tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86465544515094642012012-03-02T13:01:50.009-08:00Blue-Eyed BlogAmber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.comBlogger1391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-74128794363681221772012-02-26T15:01:00.001-08:002012-02-26T15:01:12.751-08:00Instagram Weekly<p align="center">Does anyone else have spring fever? I quite literally had the fever this past week. The weather changes have had me hacking in the less than dainty kind of way. Despite all the woes of a cold, the climbing temps. have had me pretty chipper! I really hope the 60s and 70s on the forecast are here to stay, because I know of a certain man that would love to take his gal outdoors for some fun. Speaking of fun, it’s always fun to link up with <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Jenni</a> for her Best of Instagram series!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7sfXbr9CtNQ/T0q5naGV1pI/AAAAAAAABE8/A7Co0cg9110/s1600-h/427387_10150832328523298_511433297_12653692_566931471_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="427387_10150832328523298_511433297_12653692_566931471_n[2]" border="0" alt="427387_10150832328523298_511433297_12653692_566931471_n[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h-lHyy95OJ4/T0q5n8dhJeI/AAAAAAAABFE/Uy-vQRXGiwo/427387_10150832328523298_511433297_12653692_566931471_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="346"></a></p> <p align="center">1. This is where I work in my college town. Hey Joe’s. Right across from historic down-town Cleveland. If you’re ever in town, not very likely, but all the same, stop in and ask for Amber Marie! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vLzggFmtWKg/T0q5oFJdeBI/AAAAAAAABFM/JjlByF4qujA/s1600-h/404302_10150833764758298_511433297_12658058_1220373565_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="404302_10150833764758298_511433297_12658058_1220373565_n[2]" border="0" alt="404302_10150833764758298_511433297_12658058_1220373565_n[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HjJejY5_3Lo/T0q5oq12pmI/AAAAAAAABFU/8SnKLJ590TY/404302_10150833764758298_511433297_12658058_1220373565_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="356"></a></p> <p align="center">2. No trivia this week. Confidante (Delta State U’s literary mag.) hosted a poetry night at the coffee shop in our school’s union. I was reading Thoreau’s “The Inward Morning.”</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DBJq0nd_CXw/T0q5oxj0I1I/AAAAAAAABFc/TdcEv0g6gs4/s1600-h/429172_10150841614768298_511433297_12687518_1011697724_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="429172_10150841614768298_511433297_12687518_1011697724_n[2]" border="0" alt="429172_10150841614768298_511433297_12687518_1011697724_n[2]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uHYHkMNgHLk/T0q5pbMAgvI/AAAAAAAABFk/1bWKfi4PYFI/429172_10150841614768298_511433297_12687518_1011697724_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jJ0usYU7W0U/T0q5p5dR9MI/AAAAAAAABFs/UpeAwEkAKfo/s1600-h/407547_10150841594228298_511433297_12687417_936577918_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="407547_10150841594228298_511433297_12687417_936577918_n[1]" border="0" alt="407547_10150841594228298_511433297_12687417_936577918_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a_MlpJ95Dk8/T0q5qIvCkfI/AAAAAAAABF0/eaPAIuPPnqg/407547_10150841594228298_511433297_12687417_936577918_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="242"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p1qxX0fdFa4/T0q5qi8DArI/AAAAAAAABF8/5gU7WRTPO_8/s1600-h/429351_10150833784138298_511433297_12658108_1724819617_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="429351_10150833784138298_511433297_12658108_1724819617_n[1]" border="0" alt="429351_10150833784138298_511433297_12658108_1724819617_n[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xm36vZ8eJCY/T0q5q8IETwI/AAAAAAAABGE/zNiOJQOR5_Q/429351_10150833784138298_511433297_12658108_1724819617_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="265"></a></p> <p align="center">3, 4, & 5. I am actually getting into running more and more, so I started investing in the threads and such. P.s. if you like running (or fitness walking), you must go to Fleet Feet. They help you pick out a shoe that is exactly right for your foot and stride. You wont be sorry! I love my Saucony kicks; it’s like running with clouds around my feet! By the way, can you guess what my favorite color is?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qUBQvLccsok/T0q5rN5dqSI/AAAAAAAABGM/d5U6R21WdAA/s1600-h/421151_10150839428763298_511433297_12678614_1313777125_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="421151_10150839428763298_511433297_12678614_1313777125_n[1]" border="0" alt="421151_10150839428763298_511433297_12678614_1313777125_n[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HiguxWfJkxc/T0q5rxT4tiI/AAAAAAAABGU/6pxnzVNzeAM/421151_10150839428763298_511433297_12678614_1313777125_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="353"></a></p> <p align="center">6. I got to come home-home on Saturday night. Went to see my sister at her work. #SeeeesterLove</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dszXDJwTEKE/T0q5sdg3yHI/AAAAAAAABGc/gU3I3Msn5zY/s1600-h/430169_10150841564893298_511433297_12687267_1435666686_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="430169_10150841564893298_511433297_12687267_1435666686_n[1]" border="0" alt="430169_10150841564893298_511433297_12687267_1435666686_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hBtOuJoYltQ/T0q5sudzZkI/AAAAAAAABGk/_soxaR5L5HQ/430169_10150841564893298_511433297_12687267_1435666686_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="264"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D2XjfA1nDSA/T0q5tCJQ4iI/AAAAAAAABGs/vM6fcbvHBgo/s1600-h/421124_10150841571433298_511433297_12687292_224293410_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="421124_10150841571433298_511433297_12687292_224293410_n[2]" border="0" alt="421124_10150841571433298_511433297_12687292_224293410_n[2]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-294R-Y_CHtY/T0q5t9-8FiI/AAAAAAAABG0/_Q902lawuYE/421124_10150841571433298_511433297_12687292_224293410_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="263"></a></p> <p align="center">7. & 8. Bring on spring! Daffodils I picked from the same patches in my parents’ yard that I did when I was little. Triple berry sangria from my mama/daughter date at Red Lobster. </p> <p align="center">I love getting to come home once in awhile! Here’s to another busy week ahead, though! </p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7412879436368122177?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-85098238112697839152012-02-20T23:44:00.001-08:002012-02-22T05:10:36.925-08:00Irrationally Happy<p align="center">I can’t help but feel like the older I get, the more irrational I get. That is a little backwards, right? But is “irrational” the word I’m looking for? I mean on the surface, it would seem right to label it irrational, but something deep inside of me says it’s not irrational, it’s pure. God, listen to me! “Something deep inside of me!?” That’s just embarrassing…to sound so hopelessly romantic!</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/212935888601132352_zFDQTbEg_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">I get extremely stressed out about money, and the future, and all the novelty of my life of late, and then I spend money on the things I want, and I make huge, ambitious plans, and I jump in head first into the sea of new things in my life…because I decide that I deserve happiness…that I only have one life to live…that I probably will die in debt, so why not live with what I want?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985105160_uw2jku2h_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114630752985118779/">via</a></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-8509823811269783915?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-81860664695115670332012-02-20T22:51:00.001-08:002012-02-20T22:51:38.185-08:00Why I shouldn’t be alone.<p align="center">…after working a double. while drinking a few beers to wind down. because I’m pissed that some people in this little world have the hardest time meeting newspaper deadlines.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/#"><img title="Patagonia Women's Full-Zip Re-Tool Jacket" alt="Patagonia Women's Full-Zip Re-Tool Jacket" src="http://www.patagonia.com/tsimages/25475_951.fpx?wid=360&hei=360&ftr=8&effect=dropshadow,0x000000,10,8,120,8&cvt=jpeg"></a></p> <p align="center">I ordered this.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/#"><img title="Patagonia Yerba Pack 22L" alt="Patagonia Yerba Pack 22L" src="http://www.patagonia.com/tsimages/47900_952.fpx?wid=360&hei=360&ftr=8&effect=dropshadow,0x000000,10,8,120,8&cvt=jpeg"></a></p> <p align="center">And this. Opps.</p> <p align="center">Well, crap.</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-8186066469511567033?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-63959466500658857822012-02-20T13:46:00.001-08:002012-02-20T13:46:13.667-08:00My First Shots<p align="center">Still don’t know what I’m doing with my beautiful piece of equipment (i.e. Canon T2i). Probably won’t for awhile, but here are a few shots from an event we had at the restaurant I work at.</p> <p align="center">Disclaimer: worst lighting in the history of photo taking…why not start with those conditions, right?!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hj_dArQpfws/T0K-6clEWBI/AAAAAAAABC8/nZJlN-VDljU/s1600-h/IMG_6914%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6914" border="0" alt="IMG_6914" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yruxhjL2vLA/T0K-7TISMhI/AAAAAAAABDE/MkQYT2ZgoVY/IMG_6914_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xIiZkyrTxj0/T0K-8EvrR0I/AAAAAAAABDM/9IV7Uh4UN7c/s1600-h/IMG_6916%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6916" border="0" alt="IMG_6916" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qzQ3-D-6Hns/T0K-81o-GjI/AAAAAAAABDU/8RRH2dZ5txA/IMG_6916_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="196"></a></p> <p align="center">Chocolate mustache cupcakes for the Keep Cleveland Boring birthday party.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E79nxNP0R4k/T0K-97F0JJI/AAAAAAAABDc/xmJ66l6ygOQ/s1600-h/aaron%2525201%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="aaron 1" border="0" alt="aaron 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1-VV1Gehnl0/T0K--UaiqlI/AAAAAAAABDk/o0XeqbuDY6s/aaron%2525201_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="260"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OfshUux9dBI/T0K-_K2Sf2I/AAAAAAAABDs/SF3R9x27eyE/s1600-h/re%252520do%2525201%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="re do 1" border="0" alt="re do 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LNsMd72oyr8/T0K-_gCVALI/AAAAAAAABD0/xoGKQRiIXhc/re%252520do%2525201_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="262"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4cdbt0haVNI/T0K_Bjrvm9I/AAAAAAAABD8/nUhdXXUzbAw/s1600-h/redo%2525203%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="redo 3" border="0" alt="redo 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pBlpeP-G1b4/T0K_CKP-UqI/AAAAAAAABEE/MiIpLe4qRcM/redo%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="263"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DON5xs6LgtY/T0K_DMWblPI/AAAAAAAABEM/hji2aHCHcDk/s1600-h/redo%252520again%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="redo again" border="0" alt="redo again" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xb3kJrkc_Eg/T0K_DzDMaEI/AAAAAAAABEU/YDV4nylkj9A/redo%252520again_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="310"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CfFvn37uLug/T0K_GP4F-CI/AAAAAAAABEc/AKoyCm2PUm4/s1600-h/Weej%2525201%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Weej 1" border="0" alt="Weej 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EAAiBQTBwSM/T0K_Hgbex_I/AAAAAAAABEk/nCIkLP6EsBo/Weej%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="257"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--DZWmplbgF8/T0K_Ipr8R4I/AAAAAAAABEs/yLWWIp2qnuQ/s1600-h/Weej%2525202%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Weej 2" border="0" alt="Weej 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RfmGbC5JWvU/T0K_JIuSucI/AAAAAAAABE0/L6T91-IhrO8/Weej%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="255"></a></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-6395946650065885782?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-68375652467340298772012-02-19T11:41:00.001-08:002012-02-19T11:41:47.770-08:00Time flies when you’re Instagraming<p align="center">24 hours is just not enough in a day! Seven days are gone in a blink! And all I can do to keep up is re-cap with Instagram. Linking up with <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Jenni</a> for this week’s “Best of Instagram.”</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6iZWeIoseJI/T0FQUadLodI/AAAAAAAABBk/k0wDKor9QPc/s1600-h/407084_10150802964168298_511433297_12570777_1622040836_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="407084_10150802964168298_511433297_12570777_1622040836_n[1]" border="0" alt="407084_10150802964168298_511433297_12570777_1622040836_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZKdoHgFXKn0/T0FQU3hjY4I/AAAAAAAABBs/sfUuZGPL854/407084_10150802964168298_511433297_12570777_1622040836_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="335"></a></p> <p align="center">1. One of the days this past week for the February photo challenge called for something “blue,” so in honor of BEB, ta-da!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PEPGWkH3T-k/T0FQWF5c2aI/AAAAAAAABB0/6qcH-0Aeojs/s1600-h/423067_10150811367908298_511433297_12593008_627540466_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="423067_10150811367908298_511433297_12593008_627540466_n[1]" border="0" alt="423067_10150811367908298_511433297_12593008_627540466_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kez7jQeyQvY/T0FQWiDfdcI/AAAAAAAABB8/N_nNoQwG3qY/423067_10150811367908298_511433297_12593008_627540466_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="340"></a></p> <p align="center">2. Some of my girls and me at Hey Joe’s for Trivia on Wednesday night.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hK10fKg3R-8/T0FQY0PRZ2I/AAAAAAAABCE/xFt1oosU5Z0/s1600-h/419880_10150816780443298_511433297_12607730_42926310_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="419880_10150816780443298_511433297_12607730_42926310_n[1]" border="0" alt="419880_10150816780443298_511433297_12607730_42926310_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j8MjJh7YAZ4/T0FQZXaWZBI/AAAAAAAABCM/4nCXrhV4v8k/419880_10150816780443298_511433297_12607730_42926310_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="349"></a></p> <p align="center">3. I can’t tell you how many times I have told myself that the responsible thing to do would be to sell this beaut back, so I can better afford bridesmaid dresses, big girl bills, etc…etc…etc…BUT my heart is screaming “NOOOOOO” very loudly. Heart wins for now. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ED0P_6uDCdc/T0FQaCf1zfI/AAAAAAAABCU/8R-3bJsoaeU/s1600-h/395633_10150817170818298_511433297_12608675_1706391281_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="395633_10150817170818298_511433297_12608675_1706391281_n[1]" border="0" alt="395633_10150817170818298_511433297_12608675_1706391281_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BqP-SmD1XFM/T0FQcGSDX1I/AAAAAAAABCc/iKxD8YTmaBc/395633_10150817170818298_511433297_12608675_1706391281_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="345"></a></p> <p align="center">4. The past few weekends, Chad and I have made some spectacular dinners. This week’s menu included Tilapia (pictured above) and Mediterranean pizza (gone before a picture could be snapped).</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-luXd7PZzen4/T0FQd1LR7MI/AAAAAAAABCk/25mF_erGAZU/s1600-h/396266_10150821239933298_511433297_12621179_762231615_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="396266_10150821239933298_511433297_12621179_762231615_n[1]" border="0" alt="396266_10150821239933298_511433297_12621179_762231615_n[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SguT4kXB-xM/T0FQekwGbvI/AAAAAAAABCs/t1chirrUIc8/396266_10150821239933298_511433297_12621179_762231615_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="348"></a></p> <p align="center">5. And as usual, this is what Sundays look like.</p> <p align="center">Happy day to all!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-6837565246734029877?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-78247348491599439992012-02-14T21:06:00.001-08:002012-02-14T21:06:33.154-08:00Better Late than Never Instagram<p align="center">This semester is my last one of undergrad. All those that have done senior year before me made it look so easy. It was supposed to be the “care-free” year. PHA! I am so busy…It may have something to do with the fact that not one but TWO of my very best friends are engaged!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FfwbeOPyzK0/Tzs9Hdo8rhI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/KJ0kAakg4RE/s1600-h/390414_10150705580708298_511433297_12269478_2021804589_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="390414_10150705580708298_511433297_12269478_2021804589_n[1]" border="0" alt="390414_10150705580708298_511433297_12269478_2021804589_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NEewBqBeZCY/Tzs9IpC9hJI/AAAAAAAAA_g/EwbDjpiYP8M/390414_10150705580708298_511433297_12269478_2021804589_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="250"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3oQ3EdA9K3w/Tzs9KEb8K6I/AAAAAAAAA_o/8tznbFWY_30/s1600-h/419624_10150794354213298_511433297_12541983_2062900466_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="419624_10150794354213298_511433297_12541983_2062900466_n[2]" border="0" alt="419624_10150794354213298_511433297_12541983_2062900466_n[2]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n72xRNVPNw0/Tzs9L6EjkvI/AAAAAAAAA_w/IyFo28o-R6k/419624_10150794354213298_511433297_12541983_2062900466_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="252" height="252"></a></p> <p align="center">1.&2. “Will you be my maid of honor?” magnets <a href="http://learningtodanceambergrace.blogspot.com/">Amber Grace</a> made for Jessica and me. Oh, speaking of <a href="http://jessica-calvery.blogspot.com/">Jessica</a>, she just so happened to get engaged tooooo! Oh, and these two gals decided that they are going to do their weddings merely weeks apart this coming July. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Exciting times!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-etE14vVMhuk/Tzs9MUIldWI/AAAAAAAAA_4/H2jVrPE72j8/s1600-h/407687_10150780712088298_511433297_12508643_841947671_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="407687_10150780712088298_511433297_12508643_841947671_n[1]" border="0" alt="407687_10150780712088298_511433297_12508643_841947671_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QuUgOOHKyYc/Tzs9M46UhhI/AAAAAAAABAA/EkbPtHaUY7g/407687_10150780712088298_511433297_12508643_841947671_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="270"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PA1iDvtQsU8/Tzs9NzMpChI/AAAAAAAABAI/a9xkZJjg7PI/s1600-h/407020_10150781299958298_511433297_12510529_1470352270_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="407020_10150781299958298_511433297_12510529_1470352270_n[1]" border="0" alt="407020_10150781299958298_511433297_12510529_1470352270_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s5T7hEURYPk/Tzs9OdiuhJI/AAAAAAAABAQ/TvAPZT9fYfA/407020_10150781299958298_511433297_12510529_1470352270_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="264"></a></p> <p align="center">3.&4. Got to spend a leeeettle bit of time with Mama on Monday because I had a dentist appointment in my hometown. I love this woman beyond words. She took me for my favorite…SUSHI!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FivesKaUUOw/Tzs9PvsIt2I/AAAAAAAABAY/25jQ2J4zw6M/s1600-h/396398_2804484113050_1287030065_32293475_2005509145_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="396398_2804484113050_1287030065_32293475_2005509145_n[1]" border="0" alt="396398_2804484113050_1287030065_32293475_2005509145_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_LFdwKoVB8g/Tzs9QBpXmwI/AAAAAAAABAg/-bQAdKPyAAM/396398_2804484113050_1287030065_32293475_2005509145_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="255"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nn8mM8LLjIc/Tzs9RVfiDLI/AAAAAAAABAo/5Y8MixaRRic/s1600-h/403165_2804474232803_1287030065_32293470_873024093_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="403165_2804474232803_1287030065_32293470_873024093_n[1]" border="0" alt="403165_2804474232803_1287030065_32293470_873024093_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9v-iJJs1CYs/Tzs9RjzzSKI/AAAAAAAABAw/1gCtZQxDPOc/403165_2804474232803_1287030065_32293470_873024093_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="250"></a></p> <p align="center">5.&6. Honestly though, I don’t crave restaurant sushi as much these days because my boyfriend happens to be an AMAZING sushi chef! Look at that stuff! It is so legit. That adorable little fluff ball that is ever so intrigued by the bottle of beer is Squidbilly. He was a favorite that night when we had some of my girlfriends over for Chad’s said amazing-ness!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k2n1F3X3fNg/Tzs9SV5qZII/AAAAAAAABA4/8b0O90Z8-Ro/s1600-h/432034_10150807629568298_511433297_12582718_1298935918_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="432034_10150807629568298_511433297_12582718_1298935918_n[1]" border="0" alt="432034_10150807629568298_511433297_12582718_1298935918_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bHtt3Be9KZA/Tzs9TzT0oNI/AAAAAAAABBA/kbmKWrSuC1Y/432034_10150807629568298_511433297_12582718_1298935918_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="255"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X2hsnIQf9Io/Tzs9VcPNE7I/AAAAAAAABBQ/w9ru1B_klzA/s1600-h/421135_10150808309968298_511433297_12584976_1769888036_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="421135_10150808309968298_511433297_12584976_1769888036_n[1]" border="0" alt="421135_10150808309968298_511433297_12584976_1769888036_n[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F1Inc0OvEBA/Tzs9WEaO2lI/AAAAAAAABBY/DVskGTsQVWE/421135_10150808309968298_511433297_12584976_1769888036_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="254"></a></p> <p align="center">7.&8. Fast forward to V-day. Chad was still an amazing boyfriend, he just happened to be an amazing, broken boyfriend. He took an elbow to the head while playing basketball, and we had to get him eight stiches. He was all tough, and I was all proud! He is definitely going to be in some pain, but it was certainly a memorable first Valentine’s Day. I think those “sweet-hearts” were the right medicine, though. Red velvet cheesecake brownies. I am oh so grateful for Pinterest! </p> <p align="center">Thanks for letting me link up so late, <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com">Jenni</a>!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7824734849159943999?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-62919849455335457312012-02-05T07:38:00.001-08:002012-02-05T07:38:53.658-08:00My Wonderful Week, Instagramed<p align="center">I have been wanting to join <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Jenni</a> on her “Best of Instagram” series for quite some time, but Sundays have become laundry/copy editing day, and believe me, it’s an <em>all</em> day affair. Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines….ppffffhh! And I say, “to hell with it all for a moment…this was a great week and I must share!”</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IVY8sz_kKPU/Ty6iaSEX6-I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/sH2XzNvQMVc/s1600-h/397101_10150751287038298_511433297_12413854_1862201738_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="397101_10150751287038298_511433297_12413854_1862201738_n[1]" border="0" alt="397101_10150751287038298_511433297_12413854_1862201738_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dCwaOXDRJtM/Ty6ia9v_UiI/AAAAAAAAA9g/E7vWFsOY608/397101_10150751287038298_511433297_12413854_1862201738_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="434"></a></p> <p align="center">1. A beautiful sunset last Sunday. Snapped this one from the 8th floor of Baptist Desoto Hospital. Daddy just had some more surgery. He had to stay a good miserable minute there, but he is home now and seems to healing up pretty well.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="pic.twitter.com/acoVNBx" src="https://p.twimg.com/Akbmhq0CMAExLt3.jpg" width="352" height="352"><img alt="pic.twitter.com/CsIY7g2" src="https://p.twimg.com/Akbm7idCEAEp170.jpg" width="351" height="351"></p> <p align="center">2&3. My life changed forever this week. Monday, I left for work with butterflies, knowing that when I came back home this baby would be on my doorstep. Its. so. beautiful. And when I learn how to use it properly, I’m going to make more beauty happen! The quality of life increased so much when I tore into that package!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HEvynAhBB78/Ty6ibdG_yQI/AAAAAAAAA9o/h3vXDLLL3sg/s1600-h/420754_10150763154508298_511433297_12453994_1561615792_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="420754_10150763154508298_511433297_12453994_1561615792_n[2]" border="0" alt="420754_10150763154508298_511433297_12453994_1561615792_n[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pRUVUxLHHwA/Ty6icLzkXXI/AAAAAAAAA9w/8rNuyMbAx6s/420754_10150763154508298_511433297_12453994_1561615792_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="434"></a></p> <p align="center">4. Yummness. Chicken salad with grapes and almonds in an avocado. I had a half for lunch on Tuesday and on Wednesday….it made my belly so happy!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KCLaQBcN9Po/Ty6icpJi1GI/AAAAAAAAA94/05tS4fZA60Y/s1600-h/402064_10150766798808298_511433297_12463324_1599348835_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="402064_10150766798808298_511433297_12463324_1599348835_n[1]" border="0" alt="402064_10150766798808298_511433297_12463324_1599348835_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-73QPf5cjeh0/Ty6idB1t6TI/AAAAAAAAA-A/MpSueJihGjU/402064_10150766798808298_511433297_12463324_1599348835_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="371"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7KEqgzbhL0g/Ty6idkHGzvI/AAAAAAAAA-I/zMvI7qVKeO4/s1600-h/429256_10150766940468298_511433297_12463619_1629193439_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="429256_10150766940468298_511433297_12463619_1629193439_n[1]" border="0" alt="429256_10150766940468298_511433297_12463619_1629193439_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yQc8vuhGuDY/Ty6id1vn5DI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/0VXluCju9Y4/429256_10150766940468298_511433297_12463619_1629193439_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="371"></a></p> <p align="center">5&6. Those are my feathery friends that came to visit me while I was reading at the park. It was a beautiful, sunny, <em>warm</em>, winter (HUH?) day…that’s Mississippi weather for you. Then that black devilish storm rolled in rather abruptly, and I had to high tail it home. I thought I had pulled up at home just in time to see my roommate get carried off in our little flimsy duplex, but we survived another delta monster storm.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NwwC2Tv0K3E/Ty6ie0bW47I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/7Y2zhoKm4lE/s1600-h/399987_10150767617153298_511433297_12465240_1340589611_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="399987_10150767617153298_511433297_12465240_1340589611_n[1]" border="0" alt="399987_10150767617153298_511433297_12465240_1340589611_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZQ16KpfsHKQ/Ty6ifVSoE9I/AAAAAAAAA-g/qaQCz8q695A/399987_10150767617153298_511433297_12465240_1340589611_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="407"></a></p> <p align="center">7. This is my beautiful friend Jenn Jenn and I was soooo happy to have her join the team for Trivia this week at Hey Joe’s where I wait tables! We had a great time. We surely didn’t expect to come in third place like we did! See, there are a few smart girls in Mississippi (even though we probably did so well because one of the categories was E!News…minor detail).</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dohLbI88eQA/Ty6igDhqwHI/AAAAAAAAA-o/9JzdM5qK6hY/s1600-h/422016_10150773310108298_511433297_12478906_352012901_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="422016_10150773310108298_511433297_12478906_352012901_n[1]" border="0" alt="422016_10150773310108298_511433297_12478906_352012901_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W7Tgs0Om0WI/Ty6ighQiLzI/AAAAAAAAA-w/bDiPh8qDdd0/422016_10150773310108298_511433297_12478906_352012901_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399"></a></p> <p align="center">8. Friday night dinner at the house. Roasted tomatoes with shrimp and feta. You reeeeeeally should try this. And you can! I posted the recipe <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2012/02/roasted-tomatoes-with-shrimp-and-feta.html">here</a>.</p> <p align="center">And the grand finale of a grand week:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6dX08ecXiWc/Ty6ihKknKEI/AAAAAAAAA-4/UH-3N6LFpbo/s1600-h/418283_10150776315513298_511433297_12490260_1273575573_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="418283_10150776315513298_511433297_12490260_1273575573_n[1]" border="0" alt="418283_10150776315513298_511433297_12490260_1273575573_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-92rsyOVui6A/Ty6iiT0FwvI/AAAAAAAAA_A/XXE1Q5y92e4/418283_10150776315513298_511433297_12490260_1273575573_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="350"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vIsYrcoBaDo/Ty6iiz-vzJI/AAAAAAAAA_I/0JsGqqIY4Y4/s1600-h/418797_10150777356218298_511433297_12495450_2014103183_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="418797_10150777356218298_511433297_12495450_2014103183_n[1]" border="0" alt="418797_10150777356218298_511433297_12495450_2014103183_n[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E7xtpoKahZ0/Ty6ijF2H2NI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/F6HpsWNmWDM/418797_10150777356218298_511433297_12495450_2014103183_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="351"></a></p> <p align="center">9&10. Chad and I took a trip to Memphis last night for dinner at the Magestic Grille (Best. Salmon. Ever. Regretfully, I was enjoying it too much to snap a picture) and then after walking around a chilly downtown for a few minutes (it was warmer that afternoon when I put my skirt on), we shared a glorious piece of coconut rum cheesecake at Cheese Cake Corner. I was smiles all night.</p> <p align="center">Couldn’t have joined <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Jenni</a> on a better week! Come back next week for more and stop by <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Story of my Life</a> to link up your own “Best of Instagram” post!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-6291984945533545731?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-72509809538248046552012-02-04T06:43:00.001-08:002012-02-04T06:47:12.212-08:00Roasted Tomatoes with Shrimp and Feta<div align="center">Hey there, Reader-Friends! If you are looking for an simple and quick dinner recipe, you have knocked at the right blogstep! Plus this snappy dish is Italian; could it get any better?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NtYOXZvYrVg/Ty1D-zm00fI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/bbQujALf5ig/s1600-h/IMG_6790%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6790" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BgPdHpjQ-70/Ty1D_W8JQgI/AAAAAAAAA8g/MG1Fl5dXWCs/IMG_6790_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6790" width="638" /></a><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Oh, another plus: it doesn’t call for many ingredients, therefore it is a decently affordable meal to put together.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aKWzf9qEUMU/Ty1EAWwll7I/AAAAAAAAA8o/sNLJPbpnqrI/s1600-h/IMG_6799%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6799" border="0" height="428" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ds86E-tyQ-0/Ty1EA5KSs8I/AAAAAAAAA8w/1UZ0RpicFvQ/IMG_6799_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6799" width="639" /></a><br /><div align="center">You will need: </div><ul><li> <div align="center">5 <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/tomatoes-00000000039381/index.html">large tomatoes, cut into eighths</a></div></li><li> <div align="center">3 tablespoons <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/oils-00000000039335/index.html">olive oil</a></div></li><li> <div align="center">2 tablespoons <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/garlic-00000000039310/index.html">minced garlic</a></div></li><li> <div align="center">kosher salt and black pepper</div></li><li> <div align="center">1 1/2 pounds <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/shrimp-00000000039364/index.html">medium shrimp, peeled and deveined</a></div></li><li> <div align="center">1/2 cup <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/parsley-00000000039341/index.html">chopped fresh parsley</a></div></li><li> <div align="center">2 tablespoons <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/lemons-00000000039324/index.html">lemon juice</a></div></li><li> <div align="center">1 cup Feta, crumbled</div></li><li> <div align="center">crusty bread, for serving</div></li></ul><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HAR6Rj3tXq8/Ty1EBn3mJyI/AAAAAAAAA84/-Fb-7H-V-ZQ/s1600-h/IMG_6793%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6793" border="0" height="424" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ty7r__MlupU/Ty1ECZBqF1I/AAAAAAAAA9A/2qKV92nF6ow/IMG_6793_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6793" width="634" /></a></div><h5 align="center">Directions</h5><ol><li> <div align="center">Heat oven to 450° F. Place the tomatoes in a large baking dish and spoon the olive oil and garlic over them. </div></li><li> <div align="center">Sprinkle with ¾ teaspoon each salt and pepper and toss. Roast on top rack of oven for 20 minutes. </div></li><li> <div align="center">Remove baking dish from oven and stir in the shrimp, parsley, and lemon juice. Sprinkle with the Feta. </div></li><li> <div align="center">Return the dish to oven until the shrimp are cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm with the bread. <span style="color: #9b00d3;">(and beer)</span></div></li></ol><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B5Pszy3XRsk/Ty1EDB8zkxI/AAAAAAAAA9I/iLFhdP3AVSA/s1600-h/IMG_6795%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6795" border="0" height="422" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ETOuKWoOnsQ/Ty1EDlTSLCI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/1K90_zCJ6lA/IMG_6795_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6795" width="631" /></a><br /><div align="center">You could:</div><ul><li> <div align="center">Add basil or other favorite Italian seasons</div></li><li> <div align="center">Add parmesan or other favorite Italian cheeses</div></li><li> <div align="center">Serve over angel hair pasta (we didn’t do this, but it definitely has the consistency that is perfect for that kind of pasta noodle)</div></li><li> <div align="center">I might throw in some artichokes next time</div></li></ul><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">This was a perfect fix for an exhausted girl like me on a Friday night. It’s not proven, but this dish may possibly contain stimuli for good conversation. That, of course, is a joke but I really <em>did</em> enjoyed the table conversation last night. You can find the original recipe and other fabulous, yet simple meals at <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/roasted-tomatoes-shrimp-feta-10000000780294/index.html">realsimple.com</a>.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">P.s. Note this is the first blog post that includes photos from my new Rebel!!! Commence girly squeal! I have no idea what I’m doing with that thing, but I am so, so happy to finally have it!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7250980953824804655?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-47733607073305780882012-01-31T06:49:00.001-08:002012-01-31T06:49:37.110-08:00Let’s Just Say<p align="center">Let’s just say I was an awesome blogger, who posted more than once a week. </p> <p align="center">Let’s just say that that I’m averaging a full eight hours of sleep each night and therefore, my skin is clear and my body is happy.</p> <p align="center">Let’s just say that the load of clothes that have been sitting in my dryer for two days now are folded and put away AND the rest of my house is gorgeously spic and span!</p> <p align="center">Let’s just say that I’m not feeling like a whiny, pmsing wench the past few days.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/149604018841412303_Mmu2bnCk_c.jpg" width="382" height="286"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/191332684138857492/">via</a></p> <p align="center">However, let’s, indeed say, without any sarcasm once so ever, that I love you, Reader-Friends, and I appreciate you sticking around when I get behind on life. I shall make it up to you soon!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4773360707330578088?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-47678612705247269332012-01-25T13:12:00.001-08:002012-01-25T13:12:21.231-08:00Overdue Love<p align="center">Dear goodness, I haven’t linked up with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jamie</a> for WILW for ages. So, here we go!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bhmzui9XZVE/TyBwLo4nUYI/AAAAAAAAA7w/hqa_uSMy45I/s1600-h/WILW%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WILW" border="0" alt="WILW" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ykuWLV597bM/TyBwLyYKiMI/AAAAAAAAA74/FnjtkeSBDUI/WILW_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="307"></a></p> <p align="center">I think this is an opportune moment to make a big announcement. The first thing I am <strong>loving</strong> is the special delivery coming my way. Drum roll, please….</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/267049452873837589_4zQM7dN8_c.jpg" width="383" height="383"></p> <p align="center">Yes. I did it. I not only made a decision about the dilemma I talked about in this <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-want-to-be-rebel.html" target="_blank">post</a>, but I ordered a Canon Rebel T2i from B&H on Monday. This is how the ordering process went: I got off of my waitressing shift, I sat down at our local coffee shop to do homework…and the next thing I knew I was clicking submit order. Then, I proceeded to stand up with a zombie-glazed stare, pale as a vamp and floated to the bathroom in case I were to throw up. I didn’t throw up. I smiled suddenly, because a twinge of excitement came over me in a hot flash. But then I realized the hot flash was related to the breakout of hives on my arms. This was my first very large purchase in my life, and I have no idea what I’m doing, but I have a feeling my nerves will settle when I start to figure out that magical device. It’s on it’s way, ya’ll!</p> <p align="center">The next thing I am <strong>loving</strong> is that it’s Trivia Night at the restaurant where I work. The past few weeks I have found a wonderful few hours of stress-free enjoyment there, as I sit with a group of friends and laugh at what dummies we all are. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xwWrSdCtxZg/TyBwMb806WI/AAAAAAAAA8A/3q6cWLdaOUk/s1600-h/399957_10150723411873298_511433297_12329971_1436304971_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="399957_10150723411873298_511433297_12329971_1436304971_n[1]" border="0" alt="399957_10150723411873298_511433297_12329971_1436304971_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VRRB4YkMck8/TyBwM1XEEzI/AAAAAAAAA8I/RjQJi3lIgUM/399957_10150723411873298_511433297_12329971_1436304971_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="356"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">That’s Olivia, a pretty fellow blog sister and one of my real life best friends, and me at Hey Joe’s (where I work)</font></p> <p align="center">Lastly, I’m <strong>loving</strong> good food. By “good” food, I mean <em>GOOD</em> food. Like healthy-esc. Since I started running and working towards a seriously more fit lifestyle, I feel the effects of what I eat more than ever.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/174936766745430422_pWHoV5rC_c.jpg" width="624" height="191"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114630752985162195/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">A good run makes me happy these days; and if I feel like crap from the crap I ate earlier that day, or the night before I tend to get a little cranky. This isn’t a terrible thing. It makes me <em>want</em> spinach. Little changes in diet or hobbies change your whole person. Who would have thought! </p> <p align="center">Speaking of such, I’m going to meet that <a href="http://ow-outonalimb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">pretty fellow blog sister</a> now in the gym! Link up with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jamie</a> and tell us what you’re loving too!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4767861270524726933?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-12183936671264508762012-01-19T10:31:00.001-08:002012-01-19T10:31:38.533-08:00Just Not Feeling it<p align="center">Crap. I hit a wall. I just haven’t felt inspired to write this week. It might have something to do with poor ole blogging being at the bottom of the lengthy to-do list. Yep, school is most definitely back in session. But guess what! I graduate in May, I graduate May (said in sing-song, of course!) Wait. What? There is an “I’m not ready for the real world” freak out commencing now! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Diversion.</p> <p align="center">Look at these neat photographs that I can take the likes of when I get enough courage to spend the money on that fancy camera.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/34058540901756733_kI19slsZ_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/171699804513241098_dOXaKexD_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/280841726732777612_j1RYJ9Dz_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/73816881361978034_pGTd4OBg_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">By the way, I went to Best Buy to play around with the cameras I mentioned in <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-want-to-be-rebel.html" target="_blank">this post.</a> I also looked at the Nikons. I am almost positive that I’m going with Cannon’s T2i.</p> <p align="center">Happy Thursday, Reader-Friends.</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">This meaningless post brought to you by BLUE-EYED BLOG. All photo creds. can be found via <a href="http://pinterest.com/eleganta/photog/" target="_blank">this pin board.</a></font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1218393667126450876?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-72291681948682338342012-01-13T07:37:00.001-08:002012-01-13T07:37:17.409-08:00I want to be a Rebel!<p align="center">Attention all bloggers, as well as Reader-Friends with fancy cameras!!! </p> <p align="center">So, the more I get into journalism (more to come on that later), the more a dormant passion for photography has been re-surfacing. My very first job as a teenager was assisting a professional photographer in my little hometown. I learned the basics of DSLR shooting, as well as editing with Photoshop. Then I joined the yearbook staff at my high school and got my hands on the school’s Rebel. Since college <strike>and</strike> <strike>since I became stressed out by working towards a career that would have made me miserable and obsessed with being with a man that would have made me miserable</strike>, however, that love and enjoyment I found in taking pictures faded. But all of sudden, it is back with full force. I have always wanted an SLR, but always have let the doubt of not having the time to invest in something so expensive get the better of me. But now I’m letting the fact that I have had so many moments in the years past where I have said, “If I had that camera, I could have this amazing shot and a vivid memory forever,” outweigh that doubt. Plus, I’m quite jealous of some of the quality pictures other bloggers have up on their pages. #honesty. So I think I’m about to jump in.</p> <p align="center">This is where I need some help. WHICH ONE??? I’m looking for as many two cents I can get (maybe enough to make a dollar!)…If you have advice in choosing and purchasing an SLR, let me know here in the comments box or on FB or by email. I know that these cameras can go up and beyond a grand in costs, but I’m not looking to make money off my prints. I really don’t want to spend more than six to seven hundred, and I know you can buy kits for around that. (I know lenses come later). I do want video capability, as well. These are the ones I am looking at mostly:</p> <p align="center">T2i:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/267049452873837589_4zQM7dN8_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/267049452873837589/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">T3:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/215891375856678576_58HylV53_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/215891375856678576/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Annnnd T3i:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/257268197433141990_po5gvoMZ_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/257268197433141990/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">So, what do you think? </p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7229168194868233834?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-57384486244625804882012-01-11T08:14:00.001-08:002012-01-11T08:14:33.077-08:00TGFB!<p align="center"> That’s “Thank God for Blogging”, by the way. I’m proud to say that in the last few months, I have convinced all three of my very best friends to become bloggers. They are starting a journey now that in the beginning, I didn’t realize how much it would be apart of my life. I’m sure on the surface that just made me sound like an utter dorkasaurous (hmmm, that one probably did too); but this is what I have found myself saying to my girls as they have been putting up their first posts: <em>this couldn’t be a better time for you to start blogging</em>.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/18858892159216333_blRs1deA_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18858892159216333/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">One of them is going through some hard times and <em>changes</em>, another is going through some very happy times and <em>changes</em>. All in all, life is happening. And they are documenting. As I look back on my past year of blogging, I am thankful for the free therapy it has provided. I went from struggling with the feeling that no one was reading my page, to the realization that this really isn’t even about that for me anymore. I will admit that part of the reason I blog is that I would like someone to think, or being encouraged, or inspired, etc.…but at the end of the day, I just need to document, and create, and work out my mind a little bit.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14003448811079639_aKbVSNEA_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/14003448811079639/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Even if you’re not into the technological hype, I still encourage you to write throughout your life. It’s good for the soul. Go old school with a journal…or a napkin, whatever. But if you are starting to blog or even are thinking about starting to blog, this is my advice. Don’t get caught up in getting everything perfect right away…the look of your layout, the “right” way to say things in this blog culture, gaining an immense amount of followers…all that will come on it’s own, as long as you <em>just write</em>…and write <em>truth</em>-the stuff that is in your heart. You can’t be wrong for that. All that stuff I mentioned you learn along the way. You will struggle with it…probably cuss at your computer screen quite a bit, but persevere, my friend. There are plenty of other bloggers willing and ready to give you tips. Just ask. </p> <p align="center">So, here are a few gals I would like you to meet.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hbOsbO-58Kw/Tw21XLbEoJI/AAAAAAAAA64/85V8qqC8Oi0/s1600-h/384429_341087575904267_100000090831954_1426277_870552009_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="384429_341087575904267_100000090831954_1426277_870552009_n[1]" border="0" alt="384429_341087575904267_100000090831954_1426277_870552009_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oeKgkVUVn3E/Tw21XR1-vyI/AAAAAAAAA7A/NZvF7_YIRQ4/384429_341087575904267_100000090831954_1426277_870552009_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="349"></a></p> <p align="center">This is Olivia Jo. She is an amazing young lady that I have journeyed through the depths of English hell along side. What I’m trying to say is she is a fellow English major and a much better writer than myself, and so you should definitely check out her <strong>BRAND NEW</strong> blog: <a href="http://ow-outonalimb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Out on a Limb</a>. She explains the meaning of her blog title and why she decided to jump into the blogosphere <a href="http://ow-outonalimb.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-i-am-here.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The girl knows what she believes and has a strong will. I’m confident there is inspiration waiting to pour from her fingertips. </p> <p align="center">Meet the “other” Amber.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hyuSTbnMI0w/Tw21YGddbLI/AAAAAAAAA7I/zco_za2uC3M/s1600-h/373930_2546871113003_1290540054_32975099_553634544_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="373930_2546871113003_1290540054_32975099_553634544_n[1]" border="0" alt="373930_2546871113003_1290540054_32975099_553634544_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MgJG-W5lIS4/Tw21YoLx1HI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/J6kNI9geKIw/373930_2546871113003_1290540054_32975099_553634544_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="196" height="373"></a></p> <p align="center">This is Amber Grace…Often thought to be my sister when people meet us…and apparently that is before they consider that our parents were very uncreative with naming baby girls. She is a very happy gal because one of my other best friends happened to propose to her on New Year’s Eve. It was pretty magical, and you can read the story and go on the journey with her on her blog: <a href="http://learningtodanceambergrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Learning to Dance</a>. I know she will be covering a lot of the details that come along with planning a wedding, but her page offers that and so much more. Girl loves her some Jesus and has an amazing testimony that will inspire for sure.</p> <p align="center">And last but most definitely not least, my girl that has been through it all with me- Jess.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3BVX84S6h1k/Tw21Zayd2yI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/zPQ8kB6-gVI/s1600-h/248849_10150192027938575_516988574_7097560_6579939_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="248849_10150192027938575_516988574_7097560_6579939_n[1]" border="0" alt="248849_10150192027938575_516988574_7097560_6579939_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q12lXWaQqyA/Tw21Z9FIAjI/AAAAAAAAA7g/_PL5vp1OTmg/248849_10150192027938575_516988574_7097560_6579939_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="307"></a></p> <p align="center">I know you already want to touch her hair! But go read her blog: <a href="http://jessica-calvery.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Shaped by Grace</a>. She has a lot of love in her heart, and it has spilled out all over her page.She is currently student teaching, and I know there are a lot teachers and soon-to-be teachers in blogland; I’m sure my dear Jessica Nicole would love to “meet” you! </p> <p align="center">So, basically what I’m saying is go visit my friends. Tell them I sent you. Leave them some blogging advice-they are all craving it! </p> <p align="center">Welcome to an amazing journey, ladies!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-5738448624462580488?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-37257573685884986102012-01-06T00:50:00.001-08:002012-01-06T00:50:00.939-08:00Dog Days are Over<p align="center">Dear goodness. Just run. </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985031366_BBMbP5wK_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">I have never been the best athlete, but I have always been somewhat active throughout my life. I can’t tell you how much a good dose of “pissed off” will do for a will to work out, though. I think the past few months, I have literally taken all my hurt and anger and just funneled it down my spine and to my feet. I will even confess that at times I have purposely exposed myself to things that anger or hurt me so that I can get a kick-a** work-out out of it. I’m sure that sounds unhealthy, but it is, in fact a pretty good system. If I’m not exposed to the truth, yes, the <em>painful truth</em>, then it is easy to make things up in my head. Don’t we all want to see our situations in life a certain way, and isn’t it common that we play mind games with ourselves to achieve those perceptions? I’m not setting myself up for that. I’m going to accept what my life is, what has happened, and I’m going to run with it (yes, of course, pun intended). I’m going to be in awesome shape and that is something that no one can take from me or ruin for me. It’s all my own. The only one that can let me down is myself.</p> <p align="center">And that’s not going to happened. The only promises I believe anymore are the ones <em>I</em> make to myself. I got some pretty grand things in store for myself, loves, and they are even more than looking good this summer. Selfish? Nah. Love yourself, too. It’s healthy.</p> <p align="center">FYI, This is my anthem, lately.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:67d39762-6b1f-4e6e-9804-ddda08d21484" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="5acda552-94bc-441a-8a59-4d7c417674af" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSCoJGPRCFM" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cRuQj1zABaE/Twa1t3IxYuI/AAAAAAAAA6w/-jw0n4c4Irk/video816dcddfe893%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('5acda552-94bc-441a-8a59-4d7c417674af'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/pSCoJGPRCFM?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/pSCoJGPRCFM?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p align="center">And don’t believe that I am living some cold hearted life, fueled by anger. All that just landed me in happiness. <em>Happiness hit her like a train on a track…hurt like a bullet in the back. </em>There are things that I want that I don’t currently have. There are things in my life that I don’t think are right and that I’m coping with; but I’m smiling, and it’s real. It’s hard to understand. You just have to view it all in light of irony; my little stint of “hard times” is the very thing that is making my “true” happiness possible. I would have gone through my whole life believing that a <em>forced</em> smile was the best I could do for myself. Lame.</p> <p align="center">P.S. If you’re not pissed, I’m sure there is still plenty of fuel in your life that will help you hit the pavement. Run like a <em>happy</em> fool…to <em>angry</em> chick music. Here is some inspiration, dears.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/234468724319671547_5OIhHo6L_c.jpg" width="276" height="250"></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/274227064779890625_Iv1NutdS_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023455_URR3UECc_c.jpg" width="293" height="377"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752984990075_FOk5oVe0_c.jpg" width="489" height="652"></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985017909_wfb0pi9J_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985031361_XI5a4MWd_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1"><a href="http://pinterest.com/eleganta/work-it-out/" target="_blank">All pictures via this pinboard.</a></font></em></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-3725757368588498610?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-35435847392986779852011-12-29T09:37:00.001-08:002011-12-29T09:37:30.678-08:00Unearthing Original Answers<p align="center">I instagramed (new verb) this picture a few days ago with the following caption: </p> <p align="center"><em>Delta dirt roads make sense of my life.</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujMnR5If62M/TvylVr33i0I/AAAAAAAAA6g/fjs7Sbx6Fck/s1600-h/398019_10150666092393298_511433297_12105638_1695568543_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="398019_10150666092393298_511433297_12105638_1695568543_n[1]" border="0" alt="398019_10150666092393298_511433297_12105638_1695568543_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5meOg1Vw4aQ/TvylWFvnp6I/AAAAAAAAA6o/BF3meb4JoC4/398019_10150666092393298_511433297_12105638_1695568543_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="340"></a></p> <p align="center">I’m sure others do it too. Drive the back roads and figure out your life? I had plans to get “a lot” done over the break while I was alone in Cleveland. Well, I don’t know where the last two weeks went, but they have gone very quickly! And though my house still needs a very intense cleaning, and the to-do list looks a lot like it did two weeks prior to now, I think I have made some monumental progress in the figuring out what’s next department. </p> <p align="center"><em>Disclaimer</em>: I’m putting my foot down. I’m going to be a little wenchy about the following topic, because I feel like my polite nod at many people’s advice isn’t communicating what <em>I</em> think about <em>my</em> future. So here it is.</p> <p align="center">I’m going to take a little time off of school between undergrad and graduate school. I have busted it for 17 years of academia-not just got by with a C average, but killed myself to be the best. I’m a determined person, and if I <em>want</em> to go back to school, I <em>will.</em> I understand the logic behind everyone’s advice to go straight through, but I also find the wisdom in my decision to want to breathe for a second. I thought I wanted to teach for years, and merely two semesters before I graduate I found out that it was not what I wanted at all(and found the courage to admit that, by the way). I made that decision because of the very strange convention that pushes 17 year olds to decide what they want to do for the rest of their lives without ever having any experience in life outside of their high school microcosm of the world they <em>think </em>they live in. I’m not about to do that again. I know that I want to get into the recreation/outdoor/health field, but I’m not going to invest time, energy, and a whole lot of money into something that I find interesting from a storefront window view. I have gone on a few adventurous recreation trips and stepped up my health and fitness levels as of recent, but it just isn’t quite grounds to jump head first into anything. I would love to be able to mesh my English degree with the recreation field…write for <em>Backpacker…Rock and Ice?</em> But what is that going to take?</p> <p align="center">Well, it’s time to find out.</p> <p align="center">I know this: our job market is sucky. And competitive. Degrees only mean so much. It’s about what you know (mostly <em>who</em> you know, really) and what you can do with what you know. So, while, yes, I’m in pursuit of finding a degree program that is going to offer the specific credentials I need, I’m also looking for personal connections and relevant experience during the time I take off from school. The way I look at it is I have a nice place to stay with cheap rent in a town where I have a few friends that I like and appreciate. I have a job—yeah, a waitressing job, but nonetheless a job to be thankful for when there a lot of people with superb degrees sitting on their couch and barely paying the bills with their unemployment check. </p> <p align="center">Grad school (especially outside of Mississippi) is expensive! Every time I think about looking at schools out of state, I’m overcome with fear and doubt. Do I really want to risk all that money in this kind of job economy? I mean, am I really going to see what I do turn over in any kind of way? But while I was driving into the sunset the other day, it hit me. <em>This is it</em>. What I’m about to embark on—just my age and situation— could be the time of my life. I’m not getting married and moving back to the town I have known for my <em>entire</em> life. I have a rare opportunity for a small town southern girl: go somewhere and do something different. So yeah, I’m probably going to get myself into a lot of debt, but is it worth the experience? I’m thinking so. It’s not just about a goal anymore; it’s about being happy <em>right now</em>, in the middle of it all. </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985024169_2Qj0ccnz_c.jpg" width="487" height="349"></p> <p align="center">Cheers to that, my friends.</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-3543584739298677985?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-33845196972563005672011-12-22T08:56:00.001-08:002011-12-22T08:56:45.949-08:00Just Another Christmas Post<p align="center">It seems like everyone is writing about Christmas. <font size="2">I wonder why?</font> I hate to jump on bandwagons, but who can resist when the wagon is decorated with candy canes and smells like apple cider?</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.designcrafters.com/secured/uploads/cards/B2-C-3877-C71R-KG.jpg" width="500" height="340"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=christmas+carriage&hl=en&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4SKPB_enUS343US343&biw=1349&bih=645&tbm=isch&tbnid=6cfqAWVQBxJghM:&imgrefurl=http://www.designcrafters.com/cardModule/card/B2-C-3877-C71R-KG&docid=EKvABK-m-cCHyM&imgurl=http://www.designcrafters.com/secured/uploads/cards/B2-C-3877-C71R-KG.jpg&w=500&h=340&ei=vlXzTrnQI_HEsQLjtoGqAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=174&vpy=286&dur=137&hovh=185&hovw=272&tx=143&ty=54&sig=114787550807986701996&page=3&tbnh=137&tbnw=183&start=40&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:40" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">I told a friend that I wasn’t ready for Christmas yet. Usually I am giddily counting down the days till the big one, but this year I feel like it is just going to be sad when it does get here. I mean as soon as it is here, it’s over. I would be more satisfied with the fact that the 25th is merely three days away <font size="2">(Holy Wow!) </font><font size="3">if I didn’t feel like I missed out on the <em>entire</em> season. I’m one of those people that believes it’s Christmas everyday from the day after Thanksgiving on (</font><font size="2">don’t be a hater.)</font><font size="3"><sup> </sup>Jolly type festivities seem to fill the calendar the last month of the year: Christmas parties, caroling with the youth group, community gatherings for the children’s home, seeing the zoo lights, and Christmas movie marathons. I feel like I missed out on all of that this year. Finals were a week later than usual this semester and it conflicted with many of the said functions. Not to mention, I took on a job in my college town about two weeks ago, so I have parked it in solitude for the holidays. And you know, I wasn’t going to admit this, but if I didn’t, then I would be hiding some real feelings (and you know I hate that): There is nothing like the holidays to make one come to terms with a break-up. Jonathan’s family’s traditions became so much my own. For five years I rode in a horse drawn carriage around the Memphis zoo to look at light displays with the only grandparents I have ever known; for five years I watched “White Christmas” snuggled up on the couch with his mom. For five years I laughed at the same jokes his dad makes every year at the dinner table. I wish it was <em>only</em> him that I broke-up with. Is this post just getting depressing? </font></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_isUvlzkZPIQ/SxBXy9QNe7I/AAAAAAAAFjs/TRrnVPq9OTc/s1600/charlie-brown-tree.jpg" width="509" height="321"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1T4SKPB_enUS343US343&biw=1349&bih=645&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=VMeYHoDzZ-oqwM:&imgrefurl=http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2009/11/charlie-brown-christmas-meets-mad-men.html&docid=B3jF0tou21XC0M&imgurl=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_isUvlzkZPIQ/SxBXy9QNe7I/AAAAAAAAFjs/TRrnVPq9OTc/s1600/charlie-brown-tree.jpg&w=509&h=321&ei=wVrzTpurNIflsQK_29nHAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1023&vpy=185&dur=20&hovh=178&hovw=283&tx=226&ty=121&sig=114787550807986701996&page=1&tbnh=100&tbnw=159&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Sorry for the sappy spirit. Yes, I missed out on a lot this year. Yes, this particular year is going to be very different than the many previous. All in all, there is still time for a Christmas movie marathon, right?</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uv-qYn_b7YQ/SxTZYCe7ueI/AAAAAAAAA1g/nwCi-aD3p5I/s400/Chevy+Chase+Christmas" width="400" height="300"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1T4SKPB_enUS343US343&biw=1349&bih=645&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=_8_t1N_tKmHmlM:&imgrefurl=http://nostalgic-g.blogspot.com/2009/11/national-lampoons-christmas-vacation.html&docid=Yr03Fpjl7rci-M&imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uv-qYn_b7YQ/SxTZYCe7ueI/AAAAAAAAA1g/nwCi-aD3p5I/s400/Chevy%252BChase%252BChristmas&w=400&h=300&ei=LV7zToqyBO_CsQKF2tSYAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=589&vpy=336&dur=1064&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=87&ty=138&sig=114787550807986701996&page=1&tbnh=135&tbnw=181&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:0" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023461_pJNrYc1s_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114630752985023461/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AQ_yfq2Tgno/TPWkbm1cyNI/AAAAAAAAAPM/9cBENKIbw_w/s1600/jimmy_stewart-donna_reed-its_a_wonderful_life-1946.jpg" width="644" height="476"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1T4SKPB_enUS343US343&biw=1349&bih=645&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=e7AsDad5baucbM:&imgrefurl=http://ruebyretro.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-wind-down.html&docid=IQuPx6_T4hLiDM&imgurl=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AQ_yfq2Tgno/TPWkbm1cyNI/AAAAAAAAAPM/9cBENKIbw_w/s1600/jimmy_stewart-donna_reed-its_a_wonderful_life-1946.jpg&w=794&h=587&ei=K1_zTr3XIueEsgLywviiAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=295&vpy=318&dur=682&hovh=193&hovw=261&tx=127&ty=123&sig=114787550807986701996&page=8&tbnh=132&tbnw=179&start=140&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:140" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">There! I’m starting to feel better already. I just have to remember to:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752984963519_HIfgTwkc_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114630752984963519/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-3384519697256300567?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-78313977462618219872011-12-20T07:15:00.001-08:002011-12-20T07:15:42.443-08:00I’m Back and I Brought Goodies<p align="center">Well hello there, Reader-Friends. Ta-daaaa! I’m alive! I say that not only because many of you probably think I fell off of the blogosphere , but because some readers that haven’t been around very long may not know that if I’m not blogging, it’s because I’m drowning…in books…and papers…and tests. But all that’s over now. I somehow still managed all A’s this hellish semester and I am finally, <em>finally</em> on Christmas break!</p> <p align="center">And I don’t know a better way to celebrate than to show you the amazing perk of joining in on <a href="http://mackeymadness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Megan</a>’s Christmas Ornament Swap. Please do this next year! First of all, it’s a way to get connected with new people, who usually happen to be great bloggers! No harm in that, right? Secondly, it’s the cure for the humbug, because you have to go out into all the glitz of the storefronts while on your mission to find your partner a Christmas goodie. And finally, who doesn’t get giddy over getting a package? I’m a snail mail enthusiast! Anyway, for the swap I got paired with a fantastic blogger named <a href="http://www.littlegirlinthebigworld.com/" target="_blank">Meghan</a>. She has an adorable blog called <a href="http://www.littlegirlinthebigworld.com/" target="_blank">Little Girl in the Big World</a> that covers a little bit of everything because it seems like the gal just does it all! We had a little chat over email about what our “favorites” are and went to shopping—she in Florida, I in the Mississippi Delta. A short time after this little guy showed up on my door step, and I was exceedingly delighted with how well this girl, who is miles and miles away, pinned the very thing that brings a goofy, wide smile to my face.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yG1nnTf8zzU/TvCmmZs3CjI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/WtpNh3tPSb4/s1600-h/DSCN6755%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6755" border="0" alt="DSCN6755" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jiSJuiJ54xs/TvCmnVK0RiI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/L_tEp48j7Ps/DSCN6755_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="289"></a></p> <p align="center">Just look at that round, sparkly cuteness! He is setting dead center of my little tree in my apartment-the star of the show, for sure! I’m a penguin fanatic! She did such a good job.Thank you so much, Meghan! You couldn’t have done better even if we had met in “real life”. </p> <p align="center">Special thanks to Megan at <a href="http://mackeymadness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mackey Madness</a> for hosting such a fun time!</p> <p align="center">Well, Reader-Friends, it’s good to be back in the blogosphere. Thanks for being patient while I got through all those papers and finals. It’s such a reward to come back to this—to write for me and to hear from you! I’m back full fledge, by the way. Go check out my guest post on <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicole's</a> blog. She hosts a series called “Lessons Learned” there on <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bloom</a>. It was the hardest post I had to write perhaps in my history as a blogger. Check it out!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7831397746261821987?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-90266462820834522402011-12-01T08:23:00.001-08:002011-12-01T08:23:59.329-08:00Time Mocks Us<p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5"><em>Either we try in desperation to clutch our dream at the last by deluding ourselves with some tawdry substitute; or , having waited the best part of our lives, we find the substitute time mocks us with too shabby to accept.</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000">-Eugene O'Neil, From the <em>New York Tribune,</em> February 13, 1921</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rFOJ0ItqKhY/TteqHNRkiHI/AAAAAAAAA6A/ou47H4UGnJw/s1600-h/uihgjh6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="uihgjh" border="0" alt="uihgjh" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Zt7FWfbrDO4/TteqHVMPDhI/AAAAAAAAA6I/I4mmeFbQ5A4/uihgjh_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="332"></a></p> <p align="center">O’Neil is a playwright from the Modern period. I like him. He said, “The theatre to me <em>is</em> life—the substance and interpretation of life” (From an Interview with Oliver M. Sayler).</p> <p align="center">It’s kind of interesting that I took a course in Modern drama this semester with everything that has occurred lately. I never really cared for the Modern genre until I found myself suddenly and forcefully transported into the psychological situations of Modern characters. I don’t think I would appreciate O’Neil’s (as well as the other modern playwrights’) work like I have if I didn’t experience what I have this semester. I definitely would not have understood this testimony of his: “I’m always, always trying to interpret Life in terms of lives, never just lives in terms of character. I’m always acutely conscious of the Force behind—Fate, God, our biological past creating our present, whatever one calls it—Mystery certainly—and of the one eternal tragedy of Man in his glorious, self-destructive struggle to make the Force express him instead of being, as animal is , an infinitesimal incident in its expression” (From A Letter to Arthur Hobson Quinn). </p> <p align="center">It amazes me that I can identify with all that la-te-da up there. I have been wondering a lot lately if this happens to everyone at some point in their lives. Everything just starts to make really scary sense. Something clicks one day…or everything you had goes down the drain, whatever…but nonetheless something <em>does</em> click, and your entire reality becomes absolutely surreal. I have had chronic nausea trying to get my head around what life is lately. The conclusion: you don’t end up saving yourself, you just understand yourself. </p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-9026646282083452240?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-36562845243798817342011-11-30T09:17:00.001-08:002011-11-30T09:17:46.392-08:00I Think I’m Thinking<p align="center">There is just no turning back now. </p> <p align="center">Have you ever got an idea in your head that eats you alive until you fulfill it? I’m getting to that point. </p> <p align="center">I can accept that the person I have been for the past month has been a product of the grandiose changes in my life, but I’m not going to let anyone tell me that I don’t know what I’m doing or understand what I’m thinking because of those changes-because of this “hard time” I’m going through. Irrationality is common after break-ups, I know; and I can admit that I have made some irrational choices lately, but I don’t think every bit of my thoughts and actions are entirely irrational. </p> <p align="center">In fact, I think that I am thinking for the first time in my life. I know that probably makes no sense; maybe none of this post makes sense, but I just have to admit this: I was living life so conventionally. I read the Bible and sang hymns in a Southern Baptist church; I graduated high school with honors; I went to a four year university in my home state; I dated my high school sweetheart for all my young adult years</p> <p align="center">…. and I expected to have a ring on my finger within the next year, a job that is relevant to what I busted my rear studying for the past four years, and eventually a family and house of my own.</p> <p align="center">And all that is changed. I know, I know; <em>you can still have that, Amber</em>. <em>You’re going to find someone who deserves you and gives you all that and more</em>. Here’s the thing, I don’t know how much I want that anymore. I have a friend that refers to this as the “cookie-cutter lifestyle”. I guess because it’s been done before and can be done again no matter how many batches of dough are thrown on the table; of course, the domestic implications probably have something to do with the reference too. I’m not saying that I don’t want a husband, or a job, or a family and house one day! I’m just realizing how much of that “American dream” I was seeping into with all my life assumptions. I don’t have to have that right now. Heck, maybe I don’t even have to have that. Maybe. I’m also not criticizing anyone who wants this pattern of life; there is absolutely nothing wrong with it if it’s what makes you happy. But I don’t know if that’s what is going to make me happy. In fact, I think the thing that <em>will</em> make me happy is finding out what <em>will</em> make me happy. </p> <p align="center">I completely enjoyed my time over Thanksgiving break with my family-I love those people with every piece of my heart, but every time I go home (and I mean to my hometown, more than just my house) I get an annoying, itching nerve to get out. For awhile, I thought,<em> it’s just hard right now being around all the memories made around here</em> (I’m mostly referring to the ones I made with Jon), and <em>it will get easier as time goes on</em>. And though it is true that it will probably get easier to be in those places and see those faces, I don’t think the urge to get out of Mississippi is going anywhere.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Dr. Seuss is the man" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985020216_u6Hrm9vZ_b.jpg" width="215" height="429"></p> <p align="center">Would it be terrible to explore some wilderness? To travel? To work a few different jobs? To meet a whole lot of people, and people that don’t exactly think and feel like I do? </p> <p align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="emily dickinson" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023828_jDrq5KwX_b.jpg" width="236" height="235"></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-3656284524379881734?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-13633607025960754532011-11-25T14:06:00.001-08:002011-11-25T14:10:24.711-08:00Thanksgiving in Review<div align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="342" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/254523816410169415_96iLqsfK_c.jpg" width="264" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/345429215/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center">Check. Check. And Check.</div><div align="center">I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving with their friends and families! I’m used to having two gatherings to go to during the holidays, and I would be lying if I said my heart didn’t ache a little bit when I realized I wouldn’t get to see the only grandparents I ever really had. But by no means was yesterday a terribly depressing day for me. Talk about abundance! I’m so thankful for the family God has provided for this gal! We laughed, and hugged, and ate, and oh yeah did I mention we YELLED? Not at each other, however; at the television! In fact it wasn’t so much yelling, as it was <em>cheering</em>! Did ya’ll see what my Packers did yesterday? 11-0, reader-friends!!! </div><div align="center">Here are a few pictures from our turkey day!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WGzQrQ7KJy4/TtARQyQ8m2I/AAAAAAAAA3M/4bHb5AFbLeU/s1600-h/DSCN6685%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6685" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4EzkrYE-Mug/TtARRSRU2UI/AAAAAAAAA3U/tI0vT1_xaCU/DSCN6685_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6685" width="404" /></a></div><div align="center">See I’m not the only shortie in the fam! My aunt Debbie and I with my nephew who is in sixth grade and already passed me up!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ELXB1wfC-D0/TtARR87bCmI/AAAAAAAAA3c/XFXTusEpe7k/s1600-h/DSCN6686%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6686" border="0" height="310" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IlFjJvBGdvw/TtARSX-RQxI/AAAAAAAAA3k/81AJQxTzeFk/DSCN6686_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6686" width="412" /></a></div><div align="center">My big brother Larry and me</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--i1S-3oSsQE/TtARS85shjI/AAAAAAAAA3s/deb68p1td2A/s1600-h/DSCN6687%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6687" border="0" height="405" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n2BWlvSNYe0/TtARTEOy5UI/AAAAAAAAA30/JO-1QCRYAqY/DSCN6687_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6687" width="305" /></a></div><div align="center">Sisters! </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jE9cyaai19E/TtARTuulYuI/AAAAAAAAA38/218SItamWdw/s1600-h/DSCN6689%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6689" border="0" height="294" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zjMd8t9Rz4c/TtARUtINo8I/AAAAAAAAA4E/iyVFwE36PVE/DSCN6689_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6689" width="391" /></a></div><div align="center">Mama and Daddy</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yHvuOfmgEXM/TtARVDu3L2I/AAAAAAAAA4M/iZJbGLIlI1A/s1600-h/DSCN6690%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6690" border="0" height="296" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s3RAC_GgoVM/TtARVhA-1GI/AAAAAAAAA4U/UoM9RfoCbWs/DSCN6690_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6690" width="393" /></a></div><div align="center">Auntie Deb and Uncle Steve</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JnIaDJeAO5A/TtARWAWpfqI/AAAAAAAAA4c/VpqaRyD7vVQ/s1600-h/DSCN6692%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6692" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p7Glrn3Gadw/TtARWggYN1I/AAAAAAAAA4k/wtpJ1MQLrcA/DSCN6692_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6692" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">David and Nicole</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-guDXej1f81k/TtARXIuRNjI/AAAAAAAAA4s/7QVXyOU_6Fo/s1600-h/DSCN6693%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6693" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EzxhC6D9oJc/TtARXs0mujI/AAAAAAAAA4w/jRbU1Ior508/DSCN6693_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6693" width="379" /></a></div><div align="center">The victory photo!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DuCxSlnmhKE/TtARX0d4xwI/AAAAAAAAA44/v9t3Hohz-Lg/s1600-h/DSCN6694%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6694" border="0" height="339" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-db49uvdADLo/TtARYDYuyFI/AAAAAAAAA5A/kbU8bBjy4wo/DSCN6694_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6694" width="360" /></a></div><div align="center">A bunch of cheeseheads acting cheesy!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4AmkFu9rDkk/TtARY7rfXrI/AAAAAAAAA5E/lNbIw5D6eF8/s1600-h/DSCN6695%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6695" border="0" height="264" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AQgQMYXFYjo/TtARZSk3KJI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/J_-n7mQUJbU/DSCN6695_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6695" width="350" /></a></div><div align="center">Carving the bird.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TrzlCU8bHqs/TtARZ2nm_PI/AAAAAAAAA5g/AMuYwqYV_hg/s1600-h/DSCN6697%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6697" border="0" height="287" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tuajSoe88cM/TtARbelqpkI/AAAAAAAAA5o/6Jt5JGRwh1o/DSCN6697_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6697" width="381" /></a></div><div align="center">There are not any pictures after this because there wasn’t too much movement after this!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Alright, so now that we FINALLY had Thanksgiving, can we all please be excited about CHRISTMAS!?</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/222224562832635157_7ri25UtF_c.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/384203530/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1363360702596075453?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-47338952960872746332011-11-22T07:39:00.001-08:002011-11-22T07:39:29.297-08:00Earth and Sky<p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5">Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.</font></em></p> <p align="center">-John Lubbock<br></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/111534528241157123_DKAEGNEN_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">One word. <em>Walden</em>.</p> <p align="center">Lately, I have not been able to shake the desire to get out there in the well, “out there”. How do I talk about this without sounding like a hippie? Maybe, I can’t. So, I will risk sounding like a peace and love kind of gal (without the whole being stoned thing, of course), to say I want to drink in all the Mother Nature I can! When I’m “out there” I just look around and think about God. I think <em>this</em> is for us. We’re in our cities with our made-to-order commodities all the time and we think that is <em>natural</em>. But I breathe in unpolluted mountain air and I <em>know</em> that I’m where I belong. Oh, I know I sound whimsical and that if I had to rough it more than a few weeks, I would probably miss my bed and running water. But you see, that’s the problem: I know that would happen. </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023499_Q2IfO3dE_c.jpg"> </p> <p align="center">I’m not going to pretend that the circumstances in my life have left me with nothing but independence to pursue. Well, that’s not entirely true; I could also pursue a death grip on anything and anyone that ever so crossed my path. And that would be so easy to do in my vulnerable state, but <em>no</em> I refuse. You only get so many opportunities in life to become the person you truly want to be before you’re so buried in conveniences and comforts. I want to be able to take care of myself no. matter. what. If you haven’t noticed, I’m talking on a few different levels now, but nevertheless I truly believe that spending time out in nature, depending on the raw elements for survival allows one to do the same individualistically-depend on their <em>own</em> raw elements. </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023467_NEBrxY0Q_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">I just wonder: <em>What am I made of?</em></p> <p align="center">That may be a struggle to truly discover. Maybe even a fight. And when it comes to that, it’s best to…</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023481_vXsTMZdg_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">{All photos via this <a href="http://pinterest.com/eleganta/outdoors/" target="_blank">pinboard</a>}</font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4733895296087274633?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-40164740148415412362011-11-20T07:42:00.001-08:002011-11-20T07:42:13.807-08:00Give Me a Break<p align="center">Oh the agony! I have writer’s block. Hmmmm, could it be because I actually have TONS of writing to do? Two very large papers plus a few more assignments need to get done during this “break”. Ha ha, what a joke! No, I suppose it <em>is</em> a break after all; I don’t have class or work, right? But still, I’m going to sit in front of my computer all week working my brain to nothing.</p> <p align="center">I feel this is appropriate: “Give me a break…Give me a break…Break me off a piece of that…”</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/150166968794694205_Ubyas3VI_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Man, I see where this post is going. No where.</p> <p align="center">Oh well, let’s journey on.</p> <p align="center">So, I have entered the world of fancy phones. New owner of iPhone4 here. Apple savvy ladies and gentlemen are more than welcome to help a chica out. What should I know about this funky little device?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/40743571598415265_z60IPPW7_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Any other randomness? Yes! It’s game day for my undefeated Packers! Get your cheeseheads out, folks!</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/216032113344944998_8B7koPr8_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/225508078/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">This post about absolutely nothing brought to you by:</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4016474014841541236?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-14395051612708259652011-11-18T09:56:00.001-08:002011-11-18T09:56:43.806-08:00Home Therapy<p align="center">It’s time. I wish I didn’t have 500 assignments, so I could enjoy my Thanksgiving break just a tad bit more. I will be a very happy girl upon arrival in Hernando, however, because there are some people there that I am beyond ready to be around.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AU0_0Ca8pQY/TsacTGWyfSI/AAAAAAAAA18/R2fgK9fp9jA/s1600-h/65302263316400852_kn9FlPmN_c%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="65302263316400852_kn9FlPmN_c" border="0" alt="65302263316400852_kn9FlPmN_c" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BB0deUcHhLU/TsacTjtoQ6I/AAAAAAAAA2E/iKY0QLL6nuQ/65302263316400852_kn9FlPmN_c_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="359"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/65302263316400852/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yckI8yg87mQ/TsacUHuMvBI/AAAAAAAAA2M/PJ9hle2aBS0/s1600-h/5450_101099616568259_100000046644348_31194_6481632_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="5450_101099616568259_100000046644348_31194_6481632_n" border="0" alt="5450_101099616568259_100000046644348_31194_6481632_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-elHs2E6qAQ8/TsacUZx8h_I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/diHnAbIDhiY/5450_101099616568259_100000046644348_31194_6481632_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="322"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wajMae2k090/TsacUqhNxcI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/jE_C6w7R9Zg/s1600-h/5450_101099623234925_100000046644348_31195_443542_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="5450_101099623234925_100000046644348_31195_443542_n" border="0" alt="5450_101099623234925_100000046644348_31195_443542_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xFCJUzCFGWs/TsacVAlkGyI/AAAAAAAAA2g/qhLlbYuzEEg/5450_101099623234925_100000046644348_31195_443542_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="320"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uSGE7Id4TuU/TsacVhlBIhI/AAAAAAAAA2o/2c967JOEgQY/s1600-h/5450_101099639901590_100000046644348_31200_2967157_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="5450_101099639901590_100000046644348_31200_2967157_n" border="0" alt="5450_101099639901590_100000046644348_31200_2967157_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Aj5b1ARMAis/TsacV_vn7VI/AAAAAAAAA2w/u97TI9IB-80/5450_101099639901590_100000046644348_31200_2967157_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="319"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/65302263316399912_mqUWALrV_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/65302263316399912/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Seriously, I know there are many people who don’t have a good relationship with their family members and it breaks my heart. I can say this about my family: We are such a weird bunch—an imperfect mess; sometimes we hurt each other’s feelings, but I can’t tell you how much those guys love me and I them. There are no masks behind our doors. I am ready to get some free therapy from spending time with these wonderful people.</p> <p align="center">Pluuuuuus…The Yanks are coming! The Yanks are coming! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yBSeJhK1qlc/TsacWKKs9fI/AAAAAAAAA24/ybgKH4dA2oE/s1600-h/166418_1065947340614_1583966268_30142017_8154320_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="166418_1065947340614_1583966268_30142017_8154320_n[1]" border="0" alt="166418_1065947340614_1583966268_30142017_8154320_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4Kh008oHB8U/TsacWuD258I/AAAAAAAAA3A/MM_fTDzEdFI/166418_1065947340614_1583966268_30142017_8154320_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="433"></a></p> <p align="center">My aunt Debbie and uncle Steve are coming from Wisconsin for the week. Um, someone better make sure that I don’t jump in their suitcase when they leave. #ReadyToGetGone</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1439505161270825965?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-20071808010235759772011-11-16T09:40:00.001-08:002011-11-16T09:40:46.387-08:00Strong is the New Skinny<p align="center">I have really wanted to get that runner’s high everyone talks about. That second wind. I have had <em>good</em> workouts before, but never on that euphonium level. Lately, however, I have been getting pretty darn close. I know it’s been said a billion times-exercise is a great stress reliever, but it is so true. I have been dieting for months. And exercising for months. And being so frustrated with the lack of results. But I have finally seen pounds start shedding in the last two weeks. The ironic thing is I pretty much quit my diet. The only difference is that I have been pissed off and kicking butt. It seems like as soon as I stopped worrying about my body image so much, my body started to change.</p> <p align="center">I stopped worrying about how I need to get skinny and started thinking about how I need to get strong. I started to do it for me-not for what others see. It’s building strength both emotionally and physically.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985006663_kLB2tnn8_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><img alt="the stronger you are the better you feel" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985006662_wfb0pi9J_b.jpg" width="355" height="233"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Firstly, working out is giving me an outlet to work out my anger, while also giving me a place to think, and this is making my mind strong. Secondly, this expulsion of anger is making me go harder and longer in my work-outs and that is consequently doing things for me physically. This is great and exciting, because I’m seriously about to go wild. What’s that mean exactly? I’m going to jump out of planes, and canoe/kayak rivers, and climb mountains. I’m sure many of you will blame my desire to do all kinds of crazy stuff because of the break-up. But I don’t care what it sounds like. I feel more free everyday and I’m going to continue to seek after that freedom.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/150307706283021313_QDadETgJ_c.jpg"></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-2007180801023575977?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-59919672523838049032011-11-11T09:29:00.001-08:002011-11-11T09:41:53.443-08:00Delight. Commit. Trust.<div align="center">Yesterday’s post was kind of ugly, huh? Well, life has been pretty ugly the past few days. And I’m exhausted, because being a tough girl through all this is quite frankly a challenge. Who am I kidding, guys…my life just changed. A lot. Can I tell you how much I don’t want to be writing about getting through these life alterations right now. I want to be writing about how things are all figured out…how the next step in life is “insert something awesome and exciting here”. <br /></div><div align="center">But the truth is I’m a late bloomer, and I’m currently learning a lesson I should have learned years ago. Why years ago? Because that was the first time I heard God tell me he had more for me than what I was caught up in. As I hinted at yesterday, I found out some painful things I was unaware of about the situation I was in, and as much as it hurts like nothing has ever before, it is so, so good. When a child touches a stove and gets burnt, they tend to not do it again. I feel like it’s one of those things.<br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="377" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/220841438_CdXuhj8V_c.jpg" width="317" /><br /></div><div align="center">My head is most definitely spinning from the thunderstorm that rolled through, but the clouds are definitely parting. For the first time, things are becoming very clear. And that’s exciting because I know that the first thing I need in making a decision for the “what now?” is a clear head.<br /></div><div align="center">Well known verse coming at you:<br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/408721659_oZSEUVF7_c.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center">Holy wow, I didn’t expect to apply this way overly used verse turned cliche to my own life, but now I see why it’s so over used. God reveals things to you when you don’t get them on your own…and usually that unveiling hurts like the dickens. But I’m glad I know the truth about the situation I was in, because as soon as the initial shock of the pain was over, I felt free. I know that sounds all whimsical, but really, I knew I could walk away from that situation without looking back because of the pain I had just endured. And that pain, in its essence, was truth. <br /></div><div align="center">I wrote this in my prayer journal a few weeks ago: <em>What can I do to help your healing?</em></div><div align="center">I picked up my Bible and automatically received an answer: <em>Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. </em>Psalm 37: 5-6<br /></div><div align="center">This is key. This is what I have to go back to every single day. And my confession is that I have had days where I haven’t—yesterday for instance when I decided to let anger drive every breath I took. And yes, I’m still mad, and rightfully so (you would agree if you knew why, trust me), but not to the point that I can’t function, just to the point that I have reason and fuel to move on. </div><div align="center"><br />Delight. Commit. Trust.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-5991967252383804903?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-80261271765145121532011-11-10T11:42:00.001-08:002011-11-10T13:15:56.999-08:00The Truth Hurts<div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, I'm too angry to write; Sometimes, I'm too angry to<em> not</em> write.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">WARNING...WARNING...WARNING!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm going to break my own rule and be a tad bit cynical and ranty on this post. No one <em>has</em> to keep reading.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyone been through a really ugly break-up? No one told me about the phases. Well, maybe not everyone has phases. I most definitely do, however. I didn't know I was going to go through phases, but, OH, I'm going through some phases. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phase one: Cry because you know you're supposed to. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phase two: Hold it together day in and day out, because you're surprisingly stronger than you expected. Refuse all pity and sympathy, because no one is lying here: you're really okay. In fact, you're so okay that you explain to people how you're only upset because of the <em>way </em>he broke up with you, not because he did. You acknowledge the unhealthy relationship it was and even defend him, because you think he loved you and is "setting you free" so that you can find someone you "deserve".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phase three: Find out about the truth. {And this is where I have to censor what I share. If I told you the truth that I know...dear, Lord}Well, maybe some of you know this stage...It's where you get information overload about things that you were oblivious to for quite some time, and then you connect all kinds of dots that were right in front of your face the entire time, and then you get sick to your stomach because you realize that cliche is completely true: Love. Is. Blind.}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phase four: Anger. I told God in the beginning that I wasn't going to be angry. He told me I should be. You think I'm kidding? I promise that sometimes it takes God letting things get so ugly, and lets you get so angry that you know, you know, you know, you <em>know</em> you will <em>never</em> be so naive again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Phase five: I will let you know what happens when I'm done being mad. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I will stop being mad. Because I would hate to live the rest of my life with the shakes that I have now...And bitterness and I are terrible, terrible friends and I know it won't work out between us, so rest assured, I <em>will<strong> </strong></em>stop being mad. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's true. Very true: The truth hurts. But guess what, the pain protects. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-8026127176514512153?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-72675655169100797262011-11-09T07:24:00.001-08:002011-11-09T07:24:01.122-08:00Stupid You<p align="center">Like I said, I really want to steer away from my posts being deemed “The Break-up Chronicles”, however can we really pretend that I’m not dealing with a break-up? Well, I tried. And the verdict is: A big resounding NO…so, let’s think about the things I write as “The Things I’m Learning Chronicles”. Not as catchy, huh? Oh, well.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">So, I may share a thing or two with you randomly as I <strike>fight for my ever loving sanity </strike>journey through the hard days. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Today, I want to share this: Beware of the “stupid you” when under copious amounts of emotional stress. I can’t tell you how many times I have said, “Who are you?” to myself over the past few weeks. The things I think, the things I do, the things I say are just down right foreign to me some moments. They are not all bad. I’m finding out that I desire certain things and believe things that I didn’t realize before, but along with the good there comes bad; And I’m realizing how rotten I am. There have been so many times I have had a “screw it all” attitude and just wanted to plunge head first into an ocean of sin, because it’s easier to do that than to fight. And though, I haven’t plunged, I have dangled my toes…okay, maybe even waded knee deep in the “I have been done wrong and I deserve to do this pool”. No, this is not where I beat myself up. We are all sinners…It’s just amazing how much Satan still kicks you as hard as he can, even when you’re already on the ground. </p> <p align="center">All I know is that I ‘m so thankful for my friends, because they have wrapped their arms around me, even when I have not been very welcoming; I’m also completely floored by the fact that I have parents who are so loving and forgiving. My mother has been the most understanding soul through all my crazy, un-like me behavior. Most gals would probably be afraid to show their face at the homestead after being the ugly person I have been the past few weeks, but I’m so unbelievably blessed with a home that delivers the love and forgiveness that our Savior extends to us.</p> <p align="center">Truth:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/323454262_HPPSG2MH_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114630752984963858/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">I don’t condone purposely going out to make mistakes, but the following is something that I am having to accept because what is done is done:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/467416833_rg4FqFZu_c.jpg" width="424" height="517"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114630752984999382/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">And just let me throw this out there: Another option is you can also be young and <em>smart</em> by listening to the wisdom of those who have been somewhere, you just really don’t ever want to be.</p> <p align="center">Still doing okay, Reader-Friends; Love to you all.</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7267565516910079726?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-18593752577507787342011-11-07T05:45:00.001-08:002011-11-07T05:45:54.515-08:00At Loss for Words<p align="center">I can’t tell you how frustrated I am. I want to write. I want to post. I want to share. But if I avoid all my real feelings that I don’t particularly feel comfortable plastering on the internet, then all I am left with is fake feelings to write with. Can I just thank you-<em>you</em> that are reading this right now. Your patience with this author is meaningful and more than appreciated. The whole cliché, “Time heals all things” overflows to this blog…In time, it will be running normally again. </p> <p align="center">Some words of wisdom from Pinterest: </p> <p align="center"> <img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/433055965_fJFgP74G_c.jpg" width="366" height="366"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/433055965/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/329567714_9GQSCFO8_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/329567714/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1859375257750778734?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-46031999559352508472011-11-02T06:09:00.000-07:002011-11-02T06:13:15.469-07:00MIA Explained<div align="center">I don’t want to flatter myself and assume that my readers have been wondering where I have been, <em>but</em> in case any of you <em>have</em> been wondering, I hope this post satisfies your curiosity.</div><div align="center"><br /><br />I have prayed about writing this post. <br /><br /></div><div align="center">I have already hit backspace about a million times, trying to come up with a good way to lead into this. I give up. So, here it is: my boyfriend of five and half years and I ended our relationship recently, and I have been dealing with that. I thought it would be best to stay away from blogger while I dealt with the initial changes in my life; emotions are not to be trusted in the drivers seat. I refuse to throw a pity party for myself on my site, nor will I throw a bashing party for him.<br /><br /></div><div align="center">I promise you that I’m doing well. I promise you that I have my ugly moments. I promise you that I’m hurt. And I promise you that I truly believe that God has a better, and more beautiful plan for my life now than when I was trying so desperately to control it myself. <br /><br /></div><div align="center">I really don’t want Blue-Eyed Blog to turn into "The Break-Up Chronicles", but of course, in order to keep this the honest blog that I strive for it to be, I will share all the hard things I learn along the way with you while writing about all the <em>wonderful</em> things that are <em>still</em> present in my life. If you are still around these days, thank you so much for hanging in there while I have been exceedingly MIA. As always, your readership makes me smile. And smiles are valued more than ever during this time of heartache.<br /><br /></div><div align="center">I want to share one more thing with you, Reader-Friends. Watch the video below; this is why I’m truly okay in the midst of this time. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TKISYTwnn0A" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4603199955935250847?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-11706385857798870652011-10-19T06:48:00.001-07:002011-10-19T06:48:21.697-07:00{Nash}Vegas!<p align="center">Get excited! Well, you don’t have to because I am enough for all of us! My university is having Fall Break I am headed to Nashville tomorrow to see some friends.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/312474129_yyd46MSN_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">The plans are to do a little boot scootin’ at</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.countryhound.com/sites/countryhound.com/files/u6/Wildhorse-Saloon.jpg" width="400" height="420"></p> <p align="center">There is also this AMAZING second hand book store that I left my heart at last time I was up in Nashville, and I’m hoping to retrieve it and maybe few more of these beauts-</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/187308947_1zoaGwTe_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">Whatever goes down, I will definitely be having some fun with this girl:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-75PngUl5KuM/Tp7VIhotFeI/AAAAAAAAAyg/GPmVF-S1vVg/s1600-h/37544_479638058297_511433297_6612521%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="37544_479638058297_511433297_6612521_2408353_n[1]" border="0" alt="37544_479638058297_511433297_6612521_2408353_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FIXPC7_m9As/Tp7VJOe9llI/AAAAAAAAAyo/SFU1G7keY-Q/37544_479638058297_511433297_6612521.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="344"></a></p> <p align="center">Can’t you tell?</p> <p align="center">That’s Jenny from the block! She is a hometown friend that decided to broaden her horizons and move to a town a tad more exciting than our own. </p> <p align="center">Talk to ya’ll soon!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1170638585779887065?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-21404430402746894712011-10-18T06:15:00.000-07:002011-10-18T06:18:35.777-07:00Lookie What I Gots!<div align="center"></div><div align="center">If you’re a “ blover” (That’s blog lover, btw) and you haven’t met <a href="http://kristinsveranda.com/vignettes/" target="_blank">Kristin</a> at Vignettes, it is past due time, Reader-Friends. She has an UH-mazing blog brimming with recipes, décor inspiration, blogging advice, beautiful photographs, giveaways galore, and a sweetie personality! When I visit her blog, I feel like a guest at an adorable grown-up tea party, and let me tell you, she is totally the “hostess with the mostest”! Speaking of hosting, that’s just what she did! Kristin hosted a Fall Friendship Swap at her blog where “blovers” were randomly paired to exchange boxes of fall goodness with each other. I participated this year and I am so glad I did!</div><div align="center">The perks?</div><div align="center">-The overwhelmingly happy spirit of putting together a box of all things Fall!</div><div align="center">-The anticipation and excitement of getting a package of goodies in the mail! </div><div align="center">-The opportunity to make a fabulous new friend! And yes, she is indeed fabulous! So much so that I want you to meet her too! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Meet my new friend Aliesha <a href="http://feathersinournest.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, Reader-Friends!</div><div align="center">She sent:</div><div align="center">-Autumn leaves and pinecones to decorate with</div><div align="center">-Plush pumpkins and the cutest little owl I have ever seen</div><div align="center">-Apple Cinnamon Crisp Hand Sanitizer</div><div align="center">-Tissues in Autumn brown pouch for the runny nose weather</div><div align="center">-A spiced cinnamon pumpkin scented candle</div><div align="center">-Caramel Truffle coffee<br />-Gift tags</div><div align="center">-Hair clip</div><div align="center">And drumroll please….</div><div align="center">-PUMPKIN Hershey kisses!!! I had no idea they even made them, and now I have a brand new addiction!!!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I should have taken a picture of the whole box before I dove in like a kid on Christmas, but I was too excited and I felt that I could NOT wait to give each item a home. I’m going to do a little multi-tasking and show you the things Aliesha sent to me, as well as my fall décor since many of her gifts added a little “spice” to what I already put out.</div><div align="center">This guy’s name is Winston.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L0OnPr5eWYc/TpzcNX9fOyI/AAAAAAAAAw4/YbUXXV4lSmc/s1600-h/DSCN6420%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6420" border="0" height="357" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dYgEcrgvHkw/TpzcNquBQQI/AAAAAAAAAw8/LKGNue0iQ08/DSCN6420_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6420" width="269" /></a></div><div align="center">And this is his new home.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-khHrXkLeHxM/TpzcO94bGvI/AAAAAAAAAxA/BHEDWFnuVbI/s1600-h/DSCN6421%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6421" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zG1rWAhD0zk/TpzcPMApjgI/AAAAAAAAAxE/aalpbeLl_H0/DSCN6421_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6421" width="361" /></a></div><div align="center">These are Winston’s cousins…The Squishy Pumpkins!!!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qWzupT_ir70/TpzcQfRlX-I/AAAAAAAAAxI/v23Px-qqUEQ/s1600-h/DSCN6415%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6415" border="0" height="269" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PcsRWeR5duk/TpzcQ0GuTSI/AAAAAAAAAxM/feG86b31GII/DSCN6415_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6415" width="357" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ViTzGQ54LMM/TpzcR1GQYiI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/jmFoikvuB6s/s1600-h/DSCN6414%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6414" border="0" height="312" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7JkjhbJHiTY/TpzcSak-d4I/AAAAAAAAAxU/xr13rx25LqQ/DSCN6414_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6414" width="414" /></a>pinecones and leaves galore!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zj7qpwauyF4/TpzcTgBivJI/AAAAAAAAAxY/IeaNqp8WNbc/s1600-h/DSCN6417%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6417" border="0" height="272" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XJPHpc8qseg/TpzcUAGBqDI/AAAAAAAAAxc/9NV6RDxyFag/DSCN6417_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6417" width="362" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YrJ6bgeS670/TpzcVnL7rYI/AAAAAAAAAxg/YhA6i9DUrx0/s1600-h/DSCN6428%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6428" border="0" height="271" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pxoxd8AsOsc/TpzcWDPMe6I/AAAAAAAAAxk/a6gx5T02PQM/DSCN6428_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6428" width="359" /></a></div><div align="center">Do you see my acorns in the mason jar? I talked about being inspired to do that in <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/09/love-has-wings.html" target="_blank">this</a> post.</div><div align="center">And here is the rest of the goodies!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kh0cmUG_m3o/Tp17iCvjrVI/AAAAAAAAAyY/We5wp369Fws/s1600/DSCN6455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kh0cmUG_m3o/Tp17iCvjrVI/AAAAAAAAAyY/We5wp369Fws/s400/DSCN6455.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NsTgGoL97_g/TpzccNNSIgI/AAAAAAAAAxo/5v5rBfx6-W0/s1600-h/DSCN6443%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6443" border="0" height="253" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gObSkxCw678/TpzccszbCpI/AAAAAAAAAxs/1DE-5hbg7PI/DSCN6443_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6443" width="336" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CsVGv6SmTWQ/TpzcY3HYUQI/AAAAAAAAAxw/V_Y2Bnx_iVQ/s1600-h/DSCN6435%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6435" border="0" height="253" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IgEq3M8XEc4/TpzcZSQ0lxI/AAAAAAAAAx0/hb_BTu7GO-U/DSCN6435_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6435" width="335" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c7THSV1iyLI/Tpzca29KARI/AAAAAAAAAx4/Ypw3FCRw2Xk/s1600-h/DSCN6437%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6437" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S6YpvVyKEBc/TpzcbKWq1LI/AAAAAAAAAx8/_TV6yTWfSQc/DSCN6437_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6437" width="324" /></a></div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C8TklI-U3aQ/TpzcdtF7pkI/AAAAAAAAAyA/6Cx42yQtdrg/s1600-h/DSCN6453%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6453" border="0" height="248" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tXvCS8xcBYQ/Tpzcd1vPTtI/AAAAAAAAAyE/EfTFT57Dv6Y/DSCN6453_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6453" width="329" /></a></div><div align="center">Aliesha, you are a doll! Thank you so much for making my Fall even better! Your package came right at midterms, so believe me when I say these happies are just what I needed!</div><div align="center">Hope you join in all the fun next year, Reader-Friends!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-2140443040274689471?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-83097010594305767282011-10-17T07:40:00.001-07:002011-10-17T07:40:57.735-07:00Don’t Judge Me<p align="center">Do you have any guilty pleasures, Reader-Friend? The ever so sound and authoritative Wikipedia says that a <strong>guilty pleasure</strong> is “something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it. The "guilt" involved is sometimes simply fear of others discovering one's lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes.”</p> <p align="center">You all know that I try to be honest as possible on this blog. I marvel at people who don’t apologize for who they are, who do their best but don’t hide their worst. Jon is one of those people and I give him the hardest time about his flaws, but he probably doesn’t really know how much I actually envy him. I can’t tell you how hard <em>real</em> people are to come by, especially where I live in the Bible belt. We’re pretty judgmental around here. I am not glorifying bad behavior, but am advocating for the acceptance of humanity, so that grace may be abundantly poured out on our loved and not so loved ones. Okay shifting from all the heavy talk…</p> <p align="center">Here are a few of my guilty pleasures:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/219976297_0cVLqYEW_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">NOM NOM NOM! I think I have pretty good control over my consumption with this one, but sometimes I end up tangled in a chocolate binge. Diet fail.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/198091845_Sz7sAb8I_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/198091845/" target="_blank">Shopping</a>! Um…I thirft. I shouldn’t feel <em>that </em>guilty, right?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/250414903_sddcFd4y_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">I’m getting to the point that I get an iced chai <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/250414903/" target="_blank">latte</a> every day. I need to break this habit before it breaks my bank.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/190820958_Cd7iX7LO_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">I know he is vulgar. (that’s what makes him a guilty pleasure, I guess). I think of Eminem like the the raunchy authors I have to study for my major. I read “Cat on Hot Tin Roof” last week. Do you know how many times Tennessee dropped the F-bomb? Dude is unbelievably passionate and honest (to the point that it’s scary). I don’t listen to a whole lot of rap for the record and there are only a few songs by this artist I allow myself to listen to. I wonder if decades after Marshall Mathers is gone, students will be studying that seemingly crazed man’s work like we do Poe’s. </p> <p align="center">Well, if you still love me, comment with a guilty pleasure confession. Go ahead get it off your chest-no judgment here. </p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-8309701059430576728?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-52805592228880897002011-10-16T06:20:00.001-07:002011-10-16T06:20:53.860-07:00{SUN} Day<p align="center">Happy {Sun}day, Reader-Friends! Just want to show you the morning view from my front porch. #deltaperks</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rfmTQMYGres/TpraL3w9QdI/AAAAAAAAAto/luM_EsTKLJc/s1600-h/DSCN59825.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5982" border="0" alt="DSCN5982" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YLnhLXakqjc/TpraMZxoU4I/AAAAAAAAAtw/LF3gckaSQHk/DSCN5982_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="360"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k423Ef9EwCA/TpraM3Gf6fI/AAAAAAAAAt4/CCVbpVTtU9k/s1600-h/DSCN59836.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5983" border="0" alt="DSCN5983" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2YqX8hYxEuw/TpraNX2t84I/AAAAAAAAAuA/uR2q3TOc7wQ/DSCN5983_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="361"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1</em></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-5280559222888089700?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-43596685110366804772011-10-14T14:05:00.001-07:002011-10-14T14:05:31.790-07:00Attention:<p align="center">Midterms suck.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/302345586_usAbXBCr_c.jpg" width="466" height="310"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Help.</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4359668511036680477?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-48140592145150643512011-10-04T18:39:00.001-07:002011-10-04T18:39:19.836-07:00I Have an Announcement<p align="center">…and the winner is…</p> <p align="center">{drum roll, please}</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/182594968_yhnK285g_c.jpg" width="272" height="352"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#9b00d3" size="7" face="Script MT Bold">Elaina Griffin</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000" size="3" face="Arial"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Arial">Ya’ll, I can’t tell you how sweet this girl is! I know her in real life through Jon. He and her husband work together at the airport. He is a mechanic there, and she is taking classes at the university. They both have a huge heart for Jesus, and their friendship is such a blessing in Jon and my life! I am so glad that you won this little treat, Elaina. I will be getting your Starbucks gift card to you very soon! </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Arial">Thank you to all you Reader-Friends that participated in this giveaway. I wish I could give every last one of you a gift card, because your readership means SO much to me! There is not an adequate way to express how much your comments brighten my days. But I can promise that there will be more gifts to come for all you devoted BEB followers! </font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4814059214515064351?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-48031839666246626182011-10-04T05:53:00.000-07:002011-10-04T05:57:11.803-07:00The Trashy Scarf<br /><div align="center">Hello, Reader-Friends! I want you to know as soon as I catch up on life I will write deeper, more meaningful posts. But until that happens here is a “thrifty” outfit. By the way, I apologize for my hair. I did not dry it, I did not brush it, in fact, I took a nap after working out and showering, rather than getting ready for my day. Yeah. <br /><br />I also don't know why these pictures are so dang blurry...It's only on blogger that they show up this way. Anyone else have this happen?<br /></div><div align="center">***ALSO***I will be posting the winner of the Starbucks gift card giveaway later on today, so be watching!!!</div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E8ooLIBXD14/TosBU4qKdhI/AAAAAAAAAs4/WhQb4xgDQV8/s1600-h/DSCN6294%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6294" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QXNZ-fX4x6Q/TosBVfxYN4I/AAAAAAAAAs8/g34Tmwc2kGE/DSCN6294_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6294" width="237" /></a><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m3k5B5Ogj1M/TosBWd1J4XI/AAAAAAAAAtA/2b5MfGlIhKY/s1600-h/DSCN6300%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6300" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8-dbGjSNJUI/TosBWmxmD9I/AAAAAAAAAtE/sj3XUXGMUog/DSCN6300_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6300" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WjxeC5aejOc/TosBXLnKKaI/AAAAAAAAAtI/LGHnb38YnAo/s1600-h/DSCN6298%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6298" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XW3Jo_CVFH8/TosBXQnFI0I/AAAAAAAAAtM/nvkkkaJjpFA/DSCN6298_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6298" width="257" /></a><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WXHBbTYrDV4/TosBYVdVuyI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/EnIdFMKtRL0/s1600-h/DSCN6297%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6297" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LKvkjfQrlXs/TosBYsuZdeI/AAAAAAAAAtU/p_nuw6N7lCg/DSCN6297_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6297" width="186" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vJB9NOqMbZI/TosBZtRzdII/AAAAAAAAAtY/-S1gPnm1jrk/s1600-h/DSCN6308%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6308" border="0" height="365" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wUXCFksMJuE/TosBaI9RguI/AAAAAAAAAtc/4AbJOo23utQ/DSCN6308_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6308" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--j4c2rUR240/TosBa05qjMI/AAAAAAAAAtg/qWzC_0iwogU/s1600-h/DSCN6299%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6299" border="0" height="322" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0UF2vxY7goY/TosBbaJPdpI/AAAAAAAAAtk/BavfJdBhJKo/DSCN6299_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6299" width="400" /></a><br /><div align="center">Hmmmmm….Where did it all come from? </div><div align="center">Scarf- The lady that my sister just bought a house from….her moving out trash. Yes, I most certainly did.</div><div align="center">White long sleeve- The Gap/ Yard sale </div><div align="center">Maroon Drew Fit Pants- The Limited/ Thrifted</div><div align="center">Nude boots- Thrifted</div><div align="center">Earrings- Premier Jewelery</div><div align="center">Necklace- Personalized gift from Mama</div><div align="center">Bangles- India </div><div align="center">P.s. Did you notice that this outfit is MAROON AND WHITE??? (Go Dawgs!)</div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.meetvirginiadesign.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Meet Virginia Design" height="98" img="" src="http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m401/morgaroo123/thriftaholicsweekly3.png" style="height: 98px; width: 216px;" width="215" /></a></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4803183966624662618?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-30891269053154893472011-09-29T10:39:00.001-07:002011-09-29T10:39:46.156-07:00I Owe It to You<p align="center">Dear Reader-Friends,</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/253071075_FI80zXyA_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/253071075/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Yes, it truly is National Coffee Day, and yes, I have truly been pulling some all-nighters lately! Mid-term is already around the corner and things are picking up like crazy in my little college life. I don’t have much time for writing a real post today, but I just could NOT pass up an opportunity to create a little ode to the dear drug that has got me through the very likes of the busy-ness that is plaguing my schedule now. So, coffee, my dearest friend—no, my one true love, this one’s for you!</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/124051013_BWvxTlf2_c.jpg" width="357" height="507"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/124051013/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/124057435_11h2sPgY_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/124057435/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/124032869_gsiSmtsY_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/124032869/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/204786086_XcA4iWox_c.jpg" width="374" height="412"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/204786086/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/242698726_QjrAROCa_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242698726/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/250943001_ZOKPIehK_c.jpg" width="365" height="264"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/250943001/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">This is my “usual” and at the cute little shop I order from we call it: a </p> <p align="center">“Skinny, Spicy, Dirty, Icy”</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/250941131_HEkt5Dq0_c.jpg"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/250941131/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">That’s an iced chai latte with skim milk and a shot of espresso. </p> <p align="center">What’s your usual, Reader-Friends?</p> <p align="center"> Did you know in honor of National Coffee Day, 7-Eleven, Dunkin’ Doughnuts, Krispy Kreme, and Caribou Coffee are all offer specials? Some are even offering <em>free</em> cups of coffee! Here is a <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/222210/20110929/national-coffee-day-2011-free-coffee-deals-7-eleven-dunkin-donuts.htm" target="_blank">link</a> for details!</p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff">If you don’t make it to one of those establishments for your free cup of goodness today, you can still get your fix with no harm to your wallet very soon. How? Enter my giveaway for a Starbucks gift card </font><a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/09/pumpkin-spice-and-giveaway-is-nice.html" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0000">HERE</font></a><font color="#ff0000">!!!</font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-3089126905315489347?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-13347521668604231052011-09-28T08:44:00.001-07:002011-09-28T08:45:14.224-07:00Love Has Wings<div align="center">It’s a beautiful Wednesday in the Mississippi Delta, Reader-Friends! And a great day for…</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dzpfHfdS6fI/ToNAuqtoJCI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/jrb5BJy3Uhc/s1600-h/WILW%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WILW" border="0" height="274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8PW2nRIDzks/ToNAu9nkUQI/AAAAAAAAAsU/SQ7htYxaBQU/WILW_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WILW" width="274" /></a></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> receiving entries for the Starbucks gift card giving away I am currently having. You still have until Sunday to enter!</div><div align="center"><img height="255" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/225890842_ew7ctiWJ_c.jpg" width="400" /></div><div align="center">Enter <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/09/pumpkin-spice-and-giveaway-is-nice.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> the time in the park I had this morning. After my work out, I drove into our city park to discover that it was only me and the ducks, and so I parked the car and took my Bible to the dock.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DDzjwjOljr4/ToNAvkNcTwI/AAAAAAAAAsY/ZoQkdXulzug/s1600-h/59390_10150089288033298_511433297_7155481_162792_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="59390_10150089288033298_511433297_7155481_162792_n[1]" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mPgLCtHrnMU/ToNAwI_aixI/AAAAAAAAAsc/iqYmDkBdae4/59390_10150089288033298_511433297_7155481_162792_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="59390_10150089288033298_511433297_7155481_162792_n[1]" width="443" /></a><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R6FO2lTZwng/ToNAw8Nx_9I/AAAAAAAAAsg/E_NO8H1Yp9c/s1600-h/61998_502042613297_511433297_7144760_3200620_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="61998_502042613297_511433297_7144760_3200620_n[1]" border="0" height="340" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UoICM5N2zso/ToNAxOHthOI/AAAAAAAAAsk/I5psxI3npUc/61998_502042613297_511433297_7144760_3200620_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="61998_502042613297_511433297_7144760_3200620_n[1]" width="452" /></a><br /><div align="center">Isn’t it serene? I <strong>love </strong>this little place, AND I’m <strong>loving</strong> the cute little acorns I collected there this morning to decorate my house for Fall.</div><div align="center"><img height="289" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/182521745_V044B8GJ_c.jpg" width="400" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/182521745/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center"><img height="359" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/203460344_fUlUvzVz_c.jpg" width="400" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/203460344/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center"><img height="640" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/209453885_bjfZSije_c.jpg" width="425" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/209453885/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> the <strike>little</strike> big make-up risk I have taken recently. Introducing a vintage style—winged eyes:</div><div align="center"><img height="319" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/194394243_yazQfduC_c.jpg" width="400" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/194394243/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center">Go ahead..Youtube a tutorial! I did! </div><div align="center">So, what are you <strong>lovely</strong> Reader-Friends <strong>loving</strong> today? Link up with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-im-loving-wednesday_28.html" target="_blank">Jamie</a> and let’s us know!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1334752166860423105?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-11061408828340894322011-09-27T05:38:00.001-07:002011-09-27T05:38:24.328-07:00Don’t Drink Coffee<p align="center">…Drink water! ::GASP:: Can you believe that such a repulsive statement would be made here on this coffee addict’s blog? Well, do not fret too much; by no means am I seriously recommending anyone give up the college student, hard worker, or average joe’s best friend in a cup (ha ha, get it? joe!). </p> <p align="center">But really, Reader-Friends, have you ever been really thirsty and then drank something that just didn’t do the job—it didn’t quench, it didn’t satisfy? My body, personally can come with some mad cravings, especially for coffee, and when I spend the ridiculous amount of money on a little latte I am oh, so delighted; BUT my delight <em>surely</em> wanes. And I <em>surely</em> will <em>want</em> coffee again. I will <em>want</em> all kinds of things again and again. And I will <em>look</em> to satisfy my needs and cravings for food, or sleep, or attention, or love, or excitement, or happiness, on and on. Cue the music! <em>I can’t get no…SATISIFACTION! </em></p> <p align="center">Take a quick look at these very crucial verses of scripture; they may help explain my promo for water:</p> <p align="center"><em><sup>37</sup> On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. <sup>38</sup> Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”<sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/#fen-NIV-26367a">a</a>]</sup> <sup>39</sup> By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. </em><strong>John 7:37-39</strong></p> <p align="center">But the time that Jesus would be glorified has now past, and those who are followers of this Jesus have been given the said promised <em>Spirit</em>, the Spirit of this living water. </p> <p align="center">This means two things to me:</p> <p align="center">1. There is nothing in this world, nor no one who will bring the satisfaction that the deepest depths of my soul desires. That thirst can only be quenched by the living water of the <em>Spirit</em> I house under the roof of my faith. My flesh tries to blot out the fact that I have access to this water, but the truth of its existence will prevail.</p> <p align="center">2. I have to stop waiting for God to write his will for my life in the sky. He has already planted a wellspring of his guidance and will inside of me—“rivers of living water will flow from within [me].” It’s called <strike>good </strike>God sense. </p> <p align="center">I pray you know what refreshment this water offers. Would you like a glass?</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/197472184_au8zUZzA_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/197472184/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">If you have any questions about the content of this post you can email me at </font><a href="mailto:yourfriendamber@yahoo.com"><font size="2">yourfriendamber@yahoo.com</font></a></p> <p align="center">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p> <p align="center">Like I said, I was only kidding about going anti-coffee, and I would love for you to enter my current giveaway for a Starbucks gift card. Winner will be announced next Monday; Enter <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/09/pumpkin-spice-and-giveaway-is-nice.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1106140882834089432?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-44266802565656762552011-09-26T04:24:00.001-07:002011-09-26T04:24:33.911-07:00Pumpkin Spice and a Giveaway is Nice<p align="center">There is so much happy buzz going on in the blogosphere about the beginning of Fall! And while many of us may still be working on kicking Summer’s tail end out the door, we have scarves and mittens, colorful leaf piles, and snuggly bonfires to look forward to!</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/236745055_iVrSSfdy_c.jpg" width="486" height="467"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/236745055/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">So, in the name of everything Fall and wonderful, let’s celebrate! Does a fabulous Fall giveaway sound good, Reader-Friends? What if it involves pumpkin spice lattes? </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/211353519_OMdwx5dW_c.jpg" width="301" height="300"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/211353519/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Yes, I thought so too! Now, of course I can’t mail one of those hot little delights in the mail to one of you, but I sure <em>can</em> send this:</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrkzpx49x51qc6f1x.png" width="302" height="192"></p> <p align="center">I have a $15 Starbucks gift card for a lucky Blue-Eyed Blog Reader-Friend. And to win, all you have to do is, in fact, be a Reader-Friend!</p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffc000">Leave a comment letting me know that you are an <em>official</em> BEB follower AND telling me what yummy Starbucks drink or snack you would buy with the card! This is the only mandatory entry!</font></p> <p align="center">**Additional Entries***</p> <p align="center">(Leave a comment for each)</p> <p align="center">1. “Like” Blue-Eyed Blog on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Blue-Eyed-Blog/166372350110698?sk=wall" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p align="center">2. Follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/ambermarie8" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p align="center">3. Tweet about this giveaway with a link to this post.</p> <p align="center">4. Mention this giveaway in a blog post.</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">The fine print: Entry for this contest closes @ 12 a.m. on Monday, October 3, 2011. Winner will be chosen with Random Number Generator and be announced on Blue-Eyed Blog on Monday, October 3, 2011.</font></p> <p align="center">Bring on the Fall weather, bring on the espresso, and bring on the entries!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4426680256565676255?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-25891142692252906722011-09-23T10:08:00.001-07:002011-09-23T10:08:58.394-07:00Skinny Tastes Good<p align="center">Top of the FALL, to ya, Reader-Friends!</p> <p align="center">Looking for a fabulous Fall dish that will warm you up at the tailgate Saturday? Are you a Weight Watcher? Maybe you just like tasty food! As promised, here is that recipe for the crock pot chicken taco chili I talked about on last Wednesday’s <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/09/love-is-smelling-good.html" target="_blank">post</a>. </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/179661435_1I49Ao3i_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/179661435/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Below is the original recipe from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/11/crock-pot-chicken-taco-chili-4-pts.html" target="_blank">Skinnytaste.com</a> (a great place to find healthy and flavorful dishes):</p> <p align="center">Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili<br>Servings: 10 • Size: 1 1/4 cups •<b> Old </b>Points: 3 pts •<b> </b>Points+: 5 pts<br><b>Calories:</b> 203.7 • <b>Fat:</b> 1.4 g • <b>Carb:</b> 33.3 g • <b>Fiber:</b> 10.0 g<i> </i>• <b>Protein: </b>16.9 g</p> <ul> <li> <div align="center">1 onion, chopped </div> <li> <div align="center">1 16-oz can black beans </div> <li> <div align="center">1 16-oz can kidney beans </div> <li> <div align="center">1 8-oz can tomato sauce </div> <li> <div align="center">10 oz package frozen corn kernels (I used canned)</div> <li> <div align="center">2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies (doesn’t have to have chilies)</div> <li> <div align="center">1 packet taco seasoning </div> <li> <div align="center">1 tbsp cumin </div> <li> <div align="center">1 tbsp chili powder</div> <li> <div align="center">24 oz (3-4) boneless skinless chicken breasts </div> <li> <div align="center">chili peppers, chopped (optional)</div> <li> <div align="center">1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro </div></li></ul> <p align="center">Combine beans, onion, chili peppers, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder and taco seasoning in a slow cooker. Place chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in. Top with fresh cilantro. Also try it with low fat cheese and sour cream (extra points).</p> <p align="center">Crock pot meals are the best! I love coming home to a made meal. This is especially awesome when I only have and hour or two before night class (something to consider, college ladies and gentlemen!). But forget class, for now—this has FOOTBALL written all over it! And of course I’m linking up with <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a> for <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/2011/09/football-friday-its-fall-yall.html" target="_blank">Football Friday</a> because of it. I’m actually making this pot of goodness for my parents this weekend; we have State, as well as the Packers to watch together! Family, Football, and Vittles—It's going to be a great weekend!</p> <p align="center">So who is going to try it? I promise, you wont regret!</p> <p align="center">Let me know how it turns out, Reader-Friends!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-2589114269225290672?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-62510606079887971522011-09-22T08:26:00.001-07:002011-09-22T08:26:17.165-07:00Honored…<p align="center">That’s what I am, Reader-Friends! One very dear Reader-Friend made me feel so yesterday by presenting me with the sweet award below! </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1dYB4lh2oI/Tnk4DJ0QskI/AAAAAAAAAH0/HZolYAat3ko/s1600/i_dig_your_blog.png"></p> <p align="center">Thank you, Shea from <a href="http://mrspilotwife.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Flying Through Life</a>! I never even imagined being chosen for a blog award- you made me feel so special! </p> <p align="center">And now it’s my turn to make some other amazing bloggers feel special! The rules to this award is to share three random facts about yourself and then pass it along to 5 other bloggers that you “dig”!</p> <p align="center">Here are my three random facts:</p> <p align="center">1. I can’t stand in front of the bathroom mirror while I brush my teeth. How’s that for random? I don’t know why, I just have to wander while I brush. Sometimes I will walk out to the living room, sometimes I will stand in front of the t.v., I just cant stand in the bathroom. Maybe it has to do with the tingly feeling the toothpaste puts in your mouth…it just makes me move! ( I always make it back to the sink to spit, by the way!)</p> <p align="center">2. I’m a teacher’s pet. I have always been a favorite with my teachers, but I don’t intentionally suck up. I am not trying to get a good great or any kind of special benefits, I just want to get to know them. I have always been drawn to people that seem wise. I like to talk to them and hang out with them. I should probably enjoy being young, but there is just something desirable in experience to me, and I always want to find out what it is!</p> <p align="center">3. My dream destination is Ireland. My heritage is strongly rooted in all that is green. I am so fascinated by everything Irish: art, music, literature, architecture…I can just picture myself sitting in some ruins on the cliffy shore, being inspired by all kinds of wonderful and breathtaking scenery. Just look at it!</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/83304135_Tw6LYY9J_c.jpg" width="499" height="333"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And now for the five winners! </p> <p align="center">1. <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bloom</a></p> <p align="center">2. <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Story of My Life</a></p> <p align="center">3. <a href="http://kristinsveranda.com/vignettes/" target="_blank">Vignettes</a></p> <p align="center">4. <a href="http://timandamandashepard.blogspot.com" target="_blank">The Shepard Life</a></p> <p align="center">5. <a href="http://mackeymadness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mackey Madness</a></p> <p align="center">These are my “go-to” blogs! They are positive gals that write fantastically! I am always laughing out loud or genuinely touched by the words they put out. You should visit each of them; I can promise no regrets! Congrats blog-gals! Love you all!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-6251060607988797152?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-32941914260653291352011-09-21T06:45:00.001-07:002011-09-21T06:45:09.511-07:00Fall{ing} in Love<p align="center">Oh my goodness, Reader-Friends, be prepared to think I’m a fat kid for this WILW post! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r1dUZ9Ky1CU/TnnqYXpI2qI/AAAAAAAAAsI/4ovXALq2pF4/s1600-h/WILW3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WILW" border="0" alt="WILW" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ifzU4jB06fc/TnnqZNWcmdI/AAAAAAAAAsM/_n2F8aK0PBg/WILW_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="286"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I found a new, what I like to call “cheat-treat” and oh, how I am <strong>loving</strong> it! To satisfy my <strike>PMS</strike> sweet tooth, I treat myself to a bag of these:</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/173419838_U07Q2dBW_c.jpg" width="436" height="263"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/173419838/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Do you see that, people!? Top left corner!!! Eeeek—“Limited Edition”??? a.k.a get them while you can! Guess I’m going to have to do a lot of diet cheating all at once! As far as WW is concerned, it’s not that bad of a cheat (only 6 points and that’s about the same for some kind of specialty coffee drink).</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I know about a billion of you have probably already declared your adoration for this <strong>love </strong>on some sort of media source, because it pretty much exemplifies the cozy fall season approaching that so many of us <strong>love</strong>!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/193973191_5cFSWTE0_c.jpg" width="346" height="345"></p> <p align="center">I wait all year long for THIS. Seriously, a highlight of my entire year is sipping liquid heaven! But really, I’m <strong>loving<em> </em></strong>pumpkin spice EVERYTHING, from candles to desserts! Fall is in <strike>my mouth</strike> the air!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">There is something else in the air that I’m <strong>loving</strong>! As I type this post, I am also trying out a recipe for butternut squash soup!</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/209654958_HKRNcQME_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/209654958/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">I learned that I have been missing out of something taste-acular on Monday, when I stopped by my favorite coffee shop for lunch and had a glorious bowl of their soup. I literally couldn’t wipe the euphoric smile off my face as I devoured <strike>and intensely </strike>s<strike>craped</strike> the entire bowl in less that five minutes! I don’t know if mine will come out as good as Mississippi Grounds (said coffee shop’s name), since those lovely ladies that own the café use family recipes (those are always the best!).</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Got any yummy Fall recipes? Feel free to share them in the comment section! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">If all goes well with my <strong>lovely</strong> smelling soup, I will share the recipe next week! And don’t forget to link up with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Jamie</a> for WILW today!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-3294191426065329135?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-77366973449719352282011-09-20T05:37:00.000-07:002011-09-20T05:37:16.877-07:00Super-Fly<div align="center">I’m a flyboy’s girl, if you haven’t heard Reader-Friends! What can I say? The cliché is true for me: I like a man in uniform; furthermore, I like a man with talent (as one of my very best friends says); and truly, I love a man that can literally fly my little grounded tail into the heavens. Here we are-</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I8meWnSCxKs/TnfjWAdjg9I/AAAAAAAAApU/3CnE9QvoRh4/s1600-h/101_42514.jpg"><img alt="101_4251" border="0" height="365" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QgqdGl7SDEA/TnfjWoXf64I/AAAAAAAAApY/ZZk9w-bNnsA/101_4251_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="101_4251" width="354" /></a></div><div align="center">One thing I have learned about dating a pilot is that I must be the eyes on the road when there are wings in the sky. Jon is constantly looking into the clouds, ooohing and ahhhhing over the aircraft flying over. Then he says to me, “do you see that? That’s a djfsljfosjdofjo908308r03wif!” Okay, obviously that’s not the name of a plane, but it might as well be; I am so impressed by how he memorizes all the letters and names that go along with how the tail of an aircraft appears and such. </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R8COKO-Q_UE/TnfjXXxodpI/AAAAAAAAApc/1gbpL7SQgkQ/s1600-h/101_42774.jpg"><img alt="101_4277" border="0" height="267" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CpKV190jtvw/TnfjXn-k2sI/AAAAAAAAApg/Ma2Mxk4oFYg/101_4277_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="101_4277" width="355" /></a></div><div align="center">{This is Jon and his Dad, who is also a pilot. Point made, huh?}</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Saturday was very special for this girl. Jon took me to the air show in our area. And it was quite a show, indeed! Here’s a little peak of what I got see:</div><div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:0a7df665-1286-47ab-8f3e-078e1d060f7c" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; width: 509px;"><div id="6f4387ac-ca25-44a6-b40c-926cfae0cef8" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk2AA950wiI" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('6f4387ac-ca25-44a6-b40c-926cfae0cef8'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"509\" height=\"314\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/kk2AA950wiI?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/kk2AA950wiI?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"509\" height=\"314\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vq3H1jLT0uM/TnfjX6BgnxI/AAAAAAAAApk/0DVp0_WolYg/videodb75be6ca51f%25255B22%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a></div></div><div style="clear: both; font-size: 0.8em; width: 509px;">Blue Angels, Millington, TN 2011- Posing solos</div></div><div align="center">How <strike>freaking scary</strike> awesome is that? Those planes right there are called the Blue Angels, F/A-18’s are what they are, and the elite is who’s flying them! The fleet is a part of the Naval military branch. You have seen <em>Top Gun</em>, right? No? You must go now. Netflix is calling your name! (Come back as soon as you’re done, of course!)</div><div align="center">Check out a few more shots from our super-fly day! (True, I’m ridiculously and unapologetically corny!)</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aoZ0YzWaDDQ/TnfjYZuW3RI/AAAAAAAAApo/xLMI_eXpCvs/s1600-h/293186_10150377236611882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="293186_10150377236611882_635946881_10030315_1523979158_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E9kyBYQGLm8/TnfjYssIriI/AAAAAAAAAps/OIJqivUtLBI/293186_10150377236611882_635946881_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="293186_10150377236611882_635946881_10030315_1523979158_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BePr44LUmcU/TnfjZWXBskI/AAAAAAAAApw/WPJ4Aolog68/s1600-h/293369_10150377235056882_635946881_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="293369_10150377235056882_635946881_10030305_1063415469_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PHB8L7RFHdU/TnfjaPWmMhI/AAAAAAAAAp0/BcorUOX5ylI/293369_10150377235056882_635946881_1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="293369_10150377235056882_635946881_10030305_1063415469_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8DQm27p0uUg/TnfjapOtpiI/AAAAAAAAAp4/scjOW7xoYBY/s1600-h/293458_10150377234931882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="293458_10150377234931882_635946881_10030304_1474363137_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lY7ty5wEwRE/TnfjbI36zgI/AAAAAAAAAp8/a1G51Cc_ll4/293458_10150377234931882_635946881_1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="293458_10150377234931882_635946881_10030304_1474363137_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EtFyZ5sDm7A/TnfjbZmO3GI/AAAAAAAAAqA/hJoh5ZY_rlY/s1600-h/294370_10150377237246882_635946881_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="294370_10150377237246882_635946881_10030320_1326942791_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dSSb_wVHxSo/TnfjbtP3SII/AAAAAAAAAqE/ByzP55iL_Go/294370_10150377237246882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="294370_10150377237246882_635946881_10030320_1326942791_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--skS4akL0go/TnfjcQ2sfKI/AAAAAAAAAqI/YvnrsHhkJ8s/s1600-h/295995_10150377237901882_635946881_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="295995_10150377237901882_635946881_10030327_341655605_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SJWsRQYQ4Nk/TnfjcgBxYKI/AAAAAAAAAqM/5nGyl-iLQa4/295995_10150377237901882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="295995_10150377237901882_635946881_10030327_341655605_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z2b70B8bmsc/Tnfjdqoq93I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/X7D-lojg-7A/s1600-h/297245_10150377238496882_635946881_1.jpg"><img alt="297245_10150377238496882_635946881_10030332_1458749712_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NXCWl3Y9mAU/TnfjeH6GPvI/AAAAAAAAAqU/NPc583SoYBA/297245_10150377238496882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="297245_10150377238496882_635946881_10030332_1458749712_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F8uuuG15Eeo/Tnfjeay68YI/AAAAAAAAAqY/y_uhdfPZpQA/s1600-h/298510_10150377238241882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="298510_10150377238241882_635946881_10030330_951934563_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IhPbOXSODUo/TnfjetxX3KI/AAAAAAAAAqc/38crC3UwNqE/298510_10150377238241882_635946881_1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="298510_10150377238241882_635946881_10030330_951934563_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z5a8TzyOkdQ/TnfjfQ52qPI/AAAAAAAAAqg/7K_G9LngnGo/s1600-h/300907_10150377236096882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="300907_10150377236096882_635946881_10030311_1166154823_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OPHbBCdaT8o/TnfjfxeRsmI/AAAAAAAAAqk/L5wWHF_IwMs/300907_10150377236096882_635946881_1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="300907_10150377236096882_635946881_10030311_1166154823_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AVGf7wHxvwU/TnfjgVcu4BI/AAAAAAAAAqo/TKQX1RAzG8g/s1600-h/302139_10150377235661882_635946881_1.jpg"><img alt="302139_10150377235661882_635946881_10030309_1696744190_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zAoFkEVdqFY/TnfjglhP8cI/AAAAAAAAAqs/RXH5RMXeiOg/302139_10150377235661882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="302139_10150377235661882_635946881_10030309_1696744190_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bh9zU1_xBuw/TnfjhPi22ZI/AAAAAAAAAqw/uwqd219m5Kg/s1600-h/302151_10150377233726882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="302151_10150377233726882_635946881_10030301_468078140_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FvogbNQDneE/Tnfjhb3gM4I/AAAAAAAAAq0/umafQJtM3kc/302151_10150377233726882_635946881_1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="302151_10150377233726882_635946881_10030301_468078140_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pwM-KYxM3Ys/Tnfjhjz-B_I/AAAAAAAAAq4/DQ5YAYigabg/s1600-h/303126_10150377237046882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="303126_10150377237046882_635946881_10030319_443061371_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lhwiydfyQ4M/TnfjiKYIW7I/AAAAAAAAAq8/Rkke2mdUung/303126_10150377237046882_635946881_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="303126_10150377237046882_635946881_10030319_443061371_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MurLw409uKA/TnfjiatIceI/AAAAAAAAArA/zyrr1Z1nBuY/s1600-h/307030_10150377237756882_635946881_1.jpg"><img alt="307030_10150377237756882_635946881_10030326_908257140_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SCysKlgz-eQ/TnfjihP0xJI/AAAAAAAAArE/cWNjUgstumU/307030_10150377237756882_635946881_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="307030_10150377237756882_635946881_10030326_908257140_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OIncNk4N39g/Tnfjk4B7DPI/AAAAAAAAArI/P1LE7hhXgnA/s1600-h/309420_10150377235516882_635946881_1.jpg"><img alt="309420_10150377235516882_635946881_10030308_701914510_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kR2O-HyUNmY/TnfjldvNGTI/AAAAAAAAArM/nsSXjB5htTs/309420_10150377235516882_635946881_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="309420_10150377235516882_635946881_10030308_701914510_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p2MrsQnsSOI/TnfjlvckuvI/AAAAAAAAArQ/i6H8GWkyjxk/s1600-h/311735_10150377238346882_635946881_1.jpg"><img alt="311735_10150377238346882_635946881_10030331_1253383234_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G1jv7rFD7BM/Tnfjl3ohGXI/AAAAAAAAArU/p6HcWOV7SZw/311735_10150377238346882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="311735_10150377238346882_635946881_10030331_1253383234_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PNP881JWQmI/TnfjmgkW8II/AAAAAAAAArY/Ygq2k7Ba9mU/s1600-h/313245_10150377235221882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="313245_10150377235221882_635946881_10030306_1235654135_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PPztwlytXWI/Tnfjm1lXttI/AAAAAAAAArc/_uG1IgTMBHY/313245_10150377235221882_635946881_1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="313245_10150377235221882_635946881_10030306_1235654135_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kz4IqQoK8sM/TnfjnUimKcI/AAAAAAAAArg/dtz2g9SkQWY/s1600-h/314826_10150377233971882_635946881_1.jpg"><img alt="314826_10150377233971882_635946881_10030302_1266345739_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9igwJqLw3ts/Tnfjnq0nRJI/AAAAAAAAArk/_Lekotc9f7s/314826_10150377233971882_635946881_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="314826_10150377233971882_635946881_10030302_1266345739_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VwiiiMYVHqk/TnfjoKAzDgI/AAAAAAAAAro/4SyC-hMl8Rc/s1600-h/321276_10150377236826882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="321276_10150377236826882_635946881_10030317_948364102_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g7rKNr-EQhA/TnfjoeFqaMI/AAAAAAAAArs/vPjS9I2HxKs/321276_10150377236826882_635946881_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="321276_10150377236826882_635946881_10030317_948364102_n" width="200" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z-IAdG-twzk/TnfjooeCEUI/AAAAAAAAArw/aeRI-6xroZ0/s1600-h/317679_10150377238086882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="317679_10150377238086882_635946881_10030329_1448663505_n" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GdP-VMusn6M/TnfjpDhHA0I/AAAAAAAAAr0/BEXGHvWykaA/317679_10150377238086882_635946881_1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="317679_10150377238086882_635946881_10030329_1448663505_n" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e3ARGcfOrPI/Tnfjrmy87CI/AAAAAAAAAsA/lgatvias_Oc/s1600-h/311086_10150377235411882_635946881_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="311086_10150377235411882_635946881_10030307_443718001_n" border="0" height="320" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bnn2FF5Hg60/Tnfjr1tdHfI/AAAAAAAAAsE/8pjhOE5MKoo/311086_10150377235411882_635946881_1%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="311086_10150377235411882_635946881_10030307_443718001_n" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">We ended the long day with a Delta State University Aviation Alumni dinner. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img height="90" src="http://www.cappex.com/assets/c-175616/logos/2011-03-02_11-24-20.229.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="270" /><br /><div align="center">Good food. Good people. Good night!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7736697344971935228?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-3240390767379966082011-09-18T22:21:00.001-07:002011-09-18T22:23:01.920-07:00A Birthday Tribute<div align="center"><img height="403" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/172094405_P3AxqsBe_c.jpg" width="323" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/172094405/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center">…to a very special friend!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/178783560_vhq9ZMrO_c.jpg" /></div><div align="center">“Who” is that special friend, you ask?</div><div align="center">A gal that would love those little guys above because she loved owls before the hoot-hoot craze even hit, a gal whose blog touches and inspires SO many here in the blogosphere, and a gal who is turning…</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img height="417" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/203202326_ihBjPDey_c.jpg" width="417" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/203202326/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">This post is for you, <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a>! Thank you for being you! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="456" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/302366_10150788442805354_800965353_20634498_3989559_n.jpg" width="628" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I know this blog-lady in real life and I can promise you, Reader-Friends, that she is as true as her words! The gal loves her Lord above all else and is one of the most tender hearted spirits I have ever met. She wraps her entire heart around the hurting, has a joy deep, deep, down in her heart, <em>seriously</em>, and dreams dreams fueled by determination. She is a blessing as a friend. And I am sure glad she writes, because she has some wonderful thoughts! Nicole, I celebrate you today!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/173459883_5qyHr281_c.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/173459883/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Celebrate 21 in a classy kind of way, girl!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/210141589_EFEymdxR_c.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210141589/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I hope you all have been introduced to this lovely lady, but if you haven’t be sure to visit her at <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bloom</a> and don’t forget to leave her sweet birthday wishes!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-324039076737996608?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-81447609430986311082011-09-16T10:24:00.001-07:002011-09-16T10:24:42.048-07:00Maroon! White!<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://nbccollegefootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/mississippi-state-logo.jpg?w=212" width="231" height="231"></p> <p align="center">Yes, Reader-Friends, I know we got beat by LSU last night…I was there. But this Dawg fan’s tail is not between her legs; I still love my team just as much as I did yesterday! In fact, I’m joining <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a> for her new link-up <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/2011/09/football-friday.html" target="_blank">Football Fridays</a>! It’s for all the gals that love the sport and all the sparks that come along with it, so if that’s you join in! </p> <p align="center">Today, I am talking about my team colors. I must say Maroon is rather flattering fashion-wise, don’t you think? Look at these cute outfit possibilities!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/176055484_zkA0vzvN_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/176055484/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/138814052_0N8Nzaof_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/138814052/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/87598848_CWt5bxjd_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/87598848/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/196446068_Htm4dxaB_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/196446068/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/196964061_LTMBxCmb_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/196964061/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/183044955_uHinaNlz_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/183044955/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">I’m not going to lie, I was a little disappointed in the game last night, but you just can’t beat the fantastic feeling of a world painted in Maroon & White. I love how devoted our fans are; we wear our colors with pride. As <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?page=sec/missstate" target="_blank">Jack Christil</a> has always said, “Wrap it up in Maroon and White!”</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-8144760943098631108?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-89695801202187307982011-09-14T08:52:00.001-07:002011-09-14T08:52:00.531-07:00Love is Smelling Good<p align="center">Welcome to Wednesday at Blue-Eyed Blog, Reader-Friends. </p> <p align="center">Around here we link up with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jamie</a> on Wednesdays for…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AVOWd9vV_5o/TnDNnTfIe5I/AAAAAAAAApM/zs0Ddcu-vYc/s1600-h/WILW%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WILW" border="0" alt="WILW" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kS8oGf_LbuI/TnDNn_zluSI/AAAAAAAAApQ/o8Sm7cT2B4Q/WILW_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="299"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I am <strong>loving</strong> healthy choices! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/165744741_empNTj21_c.jpg" width="437" height="529"></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/168015057_Yd9TkjEk_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">Working out daily is tough. If I’m going to squeeze in a work-out I usually have to get up before 6 am. But it’s been worth it.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/179890296_IYIzGQeW_c.jpg" width="231" height="147"></p> <p align="center">I also started WW last Friday. Starting it the weekend I went home to my parent’s house was probably not the best decision, since they feed me as if I am starving in the Delta. True, it’s the middle of nowhere, but we have food…FRIED food! (It’s a problem.) I have been doing very well since Monday, however—choosing lots of fruits and veggies! For any of you who are thinking of starting WW or have just started, I suggest to kind of plan out what you want for your meals each week and shop accordingly. Having a plan helps you stick to your diet. If you’re like me, you may have a habit of not knowing what to eat, so you walk around the kitchen aimlessly, <strike>while eating </strike>until you find something to eat. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> my plans for the weekend…starting Thursday night!</p> <p align="center">1. State game with some good friends. </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/176065562_EVErACWs_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">I thought it was going to be impossible to get a ticket to the game Thursday night…but surprise! The skies parted and one dropped from the heavens. Ha, just kidding! But those of you who know how hard it is to get tickets know that it might have well dropped from the clouds! Regardless, I’m excited to see LSU go down!</p> <p align="center">2. The Air Show with my flyboy.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/183668122_7tnNGGmR_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">We are going to see the Blue Angels do their thing in the Memphis skies Saturday. Flying an aircraft is pretty sexy in my book. Every time I’m in a plane or see these machines slicing through the clouds, I think, “wow, my man can do that!” #pride</p> <p align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> how my house smells as I type this post. (Does the title make sense now?)</p> <p align="center">I have a new recipe simmering in the crockpot. Take a look…</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/179661435_1I49Ao3i_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">Chicken Taco Chili. YUM. And it’s WW friendly! Only 5 points. Ready for dinner already this morning to say the least!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Well, let’s hear it; What are you <strong>loving</strong> today?</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-8969580120218730798?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-60578961292304847132011-09-13T08:01:00.001-07:002011-09-13T08:02:42.930-07:00Fancy & Fall<div align="center">I know this doesn’t technically constitute an outfit post, Reader-Friends, but it most definitely is still a <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/06/itch-to-thrift.html" target="_blank"><em>Thrifty Rich</em></a> post, because I got these little beauts from no other than the Goodwill. </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wp58-2ULnU4/Tm9wQU1rxgI/AAAAAAAAAo8/HvrDbTTunXc/s1600-h/DSCN6203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6203" border="0" height="339" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mqFtodHT1aY/Tm9wQ8PhzVI/AAAAAAAAApA/ukZ-1QkxXY0/DSCN6203_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6203" width="264" /></a></div><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pdtknzKdEoU/Tm9wR-feKQI/AAAAAAAAApE/t71pM5ET8Xc/s1600-h/DSCN6204%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6204" border="0" height="249" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nPYOKW4U44U/Tm9wSEAdv-I/AAAAAAAAApI/Ya34qu-JGgw/DSCN6204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6204" width="307" /></a> <br /><br /><div align="center">How much? MMmmmm, you know, about 99 cents! I have been wearing the heck out of them, too. They can make anything I wear fancy! </div><div align="center">Have you found any glitz at the thrift lately? </div><div align="center"></div><br /><center><a href="http://www.meetvirginiadesign.com/search/label/Thriftaholics%20Weekly" target="_blank"><img alt="Meet Virginia Design" img="" src="http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m401/morgaroo123/thriftaholicsweekly2.png" style="height: 124px; width: 294px;" /></a></center> <center> </center> <center>Don’t forget to head on over to <a href="http://www.meetvirginiadesign.com/" target="_blank">Morgan's</a> page to share with the thrifty community!</center> <center> </center> <center>Before I go, I have something WONDERFUL to share! Who is absolutely cray-cray about the Fall season?</center> <center> </center><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="390" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/177281617_h4hp1U0V_c.jpg" width="312" /> </div><center> </center> <center> </center> <center>I know I am, and it’s a season worth celebrating! My sweet bloggy friend <a href="http://kristinsveranda.com/vignettes/" target="_blank">Kristin</a> is hosting a Fall swap! What’ a Fall swap, you ask? Essentially a celebration…with PRESENTS! Interested? Well, all you have to do is visit Kristin at <a href="http://kristinsveranda.com/vignettes/" target="_blank">Vignettes</a> and leave your email with her on the <a href="http://kristinsveranda.com/vignettes/fall-friendship-swap/" target="_blank">Fall-Friendship Swap</a> page, and then you will be randomly paired with another blogger to exchange an inexpensive package of Fall goodness with each other! Sweet, isn’t it!? Just think scarves, mittens, warm candles, soup mix, fall décor, stationary galore! There is a $15 limit and entry ends on September 30th, so hurry over to Kristen’s page and join in on all the Fall fun!</center> <center> </center> <center> </center> <center><a href="http://kristinsveranda.com/vignettes/fall-friendship-swap" target="_blank"><img alt="Kristin's Veranda" height="221" src="http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac53/ImJessezGirl/KVFFSButton-001-2-1-1.jpg" width="222" /></a></center> <center> </center> <center>Ta-Ta,</center> <center> </center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-6057896129230484713?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-55937961831558805902011-09-12T05:55:00.001-07:002011-09-12T05:56:13.657-07:00I Need a Hug<div align="center">Top of the Monday, to ya, Reader-Friends.</div><div align="center">I noticed something while in church yesterday: little girls hang. What do I mean by that? They have a tendency to desperately wrap their limbs around the waists, legs, or arms of their parents. One little girl in front of me had her innocent stare locked on her mother’s singing face for a few minutes, barely blinking before she enthusiastically threw her arms around her mother’s side. As I shifted my eyes from them to the words on the projector screen, I couldn’t help but notice another little blond head resting on her father’s hip. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Why am I sharing these observations with you? Because don’t you see it, ladies (and yes, gentlemen too, please notice this)? Females are obviously created with a need. You can even realize it in little girls—a need for attention and for affection. I realize these needs are on different levels of intensity for everyone, but can’t we all admit we<em> do</em> need? These needs are some of the most frustrating aspects in my life. Why? Because satisfaction is hard to come by. For awhile I started to believe their was something wrong with me, that I craved too much affection. Observing those little girls, though, showed me that it’s really just part of being of woman. And <em>being a part</em> of anything means I was <em>created</em> a certain way. And being<em> created</em> a certain way means I was done so by a<em> creator </em>and for a <em>reason.</em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">If you spend anytime in the book of Genesis in the Bible, you will pick up on the fact that we were created to have an affectionate fellowship with God, yet sin hindered the perfection of that situation. We were made to give our worship to God and to be given affection by God. By no means am I saying that those little girls were worshiping their parents, but the expressions on their faces, the twinkle in their eyes reminded me of such devotion. Why is it so hard to look up at our heavenly father the way we looked up at our earthly daddys when we were children—how we look to our boyfriend, spouse, or lover today? </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I don’t know your reasons. I know mine have to do with wanting flesh for my flesh—I cannot see God, so I have a hard time allowing him to embrace me. There is honesty for you. However, his embrace is very achievable. I have felt it before, there are women I know that live in it, but I struggle with my flesh a great deal and I haven’t made the spirit’s arms my resting place. I still crave assurance, affection, security, love, and attention from people…especially men.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Is anyone else at this point in their journey? We could talk to each other. We could pray for each other. Send me an email @ <a href="mailto:yourfriendamber@yahoo.com">yourfriendamber@yahoo.com</a> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Has anyone successfully found satisfaction in the Father’s arms? Share your story. Give us some encouragement!</div><div align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/179212166_e6bMbvQi_c.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/179212166/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-5593796183155880590?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-58736436378048087952011-09-09T11:17:00.001-07:002011-09-09T11:17:56.095-07:00Where have YOU been?<p align="center">You may ask. Well, Reader-Friends, besides being terribly busy with school, I have been taking on some pretty challenging life feats. For instance, rock-climbing and roughing it in the woods! Last weekend I went with a group from my university to Jamestown, Arkansas. And as promised, here’s the recap! Remember, last week I shared how I was nervous about not knowing anyone on the trip? Well, we all became instant buddies!!! Be prepared, there are many pictures coming at ya!</p> <p align="center">As the sun was setting we were headed into the woods.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B_4svxJpm-4/TmpXxQSy1HI/AAAAAAAAAmk/WkAJaJNBTkI/s1600-h/DSCN6021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6021" border="0" alt="DSCN6021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xfXmy2ET99A/TmpXxpcvOHI/AAAAAAAAAmo/8q623GbAvgI/DSCN6021_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="276"></a></p> <p align="center">My new friend Bobby showed us girls how to build a “manly” fire.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_IF7Z5u12EY/TmpXzBW4FfI/AAAAAAAAAms/Jp4X9TOO9LE/s1600-h/DSCN6023%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6023" border="0" alt="DSCN6023" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WSjU5_4OCGU/TmpXzjK3nUI/AAAAAAAAAmw/I2rXP_lmBv0/DSCN6023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="282"></a></p> <p align="center">He did a pretty good job!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sg08amfVun8/TmpX0uNNLbI/AAAAAAAAAm0/GGGEnA_MnWc/s1600-h/DSCN6028%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6028" border="0" alt="DSCN6028" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u_jpe3QSVc4/TmpX1F4I5OI/AAAAAAAAAm4/ZmvHyg1WtFU/DSCN6028_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="278"></a></p> <p align="center">Our kitchen:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pHKFdP0tFjQ/TmpX2jESRLI/AAAAAAAAAm8/y87C0_0kghw/s1600-h/DSCN6035%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6035" border="0" alt="DSCN6035" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E2c68lpnTw8/TmpX3Gdd9LI/AAAAAAAAAnA/KKH3G589NU8/DSCN6035_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="278"></a></p> <p align="center">Dinner over an open fire. NOM!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3BKs7WXU7OQ/TmpX4kK2-WI/AAAAAAAAAnE/lVfpY3Ia8D0/s1600-h/DSCN6031%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6031" border="0" alt="DSCN6031" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-faY2R54vfaY/TmpX40iiHvI/AAAAAAAAAnI/i1-Ff_XGDIo/DSCN6031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="290"></a></p> <p align="center">Our instructor Todd giving us the how to’s on rock climbing before we headed off to the cliffs-</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MoYszOydTMM/TmpX5zkP0mI/AAAAAAAAAnM/UVn9q-p4jJ8/s1600-h/DSCN6037%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6037" border="0" alt="DSCN6037" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JoexLf4WMQw/TmpX6p1Y-SI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/kJkD4cx8nmg/DSCN6037_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="432"></a></p> <p align="center">Hiking to the rocks…Not going to lie hiking was even exhausting, especially coming back up!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cr2M9PXMheA/TmpX70IgzmI/AAAAAAAAAnU/OWxmPsmgnj0/s1600-h/DSCN6041%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6041" border="0" alt="DSCN6041" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ei4T70VOiS0/TmpX8fTwB0I/AAAAAAAAAnY/8wIeqDbao6c/DSCN6041_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="449"></a></p> <p align="center">The view<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-62bIXiRbD6A/TmpX9mghc8I/AAAAAAAAAnc/mMaF2VblRsU/s1600-h/DSCN6042%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6042" border="0" alt="DSCN6042" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pZpjG50yAAk/TmpX91n2bwI/AAAAAAAAAng/9i52PyBT_jA/DSCN6042_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="278"></a></p> <p align="center">Todd and Bobby demonstrating how to rappel down. If you are an adrenaline addict then I would recommend this little activity. Noting like hanging off a cliff backwards to get your heart pumping!<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WapPDkiSWq4/TmpX_34k-pI/AAAAAAAAAnk/n8TLs3w8hB4/s1600-h/DSCN6056%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6056" border="0" alt="DSCN6056" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-93Y1V1Zt-fk/TmpYASkbHWI/AAAAAAAAAno/_bNjhIsJ5l4/DSCN6056_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="285"></a></p> <p align="center">Yours truly climbing back up</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xSdhiwebtIM/TmpYCLpfJdI/AAAAAAAAAns/dO7CryLmCbo/s1600-h/DSCN6087%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6087" border="0" alt="DSCN6087" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XNDXZ7FWEJ0/TmpYCtj4sGI/AAAAAAAAAnw/PZkTyPn05mk/DSCN6087_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="282"></a></p> <p align="center">Way up there! Can you believe I’m getting a college credit for all this fun?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tL-97zV0dIo/TmpYDte4m6I/AAAAAAAAAn0/oCSLw-PJ7bA/s1600-h/DSCN6152%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6152" border="0" alt="DSCN6152" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VSBTZ-jD6uw/TmpYESjMinI/AAAAAAAAAn4/qC_cM5SbVkw/DSCN6152_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="496"></a></p> <p align="center">Belaying my friend on the rocks-</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ujifKGYlu8M/TmpYGO3aYHI/AAAAAAAAAn8/4NqxEXR85Mk/s1600-h/DSCN6095%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6095" border="0" alt="DSCN6095" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MpbUDJ-85Qg/TmpYGwLzfMI/AAAAAAAAAoA/s1u-HvRA1Qs/DSCN6095_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274"></a></p> <p align="center">Bobby being a beast-lead climbing with NO shoes!!!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L7hqJWpgGLc/TmpYII9VmtI/AAAAAAAAAoE/egY5ZJ_Jfqg/s1600-h/DSCN6161%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6161" border="0" alt="DSCN6161" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kiEHXMlgUzU/TmpYITc9OvI/AAAAAAAAAoI/vg45DSyK0hw/DSCN6161_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="276"></a></p> <p align="center">Our mascot for the weekend! (we found him on the dirt road)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kggXhk-_P7k/TmpYKvXzWiI/AAAAAAAAAoM/IzN_qE4-Yio/s1600-h/DSCN6130%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6130" border="0" alt="DSCN6130" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OsvVMT9ofjk/TmpYLGBVcoI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/IV3F1l0OvgU/DSCN6130_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="273"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w1XQk9uNmmw/TmpYMP-7h3I/AAAAAAAAAoU/Vz1Rd2aYlRk/s1600-h/DSCN6135%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6135" border="0" alt="DSCN6135" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qgJdDTZcmgE/TmpYMtb4GyI/AAAAAAAAAoY/2Mw_Zoun5hI/DSCN6135_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="273"></a></p> <p align="center">New friends!</p> <p align="center"></p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SBoL1DnFH9o/TmpYOgIdlGI/AAAAAAAAAoc/EBPaiMLoaX0/s1600-h/DSCN6049%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6049" border="0" alt="DSCN6049" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BorZh_w7ikk/TmpYPeGxYZI/AAAAAAAAAog/o-ixy7rbaFc/DSCN6049_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="284"></a> <p align="center">After the first day of climbing, we had some chill time at the campsite, so we played washers. Bobby and I kind of dominated! We did a lot of trash talking and then grabbed a “victory stick.” Here is the victory stick, oh and our friend T in the background because she is burning with jealousy:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xShKZl-_cE4/TmpYRS_8uRI/AAAAAAAAAok/yva9tMhuVq0/s1600-h/DSCN6141%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6141" border="0" alt="DSCN6141" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oOlyTnZY4u0/TmpYSMDv4qI/AAAAAAAAAoo/1yfq5ZUhjTo/DSCN6141_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="273"></a></p> <p align="center">The end result of labor day weekend? New friends, an amazingly fun time, a good kick off to getting back in shape, and on the down side, this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SmwoSGK8y9E/TmpYTOwWqiI/AAAAAAAAAos/wQZMz-aspcU/s1600-h/DSCN6181%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6181" border="0" alt="DSCN6181" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NB7q8yFMx84/TmpYTfm8kCI/AAAAAAAAAow/Up8iD7ZAfWY/DSCN6181_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="258"></a></p> <p align="center">Calamine lotion all over my bit up ankles, scratches and bruises all over my legs. No skirts for me for awhile, but it was so worth it!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sg5vfHCKWxc/TmpYUcyRZDI/AAAAAAAAAo0/i2nhqql4bZw/s1600-h/DSCN6184%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6184" border="0" alt="DSCN6184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7S5Yi8esRds/TmpYU7mkQuI/AAAAAAAAAo4/QdhCMWRnHdE/DSCN6184_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="263"></a></p> <p align="center">There will be more pictures on Facebook (you can connect through my FB button on this page), but for those of you that have had enough, I shall end it here. Before I go, I want to encourage all my Reader-Friends to step out of their comfort zone once in awhile, to try new things, or even to do things you love more often, and lastly to not be afraid to connect with people you do not know, because seriously, you will come out a better person or at least appreciate life a little more because of it. </p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-5873643637804808795?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-77065171587389958182011-09-06T07:18:00.000-07:002011-09-06T07:18:01.638-07:00Be Right Back<div align="center">Dearest Reader-Friends,</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I want you to know that I survived the rocks this past weekend and that though it may seem like I fell off the face of the planet, I am indeed here and quite busy. I need not explain myself because I don't know any bloggers who haven't had busy-ness bombard their life and affect their blogging. I got a hump of school work to get over and will hopefully be posting in just a few short days. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">First up will be a recap of my date with wilderness. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Here's a sneak-peak:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/304359_2313063755295_1510454832_32521921_4204510_n.jpg" width="266" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Be right back, dears!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7706517158738995818?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-58327743509890117682011-09-02T10:16:00.000-07:002011-09-05T06:46:19.952-07:00Shin’ding in Review<div align="center">Maroon & White, Reader-Friends. Maroon & White.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Those are my colors! And we painted my friend Jackie’s house those colors last night for the kick off of the college football season. See…</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2LnaMYWjvAc/TmEOD9KjgOI/AAAAAAAAAlU/8A5b_7aiIIA/s1600-h/DSCN6004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6004" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VPwG6kU2_Yc/TmEOEG40I7I/AAAAAAAAAlY/_sog2LXLFLg/DSCN6004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6004" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EkZ5OzY7dGE/TmEOF5_-2xI/AAAAAAAAAlc/pGmPfKkoyuI/s1600-h/DSCN6009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6009" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WqpSEPFados/TmEOGLwdhII/AAAAAAAAAlg/wHuhMwZCA68/DSCN6009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6009" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pL5hXr09ZBo/TmEOIGdRkaI/AAAAAAAAAlk/Mi_o1taeVKc/s1600-h/DSCN6011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6011" border="0" height="380" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JciV5UmYzmY/TmEOIeAjT7I/AAAAAAAAAlo/Z3AxnKGxIXY/DSCN6011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6011" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kVlfxeddkMQ/TmEOKEQX82I/AAAAAAAAAls/2AWwTXKeNNg/s1600-h/DSCN6012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6012" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cSCcgCsUmOs/TmEOKRZBC-I/AAAAAAAAAlw/ogIdiH5n-2g/DSCN6012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6012" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oWdXl72UPxo/TmEOL7_Ao7I/AAAAAAAAAl0/7KcJij5hsw4/s1600-h/DSCN6005%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6005" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E0X-S0eRGZk/TmEOMConk5I/AAAAAAAAAl4/TA1xAFP3gJI/DSCN6005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6005" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zxYjoKb-AgY/TmEONalLRfI/AAAAAAAAAl8/eAJ90boIhaU/s1600-h/DSCN6006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6006" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O_ahMXh6ba0/TmEONz1jC0I/AAAAAAAAAmA/QLUK8IUtvHU/DSCN6006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6006" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TEm8199-Seo/TmEOPPGtToI/AAAAAAAAAmE/Mpvf-b9FEws/s1600-h/DSCN6017%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6017" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RyPF28KIw_A/TmEOPei1ExI/AAAAAAAAAmI/fT1N3EHMLzw/DSCN6017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6017" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">We had a BYOM (Bring your own meat) Shin’dig. I highly recommend this kind of event when on a budget.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XR7zdrQQZX8/TmEOQECfc5I/AAAAAAAAAmM/g_w3vVov5dM/s1600-h/DSCN6014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6014" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BL8LGDPxt1A/TmEOQkNwB4I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/DwLQx33Nnwk/DSCN6014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6014" width="400" /></a><br /><div align="center">Dan, the Man. He sure has done good things for the Dawgs! MSU played Memphis last night and it just happened to be the predicted blow-out it was said to be. 59-14 STATE.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Look at all the Nom-ness we had gong on!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WiP2CxZxwak/TmEOSXbEujI/AAAAAAAAAmU/Is4n2GkSjLI/s1600-h/DSCN6016%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6016" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZVczRlRvMCw/TmEOSvb79PI/AAAAAAAAAmY/dN_KxnEJH3g/DSCN6016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6016" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It was a great night with friends, food, and FOOTBALL. <em>Today</em>, however, is the day! Remember my little adventure into the wilderness? Well, I have a <em>Walden</em> frame of mind, and I’m all set to head out. See…</div><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-COhHsIwf7JE/TmEOTh1MKlI/AAAAAAAAAmc/iwAib2-XlZs/s1600-h/RSCN6019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="RSCN6019" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hsJMbjOcioM/TmEOUGk04MI/AAAAAAAAAmg/QEHdB3p2bNs/RSCN6019_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="RSCN6019" width="400" /></a><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Assuming that I will survive this weekend in the rocks and trees of AR, yes, there will be pictures and posts soon about my climb and camping, so stay tune!</div><div align="center">Happy Labor Day weekend, Reader-Friends!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-5832774350989011768?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-19732174004401393522011-08-31T06:14:00.001-07:002011-08-31T06:14:05.435-07:00Just Around the Corner Love<p align="center">Here we are at Wednesday, Reader-Friends!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Linking up with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jamie</a> for WILW? I am!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RYev8oseznE/Tl4zmtxchKI/AAAAAAAAAlM/_bTNHZq9KXo/s1600-h/WILW3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WILW" border="0" alt="WILW" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LEEo9WASAF4/Tl4znDNmyMI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/XvbcVhKfzfs/WILW_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="274"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> that God is taking good care of his girl! There has been blessings all around lately. </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/105517448_UCbdgxHG_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/105517448/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Here is one of those blessings: Now that I won’t be student teaching next semester, I will be at in my house for a semester that I didn’t financially plan for. However, despite that it is usually nearly impossible to find a roommate mid-school year, God has <em>already </em>taken care of that issue! I have already found a roommate. And she is a doll! We have personalities that are quite similar. It was all to easy. I was simply conversing with a friend about the situation who had heard about a mutual friend of ours looking for a place and wam-bam and a phone call later I’m all fixed up! I am super, super sad to not be living with my bestie (who is going to student teach a few hours away) anymore, yet excited about a new situation in life.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/111782884_y5GwZq6L_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/111782884/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Speaking of new situations in life, I’m <strike>nervous out of my mind</strike> <strong>loving</strong> my ever-so adventurous plans for the weekend. Remember all the talk about the rock climbing business? Well, this is the weekend my name becomes Amber Wilderness Wright. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/122930545_aQdcvwWh_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/122930545/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Come to find out, it’s not<em> just</em> a rock climbing trip; it’s a learn how to survive “out there” trip. No showers, no phones, no bathrooms-just a shovel, in fact. Grossed out yet? I don’t know one single soul that is going on this little trip three or so hours down the road to Arkansas….and I am about to sleep, eat, and <em>stink</em> with these people for three days! Can you feel my anxiety? </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/705304_NN7uti1L_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/705304/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">I truly am <strong>loving</strong> the adventure aspect of all this uncertainty, though. I’ll make some new friends, take on some mad feats, and have something to blog about later!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#9b00d3">***By the way*** </font></em></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#9b00d3">I have to bring and prepare my own food in order to prove that I can take care of myself on this venture into the unknown. If there are any camping experts out there. I’m taking suggestions for easy, energy-packed meal ideas.</font></em></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#9b00d3"></font></em> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000">I’m <strong>loving</strong> that <a href="http://www.utterlychaotic.com/" target="_blank">Brea</a>, the amazingly gifted woman that designed this beautiful blog layout you see here on this page, is doing a <a href="http://www.utterlychaoticdesigns.com/2011/08/giveaway.html" target="_blank">giveaway</a> for one lucky blogger to get a COMPLETE blog makeover. You definitely should check this out! GO. NOW! (hey, but don’t forget to come back here!)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.utterlychaoticdesigns.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx71/kailibreanne/Blog/Design/UCDesigns/Four/Button.png" width="243" height="131"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Finally, I’m <strong>loving</strong> that tomorrow night is going to mark the beginning of good times for this gal. Mississippi State football kicks off at 7pm and I have planned a little get-together at Jon’s house. Fall. Football. Fashion. Food. Fun. It’s all around the corner and I can hear the cowbells now!</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_75Xi1RTxG3k/TR1b5tOjg-I/AAAAAAAAEg8/VOdxfhmEyrM/s1600/oiel70zzk2whfufhydh891wz7%255B1%255D.gif" width="446" height="431"></p> <p align="center">I have babbled enough! Have a <strong>lovely</strong> Wednesday, Reader-Friends!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1973217400440139352?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-51566307274523445272011-08-29T07:07:00.001-07:002011-08-29T07:07:28.044-07:00Quick. Fun. Over.<p align="center">Welcome to Monday, Reader-Friends!</p> <p align="center">First weekend of the semester. It had to be the quickest ever! Saturday was packed full of fun…and lots of walking!</p> <p align="center">Jon and I started the day with the farmer’s market in my hometown. I have been cooking up such a storm lately that I decided to become the proud plant-mommy of…</p> <p align="center">what could it be???</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9TfL0iGxsF8/Tluc02HBuDI/AAAAAAAAAks/SEjjvg9hvfY/s1600-h/DSCN5976%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5976" border="0" alt="DSCN5976" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q6IfoNmlMn8/Tluc1e7TRII/AAAAAAAAAkw/OUg4gOb5PiE/DSCN5976_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="381"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">TA DA! Meet Basil and Rosemary! (cute names, huh?)</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oIMl1jw1YxE/Tluc7U6u_8I/AAAAAAAAAk0/634zz4Nygno/s1600-h/DSCN5978%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5978" border="0" alt="DSCN5978" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i9SkmWJeUJc/TludDGSZo8I/AAAAAAAAAk4/99reBh7CQyc/DSCN5978_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="309"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W845DIb8_Bk/TludFIenQOI/AAAAAAAAAk8/MtJkmoGvp6k/s1600-h/DSCN5979%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5979" border="0" alt="DSCN5979" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tsOQrfmHX_M/TludFmIYnCI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Oo1jhSLZrYA/DSCN5979_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="310"></a></p> <p align="center">They smell so good! Let’s pray that I don’t kill these little beauts! I'm going to have to make some more caprice while I have such a lovely bunch of basil leaves!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Next, I went on a thrifting adventure with two of my sweet friends. If you have been around here for any amount of time, you know that I have a growing <strike>addiction </strike>love for thrift shopping! Saturday was probably the <strike>unhealthiest</strike> happiest I have been at Goodwill. Ya’ll, I can’t do it. I just can’t reveal how much I spent at the THRIFT store! I just can’t let anyone let me feel guilty for spending a nice hunk of change at the THRIFT store! And besides, I finally gave up on all my “skinny-mini” clothes in my closet. You know the accumulating articles that you keep saying “when I lose that ten pounds, I will fit in this.” I’m moving on. I gave bags and bags away to Goodwill and got things that just fit me as I am- all womanly and such these days! Like I said, I’m not telling how much I spent but I will show you the treasure sack.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--rZKkGiCbUs/TludGqcW0hI/AAAAAAAAAlE/CctkZIROJ24/s1600-h/DSCN5974%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5974" border="0" alt="DSCN5974" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aylyLlajhyU/TludHnnpSdI/AAAAAAAAAlI/fx4V0MkEtSc/DSCN5974_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="389"></a></p> <p align="center">Arrrggggh! Me found me some jewels, love! #PirateTalk</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The night was filled with great friends and great food. Jon and my Life Group from our church had a get-together. And I was so exhausted from all my heavy duty shopping, I didn’t take one photo. But trust me, everyone’s contribution to the array of finger-food was tasty tasty and the friendly talk was sweet stuff on a lingering summer night. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Have a mad-awesome Monday, Reader-Friends!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-5156630727452344527?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-88722368403626471382011-08-26T06:40:00.001-07:002011-08-26T06:40:44.489-07:00Bravery and Salmon<p align="center">Well, hello, Reader-Friends!</p> <p align="center">This moment is feeling a little surreal to me. It’s Friday and I have no class, no work, and not a ten mile to-do list. I don’t know how I got away with a schedule like this! I do have quite a bit of reading for class though, so a trip to the coffee shop may be in order today! I guess I made it sound like I’m not busy at all, but I, in fact, still have plenty to do; it’s just a much healthier balance of insanity! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">In my drama class, the other night one of the grad students who is an English teacher in a local public school told me that she thought I was brave for changing directions. <em>Brave?</em> I don’t think I had heard anyone say that through all this changing. I’ve heard that I should do what makes me happy and that I was right for not putting myself in a classroom if I knew I wasn’t going to be passionate about it, but all that sounds logical and reasoned out. <em>You are brave,</em> makes it sound like I’m taking heroic action. Maybe this is getting a bit too dramatic (I was in drama class at the time), but that adjective: <em>brave</em> gave a new meaning to what I was doing with my life. It’s like I’m saving myself from unhappiness, a lack of passion in life. While <em>brave<strong> </strong></em>makes me think that I’m doing something risky and that’s scary, it also gives me a little drive too. My friend said it so sincerely and it was a compliment that conceptualized my attitude. I have had a lot of doubt through all this. I don’t know what the heck I’m doing or going, but from now on I can step out in <em>brave</em> faith, trusting God and believing in myself.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/6998305_y5kMxeX9_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Ok, corny life speech over.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And now…look what I made for some friends last night for dinner!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PIF0gSKv8oU/TleiUY--osI/AAAAAAAAAkc/pZdm09fI6DY/s1600-h/DSCN5970%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5970" border="0" alt="DSCN5970" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uL16nIFKbjY/TleiVCujMNI/AAAAAAAAAkg/1K7RBdsIBTU/DSCN5970_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="349"></a></p> <p align="center">Caprice Salad</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HhGy-EVpZ8M/TleiWRxtxxI/AAAAAAAAAkk/1UuZKW-xoo0/s1600-h/DSCN5972%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5972" border="0" alt="DSCN5972" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OXnLeuuUrLc/TleiW5pXtHI/AAAAAAAAAko/xGJz2nGXtbQ/DSCN5972_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="360"></a></p> <p align="center">And Baked Maple Salmon. My inspiration came from a post <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/most-delicious-salmon-recipe-in-world.html" target="_blank">Jenni</a> put up last week. It was so simple, and there were certainly moans of delight at the dinner table. Try it tonight!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-8872236840362647138?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-59833755988267877072011-08-24T06:52:00.000-07:002011-08-24T06:52:05.333-07:00Love Cocktail<div align="center">Hey there, Reader-Friends!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">It’s link up time with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jamie</a> for WILW!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bNDOVOVkiWs/TlUBVZ_GBnI/AAAAAAAAAjU/H1eMyRy3Yn0/s1600-h/WILW%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WILW" border="0" height="321" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZvDd08bVO18/TlUBV95vmFI/AAAAAAAAAjY/1pykqlU0aIY/WILW_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WILW" width="321" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> that as I type this post I am enjoying a yummy strawberry-banana yogurt smoothie in a fun cocktail glass (no alcohol, promise! It’s not even 9 am!). See!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nA-Kco_izHk/TlUBWo-LUFI/AAAAAAAAAjc/waM2gzSykkM/s1600-h/DSCN5968%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5968" border="0" height="247" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CrmbY0W7Qyw/TlUBXG8X5wI/AAAAAAAAAjg/K8ec3e3cmaw/DSCN5968_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5968" width="328" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> that my first class of the day is COOKING and happens to not be until 11 o’ clock! Poor roomie has an 8 o’clock. I will tell of your sympathy for her. However, I was up and at ‘em (is that the phrase? That’s what it sounds like at least) along with the roomie this morning because of this next <strong>love</strong>…</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> that I’m back to working out!</div><div align="center"><img height="273" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/6590959_ftlfvXlP_c.jpg" width="328" /></div><div align="center">I walked three miles this morning. I hope to be back to running soon because there are 5k's around the corner! And Monday I start X-Fit (my school’s version of P90x).</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> that my first day of senior year of college was FANTASTIC! Usually, the first day of school is pure strenuous hell for me. It’s the day that everything seems to go wrong i.e. locking my keys in my car (last year’s highlight). But not this year! Smooth sailing and smiles all day! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving, loving, loving</strong> to be back around all of my friends! I have such a miniscule social life this summer I could cry. But the group has been reunited “and it feels so good!”</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SM5A7BwPNyM/TlUBYJ7RyaI/AAAAAAAAAjk/y2ogivJZehA/s1600-h/DSCN5453%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5453" border="0" height="252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Gwgx4_pUJ1w/TlUBYlT158I/AAAAAAAAAjo/W_l08FoxvdA/DSCN5453_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5453" width="334" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t6s_ejQfYzw/TlUBZIie-vI/AAAAAAAAAjs/d29j_UmYiYg/s1600-h/12325_416221387215_674142215_5323908_7856129_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="12325_416221387215_674142215_5323908_7856129_n" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U9ngCC6P_iY/TlUBZinrwQI/AAAAAAAAAjw/3sKThaNT0kQ/12325_416221387215_674142215_5323908_7856129_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="12325_416221387215_674142215_5323908_7856129_n" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q_TPxBkWdQU/TlUBab7NkTI/AAAAAAAAAj0/mIdbrpdTA9c/s1600-h/37211_1637290972930_1256404484_31747600_4026353_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="37211_1637290972930_1256404484_31747600_4026353_n" border="0" height="214" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w3V1eMAMSRU/TlUBavB2f4I/AAAAAAAAAj4/2Oxtemgs4ME/37211_1637290972930_1256404484_31747600_4026353_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="37211_1637290972930_1256404484_31747600_4026353_n" width="320" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iznF_Gcv-p0/TlUBbfd4VFI/AAAAAAAAAj8/2NtD-AmaplQ/s1600-h/65342_1414700449502_1292280189_31004664_7095639_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="65342_1414700449502_1292280189_31004664_7095639_n" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kItysmSgv3I/TlUBcKwRW3I/AAAAAAAAAkA/PfASrQAVDiI/65342_1414700449502_1292280189_31004664_7095639_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="65342_1414700449502_1292280189_31004664_7095639_n" width="320" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b4hzB6o1_2s/TlUBcvB7KwI/AAAAAAAAAkE/CM25LbFFG1k/s1600-h/68680_462451373574_516988574_5743322_2217949_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="68680_462451373574_516988574_5743322_2217949_n" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PO0kBWhb3ec/TlUBc7A8mYI/AAAAAAAAAkI/4mhf6d9KW3o/68680_462451373574_516988574_5743322_2217949_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="68680_462451373574_516988574_5743322_2217949_n" width="320" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-epO00dSK864/TlUBdVz8SFI/AAAAAAAAAkM/9r0OT_bmhLI/s1600-h/167076_495451668574_516988574_6272031_3827016_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="167076_495451668574_516988574_6272031_3827016_n" border="0" height="240" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GPjuB0WpphM/TlUBd529v5I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/kVZ2m5A2cts/167076_495451668574_516988574_6272031_3827016_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="167076_495451668574_516988574_6272031_3827016_n" width="320" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Xm57TeCgskY/TlUBemE7HlI/AAAAAAAAAkU/S8IqYLA9ca8/s1600-h/180801_1438509684597_1288651187_31769949_7600493_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="180801_1438509684597_1288651187_31769949_7600493_n" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tn9WmbqtUiI/TlUBe9FPovI/AAAAAAAAAkY/jTGIXyuKArE/180801_1438509684597_1288651187_31769949_7600493_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="180801_1438509684597_1288651187_31769949_7600493_n" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">Happy times, Friends, Happy times! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">What are you <strong>loving</strong>?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-5983375598826787707?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-72637461628556945632011-08-23T05:19:00.001-07:002011-08-23T12:02:17.346-07:00Easy Breezy {Bohemian} Girl<div align="center">Hey, Reader Friends!</div><div align="center">Remember about half a century ago, when I mentioned doing a series of posts titled “Thifty Rich”? No? Don’t worry, I didn’t expect you to! You can read what “Thrifty Rich” posts are all about <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/06/itch-to-thrift.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I did just a couple of these posts this summer and then was defeated by the summer heat. It was way too ungodly hot and, even worse, humid to be taking outfit pictures! With Fall around the corner, however, I’m lacking excuse. So with out further <strike>complaining</strike> introduction:</div><div align="center">I call this outfit “Easy Breezy Bohemian Girl,” because:</div><div align="center">Number one, it is easy. I can find tops and accessories that go with the maxi skirt (my very first, by the way) fairly quickly.</div><div align="center">Number two, it is breezy. I looooooove how this skirt feels twirling around my legs when I walk! Comfy, comfy! Get a maxi skirt, now. You can come back to this post later. GO!</div><div align="center">And number three, it is rather boho in style, don’t you think? </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PiF0nVshJc4/TlOakXLxhCI/AAAAAAAAAiY/k-lEF9aGQsQ/s1600-h/DSCN59178.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5917" border="0" height="460" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rzPPLBEuqDQ/TlOalLNcpCI/AAAAAAAAAic/OSNfc2tmkWc/DSCN5917_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5917" width="313" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p-z0IJA9HIs/TlOamZcCivI/AAAAAAAAAig/tUasHxGmEkg/s1600-h/DSCN59218.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5921" border="0" height="211" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mOWYlT6YdyY/TlOamysnL_I/AAAAAAAAAik/lPU8Z4s1iGg/DSCN5921_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5921" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zVnaN_90LUg/TlOaoE_YngI/AAAAAAAAAio/sBRhNcvZpxY/s1600-h/DSCN59253.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5925" border="0" height="210" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-niVAcdQQVEc/TlOaooG_s1I/AAAAAAAAAis/pyeTMm77ypI/DSCN5925_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5925" width="244" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QE_9NVvHMkE/TlOapd58NgI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Ox9aIv0t9jY/s1600-h/DSCN59168.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5916" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LUAEXwu0rEg/TlOapkqau2I/AAAAAAAAAi0/QCkbrTXlcoY/DSCN5916_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5916" width="184" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lz7qkDiJv3I/TlOaqoGBJzI/AAAAAAAAAi4/FDL03VRD19I/s1600-h/DSCN59245.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5924" border="0" height="260" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uLvjSfNd5EA/TlOarOk1o1I/AAAAAAAAAi8/xN_viT2yvHA/DSCN5924_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5924" width="189" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qYTTjVFEW5E/TlOasOVYX4I/AAAAAAAAAjA/1IioA6gRbcY/s1600-h/DSCN59265.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5926" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iMWlB95wAkA/TlOasRD9AtI/AAAAAAAAAjE/nntJD8QIRcw/DSCN5926_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5926" width="145" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oY3sZZJtDM4/TlOataCFVfI/AAAAAAAAAjI/QzfdZ1VEnd0/s1600-h/JHH5.jpg"><img alt="JHH" border="0" height="257" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gRaIuJk8-tI/TlOat09Qd9I/AAAAAAAAAjM/Kv7Au7ALxsI/JHH_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="JHH" width="180" /></a></div><div align="center">Tank tops (Old Navy)</div><div align="center">Maxi Skirt (Thrifted)</div><div align="center">Sandals (Thrifted)</div><div align="center">Belt (Thrifted)</div><div align="center">Necklace (Walmart)<br />Purse (Thrifted)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPwxLwJGn6I/TlP5GUmBnHI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/imiI9QEmPkE/s1600/thriftaholicsweekly3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPwxLwJGn6I/TlP5GUmBnHI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/imiI9QEmPkE/s1600/thriftaholicsweekly3.png" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /> <br />Any great finds lately, thrifters? Please <i>do</i> share!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7263746162855694563?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-88969896177874324282011-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:002011-08-22T06:14:50.840-07:00Easy Dinner and Dessert Tutorial<div align="center">Brand new week, with new beginnings, Reader-Friends!<br /></div><div align="center">I’m officially back in my college town and starting school <span style="font-size: x-small;">(education classes free, woop woop!)</span> tomorrow morning! Even though it’s Monday, I have to do a little back tracking to the weekend for today’s post. I want to share a new go-to meal I made for my mama and Jon Friday night in my hometown. </div><div align="center">So what’s on the menu? Tomato basil chicken pasta and individual Oreo cheesecakes! As most anything I’m experimenting with in the kitchen these days, these little delicacies were inspired by <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> photos.<br /></div><div align="center">Here are the originals:</div><div align="center"><img height="308" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/66532411_bQiXDcvH_c.jpg" width="386" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://noblepig.com/2011/05/21/basil-spaghetti-with-cheesy-broiled-tomatoes.aspx" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MwGzs-E33w0/TlJUJmazBVI/AAAAAAAAAfo/EcXH6xRg5u4/s1600-h/Oreo-cheescakes4.jpg"><img alt="Oreo cheescakes" border="0" height="376" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9Vleg-kq1k4/TlJUKEOjyxI/AAAAAAAAAfs/AoQaE-bT7Jw/Oreo-cheescakes_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Oreo cheescakes" width="376" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://foodgawker.com/popular/favorites/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center">Click the links below each photo for the original recipes. Below are my personal adaptations from Friday night.<br /></div><div align="center">Here’s what you need for the pasta dish <span style="font-size: x-small;">(note that the ingredient list below is good for 2 or 3 servings, but you should double or triple the ingredients if you’re serving more than two):</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">12 oz. of noodles</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (your choice-Angel Hair is pictured below)</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">4 large tomatoes</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">4 boneless skinless chicken tenderloins or breasts</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">3 TBS of olive oil</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup of an Italian blend of cheeses</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">2 cloves of minced garlic </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I used powder-estimated based on our personal tastes)</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">3/4 cup of fresh basil leaves </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I used 1/4 cup of shredded basil)</span><br /></div><div align="center">Here’s how I did it:</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8lLRyLbiFdM/TlJUMzKw58I/AAAAAAAAAfw/5G1QdppprH4/s1600-h/DSCN59463.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5946" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ley7DhvuvLs/TlJUNJyuFPI/AAAAAAAAAf0/4hprm_TJp74/DSCN5946_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5946" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gvEP2JOKIV4/TlJUOAIKd2I/AAAAAAAAAf4/JOYNqQkNVYQ/s1600-h/DSCN59483.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5948" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y4ZXsLG3hYw/TlJUOY2xVVI/AAAAAAAAAf8/DnMPNLLZA1E/DSCN5948_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5948" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HIlj7oRppfg/TlJUO5bmjvI/AAAAAAAAAgA/cvtMLdYqVEo/s1600-h/DSCN59494.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5949" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8mNm8_Z_sbQ/TlJUPOcItYI/AAAAAAAAAgE/8D3J2HWT2hA/DSCN5949_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5949" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QFG7BYyVaVY/TlJUQLLiZgI/AAAAAAAAAgI/0FBiu9bVmjo/s1600-h/DSCN59503.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5950" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fO_tYVvDpCc/TlJUQSIMN8I/AAAAAAAAAgM/95QeblD_WW8/DSCN5950_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5950" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qa27maOf1U0/TlJURen2SYI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/eCObqvaoAJA/s1600-h/DSCN59523.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5952" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VISNcEXL7V0/TlJURq-T3qI/AAAAAAAAAgU/VZC3_2PMcT8/DSCN5952_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5952" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I9V2-DFR8Lg/TlJUSvnxvDI/AAAAAAAAAgY/YhTvLtY4rFw/s1600-h/DSCN59533.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5953" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mxv0cwu5pEo/TlJUTF_5WJI/AAAAAAAAAgc/s54utIQkW8I/DSCN5953_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5953" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZsmeqGZ5Qh8/TlJUUbB4kII/AAAAAAAAAgg/A6ZKijfW90w/s1600-h/DSCN59543.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5954" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zfFjG8JwQ88/TlJUUt9z8GI/AAAAAAAAAgk/JtPo7hcbeLs/DSCN5954_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5954" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2tXWGU39Bug/TlJUVruTk5I/AAAAAAAAAgo/JJt7LmDFrMc/s1600-h/DSCN59553.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5955" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2_HdzFeejmk/TlJUWPM7qjI/AAAAAAAAAgs/_PK3Yp8WVic/DSCN5955_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5955" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9XGl5PdqAz4/TlJUW9RwcII/AAAAAAAAAgw/XtXJiZgSv2A/s1600-h/DSCN59573.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5957" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--K2iVSWJZr4/TlJUXCah8GI/AAAAAAAAAg0/GGGo0aEuwKs/DSCN5957_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5957" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hb53PyB1PQs/TlJUYUlxpHI/AAAAAAAAAg4/JRHF3QcZa70/s1600-h/DSCN59583.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5958" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p2AdRBbBYyc/TlJUYjXRN0I/AAAAAAAAAg8/Ogh1NczmzZc/DSCN5958_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5958" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M3mqcJc2pwo/TlJUZ35F-LI/AAAAAAAAAhA/Tnixz4oEjds/s1600-h/DSCN59593.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5959" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RAU71tViHn4/TlJUaFzd88I/AAAAAAAAAhE/3CGfpDDLjFo/DSCN5959_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5959" width="400" /></a><br /></div><div align="center">The chicken isn’t apart of the original recipe, but I was well informed by my manly-man man that he wasn’t going to eat any kind of vegetarian dish. #MEEEEEEAAAAT! Unless you are a vegan, I would definitely recommend the chicken. It adds more texture and flavor!<br /></div><div align="center">Marinate tenderloins in Italian dressing for a few hours (the longer the better). Chop and sear in a pan or skillet (I used a little olive oil spray in the pan).<br /></div><div align="center">Slice large tomatoes and place on greased cookie sheet (these are off the vine, but I have a hunch that Romano tomatoes would taste amazing in this dish). Salt and pepper the slices. <br /></div><div align="center">Start boiling pasta. I used my favorite noodle-Angel Hair, but spaghetti would be fine, depends on your preference.<br /></div><div align="center">Top tomatoes generously with an Italian blend of shredded cheese and broil them in the oven for about 3 to 5 minutes- until they have golden spots and are bubbly. <br /></div><div align="center">Heat olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper, and basil in sauce pan “until fragrant.”<br /></div><div align="center">Drain pasta. Toss pasta, chicken, and sauce together. <br /></div><div align="center">Put the pasta on a plate and place as many tomatoes as you would like on top: Viola! </div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hQlDIv9UldQ/TlJUbNOeWsI/AAAAAAAAAhI/C9CRFCo90lU/s1600-h/DSCN5960.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5960" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kC43jmrnA7Y/TlJUby5bICI/AAAAAAAAAhM/1E-hTW2wJ9Q/DSCN5960_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5960" width="354" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Caesar salad and garlic bread are yummy compliments to this dish.</span></div><div align="center">Now on to dessert.<br /></div><div align="center">My inspiration pin is a baked version, made from scratch. I was feeling lazy at this point, so I went for the same, yet quicker concept.<br /></div><div align="center">Here’s what you need for the “lazy-gal” version:<br /></div><div align="center">Cupcake liners<br /></div><div align="center">1 pack of Oreos<br /></div><div align="center">1 gallon size zip lock bag<br /></div><div align="center">Hammer or food processor<br /></div><div align="center">Box mix of cheesecake filling<br /></div><div align="center">Milk (usually that’s all you need for the box mix)<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SXpKDy2y5gU/TlJUdMGWU-I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/RzTAi-eacUI/s1600-h/DSCN59343.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5934" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6zyjEms0U24/TlJUevSd07I/AAAAAAAAAhU/mZPoQkx2qVU/DSCN5934_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5934" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qw7MEev1zJ4/TlJUfQv8HsI/AAAAAAAAAhY/uzED7MtFlg0/s1600-h/DSCN59353.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5935" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C52H-aUvgDY/TlJUfrKSRaI/AAAAAAAAAhc/hDpvz8esfVc/DSCN5935_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5935" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zkL2UTSKltg/TlJUgjNip_I/AAAAAAAAAhg/GX6Rb3VlnF0/s1600-h/DSCN59363.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5936" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ML435NkNKjg/TlJUhDGVYRI/AAAAAAAAAhk/Ba3elfZpI7E/DSCN5936_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5936" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j7Z46Xm-jZk/TlJUiOZnyHI/AAAAAAAAAho/ydnCt2wD72Q/s1600-h/DSCN59383.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5938" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-klDqKWn8U4Y/TlJUiQXWRVI/AAAAAAAAAhs/qOb5s3psSdM/DSCN5938_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5938" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MVhemh501_M/TlJUjHtLPfI/AAAAAAAAAhw/IVQSFna8oVw/s1600-h/DSCN59403.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5940" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NLHntIUDbrc/TlJUjlR3XQI/AAAAAAAAAh0/ahgiqKWbwFY/DSCN5940_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5940" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wm4vSRQSTfg/TlJUkkObfJI/AAAAAAAAAh4/yx4YsVCd_Uc/s1600-h/DSCN59413.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5941" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_bh_7Oy0LHk/TlJUkz0fKqI/AAAAAAAAAh8/XZoEtFIuCxQ/DSCN5941_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5941" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KLZoj5LRpQs/TlJUlzOWnNI/AAAAAAAAAiA/wcFfNtgVQoI/s1600-h/DSCN59443.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5944" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PVHRM-jQNFM/TlJUmPnSiKI/AAAAAAAAAiE/rioC1zilb0s/DSCN5944_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5944" width="400" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sxWzWLExx9I/TlJUm24jYxI/AAAAAAAAAiI/XhFmrmlJhRw/s1600-h/DSCN59623.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5962" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4C8gabHC2O8/TlJUnW31IFI/AAAAAAAAAiM/huQa3dJbRXI/DSCN5962_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5962" width="400" /></a><br /> <br /><div align="center">Line cup cake pan with paper or aluminum liners.<br /></div></div><div align="center">Place about 1 and 1/4 of Oreo package rows into a gallon zip-lock bag. Crush the cookies with a hammer (you could use a processor for more of a fine dust, but like I said I was feeling lazy).<br /></div><div align="center">Empty cookie crumbs into bottom of liners and press down with fingertips in order to make a flatter base.<br /></div><div align="center">Mix up cheesecake filling according to box directions (We can’t always be Martha!)<br /></div><div align="center">Pour filling in the cups and sprinkle any remaining cookie crumbs on top.<br /></div><div align="center">Refrigerate for at least an hour.<br /></div><div align="center">Nom!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FxxAkCq3dGE/TlJUoApkydI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/oZju6fL7WB4/s1600-h/DSCN5963.jpg"><img alt="DSCN5963" border="0" height="288" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DW4ntnc1yS8/TlJUoXodRzI/AAAAAAAAAiU/fU0PomrUsHE/DSCN5963_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN5963" width="383" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />Let me know if you try either or both of these out! </div><div align="center">P.s. You have a little drool on your chin! Marvelous Monday to ya!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-8896989617787432428?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-15588574567524651622011-08-21T06:42:00.000-07:002011-08-21T06:42:08.424-07:00Get out of that Pit!<div align="center">Allow me to just <strike>fall</strike> jump into this post, Reader-Friends.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Spiritual rut. A valley. A pit. That slimy, smelly place where we have no desire to be in the Word of God or are wrapped up in a perpetual sin or are just exhausted on the inside and out. I think we all have been there, right? And if you can <em>honestly</em> say you haven’t, then I must risk receiving a scowl in my direction and say: it’s <em>going </em>to happen. Why? Because we are human—the most prized creation of God and therefore Satan’s target for destruction. Actually, it’s when we are really tracking with God that Satan is most aggravated and bent on tripping us, so that we tumble into that rut, valley, or pit.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Presently, in my life, I’m on the mountain top. My feet are more firmly planted than they have been in a long time. Yet, from too much experience, I well know to be ready and be on my guard for the slippery slopes of the evil one. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I hope you are not in a pit today, but if you <em>are, </em>don’t feel criticized here; I can only speak for myself, I suppose, but please know that others have been there. I want to go out on limb here and share a poem I wrote in the last year while I was clawing at the sides of a pit. I’m not a proud poet. In fact, I’m very unsure of my work, so please know this is something I don’t really want to share, but am feeling led to share. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This probably isn’t the finished product, because I revise this just about every time I look at it, as I do with pretty much anything I write. #Englishmajorcurse)</span> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><em>Well for my Soul</em> </div><div align="center">By: Amber Marie Wright </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">“It is well with my soul,” </div><div align="center">Sung so prettily from a tattered center. </div><div align="center">A bow lacking reverence, yet racked </div><div align="center">with shame. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">And suffering from acute awareness </div><div align="center">Of my insincerity – I’m infected. </div><div align="center">With appearance much like First, </div><div align="center">Helpless, begging for form— </div><div align="center">a pile of dust. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Treading, steered by the wind </div><div align="center">Over a landscape of rock and thorns, </div><div align="center">Finding the punctures just, </div><div align="center">with widened eye, </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Come, your Blade of conviction. </div><div align="center">Famine fevers my spirit faint. </div><div align="center">Strong, Loving Rebuke </div><div align="center">Begins to stitch at my core. </div><div align="center">Gentle Will, begin— </div><div align="center">restore me. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Please respect me by not plagiarizing my original words. You may share these words as long as you attach my identity to them.) </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">My advice to those of you who are in a pit is to expect God to lift you out. Be willing to accept grace and mercy, because you are never going to get out of there by trying to do better yourself. You have to let God “restore” you with his supernatural touch on your heart. And when your feet are planted on solid ground again, remember a lesson learned-Satan will try to knock you right back in that pit, but you are stronger now…<em>don’t go down without a fight!</em> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I have a book suggestion for you (besides scripture, of course! That’s the most healing text you can read): Beth Moore’s <em>Get Out of that Pit</em>. Pretty straight forward title, isn’t it? That lady definitely knows how to pep-talk. I try not to follow any other human’s teachings religiously, but I really believe that God uses this woman as a godly commentator, a coach, and a mentor to complement his guidance in many young women’s lives. She may not be for everyone, but <em>you</em> could give her a chance! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Get-Out-That-Pit-Deliverance/dp/1591455529" target="_blank">here</a> to go to the Amazon.com order page for this book. You can also get it at Lifeway or most other main line bookstores (Christian or not). </div><div align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/98319346_MZOzOATx_c.jpg" /> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/98319346/" target="_blank">via</a> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/96637339_wAv1DDOm_c.jpg" /> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/96637339/" target="_blank">via</a> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1558857456752465162?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-33126728716306662112011-08-20T07:43:00.001-07:002011-08-20T07:43:06.440-07:00Wellness Update<p align="center">Well, hello weekend-ers!</p> <p align="center">The update on my daddy is that he made it home, and I think he is more comfortable here on the home-front than at the hospital. My mom, however, is a big, tangled ball of stress. We had medical supplies delivered last night, and a nurse has been popping in, but for the most part, it is Mama’s duty to administer all the tubes and shots and such to his healing body. We really appreciate your prayers during this time, and I really believe that they are making a difference; although, Daddy is clearly still pretty sick, he definitely looks a lot better. Keep them coming! Especially, lift up a prayer for my mama’s nerves. I’m heading back to my college town tonight, so it will just be her and Daddy. Luckily, my brother and sister don’t live but a little ways down the road. One of my biggest concerns is that Mama will keep taking off of work to make sure Daddy has the 24-hour care, which obviously has it’s financial consequences. </p> <p align="center">I will say one certain thing: it is pretty precious to me to be able to see the devoted love and care of a spouse demonstrated right here in my own home. </p> <p align="center">If you feel led to send words my parent’s way, you can email me at <a href="mailto:yourfriendamber@yahoo.com">yourfriendamber@yahoo.com</a> .</p> <p align="center">I will be sure to deliver them. If you rather hand write something, email me at the address above, and I will get the mailing address to you.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/115881041_nV0wceih_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/115881041/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Thanks in advance to anyone who decides to do this. Your kind heart is such a blessing.</p> <p align="center">P.s. I cooked a fabulous, quick, and easy dinner last night for Jon and Mama. I will be sharing next week sometime! Stay tuned!</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-3312672871630666211?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-18556471140295254542011-08-19T09:39:00.001-07:002011-08-19T09:39:20.419-07:00Lazy Pinning<p align="center">Fabulous Friday to you, Reader-Friends!</p> <p align="center">I’m feeling a <font size="2">tad</font> bit lazy today. This is most likely due to today being the very last Friday of my summer, <font size="2">which technically only started a week ago, thanks to having summer classes for months!</font></p> <p align="center">Can I just lay around all day?</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/9241700_uqs4UaqV_c.jpg" width="306" height="203"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/9241700/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Sadly, No. No, I can’t, because I have errands to run and a daddy-o to get bring home from the hospital! Yay! If you are catching up around here, my daddy has been in the hospital for about two weeks with a terrible infection from his rupture surgery. The doctors actually nicked his colon in the process, which brought about said complications. Anyway, he is bringing home all his tubes and what-nots, so we are going to have a home nurse popping in. My mama, actually would have preferred that Daddy had chose to stay in the hospital (<font size="2">that was an option</font>), so he could have 24-hour care and she could be at work less stressed. But leave it up to a man to be stubborn, right? </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Anyway, as you can tell, I have a lot on my mind, so I’m giving up on looking for my creative juices. Instead, I’m going to share some of my great finds from <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">From my “Favorite Places and Spaces” Board:</font></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/117265181_qjvOr3Aq_c.jpg" width="377" height="566"></p> <p align="center">This is in New Zealand and I have decided that it would be totally awesome to live like the hobbits! #LordoftheRingsdork</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">From “My Style” board:</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/66560104_671lLyUK_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">I want this jacket more than I am capable of expressing!</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">From my “Yummy” board:</font></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/66532411_bQiXDcvH_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">Tomato Basil Pasta (making this for dinner tonight) and…</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/121460847_nHThFehz_c.jpg" width="376" height="376"></p> <p align="center">Individual Oreo cheesecakes (for dessert tonight, too!)</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">From my “Home Body” board:</font></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/91993658_QDUmer8C_c.jpg" width="301" height="271"></p> <p align="center">I’m obsessed with lighting! I like how rustic meets fancy here.</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">From my “I Thee Wed” board:</font></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/93062018_V9wKeNMX_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">lace, lace, lace= love!</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">And from my “Awwww” board:</font></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/22296236_w3ZoST3s_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">Penguins are my favorite of animals! So cute, waddling in their little tuxedos!</p> <p align="center">Well, I do have more boards, but I shall save them for the next time I have a <strike>lazy</strike> random post! Have a lovely Friday, Reader-Friends!</p> <p align="center">All pictures via my Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/eleganta/" target="_blank">boards</a>. </p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1855647114029525454?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-18857947638026115172011-08-18T08:26:00.001-07:002011-08-18T08:26:24.979-07:00The Rains will Come in their Season<p align="center">Thursday already, Reader-Friends!? Wow.</p> <p align="center">There are just a few days before my amazing semester starts. Woop, woop for senior year of college!</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">My heart is already celebrating.</font></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/28693226_xTdedZB3_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">So, I want to invite you to my recent light bulb moment. Seriously, I mean <em>seriously</em>, ever since I became honest and open about where I needed God to work in my life, he has! You can backtrack <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/07/walk-between-raindrops.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">I have been in the Bible book of Leviticus the past two days, and God has given me so much insight to how he is working in my life! I know, right; straight from the ancient Old Testament! Anyway, the twenty sixth chapter of Leviticus touches on <font color="#a5a5a5">blessings for obedience</font> and<font color="#a5a5a5"> discipline for disobedience. </font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5"></font> </p> <p align="center">First, let’s chat about the blessings. God refers to the land a lot because it was the people’s resource for livelihood, I like to think that the land kind of symbolizes my life in general-home, relationships, career, etc. He told the Israelites, if you walk in your life as I have asked you to, then you will be provided for; your crops will yield fruit. “The rains will come in their season,” he stated. To me, that was God saying that if I trust and obey him, then the things that are supposed to happen <em>will</em> happen exactly <em>when</em> they are supposed to happen: in <em>their season</em>. For some reason that doesn’t seem as difficult to understand today as it did two weeks ago. Oh, how he can melt a hardened heart.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And now for the discipline. This is where I had my “ah ha” moment. God said that he would take away the “pride of my power” and that if I did not obey him, I would “toil in vain.” <font size="2">This makes so much sense!</font> My most habitual disobedience to God is in the department of control. I want to control my life, because I want to feel safe and secure. I want to know where I’m going and make sure I have enough to survive. And here is the big one: I want assurance and approval and security from the people in my life so badly that I make myself sick trying to get it. But it’s not from God, and therefore I “toil” after it “in vain.” </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Since God is kind of a master weaver, he threw in another loom for my benefit. Yesterday, on the way home from my college town I was listening to that lovely and feisty lady Beth Moore. I picked up her library CD from Lifeway that has snippets from her various Bible Studies. I listen to two amazing tracks but wanted to force myself to stop so that I could safe the rest for other drives. I ended up saying “oh, just one more.” Of course, that <em>one more</em> happened to be mind-blowing and exactly what I needed to hear! She started talking about all the different reasons people seem to fail at giving us our emotional desires. The one that hit home with me was the fact that maybe getting my emotional desires fed is such a “savior complex” to me that <em>that</em> is why God is not allowing it to happen. How do you wean a baby from the bottle? You stopped giving it to him! “Ah ha!”</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">BM said many more enlightening things that I wish you all could hear. The CD is only two bucks at <a href="http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/beth+moore+library" target="_blank">Lifeway</a> right now. If you click that link it will take you straight to the order page. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="data:image/jpg;base64,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" width="272" height="273"></p> <p align="center">I have been overwhelmed with clarity these past few days. I have been fighting God so hard on his discipline that I couldn’t even see what he was doing for me. I was in such an unhealthy situation, and he has been healing me all along. Ladies and even gentlemen, get your provision from God. The triumph that comes when someone doesn’t give you what you wanted and you walk okay, because you know a place where you <em>will always</em> get it, is so sweet.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><em>The rains will come in their season.</em></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1885794763802611517?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-48118727914516803022011-08-17T10:33:00.001-07:002011-08-17T11:14:53.174-07:00Happy Love<div align="center">Hey Reader-Friends, happy girl right here!<br /></div><div align="center">This a perfect day for a WILW link-up with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jamie</a>!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-neofwutYuVg/Tkv7gZ-4ZbI/AAAAAAAAAfc/0VkB1R9W4xc/s1600-h/WILW%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WILW" border="0" height="284" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zEBh-4HO0Gs/Tkv7g69AOzI/AAAAAAAAAfg/0a0vto03m6A/WILW_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WILW" width="284" /></a></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving, </strong>first and foremost, that I’m happy for the first time in a long time. Don’t get me wrong, my life by no means has sucked, but if you have been reading, you know that I have recently decided to change my career path, and since then every breath I take is lighter. aaaaahhhhh. If you want to catch up on all this news, read <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/08/hard-way.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving </strong>that as a result of my major change, I’m signed up for exciting classes that I have always wanted to take and never could, i.e. cooking and get ready for this, ROCK CLIMBING! </div><div align="center"><img height="320" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/32015409_zOhfPebd_c.jpg" width="282" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/32015409/" target="_blank">via</a></div><div align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/102703898_6A4RY67F_c.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.askmen.com/top_10/travel/top-10-guys-vacations_10.html" target="_blank">via</a><br /></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving</strong> that <em>also</em> as a result of this major change (do you see a trend here?), I unexpectedly got away with a schedule entirely lacking of Friday classes! #happydance</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I’m <strong>loving </strong>that I had a sweet breakfast with my bestie this morning! We had french toast, eggs, and COFFEE (duh!). By the way this said bestie of my mine is brand new to the blogosphere, so be sure to send <a href="http://jessica-calvery.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jessica</a> some warm wishes at her new space-<a href="http://jessica-calvery.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shaped by Grace</a>!<br /></div><div align="center"><img height="274" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/24405541_3YOPCp19_c.jpg" width="400" /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://imarriedanomnivore.com/2011/05/recipe-the-yummiest-french-toast-and-its-vegan/" target="_blank">via</a><br /></div><div align="center">And finally, but most importantly, I’m <strong>loving </strong>my quiet time this morning. God gave me some <em>amazing</em> words! I was reminded of his constant presence in my life. I tried so hard to run away from him this Summer and I couldn’t, because it’s true-He is always with us and pursues us even when we don't pursue him. I also learned about how God blesses us when we are obedient durng my time in the Word. Gooooood stuff. Check out the Leviticus 26:3-13, if you are interested!<br /><br /></div><div align="center">Well, Reader-Friends, I could go on and on about what I’m <strong>loving, </strong>but I need to get on the road to my hometown for a dentist appointment (not loving) and to visit my daddy (always loving).<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>Loving</strong> you,</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4811872791451680302?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-51683824079571272842011-08-16T04:11:00.001-07:002011-08-16T04:11:39.629-07:00The Hard Way<p align="center">Let’s face it, Reader-Friends…</p> <p align="center">I do <em>everything</em> the hard way! Seriously, I have a curse. I guess I’m one of those “lesson learned” kind of people. You know what I’m talking about; you take the wrong turn, say the wrong thing, make the wrong decision, and as a result figure out what would have been or maybe <em>is</em> right. I must re-emphasize: this is the story of my life! </p> <p align="center">If you are a Facebook, Twitter, or real-life friend, then you have probably noted some emotional, rant-y, maybe even a tad bit dramatic posts. Well, wouldn’t you post such if you decided to change your career goals and life path your senior year of college!? I’m sure sure there are plenty of you that are rolling your eyes and thinking: <em>Have you met the American college student? It happens all the time</em>. Right? Many of <em>you </em>probably changed your major a billion times too. And I take comfort in that, really. But I just can’t help but be scared out of mind too!</p> <p align="center">I have had a goal in sight for at least five years now. My junior year of high school I fell in love with everything English and decided that I was going to teach it. My teacher that year was so enthusiastic about the subject. She made it so interesting, and entertaining, and fun-even for those kids that could care less about being at school. I wanted to be “just like her.” </p> <p align="center">But guess what? I was a different person in high school. Very different. And I was a different person my freshman year of college. And so on and so on. Ya’ll, I have done a lot of self-discovery during my young adult years but never as much as I did this summer. While I was absolutely miserable with my head in text books (this being the joy of summer school), I was alone--as in with myself, <em>all. the. time.</em> As a result, I was in some low places, but in some good places too. It was in those low places that I figured out a lot about myself. Well, maybe I didn’t figure myself out; I just began to accept myself. I did this on many levels, but the one pertaining to this post is my personality, my character—who God made me. I wanted so badly (especially as a Christian) to be the kind of person to love and invest in young people. I wanted so badly to share my crazy passion for literature and writing. I wanted so badly to find joy in devoting all my time and energy to growing the minds of teenagers. But I haven’t had any joy during my study of education. none at all. In fact, apathy has been breeding in my heart with every education class I take. I know that probably sounds so harsh, especially to all my teacher and future teacher friends, but I have finally come to terms with these feelings. God has confirmed that I shouldn’t feel guilty and that I should accept that he has other plans for me. </p> <p align="center">I think that when I chose English education as my field of study, I was very ignorant of what I could do with English outside of the classroom. Since being in college, I have discovered other options. Here is the option I have chosen: I’m going finish my degree in English (without the teacher certification) and then it’s off to Graduate school in order to give rise to other career opportunities. There are some financial consequences to my decision, which is why this is considered the hard way, that and the fact that I chose to make a major change my senior year. I have decided, however, that I don’t know too many people that are debt free in this world, but I do know a lot of happy people and I am determined to be one of them. So, if doing what I love and being who I am supposed to be means paying off more loans, then I am thinking it is worth it. </p> <p align="center">So there you have it; new beginnings at the end. I’m sure there will be more posts about these changes to come. </p> <p align="center">By the way, I have been up since 3 a.m. because of my nerves! I’m meeting with the chair of the English department to discuss changing my entire schedule for the semester. Class starts Monday. <em>What the heck am I doing?</em></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-5168382407957127284?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-17463449409353016322011-08-12T22:22:00.001-07:002011-08-12T22:24:34.290-07:00Winner, Winner, Cupcake Dinner<div align="center"><span style="color: #a5a5a5; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><em>Happy birthday to yooooou…Happy birthday to yoooooou…Happy birthday, dear Blue-Eyed Blog! Happy Birthday to you!</em></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_7nNHkt4vC8/TkYJ98fpCvI/AAAAAAAAAd4/Te1kZotkp3Q/s1600-h/108303227_P1wRutOc_c%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><img alt="108303227_P1wRutOc_c" border="0" height="215" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j3yi1xj5p2o/TkYJ-DT9LSI/AAAAAAAAAd8/xWCoGkjmgXg/108303227_P1wRutOc_c_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="108303227_P1wRutOc_c" width="402" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">In the last year, I have grown as a writer; I have met amazing hearts all around the world; I have re-kindled old friendships; and I have learned a lot about myself. All this is due to my journey of blogging. From “Battles and Blessings” to “Blue-Eyed Blog”, it’s all been millions of miles away from regret. Here’s to hopefully many more years, Blue-Eyes!</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jZojSMm9Bsw/TkYJ-ulsucI/AAAAAAAAAeA/LjBUucQFV9c/s1600-h/105566487_d827klOr_c%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><img alt="105566487_d827klOr_c" border="0" height="253" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AIBkLshfdG4/TkYJ-9zfisI/AAAAAAAAAeE/mvR7UKpEWoo/105566487_d827klOr_c_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="105566487_d827klOr_c" width="380" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BFvjOOFHEi0/TkYJ_N6mEnI/AAAAAAAAAeI/QT4wz6td-L0/s1600-h/99446768_duVkrlWR_c%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><img alt="99446768_duVkrlWR_c" border="0" height="288" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yil1FmlLbHk/TkYJ_vr3gPI/AAAAAAAAAeM/cIqFdEXQ49k/99446768_duVkrlWR_c_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="99446768_duVkrlWR_c" width="382" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eGuWk2XoVAM/TkYKAISqfRI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/10UchcA_8KI/s1600-h/13474637_8pJvxkC0_c%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><img alt="13474637_8pJvxkC0_c" border="0" height="249" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PIWKpjMRFCY/TkYKAYHX7XI/AAAAAAAAAeU/F0VPdmPALAo/13474637_8pJvxkC0_c_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="13474637_8pJvxkC0_c" width="372" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-395B4_51tCY/TkYKAz8hjQI/AAAAAAAAAeY/j0AV1VfBYpg/s1600-h/8106850_SgKhZwHM_c%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><img alt="8106850_SgKhZwHM_c" border="0" height="451" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fPTeyeUDEYU/TkYKBFEbzxI/AAAAAAAAAec/BPXDQzlFVQA/8106850_SgKhZwHM_c_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="8106850_SgKhZwHM_c" width="319" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">All preceding pictures are via </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">.</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Did you enjoy that little virtual party? I hope so! I’m going to real-life celebrate tonight with one of my dear friends </span><a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Nicole</span></a><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> over frozen yogurt. Yum!</span></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-beGTOmYhU4c/TkYKBdBNMtI/AAAAAAAAAeg/EITeVyctUDw/s1600-h/6653780_KIssxMaV_c%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><img alt="6653780_KIssxMaV_c" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e_VBgqWSINo/TkYKB2XiUWI/AAAAAAAAAek/yhmhtpQoWY0/6653780_KIssxMaV_c_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="6653780_KIssxMaV_c" width="289" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">How special! Nicole was one of my very first readers and is definitely one of my most faithful. It would be hard for me to not find a post on which she didn’t leave me a comment. Such a sweet soul. Visit her at </span><a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Bloom</span></a><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">By the way, ya’ll, stop your fretting; I haven’t forgotten to announce the giveaway winner! What’s a birthday party without presents?</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3dCq7KC9gaA/TkYKCK6aJgI/AAAAAAAAAeo/Gl8mh6uQjnI/s1600-h/7742874_vPMfe2yA_c%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><img alt="7742874_vPMfe2yA_c" border="0" height="332" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MBzlxcM96CA/TkYKCkkLBaI/AAAAAAAAAes/1Qe0ZENRk5A/7742874_vPMfe2yA_c_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="7742874_vPMfe2yA_c" width="250" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Congratulations to <strong><span style="color: #ff0080;">Cait</span></strong> from </span><a href="http://caitmanock.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Fit, Fierce and Fabulous</span></a><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">! The cutest cupcake picture from </span><a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Jenni's</span></a><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Etsy</span></a><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> shop is soon to be all yours! Be expecting an email from me about shipping information soon!</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UTz-vHKUEAA/TkYKDOC-7sI/AAAAAAAAAew/pAwQSkaE2no/s1600-h/image%25255B10%25255D.png"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><img alt="image" border="0" height="280" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0M0siE5qJj8/TkYKDpgCUOI/AAAAAAAAAe0/MpwuA9rHmNc/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="425" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">You should all know that I feel blessed to have every single one of you as guests at my blog’s birthday party and even more touched that you give my rambles some time out of your life. I love this community.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1746344940935301632?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-90049081054981717102011-08-12T18:00:00.001-07:002011-08-12T18:00:18.532-07:00Short & “Sweet” Reminder<p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">This will be a quick post, Reader-Friends.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I just got home from my college town and Mama wants to bond over an at-home movie viewing.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">My main purpose in this Friday night post is to remind you that this is your <strong>last </strong>chance to enter my blog’s first birthday </font><a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/08/celebrate-with-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">GIVEAWAY</font></a><strong><font face="Comic Sans MS">!</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I will be announcing who wins </font><a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Jenni's</font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS"> cupcake picture sometime tomorrow on Blue-Eyed Blog’s official first birthday!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7TUvyndwgno/TkL3rjRHdPI/AAAAAAAAAdw/oCHNf5UbeAs/s1600-h/DSCN5810%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img title="DSCN5810" border="0" alt="DSCN5810" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FjwF_7vgWHk/TkL3r8X5T7I/AAAAAAAAAd0/gK2MorVz9a4/DSCN5810_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="406"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">For those of you who are wondering how observation at the high school went this week, it went well. It was honestly a little boring sitting in the back of a classroom all day, but I know that I will be much busier when I student teach in the spring. However, students are so funny. They giggle at EVERYTHING! Someone talks. “te he he he.” Someone makes eye contact with someone else. “te he he he.” Their social skills are so awkward. It’s true entertainment!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Have a fabulous weekend!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">And enter my giveaway by clicking </font><a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/08/celebrate-with-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">here</font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS">!</font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-9004908105498171710?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-41251058465915657512011-08-11T11:07:00.001-07:002011-08-11T11:07:24.119-07:00Wake-Up Call<p align="center">{Yawn} Oh hey, Reader-Friends!</p> <p align="center">How did you sleep last night? Well, I sure hope it was a more restful night for you than it was for me! Ya’ll, the single loudest thunderstorm in history hit my little college town in the wee hours of the morning.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/icons/quiz/thunderstorms.jpg" width="417" height="287"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=thunderstorms&hl=en&sa=X&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4SKPB_enUS343US343&tbm=isch&prmd=ivnsu&tbnid=iZ3d5OVVVYLlrM:&imgrefurl=http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/quiz/jsp/quiz/kq.jsp%253Fhtype%253DThunderstorms&docid=j4VAvwAvhENKVM&w=417&h=287&ei=phNETuPsGI63tge2psmyCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1048&vpy=136&dur=263&hovh=186&hovw=271&tx=127&ty=128&page=1&tbnh=147&tbnw=256&start=0&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0&biw=1366&bih=653" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">You can imagine how thrilled I was to be wide-eyed at 4 a.m., especially since my alarm was scheduled to ring about an hour or so from then. God bless! My roommate wasn’t stirring, and Jon, whose bed is positioned against a window definitely was sound asleep, thus leaving my rant-texts un-answered. But lo and behold, after a quick glance at the online weather radar to see when I would be able to fall asleep again, I found just about the whole town (besides my roommate and boyfriend, of course) updating Fb and Twitter statuses. It’s always nice to feel that you’re not alone. </p> <p align="center">Here are a few anonymous storm statuses from last night:</p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5">4:30 AM & we're all awake. Loudest thunderstorm I've heard in a long time! Sounds like an African rainstick concert at a bowling tournament~</font></em></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5">Lightning through my windows here is probably one of the scariest things ever! </font></em><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23needcurtains"><em><font color="#a5a5a5">#needcurtains</font></em></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5">I love storms but not when i'm trying to sleep and i have to be up soon anyway.</font></em></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5">Not crazy about this thunderstorm right now!!</font></em></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5">man it is poppin!</font></em></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5">I love thunderstorms!!!!</font></em></p> <p align="center">And my <strike>bad attitude </strike>tweet:</p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5"><em>Well, this blows. So much for a good nights sleep.</em></font></p> <p align="center">And my FB status:</p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5"><em>Hello, Mr. Thunderstorm. I guess you haven't heard how I really needed sleep b/c tomorrow is the first day of school for the students AND I have to get up at the crack of dawn. You are SO rude! Meh.</em></font></p> <p align="center">And the very true status of one of my besties:</p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5"><em>Jesus is LOUD tonight in Cleveland...at times like these, I'm very thankful that I'm on the same team of the God who is rattling my windows with thunder and illuminating my room with lightning..biggg God, litttttle human...wowww</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000">Amen? In the middle of all my annoyance, I found a reason to praise God. That statement is actually a pretty good description of my life lately. It seems so common for us to forget the authority, and power, and presence of God in our lives when we become self-absorbed. Sometimes God sends a storm to wake us up. Big, big God. And he is there, in our storms, and in our sunshine.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#cccccc">"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours." (1 Chronicles 29:11)</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000">P.S. If you haven’t heard, this blog’s first birthday is in just a few days, and I’m giving away a gift. Please join the party and enter <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/08/celebrate-with-giveaway.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4125105846591565751?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-70629673133537899122011-08-10T14:27:00.001-07:002011-08-10T14:27:12.093-07:00Celebrate with a Giveaway!<p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">This calls for a celebration, Reader-Friends!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/381020_U8F4gNsk_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Celebrate what, you may ask. <font color="#ff80c0">My very <em>first</em> blog birthday, that’s what!!!</font> It’s in just a few short days, on the 13th! </font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">By all means, I’m still a baby-blogger, but I must say, I have worked pretty hard on sprucing up the page this summer and I’m happy with my “blogress”!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/104265556_L2R22jcF_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/104265556/" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Yes, very happy indeed! So happy that I want to give away a happy! That’s right, a present for you on my blog’s birthday! And trust me, you’re going to want it, because I want to <em>keep</em> it!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">But before I tell you what I am giving away, how many of you know this pretty face?</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k588/forjennisblog/buttonJ1-1.png" width="231" height="219"></font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS"> </font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">This is Jenni from </font><a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Story of my Life</font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS">. She is kind of a big deal here in the blogosphere! She is an amazingly witty writer with loads of décor and fashion sense! Jenni even opened up an </font><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/boxochocolatesphoto" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Etsy</font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS"> shop for her gorgeous photographs this summer, which now brings me to the un-veiling of my blog birthday gift! </font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">What better gift than cupcakes? Have you jumped on board with the cupcake craze lately? I know I haven’t been able to resist all the sweet whimsical goodness! I’m sorry to say that I won’t be shipping out any <em>real</em> delicacies. However, I am <em>delighted</em> to say that I will be shipping out one of Jenni’s lovely representations of them:</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img alt="Confetti 8x10" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.255497552.jpg" width="324" height="486"></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">How beautiful! The gift is a 5x7 glossy print, perfect for frosting any home nook or cranny! It will arrive to one of my lovely reader-friends, already framed by yours truly. See:</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7TUvyndwgno/TkL3rjRHdPI/AAAAAAAAAdw/oCHNf5UbeAs/s1600-h/DSCN5810%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5810" border="0" alt="DSCN5810" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FjwF_7vgWHk/TkL3r8X5T7I/AAAAAAAAAd0/gK2MorVz9a4/DSCN5810_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="406"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">So, now that I know you want in (and that you’re craving a fancy cupcake. Me too!), here’s how you can enter:</font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font face="Comic Sans MS">This is a celebration for my reader-friends only, so the only mandatory entry is that you are, in fact, a reader-friend! Leave me a comment letting me know. And there is always room for more friend’s at this party, so if you do happen to be new here, join us now and leave me a comment telling me so.</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">If you are interested in bonus entries, because you are dying to win this little treasure (I understand) you can:</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Comic Sans MS">1. Tweet: “I just entered Blue-Eyed Blog’s Birthday Giveaway. Join the party!” Add the link for this post to the tweet.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Comic Sans MS">2. Facebook: Post a link to Blue-Eyed Blog on your FB page.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Comic Sans MS">3. Mention my giveaway in a blog post.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Comic Sans MS">**Leave a separate comment for each entry**</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Entry ends at midnight on Friday (Aug. 12th), and the winner will be announced sometime on Saturday (Aug. 13th) since that’s the official party time!</font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="2">Note: Giveaways are currently only open to U.S. residents. </font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7062967313353789912?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-81562397388777999582011-08-09T11:57:00.001-07:002011-08-09T11:57:12.042-07:00Unexpected<p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Oh my, Reader-Friends!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">It’s been an intense few days! I made it to Cleveland Sunday night. Yesterday, as I was gearing up for a day of hard cleaning (actually, I was about to write a Monday post), I received an ever so pleasant email. NOT! Apparently, there was a misunderstanding between some of the university faculty and me, and I have missed out on a week of required observation at a school. </font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Lovely.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">So, here I am, flipping out. What do I do? Call Mama, of course! And Mama has news for me too. </font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">She had taken Daddy to the ER. Remember how I said he had infection from his surgery? Well, the surgeon actually put a hole in his colon while he was under, and that’s what has been causing the amazingly disgusting and painful issues Daddy has been experiencing. I will spare you the details. </font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I ugly cried at this point, needless to say.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">But believe it or not, there were some positives in the truck load of stress dropped on my lap.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/1197670_ZmDpI2Tr_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://positive-posters.com/gallery/2010/finalists/#" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">1. Thankfully, Mama was fed up enough with the doctors to <em>make</em> them take a closer look at Daddy, and now he is at the hospital where he is getting proper care. They are talking about surgery to repair the hole, but right now they are nursing him to a more stable condition. </font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">2. Luckily, yesterday was the first day of school for Cleveland (as opposed to last week where I am from), and there is a private school that starts even later this week. The education department at my school is allowing me to jump on board with that academy. But gez, did I not come prepared! I have no big girl clothes here. I just might have to splurge on a new teaching outfit. #hatelivingintwotowns</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">3. At least, I got flowers out of this bad day. Jonathan brought these to me after he got off of work yesterday.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fh390Ui68H4/TkGDANcnp8I/AAAAAAAAAdg/kIglPZ7_t6s/s1600-h/DSCN5887%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5887" border="0" alt="DSCN5887" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K-8LhF9dEhM/TkGDAlIqEmI/AAAAAAAAAdk/1msyf21WTWs/DSCN5887_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="414"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pVOWuaRxkcg/TkGDBcQBRnI/AAAAAAAAAdo/xYe6GfKHexM/s1600-h/DSCN5889%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5889" border="0" alt="DSCN5889" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c5mfrtxVdl4/TkGDBqPRV3I/AAAAAAAAAds/3D3FkGOU_dQ/DSCN5889_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="290"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I will say one thing! I’m glad I’m back to tracking with a daily time with Jesus, because God must of knew all this was around the corner; I have read a lot of scripture lately that kept my head on straight yesterday. Has scripture saved anyone else’s sanity?</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Well, I will be letting ya’ll know how this week of unexpected observation goes!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-8156239738877799958?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-87338435286940733312011-08-06T10:20:00.001-07:002011-08-06T10:20:19.366-07:00Cheers to Randomness<p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Dear Reader-Friends,</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I don’t have anything too exciting to talk about. I don’t have a focus for this post. Thus: “here’s to you, randomness! Cheers!”</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/35344816_wiIvPBTz_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/photo/207827" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Here are three random things I’m gearing up for next week:</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">1.) I will be spending next week in my college town. The proposed plan is:</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Cook for the roommate and man:</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/42845087_86zor8Aw_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://vkontakte.ru/photo-2907150_261040875" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Clean and spruce the house top to bottom:</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/21427108_hbd7NiGR_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/speed-cleaning-00000000053008/index.html" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">And have the ever so good intentions of working on my Spanish assignments, <font size="1">that I was supposed to work on all summer</font></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/4684920_WdADWgje_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61719981/id-rather-be-thrifting" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">{Story of my life!!!}</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">2.) I will be getting my boy back from his man trip tonight. #happydance</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m6JwwWOuot4/Tj13x4eDpaI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/6QkKhFEhtuI/s1600-h/207312_10150152984718575_516988574_6748377_3095380_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="207312_10150152984718575_516988574_6748377_3095380_n[1]" border="0" alt="207312_10150152984718575_516988574_6748377_3095380_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5fMogvNLFZM/Tj13yXSa43I/AAAAAAAAAdU/elCLzHT1FYI/207312_10150152984718575_516988574_6748377_3095380_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="335"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">3.) I will be praying my ever-loving heart out for my Daddy to heal from some recent surgery. He has an infection in his incision and is absolutely miserable. It’s BREAKING. MY. HEART. </font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Your prayers are appreciated as well!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PhQM3qVVrMM/Tj13zTUQwUI/AAAAAAAAAdY/SW4UKdpWTxs/s1600-h/jkhbkn%25255B2%25255D.png"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="jkhbkn" border="0" alt="jkhbkn" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R5s37pwQPto/Tj130g69e-I/AAAAAAAAAdc/DpTbYcR2-S4/jkhbkn_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="348" height="467"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">{this was from senior prom four years ago…As you can see, I’m no longer blonde (or fun-just kidding!)}</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Have a super awesome, lovely, terrific, lazy or exciting weekend, reader-friends!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-8733843528694073331?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-38272881361172584002011-08-05T09:19:00.001-07:002011-08-05T09:19:57.236-07:00It’s Going to be Alright<p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Hey there, Reader-Friends!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">These are hard times.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I don’t know if others have noticed, but it seems that I’m not the only soul in this world having a hard time lately. One of my very best friends has been having some life trials, my daddy is having some issues healing from his recent surgery, and I have even noticed that lately, there are many ladies in the blogosphere writing about an increase in anxieties. And of course, the American heat wave of the century doesn’t improve anyone’s mood! <em>Amen?</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">If you have been reading for awhile, you probably know that I am currently experiencing an attitude adjustment, and if you are new to my blog then now you know too! It’s good. Hard. And good. Anyway, God has been filling my hands full with verses of instruction for the heart makeover I requested. </font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Here is one that I hope cheers up the reader that feels like she/he currently has nothing going right:</font></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Arial">When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.</font></em></p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Arial">Psalm 94:18,19</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#333333" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#333333" face="Comic Sans MS">This is how I understand the verse above in the context of our “nothing-is-going-right” times of life: </font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#333333" face="Comic Sans MS">“My foot slips”= I’m on my way to the ground. I’m about to fall on my tail and it’s going to suuuuuck!</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#333333" face="Comic Sans MS">“…your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up”= The ever present love of Christ caught my arm! The gentlemen He is!</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#333333" face="Comic Sans MS">“When the cares of my heart are many”= When I’m stressed way, way out…</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#333333" face="Comic Sans MS">“your consolations cheer my soul.”= The Holy Spirit within me speaks the oh so needed to be heard words: “Everything will be okay.” I find rest and shelter from the storm in the arms of the Lord and a motivation to keep going in his word.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">If you have had the thought that nothing is going right; if you are so stressed that you feel like you are about to break; or if you feel alone and that you don’t have anyone that truly cares about you, reflect on this <em>very</em> certain truth:</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/97333436_qXfp2MWS_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkwn1hnkTs1qfdsoto1_400.jpg" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/97335398_S5FkkBrV_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEUh3qldQDM/Td6YPKAvwKI/AAAAAAAANfc/mLcg9eSUrRU/s1600/20919013_rctl71O5_c.jpg" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Chin up ladies and gentlemen! It’s going to be alright.</font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-3827288136117258400?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-50876296077071716952011-08-04T09:50:00.001-07:002011-08-04T09:50:14.561-07:00Victory Dinner<p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Hey Reader-Friends</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Do any of you enjoy hosting dinner parties? How many of you are enthusiasts about making the table display look really special for your guests? Maybe some of you are not into the real hustle and bustle of getting together a fancy fix, but <em>do</em> adore the settings galore on </font><a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Pinterest</font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS">!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/95573202_tRDekvjr_c.jpg" width="371" height="248"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://opalineskies.tumblr.com/page/4" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">This morning, I read a devotional from </font><a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Girlfriends in God</font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS"> that got me thinking about the spiritual implications of setting a table.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">The Hebrews use to have their victory feasts before they even went to war. They knew that they would be victorious even before the first cry of battle, because they possessed the mark of God. They were confident that their faith would see them through the toils up ahead. Likewise, we can prepare a table of victory when we face battles in our lives. </font></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Arial">You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.</font></em></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Arial">Psalm 23:5 (NKJV)</font></em></p> <p align="center"><font color="#333333"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Mary Southerland, the author of the </font><a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">devotional</font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS"> I mentioned shares this story:</font></font></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Arial">My friend, Michelle, is the consummate hostess. She makes entertaining look so easy. To her, a dinner party for 50 guests is a simple feat. Just shoot me now! One of her favorite preparations is the dinner table. When I’m expecting company, the first guests to arrive often have the honor of setting the table with whatever they can find in the way of tablecloths, silverware, glasses, and…you get the idea. Not Michelle. I’ve seen her table completely and beautifully arranged days before the anticipated dinner party or holiday meal. When I asked her why she went to such elaborate lengths her answer made me stop and think: “It is part of the celebration for me. I love having the table set early because every time I walk past it, I think of the people who will sit in those chairs and pray for them. I think of their favorite dishes and look forward to preparing each one. I guess you could say that I enjoy the party long before it begins.” That is the idea behind praise.</font></em> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Arial">We can praise God for what He will do long before He does it. We can prepare a victory table before the battle begins, knowing that the battle belongs to our God. And don’t you know that a pre-battle victory party irritates the fire out of the enemy? I love that!</font></em> <p align="center"><font color="#333333" face="Comic Sans MS">And<em> I</em> love that attitude! I think that what are attitude looks like and how we handle life’s battles are sure measurements of our faith. From now on, I am going to focus on dressing my {pre} victory table with praise. I like to think that it would probably would look something like these:</font> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/95566975_PLAmAuLL_c.jpg"></font> <p align="center"><a href="http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/2011/04/egg-labra-create-your-own.html" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/95561369_Sl4AC7qM_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/93058751_tVXHqITR_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://cdn-css.hostessblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/chambord_holidaygiftset_3.jpg" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/95578309_UV3SNYkC_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/photo/164023" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">And my favorite:</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/95571995_Ei5J3C31_c.jpg"></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://littlebitsoflovely.blogspot.com/2010/11/inspiration-alfresco-dining.html?showComment=1290692655347_AIe9_BEGWQpshefdDeJKcEJ9WbY-_Vt2vDSF4Y7mRQoJvXXfmLpNp3IccNECJPgOMqJBsoCEQ7qYZO91uq1ZHjSBNzAN5lUb8VKshYkQtv52C5YNTN9rGlus8OTPdpDcBsjjNTsOdGw7YdeMpekKM4f8XZIy7EULxtP3MhV1oeE6Zpz3raFPVGs0xaOys-wIMBldnTEAUw4n37BxoIf7xu2Z9uZbmD6q7nOVotFxmhm6JpDMzONRsMmDJoRZl1pjtadJW_eF_xe3cg-UvVW5rO_e_C12V44bWtV-ptshXPC0W1eJIbLA9-XCa9WpwMuWMlVSAN4e570Z0usdnUIsN5R5zF_c8m8L0RLAvvAknt8A55zoys6blTmXxsI0Y_kBa7ye8vMyPi-_rp34jzokTvnmDdeg3D1Jylii2pkhRckSFBf23vaSy57xrY54hUwiOJqLb3a-darAufPyY-bPIN1q_E30_ji-NWSeEsYpy5QG-By8ikMs-H3SNSDXcB2jKHdmmUTT1xKxzRYLsnXx7XhnbGgPc3YxI1WdnJuFWQm1gLTPRa3UzxH8hRDAyT3NkdcEQPd0nct2PX8W0dgnsBafGl1PyLlg09AWBqyIpY_Np9vDSSEur-F5qxStPFg8v7tEw2H96V4QfoCLYGw1NNW1T47uywqHa0sXMEYTCUIuRuNxu-F1Ni78vScg4V9TnXQ4PhxrqUzumEEZqs7WFe6t-sPK84XZP91y0I3djEZtqwCQ70v4vVs#" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">What would your victory table look like?</font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-5087629607707171695?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-14406267491134678802011-08-03T10:16:00.001-07:002011-08-03T10:16:17.954-07:00Loving and Laughing<p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Hey <strong>lovely </strong>Reader-Friends!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">It’s going to be one HOT Wednesday (heat index:120 in MS), but nonetheless one full of love!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_zP7VflU_E0/TjmCSh-X5TI/AAAAAAAAAcY/hhw7MEd25w4/s1600-h/WILW%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WILW" border="0" alt="WILW" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nExIy-w2oWQ/TjmCTIcZOWI/AAAAAAAAAcc/yXVTIY8X0rQ/WILW_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="299"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-im-loving-wednesday.html" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I’m <strong>loving</strong>…my snuggly kitty cats!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-meKHBuoRqoc/TjmCTuT2ddI/AAAAAAAAAcg/i5HHs6Ha4p0/s1600-h/DSCN5830%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5830" border="0" alt="DSCN5830" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A68x-mdnHG8/TjmCUKfc3tI/AAAAAAAAAck/Aj9E9h-6b7A/DSCN5830_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="288"></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Romeo sleeping in my clean, HAIR-FREE (not anymore!) clothes! #toocutetobemad</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XSrEVFIQ0ek/TjmCUqhSJfI/AAAAAAAAAco/9SpSUE5UdIY/s1600-h/DSCN5767%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5767" border="0" alt="DSCN5767" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qFs9ietNaQw/TjmCU30V9iI/AAAAAAAAAcs/9szeqRx8PYU/DSCN5767_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="297"></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Charlie literally will give you a hug! And he has teddy bear fur!!! #warmandfuzzy</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I’m <strong>loving…</strong>all the oven baking I have been doing!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xvD3zCiKdxA/TjmCVc2IOqI/AAAAAAAAAcw/5kcZeZwBLiY/s1600-h/DSCN5864%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5864" border="0" alt="DSCN5864" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j3sSz6mmOtM/TjmCVl9_j-I/AAAAAAAAAc0/_-FV7vhhkeQ/DSCN5864_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="297"></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Egg plant parmesan I made for an afternoon snack yesterday! Delicious with Balsamic Vinaigrette!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YYTY2TJ1CVE/TjmCWDnibII/AAAAAAAAAc4/eMBf0tCY2uI/s1600-h/DSCN5867%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5867" border="0" alt="DSCN5867" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cAU9Qqs0aUA/TjmCWfGd5eI/AAAAAAAAAc8/Cl1w6ZmOwNA/DSCN5867_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="300"></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">And I made blueberry streusel muffins for Jon, his dad, and papa, because they are taking a boys’ trip to Ohio for a Military Vehicle convention. Rebuilding MVs is there man-bonding hobby.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ag0j0UHl11k/TjmCW3oykHI/AAAAAAAAAdA/QONOFBpAllE/s1600-h/DSCN5870%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5870" border="0" alt="DSCN5870" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GkpJCeBLeOg/TjmCXTGykFI/AAAAAAAAAdE/4MbzSR6ZlrQ/DSCN5870_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="461"></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I’m wearing a MVPA shirt that Jon brought back last time they went to a convention. Being a little cheerleader-ish for my men.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a8RKBXm86TQ/TjmCXpqhrMI/AAAAAAAAAdI/6my6T3g-x-A/s1600-h/DSCN5869%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN5869" border="0" alt="DSCN5869" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fX83hZZKHjY/TjmCYZ6FgTI/AAAAAAAAAdM/dhMYyu9ZIb4/DSCN5869_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="278"></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Packed them up for the ride. Can you see my rendition of an Army Jeep on the bag?</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I’m <strong>loving</strong>…these funny pins I randomly found on Pinterest. If you read my <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-know-why-caged-bird-sings.html" target="_blank">previous</a> post, then you know that this girl could use a few smiles and laughs lately! </font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/93016857_N5SEeynA_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/burnred/i-guess-ill-sleep-over-here-then-281t" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">This next one is kind of freaky, but as a snuggler, I totally get this!</font></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/93104559_34TetZ3J_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/93104559/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">For the girl waiting on a ring OR the single lady, not that I would EVER do this in reality:</font></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/92990486_iAYVWIN8_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://imgfave.com/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">And terrible, yet terribly hilarious:</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/93012888_YNdTXdl8_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://piccsy.com/2011/07/run-nikita-run/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Hope you don’t think my humor is too strange! I know someone out there is laughing too!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">What are you <strong>loving</strong> or laughing about?</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-1440626749113467880?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-47474330468924815702011-08-02T11:18:00.001-07:002011-08-02T11:18:08.001-07:00I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings<p align="center">This is not this blog’s brightest post. I have had a few hard, dark days. I am pretty positive that I am not alone. I know that others have had these days, these feelings before; The feelings that result in the phrase: “I don’t want to talk about it.” And truly, I’m not feeling up to talking about why I have had a few hard days, but I know that I cannot hide under a rock. That never makes anything better, to fester in our own pity, so here I am. I’m not hiding. I want to crawl under my bed covers and sleep until I wake up from my bad dream, but I’m resisting the temptation the best I can. </p> <p align="center">Do you ever get sad and then avoid happiness at all costs? I mean, you don’t want to be around happy people, you don’t feel like watching everyone else’s life fall into place seemingly carefree and easily. Selfish, I know. But do you understand these human emotions? </p> <p align="center">I thought about not getting on blogger today, because I knew I would see someone smiling while I wasn’t. God told me to buck up and live anyway. So, here I am, going on about my business today. If you’re smiling, by all means, keep smiling. I’m usually not so negative, but I share all these droopy statements in order to request a heart lift. If you are a praying woman/man, I would really appreciate a brief mentioning to our Lord. He is guiding and directing me through these sad feelings, and I know I will be out of the frowny forest soon. </p> <p align="center">Just slowly rolling over this speed bump in life. </p> <p align="center">As a literature major, I have the luxury of turning to well-known lines that have guided others through such times in life.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/91961110_rgMkmTy2_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://thereadables.tumblr.com/page/11" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Below is a favorite poem of mine by Paul Laurence Dunbar called “Sympathy”:</p> <p align="center">I know what the caged <a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sympathy/#">bird</a> feels, alas! <br>When the sun is bright on the upland slopes; <br>When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass, <br>And the river flows like a stream of glass; <br>When the first bird sings and the first bud opes, <br>And the faint perfume from its chalice steals-- <br>I know what the caged bird feels!</p> <p align="center"><br>I know why the caged bird beats his wing <br>Till its blood is red on the cruel bars; <br>For he must fly back to his perch and cling <br>When he fain would be on the bough a-swing; <br>And a pain still throbs in the old, old scars <br>And they pulse again with a keener sting-- <br>I know why he beats his wing!</p> <p align="center"><br>I know why the caged bird sings, ah me, <br>When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,-- <br>When he beats his bars and he would be free; <br>It is not a carol of joy or glee, <br>But a prayer that he sends from his <a href="http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sympathy/#">heart's</a> deep core, <br>But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings-- <br>I know why the caged bird sings! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/68908039_yMvvwsb9_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/11035145" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">I don’t mean to be depressing and I hope this post hasn’t dampened anyone’s spirit too much, but I needed a little therapy. The Lord is a good doctor, and I shall feel better soon. Expect more positive posts in the near future.</p> <p align="center">Thanks to my faithful readers.</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-4747433046892481570?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-73173555027518467912011-07-30T13:00:00.000-07:002011-07-30T13:00:01.416-07:00A Walk Between the Raindrops<p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Two posts in the same day, Reader-Friends!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Isn’t the title poetic? It’s the title to a beautiful piano composition that was playing on my Pandora station while I was reading some scripture this morning. I think it could mean so many things, but just the idea of “a walk between the raindrops” does something to my emotions. Anyway, I didn’t just use the title for this post because I think it’s pretty, I connect it to my time with the Lord and that’s what I wanted to share with you.</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/43080106_hgCd3UKB_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/43080106/" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">via</font></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Have you ever received a fresh truth from an old scripture? What I mean by “old” is one that you have seemingly read a thousand times, that is quoted by a thousand preachers, a well known and consequently looked over verse or passage. Well, I have been reading the gospel of John lately. I was in the Old Testament, but the Spirit has recently directed me elsewhere, I think as a result of my spiritual infirmity. He is bringing me back to the basics, to Jesus. Anyway, today I ran into the “vine and branches” passage:</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Comic Sans MS"><em>I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. </em></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Comic Sans MS"><em>I am the vine; and you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers…</em></font></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5" face="Comic Sans MS">John 15: 1-6</font></em></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Honestly, my time with the Lord has been lacking this summer. And I have “withered”. I have been depressed, I have lived in perpetual sin, and my relationship with God has suffered.The above passage is well-known to my mind, but oddly it still has not penetrated my heart. This truth has not become important enough to me for me to become disciplined to the point that I am truly “remaining” in Jesus daily. Honesty.</font></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/21253787_zRFXB6xL_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/21253787/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I’m so thankful that my Lord pursues my heart even when I run away from him. I made a prayerful list of areas that I would like God to invade. I wrote out some requests that I would like him fulfill. </font></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#cccccc" face="Comic Sans MS">You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name.</font></em></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#cccccc" face="Comic Sans MS">John 15:16</font></em></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000" face="Comic Sans MS">So here’s a little bit of my list. Feel free to keep me accountable, Reader-Friends:</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">1. Discipline. (in every aspect of life, not just spiritual)</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">2. Time management. (I go to bed with too many things not crossed off of my to do list, probably because I lack focus these days)</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">3. A significantly better prayer life. (I’ve journaled, I’ve sat in quiet…not sure what is right <em>for me</em> yet. “Lord, teach me how to pray.”)</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">4. A strong-willed obedience. (I’m a wishy-washy child. I seem to always find the exception.)</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">5. Un-diverted attention during “our” time. (Social media needs to be out of sight, out of mind. No cell phone. No homework. I need a place, a time, a frame of mind.)</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">6. Humble spirituality. (I tend to be skeptical when it comes to religious teachers. I could learn to be safe <em>and</em> open minded. God can use anyone.)</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Thanks for letting me share, Reader-Friends! Does anyone have some of the same problem areas? I would love to keep each other accountable, I would love to encourage each other as God prunes us. If you would rather email me instead of commenting below, do so at <a href="mailto:yourfriendamber@yahoo.com">yourfriendamber@yahoo.com</a>. </font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8646554451509464201-7317355502751846791?l=ambermarie8.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-24054576507235524392011-07-30T08:17:00.001-07:002011-07-30T08:20:05.542-07:00Word! Bloggas!<p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Happy Saturday, Reader-Friends!</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Excuse the silly title; Allow me to migrate into more of a earnest mode.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">You know, for awhile I was a little down about my blog’s popularity. I felt that I must not be posting stuff that people deem worthy of their time, which is an insecurity that seems to runs rapid in writers, perhaps even more so in English majors like myself-it’s an identity thing, I guess. My dear friend, <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a> gave me a little blogger pep talk via email not too long ago and reminded me that we don’t blog for popularity-we blog because we want to…it’s therapy, it’s a hobby, it’s for us, the bloggers. In her own words, “Don't do it for the followers. Write what YOU like, follow blogs YOU like, and find your own unique writing style.” </font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Anyway, that’s just a little note in order to conclude, that lately I have been writing more about the things I want to write about and as a result have enjoyed this little aspect of my life much more. I have also noticed that since I changed my attitude about blogging, I have received more visitors. Have you ever heard of the line“build it and they will come”? Well, honestly, I don’t know where that phrase originated, but in honor of clichés, here is my blogger’s version: Build your blog’s character and they will come. In other words be true to yourself and readers will come. Maybe not by the multitudes, but do you know how many people are in this world? There is bound to be one soul that connects to the words you post. <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a> made another very true statement in her email:”If you can make a difference to just ONE person or meet ONE friend, I would say you're a successful blogger.”</font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I know that once the fall semester starts for me in less than a month my daily life is going to be so hectic (this girl is graduating in May!), but blogging doesn’t need to be another avenue for stress. So I am determined to allow blogging to be something fun, even something relaxing. Which means I can’t be worrying about who is reading, how many are reading, or what I should be saying in order to receive a response. Are there any visual learners out there? This is what blogging should look like:</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TU9G9QZNZoU/TjQgm1fxuwI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/uxjn5mR8KLM/s1600-h/Fotolia_26986_Subscription_L%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Working at Sunrise" border="0" alt="Working at Sunrise" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L_HTUPdY3Xc/TjQgnVVxmwI/AAAAAAAAAcU/7wdVfV5Z3Uc/Fotolia_26986_Subscription_L_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="225"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">I’m not a professional blogger. In fact, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing when it comes to a blogger’s mold. But I’m glad to be able to post about some things I’ve learned on this little journey of blogging, because maybe, just maybe, there is someone in their first year of blogging (or perhaps in their fifteenth) reading this post, and maybe, just maybe, they are struggling with some of the “blogging insecurities” of which with I struggled. I’m passing on advice I was given and I’m encouraging you to pass it along as well.</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Special thanks to a couple of my favorite bloggers that aided me in developing my blogger’s voice and attitude:</font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Comic Sans MS">One of my very first readers, and a real life, true friend </font><a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Nicole</font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS"> over at…</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" src="http://i55.tinypic.com/hx64k2.jpg" width="219" height="219"></a></p> <center> </center> <center><font face="Comic Sans MS">And a blogger girlfriend, who spreads sunshine all over this blogsophere and who always has me laughing out loud : </font><a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Jenni</font></a><font face="Comic Sans MS"> at…</font></center> <center> </center> <p align="center"><a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k588/forjennisblog/buttonJ1-1.png" width="228" height="216"></a> </p> <center> </center> <center><fo