And this is why I picked summer.....

I hope you can read this, it's coming across a little small on my screen. This was in our paper this morning and this is why I picked summer on Kari's vote for your favorite season poll. Come on all you summer people, go over to Kari's and vote for summer. Last time I checked autumn was winning by a landslide. Here are some of the reasons to pick summer, the days are longer. Have you forgotten what it's like to have darkness at 6pm in the winter? You can wear flip flops everyday in the summer and show off toe nail polish. That has to count for something. The fruits and veggies are the best of year. The Georgia & Carolina peaches are so good right now. I love watching the fireflies lighting up the night in the summer. They are the only insects I like other then butterflies. And what about swimming everyday. What could be more fun then going in the pool and floating around on a raft? Okay, I know I could go on with lots more but these are a few of my favorites things of summer.



Safe Travels,

Joan

Embracing Pink

I decided to quit fighting my inner pinkness and just give in, so I changed my template to this pretty rose color. I don't know why I gravitate to pink but I do, just ask my two girls. I am always looking for the perfect shade of pink eye shadow to go with the ten shades of pink eye shadow I already own. Sick, I know......... Our bedroom is a mauve color, though my girls call it pink and beg me to change it along with my office which is a nice muted pink. If you look in my closet you will see various colors of pink. What can I say, I guess I am just a pink kind of girl. Even my underwear is called pink, though that may be under the heading of too much info. Oh well, I feel the need for a new pink eyeshadow to wear tonight so I better get to the store. Have a great "pink" weekend!


Safe Travels,


Joan

Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingbury's new book called Summer will be out on August 21st. She is a gifted writer. If you have never read any of her books, I would start with the Redemption series that introduces you to the Baxter family. There are five books in that series and then move on to the Firstborn series and the Sunrise series is the last of the Baxter family. Summer is the second in the Sunrise series. Her books are always so moving. My sisters and I are always waiting for her next book to come out. I really don't think you will be disappointed in her books. To learn more about Karen's books go here to Karen's website. I'm excited, two good books to take to the beach next month. Today I also bought a book by Nicholas Sparks called Dear John. I really like his books. Some of his books have been made into movies. His books are usually very romantic and sometimes sad.

Safe Travels,

Joan

Nice Matters

Kari at Just livin' Large gave me this award. I know I am suppose to pass this forward but I don't know that many people in the blog world yet. Thanks Kari, you are very kind. Two awards in one week. I can't believe it. Like I said before I never get awards.

Kat at justabeachkat has also been really nice to me but I know she's has already received this award.

And Kelli at livingingrace checks in with me from time to time just to say hi and leave a kind word. Considering all she is going through, I am in awe that she does that.

And my friend Sarah at Whitman's Sampler always leaves me a nice comment letting me know someone out there reads this.

I know as I get to know more of you, I'll have lots of people to pass this on too. Thanks again Kari!

Safe Travels,


Joan

Silhouette of Maddie

As an early birthday present, Grandma took Maddie & Mommy to the mall today and had this silhouette done of Maddie. I think the silhouette man did a great job. I never had this done with my kids so I wasn't sure how it worked. He does it all with scissors and the kids don't have to be all dressed up or even holding still for very long. He even does it from pictures. I wanted to get a picture with a side view of her to put right next to this one to show you, but an almost one year old doesn't hold still for very long. Love you Maddie girl!!

Travel Tuesday - Venice

My Sweetie on the ship on the Grand Canal

Gondola Ride

And just because this is so funny

I decided to do my travel blogs on Tuesdays from now on and call them Travel Tuesdays. Why? Mostly because I like the way Travel Tuesdays sound. I'm so deep:). Anyway on to my all time favorite place in Italy. I loved Venice, just loved it. When our ship came sailing down the Grand Canal on a beautiful sunny spring day playing the three tenors in the background, it was one of those moments in life that takes your breath away. We did Venice on our own. Venice is made up of 118 islands, 400 plus bridges and 170 canals. Venice is an easy city to walk around and discover for yourself. It seems like every alley or street you go down, you'll discover some new treasure and for someone who likes to shop it is so much fun. I bought my girls some Murano glass jewelry. Do not miss a gondola ride. Here's a tip, it is cheaper to go off the Grand Canal and bargain with them. Our gondola guide was very informative and fun. Piazza San Marco is the heart of Venice and not to be missed when you visit. Can I just say the pigeons on the Piazza San Marco are crazy? My sweetie took some not so flattering pictures of my reaction to them. We had two days in Venice and Mike was happy with one day but he indulged me and went back for a second day because he knew I loved it so much. We found an open air market the second day and he did enjoy that. I hated to leave Venice but our next stop was a very pleasant surprise. Next stop is Croatia.





Safe Travels,


Joan

Remembering Alan

Dad, Me, Judy, Alan, Gail & June

My brother died one year ago today, suddenly and unexpectedly. This is not going to be a maudlin post because he was not that kind of guy. He was a big guy with a big heart, who loved to tease his younger sisters. I miss my brother.

A few weeks after his death I was reading a devotional that seemed to be just what I needed to see at that time in my life. Of course I had read this before but it was what I needed right then.

It was from John 11. In John 11, Jesus was talking to Martha, who was grieving the death of her brother. He said: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die"

The author of the devotional goes on to say this. For each "today" we are given and for the inevitable "tomorrow" that will come, we don't have to be afraid. Jesus is with all who trust Him, and He will have the last word.

Safe Travels,

Joan