WEEK #10- SUMMER TIME

 

I decided to do something different for this weeks theme. I went on a photo shoot today to capture all  of the things that summer is about. Please turn on your speakers and enjoy the slide show below. When the slides are done, please return back here and leave me a comment. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed my take on Summer Time Fun.

 

 

 

 

Free digital slideshow created with Smilebox

THE POWER OF WORDS

BY

GosselinGirl

(A fictional story)

Once upon a time in the land of Conversation, there lived a wizard named Speech. He lived in the woods in a cabin all covered with wooden letters. His main purpose as a wizard was to undo spells cast in a negative way.



Speech had been born in a time when the people of Conversation were at odds with one another. Everyone was always arguing with one another over petty things. Children screamed and argued with their parents and neighbors fought with their words on the streets. Speech longed for a day when peace could be found throughout the land.

As he grew older, his strength to change things in his land grew as well. People came from all over to have him cast out bad thoughts and undue bad words. He was a very sought after wizard. With remedies which ranged from washing ones mouth out with soap for saying curse words to a good ole spanking on the buttocks for fighting and arguing words. Speech had all kinds of spells and concoctions in his big book.

One day, Speech was asked by King FoulMouth to present a speech at one of his royal parties held in his castle. Speech could not say no. He looked at this as an opportunity to change some negative feelings of those who ruled in other lands. Now, he had to plan just the right words to say.

Speech worked hard for many days on what to say at the King’s party. Finally, he knew he had found just the right words to say to all of the royals. Soon, he would change the fate of all the people throughout the land of Conversation and then some.

The big day finally arrived and Speech was very excited. He had longed for the day when he would finally get to reveal his secret for being so wizardly. Years of watching and listening would finally pay off for him.

As he stood in front of the King’s guest, he couldn’t help but smile. What he was about to say would be the best advice they had ever heard. With a voice so sweet, Speech began to speak the words they all needed to hear. “Words are powerful my friends. They either make us or break us. Choose your words wisely and remember that once you say something, you can never take back your words. All of you go around each day grumbling and mumbling bad things to one another. Never taking into consideration on how the receiver might feel. Look for kindness in every situation. Before you speak, think about the affect that your words will have and speak them carefully. Mothers and Fathers do not spare the rod. Discipline is the heart of a well balanced child. Discipline with love and patience. Understand that your actions will always speak louder than your words. Love one another, be kind to those who hate you, and in the end seek happiness and it will be found.” The royals did not know what to think. Wow, Speeches words were like magic. He told the royals exactly how they really were and they were amazed at all he had said.



Many months passed and Speech was beginning to see a change in the land of Conversation. Instead of everyone being angry all the time, Speech was hearing positive conversations going on in the homes of all the people. Children were smiling again and playing with their neighbors. Husbands and Wives were no longer fighting with one another and seemed more happier. Things were definitely changing all around him.

When asked how he managed to make such a spell turn good, Speech replied, “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

~The End~

Frost
By
GosselinGirl
(Fictional Story)

In a time long ago, in a land far away, a child was born in the Village of Buganda. The village people had lost all hope because the wicked winter Queen Isabelle had cast  a spell on their village. Every child born to the villagers would have a heart as cold as ice and there would only be one season…winter.

Frost, as everyone called her, was born in December. She was welcomed as all the other newborns, but soon the villagers noticed that she seemed to have an enchanted way about her. Ice blue eyes and long blonde hair adorned her perfect complexion. She was very beautiful and soon grew to be a mystical young lady.

You see Frost was different. She didn’t play like the other children did. Everything she touched warmed around her and unthawed. Could this child be the enchantment needed to undo the wicked queen’s spell? Only time could tell.

Months passed and everyone kept their eyes on Frost. She was hidden most of the time from any outsiders. The villagers did not want to take a chance that Queen Isabelle might hear about her existence and cast another spell. They also did not want to find her missing in the middle of the night. The Queen was known for taking children and making them into her personal slaves. This was something the villagers could not risk. So, Frost was only allowed to go out at night time and always had to wear a white robe to help her blend in with the snow.

One night, in January, the stars began to fall from the sky. Frost was sitting quietly along the waters edge as the villagers looked with amazement. To everyone’s surprise, she had her finger to her lips. Immediately the villagers became silent. All eyes were on Frost as she lifted her arms to the sky. Her finger worked magic as she gathered up each star in her hands.  Holding each one delicately like a flower petal, she placed them in the form of a big heart in the sky. Speaking in an ancient Buganda voice she said, “Ne num enome.” All the villagers looked to the heavens, but could only see the heart shining brightly in the winter sky. Frost, stood and went back to the village not saying anything to anyone. All the villagers followed her as she made her way to her tent to sleep for the night.

That night everyone slept deeply. Not a single sound could be heard throughout the entire village. Frost dreamed all night long. In her dreams she fought with Queen Isabelle and lifted the curse on her village. She brought love and warmth back into the hearts of every child born in the village. Dream after dream, she lifted the curses of her village. As she did, she became more enchanted in her powers. Seeing things in her dream state that she never knew existed.

When morning finally came, the whole entire village was shocked by what had happened. There was no more winter. Birds were singing in the trees and flowers were blooming everywhere. Something mystical had happened overnight. Something they could not describe.

Looking around the village it was like a whole new place. Something enchanted had touched each and every tent in the village. Each tent had been replaced with a beautiful hut to live in. There was a water fountain that flowed with the bluest water their eyes had ever seen. Beauty abounded everywhere they looked. This child had lifted the curse. Frost had saved their village.

Everyone questioned what had happened overnight. Frost, finally spoke, “Ne num enome.” “What does this mean child?” asked an elder. Frost replied, “Love never fails.” All of the villagers were astonished by these words. They didn’t know what to think. Frost spoke softly to each and everyone of them. “You lost hope and love and let the Queen harden your hearts. When I was still in the womb, my Mother said an ancient prayer that I would always feel loved. I have felt your love each and everyday of my life. Even though you have never told me you loved me. I know that I am loved.” The villagers were all quiet. They were happy that this small child could find away to bring love back to their village. As for the Queen, she was cast into a star far, far, away, never more to be seen.

Where hope lives, love grows. Frost proved that when you are born out of love, all things are possible.

~The End~

Sweet Memories and Song Blog Hop

The Writer's Post

Old Time Rock N' Roll

By

GosselinGirl

I have been very fortunate to grow up in a family based on so much love. As I ponder this weeks blog -sweet memories and songs, only one thing comes to mind... dancing with my Dad to Bob Segar's Old Time Rock N' Roll.

My father has always loved to dance. My mother and father use to go dancing a lot when I was a young girl. I have always thought that my father was a great dancer and on many occasions, I actually got to dance with him.

I always loved how my Dad scooted across the floor to this song. My Dad use to listen to Bob Segar when he first became popular in the night clubs in Detroit and Flint, Michigan. Everyone where I come from loves Segar. There is just something about this song that moves me. Sweet memories of a great time dancing with my Dad.

When Tom Cruise danced to this song, I can remember my Dad chuckling and commenting that no one could dance better then him to a Segar song. I believe to this day that he is so right. My Dad loves this song and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to dance along with him.

It is funny how music and memories go hand in hand, but they do. I will always smile everytime I hear this song. I will smile because I still have my Dad, he still loves to dance at 80 years old, and this is still our favorite song.

Bob Segar - Old Time Rock N' Roll

http://youtu.be/SsSVcRYh8dE

 



A limerick is a five-line poem written with one couplet and one triplet. If a couplet is a two-line rhymed poem, then a triplet would be a three-line rhymed poem. The rhyme pattern is a a b b a with lines 1, 2 and 5 containing 3 beats and rhyming, and lines 3 and 4 having two beats and rhyming. Some people say that the limerick was invented by soldiers returning from France to the Irish town of Limerick in the 1700's.

Limericks
By
GosselinGirl

There once was a girl named Sherry.
Who ate spiders which is really scary.
But the spiders didn't mind,
To be devoured each time.
They were just glad to keep her so merry.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As they walked along the shore,
they picked up more and more
The beach became their test,
the vacationers came to rest.
 Seashells on the shore.



Midnight

By

GosselinGirl

(Week #9-Midnight)

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As I sat alone in the hotel room waiting for the clock to strike midnight, I couldn’t help but notice the shadows on the street below. It was strange to see so many people out on a Thursday night. I had been waiting forever for my love to come home from the Army. Months turned into years and I prayed that my dreams were not in vain.

It is hard when the one you love is gone for such along time. I found it hard to still picture his face with those dazzling blue eyes. Everything in our relationship always seemed to happen at midnight. When he left to go over seas it was at midnight. When he proposed to me…it was at midnight. Now, after waiting for over a year, he was finally coming home once again at midnight.

I couldn’t wait any longer, so I decided to go down to the lobby and look for him. It was five minutes until midnight and my nerves were on end. I was praying he would show up and whisk me off my feet once again. That this time he would never leave me. Hoping that we would be together forever as man and wife.

Sitting at the bar, I had the bartender bring me a martini. I needed something to help calm my nerves. As the clock ticked closer to midnight, I heard a quarter clink into the jukebox and then I heard this song….

In The Midnight Hour……….Wilson Pickett


I'm gonna wait till the midnight hour
That's when my love comes tumbling down
I'm gonna wait till the midnight hour
When there's no one else around
I'm gonna take you girl and hold you
And do all the things I told you
In the midnight hour
Yes I am
Ooh yes I am
One more thing I just want to say right here

I'm gonna wait till the stars come out
And see that twinkle in your eyes
I'm gonna wait till the midnight hour
That’s when my love begins to shine
You're the only girl I know
That can really love me so
In the midnight hour
Oh yeah ..In the midnight hour
Yeah, alright, play it for me one time

***horn solo***

I’m gonna wait till midnight hour
That’s when my love comes tumbling down
I’m gonna wait, way in the midnight hour
That’s when my love begins to shine
Just you and I…Ooh Baby
Just you and I
Nobody around baby, Just, you and I
I’m gonna hold you, In my arms….

Listen to this song…click below.

http://youtu.be/Iphrbdj7xSc

(turn your speakers on)

As the clock chimed out 12 chimes, I turned slowly and exactly at midnight my love met me in the lobby with roses and a smile. I guess each day at midnight I will always be reminded of the sweetness of the one I love. Who says love can’t be found in the midnight hour?

The Turning Point

By

GosselinGirl

(A fictional story)

www.twomonkeys.tv

There comes a point and time in everyone’s life when they must find a turning point in their life. Susie Garner, had finally came to that point.

Growing up in poverty was not easy. Somehow she made it through those days and was now in her early twenties. One baby already and one on the way. She vowed to herself that she was not going to let her children grow up poor. If only she could find away. Away out of her circumstances.

I don’t know if you believe in angels, but I think God looked down upon Susie and sent one her way.

It was in the fall of 1982, that Susie’s angel was sent to her. Not in an angel form, but in the form of a new neighbor. A neighbor that would prove to be her lifesaver in a new direction.

Cynthia Adams loved children, but unfortunately could not have any of her own. She had a way with children that words could not describe. Often leaving little gifts on the doorsteps of those who were needy. Never identifying herself in any way, she was a hero in the eyes of a needy child.

Once she moved into her new apartment, Cynthia, embarked on a new adventure…to get to know her neighbors. Susie Garner, was no exception.

Many months passed and Susie and Cynthia became great friends. Cynthia became a mother figure for Susie. Something that she had never had in her life. With lots of positive vibes, Susie began to make crucial turning points in her life.

princessamerah.com

Susie, had never had any time to her self. Always a victim of the wrong man in her life, she had always lived a very rough life. This was finally beginning to change. Cynthia took her and got her a haircut, some makeup, and introduced her to the many resources available in their community.

After a year, Susie was enrolled in nightly college classes. Cynthia watched her babies so she could attend her college classes. Never asking for anything in return. Overtime and a lot of hard work, Susie’s turning point finally came. Seven years had passed and Susie was finally graduating from college as a lawyer. While she was in debt up to her ears, this was the breakthrough she needed to turn her life around. It amazed her that someone who once had been broken and poor could accomplish such a dream. There was only one person to thank for her accomplishments and that was her angel.

Susie, bought and paid for her own house with her first case. By this time her children were in school all day and did not need a babysitter. Cynthia joined her as her secretary in the practice that she owned. Working long hours and caring for her two children became her top priorities. Forever grateful for such a gift from God, Susie started her own non-profit organization to help women re-enter the working world. Offering free babysitting and resources to help these women regain a better lifestyle. She called her organization….TURNING POINT.

Cynthia and Susie should be an inspiration for us all. By reaching out and helping others in need…we become a better person. Helping someone in need is a turning point for all of us. We only have two choices to make. Help them out or ignore that they exist. By Cynthia giving of her time, she helped someone rise out of poverty. In return, Cynthia gained a good friend and a great job. Though we all know she didn’t do it for the money, she did it because of something deep inside that said this is your gift in life. Give it freely to others and you will be blessed beyond your imagination. I believe God sends these people just at the right times in our life…times when we all need a “Turning Point.” A change in a new direction. So, be careful how you talk to people because you may be attending an angel in disguise.

P.G. Kidd
and the
The Vilano Beach Treasure
By
GosselinGirl
(This is a fictional story)

It was the summer of 1974 and my parents had just bought a summer home in Vilano Beach. My dad, Gerald, loved to explore and he was a direct descendant of the notorious pirate, Captain Kidd. Him and I use to tell pirate stories to see whose was the scariest. My mother, Matilda, was a dressmaker and loved to work her magic with our costumes for our plays and stories. 

I had just turned 10 years old and loved the presents my parents bought me for my birthday. The gifts were things that were suppose to keep me busy for the summer. The gifts included a compass, pirate map of Vilano Beach, a pirates patch and hat, new bathing trunks, a mask, flippers, and some pirate binoculars. Hmm, guess they wanted me to go exploring.


Of course, I was not your typical 10 year old boy. I had been home schooled and traveled the world with my parents. My father was an archeologist, so digging up old things was nothing new to me. My mother said that I had a lively imagination for adventure.

Our first night in our summer home was kind of boring. After moving in numerous trunks and furniture, it was too dark and late for me to go exploring on the beach. So, I would have to wait until morning to check out my new surroundings.

I was an only child and very use to making new friends. My mother always had me involved in so many different extracurricular activities that I learned how to do all kinds of things.

Morning finally arrived and I was anxious to go walking on the beach. After chugging down my Captain Crunch, I headed out to explore the beach and ocean. Walking along the beach, my mind began to wander. As I looked out over the ocean, I noticed an unusual boat with tall masts. It looked old from a distance and I mentally thought…a pirates boat. Of course, you can imagine what was headed my way next.



I walked that whole beach from one end to the next. I combed over the shells and talked to all the people walking along the way. Not once, did that peculiar boat move. I was fascinated with it from the beginning. Deciding to wait until darkness to see if it had any lights or movement.



Turning in early after dinner, I rested for a while and then suddenly was awakened to  the sound of waves crashing against the rocks. My parents had been asleep for hours, so I decided to take my telescope up to the rooftop deck and have a look at that boat.

I climbed the numerous stairs quietly and set up my telescope in the corner of the deck. Looking out over the ocean, I caught a glimpse of the boat. It was bobbing back and forth in the water. I knew it was a pirates boat…I could spot them a mile away. As I peered through the lenses, I noticed movement on the deck of the boat. I refocused and got my first glimpse of the captain of the boat. He had dark eyes and a hook on his left hand. He looked mean and fierce. All together I counted 12 men aboard the boat. I can't tell you how long I sat on the  rooftop deck watching the boat, but eventually I fell asleep. When I woke up to the smell of eggs and ham it was 9:30 in the morning. My parents never said a word to me about being out so late. It was summer and I was a young boy full of adventure.

Once again, I walked the beach looking for anything suspicious. I looked in every nook and cranny as I walked along in the cool water. I looked under boardwalks, decks, and I even turned over every single rock I found. Nothing…I could not find anything on the beach. Next, I studied the tourist and regulars to see if any of them looked familiar to me. I wanted to know if the captain of that strange boat had come ashore. Finally, I gave up and headed home.

Tonight was going to be the night. I knew if I looked hard and long, I was going to spot the pirates burying their treasure on the beaches of Vilano. The anticipation grew as I turned out my light to sleep for awhile. Waking up again to the ocean sounds through my window.

Dressing in the dark is not easy. I didn’t want to wake my parents, so I grabbed my pirate bag and decided to walk down the dock to the beach. It was a dark and dreary night. My eyes were playing tricks on me and the water was sloshing against the rocks. It was an eerie feeling being out so late at night. My mind was imagining all sorts of things in the darkness of the night.

Our dock in the daytime...

As I got closer to the end of the dock, I heard some scurrying along the edge of the beach. I slouched down behind the gate of the dock and waited. A small row boat came ashore and a bunch of pirates got out. They were arguing back and forth as they pulled the row boat ashore. Then, out of no where, the fierce captain stepped ashore. I was scared and made sure not to move so that I wouldn’t be noticed. I watched them move a huge treasure chest ashore. I knew it…they were going to bury their treasure right in front of our beach house. How lucky could I get?

 

 

Hours passed and finally the row boat left to go back to the main ship. I snuck closer to the gate and finally opened it releasing me to walk further down to the beach. As I looked out over the ocean I didn’t see any lights on the boat. I got down on my knees and dug like crazy. Finally, I could feel something hard and wooden. I had found the treasure. After much digging, I was able to uproot the buried chest. I lugged it back to the house and up to my bedroom. I was so tired and decided to just call it a night and wait until the morning to explore its contents.



Morning came, and I woke to the bright sunshine coming through my window. I was anxious to open the chest. As I walked to the corner of my bedroom, I could see the huge wooden chest. I opened it and found some of my childhood things. Toys, certificates I had won, my baby shoes, and a bunch of pictures were neatly placed in the chest. Next to the chest lay my Peter Pan book, my compass, backpack, pirates map, and my wooden play row boat. I just chuckled out loud because I knew that I must of dreamt up this adventure in my mind. Oh, my mother was right…I did have a lively imagination.

After breakfast, I went down to the beach for a swim. The water was refreshingly cool in the heat of the summer. An old man was sitting on the dock next to ours and asked me if I had found anything good on my walks? I told him,  “No, nothing yet.” He just smiled and then I saw his hand come up alongside his body. He had a hook on the end. I stepped back a bit and then I noticed the wooden chest. Oh geezer now what? Had I dreamt the whole thing up, or was it real? I guess time would tell and I knew when I went to sleep that night…a new adventure was on the horizon.

The Black Raven
By
GosselinGirl

I live on Vilano Beach and have stood on the Francis and Mary Bridge as The Black Raven has passed underneath. This pirate boat is a legend where I live. Pirates have always been found in the oldest city…Saint Augustine.

The Pirate Ship Black Raven is a one-of-a-kind live pirate show full of music, thrills and pure entertainment! I can’t wait to participate in their adventure, sing along with their crew, and find my own inner pirate while I see the beautiful sights of the Matanzas River.

I plan on taking a trip soon on The Black Raven with my husband. My husband, shares the name of a notorious pirate Captain Kidd. All of his life, he has wanted to be a real pirate. I plan on making this dream come true and will be posting pictures in the near future of our night trip on this famous ship.

Captain William Kidd

Please watch the video below to get a better idea about The Black Raven.

http://youtu.be/8KtZJf0OK-w

The Bakery and Bakers
Of
Donna’s Donuts
By
GosselinGirl

(Week #8)

“Be sweet and honest always, but for God's sake don't eat my doughnuts!”
Emma Bunton





There is something about the smell of a bakery that just warms the soul. Whether it be fresh baked bread or the site of a variety of donuts. I don’t know, but a good donut and a cup of coffee always makes one feel better.



Growing up in Flint, Michigan, had some great advantages. I don’t know anyplace else on earth that can make a Nutty Donut like them. What is a nutty donut? It is the most wonderful donut in the world. When I go home to visit my folks and family, there is only one place I go for a great donut. You will have to read on to find out about my special place.

It is hard to find an original bakery now a days. Yes, you have Dunkin Donuts and the such, but a good homemade bakery donut made from love is hard to find.
I have just the place and it is called Donna’s Donuts.

http://donnasdonuts.com/history/

History of Donna’s Donuts

Donna’s Donuts was born out of a partnership of Superior Donut Shop at Richfield and Center Roads. Roy Oliver and a partner brought the head baker Mel Hardy from Superior and started Donna’s in 1962, naming the business after Roy’s partners daughter – Donna. The current location on Bristol road was built block by block by Roy and his sons Dahral and Jarrell. In 1964, Roy died and his wife Edith ran the donut shop. Mel Hardy bought out Edith and trained Dave Deering. Dave and his wife Sue bought Donna’s Donuts April of 1976. They sold the business to their son John Gibbons and his wife Michelle December of 2003.

Donna’s Donuts still works with the same wholesome, delicious ingredients that were used in 1962. You won’t find a wimpy donut at Donna’s, just big delicious donuts made with pride!
Phone: 810-233-5618

My Favorite Donut….The Nutty

These donuts right here are to die for….a cake donut covered with a special glaze and covered in nuts.
YUMMY!!!!!

~Other great donunts by Donna's Donuts~

choc. covered cake

choc. covered custard

 coconut cake

coconut custard      date nut square

double choc.     glazed cake stick

glazed cinnamon roll     white cream stick

twist      sugar cinnamon  

raspberry bismark     

  peanut butter cinnamon roll

penut butter nutty cinnamon roll

You haven’t ate a good donut until you have ate a Donna’s Donut. If you are ever in Michigan, you have to make a trip to this wonderful bakery/donut shop. I guarantee that the first time you bite into a Nutty Donut…you will be hooked for life. When my family sends me a dozen of Nutty Donuts from Donna’s, everybite is savored until the last one is gone. Made you hungry didn’t I?  DONUT TIME….

(Pictures by Donna's Donuts)