This is what life is about...

Will the US Really Get Brian McFadden's Hit CD Wall of Soundz?

2010-08-26T23:45:00.008-06:00

Being married to an Australian (I know, Alan is really a Kiwi, but the US considers him an Aussie) I have been introduced to some spectacular music by artists Down Under. More often than not the American audience rarely has the opportunity to come across this great material. Stop for a minute and try to name as many musicians as you can from Australia?

I am guessing you may have listed Savage Garden, Kylie Minouge, Midnight Oil...or maybe you took a detour to the 80s and came up with Men at Work.

A few years ago Delta Goodrem, Australia's sweetheart (sometimes compared to Celine Dion...but I think Delta has gazillions more talent) released her 3rd CD in the States. To us ignorant Americans we thought it was her first...a breakout artist. And as fast as she appeared on the American music scene, she disappeared. (Don't get me started on the concert she was scheduled to do in SLC & ended up not being able to make the trip...I cried.)

Just tonight a tweet appeared in my feed from Brian McFadde n that made me yell & retweet FINALLY. His 3rd solo album will have the single "Just Say So" released in the US on September 19th. This song has already reached #1 on the Australia charts, with two more singles released: "Chemical Rush" and "Mistakes," a second duet with Delta. And what makes the music so enjoyable is that Brian writes his own material...a true musician. (Delta is the real deal, too...and she is unstoppable on the piano!)

McFadden is an Irish musician whom Australia adopted and happens to be engaged to Delta...small world. In fact, the first time I heard both these artists sing was during my first trip to Sydney. They recorded the duet "Almost Here."

One song is not enough for me. Delta released only one song in the States (and it was not even the best song on the full disc.) I am terrified this might happen to Brian. I have listened to his entire album, Wall of Soundz, an 11-track fist pumping, get your ass on the floor and dance CD. It is worth the purchase.

Bottom line: We need these Aussie imports to break the monotony of American pop. (Hopefully we can buy these tunes here without having to pay high import costs or have iTunes tell us we live in the wrong country to purchase.)

And I have a message for the US labels for these Aussie imports...you don't need to remake their videos or repackage their CDs. We want what makes them authentic and stays true to their artistic integrity.

Now I am holding McFadden to his promise he made to me in a tweet back: You better let me know the details of when Soundz will be released.

Brian McFadden Discography: Irish Son, Set in Stone, & Wall of Soundz. (Yeah he also spent a few years with Westlife, but his solo work is his writing and his story.)

And don't forget Delta Goodrem. Maybe we will see her return. Her discography: Innocent Eyes, Mistaken Identity, & Delta.

Follow Brian McFadden on Twitter
Follow Delta Goodrem on Twitter

Good Bye Tulips...Until Next Spring

2010-05-17T17:03:00.003-06:00

I am sharing an image I snapped outside of my office. The gardeners were pulling up the tulips today and planting the summer flowers here on Temple Square. I quickly took a photo with my phone since I did not know how much longer these beautiful flowers would be here. I think these flowers are the only thing that have kept me sane today...they were just so pretty. At the same time...this is the last of the tulips until next year.

The Evolution of Women in Social Media Conference

2010-05-16T22:11:00.002-06:00

With a rock star lineup of keynote speakers, Evo '10: The Evolution of Women in Social Media conference is sure to be one of the best events of the year.

The organizers give a breakdown of what to expect:

Who: Bloggers, businesses, and social media junkies of all levels.

What: Participate in hands-on tutorials and workshops, thoughtful discussions and keynote panels. Network and party with the friends and brands you love.

When: June 24-26, 2010

Where: The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah

Why: Experts will take you, step-by-step, through their processes as you follow along on your own projects. Get ready to explore blogging, photography, PR, marketing, writing and more.

This conference is the first of its kind and will be a valuable resource for understanding how women impact the social media world and that they are a force that cannot be ignored.

Ready for "Women Food and God"

2010-05-14T15:39:00.004-06:00

I rarely have opportunities to watch Oprah because I work an 8 to 5 job. Fortunately for me, my daughter was ill this week…which meant time off work for me. The timing was brilliant. I happened to catch the episode in which Geneen Roth’s book Women Food and God was the featured topic. Within 15 minutes, I was in tears. (Damn you Oprah, you always make me cry!)

I quickly made my way to Barnes and noble to purchase Roth’s book and am now determined to read it, write in my journal about it…might even blog about it. This book is not about dieting; it is about changing way of life and how you look at life. And it just so happens that I am in need of something drastic to change (or snap into place) so I can feel alive again.

Be warned, if you read this book you will find you want to share passages with the nearest person. My husband asked me to stop after the 4^th quote. So read this book with a friend because I guarantee you will want to talk about it!

And so my Women Food and God adventure begins!

Australian art that makes you smile

2010-05-07T10:07:00.003-06:00

Five and a half years ago I took my first trip to Sydney, Australia. (It ended up being an amazing trip because that is where I was proposed to...another story, another blog post.)

It was in Australia that I had my first experience swimming in the ocean. The then boyfriend Alan (now husband) took me to Manly Beach where I quickly fell in love with the soft sand and clear water. What fascinated me about Manly was all the vendors selling their art work. We happened to find a young jeweler who lived in the Blue Mountains that designed our wedding bands. And I discovered my favorite Aussie artist, Tanya Roocci.

Tanya has really captured the whimsical feel of Australia's animals. I bought all her prints available at that time for my daughter's room. She has been busy since creating even more spectacular creatures.

If you like her work, she will ship to the United States! You can see all her work and order from her website.

2010 Baby Seal Hunt in Canada-Please Stop It

2010-03-29T13:34:00.003-06:00

The Humane Society of the United States announced that Canada's annual baby seal hunt has begun. The Canadian government issued licenses and are allowing up to 388,200 harp, gray and hooded seal pups to be killed for their fur.

The HSUS is concerned because this year there appears to be hardly any ice where mother seals normally give birth. This means that the death rate will already be quite high. HSUS started the "Seriously, Canada?" campaign to help the public reach out to the Canadian government to stop this year's kill.

Watch this video that shows the ice problem and how only a handful of pups could be found prior to the hunt beginning. "Cancel the 2010 Commercial Seal Hunt."

Lady Gaga Video is One Long Commercial (See Images)

2010-03-12T12:46:00.005-07:00

I was looking forward to last night’s premiere of Lady Gaga & Beyonce’s video “Telephone.” From the early released images, I was anticipating this to be an iconic moment in pop music. Surely this video would join the ranks of “Thriller,” “Addicted to Love” and “Vogue!”

What we actually ended up with was a 10 minute commercial for numerous products. Take a look at the screen captures from the video and see how many brands you recognize. (And yes, Plenty of Fish is really a dating Web site!)

No New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-05T10:19:00.003-07:00

This year I am not making resolutions...no need to set myself up for failure. Yes I need to lose weight, organize my house, get out of debt, be a better mom, etc...but I don't need to make resolutions to be better in those areas. If I have great successes, I will enjoy them one at a time. If I have failures, I will stay in my jammies for a few days and mope.

You Can See Brandon's Taste Buds

2009-11-15T19:06:00.006-07:00

I am not the biggest fan of watching live DVDs, so I was a little distraught when I got home and realized that I bought a DVD instead of a CD of The Killers live performance. Well, not all that upset, it was a two-disc set: one DVD, one CD. So I decide to throw the DVD in while I do some homework...big mistake. Homework be forgotten.

Watching "The Killers Live From The Royal Albert Hall" literally took me back to the live show I caught here in Salt Lake two months ago. The reviews read it is like having a front row seat...it is! I had good seats at the concert I went to, but it was nothing up close and personal.

I have read several reviews of this DVD and all praise the live performance of the band. What I love is there is no lip sync, over the top theatrics or cheesy gimmicks. The band is original and stays true to their musical roots. Why stray from what made the world love you!

Perhaps the best review said the quality of the video was so good you could see Brandon Flowers' taste buds when he sang. The assessment is correct. The quality is superb. You see the sweat flinging off Ronnie's face as he drums, Mark's hair blowing (and he seems to be the only one who has an air vent on him), Dave's fingers plucking out the hits and of course the veins in Brandon's neck as he hits those long notes.

Killers' fans need to add this to your collection. If you have not had the chance to see the band live, I recommend you take the couple hours to enjoy this show.

Catch the trailer here.

Really, there is not much more to say about Nobel

2009-10-12T11:03:00.002-06:00

Where to Buy Another Testament Book, DVD and CD

2009-10-06T09:37:00.002-06:00

For those who are interested in the Mark Mabry exhibit you may want to check on the book, DVD and CD. The publisher, Deseret Book, has a great Another Testament Web page that has trailers, project info and purchasing. Here is a breakdown of what is available:

Another Testament by Mark Mabry. This book contains photos you will see in the art exhibit...I think there are additional images that did not make it into the exhibit but are still just as powerful.

Another Testament DVD by Cameron Trejo. Cameron is a young and hip documentary filmmaker, but don't let his age fool you. He has great depth and captures human emotions like no other filmmaker I know. The DVD has behind the scenes footage and interviews with cast and crew. A great element on this DVD is Cameron's addition of interviews with Book of Mormon scholars. These interviews provide context for the exhibit from a historical and religious perspective. Watching the DVD makes the exhibit take on a whole new meaning.

Another Testament Soundtrack by Jason Barney and Clyde Bawden. The project would not be complete without stirring and emotional music. Clyde Bawden has this magical ability to sit at a piano and create awe inspiring music that touches the soul. Working with producer Jason Barney, the duo gives us new arrangements of familiar Christian hymns. New to this project are original songs that fit in the Christian music genre. Jason finds talented musicians who have a unique sound and edge to their voice. Singers include Freddie Ashby and Alex Boye. Many new artists are featured, including a Samoan group of men who give a powerful Polynesian version of "Israel, Israel God is Calling."

The exhibit will be in Salt Lake City until October 11, 2009 in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. As soon as I know where it will head to next I will let all know.

Mark Mabry Photo Exhibit Brings Story of Christ to Life

2009-10-03T15:10:00.012-06:00

I had the chance to interview my great friend Mark Mabry and some of the other creators of the new Reflections of Christ exhibit Another Testament. The story that came out of the interview did not get posted on any of our work Web sites because of the number of stories relating to General Conference that would take up all the space and time for this weekend. So, I am sharing what I wrote because I believe that the exhibit is amazing and is a great visual into understanding what Mormons believe about who Jesus Christ is. I can't take sole credit for this. My awesome assistant Jeanette did amazing research and writing. She and I both wrote two separate pieces, but decided to combine the two into one story. Jeanette is a great writer and handled interviewing Mark with class and professionalism.

Anyhow, here is the story:
The Book of Mormon, a companion scripture to the Holy Bible, recounts a resurrected Jesus Christ visiting the American continent, fulfilling prophecies foretold by Biblical prophets such as Isaiah. Photographer Mark Mabry captures those moments in Another Testament, the second installment of the Reflections of Christ photo exhibit, currently on display in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Temple Square.

Mabry chose the ruins of Copan in Honduras to bring to life the third book of Nephi in The Book of Mormon. “There’s a unique spirit to this story about Christ, the one-to-one interaction with the resurrected Christ,” Mabry explains. “There’s not a whole lot of that recorded in the Bible, even though we know it was happening. But meeting the resurrected Christ — can there be anything more intense than that?”

The Mayan ruins were an ideal location, but it was the people of Honduras who convinced Mabry to relocate the set. Untrained actors, who happened to be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were asked to act as they would if they were meeting Jesus Christ one on one. It became an emotional day for everyone involved.

“It’s full of relief, and it’s full of joy, and we can all kind of identify with that longing to finally be with the Savior,” Mabry said in describing the expressions and emotions in the Hondurans’ faces.

Lorena, a young mother who has gradually lost the use of her legs, chose to participate. Mabry was sensitive to the situation, but Lorena insisted on taking the part of a crippled woman who Christ would heal.

“She willingly did the role,” Mabry said. “She probably had no clue how powerful that was going to be.”

Freddie Ashby, a featured musician on the exhibit soundtrack, hopes those individuals not familiar with the Book of Mormon account will see the exhibit and “come to a realization that Christ knows them.”

“It can be reduced down to just me and you sitting here talking, and that’s the type of relationship you can have with your Savior,” Ashby said.

The exhibit is now open in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Temple Square and will run until Sunday, October 11, 2009.

Depeche Mode (I Know I am Behind)

2009-09-04T09:11:00.003-06:00

August 25th Alan and I made our way to the Depeche Mode concert. Yes, they are still alive...although I don't know how they keep going. It was amazing and I was so in awe of seeing the group the introduced me to new wave music oh so many years ago. It was fun because we sat next to a nice couple who had just seen the show in Boston and were heading to the Colorado show after the SLC one.

It was sad that a lot of the classics were not played, but the moment a popular song came on, the audience went nuts!

The night was even better running into my roommate from El Paso. She blogged about the night on her site Because I Knew You.

Here are some shots I was able to take at the concert. Sorry Facebook friends, I know you have seen these.

Friday Morning Playlist

2009-09-04T09:08:00.001-06:00

With a load of work to finish as soon as possible, I have to get the brain juices going. Typically these do not work until 10:00am. So The Killers playlist shuffle is on. The irony is, the music actually is inspiring and I tend to be more creative when I listen to them. Perhaps it is some of the bizarre, deep-meaning lyrics. So here is this morning's playlist:

All These Things That I’ve Done
Bling (Confession of a King)
Bones
Change Your Mind
A Dustland Fairytale
Everything Will Be Alright
For Reasons Unknown
Goodnight, Travel Well
Human
I Can’t Stay
Jenny Was a Friend of Mine
Joy Ride
Losing Touch
Midnight Show
Mr. Brightside
Neon Tiger
On Top
Read My Mind
Sam’s Town
Smile Like you Mean It
Somebody Told Me
Spaceman
This is Your Life
This River is Wild
Uncle Jonny
When You Were Young
Why Do I Keep Counting?
The World We Live In

UNICEF and The Killers send message about human trafficking

2009-07-20T14:05:00.003-06:00

Using The Killers song "Goodnight, Travel Well," UNICEF and MTV EXIT hope to bring awareness to the global problem of human trafficking. The video set to the Killers' tune is stark and bold. While it may be hard to watch, it is necessary to do so. Perhaps we cannot eradicate the problem today, but educating younger generations can make all the difference.

The video ends with this tagline: "Some things cost more than you realise."

Bravo to UNICEF, MTV and the Killers.

Why we need a "well informed conscience"

2009-07-10T09:52:00.001-06:00

"We have duties, for the discharge of which we are accountable to our Creator and benefactor, which no human power can cancel. What those duties are, is determinable by right reason, which may be, and is called, a well informed conscience."

-Theophilus Parsons, the Essex Result, 1778

Every once in a while there comes a song...

2009-07-08T13:33:00.002-06:00

Black Eyed Peas new song "I Gotta Feeling" is such a great song. I just want to get up and dance. I won't do that, scare my coworkers. I might have found a song to help me cut back on The Killers "Human". No promises though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_2rrxONlLo

And so we wait for the hype to go away

2009-07-05T09:56:00.002-06:00

Death is a tragedy, even those deaths that are obviously coming. I mentioned to my husband today my surprise at how we, as a public, find deaths of the famous who are older a tragedy. Yes, there is an element surprise when we place these stars on such a pedestal, but in the end they are human like the rest of us.

Farah Fawcett's death was one I prefer to think of not in sad terms, but in the fact that she lived with cancer for so long. She defied the odds doctors gave her. So for me I am in awe that she had the will and power to hang on as long as she did.

With Michael Jackson, it is not unheard of for 50 year old men to die from heart attacks. After all, the average American male will live to be 75 years old.

There is an interesting piece of analysis in all this. Here are two icons with lives riddled with scandal and trouble. The news outlets and tabloids exploit these figures, and we learn to despise the celebrities for their idiosyncrasies. However, death seems to erase the checkered life and we mourn the good they had. Kind of like Anna Nicole Smith. What did she really contribute to society? Yet, her death stopped all regular programing so stations could follow every detail as it unfolded.

To all this I say: Please, let us move on to more life altering and sometime life threatening news coverage. I am more worried about North Korea testing a nuclear bomb on the US than I am about the 20,000 people mobbing Staples Center on Tuesday for Jackson's memorial.

What do i know...

ABC, Please Explain Show Cancellation Rationale.

2009-06-25T09:38:00.006-06:00

It seems the moment a new television show appears that is well written, witty and unique never stands a chance of living beyond a season or two. There are two shows that will be falling by the wayside and I question the networks decision.

The Unusuals is the first show that made my heart break when I read the fall 2009 lineup. It appears one season is all we will get because of low viewer numbers. It seems silly to take a great show, put it on a Wednesday night right up against American Idol, and then wonder why there are not tens of millions watching it. For me personally, I always kept up with it watching the show the day after via ABC’s website. (Does Internet viewership figure into total numbers???)

What I found appealing is the fact the show did not fall into the typical stereotypes we see in police dramas. The male/female partners don’t end up falling in love with one another…and that was a relief. A script was developed that showed how a male/female police partnership can become a friendship…but beyond the work, those individuals have lives with AMAZING back stories. And we did not even get a chance to explore those narratives. I could imagine that it would take several seasons to peel back the layers, providing laughs and tears as you learn to love these ordinary people with a variety of issues.

What we will never know:

1. How Jason really got caught up with bad people during his baseball career and how the murder of his girlfriend changed his attitude and approach to life.

2. Casey, the little rich girl who wants to be a normal person had just started to deal with her issues, hoping to learn how she can cope with the two vastly different worlds she lived in. There was the relationship with her father and her love life was just starting to take shape with the normal guy who wants the better life.

3. Leo, the germ-a-phoebe cop who never takes off his bullet proof vest and has the ultimate antibacterial apartment. Why did he end up that way?

4. Eric and his brain tumor! That was just developing. And to have the medical examiner do all the doctor work was funny. Some of the best lines came out of that dialogue. Now we will never know.

5. Allison, Jason’s love interest, has her own secrets. We know she is in debt because of restitution she has to pay for a shooting. That surely was going to be a strong story line.

6. Eddie Alvarez…now there was a character we hated but started to cheer for…right at the end of the series!

7. Henry, the criminal turned saint. That was the only storyline that had some sort of resolution. However, it still had places to go.

And what is most irritating is the on and off again Scrubs. Really, the show was funny for a season or two…but then was just plain immature and stupid.

The second show that breaks my heart: Pushing Daisies. Now there was an original show that

had musical numbers! It was so whimsical and charming. The color alone made it engaging and unique. Every little thing had a reason or meaning. For example, Olive almost always wore olive green clothing. Did many people catch that? Or how about the Darling sisters...how could you not love them. Ned is a doll...and I was one of those who secretly hoped he would end up with Olive.

What I find even more pathetic is the fact shows like Wipeout and I Survived a Japanese Game Show still have life and a following. Really, is this what the American audience has been reduced to? Give me a break!

So now I will pout and sign as many online petitions as I possibly can…but I fear it will not make a difference. I just wish ABC would give at least The Unusuals one more chance. Put it on a different night and see if it fairs well. And use Internet viewing stats…many people don’t have time to watch TV in the evening, but with this amazing online technology, we can watch whenever we have a chance.

Finally, Il Divo...the best gift my husband has given me

2009-06-12T01:47:00.003-06:00

It has been one hectic week as I finish up class. A few weeks off, then back to school. Half way complete now...so it is nice to see the end.

Wanted to share a bit of my Evening with Il Divo. As only a miracle can afford...I was able to attend the concert here in Salt Lake. Financially, it was impossible to pull it off...but Alan had a surprise in his back pocket. So when I arrived at the arena to drop him some money so he could eat dinner, he handed me a ticket. I was not dressed properly, make up virtually gone and I was wearing crocs with a skirt. However, I went in and enjoyed one of the most amazing nights of my life. A lot of crying was involved! Could not help it. There I was sitting in the floor seats, with the stage mere feet away.

I have an amazing husband!

Wisdom From the Founding Fathers

2009-06-04T12:19:00.000-06:00

"The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of the society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust."

--Federalist No. 57 (Alexander Hamilton or James Madison), 1788

You Never Know Why You Are Prompted to Act

2009-06-02T17:15:00.005-06:00

A few weeks ago my daughter and I stood in line at the Dollar Store to grab some sodas and snacks. In front of us was a woman with a small child. She had a few items, but her card was not being accepted. I looked at the cashier and asked her to go ahead and put it on my bill. Before the embarrassed mother could stop me, her items were paid for and thanks was given.

It was not until last week that I learned what was on the receipt. We were in such a hurry that I had just thrown it in my purse. Upon cleaning my purse out I saw that the mother was not buying frivolous things, as is sometimes tempting in a dollar store. I have included the receipt so that perhaps it will be an example to others to act when you feel a prompting. You will notice the yellow highlights, those were her purchases. Baby wipes and medicine.

What a rewarding moment for both my daughter and myself.

Political Cartoon of the Week!

2009-05-29T15:59:00.002-06:00

Best cartoon I have seen this week.

Daisypath Ticker Tracks How Long I Have Been Married

2009-05-20T09:23:00.004-06:00

Stumbled on this darling feature to measure how long you have been married. Daisypath also has tickers for counting down to wedding or vacations, how long you have been married or when is your next anniversary.

Might be a perfect solution to add so your spouse will not forget your anniversary or how long you have been married!

"Thrilled to Have You"

2009-04-30T13:28:00.002-06:00

These words have haunted me for a few days. I have thought about them over and over and wondered when does the president of the USA stop being a party member and start representing the country. Granted most of his policies will fall under a liberal platform; but the blatant disregard for Americans who may not agree with the Democrat party line was felt the moment the president uttered those isolating words.

One of the two parties needs to hurry and find a place in the center.

Enjoy Meghan McCain's column on Arlen Specter's change in political ideology.
"Arlen, You Let Me Down."

1985 and how to explain it to my daughter

2009-04-27T16:06:00.003-06:00

My 9yr old daughter and I spent the morning lounging in my bedroom attempting knitting projects (I don't knit, so it was entertaining.) We had the iPod shuffle on and Bowling for Soup's one-hit wonder "1985" came on. Sweet Keziah said, "I don't get this song." So I tried to explain as best as possible and summed up the conversation with, "Life was just a little better during that time."

Don't get me wrong, the world was in the midst of Cold War politics, the US was hit with the AIDS epidemic and war/famine hit all reaches of the globe. Despite those things, it was still a simple life in which children still played outside instead of glued in front of the TV or video games; family dinner actually happened at a table with everyone there; and sitcoms were the highlight of the night. I remember my rebellious moments of sneaking MTV on so I could practice dance moves and sing my own private karaoke.

Now I get terrified when my daughters walks to get the mail from the mailbox. Life is not so simple anymore.

I miss the 80s.

Happy Easter (my way of avoiding homework)

2009-04-12T11:10:00.002-06:00

I am guilty. Rather catch up on the blog than continue writing a paper. The pain!

I do hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend. My Church released this video as a reminder of why we celebrate the Easter season.

Meet the Artist: Amy Giacomelli

2009-03-25T09:57:00.004-06:00

I came across Amy Giacomelli's work while browsing various art shops on Etsy. I find myself visiting her shop when I am feeling a little down or when I am craving the sun. I hope my friends enjoy her work. It is whimsical and giddy. "Sunshine Falling is one of my favorite pieces. Well, really anything she does with swirls appeals to me.

Now I need to convince the husband that we should have one of Amy's pieces in our living room.

If you know of any artists like Amy, please comment and post a link. I would love to see more work like hers.

Amy has two other Etsy shops you can visit, with one including prints! Find them here PaintingPrints and here SkyeArt. Also discovered a nice blog post about her: "The Sweet and the Low: Amy Giacomelli," The Modern Materialist.

Digital Scrapbooking: Yes, it is hard

2009-03-24T21:41:00.008-06:00

I am a little on the crazy art/craft side of things...well I was before I went back to school to finish up a master's degree. So to fill the creative needs I have been "collecting" digital scrapbook files. There are so many talented artists out there that would never have been discovered before the Internet explosion. And now, these talented women share their skills by creating kits and giving them away for free.

Not as easy as it sounds. These ladies either teach themselves or go take classes on how to use Photoshop, Illustrator and other high-end graphic software. They have to possess some artistic talent because they draw, photograph or build from scratch all the elements you would want to use on a typical papercraft project. Only difference is that these are all on the computer; nothing 3-D.

Over time I have found that I am drawn to some of the same designers. All of them offer free material...all they ask for is a little feedback love. Some have free material available all the time; others leave it up for a short period of time, then expire the freebie links. So set the RSS feeds.

Enjoy these recommendations:
A Work in Progress, Summertime Designs, Stacey's Scraps, Mel's Light bulb Moment, Sweet Blossom Designs

MY FAVORITE DESIGNERS HANDS DOWN:

Make Your Voice Heard: Stop the Canadian Baby Seal Hunt

2009-03-23T17:41:00.002-06:00

And so the yearly tradition of killing baby seals has started in Canada.

I find it ironic that the practice of killing 2 week old baby seals is called a hunt. I am not sure what makes it a hunt since these mammals can barely move on the ice to avoid being clubbed or shot by fishermen. I was stunned to learn that the Canadian government has approved 280,000 seal pups to be killed to support the fur trade. The thing is, the market is shrinking due to the inhumane and barbaric practice.

Just last week the Russian government announced a stop to the baby seal hunt. I applaud the government for taking such a stand. I hope Russia's

The European Union is set to vote on the issue which could stop the importation of baby seal products. This legislation would be significant in a fight against cruelty.

The Humane Society of the United States has chronicled the events over the last 10 years about the annual "hunt," including an update from this morning. To watch video of pups only days old is heart wrenching because within a few weeks those some babies will be slaughtered. The white, ice landscape is so utterly destroyed by the overflow of blood from the killing spree.

Some may argue that there are other issues people should dedicate resources to. Yes, they are right. However, it is important to stop all such inhumane practices against animals and humans. The baby seal "hunt" is just one battle that we should all join together and fight against. It speaks volumes about humanity to let such a practice to continue. I would rather my posterity remember me as a person who did all she could to end the cruel and painful killing of baby mammals.

Get involved by learning more at the Humane Society website. There are also great tips on what you, the average person, can do to make your voice be heard.

Australia: My Other Home

2009-02-20T15:37:00.006-07:00

I have never lived in Australia, but have visited there a few times because of my husband being from down under. I have been so concerned over the current situation in Victoria as bushfires destroy homes, kill people and animals, and scorch this beautiful country.

The images circulating the news of the firefighter giving water to the koala as the koala holds his hand has brought to light the travesty of the situation. One friend was irritated that I made a big deal about the koala when hundreds of people are feared dead.

The thing is, I shared the koala photo because of the symbolism it entails. Sometimes people need something they can warm up to so they snap out of just thinking about their own life and do something for others. I am broke, money goes to bills as quick as I make it. However, we spent what we could to the relief efforts. And every time we have a little extra, to the relief efforts it will go. You can donate here.

Here is a new photo of a possum saved from the fires.

There is a national day of mourning for the lives lost in the bushfire. You can read an article here.

Barack: Single Ladies Spoof

2009-01-27T15:24:00.001-07:00

Great spoof on Beyonce's "Put a Ring on It," presidential style.

Something that ticks me off, so save Kenneth Cope

2009-01-21T15:57:00.002-07:00

For those of my Mormon friends you may have heard of Kenneth Cope. Singer, songwriter, producer, blah blah blah. Well now he is my friend. I don't mean he let me be on his 2000+ Facebook friend list...he is my friend and someone I talk to frequently. My PR skills are being used to help him out because the world of music is really changing.

Why am I ticked if I get to talk to this awesome guy every few days? I am ticked because the company who released his latest CD last spring did not include the CD in their Christmas or Winter catalog. For an artist that means loss of advertising...and LDS singers are not living the high life.

So if you like Kenneth's music, please buy his CD or download it from iTunes. Go be his Facebook friend and tell him you love his music. If we don't support artists like him they will eventually disappear...and then what will you listen to.

The Eagles are Done; Now My Family Faces Reality

2009-01-21T15:51:00.003-07:00

The Eagles will not be in the Super Bowl. We had it on good authority (the Magic 8 Ball) that they would win. Needless to say, the legs are shaved.

Life now returns to the boring rut of every day life. Basketball is nothing to grow leg hair over!

We do have a side not for our family and friends. My husband was diagnosed with cancer this past fall. We are finally having the surgery to remove the tumor. There are so many unknowns; things will not be answered until the doctors actually get in there. Surgery is January 29th.

We will keep everyone posted.

To Shave or Not to Shave

2009-01-06T10:00:00.002-07:00

The Eagles won, again. And so the team moves forward with more facial to the next game in New York. Some of the women in the family have chosen to not shave their legs...what else could they offer? I won't tell which side I have chosen.

The Eagles Bring It On

2008-12-29T09:11:00.003-07:00

I cannot remember a game more exciting than yesterday's Eagles vs Cowboys game. At one point I was sure that half the Eagles defense would each have a touchdown on their scorecard. What made the game amazing that it was not a McNabb-Westbrook show, the success was spread around both the offense and defense. Way to go Uncle Andy!!!!
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/articles/2008/12/28/eagles_stomp_cowboys_to_clinch_playoff_berth/

Words to Live By

2008-12-02T21:35:00.002-07:00

"...every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result."
from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, October 2008

Why I stay in my jammies on Black Friday

2008-12-01T14:19:00.003-07:00

This is sad...but reiterates why I do not hit the shopping madness the day after Thanksgiving:

"Police Try to ID Shoppers in Wal-Mart Trampling Death Surveillance Tape," Fox News

Is saving $5 or getting a free DVD worth a life?

Thanksgiving around the corner

2008-11-26T03:27:00.002-07:00

One day away from Thanksgiving and here is our Thursday plan:
1. Unplug the phone
2. Sleep in
3. Visit friends and family in the afternoon
4. Have dinner with friends and family
5. Go home
6. Watch a movie while Alan and I snuggle on the couch
7. Keep the phone unplugged
8. Hit the sack
9. Sleep in on Friday...

You get the picture.

Where I find peace...new items added

2008-11-19T18:00:00.006-07:00

There are two artists that I find quite inspiring. One is a photographer. One is a sculpturer. They both have found a way to express their spirituality through their chosen medium. They both have also made some neat changes to their websites.

Mark Ma bry, creator of Reflections of Chris t, launched a whole new look that coincides with the release of his book, Cameron Trejo's documentary and then the CD created by Clyd e Bawden and Jason Bar ney. The project is a visual journey through the life of Christ.

Angela Johnson, the most amazing sculpturer and woman I know. She has l au nched a blog on her site. I hope this blog is a way for people to see the inspiration behind the most stunning sculptures of Christ you will ever see.

Take a look.

Did Your Pepsi Experience "Change"?

2008-11-18T09:03:00.002-07:00

NKOTB: The Photo Worth Shooting

2008-11-16T15:51:00.007-07:00

Last night I spent an obnoxious evening at the New Kids on the Block concert. You may not like them...but know they put on a good show. This photo was worth being able to catch. It is typical for women to throw questionable items on the stage while someone sings...but I have never seen this before.

Donnie Wahlberg: Thanks for making the Utah girls smile!

2:39pm & Still Wearing Jammies

2008-11-15T14:39:00.002-07:00

A few months ago I must have swallowed stupid pills because I decided to go back to school for a master's degree. Fast forward to Friday, November 14th 11:54pm and I am freaking out. I have a minute to upload a group assignment that is not as good as it should be and I realize I don't care. Five more semesters of this! I need to figure a way to convince my doctor to up the Xanax prescription dosage.

So now it is Saturday and I refuse to shower because that would mean I have to take my jammies off. (I will shower before I leave the house...no worries.)

The best part of this (yes, there is a best part) is having a husband who sees the importance of earning this degree. I cannot remember the last time I did dishes or cleaned the bathroom. He just does it. While I type up the latest assignment, he is cleaning the kitchen. The computer is in the kitchen now so we can have some time together. I wish everyone could have an Alan. If I could clone him, I would!

Little Keziah is even better about it. We have found that we can have one-on-one time by doing homework together. We lounge on the couch or plop down on my bed...but there the two girls are trying to solve what feels like the toughest problems possible. I would trade with her any day. She has to figure out rounding up numbers then subtracting them. I am trying to figure out the best way for Land Rover North America to position the Discovery vehicle to increase overall profits and global market shares. I don't think Keziah will trade with me. Or maybe she would...I can picture her solution: "Paint them pink and put Hannah Montana's picture on the side." Hmmmm....maybe.

Lesson learned: Despite all we have going on in life, your family can be a part of it.

Keziah and Granna

2008-11-06T15:59:00.005-07:00

My daughter Keziah was the first grandchild on my side of the family, so my mother absolutely spoiled her. Keziah shares a special bond with her Granna--a name thought up by her grandpa which combines Grandma with Nana.

I shot a series of photos with Granna and Keziah. This is one of my favorites. I finally got around to doing a bit of photoshopping. The action and brushes are courtesy of www.graphics-illustrations.com. (Silva, if you are ever in Salt Lake, I am taking you to dinner!)

Where do we go from here?

2008-11-04T23:01:00.003-07:00

And so it is over. Is it me or has this election been like a really bad car accident that people stop and stare; no cares that the voyeurs have caused a traffic jam!

What I find so confusing right now is that I feel nothing. A little nervous perhaps. I have pondered making sure I have four years of Xanax refills.

The best result, however, has been the record number of voters who hit the polls. Civics in America: has it returned? Or is this just a kudos for MTV's Rock the Vote? I will leave it to the historians to figure out. I am too bloody tired to think about it.

Election Day

2008-11-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about (probably more like agonizing over) today's election. This is a big day in America's history. We will either have the first African American president, or the first female vice president.

One must really set aside their political leanings and ponder about how historical today is. I hope every American captures their feelings today; on your blog, in your journal, verbalize to your family...heck put it up on YouTube.

There is one other person I have thought about a lot this morning...never met him...my great-grandfather James Stoddard. He died in World War 2 when the ship he was on was sunk by a U-boat. I have seen images of the ship going down; it is disturbing to look at those and think someone you are related to was on that ship.

My thoughts are with him because he believed in what he was fighting for--America, freedom, liberty. I may never have to fight a war the way he did, or my father did in the Gulf War. All I can do is go to the polls and let my voice be heard. That is the legacy my great grandfather has left for me.

Quick update on life:

2008-11-01T05:33:00.002-06:00

1. Alan is working for the state of Utah doing intelligence stuff...
2. Melissa is working for the LDS Church in Public Relations
3. Keziah is working on being an awesome 3rd grader...she is still struggling with the "no talking" rule in class.

The blog is ready

2008-11-01T04:39:00.000-06:00

I think the blog is ready to start keeping track of life! I hope this will help me stay in touch with Friends and Family. My family is spread all over the globe: Germany, Australia, New Zealand and US.