A Few of my Favorite Things - The Blessed Weddings Edition

When you visit the Blessed Weddings shop on Zazzle you are stepping into your one stop shopping spot for all things wedding related! From the beginning (announcing the big event, choosing your bridesmaids and flower girl) to the planning (invitations and postage) to the end (thank you, just married) and every step in-between, you are sure to find something to suit your tastes and desires here!

Take a look:

Flower girl request by blessedwedding
Make a card on zazzle

photo damask wedding binder by blessedwedding
More Wedding planner Binders

Wedding Congratulations by blessedwedding
Shop for greeting cards at zazzle.com

Roses wedding stickers by blessedwedding
Design a sticker at zazzle

Bachelor Party Invitations by blessedwedding
More Bachelor party Invitations

Bachelorette Party Gear by blessedwedding
Try Zazzle's button maker

RSVP stamps by blessedwedding
Make a custom stamp usps on zazzle

Mocha wedding invitation by blessedwedding
View other Wedding Invitations

aqua damask ThankYou Cards by blessedwedding
online postcard printing by zazzle

Just married by blessedwedding
Browse Favors for wedding T-Shirts

Take a look at these designs and more from Blessed Weddings to have the wedding of your dreams!

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Giving Thanks & Remembrance to a Special Man

On Thanksgiving we often give thanks for the people and things in our life ~ our families and friends, our health, our jobs, our successes. Every year I am thankful for the people that are in my life that have helped shape me, who continue to help shape me, who make a difference and continue to do so through their lives, and also for those people we've lost.

There is no one more meaningful to me, especially at Thanksgiving, than my (maternal) Grandfather. I've blogged about my paternal Grandfather - a man I never knew, but who, I feel, helped shape my love and need for music. But my other Grandfather, my Grandpa, is the man who helped me become the woman I am today. He helped form the compassion I would grow to have for everyone, regardless of our differences. My Mom taught me that someone's religion, race, sexual orientation, or disability isn't what makes a person who they are. How they are as a person and how they treat others is what makes someone who they are. That was a lesson she learned, perhaps indirectly, from my Grandpa. There may have been things or people he didn't care for or didn't understand, but I never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. All I ever felt from him was Love - love for me and our family, love for others.

My Grandpa was born on Valentine's Day, 1912 in West Virginia. He served in the Navy, he was a bowler, he loved card games and crossword puzzles (both of which I often tried to "help" with when I was a kid), and he loved his garden. He was also the main father figure in my life (along with one of my Uncles). My Mom and I spent a lot of time at my Grandparent's house while I was growing up. I, of course, went through some of the early teen years thinking it was un-cool to hang with the Grandparents, but I always cherished every moment of it. I feel extremely blessed and lucky that I was able to spend time with them and to form a wonderful and unbreakable bond with them.

Over the later years of his life, my Grandpa had some health issues. There were surgeries and time in the hospital. I hated the thought of seeing him in the hospital, and only went once. It's not that I wasn't concerned or didn't care. It was that I hated hospitals and I hated the thought of seeing my Grandpa in one. He was always so happy and active and that is how I liked to see him. In 1992, after some months of him having little energy or desire to do anything, and after great convincing from my Mom and Aunts, my Grandpa was taken to the doctor. Eventually it was discovered he had Cancer. On November 10th he had surgery to remove the Cancer from his colon. It was then that the doctors saw that the Cancer had spread. We then went through the "if he makes it through the night..." and "if he makes through the next couple of days..." tango. It was up and down.

On the evening of Wednesday, November 25th (the day before Thanksgiving), we got the call that my Grandpa has passed away. I remember being in my bedroom with my then boyfriend (now husband) playing a card game - fitting that we were doing something I loved doing with my Grandpa on that particular evening. I heard the phone ring and for some reason I knew, I knew something was wrong. Minutes later my mom came to my door to tell me the news. I was heartbroken. There was a part of me that knew it was for the best - for him, for our family. But he was gone and that was rough.

It's been 18 years since we lost him. And there is not one single day that I don't think of him. I knew at a young age, that if I ever had a son, he would be named after my Grandpa. In 2004, my son was born, and his middle name is the that of my Grandpa (which also happens to be my Mom's middle name). My son will never truly understand the importance of his middle name, but he has been told and he carries the name proudly.

I take this Thanksgiving, as I do every Thanksgiving, and remember the man who was such a loving and caring man. I thank him for being a man that everyone was proud to call friend, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, and Brother. And I thank God for making our family what it was and blessing us all with this wonderful man.

Thank you Grandpa. I love you. Happy Thanksgiving.

 

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A Few of my Favorite Things - The Holiday Edge Edition

With Thanksgiving here and Christmas quickly coming upon us, there is no better shop at Zazzle to visit than The Holiday Edge. With designs ranging from elegant to creepy, beautiful to whimsical, your holiday needs will be met and more when you visit this talented Zazzle designer.

Take a look at just a few of the things you can find here:

Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving Olive Invitation by TheHolidayEdge
Browse more Thanksgiving Invitations

Autumn Fall Leaf Thanksgiving Recipe Binder by TheHolidayEdge
Get a custom printed 3 ring binder at zazzle

Heavenly Angel Christmas Holiday Greeting Card by TheHolidayEdge
See more Angels Cards

Red Metal Damask Gold Foil Holiday by TheHolidayEdge
Browse other Christmas Cards

Our First Christmas Purple Gold Damask Ornament by TheHolidayEdge
See more Christmas Ornaments

Silver & Teal Monogram Christmas Address Labels by TheHolidayEdge
View other labels at zazzle.com

Holiday Lights Blue Present Christmas Invitation by TheHolidayEdge
announcement designs created online at zazzle

Teal Mask Masquerade Ball Halloween Invitation by TheHolidayEdge
Shop for an announcement on zazzle

Sparkle Masquerade Mask Halloween Party Invitation by TheHolidayEdge
Browse more Halloween party Invitations

Blood Donors Wanted Vampire Halloween Invitation by TheHolidayEdge
More Halloween Invitations

Vintage Peeking Demon Halloween Table Setting Card by TheHolidayEdge
postcard printing using Zazzle

Please check out this fantastic shop - you will NOT be disappointed!


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Once Upon a Puzzle Time, I Wrote a Review...

"WOW!"

"It's awesome!"
"I don't like it, I LOVE it!"

Those are just a few of the comments my 6 year old son had to say about a special surprise I ordered for him from a great site called Once Upon A Puzzle. Their tagline, "It's more fun when it's personal" is one of most honest statements I've heard. My son loves to do puzzles, a trait he's picked up from me. But I have never seen him more excited about a puzzle as I have with this one.

At Once Upon A Puzzle you get to customize the puzzles you order. You choose a story, or story map, and then make it personal for your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, friend, or any other puzzle lover by including their friends, favorite foods, activities, toys, and more.

I ordered the Pirate Story Map Puzzle in the 11x17 size. I got to add the names of some of his friends, two of his favorite foods, as well as his favorite stuffed animal, myself, and his dad. They make it simple to do and you can even preview of the puzzle before you place the order. Honestly the hardest part of the whole ordering process was trying to decide which friends to mention and what foods to list. Otherwise, it was easy peasy (as the puzzle recipient would say).

We got the puzzle, very nicely packaged and in perfect condition. The box that the puzzle comes in has a picture of the customized puzzle on the lid. Inside, neatly wrapped in tissue paper is a zipper baggy with the puzzle pieces inside. Not only is it easy and convenient to take the pieces out, but is easy to store once you take the puzzle apart. The high quality of the pieces and the finished product is great. The pieces are large enough for small hands, but small enough to make the process of putting it together enough of a challenge. My son and I had a blast putting the puzzle together. Seeing everyone's names and places, such as Corbin Cliff, Oliver Swamp, Dad Treasure, and Port Peanut Butter come together was exciting for him. I've never seen such a smile on his face while putting a puzzle together.
I would more than recommend ordering a puzzle from Once Upon A Puzzle for your friends and family. Fun for all ages, and personal to boot, these make great gifts for the holidays and birthdays, or as a "just because" treat for someone special. Run, don't walk, over to Once Upon A Puzzle! Also, be sure to "Like" them on Facebook for great updates and information!


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New Io Echo? Yes!

October 8, 2007 ~ Showbox Theater, Seattle WA ~ this is where and when I first heard the band Io Echo. They were the opening act for Kenna and She Wants Revenge. Having been a huge fan of both Kenna and SWR, and in the process of packing up my entire life of living in the greater Seattle area to move to Colorado, I was not about to miss this show. In my excitement to see Kenna again, I didn't even think to check out this band, Io Echo, that I had never heard of. By the end of their set I was a fan. A big fan.

October 11, 2010 ~ Io Echo, after having toured off an on for the last 3 years are working on an album. 2 of the new tracks from the forthcoming album are out and available for listening (and viewing w/Geisha themed videos) on their MySpace page. I'm beyond excited for the new music and can't wait to get a copy of the finished cd in my hot little hands - at this point in time, I do not know the release date.

I wanted to post quick reviews of the two new songs that Io and the gang have created for our listening enjoyment.

"When The Lilies Die" ~ If I were to rate this on a scale of 1 - 10, this would get an easy 10, hands down. From the opening squealing whistle sound I was drawn in. It's got a dance/pop, guitar driven base that is overlapped by Io's crisp vocals. On first listen I was prone to compare it to both old Siouxsie & The Banshees, as well as, Fuzzbox. And while I still get hints of both bands, or at least certain songs by both bands, this song in uniquely Io Echo. It will grab you by the ears and make you tap your foot, bob your head, and fall in love with this band.

"Blackout" ~ A reverberating echo, drums that get your attention, and driving guitars give this song its grinding dance club sound. A throwback to 80s club classics, a feeling of hanging out in my gothy black-wearing glory rushes through me. I feel like I'm back at the club, dancing with the other gothy boys and girls, strobe lights, video screens, and disco balls flashing all around. Another winner and another leaving me wanting MORE!

So that's it, those are my quick reviews. One day soon I hope to be able to write a full album review. Until then, I suggest you check out these two songs, as well as the other treats this band have given us to sink our teeth into. Thank you Io Echo!
Please check them out on MySpace (linked above) and Facebook.



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Things Must Change

I am sad.
I am frustrated.
I am MAD.

And You should be too.

The other day I heard the heartbreaking story of Tyler Clementi, the 18 year old Rutgers University student who committed suicide after a personal experience in his dorm room was made public by his roommate and another student via the internet. I was shocked and disgusted by the actions of these two teens who thought it would be funny to broadcast a young man's sexual encounter with another man.
This is just the latest in a series of suicides by teens who have faced harassment, teasing, bullying, and violence all because of their perceived sexuality. Just in recent weeks alone, at least 3 other families have lost children - children they thought they would see graduate from high school, children they thought they would see become adults, children they thought would outlive them. But because of the actions of cruelty and hate by other teens, these children will not grow up. They chose the ultimate sacrifice of taking their own lives rather than continue being subjected to these actions.

I'm here today to say that this is wrong and that things MUST change. These children - OUR children - deserve the chance to laugh and play, to learn and grow, and to become adults and have children of their own.

I don't pretend to know what exactly is going on in the heads of the teens on either side of the story. Those that take their lives, I can only imagine the hurt and desperation they feel. Those that do the bullying, I can't even begin to fathom what they think or feel when they are hurting the others with their words and actions. I don't believe that all of the bullies and teasers mean for these kids to kill themselves. But something still needs to be done, consequences need to be realized.
I do believe, however, that there has to be a way - a way to make these young men and women realize there is so much in life to live for. I believe that there has to be a way for parents, schools, and friends to support these children, to protect these children, to save these children. No, the signs are not always there that something is wrong, that these hateful acts are happening, and that the child is contemplating suicide. Parents, especially, are usually the last to know and realize the extent of the problem. But FRIENDS - you are there, you see these situations, you hear about these situations - please, please, PLEASE tell someone. Tell the family. Tell the school. Tell whoever will listen.

There are some amazing organizations out there where you can turn if you feel like there is no other solution than suicide. These are also places that the families and friends of these kids can turn for help, to share their stories, to help another child or family in need.
The Trevor Project is a leading organization for suicide prevention in the LGBT community. They have a 24 hour, nationwide lifeline - someone will always be there to talk to you, to help you. You can find them on Facebook and Twitter and you can contact them here:
(866) 4-U-TREVOR
(866) 488-7386

Another place you can go is We Give A Damn. Here you can share your story, or read the stories of others that have been in similar situations.
You can also find local groups and hotlines in your communities online or in the yellow pages. Whatever your situation, I beg and plead for you to get help - for yourself or for someone you know who might be in danger of taking their own life.


I get very passionate and emotional when it comes to humanity, equality, and acceptance, especially when it comes to our future generations. People need to understand that homosexuality is not a disease. It does not define who someone is. It should be no more of an issue than someone's eye or hair color, their height, or the size of shoe they wear. The parents, families, and friends of LGBT kids should still love and respect their children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and classmates just as much the moment they know that a loved one is gay as they did in the minutes, days, and years before. And I pray that the children of adults who preach that homosexuality is a sin and worthy of disrespect are able to learn, grow, and love people for who they are and not what they are, and that they can break the cycle of hate. Let us hope that our future generations will be filled with more respect, tolerance, and acceptance and that the levels of suicides and suicide attempts fade into oblivion.

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A Week In The Life

Warning: This is another personal, non-promotional blog. I'm sure it will be a little off center and full of random rambles. ;)

What a week in history this is - for the world and for me personally.

Today, July 13th, marks the 25th anniversary of the Live Aid concert. Put together by Sir Bob Geldof with the help of Midge Ure, Live Aid was a massive concert that followed in the footsteps of Band-Aid (and it's offspring USA for Africa, amongst others) to raise awareness and money for famine relief in Ethiopia and Africa. Held at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, artists including Queen, U2, David Bowie, Phil Collins, Duran Duran, Madonna, Bryan Ferry, Paul Young, Elton John, Tom Petty, Simple Minds, The Pretenders, Neil Young, Patti LaBelle, and MANY others played to a combined 170,000+ fans, while millions of people watched on tv worldwide.
I was one of those that watched. I was two days shy of my 13th birthday and I was riveted. So many artists I loved were performing. It was amazing. The day was slightly interrupted by a smoke detector going off in the apartment two floors down from us. After being evacuated from the building by the fire department for a short bit (it wasn't a fire, just someone who left a pot of water on their stove top - boiling - while they were not at home) I was able to get back inside to continue watching. As I remember it was a gorgeous summer day, but I wanted to stay inside to watch this amazing event.
Of course we had Live 8 a few years back (also held in July - July 2nd to be exact), but where are these massive concerts these days? Wow.

On July 15th I came into this world. Of course this should be a national holiday (hahaha, yeah right), but since it isn't, I'll just wish myself a Happy Birthday and call it good. ;) One nice thing this year is I *may* have won a Sex Pistols t-shirt, and that would be a really awesome birthday present. Feel free to send other birthday gifts to Stacy L...uh, nevermind. :)

July 16, 1990 - amazing to think that was 20 years ago - I saw my first of two shows on Depeche Mode's World Violation tour. It wasn't my first DM show ever, that came in May of 1988. But to celebrate 20 years of Violator, my favorite DM album, along with the WV tour, is incredible. I went to the show on the 16th in Vancouver, BC. Two days later, on the 18th, I traveled to Portland, OR for another show. What a great way to celebrate my 18th birthday by seeing my favorite band in two beautiful cities.

Another thing I'd like to do in this blog today is wish all of my July baby friends and family a very Happy Birthday! For so long I was one of the only people I knew with a July birthday. When I fell in love with Depeche Mode and found that former member Vince Clarke and founders Andy Fletcher and Martin Gore all had July birthdays, I was a giddy little fan girl. Now with Modies, Zazzlers, family, and friends, July is full of AWESOME people celebrating their special day!
***Special shout outs to Debbie, Tricia, Shannon R, Shannon J, Jenn, and Tina - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADIES!!! ***

I guess that's about all the rambling I want to do for now. Celebrate the people in your lives with birthdays, remember the good things that have happened to make this world a better place, and appreciate the people and things that come into your life ~ they are pieces of the puzzle that make up who we are and this life we lead.


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