Seven Days - Seven Answers - Take Two

HERE'S THE CHALLENGE:
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Spring Poem
Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.
To celebrate the arrival of Spring yesterday, I tried to find a nice Spring poem to share. Instead, I found this:
Ode to Spring
O spring, O spring
You wonderful thing!
O spring, O spring, O spring!
O spring, O spring,
When the birdies sing
I feel like a king,
O spring!
~Walter R. Brooks
Either rewrite this awful poem or write your own brief Ode to Spring.
HERE'S MY ANSWER:

The birds are happily singing
Early in the morning
They can't wait
For you to wake up
And enjoy Spring.

Bright green shoots are popping
Up through the dead winter leaves
They can't wait
For you to wake up
And enjoy Spring.

The sun is shining
The sky is clear
They can't wait
For you to wake up
And enjoy Spring.

And then the humans come in imposing
Daylight Savings Time on us
and all of nature must wait another hour
For you to wake up
And enjoy Spring.

To see what you can do with that poem - click on the button to the right.
Enjoy your day, enjoy your Spring and Peace to all of you.  B : )

I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
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Color Carnival, TMS Show and Tell, Camera Critters, Six Word Saturday, Shadow Shot Sunday, Weekend Reflections, Seven Days - Seven Answers

SIX WORD SATURDAY:
Yes, I am multi tasking again!

COLOR CARNIVAL:

One day when Ricepatty and I were walking in Shamrock Park, we stopped in their Demonstration Garden to enjoy and take pictures.  The lady who happened to be the same person who planted the section we were looking at when she pulled up came in and gave us a.....you guessed it, demonstration.  She explained all the different things in the different gardens and why they were there and what purpose they served, etc.  This gorgeous bunch of color is an Ice Plant and it is a groundcover.  It appears to have the same kind of leaves as my spikey yellow flowered things (technical name of course).  The bloom looked dry like a paper flower, yet the leaves looked fleshy like succulents.  Ahhhh Mother Nature!

TMS SHOW AND TELL:
Once again, I do not have any nice pictures of food, but I do have a good one of my step-grandson eating some food - eggs and mashed peas, definitely NOT good-looking food.

CAMERA CRITTERS:
This guy resides in Blalock Park, and is a climb-on sculpture.  Some bully kicked sand in his eyes!

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY:
The claw ......

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS:
Ci's view in the rear view mirror

SEVEN DAYS - SEVEN ANSWERS
Saturday, March 20, 2010

Cameo
A Thousand Words: Photo day!



Sorry, the picture didn't come through - just click on the Seven Days, etc. button and check it out.



Write whatever comes to mind about this cameo.

What comes to my mind is that the girl in the cameo does NOT look like the women on the era when cameos were made.

If you would care to join in on the fun of any of these memes, please click on the appropriate button.  Peace.  B : )


I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
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SkyWatch Friday, Fertilizer Friday, Seven Days - Seven Answers

SKYWATCH FRIDAY:

Oh how I love this picture!  When I looked up and saw that, my mind just went ballistic thinking of all the things it looked like, or brought to mind, or could be.  Where does it take you?

FERTILIZER FRIDAY:
Oh thank God it's Spring!  After making it through our uncharacteristic long cold spells, we found some of our flora still living, and some actually thriving.  The peach tree especially seemed to enjoy the cold.

The white Bird of Paradise plants just keeping popping out blooms.  What is really the most eye-catching feature of them is the blue on one of the petals of each bloom, but it's a powder blue sort of and you can't really see it from the distance and these are TALL plants!  You are probably used to seeing the colorful Bird of Paradise plants, the ones that look like showy parrots.  The whites are quite different.  Did you know that when they are young, it is almost impossible to tell a white Bird of Paradise from a Traveller's Palm?  Also, there is what looks like a miniature regular (not white) Bird of Paradise plant, that is called heliconia - more common and easy to come by.

The nectarine tree is lagging behind the peach, but doing quite well.  This shot is particularly intense if you enlarge it.

I planted some patio tomatoes and some peppers in pots this year, so I can more easily control the heat/drought/sun and they're coming along well too

There are many more things to see, but I'll show you more next time.  Happy gardening.

SEVEN DAYS - SEVEN ANSWERS:
Friday, March 19, 2010

Bedrest
So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.
So I have this friend... She is stuck basically on bedrest for most days. She is absolutely through with television. What book, DVD, or other creative idea would you suggest to her to help pass the time and keep from going crazier than she already is?


I cannot imagine being stuck on bedrest, but if I were, the first thing I would turn to would be audio books, unabridged audio books.  If my friend had the same taste I do, I would suggest the Mitford Series by Jan Karon, all of them, in order, and only the unabridged ones.  Then, The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold, which is the most amazing book I have ever read. And then on to the crime stories I love so much - too many to suggest here.  Throw in some Stephen King and some Maeve Binchy - yes, I have conflicting tastes : )  Since I am usually a multi-tasker, I would also suggest knitting, crocheting, making cards, scrapbooking, taking courses on line, teaching myself some software so I could become an expert and teach it on line, learning and using photo manipulation software.  Many of the crafts that can be done on bedrest (like the knitting/crocheting) can be donated to very worthy causes when they start to pile up : )  Some light exercise while in bed would be a good use of time too, if it's possible.

That's it for me today.  If you would care to join in on the fun on any of these great memes, please check over on the sidebar for the appropriate button and click on over there.  Peace.  B : )



I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
http://www.shophandmade.com/store/justb

ABC Wednesday, Watery Wednesday, Seven Days - Seven Answers, and an announcement!

ABC WEDNESDAY - I IS FOR INTRICATE
This is an extremely INTRICATE gingerbread replica of the Ca d'Zan, made by the chefs at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Sarasota, Florida.  It was on display at Christmas time.

Here's a shot of the real thing

The intricacy of the details is just amazing - remember, this is gingerbread.  To read about the Ca d'Zan, please go here.

WATERY WEDNESDAY
Here is a shot of our local dog beach.  There is a small fenced park before that, then you walk to the beach.  It is quite small, but they just had a meeting last week about extending it to the south.  It is a VERY popular place.  None of my dogs care for the moving water, so it's not very popular with us - we prefer the really big dog park, with no beach.  But it's fun to go and look

SEVEN DAYS - SEVEN ANSWERS
Just found out my Romeo and Juliet story was a winner last week on this mind bending meme.  That was probably my consolation prize for my DUH moment : )  Anyway, here's today's challenge
Wednesday, March 17, 2010

All Irish
Now What?: Write what comes next.
Today is St. Patrick's Day!
How do you celebrate, if you do? Or if you don't, how would you respond if someone tries to pinch you for not wearing green?
And here is my answer:
Oh the angst of growing up an Orangeman!  I tried to ignore it and just wear some green and let it go, but I had trouble not being true to myself.  Well half of myself.  I know that half of me is Irish and I love it and I'm proud of it and I wanted to celebrate it.  But I'm not Catholic.  So I am, traditionally and historically, known as an Orangeman.  I think those two groups are still fighting wars over that aren't they?  Through the years, as I matured, I went through the many different phases we all experience.  Sometimes I was very belligerent - that's when I wore orange.  Sometimes I just gave in - and wore green.  Sometimes I was a sissy about it and said "Ooops, I forgot". And still other times, I just decided perhaps the other half of me was Irish too and Catholic, and wore the green : )  Here are some of my Irish ancestors who came over on "the boat" (not the baby or the one on the left, she's my grandmother)

Here's how I celebrate it now:  (a) I eat Ricepatty's Irish Soda Bread and (b) I plant my peas.  I was always told while growing up that St. Patty's Day was the day to get the peas in the ground.  Exciting, huh???

AND NOW FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT - WHICH NOW THAT I THINK OF IT, I COULD HAVE CALLED IT AN INTRODUCTION AND USED IT FOR ABC WEDNESDAY

TAKE A BOW, JOY

This is our new Greyhound girl, Joy.  She came to us Monday night.  She's wonderful!  She's so beautiful and part of her beauty is that she's not perfect - she has a short little Roman nose, an underbite like a bulldog, a big ginker in her tail, very long legs, the funniest little ears that can do oh so many things, a wonderful soft pretty coat, she's the first non-brindle Greyhound we've had, she's as sweet as can be, we love her already.  And the eyes - oh the eyes are just delightful.

To join in on any of the fun memes above, please click on the appropriate button to the right - and enjoy!  Happy St. Patrick's Day, whether you wear green, or orange, or your birthday suit - doesn't matter, just celebrate life.  And don't forget to get those peas in the ground.  Peace.  B : )


I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
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Mellow Yellow Monday, Ruby Tuesday, Seven Days-Seven Answers

MELLOW YELLOW MONDAY:

This is another of our delightful wildflowers.  It's very small.  The leaves look like miniature shamrocks or regular clover, but the flowers are very different.  Our shamrocks are large and lavender/pink.  The clover I'm used to from NJ, the flowers looked nothing at all like this.  So, I don't know what it is, and I guess I don't care enough to look it up, because I'm too busy enjoying it.  And, for those of you who liked those other yellow spikey flowers I showed a while back, here is a picture of them as they opened up more, and a picture of the succulent-like leaves, in case you wanted to look them up:

RUBY TUESDAY:
OMG, DUH!! The first Ruby Tuesday picture, if I had one, would be of my red face.  I am so embarrassed!  I thought that when Seven Days - Seven Answers had their 1,000 Word Picture Day, I was supposed to post an intriguing picture or two.  I realized yesterday, DUH, that I am supposed to comment on their intriguing picture.  What a bonehead! 

Anyway, here are my real Ruby Tuesday pix - these are Ma and Pa Kettle -Corn : )

Cute, nice people and they sure do make a good kettle corn!

SEVEN DAYS - SEVEN ANSWERS
Here's the challenge:

Monday, March 15, 2010
Walker, Texas Ranger
In the News: This category features news-related prompts.
Happy Birthday, Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris turned 70 last Thursday, March 10. Write a brief story about his birthday party.

Here's my answer:
This is too hard for me because I was never a Chuck Norris fan and didn't follow any of his shows/movies.  All I'm getting in my head is a picture of Chuck and Clint Eastwood sitting in rockers on the porch, wishing they could have a watermelon spitting contest but afraid their teeth would fall out.  Sorry : )

Make someone else happy today.  Peace.  B : )


I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
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Happy Daylight Savings Time Weekend

Here are all my weekend memes rolled into one:

SEVEN DAYS - SEVEN ANSWERS "1000 WORD PICTURE DAY"

Check out the lovely lady on the right - doesn't she look quizzical?

COLOR CARNIVAL:
My favorite pair of hangin' out PJs got tissue thin and busted out some holes, so I went shopping for more since all the others are capri pants and short sleeves.  I had missed most of the winter sales and couldn't find any, so I put together some of my own.  When I brought them home I noticed they were quite colorful.  The purple on the bottom was a real steal - queen sized purple T-shirt sheets for the yellow/green/white room with the dark purple rug - only $9.00!!

TMS SHOW AND TELL:
Get your margarita mixes ready - here come the limes!!

You may have to make this bigger to see, but the little green thing between the white flower and the yellow thingey is the new lime.

CAMERA CRITTERS:
I finally found a subject that would stand still and the camera didn't want to switch into macro, but you get the idea

SIX WORD SATURDAY:
The storm's gone, the sun's out!!

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY:
New growth in the wild olive tree

AND HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY TO WEEKEND RELFECTIONS!!
You have to look hard to find the reflections - they're small, so I gave you two : )

If you would like to join in on any of these wonderful memes, just find the appropriate button on the right and click on it.

Peace to all of you.  B : )


I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
http://www.shophandmade.com/store/justb

Seven Days - Seven Answers

HERE IS TODAY'S CHALLENGE AND IT'S A DOOZY!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010

First Job
Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.
lawn, robot, yellow, spork
Tell us about your first job.
AND HERE'S MY ANSWER:
When I graduated high school at the age of 17, I had to go right out to work; no summer vacation for me.  My first real paying taxable job was at an insurance agency.  This was one of those "entry level" positions that they could have gotten a robot to do.  When I was leaving for work that very first day, my grandmother came out on the front lawn and handed me a bag.  She said, "Here you are.  I packed your lunch, complete with your yellow spork to use to eat it.  I thought it would make you feel right at home."  She was right.  The morning was so strange - new place, new people, new things to do, new adult responsibilites.  Then came lunch time and I was able to catch my breath and spend some time with my familiar yellow spork.  Even robots have to eat : )
TO JOIN IN, CLICK ON THE BUTTON TO THE RIGHT.  COME ON, YOU CAN DO IT!  Peace.  B : )


I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
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Seven Days - Seven Answers

HERE'S THE CHALLENGE:
Monday, March 8, 2010

Salmon Story
In the News: This category features news-related prompts.
Upbeat salmon forecast worries fishermen
Write the article that accompanies the headline.
HERE'S MY ANSWER:
Dateline Salmon City, Colorado
Is there something in the water?  Perhaps anti-depressants in the runoff.  Fishy psychiatrists have found that salmon are feeling better about themselves these days.  That's right, studies show that the salmon of today are much more upbeat.  The salmon have found they can live productive lives without having mates.  No wonder the fishermen in the area are worried.  If the salmon don't feel the need to get a mate, they won't swim all the way upstream to end their lives, hence no fishing!  What can be done?
Disclaimer:  It is not necessarily the opinion of this newspaper that finding a mate will end your life.


To join in on the crazy, sometimes mindbending fun, please click on the button to the right.  Peace.  B : )

Seven Days - Seven Answers

Here's the challenge for today:
Sunday, March 7, 2010

Romeo and Juliet
Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.
Romeo and Juliet is a classic but let's play Shakespeare and rewrite the ending.  To play along, please click the appropriate button on the right.

Here's my answer:

Oh that's easy - the parents let them get married, they start having kids, he has a boring going nowhere job, she has to get a really crappy job since she's a woman and can only work part time with the kids, he gets tired of it and cheats on her - she poisons him.  Happily ever after right??

Peace.  B : )


I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
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Seven Days - Seven Answers - A Thousand Words Picture Day

Today on Seven Days - Seven Answers is "A Thousand Words Picture Day".  Click on the button to the right and see what it's all about.  Here's mine:

Where can he be going, and why?  Peace.  B : )



I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
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Seven Days - Seven Answers

HERE IS THE CHALLENGE FOR TODAY:
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Advice to Newlyweds
Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.
While digging through the Google Analytics for this site, I found someone came searching on the term "advice for newlyweds". I'm not sure if they found what they were looking for so let's give it to them!

Write a note of advice to the newlyweds.
HERE IS MY ANSWER:
This one is easy since I'm well-qualified, having been a newlywed several times : )

Dear two people about to become we instead of me,

That is the first thing for you to keep in mind; it is no longer all about either one of you, it is now about the two of you, together as one family.  Think compromise.  Of course it is not easy, but it IS necessary.

In order to successfully practice compromise, you will have to learn to choose your battles.  Don't sweat the small stuff like the lid being left off the toothpaste; concentrate more on the truly important things, the things that will actually make a difference in your lives.  I mean really, what difference does it make if the lid is left off the toothpaste?  Rethink it and buy toothpaste that has the lid connected to the tube!

R E S P E C T - an extremely important word, not just in the lives of newlyweds, but 24/7/365 your whole lives through.  Always respect the feelings, sensibilities, upbringing, culture, etc. of others - human and animal.  It may be OK to value yourself above all others, but it is not OK to show it.

You need to learn to communicate (kindly and with respect).  "She doesn't tell me she loves me" - "He should know it" - this kind of thinking does not make a good relationship of any kind.

Read two books - Your Erroneous Zones and Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus.  Both great books - the first teaches you to understand and value yourself; the second teaches you to understand and value your partner and their special way of thinking.

Remember we teach people how to treat us....meaning don't be a tyrant and expect your spouse to treat you like a teddy bear.

Try not to make your requests commands or demands.  "Take out the trash!" is not as readily responded to as "Would you mind taking out the trash as soon as you have a moment?"  You could take out the trash yourself if you can do it without reminding your partner that you did.  You could make up a list of who does what.  Or, nicest of all, you could have a relationship that is so good it doesn't matter who takes out the trash, as long as it gets out before it's overflowing : )

Dear newlyweds, I could write all day but, as we all know, everyone has to make their own mistakes, and mistakes are how we learn.  So make them, but remember that some of this advice will help heal the wounds caused by those mistakes.

Blessings, B

If you would like to participate - come on you know you have lots of advise - just click on the button to the right.  Peace.  B : )


I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
http://www.shophandmade.com/store/justb

Seven Days - Seven Answers

Come on folks, join in - this is fun.  I don't do it justice - if you go to the blog (button on the right) you can see what some people who really have imagination and talent can do with this "game".  Yesterday's funny little list inspired one blogger to write a short story - it is fantastic! 

Here is today's inspiration:
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Genie in a Bottle
Now What?: Write what comes next.
You have rubbed the magic lamp and a genie promises you three wishes.
Now what?

Well, I will have to update later when I think of something.  Of course I had initial thoughts, but then after seeing what other people did yesterday - I just need to regroup.  Why don't you give it a try??  Peace.  B

Seems that nothing has changed during the day - my first thoughts remain my only thoughts.  So - if the genie arrived while I was still married I would wish for a farm at least 100 acres, the good health to work it, all the animals to populate it.  If I were no longer married when I came upon the Genie, I would wish for Sam Elliot, Michael Jordan, and Kid Rock. 

I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
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Seven Days - Seven Answers

HERE IS THE CHALLENGE FOR TODAY:
Tuesday, March 2, 2010


List
Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.
Let's try something a little different this week.

duck, chair, elbow, banana

You find the following items on a list. What do they have in common? What kind of list might this be and why?

Example: If you found a list that said "onion, carrots, potatoes, beef", it might be a grocery list and perhaps the list-maker was putting together a stew.

HERE'S MY ANSWER:
First I thought it was a reminder for a man who had a violent wife:  Duck when she throws the chair at you or you'll hurt your elbow when you slip on the banana.
Then I thought it might be an errands-to-run list made by someone who likes concise bullet lists, but learns by association - duck - go to the vet - chair - go to the furniture store - elbow - go to the doctor - banana - stop at the grocery store.
And then I got tired of thinking!  If you would like to try this for yourself, click on the button to the right.  Peace.  B

I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
http://www.shophandmade.com/store/justb

Seven Days - Seven Answers

Monday, March 1, 2010

Ohno
In the News: This category features news-related prompts.
Marketers Say Oh Yes To Ohno
I think most of the cheesy horrible Ohno/Oh Yes headlines have been written but take your best shot at a few more. Or, feel free to write another horrible headline.
Well, this will be tough for me because I don't do news; however, I do read headlines and I have seen some awful ones.  I have to slow down and figure out what they're talking about, and insert commas and other punctuation to make it make sense in my head.  I think I'm headline challenged, almost as bad as my numeric problem.  Since the only ONO I know anything about is Yoko, here's a good alternative "FLIPPER A KEY LINK IN INQUIRY", this was on the front page of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, Saturday.  OK, my mind is on the killer whale - you know, the one who did what his name implies after being forced to do tricks for people so other people could make money on him, and that surprised people?? Anyway, I'm wondering why Flipper, the dolphin in old TV shows, is a key link in an inquiry about the killer whale.  What was he, a character witness?  Then I remembered the paper was still stuck on someone who was flipping houses.  Jeez, if it were about Flipper I might actually have read the story. 

If you would like to join in on this brain twisting meme, just click on the button to the right - Seven Days - Seven Answers.  Peace.  B : )

I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
http://www.shophandmade.com/store/justb

Seven Days - Seven Answers

While looking into Six Word Saturday, I came across this meme and found it quite intriguing since I love to answer questions.  I think it's going to be harder than I originally thought though.  Why don't you give it a try and see what you can do?  Just click on the button to the right.  You can even win prizes : )


Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

Tomorrow is March 1st. Traditionally, the saying goes:


In like a lion, out like a lamb.


Play editor and write your own version of the idiom.

Here's mine:  March - In like an (insert your heritage), out like an Irishman. 

Peace.  : )



I would be honored if you would visit my new on-line store and see some of the cards I have been making. Feel free to purchase some if you would like : )
http://www.shophandmade.com/store/justb