100 Follower Giveaway We have the Winners!

The first Winner is  

Maggie @ Grandma Yellow Hair 

said, "Tara your lovely giveaway is now on my sidebar so I know my great friends will be over to find your lovely site"

Maggie picked the Cameo necklace!

 The second Winner is

Ginny @ Mom Of 2 Dancers

said,"I love pink #2 necklace! It was a hard choice though :)"

Ginny gets the pink shell necklace!

Sorry I just realized #2 was not a follower which was one of the rules! I feel horrible but I have to follow my own rules.

The new #2 is

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions 

Kathy said, "

Hi Tara! How pretty! I am a follower already and I love the gold tone necklace. I will post your giveaway on my sidebar just to help out! : )"

Both these lovely ladies also get some arm candy because they posted on their own blogs about the giveaway!

I want to say thank you to everyone who entered and you are all winners in my book!  I am so happy that you take your time and check out my lil corner of blog land.

XOXOXO

Next giveaway when I reach 100 posts.  Whew that may take me a while!
(I used Random.org to generate the winners)

Happy 4th of July!

Have a great weekend! See you Monday!

Opera House, Vivid Sydney, Lighting The Sails (Theme Day: Reflections)

Lighting the Sails is the name of this spectacular illumination of the Sydney Opera House which provided brilliant reflections on Sydney Harbour. It was part of Vivid Sydney, a festival of light, music and ideas which ran from 27th May to 21st June. This is the second year that the city has held the festival that features large-scale light installations and projections, music performances and creative ideas summits.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants of this theme day

Translations: A Last Word

The more I work with the new translation, at least for Eucharistic Prayers II and III, the more I find myself saying, well, it's not great, but in most cases we can work with it, we'll get used to it. The major exception is the change to "pro multis": to go from saying Jesus came for all to Jesus came for many is hugely problematic, and not at all in keeping with our tradition or our own experience of God.

If I have one question, having worked through these new translations, it is about this choice to value literal translation over good theology. Why is a more literal translation a better one? What's the value added? Accuracy to an original text, yes, but why is that the ultimate value? What about good theology?

I fear somewhere mixed within this choice is a belief that our prayers are somehow magic spells. You have to say them just so, or they're not valid, or not as valid (whatever that means). And in a sense that makes the eucharistic prayer about us -- it's about our action.

But let's not fool ourselves: we can get every word just right (no matter how we define "right"), and we're still horrible sinners that are desperately in need of God's mercy. The eucharistic prayer is not about us getting it right. It's about allowing ourselves to be available to our merciful Father.

To the degree a new translation helps us become more available to God, it is of value. To the extent that it distracts us from that place, gets us thinking about ourselves "doing it right" or worse still warps our sense of God's mercy, I would suggest it's an obstacle, not an opportunity.

Do I Really Need to Hire A Home Stager?

The picture above was from a home currently listed on the real estate market. Can you imagine walking into this home?  I won't tell you how long it's been on the market but let's say it's over a year. Today's real estate market is challenging.  There are lots of homes for sale out there - lots of choices for discriminating buyers.  A seller needs to ensure that his home shines above the competition.  Professional home stagers can make this happen.  Our training teaches us to prepare the property so it will appeal to a prospective buyer. There is no guesswork involved.  The following pictures show what happens when staging is ignored.

Home staging is not only decluttering and depersonalizing but it's also adding that special decorator's touch that will make a buyer remember a home as being special.  Home stagers are trained in proper furniture placement, as well as paint colors that sell, and enhancing decor with artwork, accessories and window treatments. A professional home stager can also help you avoid expensive renovations that may not be necessary to sell your home.  Your home staging fees may be tax deductible as an expense in selling your home if you itemize deductions.  Check with your accountant.

Still not convinced on the value of home staging?    Take a look at some additional reasons why you should consider professionally staging  your home.   

Homes that are staged usually sell  50% faster than unstaged homes. Homes that are staged, on average , sell for 7-10% over list price. 90% of buyers can't imagine their furniture in another home. 84% of buyers start their home search on the Internet before contacting a realtor.

Homes that have been staged show better than similar unstaged homes.

The number of houses for sale are at an all time high; you have to have the edge over the competition.

Staging creates inviting spaces with broad appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Some staged homes have been purchased  by buyers who did not  even see the property in person; they only saw pictures of the homes on the Internet !

Agents prefer to show staged homes  because they are ready to sell.

Staging is far less expensive than your first price reduction.

Staging creates a positive first impression and makes a  property memorable in the eyes of the home buyer.

Inspectors know that if a home looks great, it should be well-maintained.

If your home has been on the market for a while, having it staged  makes it appear as a fresh new listing for realtors to show.

A professional stager can offer tips on how to maintain the attractiveness of your home as you are selling it while living in it.

Usually, the longer your home is on the market, the lower your selling price will be.

Leaving your house vacant makes the home buyer want to offer less because he thinks you need to move the property quickly.

Staging is best done before listing so your  home photos look enticing on the Internet.  

Home buying is based on a buyer making an emotional connection with your home to the point that he  absolutely has to buy it.

For most people, a home is one of the largest financial investments made. Wouldn't you do anything you could to maximize the return on your investment?

Home stagers bring an objective eye when evaluating your house.

Home stagers know how to maximize key areas in your house.

Home stagers know how to accentuate the positive features of your house.

Home stagers can create balance, flow, and space planning .

Home stagers can increase your curb appeal with recommendations.

Home stagers can evaluated and specifically target areas in your home that need to be addressed.

If you needed electrical, plumbing or roofing work done, would you read a "how to book" and attempt doing the work yourself with possible disastrous results? No, you would hire a professional in that field that does this everyday to get it done right the first time. So why not hire a professional home stager that does this everyday to maximize your largest investment?

 

If you are thinking about placing your home on the real estate market in the Jacksonville, Florida or St. Augustine area, give me a call at 904-553-0366 for a  home staging consultation. If you are not selling your home, tell your friends who are. Ask me about my current "blog reader" special good through July 30, 2010. 

Super Model Contest

Stamford International University proudly announces that Ms. Sakrankamon Uthasiri (TaTa) - a sophomore, majoring in Business Communication has qualified for the final round of the THAI SUPERMODEL CONTEST 2009. She was shortlisted as one of final 20 candidates.

The final round will be held on the 30^th October, 2009 at the Bangkok Convention Center, 5^th floor, Centara Ladprao.

Her activities during the contest can be viewed by visiting her Online Profile. Her contestant number is T20.

STIU requests all it's students, faculty and staff to join in congratulating her and wishing her all the best for the finals.

Super Model Contest

15-year-old Russian girl wins super model contest

Sasha Kuznethova, 15, won 2006 Russian Super Model contest in Moscow on Saturday. She is going to take part in World Super Model contest in New York in January, 2007.(Xinhua Photo)

Government guaranteed gold coins.

“To err is human and to put the blame on others is more human”. Well, I lived very true to this phrase when I squarely blamed my husband when the silver coins he bought a few years ago turned black.

Did I learn a lesson? Yes, I believe. Always buy gold eagle coins or Canadian Maple Leaf gold coins from an authorized and respected precious metals merchant like the U.S. Gold Bureau, home to a large and dedicated staff of hard asset professionals committed to serving your precious metals investment needs.

Do you know the American Eagle gold coins carry the American Government’s guarantee? Is there any other Government in the world that guarantees gold purchased in their country?

I don’t think so!

I have bought a few gold coins in the past but the beauty of American Eagle coins can’t be matched.

Holiday Closing and Fund Drive

The Library will be closed July 5th in observance of the 4th of July holiday! We will be open for business as usual on Tuesday July 6th. Have a happy holiday!

The 2010 Meyersdale Public Library Fund Drive has begun! The board and staff of the Meyersdale Public Library would like to thank all of our community members who have been so supportive of the Library in the past. Through your generosity, we have been able to successfully meet our stated mission to enhance the library through the resources of people, programming and financial assistance for library services. That being said, Pennsylvania libraries are at risk.

Demand for library services has risen dramatically during this recession. Libraries across Pennsylvania are busier than ever - serving people looking for work, families on tight budgets, and retirees grappling with shrinking savings. Recent state budget cuts have reduced library services for the very people who need libraries the most. To accommodate funding restraints, the Meyersdale Public Library chose to reduce staff hours instead of cutting hours of operation in an effort to keep the library and its services available to the community. The future is uncertain. Over 60% of the money necessary to keep the library functional and compliant with state standards comes from community support. Please help us continue to help you by donating generously to the 2010 Fund Drive. Your contributions are tax deductible and the option is available to contribute using the PayPal link on our website www.meyersdalelibrary.com.

Don’t forget to get involved in the following summer reading programs:

• “Make a SPLASH! READ” – for children of all ages. The program starts July 9th and will run until August 13, 2010. Youth may join anytime during this time frame.
• Meyersdale Area Chess Club - Mondays at 4 p.m.
• 2010 Relax and Read Adult Summer Reading Program - July 2^nd and end August 13^th. For each book you read you may submit an entry form. Every Friday staring July 9^th a entry will be drawn and that person will receive a beautiful reward. The more you read…..the more chance you have to win. Prizes are on display at the library. Please ask the staff for more information.

The Meyersdale Public Library offers numerous services that could be beneficial to you and your family. These services include: innovative children’s activities, outstanding local & family history services, an excellent general fiction & non-fiction collection, a variety of magazines and newspapers, assistance in research & problem solving, a diverse reference collection, right of entry to the state-wide Pennsylvania Power Library Access database program, high-speed internet & computer access, Accelerated Reading support, the Friends of the Library programming and book club, special needs computer software and equipment, and access to GED, CareerLink, Family Literacy, and County support representatives. The library is so much more than a place that has books!

Christian cross clip arts and Bible colorin pages about Jesus Christ

wallpaper sized Christian clip art

Christian cross clip art picture

Clip art picture of Cross with Bible

Bible clip art with Cross image

Yellow Cross in the bible - Beautiful religious clip art photo

religious clip art image of Cross and bible



Jesus loves me letters and wooden Cross clip art picture


clipart picture of Cross

Beautiful shining Cross with yellow border clip art(clipart) picture

Praying hands with Cross and rosary coloring pages and clip arts

Holy Rosary in praying hands art picture

Praying hands with holy rosary drawing art wallpaper

Praying hands for lord - Kids coloring page picture

coloring page of praying hands to children to draw colors


Christian image of Gold color Cross and prying hands

Praying hands and Cross made with gold - religious photo


Tattoo Picture of praying hands

Praying hands tattoo photo

acrylic design of praying hands and Cross - religious image

Praying hands at Cross made with crystal glass acrylic design- Very beautiful picture

Oh the things I have seen! Rattle snakes and such.

As my profile says we live on 34 acres.  It is a beautiful piece of land with wonderful views of the valley.  We are truly blessed beyond measure to be able to live here but every once in a while I think a home in a well populated tract may be peaceful!  How ever the lack of screaming children, barking dogs, 12 cars at one home and neighbors looking in my back yard are other reasons I love where I live.

But we do have creatures!

like these

and these

even these

It is all part of living out of town.

I took my hubbys big dog to get shaved for the first time ever

(we usually do it our selves but finally got smart)

He looked so good!  Smelled so good! was smooth!  then that night he was sprayed by a skunk!  So yes we coexist with wildlife here.  I stood on the front porch and called my little dog to come and go potty but he would not come.  When I looked to my right I saw it!  You know it!

See it?  right behind my muck boot.

Here is a closer photo.

Oh yeah you know it!  A RATTLESNAKE!

Well I live in the country so I handled it the correct way and everything!

I ran screaming into the house, slammed the door and started yelling where's my phone!  Where's my phone!

My children came running and I did a few laps around the couch before I finally saw my phone on the counter.  I then called my hubby and told him there was a rattlesnake at the front door!  you know what he said???  Well do you?  He said, "Tara you are gonna have to kill it."  After I picked myself up off the floor I proceeded to let him know all the ways I was unqualified to do such a thing.  After a quick lesson in rattlesnake killing 101 I did venture out the back door to the front of the house all the while on the phone with hubby.  Well a failed attempt and some babyish screaming later my hubby to the rescue!

See his truck through the weeds?  He told me to stand guard and not let the snake get away!  Then he left the job he was on and came to save us all!

After my attempt the snake had crawled in a little crack in the concrete.  My Hubby had to pull it out then do the deed.

This is my hubby saving the world!  I never thought it could get worse but then there was this creature!  A murderer of fashion!

Yes!  It's Me!  I had not quite finished dressing at the time!

Oh it looks so bad!

In conclusion I would have to say that out of all the creatures I may be the scariest and I may not live in a neighborhood because I have been fully countrified!  Oh and I would probably get arrested by the fashion police!

Make sure and enter my 100 follower Giveaway that ends tomorrow!  Click HERE!