My Reflections As I Shutter Along

I Have Moved!

2016-03-10T22:54:00.000-05:00

Hi All!

This is just a little note to let you know I have a new web address www.luckebabe.com. Same name of blog with all of these posts imported. New site, same blog. This site I will leave so you may still visit.

my new site

Have a great weekend!

Who Are You?

2016-03-05T18:40:00.000-05:00

If you have ever gone into my page - A Tidbit About Me - you will see I like quotes.

One of my favorite quotes makes me wonder as to what is the key to happiness and who is Dr. Suess anyway? Dr. Suess's full name is Theador Suess Geisel, born 1904 and left this world 1991. He was an American writer and illustrator.

Much of our lives are spent pleasing others. Maybe too worried what others think and spend our energy always thinking of others, in the meantime, we may forget what makes us happy. Or how to be happy.

I so agree with this Dr. Suess quote. Accept me as I am, if you don't like what I do or say or how I look, etc; no one is making you stay. Embrace your uniqueness. Fill your life with positive people that make you happy.

One thing I love to do is visit the lake shore and lighthouses.

I would love to hear your perspective on this quote above.

Are you more or less comfortable with yourself now that you are older?

Do you agree with Dr. Suess? "those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind"

My Life List This Week.....

2016-03-03T18:41:00.000-05:00

what have I been doing this week? busy week for me, as I have just started thinking about me and what I want out of life at the moment. been in a lull for some time now.

Monday night went to the first night of a new camera club here in Lowell. Around 25 showed up so it is only more and more from here. This will get me out and about with my camera and start the interest and imagination going again. (muchly needed)

Tuesday this thought came to me and I haven't been able to get it out of my head. Can you be addicted to sugarless gum? I chew a lot at work after I snack or eat, just so my breath won't smell too bad. So I googled it (and we all know google knows everything) .....

“I wouldn’t call it an addiction,” says Sue Richardson, a therapist based in San Diego. “It sounds more like a habit, and many habits are really hard to break.”

Here is an article that really did the research and lists 7 reasons to quit chewing gum.

Chewing Gum is Bad: 7 Reasons to Quit

A friend of mine asked me to go to an orientation with her Wednesday. It was for Fit Body Boot Camp!! Yes, me! at this age! and after the orientation, yup, we signed up! I will keep you posted on how it all goes.

Fit Body Boot Camp

one little thing I didn't know when I went was it is a challenge! points for this and points for that. Strict diet, etc. Oh man Oh man! Wish me luck and pray for me...............

And finally today, just mainly a normal day at work. Only thing today was

I DROPPED MY PHONE IN THE TOILET

luckily it was before the potty act............

more later bloglings.............

Goosey see ...... Goosey do!!

2016-03-01T20:51:00.002-05:00

Geese have a tendency to attack humans when they feel themselves or their goslings to be threatened. First, the geese stand erect, spread their wings, and produce a hissing sound. Next, the geese charge! They may then bite or attack with their wings.

Are these goslings in training?

Pictures were taken at Fallasburg Park north of Lowell MI.

The geese pretty much dominate the park in the Spring and Summer. Well, after all, it is a beautiful area!!

Wild Burros of Bonnie Springs

2016-02-28T00:23:00.000-05:00

Have you ever met a fellow blogger? Well - you may be thinking, what does that have to do with wild burros? That is how this story begins. JarieLyn and I decided to meet up while I was in Vegas on a trip. She was a fantastic tour guide and showed my around a bit then took me out of the city. So glad she did!!

I loved Red Rock Canyon and the Bonnie Springs area.

Red Rock Canyon

So beautiful! A total contrast of scenery of what I see daily in Michigan.

Red Rock Canyon

Wild Burros of Bonnie Springs

These burros are so cute and some are quite tame. When we stopped the car they came right up to it and some we could pet for a bit.

Wouldn't you just like to take one home? And what would you name all that cuteness?

This Past Year

2016-02-26T13:09:00.000-05:00

Has it been that long?

Almost a year since my last post. So what have I been doing and what have I learned this past year?

One thing that recently comes to mind, as the light bulb goes off in my head, that most of the recipes that I get off Facebook, are not worth the time or money I spend on ingredients. Unfortunately!! Sad to say. There are a few successes, but not enough. Stick to my Mom's or family recipes are proven to be the best.....

No matter what, Life goes on. You all can just think about that a bit and use your own life scenario for some self reflection......

This CANCER thing really does suck!

I am not where I thought I would be at this age, but it is what it is and my life is my life. Don't compare your life to others and don't judge. We all have our own journey.

On a rainy, stormy, overcast weekend Up North, as we say here in Michigan for anywhere past the middle of the lower peninsula, a pic of where the 45th Parallel runs through Michigan.

Lately I have been feeling the pull to get back out with my camera. (and sort of looking at a new one!)

Will be doing some changing and updating to the blog, being I AM NOT at all tech savvy, hope you all have patience!

I never make New Year resolutions. I usually have a few things in mind to work on though. How about you?

Homeless not Helpless or Hopeless....

2015-03-17T18:31:00.001-04:00

In the morning when I first get up for work, I make my coffee first! Then relax on the sofa, of course drinking my coffee, and watch the morning news. This morning they had a great story on about a clothes designer.

She is just 25. You may be thinking a fashion designer, oh no, not another one! But this gal is different and a very special person indeed. Her name is Veronika Scott. It was her idea for a school project that started it all.

(from http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/detroit-nonprofit-hires-homeless-make-coatssleeping-bags-29686451)

Veronika Scott simply wanted to get an "A'' on her product design project. And she did — with an idea that has changed her life and those of countless others. Now, the coat she created that can transform into a sleeping bag is providing warmth to homeless people and jobs for many who used to be so themselves.

Scott, 25, built a nonprofit, the Empowerment Plan, which employs and trains homeless single parents to manufacture the coats that were her project for a class at Detroit's College for Creative Studies four years ago. She believed the coat could help the city's sizable homeless population during the brutal winters.

"If I get stuck out in the cold, I can stay warm," said Timothy Harrington, 34, who recently received one at a shelter in the northern suburb of Pontiac. "(Now) I've got something to sleep in, something comfortable."

Scott employs 19 women as full-time seamstresses and one man, who works in shipping and inventory.

"Homelessness is not a defining characteristic. It is not a permanent state of being," said Scott, who's looking to hire additional seamstresses to manufacture even more coats as interest in the product grows.

Arnetta Smith, one of the longest-tenured seamstresses, had been homeless for more than a year and had lost her job and car when she met Scott at a Detroit shelter.

"I'm independent now. I pay my own bills. I have a vehicle. I don't rely on the state for help anymore," said Smith, 38, who said she also helps support her son, a college student.

It costs $100 to sponsor one of the water-resistant and self-heating coats, which are distributed locally and also shipped across North America. The Empowerment Plan hopes to produce 6,500 coats this year. It made 4,500 a year ago.

"We get thousands of requests every year from people that want to purchase it for themselves — everybody from hunting/camping/fishing to doomsday prepping," said Scott, who would like to start a retail arm as part of an effort to help the organization become sustainable. It currently relies on donations from corporations, civic groups and individuals.

"If we have a whole arm that's based on producing a retail product, that is even more jobs," Scott said.

Here is a link to her nonprofit site.

The Empowerment Plan

your dose of inspiration for the week

Facebook and Recipies!

2015-02-22T15:21:00.000-05:00

Facebook is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues. The site is available in 37 different languages.

Originally designed for college students, Facebook was created in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg while he was enrolled at Harvard University. By 2006, anyone over the age of 13 with a valid email address could join Facebook. Today, Facebook is the World's largest social network, with more than 1 billion users Worldwide.

I will admit I like Facebook and use it often. Sometimes just to browse, see what friends or family are doing, what is new, and also recipes. I have gotten many great recipes off Facebook. Who knew??

Today, yes today, I made Banana Bread Brownies. A recipe I got from a Facebook post. (from a friend) I just happen to have three rotten (or should I say very very ripe) bananas on hand, so this is the perfect recipe for today.

Banana Bread Brownies

Ingredients:

1-1/2 c. sugar

1 c. sour cream

1/2 c. butter, softened

2 eggs

3 or 4 ripe bananas, mashed

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Brown Butter Frosting:

1/2 c. butter

4 c. powdered sugar

1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

3 tbsp. milk

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. grease and flour 15x10 inch jelly roll pan. for the bars, in a large bowl, beat together sugar, sour cream, butter and eggs until creamy. blend in bananas and vanilla extract. add flour, baking soda, salt and blend for 1 minute. stir in walnuts.

spread batter evenly into pan. bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

meanwhile, for frosting, heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until boiling. let the butter turn a delicate brown and remove from heat immediately.

add powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk. whisk together until smooth (it should be thicker than a glaze but thinner than frosting) using a spatula, spread the brown butter frosting over the warm bars. (the frosting will be easier to spread while the bars are still warm.)

enjoy the yum warm!!

I used a 13' x 9' pan. And although the recipe calls for "sour cream", I read it as sour milk, like you add to banana bread when you make it. (to make sour milk just add a bit of vinegar to milk, let set and it will sour) It all came out good and was so delicious warm out of the oven!

So see bloglings, there are many uses for Facebook. I have found a lot of high school classmates, keep in touch with family and get to see all of my nieces and nephews children grow. And don't forget the great food!!

Do you Facebook?

join me on Facebook

My Reflections As I Shutter Along

Always fun to meet new friends and people from around the World.

Have a great week bloglings!!

Winter's Beauty

2014-11-22T09:21:00.002-05:00

A Winter Memory

Fresh-fallen snow, untouched by man, tops bushes fence and tree;
The strong, gusty wind, whirling it 'round, improves and enriches its beauty.
It sauntered down in the silence of night, leaving a scenic delight;
Now, in the sun, it dances and winks as we drink in the wondrous sight.
This is a picture-post-card scene - winter at its best;
It leaves a mark etched in our heart of when winter was our guest.

by Joan Adams Burchell

Winter Beauty

Oh yes, it is Winter in Michigan!
Roads are mushy and slippery.
You have to leave much earlier to get where you are going, to be on time that is.
Every year it is a big thing on the news here in Michigan. Oh no! There is snow out there! Ha, like that is news? We live in Michigan after all.
But the kids do so enjoy it and can't wait after the first snow fall to get right out there in it and play. The sleds emerge from their resting place from over the Summer and are loved once again.
It is a beautiful sight, no matter of all the bad things you may hear.

Winter driving in Michigan

The official first day of Winter is December 21st. I am thinking we may be totally buried by then!! I have been hearing people predicting that we are going to have a horrendous Winter like we had last year............ they may be on to something!

(the colors and size of test went crazy in this post! can't figure it out! haha, Winter joke on me.)

First Winter Storm 2014

2014-11-18T19:15:00.000-05:00

Michigan isn't known as Winter Wonderland for nothing!

Today we got our first Winter storm and got about a foot of snow. Bitter cold temps and strong blowing winds. This does not make good driving conditions. You get white outs and then cannot see anything, not the road or where you are going. Days like that I take the back roads to work instead of the freeways. Freeways are wide open spaces and get lots of white outs and slick black ice on the roads.

even snow plows get stuck

Ada Covered Bridge

picnic anyone?

snow to the top of my boots

here is hoping everyone is safe and warm ........

Sunsets

2014-11-13T21:57:00.000-05:00

The theme to shoot for this week is sunsets.

Link up to FMTSO and see sunsets from around the world.

Lake Michigan Sunset

Michigan Countryside Sunset

Have a great weekend bloglings!!

Red White and Blue

2014-11-04T18:26:00.001-05:00

Artprize 2014

Happy Halloween Little Ghosts and Goblins........

2014-10-31T16:02:00.000-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Five batty bats
Were hanging 'neath the moon.

"Quiet!" said the first.
"The witch is coming soon."

"She's green," said the second,
"With a purple pointy nose."

"Black boots," said the third,
"Cover up her ugly toes."

"Her broom," said the fourth,
"Can scratch you--that I know!"

"I'm scared," said the fifth.
"I think we'd better go."

Five batty bats
Escaped into the night.

"Dear me," said the witch.
"That's a scary sight!"

Photo Watermark

2014-10-28T20:31:00.000-04:00

Ok, I am here tonight for information. From you all!!

Do you watermark your photos? What program do you use? I have googled some tonight, such as picmarkr, batch watermark, lunapic and watermark.ws. Have you used any of these? Which is the easiest? fastest? best looking watermark?

Any information to these and others is appreciated!

PYB

(picking your brain)

Pets and Animals

2014-10-24T10:27:00.000-04:00

The theme this week for Friday My Town Shoot Out is Pets and Animals.

Now you always hear the ole saying........

it's a dog's life.

Well, look at this!!

I do believe it is a cat's life.

Meet Goober, the big gooba. in the back.

Cookie, the diva, on the left.

and SuzyQ, the paper towel and toilet paper shredder, on the right.

All rescued and now living a good life.

Have a good weekend bloglings!!

to see pets and animals from around the World visit FMTSO!

Let's just admit it........ our pets are very spoiled.

Not Again!

2014-10-20T17:58:00.000-04:00

As I sit here, working some, daydreaming some, many thoughts rambling around. Listening, hearing, seeing, thoughts going back and forth. From a time ago, 2006, to now. Back and forth, to me, and others that have traveled the same path; not by choice mind you, but by being chosen.

I listen to people I work with laughing, teasing each other, joking, planning their night out for 1$ burger night at a local eatery/bar in town. I laugh some and also go into deep thought of all the others I know. I see fellow workers in the hall, smiling, saying hi, gossiping, talking to other friends.

Then my thoughts go to what others at this same moment are thinking, doing, saying. Not so much laughter, but maybe from happy memories they may have a smile or two with others. Family, friends, co-workers, of one that is now gone. Taken away too early, not here anymore as it is. We can't see her anymore, or say good morning, or smile as we pass in the hall.

The big C has won again. Taken a life way too young. This always hits me a certain way as I had cancer in 2006. I use the word "had" but one never really knows what tomorrow will bring. Every time I have a different sort of pain, a rash, a sore that just appears or bruises, I wonder, is it back? Am I going to have to go through that again?

But this is not about me, but it does hit home. When ever I hear of someone finding out they have cancer, I get quiet. I remember, I know, I feel, what they are experiencing and will go through to try and live. Whether I know them or not, I feel for them. The struggle begins.

Don't be sad. Celebrate life, such as it is.

Be brave, do what has to be done.

Live.

Laugh.

Love.

Forgive.

Things I need to be reminded about also.

Cut River Bridge

2014-10-09T20:42:00.002-04:00

Among Michigan's largest and most well-known historic bridges is the Cut River Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This bridge is large enough that MDOT actually has maintained this bridge as an area attraction. Surrounding the bridge is a roadside park and a series of trails around the bridge. The intent to make this bridge something more than just a crossing goes back before this bridge's status as a historic bridge to its initial construction. The bridge was designed as an attraction even when it was built, since sidewalks above the bridge in this rural area are present. Also, a set of stairways, part of the original design, take pedestrians under the bridge where they can view the supporting trusses. The abutments and piers were also given unusually exceptional detail, in particular the use of decorative stone facing. The two main piers give the appearance are attractive cut stone arches.

You can drive on this bridge over the Cut River on US-2 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The bridge was originally painted a silver color, but is today painted green. This bridge is a steel deck cantilever truss bridge. This structure type is much more common in more hilly states like Pennsylvania, but is extremely rare in Michigan. The structure has visual complexity as a result of the extensive lattice and v-lacing on its riveted, built-up members, which are all very massive, typical for both a bridge of its size and its age.

For those who crave an "over the edge" experience, the Cut River Bridge offers an almost startling panorama of earth and sky. A steep hiking trail nearby offers a safe passage down the almost 100-foot gorge to the shores of nearby Lake Michigan.

The Cut River has indeed cut a 100-foot-deep gorge through the tall forested sand dunes in the watershed and empties into Lake Michigan at the Cut River Bridge. A steep hiking trail leads to the bottom of the gorge with direct access to Lake Michigan, across a foot bridge and back up the other side. This area is popular for offering its fantastic views of spring wild flowers and fall colors.

Beautiful area! I am thinking a color tour trip is a must for this spot. This time of year the trees are turning to their hues of oranges, reds and yellows. Perfect time for a road trip!!

Have a great weekend bloglings ............

(pics from July 2012)

Balancing Life and Living it at the Same Time

2014-10-03T13:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday at work we had a Health Fair. Several different businesses were there representing what they had to offer.

Kathey Batey was there also. She is an Author / Speaker / Dramatist at Spirited Presentations, Re-Designing your life.

"What I Know at Fifty..."

Kathey Batey

that Life is too short for:

Not saying I love you.

Not forgiving others and not forgiving yourself.

Life is too short not to:

Show kindness to strangers.

Give hugs

Take the inward journey to know your soul before you must face it in the eternal.

Believe in yourself enough to go after your dreams.

Take risks; the smart ones and the silly ones.

Listen to a child's prayer.

Keep your promises.

I know at fifty, I would rather hear poetry than politics,

character is easier to recognize, and sometimes the wisdom of children outweighs the logic of men.

I am the guardian of the eternal truths that:

Children must be cherished and the elderly must be listened to.

If you offend your Mother, you offend the world.

If you offend a child, you destroy the world.

My life will not be measured by what I acquired or my status, but by how I loved and what I invested into those I love and in what life truths I gave away.

Kathey specializes in women's groups, however everyone can relate to her inspirational messages of balancing life and trying to live it at the same time!

Just wanted to share. Have a great weekend bloglings!!

What Your Man is Doing While You Are ..............

2014-09-25T18:09:00.000-04:00

checking out all the art and sculptures at Artprize 2014.

Great Lake Pub Cruiser

Exercise while you enjoy your favorite brew!!

Artprize is the World's largest art competition. Here for the sixth year in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Have a great weekend bloglings!

Looks Like Black Friday!

2014-09-19T08:41:00.000-04:00

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WZZM) -- The new iPhone 6 will hit stores today, and many people around West Michigan are lined up to get it.

People began camping out at Woodland Mall Thursday night, eagerly awaiting Apple's new product. One man waiting in line told us he's getting a sweet deal on the phone by sitting in for some family members.

"The catch is I wait in line for them and they buy my phone," said Like Krombeen. "I get a new phone for free by waiting in line for them all night."

Other retailers, including AT&T, have also had lines overnight outside their stores.

The iPhone 6 is designed to be bigger and faster than past versions of the smartphone. Apple said phones available for preorder were selling quickly, and in-store demand was expected to be heavy as well.

(from WZZM13)

This is just in Kentwood. Wonder what it is like in say New York or Chicago or San Francisco?

Are you a techie nut?

A Little Time at the GRR

2014-09-16T18:57:00.000-04:00

If you like airplanes and have a fascination with flying or such, this is a post for you.

GRR is the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. This is just a few pics from the viewing area one lazy Sunday afternoon I was there.

That's it! Not much to say today. Just up up and away!!

Lying Man

2014-09-13T10:50:00.000-04:00

Lying Man

One of the most inventive figurative sculptors working today, Sean Henry’s interests lie in presenting subjects that, although individualized, speak to the universality of the human experience. He works from life creating highly detailed imagery of individuals in contemporary dress, but always manipulates scale so that figures are either much larger or smaller than life-size. Initially he works through drawings and clay master models that are then meticulously translated into bronze.

Sean Henry. Lying Man, 2003. Bronze and oil paint, 82 x 155 x 76 inches. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. © Sean Henry.

(I added the quote, not part of the sculpture)

Lying Man at Frederik Meijer Gardens

Skyline Sand and Surf!

2014-09-05T09:45:00.000-04:00

Lake Michigan shore line has the most beautiful skylines, sandy beaches and yes, surf (fresh water) in the World.

Even though Lake Michigan is not the ocean it does have big waves at times and there are the lovers of the surf that try it. Here is a website about surfing in Michigan. Lake Michigan is also called Michigan's West Coast.

This week the theme to shoot for is Skylines at Friday My Town Shoot Out. I decided to share pics from a recent trip to Ludington.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

To see how wicked Lake Michgan can get visit a prior post of mine ... More Lake Michigan Storms.

And a post You Won't Believe This! is diehards surfing in the Winter!

Dune Grass along Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan Shoreline and Skyline Big Sable Point Lighthouse

footprints sand surf skyline clouds driftwood

Hope you all have enjoyed a little look at Lake Michigan Skyline and Shoreline. To see skylines from around the World visit FMTSO.

Have a fabulous weekend bloglings!!

Simplicity

2014-08-28T04:00:00.000-04:00

Friday My Town Shoot Out is a group of online friends from around the world sharing photos of their communities. Every week there is a new theme to shoot for.

Aug 29: Simplicity - Show us clean lines, minimal objects, simple designs from your town. From small objects to clean cut big buildings, everything is open!

See, feel, touch, smell, hear the World

Imagine

FMTSO

Which do you prefer?

2014-08-26T17:52:00.001-04:00

"Michigander" or "Michiganian"

Which do you prefer?

and then again, we can't forget about "Yoopers"

If you have no idea what I am talking about read here in wikipedia

the urban dictionary

yoopers in wikipedia

urban dictionary Yoopers

Michiganders, Michiganians, Yoopers, and Trolls, oh my!!!