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Hello, Blog!

How are you?  Feeling neglected?  yes?  *nods sympathetically*  I understand.  I do. 

And how are the blog readers? 

Booki-ish Things

I'm in love with books. 

Yes. 

I recently saw a movie.  All about books.  Which makes me love them more. 

When I was younger (and even sometimes still) whenever I would go to the library (or a bookstore, or the bookmobile, or just look at my bookshelves, or open a book, or think about a book....) I used to get the most amazing feeling in my heart.  Tight, warm, exhilerating, knee-shaking, adrenaline. 

Yes.  I love books.  Love the smell of them.  Love the way they feel.  Love the fact that black and white letters, all the same, marching in order disguise Adventure.  I love diving into them, all alone. 

"No matter who you are, no matter where you live, and no matter how many people are chasing you, what you don't read is often as important as what you do read."
-Lemony Snicket

"The book you don't read, can't help."
-Jim Rohn

"Reading is one form of escape.  Running for your life is another."
-Lemony Snicket

"[Books] love anyone who opens them."
-Aunt Elinor, Inkheart

"The written word is a powerful thing.  You have to be careful with it."
-Mo, Inkheart

"All the secrets of the world are contained in books.  Read at your own risk."
-Lemony Snicket

"You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you've lost a friend."
-Paul Sweeney

"I find television very educating.  Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book."
-Groucho Marx

*is wasting time*

hum de dum (and twiddle de dee)
la di dah di dah (and the Sherrif of Nottingham)
*long drawn out sigh* (me)

I can't think of anything to write to you, people.  Nothing. 

I'm just sort of wasting time before I have to go back to work.  I'm so thankful that I live close enough to my job that I can come home for lunch.  Saves money, AND sanity!  It's so lovely to have a few minutes of quiet to myself in the middle of the day. 

So, I'm eating my lunch (hot dog and banana). 

I'm thinking about reading (wishing I was doing that instead of working this afternoon)

I need a job where I can get paid to read....  wouldn't that be divine?

HAT TIPS

Joe has an amazing video on his blog HERE that he has aptly titled "Very Cool" that you should check out.

Mel has a giveaway going on over at Her Blog AMAZING scrapbook supplies!! What could be better????  So, head over there, too!

ALSO!!! Don't forget to go over to the IDD Blog and sign up for the CHOCOLATE SWAP  Come on.  You know you want to....

The Great Frog Incident

I unwrapped a frog yesterday morning.  It lived in a plant that was delivered to the flower shop.  After initial jumps (me) and shrieks (Claudia) we (actually, Claudia) captured it in a bucket that was "too tall for it to jump out of."  After the frog climbed to the top and perched on the edge of the bucket, we (me) taped a styrofoam plate over top of the bucket and punched holes in it with a pen. 

Then we (Claudia) made a call to the greenhouse to determine

A) Where the plant came from

B) Whether or not it was possible this could be a poisonous frog from some Tropical Someplace where they grow giant peace lilies and ship them to greenhouses in Middle America.

C) If, possibly the frog was some greenhouse employees pet and was horribly missed or supposed to have been frog-napped.

So.  When everything was answered to our (Claudia's) satisfaction, We talked about What To Do With It.  Claudia maintained that putting it outside was inhumane seeing as the poor thing would freeze to death.  I agreed, but refused to be responsible for our new "pet." 

Do frogs eat rose leaves?  'Cause that's what we (Claudia) fed it...

Finally I called my mom. 

Who came and picked up the frog, (bucket, taped on styrofoam plate and all).

Now the boys have a new science project:  Making An Environment For A Frog. 

Two year old logic

While looking for Sarah Beth's mittens and scarf she hastened to assure Susie and I

"Don't worry, guys, I know where they are. 

They are usually downstairs. 

But sometimes they are upstairs.

Unless they're downstairs. 

But, I think they're upstairs.

Or downstairs."

Book Review: Gone in a Heartbeat

A little over a year ago teenage girls were shot and killed. Just for going to church.
Gone in a Heartbeat: Our Daughters Died... Our Faith Endures is the story of the Works family written from the viewpoint of parents David and Marie. 

David and Marie share with us their journey beginning with the call of the Lord upon their lives, their dedication to serve Him, the news that they were expecting twins and the circumstances and experiences of their lives that brought them to New Life Church.  They explore in detail the events of that frigid December morning when two of their daughters were tragically taken from them without warning.  They write of the painful healing process and share with us the hope that, in spite of all odds, never dims. 

This book touched me in a very real way.  Maybe it's because more than 10 years ago I actually knew these girls.  Maybe it's because our lives were so similar.  I serve the same God they do. 

I remember getting that phone call from my mom December 9th, 2007.  She told me that "The Works family was walking out of church and they were shot."
My mind couldn't wrap around it.  "WHY?!"

I thought there must be more to the story than that.  Turns out there really isn't.  The were shot at, just for walking out of church.  Just for attending church.  It was a hate crime.

Of course, we're familiar with the persecuted church.  In China.  In the past.  We know that there are people that die for their faith in this day and age.  Christian martyrs.  In other parts of the world.  Not here.  Not in America where our constitution protects freedom of religion.  Right?

But, really, what difference does it make where we live?  What difference does it make what church we go to?  We all made the same commitment to Christ.  We all chose to follow Him.  We gave Him our lives.  We all said "Do what you will, I belong to You." 

Stephanie and Rachel Works are modern day Christian martyrs.  They chose to serve the Lord.  They planned to be missionaries and spread the gospel.  They wanted to do something big for Jesus.  The surrendered their lives.  Literally. 

David and Marie made the same commitment.  And in many ways the sacrifice required of them is much greater.  Their daughters are in the arms of Jesus, where there is no more sorrow, no more pain.  David and Marie are still here on earth, where sorrow and pain are still very real. 

Reading this book opened my eyes in a whole new way to the reality of what it means to serve God. Over a year ago, when I first heard the news of this tragedy, I struggled deeply with the horror of it. I cried and hurt for their parents and sisters. I wondered how anyone could ever recover from such a horrible experience.

You and I may never be asked to make the kind of sacrifice that David and Marie and their two surviving daughters made.  Our lives may not be required of us at the tender ages of 18 and 16, like Stephanie and Rachel.  But, what if we were?  After all, we gave Him our lives, too.

Chocolate Swap!!!

YIPPEE!!!  There's a CHOCOLATE SWAP going on over at the IDD Blog  TONS of fun, and of course,    chocolate!!!!!

What could be better!!!

Make sure you head over to the IDD Blog and get in on the fun!

What Rebecca has been doing

WORKING at the Flower Shop, not much to do, very slow time of year, so.... yesterday my co worker and I re-arranged the bridal room.  Which included me standing on a step stool wiring grapevine together with the grand piano inches away from me and Claudia warning me every two seconds not to scratch the piano.  Fun.   :)  Actually, I love re-arranging the shop and the Bridal room looks better than ever, so... *dusts off ahnds* job done.

and KNITTING.  Finished a scarf for myself, which matches the hat I made for myself.  Also, a scarf/hat combo that I hope to be able to sell on Etsy.  And, I'm getting started on 2 pairs of leg warmers for my sister. 

so, READING.  Plenty of that of course.  Not enough though.  I've got reviews coming soon for a couple of books, and of course you'll be able to read all about everything I read this month sometime the beginning of February.

TRYING to stay warm.  Sometimes it works.  sometimes not.  Today I was freezing all morning.  Because, well, the outside temp was about -18, and the inside temp was about 50.  So, yeah.  I was pretty cold.  This afternoon I finally got smart and wore my new scarf and hat all day inside.  And Claudia's giant fleece over top of my sweater and fleece.  Oh, well, days like this there's not many customers around to see how goofy I look. 

Also, my sister was sick, so I've been NURSING her.  Sort of.  Now, my other sister seems to be coming down with the same thing.  So, looks like the nursing will continue.  I just hope I don't get it too!

what else???
oh yes!
BORROWING Steph's laptop, because, you know, mine is taking an early retirement.  *sigh*

DRINKING plenty of hot chocolate.

DREAMING of spring.

WISHING I could be planting my garden. 

and, yeah.  that's it, I think. 

hope you all are staying warm!

Shoutouts!

There are two new blogs in my bloglist that you should check out!

Abigail at Country Girl
AND
Stephanie at Grace Photography

check them out!

Amazing Grace

Our Salvation experience is the oxygen to the life-blood or our relationship with our Savior.

We must remember. 

Remember the day you first met Christ.

Remember who you were before He touched you.

Remember who He destined you to be WHEN He touched you.

Thank Him.

Monday, Monday

• My laptop is on the fritz.
• Which means I'm using my sister's right now
• Which means I may not be around much this week
• Which means:  :(
• We're getting ANOTHER snow storm today
• I'm FREEZING!!!
• I want spring BADLY
• I sound grouchy, but I'm not

Thursday Afternoon

The sun is shining brightly.  But, it's freezing outside. 
I'm eating lunch before I head back to work.  Club sandwich from DQ, and the best french fries in the world.
Bible Study tonight at MY house :)
Wish I was reading.
Flowers shipped in today to the flower shop include beautiful calla lilies in all colors! 

Coming 2009

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to Keep Track of How Many Books I Read This Year.  I'm not setting any goals, I'm just curious to see how many I do read in a year.  In light of keeping myself accountable to this resolution I'm thinking about blogging about it.  At the beginning of every month I'll be posting a list of the books I read the previous month.  Or, most of them anyway.
I probably won't go into detail of EVERY book I read, since that would be sort of akin to telling you what I eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner every. single. day.  It's interesting only if you share the same tastes I do.  Otherwise, you'd be bored.  Also, it's kind of personal :)
Please be aware that just because I tell you that I have read a book does not necessarily mean I am endorsing it for you to read.  I am aware that there is a wide variety of people and ages that read my blog and that we do not all share the same tastes in literature.  I'll be posting a little snippet of my thoughts with every book I mention, along with warnings about any controversial or potentially offensive subjects.

• (I'm not saying that I read controversial and offensive stuff, just that in the event that I might I'll be sure to give proper warning)

This list is not to be taken as a list of book recommendations.  If I feel like recommending a book, I'll make it clear!  

I'm really hoping to read some fun, new books this year, so hopefully I'll be able to pass on some good reads to the rest of you!

Is there anything else you'd like to see more of this year?  Leave me a comment!

Dr. Jak's "How-To-Keep-Your-Legs-Warm-When-You-Live-In-Frigid-Temp

The answer is simple:

LEG WARMERS!

Leg Warmers have long been used by ballerinas, but now even the klutziest of us can wear them.  

 Here are my two top reasons to wear leg warmers:

1. They keep your legs warm

2. They are SO cute! 

You can wear them many ways.

With a skirt.

Over skinny leg jeans.

Over Leggings or tights.

With heels or flats.

I even wear them under my jeans or long skirts just for extra warmth.  

You can buy them at most clothing stores.  I got a pair at Target and I liked them so much that I started knitting my own.  

Get some!

LIFE

There is only one place where I can

Make $60,000 every 2 minutes

AND

 The road of LIFE is full of surprises.

*drum roll*

And.... the winner is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




      MEL!! At Cool, Calm and Collected blog.

Congratulations Mel!!!

I hope you enjoy the scarf!

Send me an e-mail at flowershopgirlblog AT gmail DOT com with your address and I will send your scarf out ASAP. 

I hope to do another giveaway soon, so keep checking back everyone else!!! 

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Happy 2009!!! AND a GIVEAWAY!

Here's hoping you all have a wonderful, wonderful 2009!!

To celebrate the New Year....  I'm giving away this scarf that I made!

If you'd like to win the scarf, leave a note in the comments.  ALSO, if this is your first time commenting on my blog you can enter twice.  OR if you link to my blog, you can also enter twice. 

You have until Saturday at midnight to enter and I will announce the winner sometime Sunday. 

Good Luck!