eCard of the Week #155: Grief

Grief is the last act of love we can give to

those we loved. Where there is deep

grief there was great love.

Rest in Peace Gene Wilder

Such a sad day.

Goodbye Mr. Wonka.

Sunday Stealing: Shannon's Moments Meme, Part Two

This week's Sunday Stealing is part 2 to the questions that were stolen by 

the author of Sunday Stealing from my blog! Play along with us.

23. Have you ever gone to the “dark side”? No.

24. What shirt are you wearing right now? A pink sleep shirt.

25. What’s important about a bed to you? Like type of sheets, size or whatever. I like a bed that is super comfortable, with clean sheets, lots of pillows and lots of room to move around.

26. Can you sing? No, but that does not stop me from trying.

27. What is something about you that would surprise us? I was sexually abused until I was 13 years old.

28. Have you been a pirate, Renaissance Fair, or other costumed event? If not, would you for the right event or say cause? I have been to a few costumed events but only as an onlooker.  

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Whatever pops into my head....which is usually the last song I heard on the radio.

30. Favorite girl's name? Vickie (my daughter)

31. Favorite boy's name? Colt (my son)

32. What’s in your pocket or purse right now? My sleep pants does not have pockets.  My purse has all kinds of junk in it.

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Calvin & Hobbs comic strip

34. Best toy as a child? My teddy bear.

35. Worst injury you have ever had? I fell on a broken bottle when I was a kid and cut my knee open.  I had stitches but I do not remember how many.

36. Where would you love to live? Right where I am...or back in Missouri.

37. What type of TV do you have? Would you’d like an upgrade?  I have a flat screen, HDTV that is only a year old.  I might upgrade in a few years.

39. How many dogs do you have? Just one....for now.

40. Do most folks trust you? Yes.

41. What book are you reading? None at the moment.

42. What’s your favorite classic TV show? M*A*S*H

43. What’s your favorite sports team? Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Cardinals.

44. Favorite month and why? I like several months depending on what season it is.  My most favorite month is July because the grass is green, trees have their leaves, flowers are in bloom every where, no snow and warm/hot temperatures.

Movie I Must See: A Dog's Purpose

A Dog's Purpose - Official Trailer
In Theaters January 27, 2017
www.adogspurposemovie.com

Happy National Dog Day 2016

1. Adopt a dog from your local shelter or pure breed rescue organization. Volunteer at your local shelter and offer to walk a dog or play with a dog, clean cages or anything else they need help with.

2. Have a safety check of your home to make sure it's safe for your dog and others.

My Shelby in her new bandana.

3. Donate blankets, food and toys to animal welfare organizations.

4. Organize a peaceful demonstration in front of your community pet store that sells puppies.

5. Write your Congressman and ask that he/she support the ban of Puppy Mills and Gas Chambers in your state.

6. Order an adorable dog shaped flower arrangement from 1-800-Flowers.com and enjoy a 10% discount by using code DOG when placing your order!

7. Have a National Dog Day party and invite all your friends and their dogs!

8. Spend the day taking photos of your dog and then enter our photo contest!

9. Buy an official National Dog Day Tee here and sport it proudly!

My beautiful Shelby.

10. Assist an ill or elderly neighbor by walking their dog.

11. Have a portrait painted of your dog to suspend the fleeting magic of dogdom.

12. Buy your dog a fun new dog toy....or two...or five.

13. Give your dog some fun exercise by taking him or her to a doggy play resort.

15. Brush your dog to eliminate excess fur.

16. Give your dog a massage or holistic spa treatment.

17. Teach your dog a new trick.

18. Buy your dog a fashionable collar and leash.

19. Hire a professional pet photographer for a fun photo shoot.

20. Take your dog to the beach.

List courtesy of National Dog Day! You can also visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalDogDay.

eCard of the Week #154: Be Kind

If you can be anything, Be Kind!

See more cute things by GoochiCoo at www.facebook.com/Goochicoo.

Shelby Modeling the Flame Bandanna

Last week, I purchased a new bandanna for Shelby

and last Sunday, she sat still long enough for a photo.

Photo (c)2016 Shannon G. Wamsley

Blog4Peace 2016 Is November 4, 2016

Hello Everyone!

The next Blog4Peace 2016 will be held on November 4, 2016. Are you ready?

This year's theme is..... Walk the Change. Do what it takes.

Links to help you on your path to Blog4Peace 2016....

How To Blog4Peace

Peace Globe templates

How To Get A Peace Globe

Who We Are

The Official Site of Blog4Peace

Facebook Page

Sunday Stealing: Shannon's Moments Meme, Part One

This week's Sunday Stealing was stolen by the author of Sunday Stealing from my blog! 

What a nice surprise and so exciting to be a part of Sunday Stealing!  Play along with us. :)

1. Do you like bleu cheese? Yes.

2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? If yes, how did you quit? I have never smoked cigarettes and I plan to never do so.

3. Do you own a gun? How are your feelings about gun control/2nd amendment rights? I do own guns and feel strongly about owning and keeping my guns.  I want to be able to protect myself and my family if needed.

4. What is your favorite flavor of water or liquor flavors? I love lemon flavored water.

5. Do you get nervous before a doctor visit? Why? I get very nervous and doctors have told me I have "white coat syndrome".  I stress about everything and everytime I go to the doctor I am so sure they will give me bad news.

6. How do you like your hot dogs? I like my hot dogs on a bun with pickle relish.

7. Although it’s been asked a lot, tell us about a favorite movie that you haven’t shared before. One of my favorite movies that I have not talked about much before is "Serenity".  The movie was directed by Joss Whedon and is based on the syfy show, "Firefly".

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee and water.

9. In a dating situation, have you ever misrepresented yourself to seem cooler or hipper? (Yes we know for most of you it was long ago…) No, I have no reason to.  People accept me for who I am or they can piss off.

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? Why? The necklace in the photo to the left.  My son gave me it to me before he passed away. It is for Leukemia Awareness.

11. Favorite hobby? Tell us about it so we understand it.  My current favorite hobby is sleeping.  Sleeping helps me escape the crazy of the world.  Plus when sleeping, I dream of family members (my son, mom, dad, grandparents) and they are alive again.

12. Do you have A.D.D., or have you suspected it? Yes and yes.  I have been diagnosed with depression, and manic-depressive and anxiety.

13. What’s a thing you dislike or would change about yourself? My weight.

14. Middle name? Like it or not? My middle name is Gayle and I do like it.

15. Name three random thoughts you might have on this week: "Ugh, tomorrow is Monday", "It is going to be a long week at work.", "I can't wait until this Fiscal Year is over!"

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Tell us a bit about them. Coffee, Water and Cherry Coke Zero.   I like my coffee with creamer and Splenda; and I like my water and Cherry Coke Zero as cold as possible.

17. Current worry: I am worried about what to have for dinner tonight; as well as the state of our country.

18. Current annoyance: All the political stuff.

19. Favorite place to be in the summer? Give us a wee bit more than “the beach”.  Of course I would love to be at the beach, but the beach is too far away from where I live.  So, my next favorite place to be is at home in the air conditioner....just being lazy.

20. How do you usually ring in the new year? If forced (how we’d do that without Judd coming to your house, if you even know who he was) to do something new, what would it be? For the last 5 years or so, my idea of ringing in the new year has been done by laying in bed watching The Ball drop in New York...then turning off the tv and going to bed.  If forced to do something new, I might be persuaded to actually sit in my living room and watch The Ball drop.   I am not really sure who Judd is...should I be scared.

21. What have you done this summer that’s special? Pictures please. I have not done anything special this summer....yet.

22. Have you ever walked into a room with just shoes on? Yes and I have come very close to walking outside with just shoes on.

Ignoring the Human With the Camera

It's all fun and games until Mama gets the camera out.

Shelby was ignoring me earlier today because I had my camera out.

Photo (c)2016 Shannon G. Wamsley

eCard of the Week #153: I Love You

Never pass up the chance to say "I Love You",

because tomorrow is not promised.

Wordless Wednesday: I Love My Flag

This post is linked up to Wordless Wednesday.Photo (c)2016 Shannon G. Wamsley

2016 Bangor Fun Daze Parade

Over the weekend Bangor, Wisconsin celebrated Bangor Daze.  As part of that celebration there was a parade yesterday.

Shelby began watching the parade while sitting in my lap but the noise scared her and she went inside to hide.

 As I watched the parade, Shelby watched me from the safety of the house.

 Just a few photos from the parade that I though would be interesting.  A choo choo train on wheels and a purple cow.

Sunday Stealing: The Gal's Meme, Part Two

This week's Sunday Stealing was stolen from The Gal Herself, 

who stole it from Kwizgiver. Enjoy!

What did your last text message say? It was from my husband and it said, "I will be waiting in the lobby."

Are you someone’s best friend? Tell us about your friendship. Yes I am. We are open and honest with each other and can talk about anything.

What are you doing tomorrow?  Working

What do you think of when you think of Australia? Kangaroos.

Last person you talked to on the phone? What about? A co-worker.  We were talking about work stuff.

Any plans today? Do tell. Dinner at my mother-in-laws house.

What makes you happy? My dog, chocolate and sleeping in late.

What’s your favorite room where you live? My bedroom.

Biggest annoyance in your life right now? Not being able to get enough sleep.

Last movie you saw? Review, please. The last movie I saw (rented it on Xbox One) was Kung Fu Panda 3.  I loved it and I enjoy watching/listening to Jack Black.  I am horrible at writing reviews so to find out more about this movie go to www.imdb.com/title/tt2267968/. 

If you are jealous of anyone, tell us about it. I am not jealous of anyone.

What is the most serious relationship you’ve had? The relationship I have with my husband.

Should anyone be jealous of you? No

What do you usually do during the work day? Work

Tell us about someone that you really don’t care for. She is rude, condescending, and makes me feel worthless.  So I avoid her as much as possible.

Do you use the phrase “Have a good one” daily?  During the work week mostly.

How old do you wish you’d be turning on your next birthday? Why? I wish I was turning 30.  I don't want to get old and most importantly, I don't want to die.

Do you still like amusement parks? Tell us about your last trip to one. I use to like amusement parks but now I don't want to be around the crowds.  The last time I went to a big amusement park was in July 2004, when I took my kids to Six Flags in St. Louis.  Such fun!

How did you get one of your scars? I have a scar on my left knee, that I received as a small child.  I was playing next to a building that my dad told me not to play near....I fell onto a broken soda bottle and cut my knee open.  Dad rushed me to the ER, where I got stitches.  Dad didn't even have to punish me...the look on his face was enough punishment.

Will you still love me tomorrow? Maybe.

eCard of the Week #152: Beach Chickens

Fine, I'll keep calling them seagulls.

But, beach chickens sounds better.

Five Months Without My Son

Yesterday (August 10, 2016) was the fifth month since Colt's death.  I feel like a robot...just going through the motions of each day.  I do my best stay busy to keep the overwhelming emotions from taking me over. My heart and soul ache to the core. Bedtime is one of the rough parts of each day. As soon as I lay down, memories come flooding into my brain.

This summer is flying by fast and it has turned out to be nothing like I expected it to be. I really thought the summer would be spent with Colt, helping him to overcome leukemia.

I love my son so very much and I miss him more than word can ever express.

Good Morning From Shelby

Shelby says "good morning everyone!"

I love this girl to the moon and back a million times.

Photo (c)2016 Shannon G. Wamsley

Things I Learned Living in the South

THINGS I LEARNED LIVING IN THE SOUTH

A possum is a flat animal that sleeps in the middle of the road.

There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 of them live in the South.

There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 of them live in the South, plus a couple no one's seen before.

If it grows, it'll stick ya. If it crawls, it'll bite cha.

Onced and Twiced are words.

It is not a shopping cart, it is a buggy!

Jawl-P? means, Did you all go to the bathroom?

People actually grow,eat and like okra.

Fixinto is one word. It means I'm going to do that.

There is no such thing as lunch. There is only dinner and then there's supper.

Iced tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you're two. We do like a little tea with our sugar. It is referred to as the Wine of the South.

Backwards and forwards means I know everything about you.

The word jeet is actually a question meaning, 'Did you eat?'

You don't have to wear a watch, because it doesn't matter what time it is, you work until you're done or it's too dark to see.

You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH em.

Ya'll is singular. All ya'll is plural.

All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect, or animal.

You carry jumper cables in your car - for your OWN car.

You only own five spices: salt, pepper, mustard, Tabasco and ketchup.

The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local high school sports, the motor sports, and gossip.

Everyone you meet is a Honey, Sugar, Miss (first name) or Mr. (first name) and my favorite "Baby"

You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.

You know what a hissy fit is.

Fried catfish is the other white meat.

We don't need no dang Driver's Ed. If our mama says we can drive, we can drive!!!

You understand these jokes and forward them to your Southern friends and those who just wish they were from the SOUTH.

Shelby's Way of Saying Please

Shelby really, really, really wanted a cookie.

So much so, that she used her way of saying please.

And of course, she got one!

Photo (c)2016 Shannon G. Wamsley

Sunday Stealing: The Gal's Meme, Part One

This week's Sunday Stealing was stolen from The Gal Herself, 

who stole it from Kwizgiver. Enjoy!

What’s your favorite word or phrase? "Indeed"

Tell us about a person who made you smile today.  My husband made me smile today because he put a new graphics card and power supply into my computer.  

What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Sleeping

What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Eating

What is your favorite holiday? Why? My favorite holiday is Independence Day (Fourth of July), because I love patriotic events, warm weather and the summer time food that goes with the celebrations.  

Tell us about a visit to another country. I have only been in the United States.  Someday I will see other countries.

What is the last thing you said aloud? I told my dog she is a good girl.

What was the last thing you had to drink? Diet Pepsi

What are you wearing right now? Bra, underwear, tee-shirt, and sleep pants.

What was the last thing you ate? Chocolate

Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Not this week.  But last week I purchased a few tee-shirts.

When was the last time you ran? Last week

What’s the last sporting event you watched? Baseball

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Ireland

Who is the last person you sent a comment/message to on Facebook? My friend Rose.

Ever go camping? If yes, tell us about one time. I have been camping many, many times.  Once my kids and I went on a camping trip...and it rained the entire time. Our tent even got soaked with rain on the inside so the three of us, with two dogs slept in my little car.  Needless to say we packed up early and went home.

Do you think a tan improves your looks? No, I don't think a tan will improve my looks.  But a tan will help heal the psoriasis I have.

Have you ever lost anything down a toilet? Probably, but I don't remember what it was.

What is your guilty pleasure?  Chocolate.

Happy Anniversary To Me!

Steve and I got married six years ago today, aka our official anniversary.

However, we consider August 10, 2001 to be our special, unofficial anniversary

(it is the day we had our first date)!

eCard of the Week #151: More Than Chocolate

I miss you more than chocolate.

Annabelle Loved Forever and Always

 Four years ago today a piece of my heart left this world.

  I miss my Annabelle (Bella) today just as much as the day she left. I miss her bark, her cute little stubby tail wagging and her doggie kisses. I miss cuddling with her, taking her on car rides, her playing with tennis balls and her playing with all her stuffed babies. 

 Bella was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. She will be forever a part of me. I love you Bella forever and always!