Gratitude~Sunday Stumble

Today at Edgewater Alliance Church, the topic was Gratitude, being grateful for what you have and remembering to be thankful. I am pretty guilty of forgetting to be thankful and thank those that are there when I need them.

Pastor Tim has us all say a silent prayer for those that come to mind to thank...ok so there is the obvious, my mom, my dad, my brothers, my kids, Kathy, Glenda, Tom, Richard, Hope...the list is long.

Just for a minute think about the people we may not ever thank...who make us smile....the guy at Bagel World who puts extra cream in my coffee. Tony, the manager at Publix who hugs me every time I come in. Wes and Margaret and Rose who serve at the HUM meal with me every other Friday. Matt, Curt's ever patient teacher, Mrs Sokerka who adores my daughter. Christy who is always my friend...Donna, who wants to paint my daughters room and whose grandaughter has brought so much reality to my daughters life....the list is endless, at least my list is endless. Who is on your list?


Gratitude Quotes

Abundance Blog

Voltaire-I Am

Heart to Heart Exercise Challenge

Grassroots Giving is hosting their 1st annual Heart to Heart fundraiser on February 13th from 10am to 12noon at the Coronado Civic Center In New Smyrna Beach. This will include a 45-minute exercise class and a 45-minute yoga class. There will also be a silent auction with some great gifts from many merchants along with light refreshments.

Don't be intimidated -- these classes should be really fun and you can do the classes based on your own fitness level. As they say in yoga class, yoga is a practice, not perfection. Even if you haven't worked out in a while, this would be a great opportunity to get back into it or to try it for the first time.

Grassroots Giving is an organization that provides funding for foster children and underprivileged children throughout Volusia and Flagler counties in Florida. Grassroots Giving's mission is to enhance the lives of local children by funding projects that provide experiences and opportunities for growth that they may not otherwise have, such as music lessons, extracurricular athletic activities, art camps and more.

Grassroots Giving is staffed solely by unpaid volunteers and the money raised stays right here in Volusia and Flagler counties so to benefit our local children.

If you need additional information, please contact Leslie Fisk at 407-492-3440 or visit their website.

NSB Caps Spaghetti Dinner

New Smyrna Beach Community and Alumni Providing Scholarships is a group of people from the New Smyrna Beach community and graduates of New Smyrna High. They are a non-profit, completely volunteer organization. They provide scholarships to graduating seniors of New Smyrna Beach High School.

The 11th annual NSBCaps Spaghetti Dinner is this Saturday! This year's event will feature over 100 live entertainers and a silent auction. You can eat in or take out. The event will take place at New Smyrna Beach High School from 12:00-6:00pm. Come out and support our local youth.

Images: Festival of the Arts

The 34th annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts, presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts, is this weekend, January 30th & 31st. It is being held at Riverside Park in New Smyrna Beach. It will feature more than 200 artists, a food court, children's art projects, and free entertainment all day.

One More Chance To Support The Troops

Join members of SE Volusia Republican Club any Wednesday morning 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., as they pack boxes for U.S. Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have mailed 40-80 boxes every week for the past four years. They also take donations, amazingly enough one man organizes all of this and purchases all of the supplies sent in these boxes.

Please give the club a call if you know someone in the military, the club will be happy to send them a box.

Call (386) 409-3060 to help donate or give the name and address of one of our troops. The Republican Headquarters in in the Outback Plaza, South Causeway, New Smyrna Beach.

Interesting Link: The Virtual Wall - this is a virtual wall of those lost in Vietnam.

Are You Crafty?

I don't mean sneaky, I mean crafty. I was cruising thru some blogspot blogs tonight, when I should have been doing just about anything else(laundry comes to mind). I found all sorts of blogs on crafty things, card making, quilting, rug hooking(not sure if that is the correct term), knitting, cross stitching (I have done that in another life), crocheting, stained glass, stuff made with felt and so on. I was amazed by all these talented people.

Then, I got depressed, I am not crafty, I do not possess any of those aforementioned talents. I cannot even sew a button on properly....my mother still sews when I or any of my family members need sewing. I am a loser in the world of crafts and homemaking. I suck.

Now the really scary part of all this.....I don't care. Don't tell anyone but I don't want to quilt, or make cute cards, or scrapbook or knit. Not even a little bit. Thank goodness I have other talents, I can cook, I can drink wine, I can talk on the phone, I can read books, I can play mafia wars on Facebook. I can continue to lead my meaningless, shallow life and never, ever make anything cute out of felt.

So...in conclusion, there is really no point to this post other than to submit you, my faithful readers to some of the random drivel that goes thru my mind on a fairly regular basis.

Enjoy the weekend! Don't forget the Farmer's Market on Canal Street tomorrow morning at 730am....bet there will be some basket weavers there...

Low Cost Pet Shots

Val-U-Vet is holding Animal Health Clinics and Low Cost Pet Shots in Volusia County.

This Saturday, January 23rd they will be at the CVS in Edgewater from 9am-1030am and at the CVS in New Smyrna Beach (beachside) from 1130am-1pm. Here is the complete schedule including Port Orange, Deland and Deltona. Here is a list of the shots and costs they currently offer.

Operation Million Cup

I love Boca Java coffee, and I am sure you would love it too. However, I don't want you to buy it and drink it, I want you to buy it and donate it to our troops.

In October 2003, Boca Java started donating coffee to the troops and allowing their customers to be a part of it. Because of the overwhelming popularity of their effort in July 2005, they established Operation Million Cup. Boca Java matches your donation every time!

To date they have served over 6 million cups with your help! You can personalize and send a note, you can also honor a specific soldier.

If you do want to try it for yourself click here for a coupon for $10.00 off your order.

Pub 44 Charity Ride

Pub 44 will be hosting a charity Bike Run to benefit the Volusia-Flagler Hospice. All Bikes are Welcome, and will be escorted by the Blue Knights.(they are a very interesting group check out their website)

Registration/Breakfast (sausage & egg sandwich) beginning at 8 a.m.

Lunch (pulled pork, beans and cole slaw) included with registration fee. Fee: $15.00 per person.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Friends of the New Smyrna Beach Library will be hosting a membership drive and used book sale Jan. 19-24 in the library’s lobby and auditorium. Members will be available in the lobby of the library to explain how The Friends of the Library make good libraries better through their fund-raising activities and active support.

The used book sale will be held in the library auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 9am to 4:30pm, and on Sunday, Jan. 24, from 1pm to 4:30pm. The book sale will feature hardcover books, paperbacks, and magazines. All items will be sold with an additional 50% discount.

The Friends of the Library has a very nice website with a lot of information. Check it out and take advantage of all the free services the library offers!

Go Dog Go!

The 2nd Annual Go Dog Go 5k Beach Run, Dog Dash and Dog Walk will take place at the Flagler Avenue Boardwalk at low tide, the entire race will be held on the beach.

Come out and support the Southeast Volusia Humane Society. This year's race will feature an advanced chip-timing system for up to 350 runners, so register early! We will also feature a 1/2 mile Dog Dash down historic Flagler Avenue, as well as a 1/2 mile Dog Walk following the same route. The events will be staggered so you can take participate in all three!

Event will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2010~Registrations start at 7am, 5K run begins at 8am.

Entry Fees for the 5K walk is $20, Dog Dash is $15

The registration closing date is January 21, 2010 so register now!

Wine Walk

Let's jump ahead to the weekend!

This month's Flagler Ave Art Walk will include the Art of Wine Winter Wine Walk. You can purchase a "wine tasting passport" to sample some fantastic wines at several establishments on Flagler.

Wine tasting passports will be available at the tent at the northeast corner of Flagler Avenue and Cooper Street for $20. The passports will list the locations for the wine tastings and what wines or winery will be featured at each location. Passports will include 20 tasting tickets and a keepsake glass.

You can pickup your Art Walk program wherever you see the blue and black flags with the white "gg" logo and get it punched at each of the sponsoring galleries for a chance to win the prize drawing. Jewelry of Joy is donating this month's prize.

For more information call 386.428.1770 or visit the gallery groups website.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Local Heroes

Did you see this?

Local Woman Saved From Frigid Water

Our Mayor and a local Motorcycle Officer and a Corrections Officer all jumped in the water at the end of Douglas Street to save a woman in a sinking car. That is great stuff!

Barracuda Band Spaghetti Dinner

The New Smyrna Beach High School Barracuda Band will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 516 South Orange Street in New Smyrna Beach from 4:30pm to 7:30pm on Friday, January 15th. Cost is $7.00 per person. Come on out and support the band!

Florida Button Society Convention

The FLORIDA STATE BUTTON SOCIETY is holding their 2010 Convention and show this weekend at the Plaza Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach. The Plaza is located at 600 North Atlantic Avenue.

The show called "A Symphony of Buttons will be held January 14th-17th. I cruised around their website and they are a very interesting group. They collect and sell antique and modern clothes buttons. This show will feature 20 local, national and world wide dealers displaying and selling their buttons.

Tailgate 'n Party

Marine Discovery Center is holding a Tailgate 'n Party this Saturday, January 16th at The Brannon Center. Come out from 4-8pm and enjoy football on the big screen, buffet, exotic beer tasting, door prizes and raffles. All proceeds will benefit the wonderful programs at Marine Discovery. Call 428-4828 for advance tickets or visit the Marine Discovery Center on the North Causeway.

Southeast Volusia Little League

There are two more chances to sign up for Little League. Friday, January 15th from 6pm-8pm and Saturday, January 16th from 10am-2pm at Hawks Park. You can find all the forms on the SEVLL Website

Coming Soon

Stay tuned for our new and improved website!! We will be rolling out our new format later this week. More local information, reviews, coupons and giveaways!

Welcome to Wisconsin

I feel like I woke up in Wisconsin and not in Florida. I remember one of the (many) reasons why I left the northeast and never went back, every time you leave the house you have to get dressed, I mean really dressed, shoes, socks, a coat.....it is such an effort to do anything. I have plenty of friends left in the north you have been making fun of me for being cold when it is only 29 here. This is Florida people, it is not supposed to be 29 here. I saw this report on WESH 2 the other day and now feel vindicated that yes, my blood is thin, and I am really cold.

Living In Florida Does Thin Blood

More important than my comfort is the economic impact on our crops, strawberries and citrus. Both are freezing and damage is expected.

Then there are the turtles, Sea World Rescue has been out plucking Endangered Sea Turtles out of the cold water, they are too cold to lift their head to breathe. Frozen Iguanas are in shock and dropping from trees. It is crazy.

According the the all knowing Weather Channel this should all be over by mid-week. Here's to hoping they are right, I want my Florida back!

Around Town~Weekend Events

Plenty to do this weekend, it will be cold, but get out there and support your local business!

The Seaside Balloon Fest starts tomorrow.

The New Smyrna Beach Barracuda Marching Band will hold a rummage sale from 8am-3pm on Friday and Saturday, January 8th and January 9th at A+ mini storage, 333 W. Marion Ave. All proceeds benefit the band!

The Farmer's Market will be open on Canal Street at 730am on Saturday.

The Marine Resources Council is offering a free class on whale watching and protecting Right Whales. It will be held Sunday, Jan. 10, at the NSB Library at 1001 S. Dixie Freeway. It runs from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. Call (888) 97-WHALE for more information.

The Wine Warehouse in New Smyrna Beach, in the plaza next to Beachside Tavern, holds wine tastings every Friday evening from 4pm-7pm. Six wines are tasted.

East Coast Cruiser Night is Saturday from 4-8pm on Canal Street.

The Little Theatre is presenting Run For Your Wife starting this weekend evening shows are at 8pm and the Sunday Matinee is at 2pm.

Enjoy the weekend!

American Towns

Due to illness (mine) I am taking a break from regularly scheduled programming. But I found this great site American Towns. Click on the link and put in your town, or any town you may want to get information about. Thinking of relocating, good site for information on where you are thinking of going.

Have a great day!

Sunday Stumble~Interesting New Year Stuff

I thought these were interesting views on life and the new year:

Life Reboot - love his January 1, post but he has some other good stuff if you go back a bit.

Dumb Little Man - The Dumb Little Man has some great stuff on his blog. Here is one of my favorites.

The Daily Grind - Love Martha, she used to live here in Florida and made huge changes last year and moved back to her hometown in PA. She has some excellent things to say!

Simple Mom - she has a fantastic New Year piece on "goals".

Happy Reading!

Seaside Balloon Fest

The second annual Seaside Balloon Fest is coming up next week. January 8th-10th at the New Smyrna Beach Airport. Here is the complete schedule of events:

Friday, January 8

4:00 PM - Seaside Balloon Fest Opens
Vendors, food
Tethered hot-air balloon rides
Kid's Fun Zone (presented by McDonald's), rides, inflatable slides, bouncy houses, ponies
Sponsor SKYLINE 1949 opens Beer Garden next door
6:00 PM - Frank Vardaros Jazz Orchestra
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Balloon Glow

Saturday, January 9

5:30 AM - Balloon flight passengers meet at VFW Post 4250
6:00 AM - Seaside Balloon Fest Opens
7:00 AM - Hot-air balloon passenger flights launch (weather permitting)
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM - William Perry classical piano

ALL DAY - Tethered rides (wind permitting),
More than 40 vendors: food, crafts, special products
Kid's Fun Zone (presented by McDonald's)
Aircraft Fly-Bys

10:00 AM - Bob Otto School of Karate demonstration
11:00 AM - Dance Factory performance
12:30 PM - NSBPD K9 demonstration
1:00 - 5:00 PM - Fabulous Slidells Variety Duo
3:00 PM - American School of Martial Arts demonstration
5:00 PM - (National Champion) Show Dolls performing
6:00 - 9:00 PM - Then2Now Variety Show Band
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Balloon Glow

Sunday, January 10, 2010

5:30 AM - Balloon flight passengers meet at VFW Post 4250
6:00 AM - Seaside Balloon Fest (Saturday) Opens
7:00 AM - Hot-air balloon passenger flights launch (weather permitting)
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM - William Perry classical piano
10:00 AM - End of Seaside Balloon Fest 2010

You can get mre information on the event website.

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2010.

I hope everyone had a fabulous New Year's Eve and welcomed 2010 with a bang! We had a fabulous time here and are all looking forward to a better year. What are the top New Year's resolutions for 2010? According to one internet search engine the top 10 are as follows(I had to throw in my two cents):

1. Stop smoking - don't smoke so this one does not apply
2. Get Fit - I work out several times a week got this one covered
3. Lose Weight - ha, this one never ends
4. Enjoy Life More - well yea, this is kind of a dumb one.
5. Quit Drinking - my friends would have no one to hang out in the garage with
6. Get Organized - every year this one is on my list and every year I fail.
7. Learn Something New - if you have kids this one is covered
8. Get Out of Debt - a dream we all have
9. Spend more time with the Family - if I spend any more time with my family.......
10. Help Others - got this one covered too and I highly recommend it

So what are your resolutions for 2010?