As Valentine’s Day approaches …

Marty & Trina

We do so many things in our lives to celebrate each other and our love everyday.

We are kind to each other. We serve each other. We celebrate life with simple things everyday.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m thinking of ways I can show my love for him in a special way. Because we do still enjoy spending time together, have Starbucks together often, eat out together often, watch 24 together weekly and still engage in conversations, my list is very short!

I have planned to cook his favorite meal. I’m preparing a Pork Tenderloin Roast, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Root Beer Soda with Root Beer Ice Cubes! I have been attempting to write a letter or a brief story for him … but so far, nothing but writer’s block!

I am hoping to come up with something great very quickly! After all, this is our 22nd Valentine’s Day together as husband and wife!

Trina Daniels

Miley Cyrus – Gimme a break!

First, I must admit, the Cyrus family is brilliant. “Billy Ray” has had quiet a career! “Miley Ray” is following in his footsteps. I admire some things about them. I don’t dislike them. I just have to comment because I am so TIRED of hearing about the Miley Cyrus pictures.

The family and “handlers” were on site and everything was great. WOW – what an accomplishment to be photographed by a celebrity photographer known for “racy” shots at the age of 15!

Now, for some reason, and on the receiving end of incredible publicity, the young teenage star is crying “embarrassed”. PLEEEAAASSSEEE!

We all know that sex sells. It’s everywhere all the time. I don’t think this is the first time “Miley Ray” has been “sold” as a sex symbol. Is this just a marketing ploy or is there really a sponsor who is upset by the photos?

Personally, IF I were to be concerned or upset about anything, it would be the “father and daughter” pictures instead of the “Miley Ray” shots. They’re just creepy! Check it out:

Visit VANITY FAIR at:
http://www.vanityfair.com/ontheweb/blogs/daily/2008/04/video-annie-lei.html

“misfit”

A couple of decades ago, I remember thinking, we’re really good with the “misfits” when I thought about the “kids” who seemed to become part of our lives.

As I’ve gotten older, I understand why those misfits were always drawn to us. I’m a misfit.

I’m also an idealist. I look at life a little differently than others look at life.

I’m not into materialism or consumerism. If I have a BAG to carry my stuff in, I’m happy. I don’t know very much about the fancy designer brands. I don’t desire them and I’m not impressed by them. I like Levi’s, Eddie Bauer, Lands End, etc and it is usually based on durability, comfort and then, of course, looks. I’m not exactly a minimalist either. I like quality stuff around me. I like comfortable things to wear and use.

I find the psycho sales babble that works for some people insulting to my intelligence and I’m not claiming to be the smartest person around!

I’m into living within my means even if that means it seems sacrificial compared to others in this country. I do not like to use credit for things that aren’t necessary, basically, that’s for anything other than our house.

I recently heard about someone paying $3,500 for a dog. I’d spend $3,500 on my dog if he were ill but I’d never pay $3,500 for a dog.

There’s times I try to become “normal” but then I wonder WHY. I really don’t want to be normal. I don’t have the desire for what most people consider a normal life. As I said recently to a friend, “I’m embracing my weirdness!”

naked

Naked

• being without clothing or covering

• bare of any covering, overlying matter, vegetation, foliage or the like.

• Bare, stripped or destitute

• without the customary covering, container or protection

• without carpets, hangings or furnishings

• defenseless, unprotected, exposed

• plain, simple, unadorned

• not accompanied or supplemented by anything else

• exposed to view or plainly revealed

• plain-spoken

• unsupported

I enjoy a health drink called Naked. It’s title is very catchy and it simply means…it is stripped of all the bad things that usually are packed into our drinks. Naked Juice means all natural 100% pure juice with absolutely nothing added…no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

I appreciate it when people are NAKED with their experiences. I appreciate the simpleness and the unadorned truth. I find it an admirable trait when someone can be plain-spoken even though it isn’t politically correct.

So many times in our life, I feel like it is customary to wear masks. I feel like it is customary to never expose our true feelings or thoughts. Even in churches, I have found some of them to teach us that we are only to experience JOY! That’s a great emotion to experience but as humans we experience EACH AND EVERY emotion including anger, grief and sadness.

Too many times, those who are naked end up unsupported….because they aren’t following the pack of what has become customary in our culture.