A Family Tradition

Exactly when did the Popcorn garland get started? It has been said that the Native American's discovered popcorn by accident. They were cooking it over the open fire when it began to pop.  Can you imagine the looks they had on their face the first time it happened!? Early American-colonial times.  


It became more popular during the great depression.  And it was cheap.


Do people still do the popcorn garland for Christmas?  Well, count me in every year!

Cute As A Bug's Ear

I have been told that 'I'm as cute as a bugs ear'.  Me at 40!  My first thought of this was flattering.  I mean who would have thought someone or anyone would call me that.   I was curious though, when and where did this saying get started.  And do bugs really have ears?

At least one source suggests that the phrase as cute as a bug's ear originated in Texas in the 1930's. If it truly derived from the phrase as cute as a button, the origin dates back to the 1800's. Saying something or someone is as cute as a bug's ear is saying that something is attractive. This phrase is most often used when referring to something small or of small stature.

Now, about a bug's ear. No, they do not have ears like we do. They use their body's to feel the vibrations all round. 

Paid to Volunteer? Really?

There is an awesome non profit organization in the US that relies greatly for their volunteers. Especially around the holidays. But then I see this add in the local newspaper...The ---- is now accepting applications for the position of bell ringers for the upcoming Christmas campaign. Employment will last from Nov 19-Dec 24, exclusive of Sundays. Applicants must be prepared to stand long hrs and be good at working with the public. All applicants must pass a background check. Salary is $7.25/hr. Applications may be picked up at -------. Really, people are that disparate that they want money to do something that should be an honor to help others. 
What is this world coming to...???


Each year many Corps of ----throughout the nation have partnered with VolunteerFIRST and this RingBells.org web site to make it easier for individuals find and register for volunteering opportunities in their local community.

Can you imagine?

Things are going really good in your life; good friends, good family, awesome job. Then something happens and it's all over.  Has life ever stopped you in your tracks? I don't get it sometimes.  But it does make a person think who really cares about the people this happens too.

You can only imagine what can be going through this persons mind right now. They want to hold onto everything they have because it is so precious to them; the house, the car, the job, the family, friends....It would be like their identity has crashed and un-mendable.  They wander around like an empty shell looking for anyone who will reach out to them just to talk to them. They hope the phone rings just to hear a voice speaking into them.  They are out in the town just hoping that the people they use to know will recognize them and say hello.

Sure they do attend Church and they are very stable in Faith.  But once the day is done...... Then What?

Serving Time

If a person works community service and their kids are out for early release on Friday, exactly what does that look like?

Really, what do you think?  Well, one thing for sure this looks like, not knowing the person in question is...
The parent is a convict working off money doing community work at a local work farm and the kids are only following in their footsteps. Why? They have a get out of jail card and are eligible for early release.

Now seriously would and could this really happen? In today's world yes. Today's world judges too quickly about people and they don't want to look beyond the lines and colors.  If they would just stop and look they would see that this person could be a single mom working for a Federally funded agency to support her family. The kids happen to only have 1/2 day of school on Friday, so they get out of school early.

So, I'm asking what story do you believe?