pensieve.me

Her face tells a story...

She is one of the nameless faces who pierced heart and pricked conscience during my unforgettable, life-affecting trip to India.  Her shoes matched her sari, a detail intriguing to me; I am certain it was unintentional, but if Life was Fair, her clothing would always match her shoes.

I'm submitting this for my first-ever entry to I Heart Faces, this week's theme photojournalism.  I see a thousand stories in her weary face; oh, how I wish I knew even one!

Win a weekend getaway!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of the biggest challenges for me as a blogger is justifying expenses related to indulging my blogging {*cough*cough*} cah-reer.  Because we don't have a money tree in our back yard, there's opportunity cost involved when I spend money on design, conferences, etc.  It's also one of the reasons I'll accept payment for sponsored posts if the product or service is in keeping with something I'd talk about anyway and especially if it benefits my readers.  

Like this one for Hampton Hotels...there are DAILY chances for you to win a free weekend stay at any Hampton Hotel during their Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes.  The grand prize is an entire hotel (100 rooms) for the weekend, but they're also giving away 100 visits over the course of the sweepstakes.  The great thing?  Enter once and be qualified for EVERY daily drawing (you don't have to keep trying). 

I've learned this through blogging:  not as many people enter giveaways as you might think!  In this case, you stand a great chance of winning one of the free weekends and potentially an amazing grand prize!

Just think:  you could choose the Hampton Hotel in San Diego and have your room covered for next year's BlogHer conference; or, you and your spouse could plan a romantic getaway at one of their 1,800 locations.  I'd have a rough time choosing one, though...New York, Chicago and Savannah top my list.

If you're a mama, it's important to get away from your kids from time to time.  Winning this would allow you that indulgence without feeling guilty like we're so often prone to do.

But you can't win if you don't enter!  Take 60 seconds...at least TRY!  And if you win?  PLEASE come back here and let me know!  And if you need a friend to go with you...well...I'm finally not scared of flyin' anymore ;).

Your turn:  After you've entered the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes (because nothing would thrill me more than for a PENSIEVE reader to win one--or TWO--of these trips!), let me know what location you'd choose; who would YOU take with you and why?  I'd love to know!

Bless...her...heart...!

Marcia Brody and Bill Cosby do for "Southern" what Abbott and Costello did for baseball with their "Who's on First" routine.  If you're a Southerner, you'll relate; if you aren't, it might be even funnier!  

Enjoy the laughs...mine were out loud :).  (And I did click through to her second video...I 'bout lost it when she said, "I don't speak Jamaican...!")   

Homeless, in their words

 

 

 

 

  
 

 

Blog Hop '10 ~ Giveaway winners!

THANK YOU for your patience with me in posting these!  I'm grateful for all of our giveaway providers listed below (hint:  if you thank them in a post or on Facebook or Twitter, I'm sure they'll want to sponsor again next year)!  If you see your name listed, please send me an email at pensieve(dot)me(at)gmail(dot)come with your name and shipping information; BE SURE to include "BLOG HOP WINNER!" in the Subject Line!!   I'll email those I haven't heard from in the next few days to let them know their good fortunes.

Thanks, too, to all who joined Blog Hop '10; I'm determined to visit YOUR blogs eventually, but goodness gracious, administration of this sucker has slowed me to a snail's pace!! :)  

OH, and guess what else?!  EVERYONE'S A WINNER because Kelby Carr, aka @Typeamom, has offered a 25% discount for ALL Blog Hop '10 participants for the Typeamom Conference!!  This year's conference speakers are wonderful and it's a perfect opportunity to make your online acquaintances real life friends!  Just use code:  http://bit.ly/9LG8jt (Discount is automatically applied for your convenience.)  

Chef's Requested $25 Gift Certificates:  Julie from Inmates, Vanderbilt Wife, Jessica, Bridget

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

3	6	2	5	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 10:31:47 UTC

Paula Deen Cookbook - Jane Anne

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

 10	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 10:36:26 UTC

Etsy Graphics Package - Lisa Lehmann

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

 3	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 10:41:26 UTC

Corolle Doll - Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

 10

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 10:43:26 UTC

Studio Jewell store credit ~ Shelli aka Hope Devoted

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

17	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 10:47:23 UTC

Paul and Sandy Coughlin book pair ~ Kelly @ Love Well

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

5	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 15:38:15 UTC

Sandy Coughlin's "The Reluctant Entertainer" ~ Diaper Diaries, New to Mom and Nicole

(**For giveaways with a Linky attached, I began the count with #1 on the Linky list, then picked up in numbering comments where it left off; i.e., for this giveaway, the first comment was actually "23".)

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

 6	15	24	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 15:49:42 UTC

Custom Twitter Background ~ Vsliker

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

1	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 16:03:53 UTC

Lisa Leonard $50 Shop Credit ~ Dawn

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

27	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 16:08:40 UTC

Shop Credit from @GussySews ~ Melissa Brotherton

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

59	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 16:18:25 UTC

Giveaway from Gettington.com ~ Michpendegrass

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

22

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 16:40:16 UTC

(in)courage/DaySpring Shopping Spree ~ Erin

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

51	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 16:46:40 UTC

Walmart giftcard in conjunction with Elmers Bag-it-Forward ~ Kelly@Childhood

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

3	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 16:59:13 UTC

Book set from Thomas Nelson (Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh and Friendship for Grown-Ups by Lisa Whelchel) ~ FC_Melissa, Jennifer & Jessie

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated with replacement:

 10	11    3

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 17:09:06 UTC

Christian Fiction Pack from Bethany House ~ Includes Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist, Tomorrow We Die by Shawn Grady and Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl ~ LaVonne

Type-A Mom Conference Pass ~ Monica @ Paper Bridges

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random integers, generated without replacement:

 91	

Timestamp: 2010-08-18 17:25:42 UTC

Crushing Betty White

Betty White was not at all what I expected.  

I suppose I thought the snarky, sex-obsessed Happy Homemaker/Homewrecker Sue Ann Nivens would show up; for some reason I equated Betty to Cloris Leachman in her performance on Dancing with the Stars, during which I often cringed with embarrassment for her over-sexed and hyper-suggestive remarks.   I also thought Golden Girl Rose Nyland might make an appearance, sweet and rambly and maybe even a bit incoherent.

Instead, I was schooled in the lesson that actors actually a c t. Imagine that!

Betty's TV and film career has spanned over 70 years, but at 88 years old young, she's Holly-wood's hottest "It" girl!  Ignited by her show-stealing Super Bowl Snickers commercial, the coveted role as guest host for Saturday Night Live (for which she earned an Emmy nomination), and a guest spot-turned-permanent in TV Land's wildly successful "Hot in Cleveland, Betty is the Energizer Bunny!  

Betty was in town Sunday for Life: a boomers & seniors expo (since I just barely qualify for "boomer" status, I considered it a personal invitation).  My friend Paige and I decided to crash her party and we left wanting to be her new BFF.

 

Betty was warm, charming, gracious, kind, direct, witty, sharp and honest.  She claims she got into acting when she was old enough to know better, she's still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up and she admitted her affection (with a wink and a smile) for Robert Redford...twice.  A few highlights from our experience and Betty's talk show format ~ 

• When asked what she thought about Hollywood today, she said, "I get mad.  I'm impatient with them.  They can be so ungrateful."  She said multiple times how lucky it is to be in this profession and those who earn success should remember its privilege.
• Q:  What's your secret for staying so youthful?  A:  "Good genes!"
• Q:  Do you have any beauty tips?  A:  "Clean your face before bed!"  (I'm sure she meant it.)
• Q:  Tell us a secret, something no one else knows about you.  A:  "I drink a lot, shoot up...." (such the kidder, her snappy delivery had people rolling)
• Q:  Have you ever considered marriage again after your husband's (Allen Ludden) death?  A:  "When you've had the best, who needs the rest?"

Following her scripted interview, Betty opened the floor for questions.  OF COURSE I had to ask one, but by the end of her answer she had schooled me again!  My question?  

Me:  "We all know about your Facebook success of scoring a guest host role on SNL..." (to which she quickly reminded me it wasn't her, it was a fan initiative) "and I'm an active Twitter user.  I found a bunch of 'Betty Whites' and I'm just wondering are any of them REALLY you...?"  And before I could ask her if I could take a cell phone picture of her to Twitpic, she replied, "I don't understand Twitter.  I remember when people talked to each other, I remember when people could write..." and she launched into a quasi-lecture about the art of communication being lost in a sea of inferior electronic substitutes.  If you listen at the 1:30 mark on her SNL opening monolgue, her sentiments about Facebook mirror her thoughts about Twitter I imagine.  

"...and now that I do know what it is, I have to say it sounds like a huge waste of time.  I'd never say that people on it are losers but that's only because I'm polite..."

The audience surprised a tear-filled Betty with a heartfelt serenade of "Thank You for Being a Friend," the perfect conclusion for her session.

 

If you have opportunity to see Betty White in person, it's worth the price of admission.  In the truest sense of the word, she's a golden girl.

Photo credit:  All photos are mine with the exception of the last image, taken by photographer Shannon on staff for spotted.timesfreepress.com.

Blog Hop '10 Winners TBA...

by Wednesday.

While I hate to keep you wondering if you're one of the many winners drawn for our fantastic slate of giveaways, a bridal shower, an important birthday, writing deadlines and the sheer amount of time it'll take to draw random numbers, verify eligibility and write a post means I need some time to get it done!  Thanks for your patience!

Until then, continue hopping among our 255 blog hoppers--I'm amazed by how many NEW bloggers joined in this year!  Thanks to all who took part and I'm already in conversation with some friends to make next year's event MUCH more substantial!! 

Celebrate/(in)courage!

Had I known then what I know now, I sure wouldn't have dragged my feet in saying "yes".  

I received an email in June of last year inviting me to consider joining a new website where I would have "the opportunity to write what God lays on [my] heart, encourage other women with [my] story, and be a more relevant voice for Christian women."  It captured my interest but after writing for several on-line venues, I wondered if the benefit would outweigh the cost.

After careful consideration and seeking wisdom, a month later I replied to that email and said "If you'll still have me, I want in!" Thankfully, their arms were open wide.  It has been one of the best blogging/writing decisions I've ever made!  

(in)courage has managed to create an online space for women who follow Christ that isn't preachy, trite or presumptive of all the answers.  We allow for questions, explore faith, admit imperfections, offer advice and encourage relationships.  It's our imaginary beach house with an open invitation to all who would come. 

(in)courage is celebrating its First Anniversary, and because WE feel like we've been gifted all year long with hundreds (thousands?) of wonderful, encouraging readers, we're giving back day after day after DAY!  

 

Join our celebration!  If you're a reader, thank you (I'm personally grateful for those of you who've read and commented to my posts...)!  If you've never clicked over, this is the perfect time to meet us! With 30 days of giveaways--ending on the National Day of Encouragement!--you're bound to end up with an (in)courage surcie!

Blink

You might hate me for what I'm about to tell you, but I think it's in your best interest To Know.   Mind you, I'm giving you the benefit of warning, a few seconds to steady your footing.   When I was told, on the other hand, my well-meaning friends--men--thoughtlessly dumped it in my lap like it wouldn't boulder-crush my heart, at least temporarily.  

Eventually, after Unsolicited Parenting Advice Shock diminished, I decided that although it felt better to be a blissfully ignorant ostrich, it wasn't actually better.  

In other words, I've had the benefit of 10-15 years to acclimate to these realities:

1. By the time your Littles celebrate their 10th birthday, they will already have lived over half the life they're going to under your roof.
2. You're not raising your children for yourself, you're raising them for someone else.

There.  I'm feeling your repugnance, your revulsion, your rage. How DARE I compel you to think about such things!  You were fine living in the moment or perhaps longing for the day your toddler might take a first step, tie her shoes, wipe his own behind!  

My morning started with a reality check--

I'm closer to changing my grandchildren's diapers than my own children's diapers.

 
 

My daughter has 179 days left of high school and dangerously soon she'll wear the face of 18.  Gaze fixed on blue skies, she's already fluffing her wings.  

My son is venturing into new territory--he's driving, attending a new school, and his chin rests too comfortably on top of my head. Though I hold him with open hand, it trembles.  Imperceptible to him (I hope), but reverberation that rattles my core.

While I'll never stop parenting (is that possible?) I realize this phase of being a mom is almost over.  

Damn.  That hurts.  

I'm good with that, really I am, but what comes naturally isn't always easy.  

I've never been a smother-mother; this overwhelming desire to clinch the reins of time to s l o w  i t  d o w n frustrates me.  I'm at the center of the spectrum of "letting go" and "holding tight" and I'm torn.

Maybe, at least in part, that's why God knows sometimes I need my own, front yard miniature rainbow.  

So...today is "back to school" for two of my three; I will be at the bidding of my youngest who most likely has an agenda of his own.  That makes me smile.

I wouldn't dare tell you how to parent and I realize every family is different, but hearing those pieces of advice years ago have helped me navigate through the years.   Hold on to what helps, toss what doesn't fit and remember "this too shall pass"...the good times, and when you're at the end of your Mama-rope?  The not-so-good, too.  

Good gracious...I sound like a cliche!  Whatever.  All I know is you, like me, will be right where I'm sitting just as soon as you...

*

*

*

blink.

Blog Hop '10 ~ MASTER GIVEAWAY LIST

Lovies--new & not-so-new--when you see the wonderful giveaways that have fallen into place over the PAST 24 HOURS, you really won't mind missing BlogHer AT. ALL.  

I'm thankful for every offering and especially grateful to Elmer's Bag it Forward as our lead Sponsor; because of their generosity I've been compensated for a portion of my administrative time in organizing the Hop.  Though it might not look like it, it's a job!  A really fun one, mind you, but still a LOTTA juggling. :)

General guidelines & Information:

• All Blog Hop Giveaways are listed here with a link to their details and entry page.
• Eligibility requirements:
• • The Blog Hop '10 Badge must be displayed on your sidebar and/or in a post and link back to the Blog Hop FAQs & Master Linky page. 
  • For each giveaway you're interested in entering--and they're AWESOME, so I hope you'll enter ALL of them!!--you'll need to leave a comment ON EACH GIVEAWAY POST (linked below).  
  • All giveaways will have a Linky associated with that giveaway.
  • Each giveaway will have multiple ways to enter.
  • Enter the URL on the Linky for EVERY way you've entered.  For instance, if you posted it on Facebook, your blog, Tweeted about it and Kirtsied the giveaway, you can enter three different times on the Linky with the URL to your FB status, blog permalink, Tweet & Kirtsy page.

• I'm handling the giveaways this way so a) you can have the benefit of multiple entries AND b) TypePad doesn't allow for numbered comments.   Last year it was a mess trying to match up numbers with the ones drawn :).

As always, if you have questions, email me at pensieve(dot)me(at)gmail (dot)com.  Chances are, if you're wondering, others are, too.

LET THE GIVEAWAYS BEGIN!!

$50 Walmart Giftcard, Elmer's Bag it Forward {Our Blog Hop Sponsor and my favorite giveaway because, while one of YOU will win $50, "Adopt-a-Classroom stands to gain $10,000 for school basics!  Please check it out!}

$50 (in)courage/DaySpring Shopping Spree

$50 choice of giveaway from Gettington.com

$60 shop credit to be spent at www.shopgussy.com {Handmade ruffled accessories with flair!  Baby blankets excluded.}

$50 shopping spree at Lisa Leonard Designs

$45 Custom Twitter background from Erica Mueller at TechnoMomDesigns.com

Sandy Coughlin's "The Reluctant Entertainer: Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality" | {$17.99  A gorgeous book about all things "hospitality".  Sandy makes it look easy!!} **FOUR COPIES!** 

Coughlin book set:  "No More Christian Nice Girl," Paul Coughlin {$14.99} & "The Reluctant Entertainer," Sandy Coughlin {$17.99}

$50 to Studio Jewel compliments of Lisa Lehman

$30 Autographed Paula Deen cookbook, "Savanah Style"

$35 Etsy Graphics Package from http://www.nicolemariebydesign.etsy.com {Includes seven pieces!}

$65 Corolle doll, Be´be´ Do

Christian Fiction book set:  "Maid to Match," Deeanne Gist {RV:  $14.99}, "Tomorrow We Die," Shawn Grady {$14.99} and "Heartless," Anne Elisabeth Stengl {$14.99}

Christian Non-fiction book set:  "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God," Sheila Walsh {$21.99} and "Friendship for Grown-ups:  What I missed and learned along the way," Lisa Whelchel {$21.99}

$25 for delicious Chef's Requested {FOUR winners will receive this giveaway!!}

and...so you won't miss the next wonderful conference...

A pass to Type-A Mom Conference!  Up to a $299 value!  

{I'll be adding more giveaways as they're confirmed so keep checking back!}

If YOU'RE hosting a Blog Hop '10 giveaway on your site, feel free to link that permalink here with a brief description, too!