Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Is it HOT enough for you?

Oh - my - goodness!!!!  I think my favorite phrase this week is the one uttered by the Wicked Witch of the West in the 'Wizard of Oz' right after Dorothy threw water on her - "I'm melting..."

That's how I am feeling these days as the temperatures reach the upper 90's and the heat index in the triple digits!   I'M MELTING!!

Doesn't seem like anything keeps me cool these days...I walk from my studio downstairs to the kitchen upstairs and I just melt....the glass of ice-cold tea cools me off enough to walk back down the stairs to the studio again to finish working.  You might be thinking "Liz don't you have air conditioning in your studio?" to which I'd tell you "Nope, but even if I did, with all the talking I do, the hot air overpowers the cool air anyway!"

Forget about finding clothes that are cool enough, even a swimsuit isn't cutting it now!  I may single-handedly bring the halter-top back!!  Oh and forget about drying my hair (with the hairdryer) after taking a cold shower..the only hairstyle I have these days is the ponytail!  Whew!

I don't mind heat but I do mind the humidity that comes with it - it just zaps you!  Wish you could see my dogs & cats right now - downright lazy as they sleep the day away! It zaps them too!

There is an upside to this however - I have empathy for Frosty the Snowman!!  I now know how he felt as he melted away. 

The Royal Clothing Tour

I'm just enthralled with Royalty!  British Royalty to be exact....and yes, I DID follow Prince William and his bride Catherine during their trip to Canada and the United States. I'm sure they're home resting and trying to be a "normal married couple" now.

The focus should have been on their goings on, however, for me, the focus seemed to be on Kate! (yes, I know I'm not supposed to call her Kate, but I just can't help myself!)  Her choice of clothing seemed to be perfect....and I'm told by a very reliable source that she chose her wardrobe with very little help. I will say that it was on the "safe" side - not too flashy and not too outlandish, very "proper" for a Duchess and a young lady.  By the way, Prince William looked handsome in everything he wore!

I'm in awe of her poise and her clothing taste.  I tend to agree with Cara Kelly in her blog of Kate's top 5 best looks....read and enjoy....I've got to go clean out my clothes closet!!  ;)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/royal-wedding-watch/post/top-5-kates-best-looks/2011/07/11/gIQAyeCX9H_blog.html

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Aftermaths

The weather in the Midwest has been so very UNpredictable!  First we lost our Spring, well, had about 2 weeks of spring then went directly into the "Dog Days" of Summer! Sweltering...to say the least.  And the storms!  Wow - those really HAVE been something to write home about.  In my little part of the world, the trees are still standing and the river is still in it's banks....but in my hometown, they've been hit hard!  There are many beautiful trees that are down in the state parks making them inhospitable to campers.  The power has been out for many people for as many as 4 days - and in THIS HEAT and HUMIDITY that's NOT a good thing!

I know there are still people I love who are dealing with the aftermath of tornados that have torn up their homes and towns....there are still people I love who are dealing with the aftermath of flooding....there are still people I love who are dealing with the aftermath of the power outages..those are the people that I am still praying for as that's all I can do from here. But the power of prayer is enormous!

So when you get ready to lay your head on your pillow - please say a prayer for those that are still awake and dealing with the aftermath of something!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Gathering of Elizabeths

Are you or do you know someone named 'Liz', 'Betty', 'Beth', 'Liza', 'Lizbeth', 'Bessie' or 'Elizabeth'??

If your first, middle or even LAST name is "Elizabeth", then YOU are wanted - Saturday, June 25, 2011, 9:30a-12:30a CST for the "Gathering of Elizabeths" at Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth Illinois to set a new world record for the largest number of people named 'Elizabeth' gathered in one location!  WOW!

Yes, I am an 'Elizabeth' although everyone except my mom calls me 'Liz' - I can't wait to be part of this day.  My hubby and I happened upon this quite by accident as we were taking a motorcycle ride one weekend thru Illinois, specifically near Galena.  Once we returned home I looked up the event and was amazed at what was being planned!

This is the 3rd Annual Gathering of Elizabeths.  The first year had 436 registered Elizabeths with the oldest being 86 and the youngest just an infant!  The farthest away an Elizabeth traveled to attend was overseas (England) but from the states, Maryland won that prize.  Most Elizabeths have come from  Illinois and the surrounding states - Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.

The three women named Elizabeth who helped save Apple River Fort during a June 1832 Black Hawk War battle, thus becoming the inspiration for the town's name, will be recognized. There will also be the crowning of a "Queen Elizabeth" for the day. (Perhaps I should bring my own crown, hmmm?  After all, I was a pageant queen!)  Although Great Britain's monarch of the same name has been invited in the past (and sent her regrets), organizers still plan to name thier own royalty in cse Her Highness' schedule once again precludes her attendance. You know, it's just too bad Prince William and his bride Catherine won't be in the states for the event, that would really be a "royal coup"! 

Once the registration is over (9:30a-11:30a at the Community Building) and all Elizabeths accounted for, there will be a short program at 11a and a group photo taken at noon. Visitors can enjoy a craft show; downtown sidewalk sale; the unveiling of the "Elizabeth" wine by Massbach Ridge Winery; a "barn dance" concert featuring 1800s music with several people dressed in 1830's attire and much more!

The event is open to the public....Guaranteed fun by all - especially those named "Elizabeth"!  Come spend the morning with me...if you can't find me, just ask for "Elizabeth"!



DETAILS:    http://www.MostElizabeths.com


Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Where did it go??

WOW - where did our Spring go?  It seems like it went from winter right into summer!  OK, I know it really didn't cause there were a few REALLY cold days and nite and LOTS of springtime tornados...but it sure seems like it when the temps reach 95-degrees and it's only the first of JUNE in the midwest!

Makes it a little harder to want to plant a garden, work on the yard or do any "spring cleaning".  Wonder what Mother Nature is thinking?  Or what Father Time is doing?  They seem to be outta sorts too!

Better enjoy it now because before long we'll be back in the deep freeze!!   :)

Friday, May 13, 2011

A new Angel

Wow it's been a tough week on earth....although a joyous one in heaven!  Why?  Because Heaven just got a new angel named Kailey. While my heart is heavy and my eyes are tearing up just typing this, my soul is singing out loud knowing Kailey is with our Lord and out of pain.  I want to thank all of you who read, followed and prayed for my little cousin and her family even though you didn't know her....if you did, you'd have loved her too! :)  I'd like to share with you the posting from her CaringBridge website.  I hope it inspires you like it does me.  Again, Thank you and God Bless.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 11:16 AM, CDT
Glory to God!  There was a miracle today, although not quite what we hoped and prayed for.  At 10:15 am today, Kailey went to be with the Lord.  She died surrounded by her family and knowing that she is greatly loved by us and many others.  She also knew that God loved her infinitely more than we ever could.  At an FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp, she professed repentance and faith in Christ with mom present.  By the blood of Christ shed on the cross and in the power of his resurrection, she has been reconciled to God and her sin has been wiped away.  She is wrapped up in the Lord's embrace. 

Therefore, we have received a miracle today: she is with the LORD!  While this is not what we wanted, we know that she has the peace of God in his presence from now until everlasting.  We are so sad to have lost her and we lament that she is not physically being a light to those around her any more.  Her impact is still being felt and will be felt for a long time.  Please turn your prayers to us for the Lord's strength to get us through this time.  We grieve deeply, but we grieve with the hope of the resurrection.  We think of the story of Lazarus, where Jesus says "I am the Resurrection and the Life."  He says that Lazarus' story will not end in death, and Jesus raises him.  Kailey's story will not end in death; she will be raised up with a new body when Jesus comes back. (John 11) 

We thank you for your prayers and your support.  You all have been wonderful.  Please send emails and cards and avoid phone calls at this time.  We thank God for all of you.


Monday, May 9, 2011

Hats - a new trend!

I LOVED watching the Royal wedding - even though I was up super early! I love all the pomp & circumstance, the fairy-tale aspect of it AND the hats! There were some fabulous hats and fascinators worn by the wedding guests and spectators alike! Some were spectacular and others hideous (Fergie's daughters were wearing those!) So glad Kate, I mean Princess Catherine, is bringing hats back into fashion.

And you know, I just wasn't gonna be left out!  So, I made my own!


Had a great time at the early morning breakfast with "the Royals"!  Then I got to use my hat again, for the Kentucky Derby!  Went to another party and there were only a few of us girls in hats....ahhh but next year I think ALL the ladies will wear them! ;)

Mother's Day was special as my hubby and I got to take my inlaws to brunch after church - and yes, I was wearing a 'fascinator', which is basically a headband with adornments! It matched my outfit beautifully if I don't say so myself! (Where's the paparazzi when you want them?!!)


So, ladies, it might not be just all SHOES that we spend money on now - we're gonna have to add HATS to the list of things we need to complete an outfit! 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

My cousin Kailey

Wow I'm covering ALL my bases...email, twitter, facebook and now my blog.
The words come from my sister Marian but I think she captures my request wonderfully.
WE feel compelled to reach out to you all in request of prayer for my young cousin, Kailey Wilmarth.  She is the 13 year old daughter of my cousin, Gary and his wife, Shelly.   Here is a snippet of her story:

My journey began in August when I had not been feeling well and was diagnosed with mono. I fought mono for about three weeks and was getting worse. I ended up in the hospital doing more blood work and it was then that I found out that I had Acute Lymphatic leukemia (ALL).

Kailey is currently fighting for her life in PICU at Childrens Hospital in St. Louis.  She has really had a rough battle with this ugly cancer. (I hate cancer) She has already received chemo and can receive chemo no longer.  Tomorrow (Thursday May 5, 2011) is the day that she is undergoing the stem cell transplant, and we really want to bathe her in prayer. Her brother Neil is donating his cells (which by the Grace of God are a perfect match!), and the procedure is not easy for him either. His cells will be removed at 8am and Kailey will receive them around 4pm that afternoon.

If sometime during your day, you could say a prayer for Kailey (and Neil!), that would be awesome!  We are praying for a miracle~complete healing!!! I know God answers the prayers of His faithful.   In the photos below, you'll see a photo of me & Kailey from last fall.  If you're interested, please visit her Caring Bridge site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kaileywilmarth  and read her story and see more pictures!

With heartfelt thanks and gratitude in advance......

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Back "On Air"

Wow - I never thought I'd be back on the air but as they say "never say never" - because I AM back on the air!  Back on the station I left 10 years ago to get married, back on the station that plays 'Lite Rock', back to doing 'show-prep'! But I'm NOT back on Middays or Mornings, I'm on AFTERNOONS!

Tune in and join me for some great music and some great conversation!  Who knows what you might hear on my show!  I love everything "Royal" so the William & Kate's nuptials are a big topic now...and I'm a "green girl" so you'll hear tips on "Going Green"...plus you know I love my animals so I'm sure I'll be telling you of their antics!

If you're in my family or my circle of friends, be warned - you are fair game!  :)

Tune in Monday thru Friday from 2p-7p (CT) to B103.....tweeting @B103fm.....streaming live at www.b103fm.com....

Talk with you soon in one form or another!!

Monday, April 11, 2011

And life goes on..

Wow has life marched on!  Since my last post, I've been traveling on both sides of our great nation, meeting with old and new friends and seeing the beauty that is the United States of America!

Let me share some of the journey.....To California I went with my hubby for a Keller Williams Convention..Anaheim was beautiful, warm and Disney! Got the opportunity to be involved with teaching Voiceover at Creative Media Recording Studios...Exciting for me to see all the great talent there is "out there".  PLUS met some Twitter-pals face-to-face, from all over the state and  England was represented too! That was such a hoot!



Then onto the Midwest for just 12 hours - long enough to pet my animals and repack before flying to Florida.
Can't go to Florida without going to the beach - so I went with my family and my girlfriend - and was awarded with beautiful sunsets, warm (albeit a bit windy) weather and a perfect sand dollar! Very relaxing...

Traveled back home for a bit then drove out to Pennsylvania for the NCAA Wrestling Tournament. Along the way, we got a flat tire (thankfully we had just gotten off the turnpike & my hubby got it changed), visited Reading and Boyertown PA and saw some amazing college athletes in Philadelphia.  Nope, didn't get to run the "Rocky stairs" this time but I will the next time!  Just did a quick drive by the historical areas - I think another trip to Philadelphia to view our nation's historical sites is definitely in the near future!

Next came the short trips to visit family & friends - a ONE year birthday party, the Wedding of a HS friend, the Annual Sigma Phi Epsilon Run for my brother, baseball games, and soon, Easter celebrations!  Whew!

So what happens during the 'inbetween times'?   Life as Usual of course!  :)