The Neighborhood Chronciles: The Day After Christmas

The sun has made its triumphant return to our neighborhood. Wind, snow and rain might not show their sometimes nasty faces again. Albeit, one should not talk too soon since there is a slight breeze. It is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the children are running in the streets with puppies, and kittens and new toys.

The Gatekeeper had a peaceful Christmas. She realized one wondrous thing. Christmas should be celebrated every day. As one might suppose it could have been a tragic day for Lady Gatekeep but Jesus took a firm hold of her heart and reminded her of his humble birth--a King mind you in a stable. There was a scene in our small animal park down the dusty street which captured that moment. Sheep, donkeys, goats (zebras, buffaloes were also present) gathered around a manger filled with straw. It was like they knew something we had forgotten.

Young Lord Layne was not with us. He was with his father. It is the sad part of divorce (amongst other things) but it was important for him to be with Dad. And if Mr. Dad has done anything right (and yes, there have been plenty of those) he has been a loving father (please send check in mail, jk!).

Princess College Girl stayed home with me as we opened our one gift to each other under a very sad Christmas tree. 'Twas actually funny--we could not find the ornaments. This year's tree had only lights. But it was indeed a festival of lights in our castle. Lady Gatekeeper was shocked however, to find that said children had spent their own money to buy me an Ipod. It's what LG had been hinting for.

In any case, I realized that we were extremely joyful even though we were alone (Oma and Opa were there of course). Perhaps it was just another day because we did not get caught up in the Christmas shopping and business of the season but remembered that the One we were celebrating was with us and that He had been with us all year round. May the true Lord of our Universe be with you still and keep all our hearts filled with joy.

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed(Psalm 20:4).

Have Any Diet Plans For The New Year?

Okay now, stay with me here. Every year we come up with those new year's resolutions. And a diet plan always seems to be on top of that list. It's a good plan, right? So I started a little early this year--a couple of weeks before Christmas and it's going well. This is what I've learned along the way. Losing weight fast is not an option for me, I need to lose about one pound a week. Trust me when I say that it's a good way to not lose heart when you get on those scales. Sometimes it's better to not go near those anyhow.

In any case, a good suggestion for all of us (especially when it gets so hard to stay on track) is to find yourself a diet and exercise buddy to keep you accountable. Preferably of course, someone who understands what you're going through. Find a great incentive to stay on that diet. For me it was getting a life insurance policy, yeah you heard right, and that I was finally leaving something for my kids. I guess those powers to be like to insure healthy people, or something like that. It was incentive for me.

There are a lot of bloggers that have great tips on losing weight and keeping it off. So do a little bit of surfing to find those. It's kind of fun. I'm on my way in a little bit. I've learned a few tricks and found a few tips also. Did you know we should probably stay away from anything with caffeine? Apparently it gives you a false sense of hunger and makes you snack.

At any rate, my friends, if you still need a little help, there are sites with Weight Loss Diet help, that will have bunches of well-known plans in one place. It's good for comparison I suppose. Furthermore, there's even those e-diets so you don't have to go to meetings and what not. But just get yourself started. It's what the Gatekeeper has done for fun and health. Here's to a brand new year!

From Our Family To Yours

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Merry Christmas from The Gatekeeper

Take A Look: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Christmas Eve Sarajevo

For new posts please scroll down as this is our Christmas sticky post. Yes, indeed, this would be Lady Gatekeeper's most favorite time of the year: Christmas. So let's begin it well with her favorite Christmas band--the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, she believes, sell around a million copies throughout each year. They have apparently become a Christmas tradition. Still, they undoubtedly will not ever come close to what and Who the story is all about.



"There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, 'Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.'

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him."
(Luke Chapter 2, "The Message.")



Christmas Trans-Siberian Orchestra The Birth of Jesus

Thursday Thirteen Ed # 19 (I Think)

Thirteen Things On My Christmas Wish List

1. A Queen-size bed. (I fell out of bed the other day! It's a little small)

2. A soft over-sized comforter from Holland.

3. A yellow Hummer (the smaller girly sized one that can drive through a river)

4. A box of chews and nuts from See's. Haven't had a taste of that for about 5 years.

5. Gift certificates from every clothing department in our Mall. Come on now--there's only 4 stores in our mall.

6. A trip to Chesapeake Bay with a week in a Bed and Breakfast or a lighthouse will do.

7. A library full of books (rare collectible books with the original covers and all that).

8. New York cheese cake just because I want to know why it costs between $30 and $100.

9. Ugg boots from Australia, made in Australia etc. (no kangaroo skins)

10. My manuscript proof-read

11. My manuscript critiqued, edited and publishable

12. My manuscript published

13. A Knight in shining armor

That's all folks. Nothing my friends and family can't handle, right? Well, who knows . . . I might get a box of chocolates this year. That's good enough for me. My daughter is home, I'm sure I'll get a phone call from my son. We'll have the fireplace going and where two or more are gathered in His name . . . well, He is there. Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas, my friends. Hope you get everything on your list and count your blessings even if you don't.

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Sandy Cove Writers Conference

In case you haven't heard it's all been confirmed that the Sandy Cove Writers Conference has a new director. Furthermore, it is one of the esteemed members of my writers group, Sharon Norris Elliott. Yes, there she is on your right--very professional, don't you think? My writers group is the BEST!! That is only my opinion, don't get all snippy with us now, LOL.

So who exactly is Sharon? Oh, you wouldn't believe all the things this talented woman does. To begin with, and probably most important, she is a mom of two very handsome young college men and faithful wife. She has written a number of books, including Living a Milk-and-Honey Life: Letting Go of What's Holding You Back and What? Teenagers in the Bible?

But that's not all. When I asked Sharon about how her new position of Sandy Cove director would affect her already busy schedule she said: "It means that I don't know how to say no and now I'm even busier."

Busier! No kidding, my friend. Sharon is a full time teacher at a Christian High School, she is still writing, she conducts Authorize Me, she has speaking engagements at churches and other conferences, she runs the Milk and Honey Life Retreat, and like I said she's a mom and wife. Oh, and now she's director of Sandy Cove Writers Conference. Did I mention that already?

In any case, her priority at the moment is to actually schedule the conference. I guess that would mean organizing classes/workshops, dining, lodging etc. Inviting the faculty, of course, would also be helpful.

If you're interest in attending the Sandy Cove conference next year the dates are as follows - Sept. 29 - Oct. 3, 2008. If you're an editor/publisher, let Sharon know of your interest to teach. If you're a writer, let her know of your plans to attend - and bring friends! You know that a conference is also a business enterprise, so they are starting early with a list of attendees in order to use God's money wisely.

There you have it. Congrats, my friend, and many blessings to you as you begin yet another adventure.


Sharon Norris Elliott Sandy Cove Writers Conference Chesapeake Bay

Knowing Your Finances

Lady Gatekeep likes to keep on top of things. She visited a site where information about finances can be found, all in one spot. Furthermore, she learned quite a few things. For instance did you know that if one has what is known as Gap Insurance (guaranteed asset protection) and your car, or any means of transportation, is completely lost or stolen this will cover the difference between what your car is worth and what you still owe on it. Came in very handy when Father's car was totaled by the Santa Ana Winds just a month or so ago. Happy to report they are driving a brand new car today.

In any case, the Finance Genius has a wealth of information covering a variety of topics on finances and all is worth a read. Identity protection is discussed (necessary info for the Gatekeeper), refinancing one's car and there's even a calculator for your mortgage and other payments. In the end, one can learn why it might not be a good plan to make minimum payments on that credit card. But alas, you should really incorporate the wisdom of the Finance Genius into your own lives and get all of that under control. Ah wisdom--not so illusive after all.


My Disclosure Statement

Love, Death and Skeletons

Leah could not really say Sharré was a close friend--more of an acquaintance really. They saw each other only at church and shared a few good conversations over dinner after a service on Sunday nights. Beyond that they never seemed to get together. Nonetheless, the murder of someone you know is always a shocking blow.

By the time she reached the open coffin, the small country church had emptied. The scattered programs of the funeral service littered the worn-out pews. Dusk-like hours were as haunting as the memories of the friend who now lay lifeless before her.

Leah was fifteen years older than Sharré, a beautiful twenty-year-old island girl. Sharré was young and exotic with Hollywood on her heels. Why the death of a beautiful girl appeared more tragic to the world was a tragedy in itself to Leah. She held her composure as well as she could when reporters, with their microphones and cameras, invaded the quaint steeple church. Sharré would be the highlight on the six o'clock news one more time.

Her bright blue eyes clashed with her reddish-brown hair which only added to her splendor. She smiled with a perfect row of snow-white-teeth and her laughter could fill your darkest days with just enough joy to make you forget your sorrows-even if only for the moment. Sharré had just enough bounce in her walk to make you believe it was real. Honestly, though, who could not have realized she was trying to make you notice the brilliance of her hair. It merely looked like a wig now framing her beautiful eyes, which were permanently shut.

Keep reading, you'll like it . . . I know you will. You do want to right? Thanks.

Christian Directories

I was thinking of a song by Audio Adrenaline about finding God outside the USA. Apparently people not living inside our borders are finding Jesus also. Go figure. Funny really if we should ever believe that He only blesses us. In any case, having said that I actually found the Christian business directory Canada and it seems that the directory reaches across our fair nation as well as Canada and Mexico. So do we really need our own yellow pages, so to speak? Maybe, after all I heard it said once that if we did business with each other we are helping each other out. Sounds good to me. Anyway, Merry Christmas to all my brothers and sisters.

PSA Shot DownTown LA

Friday was cold, way too cold to look cool. But he had to do it. Layne was dressed all punky and ready to hit the back alleys of Los Angeles. It must have looked a little suspicious to passers by when a bunch of kids (still roaming a dark alley with loud music around 10:00pm) yelling and partying and basically getting themselves into a whole bunch of trouble. Yet there they were.

It was all good though as these rowdy kids were shooting an anti-smoking PSA (public service announcement) for Virginia Tobacco (court-ordered for them to do so, I believe).

LA is not the best of places to be in when the sun goes down. But we did find a great little oasis in the middle of this concrete jungle. It was pretty amazing--like a small part of Italy; a little brick street with flower boxes and medieval knights . . . clean!. Warm fuzzies. Anyway, it was a ten hour day, everyone had little red noses and glad to get into our warm cars to drive home.

Now driving home is a whole other story. LA is riddled with one-way streets which is a cause of my anxiety. Actually I was unusually calm and even though we got lost I eventually found a main street, took a left turn and found the on ramp to the freeway. That never happens to me. I'm still not ever going back there, unless I had to. I'm such a country girl.





anti-smoking PSA Oil Factory Virginia Tobacco

A Few Web Host Choices

Here then would be a nice little directory if one is searching for a webhost beyond the blogoshere. Whether it be for a personal site or for that more aggressive business domain. At least you shall be blessed with all the pertinent info up front. One will not have to research all over the world wide web for the different prices. Saves some time, one would suppose.

In any case, there is a learning center as well at http://www.webhostingchoice.com so one can differentiate between those scammers. A pleasant class to sit on I would suspect. The resource center should also help one to understand the world of domains much better. Furthermore, besides a directory for everything pertaining to webmasters, there is also a 24-hour customer support line. A directory of host is there of course, and one can even suggest and add a host.

Check out the directory then, and have all your questions answered, I would hope in one place. Good luck, my friends and have a wonderful Christmas.

Things I Learned About Myself This Weekend

We had a salad and sushi luncheon for one of our pastors this Sunday. Who knew that I would love sushi? In any case, said pastor and his family are bound for Hong Kong which in itself scares the heck out of me. It's not a city I would plan on visiting, though I'm sure parts of it must be beautiful or interesting at least. But what I did learn is that if I was ever blessed with a good man, I would follow him onto the mission field in a heartbeat. That is a major change of thinking. Of course, going out there on my own still makes my knees tremble. Strange really, since I come from a family of pastors and missionaries.

Anyhow, I discovered that I don't mind serving people as I stood behind a large pot of chocolate soup and gave everyone a tremendous scoop of it to make pazookies--rather enjoyed talking to everyone as they passed my station. That's quite an accomplishment for a recluse such as myself.

Furthermore, speaking to handsome men, even a movie star, didn't cause anxiety and such, lol, and I had no problem holding a conversation. What on earth is happening to me?

Now on the physical side. No one ever told me (or perhaps I wasn't listening) that eating 1200 calories or less a day would not help me lose weight. It's the kinds of food that caused my problems. Note to self: do not eat potatoes (especially French fries), rice, bread (white flour) or sugar. Poison! Good luck with that Self. Nonetheless, it's these foods that created all those tummy, medical, and weight problems.

I also learned that I have dry red eyes, dry mouth and that I need to add fish to my diet to help alleviate this. And of course, drink more water a day. Although I already drink about 32 ounces of agua. And a good cup of green tea can only better my health.

Okay, love fish, so that won't be hard. Therefore, drove Self to Trader Joe's after luncheon and stocked up on salads and fish--salmon rolls and water crackers. Yumm. And lastly, would you believe, my white teeth really does give me a pretty smile therefore I should not be afraid to smile more often.

In conclusion, this journey of self-discovery is quite nice and just in time for Christmas. Now if I can only find my runaway dogs. Sigh.

Win An Ipod Nano

Lady Gatekeeper has decided to find a few easy ways for her friends to win some fun stuff. Of course, one might have to listen to her life stories once in a while. It will be worth it. To begin with then, in order for you to win that Ipod Nano (also on Lady Gatekeep's Christmas list) one would have to sign up, for free, to receive the Trusted Travel eNewsletter.

Therefore, after signing for this trusted travel report newsletter, Lady Gatekeeper will embark on her own travels. This is part of a journal she kept while traveling to the Land of the South called San Diego, the real City by the Bay and probably named after Saint Diego.

Now here is a city where, if lost, it won't matter so much. We stayed in a quaint Spanish style hotel where the ocean breeze kept us company for most of the nights. Exhilarating really. The charm of San Diego can be visited on a trolley for a two-hour tour complete with narration. We took advantage of this and along the way disembarked to stroll through Old Town SD and the San Diego Zoo. Seaport Village we missed out on but we returned with a picnic basket which was devoured in Balboa Park . It's all worth the visit.

There is so much to see in this sweet town where the weather alone will revive those aching bones and relax the mind. Upon returning this way my advise to self, and friends, would be to employ the help of a travel service, perhaps one like Trusted Tours and Attractions. This way one's time is not wasted and all the particulars of sightseeing is not lost.

And in case it is forgotten to my dear readers, one can win that all illusive Ipod Nano just for signing up for this newsletter. Enjoy and happy, safe traveling in this holiday season. Merry Christmas.

Twelve Days of Christmas

This is pretty amazing. If it can hold the interest of Lady Gatekeeper, a true rocker, I know this will be enjoyed by one and all. Check out the men's a cappella group from Indiana University. Merry Christmas.

Kurt Warner's Other Career

Oh, look what Kurt Warner is doing off the football field. Even though I was cheering for my Seattle Seahawks this weekend, I adore Kurt and totally respect his openness in sharing his faith. Take a look at his children's project. It was posted on YouTube and I snagged it for all of us. I'd love to be able to make cartoons or anything animated. Of course, mine would have a lot of swords and flying entities. It would definitely be more edgy, dark and painted with a little bit of humor, but a message weaved in and all that good stuff. Ey, that's just me. This is cute though. Merry Christmas, my friends.





Kurt Warner Christian cartoon Good Sport's Gang Trailer

The First Week Of December

It is our third consecutive night in a motel room. Not a bad stay, so to speak. Layne has been working on the movie that we are not allowed to talk about. Quite funny actually since Paramount has already released a trailer.

In any case this will be day eight on the set which made it hard to stay on my diet and exercise plan. Stayed the course as best as I could. We shall see how I do next week. Both Layne and I are coughing up smoke and trying to get the red out of our eyes. Pleasant! Bombs went off today with (controlled) reckless abandon. "Fire in the hole" is what we heard an awful lot. Ear plugs helped a little with that machine gun fire and we watched stunt men get thrown against walls, shoved to the stony ground and what not. It's been a blast!

Layne went on independent study for the week. Hopefully he can get all of his school work done to deliver to his teachers next Monday. I've met a group of wonderful people and we exchanged emails and cell phone numbers. This list is growing rather large. You could always read up on our Misadventures in Hollywood, if you are interested. Tomorrow is probably our last day since this movie is in post-production we're not expecting a call back. It's been fun and I'm looking forward to getting back to normal life for a while. Merry Christmas to all.





Iron Man Paramount Robert Downey Jr.

What's On Their Christmas Lists?

If one is planning to do some of that Christmas shopping in the Lands of virtual stores and one is wondering where to get those gifts for that tech Man/son/daughter then listen here. There are coupons to snag for digital cameras at TechBargains (dot come!) as well as cell phones--plenty of goodness to share with those family plans, I'm sure.

Furthermore, discount computers from your favorite domains are only a click away. I know, a cliche at best. The domain is quite simple to navigate and it is conceivable that one might find everything that has been written on the family's Christmas lists. And the site is updated at a quickening pace, so to speak. Even holidays and week-ends will not stop the latest news on deals and such.

Tell them what it is you are interested in and they will send you a customized list of deals that fits your taste. A treat indeed. Also for your perusal there is a newsletter to keep one updated about the week's coupons and other savings. Something to consider when stretching that dollar. In any case, it is to your advantage to keep up with their product data base as it is to read reviews and comparisons on items you have chosen to purchase. Might you do this before actually buying a product would mark you as wise after all.

Do visit this Christmas and get that important head start on your shopping and don't bother with the crowds. Merry Christmas, my friends.



Christmas cheap computers tech bargains

The Neighborhood Chronicles: A River Runs Through It

The streets are dark and there is a mist rising. Search lights from the Indian Casino reflect and penetrate a black sky. It is cold in the desert. Where have all the children gone? They are playing still, but within the shadows of the family garage. The little ones are snug and warm where fireplaces crackle. Winter has come upon us, with a vengeance one might say.

There is snow on the local mountains though the rain falls steadily at the foothills into our desert community. We welcome it while the sun, though its rays bring only light not warmth, peek through the gray of the clouds.

We woke this morning to find that a river now runs through the land behind our home. This time, the desert grounds could not swallow it up. No worries . . . yet. It is rather charming, to say the least. Where will it flow? Nonetheless, we have needed the water and for now, we have it. In any case, The Gatekeeper worked hard on this video (it took ten minutes out of her life) so she invites you, especially her beloved family around the world, to share a moment with her in the desert. And to wonderful Cousin C and B in Washington--we might be a little late for your White Elephant party. Merry Christmas to all.

Gatekeeper Christmas Photobucket