Wild Horses

Wild and Free - Mare and Colt - 8x8 - Fine Art Photograph
SherriConley $30 Etsy

The photographer writes: "I was lucky enough during a stay at the Outer Banks in North Carolina to come across some of the wild Mustangs that have roamed the dunes and beaches for hundreds of years. This mother and son were resting in front of the ocean waves.

This photograph is signed and printed on premium archival matte paper to ensure longevity. Unmatted and unframed, the print will be shipped in a protective clear sleeve with sturdy backing for a safe delivery."





No wild horses here. Just some very lovely Blacksmith Candle Holders that are perfect for a table top, office desk, or on top of a fireplace mantel.

Blacksmith Candle Holders Pottery Barn
Using methods created thousands of years ago, expert craftsmen hammered flat, forge-heated hand-wrought iron to create these graceful candleholders. Special $14.00 – $79.00





"Wild Horses" Natasha Bendingfield

Hmmm woah yea...

I feel these 4 walls closing in
My face up against the glass
I'm looking out... hmm
Is this my life I'm wondering
It happened so fast
How do I turn this thing around
Is this the bed I chose to make
Its greener pastures I'm thinking about hmm
Wide open spaces far away

All I want is the wind in my hair
To face the fear but, not feel scared

[Chorus:]
Wild horses I wanna be like you
Throwing caution to the wind
I'll run free too
Wish I could recklessly love, like I'm longing to
Run with the wild horses, run with the wild horses!
Oh yeah yea

I see the girl I wanna be
Riding bare back, care free along the shore
If only that someone was me
Jumping head first headlong without a thought
To act and damn the consequence
How I wish it could be that easy
But fear surrounds me like a fence
I wanna break free

All I want is the wind in my hair
To face the fear but, not feel scared
Hoohhh woah woah

[Chorus:]
Wild horses I wanna be like you
Throwing caution to the wind
I'll run free too
Wish I could recklessly love, like I'm longing to
I wanna run with the wild horses, run with the wild horses!
Oh yeah yea

I wanna run too.
Hohhh woah oh woah oh

Breaklessly abandoning my self before you

I wanna open up my heart tell him how I feel

[Chorus:]
Wild horses I wanna be like you
Throwing caution to the wind
I'll run free too
Wish I could recklessly love, like I'm longing to
I wanna run with the wild horses, run with the wild horses! [X2]
Hooaah woah oh woah
Yeah

I wanna run with the wild horses

Tempting Treats

Talavera Melamine Salad Plates, Set of 4 Pottery Barn
These centuries-old traditional Mexican pottery designs give our salad plates the look and feel of authentic handmade pieces. 8" diameter. $24.00

Salads are wonderful but how about a tempting treat of sweet crispy




Fried onion rings like you see pictured here. One of my favorite recipes for onion rings comes from Food Network TV host, Chef Tyler Florence:

Tempura Battered Onion Rings Recipe : Tyler Florence : Food Network


What's better then a rib eye steak cooked to perfection on the grill? If you are having steak, don't skimp on flavor to save a few calories instead try pumping up the flavor of your favorite cut of meat with a dry rub of spices?





Cowboy Rib Eye
Apply dry rub the night before. The big, bone-in steaks take only 12 minutes on the grill to reach medium rare.

Source: Saveur

Gabriel's Oboe

Photograher Glenn Oakley, Sunset Magazine
Sun Valley, Idaho

Believers can shout, "I trust God," from the mountain because they have learned to live by faith in the valley. Walking in the shadow of evil is difficult and frightening work. But when we surrender to whatever the Lord has to teach us in this dark place, our spirit is quieted and our faith is strengthened. - Dr. Charles Stanley




Yo-Yo Ma plays "Gabriel's Oboe" & "The Falls" (reorchestrated by Ennio Morricone for cello) from the movie THE MISSION.

"In creating orchestrations for this recording, Ennio Morricone sought to keep his music within the original context, while weaving in a meaningful solo role for Ma's cello."

Meet The Gourd Family

Photograph Martha Stewart

I'd don't know about you but I'm ready for a trip to the pumkin patch. Which is why I'd like you to "Meet The Gourd Family" from the very talented design team at Martha Stewart.com

Dead Head Pumpkins
Don't be shy: Show off your top-notch collection of bodiless heads by placing them atop pedestals. You can put the display next to a stair railing or adjacent to a walkway outdoors -- in fact, anywhere you think a leering head would be a nice decorative touch.

Draw faces you like, or print our templates.

How to Carve a Basic Pumpkin Face




Photograph Martha Stewart

Leaf-Carved Pumpkin Lanterns
Whether you're carving, decorating, or using this classic fall gourd for Halloween inspiration, our pumpkin ideas will excite you all season. Trick-or-treaters and Halloween guests should feel more welcome than wary ascending a staircase lit up with leaf-carved pumpkin lanterns.

How to Make the Leaf-Carved Pumpkins



Photograph Martha Stewart

Pumpkin Light Catchers
These paper decorations are as much trick as treat. At first they seem to be traditional symbols of the season, but when they're placed in front of a light -- surprise! -- their happy (or scary) expressions shine through.


How to Make Pumpkin Light Catchers




Photograph Martha Stewart

Meet the Gourd Family
Model a festive pumpkin family after your own this Halloween.

How to Make a Gourd Family


Read more at Martha Stewart.com:
Halloween Decorations, Crafts, and Games - Martha Stewart

Crowd Pleasing Tailgating Appetizers

Photographer Norman A. Plate


Top 20 Tailgating Appetizers - Print - MyRecipes.com
Top 20 Tailgating Appetizers. Score big points with your fellow football fans by sharing these crowd-pleasing starters on game day.


For starters, scoop up this hearty
Cowboy Caviar.





Photographer Jennifer Davick, Southern Living

Southern Plate Sunday Dinner
Southern charm and recipes like these Sunday dinner favorites have made blogger Christy Jordan an Internet sensation. > more

Yummy Baked Goods

Banana Muffins Filled with Cream Cheese
A dollop of sweetened cream cheese turns a plain banana muffin into a decadent morning treat.
They loved the change so much, they might never go back to plain old banana bread again.

Get the Recipe from Pinch My Salt




Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe - Every Day with Rachael Ray
Try this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies recipe from Every Day with Rachael Ray. This is a classic cream-filled cake that gets a pumpkin twist.





Pumpkins have provided American bakers with sweet inspiration since colonial times, when settlers fell in love with New England’s prolific pumpkin patches. Featured above is a Williams-Sonoma baking pan that makes it easy to create quick breads adorned with plump pumpkins, gourds and festive autumn leaves.

Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Bread Recipe at Epicurious.com




One of the best parts of fall is yummy baked goods -- the smell, the warmth, the delicious taste. This molded pan from Williams-Sonoma makes mini cakes in the form of fall icons, so you can enjoy bite-sized treats in the shape of pumpkins and acorns. Williams-Sonoma.

Pretty Powder Rooms

Roger Davies

Sophisticated Powder Room --Coastal Living
Canary yellow paint brightens up the sink console, and the large-scale, black-and-white floral wallpaper makes the tiny space feel bigger. Finishing the room are inexpensive brass sconces painted matte black and a 1960s decoupage mirror.


Laura Moss

Powerful Pink -- Coastal Living
Go over the top in a small space, such as a powder room. Rich, exotic pink wallpaper really makes a statement in this half bath.



Robbie Caponetto, Roger Foley

Powder Room Perfection -- Cottage Living
A wall-mounted faucet pours onto a modern flat-surface sink, where the water spills into a surrounding channel. A gray and gold antiqued mirror further adds polish and interest.

News From The Front Row

Runway, backstage, and front-row footage from the New York Fashion Week Spring 2011 show.

News From the Front Row: Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, and Fashion Week Highlights

News From the Front Row: Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Lou Doillon and more

Beautiful Endings

Photo: Michael Kraus

Thin Edge of the Wedge

Ignore the name but not this voluptuous chocolate pudding.


See this Recipe




Photo: Rick Lew

Ono Coconut Cake with Coconut Frosting

This cake takes a tropical fruit and transforms it into a sumptuous delight.

See this Recipe




photo: Brooke Slezak


Black Forest Cherry Torte

This German dessert got it right by combining two of our favorite ingredients-chocolate and cherries!


See this Recipe




"Beautiful Ending" by Barlow Girl

"Life may have pain, may bring heartache, and face trials but with Jesus our ending will be beautiful. This life is beautiful with Him and no matter what we face here in this life we know that we have a beautiful ending in Christ. And He makes this journey beautiful and worth living."- Kool Christian Girl

Easy Fall Decorating Projects

Modern Fall Cornucopia
Greet visitors with a custom-made door decoration. A self-hanging copper mesh cone forms the base. Use a variety of grasses and greens to create a welcome arrangement.





Fall Barnwood Box Arrangement
Turn a wooden box, candles, and a handful of flowers and dried seedpods into a spectacularly easy centerpiece.





Bookshelf Scenario
Put fall items on display by artfully arranging them on a bookshelf or in an open cabinet.
For more ideas >>>


Easy Fall Decorating Projects - Better Homes & Gardens
These decorating ideas include several no-hassle projects that are full of autumnal textures and colors. ...

Autumn Patio Decorating Makeover

Autumn Fruit Basket Wreath
Stylishstems $55







Festive Fall Ghost Wreath by Silk N Lights Designs
SilknLightsdesigns $46 Etsy



Autumn Patio Decorating Makeover



I don't know about you but I like how Dale from Gerten's Greenhouse does a makeover on Kristin's patio for autumn.

Simply Divine Pudding Recipes

Mango Pudding

The taste and texture of mangoes makes them a perfect fruit for the base of a velvety pudding. This light dessert is an excellent treat after a heavy meal.

Get the Recipe




Rice Pudding with Cardamom and Pistachios - Saveur.com
Rich, reduced-milk rice puddings are popular in many parts of India, under various names; of them, kheer is the most common.




Split Level Pudding

If I could try to convince these friends to enjoy only one type of food, it would be this wonderful Split Level Pudding which combines two different creamy textures in one dessert.


Get the Recipe

Creamy Puddings - Saveur.com

From classic chocolate to sweet mango and coconut, these 10 pudding recipes will comfort any sweet tooth.

Pocketful of Sunshine

Soft Sunflower Folk Art Pillow
Handmade Sunflower pillow is needle felted in gorgeous shades of yellow, gold, and brown wool. Hand needle felted onto organic linen. Hand applied seed beads. A mini pom-pom fringe is youthful and fun. Pillow is backed with organic linen and is a made-to-order listing from Georgianne Holland of Nestle and Soar Studio. $105 Etsy






The Sunshine Coast - Necklace
The sunshine coast has pristine coastline and lush hinterland. Just the perfect piece of sand on which to sit and ponder? What's in this necklace is pristine coastline, golden sands and sparkling rocks. beadsme $42 Etsy






Montessori Quilt . bird collage
Named after fond memories of the colorful self-discovery toys of my pre-school days, this quilt is made with 100% cotton fabrics. It has a cozy flannel backing and poly-fiber batting inside. The face of the quilt (all the pieces of fabric that make up the pattern) is machine sewn together, while the quilting (the stitches that keep the front, back, and batting together) is all done by hand. The quilted concentric circles counter-balance the straight, orthogonal lines of the face pattern, and the edges are finished by hand as well. The quilt measures about 36”x48”. threefields

Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful Of Sunshine

"Walk towards the sunshine, and the shadows will fall behind you."
— Mary Engelbreit

As Seen In . . .

As Seen In
Family Circle
“Alphabetical Order”
September 10, 2010


Sawhorse End Table-White

Ballard Designs -- The latest edition to our popular Sawhorse collection, the simple, casual design of this versatile end table was inspired by a do-it-yourself sawhorse desk. Pair with our other Sawhorse pieces for a coordinated look in the office, den or bedroom. Assembly required.






As Seen In:
Southern Living
“Southern Living Idea House”
August 10, 2010

Olivia Side table

Ballard Designs -- A stylish update on the classic French gueridon, this mirrored side table is just the right size for parking a drink beside your favorite chair.








As Seen In
Country Living
“Kitchen Islands”
September 10, 2010

Bedford Kitchen Island-Cream

Ballard Designs -- Our solid pine Bedford Island is loaded with great features for the home gourmet. Our new expansive maple butcher block top rests on turned legs and makes prep work a pleasure.

The Coziest Spot In The House

Chaise by the Fire

A cozy chaise by the fireplace is an inviting spot for reading and relaxing.





Stone Fireplace and Distressed Mantel

A makeover transformed this fireplace from white drywall and plaster to its original natural stone. The mantel was distressed to match the natural tones of the room.





Colonial Living Room

A fireplace warms the space where a potbellied stove once stood in this Colonial living room. The green hue around the windows and mantel was inspired by trips to Williamsburg, Va.

All photo's: Country Living


For more wonderful design ideas >>>>

Fireplace Designs - Fireplace Photos - Country Living

The Doctor and the Diva

The Doctor and the Diva, Adrienne McDonnell, Book - Barnes & Noble -
BARNES & NOBLE: The Doctor and the Diva by Adrienne McDonnell

Synopsis

A breathtaking novel of romantic obsession, longing and one woman's choice between motherhood and her operatic calling.

It is 1903. Dr. Ravell is a young Harvard-educated obstetrician with a growing reputation for helping couples conceive. He has treated women from all walks of Boston society, but when Ravell meets Erika-an opera singer whose beauty is surpassed only by her spellbinding voice-he knows their doctor-patient relationship will be like none he has ever had.

After struggling for years to become pregnant, Erika believes there is no hope. Her mind is made up: she will leave her prominent Bostonian husband to pursue her career in Italy, a plan both unconventional and risky. But becoming Ravell's patient will change her life in ways she never could have imagined.

Lush and stunningly realized, The Doctor and the Diva moves from snowy Boston to the jungles of Trinidad to the gilded balconies of Florence. This magnificent debut is a tale of passionate love affairs, dangerous decisions, and a woman's irreconcilable desires as she is forced to choose between the child she has always longed for and the opera career she cannot live without. Inspired by the author's family history, the novel is sensual, sexy, and heart-stopping in its bittersweet beauty.

About the Author

Adrienne McDonnell has taught literature and fiction writing at the University of California, Berkeley. She based The Doctor and the Diva, her first novel, on the true story of an ancestor-a woman who deserted her wealthy husband and child to further her operatic career. The author relied on a trove of family letters and memories of elderly relatives who have long been haunted by the tale. She lives near San Francisco.

Morningside

Photo Credit: Lise Gagn/iStock Images

Better in Bed: Do You Need a Sleep Makeover?

Insomnia plagues more than 50 million Americans — but can we ditch the fast-fix meds in favor of a healthier long-term solution? Sometime Ambien-popper Ying Chu books a session with a holistic sleep doctor. >>> Insomnia Problems - How to Sleep Better - Help with Problems ...






s
Lollipop Flower Wall Decal
s


These geometrical flowers are suitable for every setting: you can put them above your bed, on the wall near the floor or along the stair! They're very easy and fun to apply, they can go on every clean and smooth surface. >>>

Vinyl Design, wall stickers made in Australia




Sara Bareilles

"Morningside"

I'm not scared of you now
Or so i say
There's no reason to run
Although i may
I'm not as sure as i seem
This much i know
What does it mean you leave and i follow

I could try to forget what you do when i let you get
Through to me but then you do it over again
I could rage like a fire and you'd bring rain i desire
Til you get to me on my morningside

Keep my distance i tried
No use
But no matter the miles
I'm back to you

I could try to forget what you do when i let you get
Through to me but then you do it over again
I could rage like a fire and you'd bring rain i desire
Til you get to me on my morningside

Let me down you say never baby blues don't you ever
I'm used to being one with the misfortune to find
Afternoons run for cover and full moons just wonder
What it looks like here on my morningside

Look back don't you dare let me start to do that
I don't care if the things that i have
Only make me afraid to lose i
Need to let go
Need to want to keep letting you know
That we both have a reason to follow
Long as we let this lead i'm barely breathing

I try to forget what you do to me but then you do it over again
I could rage like a fire and you'd bring rain
Til you get to me on my morningside

Let me down you say never baby blues don't you ever
I'm used to being one with the misfortune to find
Afternoons run for cover and full moons just wonder
What it looks like here on my morningside

Are You Listening?

He's got the whole world in his hands . . .




Music video by Kirk Franklin Presents Artists United For Haiti performing Are You Listening. (C) 2010 Verity Gospel Music Group, a unit of Sony Music Entertainment

(Haiti Relief Song)

Are You Listening?

(I was hungry...You fed me. Naked...you clothed me.
They will know us by our love. )

Can't image how it felt as you lay there
Through the dark, through the heat, through the cold.
With your friend, by your side
Held his hand and watched him die
And you cried as you prayed for his soul.

I can't imagine how it felt as you stood there
Through the winds that would just not go away.
Kiss my wife. Tell my son, 'My work on Earth is done.'
You're the One that can still hear them say...

Is there anybody out there listening?
And does anybody know my name?
No, my friend we were not there,
But we're here and we care...
And yes, we feel your pain.
And yes, we feel your pain.

I can't image how you felt as you sat there,
Trying to hide the fear upon your face.
As the Earth begins to cry
And you ask the preacher, 'Why?'
Tonight, we can hear the children say...
Hear them say...

Is there anybody out there listening?
And does anybody know my name?
No, my friend we were not there
But we're are here and we care
And yes, we feel your pain.

And does anybody out there know me?
(Do you know me?)
Can you stop the clock, make this go away?
(Make it go away)
No, that cross you cannot bare
But God can and He cares
And yes, HE feels your pain.
And yes, HE feels your pain.

Please can anybody see,
Because my faith is getting weak
Don't know how much more I can take
Hear my heart and please don't deny it.

Is there anybody out there listening?
And does anybody know my name?
Oh, my friend we were not there
But we're here and we care
And yes, we feel your pain.

Is there anybody out there listening?
(Does anybody know?)
Does anybody know my name?
(Does anyone know my name?)
Oh, my friend we were not there
But I'm right here and I care
And yes, (yes) we feel (i feel) your pain.

Does anybody out there know me?
(Do you know me?)
Then stop the clock and make this go away.
(You can make this go away)
No, that cross I cannot bare
But He can and He cares.
Yes, He feels your pain.
Ooo...and yes, He feels your pain.
Yes, He feels your pain.
(Thank you, Jesus)

(The clock is ticking. We hear you.
Oh my, oh my.
We see you.)

He's got the whole world in His hands.
He's got the whole world in His hands.
(You and me sister. You and me brother. My, my...)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ooo, yeah, yeah yeah, yeah.

-Kirk Franklin & Friends

Personal comment: This song ties into today's devotional on my blog: Simply Divine Love about how we should pray and make intercession for one another. Within the next 24 hours Hurricane Earl will land somewhere on the outer banks of the Carolina's. Your prayers for families living in this area would certainly be appreciated.

I hope you have a lovely Thursday.