Monday, January 31, 2011

I Can Get By...


31/365 I Can Get By...
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


with a little help from my friends!

Friendship is a wonderful thing... to have just one true friend that sticks with you no matter what is the biggest blessing on the planet. They don't judge, they don't ridicule... they support and encourage. Sometimes they just listen!

“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Christopher Robin to Pooh” - A. A. Milne

Sunday, January 30, 2011

False Advertising


30/365 False Advertising
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Enough is enough.... This little guy hangs on our front door. I always thought he was cute, and snow days were few and far between. That is not the case this year...

I can't remember ever having this much snow, lasting for so long.

Hope you're enjoying the weekend!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Secret...


29/365 Secret...
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Do you have a secret place? What treasures are you saving?

Friday, January 28, 2011

Evergreen


28/365 Evergreen
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Or is it Ever-white? Snow - No end in sight...

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Yea!!! Snow...


Yea!!! Snow...
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Maddox loves running and jumping in the snow.... and it's a good thing because I don't think this is going away any time soon!

Another massive snow fall since yesterday, definitely making me REALLY want spring to get here. I'm just thinking how it's still only January and February is generally the snowy month! Hope we can make through this never ending snow cover!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Red


26/365 Red
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Just couldn't resist the red door and Christmas balls in this front yard. Haven't seen grass in over a month, and tonight we're supposed to get approximately another 8 - 14".

On a more sober note - my cousin slipped on the ice this morning and broke the top of her humerus. Not very humorous at all! Luckily she is OK and she'll know more after seeing the orthopedist in a few days.

It has been pretty wicked out there!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Seeking Comfort


25/365 Seeking Comfort
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Another winter day, snow showers and clouds.... I had to seek the comfort of a nice warm late afternoon cup of coffee.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Cinnamon - ordinary spice or miracle cure?


24/365 Cinnamon
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


The cold winter days are beginning to get to me... in the search for today's picture I just couldn't bear to be outside, it was far too cold! While in the kitchen making my evening cup of tea this bottle of ground cinnamon caught my eye. I remember making a nightly bed-time mixture of milk, vanilla and cinnamon for my daughter when she was young to help her sleep, she was a terrible sleeper as a young child. It worked, she looked forward to her "night cap" and her sleeping did improve.

A quick Google search this evening reveals that there are possible health benefits to using cinnamon, from colds to diabetes and heart disease. Now I am by no means a doctor, dietitian or scientist so don't take my word on any of this. But I am curious, what do you think...Cinnamon, ordinary spice or miracle cure?

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Domo Approved!


22/365 Domo Approved!
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Kate came home after her radio show last night and we decided to watch Pirate Radio, again. The music in this movie is fantastic, if you haven't caught this movie I highly recommend it! It's a fun feel good kind of movie, that defines a generation. They just don't make music like this anymore!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Dreams


21/365 Dreams
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


My daughter bought this book a number of years back, she was 17 or 18 at the time. She dreams vivid memorable dreams quite frequently and was always trying to find the underlying meaning. She still consults this book at times, always looking for the answers. Personally, I think I just go into a coma nightly, for I rarely remember any dreams!

The meaning or interpretation of dreams has been studied since before the Babylonian Dynasty. Do we ever really understand what happens in our dreams? I love my camera, I try to use it daily so I looked up the meaning in this dictionary: "a dream of warning. Whether you or someone else used or had the camera it signifies insincere friends around you. Be especially cautious about giving any confidences of a personal nature."

Me: This made me think of a certain Olympian who probably feels this way about cellphones! Friends with camera-phones should never be trusted... so remember, keep your clothes on!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Solitude


20/365 Solitude
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


“What a lovely surprise to finally discover how unlonely being alone can be.” - Ellen Burstyn

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

News Hound


19/365 News Hound
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Not such a great day for finding a photo. When I got home from work, there was good ol' Maddox watching the news.

He always has a smile to greet me! Just made my day :-)

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Reading


18/365 Reading
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Snow, rain, ice.... what better to do than escape into a novel?

Monday, January 17, 2011

Domo Daze


17/365 Domo Daze
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Winter Break is officially over and we helped Kate move back in today. Domo stayed at the dorm. Looks like Domo had a grand party while she was gone!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Traveling Thru


16/365 Traveling Thru
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


"Well I can't tell you where I'm going, I'm not sure of where I've been
But I know I must keep travelin' till my road comes to an end
I'm out here on my journey, trying to make the most of it"

I took this shot Thursday on the way home... It's posted today because I heard Travelin Thru on the radio this afternoon and this shot just came right to mind.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Classic Sauce


15/365 Classic Sauce
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Today I spent the afternoon making sauce with meatballs and sweet Italian sausage, a big enough batch so Kate can take some back to school with her.

I've just recently started to make my own sauce, for years we used jarred sauce or went out for dinner when in the mood for some Italian dish. I've never made my own because my mother made the best sauce in the world, and I never made it with her so I was afraid I'd never get it right. I remember growing up and how the neighbor's daughters would be at the door whenever Momma cook her spaghetti and meatballs. It was amazing to see how they loved her meatballs... we were all close friends and Momma loved it! How could I ever live up to that?

Momma never had recipes written down, like a musician that plays by ear, she had a natural talent for cooking. The only way to learn from her was to watch her in action, even lend her a hand. Measuring tools were never found in her kitchen either, it was always a "pinch", a "dash" or a "touch" of whatever ingredients were in the dish. She also knew how to feed a crowd on a shoestring... but then again, with seven kids the family was a crowd by ourselves.

I finally decided that I could no longer stand the store bought sauces, and with some help from my brother Ed got the basic sauce down about two months ago. The first batch left much to be desired, it was too thick and bland... but I doctored it up a bit more and it was edible. The second batch, with some advice from a good friend came out just like Momma used to make... I must admit, I was very proud of myself and thrilled to see hubby and daughter cleaning up all the sauce on their plates just like the neighbor's girls did for Momma. So today's batch, a request made by my daughter is batch three and I'm sure Momma would be proud!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Movie Night


14/365 Movie Night
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Netflix pick of the day Despicable Me;... crowd pleaser!

Bubbles and Kate were so happy it arrived today!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Bubbles and Butterflies


13/365 Bubbles and Butterflies
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Morning in Wonderland


12/365 Morning in Wonderland
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Sunrise after the fall! The wondrous beauty of sunrise after the snow.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Anticipation


11/365 Anticipation
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


"We can never know about the days to come, but we think about them anyway" ~ Carly Simon

Awaiting the snow, predictions are calling for 6"- 12" overnight. Looks like we're in for a nice winter... I'm really anticipating spring!

My Best Friend


10/365 My Best Friend
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


He's a warm hearted doggie who'll love me till the end.

(Late post/re-take ... seems pictures disappear when you format your SD card!)

Monday, January 10, 2011

Relax Daily


9/365 Relax Daily
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


"Tea bag - to remind you to relax daily and go over your list of blessings." - Author Unknown

In this crazy busy world we seldom have time to think, let alone relax! A nice cup of tea at the end of the day is my remedy, how about you?

Saturday, January 08, 2011

Happy Birthday Elvis


8/365 Happy Birthday Elvis
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Went to an "Elvis Tribute" and had a great time with family and friends.
It's Elvis' 76th birthday... the show was very good!

What is favorite Elvis song and/or movie?

Friday, January 07, 2011

Enchantment


7/365 Snow
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?" ~J.B. Priestley

Awakened to the start of a snowy day... a nice clean cover over the remains of the "The Holiday Storm"! The fresh snow cast a blanket so delicate it muffled the morning sounds of the neighborhood. A silence that allowed tender thoughts to rise, to open up to the world of beauty around us.

Enchantment can be found right in your own backyard.

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Indulgence


6/365 Indulgence
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!" - Mae West

Had a nice afternoon with my daughter and brother, nothing fancy just lunch at Arby's. From the Dollar Menu, Chocolate Turnover, one reason I'm glad I didn't make a resolution this year or this treat would have been an epic FAIL!

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Ordinary


5/365 Ordinary
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


"Success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well." ~ Jim Rohn

A simple salt shaker adorned with that extraordinary little mouse we've all come to know as Mickey!

Inspired by today's Daily Shoot ~ Make an interesting photograph of something mundane and ordinary today.

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Inside Looking Out


4/365 Inside Looking Out
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


Bubbles, full of enthusiasm, points out the (still) snow covered yard, hoping to get out this morning. Unfortunately she doesn't have anything to keep her warm outside in this cold weathered.

Thanks everyone that offered name suggestions! Here are the suggestions: Bubbles - 3; Maddie - 1; Nikia - 1 (Nice name btw); Beanie Boo - 1; Moon Pie - 1

So, it's official - Please welcome Bubbles!

Monday, January 03, 2011

Reading


3/365 Reading
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


My desire to become a better photographer goes back a few years and so do these books... long before I had a digital camera!

Hoping to improve my photography and still have some fun along the way, I will sometimes throw a little toy in the image for a bit of levity. This little "Beanie Boo" Monkey caught my eye way back in September, I just couldn't resist those great big eyes!

But she needs a name.... any suggestions?

Sunday, January 02, 2011

Birthday Celebration


2/365 Birthday Celebration
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

Today we celebrated my nephew's birthday... it was actually on the first, but schedules and other commitments led to it be celebrated a day later.

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Fuzzy Start


1/365 Fuzzy Start
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem


A new year, a new beginning! I'm off to a fuzzy start...

Wow, another chance to start anew! I'm having difficulty gathering my thoughts as I try to focus on moving forward. Maybe I just need to be POSITIVE and ponder what I'd like to accomplish. I know it will all come in time, just not today.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and successful new year!