In June We Think Of Brides

June, for the longest time was considered to be the correct month to have your wedding. A tradition that dates back to the 1500s. Have you ever wondered why this tradition began? Why June? Well, I don't know if the theory that I found is the God's Honest Truth or not but it does make a little sense. If the tradition really does date back to the 1500s, then what I am about to share with you makes as much sense as the next theory. Apparently back in that time of the world, folks only took a bath once per year. That's right...one bath. Now, according to what I've found that bath was traditionally set in May because the weather had warmed up. By June, everyone was still relatively clean and still smelled pretty good compared to the rest of the year. Now the weather was a little warmer so body odor was starting to raise it's smelly head and that is why the Brides carried a bouquet of flowers. Yep, she was hiding her smelly pits!

Ok, so now for the serious part of this review! I came across a lovely article by ClassyGals about wedding veils. As with all of her articles about fashion, she has created a beautiful piece about Creating a Wedding Veil Keepsake. ClassyGals shows some gorgeous examples of veils that can be made at home for any Bride's memorable day. She tells us the supplies that are needed to make a Keepsake Wedding Veil along with some suggestions as to where to purchase the supplies or an inexpensive veil. There are even some vintage veils and headpieces for our enjoyment.

ClassyGals does throw some humor into her article too with an hysterical Wedding Video that is a must watch.

I sincerely hope that you enjoy ClassyGals lovely article and apologize right here for my introductory paragraph. I know I took the cheap road to humor, but it just struck me as so funny. All I can hope for is that I don't get invited to a June wedding anytime soon. I'm afraid I will break out into hysterical laughter as the lovely Bride starts down the aisle with her bouquet. Perhaps I should try to concentrate on her Bridal Veil and see if she created an heirloom to be passed on in her family.

Visit Creating A Wedding Veil Keepsake

Image Credit: Gorgeous Vintage Bride by TailoredType

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Ever ask yourself "What am I here for? What is it all about?" I'm guessing we all have times like that. Our lives can seem small and the problems of the world all too big. We wonder if we matter and if our existence on this planet has made any difference at all.

These are the questions that Eddie, an old man who fixes amusement park rides, is seeking to answer in Mitch Albom's novel The Five People You Meet in Heaven. This is a book that begins with the death of the hero, but reveals that this is only the beginning of his adventure to discover the meaning of what had seemed to him to be a meaningless life.

MeltedRachel, who many of us know for her creative talents and wonderful textile designs, has written a review of Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven. And, like this surprising and thought-provoking novel, her review is one with a difference! As someone who has enjoyed both the book and the excellent film starring Jon Voight that it inspired, I was delighted to find not only video snippets but also some incredibly evocative images that capture the essence of each of Eddie's five heavens and the stories of the souls who reside in each. These are accompanied by some profound quotes from the book itself.

However, if you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", fear not. Other than a fan video showing excerpts of the film, there are no spoilers here beyond what you could guess for yourself from reading the book cover blurb. Rachel writes I won't give away anything much about the ending, but it had me in tears, and I can only agree. This is a story that will touch you and leave you thinking about it for a long time afterwards.

If you are yet to discover this tale, you have a treat in store. And, if like me, you are already familiar with it, Rachel's illustrated review will bring the magic right back.

Visit: Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven
[amazon-slideshow height="250" tracking_id="worsqu-20" width="300"]bd79d645-e7a4-4cea-969b-77ae38decd1f[/amazon-slideshow]

---

Image Credit: LUNA PARK by GinaPaints

The Less is More Poet

"Hope is the thing with feathers / That perches in the soul.” Whether you’re a poetry buff or not, you probably have heard this line and know that it is pure Emily Dickinson.

I have to admit that I have been late in coming to a real appreciation of poetry. For me, it was mostly a matter of not really understanding what the poet was trying to say. Over the past few years, though, poets like Mary Oliver and Rumi have touched a chord in me and made me realize that poetry is like music; it bypasses the head and goes straight to the heart.

Emily Dickinson is one of America’s most widely beloved and quoted poets. Writing in the 19th century, Dickinson questioned her somewhat puritanical background and explored her spirituality through her very personal poetry. That may be why Lois, also known as LoKackl, writes in her article, Emily Dickinson, the Less is More Poet, that “each Emily Dickinson poem seems to be about me.”

There are several Squidoo pages about Emily Dickinson but I particularly like this one by Lois because she tells a personal story. The first time she heard an Emily Dickinson poem at Salem College in North Carolina, she says it set off sparks in her head, like eruptions. At the time, the popular song “Killing Me Softly” by Roberta Flack, became associated for her with “newly discovered Dickinson poems that quietly torpedoed her lukewarm attitude toward poetry.” Lois, a wonderful writer herself, shares eloquently how certain poems affected her. I am betting that you will really enjoy the enthusiasm for Emily Dickinson she brings to her writing.

Although Dickinson died in 1886, her popularity has not waned. Groups all over the world get together to discuss her works and to figure out what has made her so successful. One of Lois’ friends says, "Once Emily Dickinson gets hold of you, she never lets go!"

Do you have a favorite poet or Emily Dickinson poem?

---

Image Credit: "I dwell in Possibility by syllablefashion

---

Visit: Emily Dickinson

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle to Care for Our World

The interconnectedness and interdependence of everything and everyone on the planet is a core belief of mine. As a result, I believe in treating it all accordingly - - in love. For me, that includes respecting and caring for the environment. And one way I can do that is through reducing, reusing and recycling.

Although caring for the environment is important to me, I'm aware that I don't do all I could. I've implemented some things over the years - - things I've developed into habits. But that's about it. I've kind of allowed myself to get stuck in a rut. It's partly due to busyness. Partly lack of effort. Partly lack of ideas. And partly not wanting to read through the ton of information that's out there on the subject! It seems overwhelming and it's easier to stay with the same-old, same-old. And yet, that doesn't fit with my values.

So, I was happy to discover a group of lenses by Lensmaster, TheGreenerMe. These pages eliminate all of my excuses (busyness, lack of effort, lack of ideas and too much information) because they present multiple, practical ways to reduce, reuse and recycle in an organized, concise way . . . not to mention the fact that they're beautifully done!

They're excellent resources to bookmark and return to over and over again. Just pick one new idea at a time, implement it and then return for more.

I was able to choose something that I can get started on right away. Although I buy recycled paper towel, reducing my paper towel use (or eliminating it completely) is one tip I can implement immediately. As TheGreenerMe writes in 50 Things You Can Reduce, "The first step in going green is to reduce the amount of things that you throw away and consume."

She continues her explanation of going green with 50 Things You Can Reuse. She explains: "Recycling is very important, but even better is reusing. Recycling actually uses energy and transport time and fuel to get the items to where they need to go. If you can reuse an item yourself, that's more energy, time and fuel saved, as well as less emissions produced."

However, recycling is much better than throwing stuff away and TheGreenerMe also offers creative suggestions in 50 Things You Can Recycle. For instance, did you know that you can recycle your flip flops? It's true!

So, if you're like me and you want to do more, but need a simple way to find and implement ideas, check out this series of lenses. How many of these things do you do already? And what could you put into practice today to care for our world?

---

Image Credit: Reduce ReUse Recycle 2 by TotallyRandom
View more Reduce Cards

---

Visit: 50 Things You Can Reduce

10 Fabulous Summer Backyard Barbecue Dessert Ideas

Summer is right around the corner and all around me I'm seeing and hearing the sounds of summer already. The smells of burgers on a hot grill and the shrieks of the neighborhood children playing in backyard pools and on slipping slides drift through the air in the afternoons. The restlessness of the school kids attending their last few days of school before summer break is as apparent as the nose on my face. On every day of the week the parks are packed with families enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. The price of watermelon is slowly reaching an affordable rate. And I am on my yearly search for light but yummy foods and recipes to compliment my husband's grilled masterpieces.

During the summer months my regular recipes of southern cooking, better known as soul food, are a little heavy on the stomach, so I have to change the way I cook for as long as the Georgia heat lingers. My husband often grills the main course so I am left to experiment with sides and desserts. It is a fun time for me to try out new recipes with the many fruits and vegetables that are in season, and I am always amazed with what I find summer after summer to try.

Recently I discovered 10 Fabulous Summer Backyard Barbecue Dessert Ideas by Barkely and I can't wait to give these desserts a try. Watermelon Cupcakes? Who would have ever thought of that! Purely heaven I'm sure, and it will be the first one I try after the delicious dirt cake recipe, of course. Who can put off going with the chocolate first?

Lensmaster Barkely didn't just give us a list of recipes, she did it with style and beauty, and with a mean talent for making my mouth water uncontrollably. The pictures of these summer desserts alone are worth a visit, and if you can leave 10 Fabulous Summer Backyard Barbecue Dessert Ideas without finding something that you want to try, well, I would have to suggest you get your eyesight checked or maybe see if you still have a pulse.

Summer's almost here! Woot!

Visit: 10 Fabulous Summer Backyard Barbecue Dessert Ideas

Image Credit:Ice Cream Sundae Party by PartyPrep

Memorial Day Honors The Fallen

Here in the state of Indiana, Memorial Day and the entire weekend is a pretty big deal. I wish that I could tell you all that it is because we are a most patriotic state but that would not be entirely true. There is a racing spectacle that some of you may have heard of, the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, that takes center stage for not only the weekend but for the entire month of May. It seems the entire world visits Indiana on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend either by radio, television, or physically visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The race is not what I want to talk about today, though. I would rather talk about the real reason we have this National Holiday weekend here in the United States. Since around the time of the Civil War, Memorial Day has been a day set aside to remember the fallen soldiers who lost their lives in combat serving our country. Originally called Decoration Day it is a day set aside to decorate the graves of the men and women who sacrificed their own lives so that we could be free. I came across an article written by Pastiche that is eloquently and respectfully written about Memorial Day - Decoration Day. Pastiche tells us the history of this holiday and shares a few different ways that it is observed around the United States. She explains the significance of the poppy and adds a personal touch by explaining why the holiday meant so much to her family when she was young. Her article took me back to my own childhood and memories of Memorial Day and my own family. She reminded me of the poem that was required learning when I was in school, "In Flanders Fields". As an adult, the poem has much more meaning to me and I think it will to you too.

I doubt that there is a family in the world who hasn't been touched by the loss of a loved one in an armed conflict. We have had family, friends, and neighbors serve our country. Some can rejoice the fact that they returned home safely while others grieve.

This Memorial Day weekend as we have our picnics, barbecues, open our pools, or listen to the race; let us not forget those who have fallen.

Visit Memorial Day - Decoration Day

Image Credit: Lest We Forget Memorial Day by VintageHolidays

The Sun King

If we look back at history, we often find it is the lives of a few that shaped and influenced the lives of the many. Ordinary people, those without wealth, position or outstanding gifts, have for the most part been forgotten. But among the rich and titled, there are characters who shone so brightly and made such an impression, for good reasons or bad, that centuries later we still delight in reading their stories.

But if your history lessons were anything like mine, all too often the focus was on remembering names and years connected with important political events, without ever really getting to know the personalities behind the decisions that shaped the world we know today.

Well, I don't know about you, but to me the fascination of history isn't really in the dates and facts, or even the battles. I'm interested in people and how they lived. Who was the King really, when he took off his crown? What did the Queen do in her spare time, and was it a love-marriage or did they despise one another?

In Louis XIV, The Sun King I finally had my questions answered in relation to one of the most famous European monarchs of them all. The stories behind the life and loves of Louis XIV are presented by Dom (prosperity66), a Belgian woman who has been passionate about history since childhood. And she certainly knows how to bring it to life!

In her article, she takes us on a wonderful tour of the passions of this man who was looked upon as an earthly god. This is a spicy tale of an ambitious boy who became an amorous man. We learn about where the King held his business conversations (clue: a different kind of 'throne' than you might first imagine), what he ate for breakfast, what his pastimes were, and which contemporary talents enjoyed the King's patronage. We are also treated to a gallery of the women in the Sun King's life, and the stories behind each of these love affairs, including a secret marriage.

If you ever saw history as boring, pay this lively and meticulously-researched article a visit. It might just change your mind!

Visit: Louis XIV, The Sun King

Image Credit: King Louis XV as a Child by Hyacinthe Rigaud by Ladiebug

A Case for Compassion

Last week I attended a talk given by the Dalai Lama on the subject of facing challenges with compassion and wisdom. What an amazing story this man has! As leader of the Tibetan people, he was exiled from his homeland while in his twenties, yet he has handled his life with grace. He says, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

According to the dictionary, compassion means “to suffer with,” in other words to identify with another so much that we have a desire to alleviate any suffering they may have. Practicing compassion is about kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. It is similar to the Golden Rule, which is at the heart of all religious traditions.

Karen Armstrong is a winner of the 2008 TED prize, which grants wishes big enough to change the world. She has used her prize to start a global movement called the Charter for Compassion, aiming to spread kindness throughout the world. The actual Charter is a one page document calling us to restore compassion to the center of morality and religion.

Lensmaster lizberesford has written a thoughtful article on the Charter for Compassion. She asks, “Could it be that individuals practicing compassion might stem the flow of evil in the world?” Besides asking thoughtful questions, Liz gives some background on Karen Armstrong, her journey to developing the Charter and what she hopes to accomplish. The Charter for Compassion has a website where people can affirm the Charter and share their acts of compassion. So far, more than 45,000 people have signed on and, not surprisingly, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, is one of them.

Compassion is closely related to empathy. Yesterday on Twitter I read a quote which has stuck with me since. “Empathy is the invisible hand.” How are you practicing compassion and empathy?

---

Image Credit: compassion kanji t-shirt by asiandesigns

---

Visit: The Charter for Compassion

Can Appreciation Change Your Life?

You're probably familiar with the idea that what you think about becomes your reality. If you're not happy with your reality, you need to change your thinking in order to create different results in your life.

One simple and practical way to change your thinking is to focus on what you're grateful for. There's a lot written these days about using gratitude journals to record what you're thankful for. Gratitude rocks are promoted as a simple way to remind yourself to focus on the good things. There's even a gratitude dance to help you change your attitude and boost your energy!

I personally use a gratitude journal on a daily basis and I teach others to incorporate gratitude into their lives. It works. It moves your attention from the difficult or negative stuff to things that are great in your world. As a result, you see and attract more good in your life.

However, I discovered a very insightful lens by lensmaster, theraggededge, that offers a different perspective. I love lenses that make me think, and this one definitely does that! In Appreciate Your Way to Happiness, theraggededge suggests that appreciation may be a better way to focus your thoughts on what's good and to create happiness in your life - - true, internal happiness that then spills out into your life.

But what's the difference between appreciation and gratitude? Why would appreciation be better?

Common definitions of appreciation are "to be grateful or thankful for," "an expression of gratitude" and "recognition of the quality, value, significance, or magnitude of people and things" (www.dictionary.com). A definition of gratitude is that "gratitude, thankfulness, or appreciation is a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive" (www.wikipedia.org).

At first glance, the terms seem to be the same. In fact, they are used interchangeably in these definitions.

However, there is a significant difference that theraggededge so insightfully points out. She writes, "Gratitude makes me think I owe this good-feeling to someone or something outside of myself . . . [but] appreciation comes from within. Appreciation makes me feel as though I am giving something rather than receiving something."

Makes sense.

Personally, I see gratitude as something that is within me and flows out from the core of me. It's a mindset of seeing the good - - a way of perceiving things and valuing things that I choose to frame my life with. Perhaps a better term for this is appreciation!

So, what do you think? And how would you incorporate appreciation into your life?

Theraggededge offers some suggestions. She beautifully shares several ways of integrating appreciation into your life, even including one of her own art journal pages as an illustration. She provides tips for simple, everyday practices as well as deeper methods of appreciating your life.

What can you implement?

---

Image Credit: Thank you Cards Modern Polka Dot Appreciation by theflowershop
cards made by zazzle.com

---

Visit: Appreciate Your Way to Happiness

Smokin' Hot Food

Hey and hello Foodies! Welcome to my first post here on Squidoo Lens Reviews. It’s sure a warm and cozy place to settle in to chat about good food happenings on Squidoo. My blogging placemat here prompts images of our huge Squidoo family gathering ‘round a table where scrumptious food is consumed and joyous conversation flies. Pleasure ensues to imagine the spirited tête-à-tête we’d all have! I love food, recipes and sharing…it’s ever obvious that other folks on Squidoo feel the same way too.

Food lenses that elicit a taste sensation, help our readers recall food memories, tempt us to go that extra step to find out more to try something new and different are exactly what I’m searching out and look forward to writing about here on Squidoo Lens Reviews.

So as my first review I’m stoked to bring you a smokin’ do it yourself creation by DMedley that tempts readers in to discover and build their own homemade food smoker. How cool is that? You’ll even find how-to designs for homemade smokers especially suited for those of us that are do it yourself challenged...hello to me!

As I browsed DMedley’s article, reading every bite to my barbecue king hubby, there was one smoker plan in particular that he thought was perfect for us…the double barrel smoker. Admittedly I did not get his enthusiasm, than he explained the benefits of having a controlled charcoal fire from the lower barrel wafting up to smoke and slow cook the meat in the top barrel. My mouth watered thinking about the spicy, salty bite of a perfectly smoked cut of beef or pork. Yum…huh?

If you are limited on space or cash flow there are plenty of smoker projects you can try to amaze your family and friends. Snag the catch of the day from your local stream or fish market, give it a rub with your favorite spices and leave it to smoke away in the cutest terracotta flower pot smoker. I’m going to challenge myself to get one of these made so it’s on my to-do list to get ta-done.

All in all this entire article was a great find. There’s plenty to learn, several designs to choose from, plus excellent links to more information. A food smoker’s dream stop!

Visit: How To Build A Food Smoker

---

Image Credit: Summer Holiday Party Invitations by NightSweatsDiva

---

Pink Flamingo Pictures

Pink Flamingos have always interested me. I love everything about them from their color to the narrowness of their long legs. The bright pink color of a healthy, well fed flamingo is one of the most beautiful colors found in nature in my opinion. Even the crooked neck of the flamingo is beautiful and seemingly graceful.

The classic pink flamingo pose is my favorite. You know the one, the side profile of the bird with one leg held up off the ground, the one we see on everything from t-shirts and mugs to key chains and who can forget yard ornaments. It seems that more than just me has a fascination with these beautiful creatures although they have gotten the reputation of being a little tacky.

Whether you think pink flamingos are tacky or beautiful, you'll love learning more about them. Before today I didn't know much about a pink flamingos other than I really like the way the look, and it really never occurred to me to research them.  I am glad that it occurred to MiaBellezza to do so though. Her lens (article), Pink Flamingo Pictures, is fantastic. In the article she shares everything you could possible want to know about a pink flamingo. Do you know why pink flamingos are pink? Do you know what color a flamingo is when it is born? You will find out the answer to those questions and more when you visit Pink Flamingo Pictures.

Finding this article on pink flamingos this morning was a real treat for me. I realized yesterday just how calming the color pink can be for me. As I sat in the doctor's office yesterday, in the midst of an anxiety attack, I was drawn to an image of pink flowers in a field, the same pink found on a pink flamingo, and it calmed me down some. I'd never noticed the calming nature of the color before, but now my fascination with pink flamingos does make a little more sense.

Visit: Pink Flamingo Pictures

Image Credit:Kawaii Flamingo Mug by ZoologicallyInclined
View other Flamingo Mugs

Cupcakes For The Wedding

In many wedding receptions today the traditional wedding cake is being replaced by wedding cupcakes. Brides are making the choice of cupcakes for a variety reasons. Wedding cupcakes are less expensive and easier to serve the guests and also allow for more flavors to be offered. Cupcakes are easier to transport and can be arranged in a traditional tower style or an arrangement that becomes unique to the Bride.

My little granddaughter, Isabel, recently attended a bride as the flower girl. The bride is a good friend of my daughter and as the wedding was planned over the last year, I would hear about the details. When my daughter shared that the bride was having cupcakes at the reception instead of a cake, I envisioned a boring display of cupcakes sitting flatly on the table. I had no idea that brides and their wedding planners were getting so creative with wedding cupcakes for the reception.

Last week, I found an article aptly titled Wedding Cupcake Creations that gives some gorgeous examples of the use of cupcakes at the reception instead of the traditional tower style wedding cake. Author, michelledurakis, shares supplies that can be used for display and choices of cupcake papers. She explains different reasons that brides are making the choice of cupcakes and even gives suggestions on ways to decorate wedding cupcakes. Her presentation is deliciously executed with a taste of whimsy sprinkled throughout. If you are a bride planning a wedding or the mother of the bride, Wedding Cupcake Creations might spark your interest and give you some unique ideas. You do not have to be planning a wedding, however; to enjoy this delectable article.

Cupcakes have come a long way from just being a treat at a kid's birthday party or as a treat for a child's classroom. They are now being served at elegant affairs like weddings. After having seen these lovely displays, I kind of want to have an elegant party just so I can serve some pretty cupcakes!

Visit Wedding Cupcake Creations

Image Credit: Hot Plate 'O Cupcake by SweetiesCafe

An Inspired Idea for Fitness Motivation

How many times do we hear that we need to take more exercise? We know it makes sense, but life can seem like one big to-do list and exercise is all too often way down at the end. Part of the problem for many of us is that exercise just isn't fun. Once you get going, it's not so bad. It's the motivation part that tends to trip us up.

Anything that can build up that motivation and give a little encouragement to get moving is welcome indeed. And that's just what I found when I came across a clever idea presented by ohcaroline.

In Walk Ride & Run for Fitness she shares a unique way of challenging herself to get -- and stay -- in shape. Her plan is to walk, run, and ride my way across America! But there's a twist. Her journey is a virtual one.

For as long as it takes, ohcaroline is making a daily commitment to notch up some miles through a combination of walking and cycling, indoors and out. By giving herself options, not only can she exercise come rain or shine, but she'll be beating the boredom too.

The best thing about the virtual trip, though, is the planning that has gone into it. The coast-to-coast journey has been divided into legs, and each one researched in such detail that it gives a tangible sense of achievement to adding up those miles. She has already completed a 93 mile virtual journey from Norfolk, VA to Richmond, VA and will soon be heading for the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This is an inspiring journey that I can see going the whole distance, especially with that crucial first month and first leg of the journey behind her. Ohcaroline has extended an invitation to readers to join her by starting a virtual trip of your own, and writes with such encouragement that it's hard to resist. So if you were looking for motivation, this article might be exactly what you need. In any case, why not stop by and cheer this lensmaster on in her unique quest to cross the USA!

Visit: Walk Ride & Run for Fitness

Image Credit: Exercise Girl by Derora

Stonehenge Revealed

What is it about a collection of stones that has inspired artists, writers, and astronomers for thousands of years?

Built between 2,000 and 3,000 B.C., Stonehenge, in the Wiltshire County of England, is beautiful, mysterious, and awe-inspiring. The stones are megalithic and arranged to coincide with sunrise and sunset at the solstices. Whether they were placed there as a burial ground, worship space, or for astronomical purposes is still widely debated. I know that it is one place that I would like to experience and photograph.

On her lens, Stonehenge Pictures, jptanabe has collected some amazing pictures of Stonehenge and she asks, “How much of the mystery do they reveal?”. Quite a lot, I would say. What I really like about this lens is that jptanabe shares her thoughts and feelings about each of the pictures presented. For example, with pictures of Stonehenge and the sun, she explains, “Photographers and artists have always used the beautiful colors of sunrise and sunset to accentuate the features of landscapes. In the case of Stonehenge, pictures taken at sunrise or sunset produce an amazing atmosphere that conjures a purpose of this monument that goes beyond its physical magnificence.” When I experienced stone monuments in Ireland, the sense of history was palpable.

Her collection of pictures includes photographs and paintings reflecting Stonehenge at sunrise, sunset, with the moon, and under different atmospheric conditions. The monument and surrounding site are owned by the Crown and it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apparently, the area has become quite a tourist trap and not as well protected or preserved as it should be, although plans are underway to rectify the situation. There is no doubt, though, that this magnificent monument will continue to attract visitors for many years to come and I hope to be one of them.

Have you been inspired by Stonehenge?

---

Image Credit: Stonehenge Mousepad by forbes1954

---

Visit: Stonehenge Pictures

Welcome To Two New Writers!

"Out of the loop" is a great way to describe my adventures of the past few days.

Computer troubles put me to swiping computer time from friends and family. And let me tell you, they are angels for sharing.

Thanks again, y'all!

I know how hard it would be to let someone have my computer, and I tried to keep that in mind as I hurried up and checked and read and responded to messages and other things that just had to be attended to.

Back on my own home turf, I am as happy as can be.

One of my first emails today was from lensmaster LeanneChesser. I had been waiting on a response from her as to whether or not she would take over as Thursday Author here at the blog. Well, she said YES! So, I am more than pleased, and oh, so proud, to welcome her to the team.

Among many other things, Leanne teaches children with special needs, and she's a mother and a brand new grandmother. She's passionate about personal growth, and that's evident in the work she does online.

She'll start writing her Thursday reviews here next week, and I am so much looking forward to them.

Welcome again, Leanne!

For more of Leanne's work, please visit these sites:
Feed The Homeless: http://www.squidoo.com/feed-the-homeless
Meaningful Quotes: http://www.squidoo.com/meaningfulquotes
Random Acts Of Kindness Day: http://www.squidoo.com/randomactsofkindnessday

We also have a new food lenses reviewer. Correen (clouda9) will be treating us twice monthly to the food lenses she comes across at Squidoo. If you've read any of her work, you know that, indeed, her reviews will be a treat.

Welcome again, Correen!

For more of Correen's work, please visit these sites:
Member site: http://www.foodloversweb.com
Website: http://www.foodloverswebsite.com
Blog: http://mygrandmasrecipes.crabbysbeach.com/blogs

Leanne and Correen, thank you again for joining the team!

A Study in Turquoise

Here on Squidoo Lens Reviews we have a strong tradition of featuring remarkable and moving stories, and for looking out for content that informs and educates. However we -- and many of you, our readers -- also have an eye for beauty. With this in mind, although it may at first surprise you that today I'm reviewing a page that is full of products, I think once you see it you'll agree that it truly deserves a spot here.

Mabel Forsyth, also known as pinkpig, is a talented professional illustrator. And like all illustrators and others of a creative nature, she has a true eye for colour. So much so that she has a created an article devoted to Pantone's 'color of the year'.

Pantone Colour of the Year 2010 is a visual feast that features posters, artwork, home furnishings, and even skateboard decks and cat beanbags, all united by a common theme -- a vivid shade of turquoise.

Her artistic eye has resulted not only in a set of color-matched objects, but also in a collection of arresting images and unique home items. You'll also find one of her own illustrations, some amazing photographs from her personal collection, and an in-depth review of the Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color. With its zillions of colour palette ideas this book is an essential for the bookshelf of designers and looks like an inspiring read for anyone who loves colour.

I can see why Pantone's turquoise (officially 15-5519 for those in the know) appealed to pinkpig, and her richly-illustrated page certainly does it justice. Like her, I've been won over to this tropical ocean shade which you just want to dive right into.

However, since the turquoise items are all for sale, you might want to hide your credit card before you visit!

Visit: Pantone Colour of the Year 2010

Image Credit: good morning ms. daisy by rubyanelms

Memories of a Mother

It seems that most mothers are angels, whether still alive or deceased. Being a mother myself, I know that there is no more important job. You must be an angel to those in your care.

My own mother passed away twenty-six years ago at the tender age of fifty-one, after battling breast cancer for fifteen years. I did not yet have children when she passed and little did I know how much I would need her and think about her over the years of raising my own children. Every Mother’s Day I wish my children could know their grandmother. All I can do is let them know who she was through stories.

Jennifer Akers has written a beautiful lens with ideas for remembering a deceased mother on Mother’s Day. She tells the story of her own mother, who died from suicide, yet Jennifer remembers her as a wonderful mother, whose life was a success. By writing about her own experience and how she remembers her mother, she provides a light for others who have lost their mothers.

Jennifer is also very sensitive to those who have recently lost their mothers and offers comfort and tips for dealing with grief. She writes, “Celebrating Mother's Day can be painful, whether this will be your first Mother's Day without your mom, or if it has been many years since her death. In time, your grief and depression will turn into healing and peace.” I remember the first Mother’s Day after my mother’s death, I sent Mother’s Day cards to all of the mothers I knew.

Some of the ways Jennifer suggests honoring and remembering a deceased mother include wearing a carnation, making your Mom’s favorite dinner, donating to her favorite charity, or reminiscing with your siblings. These are just a few of the many ideas she offers in this lens. Please read How to Celebrate Mother's Day When Your Mother is Deceased to learn more. And if you know someone who may find this lens helpful this Mother’s Day, please pass it on.

---

Image Credit: My Mom Is an Angel by koncepts

---

Visit: How to Celebrate Mother's Day When Your Mother is Deceased

One Door Closes...

If you read this blog much, you know that we love great writing and well-crafted Squidoo lenses. You know that clicking a link from here will take you to a page that is a joy to read. Even if the topic is not an interest of yours, you can't help but appreciate the work.

If you listen to the naysayers, you'll never get to know the quality to be found at Squidoo. And this is our goal. To be the largest repository or listing of the best of the best at Squidoo.

With our beloved Holley moving to Contributor status, Thursdays are now open for the next weekly writer to come in and show you their own viewpoint of Squidoo's greatness--a writer who's talent and skill with the written word is above par. This person would fill Holley's shoes admirably, and is perfectly capable of making Thursdays her own.

Our potential Thursday writer is taking her time to consider my invitation, and will let me know one way or the other once she's done weighing the pros and cons and figuring out if she will have the time. If she decides to come on board, I'll let you know!

Meanwhile, speaking of great writers, Holley has the talent to be any kind of writer that she wants to be. Her work is excellent; her lenses are a conversation with the reader; I've never felt a lens of hers talking at me. Just with me. Even when she's talking about herself, you'll be entertained, amused, or deeply touched. And that makes her lenses great places to be.

To make it easy for you to see Holley's work, here's her list of articles at Squidoo:

• 24websurf ~ It's All About Me
• 25 Things About Me
• AB Blood Type
• Angel Blessings and You
• Animal Blood Types
• Are You A Squidoo Addict?
• Becoming a Squid
• Blogging About Squidoo Humor
• Book of Shadow
• Christine Feehan - Dark Fire #6 Dark Series
• Christmas
• Christopher - The First 2 Years
• Collective Soul
• Corset Halloween Costumes
• Danish Wedding Cookies Recipe
• Daredevil Debbie Lawler
• Dark Challenge - Christine Feehan's "Dark" Book #5
• Dark Desire - Christine Feehan's Dark Series #2
• Dark Dream - Christine Feehan's "Dark" Book #7
• Dark Gold- Christine Feehan's "Dark" Book 3
• Dark Magic- Christine Feehan's "Dark" Book #4
• Dark Prince - Christine Feehan's "Dark" Book #1
• Dark Slayer- Christine Feehan
• Dave Patten
• Drifter, the Leather Clad Angel
• Easy Key Lime Pie
• Epic Farms Horses
• Establishing Your Personal Brand
• Father's Day
• French Coffee Maker
• Georgia on My Mind
• Gomez Peer
• Halloween Fun
• Henry Repeating Rifle
• Homeschooling
• Joan Jett
• July 4th in the US
• June 21st
• Leather Halloween Costumes
• Led Zeppelin
• MiMi GrowWear
• Mississippi Mud Cake
• Mothers Squash Casserole Recipe
• My Brother - How I Became An Only Child
• My cat and two dogs
• My Dad, My Hero
• My Grandmother's Banana Nut Bread
• My Holiday Lenses
• My Hometown of Jonesboro, GA
• My Lensography
• My Musical Lenses
• My Recipe Lenses
• My Reviews of The Dark Series Books
• My RocketMoms Experience
• My RocketMoms Session #3 Lenses
• My Son Wants to Move to Italy
• My Squidversary
• My Top 10 Elvis Songs
• My Top 10 Movies of All Time
• National Chocolate Day
• Our Perfect Beach Honeymoon
• Partridge Family Video Showcase
• Plus Size Body Shapers
• Pressing Autumn Leaves
• Princess Leia Halloween Costumes
• Quiz: How Well Do You Know Holley aka 24websurf?
• Savannah, GA
• Save with Coupons at Kroger!
• Self Worth and the Abused
• September 11th
• Sexy Halloween Costumes for Ladies
• Sexy Lingerie Halloween Costumes
• Shadows Christmas
• Soholaunch Art Templates
• The Beauty of Fall
• The Coin of the Magi
• The Widow's Mite
• The Year of Acheron
• Thor ~ the Comic, the Movie, the Legend
• Valentine Romance
• Valentine's Day
• What Do You Know About '80s Music?
• What Ever Happened to Billy Squier?
• WiWon and Leather Clad Squids
• Writing For Fun and For Profit
• Zhu Zhu Hamsters

Thank you for all you do, Holley!

Image credit: doorsofIreland by haileyfaye

Writing Games For Kids

Kids don't always like to write, in fact, many kids actually hate it. Some may think it's boring, some may struggle with it, but no matter what the reason is they have to do it. As a parent it is my job to make sure that my children practice the skills they learn in school, and this includes practicing writing.

Sometimes it's easy to get my son to write, like when he's writing his cinquain poems, but sometimes it's not so easy. If he isn't in the mood to write it can become a chore for us both and that's exactly what I try to prevent. I want to pass down to him my love of writing. I want him to be able to use it as a tool to deal with difficult situations. I want him to be able to have it as a skill to aid him in pursuing his dreams. I want him to be able to recall good memories about writing as a child just as I do.

Children learn in different ways, and each child has his or her own strengths. Some children have a natural need to write and express themselves, but many children don't have that. For those children making a game out of writing is essential to their success. It is up to parents and teachers to teach children in ways that they best understand. We have to "speak their language". Lensmaster Sojourn makes it easy with  Writing Games for Kids where she gives us a long list of writing games you can play with your kids whether you're a parent or teacher.

Writing Games for Kids is an informative lens that is presented beautifully. There are so many ways I never would have thought of to get your kids to write without it seeming like you're pulling teeth. Some of these games are so clever that your kids won't even know they are writing. I recommend this lens for any parent, teacher, grandparent, or any other person who wants to instill in a child a love of writing.

Visit:  Writing Games for Kids

Image Credit: Writing Excellence Sticker by IArtist40

Collecting Vintage Postcards

In honor of National Postcard Week I thought it might be fun to take a look at the hobby of collecting vintage postcards. This year the celebration falls between May 2 through May 8. Officially started in 1984 by collectors of postcards, the week is used to promote the hobby and have some fun with this old paper referred to in the Antiques industry as ephemera.

Postcard collectors will spend the week mailing postcards to friends, family, and fellow collectors all over the world. They may send a vintage postcard or design a new card to send. Some will purchase a new postcard to send out. This is the week that many collectors celebrate the history of their favorite collectible and add to the collections of their fellow hobbyists.

Deltiologists, collectors of postcards, will tell you that their hobby is one of the three largest collecting hobbies in the world. Picture postcards became the rage around 1870 and have been collected by people ever since. J-ellen is a postcard collector and she has shared the passion for her hobby in her article Vintage Postcards: Collecting and Collectibles. She outlines some of her favorite artists who designed some of the vintage postcards during the time that is referred to as the Golden Era. In the article by J-ellen, you will find a wealth of information about the hobby of collecting vintage postcards. She tells about the different types of postcards that people collect, gives resources for information, and ideas on how to display a postcard collection. If you think that you might like to start a collection, her article is a good place to start to gather information.

Join in the celebration this week, even if you don't collect vintage and contemporary postcards. Imagine the smile on someone's face when they get a postcard from you in their mailbox. As J-ellen mentions there is a category to suit anyone's taste from artist designed to old photographs. Postcards are inexpensive to purchase and mail along with being just plain fun.

Visit Vintage Postcard Collecting

Image Credit: Postcard: Badminton Kittens Vintage Art by VintagePets

Ever Met a Tawny Frogmouth?

May is one of the loveliest months of the year, I think. And for the birds around here it seems to be one of the busiest. First they gather nesting materials, then they are on a constant mission to collect bugs to feed a growing family. Later on, I love to see the baby birds on the lawn being taught by their now weary parents to forage for themselves.

Much as I enjoy our native birds, it's always a delight to learn about these feathered friends in other lands. Often they seem quite exotic to me, and I can only imagine how it would be to find jewel-colored hummingbirds in my garden or to spy a bluebird -- birds which some of you are used to encountering every day!

Further afield, the birds look stranger still to those of us who have never seen them before. For instance, do you know what a Tawny Frogmouth looks like? Unless you have spent time in Australia, you might not even have known that it was a bird. Well, Sandy (or oztoo as you may know her) lives in Queensland in Australia, and the Tawny Frogmouth is just one of the interesting bird species that visit her garden.

Sandy writes in Tawny Frogmouth -- a fascinating Australian bird that some people think that these funny little characters are ugly birds, but she doesn't agree. Neither do I! They do look to me like little owls, though Sandy points out that they are no relation in spite of being nocturnal hunters. What really impressed me was the ability of this bird to use the art of camouflage. Take a look at the picture in her article to see what I mean!

It's sad to learn that these delightful creatures often fall prey themselves to human threats such as traffic and pesticides. However, it's also good to know that there are many who appreciate their presence, and it was a treat to be introduced to their habits and character by someone who has a true affection for them.

Note: Sandy found this picture of a pair of Tawny Frogmouths just like those that visit her backyard. Aren't they cute!

Visit: Tawny Frogmouth -- a fascinating Australian bird

Image Credit: Tawny Frogmouth by Blueday