Who Wears Short Shorts?

My mom wore short shorts. This was taken around 1956 or '57. I think she was adorable. She had really nice legs. Even now, at 77, she has nice looking legs.  No varicose veins, no wrinkling, no sagging of skin.  White enough to make you grab your sun shades, but nice.  I remember one time when she was in her early 50's, she commented that she rarely had to shave her legs anymore. I was shocked.  I was also excited, thinking "well, there should be some rewards to growing older". Trouble is, she didn't bother telling me  those hairs that quit growing on your legs have to find some place to come out. I'd rather have leg hair than chin hair any day of the week!

I was about a year old when the Royal Teens recorded "Who Wears Short Shorts?". Not that I remembered the year, or even the name of the group, but I do remember singing that song with friends when I was a little girl, as we danced around the yard in our short shorts, thinking we were hot stuff.

I love this video. Get a load of the lack of expression on the girl's face, on all their faces for that matter. Not sure if they were that emotionless, or just trying to look super cool.  I'm figuring the latter. Watch it and see if the song doesn't get stuck in your head.  But first, scroll over to the right and pause my music player. Not sure Kiss From a Rose playing simulatneously with Who Wears Short Shorts would make for pretty music.

I  also love this picture of Nikki. She looks so relaxed and happy. She was taking her vacation days, and though she loves her job working with small children, she was enjoying just hanging out with the fam.

She drove down in October and went camping with us. Nikki, my son, John, my mom & her husband, Mr.Studley & I, our Min Pin Leyna, and Nikki's chocolate lab all in our 5th wheel. It sleeps plenty, but that doesn't mean plenty actually sleep!  It was fun, though. One night Nikki, John, and I stayed awake long after the others watching some silly dvd and giggling like 5 year olds. I can't remember the last time we had that much fun together. Even my son's flatulence was giving us the giggles, and trust me, there's nothing really funny about John's flatulence..

The older I get, the more my memory fails me. By staying away from blogging so long, I managed to forget a lot that I'd learned about it. Add to that, there's been changes around here in bloggerville. She's done gone and gussied herself up a bit since I was here last.  I used to run hollering to my friend, Marilyn, at A Mixed Bouquet whenever  I needed help with my blog. She helped me set it up, and installed the design stuff for me, but Marilyn's got her hands full these days, having gone back to college to get her nursing degree.  Don't expect anything fancy schmancy around here, as I'm just not smart enough to pull it off. I am happy for Marilyn, though, and so proud of her!

Nothing earth shattering  going on around here. I've not even been knitting. What a slump I've been in; just can't seem to get started on anything. Last year, Mr.Studley had a hernia operation, which seemed to go fine until the incision area got infected about a month after the surgery. In & out of the ER, a stint in the hospital, and a couple visits per week to the doctor for a few weeks (won't gross you out telling you what took place there with a really big needle), and he's finally back to normal. Well, all except for his belly button, which doesn't look normal at all now.

In other news, my son, John graduated from his Paramedic course (yea!). He still has to take his state test, which I know he'll ace.  Mr.Studley is almost fully retired, and we enjoy our days together. We've fit into a comfortable routine,  only occasionally getting on each others nerves; and really, I can't even remember the last time that happened.  I'm blessed by God, and I know it. He love me, and He loves you, too!

I'm reading  Joyce Meyer's new book, "Living Beyond Your Feelings", which I got for Christmas. I'm not too far into it, but already I've learned things I know will help me in my life. That's my idea of a good book, one that helps me make changes for the good. Who doesn't have room for improvement?

If you're reading this post, you probably had me in your google reader, or whatever reader you use. I want you to know I'm happy you came by. My post is short, but I'm going to try and ease back into blogging. I don't have much to say, but I remember back when I blogged regularly, the excited feeling I got when someone left me a comment.  Isn't that funny, how excited we can get by the comments of  strangers?  Of course, some of you aren't strangers, at least not anymore, as I got to know you back then. I pray your life is going well, and that you find joy in each day.  Be blessed!

Mike, Leyna, Nikki, & Macy at Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, OK



"Words are containers for power, and as such they have a direct effect on our emotions"
~Joyce Meyer, excerpted from "Living Beyond Your Feelings"

A Man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment-how good it is!
Proverbs 15:23 Amplified Bible

I Fought the Sloth, and the Sloth Lost

This has been my pace all winter. I can't blame snow or ice for slowing me down, as we had none. AT ALL. I'm still pouting about that. Seriously, though, I have felt like a total slug for months. My energy level was lower than a snake's belly. I felt like my get-up-and-go got-up-and-went. I've wondered if perhaps I've suffered from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

This was pretty much me. Well, actually, this is Putty Tat, but I think she was mocking me when this picture was taken.

Then something wonderful happened. The sun broke out, and Linda, the hilarious blogger at 2nd Cup of Coffee, issued this challenge.

Now, I may be lazy, but I am not one to back away from a challenge. She challenged her readers to do one simple thing, GET MOVING! For five days a week, 30 minutes per day, over the course of two weeks, we would commit to get our bodies moving. It could be exercising, walking the dogs, digging in the garden, or chasing the ice-cream truck around the neighborhood, as long as we got moving. There was no "D" word involved, though it was certainly okay to diet if we pleased. I didn't please.
I regularly walk the dogs, but the length of those walks varies. Sometimes I walk them ten minutes, sometimes 30 minutes, and occasionally not at all. In the colder months, I'd fallen into a habit of making the walks short, 'cause even though I've griped all winter about not getting any snow, the truth is, I don't really like to be cold.

Leyna looked up at me with that sweet little face, and asked, "please, Mommy, walk us 30 minutes each night". Well, what's a girl to do? I can't resist a face like that...unless she's begging for my last bite of popcorn. Oh, who am I kidding. It works on me then, too.

So I picked up Linda's gauntlet, strapped on the leashes, and hit the open road, or at least our neighborhood. Mr.Studley and Pepper came along, too, of course. With the exception of one particularly cold night this week, I managed to keep my commitment to do the 30 minute walk every day for two weeks, even on the weekends. For my gallant efforts, I've received the following award (me, and every other reader of Linda's who completed the course).

A very positive thing has happened to me in the course of these two weeks. I no longer feel like a slug. I'm not moving like a turtle. I no longer get mistaken for our fat cat. I have been energetic. I've accomplished some major spring cleaning, along with mucho decluttering. I'm enthused about keeping house again (did I just say that?).
I don't know if it was the regular exercising (and our dog walks are fast paced!), if I was indeed suffering from SAD which went away when spring arrived, or if it was a combination of the two. I just know, in the words of James Brown, I feel good!
Speaking of James, I only wish I could move like him. Check out his footwork in this video. Oh, and you can thank me later for getting this song stuck in your head.

****************************I LOVE You fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my Strength.
The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower.~Psalm 18:1-2 Amplified Bible

Sacrifice

This video is only a few minutes long, but in those few minutes it manages to illustrate a powerful message.

For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.
~John 3:17 Amplified Bible

Give Me Your Eyes

I'm rather busy today, so I'm skipping my Simple Woman's Daybook entry this week. My women's group meets tonight and I haven't even shopped yet for something good to cook and take to it. I had to take Putty Tat to the vet this morning. I am thankful that her ailment was treatable. She has a bladder infection. The doctor said she's not really in pain, she just feels the sensation of needing to "go", if you get my drift. The nice vet gave her a shot, gave me a bottle of Amoxicillin, and a bill for $81. Ouch! Now, who's in pain?

I first heard the song in the video below at Kay's, at The Rustic Cottage. She has it playing in her Playlist. The words gripped me. I immediately set about to see if there was a video which accompanies the song. Before you view the video, if you don't know Kay, or read her blog, I'd encourage you to do so. She's had a very rough past year, losing her job, and struggling to make ends meet as a single mom. Yet she always brings glory to God in her posts. In her post today, titled Thanksgiving Blessings, she shares the special way the Lord met her need this week. It demonstrates her faith, and His faithfulness. If you read it, you will be blessed.

The song in this video is my daily prayer. I'm sorry for the years I wasted, not being about my Father's business. We are all here for a purpose greater than ourselves.

Lord, let me not see the external of those I meet, but rather let me see with Your eyes into their hearts, and let me look with Your love and compassion, offering Your hand extended to those who are hurting and in need.

Brandon Heath -Give Me Your Eyes

Do you not say, It is still four months until harvest time comes? Look! I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields and see how they are already white for harvesting.
~John 4:35 Amplified Bible

A Different View

I don't usually post videos I saw on someone else's blog, but this was so good I just had to share it here. I hope Kisses Of Sunshine won't mind. For that matter, I think she borrowed it from yet another person's blog. It's one of those you want others to see, too.

Before I go outside my house, I try and remember to ask God to give me His eyes to see; that I'll see into the hearts of those around me, rather than being distracted by their external, or by circumstances at hand.

Oh, and I guess I should warn you, as commenter Netter pointed out, the acting is cheesy. Aside from that, it's really a good video, though. ;-)


Get Service

ONE of the reasons I homeschooled

I saw this on another blog this morning. It's not the only reason I chose to bring my daughter home from school at the end of her second grade year, but it was certainly an important one. My only regret is that I missed homeschooling her kindergarten through second grade years.

I pledge allegiance...

I'm old enough to have fond memories of watching the Red Skelton Show as a child. He was a funny, funny man, yet endearing when he was serious. If you've not seen this before, it's worth the watch.


Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance

Feeling Good

I love Michael Buble's singing. If I had to pick one of his songs as a favorite, it would be "Feeling Good". It's a secular song, but everytime I hear it and sing along with it, my heart swells with how I feel in knowing Jesus as my Savior.

The lyrics to this song so aptly describe how it feels to wake up from an old existence and face a new life as a new creature in Christ. The old chains that bound me in sin and hopelessness dropped off in my realization that my eternal future is secure, and He walks with me every day.

The video is reminiscent of a cheesy '60's James Bond movie, but it's cute, as is Michael.


Michael Buble~Feeling Good

Feeling Good

Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea
You know how I feel
River running free
You know how I feel
Blossom on a tree
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine
You know how I feel
Scent of the pine
You know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me

And I'm feeling good

I Feel Good...dadadadadada dah

I'll let James express my feelings this morning.




I genuinely appreciate all the comments and prayers over the past couple of weeks. Truthfully, I don't feel as good as James...yet, but I realized as I went around the house doing normal morning routine chores that I wasn't miserable; hacking and sputtering and blowing, yes, but not miserable! I'd almost forgot what it felt to not feel miserable. Praise God, I am on the mend!

Would you check out the footwork on that guy? And I thought Michael Jackson invented those moves!

Have a Heart

I feel like a blog cheater, or would that be a cheating blogger? When I don't have the time, or patience, to corral the ricocheting thoughts bouncing around in my head and assemble them into some semblance of order, I go looking for a video which will hopefully express what I'm feeling at the time. This is one of those times.

For some time now, my prayer to God has been to let me see through His eyes of compassion, to hear the pain in the voices of those who are hurting, to feel and be moved by that which moves His heart.

My friend, Sharon, shared this week about how people are so busy praying their needs will be met, that they're failing to pray for the most important thing, souls! That really struck a chord in me. I've spent a half century trying to get my needs met. I've spent a miniscule fraction of that time, not even worthy of registering on a pie chart, praying for lost souls.

How many brokenhearted people have I walked past without so much as a glance. Lord, don't let me miss another one. Let me never again judge someone based on their clothes or appearance or their beliefs. Let me truly feel what your heart feels for lost souls. Let my heart break for that which breaks your heart.

It Is Well With My Soul

I cannot fathom the great degree of pain the man must have experienced in his life that penned the words to this song. I knew a little about him, but not all that is shared in the video.

The peace he experienced is the kind of peace I desire; the kind of peace which passes all understanding, that deep abiding peace that keeps my feet on solid ground even in the midst of crashing storms, the kind of peace that even if faced with great tragedy I can proclaim with my mouth and know in my heart that it is well with my soul.

I know the one that offers that peace. His name is Jesus.

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. ~Isaiah 26:3 Amplified Bible

Express Yourself!

Wasn't yesterday's Recipe Box Swap fun? I think Randi's idea was inspired, and inspiring! It was such a success that she's decided to host one the first Thursday of each month.

Get out your recipe box, and grab your camera. If you missed out participating in yesterday's swap, you can still view the list of participants on her post yesterday and go around gathering up scrumptious recipes, not to mention new blogging friends!

Have you ever been in a crowd of people and felt like throwing up your hands and shouting praises to God? I'm not talking about being in a worship service, that's easy; or then again, I guess for some of you that may not be easy. I tend to forget that not everyone attends the same type church I do where there is complete freedom to throw up your hands and sing or shout praises unto God.

I have felt like the young man in this video, being amidst a crowd while having my own private talk with God. Sometimes the praise I feel for him in my heart will bubble up to the point that I just want to shout it, or at the very least raise my arms in praise and adoration of Him. I've never done it. Oh yes, as I said, I've done it in church. I've done it outside of church in worship groups. I do it often in my home or in my car, but I've never done it in the way he does in this video. I might get hauled off to the funny farm.....and I might not. Should I care?

I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; Yes, I will praise Him among the multitude. Psalm 109:30



Oh, Praise Him! (All This for a King) by the David Crowder Band.

Laughter does good like a medicine!