Welcome back! Coffee's always on around here. Pull up your favorite chair and a grab a cup. Enjoy your visit today! And don't forget to stop back by again soon.

Lots of things to write about today – if I can remember all of them! LOL So let’s get crackin’ before I forget . . .

First, I’ve started a new “store” on shopify selling Reusable Bags. Because I think the Earth and our environment is a gift to us, on loan from the Creator. And it’s our job, our duty to protect it and cherish it. I use reusable bags when I shop and I love them. Since it’s something I do and whole-heartedly believe in, I thought, “Why not?” I’m still adding products to the store but it IS open if you’d like to take a peek! You can even buy something if you’d like – the shopping cart and payment gateway are all set up as well. Just head over to In The Bag.

Second, the “Around the Web” is going to be starting again soon, likely next week. I have several things and places to share with you that are scattered all over the web. Some are other blogs, some are specific posts on those blogs and some are just stuff I think is cool.

Third, a quick story from yesterday -

My mom and I went grocery shopping yesterday morning and on the way out of the store parking lot after we finished shopping, was a young man and his dog. He was holding a sign that said the dog needed food. After discussing it for about 10 seconds, we looped around, went back into the store and got some dog food, a box of dog biscuits, a couple bottles of water and some sandwiches. They were so thrilled and appreciative, it was a sight to watch! Jack (the dog) was a cutie and very well mannered. I think his boy even got a little misty-eyed.

Fourth, I think I’ll bring back the Reading List. Haven’t done one of those in a while, either. Got lots of good books on the shelf that waiting to be read and it’s time to get ‘er done! Any books you’ve read lately that you’d like to share?

Fifth, this blog now has, according to my feed stats, about 575 subscribers via the RSS feed and several hundred more who are subscribed via email. Why are you all so QUIET??? Speak up! Post comments! Talk to one another! I want to hear from you. This blog isn’t just about me – it’s about you, as well. Please, tell me what you think.

Sixth, my oldest child is turning 16 tomorrow. I can hardly believe how times flies! I keep thinking there is NO WAY I am old enough to have 16 year old! LOL But sure enough, she is. And I’m delighted she’s my daughter. Sure, she can be difficult – like any kid – but she’s the reason I’m a mom and I’m glad she’s part of me and my life.

Seventh, have you picked out a ThemeWord for 2010? Mine is CREATE. What have you created lately? Please share! I want to know what you think. It would be fun to really CREATE a community around this, this year. That’s part of my goal.

So, if you’re out there and you’ve never commented here or you haven’t commented in a while – what are you waiting for? Introduce yourself!

Be blessed,

We had record-breaking temps of 102 here in Seattle yesterday. The previous record was set in 1994 at 100 at SeaTac International Airport, where our official Seattle area temp gage is located. My husband said, though, that yesterday when he was downtown where we live (about an hour North of Seattle), the temp thing on one of the buildings read 107!

WOW! That’s all I can say . . . just wow.

Well, that and . . . it was TOO DAMN HOT!

We had all the fans going, the curtains closed, windows open and lots of ice water! I am hoping today is cooler. Of course, at this point, even 95 would be cooler. Right now – at 10:30 am – it is a little cloudy but it’s 82. That’s just not normal. Usually it’s only 70-ish by this hour, if even that.

My poor little fella, The Short Dude, woke up with a bloody nose early this morning. He is just like his mommy – he doesn’t do well in heat. It’s a good thing The Teenager is over on the Coast camping with her friends family this week where it’s a little cooler. She gets heat stroke very easily and totally would not do well in 100 +/- temps.

Speaking of The Teenager – I talked to her last night on the phone for about 15 minutes. Now, you have to understand it’s RARE for this child to talk on the phone. She just doesn’t – she usually texts people. So she called me and we talked and at the end of our conversation I said “I love you, sweetie pie” and I was totally surprised when she said “I love you, too, mom.” It’s been so L O N G since I’ve heard those words from her and it just made my day!

So, a couple of tips to help you stay cool:

I’ve also found that placing a damp, cool wash cloth on the back of my neck or stomach is helpful. Just get a wash cloth wet, wring it out a little (you just want it to be damp) and place it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.

And recently I heard that you can take damp towels and hang them in open windows (just make sure the curtains are closed) and that helps cool things down. Of course, I suppose it probably works well only when there’s a breeze coming in.

Please stay cool if you’re experiencing high heat in your area like we are here in Seattle. It’s important to keep an eye for heat stroke or heat exhaustion symptoms as well.

Post any tips you have for keeping cool in the comments below. I’d love to hear them!

In the arena,

Use common sense. Schedule your outdoor activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and use a buddy system if necessary to keep watch on those at high risk. You can also cool off at the library or the mall if you don’t have air conditioning or fans to cool down. Keep an eye on kids and the elderly especially as well as those with high blood pressure. Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone has heat stroke!

Annie Anderson is a freelance copywriter and graphic designer specializing in the small business and real estate markets. Her tagline “Making your business, my business” means that she’ll take the utmost care when creating words and images for your business – just as if it were her own.

I am so ready for Spring!

Winter here in the Pacific Northwest has been cold, wet, dreary, snowy, icy, freezing. We’ve had more snow than I recall having since I was in high school. And not that we’re counting or anything, but I graduated almost 19 years ago.

(Geez, that makes me sound old!)

So, it’s St. Patrick’s Day today. I am wearing green, yes. And the kids painted their nails a nice bright green last night before they went to bed. Well, I should say – Little Girl and The Short Dude painted their nails. Gman refused. Even though gramma tried really, really hard to let her paint his too.

At least the Gman did wear a green shirt to school today. I think The Teenager forgot, though.

But anyway, the Spring Equinox is officially on March 20th this year. Just a few more days away. I’m so happy for that. I love Spring! It’s my favorite time of year. Everything is growing and renewing.

The days are getting longer, weather warmer. And the birds are chirping everywhere.

One of my favorite sounds of Spring are the wind chimes. There’s just something about Spring breezes that wiggle the chimes just so, sending out sweet tunes all around the house and yard. It’s beautiful. Sometimes I will just turn off the radio, opening the windows a bit to sit and listen.

You can check out more info on the Equinox and all things Spring below:
1. What is the Equinox?
2. Rites of Spring
3. Pagan Celebrations
4. US Navy – Earth Seasons
5. Definition of Spring
6. Easter & other celebrations

Did you see the March Wallpapers I posted a few days ago? You should go look at them if you haven’t seen them yet. They’re bright and green! Two of them have calendars for the month also.

I hope you’re enjoying St. Patrick’s Day and that you have a wonderful week as we head into Spring!

In the arena,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Annie Anderson is a freelance copywriter and graphic designer specializing in the small business and real estate markets. Her tagline “Making your business, my business” means that she’ll take the utmost care when creating words and images for your business – just as if it were her own.

Currently playing in iTunes: Don’t Let Me Stop You by Kelly Clarkson
Currently playing in iTunes: Everloving by Moby

But, I thought this was Spring? The calendar says March 21st was the first day of Spring and we did have a couple of nice, warm, sunny days last week. It was very nice. I even turned off the heater.

So, why then, is it snowing today? I don’t like snow. It’s cold, wet, distracting and makes things messy. And how are those flowers that started blooming already supposed to stay pretty?

Mother Nature, please tell Old Man Winter he can rest for a while. Until something like November. I’d even settle for October. But please do leave the rest of March and April alone. I want to go outside and work in the garden – plant flowers, get the vegetable garden in and mow the lawn (because it’s starting to look like we live in the jungle).

Thanks,

Annie