Mandy's Photo Contest -- Fave pic of 2010??

It was like "Sophie's Choice", but here it is. My husband and I went to the Mediterranean on our honeymoon, and this view of the Amalfi Coast was breathtaking. Such a wonderful vacation, and great memories to cherish!

Favorite

For Mandy's photo contest this week, she asked for our favorite photos we've taken this summer. A month ago, I went to a friend's wedding in Kansas just as a guest and ended up taking portraits of her afterwards out in the country at her farm. I love the big red barns in the country!

Farmer's Market

One of my favorite things about living in England was the Farmer's Market every Thursday and Saturday. Hundreds of people lazily choosing groceries, vendors shouting their specials, and pigeons littering the already crowded sidewalks. For Mandy's photo contest this week, the theme was: Food. Et voila.

I want a salad the size of my face now.

I Heart Faces - Yellow

For I HEART FACES photo contest this week, I chose a self-portrait. This was taken on the Amtrak route between Dallas/Ft. Worth and Oklahoma City a few years ago, and the sunset, I remember, was my favorite part of that journey.

Girlfriends

For Mandy's photo contest this week, the challenge is a photo of you and your girlfriends. The challenge for me wasn't finding a photo of me with my girls, rather finding a photo I took of my girls and me. Alas, I happened upon this one of my dear friend Abby and me on my first day in Juneau, Alaska. Here's to a great day, a good memory, and an excellent girlfriend.

A mother's touch

Having been blessed with the mother I have, it's easy to take gentleness for granted. But this photo reminds me that although she can be stern and disciplinary, it's her gentle and emphatically kind demeanor that makes her such a "Proverbs 31" woman.

And I love her tremendously.

Head over to Mandy's blog and enter your favorite photo of a mother!

The hands that hold the flowers

For Mandy's photo contest this week, I chose this photo of my mom and some dandelions we picked together while we were in Kansas a few weeks ago. Even more than the flowers, I love the close up of my mother's hands. When I think about all the cooking, cleaning, sewing, *disciplining*, hugging, and helping those hands have done, I am even more proud to be Judith's daughter.

Eye Spy

 

Because I love a good Friday photo contest...

Angie's back, back again...

After a 7 month hiatus, and under a new layout and title, I hereby grant you permission to stalk me via the ever elusive "Risley Blog". Though I have nothing profound to say today, I do hope you'll have a look at this film review. I wanna see it!

Also, I've been looking into getting an SLR. Oh, how grand life would be.

Oklahoma Youth In Line For Total World Domination

RISLEY HERALD NEWS SUN TRIBUNE RECORD TIMES
Wednesday, April 4

(photo submitted by Aunt Angie)


Angela Risley
Staff Writer and Biased Auntie

(AP) Edmond, Okla. - Stranger things have happened, you say? Perhaps. In a world where iPods reign and oil prices continue to sky-rocket, many Americans have decided merely to give up hope. Uneducated, 5 o'clock news-worthy comments such as "Well, what can I, a lower-class hillbilly from the Great Bill Clinton's home state, do?" and "Oprah told me to!" permeate these fifty nifty United States as Republicans, Democrats, Independents and "Dancing With The Stars" fans have collaboratively chosen the beaten path of denial.

Many worry about the state of the world. Is it really the end times? Sometimes it seems as though it is. Wars are wreaking havoc and tearing nations apart. Natural disasters continue ravaging their way along our nation's coastlines. Hilary Clinton is running for President of the United States. All of these seem to be pointing to the finale of our existance on this Earth; that is, before the Risley off-spring arrived.

Discovering the lack of responsibility amongst their fellow Americans, five Oklahoma children have taken matters into their own teeny hands. These children, all cousins and descendents of Lord Wiley and Lady Judith of Labette County, Kansas, took the time during their recent spring break to fix all the problems of the world. Leader and eldest of the cousins, 7-year-old Nik, approached the four younger children in a desperate attempt to realign the stars.

"I knew only two things could save this great country," Nik said. "Cokes for everyone and our combined forces. Without the five of us, and the wisdom we've gained by being Noonies [nieces and nephews] of our rad Aunt Angie, the world will surely crumble beneath the weight of its own disappointment. I can't, I won't stand for it."

The other Risley children include Nik's 6-year-old sister Izabella; 18-month-old sister Carlee; and cousins, 2 1/2-year-old Claire and her brother, 16-month-old Drake. All the children are pictured above sans Carlee enjoying their spring break. (Though she was unavailable for comment at the time of our interview, Carlee did agree to make a special appearance at the gala to be held in honor of our small heroes.)

In order to save the world, one consensus was unanimously reached during that week of intense meetings, snack times and backyard-playing: Laughter IS the best medicine and all you really need is Love. With their powers combined, the cousins agreed that in addition to the Cokes they would purchase using their fathers' gas cards, they would cheer their fellow students with great "Your Mom" jokes, as well as the classic "Knock, knock" and "I know you are, but what am I?" gags. Thusly, by introducing laughter to their friends, their friends could then, in turn, pass it along to their parents to perpetuate the cycle.

Hearing of the goodness these children are doing in their community, Presidential Republican hopeful Rudy Giuiliani simply stated "I heart NY and I want to make a t-shirt that says so. Vote for me."

In the two weeks since their spring break decision, much change has been noted. The sun is shining once again, children are still going "cookoo for Cocoa Puffs", and the death toll from falling Wal-Mart prices is at an all-time low. Indeed these young children must be ready to take over the world soon...just as soon as they finish this last episode of "Dora the Explorer."

It's Just Like a Mini Mall! Jungle Style - Work in Progress

Have I mentioned the love affair I have with YouTube? I'm so happy people like this exist in the same world as me.

All the carnies smell like cabbage

I was going through pics again and found this one commemorating the night I was 2 rounds away from winning a car. Taken at the Oklahoma State Fair last autumn, Travis and I (he's on my left) entered the Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament and I was doing well until some bald kid beat me out on a technicality. (The "technicality": I held up the wrong sign. Whatever.) This pic is from when we were on top of the Space Needle wannabe they've got there. Aubrie, Lucas, Travis and I rode it twice...because we're that cool.

Here's to the State Fair cinnamon rolls, Indian tacos and funnel cakes: we salute you. 

2-007

It's been 10 days since we kissed 2006 goodbye and welcomed in the year of 2-"007". I'm so excited to be in the year of Pierce Brosnan, especially since I've heard great reviews about the latest "007" movie (even if it is sans Brosnan this time). With resolutions flying around, it's common to hear about what people swear to give up, as well as what they promise to start. I do, in fact, make resolutions too, however I don't start mine until February (most people quit theirs by then anyway, so I'm just cutting out that frustrating month). This year, I've set goals for myself, etc., but part of what I want to accomplish also lies in looking back and counting my blessings. It's true, I've lived a blessed life. I want to relish in that, soak up all the memories I can and use them to make this year a great one. The best, in fact.

The photo above is of my church in Loughborough. That is from last January when we took a church hike through this beautiful, hilly area in our county. What a good looking group, huh? I'm so proud to have worked with these great, encouraging people. They remind me what I've done and how I got there; it's amazing to think of how many people help me along my daily journeys.

If I can help someone because of what I've experienced, I should. I want to. I'm resolved to.

After all, it's what 007 would do. 

Don't fake it this year...

AULD LANG SYNE

Words adapated from a traditional song
by Rabbie Burns (1759-96)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne

Meanings

auld lang syne - times gone by
be - pay for
braes - hills
braid - broad
burn - stream
dine - dinner time
fiere - friend
fit - foot
gowans - daisies
guid-willie waught - goodwill drink
monie - many
morning sun - noon
paidl't - paddled
pint-stowp - pint tankard
pou'd - pulled
twa - two

Happy 2007, everyone!

Had myself a merry little Christmas...

Of course one of the best parts of Christmas is the wonderment visible on children's faces. My 14-month-old niece, Carlee, obviously was awed by the snow and grand tree behind her.


Though we actually didn't have a white Christmas, Darren, Nik and Izabella used the snowy backdrop to their advantage as a festive Kodak moment.


Not the greatest quality photo, this sets the scene for the billowing bounty of blessings we Risley's did enjoy. (Why are kids always more enthralled with the packaging than with its contents??)


And what picturesque Christmas is complete without gawking at elaborately lit trees? We caravaned and took the whole family 45 minutes to Chickasha, Oklahoma to see the popular "Festival of Lights" on display there. Over 2 million lights transform this park into a majestically Christmas wonderland.

Now that all the hussle and bustle is over, the presents are all unwrapped, food mostly eaten and families back in their respective homes, we now prepare to transition out of this familiar 2006 and into the unknown of 2007. Whether you make resolutions or not, let me encourage you to take some time to reflect back upon the gifts you received this past year. Use the knowledge, talents, friendships and memories you gained in 2006 to illuminate the paths of 2007; make this the most joyous and fulfilling year of your life. May you plan to also, in turn, enrich someone else's life because of all you've been blessed with. And, may you also finally learn the words to "Auld Lang Syne" before midnight on the 31st so you can confidently sing along instead of lip-syncing this year!

Good tidings and all the best for you in 2007!

O, Tannenbaum

I've been taking a journey down memory lane today and came across this photo from last Christmas in England. It was my first real Christmas tree experience and I purchased it for 10 pounds from the tree lot at home store B&Q. My friend Carla-Marie came with me and we ended up taking it home that night...in her tiny car! Later she helped me trim the tree and I'm not ashamed to say that it stayed up in my home until nearly February! The conversation piece of my home that season, my wonderful friends cut a piece of its branch and made it into a tree ornament for me to have. In putting up my fake and inferior tree this December, I placed the tree branch ornament in the very front, which reminds me of the splendid holidays I spent in Loughborough with genuinely splendid friends. -- "...how lovely are your branches!"
 

Milestones = Piles of Fun

My youngest Noonie, Drake MacArthur, celebrated his first birthday with a family party last Saturday. Complete with balloons, an awesome collection of birthday presents (including a revamped hand-me-down teddy bear from his Daddy), and, of course, his own cake, Drake had a swell time.

They sure grow up fast, don't they?

Frozen raindrops on roses...

and snow play with Claire Bear... these are a few of my favorite things. Oh, what fun it is to be walking in a winter wonderland with a niece! During "The Big Chill" (as Oklahoma City tv stations were calling it) last week, Claire and I got to help my brother Dustin put up garland and lights around the outside of the house, a perfect introductory time to the season that's come upon us...upon a midnight clear.

Making a list...and checking it thrice

This past weekend as I communed with other Risley brethren for the Thanksgiving holiday, we started making our Christmas wish lists. Like usual, Dad didn't know what he wanted or needed. If you're like me, you don't like just passing out impersonal gift cards or cheap fishing lures that he probably won't use anyway. Instead, I like to search out great gifts for everyone because I'm convinced that even if they don't know what they want, there's something for everyone and that I should be able to find something worth writing home about.

A big part of this process, I think, is really paying attention to those you're shopping for. Think about their hobbies: is there something related to their hobby they could use that they maybe wouldn't buy themselves? Are they taking a family vacation next summer to somewhere they've never been? Why not let them get started on planning by giving them a great guide book or handy carry-on? For the sports fan, look online early to find your loved one some tickets to see an upcoming game, or if you know they have tickets, try to see if you can upgrade them. Concert tickets are a hit for that friend of yours who's been dying to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or why not offer to take your mom on a shopping trip for a weekend?

Still, even with my stellar ideas, you're bound to run into the inevitable of "but what do I get for ______?" Faced with my own dilemmas, I've found some fun websites willing to assist me in my giving woes. If you can't find anything on Google, eBay or Amazon, try out a couple more sites that encourage creativity. My favorites this year are Spilsbury, Gifts and Gadgets. I've found some semi-random things on here that are fun and sure to be one-of-a-kind gifts for some of my pals.

And, if all else fails, perhaps you'd be interested in buying a polar bear (at the discounted 20% off rate!) at Last Minute.

Happy Hunting!

Rolling Stones - Angie

Here's the actual YouTube video, which I had to include. I think the hat and eyeliner really add a little something...