The Pros and Cons of Archaic Systems

Trying to complete blogging assignments from the home of a tehnologically-challanged boyfriend sure does present a challenge. It is hard to imagine that anyone in the western hemisphere wouldn't have high speed internet access and a decent computer system.

Well my beau is among the few who seems quite content with an archaic system that runs slower than the pony express.

Word processing, blogging and research takes me about twenty times as long.

Of course the upside of all this is that when I'm at Dream Acres, being online is the absolute last thing on my mind!

I compromised, I splurged and bought an iphone, hoping that would keep me connected and up to speed when deadlines loomed.

Guess what? Now he's even impressed by the speed and capability of my iphone, he's looking into upgrading his home office and curious about ipods.

Jane Howard said... "Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."

It is around this time of year that family seems to play a bigger role in one's thoughts and activities.

The gathering together around the communal table with specially prepared foods, be they trendy or traditional, time-consuming laborious labors of love or simple one touch can opener delights.

Engagement Rings Over The Internet?

Does buying diamond rings over the Internet remove some of the romance of proposing and shopping for the engagement ring?

What do you think? I'd love your opinion and ideas for creative wedding proposals and whether or not you would buy your fiancee's ring online.

Luxury Homes On The Internet

Shopping for luxury homes? Savvy real estate sellers utilize the power of the blogosphere in their marketing campaign. With well over 70 % of all home property buyers beginning their search online, it makes sense to tap into the full potential of the Internet.

It takes more than just listing on the MLS and on a website with thousands of other advertised properties. You need to make your property stand out. Differentiate your property for sale from all its competition.

This can be done through an effective blitz blogging campaign.

Do Your Homework!

There is nothing quite like the glamour of elegantly positioned outdoor lighting in the home landscape.

Evening lights when done with the right touch can cast a spell of magic in a space and add just the right degree of drama.

When investing in outdoor lighting... do your homework! Study what features to play up, research, research, research and you won't be disappointed.

Relief for Migraines

Botox for migraines? Sure why not!

When the hammering pain of a headache demands quick relief, what do you reach for?

Bayer, Excedrin or perhaps Tylenol?

Or are you like me and massage the temples and whisper petitions of healing to the powers that rule in the Heavens above? This is my first line of defense, but in nagging cases, I also opt for a little help from the medicine cabinet to accompany my prayers.

I hear that Botox works wonders in stopping the drumming and pain of a migraine. Anyone know anything about this cure? Does it work?

Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend Getaway

Pigeon Forge cabin rentals are a great idea for Thanksgiving or holiday getaway weekends.

This year I'm in transition from one residence to another. so I don't know that I could really afford the time to leave town. But ah, it would be so nice to escape to a mountaintop getaway far from the maddening crowds of the city.

Did you know that over 70 % of property investors begin their search for real estate online?

That is pretty amazing!

So does knowing that useful tidbit of information impact how you are spending your marketing dollars?

What if you could invest in advertisement that keeps working for you continually 24-7, even after you sell each property?

Savvy promoters of any sort of property, product or service include the dynamic power of the blogosphere into their arsenal of strategies. How do you do this? It could take you years to figure it all out or you could enlist the services of a blogger 4 hire like Kathi Dameron, the creator of the Tallahassee Property Showcase blog.

An Important Function, Indeed

What a numbing thought ricocheted across my imagination yesterday as I signed on to my aol account. The public service message warned users that every word they type online will be forever imprinted in the archives of the Internet.

What would some future sociologists make of all our scattered ramblings? Especially those ramblings written while under a time crunch to get the job done.

Thinks like links to products colon cleanse that I post on my blogs. It's not really any different than the advertising in a newspaper, magazine or any sort of media. Advertising serves an important function. It keeps the publication operating.

Shopping For Real Estate

Shopping for real estate has always been something that I enjoy doing. It is fun to dream about how one's life might unfold in different settings and scenarios. And yet it is so easy to get locked into one lifestyle, whether it works for us or not.

Take me for example, I've stayed in Tallahassee all these years. But the question that people sometimes ask me is,"why?"

Why stay in a place that you don't have family or the type of kindred spirits that really feed your soul on that deep and nurturing level.

That is a good question and perhaps the reason for my restlessness and passion for checking out Scottsdale real estate

Extending Credit?

Accounts receivable problems was not a big issue for me in my business. In my business I operated in a payment up-front or at the very least, payment at the time of the event.

I didn't have time to run down bad debts. It was pay as you go. But the problem was if somehow someone slipped through the cracks, especially during busy, busy times I may have forever forgotten that they still owed me money. That is not good business!

I've never been one to want to open a business and extend thirty or sixty day credit.
Seems like you are just asking for trouble and unless you enlist the services of a commercial collection agency, you could end up with a real accounts receivable headache, when it comes to meeting your own bills of staying in business.

Natural Products

I'm starting a series of cooking classes. But not all my classes are going to cover edible fare. Some of the classes will feature decorative arts and crafts projects for the holidays and other classes will feature how to make your own natural cosmetics, skin care and other beauty products.

I love whipping up homemade skin care products, but I don't always have the time.

That is why I like surfing over to skinceuticals on the Internet.

Shopping For Wedding Bands... Not Me! Thank You Very Much!

I told this guy that there was no way that I was going to marry him. We hadn't even known each other a week and he was going off about going shopping for wedding bands. Imagine that.

Seems to me that you should know someone at least a year before you start talking about spending the rest of your life together.

Any Suggestions?

The question that always plagues me is should I or shouldn't I invest in a new laptop before I invest in a new pc.

If I'm going to spend a good bit of time on the go, then the laptop makes perfect sense. But if the laptop isn't going to be mobile, then why bother?

PC s seem to be easier to work with in a stationary position.

Any suggestions?

A Branson Fall Getaway

When I was attending school at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri I absolutely fell in love with Branson.

My favorite weekend happened each fall when we took our annual school trip to Silver Dollar City.

Another favorite time was when my Pillsbury Dough Beau from back home came to Missouri for a long weekend. (Ssh! Don't tell my parents!) We actually went and stayed in a rustic cabin on a lake in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was a simply dreamy weekend, the autumn colors were at their peak and being with T. all weekend - far, far away from the monastic lifestyle of an all-woman's college of the 1970's was heavenly!

The Venetian

While the city of lost wages often gets a bad rap from moralistic do-gooders who are out to save the world, it might be beneficial to stop and check out the benefits that gaming has delivered to the state of Nevada.

In Florida, perhaps gaming will become a far greater reality. Rather than look at the seedy side of it, I choose to look at the positive benefits derived in bolstering our state's economic engine.

Perhaps I am naive, for I recognize that I often tend to look at life through rosy tinted shades.

No, I'm not a gambler. My jaunts to Vegas were strictly for educational conferences and not the slot machines. But I don't hold any prejudice against others who choose gambling as their choice of entertainment. Live and let live!

If Vegas is on your agenda, I hear the ...Venetian hotel is a swell place to stay.

He Will Help Us If Only We Ask

Just because someone has gone through drug rehab, doesn't mean that they should be disregarded.

Everyone has some sort of problem. No one on this side of Heaven is perfect. Only one was perfect and now he sits at the right hand of the Father.

So whatever your problem is... drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, overeating, etc, etc, etc... there is one who loves you and cares about you and even though we see a picture of our Savior sitting, he is also very active and involved in this world. He wants the best for each of us... and the best is not for us to be shackled to the broken and inferior things of this world, but instead it is being aligned to HIS divine will for our lives, where by being on mission with HIM we can fulfill our God-given purpose for our time on this earth. How awesome is that?

Only an extraordinary and loving GOD could take all of our mistakes and brokeness and reinvent us in the image of what HE had in mind for us since the beginning of time.

It is ok we messed up... after all we are only human! He will help us if we simply open our hearts to him and ask him to come into our lives and help us.

Prayer Beads

There is something deliciously romantic when your beau places a piece of jewelry on you.

Yesterday the special man in my life placed a long strand of prayer beads around my neck.

Listening and watching him explain how to use the prayer beads was a real turn-on!

There is something very exciting to me about a man who seeks a higher authority for the questions of life.

Tasty Ideas For The 2007 Holiday Season

Homemade edible gifts make some of the best tasting christmas gift ideas.

This holiday season I'll be teaching a class on creating food gifts for the holidays. Don't miss it!

Looking for other great ideas? Canvas On Demand has some cool offerings for the 2007 Holiday Season

Pay For Performance

Let's just pay for performance!

How many times in life do we have to pay for things regardless of whether or not they perform as expected?

What is up with that? It is a rip off! We need a new paradigm. We need a seismic shift in the way we do things and the way we compensate the things that deliver on the big promises.

Then maybe... we will get our money's worth.

Let's Do Business With Businesses That Do Business With Us!

After ten months of writing periodic postings about Orlando vacation homes, is it any wonder that the first name that comes to my mind when contemplating a jaunt to Central Florida is Moremouse?

I say, its just good business sense to do business with companies that do business with us!

Why would we even consider doing business with someone who doesn't give us business when they have the opportunity to do so?

Who Can Predict?

Who can predict the twists and turns of life? I certainly can not! Oh sure there are times that my suspicions and intuitive reasoning is dead on. But a crystal ball- no way! Only GOD knows the future.

When I moved to my current house, I said I'm going to stay here for the rest of my life. HaHa!

Looks like my life is being uprooted again.

As I consider the possibilities, I wonder if perhaps I was wrong to giveaway all my office desks when I moved in here. Looks like I might need to buy some new ones for my next venture.

Clay Nelson Life Balance

Awesome! If I were asked to describe the Clay Nelson Life Balance tape series, I would have to say, "AWESOME"

While attending to a long list of chores one afternoon, a mysterious tap appeared at my front door. The delivery man presented me a small package.

Scratching my head, I couldn't remember ordering anything.

Ripping open the package, I discovered an acrylic CD box. I quickly read through the information and couldn't wait to get started but there was still one big burning question on my mind... who sent this to me and why?

Being the sleuth that I am, I dialed the telephone number on the card and posed my question. One question led to another and consequently to a second phone call.

Bingo I had my answer! I had signed up to write a review on this product. I had simply forgotten.

Cool!

To begin with this is not a series that you want to listen to just once! I would suggest listening to it once or twice and then go back a third time with pen and paper as a student. The information is valuable and could quite possibly influence the direction of the rest of your life.

To me the amazing thing was the serendipitious timing when this powerhouse showed up in my life. It was indeed a divine appointment with a message that I truly needed to hear as I was in the midst of making some major life decisions.

I'm going to pop it into my CD player in my car, so as I scuttle around town running errands I can listen more to the positive and empowering words that reinforce what the Holy Spirit has been telling me in the innermost spaces of my soul.

We do have a say in how our lives turn out and we can use fear as a life-transforming tool, rather than as a pothole on the road to living our best possible life. So without further ado, I present the best life coach series!

Through The Breaking of Bread All Things Are Possible

In the evening of the first day of the week, two disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. And one came up beside them and began to explain the Scriptures that told of Jesus the Christ, how he was destined to suffer and rise again. And as he spoke, the hearts of the disciples burned within them; they were stirred and enlightened by the new explanation of scriptural words they had heard so many times before. But it was not until they sat together, and he took bread and broke it, that they recognized that the person actually present with them was the same Jesus about whom they had been speaking (Lk 24:13-35).

Through the breaking of bread ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! People and cultures divided, can be reunited.

Food, perhaps as elementary and basic as it is to each of our lives, and with its true depth of significance far beyond mortal understanding also holds the ultimate nurturing nourishment key to be used as an instrument of world peace. For when we break bread together, the unique synergy created allows the divine to burst forth and miracles to be born.

Light Is Life

Thanks to Mr. Edison we can light up our homes! I love creating cozy, sunny spots in my home. Whether by candlelight or exquisite home lighting.

Nothing is more life-enhancing than natural light flowing into the sparkling interior of a home. Light is life!

Are You Party Ready?

Entertaining at home can certainly be one of life's wonderful perks! But in order for entertaining to be fun... you need to be party ready! If you and your home are not party ready.... even trying to throw the smallest dinner or cocktail party will be a heavy burden.

Get your house and affairs in order, and the good times will roll.

Clean, organize, visualize. Start a party file. Clip ideas that inspire you.

Set up a party closet. Buy beautiful invitations and announcements.

Life Is Lived In Chapters

Life is lived in chapters. Phases come and go, as we evolve through this amazing journey of life.

"Are you prepared for the next chapter? " is a question we often face.

Oftentimes we need to clear out the clutter of the past to make room for the future. As painful as this might seem, it is a ritual that must be taken on if we are to truly be free to receive what the future holds.

Is it time to start a family? Is childbearing the next chapter in the book of your life? Don't forget the family insurance!

Create Something That Will Bring You Pleasure

Someone recently asked me what I like to do for fun. Another person asked me to describe myself in one word.

"Creative!" Doing creative projects rocks my boat!

Whether it is creating a loaf of artisan bread from scratch, splashing a luscious color of paint on a wall, digging in the dirt to plant seeds, arranging wild flowers in a bouquet or shopping for plantation shutters and wood blinds, if I am engaged in creative endeavors I am happy.

Dazzle Your Inner Diva!

Go ahead dazzle your inner diva by living the life of your dreams! We were all created for a magnificent purpose. Just be certain that you go after what is truly authentic to you. Don't let someone else influence you into a life, a career or a relationship that is wrong for you. When you decide what you want to do, do your homework! Plan your strategy, learn everything that you can, get the proper licensing, partner with a banker, an accountant, an attorney. CYA! Protect yourself from legal problems. If appropriate get a product liability attorney!

Shedding Some Light

Pineapples, apples and melons that have been cored down the center make wonderful candle holders for special occasions. Just add flourishes that fit the mood and season.

Don't be afraid to decorate your ceiling light, too. Beribboned and bowed, tinseled or twinkled, light fixtures are great backdrops for festive treatments throughout the year.

Pay Attention To The Red Flags Ava!

Ava couldn't understand it. She had never been one to get headaches before. But everytime she met with Bart, her head would pound with the intensity of a jack hammer.

"Pay attention to the red flags Ava!" An inner voice warned.

"Here darling I have a special headache treatment for you." Bart said with the smoothness of a sly fox.

"Don't take it Ava! Run Ava! Run Ava!" The voice yelled.

The Secret In The Jewelry Box

Removing the strand of pearls from her neck, she carefully opened the antique jewelry box. Her eyes twinkled with delight.

Six months earlier when she received her pink slip she hadn't any clue that her future success would be tied to her greatest passion... fashion jewelry.

Now she had the life of her dreams all because of the secret she discovered in her grandmother's antique jewelry box. This was better than any dowry and a whole lot more fun for her!

Dreaming of Sedona

Over the years I've considered relocating out west. Arizona is one of of states I've entertained possibly moving to at some point. Several times I've gone online browsing Arizona real estate. I love the idea of living in Sedona or possibly Santa Fe, New Mexico because of the artsy climate that is so richly embedded in these two western communities.

Yet, as much as I might dream of starting a new life somewhere else, I don't know that I would ever want to leave Florida. There is something about Florida. I fell in love with Florida as a child watching Flipper, and then on my first trip to Florida I knew that I wanted to live in Florida when I grew up.

Maybe I could live in two states! Now wouldn't that be the best of all worlds! But where would I go to escape the heat?

Shopping For Orlando Real Estate?

Shopping for Orlando real estate? Buyers and sellers of property in the central Florida market have a savvy resource at their fingertips.

Perhaps you are wondering what I am referring to here.

I'm referring to smart real estate agents that offer a full range of media when promoting properties. They utilize the classic time-proven methods, but they don't stop there. They offer their clients more bang for the buck. These agents are in-the-know when it comes to the hottest methods for marketing and advertising.

One such method that many realtors are in the dark about is how they can spread the word in amazing ways through the power of the blogosphere. Click on the above link and you will find a real estate pro who is engaging the power of social networking to produce more sales. Now in my most humble opinion that is the sort of realtor that you want on your side!

Allergies Acting Up?

"God Bless You!" She said with a note of compassion as she handed her aunt another tissue from the box.

"Dear, I'm so sorry that my allergies are acting up. I had hoped we would have a lovely day antiquing in Havana today. Maybe we should try for another day."

"Auntie, I want to tell you about a product that might help you. It is called a pulse oximeter and you can read all about it on the Internet. "

"God Bless You, Dear! You are an ANGEL."

Does God still speak to people?

This will give you the Chills..... GOOD chills.

Does God Still Speak To People?

Author Unknown

Photo Credit: Jonathan Hillis & SXC

A young man had been to Wednesday night Bible Study.

The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice.

The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to >people?"

After service he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways. It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, "God if you still speak to> people speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey."

As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that you?"

He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk. The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice >of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli.

"Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk."

It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped >and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home.

As he passed Seventh Street , he again felt the urge, "Turn Down that street."

This is crazy he thought and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh.
Half jokingly, he said out loud, 'Okay, God, I will".

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi commercial area >of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the >people were already in bed.

Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat.

"Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid."

Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk. Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here."

He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?"

Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?"

The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to >you." The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk."

His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I asked Him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?" The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put it in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face.

He knew that God still answers prayers.

THIS IS A SIMPLE TEST.... If you believe that God is alive and well, >send this to at least ten people and the person that sent it to you!!!!!!!

This is so true. Sometimes it's the simplest things that God asks us to do that cause us, if we are obedient to what He's asking, to be able to hear His voice more clear than ever. Please listen, and obey! It will bless you (and the world). Phil 4:13

This is an easy test, you score 100 or zero. It's your choice. If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the directions Jesus >said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my >Father." Not ashamed - Pass this on!

Well since I'm not one to send forwards, I thought this was a great way to share this heart wrenching story to an even larger audience. I am sorry I do not lnow who the author is. I would love to give them credit. But the one thing I know... actions like this are most likely authored from the pen of the ALMIGHTY!

Agape Cove Bazzaar

Agape Cove Living is bringing back the Agape Cove Bazzaar with tantalizing treasures and delicious finds from Kathi's jaunts.

Don't miss the fun as I roll out a collection of my most favorite discoveries for your enjoyment.

I am incredibly jazzed and hope you will be, too!

Photo Credit: SXC

Flower of the Morning From The Mystic Merchant

What could be more delightful than to open one's e-mail and discover a picture of such exquisite beauty, captured for eternity in a snapshot?

Learn more about the artist who photographed this elegant coral vine at mysticmerchant.com .

The Surprise Wedding Shower Gift

"No way! You didn't!" The prim and proper middle-aged bride to be yelled out in total surprise at her bridal shower.

"Do you like it?" Her thirty-something daughter asked as the room roared with squeals of laughter.

" I must be thirty shades of red. Whatever possessed you to buy sexy costumes for a shower gift for your mom?"

"The spirit of fun! We all need to lighten up abit and enjoy the romance!"

Across the wide-open African terrain, we watched from our jeep as the large colorful balloons sailed overhead.

"Let's go on a balloon safari tomorrow," I said to my companion.

"I like that idea! Afterwards we can go shopping for animal masks for import back to the states."

"Taste this! It tastes like edible poetry."

"Mmmm.... delicious! What is that unusual and distinctive taste?"

"Ah, you must be referring to the cardamom pod."

"I love it! I keep looking at your cabinet hardware. It is beautiful! Where did you find it?"

Heat up your next party with some assertively spiced and borderline incendiary flavors from
down Mexico way.

Begin with frosty frozen margaritas and baskets of blue corn nachos with some chunky fire-roasted salsa.

Cantina cuisine tastes great cooked over an open fire or roasted to perfection in berndes cookware.

Hunting for Mailboxes is easy when you know where to go.

The problem is that local resources are often far too limited, if you are looking for something with a unique flavor.

Where do you go? The Internet has the best selection anywhere!

Celebrate Recovery is a great Christian-based program for helping people struggling with all sorts of brokeness.

We live in a world where brokeness and dysfunction is far too common. Often, the root causes in our own lives can be traced to the earliest years of our lives and even before we made our entrance into this world, because decisions made by our parents, grandparents and ancestral line influence us to one degree or another.

While we can't change our DNA, we can learn the coping mechanisms needed to live a life of healthy abundance and not one shackled to the brokeness so common to the human experience.

By all means, if you are struggling with substance abuse issues seek out addiction treatment, whether from a residential center or a local church. We all deserve to live the best possible life we can. It is ok to ask for help! What do you have to lose?

Finding the right piece of real estate can be a breeze when you know where to look, so can selling a piece of property.

Did you know that over 77% of buyers of real estate, first begin their search online?

It makes perfect sense that if you are trying to sell property that you showcase it in dynamic ways over the Internet. While there are many traditional ways to spread the word, I would like to suggest that you investigate the possibilities that are available through the blogosphere for marketing your home and properties.

Don't know a thing about blogging? Don't have the time or interest to learn this dynamic medium? Kathi Dameron and Associates can help you. Tallahassee Property Showcase is just one example of a blog created to help showcase properties and related services in the Tallahassee, Florida / capital region market.

Do you ever feel like you just don't want to go somewhere? Whether in body, spirit or mind, you just feel a sense of discomfort. Can you just refuse? Cross your arms in front of you and simply say, "NO!"

Why is saying "No" so hard for some people?

Sometimes I wonder if this inability to say "NO" leads to things like eating disorders and the like.

I also wonder if over time it compounds into more serious complications, leading to illness and ultimately death.

Perhaps the solution is to trace the roots of this deadly weed and remove it from one's life altogether. But that is probably easier said than done. Especially when you have a weed that has been entangling itself in your life and your family's life for generations, and has affected every decision you have ever made.

For me, I have only found one true way to remove the weeds from my life. That way is to seek the continued guidance of my creator. For on my own I can not pull the weeds, but with his help, the weeds can be rooted out of the garden of my life, and then and only then can this garden bloom as He created it to bloom, long before I came along to inhabit it.

What in the world does all this have to do with the assignment titled padded panty?

All I can say is that writing for me is an excavation of sorts, a way to delve into the truest measure of myself. For on the surface, without pen or keyboard in hand, my inner authenticity can be shrouded in a wispy veil of mystery, or even covered in a blanket of dirt and humus.

Through writing the truth within is giving the voice to sing out... so sing out baby!

Sometimes I don't know if I know life at all! I usually think I know what I want in life without a shred of uncertainty. But then the paradigm changes and I almost feel as though I'm gazing at life through the prism of a kaleidoscope, trying to make sense of it all.

For me, I am on a journey to total authenticity which means saying "NO" to the things that don't fit, and "YES" only to the things that resonate within. In the process, I see how much I worry about hurting other people's feelings or upsetting them. But at the expense of what... at the expense of my own authenticity? Do I shed precious bits of my own authenticity in the process?

For me the truest work is writing and creating in the quiet sanctuary of my office and in the gentle rhythm found in the tranquility that surrounds me during these times. I find refuge in the magic of words and the compelling visions that long to waltz from the fertile gardens of my imagination and find a home in a book of their own. Maybe a book that could one day be enjoyed by many, long after my days in this world have passed and I have graduated to the eternal place- the place of my real home.

But for today, this world's reality looms and calls my name and the existential struggle ensues between authenticity to do the work that my heart longs to do and the work that pays the bills. Perhaps one day that work will merge and become one and I will make a living doing what I was created to do.

In the meantime I will add links to products like modern office furniture, because they help support my efforts to be a writer in a small way. Other ways that that readers can help support my writing is to click on some of the links on my blogs. Those pennies add up, not to a whole lot, but to a little bit over time.

To Meet Such A Man

TO MEET SUCH A MAN
Author Unknown

I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day.

As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, "I will work for food." My heart sank.

I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief.
We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response.. I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in my car.

Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: "Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square."

Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square's third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store in front of the church, going through his sack.

I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor.

"Looking for the pastor?" I asked.

"Not really," he replied, "just resting."

"Have you eaten today?"

"Oh, I ate something early this morning.."

"Would you like to have lunch with me?"

"Do you have some work I could do for you?"

"No work," I replied. "I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take you to lunch."

"Sure," he replied with a smile.

As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. Where you headed?"

" St. Louis ."

"Where you from?"

"Oh, all over; mostly Florida ."

"How long you been walking?"

"Fourteen years," came the reply.

I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, "Jesus is The Never Ending Story."

Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought.

He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over to God

"Nothing's been the same since," he said, "I felt the Lord telling me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now."

"Ever think of stopping?" I asked.

"Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me but God has given me this calling. I give out Bibles . That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads."

I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then I asked: "What's it like?"

"What?"

"To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?"

"Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of other folks like me."

My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, "Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger and you took me in."

I felt as if we were on holy ground. "Could you use another Bible?" I asked.

He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. "I've read through it 14 times," he said.

"I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see" I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.

"Where are you headed from here?" I asked.
"Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon."

"Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?"

"No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where I'm going next."

He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things.

"Would you sign my autograph book?" he asked. "I like to keep messages from folks I meet."

I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope."

"Thanks, man," he said. "I know we just met and we're really just strangers, but I love you."

"I know," I said, "I love you, too." "The Lord is good!"

"Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?" I asked.

"A long time," he replied

And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, "See you in the New Jerusalem."

"I'll be there!" was my reply.

He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, "When you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"

"You bet," I shouted back, "God bless."

"God bless." And that was the last I saw of him.

Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night without them.

Then I remembered his words: "If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?"


Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. "See you in the New Jerusalem," he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...

"I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."

My instructions were to send this to four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed.

This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. Please do not break this pattern. Prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another. God bless and have a nice day!

"Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace, In Jesus' precious Name Amen."

I sent this to more than four, but this story is so touching I felt each of you would enjoy it greatly.



GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIENDS AND MY FAMILY!!

In Tallahassee there are several different weight loss solutions. Over the years I've probably tried most of them. Most didn't work for me.

The one that has worked for me has been Winners WeightLoss. To date I've lost about 75 pounds and I'm still losing. This is just a good common sense approach without the puffed up sans the gimmicks!

I've never done the diet patch , but would love to hear if any of you have had any success with it.

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Thoughtful understanding - Epazz works with you from start to finish.

"Going wireless isn't a big deal."

"Really? It all just seems quite confusing to me. I don't even know where to begin."

"Most new things are like that. You just need to be willing to dive right on in to learning about it.
Take the wireless router.

As a paid blogger I get all sorts of interesting assignments. Usually the moment I spot the subject, my imagination is off and running with a creative thought. Some of my creative musings require reining in though. Such was the case when I spotted this assignment for Bush furniture. The vision in my mind needed a heavy dose of editing. I needed to focus more on the furniture and less on the name. This was no place for a liberal charged soliloquy.

I'm sure the furniture would be well worth investigating if you are in the market for some new pieces for your home.

What could be more fun than a family golfing vacation? Florida is the perfect destination for a Golf Holiday!

For all the latest in clubs and equipment, make sure and surf over to the Titleist golf website. Meet you on the greens!

"Kathi, why don't you just get a Dell?"

"I suppose I could." I said to my friend who is a computer techy person.

"'Makes sense to me that for the kind of work that you do that you should have a top of the line computer."

"I'll check Dell Computers and Dell Memory out and start saving my pennies!"

There is little else that I find more frustrating than dealing with computer tech issues. When the operating system slows to a snail's pace, the frustration mounts!

Of course when you add a new operating system to your computer and don't know 100% what you are getting into in the first place ... be prepared for the worst.

My advice is ... get professional help!! It took days to straighten out the mess and the computer is still not working acceptable. The best remedy would be to invest in a new computer.

How will I ever be able to get my audiobooks projects off the ground working with this slow machine?

At every twist and turn I encounter obstacles, yet I press on, realizing that when we are on mission with God the obstacles often increase to try to discourage us.

But by the Grace of God, the Agape Cove Living Series will one day be available in bookstores around the world.

Shopping for business cards? Wanting to start a new business? Don't rush into ordering them until you make sure that your idea is really feasible.

Yesterday, I sat down with the man from the Small Business Administration and discussed the preliminary steps to starting a business in the correct way.

He shared the first four steps that he felt were essential before writing up your business plan.

1. Define Your Idea

2. Define Your Target Market

3. Define The Barriers

a.) Financing

b.) Regulatory

4. Define Your Actions

This should equate to about a 4 to 5 page document.

Big Thinking Is A Blessing

Every once in a while, an e-mail comes across my desktop that I feel is worth sharing. I have no idea who wrote this, but I thought it was very good. So instead of deleting it, I've decided to share it on the Agape Cove Living Blog. Here's to BIG THINKING and to the extraordinary blessings that become a byproduct of them.

Have you wondered exactly how high your hopes and dreams are? In many cases the average person tends to sell themselves short on their dreams. They do not shoot high enough to allow smaller dreams and goals to carry them to a higher level. Some may think that lots of words and phrases are a sign of a big thinker. One thing to remember is that the size of your vocabulary is not as important as what effect those words have on yours or someone else’s thinking. There are several characteristics of big thinkers. These are three characteristics to keep in mind and get you started in expanding your thinking.

Big Thinkers create positive pictures in their minds and the minds of others. Words create mind pictures. Big, positive and cheerful words will paint an amazingly bright and positive for anyone to include yourself. Use bright and cheerful complimenting words to describe other people.

Big Thinkers make a habit of see things as they can be and not as they are. This kind of thinking adds value. Don’t get in the habit of being stuck in the present. If you will see the best then it will be the best. Use positive word to outline plans and build castles instead of trenches.

Big Thinkers do not let what they may not have be an obstacle. If you see yourself as a nobody, that is what you will stay. Seeing yourself as a somebody will add to you, value and soon you will feel bigger as well as think bigger.Make it a habit to add value to everything you think and say. Always use personal compliments when addressing others. Praise is always a successful tool when adding value to another person. A big thinker will consider themselves as the member of a team reaching for a common goal. When you keep these things in mind then you are on your way to expanding the height and size of your thinking.

A Beautiful Prayer

I don't know who wrote this. My friend Maureen who lives in Maui sent it to me. It is beautiful! Not being a fan of forwards, I thought I would post it on my blog for all to see. God Bless! I hope everyone is having a delicious day! ~ Chef Kathi Dameron

GOD HAS AMAZING THINGS IN STORE

Stars do not struggle to shine,

rivers do not struggle to flow,

and you will never struggle to excel in life, because you deserve the best. Hold on to your dream and it shall be well with you... Amen.

The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil,

the hand that will send this message to others shall not labor in vain,

the mouth saying Amen to this prayer shall laugh forever,

remain in God's love.

Good morning, your dream will not die,

your plans will not fail, your destiny will not be aborted,

and the desire of your heart will be granted in Jesus' name.

Say a big Amen and if you believe it, send it to all your friends.

Money will know your name and address before the end of this month. If you believe, send it back to all your friends.

None goes to the river early in the morning and brings dirty water. As you are up this morning, may your life be clean, calm and clear like the early morning water.

May the grace of the Almighty support, sustain and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Amen.

Love the Lord. Have a wonderful day in Jesus' name.

The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you. I see something good happening to you today, something that you have been waiting to experience. . This is not a joke; you are going to receive a divine visitation that will move your life forward mightily by the outworking of God's unstoppable Power. Do not break this prayer; send it to a minimum of seven people.

You are blessed beyond all curses in Jesus' name!

After the graduation cap flies in the air and the celebration parties are all over, guess what? It is time to get a good paying job and make good on all your college loans. For some valuable information, research the different options that are available to you in school loan consolidation. Just take the time to do your homework. You should be a pro on that by now.

Is your budget in shambles? Mine is after I had eighty assignments deleted from my queue today.

I had planned that revenue into my monthly budget. Oh well.... time to regroup again and come up with another strategy to pay the bills.

Living from paycheck-to paycheck without any real barometer to cover the fluctuations is the pits.

I don't even know that budgeting software could help me. Only God can do that.

Looking for a great place to stay in Orlando? Here you go, check this one out. There are so many great options! Orlando vacation home rental... what could be more fun than a couple weeks playing in the Florida sunshine.

If you are in the market for Portable Water Filters, then I would like to invite you to check out this link.

This just might be the solution you are looking for. Filtering our water is becoming more and more vital to our safety.

I poured a glass of water from a fountain in an office building, and was shocked by the cloudiness and wood chips floating around in the glass.

You've got to be kidding. I wouldn't put that contaminated city water in my body. No wonder there is so much cancer in the community. Doesn't anyone see a link?

As a blogger, I get the wonderful privilege of writing on a wide range of subjects. I must admit that some of the subjects really stretch me in interesting new ways and challenge me to think of creative ways to present the subject.

Truly I am often amazed by the new insights I receive by simply being open to the topic. As a result I realize that a new dimension of grace grows for me.

Such has been the case with postings on disposable underwear. Not the typical subject I would choose to write on, yet an important one nontheless.

Agape Cove was the name given to a novel I started to write a few years ago. It was a wonderful experience bringing to life on the screen in front of me the visions that popped in my imagination.

One of my favorite scenes in my book takes place in the Lilliemobile, a restored old relic of a truck completely outfitted with the coolest designer truck accessories.

When my dear friend was selling her multi-million dollar Tallahassee, Florida estate to relocate to the mountains of North Carolina she confided in me and shared her dilemma.

"Kathi, I don't know if the real estate agent that I was planning to work with has the expertise to properly market my home. There isn't a large buying market in Tallahassee that can afford to buy a five million dollar luxury home."

"We should all have such problems!" I said as I pushed my own worries out of my mind.

The meat was falling off the bone. Reaching up on my tippy toes I patted the range hoods and whispered, "I love you guys. You helped me to fake it till I could make it! Now I could write and teach volumes on the lessons that I have learned over the last fifty years."

With the genesis of an idea that was born so long ago, and visions of riding on a bike across the dusty roads of America, I knew I would need motorcycle sunglasses for a cross-country jaunt. With the click of my mouse I found the best selections on the Internet

The question of insurance comes up quite often among small business owners. Should they or shouldn't they invest in insurance policies.

When someone is fairly young, perhaps they think that the expense is unnecessary and that the money could be put to better use.

I've been there. Added up how much I was giving to the insurance companies. Was it worth it... I mused. Especially when my deductible was so outrageously high.

Now on the other hand if you have loved onesand dependents perhaps a no exam life insurance would be a good choice.

The Difference Between Average and Extraordinary

Market Research is critical for success in so many arenas of life. We often think of market research as applying primarily to business. But I would like to suggest that we extend the principles of market research into other areas of our lives.

What we uncover through our research could possibly mean the difference between an average life and one that strikes on extraordinary notes far beyond anything mere mortals could have imagined.

So get off your duff and study the possibilities! Dare to reach for the golden ring that has your name inscribed upon it. If you do your part, God will surely do the rest!

A Place To Rest Your Head

Agape Cove Living has morphed into a spot where I often share writings about assigned topics. These assignments are a great way for me to hone my writing skills and earn an income at the same time. So if you ever wonder why Kathi is writing and linking to certain topics... there is your answer. I'm trying to pay the bills and keep a roof over my head!

But more than paying the bills, being able to peck away at the keyboard is a blessing.

Are you traveling somewhere this summer? Why not check out this link for possible places to rest your head while vacationing...Condo Hotels.

Near Impossible Without My Office Furniture

I was actually thinking of selling everything and buying a motor home to jaunt across the country.

But as I surveyed my life and possessions I came to the conclusion that life in a small motor home would be near impossible.

Take my home office for example. This is a room that I spend far too many of my waking hours in... pecking away at a keyboard. I cannot imagine doing my work without all my office furniture.

I'm Plum Tired

I'm plum tired and pooped out! I didn't realize that I needed to scroll through my assignments, or that there were a lot more assignments on page one than actually showed up on the screen.

So I paced myself based on the assignments I believed I had assigned to me. But late in the day today I discovered that page one scrolled down quite a distance further than I ever realized. Oops! Either I need to up the pace or down an Energy Supplement!

Soaring Gas Prices

"We can order the battery online and just have it drop shipped to us. There is no reason for us to make a run to the city for it."

"That is a great idea. I noticed that gas was up to $3.20 the other day, so anything we can do that will help us to conserve gas would be a smart idea."

"I wonder why the gas has skyrocketed. Do you know?"

"No I really don't. But I understand that Governor Crist and a group of other governors from around the country are calling for an investigation into the soaring gasoline prices."

A Graduation Present For The Lead Foot In Your Life

"I know what I'm getting you for a graduation present!"

"You don't need to get me anything."

"Well with you driving back and forth to college in the fall, I'm going to give you a gift that might save you a little money, Mr. Lead Foot."

"Me a Lead Foot?"

"Yes you Mr. Speedy Gonzalez! I'm planning to invest in a radar detector for you to help you out so you don't pile up the speeding tickets. Of course I would prefer for you to just slow down, take your time and smell the roses. Kids today are in too much of a hurry."

Finding A Great Place To Stay in Orlando

Having lived in the sun-kissed state for the last 25 years, I have had many opportunities to visit Orlando. Sometimes I traveled to central Florida to play, other times to work. Each trip always had one thing in common: a need for a place to stay.

Where do you stay in Orlando? Finding a great place to stay doesn't need to be a challenge.

One of the best solutions for accomodations is a Disney vacation home smack dab in the midst of the action or centrally located.

A Dedicated Closet For Entertaining

As a retired caterer and special event planner, I am often asked for secrets, strategies and tips on how to simplify and save money on home entertaining, without sacrificing the wow factor.

Actually, I have hundreds of secrets and strategies. Here is one of them:

When you are establishing a collection of party supplies for home entertaining, a dedicated closet is a perfect solution for stowing away all the items you are going to need for hosting those parties.

Try to set up a closet where you can house your chafing dishes, candleabras, props, platters, table linens,folding tables and folding chairs.

Sound Machines Are My Secret

"What is your secret, Kathi?"

"My secret to what?" I responded unsure of what my friend was actually asking me.

"Everytime I come over, there is an amazing sound and feeling of tranquility to your environment that always matches the mood of your events. How do you create that feeling?"

"You really want to know? It is a strategy I first used during my days as a caterer and special event planner. Come with me." I said as I led my friend to my sound machines.

Daily Skin Care Regimen For Tender Skin

Feel like you did after your last trip to a spa, without ever leaving your own home.

Are you seeking radiant skin? Lavandou's skincare is the daily regimen that many women prefer. With a cleanser, tonic, toner and corrective products that will help any specific problem areas, you will have everything you need to have a radiant complexion. Check out their website for more information at tend skin.

Call The New York Ticket Broker

"Well, can you get the concert tickets?"

"They are sold out. Can't get them!"

"Surely there is some way we can get two tickets."

"I don't know what it is."

"I do! I'm contacting the New York ticket broker that mom and dad used last fall to get sold out tickets. Dad said the ticket broker was a magician, who could pull great seats out of a hat."

The Biggest Asset

"What would you do if you were in my situation,"' the distraught homeowner asked the financial advisor.

"Well, you really need to stay focused on the money. Your home is your biggest asset. So do whatever you can to save your home and not let it go to foreclosure. If that means selling some of your possessions, then do it. Find a beaufort nc real estate to help you sell your house."

Red Bullet Speed

. “How do you stay so peppy?”

“I have a secret elixir!”

“Oh you do? Well spit it out, I want to know your secret strategy!”

‘It is Red Bullet! Red Bullet is my tried and true energy drink.”

“You are a Red Bullet fan? I never would have suspected that!”

At An All Time High

Foreclosures are at an all time high. Kind of makes one wonder, it does me anyway. The world was far from perfect when W took over, but BOY it sure has gone to HELL in a hand basket under his leadership. What has this President done for us? I can’t think of one thing to commend him for because I don’t think he cares about truly serving the people of this nation. I better not even get started on it or I’ll end up getting in trouble for bashing Bush instead of promoting the merits of California Mortgage Refinance. Thank Bush for that one! Next time lets elect a leader who will stay focused on serving the people of this nation, I wonder if there is such a person? We need a People’s President!

Traveling This Summer

I’ve been thinking of traveling this summer. My life has been in transition for a while now and I’ve been like a hermit for way too long. Once upon a time I was always jaunting away on new adventures. But in recent years my life seems to have revolving around my office. Uggh! I think I’ll pack up my Samsonite luggage and steal away into the balmy evening air.

Half A Dozen

The telemarketers use to call at least half a dozen times a week when I owned my catering business, asking me to consider changing to their electronic check processing systems. But my business wasn’t the sort that needed to invest in that type of equipment.
First of all my customers didn’t write bad checks and I simply didn’t take credit cards, so things were pretty easy in that respect.

An Illuminating Idea

Under cabinet lighting was a brilliant invention. I wonder who first conceived of the idea to illuminate a workspace in this way. I also wonder how many people thought about the idea, but never took the idea to the next level. I suppose it doesn’t really matter, except that as always there is a deeper lesson to be learned, a lesson that might be timely for those with an inventive spirit.

My Favorite Outdoor Room

One of my favorite outdoor rooms was furnished in a collection of teak. It was positively enchanting. The room, hidden away in a secret covered garden, overlooked a meandering brook where frogs, crickets and cicadas performed a nightly symphony.

I liked their concerto because it was a sound, smell, and vision that transported me to days of long ago when I was a pint-sized toddler dazzled by the lightning bugs that illuminated the evening sky, beside grandmother’s vintage teak outdoor furniture.

Bed and Breakfast

Some of my favorite cookbooks and travel books are the ones that feature regional Bed and Breakfast businesses. I can’t identify it exactly, but there is something special about that which is associated with B & B’s. There is a certain spirit that is evoked, a sensibility, if you will, to a more genteel experience. Often set far from off the maddening crowds, there is that feeling of delicious tranquility and grace. When I fold together a batch of blueberry muffins, I can almost taste the Adirondacks region from where the recipe originated.

A Simple Marketing Strategy

Imprinted pens are a simple, yet effective marketing strategy. Think about how many times you use a pen.

The applications for imprinted pen marketing are many. Whether you have a traditional brick and mortar business, an Internet business or a door-to-door business, the pen remains one of the all-time favorite promotional freebies given out by businesses in an effort to keep their name in the clients stream of consciousness.

Couple that pen with outstanding customer service and a well-thought out business plan and you will be well on the road to a promised land flowing with milk and honey.

A New Wind Is Blowing

For those who are following my blogging adventures across the Internet, I imagine that you sense a new wind is blowing in my life. One is!

The winds of change are playing a symphony over my life in ways beyond my wildest imagination.

Yes, I think an opera could indeed be written to the events brewing in my little world. For I hear music, never before heard. Melodies that resonate with powerful emotions, so powerful in fact that they are about to blow away the standard quo that has defined my present existence.

I dream of tasting the world again, partaking of the theatre, ballet and concerts. But more than just an observer or spectator, like I once was. No, this time I want to make my small contribution to the arts in whatever way the spirit leads. Wherever I travel I want to get concert tickets.

Those Showroom Pieces

Setting up a new home is always fun. Hunting for just the perfect furniture and accessories that will turn a house into a home is a passion many of us hold dear.

Often we go about the task of creating our living spaces as if we are creating the most important sanctuary.

In many ways we are, but it is often those very pieces that we buy to bring comfort to our lives that can ultimately keep us from truly realizing our true potential.

It is hard to imagine that those showroom pieces of home furniture or the exquisite treasures from many an antiquing jaunt could one day hold us as a prisoner to a life or a place that no longer fits, but that we grasp firmly to because that is just what the world does. Accumulating massive stock piles of stuff is the way of much of the American culture. We stay in a perpetual state of bondage to possessions.

Buying Birthday Gifts For Him

I was thinking about different birthday gifts for the man in my life. Buying presents for a man can be a real challenge.

What do you get for a guy who has everything?

It is smart to focus on his hobbies and interests. So I thought long and hard about what rocks his boat.

That is when I came up with the perfect idea.

He's going to love this! I am buying him steelers tickets!

Imagine Retreating To A Place...

Sometimes the best solution is to get away to a quiet and secluded location, a retreat, if you will.

Imagine retreating to a place where you can become saturated with whatever it is you need.

Perhaps it is healing, healing from addictions or loss.

Perhaps it is encouragement and support.

Perhaps it is retreading.

Perhaps it is reinvention.

Think of it as a camp of sorts, like you might have gone to as a child. But this camp will be all about helping you to become the very best possible version of yourself.

Don't be afraid to say 'yes' to whatever the Lord is calling you to- whether it is a summer of drug rehab, wilderness training or a writer's retreat.

You will no doubt leave renewed and ready for the challenges of life.

Mother's Day Luncheon

It has been said that one of the worst days of the year to eat out at a restaurant is on Mother's Day, yet it is the one of the most common days to eat out.

Instead of the big crowds and poor service, why not treat mom to a wonderful brunch at home?

Imagine a pretty garden setting with some of mom's favorite foods.

Perhaps a Chicken and Apricot Salad served in individual crystal stemmed dessert goblets, some ginger-kissed steamed asparagus, and lemon-raspberry tea bread. For a special present ~ here's a novel idea. How about a mother's prayer book or devotional book with a jewish, protestant or catholic books spiritual flavor ?

Photo Credit: Adrian Vee & SXC

Antique Bibles

There is something about antique books, especially when those antique books are of a divine nature.

About three weeks ago I received a box of old family books in the mail. Arriving home from bible study, I was greeted by the welcome box.

Nothing quite compares in my mind to holding in my hand a bible that belonged to my father and to my grandparents, who all long ago departed this world for the heavenly realm.

Will I find the same answers, the same solace in those pages as they did?

Did they ever imagine that I would be the caretaker of those materials one day? Unlike my bible, the pages are not written on. My bible is a bit of a dated chronicle, as I have taken to dating the comments, questions, praises and prayers that I've written in the small margins of the tissue paper pages.

When it is time to buy a gift for a friend or a bride and groom I like to go online and search for bibles or other spiritual, christian or catholic gifts.

Photo Credit: Henkster & SXC

What Do You Read Into The Photo?

This gentleman reminds of a famous tv doctor from the 70's. What was the name? Something like Marcus Welby MD, I think.

My take is that after trading in his stethoscopes and his scrubs, he headed out to listen to the pulse beat of the world.

Maybe he's a frustrated musician. But, I doubt it!
He's simply retired and enjoying the leisurely pace.

I think he is a man of much passion. Look at the setting of the photograph! Simply exquisite!

And my goodness ...the heart of someone who would sing into the soul of the flower. I love this photo! One can only imagine how we would serenade his love!

What do you read into the photo? You are welcome to share your thoughts.

photo credit: Antonio Jimenez Alonso & SXC

Extra, Extra Read All About It!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Why I think this little guy is on vacation and looking at his options for the day or perhaps he's still in the planning stages of deciding where to go for his holiday.

One of the first steps after deciding on a destination would be to come up with accommodations.

Maybe he's scanning the Vacation Rentals! I bet he would love to spend a few weeks in Orlando! What do you think?

Photo Credit: Cris Watk & SXC

Finding A Safe Harbor

The Agape Cove Living Blog was originally envisioned as a spiritual safe harbor- a place filled with agape! Agape means love, but not the human love that so often comes to mind. But rather a divine and all-encompassing love.

A love that meets us where we are, amidst all of our brokeness, and can transform us into everything that God originally created us to be.

No matter how broken we are, or how long we have been broken, God can still do the most extraordinary things with our lives! HE is in the business of transformation.
Transforming you and me into everything HE created each one us to be! We are all magnificent works in progress.

If you came to this page because you did a key word search for prescription drug addiction. WELCOME! I invite you to click on the hyperlink and visit the Cliffside Malibu website. May God Be With You! Agape!

Photo Credit: Lorenzo S. & SXC

Grandfather Clock Memories

Do you have a grandfather clock?

While I don't own one personally, there is one that has been in my family for several generations.

The chimes of this clock are profoundly tied to my earliest memories. Memories of holiday meals at my grandmother and grandfathers house, memories of playing old Americana games and memories of being so small that other family members had to lift me up to sit on a sofa in my grandparent's beautifully appointed and decorated living room.

Today when I call my dad's widow on the phone, I often hear those chimes in the background. Chimes and memories that pre-date my stepmothers entrance into our families life. She is the current caretaker of this special family heirloom.

While antiquing several years ago with my friend Joe, I discovered a rare grandfather clock.

Do you have a grandfather story that you would like to share? Please add a post!

Photo Credit: D. Lee & SXC

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Everyone needs a good jewelry store. One of my favorite jewelry stores when I lived in Chicago was Peacock's Jewelry Store. I don't even know if they are still in business.

Another favorite was Baily, Banks and Biddle. Are they still in business?

Of course there is the fabulous Tiffany's in New York. Ah... Breakfast At Tiffany's!

Over the last several years, I've stopped wearing most of my jewelry. These days I wear only a pair of diamond earings and a cross.

The one piece of jewelry I would love to own, would be a simple diamond and gold cross pendant.
Maybe I could find one online at reeds jewelers.

A Resource For Promotional Pens

"Monogrammed Pens! I love the idea! Where can I get some?"

" When I owned Canopy Rose Catering, I would receive monthly phone calls from a company out of Arizona that was in the business of promotional pens. They kept me stocked with a ready supply of calendars, business card magnets and pens. But they don't call me anymore. So I've had to look online for a dependable resource. I was happy to find pensrus.com"

"I'll check them out. Thanks for the name of an Internet resource ."

Monogrammed Pens: A Good Promotional Strategy

Monogrammed pens are a smart marketing promotional strategy for businesses. Unlike other forms of marketing, pens are not tossed in the garbage when they are received. But rather the pen is often used over and over again, countless times. Each time the pen sends a subconscious message, reminding the user of the business.

Keeping your name in front of the buyers is essential. Don't let your competition take over your market share. Give personalized pens to everyone!

Fire Insurance

Death insurance is generally not a subject I think a whole lot about. Being a single woman without children or any dependents, I figure why do I need to pay for death insurance!

When I'm gone_ I'm gone.

I'm far more concerned about eternity insurance or fire insurance. I want to spend out my eternity in Heaven. So I try to live out my current days in a way that hopefully will send me upward to the pearly gates, rather than tossed down into the lake of fire when my time on this earth expires.

Best I can tell... eternity is forever. This time, spent on earth, is but only a yawn in relationship to the bigger picture. Have you ever thought that this journey through our earthly existence is only a "test"? Perhaps we are being tested by the almighty to see whether we have the heart to join HIM in Heaven. For that reason I gladly say, "Lord, your will! Not mine. I want to spend out all of my days in the presence of the Creator."

Florida: A Vacation Paradise

Planning a vacation? Think Florida vacation! From the southern most tip in Key West to the Florida Panhandle cities of Panama City, Destin and Pensacola, with Orlando in the center region, the adventurous vacationer will discover a vacation paradise.

Deciding on a place to stay is easy when you know about moremouse! Come on down and join the fun!

Arrivederci Roma...Hello Florence!

"Arrivederci Roma. Goodbye, goodbye to Rome."

The lyrics sang across my heartstrings as I climbed aboard the train and settled in for the three-hour journey. As the clanging and puffing high-speed Eurail train rolled out of the station, I reached into my travel bag and pulled out the rustic country bread sandwich – the panino I had purchased earlier that morning from an irresistible display of authentic edible hearth-baked masterpieces. It was a great adventure to be traveling across Italy by backpack and rail with dad’s blessing and dad’s financial backing. Even though many years have come and gone since that passage of time when the world stretched wide open with its panorama of possibilities, my memories are as fresh as if they had just been baked.

At the time, my dad’s third wife suggested to me that I should journal my experiences.“Write some travel articles, dear, that you can later put into a book,” my high-achieving stepmother with her freshly inked PhD advised. But instead I gave her prophetic suggestion “the boot” and simply stepped into each day of my Italian adventure with gusto and verve, allowing the experiences to become forever pressed into the pages of my memory bank.

Like any traveler enthralled with a new destination, I reveled in the delight of discovery. I learned that new culinary discoveries are often as memorable as the magnificent art and architecture of the places visited. On that day my panino lunch, enjoyed during the stunning and scenic train trip to the great renaissance city of Florence where I had reservations for a week stay at Tuscany Villas left a lasting impression on my idea of a great tasting picnic sandwich.

(c) 2007 Kathi Dameron

Finding Window Blinds Is A Breeze

Finding window blinds is a breeze when you know where to go.

Why chase around town and burn expensive gas when you can find everything you need right online? Yesterday, I was out-and-about in the daily traffic- ugh! While most of the day was great, it was that rush-hour traffic that nearly un-nerved me. I praised God that the majority of my work takes place right in my home office.

I'm looking for some blinds for my archive room. The existing ones are some sort of metallic substance and are not my taste at all. They looked good and complemented the former owner's choice of wallpaper and ceiling fan, but they really need to be updated.

Shopping For Orlando Vacation Home

Shopping for an Orlando vacation home isn't difficult when you know where to go. Through my work on the Internet I have become acquainted with an Orlando company that makes finding a vacation home a breeze.

Next time I plan a trip to central Florida, I'm going to stay at one of their great sites, located close to all the action.

People and Their Mailboxes

Mailboxes can be seen as an expression of the person who lives inside a home. What does your mailbox say about you?

Does it say you a cheery soul, elegant, stately, short-on-time or a no-nonsense sort of person?

"People and their mailboxes"... this is a theme that could make an interesting sociological study.

Show me a mailbox and let's see if we can get a sneak peak into the personality that owns that mailbox.

Supporting Woman Owned Biz

Supporting small, woman-owned businesses is a smart idea. Women are engaging in such an exciting range of occupations today. From EMI Shielding to running for president of the United States.

But just because a business is run by a woman, doesn't necessarily mean we should choose it above any other business.

Businesses and political candidates should be judged first and foremost on the caliber of the service, product or expertise they bring to the table.

For EMI Shielding, New England Die Cutting, Inc. and Gasket Manufacturing is a premier ISO registered facility. They specialize in Die Cutting, Waterjet Cutting, Laser Cutting, Laminating, CNC Routing and Contract Manufacturing services.

New Diet Challenge

Dieting is a challenge. I've been breezing along, dropping an average of about ten pounds each month. To date I have lost sixty pound. I feel great!

Yet, now with a new project underway, I can see a new challenge arising. Each month I'll be jaunting to a different coastal restaurant as part of my coastal culinary odyssey.

On Tuesday night we jaunted to a most fabulous restaurant in Apalachicola, Florida. The food was awesome, but ever since Tuesday night it has been difficult to get the fabulous taste off my mind.

I wonder if something like hoodia might help me.

Find Out The Truth

When you want to know the genetic truth of a person's heritage, a DNA sample will provide you with reliable data.

Even when the person in question is not present, there are a variety of ways that heritage can be determined.

DNA testing is the solution. Why not go ahead and take the steps to find out the truth.

The Bachelor Party

Maybe it wasn't such a smart idea to have the bachelor party on the night before the wedding. But it was the only convenient time. For it was the only time when all the groom's buddies would be in town.

Made sense. Well sort of, depending on who you were talking to.

The guys thought it was a great idea. The girls thought the whole idea stunk. And the minister... well that is a whole other story!

To say that the late night party that followed the rehearsal dinner was wild, would be a big understatement. There was nothing tame about it, from the dancing girls to the the oyster shooters, it was a wild night leaving the groom and all his men scrambling the next morning for some effective hangover cures.

Blogging Is My Passion

Once upon a time bloggers didn't make any money for blogging. It was just something you did because you loved doing it.

I have found that with just about every career that I have had in my life, my initial start-up began passionately, but without any compensation. The passion was so great that it really didn't matter that I was not being paid for my time.

Before I became an elementary school teacher, I student-taught and volunteered for free.

Before I became a caterer, I threw countless parties for my friends for free.

Before I became a paid writer, I wrote articles for free.

Before I became a paid blogger, I posted blogs for free.

But bills have to be paid and it is good to receive fair compensation for our labor.

That is why when I read a posting last November to get paid to blog, I jumped on the opportunity! Ever since becoming a paid blogger, I see a paycheck every two weeks for doing something I absolutely love to do!

I've looked at some of the other paid blogging opportunities on the Internet, but they don't seem to compare at all to the one I am already working with. I just wish they would send me more assignments, but with over 200 bloggers now, I guess they have to divvy up the assignments a lot more. I liked it when I was their first blogger, blogging for more assignments than I could count.

Can I do it online?

"Kathi, I think you need a computer memory upgrade," the aol phone-support technician said.

"Already? I just bought this computer two years ago," I responded.

"Your processes are too high. They should be about 20 and yours are way over that. Do you have a local computer store that you work with? I would recommend that you take your computer in and have them take a look at it."

"Ughhh! Can I do it online?"

A Sense of Accomplishment

"You must really feel a sense of accomplishment," I said to Lori, my weightloss counselor this morning.

We were talking about the satisfaction that comes in being a part of helping someone to achieve their goals.

Lori is helping me to achieve my goal of losing over one hundred pounds. So far I have lost sixty!

Before embarking on a diet, it is always smart to do your research.

Be proactive and check out plenty of different Diet Review literature.

Fit-As-A-Fiddle and Brown-As-A Berry

Water sport vacations are among my favorite ways to holiday in the summer.

When I lived on the Intercoastal Waterway in South Florida, boating was the lifestyle that kept me as fit-as-a-fiddle and as brown-as-a berry during the summer months.

I miss boating now that I live in Tallahassee. Sometime, I'm going to call Ed Hamilton and make reservations for fabulous Crewed Yacht Charters to distant ports.

Understanding Software

Every business owner should have good Financial Reporting Software.

But if you are like me, trying to discern which software is best for your particular circumstances can feel a bit like trying to understand a foreign language.

People like us- need people who can help us through the maze of information.

I like the Prophix website.

Don't Forget To Do The Market Research

When I was in college I enrolled in plenty of marketing classes. I found the advertising, marketing and public relations industry fascinating.

I learned about how important it was for research and testing to preceed the launch of a new product.

Actually I learned a lot about marketing. Some of these tried-and-true practices became forever etched in my brain, while others seemed to slide off like pancake on teflon.

The professor of one class had a sign over the board: "Don't forget to do your market research!"