Dah!

Words sometimes have bigger meanings than what we really expect and intend.  Recently I learned of a word I have been using some “dah” and its negative connotation.

For years I have tried to refrain from using the words  hate and stupid because of what the reflect and how oven they are used to take others down.

The television public service commercial about “hate” and its far reaching effects really made me notice that word. 

I learned that “dah” is  just like calling someone stupid so I am going to watch myself in the use of that as well.

Why is it some people feel they have to drop the F bomb in every sentence they use?

What are some common words that set you off?

Today is #45 and Very Blessed

Yes, today is my 45th Birthday.  Thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes.

I have been blessed with some of the most diverse group of friends from just about everywhere.

My friends on twitter has continued to grown.  Below are a few the people I want to especially say thank you to on my birthday. 

Martha Garrett (aka SwitchingGranny) of Evansville Indiana.  Martha is my prayer warrior she prays for me and so many others daily.  Her desire to learn more about tech, social media and her relationship with God astounds me as she suffers from Multiple Sclerosis.   She was married at the age of 15 to her dear husband Tommy-whom I have much respect for as well. Martha and I have never met in person but will soon.   Greg asked me who I wanted to invite for dinner on my birthday I instantly said Martha.  Unfortunately she and Tommy already had plans. 

Michael Hyatt -this man is a writing powerhouse.  He is CEO and Publisher of Thomas Nelson publishers.  Michael lives in Franklin Tennessee with his wife another dear Twitter person Gail Hyatt.   Michael is a influencer in my life.  His tweets and blog post inspire me in a greater way to develop myself and my skills to reach my life long goals.  I call him my personal mentor.  I have met Michael in person in Franklin and he is as real as his twitters and blog writings.  His personal blog is a hodgepodge of writings that talk about everything from technology, fitness, book reviews to spirituality.  I haven’t noticed him to talk much about cooking though.

Becky Durham was my first local (Henderson KY) twitter buddy.  She is the youth director for Presbyterian Church of Henderson wife, mother and bicyclist.  When you are around Becky you feel the warmth of the love of  Jesus.  We both have lived in this community for years but never knew each other till twitter.

Maurilio Amorim  -how do I begin to describe him.  Lets just say God loving father of two creative marketing genius.  All of his tweets inspire me or make me laugh.  He will crack you up with some of the things he says.  God bless his dear wife Gwen for putting up with him and his stench. Maurilio also has a blog.

Michelle Tucker is a independent insurance agent like myself from Kansas.  She too is funny and just a all around uplifting encouraging person.  Nothing like a Kansas farm girl to brighten your day.

Ralph Smithers who is an executive with Motorist Mutual Insurance another encouraging uplifting father of three which includes a set of twin boys.

Steve Anderson a insurance agents technology guru who basically gave me the OK that is good for a Independent Insurance agent to twitter.

Pete Wilson the pastor of  Crosspoint Church in Nashville TN.  Has some of the shortest but profound twitter statements of anybody.  Pete and I share the same birthday exactly 10 years apart.  Pete’s sermons and vision of the word of God amazes me with is clarity and focus.

Thank you all of the  friends listed above and to the many other twitter and facebook friends that continue to enrich my life and help me grow physically, mentally and spiritually through your positive comments about life. 

My involvement over the past 24 months with Web 2.0 and social media has been  a big enrichment to my life.  I don't know where all this is going, but I do believe there is a plan for it somewhere in my life.

Of course I can’t make a post without mentioning my all time favorite celebrity Dolly Parton.  She recorded  “Jesus and Gravity” a few years ago.  Take a moment to listen to the words of this song then go and lift someone up today like many of you have done for me.

How did you lift someone up today?

What is the most uplifting thing you have had done for you this week?

Summertime Entertaining is fun!

A couple of weeks ago Greg and I hosted a alfresco veranda* dinner party.

The Dinner Party for six was a silent auction item that was given in part of  the Spring Kitchen Tour benefit for Ohio Valley Art League.

Our dear friends Jerry & Adell Martin were the proud winners/purchasers of this silent auction dinner party.  They invited both of their brothers and in-laws-  Dennis & Debbie Martin and Bob & Kay English.

The dinner was simple Tequila Orange Grilled Shrimp (a Martha Stewart recipe)  served over a bed of Basmati Cilantro Lime Rice. This was complimented by a grilled prime cut of beef filet from D&M Foods here in Henderson KY.  Vegetables were a selection of home grown vegetables from the farmers marked and fire roasted.

The dessert was a delectable presentation of Bananas Foster.  The dessert was not a traditional flaming  foster but served with a homemade vanilla bean ice cream made in a Cuisinart Ice Cream Machine.

The flower arrangements were a wide assortment of summer blooming flowers and yes, all real.  Greg has a incredible talent with making non-traditional flower arrangements.

Entertaining in your home can be a incredible experience. It doesn’t have to be fancy-- the thought is what counts!  You will surprise yourself what you can do! Summertime is one of the best times of the year to entertain.  Gather some veggies and some steaks and invite a few over one evening.

Our church Community Baptist Church is starting small groups of members that go and eat in homes our at a fun place as a means to get to know each other better.  We are looking forward and already have a simple menu planned.

Yes, I am a full time Insurance Agent (not a gourmet chef)  that enjoys good food and people to enjoy it with.

Below are a few of the pictures from the fun evening.

What are some of your favorite ways to entertain?

*Some of you would prefer I say Porch, but the architectural plans for house say veranda.