free books

I was surfing around as usual and came up Harlequin's website. They have 16 books you can download to read. There were several from the love inspired series (those are Christian if you didn't know) so you don't have to read about people having sex who don't even know each other and then are suddenly pregnant and after the one night stand still manage to marry the elusive millionaire they had the one night stand with. Guess I sound jaded huh?

So then I thought I would check on Swagbucks to see what all free ebooks I could find. Here are some sites with ebooks that are free. BTW I didn't download from any of these so haven't tried to see if there is a catch. If you want to read books without paying and can't find them at the library, I recommend you do a swagbucks search and see if you find something interesting to you.

Kobo They have 220 free books listed. I think perhaps they are from around the web since the free books from Harlequin are listed on the site as downloads. There were quite a number of classics here.

Internet Public Library over 20000 books.

Gutenberg over 30000 free books. Btw for those unfamiliar with Gutenberg, he invented a movable type printing press and the first book printed on it was the Bible.

We are God's Masterpieces.

Once again while surfing around, I found this video. Its almost 9 minutes long but it has so many great points in it. I am guilty of empty wells, when I am hurting or running away I seem to repeat the same mistakes over and over again but with new names so I can't even see its the same mistake repeated. I am also guilty of thinking I am junk. I have bought into how myself and others view me instead of how God views me. Please watch this video and let it bless you.

Jeanne Robertson Bungee jumping naked.

This is the first time I ever heard of this woman but she is so funny.

Jeanne Robertson



I really liked this one because it reminded me of the one and only time I sent my ex-husband to the store for me. I sent him after sugar and since we didn't have much money I was only getting a 2lb box at the time. I told him exactly how much it would cost and then I finished by saying do not get the 69 cent sugar because that is confectioner sugar not granulated. Well naturally he came back with confectioner sugar and proceeds to tell me what a deal he got on it at only 69 cents.

Reverse thinking

I was once again surfing around and found this video on reverse thinking. Embedding has been disabled but it is really an awesome video. I was feeling like closing it when it first started but I made up my mind to see it through to the end and it was so great.

Reverse Thinking

Here is another video called the end of publishing the future of publishing that uses the same type of scripting. I just think its so neat how they do this. I might try it and see what I come up with.


I think it challenges our minds to do new things that we think we can't do. At least it keeps us growing.

The Uniform Project

This woman is totally amazing. She has been wearing the same black dress for 360 days so far to raise money to educate poor children in India. So far she has raised over $75,000. She puts new meaning into the word accessories. I never dreamed you could have so many looks from one main outfit. There is a month by month calendar where you can see each outfit.

Uniform Project Picture Book from The Uniform Project on Vimeo.

Locks of Love

I have been saying for a good while now that I wanted to cut my hair and donate it to locks of love. Locks of Love take donated hair and make wigs for children who suffer from hair loss mostly through chemo I believe. The man I was dating liked my hair long and I will be honest, I do too but we broke up 2 months ago and I realized I still wasn't getting it cut because I was hoping we would get back together. I decided I am going to remake my life and started with the hair since it would be the biggest statement. So making a stand, I went Saturday and got it cut. Here is a series of pictures.

This is what it looked like to start with. It really wasn't as uneven as this picture makes it seem. It was just caught on my shoulders.



This is what it looked like after my daughter braided 14 inches. Locks of love needs at least 10 inches to make the wigs. It must be braided for them to accept the hair.


Here we are and you can just see where she has started to cut through the braid.


Ok its gone and I will admit I did almost cry.


Here is the final look but its really cuter than this. I had been to church already and it was quite windblown. It actually flips up on the ends now.

Happy 100th Birthday to Ms. Greer Kincaid

After church today, several of us from the church went to a birthday party for a sweet woman. Ms Kincaid will be 100 yrs old. In an era when most women didn't work outside the home, Ms Kincaid helped her husband run a store, and she was nurse for the schools. Ms Kincaid loves flowers and always grew them in her yard but several years back she asked her son to not wait until she had passed but to give her flowers now and he has made her yard alive with flowers. Its a bower of all colors and scents. Up until just a few years ago she was still canning from her garden. Wherever she saw a need, she provided, whether it be shoes, clothes, food and just a kind word. She furnished fresh flowers for her church's weekly services during gardening season and she canned grape juice for their communion services. We would drive by and see her working in her garden and she would be wearing a bonnet from times past. She was in her 80's and still walked several miles daily. She suffers from glaucoma and she told me the dr said that walking was what had kept her eyes going for as long as they had.





Her cake was amazing. The flowers were from marzipan I believe. They looked just like real flowers. I saved the daffodil I was given.





This is the little country store run by Charlie and Greer Kincaid for many many years. Their house was right behind the store.

Rules from God for 2010

I am one of those ppl who bought about all the rule books in my endless quest for someone to love me the way I thought I wanted to be loved. Guess what, they didn't work. I was surfing around and found this and thought it was pretty cool since I am such a rule person.

Rules from God for 2010

1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.
“Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
“He who guards his lips guards his soul.” Proverbs 13:3


4. Stand Up!!… For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
“Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good…” Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!… To the Lord.
“I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!… For something higher.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path.”
Proverbs 3:5-6


7. Lift Up !!… Your Prayers.
“Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.”
Philippians 4:6

Wouldn't every day be just fantastic if we all remembered these rules.

Kentucky Derby

Years ago, I used to sit with elderly women in their homes sort of like a caretaker. All of my ladies were just the dearest creatures. One in particular made such a big impression on me. Her name was Eva B Isaacson nee Hunter. She had been a nurse and was a by product of a very privileged upbringing. She had such wonderful stories to tell. She had been to the Kentucky Derby and so we always watched in the first Saturday in May. I never hear of the Derby without thinking of Mrs Isaacson.

The derby is held at the legendary Churchhill Downs.
What would the derby be without mint juleps?
I don't drink but real juleps are made with Kentucky Whiskey so here is a recipe for real mint juleps.
Ingredients
2 fluid ounces Early Times® Kentucky Whisky
1 tablespoon simple syrup
Mint sprigs
Crushed ice

Simple Syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 bunch fresh mint sprigs
Directions

Crush a few mint leaves in the bottom of an 8-oz. glass, then fill with crushed ice. Add one tablespoon of simple syrup and one tablespoon of water. Add 2 ounces of Early Times. Stir gently until glass frosts. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, sip and enjoy.
Simple syrup directions: Combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes without stirring. Pour mix over a handful of mint leaves, and gently crush the mint with a spoon. Refrigerate overnight in a closed jar. Remove mint leaves, but continue to refrigerate. Stays fresh for several weeks.
Footnotes
The Best Times are Enjoyed Responsibly
Early Times Distillery Co, Kentucky Whisky, 40% Alcohol by Volume, Louisville, KY ©2005 EARLY TIMES is a registered trademark.


Now the version I will be drinking. Nonalcoholic Mint Juleps
Ingredients

5 lemons
1 bunch fresh peppermint
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
3 qts. ginger ale
ice

Method

Squeeze juice from lemons and strain to remove any seeds or pulp. Add lightly crushed mint leaves, sugar, and water and let stand 30 minutes. (Use a large stainless steel or glass bowl. Don’t use aluminum.) Pour over a large piece of ice in a glass punch bowl and add ginger ale. Serve in small glasses. This is a recipe from the early 1900s.

And no self-respecting southern belle would be caught dead at the Derby without her derby hat. This is the hat I would choose.


Even Barbie has her outfit ready.


Just a wee bit of trivia ( I love trivia btw)
Kentucky Derby Trivia
By Kelly Coughlin
A horse named Aristides, with Oliver Lewis up, was the first winner of the what is now called the Kentucky Derby. He ran the race in 2:37.75 over a mile and a half course. The distance was changed to a mile and a quarter in 1896.

The fastest Derby was in 1973, by Secretariat, who broke the two-minute mark and blazed the mile and a quarter in 1:59.4. Remarkably, each quarter mile split was faster than the one preceding it. No other horse has broken the two minute barrier in the Derby.

Dominated by the boys, geldings and stallions, the fillies have done some winning at the Derby too. Three fillies have won the Kentucky Derby: Favored Regret in 1915, Genuine Risk in 1980 and Winning Colors in 1988.

Willie Shoemaker will never live down what he did in the Kentucky Derby in 1957. Leading on Gallant Man, he mistakenly pulled up 110 yards before the finish line and was passed by Iron Liege. But Shoemaker will also never be forgotten for what he did at Churchill Downs in 1986, when he became the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. He was 54 when he rode Ferdinand, trained by 73-year-old Charlie Whittingham, to the Derby win.

Two jockeys, Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack, have each ridden five Kentucky Derby winners.

Jockey Eddie Arcaro rode to two Triple Crown wins. The first on Whirlaway in 1941, and then on Citation in 1948.

The first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby was Diane Crump on May 2, 1970.

No matter when a racehorse is born, they all "become" a year older on New Year's Day.

He knows my name

If you have ever worked for a really big company and were just an entry level person, how great did it make you feel when you happened upon the head of the company and he knew who you were? How much more incredibly awesome is it that the very Creator of the heavens and the stars knows who you are? According to WikiAnswers there are 6.8 billion people on earth. And God above knows each and everyone of us by name and even how many hairs are upon our heads. (Luke 12:7). There is no one more important than you in the sight of God. Jesus died for each and everyone of us that all should be saved.

Getting my stuff done

I was surfing the web instead of doing the stuff I needed to. (I am actually home from work because I had the most horrible asthma attack on the planet) I found this video clip and it is the story of my life.


For about 2 months now I have been trying to make a new list of 101 things to do in 1001 days and haven't gotten the first thing wrote down. I feel so tired all the time. I have tons of emails piling up but no energy to read them. I haven't entered any blog contests in ages because I am too tired to click. Please pray for me.

I think this joke shows part of the problem. I am not alert. For example I had to go get the trash out of the trash can today and go through it because I had no clue what I had done with my debit card. It was in my purse although I have no clue why its there since I used it yesterday and I don't carry a purse during the week due to not being allowed to have purses at work. Another example is my breathing medication. I have pills to take to help stop the asthma attacks, I have looked everywhere but no clue where they are at.

Review and giveaway- Episencial Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath

     I was asked by a friend on Facebook to review Episencial Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath for them. We had lots of fun trying this product out. I wanted to try it for a week to make sure we had no reactions. I would have posted pictures but since I started the job I have currently, I have discovered how many sick perverts are out there and just the sight of innocent babies in the tub will arouse them. (but that's a rant for another day)
     An all natural skincare brand Episencial is taking the skin care market by storm, offering an immune-boosting, newborn-safe skin care product that feature planet-friendly organics, solar-powered manufacturing and sustainable packaging at an affordable price. Founded by Kim Walls. Her goal was to create a line of skin care that met the rising requirements of parents seeking safer products – affordability, environmentally friendly and safe for our babies. Utilizing juice extracts instead of fragrances, manufacturing under solar power with sustainable materials. Episencial products are made exclusively from all natural ingredients , more than 50% of which are organic and chemical free. We are proud to offer a new layer to bath time, by educating and engaging the child on how to be healthy and to learn how to care for their skin.
    Celebrity moms are raving about Episencial, celebrities like Courtney Cox, Larry Birkhead and baby DaniLynn (Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter) and Mary Louise Parker.

    The product line includes: Playful Foaming Wash, Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath, Soothing Cream, Better Body Butter, Protective Face Balm (SPF 6), Nurturing Balm and Sunny Sunscreen (SPF 35).

    My oldest granddaughter (Avril) loves to take bubble baths so this was great for us. I was sent a 8oz bottle. Avril and my grandson Frankie would spend hours in the tub if they had bubbles. Every time they come through the door Avril's first words are bath Mamaw :). Here is what they have to say about their product:
* Won’t irritate eyes or sensitive places.
* Enhanced bubbles from natural, sugar derived surfactants. Sulfate free!
* Organic avocado oil and soothing oat extract to hydrate skin.
* Organic ginko biloba, green tea extract, and mandarin orange.
* Organic lavender oil with plum and peach extracts help wind down for a peaceful nap or night’s rest.

     This company actually cares about their customers and the environment. The bottle is made from recycled materials and is BpA free and manufactured with solar power. Best of all its made in the USA. How often do you hear that :)

    Here is what we say about their product:
* loved the light fragrance- smells like lavender with a hint of peach. Normally I hate the odor of peach but this was extremely pleasant.
* Made lots of bubbles and if they started to die down we just stirred them back up (one of Avril's favorite tub toys is a plastic whisk just for this reason). This is a gel concentrate so doesn't take a lot to get a tubful.
* No allergic reactions - Both babies tend to have sensitive skin and Avril is prone to infections so we are very careful with her. Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath was great and it made their skin feel so silky.
* I like that their website has an ingredient page and explains what those ingredients are.


    BUY IT! If you would like to purchase this product or any other product from EcoMom, enter SBBL194 when checking out to receive a 15% discount off your first order. Offer ends April 30th, 2010.

    WIN IT! Mandatory Entry: Visit EcoMom's website and check out their new program - EcoPass. Come back here and tell me something you learned about it.

EXTRA ways to win. One entry for each! Please leave a comment for each entry.
1. Subscribe to my blog on Feedburner (righthand side).
2. Follow EcoMom on Twitter at EcoMomCEO.
3. Follow me on Twitter at Avrilsgranny.
4. Become a fan of EcoMom on Facebook.
5. Sign up for EcoMom's newsletter.


    This giveaway ends Saturday, May 1st 2010 at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be chosen using random.org. Remember to leave your email address so I know how to contact you. If you are the winner, you will have 48 hours to respond before I choose another winner. Good luck!


*I received this product for free, and I was not compensated for writing this review.

West Virginia Massey Energy Co Upper Big Branch Mine Memorial

I live in West Virginia and we have just had the worst mining disaster in the US since 1972. 29 miners lost their lives in a mining accident. Its been really horrible waiting for word on the missing 4 only to find out that they too perished. These men are heroes. Why do you ask? Because to me, a hero is someone who does what needs doing and these men were doing their jobs and trying to take care of their families. Underground mining is one of the scariest jobs around. I had an uncle to get killed in a mining accident in 1996 so when there is any accident then it brings it vividly to mind. I will warn you and say that I am a coal miner's daughter, granddaughter, niece, and so forth so I won't have any negative comments on the effect of coal and the environment. This is a post dedicated to 29 courageous men who lost their lives trying to do the best they could in this live. May God have mercy on their souls and comfort the hearts of their families and loved ones.

I have been so overloaded for the past several weeks. It seems things just keep happening and piling up. I have been so busy I haven't even been entering hardly any contests. I am so tired. For the past 2 days this song has been running through my mind.