Category: THOUGHTS

New Year’s Eve… make a wish!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image: timessquarenyc.org

I ran across something neat that is going on in NYC… The New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall. You can write a wish on a piece of confetti and it will be dropped at midnight… wishes have been collected throughout the year… AND if you aren’t in NYC, no worries, you can submit a wish online, they will print it on confetti and it will be dropped with the other wishes… How cool is that??  Here’s a blip from their site…

Your wishes for 2012 will be added to the confetti that flutters down in the heart of Times Square on New Year’s Eve!

Each year people from around the globe write their wishes for the New Year on pieces of official Times Square New Year’s Eve confetti. Whether it’s a personal goal, a dream for the future or doing something for the very first time, these wishes will be posted on the New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall located in the Times Square Visitor Center (7th Ave between 46th & 47th Sts).

The wishes are collected at the end of the year, and added to the one ton of confetti that flutters down at midnight onto the crowd gathered in Times Square in celebration of the New Year.

Virtual Wishing Wall

Can’t make it to Times Square? No worries, your wishes can still fall from the sky this New Year’s. Just submit your wish, your dream, your first, online. We will print it onto a piece of confetti for you, so that no matter where you are on New Year’s Eve, your wish will be part of the Times Square celebration. Happy New Year

Click HERE to go to the site… Catch you back here tomorrow!

MERRY CHRISTMAS Y’ALL!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Bridget, Dad, Mom, Barbara

Today is Christmas, and I wish you the merriest! Good tidings to you…!

The only old Christmas photo that I could find was teeny tiny. That’s the Fidler family when we lived in St. Clair Shores, MI. Christmas was always a magical time!

To my family… I MISS YOU GUYS… MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

To all of you… I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and I thank you for checking in with me! Have a wonderful day and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!

Christmas Eve…

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS1 Comment
OperationLetterToSanta.com

A few fabulous images I’ve run across on the Internet while thinking about Christmas Eve. Believe me when I say that I know this is about more than Santa and gifts… but these are wonderful childhood memories… Wishing you a good night sleep, hope you’ve been good!

Image: SusanKOnTheWeb.com

Catch you back here tomorrow!!

Artist to watch… Joe Fidler… and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!

This is a two part post… the first part is a quick HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dad. He’s the best… then, the Artist to Watch… !

Hey dad, I’m wondering how you are old enough to have a daughter my age, ha ha! We wish you the happiest birthday ever… You’re the absolute best! Miss you so much!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, deeeaaaaar Daaaa-aaaad!

Happy Birthday to you… and many more!

My dad can do ANYTHING… some of the hobbies he’s had that quickly come to mind are… photography/developing photos in our basement, wine making (long time ago, wonder how that turned out?), rock polishing/jewelry making, canoe building, watercolor, oil, pen and ink, woodworking (beautiful jewelry boxes, lamps, wooden bowls, ornaments, you name it…), stained glass making… the list goes on and on… the man doesn’t get bored I can tell you that! A few years ago I gave him a sketchbook for Christmas, and told him one day when he filled it up with doodles, thoughts, etc he could pass it back (nice gift, eh?)… Perhaps this may have been the most stressful gift he’s ever received, ha ha… He gave it back to me less than two years later FILLED with gorgeous sketches, pen and ink and watercolor… I am sharing a few with you. He’s too talented. He needs a website ;)

I will share more with you in the coming months… this sketchbook is precious to me… I LOVE it!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Going to see Santa… 1966 (YES, I was alive then…!)

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTS3 Comments
"1966 Taken at Eastland. Bridget wouldn't have her picture taken. Barbara 4 1/2"

Wow, I didn’t think I remembered back when I was four, but hey, I totally remember this! I remember going to see Santa (such excitement), and I remember my sister Bridget wouldn’t have her picture taken with Santa. Afraid of Santa? Geez… that’s gutsy, not me, I hopped up on his lap, and recited my list that I had most likely practiced for quite some time. (Don’t remember what was on the list, ha ha…).

Part of the happiness of Christmas, or the holidays in general are the memories that come with making the meals, decorating the tree (or setting out the Menorah, etc.). It doesn’t matter what nationality you are, each of us, if we’re fortunate, has good memories that we want to replicate year after year. I was so fortunate to have such a great childhood. No worries, just had a great time, all the time (or at least that’s what I remember). Great parents, a sister who was a best friend, even though she did follow me around and repeat everything I said. It was cool to be the “old one” as my dad refers to me now… I always got to be the teacher (sorry Bridget), I got to be the cashier, while Bridget had to push a chair around with canned goods… Christmas was magical. It still is. Pass the magic on. If you know of anyone who is missing the magic, spread the cheer. No one should be lonely any time of year, but especially this time of year… Be an angel, remember… LIFE IS GOOD!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Gift idea: Eddie Bauer down and fleece throw – like an electric blanket with no plug!

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Eddie Bauer Down and Fleece Throw / Image: Amazon.com

You know how it is when you know about something so wonderful that you just want to get the word out? Last year my parents bought me this Down and Fleece Throw from Eddie Bauer. We were in Michigan, it was cold, I used it immediately. I. COULD. NOT. BELIEVE. IT! This thing radiates heat just like an electric blanket with the added bonus of no plug! It’s filled with 550 Goose Down and let me tell you it could not be warmer. It’s good looking, generously sized, does great in the washing machine/dryer. So if you’re looking to give a wonderful gift, this is a start! It’s $99 OR $49 WITH ANY PURCHASE! Trust me, it’s worth every penny!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

GREAT gift idea: T-shirts from LIFE IS GOOD! Look at this Holiday t…

On By Barbara StroudIn HOME, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image: LifeIsGood.com

DO WHAT YOU LIKE – LIKE WHAT YOU DO, the motto for Life Is Good. How brilliant for a company to come up with positive messages on high quality t-shirts, a simple but happy design. They have a few Christmas long sleeve t-shirts for women. I happen to love them both (dilemma)…

Life is Good holiday t-shirt / Image: LifeIsGood.com

I like their short sleeve, long sleeve, holiday, regular, yoga, and pssssst, their socks to wear at night… AWESOME!  Enjoy! Oh, did I mention free shipping and free returns? Yep. A great company indeed. Note: Locally they also sell LIFE IS GOOD on Market Street downtown Charleston, SC…!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Hump Bar from the set of ARMY WIVES… Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment
The Hump Bar from the set of ARMY WIVES

Do you watch Army Wives? It’s a great show, really. It’s pretty cool to watch it and try to figure out where in Charleston, SC they’re really at… it’s amazing how they can take worn out dumpy buildings and make them look so nice, at least on the outside… This is a photo of the HUMP BAR. Its used regularly in the show. It’s located down by the cemeteries in town. Looks like a real bar. It’s not…

Here’s a close up… catch you back here tomorrow, and if you get a chance, check out that show! They’re filming now, the new shows air “WINTER 2012”!

"The Hump Bar"

Lobster boat LEGACY of Monhegan Island, ME.

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS, TRAVEL1 Comment
Legacy, Monhegan Island, Maine

Isn’t this boat a beauty? It’s truly gorgeous, however, I doubt the owner would appreciate it being described that way (sorry Sherm, but it is what it is). Sherm Stanley is the owner and pilot of the 40 foot black-hulled Young brothers lobster boat. I’ve always thought dark black/navy boats had a classy look about them. This isn’t just a classy boat, it’s a hardworking lobster boat. Fancy is the last thing they’re going for. I admire the hard work that those guys do, and a lot of times in extreme weather. It’s fascinating. They earn their money no doubt. Seems like lobsters should bring a lot more money than they do… there is a GREAT ARTICLE from Yankee magazine about the lobstermen on Monhegan.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING… what are you thankful for? Here’s my list…

On By Barbara StroudIn HEALTH, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Image: seasons.flyingdreams.org

Happy Thanksgiving to you! Enjoy your day… I’m going to try to not eat too much, take a long walk to help burn off some of what I’ve eaten and since I’m cooking… I’m going to try to relax. I should be fine unless I lose my sticky notes of what to do when, ha.

What are you thankful for this year? I am thankful for many things, and try to think about all the things I’m grateful for each and every day (they say that makes you a happier person and I truly believe that to be true)! Some of the things I’m thankful for…

Fred (husband and soul mate). Charlie (dog). Family (parents, Fred’s parents, sister, brother in law and their families, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, acquaintances and the list goes on… as well as all of you who are like family to me).

Health.

My mom being ok after a cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemo and radiation.

YOU. (Thanks to everyone who prayed for my mom, I am overwhelmed).

For sun on a cold day. For clouds on a hot day.

For living in a city so rich in culture.

For living in an area where I can walk most everywhere.

For walking each and every day, and for my walking buddy.

For those of you who reached out to me (thank you for sharing your experiences and your information). I am thankful that you read this blog. No kidding. I started it on a whim, and have worked hard to create a post each and every single day. I’m hoping I make it all the way to the end of the year. BIG accomplishment.I have met many cool people!

For that I am thankful…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

I accept this award… hee hee… and I pass it on!

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS1 Comment

Well I had a surprise this weekend, my blog, barbarastroud, was given an award! Was I surprised? Yep! A very happy surprise! This award was passed on to me from ADesignForWife blog, which is one to check out! A great design blog, she can showcase the neatest things. The photos are to die for and give you great ideas, so give it a peak… Rules come along with this award… This may as well be an Emmie or an Oscar, ha ha…

Apparently the rules of the award are as follows:
– Thank and link back to the person who gave the award to you.
– Share a couple things about yourself.
– Send it along to at least 5 other (new/newer) bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

So THANK YOU ADesignForWife!

A FEW THINGS ABOUT ME…

I’m from Algonac, Michigan…

I am thrilled with cloudy/rainy weather…

I move furniture around probably too much, but love to keep changing things!

I have the best husband in the world (next year will be our 20th anniversary!) and the sweetest beast Jack Russell named CHARLIE.

I love to cook, bake, eat, and then stress about it and walk, walk, walk…

SOME OF MY FAVORITE (NEWER) BLOGS:

Bridget Jennings Artist – a blog that’s more than just art, this girl is hilarious. She’s got the most refreshing sense of humor, great paintings, and has recently started auctioning her paintings on DailyPaintWorks.com!

Wondering – a blog with a great perspective, intriguing photos and interesting stories. Christy is a friend who started this blog not too long ago, where she finds the time I do not know!

Cay Digests New York – an interesting blog about a girl who takes you through different restaurants in New York (and other locations as well)… this blog always makes me hungry!

Tim Horn Paint – a fabulous blog done by one talented artist. He just started it a few months ago, and it THRILLS me to see his paintings. I love it!

Baby Talk Without the Babble – written by a local woman, this is an insightful blog, and hey, you never know what she’s going to say! Fun to read even if you don’t have kids!

I have many blogs that are just fabulous that I read when I get a chance… but they’ve been at it a while, so I will mention them at a later date!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Keeping your memory sharp – a game!

On By Barbara StroudIn HEALTH, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image: DoctorOz.com 

Who doesn’t love Doctor Oz? I appreciate his information, and there’s tons of it! If Alzheimer’s is a concern for you, I highly suggest you visit his website, there are amazing video’s, tests you can take if you suspect you may have Alzheimer’s as well as plenty of suggestions to help PREVENT it from occurring in the first place! One of his suggestions to PREVENT it in the first place is to not only exercise your body, but EXERCISE YOUR MIND. Click HERE to go to Doctor Oz’s website where you can easily print this game above.

From DoctorOz.com: Studies have shown that keeping your brain challenged and engaged can actually help to prevent Alzheimer’s. Try games like crossword puzzes that work both the visual and language areas of your brain while combining decision-making and motor coordination. You can also try brain games like the card above. As fast as you can, read out loud the color that each word itself is printed in – not the word itself.

Whoa, that’s a challenge. Do things that are foreign to you, drive a new route to work, learn another language, learn another type of puzzle if you’ve mastered the sudoku or crossword. Learn to knit, crotchet, paint, play the piano, the possibilities are endless. What we don’t want to do is sit in front of the TV and become zombies.

Keep this little puzzle handy, use it until it becomes easy and fast, then move on to something else!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

November 6, 2011 @ 2AM Daylight Savings Time ends… reverts back to Standard Time.

On By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Image: Charlie Riedel, AP (news.nationalgeographic.com)

You either love it or you hate it… few fall somewhere in the middle. Do you prefer Daylight Savings Time in the Spring where we lose an hour? Or do you prefer when the time reverts back to Standard Time where we gain an hour in November? Don’t forget to set your clocks BACK 1 hour tonight before you go to bed. Time officially changes at 2AM (it will then be 1AM) on Sunday, November 6, 2011.

You’ll have to work a little harder to exercise outdoors before it gets dark, but I happen to like this time of year… ALOT!

Catch you back here tomorrow… after you set your clock back !