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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

To lighten the Mood Tuesday - Self Portrait Photo Challenge

I have been trying to participate in some Photo Challenges recently.  Not to win anything, but just to try and expand on my skills and learn from others. 

I really enjoy reading and looking at The Paper Mama blog...not only is she super cute with an adorable daughter...she provides tips and tricks to help you along the way of learning all about Photography.

So, this week...our Photo Challenge is a SELF PORTRAIT.  I am not big on these, but as much time as I spent in the car, getting dressed for graduations, etc. this last week...I did manage to snap some of me.  So, I can actually participate this week.

The Paper Mama

So, here is me!!!

Tellin' the Truth Tuesday - 05.31.11

I spent my entire Memorial Day Holiday yesterday thinking about, praying for, and aching for the men and women and their families who are serving, who have served, who have lost loved ones....fighting for and protecting our FREEDOM.  I am so thankful, yet so sad that this type of loss happens all too often.

Half a Boy, Half a Man*

The average age of the military man or woman is 19 years.  He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country.


He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.  He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.


He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.  He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.


He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.  He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.  He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.


He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.  He is self-sufficient.  He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.


He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.


If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.


He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.


He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.


He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all.  He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.  He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.


He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.  In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.


Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.


Remember that!  Today.  And always.

*Boy/man terminology is also completely equal to girl/woman.  100%.
 

{all images via we heart it and pinterest}

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Ta-Ta Tuesday - I'm outta here! But don't forget....

Hey dolls!  Today is my Friday of the week.  I know, I know...go ahead.  Hate me!  But, don't be too envious...I am just heading to Oklahoma!  Ha.  (Now you Oklahomians don't take offense, m-kay!?)

Our gorgeous, beautiful, smart niece is graduating high school and we are going to show our support and spend time with the other SEVEN cousins.  Remember them?  How could you forget?!?  Er, how could I forget!

With that said, I hope you all have a fabulous Memorial Day weekend...and truly remember to celebrate it!  And remember why we are celebrating!  And because of WHO!!!!!  Because of those still serving and all of the VETERANS!!!!

It is the
VETERAN


not the preacher,


who has given us freedom of religion.



It is the
VETERAN


not the reporter,


who has given us freedom of the press.


It is the
VETERAN,


not the poet,


who has given us freedom of speech.


It is the
VETERAN,


not the campus organizer,

 

who has given us freedom to assemble.



It is the
VETERAN,


not the politician,

Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the
VETERAN

who salutes the Flag...

It is the
VETERAN

who serves under the Flag!


The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.


~ Thucydides
{all images via weheartit.com and pinterest.com}

Monday, May 23, 2011

Meli Monday - a day at the zoo with mommy-moo






The quote in the above picture states:

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~ Albert Einstein


::


Quotography at {My}Perspective


::

Edited pictures above.  Ones that I love but that are SOOC below.

{ultimate fierceness!!!  don't eff with me ya'll...}

{kidding...really I am a sweety pie!}

{ommmmmmmm!}


Yesssss....this was THEE highlight of my zoo visit today.  Call me a perv, whatever!!!  As other frantic mother's scooted their toddlers away in a frenzy....I just inched up closer to take a good look.  I have some great pics.  But, it would be overload.  I think you get the jist, no? 

{He is in Heaven...or some place very similar!}

When Layla exclaimed, "Momma!!!!  What are they doing!?!"  And all the other people around me looked at me like, "Yeah MOM.....WHAT exactly are you gonna say NOW!?!"  Hrrrpppffft!

I calmly stated, "He is helping clean him!" 

HA!  In.Yo.Face. Judgemental em-effers!!!!!  Perfect response in my opinion.  And seeing as my opinion issssss thee only one that matters between me and Layla...I was proud.  And it was honest. 

This dude was NOT amused with everything going on....


{I was IN love with the bebe giraffe!}

It was a long, HOT day - but me and baby girl always have fun together!!! 

The animals of the world exist for their own reasons.  They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for white, or women created for men. 

~ Alice Walker

Manic Monday - 05.23.11

The whole secret of existence is to have no fear.


Never fear what will become of you,


depend on no one. 


Only the moment you reject all help are you freed. 

~ Buddha
{all images via pinterest}

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