Due to the Incoming Weather ~

BTW ~ this is not my buffalo and I did not take the picture! This isn't even Larry!

Oklahoma is changing the words to the State Song. It now goes like this:
SNOW…….klahoma Where the cold front's sweepin' down the plain
And the piles of sleet, beneath your feet
Follow right behind the freezing rain!

SNOW…….klahoma Ev'ry night my honey lamb and I
Travel home from work and hope some jerk
Doesn’t wreck our car passing by!

(A friend of mine posted this on Facebook. Thanks, Shelley!)

Stay warm everyone! And think SPRING!

Hugs!
Cheryl

Tuesday’s Notes ~ Posted on Wednesday (Because AT&T’s signal wasn’t!)

Faith aka Mama Horse




Nominations for the Okie Blog Awards

Attention! Only a few days left to nominate your favorite blog for the Okie Blog Awards! (Come on, you know you want to do this!) You have until next Tuesday, February 3rd. Voting will take place the second week of February and winners will be announced in the days following.

There are approximately 1400 or so bloggers that belong to Blog Oklahoma. ~ I know, I spent every night for about a week checking out the different blog sites! Like the state which we belong to, we are a diverse group. There is something for everyone. My only disappointment was the fact some really cool bloggers are no longer blogging! Nevertheless, there is a wealth of talent to be found and participating in the blog awards helps to bring awareness to this growing community resource. Whether you are looking for entertainment, news, or information you are sure to find just what you want and make new friends along the way.

With all contest, there are rules; however, these are pretty simple. In order to nominate a particular blog, you need to a) be a blogger and b) at least one blog author reside in Oklahoma. You can find out all the particulars here.

You can nominate in as many categories as you like, just nominate one blog/blogger for each. Or if you had rather (and you are not familiar with too many of the different blogs) just nominate your favorite blog in the categories that blog is best suited for. Prairie Maid is nominated in one or two ~ best rural (maybe) and best newcomer ~ I’d tell, but I am not sure. I appreciate any and all support, but the important thing is to support those people who are taking the time to share their lives with you!

(I really think there should be a category for “Best Old Dog, That *has* Learned New Tricks!” Blogging has forced me to learn many new things. Who would of thought?!

You can find a list of all the categories for the 2009 awards here.

Today, be sure and checkout what Katie is cooking up over at Dishin and Dishes. Her daughters made these (to die for) Cookies-n-Cream Cheesecake Cupcakes (say that 5 times without stopping!) If you are looking for a great food blog, Katie is top-notch!

Remember, Georgie has that cool giveaway going on. Friday is the last day. You can find out all about it here.

And there is always *always* something happening with Ree over at Pioneer Woman!

So, grab another cup of coffee and enjoy your day!



On another note, those that would, please pray for my neighbor. She receives the results of her biopsy tomorrow.

BTW ~ If you see my camera, be sure and call. I have turned this house upside down looking for it. Dh started giving the grandsons riding lessons yesterday and Mama horse (Faith) was in no mood to be messed with. We had quite the rodeo….and NO CAMERA!



Update ~ still no camera! Waiting to hear from Dot. Georgie and Katie, I am ignoring the weather, so completely (except dh made me go to the grocery and the feed store this morning). Praying those weather dudes are just over reacting.

Georgie, we will see what we can do about Robbers Cave this summer! Wonder if anyone else would be interested?

Hugs!
Cheryl,

BEWARE!

So Much Sunshine in January ~ Leads to Daydreaming!



(Happy Birthday, Gabby!)

Because I haven’t been here in more than a few days, I thought I would share some things, thoughts or ideas that will make you smile! (Hey, I’ve actually been cleaning house! And that is making me pretty happy. But I’ve missed ya!)

I have a contest, giveaway, first ever for me, the Prairie Maid, coming up! The “prize” is on the way and as soon as it arrives and photographed, I will post all the particulars. Stay tuned, I think you are going to love it! And if all goes well, I think we will be having a contest about every 4 to 6 weeks, because it will be fun!

Speaking of contests, be sure and checkout Georgie’s over at Decisionally Challenged. She has an awesome giveaway going on. Be sure and hurry, I believe Friday, January 29th is the last day. She also has a great idea for Valentines. You’ll love it!



The last week or so, the temps have been much warmer and we have been taking full advantage of all that marvelous sun! In the photo, Marigold is dying to help Teamer with his reading! *And yes, that picture was taken back in September, when everything was still green!*

Being outside, brings visions of spring babies and fresh vegetables…okay, my visions have been helped a little by all the seed and hatchery catalogs. In a moment of “stupid” I even told the boys they could raise turkeys this year. What’s one more project, right? Actually, I think it will be a great learning experience.

I’ve also been dreaming about one of our most favorite spots for a few days of relaxation. That in turn has me searching the calendar for when we can see our way clear to spend a few days away from home. I’m going to include some pictures of last summer’s trip to Robbers Cave down at Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Hope you will enjoy the sights, as much as we enjoyed our time there! And if you ever get the chance to go…do!




Trying to be still for the picture!



The kids always enjoy feeding the fish!




Taking a break!

'Til next time,
Cheryl

Simple Compassion

Would you like to start 2010 with a new outlook, a fresh plan? Pick up a copy of Keri Wyatt Kent's latest devotional, Simple Compassion. Released just in time for the New Year, Simple Compassion will help you take inventory of those areas in your life, where small changes will produce big dividends.

I am very excited to be a part of the Simple Compassion Social Media Tour. For sometime I have been aware of the fact it is time for me to make some positive choices. Receiving this devotional to review has had a tremendous impact on my life.

With fifty-two devotions, Kent walks you through the year, one small step at a time, showing you how you can make a difference in your neighborhood, your community, and your world. This is a "thoughtful, unhurried approach" designed to allow you time to reflect, embrace and move forward toward a renewed relationship with God and those around you.

"It is a guide toward toward becoming a more compassionate person, a person who doesn't just talk about social injustice, but is trying to live it out. Compassion flows from those who are so full of God's love that it simply sloshes onto all those around them." Something we can all benefit from and use a little more of.

A scripture that once found its way into my soul and still resides there is, "But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be a witness unto me both in Jerusalem, and in Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the utter most parts of the earth." (Acts 1:8) I have always felt like this is our road map. We don't start our "compassion journey" in the utter most part of the earth, but rather at home. As the old saying goes, "Home is where your story begins." Kent follows this same road map.

You cannot show true compassion to others, until you learn to embrace the compassion God is continually offering you. Once you embrace His compassion and mercy, you can then move forward and outward - you can then "grow" compassion in your own community (or in your own Jerusalem). You can start to slosh a little of that Godly love on your family, your friends, your community, and yes, even your enemies. Remember, "With God, all things are possible" (Mark 10:27). As we reach out to those within our small circle, we are encouraging and enabling those we touch to do the same. Therefore, our circles grow - more sloshing! You are now moving into your own "Judaea."

So once we have these (what we once called) "random acts of kindness" going on within our community, what's next? You have learned to except God's love in your own life and you have extended His love to those around you, now Kent is going to walk you through the land of Samaria. Uncharted, unfamiliar, but you are walking with God's grace to where He has called you.

As we extend compassion to those beyond our comfort zone, we realize we are strong enough and confident enough to reach out to those we do not know. Everybody's walk is different. God may be calling you to pray for your boss or donate your time at a woman's shelter. Possibly, He is calling you and your family to help in a food kitchen one day a month. Seek what God has especially designed for you. Remember, to ask, seek, knock. His answer will match your desire!

Samaria isn't so difficult! One step at a time, Kent will walk you through, taking you to a new level of compassion. Now where? Oh yeah, "the utter most part of the earth!"

Come on, don't be nervous! Look how far you have come. Just take baby steps, steps of faith.

In the last section of the book, Kent writes, "Compassion Offers God's Love to the World." God may not be calling you to Africa, but He may be calling you to help support a missionary who He has called to Africa. He may be asking you to use some of your talents to bless those beyond you normal sphere of ministry. Ministry? Yes, sometime over the last few weeks, He has gifted you with a ministry, a vision for others!

Over the weeks, Kent will gently teach, walk, and push you out into the world one small step of faith at a time. A new you, sharing God's love with all His creation! You are allowing His love and compassion to overflow to all those you come in contact with, sloshing each person His his compassion!

You can begin your year of Simple Compassion anytime. The time to start your year, is when you are ready to become a more positive, compassionate person, walking in God's mercy and grace.

You can find Simple Compassion on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Begin your journey today.

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To follow my journey into the world of Simple Compassion or to take the Simple Compassion Challenge click here.

Blessings,
Cheryl

Friday Fragments

Friday Fragments

Today is the first Friday of 2010 and so far, I feel like much of 2010 is “fragmented”. How is your New Year going?

Friday Fragments is hosted by the lovely Mrs.4444 over at Half Past Kissing Time. I hope you will be sure and go by her corner of the web. There you will discover links to many more “fragmented” bloggers! Just so you know, if you are still having difficulty recovering from the holidays, you are not alone!

I still have three “must do’s” on my list before the New Year officially starts for me. It is part of who I am. I grew up during the 60’s; therefore, I do not enjoy doing things in any semblance of normality. (Although, I do now trust people over thirty, as long as they are well past thirty!) You guys go ahead and start the new year. I’ll catch up later.

I need to clean house. I do not want to clean house. I need to win a blog giveaway entitled, Maid Service for Six Months! WooHoo! If someone offers said giveaway I will comment on your blog everyday for the next 125 years! I’ll send birthday cards to your children and take you dog for long walks! I will love you forever. Be sure and let me know.

Georgie over at Decisionally Challenge has a cool giveaway going on for Dr. Perricone’s Cold Plasma, which is the “extreme” when it comes to anti-aging formulas. Hurry, you have until the 15th.

Speaking of Dr. Perricone, have you ever thought about going on his anti-aging diet? I have considered it, but not sure I could handle that much salmon.

It is time for the Okie Blog Awards nominations. Nominations opened January 1 and will close February 2. Be sure and click here and nominate your favorite Okie Bloggers!

The 2010 Bloggies are open for nominations until 10 pm EST January 12. You can vote once per email address. Get all the info here. Beware, the site scrolls sideways.

And that is all I know about Blog Awards!

If anyone is looking for the North Pole, it somehow slipped south. It feels like we are sitting in a deep freeze here in Oklahoma. Last night’s low was 11 degrees. It must be global warming!

My sister is leaving on a cruise Sunday. I love her. I hope she gets sunburned. (JK about the sunburn ~ maybe.)

Later today, I will be posting my book review on Simple Compassion. Next week, who will you show a little compassion?

Blessings,
Cheryl

BTW ~ I finally learned how to insert a link! Doing the happy dance!

Author, Keri Wyatt Kent

I recently received a copy of Simple Compassion by Keri Wyatt Kent to review. Simple Compassion is a devotional written with the idea of changing your neighborhood and the world, starting with oneself. I love the practical ideas as well as the encouragement Kent shares with her readers. I will be posting a review of the book, but first I wanted you to meet the author! I'm sure you will enjoy reading her interview as much as I have.

How did you get involved in writing?

I’ve always loved books. My fifth grade teacher affirmed my skills in writing—I knew then that I was going to be some sort of writer someday. I was a lit major in college, but when I worked on the student newspaper, I fell in love with journalism. I was a newspaper reporter right out of college and continued that until I started freelancing full time, when I had kids. There has never been a time in my life when I wasn’t writing. It’s really the only career I’ve ever had. Even if it were not my job, I would write and journal. Writing helps me understand the world and try to make a little sense of my life.

How do you find time to write?

If you wait until you “find time” to write, you will never write. You have to MAKE time. I write every day—some days for two hours, others for eight or more. If I have a meeting or a tennis game early in the morning, I schedule my writing for the afternoon. I try to write five days a week. When I’m on a deadline I write at least 1000 words a day. My goal is to write at least that all five days, but I don’t always meet that goal. Other days, I exceed it.

What did you enjoy most about the writing process?

I just love it when the ideas begin to flow as I’m writing, and I just get out of the way. I discover things (or more accurately, God gives them to me) as I write, in the moment. It doesn’t happen every time but it’s very cool when it does. I also love it when I write a really good sentence—it just sings. Again, a rare occurrence—and these serendipitous moments can only happen when you engage in the discipline of sitting down every day to write.

What was the most difficult aspect of the writing process?

Just making the time to do it. I have a lot of interests, I like spending time with friends, I want to be a good mom, I try to serve at my church. Carving out the time is a discipline.

What would you say to someone who wants to become a published author?

I would ask them: what are you working on? Because a lot of people want to be an author but they don’t actually write. They just want to write, but they don’t do it. You have to start writing. Then, hone your craft. Take classes to get better at writing. Hire an editor and actually heed their advice. Join a critique group. Even best-selling authors can improve their craft and learn more.
Also, build your platform. Unfortunately, even if you are an excellent writer you need to have a way to publicize your writing. Learn about marketing, publicity, speaking. Publishers today aren’t interested in authors who don’t have some sort of platform. I think a lot of people don’t realize that authors are the ones responsible for marketing their own books. Accept and embrace that reality, and you’re ahead of the game.

* * * * * * * * *

On another note....

I love to read! I cannot remember not loving to read and that is why I am involved in the "blog tours". If you also enjoy reading and would like to receive the latest releases, you might consider joining the "blog tours." Just let me know in the comment section and I will be happy to put you in contact with the right person! ~ Cheryl

Post Christmas ~ Post (or somethin' like that)

We finished up our family holiday get togethers on January 1....now I can officially move into the New Year. Every visit, dinner, eat-all-you-can-stuff-yourself gathering was wonderful! The food was even better than wonderful. I know, as I am wearing much of it, scattered over various parts of my body.

One of my favorite gifts was the Pioneer Woman's cookbook, which is above and beyond an ordinary cookbook! If you haven't heard of it, "whereyabeen?" If you don't have one, treat yourself....you know you wanta!

Now, onward and upward! 2010 awaits us!

I have a book review to post later this evening. Be sure and check back. This book will brighten your day and your world.

I am going to be starting a new blog, with all the tremendously, outstanding things I plan on doing now that the New Year is here. So much so, this blog will not contain them all.....(now to follow through!). Kidding aside, I do have lots coming up and some niffy plans to go along with said plans! I hope this will be something that will benefit many of us readers and bloggers, and I am looking forward to getting started. Just wish my feet would warm up. Global warming is killing me...hahaha. We in the "south" feel like we are sitting on the North Pole today.

I still have three extra chillin' here and their parents will be fetchin' the lil darlin's tomorrow. Then hopefully I can get some things done.

No resolutions...just goals and actions!

Stay warm, cook something good, find a good read and be blessed!

Hugs,
Cheryl