Fabricated Fridays- Christmas Tree Edition

Christmas Tree Creativity

World's Largest Artifical Christmas Tree

Colossal Christmas Tree on hillside in Italy

The 1 Christmas Tree I just have to go see!

NYC- Rockefeller Center

Please remember!




And that's no fabrication!

Fabricated Fridays- Frosty Edition

Frosty the Snowman

Frosty Float

Frosty Frosting

Frosty on Ice

Frosty on Vacation

Your Layers Exposed

We all have many layers, as well as deeply grooved winding paths that have forever altered our landscape. What matters is that we never lose sight of the beauty we each possess.

Ensure that your life makes a statement!

Breathtaking

I thoroughly enjoy a great picture. Especially when it is of nature.

Exhale, then take it all in.

Oh the weather outside is...

So many people complain about the weather. “It’s too cold.” “Why does it have to snow?” “I hate the snow!” Don’t get me wrong, I had to grow quite a bit to get to where I am today, but let me offer another perspective.

The snow is just doing its job. It knows when and what it was created for. It’s being obedient to the voice of God and falls at His command. So, Let It Snow! It will not change my attitude or minimize my joy. I thank God I can simply see and feel it. He created snow long before we had cars, places to go, and bad drivers you know.

So the next time you begin to complain about winter and the snow, just stop to think about the creativity of God and how magnificent He is. He even takes the time to make each snowflake unique! We don’t even deserve His snow!

Deceit, Deception & Dishonesty

I spent 2 hours of my day disputing an account on my credit report only to find out that I had been lied to by the store clerk! This woman told me that she was simply taking my name, phone number and email address so that I could be sent MORE information. Silly me. Little did I know, she and I did not share the same meaning of MORE.

The part that bothers me the most is that I specifically said to her that I did not want to open a credit card. She looked and me and said, "Oh don't worry. They'll just send you some information, but you don't have to sign up for it if you don't want to." I don't know what's worse; thinking that some stranger had opened a card without my permission or being lied to by someone (a woman who I'm sure I could pin point in this store if I decide to do so) and then having an unauthorized card opened in my name.

Lesson of the day: Tis the season to pay very close attention to ill-intentioned people who only have their best interest in mind. I'm sure she got something out of the deal.

I'm only frustrated to the extent that we're trying so hard to get out of debt and clean up our credit information. I won't hold any grudges- sooo not worth it. What's done is done; and trust me- there's no turning back.

Just another hard pill to swallow!

Fabricated Friday's- Sandwich edition

Kat's Deli-NYC

Primanti Brothers - Pittsburgh, PA

The Ohio Deli- Columbus, OH

Thurman Cafe- Columbus, OH

For more shockingly sizeable sandwiches, check out:

http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Man_v_Food

Unwind

Sometimes you just need to relax a bit... And that's exactly what I've been doing!

I'll get back to the real writing sooner or later.

Have a great day!

Walk With Me- Passage # 2

February 17, 2005

Riiing! Riiiiiing! Ugh!

Why is she calling me?! April knows this is my day to sleep in.

I’m not answering the phone.

Riiiiiing! Riiiiiiiiiiiiiing!

Tracie: What April?!

Timidity and anxiety linger on the line.

April: Tracie?

Tracie: What?!

April: In warped April speed: I’m sorry to wake you up, but you know it’s really important that’s why I called you back.

Tracie: Sigh. What?

April: Well the other day I called the radio station trying to win the new 50 Cent cd.

Tracie: Sitting up in the bed

April: Well, they called and said that I won the cd and they would enter me in another drawing or something. I really wasn’t paying attention cause I just wanted to be sure that they had my correct information so I could get the cd.

Tracie: Yeah?

April: Well, this morning my phone rang and I started not to answer it cause you know I thought somebody was just playing on my phone

Tracie: She knows I do not like suspense!

April: Well....

TRACIE I WON!!!!

Tracie: What?!

April: In super-duper warped April speed: I WON TICKETS TO 50 CENT’S ALBUM RELEASE PARTY! I KNOW THIS IS SHORT NOTICE BUT I KNEW THAT YOU WOULD DROP EVERYTHING TO COME WITH ME!

Tracie: Jumping from deep under the covers, straight to the floor. What?! Are you serious? Wait, wait, wait. Slow down. Are you serious?!

April: Yes! I don’t have all the details yet, but you have to get here (Philadelphia)

Tracie: What about school? Do I have to come now? What airport should I fly into? I’m on the computer now…..

Fast Forward~
1 accident, 2 airports, 3 hours in the car, 4 hours of sleep, 5 minutes too late, 6 hours on the train, 7th floor of the hotel

I can’t believe this is happening…

April, we have to get dressed.

So glad you took that Walk With Me!

Fabricated Friday's- Black Edition

I'm going out today, to spend time with my family and have a little fun. I really don't need to purchase anything and I really don't want to get caught up in the excitement of buying items simply so the person next to me can't have it. Any way you look at it...

Black Friday, here we come!

Oh So Thankful!

Holiday Hustle

Between work and holiday home preparations, I have not had a single minute to share my thoughts with you. After some much needed rest, I will be back in full force!

In the meantime, I'm feeling a little looney as I hustle, hustle, hustle!

Pulling Teeth

My hubby got his wisdom teeth pulled today, so I will spend the day caring for him- making mashed potaotes and ice packs, making sure he takes his medicine on time and that he is as comfortable as he possibly can be!

I will also be cleaning the house and preparing for our Thanksgiving guests. Glad to have the day off and ready to see our family.

By the way... why are they called wisdom teeth?

Fall-ing

Yesterday, Greg and I completed the usual Saturday morning chores; washing clothes & dishes, tidying up the house, trips to the grocery store… We were up early as he had to do another radio interview for the Dropout Prevention Summit. As the day went on, we watched several hours of the history channel, World War II in HD- very graphic yet highly educational. But as the afternoon sunlight peered into our windows, we knew we had to do more. The day held so much possibility. Let’s embrace the moment!

Off we went. After a few more errands, we journeyed to the Toledo Museum of Art to view the Chihuly exhibit. How amazing! For a glimpse at our experience, check out Fabricated Friday’s- Artistry ed.)

Even more amazing was walking hand-in-hand through the Old West End with my hubby. Surrounded by the colorful landscape of freshly fallen autumn leaves- what more could you ask for?

Life, health, love, freedom! Thank God. I appreciate these types of moments. Those that can’t be recreated. Those that build upon the foundation of a relationship. Those that make the tough times not so tough at all.

You see, we intentional schedule engagements with one another. Rendezvous nourish our relationship. We create our own art, blissfully sharing this life together.

So today, as I reflect on our beautiful Saturday of events, I am thankful, uplifted, & energized- eager for our next excursion.

Embrace the essence exuded by fall!

Saying Bye to I

I still remember reading the first sentence of Rick Warren’s book Purpose Driven Life several years ago. The words seemed to explode off of the page; ever so subtle & straightforward, yet compelling. It’s not about you. WHAT?! I mean- I know it isn’t about me, right? Do I act like it’s about me? Oh my goodness… It’s not about me! Guess I can’t where that shirt I bought 3 days ago, boldly splattered with the phrase All About Me, covering ever inch. What a humbling experience, and this is only the first line of the book. Deep down I hoped that I hadn’t been acting like everything was about me, but those words hit me like a boulder cascading off a cliff. Obviously, in some aspects of life I had definitely been thinking and behaving in this manner.

As the book went on, it explained that God’s purpose for me was so much bigger than me. How gripping! Now that I am no longer the center of my own world, I guess I need to seek God for the answers about who I am & who He wants me to be. Actually, this is a great relief. I’m sure I could only be terribly disappointed throughout my life if I continued to believe that everything was all about me.

That leads me to another song. I told you a few days ago I was listening to Da Truth. This is the introduction to the album The Faith:


I know the culture will

Teach us to be self absorbed

We ain't supposed to be self absorbed

I know we live in America-
In the era of the self exhorters

Where the music on the shelf's distorted

And the wealth is sordid

Sure as the locust will fly

Everywhere we look the focus is I

But we got to say bye? Bye why?

'Cause in the Kingdom of God, you know, my plus I got to die

Takes more than I to survive, so we stand fortified

Salvation is ours- like four to five

Or six to seven

Got to stick with the brethren

Break bread, pitch tents together

And let's gather

Rather than stand alone

Don't stand a chance if we stand on our own

'Cause we're prone to stray

All affected when a bone is fray

We need each other that's been thrown away

Let's get it back now...

This message explains that our culture promotes the it’s all about me attitude. We tend to be self absorbed & exhorted, but as my favorite line states- "in the Kingdom of God, you know, my plus I got to die. Takes more than I to survive." We don’t stand a chance all by ourselves. When left to our own devices, we crumble and fall. We must help one another and seek help when we need it.

God seeks to restore the relationship that was broken between Him and man. That’s why we must say good-bye to I. We will never be fully restored to God without striving to know Him and those around us. We not only learn how other folks are with our associations, we also learn so much about ourselves and all the things that tend to be unGodly.

Look beyond yourself to obtain understanding of who you are amongst the big picture. You can not fulfill the purpose God has for you to affect a situation, people & the world if you are constantly focused on you. Sharing the responsibility of this life with God should provide you with more than relief. You should also be full of joy and peace.

You see, what I’ve come to understand is that it’s not all about me is not such a terrible revelation. With the focus off of me, it’s now all about God- what He originally envisioned and the mercy & grace His provides to restore us back to that place. How awesome! God cares for all of us and we must care for Him and each other as well. So you see, each day, amongst the culture of distractions and self-regarding lifestyles, I strive to see God, to hear His voice, to do His will. That’s why today, and everyday since that eye opening experience, I am

Saying Good-Bye to I.

Fabricated Friday's- Artistry

Dale Chihuly

Now displayed at the Toledo Museum of Art

Coffee Cups & Cafés

Click the link below to set the atmosphere!

Café Del Soul by Euge Groove
Born to Groove

Hidden from my consciousness was my desire to collect Coffee Cups of various shapes, sizes, & significance. No matter the contents (coffee, tea, or cocoa) each cup carries an authentic implication; bearing a splash of comfort with a taste of individuality.

Coffee Cups calm my core.

Here are a few of my favorites

Nothing compliments my Coffee Cup like a Café scene- as smooth jazz melodically reverberates while I relax and unwind.

As described in Date Night, Cafés embody warm & fuzzy ambiance with a murmur of liberation. As tranquility transpires, I partake in the peacefulness the Café simplistically signifies.

Here are a few of my favorites

The Ground Level Coffeehouse

2636 W. Central Ave
Toledo, OH 43606

Caffeini's Coffee

1417 Secor Rd

Toledo, OH 43607

Seattle's Best Coffee

5001 Monroe St. Suite 1800

Toledo, OH 43623
(Inside Borders)

Daily Grind

7723 Airport Hwy
Holland, OH 43528

Tribute to Cafe Décor

Ambiance is important!

Black Sheep Coffee Cafe
St. Paul, MN

Java Alley Coffee Café
Vinton, IA

Jerry’s Famous Coffee Shop
1821 N Las Vegas Blvd.
North Las Vegas, NV 89030

Wednesday Morning Mania

I must admit that I have this love-hate relationship with Wednesdays. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for every day of the week and I appreciate that once Wednesday arrives I only have two more work days remaining in the week. However, Wednesday also poses as one of the most challenging days of my work week. I prepare for the potential pain (at times unnecessarily) that the first hour of each Wednesday has to offer. This is when I have to interact with some unrelentingly opinionated people.

Now, I understand that people need to vent, but I question the statement that people are entitled to their own opinion. Should people be unrestricted, unconstrained and at liberty to say whatever crosses their mind? Something to ponder...

Now, many of the antics are not openly directed at me, but sometimes that makes it worse. So what got me through today?

Prayer!

Thanks Greg.

You see, I was anticipating a fight today, so not only did I wake up in a not-so-good mood, I hardly slept last night.

After I expressed my concerns to my hubby, we prayed and I knew I had to go to work early. I needed a moment to settle into the environment and say a few more prayers.

As I went to work I listened to a few songs, one of which is called On Duty by Da Truth. Here are some of the lyrics:

We on duty. We on the same old blocks.
Different but look the same like plain clothes cops.
We on duty. Yeah we some plain old pots
But you can find a treasure in us where the rainbow stops….

Yeah, but since we the saints
We gotta be mindful of the picture we paint
So with every picture they take
They get snapshots of Holy Spirit filled Christians that got victory. Aint-
We being called on duty….

We on duty. Which simply means to be on call
To be alert, to be watchful, to be on guard.
We on duty. That’s why we walk through the mall
With our spiritual sensitivities up to par…..

They can’t catch us involved. Cause you know you’re a shade
From the pencil in the picture that’s drawn
Of His character, if you care about the picture at all
With each photo, we show the world depictions of God….

In every context they find us, catch us involved
Being normal, being cordial, stitching the raw
Materials of faith and our culture when Christians resolve
That spreading the fame of Christ is our mission of course

WE ON DUTY!

You see, I went to work today (and everyday) I represent God. I had to take the focus off of me and the anticipated anguish, and embody the God I serve. I can’t go off on these people, because that’s not who God is nor is that who He is calling me to be. I can’t display the same characteristics of complacency or cynicism that others exhibit, because I have to be mindful that I am a reflection of God.

So today, and everyday, I thank God for being strong in my weakness. I simply ask that you continue to pray for me, because this takes a toll on my physical body. I’m not deaf, dumb, or blind to the world around me, so even as I stand boldly before them representing my God, I am habitually challenged and heavily perturbed. I trust that as I continue to grow with God, He will guide me in the way that I should go. In the meantime, I remain accounted for, equipped and ready for duty.

Taking Flight

Have you ever watched a bird fly?

It often amazes me to watch them effortlessly glide across the sky; without limitation or fear of utilizing their God given ability. Even when faced with a strong wind, they just keep on flapping; joyously indulging in the chance to spread their wings as they are lifted higher than they ever intended to go.

Birds seem to disregard the world around them- carefree & boundless. Having mastered the art of expansion, birds utilize the full length of their wings to get to where they are going. They don’t simply flitter around aimlessly. They spread out; displaying unique colors and attributes; understanding what they are and the tools they have been given.

I’m inclined to believe that birds simply recognize and respect the source of their life.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” –Matthew 6:25-27


God is the supplier of each bird's needs. So when they’re hungry, they eat & while there’s daylight, they take flight.

Pretty simple, huh?

What were you worried about today?

Doesn’t really seem to matter anymore, does it?

Don’t let the birds have more sense than you do! While there is still light and life, use every gift God has given you to display your uniqueness. Don’t just hover aimlessly- be fearless and ready to be lifted to higher heights. Fly boldly into the wind, with no regard other than pleasing God. Never waste time over the minuscule matters of life because you are so valuable to Him. He is your supplier, so stop trying to do everything on your own.

Just go to the source!


P.S.- Pay attention to detail. God has surrounded us with examples of how we are to live and relate to Him. We are, however; easily distracted. Stop to absorb God’s glory, understanding the magnificence around you and never taking everything He imagined and designed for granted.


Let your every moment be orchestrated by God.

You will begin to see the world through His eyes.

What are you waiting for?!

Take Flight!