So today marks 30 weeks. And still so far so great ^_^. Feeling good, no real complaints. Experiencing a few inconveniences like heartburn for the first time ever, the tiredness has returned and it’s difficult to bend over. So, nothing like what many other women experience. We start our HypnoBirthing classes next week and we’re very excited about it. I started re-reading the book “HypnoBirthing, the Marie Mongan Method” in preparation and I seriously feel all pregnant women and their partners and immediate family should read a handful of the chapters: “What Ees All Dees Stuff?” The Power of Simplicity; From Celebration to Fear: A History of Women and Birthing;
How Fear Affects Labor; and Releasing Fear. If you read nothing else, read the chapter on the history of birthing. I’ve read other author’s presentation of this material, but I really think Ms. Mongan has done a terrific job in sharing the information in a precise and unbiased way. Others really seem to be push their agendas – I never sensed it in Ms. Mongan’s version. Here’s the website for the book:
May 27, 2010
Categories: Family, General, Latest News, Links.
May 9, 2010


So now we just have a few must have items left to get and then the rest is ‘fluff’ as they say. It’s just so fantastic to see it all coming together. My friends and family have helped us so much and I am forever grateful.

Our Adorable Cake
This weekend my dear friend Kathy hosted a baby shower for me with the help of friends SuAnne and Bridget. I wasn’t planning on having a shower or anything…but it was so lovely that they did this for me. It was such a lovely day and to have so many of the women together that have made such a strong impact on my life since I moved to Savannah was fantastic [w/a few missing since they have moved on to bigger and better things].
We had fun chatting away…I learned quite a few things, had some terrific laughs and tons of yummy food.

Yum!
Everyone went way over board with the gifts. I was just blown away with them all. My mom’s gifts were the big hit of the part. One box was ’stuffed’ full of stuffed animals and books from Dr. Seuss. A great start to our collection. And the other box contained a beautiful basket/chest that she decorated herself and filled it with tons of clothes, shoes and blankets. There was one dress in particular which my mom made herself that just blew all the guests away with it’s beauty and delicacy. [We were also floored how much she managed to get into that chest!]

Chest from Grandma
So now we just have a few must have items left to get and then the rest is ‘fluff’ as they say. It’s just so fantastic to see it all coming together. My friends and family have helped us so much and I am forever grateful.
Categories: Family, General, Home.
May 4, 2010
Wow,it’s a ll coming along. I got a call today from Punch and Judy saying that our glider has been ordered and will be delivered in about 3 – 4 weeks! Very, very excited! We have nearly all of the big ticket items now and soon will start filling in the blanks. If you want to keep up to date on baby items click here or go to our It’s a Baby page via the top menu bar.
So, yep we have about 13 weeks left. The painting of the nursery will be finished any day now…just finishing up the baseboards and taking care of touch ups. Then time to clean, clean, clean the floors and start to put the room together. Always fun. You can take a look at how the nursery changed by going to the Nursery page link found under the It’s a Baby button. i’ll have new photos of the last touches and the final result [pre-decorated] later this week. Once we have it fully decorated and ‘done’ I’ll of course post photos of that.
Everything’s moving along beautifully. Just starting to really feel the physical changes, harder to bend over, exert my self for long periods, hard to sleep well but tired a lot, belly feels like it can’t stretch any larger but it still has a long way to go [as everyone keeps reminding me] and sore feet. Not complaining at all…just noticing the differences. I can deal with it all quite easily.
{:0)
Categories: Family, General, Home.
May 2, 2010
I’ve been taking photos of the various stages of changing our spare room into the nursery. If you’re at all interested…you can follow the the link to the page here. You can also find the page link in the upper menu under “It’s a Baby”.
Categories: Family, Gallery, General, Latest News.
April 20, 2010
Yep, it’s hard to believe, but we’ve only got about 15 weeks before the little one is here. It’s gone by so fast-and yet it seems like for ever. Being pregnant has been almost nothing like what I’ve always heard. I’ve been very blessed with such an easy, healthy and lovely pregnancy. I’m starting to feel a bit more uncomfortable in the belly area, but it comes and goes. And boy is this kid akickin! Wow…very active and really wants me [us] to know it’s here.
We start our HypnoBirthing course in early June-but we’ve finished our book already and I have started my relaxation and breathing techniques. They’re good for all kinds of things to help one keep his/her sanity. I’m sure I’ll continue to use some of these techniques after the birth.
Also quite excited about the new yoga studio that just opened around the corner. [So close I can easily walk] They do Hot Yoga there…Tom’s already started classes and so far is really enjoying it. I am signing up as soon as I can after baby arrives. If I mix that with my walking…I’ll be back in pre-prego shape in no time…maybe even better. We’ll see 8~)
My friends have decided to throw me a shower in early May. I was rather surprised and happy to find that out. I’ll also be having a nice luncheon with my mom and her friends in FL in early June. That should be nice. A chance to get to know her friends a bit better.
And finally the nursery is under way. We’ve sold the spare bed and prepped the walls. Next comes the new molding and paint. Then the fun part of putting the room actually together! I really hope to have this completed ASAP. I’ll post before and after pics here.
[Note to family and friends that are interested. The registries have been updated as of April 19th. You'll find the information on the Baby page.]Categories: Latest News.
March 23, 2010
So, I have added a page just for the baby. It will contain photos, registry information and anything else baby related that I feel like posting. I’ll try to do my best in keeping it organized. To view the page, click here or go up to the top menu.
Categories: Check This Out, Family, Latest News.
January 24, 2010
So, I recently finished the book “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Dr. Viktor Frankl and it really spoke to me. In the first half of the book, Dr. Frankl reveals experiences had and observations made while held in 4 different concentration camps, including Auschwitz. The second half of the book introduces the theory developed through his observations and explanations on logotherapy [Read more about Dr. Frankl and his works here]. His approach is matter of fact and simplified for the common reader-which I greatly appreciated. The book is relatively a ’short read’ and something that I feel everyone should read.
A passage I’d like to share begins on page 130; it begins to discuss “The Meaning of Life”. “…the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at a given moment. “ And it continues “One should not search for an abstract meaning of life. Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life to carry out a concrete assignment which demands fulfillment.” And it concludes with the concept that “Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of life is, but rather he must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by ansering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.”
As I read this I just thought “YES!”
There are so many additional passages I’d like to share, “The Essence of Existence”, “The Meaning of Love”, “The Meaning of Suffering” but I think you should get the book [click here] and read it all for yourself.
Happy Reading! [I'd love to hear your thoughts once you've read the book]
Categories: Check This Out, Home.
January 22, 2010
I have posted an update on the Photoshop course, just click on the “Online Courses” tab above for more information.
We’re now in our 12th week of pregnancy! We’re officially in the 2 trimester and quite excited about all of the changes. So far everything’s been very healthy and [knock on wood] easy! No morning sickness!!!! Mostly fatigue and that’s about it.
So, on top of all of the baby books…I’ve been reading some amazingly motivational books lately. For example Viktor E. Frankl’s book “Man’s Search for Meaning” and “Success Built to Last: Creating a Life that Matters” by Porras, Emery and Thompson. I HIGHLY recommend both of these books. I will post a few of my fave excerpts from Dr. Frankl’s book when I have a bit more time.
And last but not least the first annual Savannah International Animation Festival is just around the corner! I’m volunteering my talents by creating a program…that we hope to use. Need to find a sponsor for it though. Sadly it may have to go on the bench to be used for next year’s festival. We’ll see if you’re interested in sponsoring, contact the directors on the website NOW! Be sure to check out the website, they posted the line up and you can purchase tickets directly from the site. CLICK HERE FOR THE SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL WEBSITE. Perhaps I’ll see you there? I’ll be attending and volunteering during the festival as well. Always glad to help friends ^_^
Categories: Check This Out, Family, Latest News.
December 18, 2009

But this time the sound of only two little feet instead of four! That’s right, we’re pregnant!
We’re now 7 weeks, 2 days. We found out on Thanksgiving day…with some clues the weekend before.
I’m announcing now since we’ll be traveling so much during the holidays [family has already been informed] and the next time friends in Savannah will see me it will be after my third month and it may be quite obvious. Everyone knows how hard I strive to stay healthy so I’m sure folks would start to talk and say ‘Boy, she’s put on some weight!” So, yes and no…I have a reason…there’s a little person growing inside of me! lol
Anyway, I had my first ultrasound earlier this week and everything is where it is supposed to be and no complications. Everything is healthy and moving along perfectly. It was so exciting to see the little heart beating on the ultrasound. I saw it right away and was just fascinated.
I have had relatively very little morning sickness so far. Mostly just waves of nausea throughout the day, tiredness and tenderness. I did have one really bad morning this past Monday but I think it was just a fluke.
Tom and I are both terribly excited and so happy we are finally sharing the news with everyone. It’s been hard to keep it quiet these past few weeks!
There are a TON of things going on in our household now so there’s a lot to update on the blog…but it will have to wait until after the holidays…much too much going on. We hope your holidays are as wonderful and magical as our will be this year. Stay safe and stay warm and cherish every moment.
Happy Holidays!
Categories: Family, Latest News.
December 16, 2009
Come back Friday, December 18th for a big announcement. See you then!
Categories: Latest News.
November 16, 2009

- Master Prince
So another week has passed and as always, full of events and happenings.
The week started with finding out our spaz, Prince, has injured his knee. Possibly torn ligaments. So he has to be kept calm for two weeks to see if it will heal on its own. Keeping Prince calm is like telling the Tasmanian Devil to sit still. It’s been a week now and he’s still limping often. If it continues for one more week we’ll have to take him back to the vet for x-rays.

Georgia w/Baba
Georgia is still suffering from her skin allergies. Since my last post about her we have changed her food to allergy free-whoopity-doo dog food. I could go get the name of it for you, but it’s in the other room and I’d have to disturb ArtT who is sleeping at my feet. We also giver her regular Benzodine rinses and wash her two to three times a week with an ultra safe all organic shampoo. I’m watching her skin for any sign of flaking or dryness and so far so good. She hasn’t made any new sores and the old scabs are healing nicely. Now if we could just get her to stop itching and her skin to stop stinking…she’d be right as rain!

Calie and ArtT
Then Tuesday night one of our eldest, ArtT, fell a bit ill. Gave me quite a scare. I won’t go into the nastiness, but I sat up with him for about 3 hours one night until he calmed down enough to sleep. He and is sister, Calie are 11.5 years old now. Both are healthy and active, esp. Calie, but both have signs of fatty and cancer tumors. I’ll keep them going as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. He was very mopey and lethargic for about two days and is now back to his old self.
I had a lovely visit with an old co-worker/friend/mentor one morning [Oh it was so nice to get out of the house in the morning and go to a fave coffee shop downtown!]. What I thought would be only an hour or so, ended up being over 2.5 hours! We had such a great time talking about everything. I went an hour + over on my meeter and once again did not get a ticket. I have only had 3 parking tickets in my 7 years in Savannah, and I don’t know how many times I’ve gone over my meeter time. Let’s just say, TONS! I am sooo thankful for my good luck with that.
Leaving the farmer’s market Wednesday, I saw a tourist slam their car into the back of a local tour trolley. It was more of a metallic “smack”. Luckily they were not traveling at high speeds but it did some serious damage to their big white car.

The Bird
I cooked my first Julia Child recipe in honor of the movie “Julie and Julia” [so adorable, check it out sometime]. It was for a yummy, garlic, lemon and herb roasted chicken. I ‘trussed’ my first bird! I was nervous about it all and the whole thing was a little adventure that turned out wonderful. The picture didn’t come out so great, but you can see the finished result. If you’re interested let me know and I’ll send ya the recipe.

Cheers!
We attended a lovely wedding for my husband’s immediate supervisor. It was downtown and on such a lovely day after a week of cold and constant rain and grey. We ended up missing the roller derby bout-but we had to do the right thing and stay at the reception. While there I got to meet a new co-worker of my husband. He and his wife were terrific. They were from Brazil and danced and sang nearly every song. They were such a joy to be with. I look forward to seeing them again.
I had my first full night of sleep in two weeks Saturday night. Ahhh….I cherished it greatly.
I finally found the perfect sweater dress. I had been looking for one for a while now. I have never had the courage to wear one before…I’ve always been to wide in the hips…but I’ve lost a lot of weight this year and want to take full advantage. Now I just need some cold weather…come on, it’s the week of Nov 16th and it’s going to be in the 80’s this week?! Not complaining-don’t get me wrong.

Dairy Farm Trail
Sunday we took ArtT, Calie and Georgia out to a place here in Savannah known as the Dairy Farm. You can see it’s FaceBook page here. It’s a lovely little place and the dogs absolutely love it. We normally take the whole pack, but with Prince’s leg being weak, we decided to leave he and D.O.G. home.
I wrapped up the week by heading over to a friend’s house and doing our evening walking routine. It was a nice change of pace. We still did our 5 miles, but we did it in her neighborhood rather than out at the park downtown. Then once I got home we watched “Up!”, had some popcorn and called it an early night.
One bad thing about this week?…we ate out much too much. It’s just so much easier.
Categories: Family, Latest News, Pets.
November 3, 2009
This one really cracks me up…nearly every time I watch it.
Another one that never fails to make me giggle. Sorry fellas.
I just thought this one is adorable. Just saw it recently and having 5 dogs that constantly try to take each others bone in some tricky manner…it really speaks to me.
It’s not new, but I really love these series of Prius commercials. This is the first one I saw earlier this year.
Another older commercial but another great series.
A newer one I started noticing about a month or so ago. Love the Gorillaz…and the first time hearing/seeing this one really surprised me. I was very happy to see it so well done.
Speaks for itself.
This one melts my heart every time. I LOVE this kid’s attitude-he could teach a lot of people a thing or two about perspective.
Categories: Check This Out, Home.
October 30, 2009
…and still no update to the travel section. I am honestly working on it here and there, but please keep in mind there are thousands, and I mean THOUSANDS of photos to go through and decide what I would like to post/share with the world. All of the ones from Asia need to be scanned…no fun there. Some I am thinking of putting for sale on stock sites which means I can not post them [in the same condition] here so I need to be selective.
I have also been diving into some very beneficial reading and study. I began Joe Vitale’s “Awakening Course” this week to help motivate me and clear my mind in many areas of life. So far-OK. I believe I’ll be able to get through the entire thing. I have also stumbled upon the Association of Work At Home Women and WOW! I quickly became a member and have been reading through [and listening/watching] the resources available there for starting your own online business. I believe this association will help me tremendously with the digital art course I am designing. [I plan on it running live in Jan-look for the schedule and website link here in the near future.] The group is full of amazing professional women that are there solely to support one another through all the steps of starting your own online business. If you are thinking of doing the same, or already have an online store/service, you should give them a look: http://www.awhw.org
I have also been collecting things around the house to sell on Craigslist and EBay. I need to get rid of a lot of clutter. I took a lot of pictures for the adds today. The only things I’m hesitant about selling are my old Korean manga. It’s very hard for me to let go of books…esp unique books such as these. [sad face]
Tomorrow’s Halloween. We didn’t do a single thing this year. But we will be handing out candy and watching scary movies tomorrow night at least. We were invited to a Halloween party last weekend [THE party of the year] but missed it ‘cuz I wasn’t feeling well. Very sad about that still [pouting]. Oh well. Life moves on. So, on that note, I hope you all have a wonderful-SAFE-Halloween-don’t eat TOO MUCH CANDY… and I’ll be back soon. {:0)
Categories: General, Latest News, Work in Progress.
October 19, 2009
So, I returned yesterday afternoon from another lovely trip to Mexico to find our indoor freezer that was stuffed full of meats (and I mean full, we received a lg shipment just before our trip) went kaput sometime while we were away. We’re thinking right after we left after seeing/smelling the evidence. So, the afternoon and night was spent getting the nastiness out of the house (to the dismay of our neighbors) and sanitizing the house. I’ll be working on this again for most of the remainder of the day and I’m sure the odor will linger for a while…but it is getting tolerable-or I’m just getting used to it.
On a lighter note, I should have the travel section started and a preview of a short animation that’s in the works online by the end of the week. Come back by Friday for some site updates and information on the baby squirrel I rescued a few days before my trip
In the meantime, stay warm!
Categories: Latest News.
September 29, 2009
This came today via email. Thought it was excellent…enjoy!
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. FOR THOSE THAT DON’T, IT IS A TRUE STORY.
The following was found posted on a refrigerator door.
Dear Dogs and Cats:
The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn’t help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It Is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time,there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years – canine/feline attendance is not required.
The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat’s butt. I cannot stress this enough.
Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:
TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:
(1) They live here. You don’t.
(2) If you don’t want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That’s why they call it ‘fur’-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don’t speak clearly.
Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don’t ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don’t hang out with drug-using people;
(7) don’t smoke or drink,
(8) don’t want to wear your clothes,
(9) don’t have to buy the latest fashions,
(10) don’t need a gazillion dollars for college and
(11) if they get pregnant, you can sell their children
Categories: Latest News.
September 24, 2009
Last night I found this poem by Denise Levertov: “Living”
The fire in leaf and grass
so green it seems
each summer the last summer.
The wind blowing, the leaves
shivering in the sun,
each day the last day.
A red salamander
so cold and so
easy to catch, dreamily
moves his delicate feet
and long tail. I hold
my hand open for him to go.
Each minute the last minute.
I am really drawn to this one. I find myself constantly drifting, lost in contemplation of nature’s beauty and awe when I’m out on a walk with my husband and or dogs…and even sometimes when I’m in the car. I’m looking at the coloring, the texture, the movement of all that is around me. Taking in the scents that greet my nose and hearing every nuance that alerts my ears. Noticing subtle changes from day to day, week to week, month to month. Needless to say, I’m often way behind the group when walking with my husband and dogs-trying to keep up from time to time.
Once I read this poem it reminded me of these feeling I get on my walks. As the poem teaches, every day is precious because the earth, and we, go through seasons, and every season might be our last; every moment of meeting an earthly creature, every experience we encounter is unique, unrepeatable. As Czelsaw Milosz says the “salamander reminds one of the frailty of our lives.”
You can learn more about Denise Levertov here.
Categories: Check This Out, General, Latest News.
September 19, 2009
I added a couple of images to the Sketches and Misc gallery and soon I’ll be adding the Digital and WIP materials.
I’ll also be working on getting the books page and resources page up next week. I’ve decided to broaded the resources range to cover a wide variety of topics. I’ll be sure to categorize them appropriately though.
Cheers!
Categories: Latest News.
September 15, 2009
Well, due to some quirks in the last theme and no help from the developers I had to change the theme. I will be cleaning it up more tomorrow, Sept 16th. Soon we’ll be all set.
Categories: Latest News.
August 31, 2009
So, today I finished my new site Wellness, Pure and Simple to a point where it is ready to share with the world. Take a look! I’m very proud and excited about it. I’m applying for a few affiliate programs this evening for it in hopes it will help bring in a little side cash. Not “working” makes me nervous about bills even though my husband tells me “no worries”. So, we’ll see. If you like it, please share it with others. Cheers!
Categories: Check This Out, Health and Wellness, Latest News.
August 29, 2009
So, spending a few hours working on things for my 3 sites today. Earlier today we did our weekly trip to the Forsyth Farmers Market, but got there a bit later than usual. My husband and I slept in today. Felt so nice not to “have” to get up and “go”. But, because we were late, our egg guys, Adcote Farms, was out of the eggs we prefer. No worries though. I have enough to last us until we see them again on Wednesday.
Things are moving along with the sites very well. I can’t believe I’m still so excited about it all. A lot of times I get a good idea, start it…get about three quarters of the way through it, and never finish. I really think these sites will be good for me. They will certainly keep me busy! And if I am able to help anyone in some way…even better.
Speaking of which, I am happy to see my iHerb coupon doing good for friends and visitors. I’m all about the coupons! Always looking for them myself for online items and local stores and restaurants.
I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend so far.
Best wishes!
“If you accept a limiting belief, then it will become a truth for you.”
– Louise Hay
Categories: Latest News.
August 14, 2009
A new page has been added to the site to show off a few members of my family and their own web adventures. Take a look.
Categories: Home, Latest News.
August 14, 2009
So, soon you will find a link to a new blog I will be starting that will deal with living as toxin free as possible, without becoming fanatical about it. It will be called Wellness, Pure & Simple and will be full of resources and tidbits on how to change your chemical ridden lifestyle into a toxin free lifestyle. It will have links to additional resources that I myself use as well as links to products I and/or friends use and we recommend. Look for the link here in about another week.
Categories: Home, Latest News.
August 7, 2009
So the new theme is up and a few pages have been added. The site is still skeletal, but you should have a better idea now of what will soon be coming. Take a look around, and come back soon for more!
Categories: Latest News, Uncategorized.
July 27, 2009
Please be patient as the site is currently going through some major changes.
Please check back late Aug. early Sept. for the new site.
Cheers!
Categories: General, Latest News, Work in Progress.



