Congrats to Kathy! So statisically more remarkable than I could have even imagined! Huntsville, AL (WOW!) This prize was clearly destined for you! Just remarkable!

Nice! Thanks for the warning KC…but now I am curious to try it:)

No winner?? I think I've double checked everything...more than Aaron Rodgers in a State Farm commercial! On a serious note, no matter the outcome…remember to find the joy in "home" and the daily offerings of nature's gifts! Sorry…been reading some of Euell Gibbons books and feeling inspired this week! …….or could just be a result of one of the recipes I ate (*you don't want to know*)

When I suggested the hawthorne tree earlier, I should have known to get your feedback about the details…given your name:) Great summary!

The tree looks like a green hawthorne tree..usually the first to bloom in the early spring (winter king). Can be found from the east to southwest. Missouri?? Ohio? Texas? However…I am no botanist….so your guess would be as good as mine:)

That is an awesome pic of John with the sunlight radiating towards him! With the exception of the darn electrical lines…Love it! Congrats to the winner!!!

Thanks cebe.. I have forgiven and moved on:)

I woke up this morning…and heard birds chirping outside my window. When I looked outside, I saw the wonderful early colors of dawn. In light of all the horrible news that we seemingly hear every day, I was immediately reminded of what dawn represents. The gift of life….the advent of something special….the hope of brighter day (particularly if the previous days were gloomy) and even another chance to seek forgiveness. I don't care about this contest. I care about making each day meaningful and positively influential for those around me….and I care about all of you!

Have you ever walked or drove by a random stranger and pondered about their life? Where were they going? What is their life's story? This blog is filled with so many people that have a life's story, ambitions, hopes and yes dreams. I feel grateful to have the opportunity to read so many of your stories and share in your hope.

ps-ThirdFOF and any other blogger…please forgive me, I am sorry. (olive branch)

I wake up this morning to find my heartfelt comments and some of the comments preceding them deleted. I did not receive a message that the admin removed them….so I am confused by this?! I can't believe what has happened…especially since my intentions were good. Admin please send me an email to explain this. Nevertheless, I will kindly remove the rest of my messages that have not been deleted and leave the comments with the only messages that matter.

As many of you can tell, I am new to blogging. Actually, my blog posts here are my very first attempts:) As I thoughtfully read the comments from Tiffany5343, TweddleDD, 1sweetcaroline and PlantGoodSeeds, I realized that my comments were unfortunately and erroneously taken as a slight (or dig) to those on this blog that have had the courage to open up their hearts to this space or share their stories.

If my past comments were read from the very first comment to my last…I would hope that the blog family would recognize that my motive/intention/purpose was without guile (in the negative sense) or sarcasm(again in the negative sense) or disdain. I am thankful some of you were able to see that and some even tried to explain in my absence. Again, thank you (mcreash, downonthefarm,cebe,shosho)!!

The truth is that my comments were NOT directed to anyone but a self-deprecating joke upon MYSELF. Albeit, I am no comedian (clearly..from the verbal tomatoes thrown at me). I believe that every joke has a setup and a punchline. (The setup being my 1st statement directed and attributed to myself and the punchline being the ironic contradiction of the music link implicitly directed to our very own Virginia Moon).

Now that we have established that I should not quit my day job to blog or perform stand-up. I will say that I read some of these comments with regretful eyes as the comments on this uplifting blog made a turn for the worse and from something I said that was incredibly misconstrued. This is why I apologized. Ignore this contest for the moment….and understand the following:
1. Please stay hopeful
2. Please stay positive
3. Please ignore the feelings of despair, doubt, hate and envy
4. Please avoid backbiting
and 5. Please ignore any future jokes I deliver (what?...too soon to attempt another??)

Again, please take care everyone and I wish nothing but the best for all of you!! Good things are coming regardless if you win or not….stay steadfast!