Dear Madison at 13

I saw this on Wearing Mascara's blog and decided to take the challenge. Write a letter to your younger self at age 13 that includes 10 things you would tell yourself if you had the chance.

Madison,

You're just starting middle school. It's a stepping stone from little girl to woman. Little do you know about the road that lies ahead of you. Life is too precious to have petty fights with your best friend.

Let me give you some advice:

• Don't worry about the people that tease you; they're just jealous.


• Even when you think no one will help you, look again. The person you least expected will be standing there.


• Don't be so nervous about going to a new school. Everyone's nervous.


• Be true to yourself. Ten years from now it won't matter if you wore name brand clothes or not.


• Keep working hard. In a couple of years, everyone will wish they have your work ethic.


• Keep smiling when you walk into school. It' doesn't matter if they smile back. You never know much that small act of kindness could mean to someone.


• Don't pay any attention to the kids that think you've got it easy just because you get to leave early. They have no clue what you have to deal with on a daily basis.


• Continue to love with all your heart. Your geniune gestures are one of the things people will admire most about you.


• Take time to laugh. Don't get so consumed with school work.


• Have fun! Time passes quickly.

Love,

Madison at 19

What would you write about? Would it be about boys, friendships, etc?

Color My World

I've been collecting a few photos here and there, waiting for the perfect time to post it. I say "perfect" time, but there's really no perfect time to do anything, is there? There will always be somewhere to go, something to do. Dogs to be fed, papers to be done.

So, without further ado, here are my thoughts. Color can drastically affect your mood. A yellow room can make you cheerful, while a chocolate room can make you hungry. Dark colors can make spaces feel more intimate and cozy, or claustrophobic.

I know I've done a post with pictures and links before, so I wanted to do something different--I made a collage.





The first picture was taken by Stuck in Customs.
The fifth picture was taken by Panda Cat Baby. I've seen people blend several colors of eyeshadow together to create a smokey eye, but I'd never seen some blend bright colors together and have it come out right. Instead of expressing their individuality, they came off looking like they did their makeup with the lights off.
The eighth picture was taken by Michelle in Ireland. It's called "Take a Ride on the Rainbow Slide".
The ninth picture was taken by daeijan. This one reminded me of a celing you'd find in a faraway place like Morrocco. Just by looking at the photo, I could tell that the building was full of life. Where else would you find a ceiling like that?
The tenth picture was taken by Jeff Sullivan. This isn't your typical rainbow, but it represents the colors of the rainbow. It jumped out at me immediately. It was unique and different, end of story.
The eleventh picture was taken by Will Bragg. It's not everyday that you see flowers planted like that. It truly is a work of art to design something like that. I think you captured the best of both words: You made the some tulips stand out, while managing to make the field seem as if it's going forever.
The very last photo was taken by Stuck in Customs. I loved this one because it represents the opposite side of the color spectrum. It's not your typical brightly colored photo, but it has and impact all its own. It evokes different emotions. The first thing I thought of was Chronicles of Narnia. It seems as if that secret passage way could lead to anywhere in the world, doesn't it?

The photos in between are my photos. My mom took the sunset one and I've always loved that picture. I'm not going to explain each on of those because this post is already long.
What kinds of pictures catch your eye? Why? Join in the fun by doing a post about color with Mr. Linky!

Just a Little Bit More

This may not mean much to anyone else, but I can almost reach my toes!!

I had to have a spinal fusion almost two years ago--my back was broken. That's another post. An average person would be able to bend again in three months, not me. Everything was going good until I had another health problem that caused me to be in the bed the majority of the time.

Since then, I've been practicing bending for months. I can only do it once or twice before it starts hurting. That's been the problem all along, when I would get to a certain point, I couldn't bend down any further. I expressed my frustrations to my physical therapist, and he nodded and said, "It will take some time." Keep working on it." I knew what he was going to say, but I still feel better if I hear it out loud.

I was in the shower the other night when I dropped my razor. I usually have to call Mama, but I usually try to bend anyway just to stretch it. Well, this time I bent down and I went a little further, a little further, until I had passed the place that it usually hurts. I couldn't believe it, after months and months of practice, I'm almost able to do it!

My mom has been the one who's had to help me get my pants and shoes on. I always tease her and say, "I know you'll be glad when I can do this!" She just laughs and finishes helping me get ready.

I always think to myself, "I'LL be glad when I can do this!

Yeah!!

Do You Want 15% Off?

My mom and I decided to stop into Macy's the other day after my doctor's appointment. She needed some good walking shoes.

We go in and look around, then stop at shoes. I quickly scan the selection, seeing nothing I would like. I did, however, see a pair that I thought Mama would like. She likes "rugged" shoes, at least that's what I call them. She's not a fan of white shoes because they get dirty easily, so she tends to gravitate towards brown ones. These fit the bill perfectly: They're tan with brown edges, and they're made specifically for walking. She slipped them on and says, "Oh man, these feel good!" The sales lady had brought out two different sizes, and with mama trying both of them on, the sizes quickly became mixed up.

The sales lady came over every so often to check on us, and as she was turning to leave, she said, "Honey, are you sure you didn't see anything you liked?" I politely said, "No, I didn't."

Mama finally decided the 8.5 worked best, and we headed to the checkout. Mama asked her if she could punch in her license number because she'd left her Macy's card at home. The sales lady said, "Sure, but is your daughter 18?" She said, "She's 19." She said, "Does she have any credit? Mama said, "No." She said, "Well, you can apply for a joint account and that will let you get 25 dollars off of your purchase today AND another 15% off."

Mama turned to me to get my reaction. I thought, "That would really save Mama some money on those shoes. Merrell is very expensive. I'll do it for her."

The sales lady punched in my information, saying that Mama would get another card for this joint account and I would too.

I thought, "Is this going to bother Mama's other credit card that's she already established with Macy's?"

The sales lady quickly calms my fears saying she could tear up the card when she gets it.

"Whew, I thought. That's good"

The more I sit there, the more concerned I become. Normally signing up for a credit card wouldn't bother me, but some things I can't get because it would hinder my medical benefits.

I asked the sales lady, "Are you sure I won't get into any trouble?" By this time I am close to tears because I have conjured up many scenarios in my mind. She said, "You even get an extra 15% off on anything you purchase!" At this point, I was beginning to wonder if she must really need me to agree to this joint account so she can get extra commission.

Mama, I hissed under my breath, "This is stupid. She even put down the wrong year that I got my learner's permit!"

Mama said, "Don't worry, it's not bad."

By this time, the sales lady could visibly see that I was upset. She said, "I promise I won't do anything to get you in trouble."

Ever the sales lady, as we turning to leave, she said, "Are you sure you didn't see any shoes that you want?"

No, I said, "I just didn't see anything today." She sighed under her breath, "OK."

When we left the store I explained to Mama why I was upset. She said, "Oh, I didn't even think about that!"

Needless to say, I've officially got a Macy's card now.

A Penny for your Thoughts

Well, not really, but you know what I mean. I'm doing a paper on cell phone tracking, and you're opinions would be helpful.

What do you think about cell phone tracking? Do you think it's good or bad? Why?

Pages are Disappering...Blogger Must be Magic

I noticed that on Google Analytics that people were clicking on a page of mine that doesn't exist. Is anyone getting that message when you try to view one of my posts? If you are, please let me know so that I can fix it.

I've looked throught my posts and can't find what's causing the problem. My guess is a page that I linked on a website that no longer exists.

Just send me an email!

Testing

I want to see if I can make my photos enlarge when they're clicked. I see this on other blogs and want to see if I can make it work.
UPDATE: It worked!

Beautiful Dogs Need Homes

I got an email today from my college saying that some dogs need homes. I want them to find a loving home, so I thought I would post it here.


There are 7 pure-bred female Samoyeds who need a "forever home" because their owner/breeder, Cathy Pendleton, is losing her battle with breast cancer. She can no longer care for her dogs and has been moved to Hospice after being in the hospital for a week. Even though you may not be on a "rescue" group email, I'm including you in the hopes that you can forward on to the widest distribution so that these girls all have a chance to find the perfect new home. The dogs are in the Atlanta, GA, area, but they will allow them to be adopted out of state. All the owner/breeder wants is for all of these girls to get good homes. Currently, they are not wanting to place any of the dogs in foster care because they are trying to move the dogs only once. My understanding is that the older animals have been spayed. Because she is a breeder, the younger dogs are not spayed; however the new family would need to have the dog spayed if she is less than seven years. (The dogs range in age from 1.5 years to more senior dogs.) One look at their picture shows how extraordinarily beautiful these dogs are. (I count 8 in the picture, but perhaps one has been placed already.) All are healthy and well cared for, up to date on shots, heartworm, flea treatment, etc. The new "forever" home will need to have a fenced yard with sufficient space for an active dog. The folks who are placing the Samoyeds for the owner may do a home visit either before, after, or both to ensure that the dog and their new family are a good fit. Thanks for giving this the widest distribution possible. Following is the email from the lady who is managing the adoption of these 7 lovely ladies.


This is her friend's original letter:


Hello, everyone,
It is with great sadness to pass along that my dog breeder, Cathy Pendleton, whom I love and treasure, is losing her battle with breast cancer. She can no longer care for her dogs. She is in hospice after being in the hospital for a week. We are in the process of placing her Samoyeds. If you know of anyone who would like a sweet natured, playful pet, please let me know. She has all girls who range from 1.5 years old to more senior dogs. All are healthy and have been very well taken care of. New homes need to have space for an active dog and a fenced in back yard. We may do a home visit to ensure that these precious dogs and their new family are the right fit. There is no cost, but the new family will need to spay the dog if it is less than 7 years old. They can move out of state. The new family needs to be willing to stay in touch with the "Sammy family." We will want to know how they are doing and if it is working out, etc. Let me know if you have any leads. Thanks for your help!
Velvet



If you think you might be interested after reading Velvet's email (below), her contact info is v[dot]a[dot]simmons[at]att[dot]net


Spread the word!

That Will Be Worth It

You know, change can be good(at least that's what I tell myself). It seems as if I've been in a sad period in my life for awhile. Today was one of those days. The day where you don't see any of the progress you've made. Have you ever wanted something so bad that it hurts? Well, that's where I'm at.

I know this process that I'm going through will make the day that I can walk again that much sweeter. I tell my mom from time to time, "I don't know how I'm going to repay you for all that you've done for me, especially these last few years. She said, "When you get that college diploma, that'll be payment enough." I guess only a mother could say those words and mean it. Everyone else would expect some thing in return. Not a mother. 

I recently told my physical therapist the same thing. After all, he has seen me cry and laugh. He's been with me when I didn't have any hope and he's been with me the time that I finally was able to walk all the way around the hospital without bursting into tears. How do you repay someone for things like that? You don't. He replied, "When your Mama and I can see you walk from the car into here own, that'll be worth it."

Spring has Sprung

I know I haven't posted in a a couple of days, but it's not because I didn't want to. I thought, "There's only so many ways to say not much happened this weekend." So I figured I wouldn't bore you with another one of those posts.

Spring is in the air, and with that comes beautiful flowers, colorful tanks and capris...and class registration. What? You wanted me to continue thinking blissfully about the time ahead and bring you along for the ride? I'm sorry. I'm all about dreaming, yet keepin' it real. As of right now, class registration is part of me keepin' it real.

It signals that the seasons have changed. I know some of you are still experiencing the winter blues, but Spring will be there before you know it!

What's your favorite thing about Spring? I wanna know, I'm curious!

Frostina McScarferson, She Looks Fabulous Covered in Snow!

Drum roll please....

The winner of the Name That Snowman contest is Hollie at All Things in Moddy! Congratulations Holly! We(my mom and I) thought your entry was perfect because it embodied the snow[wo]man's inner fashionista.

I Have an Announcement to Make

The Name That Snowman contest has been extended until Friday at 8:00PM Pacific time. We have decided to give everyone who want to a chance to enter.

So, put on your thinking caps ladies, and name that snowman!

Please comment on this post.

What I Love that Starts with P

I got the letter P from my friend over at All Things Fluffy... Fashionable...and Famous : here are my ten things!If you want to play, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and I'll assign you a letter. You post ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on. (this was
tough with "P.") These are in no particular order. (I'm sorry that it took awhile to post this, but I had to get permission to use these fabulous photos.) Hope it's worth the wait!

1. Purses I think this one is self-explanatory.




Click the picture to go to viecouture to see more of her website.

2. People I love being around people, especially the ones who can make me laugh

3. Papa He is a softy even though he would never admit it. He loves to play jokes on people.

4. Precious My dog.

5. Peaches I LOVE to eat these in the summer time. The little place that my grandparents get them

from is the best!

( Taken by: Stormy in GA)

6. Painted nails Even though I don't paint them very often. I have to be in the mood to it.

7. The color Purple

This picture is such a unique picture that perfectly represents my love of purple. I searched through many pictures with purple as the focus, but this is the one that caught my eye. I think it's because it wasn't just a purple flower or pencil, it was a photo of something that has many facets and makes you look twice.

Taken by: Fractal Artist

8. Playing with little kids They're so innocent and full of life. They don't have a care in the world. Ahh, to be young and free, letting the wind blow through my hair. My biggest concern in elementary school was what I was going to do at recess. This was before I got to the fifth grade and realized recess was over. Life was so much simpler then.

(Taken by Soffia Gisladottir)

9. Photography Even though I'm not very good (yet), I love look at photos that other people have taken. You can learn so much about a person that way. I also love that photos capture memories. Even if that person in the photo is no longer here, you can go back and look at he photo. It takes you back to that time. I love looking at pictures from when my Mom was younger. We always have some good laughs(especially when we pull out MY baby pictures!)

(Taken by: Per Ola Wiberg)

10. Privo shoes They're SO comfortable!

Click the picture to view more Privo shoes that Zappos offers.

Keeping You in the Loop

I have some new commenters, so I want to welcome you to my blog! I also want to let you know where to comment. The comment section for each post is at the top, not the bottom like normal. I can see which post you've commented on by clicking "Ediit posts", but it's a little confusing when I look at my blog.

Don't forget to tell your friends to enter my Name That Snowman contest!

Let's Have a Little Fun

My mom made a snowman today, and I was her design assistant. A perk about this job is that I work from home. (Cue song "She Works Hard for the Money")

Here is the results of our my mom's labor.

Here's where you come in:

We racked our brains for a name fitting of this fabulous creation, and we came uo with nothing. Nothing that we thought suited her anyway. What would you name her? Leave a comment with your ideas, and we'll pick a winner. Sorry, no prize this time, but you'll get some blog lovin' from me with your name front and center on this blog.

*Winner will be annouced sometime Wednesday night*

I Feel Good (Na Na Na Na Na Na)

Why? It's snowing of course! Now, to some of you, this may not be a big deal, but where I live it never snows. All classes are cancelled, yay! This gives me an extra day to study, not that I need it, but it's always nice.

I love how everything turns white, no matter what the ground looks like underneath, for a day or so, everything looks pretty. When it melts, it's back to reality--the reality of school, responsibility... . But for now, I get to relax, and ponder what I'm going to do with all of this free time.

Well, it's not really free time, it will be time spent for last minute reviewing and getting ahead on homework.

P.S. That post that I promised about the things I love is on its way, I just have to get a few more pictures.