The Oceana Times

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-07-11T20:53:00.001-07:00

Those Where The Days!

2007-07-01T00:17:00.000-07:00

Lost In The 50's

2007-06-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

Visitors!

2007-06-30T16:38:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday the Simpson family came to visit here in Montana.

(L-R) Back Row: Daniel, Mr. Simpson, William

Front Rows: Suzanna, Sarah, Sophia, Hannah, Mrs. Simpson

We all decided to go hiking in the Bridger Mountains at Sacajawea peak

(L-R) William and Hannah, Mr. Simpson, Mrs. Simpson and Sophia,

Daniel, Sarah, Bryce, Me, Laura, Renee

On the trail (L-R) Mr. Simpson, Mrs. Simpson, Laura, Sophia, Bryce, Sarah, William and Hannah, Suzanna

(Back-Front) Mr. Simpson, Mrs. Simpson, William,
Laura, Sarah and Hannah

The peak behind me is our destination. Isn't the snow in June great?
...I don't think we got any pics. of our snow fight.

Mr. Simpson and Hannah, Mrs. Simpson, Sophia in pink

Taking a break

*whew* it's quite a hike

The flowers are great

I made it to the saddle!

Here's a view of what we just hiked from the saddle of the mountain

We're so happy to be up here!

(L-R) Sarah, Me, Renee

View of the other side of the mountain

You can see the city of Bozeman off in the distance

The wildflowers scattered randomly made such a pretty picture of spontaneous beauty

"Wait...is that Daniel at the top of Sacajawea Peak...
forty-five minutes ahead of the rest of us? I think we should follow him up..."

"Yes...but first let's take a few more pictures."
(L-R) Susanna, Sarah, Me, Bryce, Renee

You can just see the little trail which leads up to the peak behind us
(L-R) Susanna, Me, Sarah, Renee

The mothers wisely decided to stay behind and rest

I had a few problems on the way up

I think Sophia did too!

Renee didn't seem to have as much difficulty

Almost to the top!

We made it! 9,300 ft. up!

"Seanna...did you see the mountain goat?"

Seanna and Sophia looking for the mountain goat

There it is!

(B-F) Daniel, Mr. Simpson, William,

Sarah, Susanna, Sophia, Seanna, Bryce

Mr. Simpson is enjoying the rest from
having momentarily unloaded his bundle of joy

View from the top

The boys engraving their everlasting mark atop the mountain

I figured if they could do it...why shouldn't I try?

That was when...oh no...

Help! Could someone give me a hand?

Did they help me up? I'll let you figure it out for yourself. I only have two things to say. You will note I am not in this picture. You will also note...they are all smiling...broadly.

William decided to get adventurous and go rock climbing.

I'm putting these pics. up as a good illustration of something I am way to fearful to do myself.

(I also have to pause and say...This young man is such a gentleman. He helped me several times down some steep places and was very considerate.
Thank you William!)

He climbed higher...

And higher...

"William please come down?"

William wasn't the only one to be adventurous. Bryce tried skiing in his hiking boots. It worked!

Daniel thought it looked like a good idea...

William followed with the amazing, brave, endurance walking,
(don't forget) resiliant, 7-year-old Sophia

Back at the top. As Daniel (white shirt) walks away from the scene of the crime a nasty little plan is hatched. What should we do? ...I know... let's put rocks in Daniel's backpack!

Sarah and I deep in contemplation concerning concealed rock placement

Halfway down the mountain Daniel is pictured here discovering what the extra weight in his backpack really was

Sachegewia peak where we ended up (Left peak)
It was a gourgous day, lots of fun with friends... and an absolutely amazing hike!

Staying With Friends

2007-06-29T14:58:00.001-07:00

The last week I have been enjoying the excellent hospitality and company of our friends Laura, Bryce and Renee in Montana. Here are some scenes from my week.

Calves Are So Darling:

This one reminded me of some I used to take care of. They're so soft and warm. Their tongues feel like sandpaper and their noses are so wet and sloppy. They are so cute!

The Flowers in Montana are Beautiful!

This is an orange Prickly Pear Cactus

Wild Roses

Field of Lupin

Indian Paint Brush

Yellow Prickly Pear

Thistle

Hiking:
We Decided to go hiking at West Boulder Meadows up in the hills south of Big Timber. It was about a four mile hike round trip. Lots of fun and a pleasant trail.

Road sign pointing the way to our destination

Renee and I on the trail

( L-R ) Bryce, Laura, Terra (the dog) and Me

We saw lots of burn area-it's amazing how black the trees will stay so long after a fire

Here is healthy bark underneath coming out

Beautiful River

It's Friday

2007-04-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

I was a book coordinator last Tuesday at a writing conference given by a famous author. It was really fun to meet him and discuss my own personal writing problems and get his advise on things. It was a good experience and I enjoyed the lectures. I hope I'll be able to apply some of his principles on this new storybook I'm working on for kids.

I'm really excited about the new Hebrew workbooks I ordered to supplement my other curriculum. They look really good. Hopefully I'll be reading the Bible in the original text soon! That will be soooo great!

Also, I just bought some new piano music! I was getting a little tired of my mountainous stash of played-through-50times-already sheet music. I'm really excited. I bought the Pride and Prejudice theme music book, "Who am I" by Casting Crowns, and Charlotte Church's Voice of an Angel. Should be coming in soon. Can't wait.

I should get to work on the presentation and information for a series of etiquette classes for girls I am hoping to start. "Finishing Classes For Young Ladies" "Finishing Classes and Refinement School". Hmm...I'll call it something like that.

Oh...and then there's that scarf and hat set I'm supposed to finish crocheting for the dear lady in town.

But first, we've got to get our business products finished and delivered to Colorado. Fun... These next couple months should be crazy.

Happy Birthday Mom

2007-02-17T19:34:00.000-08:00

My Mom celebrated her birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday Mom!

Mrs. Lisa Hollinger with Miss Genevieve Smith

Your Vote Counts!

2007-02-17T19:06:00.000-08:00

Here are some small excerpts from a Valentines Article entitled "Surviving Valentines When You're Missing In Action" which I was writing and didn't finish in time.

"It was February 14th, 2004. Valentines Day. The day created specifically as purgatory for the unattached. All during the week I had passed windows filled with valentines, roses and chocolate boxes. I fancied to myself what it might be like to receive one. A small card would be attached to the beautiful wrapping paper signed "With all my love..."Well! Unless I became engaged in the next 10 minutes of my life, that was not likely to happen!...

I guess the first step is to understand our unmarried years and recognise them for what they are. If we view singleness as a new sort of "death of ten-thousand screams", is it any surprise that we're in a hurry to get out of it?

...Then again, maybe the problem is that we have an unrealistic view of marriage. Expectations can alter your view of reality. "

So, tell me...should I continue on and finish? Or is it dead weight until next year? Can a Valentines Article hold it's own during the other 364 days on the Calendar? Vote now. Let me know what you think!

New Year Resolutions

2007-01-21T19:32:00.000-08:00

Do you believe in New Year resolutions? I do. I don't necessarily believe in swearing an oath to "fulfill them...or else", however, it is my firm conviction that at least "setting" goals is vital to my success in the coming year. If you don't know where you want to be at the end of the year, how will you know whether or not you've gotten there? Goals are very important. Proverbs says that a Wise Man looketh well to the ways of his going and that the Prudent forseeth evil and hide themself!

My New Year resolutions...no I will rephrase that. Many of my New Year Goals for 2007 have to do with self government. Checking my spiritual imput/output. Health habits. This is the first year I have ever had to make a real resolution concerning my weight. Ah! It must be my age and metabolism catching up on me. Gone are the carefree days of unmonitered eating! :) From now on I suppose I will have to weigh in the balance (no pun intended) the benefit of consuming "this" or "that!"

I have a funny approach to New Year resolutions. I make them at the begining of the year and then glance at them about once every couple months, modifying them and just keeping the idea of them in the back of my mind. Otherwise, I completely forget about them in the BIG sense. I find if I make a HUGE resolution and try to live it out all at once, I only get discouraged by my lack of progress. Pretty soon I fizzle out and give it up altogether. So, I came up with a way to overcome my timid, untenacious, tendancies.

We've all heard of the revelutionary principle "Divide and Conquere". It works in war and it works in life. So, I make two resolution lists instead of one.
The first is just the regular list of what I want to change about character, spiritual life, habits; or things I want to learn, such as a new skill or refinement.
The second list is a twelve month breakdown of each specific goal.

Then I simply focus on small goals for that month and forget about all the others.
For instance, one of my desires has always been to learn French. That is not one of my resolutions this year, however if it was this is how I would go about it.
List 1:
Learn French

List 2:
January:

Check out french related "general interst" books from the library (such as titles as "Parisian Gourmet", "Country French Decor'", Provincial Gardens", "Marsaille Archetechture" and "Travelling through Metz.") I wouldn't really read them, just glance through them and read small sections that I find intriguing.

I might also check out a subtitled French movie such as "My Mother's Castle" or read "The Conquests of Napolean", "The Refugee's", or "A Tale of Two Cities". (BTW you do have to be careful with french movies...I'm not in any way recommending them. I've had a few that once they've gotten home, had to go straight back to the library!)

All of the above serves to arouse my interest and give me a reason to learn French. At this point, I now know more about French humanity and culture. None of the above takes very much time out of my day-to-day life during the month. Perhaps an hour or two one day to scope out some books at the library. A few hours during the next couple of weeks to glance through and read the intersting parts. Two hours to watch a movie some Friday. Maybe a week of reading at night for a book? Not much time really in the large view of things, and when I'm finished, I'll be more motivated to stick to learning a language about people that I am slightly more aquainted with.

February:
Search for good curriculem. Learn the alphabet and pronunciation.

March:
Learn the 100 most commenly used verbs. (3 words a day for instance)

April:
Learn sentance structure and the most commonly used connecting words such as the, in, but, and, is etc...

May:
40 most commonly used phrases. (A phrase a day)

June:
Learn the most commonly used nouns.

July:
Begin building your own sentances using a dictionary to suppliment.
By now your already speaking basic French and you haven't taken too much time out of your life to do it. If you wanted to take two months on each of the above activities, it would take even less time and there you would have your entire year planned out. Hooray!

Looking back on last years 2006 resolutions, I find that I did accomplish, at least, all of the most important goals I made using this "divide and conquere" method.
Remember, no one was ever unsuccessful because they spent time planning ahead!

2007-01-03T18:22:00.000-08:00

Trusting God in 2006... and On Through Eternity

What is faith? I always thought I knew what faith was... until I actually had to exercise some! At 18 when I was faced with my whole life before me and thought I was going to die, I had my first taste of what it really meant to believe in God by faith. After I learned that God is still with you "in the valley of the shadow of death", I thought I could never again doubt God. That His will would be miraculously easy for me to trust and accept. Right then, when I felt I had somehow "arrived" in the area of faith, I was sent back to the starting block.

This last year has meant new lessons in faith. I can see how God works in our lives, taking us one step at a time down the path of faith. He doesn't start with the big "horse pill". He starts by giving us those little round chewables. Sometimes they can still be the same medicine, but he equips us for what we have to face by administering small doses in preparation.

2006 was a year of sorrow for me and of new beginnings. From the death of my Grandmother, and countless other life changing personal ups and downs I found my faith being tested in a new and unfamiliar way. My spiritual life hit a low point emotionally and I began to walk through a dark place with God, unable to see the path before me.

That is when you start feeling alone. No one has the answers that you're looking for. You can't always rely on people to understand. It's just you and God. Then you start thinking "There has to be some sort of Christian guide book out there to tell you how to get through this biblically!"

After a discouraging search, you realize there is. The Bible. Of course. You knew that before. As a last resort (and I say this with humor) you crawl to your Bible and open it a crack. Here is where the REAL faith that Paul was talking about begins. Genesis, I Kings, Esther, Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Daniel, Jonah, Malachi, Matthew, John, Romans, Galatians, Philippians, James, 1 Peter, 1 John, Jude, Revelations. The books are flipping past.

Your going "Sure, this is great when I've got time to sit around and analyze theology, but I've got a problem now! What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to hear from God?"

That's when God asks you the question. "Do you really believe my word is all sufficient and can address any real and relevant problem you have?"

"Yes Lord" You answer timidly.

He asks again "Do you really believe I am who I say I am? That I care about you. That I have good plans for you?"

You pause. "I want to believe Lord."

"Then believe" He replies.

And that is when the scripture begins opening up. You read verses like:

"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." Jeremiah 29:11

"The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you."Jeremiah 31:3

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."Isaiah 40:31

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14

"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth." Psalm 37:7-9

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;" Titus 1:2
"For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee." Psalm 5:4

"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Numbers 23:19

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land." Psalm 68:5

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:4-6

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10

"For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

For me personally, the answer to exercising faith has been to acknowledge the fact that I don't understand. To admit I can't see where this is all going. And then to quote scripture verses to myself and tell myself "They are true. This is truth! And God is unchanging! He cannot lie!"

I'm hurting. God understands.
I feel like God has forgotten me. God has not forgotten.
I feel unloved. God loves me.
I feel misunderstood. God knows my heart.
I am confused and perplexed. God gives wisdom.
I'm overwhelmed. God gives me strength.

I may not feel God all the time. I may not see why He is allowing unpleasant or hurtful situations in my life. I may FEEL a lot. I don't get anywhere but depressed with "feeling".

The point is to agree that "Our heart is deceitful and desperately wicked...who can know it?" and to realize that the only truth is in Believing what God has said about Himself and about what He is doing in your life. I think that was the faith that was spoken about in the Bible. It's hard, but as Nike says, I suppose we just have to "do it".

"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God." Mark 11:22

"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." James 2:23

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Romans 10:9-11

To all my dear friends and blog readers:
May our God Elohim bless you, strengthen your heart and give you grace as you exercise your faith in 2007!

Barukh atah Adonai Elohenu, Melekh ha-olam.

2006-12-31T23:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Greetings

2006-12-24T20:03:00.001-08:00

Dear Blog Reader Person,

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all

. . . and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only "AMERICA" in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or choice of computer platform of the wishee.

By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

~Used with permission

2006-12-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

The other day I was driving home. It was 5:30 and already dark out. I pulled up into our driveway and saw a deer about 10 yards from my car...standing on the side of our house. I was so excited! It's always neat to see deer in our yard. Suddenly, I thought it was walking kind of strange. And I wondered why it wasn't running away. Normally they are very startled by headlights and cars. I turned on my brights and saw...

Ahhhh!!!! It was a mountain lion...standing right in front of me! You can only imagine how big it was if I mistook it for a deer. Here is a picture of a grown man holding a large mountain lion. I found this off the internet. It kind of gives you an idea of how big they can get. The one I saw was slightly smaller but definately bigger than me.
So I stayed trapped in my car and called my Dad on my cellphone to come rescue me. Here's the brave Hero of the Day!

Studying my Aleph-Bet

2006-11-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

Well, for those of you who are interested and those of you I haven't told, I am currently engaged in studying Hebrew. Actually, Paleo-Hebrew, but I couldn't find a Paleo-Hebrew website to show you how it looks. Because Paleo-Hebrew is pictorial, each letter in the 22 letter alphabet has a picture, symbolism and meaning. It also has an assigned musical note and numerical significance in the Bible. I am enjoying learning Hebrew so much! It gives regular words extra meaning and significance. Just to illustrate this for you:

This is the letter "Aleph". In the Paleo Hebrew it is a picture of an ox. It means strength.
This is the letter "Bet". It would be a picture of a tent. It means "house or home" and symbolizes a dwelling place or "dwelling in".

The Hebrew word for Father is "Abba" or spelled their way "abbA". Reading "Aleph, bet, bet, aleph" it means "Strength of the home". So God is the strength of our home and our Father's are the strength of our home. Isn't that neat? I'm almost finished with my letter study and will be able to move onto whole words soon! I'm so excited.

~Shalom!

Isn't that the sweetest thing?

2006-11-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

My brother did the sweetest thing for my birthday. The little seven-year-old personality worked hard at his house chores for weeks and weeks so that he could save to buy me...
A necklace with two hearts!
"Your the big heart and I'm the little heart inside of it" He said to me.
Isn't that the absolutely sweetest thing?

I GOT MY EARS PIERCED!!!

2006-11-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, this may not be news for the rest of you but after 22 years of deliberation and uncertainty I finally took the plunge. Here is a step-by-step replay.

Measuring:

It's Happening!!!!!

End Result

Fine. Take the picture. You know I'm humoring you.

Guess What?

2006-11-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

Newsflash

2006-11-14T17:30:00.000-08:00

I turned 22 yesterday. *Sob*

My brother is seen here trying to comfort his OLDer sister.

The World's Largest Train Store!!!

2006-11-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

It's Big and Green. What Did You Call It? A Train?

2006-11-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

A Fixer-Upper

2006-11-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

Just a Friendly Game

2006-11-14T17:19:00.000-08:00

Boy Heaven

2006-11-14T17:16:00.000-08:00

Just doing my Shopping in Town

2006-11-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

The Guys

2006-11-14T17:07:00.000-08:00

How Many Are There of You?

2006-10-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are:
0
people with my name
Seanna Hollinger
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Sucess Quote: Emerson

2006-07-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

"Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your objective. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson, poet and philosopher

Book Review

2006-06-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

Lessons From A Lifetime of Writing:

a novelist looks at his craft

by David Morrell

"This is the best guidebook to both writing and the business of writing that I've ever read"- Peter Straub

Well Amen to that! At least when it comes to fictional writing. I think I just may buy this book. David Morrell has a distinct approach to writing that belongs to authors who's books become classics.

From talking you through the "how to's" of coming up with a story and then making it come to life (realistic characterization, plot and voice). To typical problems like writers block and getting published, David Morrell has an engaging, person-to-person approach that makes you feel like an old friend. His honesty and openess about the business of writing are refreshing.

So you're a writer and you can't actually talk to a professional, it's okay. You can get the book and learn straight from the horses mouth. That's what I love about his style. It's exactly as though he's right there, talking you through the bumps and scrapes that every writer goes through. What more can you ask from someone? He has the best advice I have ever heard on what it actually means to be a writer, and how to distinguish yourself as a writer with your own voice. He is a writer. It just jumps off the page. It doesn't make him special. He just has to write. Like the rest of us... and that's that.

From sweating it out, experiencing mental block, lack of creativity, anxiety to the high of finding the right word, the right characterization, the right twist in your plot.

He's been there, done that - and now wrote about it!

In this book David Morrell not only gives you the keys to being a successful writer, he challenges you to be a better person. To write with meaning and purpose. He's not just a teacher, he becomes your coach. Rooting for you, willing you to win!

Write with feeling. Learn about yourself. Learn how to express that person inside of you. Express that person to others. That's what he is trying to teach...this is the goal he wants to accomplish.

Biggest lesson I got from the book? Don't try to copy others. Even the "greats". Learn the theory behind why they write the way they write, and then go write a story with your own voice.

Best quote? [Well the whole book but...]
"The only way to ever be established as a writer is to have your own voice... Write the story from your own perspective"

This book is a must for anyone who writes or ever wants to write.

For someone who keeps it straight- Go with Morrell's
"Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing".

Does this sound like an advertisment?

Organizing For Your Brain Type III

2006-05-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

Okay Folks, this is the last in the series of organizing posts. Hope you found the brain-type idea interesting. Enjoy!~ Seanna

Best Methods of Organization for:

Maintaining: Use traditional organizing methods. Schedule, schedule, schedule. It reduces your stress level.

Word of Advice:

It's okay to be organized People may think that your boring, or type A, but don't worry, everybody needs you and you know it! Just remember to live life and don't be so perfectionistic that you become rigid.

Harmonizing: Use lots of color and fun containers. Don't use systems that are going to be too hard for you to keep up with. (i.e. Extremely detailed filing cabinets or anything you will have to spend to much time maintaining) Be sure to put up a picture or two in key places to keep you motivated and help you remember why organizing is important to you.

Word of Advice:

Keep it simple but clean! People really enjoy and feel a lot more comfortable in a neat house.

Innovating: Piles are okay!!! You can now go forward into life free and skipping happy!

Practical Application:

The main thing you need to remember, is to keep your piles organized. For instance: for bills that need to be paid: keep them in a stack on TOP of the table. For bills that have already been paid, you can have a box under the table to throw them in. Save the box for a year or two (however long it takes you to do your taxes) Once you've done your taxes, label the outside with a permanent marker, date it, tape it shut and stash it somewhere for however long you're accountant says you should keep it. When the date on the outside of the box passes, simply throw the box away.

Word of Advice:

Date. Date. Date. And then be sure to throw away your piles on time!

Prioritizing: Find a simplistic method that works for you. Preferably a derivative of the filing system, but one that you can break down to keep more streamlined and less detailed than the maintainer. The main thing you need to realize is the importance of organization to accomplishing your goals. Once you find a system that works for you, you shouldn't have any problems.

Word of Advice:

Make relationship goals. Don't get so caught up with trying to achieve that you run over people!

2006-05-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

John and Marilyn Martinez

For Grandma

2006-05-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother,

Marilyn Adele Berry Martinez,

passed away Sunday April 30th at 7am in the morning.

Services were held the fifth of May.

Important to note:

Cinco de Mayo.

Our Mexican celebration day.

My Grandmother taught me the importance of giving people second chances. Of loving and accepting others. She opened my eyes to the beauty in the world. She gave me an appreciation for nature. She passed on to me the joy of poetry and more. She taught me so much. Mostly how to live life to the fullest and live it with meaning.

In the way she lived her life, she gave me some of the keys to living mine.

For everything she passed on to me, I am grateful. Thank you Grandma. I love you.

2006-05-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

My Grandmother, Marilyn, and myself on Mothers Day 2005

Winner is...

2006-04-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! That really got a response. I should have contests more often. Nobody got the right answer, I think Sarah had the right idea. However, I think Joel was the closest with:

"but I wonder if you aren't maintaining"

Yes, for everybodies official information, I am a Maintainer aka organizational freak. (doesn't necessarily mean I'm totally organized...just that I like to be)

The Maintainer and Friend

I make lists like crazy and drive my mother nuts with my schedules. And by the way, yes, it is my way of reducing stress. Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed etc... I make a list and then I feel 100% better. In my own defence however, I must state that I am not as bad as some of the maintainers described in the book. I gave up scheduling my day in 15 minute incriments when I was sixteen. Routine can work just as well.

10 points to Joel Nelson! Congrates!

Did you pay attention?

2006-04-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

Which organizing style am I? 10 points to the first person with the right answer:)

Organizing For Your Brain Type II

2006-04-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

Which are you?

Maintaining:
Easily identifiable. Maintainers love lists and scheduling. Often times maintainers will actually schedule their entire day down to 15-minute blocks of time. They love everything to be perfectly organized (even if it's not) and they get stressed if they don't have a routine and schedule to adhere to. These people are great because they keep the world running and everything in it's place. They work best with traditional organizing methods like filing cabnets, labeling and inboxes. Out of all the brain-types these are the people who are what we would call traditionally "organized".

Harmonizing:
Harmonizers love people! They are usually very social and easygoing. Harmonizers are wonderful because they keep everybody emotionally on track. They want the house clean if it makes other people comfortable, but because other people are more important to them than things, they can have a tendancy to let things go. They do get discouraged if the house is messy, but they're usually so overwhelmed they don't know what to do. They tend to keep things organized when they are stimulated by things that remind them of people and times they want to remember. However, because they surround themselves with things that bring pleasent memories, they have a tendancy to be pack rats. They like things that encourage them and remind them why they are doing what they are doing. Color and nifty containers are vital for their organizational style. Also, putting a picture or two (no more!) in key places can help them stay motivated.

Prioritizing:
Prioritizors are goal oriented. Their life consists of acheiving goals that they believe are important. Sometimes they get so focused they run over other people in the process. Organization is very important to accomplish their goals. However, sometimes they don't want to dabble with the particulars and their wonderful ability to delegate causes them to have others do the organizing for them. They're all out to divide and conquere! These people are very important in life because they're the ones that get things done. They are excellent leaders because they delegate so well. And they accomplish great things because of their great prioritizing skills. They just need to learn the system they use and stick to it. Preferably one that is streamlined and quick. The best thing they can do is minimize. Don't keep anything on your desk or in front of you that you are not working on. File everything else.

Innovating:

Innovators are usually very creative people. They are the people who see things from a different perspective and can usually come up with new solutions to what would be for most of us, an unsolvable problem. They are very visual. The old rule "out of sight out of mind" particularly applies to them. Their one obvious trait is that they have a unique style of organizing. They stack. Everything. Particularly papers. They organize things in piles. (i.e. bills in one pile, magazines in another, childs artwork) Contrary to popular thought, these unique individuals can be very organized, they just need to learn how to use their stacking style to keep things together.

Next organizing post...

Weaknesses and strengths for each brain type as well as specific tips for your indivdual organizational style.

Organizing For Your Brain Type I

2006-04-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel a bit overwhelmed by clutter? You want to get organized...you make all sorts of special efforts, but still that sense of having it "all together" eludes you. There are always those stray papers, a number you lost, the bill you had to pay but forgot about in that never ending stack!

You might enjoy Lanna Nakone’s book "Organizing For Your Brain Type". She introduces a break-through approach to personal organization.

Basically there are four different brain types:

Maintaining
Harmonizing
Innovating
Prioritizing

Representing which hemispheres they work out of:

The three left posterior lobes: Helps us develope and follow routines
The three right posterior lobes: Helps us develope harmony and connectedness
The right frontal lobe : Helps us to envision the future and make changes
The left frontal lobe: Helps us set up and acheive goals

Because everbody has a different brain, we're all going to have a different approach to organizing. What works for you may not work for someone else. To them it may actually seem disorganized and even messy. In turn, what works for them, may not work for you.

She claims that everyone has the capability of being organized... in their own way. So if clutter is something you struggle with, perhaps you've adapted someone elses style of organization that doesn't fit your brain type. She says if our brain has to work to hard to keep up with a system that it doesn't process well, it will tire quickly, burn out...and you know what the end story is. Back to the old way of doing things. It may be messy but at least our brain is comfortable.

All that organizing for nothing!

To avoid all the stress of rearranging your life in a way that you won't be able to keep up with or stick to, I suggest you identify your brain type and find out exactly how you work. What your strengths are. Your weaknesses. That way you'll be able to come up with strategies for organization that work for you personally! The book is filled with tips at how to overcome particular weaknesses and play up personal strengths associated with your brain type.

Lanna Nakone says that once you find the method that fits your brain type, you will have no problem staying organized for years, maybe your whole life.

What's Lanna's definition of being organized?

"Being able to find what you need in five minutes or less."

So what is your type? And how do you identify it?

Blog Interests

2006-04-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody,

I have recently made up my mind to make some changes in my blog content. (Up till now it has been mostly the personal happenings of my daily life.) I've decided that I'm just going to post on a much broader varity of subjects. I've steered away from this so far because most the things that interest me, I didn't think it would be very appealing to anyone else. Also, I was afraid that half the time no one would know what I was refering to if I talked about things like crystaline matrixes or meridians.

However, I made this decision out of a sort of personal crisis. I simply got bored with what I'm posting.

So this is just a flag notification:

If you aren't interested in what I post then please don't feel like you have to read it!

Wow! Okay:) *Deep Breath* Now I feel better. :)

Everyone, raise you mouses in a toast to Interesting Blog Content!

"Salud!"

Off To Ministry

2006-03-27T22:49:00.000-08:00

With Lymph machine in hand, Remedies and Ions Cleanse ready to go~Seanna is off again to minister to her Grandparents needs.

Seanna will be giving her Grandmother treatments to help her detox the dead cancer from her body along with helping her Grandfather in the daily care of IV's, shots, chelation, pills, preparing organic meals, relieving her Grandfather along with household duties. It has been a mixed blessing. Seanna's Grandmother is overcoming the severity of bone cancer through Alternative Medicine. She has had great success in destroying the cancer but it has created a buildup in her system in which 3 quarts of liquid was recently removed.

Young ladies need to realize how effective their ministry is through the sphere of influence within their communities and families.

My parents have been so thankful to Seanna for her excellent work and timely care~she has touched many lives as a result~including those within the cancer clinic in Mexico. I could not do this work myself as I am needed at home but our daughter represents us well and we thank God for using her for His glory!

"This woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did"

(The Message)

...who was always doing good and helping the poor

Acts 9:36

Singing Under the Stars in Yelapa

2006-03-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

My beautiful daughter~Seanna (Sea-Anna) and I went to Yelapa, Mexico and had an absolutely wonderful time. My husband sent Seanna to continue her medical training in Alternative Health to keep our family and her future family healthy. My kind husband wanted to bless us with a much needed restful mother~daughter retreat.

I was so grateful to go to this beautiful part of the world, to film some of the training sessions, film the area and enjoy this peaceful paradise. We had joyful times together swimming, taking long walks along the beach with breathtaking views, spending refreshing time with my dear friend (another homeschooler~business helpmeet) Dr. Sarah Jernigan and clan~especially the Jernigan girls (which is a fun filled story in itself). There was horseback riding to waterfalls, salsa lessons, attending a Mexican Fiesta, (unexpected) high speed boat rides, talking with jungle Indians (that still wear colorful intricate beaded garments) and the traditional "bartering" which is expected in certain areas of Mexico. Seanna spoke the language well enough that we were able to enjoy conversations and blunders with the locals of Yelapa and Porta Vallarta. Along with happily conversing with boatmen & taxi drivers~while not getting us lost!

We were surprised at how many Europeans, Canadians and Americans have found their way to visit or live in this elusive place. Our friends also introduced us to a "Count" who has a castle in France, tells funny jokes and loves to hear them. Seanna had many to share~brightening his countenance with new material~as we all laughed late into the night with the Jernigan's. Though we are not star struck by "Counts" or what the world may deem as "Great" individuals, we never thought we would be spending time and dining with Royalty in this quaint little fishing village.

One evening my daughter sang to the people of Yelapa and dedicated a special song to her doctor, David Jernigan called "The Prayer". He said he was so honored as that was the first time anyone dedicated a song to him. We are so honored that God used him to heal our daughter. The Jernigan's joined us at a restaurant called "MiMi's" that had live musicians. Seanna was given opportunity to play piano and sing various solo's~ with the musicians backing her up. She blessed our evening with a special "Concert Under The Stars". Some of the locals asked if she could stay a few more weeks, for they wanted to introduce her to some famous musicians and sing in their concert in late March but alas it was time to go.

We were so blessed by the open arms and hearts of the Yelapa people. We met many new friends and cherish all our memories in this incredible place.
(I hope when I get our digital camera attachment fixed to download some of our pictures in future).

by~Mrs. Lisa Hollinger

(posted from www.countryvictorian.blogspot.com)

And the Winner Is

2006-03-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for your most interesting contributions. Now I know exactly how much all my dear friends and family love me! *Sniffle* Really, you were all quite clever and I had a really hard time choosing!

However, in the end I had to choose someone. It came down to three people:

Lillibeth Humphrey with "I forgot my lipstick!"Sarah Hansen with "Mom speaking to daughter, "Did you turn off the oven before we left?"Daughter's response - see picture. " and
Lydia Hayden with "Nooo, wait! Don't push THAT button!"

And the Winner is...

Sarah Hansen with:

Mom speaking to daughter, "Did you turn off the oven before we left?"

Daughter's response:

See Picture

Contest

2006-03-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

My friend from England, Oscar Hyde often does misc. contests on his blog for his readers. It's been so much fun I thought I'd do the same. So...

Winner is the person who can come up with the Best Caption for the picture below! Be Creative!!

And The Winner IS...

2006-03-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

Hi Everybody,

I'm just back from Yelapa...had a wonderful time! Have A TON of pics. I hope to get some of them up soon!

Now, as for "Who Knew Me The Best"?

(Actually, my Mom won...but of course she's my Mother.

Self explanitory.

I actually just made her take the test to see if it was working. LOL :)

So having said that...the person who knew me the best was...

*Drum Roll*

*Pause*

"And it's..."

Sarah Hansen!

*Everybody Claps*

Wow Sarah...you did really good!

Go figure though:) You've only known me since I was probably about 1 1/2!

Congratulations!!!

Just For Fun

2006-02-20T22:18:00.000-08:00

Take the Test.

How well do you know me?

Copy and Paste into your browser:

http://www.stumpyourfriends.com/stump2.cgi?72331102112006

2006-02-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

Grandma

Cancer Miracles

2006-02-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

Update On Grandma:

Thanks to everyone who has been praying for my Grandmother. She is doing a lot better. When we first went down to Mexico she had about 2 weeks to live. Now it's been 2 months and she is getting stronger everyday. We're very thankful to everyone down in Tijuana at Hospital de San Martin. She still has a long way to go but we are very thankful for the extra time the Lord has given her.

Please pray that we would be a light and she would be able to see her need for Jesus and salvation. Please also pray for her continued healing.

2006-01-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

Report from Iraq - Or Maybe Not.

2006-01-28T23:18:00.000-08:00

Skiing

The Old Grey Mare She Ain't What She Used to Be

2006-01-28T23:17:00.002-08:00

Since we live at the base of a world class ski resort I finally decided it was time I took up skiing. It's lots of fun and I am enjoying myself very much. Except for the day-after aches of muscles I haven't used in years. That makes me sound old, or "ancient" as my "darlin' brother" Matt likes to remind me. Oh well, to all the other skiers out there this season may I wish you:

"Big Air!"

2006-01-28T21:15:00.000-08:00

Three Guy's Trying to Shovel Snow Off of the Roof

2006-01-28T21:14:00.000-08:00

The Long Awaited SUV's

2006-01-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

Only here would you find every car to be an SUV

2006-01-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

Crushing really nasty pills for my Grandmother's drink

2006-01-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

Crush pills...CRUSH!!!!

What I've been up to

2006-01-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody,

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. Just absorbed. I returned home Sat. the 7th from Tijuana, Mexico and have been busy creating spreadsheets etc... for my Grandmother's medications and cancer treatments, which we are doing at home.

You are looking at my most recent obsession. Making spreadsheets for everything under the sun. I just set up a new system for housecleaning. Takes a long time to make spread sheets but saves time in the end.

Key word for 2006: "Organize...Organize...Organize!"

The Lord shows wonderful organizational skills in the OT regarding temple dimensions/contents and the Israelites lifestyle.

Why shouldn't we strive to follow in the Lords footsteps?

...one step at a time that is:)

2006-01-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

My Spreadsheet

Looking Forward In 2006

2006-01-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3: 12-13

For Everyone Else

2005-12-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

http://www.xanga.com/Oceanablue

For My Mom

2005-12-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

Estimada Mamá, le Adora. ¡Espero que usted tenga un próspero Año Nuevo! Planeo no acostarse tarde y para ir afuera y para golpear una olla. Como los parientes en Frezno. ¡Diviértase! ¡Véale la semana próxima! - Adora, Seanna

I Love My Sister

2005-12-27T17:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Seanna,

I miss you so much. I really want you to come home. I love you with all my heart. I've got a big surprise for you at home and I'm sure you will like it.

~You're Precious~

From Samuel

Holiday In Mexico

2005-12-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

Though it may not be a Jane Powell movie, Seanna is spending her "Holiday in Mexico"at a cancer clinic as she ministers to her Grandparents and others at the hospital. Of course it wouldn't be like our daughter not to have a little singing along the way as she concerts the staff and patients at the San Martin Hospital. It has been noted that she was accompanied by a talented guitarist to play such beautiful music in hymns and plans a special Christmas Concert for the occasion.

Bravo Seanna! You always have a way of making something beautiful out of difficulties. We are so proud of you!!!

Don't Worry

2005-12-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

"Don't let your worries get the best of you, remember, Moses started out as a basket case."

2005-11-21T18:44:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Dallas: View at night from the DTC (We were right downtown!)

The 25th Excel "Extraordinary Class" of 2005

2005-11-21T18:09:00.000-08:00

Well, Hi y'all I'm back! I had a really great Excel experience. It was hard but worth it! I grew so much spiritually, emotionally and well just as a person that I have been really excited to put into practice all the great teaching I received.

Among the notables from whom I received instruction are Yvonne Welch, Bernidine Cantrell, Mr. Gothard, Mr. Novatany, Pastor Frailey and Elizabeth Elliot. They taught us a lot of things but the things that stand out to me were:

The Names of God by Mrs. Bell
Ettiquette/interior design/wardrobe planning/meeting dignitaries etc...by Berdine Cantrelle,
The Keys to Success and Successful Living by Mr. Bell,
EIC (Excellence In Communication) week taught by Jessica Menzel and Patricia Ballman (very educational and useful),
The Anger Resolution Seminar
Life Purpose Planning taught by Mr. Novatany and Sarah Danahur
Spiritual Gifts by Pastor Frailey
Esther and True Femininity by Pastor Frailey
Standing Alone by Pastor Frailey
Being a Princess of God by Lauren Bell
How to Determine Godly Music/Media by Lauren Bell
Life In the Single Lane by Aprill Brunson

Among other things, I learned smocking, caligraphy, cake decorating, banner making (I loved that!), sewing, flower arranging and vocal instruction.

I had some very interesting times...lots of hilarious stories of funny (and well...shall we say *cough* unconventional?) happenings at the DTC. Among them are getting locked out of the DTC, roommate stories such as: hanging scarves out of our 5th story window etc..., and of course the unltimate Excel honor "The Order of the Roach" which I...*sniffle* did not manage to make...*sob*. (However, I did manage to help my friend Teresa contribute 8 wasps trapped in 2 clear plastic cups. She caught, I carried.)

Each class is given a name that reflects it character. We were dubbed the "Extraordinary Class" by Mr. Bell.

Here are some pictures from my time there. These are not mine but ones that I'm mooching off of my friends until I can get some of mine developed. Enjoy!

2005-11-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

Our Team: Back row: L-R: Jodelle Svenhard, Me, Roxanne Forrest, Jessica Bryant (New Zealand), Mary Sarah Long (My roommate), Christine Haree (Korea). Front Row:L-R: Teresa Straub, Sarah Danahur (our team leader), Hannah Fessenden (my other roommate).

2005-11-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

Snuggle time! We're all watching the new BBC "Pollyanna". Kiwi Sisters (I love their accent by the way) Jessica (purple) and Bex (pink) Bryant, and my roommate Hannah (blue).

2005-11-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

Beautiful team three...my friend Roxanne is easy to pick out..she's the short (*ahem* I mean vertically challanged) one in the middle:)

2005-11-21T17:49:00.000-08:00

Sarah Danahur our very "balanced" team leader:)

2005-11-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

Mr. and Mrs. Bell the directors of the Dallas Training Center.

2005-11-21T17:46:00.000-08:00

Chapel Ceiling at Thanksgiving Square

2005-11-21T17:43:00.000-08:00

Our Team at Thanksgiving Square

2005-11-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

Victoria and Margret

2005-11-21T15:51:00.000-08:00

My roomate Hannah and my dear friend Christine (she's from Korea) "Anyung Har'ee!"

2005-11-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

Same view of Dallas from DTC just in the daytime (taken by Victoria...not me)

In Honor of Grandmother

2005-11-16T01:51:00.000-08:00

My mother who has that same beautiful fair complexion, breathtaking blue eyes, with the tall regal look of her youth (Seanna's Grandmother) has been very ill with bone cancer. My parents contacted me while we were at the San Antonio Film Festival in Texas to let me know that they were going to try to make it to our home for one last trip before attempting to go to a Cancer clinic in Mexico. My mother never made it to our home. She ended up in the hospital with severe stomach pain. What we did not know during this time is that she also had a cancerous mass growing there.

I have been attempting for several weeks to come to my mother's side, to offer assistance to my father with comfort and hope through this frightening ordeal. With long distance traveling, my husband being snowed in Wyoming along with Seanna being too ill to travel, it has been at times very stressful to wait patiently. I have lately sensed a great peace and comfort even though my heart wants to come quickly to my parents aide. Several times I had felt a surge of panic as I await my husbands return fearing that I would not get to a chance to see my mother or that she would not get the help she needs in time. Then the Lord robed me with His peace and crowned me with comfort. I thank the Lord for this time of great adversity and helplessness that He can be glorified as I walk in His peace -step by step. I honor the Lord and my tenderhearted mother whom I love. This wonderful Grandmother who Seanna loves so dearly, a true kindred spirit.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

Even in the smallest details, God is there.

2005-10-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

The Lord sent us a special friend who ministers daily to our family and friends.
Her name is

"Sage".

As we are in the process of building our log home, we are renting a beautiful place with lovely views and a peaceful river on several acres. Yet with this wonderful restful home, we cannot have a pet. Our family has longed for a dog especially a Golden Retriever.

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo(Samuel & Sage)

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Well, God is so good to us that he sent us a soft four footed friend to our home to minister love, grace and peace. She comes daily and checks on us day and night (*though we do not allow her inside our home*sniff-tissue please*). When we have guests, she lays next to them on our porch and gives us great joy. Our son feels so blessed by his special friend and loves her dearly. It is God's unique way of blessing our family until we can have a dog of our own. She spent so much time with us this past summer on our porch that she practically became a fixture. Then at the appropriate moment she politely excuses herself only to return at the same time the following morning. It's the next best thing to actually having her as our own. Those who have visited our neck of the woods (one particular guest said from the sounds made felt we had a wildcat in our yard), know we have mountain lions and bears that frequent our area. The other night we heard Sage in our backyard taking an aggressive stance for something passing through. That night she went from "soft and fuzzy" to the "fierce protector" of our lands.

We thank the Lord for His precious provisions in even the smallest of details to the desires of our hearts (especially our children's) and for using His beasts to minister blessings to our lives.

"May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other."

Genesis 31:49

Written by: Mrs. Hollinger

A Heart For God~Reckless Abandoned for Him

2005-10-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

May God help you to fling yourself against the Rock,

Jesus Christ, in utter faith, in a total abandonment of yourself, leaving behind your preconceived notions of what God is supposed to do for you and remembering that God never does anything to you that isn't for you.

Elisabeth Elliot

"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.

A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he".

Deueronomy 32:4

Seanna's favorite words~

To be "Reckless Abandoned" for Christ Jesus.

Update on Seanna

2005-09-29T00:03:00.000-07:00

"Wait Thou my soul upon the Lord only for my expectation is from Him"

Psalms 62:5

This is Seanna's favorite verse.

I spoke with Seanna today and she said she is not feeling well but is learning so much spiritually that she really wants to continue in the EXCEL program. If any of you would like to write her a note of encouragement, just e-mail us and we will send you her address. I know she would be greatly blessed to receive your kind words and know you are praying for her.

Our little town at sunset

2005-09-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

You know you are living in 2005...

1.You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2.You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3.You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4.You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5.Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

6.You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7.Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8.Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10.You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

11.You start tilting your head sideways to smile.: )

12.You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13.Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14.You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15.You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

*This is how our little town looks at sunset

Holiday's On The Coast

2005-09-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Our trips to Oregon have be so blessed!

Dearest Friends~

Miss Seanna Hollinger with Mrs. Elizabeth Humphrey

scene from our new video "Garments of Praise"

2005-09-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful brother!

2005-09-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

Best of friends-Samuel & Isaac

Mrs. Humphrey's (Lillibeth's) son

2005-09-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

A jaccuzi with a view of the livingroom

2005-09-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Three Sister Oregon in a beautiful log hotel room with fireplace. It was a memorable trip.

Conversation

2005-09-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'll leave you with a picture I really like and this thought:

For good or ill, your conversation is your advertisment. Every time you open your mouth, you let men look into your mind. -Bruce Barton

A Lupine with Dew on it.

EXCEL

2005-09-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Well it's off to EXCEL for me. My flight leaves at 12:00 pm, Thursday, September 15. I will not be in contact until November 13, at which point I will return home and again have access to a computer. Until that time, Mom will posting for both of us. I may be able to contribute with pics. and thoughts, on occasion, long distance, via snail mail.

I'm looking forward to getting some alone time with God and "tuning in" as it were. This has been a pretty crazy year and I think it will be really good for me to have this opportunity. While this may be a very "intense" 2 months, I am encouraged with the hope that I will come away with a lot. Not just in acquired skills but also spiritually. I hope you all will pray for me as I am seeking the Lords will and direction in my life. Thanks to all my wonderful friends! You all are so great!

Blessings To you,

Seanna

*For those of you who will be going, I am attending the San Antonio Film Festival this year. See you down there!

The Suspense is Over...

2005-09-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

And the winners are...

Andrew Vawser with "Larry King" and Sarah Hansen with "Bill Gates".

Your are both awarded free passes to the magnificent, the amazing, the Matthew/Seanna birthday party extravaganza to be held the weekend of October 27-30 in San Antonio, Texas.

Congratulations!

*Traveling and hotel fees are the responsibility of the attending parties. The Oceana Times is not liable for any injury incurred by a participant. Tickets are non-refundable.

Word Verification

2005-09-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Sorry but I had to turn on "Word Verification" because I was getting some unwanted spam. I know it's a pill but at least we won't have to look at all sorts of weird comments.

Thanks-

Seanna

Speaking of weird...Here's a couple mugs shots: Can you guess who these famous guys are?

2005-09-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling Matthew...while staying at the Vawsers I decided to take the opportunity to teach Matt to read.

One Too Many

2005-09-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

Heaven forbid that anyone should know, my brother is a heavy drinker. However, if it must be told, I might as well be the one to tell it. In this photo...he's had...well...one too many. *shakes head in sorrow* I think it was the acid from the lemons that finally got to him.

On Mankind

2005-09-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

Andy put up a quote about Charity which I liked very much and thought what a good idea! So I've decided to put up one of my own. I always enjoy those short quotes which leave you something to think about. Here's one that I like:

To be rich in admiration and free from envy; to rejoice greatly in the good of others; to love with such generousity of heart that your love is still a dear possession in absence or unkindness- these are the gifts of fortune which money cannot buy and without which money can buy nothing.

He who has such a treasury of riches, being happy and valiant himself, in his own nature, will enjoy the universe as if it were his own estate; and help the man to whom he lends a hand to enjoy it with him.

-Robert Louis Stevenson

More From The Vawser House...Shall I call this Installment #4?

2005-09-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

2005-09-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

Okay...quick quiz. What are we doing in this picture? LOL. *hint* "Just Hangin' Out"

2005-09-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

Okay...I have proof...Matthew was trying to hang me! Just look at him holding that rope!

2005-09-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

L-R Matt, Me and Andy

2005-09-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Sir Perine and Myself

2005-09-09T12:45:00.001-07:00

Dropping Rocks Off the Bridge at Twin Falls

2005-09-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Vawser gets a Garfield. (Note cat on upper left-hand shoulder)

2005-09-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Mom and Me

2005-09-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Three Musketeers

2005-09-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

The Snake River