Showers & Sunflowers

THE HIPPIE CHICK IS E-READING

2012-01-20T11:14:00.002-07:00

I never thought I'd EVER do this, I always said I prefer the feel and smell of "real" paper books. But after purchasing and reading the 6th. new book in a series I changed my mind.

I absolutely love the series "Clan of the Cave Bear" by Jean M. Auel, and the newest addition came out not long ago. I read in bed every night, and with some arthritis combined with fibromyalgia combined with tendonitis, I have trouble holding onto heavy books without some hurting going on. So..... I only get paperbacks.

When I went to purchase the paperback for this new book, it only came in a LARGE size paperback, quite heavy with many pages. I read through the whole thing and enjoyed it, but nightly I had trouble with my hands and wrists because the book was so heavy.

THAT, my freinds, is what finally made my mind up about getting an e-Reader. Sis Pammie was also thinking of getting one, so we went shopping the other night and both got the Kobo "Touch". We compared to Sony and others, but this is the one we both preferred for size and weight. So far I've loaded 7 books into it and I love it!

The cover I chose (red leather, red being my favourite colour) has a built in reading light for night reading. And that same night, we stopped at a library to pay $12 for a yearly fee, so now we can even load books into our e-Readers from there. Groovy coolness!

Even an old leopard can change her spots, apparently.

Call me "updated", with my Kobo e-Reader and my Smartphone. Holy heck.

I hope you are all doing well, take good care of each other!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"ELECTRONICS" WINNERS!

2012-01-14T10:09:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Twug and Cyber for two excellent photos! Thank you to all our entrants for some good work. And to our voters, thank you for participating!

End of January will be "Workspace" theme. See you then!

PEACE!
Love Jude

2011-12-31T09:44:00.004-07:00

For many of you it will be a pleasure to let go of 2011 after some rough spots. For you I wish 2012 brings you promise of smoother waters, healing and inner peace. Although 2011 held some challenges for me it wasn't a particularly bad year, I've certainly had many that were worse. I look ahead to a year of big changes and hope that I can sail through without too much stress!

For those who will be ringing in the New Year tonight please have fun but stay safe.

And if you haven't already, you can head over to Stardom Awaits! and place your vote in the December "Electronics" photo contest. Thanks!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"ELECTRONICS" THEME PHOTO CONTEST

2011-12-30T09:32:00.003-07:00

This month's theme over at Stardom Awaits! is "Electronics". If you'd like to help us out by going over to vote, please vote for ONE photo. The voting will be open for approximately 2 weeks and then the winners will be announced, as well as all photographers names placed beside their photographs.

Enjoy the photography! Thanks!

PEACE!
Love Jude

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-21T07:39:00.003-07:00

Christmas can be so lovely, but it can also hold sadness for many. For those who are missing loved ones I wish you inner peace, I know it isn't easy.

Wishing you all a happy holiday season, and many blessings in the coming new year of 2012!

PEACE!!
Love Jude

"PARKS" THEME WINNERS!

2011-12-15T09:53:00.003-07:00

Congratulations to Kadee for the winning shot AND one of the runner-up shots! Also to Cyber and Shilo for runner-up photos, all awesome!

Thank you to our voters, and you can now head back over to Stardom Awaits! to see the photographers' names beside each entry in the original contest post.

Stay tuned..... end of December will be "ELECTRONICS"!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"PARKS" THEME PHOTO CONTEST

2011-11-29T07:23:00.002-07:00

Over at Stardom Awaits! you can now vote for this month's photo contest theme, "Parks". There are some FABULOUS photos there, please enjoy the photography!

The voting will be open for approximately 2 weeks, and then the winners will be announced and names of photographers placed beside each photograph.

Thank you for participating!

PEACE!
Love, Jude

"LOVE" Theme Winners!

2011-11-15T06:39:00.003-07:00

Congrats to our winners..... it was a 3-way tie for the winning shot! You can now go back over to the original contest post at Stardom Awaits! to see which photographers took which shots.

Thank you for participating in the voting! End of this month the new theme will be "PARKS" so stay tuned.......

PEACE!
Love Jude

FIRST SNOW

2011-11-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

The night before, when I went to bed it was raining lightly. The next morning (yesterday, Saturday) we woke up to this.

I guess Old Man Winter found us, and we can't evade him forever! I keep hearing that we're not supposed to get as much snow as last year (we got WAY too much of it) but that it is supposed to be colder this winter. That's okay we can just dress warmer for it, but at least people won't be shovelling daily AND not be able to access their own homes easily because the snow plows can't keep up.

It just stayed cloudy all day yesterday after the night's snow dusting, but I see that this morning it is lightly snowing again. Yep, winter is here!

And did you realize that Christmas is only about 5 weeks away?? In another 2 - 3 weeks I'll be putting up my tree. I'm about 3/4 done my shopping so I won't have to scramble at the last minute, I would hate that. Instead, through the summer and autumn I pick up deals where I see them. :-)

So my favourite season Autumn has finally bowed out and I will have to wait another year for her return!

Have a good week everyone, and take good care of each other!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"LOVE" PHOTO CONTEST THEME

2011-10-30T16:29:00.002-06:00

It's that time again folks! This month the theme over at Stardom Awaits! is "LOVE" and there are some lovely photos to check out.

If you'd like to place your vote for ONE favourite photograph please head on over to do so. The voting will be over in approximately 2 weeks time, and when the winner(s) are announced we will show you who belongs to each photograph.

Thanks for your support!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"Books" Photo Contest WINNERS

2011-10-14T10:48:00.003-06:00

Thank you to our voters for making this possible for us! Congratulations to Twug, Jude, Fullmoondolphin and Shilo for the winning shots, the 2 tied winners were only ONE vote ahead of the 2 tied runner-ups!

You can now go back to the original contest post to see which photographers belong to which shots. Stardom Awaits!
At the end of this month, the theme will be "LOVE". Stay tuned!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"BOOKS" PHOTO CONTEST

2011-09-29T16:05:00.003-06:00

This month's theme is "BOOKS" over at Stardom Awaits!, so if you would like to help us out by heading on over there, you can choose your ONE favourite photo and place your vote.

The voting will be open for approximately 2 weeks, and then the winner(s) will be announced.

Thanks to all of our voters! Good luck to our entrants. :-)

PEACE!
Love Jude

TERRIFYING!

2011-09-18T11:51:00.003-06:00

I hate these little muthas SO much, they terrify me! LOL

Click on the link:
Hippie Chick's Wasp Problem

PEACE! NO WASPS!
Love Jude

"SOFT" PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS!

2011-09-14T09:03:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Fullmoondolphin, Cyber and Shilo for some beautiful photos! The two winning shots tied, and the runner up shot was only ONE vote behind. :-)

You can now go back to the contest post and see the names of all photogs beside their pictures.

Thank you to our voters, without you we can't do this. Next up: end of September will be "BOOKS". Stay tuned!

PEACE!
Love Jude

BLOG BIRTHDAY

2011-09-13T09:00:00.009-06:00

Wow, I can't believe that this week marks the 7th. year of Showers and Sunflowers!

[This was my very first template, a "sample" is all I can show you as I don't have a screen shot of my first one.]

Admittedly, the last while this blog hasn't been as "busy" as it used to be. So many of my previous blog buddies and readers have flown the coop and are now Facebookers only. I had Facebook for quite awhile but only used it to check up on those friends and stay in touch. Over the last several months I finally caved in and now spend more time there as EVERYONE I know is there and not blogging anymore, except for a few of you.

I just can't close down the blog or stop blogging even though my posts here are few and far between. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into creating and making changes to it over the years, a lot of fun and friendships made here.

[This was my second (and long running) template, my very first attempt at learning how to change backgrounds, colours, fonts, pictures etc. with html coding.]

I still post something occasionally, but mostly it is an announcement site for the Stardom Awaits! photo contest blog. I know I've put the question to my readers here in the past couple of years and always got the same response" I read your blog please don't shut it down" and although I only ever get about 3 people who ever comment here anymore ( used to be many, many more) I will keep it going. Showers and Sunflowers is my blogbaby. ;-)

[Ah and now I cannot show you a picture of my 3rd. long running template as the template itself has been deleted from the account of the person who created it! This however, is the heading picture I used, some of the subtitles that I made for the blog, and the colour scheme. Some of you who have been with me for a long time here may remember this colour scheme from back in those days.]

7 years ago! Wow I was only 52 years old. I was 7 years farther away from ever *!#*!! retiring, and I had more teeth than I do now LOL! (I am getting fitted for a "partial" upper plate with 2 molars in it to replace a gap I now have since having another extracted almost 2 weeks ago) 7 years ago I was, as always on vacation at home in September and decided to start my own blog as several of my friends just had, and it seemed like fun. It has been!

Blogging made me much more computer savvy, learning all about html coding (which is a hoot!) and I made SO many more online friends. THAT was the very best part of it all. Thank you all for the friendships. It had made my life richer for certain!

Happy Birthday Showers and Sunflowers!!

PEACE!
Love Jude

VACATION PHOTO SHOOT

2011-09-04T22:39:00.008-06:00

On Saturday my sis Pammie and my young friend Shilo from work went on an annual "When Jude is on vacation" photo shoot. This year we went to Fort Edmonton Park (was there with Pammie 3 years ago) and got all 3 streets done. (1885 Street, 1905 Street, and 1920 Street) Hopefully next weekend we'll be able to go back and shoot the Fort itself. :-)

We had the most PERFECT day for walking around outside. The temperature was just around 70F and it was sunny with a slight breeze. The only time we got a bit "hot" was upstairs in one of the less airy buildings, I believe it was the miliner's shop.

One spot where we started out there is a farm, and the chickens and turkeys followed us around everywhere. Especially the chickens.... about 2 hours into our day we decided to go sit on one of the many park benches under a shady tree and get off our feet for a half hour. A couple of the chickens even followed us there, and one of them jumped up on the table looking for us to feed it. Too funny!

There were no mosquitos and no wasps (this time of year is usually bad for wasps and I'm terrified of them) so it just couldn't have been a more perfect "outdoor" day.

All 3 of us are entrants on the Stardom Awaits! contest blog, so we all enjoy our photography hobby immensely. We've been talking about and looking forward to this outing for a couple of months now.

Fort Edmonton Park is a great place to see original old buildings like houses (my fav!), school, churches, and businesses like hardware store, bank etc. etc. And there are TONS of animals like horses, pigs, sheep etc. and there are always horse drawn wagons and stagecoaches to ride on, and plenty of old antique cars.

There is also a little fair with kiddy rides and a carousel that has hand crafted and painted horses. The horses are crafted right on site.

The only thing disappointing this year was the steam engine train was shut down for the year for maintenance so we took the old trolly instead.

Nearer to the last 3/4 of our day we stopped at a bakery in an old hotel which was CRAZY busy. I can see why too, their daily fresh baked goodies are delicious. I got myself a date square to take home, and a cinamon bun to eat there. Once again we found a nice shady spot under a tree and sat at a picnic table to enjoy our treats and some raspberry lemonade.

All in all I took only 281 photos this time, as I'd been there only 3 years ago I didn't want to take any of the same shots. It was easy though, there's so much to see and shoot. In the end I only decided to keep 91 shots which I posted on my Facebook page. I'm only posting a few here on my blog, but here is a "Public" link to my Facebook photo album. Anybody (apparently) can access this link. I hope you enjoy looking as much as I enjoyed shooting!

Jude's Facebook Album

I hope all of my Canadian and American friends and family have a good Labour Day weekend!

PEACE!
Love Jude

HAPPY LABOUR DAY WEEKEND!

2011-09-02T07:46:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was the first day of my 3 week vacation, something I look forward to in September all year long. As always I'm not travelling anywhere, but enjoying time at home catching up on rest and sleep, having some get-togethers with friends, going on a couple of photo shoots, and getting some small projects done around the house. I love it! Wish I could retire and be on a permanent vacation.

The only bummer is that I had to have a tooth pulled that is very close to the front of my mouth on Wednesday, and have to get a partial plate. My first fake body part! Sucks!

In a week I go back to the dentist to have a mold taken, then it's about 2 weeks before I get the partial. Hopefully all before I go back to work.

Tomorrow sister Pammie and my friend from work Shilo are going on a photo shoot to Fort Edmonton Park or "Fart Edmonton Pork" as I call it, heh heh. Shilo and Pammie are both entrants on our 'Stardom Awaits!' contest blog and we all enjoy getting out with our cameras. In addition to the huge old Fort itself, the park has 3 streets which all have homes and businesses to browse through, 1885 Street, 1905 Street, and 1920 Street. I LOVE going through old homes! The weather is supposed to be perfect for this outing (a lot of walking) around 70F and sunny.

Thank God the hot weather we're supposed to get doesn't happen until a couple of days later!

Fort Edmonton Park sits right on our city's river, with some gorgeous scenery all around it. Pammie and I were there 3 years ago with our cameras but we look forward to heading back again tomorrow.

I've been thoroughly enjoying my new android phone, it's a Samsung Galaxy and has more bells and whistles than you can shake a stick at. I love that I can text normally, or text using their "Swype" feature, or actually "draw" the letters on the screen. And I can access Facebook, blogs etc. from my comfy chair instead of having to sit at my desktop. Love it!

In both Canada and the U.S. this is our Labour Day weekend and I hope everyone has good weather to get out and enjoy it. Have fun!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"SOFT" PHOTO CONTEST

2011-08-30T21:30:00.002-06:00

This month's theme for the Photo Contest over at Stardom Awaits! is "SOFT". Please head on over to place your ONE vote for ONE PHOTO ONLY please!

Voting will be open for approximately 2 weeks, and then the winner(s) will be announced complete with the names of all photographers beside all their photos.

Thanks for participating and we hope you enjoy the photography!

Peace!
Love Jude

"LIGHT AND SHADOW" CONTEST WINNERS!

2011-08-15T06:18:00.003-06:00

A huge congrats to Kadee and Cyber for some truly beautiful photography!

And a big thank you to our voters, without you we couldn't have this fun. :-)

Next up: end of August the theme will be "SOFT". Stay tuned!

PEACE!
Love Jude

CATCHIN' UP

2011-08-12T07:53:00.002-06:00

Sorry I haven't been making too many posts here of late. I've been working extra days as we are short-staffed, and just WAITING for my vacation to begin on September 1st. Every year I take almost all of September off, it's my favourite time of year (autumn) and doesn't tend to get very hot. Besides, it's a pretty time of year if I get out somewhere with my camera. :-)

I'll be staying home as I always do, but keeping busy with friend get togethers, some little projects around the house and an outing or two with my sis Pammie and our cameras. I can't wait for all the sleeping in and rest!

Whatever wicked, evil cold that has been going around for the last few months (blogger buddy Bobbie had it too) got me twice in a couple of months. I'm just now starting to feel a bit better, but I'm sure being run-down doesn't help. My annual vacation always helps to perk me up. :-)

My age seems to be catching up with me too. So far all of my body parts are my own, but in a few weeks I have to get a tooth pulled that is near the front of my mouth (there would be an ugly gap when I smile) and I'll be getting some sort of appliance with a fake tooth on it. Bleh. I always tease my hubby whenever he's going out the door, "do you have all your body parts with you?" LOL He has a hearing aid, glasses and a bottom denture. It appears I am going to be joining the "body parts" club.

The tooth I'm going to be getting pulled is infected and there just isn't anything left to save. I've had to be on antibiotics to keep it under control until I am done work so I have the time to get it pulled and be off work when I have a gap in my smile, until I have the appliance made. I have NEVER been able to stay on antibiotics long enough to do much good, as my digestive system gets totally wrecked within about 4 days. So much so that I was once taken to emergency for it.... it's bad. At any rate, a friend of mine in the U.S. who works at a pharmacy told me to try a product called "Florastor". She has saved me!!!! I got it from my pharmacist and I don't have any more problems staying on antibiotics. Thank God!

I hope you are all doing well and having a good summer. Take good care of each other, we're all we have!

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CONTEST "LIGHT AND SHADOW"

2011-07-31T09:14:00.002-06:00

This month's theme has given birth to some really interesting photography, if you'd like to participate in the voting process please head on over to Stardom Awaits! to place your vote for ONLY ONE PHOTO please.

The winner(s) will be announced in approximately 2 weeks. Please enjoy the photography and thank you for helping us out by voting!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"YELLOW" CONTEST WINNERS

2011-07-15T08:09:00.001-06:00

Thank you to all of our voters! The winning shots were only one vote apart, congrats to all of our entrants for some great photography!

Next up is "LIGHT AND SHADOW", at the end of July. Stay tuned!

PEACE!
Love Jude

STILL NOT TOO LATE

2011-07-10T09:17:00.002-06:00

If you haven't already, you can still vote in the Stardom Awaits! June Photo Contest. The voting is open for another 5 days. The theme is "YELLOW" and we could sure use some more voters.

Head on over, and enjoy the photography!

PEACE!
Love Jude

HAPPY 4TH.!

2011-07-04T06:14:00.003-06:00

To all of my friends south of me, I wish you a Happy 4th. of July and a safe weekend!

On that note, I love how our 2 countries celebrate on the same weekend. :-)

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 30

2011-07-03T08:03:00.000-06:00

Day 30: "Self Portrait"

Last day of the challenge! Blowing kisses bye bye!

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 29

2011-07-02T08:07:00.000-06:00

Day 29: "Black and White"

A little macro shot in black and white. It's all about Love people! :-)

PEACE!
Love Jude

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANADA!

2011-07-01T08:55:00.003-06:00

Today is Canada's 144th. birthday, a young country but full of history. I'm proud to be Canadian born and bred and love this beautiful place with all my heart!

To my Canadian friends, a very Happy Canada Day! Enjoy the day!

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 28

2011-07-01T08:37:00.000-06:00

Day 28: "Flowers"

Taken in our front garden at dusk. Hubby does such a great job at making our gardens look so lovely every year.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 27

2011-06-30T08:29:00.000-06:00

Day 27: "From A Distance"

Taken in the countryside near our city, a long shot made into a panorama. Sister Pammie is in the shot, and way in the distance amid all the farmland, there was smoke.

PEACE!
Love Jude

"YELLOW" PHOTO CONTEST

2011-06-29T22:02:00.002-06:00

This month's theme in the the photo contest is "YELLOW". If you'd like to participate in the voting please head on over to Stardom Awaits! Voting is open for approximately 2 weeks, and the winner(s) will be announced at that time complete with the photographer's names.

Please remember to vote for ONE PHOTO only, thanks, and enjoy the photography!

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 26

2011-06-29T05:34:00.000-06:00

Day 26: "Close Up"

Also referred to as "macro" in photography, close up shots are fun to do and show a lot of detail of the subject. This is a macro of my little 2 inch cookie press.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 25

2011-06-28T00:39:00.000-06:00

Day 25: "Pink"

When I saw the name of this day's challenge I knew right away I needed to post a photo of my favourite stone, Rose Quartz. This is my tea-light holder made of the same stone.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 24

2011-06-27T07:50:00.000-06:00

Day 24: "Animal"

I like the way these little guys seemed to line up just perfectly for me. Maybe they're all little hams when the cameras come out?

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 23

2011-06-26T09:35:00.000-06:00

Day 23: "Sun Flare"

Self explanatory, a pretty shot into the tree canopy. This was taken at my favourite cemetery in the city. As always, clicking on these little pictures will give you a larger size to actually be able to see them properly.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 22

2011-06-25T05:18:00.000-06:00

Day 22: "Hands"

One hand only, as I needed the other to shoot the picture. Holding a pear off of our little pear tree out front.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 21

2011-06-24T08:38:00.000-06:00

Day 21: "Faceless Self Portrait"

Say hello to my ear. The rest of my face isn't here because of the title! This is a part of a set of my fancy "dress up" jewellry my late husband gave me as a gift for my birthday one year, long ago. No not diamonds, zirconia was the affordable version and I love this set!

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 20

2011-06-23T01:01:00.000-06:00

Day 20: "Bokeh"

The term "bokeh" refers to the blur in an image. In this case the rose in the forefront is a macro (or close up) sharp shot with the entire background bokeh, or blurred. A person can do an entire image in bokeh, for example christmas lights all blurred. It can be quite pretty!

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 19

2011-06-22T06:43:00.000-06:00

Day 19: "Orange"

A rose is a rose...... these are a very cheerful orange colour. My sis Pammie bought these for me. :-)

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 18

2011-06-21T06:26:00.000-06:00

Day 18: "Your Shoes"

This didn't seem like a very exciting subject so I just took a picture of my newest shoes, a pair of flip-flops. Back in the day, we lived in these in the summer months but they were called "thongs" then. Now thongs are underwear and flip flops are thongs. It's all flipflopped, LOL

In actuality, my Dad coined the phrase "Scuffies" for these, because growing up we seemed to stub our toes quite often wearing these. In our family they forever became called Scuffies. :-)

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 17

2011-06-20T00:06:00.000-06:00

Day 17: "Technology"

The technology that plays the new Def Leppard CD "Mirror Ball", now that's important! My big stereo system bit the dust so this little dinky player is all I have at the moment. I liked the reflection I was getting at one angle so that's what I went with.

ROCK ON! PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 16

2011-06-19T08:49:00.000-06:00

Day 16: "Long Exposure"

Technically this is a long exposure, being that it is a shot taken in the pitch black of night so the shutter setting was set that way. This is our front yard, hubby was still trying to get some plant feeding done in the flower gardens and you can see the watering can still on the step.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 15

2011-06-18T09:27:00.000-06:00

DAY 15: "Silhouette"

Taken of the things on my coffee table in front of the living room window. My Aloe Vera plant stands out prominently here with its spikey arms, along with my glass incense holder with sand in the bottom and a tealight holder, among other things.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 14

2011-06-17T09:23:00.000-06:00

Day 14: "Eyes"

Misty's eyes were so expressive! Here she looks like she's saying "PLEEEEZE Auntie, can I play in the snow some more?" There are some eyes that I just can't say "no" to.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 13

2011-06-16T07:42:00.001-06:00

DAY 13: "SELF, 13 THINGS"

(click on the photo to enlarge so you can see everything)

These are some of the things that describe just who this hippie chick is. It's not everything mind you, as for example family and friends are the very heart of my soul, but this gives some idea what I'm about. One of my dearest friends made me the card with sunflowers on it, she knows that is my favourite flower as it is the "Spiritual Flower". (thank you Lexy)

My faith is shown in a necklace but it's not all of that either, as my Tarot cards and runes are also a huge part of my spiritual life. The runes are all rose quartz which is MY stone, it means something to me and is my favourite. I have many stones and crystals, some which I use to doing healings.

My two favourite animals, dogs and elephants. The elephant (thank you sisters Pammie and Brenda!) is holding a candle, and candles and incense are something I always have on hand.

I love to read, and I read every night. This book is the first of a series which are my all time favourite to read. And my favourite music is shown here in some Rock and some Classical CD's. I love rock from the late 60's / early 70's, and also from the 80's. And when I want to relax, reconnect and rejuvinate, I listen to my favourite soft strains from the Classical Masters.

My two favourite hot drinks are shown here, Tetley Green Tea and Tim Horton's Coffee. YUM! And what did I do to get this photo? Why I used my camera of course, and my old camera is shown here as I love my photography hobby!

And what would any self respecting hippie chick be if she wasn't ALL ABOUT PEACE?? Thanks to my dear friend Monica for the "Peace" word, I have cherished that for years now.

PEACE!
Love Jude

"KITCHENWARE" WINNERS

2011-06-15T07:06:00.004-06:00

Over at Stardom Awaits! it was a 3-way tie! Congrats to the winners, and thank you voters for participating! You can now go back to the original post to see which photog took which pictures. :-)

End of June contest will be "YELLOW" so stay tuned folks!

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 12

2011-06-15T06:24:00.000-06:00

DAY 12: "SUNSET"

We get some beautiful sunsets in our back yard, most are much more colourful than this one. But I post this one because I love the way the sun's rays are bursting upwards.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 11

2011-06-14T06:35:00.000-06:00

DAY 11: "SOMETHING BLUE"

This was taken on the outside shed wall in my best friend Michele's garden. I love the cross she had hanging there.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 10

2011-06-13T06:34:00.000-06:00

DAY 10: "CHILDHOOD MEMORIES"

This well used and worn lunch box was my own when I was a child back in the '50's. I remember there was a matching wide-mouth thermos that went with it, although that is long gone. My younger sisters used this for school too, long after I'd grown out of it. When the black plastic handle broke, Dad made a new handle out of this nylon strap.

Looking at this now brings back memories of lunches my Mom made for me. The sandwiches then were always wrapped in waxed paper, and there was a thermos of soup and an apple inside. I can almost smell the lunches even now! Nowadays I use it as a cookie tin, when I'm baking and feel nostalgic.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 9

2011-06-12T08:22:00.000-06:00

DAY 9: "Someone You Love"

There are many humans I love dearly that I could have included here, but not everyone is crazy about having their pictures online..... so instead I am using this shot for today's challenge. Two baby girls of my sis Pammie's that I love and miss so very much.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 8

2011-06-11T09:05:00.001-06:00

DAY 8: "BAD HABIT"

Actually 2 bad habits in one shot, smoking and when I'm tired I sit in front of the TV. LOL

I have other bad habits, I swear more than I should and I have a sweet tooth.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 7

2011-06-10T08:10:00.000-06:00

DAY 7: "FRUIT"

I enjoy doing "still life" shots, and this one features a pear and an orange, along with a delicate china rose, and teacup and saucer.

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A reminder, only 5 more days left to vote in the "Kitchenware Photo Contest" over at STARDOM AWAITS!

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PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 6

2011-06-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

DAY 6: "From Low Angle"

This was taken by laying on my back on the ground and shooting up at a cemetery marker. I took a shot without flash and another with, and this one with the flash I prefer as the stark white of the cross has a nice contrast to the night sky.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 5

2011-06-08T05:36:00.000-06:00

DAY 5: "FROM HIGH ANGLE"

Sister Pammie and I have gone a couple of times to this little city park, situated high on a hill overlooking downtown and the river. The scenic views there are great for photographic opportunities, plus it's peaceful and relaxing. We really do have a pretty city!

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY4

2011-06-07T05:29:00.001-06:00

DAY 4: "GREEN"

I love the big ol' MayDay tree in our backyard, and most especially when it is in bloom. It smells soooooo nice! This was taken standing directly under the canopy and looking straight up.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 3

2011-06-06T06:52:00.000-06:00

DAY 3: "CLOUDS"

I love the moon peeking over the clouds in this one, it's a fun shot.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PHOTO CHALLENGE, DAY 2

2011-06-05T12:05:00.001-06:00

DAY 2: "WHAT YOU WORE TODAY"

This is what I'm wearing out for the grocery/banking/errands run this afternoon. My oh-so-comfy "slinky" material top with mandarin collar. It's a beautiful day out there but it's not hot, which is GREAT! All the straps you see are from my camera. To top it off, black leggings and black sandals.

PEACE!
Love Jude

30 DAY PHOTO CHALLENGE

2011-06-01T07:09:00.011-06:00

Bring it on!

Thanks to Danni over at her blog, I saw this and felt compelled to give it a whirl. Are you up for it on your blog too? Or on your Facebook?

Let's get started!

Day One. "Self Portrait"

If you decide to do this challenge on your blog or Facebook too, please let me know so I can follow you!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"KITCHENWARE" PHOTO CONTEST

2011-05-31T22:27:00.000-06:00

***For any of our voters, a quick reminder that you can only vote for ONE photograph in the contests please. Every now and then someone votes for more than one, which just happened in the last contest. Someone voted for 4 photos and we had to throw their vote away as we didn't know which ONE photo to put their vote toward.*** :-(

Okay on to this contest! :-) This month's theme is "Kitchenware". If you'd like to participate in the voting please go on over to Stardom Awaits! and place your vote. The voting will be open for approximately 2 weeks, and the winner(s) announced then.

Thank you! And best of luck to our entrants!

PEACE!
Jude

THE BLACK SHEEP OF HIPPIE CHICKDOM

2011-05-23T14:43:00.005-06:00

Under the protection of our big May Day tree in the back yard, I gleefully took this shot this morning. Yes it's dark and gloomy looking. Yes the sun is hidden somewhere behind all of those rain clouds. So many people here would disagree with me on this, especially being the last day of a long weekend here in Canada, but I am LOVING the fact that we are finally getting an entire rainy day. We really need this.

Our rain barrels which hubby got set up a few weeks ago are finally getting some water in them today. This saves us beacoup bucks come lawn and flower watering time in the heat of the summer, not to mention our province is so dry right now and wildfires have been running amok. Dangerously so, if you've followed at all the loss of almost an entire town north of us, Slave Lake, due to wildfires.

Seeing the rain hitting my "just blooming" lilacs made me smile, literally. I love these flowers and without some sunshine AND rainfall our plants won't do well. And with the price of utilities (like water) these days, all the sun and rain Heaven can give us is a blessing.

Our weather this long weekend has actually been very nice. Too damn hot in the house, but not sweltering like it can get in summer. Still, it was nice outdoors (for those who weren't too sick to go anywhere, like moi) and I'm sure everyone got their share of fresh air activities over Saturday and Sunday, even if only around a barbeque or a fire pit.

I haven't been out of the house since last Wednesday after work, when I started getting sick with a very bad head cold. So getting out today even if it was just to go grocery shopping, was nice and refreshing with some rain falling. :-)

And seeing as I was too sick to go anywhere over the weekend (hubby was going to take me out somewhere nice for an Anniversary dinner), he also took me for lunch today.

Today is a great day to get out and give the lawns some fertilizer and let the rain soak it in, which is exactly what hubby did this morning. Even after all of that snow we had melting everywhere in Apirl, by now it's apparent how dry things became after some horrendously windy days. There are yellow patches everywhere, so this soaking is a good thing.

I just hope that this rain is also falling north of us where it's really needed too. Between Slave Lake Fire and Joplin, Missouri Tornado, I'm feeling very blessed to have what we do.

So say what you will, we here in Edmonton don't have it so bad, we're very lucky, rainy long weekend Monday holiday and all!

I hope all is well with you, wherever you are. Take good care of each other!

PEACE!
Love Jude

JUDE'S BLOOMERS! WANNA SEE THEM?

2011-05-20T18:30:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again, where our flowering trees and shrubs are starting to bud. This is our MayDay tree out back, and unfortunately due to being diseased quite badly we're probably going to have to chop it down in the next year or two. Sad, because it's so pretty, and the scent is delicious when in flower!

Also just starting to flower are our Flowering Plums, and Lilacs. Within the next week or two the Lilacs should be in full bloom and smelling lovely.

Here in Canada it is the Victoria Day long weekend for us. It is also the weekend that my hubby and I celebrate our wedding anniversary, this being our 14th. Also, today sister Pammie took off work, and she and I were supposed to go on a photo shoot somewhere outdoors. But somehow I managed to come down with a horrific head cold and I'm too sick to go anywhere. I was so mad! LOL Ah well, Pammie enjoyed her day off at home just relaxing, and hopefully we'll be able to get out somewhere soon.

This is our Cherry tree out front. This will get completely white with flowers pretty quick! Being so under the weather is why the only pictures I have to share with you today are taken from my windows. Too sick to get dressed and go outside. Besides, that sun would have roasted me.

It's only still May and already it's too hot in the house. When it gets to mid 70's in here I'm sweating and starting to feel like I'm wilting, LOL! When I get this posted I'm heading for my rocker and a little fan blowing on me. Aaaahhhhhh....

Have a good weekend everyone. I wish all my Canadian friends a great Victoria Day weekend! Stay safe!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"VEHICLES" PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS!

2011-05-13T22:40:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Kadee and Fullmoondolphin for winning and runner up shots, great job!

We've had some positive feeback on the new way of doing things over there, and we greatly appreciate all the people who participate in the voting. Thank you!

Up next at the end of this month, "Kitchenware". Stay tuned!

IT'S SPRINGING OUT

2011-05-06T11:13:00.004-06:00

After having gotten used to a 6 foot pile of snow on the front lawn (not to mention a 7 foot pile out back), seeing the lawn and gardens again is quite refreshing.

Hubby has been working a lot of overtime of late so it was all he could do to finally get outside the other night and at least rake the yards. The actual gardening will most likely have to wait until his vacation next month, but for now at least it looks tidy out there again.

Yesterday evening I saw a rabbit that was still pretty much still all white, but this morning I see a brown one (almost entirely) snoozing in our front garden. They sure love our house!

It has been nice to have a lot of sunshine and warm temperatures. With the exception of a little sprinkle the other day we haven't had any rain and we really could use some to clean and freshen things up.

For my birthday last week my sis Pammie bought me some roses, aren't they a pretty colour? If it wasn't for her I'd never get flowers, LOL!

I had a lovely family birthday party at my sis Brenda's last weekend. The company was fabulous as always, and so was the food. She made a chicken dish that was TO DIE FOR...... chicken breasts in an Apricot/Romano Cheese sauce, with coleslaw and home-made biscuits. And an assortment of cheesecake slices for dessert. Yum!

I got a book and 2 more gift cards to my favourite clothing store, and I'll be using them up for sure. Thanks family and hubby!! xoxoxox

Whenever my birthday comes around it's actually like a birthday "month", as I also have get-togethers with friends.

I've been out a couple of times for dinner and visits, and in 2 weeks I'll be taken out by my best friend Michele and another friend. Looking forward to that!

I hope the spring weather is lovely wherever you are. Take good care of each other!

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If you haven't yet had a chance to do so, head on over to Stardom Awaits! to check out our new format and place your vote! Voting is anonymous! Thanks!

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PEACE!
Love Jude

"VEHICLES" PHOTO CONTEST

2011-04-30T13:28:00.002-06:00

It's that time again folks, over at Stardom Awaits! this month's contest is "VEHICLES".

For a long time we've wanted to switch things up over there, and we've done it starting with this contest. We're excited about it! Go on over and read about it, and if you'd like to participate in the voting please do. The more voters there are the more fun for us!

Just click on this link: Stardom Awaits!

Thanks!

PEACE!
Love Jude

59 AND COUNTING

2011-04-28T09:31:00.004-06:00

Although the family party is Saturday, sis Pammie took me out for dinner on my birthday (Tuesday) and bought me roses, a scented candle, and gave me the prettiest card I think I've ever received.

If you can't read it, it says, "Sister, you're better than an Angel on my shoulder.."

How sweet!

All I know about Saturday's party is that we are having a chicken dish and chocolate cake. I share my birthday with my only niece who is now 14, the nicest birthday present I ever got!

Also, today is Vince the Rocker Guy's birthday, so go on over and say happy happy to him!

Stay tuned for this weekend, our next Photo Contest over at "Stardom Awaits!" has a new format and we are excited about it!

PEACE!

Love Jude

2 IN 1

2011-04-22T09:01:00.007-06:00

It is April 22 and Good Friday, where parents with young children get out the food colouring and hard-boil some eggs. When there are Easter baskets full of chocolate delights awaiting bright-eyed little ones. Or, it may be when families attend church to celebrate the religious side of Easter.

However you may celebrate this holiday, I wish you all a very Happy Easter!

And today, April 22, 2011 is also Earth Day. A day to celebrate this beautiful, wonderful planet that we live on. Today our thoughts also turn to ways that we can help our earth to become a healthier place, a greener place. I know that personally I don't do enough on my part, even though we recycle like crazy in our household, indeed in our city. I turn the water off between shampooing and rinsing.... between toothbrush strokes, and flip light switches off to rooms not being used. (I do use little night lights in a few rooms though, as my "night vision" has always been horrid)

I bought myself (and my 3 sisters) a great book on "green cleaning" for Christmas and although I am adamant that I will start using some of the great suggestions in those pages, I admit that I've yet to begin. When weather permits I walk to work and back, but when it's winter I will accept rides or take a cab. Many years ago instead of using a dryer I used to hang my laundry outside. But that ended after bringing a few bees into the house with my dried laundry, sadly I just won't do that anymore.

I tell myself that I need to do more, and I'm hopeful that I will try harder!

This earth of ours is indeed majestically beautiful, but it is also vital to our existence. Happy Earth Day, earth!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"FIRE" WINNERS!

2011-04-15T00:39:00.002-06:00

It's a tie, congratulations to the two winning photos! Thank you to all of our entrants for some wonderful photography.

And a huge thanks to all of you who vote, and make this contest possible!

Next up at the end of this month we will have a whole new look and feel to our contest, which we are all very excited about. It's going to be a lot more exciting, so stay tuned everyone!

PEACE!
Love Jude

IS BLOGGING DYING?

2011-04-08T09:15:00.000-06:00

I've only a few of my bloglinks that I check on who blog much anymore. It seems most people I know that used to blog aren't doing it much these days. Even my own posts are a lot more sporadic than they used to be over the years, but I think it's because I don't have as many readers/bloggers as I once did. I may get one or two comments, if that. Everyone has gone over to FaceBook.

I've been on FaceBook for a long time, but never really used it. I only got it to keep in touch with some friends who were only on FaceBook and nowhere else.

Recently I've started using it a lot more, because that's where most of my friends and family are. I don't hate it like I used to, probably because out of necessity I've become more familiar with it, and used to the short posts people make there. I still enjoy blogging, and I love reading friends' blog posts when they do post. It just seems like it's becoming a dying social form. Sad, really.

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My other blog, Stardom Awaits!, has some big changes coming up for our next contest, which we are SO excited about! Stay tuned for that. At the moment, we are still in the middle of voting for the current photo contest, "Fire". If you haven't voted yet and would like to participate, head on over!

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My printer gasped and died on me several months ago, and last night my sis Pammie and I were out and about and went to Staples where I got myself a nice little HP three-in-one printer: print/copy/scan, which I'll be hooking up today. We also stopped at Future Shop for something else, and I finally got myself an external hard drive. I figure it's time I got something else to store my photos and files on other than just CD's.

The only other thing I've been thinking about for awhile is getting a small size laptop for convenience, but I keep hesitating. I like my PC, but lots of times if I'm sitting watching TV I think it would be nice to be able to sit and browse the internet, check emails, and blog/facebook without having to sit at my desktop. (anything else, like photo work, would still be done on my PC)

What makes me hesitate is I don't think you can get laptops with XP anymore, which means my beloved Outlook Express email won't be on it. So I'm in a quandry about that. :-(

I'm fortunate in that where I work, we get "Flex Credits" annually, and we can put all or as much as we want on many things, such as a Personal Account. I chose to put $200 on that this year, which means I had $200 to spend on a printer. The rest I put on paying the premiums on my health benefits. It's a great place to work!

Well peeps, all 2 or 3 of you (LOL!), I hope your week has been good to you, and that your upcoming weekend rocks! Until next time, take good care of each other!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"FIRE" PHOTO CONTEST

2011-04-01T12:51:00.003-06:00

Time to vote again everyone! This month's theme is "FIRE". If you would like to participate in the voting process please go on over to Stardom Awaits! and vote for your ONE favourite picture.

The voting will be open for approximately 2 weeks, and the winner(s) will be announced then. Thank you!

Good luck to all of our entrants!

Jude

WHEN WALKING IN NORTH AMERICA

2011-03-24T10:21:00.002-06:00

This is so true! I think it is ingrained in most of us, even when pushing my shopping cart around the grocery store I stay on the right side. If I have to stop to take something off the shelf on the left, I park the cart on the right and go get what I need and bring it back to my cart. UNLESS there is nobody in the aisle.

Whenever someone is pushing their cart on the left, usually (not always but usually) they will move over to the right like they are driving. The ones that don't must be from England. LOL!

Even walking up and down stairways like in the picture, most people stay to the right. Too funny!

I wonder if it is the same in a country like England..... I wonder if they automatically walk on the left?

Not much for news here, still waiting for spring weather and we've still been getting little flurries of snow. Enough already, we have more than enough to melt! We have, however, at least had temperatures that aren't so bad.

I hope all is well with you, and that you are taking care of each other.

PEACE!
Love Jude

"SELF PORTRAIT" WINNERS!

2011-03-15T06:44:00.002-06:00

Only one vote separated the winning and runnerup shots, thank you to all the voters who participated!

And congratulations to all of the entrants for some really awesome work!

Stay tuned for the end of March for the next photo contest, "FIRE".

PEACE!
Jude

A SAD GOODBYE

2011-03-10T22:57:00.002-07:00

One of my online friends said it well tonight. Don't ever let anyone tell you that online friends aren't just as close and loved as ones you know in person.

Myself and several other online girlfriends just found out tonight that a dear friend passed away a few days ago. Karen was one of my bloglinks for many years, and it was just recently that I deleted that link as she had stopped blogging and was fulltime on Facebook.

About 6 years ago Karen found out she had breast cancer. She fought a hard and tough battle, and we all went through it "with her", as much as one can online. When after a couple of years she was well again and in the clear, we celebrated with her. She had the best sense of humour and kept us in stitches. God I miss her already.

When my own sister Brenda found out she had breast cancer 2 years ago, Karen started emailing her to give her support, and she didn't even know her. Brenda returned the love when Karen's cancer metastasised in her bones several months ago. Since then Karen has been fighting the battle again, and a few days ago she was experiencing some tummy issues and went into the hospital. While there she developed pneumonia, and her family says that she passed peacefully with them at her side.

We're all heartbroken and feeling shattered. Karen was a force among us and we'll miss her for always. She inspired us, and taught us how never to give up.

This isn't about me, so please don't feel that you need to lend comfort. But if you are of a mind to, say a prayer or send some love vibes to Karen and to her grieving husband and children. And remember that online friendships are just as precious as our "real life" ones.

I just want you to know that I appreciate all of you, I've made some very close connections over the years on this computer of mine and I'm all the better for it. So thank you for that!

You fought hard Karen, now you can rest in peace. I'm so damn fortunate to have known you! xoxox

"SELF PORTRAIT" PHOTO CONTEST!

2011-02-28T20:08:00.002-07:00

Okay folks, this theme was a tough one as a lot of us ladies don't necessarily like having our photos taken. So....... we had to think outside the box and we did. We hope you enjoy our own takes on this topic!

If you'd like to participate in the voting please go on over to Stardom Awaits! and cast your vote. The voting will be open for approximately 2 weeks and then the winner(s) will be announced.

Enjoy the photography, and good luck to our entrants!

PEACE!
Love Jude

HAPPY FAMILY DAY!

2011-02-21T09:04:00.004-07:00

Sorry folks, it's been awhile since I've posted anything other than the photo contests! It's been busy, being short staffed at work I've been working some extra days (not to mention longer shifts) and I find when I get home I just want to collapse in front of the TV before bed. So I haven't been online quite as much, and other than checking on a few of my bloglinks every few days I haven't blogged myself.

No I haven't stopped blogging though! :-)

To my Canadian friends I wish you a Happy Family Day long weekend, and I might be wrong but I believe it is also President's Day in the U.S. and a holiday? To any of you who have the day off, enjoy!

February hasn't been all that bad here, we even had some spring-like temperatures for quite awhile and lots of snow melting. (although with all that snow we got in January we still have tons of it!) This past week or so Old Man Winter decided to give us one last gasp and the temps got colder, but by next weekend it will warm up again. Just in time for March! :-)

Spring is almost here!

Not much for news here unfortunately, but I guess that *could* be a good thing too huh? Take good care of each other, and until next time.......

PEACE!
Love Jude

"FOOD" CONTEST WINNERS

2011-02-14T06:29:00.002-07:00

It was a tie! And quite the run for the ~~money~~ cream-pie-in-the-face! Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all who participated in the voting. You make this fun possible for us. :-)

Next contest at the end of this month: "Self Portrait". Aren't you curious? LOL!

Peace!
Love Jude

BIRTHDAY SHENANIGANS

2011-02-12T12:39:00.003-07:00

It's been a busy week and I'm exhausted, but I'm looking forward to some good ol' family fun tonight.

My sister Brenda just had a birthday and tonight we're heading out there for some dinner and cake. Sister Pam is making coleslaw with her most delicious slaw dressing, and Brenda's hubby is making the potatoes.

And this is my chicken breasts in mushroom sauce, bubbling away in my crock pot. It smells so good! Each time we have a birthday, it is tradition that the birthday person gets to pick the meal they want and the cake they like. This is what Brenda asked for.

.......and this is the cake she asked for. Well okay it's the "flavours" she asked for, vanilla cake with cream cheese icing. I decorated it this way, so this part is all my fault!

I remembered that awhile back I had bought some food colouring that was called "Neon", having neon colours. I already have a nice assorted stash of birthday candles, and these were almost the same colours as the icing so I decided to split the icing into quarters as you see here. Not a professional cake decorator by any means, but I think they'll get a kick out of it because it's different than usual.

So in a few more hours we'll be packing up the food and cake to load in the truck, and off we'll go to have a fun evening!

Nothing much for news at my end to report, doing some extra shifts at work while we train a couple of new people. The older I get, the less it takes to exhaust me completely. I hope you are all doing well, and having a good weekend!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"FOOD" THEME PHOTO CONTEST

2011-01-31T07:07:00.002-07:00

It's that time again, over at Stardom Awaits! this month's theme is "Food". If you'd like to participate in the voting click on the above link and head on over.

The voting will be open for approximately 2 weeks and then the winner(s) will be announced.

We have a new entrant too, Kadee is awesome! Enjoy the photography and thank you for making this possible for us. :-)

PEACE!
Jude

LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE

2011-01-27T14:04:00.002-07:00

These were cute, thank you to my friend Monica. I took a few out and added a few of my own. :-)

Dear 2010,

So, I hear the best rapper is white and the president is black? WTF happened?!

Sincerely, 1985

Dear Yahoo,

I've never heard anyone say "I don't know, let's Yahoo it!" Just sayin'...

Sincerely, Google

Dear Skin-Colored Band Aids,

Please make one for every skin color.

Sincerely, Black people

Dear America,

You produced Miley Cyrus. Bieber is your punishment.

Sincerely, Canada

Dear Icebergs,

Sorry to hear about global warming. Karma's a bitch.

Sincerely, The Titanic

Dear Mary,

Just admit that you slept with someone else. This is getting out of hand.

Sincerely, Joseph

Dear Osama Bin Laden,

Marco....

Sincerely, United States

Dear World of Warcraft,

Thank you for ensuring my son's virginity.

Sincerly, Parents Everywhere

Dear Batman,

What was your power again?

Sincerely, Superman

Dear Customers,

Yes, we ARE making fun of you in Vietnamese.

Sincerely, Nail Salon Ladies

Dear World,

Please stop freaking out about 2012. Our calendars ends there because some Spanish d-bags invaded our country and we got a little busy ok?

Sincerely, The Mayans

Dear White People,

Don't you just hate immigrants?

Sincerely, Native Americans

Dear iPhone,

Please stop spellchecking all of my rude words into nice words. You piece of shut.

Sincerely, Every iPhone User

Dear Giant Spider on the Wall,

Please die. Please die. Please die. Please die. CRAP! Where did you go?

Sincerely, Terrified

Dear Dr. Phil,

Look man, there's only room for one fake doctor in this world and I was here first.

Sincerely, Dr. Pepper

Dear Man,

It's cute, but can you pick up peanuts with it?

Sincerely, Elephant

Dear Children,

Remember Noah's Ark? Please do your part regarding Global Warming.

Sincerely, God

Dear Kids,

Yes we DID walk to school every day 10 miles barefoot uphill both ways.

Sincerely, Parents

Dear Atheist,

I can't wait to see your face when you get to Heaven.

Sincerely, Believer

Dear Claustrophobic,

Let me hug you. Mua haha.

Sincerely, Confined Spaces

PEACE!
Love Jude

RAIN MUST FALL

2011-01-20T19:50:00.008-07:00

One of the people I've had in my bloglinks almost since I started blogging years ago is a young gentleman named Michael. Over the years he has dazzled his friends and readers with his fabulous photography skills, and nature drawings. This guy has honest-to-goodness serious artistic talent but he's so modest about it.

Another light in his life has always been music. And not many months ago he started up a band, and they are now enjoying many local gigs and have an EP out! Of all their songs so far "Borderline" is my absolute favourite, and they just did that song in a video! I'm bragging up his band, "Rain Must Fall", because I think they are really good and could definitely go places. :-)

The video was apparently put together very quickly and it's quite funny. But it's the song I love most. Mike, you have golden tonsils honey!

Turn up your sound for "Borderline" by Rain Must Fall and enjoy.

*sigh* I feel like a Mom whose son is all grown up suddenly. LOL

PEACE! And rock on!
Love Jude

OKAY MOTHER NATURE, WE SAY "UNCLE!!"

2011-01-16T18:27:00.003-07:00

Check this video out, this is N.U.T.S. Sorry I'm out of breath in it but I'd just hauled tons of heavy groceries into the house and went right back outside with my camera, LOL

We Can't Be In Hell Or It Would Have Melted By Now

We need a "snow week" here to let the snowplows catch up!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"TEXTURE" WINNERS!

2011-01-15T10:00:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to our winners, only ONE vote separating them! Thank you to all of our entrants for some wonderful entries.

And a huge thank you to all of our voters, without you this wouldn't happen!

Stay tuned for the end of this month when the next contest will be "FOOD". YUM!!

Thanks everyone!

PEACE!
Love Jude

THE AFTERMATH.....for now

2011-01-10T12:50:00.003-07:00

Somewhere under all that snow (which is taller than I am!) there is a backyard.

It finally stopped snowing last night, and it is lovely to see the sunshine! But in a couple of days it is supposed to start snowing again. Although I love winter I'm glad that we don't get dumped on this badly very often. It's tough on people who drive, and on those that have to shovel out from under the stuff.

Sister Pammie and my hubby both park on the driveway out back in winter so that they can plug their vehicles in when it's cold. He was running out of places to pile up the snow (like everyone else is) so he just made 2 "spots" that their vehicles would fit into.

Up and down the back alley:

Hubby has the heat on low in the garage that needs a new roof, which has resulted in this. He's already hit the biggest icicles off with his shovel:

Out front, their IS a yard with pretty flower gardens in summer, under all of this:

Looks like a bunny was visiting this morning....

Okay you ready for this? Comparison shots:

Our nasty street.... the city has the snowplows out working day and night, but the side streets in residential areas are the last to get done.

I don't think hubby is going to be able to throw the snow much higher...

Okay my fingers are freezing, I'm heading back inside!

Stay warm and safe where you are!

PEACE!
Love Jude

WHADDYA MEAN WE DON'T GET "SNOW DAYS"!

2011-01-08T20:38:00.006-07:00

I wish we did, today nobody should have been out in this and people were getting stuck in our parking lot at work. Not to mention their own driveways, and side streets.

It started snowing (on top of what we already had, which wasn't too bad) yesterday just after lunch. These were taken when I got home from work today around 5 p.m., it's still snowing and it's going to keep snowing all weekend.

I took these shots when it was dark out. But with the cloud cover and the snow cover it's so light out! These are "pano" shots so they look rounded, but it gives you the idea.

Back yard:

Front yard:

Hubby is still out there shovelling!

Don't forget if you haven't already, you can still vote in the "Texture" photo contest over at Stardom Awaits!

PEACE!
Love Jude

UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS

2011-01-07T09:32:00.006-07:00

(image courtesy of the internet) Although our family doesn't partake in the traditional meal and celebrations of Ukrainian Christmas, we still keep our Christmas trees up until after it is over and quietly observe the dates. My sisters and I are second generation Ukrainian Canadians, our father's parents having come to Canada from the Ukraine when they were young and settling in a small Ukrainian village in Manitoba, called Angusville.

A little information:

"Many families may have taken down the holiday decorations; but a lot of Ukrainians are just beginning to celebrate.

Unexpected, but welcome guests turned up on many doorsteps Thursday night -- carolers greeting households and singing traditional Ukrainian hymns.

The Ukrainian calendar is 13 days behind the commonly followed one, making Jan. 6 Christmas Eve.

It gives us an opportunity to focus on the spiritual, and it’s an excuse to celebrate Christmas twice, in different ways.

Preparation for the massive Ukrainian feast starts days earlier.

They enjoy the twelve meatless dishes, like a boiled wheat and poppy seed mixture, borsch and of course perogies.

No dairy products and the reason for that is when the Christ child was born, animals came to visit him.

But before anyone eats, another tradition. The youngest child of the house must spot the first star.

After lighting the breaded centre piece, known as the Kolach, it’s time for a prayer song before finally digging in.

At the table, an extra table setting, a tribute to the departed."

Merry Ukrainian Christmas!!

And if you haven't already voted and would like to participate, the "TEXTURE" theme photo contest is still taking votes over at Stardom Awaits! for about another week or so.

PEACE!
Love Jude

"TEXTURE" PHOTO CONTEST

2011-01-01T14:01:00.002-07:00

Welcome back voters! We're a day late and now into a new month AND a new year, but this is our December 2010 photo contest, and the theme is "Texture".

If you would like to participate in the voting process please go on over to Stardom Awaits! to do so. The voting will be open for approximatly 2 weeks, and then the winner(s) announced. Thank you! :-)

Best of luck to all the entrants, there are some awesome shots!

PEACE!
Love Jude

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-12-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Another year gone and another new one beginning.......

For hardships, trials and stresses in 2010,
May you find more uplifting and healing laughter in 2011.

For all of you, I wish a happy and healthy new year!

Stay safe and have a wonderful celebration!

PEACE! WORLD PEACE!!
Love Jude

YAWN!!

2010-12-27T11:37:00.002-07:00

Lordy but I'm having trouble sleeping these past few nights! I've had some late nights yes, but only till about midnight or so. I hit the sack and then it's been taking me hours to fall asleep. Like 4 a.m. This sucks, I'm exhausted, and this must change before I go back to work.

On a lighter note, what fun enjoying Christmas music in the background and playing Password (to our own rules, it's more fun that way) in the evenings. Sister Pammie and I often have those "almost pee your pants" laughing moments that don't quit, and we've had a few of those.

Snorting, crying, belly laughs are soooooo cool!

Christmas was really lovely, quiet family time with great food, great company and time off to relax. I don't have to go back to work until Tuesday January 4th. YAY!

I hope your holidays are enjoyable too. Stay warm and safe!

PEACE!
Love Jude

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

May your day be full of fun and love, with family and friends! Wherever you are, whether at home or travelling, be safe.

It is you, my friends and family, who make Christmas the very special time of year that it is to me! Take care of each other!

PEACE!
Love Jude

JUDE'S ROCKIN' CHRISTMAS EVE

2010-12-23T15:06:00.006-07:00

"All of me" brings you....(turn sound on!).....The Hippie Chick Rawk Band! Yes, all of my alter egos and personalities will fill your speakers with Christmas! Enjoy! hahahaha

It's Christmas Eve! Tonight we are celebrating time with some family at my sister Brenda's, and enjoying good company, good food, and lots of laughs no doubt.

I hope your day is memorable!

PEACE!
Love Jude

SWEET MEMORIES

2010-12-22T14:09:00.005-07:00

Most of us have someone we miss, and it often hits hardest at Christmas.

This year we are adding Misty and LadyBugs to that list. Those little girls of my sister Pammie's were the light of my life, and a huge part of Christmas and family celebrations.

This will be our second Christmas without Lady and our first without Misty. But they are with us in our hearts, as are our Mom and Dad, and many others who we love and have left us.

Cherished memories keep the smiles on our faces, we have been so blessed. :-)

To all of you who are missing someone this Christmas, I send love and hugs!

PEACE!
Love Jude

Hippie Chick Christmas

2010-12-21T08:04:00.005-07:00

Okay the hippie chick in me HAS to post this one. We miss you John!!

Listen here:
Happy Christmas (War Is Over)

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is over over
If you want it
War is over
Now...

PEACE!
Love Jude

T.S.O. ROCKS CHRISTMAS!!

2010-12-19T12:59:00.002-07:00

Almost every year I share this and love it!

Nobody can get you in the mood for, or rock Christmas like the Trans Siberian Orchestra can!

Sound on! WIZARDS IN WINTER

I swear if they ever come here I'm going to see them.

PEACE!
Love Jude

PASS ME THAT VALIUM WOULD YA?

2010-12-18T06:23:00.002-07:00

I don't normally work very many Saturdays anymore (I worked ALL of them for 5 years) but now and then I get asked when we are short of staff. Today is one of those Saturdays I have to go in and help out.

This time of year is our busiest time in Member Services, and although there are exceptions, I am psyching myself up for a crazy day. If I had some really good drugs I'd take them before I go in to do battle.

On the bright side, being there today means I get to spend some time working with the young ladies in my department who only work Saturdays, and I am psyched about that. I love those girls, and I miss them!!

See? There IS a silver lining to every (good drug induced) dark cloud!

As for the crabby, crazy crowds, bring 'em on! I can rest during Christmas.

One week left..... are you ready? :-)

Take good care of each other!

PEACE!

Love Jude

BIG FAT SNOWFLAKES

2010-12-16T08:55:00.003-07:00

*NOTE* Images courtesy of the Edmonton Journal

For us hearty Canadians here in Alberta getting snow storms isn't any more of a big deal than the pain in the bunyakas of having to drive in it, really.

But yesterday morning started out with winds and snow falling that turned into semi-blizzard conditions that lasted all day and night. My manager called in to the office around 11 a.m., still stuck on the Yellowhead highway coming into the city and not moving. She said there were vehicles in the ditch everywhere, including big 'ol tractor trailers. It was hard to see for the blinding snow falling.

It wasn't long before the RCMP had to close that highway, and I'm sure eventually everyone stuck in it got winched out. She made it into work sometime in the afternoon, and like she said, she's got an hour commute coming in and winter conditions never bother her, ever. But this ride in was something else, even she was nervous with how bad it was.

It wasn't so much that it was snowing and blowing so hard all day, it was the fact that it was piling up so darn fast and people were sliding off the roads, and/or getting stuck in piles of the white stuff.

At the end of the work day a young lady I work with was dropping me off at home, and we got stuck just in our parking lot at work. She managed to get out with some really good maneuvering, and the main streets were not too bad. But once we turned in to my side street where there is less traffic, she stopped, afraid to go any further. No worries, I jumped out and would just walk the half block up to my house. But she made the mistake of trying to turn around in the street to go back, instead of just backing out the several yards to get back on the main street.

I stayed out there until she managed to get it turned around, but it took her awhile!

All in all it was a rather surreal day, watching the drifts get higher and higher, and a few of the younger people in our office kept going out with a shovel to try and keep our front walk into the office clear for customers. The flakes were coming down so hard and fast that visibility was poor. And the snow was so wet, it was drenching you just being in it for a few minutes.

Some time during the night it stopped though, and we're not supposed to get any now for the rest of the week at least. That gives everyone time to get shovelled out, the city's snowploughs and Edmontonians with their shovels and snowblowers.

It's certainly NOT the worst of snow storms we've had and there will be more that are worse yet. But it was enough to close highways and strand a lot of people in the ditches.

I was supposed to be going out for dinner last night with my best friend Michele and our good friend Leona for our Christmas get-together. Leona had the day off and happened to be out in my end of the city doing Christmas shopping. Later in the afternoon she phoned Michele at work to tell her how much worse the roads were getting and we didn't feel we needed to be out at night in it, so we postponed until next week.

It was nice for us, just like most people here, just to be in our cozy homes for the evening.

Tonight, our boss is taking us out for our annual Christmas dinner at my favourite restaurant!

Stay warm everyone!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"AUTUMN" WINNERS!

2010-12-14T19:38:00.003-07:00

Congratulations to the winners! Awesome shots from everyone, and thank you to our voters for participating. :-)

Next up, at the end of December will be the "Texture" contest. Stay tuned!

CAUGHT NAPPING

2010-12-12T11:59:00.004-07:00

No, not me.

After showing you all the bunny tracks in our front yard, I finally managed to catch one of them napping there yesterday.

I woke him up when I accidentally bumped my camera on the window, but he/she stayed put at least for a photo opportunity. It's funny how I normally think of all the bunnies I see here as "she", because I know mommy bunnies have their babies around our yards so much. I think they're even prettier when they are white for the winter!

Heading out for the weekly grocery run this afternoon, in the snow. Yep it's snowing lightly again, but at least it's not sleet/ice like it is out east thank God.

Stay warm and have a great week!

PEACE!
Love Jude

O CHRISTMAS TREE!

2010-12-11T09:26:00.001-07:00

Yes, I did get my tree up on time again this year! It was almost late, which I wouldn't have been happy about at all.

I had one day in which to get it done or it would have had to wait for a week or two. I was just very busy, on top of not feeling great and reeaaalllly sore from fibromyalgia. So I bit the bullet and got it finished in one afternoon, and I'm happy that I did.

It's a lot of work for an old hippie chick to decorate for Christmas but I love it, and this is the second reason I prefer having my tree up at the end of November / beginning of December: so that it's up for awhile before I have to take it all down again.

The first reason is almost the same; so that it's up for awhile..... because I love the pretty lights and things that are Christmas decorations. :-)

The appeal for Christmas, which makes it my favourite holiday of the year, is that it's time spent with family and friends, that there is a more loving and giving nature among most people (which I wish would last ALL year), and because it's so very lovely everywhere with twinkling lights and pretty decorations.

My sister Pammie got me started on pretty glass ornaments a few years back when she bought 2 for me for Christmas. I still only have a few kinds but I'm keeping my eyes peeled. And I bought an assortment of fabric ornaments a couple of years ago as well. I think they go nicely together to make an ecclectic but "go together" look.

There is nothing more relaxing than sitting by your tree at night when its lights are almost the only thing illuminating the room, and playing Christmas carols and hymns softly in the background.

I've even got my gifts bought or made, I've only one left to do and that is for a birthday present for another sister in the midst of the holiday season.

I've been busy! But it has been fun.

As well the annual Christmas get-togethers have already begun with friends, and in another couple of weeks it will be family time spent in front of our respective trees over a period of a week or so, and enjoying the companionship and laughter that goes along with that.

What's not to love about that? :-)

PEACE!
Love Jude

BUNNY HAVEN

2010-12-09T10:18:00.007-07:00

I've talked before about how many bunnies we get in our yards, especially our front yard. The neighbourhood jack rabbits seem to congregate here!

They like to sun themselves here too, often we see them stretched out sleeping in their favourite spots, moving around the yard as the sun moves across the sky. It's so cute!

And in winter especially, they like to come and nibble on some of our shrubs and bushes. One especially brutal winter I even threw some pieces of carrots out there, but they never touched them. Could it be that Bugs Bunny is the ONLY bunny in the world who actually eats carrots? LOL

It's odd how they seem to trust us, too. If someone so much as walks down the sidewalk across the street from us, they will often bolt, running to find a hiding spot somewhere else. But they can be just a few feet from us as we go in or out of our front door, and most times they'll just sit (or lay) there watching us, and don't move.

I think our house has a good reputation in Edmonton's rabbit world. :-)

We know that momma bunnies give birth here too, hubby found a baby in our garden one year. And out in our back yard hubby has a pile of lumber against the back fence in the corner. This summer I saw young bunnies going in and out of there.

I was kneeling down in the garden there getting some macro (close up) shots of some flowers this past summer, probably for about 5 full minutes before a baby bunny finally got nervous and skittered off back under the lumber pile. So I think they give birth to their babies right under there. You can't really tell from the picture but the lumber is sitting up off the ground and there is a nice space underneath that would be perfect for them.

I'm happy to be a haven for them all. We like seeing them here, and I must say that there have been many, many more of them since hubby landscaped out front and brought in more trees and shrubs.

I hope your week has been good to you. Take good care of each other!

PEACE!
Love Jude

MURPHY'S LAW?

2010-12-07T08:10:00.002-07:00

Why is it that every time I am expecting a delivery, it is ALWAYS (always!) an "attempted delivery" on the 3 days of the week that I'm at work and not home? LOL

Once again I'll have to have hubby take me to a depot to pick up my parcel on the weekend. And I even tried hard to keep this order small so that it would fit in my large mailbox. Huh. And I bet once I get it, I'll see that it is small enough to have fit in there too.

One more present to make and my Christmas shopping is finished! :-)

PEACE!
Love Jude

CRAZY TIME OF YEAR!

2010-12-05T22:30:00.002-07:00

My calendar for December is always soooo full, with visits and get-togethers that are an annual tradition among my friends, not to mention family once Christmas arrives. Actually it starts around the end of November.

And being short staffed at work right now, I've been working the odd extra day in amongst the busy-ness as well.

I'm just reeeaaaalllly glad that I have a few days off around the holidays to rest up a bit. This old hippie chick isn't getting any younger, you know!

But it's business as usual until Christmas arrives anyway, and I've got all but 2 or 3 gifts left to purchase. I already know exactly what I am getting and where I'm getting them (all one store) so that won't be too bad. It's a simple stop on the way home from work one night with sister Pammie. Have I ever mentioned how I like shopping with her? It's always fun, but even more so if I help her spend HER money, Buahahaha!!

I don't know what the heck I'm still doing up, I need to get to bed and be at least some kind of rested when my alarm goes off in the morning. Mondays..... not my favourite but we all have that particular cross to bear!

Wishing you all a good week, and hopefully you are staying warm. Take good care of each other!

PEACE!
Love Jude

"AUTUMN" PHOTO CONTEST!

2010-11-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why it seems so much longer, but it's only been a month since our last contest. This month the theme is "Autumn" so you already KNOW how pretty the photos are going to be! :-)

If you would like to help us out by participating in the voting process, please go on over to Stardom Awaits! and head for the Vote Caster in the right hand sidebar. The voting will be open for approximately 2 weeks, and then the winner(s) will be announced. Thank you, and enjoy the photography folks!

I've probably taken a thousand "autumn" pictures over the years as it is my favourite season, but I don't have the time or the energy to sift through them all. But here are a couple of my shots that were contenders for this contest but got cut.

1.

2.

PEACE!
Love Jude