cut her hair. She has a lot of it. Very long hair. Beautiful hair. Lots and lots of curls. Here, take a look for yourself. (Pssst, I'm sorry the color is off. The lighting in the store was terrible and no matter what I did, this is the best I could get it.) But seriously....look at all that hair!

Anyway, after lunch and a hair cut, it was time to head to Sephora for a little make up. Just enough on the eyes and lips to brighten her face a little. Here's the finished look. I just love it. What say you?

 
Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. I miss you all and will post again soon. Have a fabulous week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thought Provoking Thursday - Groundhog Day 2012

So as tradition goes, a bunch of people stand around a hole and wait for a rodent (actually a member of the squirrel family) to come out. They then throw a big party and all is forgotten for another year.

The Groundhog Day tradition stems back many centuries but it wasn't until February 02 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania that the tradition matured and official records were kept.

On this day, with some prodding, Puxatawny Pete or Puxatawny Phil, (depends on which is alive), climbs out of his hole and predicts whether winter is over or not.

Groundhog day rules:

• If the rodent sees his shadow: 6 more weeks of winter.
• If the rodent doesn't see his shadow: spring is at hand.

Groundhog day is based on Candlemas Day, an ancient tradition of early Christians in Europe and the groundhog replaced the badger of German tradition.

 

Just for the record, in 1887 the varmint saw his shadow and 6 more weeks of winter were forecast. But don't be despaired, the squirrel has an accuracy record of under 40%.

But for me, my focus will be on the One who created the rodent. He is the one who decides how much longer or shorter winter will last. We are to look not to the stars, but to the One who created the stars. What about you? Do you take stock in the rodent's forecast? 

Happy Thursday. May God so shine in you today, This Day, that others see Him.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)  ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Hearty HodgePodge

1. It's that most wonderful time of the year...tax season! Do you complete your own returns or farm that job out to the professionals? I do not complete my own returns. I hire a professional. It's the only way to go for me. :)

2. This next question comes from Kansas Bob...he posed it in his response to something I asked in an earlier Wednesday post and I asked him if I could add it to the Hodgepodge some day. Today's the day....

Which do you think has changed you more-love or pain? My initial gut, knee jerk response was pain. I've had my share of it. Who hasn't? There are specific painful incidents in my life that I can say changed me. But really, it's the love that healed my pain that made the true change. God's love has endless healing power.

3. Tangerine Tango has been named color of the year for 2012. Your thoughts? Would I find this color anywhere in your house? How about in your closet? If not, will you be adding this color to your life in some way in 2012? If you're not sure what tangerine tango looks like click here. In my home? Probably not. In my closet? Probably yes. A blouse or scarf or accessory will show up in my wardrobe.

4. Are you a collector? What do you collect and does it get admired, used, and/or dusted regularly? We have collected a few things but not any one type of thing. They are admired by us, but most of it is just sentimental.

5. February is National Heart Month...besides a green salad what is one tasty heart healthy dish you like to prepare? I honestly didn't know how to answer this question. So I googled "heart healthy recipes." The Mayo Clinic website had a whole list of recipes under this category. I was surprised by the items on the list.

6. When was the last time you had car trouble? The last time I got in my truck after the hubs drove it but didn't fill the gas tank. There was some serious trouble....let me just tell you!

7. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Is that a good trend? I can honestly say I am much more demanding on myself. The vow I made with the grand-boy about watching less TV is definitely working for me. If you missed that post, you can read about it here. Almost every single minute of every single day of every single week is scheduled with something. Work. Exercise. Cook. Eat. Edit. Study. Homework. Photography. Blog.

8. Insert your own random thought here. My word has changed. Ever since I picked my word for 2012, it just hasn't felt right. I had an unsettled feeling about it. Couldn't find words to go with the theme. Yet, there has been another word that keeps popping up. It's at every turn. I see it all the time. Hear it mentioned over and over. I can relate it to so many things in my life right now. So I'm changing my word for 2012 to: (drum roll, please) Focus. 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 86:5 (NKJV) ⁵ For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.