The Painted Veil

Dona Nobis Pacem

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:42:00 +0000

This is my third time to join in on this project headed by the most gracious Mimi of Mimi Writes, click on the link and get your own globe, if you too would like to join us. It's never too late!

We are a military family and bringing change and peace to the world is much more than just an ideological dream to us. It is also an exercise in selfishness.Bill, our son-in-law, is a veteran of Dessert Storm and has also done a tour in Iraq. He is on the roster at this very second slotted to be shipped over to the Mid East again. We have a nephew, a Marine, who is currently already at a base waiting to be shipped over to Afghanistan. So in our family as with millions of families all over the world we pray everyday for peace so our soldiers can stay at home.

This year I am especially moved to blog for world peace but my first concern this time, is for peace and unity here on our very own land in America. Until we, as a country, ourselves, can learn to come together and stop spreading hate and discontent on our very own shores then how we can we ever hope for true peace anywhere?

Our bible tells us to take the log out of our own eye before we attempt to remove the speck from our brother's. However, this has not been the case, here in America, for a long time now. Instead, in truth we are a divided country where money is our true ruler and is in the true leader of this country. It's a hard pill to swallow and many won't admit it, or honestly can't see it in themselves and unfortunately, for us as a country, it exists in far too many American's true inner self and their everyday actions, the way they really are, as opposed to how they perceive themselves!

But, money has proven since the beginning of recorded history to be one of the most successful tools ever to control the masses and insure that the majority of all citizens remain in the class they were born into. And, that very ugly monster is alive and thriving right here, everyday, in America, 'The land of the free', the home of the 'American Dream',! But, if we take a long hard look at ourselves, objectively as a country, we know these are not the real truths about America and what our country has become!

We have become a country, a so called Christian nation, whereby, due to politics, money and social standing at birth, good worthy wonderful people who walk as Christians forget about the true teachings and meanings of Jesus. Christians, who do to their own political beliefs, financial success, God given intelligence and ability, forget themselves and sit back in judgment, spreading discontent with cheap humor and jokes filled with prejudicial remarks. All done at the expense of countless millions, for whatever reason, who have not become a productive and successful person, according to their financial statement and not by the fabric of their being!!!

In fact, we are a hypocritical country. We blog and preach to the world about peace, helping the poor, sick and starving all over the globe. However, we can't come together in our own country and offer the very same help to our very own sick, poor and hungry. We go about our daily lives and make token gestures, but, when it comes right down to it, those that have do not share with those who do not have, we do not feed our homeless, hungry, and less fortunate. We instead, sit back and judge them according to our standards. After all, if I was able to do it then surely those other less fortunate people are merely lazy and want a free ride. So why should I extend a hand, spend my hard earned money, share in my blessings from God, with that obviously worthless lazy human being?

This is the reality of the real America. Yes, there are millions of us who dare to dream of a different America. But, we too now are judged. We are said to be unpatriotic because we dare dream of an America where all people really truly do have equal opportunity! Opportunity for things such as proper health care, a good education and an equal playing field in fighting for that piece of the American pie.

Well, the truth is, not all are born equal anywhere in the world. Not every single individual is or ever will be born with the same level of intelligence, talent and ability to succeed on their own, without help from those of us who were. Those who are fortunate enough, here in our country, to be blessed with intelligence, or, to be born into a good social standing to start with, way too often turn their heads and look the other way when less fortunate human beings are doing without the basic and most simplest things that every human being, no matter their circumstances, should be able to have.

At least, this what I was taught, as a child growing up as a Christian, attending church and Sunday School as a Baptist. This is what I was taught Christ and being Christian is really all about. Jesus is the one that says we are to help the poor and feed the hungry. It was Jesus who said the ones who have also have a duty to share their blessings and help those that do not have. He also did not make a distinction between who we should or shouldn't help. If people need help, who are sick, hungry, homeless, drunks, addicted to drugs, afflicted with a disability, then according to Jesus' true teachings it is our duty to do our best to help them. It is His duty to judge them!

So yes I blog today for world peace. But, until we can get it right on our own shores. Then please tell me why our soldiers fight and die everyday.? What good are we as a country if we have a cold heart at it's core? A country that even turns it's back every single day on the very soldiers who have risked it all to defend a dream, many of them, for whatever reason, will never ever get to share in!

God bless to one and all. I already know this post will not set well with many. But, it was lain upon my heart to speak the truth and expose the reality of the real America! The America that has become a country filled with self serving judgmental hypocrites! So I beg everyone to take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror. When was the last time you handed even a nickel to a person standing on a street corner, here in America, begging for a living? When was the last time you dug into your pockets, did without things you want, to give something to others less fortunate than yourselves that they need? These are the real questions and issues that need addressing long before we dare stand before the world and presume to be the model and standard all others should follow!

~God Bless To One and All!~

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Finally Time for A Post - Personal Update & Thank You Amy & PJ

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:09:00 +0000

First week was learning all about filters and editing your photos with them. Above is the after, titled Cypress Reflection Watercolor. Below is the original which was also tweaked quite a bit from the original shot. I wish I could post them at their original size. This size really does not show the detail and just how very different the watercolor actually is. At it's larger size it looks just like a painting on canvas. It turned out very well, I earned photo of the week for it and it also turned out with a very high quality resolution which will reproduce as large as a standard size poster. It will definitely be included among some of the first items for sale via Shinade Studios.

Goodness me it's been forever and for that I apologize. But, I truly have been extremely busy. I knew I would be. But, to be honest, I truly didn't know I would be as busy as I am.

I really appreciate it so much that everyone keeps dropping by to say hello and check on me. All I can tell you is that everyday is filled from morning to late evening gathering shots for assignments and then learning the editing process.

Before I go any further I really want to send out my thank you to Amy of Amy Lilley Designs for my wonderful Christmas gifts I ordered. They came wrapped in the loveliest packaging and I just know all of the girls will really love what is inside. Amy has some of the loveliest items, at extremely reasonable prices and I for one am so glad I decided to add her among the artist I chose to order Christmas gifts from this year. Please do drop by her blog where you too can visit her shop. I promise you won't be disappointed in her offerings or her prices.

Also featured in the photo above is the absolutely fantastic hand cream I agreed to sample for P.J.at PJ'S Prose This is some of the best hand cream I have ever put on my hands. It goes on with a very delicate creamy satin feel and immediately soaks in leaving your hands feeling soothed but with no left over residue whatsoever. I really can't stress enough how very much I love this lotion. I am so glad I asked to be a tester and I will definitely be ordering some in one her lovely scents, or, perhaps, request my own personal mixture of favorite aromas and have my very own personal blend made just for me.

I send out my apologies to both of you for being so late in getting these thank yous posted but this truly is the first chance I have had to get anything done other than my classes. And thanks bunches P.J. for the free lip balm. I love it!!

Now, to get everyone updated on where I am at and hopefully help you understand why I have not been able to do any posting, visiting or blog hopping. First of all, for those of you who are not familiar with Photoshop it is a super piece of graphics software and I really don't know how I have survived at all without it. However, with that being said, I must add that what makes it so super is that you can do so very very much with it and to learn it is very time consuming. Especially when you combine it with the fact that you also have to have time for photo shoots to acquire images for each assignment. I have been extremely busy every single day from morning until late evening. By the time I get done each day my brain is so taxed all I want to do is eat and get some rest.

We are almost half way through with this first 8 week course. After this class is completed I will be turning right around the very week this one ends and be enrolling in a class to learn the basics and fundamentals of my camera and equipment. This is an intense 4 week program specifically for my brand and make of camera. It is designed to teach the student how to master every single setting of your camera and get the full capabilities from it. This too will be a time consuming class as each week will require various photo shoots, in all sorts of modes, settings and lighting to teach you how to set your camera according to the shot you are seeking.

From there, I am moving back to an 8 week photography course designed for the beginner to intermediate student. In this class, once again, each week will require multiple types of shots to help you better learn what settings you need within your camera to get the shot you are seeking. The next in line is another 8 week course where I will be studying lighting, studio and portrait shots. This is an area where I am really lacking experience and it is definitely a must for any serious photographer.

I know my blog is and will continue to suffer while I am away. But, it is crucial for both Walter and myself to take this time now, learn and hone my skills and teach them to him, so that we really can move to the next level. We are both very serious about becoming the very best photographers we possibly can and this is what it takes. Yes, I have studied art and design. However, until a little over a year ago I rarely even took pictures with our little Kodak Instamatic. I have never even spent so much as 30 minutes studying photography until now and I am deadly serious about learning this and being the very best I possibly can. I truly did fall in love with the genre and it is my heart's desire to master it and b the very best I possibly can be.

I hope everyone has been doing really fantastic. Please know I really do miss everyone very very much. It will take me forever to get caught up with everyone when I finally get a break. But, Walter and I are both committed to this and it will take me the better part of the winter to get all of these classes completed. So for now I will be cutting way back on many things.

For now I must go and start working on my portrait. I have to complete three different portraits using three different techniques and they are due on the 8th. That may sound like a long time until you stop and realize that it took me just about an hour this morning to get about 3/4's of a nose completed on one portrait. It's not just something you can fly through when you are first learning.

~Please take care everyone and know that both Walter and I are thinking of everyone all the time! I am working as fast as I can and will be back full time as soon as possible!~

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~

Autumn Falls Gently

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:29:00 +0000

Cottonwood

As you can see in the picture above our autumn change is very subtle and also truly just starting now. We are finally moving into sweat shirt, flannel pajamas and nice soft cozy over sized sweater weather.

We are also moving into a time where due to many circumstances that are crucial to me in other areas of my life that I take at least an eight week break. I am involved in one extensive and expensive online course and it is demanding. I also have a photography class coming along at the end of this class.

This will require my full attention as I will be spending hours out on shoots and then hours more editing. We are also cut back to one satellite at this time and I do not have the capacity to do what I need to get done.

Hopefully, when I return, I will have aced my classes, have some fantastic shares and also have a little shop open. I will stop around and visit as I can. when I get bored staring at an assignment or when I lay down the paint brush I will come visit.

I have not spent any great period of time focusing on my art in years. Now is the time. I do so hope you all won't forget me. I know I owe a lot of postings and awards. For that I have the information and will get it done when I can.

For now, at least the next few weeks, I will be devoting the majority of my time to my art and photography. I am looking forward to it and very excited. It took us a long time to get to this point. The software nor the classes were cheap. But, even though I am excited and grateful for that I will also miss posting and sharing each week.

Ms. Goose and I will pop in and out as often as when we can!

~The videos attached were picked for the talent of the animator/artist. The visuals are incredible and fun! A budding young film maker possibly? They are very beautiful and entertaining. The first is wonderfully meditative with beautiful photography and graphics!~

~Stay Warm~
~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~

Memory Maine Boothbay Harbor

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:18:00 +0000

Some times when it's quiet my memory always falls back to Maine. I took the above shot one early foggy morning while out on a drive having coffee with my daughter. This is simply right along the road. We were running simple errands while having our morning java.

Such is the beauty of an early spring foggy morning along the coast of Maine. My heart belongs to Maine. I was blessed to live in Boothbay Harbor for a year and I still return as often as possible. As you gaze out into the fog, looking for the horizon, our home, when we lived there, was actually about ten miles from this point as the seagull flies. But, on another peninsula.

It's lovely I promise you won't regret stopping for just a minute!

If you could go anywhere in the world or universe right this moment where would you go?
~TGIF Everyone!~
~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

LIZ
&
GRACE

The question is?
1. That's wonderful Bob!
2. Sounds good to me Jude!

Please know I have been dealing with thunderstorms and bad weather since last night. My connection comes and goes! I will sign on whenever possible!
Now what is the question that Bob and Jude have answered?

Elegance

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

~Click above to go to Will Oaks Studio~

I thought it was about time to do a little work with lighting and a still life study. I discovered the best one in the house right now. These wonderful little boxes filled with Christmas surprises for three girls. I was so pleased when I received these in the mail. Thank you Karen for these wonderful little treasures and also a great subject for study.

I bought three treasures from Karen at Will Oak Farms and I love them. Everything in her store is handmade and of the highest quality. The prices are astonishingly reasonable. Thank you Karen for helping me through the process and for the lovely ready to ship boxes. Oh I do so hope the photo does them some justice. I took several shots, several angles and quite a few lighting tricks.

Now I didn't stop with my shopping there. But, I can't take credit for these photos. I got permission from Amy at Amy Lilley Designs to use some of her display images. Now I have bought three more wonderful little treasures to add to my daughter's Christmas baskets. I have to tell you that Amy has a promo running right now through October 16th or 17th, I am not sure. But, her deals and prices are incredible right now. Her images and jewelry are all hand crafted and fantastic too. Click on either picture to go to Amy's Studio.

Nope I am not telling just exactly what I ordered. That will have to come after presents are opened.

~Click and Go~

So what do you think? How did I do with the Still Life Study?

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Vanilla Seven

and

Hillbilly Willy

It's Willy's Birthday Everyone!
Head over and wish him a happy one!

Time Flies

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:03:00 +0000

Thank you so much Wanda for selecting my blog as your October feature!

Thanks to everyone who played the game on Monday's post. You all got linky love on that post. It was a little tricky on my part as I did not announce it as a game.
Congratulations Dorothy you guessed it correctly!

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Vanilla Seven

IcyBc

MM:Cooler Season Warm Colors-Jonah

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

What do you think it is?

The season is here for jackets, small fires and yes even an occasional heater is humming and clicking, on and off. Soon the little ones will be dressing up, knocking on the door and trying their best to remember those three special little words:'Trick Or Treat'!

We received this picture of our youngest grandson the other day and he is master of ceremonies in charge of this week's Video to get us all up and rolling into the week.

He's learning how to cook but thinks we all need to take a few minutes and learn 'How To Fly'!
Even if you don't like Rock groups the artistry and imagery in this video are absolutely hypnotic as are the lyrics. Go ahead, slow down for a minute and listen!
It's good for the soul!

I am back and will visit as many as possible and I hope we all have a sensational week!
He's cute huh?
~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

1. Joanne
The question is still open!
2. PJ

3. Dorothy L.

4. Liz

5. Monica

6.Kim
Okay it is stained glass. But, what is it?
7. Rizal

8. Marzie
The question has been answered. The person who got it correct will be linked tomorrow. Thanks to all who played along!

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Embrace

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

The Day With...

~LOVE~

Who are the angels in your world today? Have you hugged them, spoken to them, even truly noticed them? I hope you will stop, just for a moment, listen, relax and spend the day rejoicing! For, rain or shine, death, life, kids screaming, football games, church, social gatherings, blogging, or simply sipping a cup of java, surely the greatest thing we can all do today is experience it!

~Take a break!~

~Relish~

Blessings to all and many thanks from our family to all of you.

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~

Winter Comes Too Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Stop, Take A Second, Read, Relax, and Listen to a wonderful Video.
It's worth 5 minutes for your psyche and well being!

Winter Comes To Soon
I gazed upon a gloomy rainy day

one Autumn--fairly begun—

Winter leering ahead, waiting

to bring sting of freezing wind;

I thought back to early May,

wishing a return once again

to frolic on a warm sunny day.

No longer possible for all—

for winter did come too soon,

leaving many behind, filled

with bittersweet memory

of all that was, and will

never be again; to those who

loved the tender toughness—

the beauty of a woman—

merely human; stranger

to many, but dear to us.

Goodbye sweet May,

but only for a while; we pass

time in haste, and wait to

see once again your sweet face.

JHooper09

Dedicated to Juanita who flew away into eternity 10-01-09 shortly after 4PM CST.
Juanita Hicks
~01-25-1942 To 10-01-2009~
~We Love You!~

I will be away for a short period during our time of mourning.
____________________________

~God bless to one and all!~

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~

We Have A Winner Congratulations To Cute As A Buggy, Typos!

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:08:00 +0000

Congratulations to the winner. Below you will find the results with time stamp via Random Generator:
List Randomizer

There were 21 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Anna 2. LadyJava 3. Bloggamania 4. Ann 5. Willa6. Sandee
7. Jane 8. Leading Edge 9. Bola 10. Lidian 11. LR 12. Monica
13. Babs 14. January 15. Kim 16. Windy 17. Lainy 18. Marzie
19. Buggsy 20. purplefrog 21. Mike

Timestamp: 2009-10-01 09:49:08 UTC

I just realized a mistake Mountain Woman was not run in the first randomization for numbers. Please forgive me as this is my first contest. But, Kim had been asked to be removed because she had not had time to do a write up or a mention. Therefore, there still would have been only 21 numbers generated. Therefore, Mountain Woman's name would have been listed instead of Kim.

Please know it doesn't matter where or in what order the names are listed when you run the first randomization to get your number sequence. Therefore, the results are correct. Whew, I'm glad I decided to add the sequence run to choose the winner. Also, I had Anna's name typed twice. Willa was listed as number five! This was a mistake on my part when editing the post.
Then I added all of the above into the sequence generator to achieve the results.:
Random Sequence Generator

Here is your sequence:

19,8,3,21,5,11,17,20,18,6,2,15,16,12,7,9,13,1,4,10,14,
Timestamp: 2009-10-01 09:56:18 UTC
As you can see #19 is:

Congratulations and a great big thank you to all out there who joined in. I know some are thinking of leaving Entrecard so I thought it only fair on my part to include everyone that played along whether you will be staying with EC or not.
I will get your card added as soon as possible!
Congratulations Buggsy!

Thank you very much to my top droppers for September!


Mommy's Little Corner	31
BeadedTail	31
The Modern Mom	31
The Way I See It	31
Life's sweets and spices	31
Yummy-as-can-be	31
A Simple Life	31
moms..... check nyo	31
Symphony of Love	30
AsTheCrackerheadCrumbles	30

Congratulations To My Three Top Talkers For the Month Of September!
Marzie
Kim
Liz

I will be getting your prizes to you as soon as possible!

~Happy Day To All~

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...
Grampy and Monica

Wordless

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:33:00 +0000

The Last of This Summer's Buds!

For more Wordless Entries please visit HERE!

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link loves goes to...

Bob and Buggsy

Hello

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:31:00 +0000

My name is Rascal.

This is one of my very favorite toys.

See I can hold it with my paws and chew on it. Then I don't get in trouble for chewing up the paper towels and stuff.

This is my, I know I did it look, but, maybe mommy doesn't know.

Mommy knows!

Oh yes do you like my big green eyes and my long long silver whiskers?
Do you think I will be a handsome mancat when I grow up?
I hope everyone has a happy day. I'm off to play!

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Have You Ever Done the Rockies In A Big Rig?

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:49:00 +0000

Well I have and I can tell you that it is quite an adventure. I don't remember the states we took these shots in. But, I do remember very well that we were hauling an over sized load. You want adventure? Travel through the passes of the great Rocky Mountains, full of hair pin turns, eight to twelve percent grades or more, fourteen feet wide, with a huge wobbly grader on your trailer, at least eighty feet long and gross weight right at eighty thousand pounds.

I'm pretty sure this is I70 making our way from Denver to California.

I think we have a combination of Colorado and Utah in these two pictures. When Walter returns from Canada he will be sure to correct me.

Now for all of you out there that don't or haven't ever driven a big rig please know that while they are making their way down they have very limited brake power. If they ride their brakes too much they will catch on fire. So for the most part it is a free ride roller coaster all the way down.

The next time you are driving through a mountainous area and see the big rigs changing lanes as if they are playing a game please remember they are not. They are trying their best to make it up, down and through these passes without killing others and themselves. A lot of people truly don't understand the skill it takes and the difficulty involved when these big rigs have to tackle mountains.

So remember the next time you think a truck is simply riding your tail in the mountains to aggravate you, they truly are not. They really need for you to change lanes and let them pass because of their size, weight and limited use of braking. I am always a nervous wreck and until we got our current camera nearly smashed my hand prints into the dash as we made our way through the passes. I am really surprised I was able to even get any pictures at all.

I admire my husband and I am always amazed at the skill and knowledge it truly takes to be a safe driver. It's not like it was years ago. In some ways it easier as they have the Interstate system. But, the drivers of today are handling some of the biggest rigs in history, which by the way, have a dashboard full of gauges and controls that simply boggle the mind.

My husband takes pride in being a professional specialized hauler. He does his best to deliver on time while obeying all laws, staying safe and also being very careful to maintain the highest standards for himself and the environment.

I'm proud of you honey and I love you!

Now before I close I have once again been asked by a very good blogging friend to remind everyone of the devastation in the Philippines due to the awful Typhoon. Her family has lost everything they own in the world. Please visit Willa and if you are so moved please help her help her family. At the very least she is asking for prayer support!

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link loves goes to...

Check em' out they're both fabulous friends and wonderful bloggers!

MM: From A Bud To Rose

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:21:00 +0000

Raindrops on rosebuds
Little bubbles of refreshment
Replenish summer's harsh ways
Cooling, calling with every drop
Crying out to each heart
Pleading for all to stop
Breath, look at me I am new
I came to visit you today
And brought you a vision
Of utter delight with such
Tiny might to even breath
Life back to the rose
That was dormant laying closed
Rejoice that I came and fell
Upon your door for a day or two
For with me comes renewal
Promise of rebirth and cleansing earth
Cleanse more then the earth
For I did stop and look
In doing so I clearly saw and felt
A renewal of spirit within myself
All is okay for today so I make my way
To plan for the return of purity of soul
Knowing full well I can bear winter's cold
For as the rose so tender in bud
We merely need to prepare
Be aware of ever changing tide
But never lose sight nor wain
In the recesses of mind
And let our eyes wander astray
For in doing so we will lose sight
Allowing an open door to ugly might
To steal forever the beauty the kiss
Of the crystal clear drop on the
Rosebud of the mold of our soul
Bend in the wind and rejoice rain
In doing so we find strength if life's pain
And reject all attempts to wain
Do not wallow disdain and rally the sting of thorn
Rather push forward and enjoy fragrance
Of life when in full bloom
~Jackie09~

I have received another award from Windy and once again he brought me to tears with his post. Windy and I met through a mutual friend, the ever lovely Lainy. At first we were merely two people who barely new each other. Then he read a post of mine, a meme, entitled seven things you don't know about me.

I warn you I was brutally honest in this meme about my life and some of things I have over come. I did so to reach out to others, let them know they are not alone and truly can over come anything and go forward to live a happy successful life. If you would like to read it then here is the link. After, Windy read that, he shocked me beyond belief by stopping everything and making the special badge below for me.

Now once again he has surprised me by honoring me with this lovely award below! The post he wrote once again brought me to tears. Windy I will love and cherish these forever and do my best to live up to a nearly impossible standard you have set for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you have not been blessed to know Windy. I really can say that you are missing the opportunity of a life time to know one of the most wonderful people God ever put on this earth.
Windy it is you that truly has the Golden Heart and I love it!

I have also included a link to a friend's site. Metz lives in the phillipinesand is desperately seeking prayers for his neighbors and friends who have lost lives and homes due to the destruction wreaked by Typhoon Ondoy. My prayers go out to all!

Now if you read my poem and took the time to follow the link to learn a little more about me then you will also understand my pick this week for Music Monday!

~Happy Week And Blessings To All~

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Monica

Entrecard: For Now The Winter Has Warmed

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:53:00 +0000

Entrecard just announced a change of policy relating to the paid ads. Now for a yearly fee, perhaps paid monthly, much like Adgetize, we can all opt out of taking any paid ads. So for now, I will be staying and have just reopened my widget for ads.

To all of you out there who I canceled ads with please keep your the credits I forwarded to you as a good will gesture on my part. But, please know I will no longer be spending hours and hours to achieve a top spot by dropping. However, I will get a fair share as I visit all of you that are my favorite blogs!

I am very glad to hear this news as I really didn't want to lose contact with everyone. Please go to EC'S blog to read about their latest changes! I hope to see you all again very soon! I do so hope they don't change again. Personally, I do think this is a positive move on their part and I appreciate the fact they listened to all of us members!

~Blessings of peace to all!~

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Love you Winy!

Purple Treasure Hunt At Shinade Acres

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:11:00 +0000

"Let the games begin," says MS. Super goose.

"Nope,nope, it's not over here. Hey hurry up there's that silly chicken and we simply can't let a chicken beat us, hurry up you ducks, stop piddling around!"

"Hey I came all the way over from Hollydale just to help you fat old ducks. So don't be calling me names!"

"Hey dudes I see a whole bunch of flowers. I'm making a run for it!"

"Oh brother now that silly hummingbird is looking for it way up there in the sky. What's the matter with him?"

"Hey don't be calling me names Buster. I can fly higher and faster than all of you put together. You're all just jealous, ha,ha,ha! Hey these blue skies are sweet!!"

"Oh wow I see something red and you know I simply can't resist red. I'm outta' here guys. I just have to go see what that red thing is. See ya'!"

"Hey up there just make sure you land on the pod and not my head. I may be cuckoo but at least I know we're suppose to be looking for purple and not red!"

"Oh man there's that sneaky cat that's always chasing me. We simply can't let him win. No way dudes!!"

"Hardy, har,har!! I told you I was smarter than all of you put together. I found it. That's why they call me Puma. I'm a natural born hunter, it's in my genes and I can sniff out anything purrfectly, especially if it belongs to those fairies. I found their magical purple rose. I win!! Ha,Ha!!"

"Well , ladies, I for one am glad they finally found it and hopefully will get out of hair now. I simply can't stand it when they all go poking around everywhere. One of these days they are going to step on one of us. You know how Spicy my temper can get. They better watch out or I'll sprinkle them with some fairy dust and make them spend the entire day sneezing!"

"We three here and everyone at Shinade Acres hope you enjoyed our little treasure hunt. But, we are curious to know if anyone found the butterfly? We can be tricky some times you know!"

Happy hunting and happy weekend!

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Golden

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:21:00 +0000

Now that the bee is out of my bonnet
And I am no good at writing a sonnet
I will simply say to one and all
I hope you have a golden day in every way!

The card is free for everyone to take if you would like to have it. It's not much but it comes from my heart.

I was very honored to once again receive another wonderful award. Chuck passed this along to me with the most surprising words. He included among some of the most wonderful blogs as a friend he looks to for inspiration, which are: Rita T, Donna, Colleen, and Star.

Thank you so much Chuck. But, you must know that I turn to you for inspiration. I am always so surprised and so pleased to find that people find a source of inspiration when they visit here. Thank you so very much Chuck for thinking of me. Chuck received his award from Vanilla who also authors a wonderful blog that is full of inspiration, history and wonderful photos

Now I would like to pass this wonderful award along to some very special people who inspire me every single day in many different ways. My choices are: Sandee, Maitri, Bing, Kat, Dorothy, Babs, Grace, plaineolebob, Polly, Ayie, Liza, Lainy, Windy, Lidian, Mike, Ann, Mountain Woman, June, Ann , Grampy, Grandmother Wren, Janet, Lin, Ratty, Marzie, RennyBA, Jade, Monica and LadyJava. Each of my choices inspire me every time I visit for various reasons. I truly respect all of you very much as friends and wonderful bloggers! It is always so very difficult to select a few. I truly am inspired by so many that the list would be three pages long if I included everyone.

It's double day Friday because the wonderful and very funny pair known as Silly Willy and Fluffy also honored me with this wonderful award. I would list their recipients but they have an on going list growing over there. I fell in love with their posting of this award. Please drop over and see for yourself. Thank you very much Silly Willy and Fluffy for adding me to your growing list.

This one goes out to everyone who stops by here on a regular basis. You all know who you are! I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. By the way I am on a hunt for a photo with purple for...

Now after all of this who saw the bee and where is it?

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Houston We Have A Problem:Entecard

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:17:00 +0000

~Word of The Day~
schism
NOUN:

A separation or division into factions.

Disunion; discord.

It rained again for the second day in a row all day. But, I did manage to get this shot of a male and female Redbird couple. I thought it looked so cute because they have their backs turned to each other as if they just had an argument. Which for this post is an appropriate image. But, beyond that I do so hope you simply enjoy the picture! I do apologize for not visiting again today. But, the weather was like this all day and with a satellite connection blog hopping is very difficult!

Now for addressing my problem which may seem small to some of you but in fact is very important to me and one that has put me in a tough spot. As you all probably know by now as of next week September 28th Entrecard is going to force every blog in their system to run paid ads. We have no control whatsoever what ads will be placed on our blogs.

For me this is simply something I cannot accept due to many reasons. The first and most important is the fact that I am a Christian. I simply cannot allow a company that is obviously only interested in the almighty dollar to choose what ads will run on my blog. There are plenty of 'G' rated blogs out there that I would still never approve and allow to be placed on this blog because of my religious convictions. I am not willing to play a game of chance where God is concerned. No blog, no company, no person, nothing goes before my relationship with God!

I have always been very careful and selective in which ads run on this blog and to the best of my knowledge all of them have been blogs that are obviously spiritually connected to the universe and aware that there is a higher order and supreme being that rules this world. I have in the past turned down ads that are wonderful in content, G rated, but, follow paths that according to my own conscience demanded that I not run their ads. I do not judge, but, I do use discretion where my own conscience and this blog is concerned.

The second and third reason go hand in hand. I find it to be an invasion of my privacy and a violation of my rights as a human being who has worked their tail off to build this blog. No company is going to step in and tell me what will be on my blog. I simply will not allow this. I would rather delete the blog than allow this to take place. This is my blog and only me, myself, will decide what is or isn't going to be on this blog.

Now my really big problem. I made a commitment to many people when I posted this contest related to Entrecard. If I could go back I would change that now. But, hindsight is always 20/20! So I can't go back and change time. But, I do need an account from all of you in regards to how many of you that are in the contest are going to leave Entrecard also. Yes I did say leave. As soon as I make this post I will be disabling the placement of anymore ads via EC on this blog. When I do this I will drop to the very bottom of my category and will no longer be considered a top blog with Entrecard.

However, to honor my word with all of you that have entered the contest. I am going to stay with Entrecard and continue doing drops until the last day of October and the contest is over. At that time, I will be officially leaving Entrecard for the very last time in my life. This is the last go round for me on their crazy carousel, whereby, they promise one thing and turn around later to do something completely opposite of what they originally said they would do. After I leave Entrecard I will be moving to Adgetize.

I am also staying with and highly recommend SlogBite, Fuel My Blog, CMF ADS, My Blog Log and Blog Catalog. These forums all seem to manage to make a profit without forcing ads on the blogs signed up with them.

I do not feel it is my responsibility to make a profit for Entrecard. If they can't figure out how to make a profit with a great idea then why on earth would anyone want to do business with them anyway? By the way, please pay close attention to the top of the email and what address it came from. You will find the name on the email is the very person who supposedly sold this company. If he sold it then why does EC'S official email come from his personal gmail account?

Below is the list of all blogs currently signed up for the contest. Please scroll through and see if your name is listed. If you too are leaving EC please sign your name on McLinky so that I can remove you from the drawing. Please don't worry I will not remove your link. I am only trying to get it straight on who will be leaving Entrecard after the changes announced today that are also in this contest. I will also be traveling around over the next few days and adding a ton of blogs to my blog roll so that I won't lose touch with you. Now scroll through and if you have entered and are planning to leave EC then please sign McLinky below the box so I can remove your name from the drawing.

Also I am officially closing the contest as of now! I will not accept anymore entries!

It's over and officially closed to anymore entries immediately!

Mike Rambling Stuff AKA Golch Central

Marzie Mariuca wishing on a falling star

PurpleFrog at Purple Frog Cat

Sandee Comedy Plus

Lidian a sight for Two eyes! The Doubletake

Windy Windmill On The Hill

Willa Fickleminded

Bola MumsDadsChildren

Kim at laketrees

Monica Turn-U-Off

Life Ramblings

Lainy Our Journey To forever

Babs beetles Memories n' Ramblings

Moutain Woman Red Pine Moutain

Anns Snap Edit Scrap

January's Scraps Of Life

Jane The Dance Of life

Blogamania we'd rather be blogging

LadyJava at Lady Javas Lounge

Anna's Adornments

Leading Edge Personal Development

Cute As A Buggy

Please sign ONLY if you are listed in the contest and are also leaving Entrecard! All others will be deleted! Thank you so much for understanding!

Please also know that I will most definitely understand if you cancel your ad you currently have in wait for this blog. I think we are all aware of how punishing things can get when one speaks negatively about EC. I would hate for my decision to cost any of you your very hard earned credits! If I were in your shoes I would probably cancel after this post is published!

~Never fear change for the powers that be always bring change into our lives for a good reason. If we listen and heed then we will learn and prosper!~

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

The Hummingbird Way A Double Diamond Music Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Hello world here we go into another week. I don't know about your week but my week is going to be very busy. Not busy with drink, writing or fishing as Mr. Hemingway, (pun intended) would be. Rather, I am struggling along here to figure out exactly which service to post my images on for commercial sale. Any and all suggestions would be very appreciated.

I have narrowed it down to two selections: Zazzler and FeeFiFoto. I like the ease of use Zazzler provides, but FeeFiFoto has so many more options in their product line and they also offer an Affiliate Program. So please, if anyone drops by that has experience, with either of these sites, please leave your opinion, as I will most likely make my final decision today. By the way I am not a Hemingway fan. How about you?

What does not bore me and proved to be quite a challenge even with a feeder as bait is watching hummingbirds and capturing them in flight. I have been trying to get a decent shot of this little guy for weeks now. Using a tripod is out of the question as you never know which direction he is going to come from. Finally, I was able to get close enough to lean against a pole to steady my hands and snap some shots.

The Hummingbird's Guide To Drinking:a little flight action!

N0 hummingbirds were harmed in this process. I do use sugar water only as the commercial hummingbird feed is reportedly not good for the beautiful little creatures at all. I simply mix water, sugar and add organic red food coloring. They like it just as much and it does not fill their little bodies with harmful chemicals. I just love hummingbirds don't you?

__________________________________

Double Diamond Blogger

According to Windy I am a Double Diamond Blogger and he gave me this most treasured award. I absolutely love it Windy ! I am very honored you think me worthy. Windy's definition of A Double Diamond Blogger is very special and personal as it is also linked to the meaning of his blog's URL. You will just have to visit to find out what his specific url is.

Thank you so much Windy! I simply love it!

This is what Windy has to say about this award!

What does Double Diamond Award mean? To me, it’s personified in a golden Oldie, “Dear Hearts And Gentle People”. The Song begins with this verse…

I love those dear hearts and gentle people
Who live in my home town
Because those dear hearts and gentle people
Will never ever let you down....

I have dedicated my video selection this week to Windy! The song is a classic and if you take the time to listen to all of the words it is very profound. It also has a very personal meaning to Windy! He also grabbed my attention one day when he asked a very simple question. The question: Do you really take time to stop and pay attention to the blogs you visit, for instance, have you ever actually read my profile?

The Painted Veil Contest Officially Closed To anymore entries due to Entrecard's New Terms Posted Today! No more entries will be accepted!

Mike Rambling Stuff AKA Golch Central

Marzie Mariuca wishing on a falling star

PurpleFrog at Purple Frog Cat

Sandee Comedy Plus

Lidian a sight for Two eyes! The Doubletake

Windy Windmill On The Hill

Willa Fickleminded

Bola MumsDadsChildren

Kim at laketrees

Monica Turn-U-Off

Life Ramblings

Lainy Our Journey To forever

Babs beetles Memories n' Ramblings

Moutain Woman Red Pine Moutain

Anns Snap Edit Scrap

January's Scraps Of Life

Jane The Dance Of life

Blogamania we'd rather be blogging

LadyJava at Lady Javas Lounge

Anna's Adornments

Leading Edge Personal Development

Cute As A Buggy

I Repeat Due To Ec'S new Terms Posted Today I Am Not Accepting Any New Entries!
I am going to be very busy for the next few weeks learning how to edit and design in my new Photoshop4 software! I will be taking a six week course to learn how to edit and design in this wonderful piece of software.

I have always dreamed and wished for Photoshop but we could never afford it. I thank God for the very special and wonderful friends out there, who were moved to make a donation and help us in our strive, to get Walter off of the road, spend what precious time we have left here in this world doing what we love most: sharing our love of all of God's beauty with you. Thank you all so very very much for your generosity!

__________________________________

I do realize this is an incredibly long post but hang in there we are almost done!I have a new free download available. Please remember as always all of my work is absolutely copyright protected and even though this is given as a free download no commercial use is allowed whatsoever. If you place it on a blog or in a mailing group for downloading then a link back is mandatory, as well as, passing along the proper information in regards to my copyright and commercial use restrictions. If you just want to download it for your own personal use then nothing is required at all except that you too honor my copyright restrictions. Please click on the image to download. I hope you enjoy!

The Windmill On The Hill
Taken on interstate 35 near Davis, Oklahoma.

________________________________
Welcome once again to another magical mystery tour of the week ahead!
Here we go and I hope we all have a fantastic time!

So hummingbirds, like..yes or no? How about Hemingway? Do you like his writing or do you too find him boring and last but not least, my favorite out of all of the Beatles was John Lennon. Which one is your personal favorite?

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

The Bud

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:49:00 +0000

The Bud

Look closely at the delicate twist
Of the bud with gentle hue
For in it's twist and turns
There is much for us to learn

It knows fairly well how brief glory
For in a day or maybe two
It opens for all to soak up it's story
And at same time swiftly fades

Leaving us memories of it's shades
Mixed colors, hues, intertwined
Look closely for it is here for joy
But also so very much more

For like the glory of the bud
We too go swiftly with our bloom
Time is precious, ever moving,
Spread your wings, share light,
~Beware Gloom!~
©Jackie 2009

~I hope everyone has a great weekend!~

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Shinade Does Water Color

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:43:00 +0000

Lynda asked about some of my art work other than photos. I dug through and did find these few hand painted cards I did years ago. They are my very first and last water color adventure. The originals are 8x6 on a very high grade hand made paper. I'll leave the critique up to all of you. But, after finding these I did remember how much I really do love painting. I also left off my names of the paintings. I don't want to interrupt your impression and what you may see. For me, they are simply the colors of my dreams!

If you like them, then, wow, that's great! If you're horrified then blame Lynda. She asked and I started hunting. After we found them it took about 3 hours to hook up our scanner. I am so glad to have my scanner as I can share so many old photos from time to time. For years my printer worked and not my scanner. Now my scanner works and not my printer. The wheels on the bus go round and round!

I do so hope everyone is having a great week.

The Painted Veil Free Add Link Updated!
We were very pleased to have two more wonderful blogs join.
Thank you all so much and good luck to everyone.

Mike Rambling Stuff AKA Golch Central

Marzie Mariuca wishing on a falling star

PurpleFrog at Purple Frog Cat

Sandee Comedy Plus

Lidian a sight for Two eyes! The Doubletake

Windy Windmill On The Hill

Willa Fickleminded

Bola MumsDadsChildren

Kim at laketrees

Monica Turn-U-Off

Life Ramblings

Lainy Our Journey To forever

Babs beetles Memories n' Ramblings

Moutain Woman Red Pine Moutain

Anns Snap Edit Scrap

January's Scraps Of Life

Jane The Dance Of life

Blogamania we'd rather be blogging

LadyJava at Lady Javas Lounge

Anna's Adornments

Leading Edge Personal Development

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

You Are Belly Dancer?

You are sensual and naturally sexy. Never trashy, though.

You are comfortable in your own skin. You don't have hang ups about your body.

You are confident and playful. You love showing off.

You tend to be a little dominant and assertive... but only in a flirtatious way!

What Dance Are You?

~Happy Dancing everyone!~

MM Sunday-Shinade Acres-A Charmed Life

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Ducky Weather

MS. Goose

Raindrops

Shaking It Off

Mr. Squirrel~Sunshiny Day

Mr. Turtle sunbathing

Hello everyone and welcome to another fantastic week. As you can see above in the top most photos, we are still experiencing another lovely ducky rainy day here at Shinade acres, our little spot in the universe.

However, rain or shine, when you can sit on your front porch, on any given day and experience the simple pleasures of nature, daily, right in your own front yard, then at least for us, we do indeed consider our life charmed.

Diana Krall-Charmed Life

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Remember the contest for a free 31 day add placed here at The Painted Veil will remain open until midnight September 30 CST, Mexico/USA time. Walter an I are thrilled that so many wonderful blogs have entered!

Win A Free Add ~ The Painted Veil
Entrecard Contest

Please note if you haven't signed up yet you still have two weeks.
Simply click HERE and enter!

Mike Rambling Stuff AKA Golch Central

Marzie Mariuca wishing on a falling star

PurpleFrog at Purple Frog Cat

Sandee Comedy Plus

Lidian a sight for Two eyes! The Doubletake

Windy Windmill On The Hill

Willa Fickleminded

Bola MumsDadsChildren

Kim at laketrees

Monica Turn-U-Off

Life Ramblings

Lainy Our Journey To forever

Babs beetles Memories n' Ramblings

Moutain Woman Red Pine Moutain

Anns Snap Edit Scrap

January's Scraps Of Life

Jane The Dance Of life

Blogamania we'd rather be blogging

LadyJava at Lady Javas Lounge

Wow take a moment and just look at the wonderful blogs who have entered to date. We have some top blogs here and it's easy as one, two, three and your blog could be in the running and enjoy some free linky love each week too!

Thanks to everyone and good luck to all! We hope everyone has a fantastic week!

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Raindrops On Pedals

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:25:00 +0000

Purple Clematis (Jack-Manti)

If my memory serves me right this rose is named The Tango.

Simply a white rose

My mother's favorite the Zinnia

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Walter and myself have a very busy weekend coming up. We have a day set aside to just be together, go out for a little drive and search for some goodies to take pictures of. We were going to spend yesterday doing that but as you see on the flowers above it rained here all day.

However, I love the beauty of a flower covered in raindrops. So I went out this afternoon when we had a little break and captured some of the season's last blooms in our gardens. To me they always seem their loveliest when summer is coming to an end and they burst out with mighty blooms as if to say we've had a great time and will see you next year.

My apologies to everyone if it seemed I was rushing through while visiting. I was racing against the clock as storm after storm threatened to worsen at any minute. Luckily, no bad storms ever actually hit. We just had one of those wonderful rainy days where everything just oozed a feeling of lush and utter delight.

We enjoyed the rain but now are saying "Rain, rain go away and come again another day." We hope the rain will end over night and we have a wonderful morning and afternoon for our little treasure hunt for photos. Until then I do so hope all of you enjoy the flowers above.

I also received two wonderful awards yesterday. I love them both as they come from two of my dearest and sweetest blogging friends.

Thank you Sandee from Comedy Plus for this very wonderful award. Also, please everyone hop over to Sandee's and wish her a happy birthday. Her birthday was on the 8th and I think she tried to keep it a secret but Annie of A Nice Place In The Sun let the cat out of the bag with a wonderful post for Sandee's birthday.

Thank you so much Marzie at Mariuca wishing on a falling star for this very special award. I really love it!

I am passing these along to all of you. I am very blessed to have way too many friends to just pick a few!

Before I close I would also like to send out a big thank you to Fuel My Blog. They are a wonderful forum and I have been a member there almost since they first started up. They certainly surprised me today. I popped over to visit some friends and fuel there blogs. I was poking around to see where my blog was placed. I just knew I was most likely three or four pages back in the photography section. I was so surprised to find my avatar at the top of the page under the photography section.

Thank you so much FMB for a delightful surprise and for the feature. It brightened up my day, my week and my entire month. Fuel My Blog is truly a wonderful forum with tons of great blogs, it's free and they do all of the work while you simply visit your friends and fuel the blogs you enjoy!!

~God Bless To One and All!~

Courtesy of lovej at Photobucket!

~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

Gone Fishing, A Bull Buffalo, And The Redneck Squire

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:42:00 +0000

Now for those of you that have never heard me mention before, Walter was quite the photographer in his younger years. He's not awake right now and I have forgotten what brand 35 mm camera he had. It was a very expensive one, he was very talented, even to the point of having his own dark room and developing all of his own work. Now with that being said, below are two of the photos he very proudly came home with yesterday. Lest I forget, I must add, he also had names for both of these photos . Without further adieu:

Gone Fishing

The American Buffalo

By the way please take note here that I had to rename this photo and also do a little editing to keep my PG rating. How shall I put this? There are certain things, please forgive me all of you men out there, I truly am not trying to stereotype you. However, there are some things that always seem to fascinate men. One being, the size of certain male appendages and mating. Therefore, I did have to edit out a very prominent part of the image above, as well as, choose another name for the photo.

Now after he returned home he decided to finish up the mowing. All of our property was quite over grown and this really did need to be done before we leave to go to Houston. However, please look closely and you will indeed see the perfect example of a true redneck squire. Do you see Walter's ramp he built to drive the mower into our garage? Please look closely as he is very proud of it. Oh yes he was also very impressed when he saw all of his cans lined along the wall in our garage. But, I will leave that subject for another time and place.

Here in this post and with this particular scene I simply had to get out the camera and take a shot of him riding the mower up his newly built ramp. He is very proud of his ingenuity. However, I do have one question which perhaps some of you men can answer for me. Why is there a need to build a ramp when there is no hill or obstacle that would hinder you from simply driving the mower right into the garage?

There you have it folks, a true redneck country squire that even Red Green would be very proud of. Now before moving on, I must add the shots Walter took do exhibit, albeit in a somewhat hidden fashion, but, I must tell you that his days of working in film have left him with a very steady hand.

When he returned and handed the camera to me it I realized that I had not turned on AF(auto focus) or IS (Image Stabilization) and he had no tripod with him either. This was his first time out with the DSLR alone and he did not know that I always turn these two functions off when I turn off the camera to save on my battery resource. I myself was quite impressed to find that not even one single shot he took had to be deleted due to focus issues. They all turned out clear as a sunny day. That's my guy and I love him very much. He's hard working, adventurous and yes he also has a wonderful sense of humor. To know Walter is to love Walter. He is a gem among men and I am one very lucky lady!

Speaking of lucky, for any and all photographers out there, we are all lucky that the very talented Kathy of KML Photography is now doing a regular segment on her blog every Friday. Friday's photo tips by Kathy is an excellent source for all photographers. She gives a wonderful example each week of her topic and then proceeds with the tip to help you achieve the same lovely effect.

Remember it's every Friday. Click on the button below and visit.

I was just by yesterday and she has a wonderful tip in regards to the best time of day to venture out and take your photos. So go ahead, visit now and every Friday!

Before ending today I would also like to point you in the direction of another fabulous photo blog maintained by a marvelous lady who is among the tops when it comes to photography. Will Oaks Studio is currently in a best photo blog contest and needs our votes. I am sure after you visit you will vote for her. Her photos are stunning and she truly does deserve to win this contest. Please click and go see for yourself.

Please everyone also visit our dear friend Mike! He is having a rough go of it right now and is need of a little support. Mike is a wonderful person who is always johnny on the spot for everyone else when they are in need. This time it is he who needs a little TLC from all of us.

Is your name listed below?

Mike Rambling Stuff AKA Golch Central
Marzie Mariuca wishing on a falling star
PurpleFrog at Purple Frog Cat
Sandee Comedy Plus
Lidian a sight for Two eyes! The Doubletake

Windy Windmill On The Hill
Willa Fickleminded
Bola MumsDadsChildren
Kim at laketrees
Monica Turn-U-Off
Life Ramblings
Lainy Our Journey To forever

Babs beetles Memories n' Ramblings

Moutain Woman Red Pine Moutain

Anns Snap Edit Scrap

January's Scraps Of Life

Jane The Dance Of life

Blogamania we'd rather be blogging

LadyJava at Lady Javas Lounge

If it's not please click HERE to find out how to add your name and get your blog listed.
~As always from our home to yours we send love and peace to all!~
First comment link love goes to...

The Colors Of Nature: A Time And Season For Everything-A New Music Monday-Happy Annivesary To Us!

noreply@blogger.com (Shinade aka Jackie) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:14:00 +0000

I'm back with tons of wonderful shares and lots of good news to share with everyone. First I must send our thank you out to everyone that has continued to drop by and are remembering us in your thoughts and prayers. But, as my title to this post states there is a season and a time for everything. For us, yes the time may be difficult, but, it is also time to put our faith to work and start moving forward. Each day missed is a day none of us will ever get back.

With that said, I decided to share an abundance of colors from all of the seasons of the year. The first being this lovely vanilla white moon flower. Why vanilla? Because my dear friend VS is also holding a wonderful contest at his very beautiful photography site also.
That's right the banner above says it all. Vanilla Seven has been nominated at nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards in two categories:Best Travel Blog and Most Influential Blog. So please click on the banner above, vote, and help Vanilla win and you get 200 free Ecredits for voting and also writing a little post on your blog to spread the news. I am officially joining and can't wait to get my free 200 Entrecard credits. It's as easy as one, two, three,! Go visit, vote for their blog, share the fantastic news with all of your friends and win free link love and 200 free Entrecard credits! So what are you waiting for? Click on the banner, vote, get you free link love and your free 200 Ecredits. You have until September 16th! So get going and let's all help Vanilla win! He is a wonderful friend to me and so many and has a wonderful blog. Let's help them win!

Now For The Painted Veil Entrecard Contest

Click on the link above and win a free 31 day add for the entire month of October! With each new post you too get free link love here for the entire month of September. Please click on the link above or the button flashing in the right hand corner of my blog to find out how you can have your add run here free for the entire month of October. This free add is valued by Entrecard somewhere between 40,000 and 46,000 Entrecard credits; not a member of Entrecard no problem. Just click Here, join, and come back and sign up for a free add here at The Painted Veil for the entire month of October. So far we have some of the top blogs from around the world who have entered. You may find out who by scrolling through the box just below. Please note that I did lose two names and blogs when everything went topsy turvy last Thursday. So please scroll through and if your name is not there please leave me your name and URL of your blog by clicking here and signing up!

Below is the updated list of participants to date:
Mike Rambling Stuff AKA Golch Central
Marzie Mariuca wishing on a falling star
PurpleFrog at Purple Frog Cat
Sandee Comedy Plus
Lidian a sight for Two eyes! The Doubletake

Windy Windmill On The Hill
Willa Fickleminded
Bola MumsDadsChildren
Kim at laketrees
Monica Turn-U-Off
Life Ramblings
Lainy Our Journey To forever

Babs beetles Memories n' Ramblings

Moutain Woman Red Pine Moutain

Anns Snap Edit Scrap

January's Scraps Of Life

Jane The Dance Of life

Blogamania we'd rather be blogging

LadyJava at Lady Javas Lounge

I hope you enjoy the selections I have chosen that represent all of the seasons of the year. All of these pictures were taken between last winter up until just a couple of weeks ago. The wintry landscape photo was taken in Canada while Walter was trevailing through the Rocky mountains on his way to the uppermost northern part of Canada. The macro shots are from my yard and my neaighbor's yard here in the cove at Lake Texhoma. I can't remember now if the Autumn foliage photos were taken at Lake Murray or near Davis Oklahoma. The long and winding road landscape portrait, a new free dwonload, was taken somewhere in one of America's northwestern states.

Today is mine and Walter's wedding anniversary. Yes it is true that we are going through a very rough time now. But, we are not forgetting to also be grateful for the many blessings that we do have. We have a wonderful family, a marriage that grows happier and stronger with each year, wonderful children, grandchildren and yes even one lovely little great granddaughter, we have our health, we have food to eat when hungry, warmth when it is cold and cool air when it is hot.

When I Said I Do

At last I also have a new free download for everyone. Please remember all of my work is copyright protected and even though this is a free offer no rights are being released at all. No commercial use is allowed whatsoever. If you download this for any mailing or blog sharing groups a link back, along with my copyright protection information is required. If you download just for your own personal use a link back would be very kind but not mandatory. Please just click on the picture to download. I hope you enjoy and always remember no matter how long the road ahead may seem it is never impossible! For with faith all things are possible!