Saving Up To Buy Your Own Castle?

It is a tad bit difficult for the Gatekeeper to feel the pinch of the hardships of our economy when she has been so blessed. The castle is paid for and even her means of transportation is now solely hers. Nonetheless, many homes are up for sale in the neighborhood, some are in need of finding renters and more than three are now back in the custody, so to speak, of the bank. Indeed, a sad statistic.

However, Lady Gatekeep was reading an interesting news article about Mortgages in the UK. I do have a few friends who reside there and quite enjoying the lifestyle. But in reading this article, the Lady was surprised to read that many who have saved enough to put a deposit toward buying their own little Castle have actually spent that money on other things. Mostly gadgets of sorts and other fashionable things. Extraordinary really. It would make sense, as this article mentioned, that if one is single minded and set some realistic goals then it would be possible to have that down payment sooner than anyone would think.

Makes sense to the Gatekeeper. Save my friends, no matter where you live, do not squander those savings on things you might not need and soon you will abide in a Castle of your own.

The Big Bang Theory And Warner Brothers

I find that ever since my son has been acting my confidence has increased. Also, my boldness in sharing the Gospel on any set or film location has not gotten me into any kind of trouble. Of course, I choose my timing very carefully.

In any case, Layne and I spent about five hours on the set of "The Big Bang Theory" yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed the day even though it ended with Layne spilling all his M & M's in front of the bathroom. Bummer!! That was hard work to obtain, a small cup of those chocolate delights, because the film crew was battling for it all day long. lol.

At any rate, we filmed in a little park inside Warner Brothers Studio and even the birds were right on cue (sp? Que). That got our director in such a good mood.

Layne's role was playing, once again, a bad kid who sat around the park with girls, guitar and a bottle, oh my! He was photo selected by the director which makes me wonder if he's beginning to look like a "naughty" boy. Ah, it's a living. My boy enjoys hard work, thank goodness, and didn't even complain when we had to get up at 4:30am.

I'll write a short article for Associated Content so I'll hope you'll read the whole story there. Thanks for dropping by.


More from sets and movie locations with Layne:
Criminal Minds
CSI Miami
The Heartbreak Kid
Sleeper Cell
Zack And Cody
Hannah Montana



The Big Bang Theory CBS Warner Brothers acting

The Neighborhood Chronciles: Of Empty Nests And Family

The winds have died, the rain has passed and the snow slowly melts to raise the level of the river below. Mornings stay dark a little longer but the sun leaves much later now. Life is returning to the desert. Children play on empty streets--it is always good to hear their laughter.

Princess S. has spread her wings at the tender age of 19 and lives in a beautiful baby castle close to the Mouse. Yes, that Mouse who never ages and likes to hang out with a duck and a giant talking dog. He lives in a bouncy house so what can one expect. This, of course, leaves an empty room in our castle. But not to worry there is no time for loneliness here.

A wagonload of Washingtonians came by for a night. Five of them, to be exact, passed through after Princess LaCrosse won her tournament in Vegas. Hip hip, hooray! Well done and all that stuff. Spent a day with the Mouse et al and slipped back into California Adventure the day after. Fun to be had by all.

In any case, Lord Layne (name used because he wants to be famous--eventually) will once again don his inline skates and fly off every park bench, rail and gazebo. Lady Gatekeeper has learned not to watch. Forget the worry, LL says, all those "cool" protective gear will stay on. So we believe. Mmmm, pictures do tell the story.

A little spatter of rain might return throughout the Spring season but all in all the sun is smiling once again and soon it will scorch the land and take away all that is green and good. And the cycle continues. It is good in our neighborhood with our crystal clear lakes, lush green forests and white mountain tops. How goes it with you all?

The Liquid Force?

Lady Gatekeeper is one who believes that each parent should know what their children are doing, or are into one could say. Especially when said child starts using language such as Liquid Force wakeboards or aggressive inline skating. Honestly, LG had to reinvent herself to find out why her child had a need to be aggressive on his skates. As it turned out it was all good and rather impressive.

It seems that our kids have taken a few sports to levels we could have only dreamed about. This of course, is why concerned parents are grateful to companies like Modern Skate and Surf who will keep our children safe. One would only hope. As my son has said, if you have to keep safety in mind it would be nice to look cool while doing it. Can't go wrong with protective goggles called Dragon or Pro Wrist Guards. He won't wear anything else.

Furthermore, Son is attempting to add to his skills for that all important movie role and trying out the wakeboard. Again, being pulled by a speeding boat only to fly through the air is every boy's dream and every mother's nightmare. Nonetheless, a quick study of safety measures at the site is comforting.

In any case, educate yourselves at the Modern Skate & Surf site. One should be pleased that they offer camps. Now there is one awesome summer event. Anything you need to know about equipment, protective gear, accessories and even car racks is available at the site. Take a tour with your rowdy teens and bring your worlds a little closer together.

Win A FREE Book

"A Child's Book of Angels" by author Marilyn J. Woody is a must read for every child and parent. It is beautifully illustrated and the winner will receive an autographed copy. Enter here for more information and a chance to win the book.

Marilyn retells fourteen Bible stories about angels in action--praising God, watching Him make the world, serving as His messengers, rescuing and protecting, celebrating a s people come to salvation. All through Scripture, God's angels are busy carrying out His orders in the world.

Win it right here.

Marilyn J. Woody A Child's Book of Angels Amazon

Books Are Not Dead

I can't seem to get myself to read a whole book in digital form. How about you? I guess I'm just the type to sit in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. My lap top doesn't provide the same simple pleasure. Of course, I could be wrong and my sentiment my change in the next few years. Who knows? So what is it you are reading these days? Lady Gatekeeper needs to know.

Christian Homeschool Online

When we decided to let our teenage son go back to public school it was always with the intent to start homeschooling again once the school year was over. It has not really been a successful venture in the public school system plus the fear of whether or not our kids are safe is a constant concern.

We've looked into The MorningStar Academy which is a wonderful online school. This, of course, works very well for us. Mr. High School Sophomore is constantly having to go on home studies since most of his acting jobs take him away for days and sometimes weeks.

In any case, a big advantage with The Academy is that you can take your child's work wherever you go. Records are kept and accessible to parents 24/7. Also, teacher conferences can happen at your convenience--over the phone or updates about your student will be answered through email. My moody teen really felt like he had a personal teacher. As a matter of fact there is one on one online tutoring which was extremely helpful for my son. Not to mention that a parent is in the home for extra encouragement. Of course, we can drive each other crazy at times but you do learn how to schedule "time outs" from one another.

In conclusion it's an awesome Christian community with over 140 Christian courses. The MorningStar Academy is accredited, affordable and you don't have to get into the car for a teacher's conference. We'll probably be setting up the school area again soon after summer 2008.

Self-Serving Or Helping Others

Milk & Honey Life Moment

March 3, 2008

Healthy Plants

I recently noticed something true of healthy fruit trees and flowering plants; their product is something they don’t use. In other words, the fruit and flowers do not benefit the plant from which they spring. Fruit nourishes other species besides the tree on which it grows. Orange, lemon, and apple trees do not need their fruit for their own survival. The same is true of flowering plants. Flowers enliven their surroundings, beautify our homes, and accompany messages of love and comfort, but they are of no use to the plant from which it is plucked. Even the pollen of the flower is carried to other plants to help them out.

In the parable of the sower in Luke 8:1-15, the seed that was sown on good ground obviously grew into healthy, productive plants because the outcome was fruit. Jesus explains that the sower planted the Word of God and those who received the word were compared to the healthy plants that produced fruit.

Does your life produce anything that is not for you? Are all your activities self-serving rather than being focused on service to others? Fruit that springs from a healthy spiritual life is not needed for your own nourishment. When your sustenance comes from being planted in Christ, that which springs from your life becomes nourishment for others. No matter how much is “plucked” from you, as long as you remain planted in the fertile soil of God’s word, there will always be more you joyfully have to offer.

Sharon Norris Elliott
The Milk and Honey Life Retreat

The Boston Piano Man

The Gatekeeper was just wondering if you have ever strolled down to the gloomy basement of a music store, or perhaps to the very back? Sometimes the treasures that are buried there are absolutely priceless. Restored vintage pianos or old majestic organs from which heavenly music can still be heard. They are indeed something to just gaze upon. Listen to the sound tracks of some old movies and you shall get the gist of it.

Our castle has always possessed a piano but alas, since we have had to move to the desert dear Brother has inherited the family prize. Lady Gatekeeper has had thoughts lately of gathering some gospel music sheets, wrap it in crumpled Victorian Christmas paper tied with a little bit of lace and leave it at their doorsteps. Ah yes, a little flare for the dramatics.

In any case, the Piano Man has offered a little wisdom and is always happy to assist in any of your piano needs. I would assume that even a Grand Piano has graced their floors and might find its way to the Castle soon. One can only hope. It has also been rumored that Piano Man's staff is like the most friendliest people ever. No pressure there. You will have to find that out for yourself.

As for other products and services the Piano Man will tune your fine instrument, clean, tune, repair and will even move your piano from one Castle to the next. Furthermore, to learn from the best, come and find the timeless pieces from Ludwig Van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Oh, even their names bring music to my ears. The Gatekeeper is pleased to let you know that these music sheets are actually free to download.

In conclusion we would like to mention that The Piano Man also offers lessons. Remember it is never too late to start. With that in mind, one must exercise their fingers, stretch them out and enjoy the tinkling of the ivories coming ever so gently (or not) from within your own living room walls. May you all be blessed with the sounds of music.



Disclosure Statement

Music sheet music piano music