LIMERICK WRITING CONTEST

I am hosting a LIMERICK WRITING CONTEST! It's time for the blarney to flow! There's an old saying, “If you're lucky enough to be Irish, then you're lucky enough.” Well, Irish or not (and I am), we all get to take a romp in the clover! A SURPRISE GIFT WILL BE GIVEN TO THE WINNER!

HERE ARE THE RULES:

• You may submit as many original limericks as your wee heart desires.
• This contest will run from March 7th to March 17th, after which you will be invited to vote for your favorite entry. To make the contest interesting, you will not be allowed to vote for you own Limericks.
  
• All entries must be submitted by Midnight PST on March 17th.
  
• If you would like to receive a Limerick How-to (pdf) containing examples, just email me and I will send it your way. (My email address can be found in my profile on the top right sidebar.)
  
• Limericks have been known to be a bit off color. Please submit respectable limericks.

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES:

In these 2 original limericks, I poke some fun at my husband...

Yes, my spouse has delusional style,
His reasoning always on trial;
“I’ll just sit here and rest,”
He will boldly suggest,
Chin crashing to chest in denial!

—Karen June Miller

“Just a QUICK nap,” my husband will say,
With his clock set to “snooze” at midday;
And he DOES bolt up QUICK
With EACH 10 minute click
On his snooze alarm’s flashing display.

—Karen June Miller

Matthew Mead Style

As vast as the Internet is, we become so accustomed to viewing certain names, sites, and images repeatedly that we can be fooled into thinking that few surprises remain. Au contraire! Matthew Mead Style is a sophisticated and eclectic round-up of inspiration! His site offers free downloads of beautiful decorative paper and design elements, and encompasses entertaining, style, collecting, and crafts.

Presently featured on the site is a toast to Spring 2008. Your fancy will be tickled by a portfolio of dazzling downloads and fresh ideas. There's also a Bonus section listing an archive of his past web ventures. The photos below were pulled from his Spring and Summer 2006 collection. Be sure to bring your gathering basket!

Recycled Paper Beverage Carrier - Matthew Mead Style

Cellophane Bag Topper - Matthew Mead Style

Matthew Mead's book, Easter Eggs: 40 Fabulous Projects for the Whole Family, Amazon.com

Today's Bouquets

In my February 9th, 2008 post entitled, Today's Bouquets, I shared some of our challenges along with an eleventh hour rescue! Since then, the business Barry was employed with has been sold, hence sending us to the want ads.

Shortly after writing today's 1:38 PM post, we hit the jackpot! Due to the Faithfulness of God and a great deal of prayer, we received $2000.00 which more than covered the balance of our house payment! Plus, my husband followed up on an opening with a major corporation in Orange County. Barry met with the personnel representative, she took a liking to him and immediately introduced him to the manager. After his background check is complete, they will be making him an offer! The job comes with a full benefit package and all promotions are handled from within the company. In addition to this, he will still be affiliated with the dairy as a part time milkman!

Thanks to ALL who prayed for us and offered words of encouragement!

Maxine & Maximizing

I chuckle at Maxine's un-sugarcoated commentary, relating to some of it more than I care to admit! I do have those days when I feel like I've crossed the finish line simply because I got out of bed.

Then I reach into the Word of God—my eternal treasure chest—and I withdraw gems of wisdom and heavenly vitamins that quicken my spirit. I am uplifted, relieved, strengthened, motivated, and made buoyant by the words of His abundant LIFE. And, whatever I need, He will supply liberally...

Philippians 4:19 (Amplified Bible)

19 And my God will liberally supply ([a] fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 (The Message)

18-20 And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.

Butterfly Napkin Fold

Early on, paper folding captured my interest when I was introduced to Origami. The natural progression of folding led me to napkins. I even appreciate the eye pleasing appeal of neatly folded towels and linens. I began to teach napkin folding in tandem with tablescape workshops and, over the years, I have created several folds of my own.

Pictured below is the Butterfly Fold. There are other versions of the butterfly, but this is my personal favorite. It works well with both paper and cloth as long as the napkins are perfectly square. It is also alright to use a napkin with a wrong side since it will be hidden from view.

I promised Andi at Andi's Everyday Adventures that I would showcase this fold on my blog. If she likes it, I will follow-up with another photo tutorial for the benefit of all.

The Butterfly Fold on a cloth, April Cornell napkin.

The Butterfly Fold on a paper napkin.

A Child in the Garden

A CHILD IN THE GARDEN

When to the garden of untroubled thought
I came of late, and saw the open door,
And wished again to enter, and explore
The sweet, wild ways with stainless bloom inwrought,
And bowers of innocence with beauty fraught,
It seemed some purer voice must speak before
I dared to tread that garden loved of yore,
That Eden lost unknown and found unsought.

Then just within the gate I saw a child, --
A stranger-child, yet to my heart most dear;
He held his hands to me, and softly smiled
With eyes that knew no shade of sin or fear:
"Come in," he said, "and play awhile with me;"
"I am the little child you used to be."

—Henry Van Dyke