An important and special "Wordplay"...

     "I have found that among other benefits, giving 
       liberates the soul of the giver."
                                                    -Maya Angelou

John was taken back to Hershey Friday night.  He was running a fever.  They found two infections in his blood.  I talked to both Krissy and John this morning.  One was a staph infection.  I am not sure what the other one was.  He is now on an antibiotic drip.  The scary thing is that John's WBC was only 0.7 the last time it was measured and his ANC (measures his immune system) was undetectable.  So John needs your prayers as does Krissy.  Which comes to this mornings "Wordplay".  I want to do a very special one and I hope I have a lot of takers.  Please consider doing this one!!

     
                                  

Tammy, who has numerous journals, started one for John and Krissy when they are away at Hershey.  It is The John and Krissy J-Land Gazette.  I think it is so selfless of her, so giving to be keeping a journal going for another person.  When Krissy and John are away they are too busy to read other's journals and they feel out of touch with everyone and it makes them sad.  Hence, Tammy started this journal.  Krissy has to turn off her alerts because time online for her is short so this is the ONLY journal they read.  Journalers send letters, jokes, news, ditties of all kinds to them.  For today's "Wordplay" I wanted everyone to send something in to The Gazette.  It could just be a "hello and you are in our prayers" and "we miss you guys".  It could be a joke.  It could be a nice graphic you found, although Tammy asks that you limit your graphics to one per email.  Did you write an entry in your journal that is special to you?  Send that in!  How about a poem you wrote that is special? Anything at all, just send!!  Please send your submission to memes121@aol.com.  If you have any further questions just ask me in the comments section below or email me.  Let's let John and Krissy know that we support them and love them and are praying for them!!  Please consider this special request!!  Thanks everyone!!

On another note, Tammy opened up another journal that is quite haunting... for Halloween!  It is amazing!  She put a lot of work into it.  There is an entry for every day of the month of October.  It deserves a look see!  If you are a fan of Halloween, you will be a fan of Halloween!

I hope everyone is having a good weekend!  Take care and please do consider today's "Wordplay".  Hugs, Val xox

Pics of Josiah, fixing error...

Yikes, it was brought to my attention that I put the wrong date in Tuesday's posting of the Scavenger Hunt.  It is supposed to be October 1, NOT November 1.  Sorry for any confusion.  Yes, Jeannette, the aliens ARE stealing my brain!

My daughter sent me some pictures of little Josiah a couple of nights ago.  Just look at the little guy...

Look at those big, dark eyes...

                   

Here he is dreaming.  Look at him holding his Mama's hand and that little smile...

          

And my favorite picture of all..

          

Have a good rest of the week, everyone, and God bless! xox

Photo Scavenger Hunt #90...

      


Photo Scavenger Hunt #90 will be due on Sunday, October 1, at 11:00 PM EST.


The subject this week is:  "Autumn"

Interpret this any way you like and have fun!

It seems many of you (over half!) are having problems putting links to your entries correctly in the comments section.  It can be hard to hunt down an entry if I am given just the address to your journal.  After you post your Scavenger Hunt entry (after you hit Save), please click "link to this entry" at the bottom of your entry.  Then copy and paste the entry URL that is in the address bar.  It should look something like this... http://journals.aol.com/valphish/ThereisaSeason/entries/2006/09/25/photo-scavenger-hunt-89-participants.../1812
That is the entry to my last post.  I would appreciate if you could do this, as I am sure Krissy would also!!  If you have any more questions on how to do this please email me at valphish@aol.com.  Thanks alot and hope you are all having a good Tuesday morning!!  Hugs, Val xox

Photo Scavenger Hunt #89 Participants...

Photo Scavenger Hunt #89

The subject this week is:  a few of my favorite things

Below are the participants for this week's hunt.  They did such a great job this week!  Thanks to all who participated!

     My Photo Journey
     Confessions of an Angel Waitress
     The Ways of Rayne
     Photo Trek
     Tammy's Scavenger Hunt Journal
     Gina's Space
     Footprints in the Sand
     Holiday Photos
     My Spot
    
I will be back later this morning or today with the next Hunt's subject!  Have a lovely morning! xox

Monday Morning Question!...

     

This question comes from Krissy's husband John.  If we found out there was an advanced civilization on another planet should we try to make contact with them?  Why or why not?

my answer:  I would say ONLY if we had EVERY indication that they were peace-loving.  Then we should go for it.  If we didn't understand them and what they were about we should hold off.  What do you think?

"Wordplay", etc...

Good Saturday to everyone!  Hope everyone is well and happy today.  I woke up with a big ol' headache.  I'm trying to kill it with a strong cup of coffee.  That usually works.  I have been worrying about everyone and everything and I think that's why I have the headache.  I am going to try and take it easy this weekend.  I do have to do alot of cleaning and arranging as my apartment has gotten in a bit of disarray since I got back from Florida.  I have had a huge problem with organization, especially since I have had my brain surgeries.  I spend alot of my day trying to "find things" and "fix mistakes" that I make from forgetting things and losing things.  It has gotten almost to a crisis point.  I am going to have to make my living situation more organized.  Period.  If anyone has any suggestions on organization, I would really appreciate it.  Krissy is giving me pointers, and I really do appreciate them!  

                                      

It's time for "Wordplay" this morning!  It feels good to get back into the swing of the game =).  I found a neat site that has five spelling quizzes.  They have 50 words in each quiz.  I took the first three quizzes.  I missed four on the first.  Three on the second and two on the third.   I find it interesting that when I see two words together they both seem to look like they are spelled correctly, or they both seem to be spelled incorrectly.  LOL  Ask me to spell a word on a piece of paper or type a word on the computer and I have no problem, but on these tests it was a bit tricky at times and I had to do some thinking.  Let me know how you did!  I'm not asking you to do all five or even three like I did (unless you want to!).  I just want to see how everyone fares on one of them!!  What words did you have problems with?  Was this a hard test? Thanks for playing along!


I had promised a few week's back to post poems that were submitted to a previous "Wordplay" before I went to Florida.  I was unable to post them because Chelsea went into labor earlier than expected.  Below are these poems.  Thanks to those who contributed!

The first one is from Barbara at Confessions of An Angel Waitress.  I wrote back Barbara after I received this poem and she told me Ezra truly DID exist!  This poem gave me a big smile and laugh!  Thanks, Barb!

I'll just Have The Chicken

Ezra who is three years old came to visit me.
I was working at my job
Waitressing for a mob.
I said, "What would you like for lunch?"
And he replied to me,
"I would like some chicken please."
And sat down ready to eat.
His order was taking way too long
To come out of the kitchen.
He was getting restless and
Started causing tension.
He could not stay there in his chair.
He began to wander.
Introduced himself to everyone
And could not wait for the chicken to be done.
I went over to him to help the situation
And asked him this simple question,
"Ezra, do you have a case of wiggle worms?"
To which he simply smiled, "No thank you,
not today, I'll just have the chicken!"

The second and final poem I received is from Krissy at Sometimes I Think.  Thanks, Krissy!

This Love Overflows

Deep down inside
it grows
it grows

and pushes it's way out
to others
this love overflows.

Who would have thought
who would have known
we'd be here today
hearts interlocking?

I'm off to go do some of that organizing that I was talking about.  Ah, what to do first???  Have a good weekend, everyone! xox

Please click!...

               "Poverty is the worst form of violence"
                                                              -Mohandas Gandhi


I hope you have The Hungersite, which I try to speak of as much as I can, bookmarked.  I hope you visit it daily, too!  When I click on the link daily I give 1.1 cups of staple food to a person who is hungry.  I don't think this is a small thing.  If I do this every day for a year, that is 401.5 cups of food a year!!  That's just from little ol' me!!  From just a little click!

If you have never been to The Hungersite it has five other worthy causes that you can click on at the top of the page as well.  This month The Breast Cancer Site and The Literacy Site are DOUBLING their clicks!!  That means more mammograms for women who can't afford them and more books for children who are in need of them!  So, if you can, please pop on over to these sites and give them a click.  Try to do it daily if you can.  It only takes about 30 - 45 seconds to do all six.  You feel really good after you click them all!  I know I do!!  ...stepping off my soapbox

I took a recent picture of Krissy's cat, Michael, and wanted to share it with you, just because I think he is the most beautiful cat in the world!  He is a Maine Coon.  He is a 25-pound, gentle giant.  I take care of Michael when Krissy and John are away and he is such a pleasure to be around because he purrs the entire time.  He is just so loving...

      

I will be picking back up with "Wordplay" Saturday morning.  Hope you drop by and check it out!  Have a good rest of the week! xox

Photo Scavenger Hunt #89...

       

Photo Scavenger Hunt #89 will be due on Sunday, September 24, at 11:00 PM EST.


The subject this week is:  a few of my favorite things

Interpret this any way you wish and have fun!!  I wanted to thank Krissy for allowing me to continue her Photo Scavenger Hunt and Monday Morning Question while she is caring for her husband.  She will be taking back her "babies" shortly.  Thank you, sissy!!  I really appreciate it and love you so much!  xox

Photo Scavenger Hunt #88 Participants...

Photo Scavenger Hunt #88

The subject this week is:  "gifts for Krissy and John!!"

This idea came from Greg at Photo Trek!!   Thanks, Greg!!  Sit back and relax and enjoy your gifts, Krissy and John...

Many thanks to the following journals that participated.  Please click on the links and see the wonderful gifts that were bestowed on my wonderful sister and her husband!...

     Photo Trek
     My Photo Journey
     Nancyluvspix
     Gina's Space
     Tammy's Scavenger Hunt Journal
     Ye Olde English Posy
     There is a Season
     Footprints in the Sand

I will be back later this morning with the subject for this week's Hunt!  Have a lovely morning!  xox

Monday Morning Question!...

         

Which of the Seven Dwarfs do you most relate to in your everyday life?  Dopey, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Grumpy, Happy, or Doc?

Why do you pick this Dwarf?

My answer:  I think I can relate to most of these little guys on different days.  My mood is happy most days so I think I relate most to Happy.  I can also relate to Doc as I have had to learn alot of medical information because of my illnesses.  I can relate to Sleepy and Dopey, too, because on my sick days, well, I feel like I am mostly these two men.  I can also be Bashful because I am an introvert.  I think the only dwarf I don't really relate well to is Grumpy.  I am not grumpy by nature.  I also have a hard time pinning myself down.  If I had to give myself a Dwarf name it would be Indecisive.  LOL  What about you?  Which dwarf is most like you?  Do you want to give yourself a dwarf name, too?

Special Photo Hunt!...

This week's subject for The Photo Scavenger Hunt is "gifts for Krissy and John".   Krissy and John are actually on their way home from Hershey Medical Center as I type this.  I did some calculating and they have been away from their home a good six to seven months out of the last eight - living out of suitcases and in strange beds.  That has to be very difficult.  They haven't had their own bed, TV, cat, refrigerator, shower, nothing.  Krissy and John, my wish for you both is that you get to settle down very soon once and for all in your home!  John, may your healing continue.  My prayers are fervent for both of you.  But you know that =)!!!!!

I was thinking alot about what I wanted to do for this Hunt and I decided that I am going to give you two photos that are comforting.  Photos that soothe your senses.  Ones that hopefully will make you happy and bring a smile to your faces.  You two know what you mean to me.  You are the world!!

The first photo is of Honey-Honey.  Aunt Krissy and Uncle John, here, give Honey a pat.  You haven't in a long time.  Let her know how much you love her.  Spend a few moments stroking her and loving her!..

                        

Here's John2.  He is calling you and saying, "Hi guys!  I miss you and love you and you are always in my prayers!!  Let's get together soon and have a cup of coffee!!"  Can you smell the yummy coffee?!...

                                              

The next photo is of the park near my home.  I know you guys like to go there and sit and watch peopleand enjoy the nature.  See the bridge on top?  Take a walk across and toss some feed down for the birds and the fish!  Enjoy the fresh air as you two walk across the bridge and enjoy the beautiful sites!...

      

Now, sit down on the rocks and enjoy feeding the ducks.  Did you remember your bread?...
   
      

Cross, the bridge and sit under this big, knotty tree.  Watch the kids on the swing or listen to the musical performer in the gazebo.  Toss some rocks in the water.  Isn't the air cool and crisp and wonderful?!...

               

Finally, a flower for you both.  Put it in some water and put it on your computer table, Krissy.  No, better yet, copy and paste it, and put it on your computer screen, LOL  Smell the wonderful fragrance!  Ahhhh...

               

John2 and I love you both very, very, very much!!!!!! xoxoxox

A funny!...

This is an actual 1955 Good Housekeeping article.  Thanks for sending this to me, Mark!  This is sooooo funny!  I underlined parts that were particularly hysterical.  Enjoy!...

                            The good wife's guide

              

* Have dinner ready.  Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return.  This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs.  Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.

* Prepare yourself.  Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives.  Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking.  He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

* Clear away the clutter.  Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.

* Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables.

* Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by.  Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too.  After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

* Prepare the children.  Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes.  They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.  Minimize all the noise.  At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum.  Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

* Be happy to see him.

* Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

* Make the evening his.  Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you.  Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

* Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

* Don't greet him with complaints or problems.

* Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night.  Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

* Make him comfortable.  Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom.  Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

* Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes.  Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

* Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity.  Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness.  You have no right to question him

* A good wife always knows her place.

In Tribute...

                            

Stupidsheetguy put together something worth watching.  Visit his J-Land Remembers  and let us never forget.   I add my sentiments to his.  Thank you, Stupidsheetguy! 

                       

Monday Morning Question!...

 
      

You come across a briefcase during a walk in the park that is clearly marked, "CONFIDENTIAL, DO NOT open under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!"... What do you do?

My answer:  I know I would just leave it there.  I think I would be too darn scared of the contents.  Perhaps I would even call the police.  I know, I am a goody-goody.  What would you do?

Photo Scavenger Hunt #88!...

Photo Scavenger Hunt #88

         

Photo Scavenger Hunt #88 will be due on Sunday, September 17, at 11:00 PM EST.


The subject this week is:  gifts for Krissy and John!!

This idea came from Greg at Photo Trek!!  I think it is so awesomely precious!  Let's shower our love for Krissy and John and show them that we are thinking of them by snapping away anything that represents our love for them!!  Thanks so much for allowing this to happen Greg and everyone!!  Krissy and John won't see these until I post them on Sunday because they don't have time to read journals right now so it's a surprise.  Shhhh....

I will return later this morning with the Monday Morning Question. xox

Introducing Josiah!...

I finally got some pictures uploaded of the little guy!!  So I want to introduce you to Josiah Anthony, my grandson, this morning :D!!.  I miss him sooooooooooo badly.  I haven't seen him in two weeks tomorrow.  Chelsea said that he gained two pounds in just the week after I left!!  How he must be changing.  I spent almost three weeks in Florida with Chelsea and Josiah and the father, Desmond, so it was so hard tearing myself away.  Desmond - Desi is a really good father.  I felt so much better coming home knowing that they were both good parents and Desi was a good mate for Chelsea.    So, without further ado, I give you Josiah Anthony...

Here he is just moment's old...

                                   

Here is Josiah just a day old getting Grandma kisses!...

                                   

Josiah is laying on his Mama!...
                   
                   

And the day before I left...

                                      

                                   

I came home with 75 pictures on my camera.  I don't want to show you THAT many!  LOL  Hopefully Chelsea will be sending me some more really soon.  She doesn't have a working computer in her apartment right now, but is trying to get that set up.  Hurry, Chelsea, before he is walking and I miss everything!  LOL  Chelsea plans on visiting in January with the baby.  That would be glorious!!  I hope it comes to pass.  She is thinking about getting a part-time job for money right now.  Her old boss told her she could come back to work two days a week.  She wanted to stay home with the baby and not have to work, but money is tight.  I remember how hard it was to leave my little Chelsea when she was tiny.  I hope it all works out for them.  It's nice because she talks to me almost every day on the phone.  Sometimes twice a day.

I got a call from my Matt last night at 1:30am (yep, in the middle of the night!)  Stop scaring me, Matt!  He just wanted to chat.  It was a nice hour-long chat.  He's at the University of Florida now.  He seems very happy.  He likes some of his courses and doesn't really like some others.  He is thinking of changing his major.  That is a big deal (to me) because he has wanted to be a music teacher for quite some time.  He told me he shaved his head.  I don't blame him because he has been going bald for a couple of years now.  He seems to like it.  He already has a girlfriend.  Her name is Missie.  Hi Matt and Missie!!   She is from Arkansas.  Matt now has two tattoos, an eye-brow ring, a bald head and a goatee.  My how he has changed in one year!

I will be doing The Photo Scavenger Hunt and the Monday Morning Question for Krissy this week.  If you would like to participate in The Photo Scavenger Hunt please come back tonight and see what the subject is.  It promises to be a very special one thought up by a special journaler!

I am feeling very solemn as the five-year anniversary of 9/11 approaches.   The President has issued a Proclamation for a moment a silence and flying of flags half-staff tomorrow.  Please read this and let us not ever forget!  May God continue to bless all of us!  Have a lovely weekend!  xox

Cast your vote!...

 

Would you like the VIVI Awards to continue this year?  Cast your vote!   I sure hope this community organizes a grand Awards Season this year!  What about you??  Go vote and leave a comment!  I'll be back posting in a day or two.  I have lots to talk about.  Haven't posted in a month now.  New grandmas always have lots to say!   LOL  Have a good day all! xox