Random pointless post.

This makes me smile.  That is all. :)

Soul Knitting, Part 2

Tonight, I'd like to one again bring to your attention some very dear friends of mine.

First off this evening, is a very dear lady who recently lost her husband.  Her husband was ill for over two years, and she cared for him.  They had been married for more than 40 years.  The grace and faith with which she has met this new chapter of her life amazes me.  Though she experiences deep grief and loneliness every day, she still gets up and goes on.  I don't know how someone can look at this woman and still not see Christ.  She truly lives as if she believes that she will see him again someday.  She is truly a testament to enduring grace. I love you, my dear friend, and I pray for you often.

Next, we have a wonderful lady in her early 30's.  She is a para-educator (with a Master's degree!), and works in special education.  And not just ANY special education classroom, specifically with children who have behavioral and emotional disabilities. Wow. She is patient, and loving, and kind.  Not to mention absolutely adorable.  She is one of the funniest people I know.  And being able to make me laugh is one of my very favorite traits in anyone.  Love you, girl!



And a very, very dear lady.. she is a homemaker, and homeschooling mom of 7.  She has little ones and grown ones, and an absolutely adorable grandson.  She's sweet, compassionate, smart and loving.   Her kids rise up and call her blessed.  And so do those fortunate enough to call her "friend".  I am honored to be among those who can.  Her husband truly got a gift from God when he got her.  I love you!

And our final friend for this evening, a truly lovely, sweet woman.  She's also a homeschooling mom, 5 kids for her.  Some at home, some grown, and adorable grandbabies. She's sweet, and softhearted, but by no means a doormat.  She has no problem standing up for what she thinks is right, and she often goes against the grain.  She's a better person than I am, and she encourages me to be better.  She's everyone's mom, and I don't imagine she's ever met a stranger.  Love you!

Saturday Smiles

It's a gorgeous, almost Spring day here in Southern IL, and I'm in a good mood.  So I'm going to start my own meme. :)

Here are some things that never fail to make me smile.

Daffodils!

Daffodils are the first sign that the long, dark winter is over, and Spring is on it's way. And they're such hardy little things.. they'll survive wind, rain, snow, and ice.. because they're not always quite right on the "Winter is over" thing. :)

Coffee, in general, and lattes in particular.

There is no better way to start a brand new day than with a beautiful, caffeinated cup of hot coffee. :)

Puppies!

Look at them.  How can you look at a sweet, soft, little bundle of fur and NOT smile?  They're so cute and soft and.. uh-oh.  Puppy fever is kicking in again.

What are some things that make YOU smile?

Modern Day Etiquette or "How not to be a rude jerk"

I had originally intended today to continue my series on friendship (have no fear, it WILL continue), but today something caught my notice.  It's nothing new.  When working with the public, the lack of manners, common courtesy, and respect for others is glaringly obvious.  And this bugs me.  And since, hey, this is MY blog.. I am going to vent here.

Cell Phones

Everyone has one.  It's how we keep in touch.  Call, text, update your Facebook status, check the weather, local movie listings, find a recipe, all right there in your pocket.  Except.. people can't seem to leave it in their pocket.  I've often noticed a group of teenagers walking together, in a store or down the street.. and most of them are using their phones.  This shows such a disturbing lack of respect for those around you.  If you want to spend time with a friend, then PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY and spend time with them.  To me, when I am speaking with someone, and they pull out their phone, it says "You are unworthy of my attention."  

It is thoughtless, rude, and shows a decided lack of manners.  It is not a credit to you.  It does not make you look important, that you just have SO MUCH going on in your life that you can't put away your phone for 10 minutes.  It makes you look like a rude idiot.

I had a woman, just today, walk up to the deli, and without pausing in her phone conversation order hot food and sliced meat, and keep walking.  Really?  REALLY? Get over yourself.  What did people do in the grocery store before cell phones? Are you so incapable of face-to-face human interaction that you cannot interact with a real, live human being without hiding behind your phone?

When you're in a restaurant, turn your ringer off.  When I am having dinner with my husband, I do not want to hear Snoop Dogg blasting from the table behind me.  Learn some manners.

Other inappropriate places for cell phones:  Libraries, courthouses, funeral homes, offices of any sort (doctor, lawyer, etc.), churches, theaters.  

When you're checking out at the grocery store, don't talk on your phone, or text.  Working in public sucks bad enough without people actively refusing to acknowledge your existence.  Yes, that cashier really has to ask how you want your groceries bagged.  Yes, she really has to ask you if you found everything.  Learn some manners.

When you're talking to a friend, for the love of all that is good, put away your phone.  You are a jerk.  When we are having a conversation, don't get your phone out and start texting someone else.  Learn some manners.

Children in Public

Here's another one.  Teach your children manners.  I understand that if you're reading this, and think the above points were blasphemous that you, yourself, don't have any manners.  But work on it.  And teach your children manners.  Teach your kids how to act in public.  If your kid can't behave him or herself in a store, and runs around like a little heathen, put them in the cart.  Or better yet, leave them at home.  I have seen kids running around in a local store knock an elderly woman down.  And when said children were escorted back to their mother (who was, shockingly enough, on her phone), she didn't seem to have a problem with it.  10 minutes later, they were back running around. Teach your kids to behave.  I can't do it for you.  Trust me, I would if I could.  Teach them how to act in a public place.  Teach them how to show courtesy and speak respectfully to others.  Bratty kids don't just grow out of it.  They are trained out of it.  It's all on you, parent or guardian.  

Well, now that I've got that off my chest....

Soul Knitting or "Biblical Friendship"

I am a part of a very special group of women.   There are about 40 of us, give or take. We have no common thread.  We come from all walks of life, all areas of the country, and are a wide variety of ages.  We have all different interests, hobbies, perspectives on life.  We are mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, grandmothers, and friends.

I love these women.  They have my back. :)

Everyone adds their own unique experience and point-of-view to the group.  I'm not sure what I have to offer, but they accept me.  They love me.  They pray for me.

And today I'm going to shine the spotlight on a few of these women, as a reminder of how much they mean to me, and how wonderful they really are.


One of the personalities among us are a beautiful, blonde, 30-something, single midwife. She is an independent and strong woman. She is a fighter. She is still overcoming a very confusing, inhibiting childhood.  My dear friend has a heart that seeks after God.  She desires so much to do God's will, and has such a heart for people.  Her kindness and wisdom touch me every day.  I love you, my friend.

Next up?  A 40-something mother of 4.  She has a husband with disabilities, 3 grown children (one of whom struggles with mental illness), and a teenage son.  She has had to bury a child. Her family has financial difficulties.  She does not have an easy life, but she loves with her whole heart, unrestrained in any way.  She is the most loyal, loving person I know.  She is strong.  Her ability to pick up the pieces, super glue them back together, and keep on going is such an inspiration to me.  She will give you the shirt off her back, and then ask if you need the ones in her closet.  She amazes me.  I love you!

Now allow me to give you a glimpse of another dear friend.  This gorgeous 20-something is one of the most interesting people I know.  Another one who had a childhood that has/is definitely worthy of some overcoming, she never fails to surprise me and make me laugh.  She has no reason to trust, and yet she does.  She is a strong, independent woman.  She has no desire to marry or have children, and yet she's a wonderful caretaker, and loves her niece with all of her heart.  She's beautiful, smart, and funny.  I know you don't like to hear it, or say it, but I love you, my friend, and I am so proud of you.

Last, but certainly not least, is one of my favorite people.  She has amazing children.  She has a husband who, a few years ago, had a traumatic brain injury, and some days, is not the man she married.  And yet she stays.  And she loves.  She is loyal.  She is committed.  I know that some days, her heart aches, and yet she goes on.  She's a fighter.  And her husband and her family are her whole world.  She also has a love for animals unlike anyone I've ever known.  She's spunky, and I admire spunkiness above almost any other trait in a woman.  I love you!

Well, it's late and I must get to bed, but I will definitely be revisiting this topic in the days to come, so if you don't see yourself in this post, have no fear.. your day is coming.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done

Meet my lovely new neice, Amiya Leeanne Gray.

Amiya was born at 6:06am on Monday, January 3, 2010. She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 19 inches long.  The above photo was taken on January 12.  Isn't she beautiful? :)

When she was born, there was a knot in her umbilical cord.  We also later found out there was infection in the placenta.

She had a seizure when she was just a few hours old, and was transported to St. Louis Children's Hospital.

They ran tests, put her on anti-seizure medication, the whole 9 yards.

On Friday, January 8, she was in a coma.  She was declared brain dead.  My brother and sister-in-law made the impossible decision to take her off life support, and let her go Home to be with the Lord.

On Sunday morning, she woke up.  Her reflexes are improved, she's drinking from a bottle.  Her brain activity still isn't what it should be, but praise God, she's ALIVE.
My ladies group (Love you gals!) and I prayed for a miracle, and God gave us one.
We're continuing to pray for an even bigger miracle - a complete recovery for this beautiful little one.

Genesis 18:14a - Is any thing too hard for the LORD?

Jeremiah 32:27 - Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Mark 10:27b - With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Luke 1:37 - For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 18:27 - And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

I suck at blogging.

That is all.

P.S. I'm a horrible habit maker

Yeah.. not so great at remember to blog. But it will come!.. I hope.

Anywho, this evening's post comes to us courtesy of a great book I want to talk up, that I just finished reading.

This one:

This Book is Overdue

It's a story of librarianism (Is that a word? It is now) in the digital age. Interesting, informational, and funny. As an online librarian myself, I found it to be quite informational and interesting. I learned things that I can apply personally to my work, and things that I never knew existed. (Libraries on Second Life? Really?)

I would recommend it to anyone in the profession, as well as those just interested in learning more about how libraries are still functioning and more vital than ever in a time when the paper and ink book seems to be taking a back burner. Read it, Love it.

And speaking of Spring...

A new habit

The best way to make something a habit is to do it repeatedly until it becomes.. well.. a habit, lol. So here I am, blogging again, though I don't have much to say.

Oh! Wait! I DO have something to say.

 to my wonderful husband!

So something kind've entertaining happened to me last night. I was at work (5 - midnight, fun times.), and these 6 college students come in and buy a 50 inch TV.

Now keep in mind that there were already 6 of them. And they were from TN. Turns out, they had a really small car. I'm not sure how they fit in the car to begin with.

Two of those poor boys rode home in the trunk last night. Haven't heard of any dead college students, so hopefully they made it home safe. Let me know if anyone finds anything in the news.

Another great thing is that January is almost over. Spring is that much closer, woo! I'll soon be looking for the daffodils, the first true sign of spring. :)

Raising the blog from the dead....

Wow.. haven't been here in awhile. Since my last post, I've gotten married, acquired a job I love, and one I just tolerate. Also 2 new kittens, in addition to Miss Belle.

 The babies. :)

Anywho, married to the love of my life, who'll be 30 tomorrow. Yay birthdays!

I'm a library assistant at the Lawrence Public Library District. (See link. And "fan" me on Facebook. Do it. Now.

Also a cashier / part-time accounting associate at Wal-Mart. Good times.

But yeah, just a quick update for now.
I do intend to start posting more often than every 5 years, though, rest assured!

Happy 4th! (Well.. Early, anyway)

The 4th of July invariably brings about thoughts of hot dogs, and fireworks; hamburgers and swimming.

And while there's nothing wrong with dedicating this day to spending time with your family and friends, many people often forget the true history behind this day. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on this date in 1776, indicating the intent of the American colonies to remove themselves from the oppression of the British king.

Many men died in the Revolutionary War, supporting the idea of American Independence. Many men and women have since died, for that same ideal.

So while you're barbecuing this weekend, or on Monday, and attending fireworks displays, remember to thank a soldier for the freedom you enjoy.

Remember our soldiers overseas, spending Independence Day away from their families, to ensure the continued freedom of the US, as well as the new freedom enjoyed by the Iraqis.

If your father, or grandfather fought in World War II, or Korea, or Vietnam, thank them. Thank them for their service, as it enabled Americans to continue to have the freedom we hold so dear, but that some take for granted.

And also...

Happy birthday to my cousin, Melissa, who turned 21 today! 

I have returned!

Having spent the last month away from the Blogosphere, you'd think I'd have lots to write about. Unfortunately, that isn't true. Other than my multitude of spider bites, the only thing I can think of to write about is the trip Joe and I took to Shawnee National Forest over the Memorial Day weekend.



There's a couple shots of the scenery. Both were taken at Garden of the Gods.

And, just because I want to, here's some shots of Joe and I. :)



These pictures, and more can be found at Scenery and Audrey and Joe

Quick update...

On the wonderfulness that is me... And on my favorite Idol-wannabes, of course. :)

What am I going to blog about when the season's over? I guess I'll get to that when it comes.

In case anyone missed it, and relys on THIS blog for their Idol updates, here we go: After Scott, Anthony went home. Everyone saw that coming.

Last week, the lovely, perky Vonzell was sent home. I saw that one coming to. And coming up this week, the final showdown between Bo and Carrie. Carrie has been a favorite of mine from the beginning, but I see Bo taking it all. However, I also feel like Carrie will get a record deal. No one should be deprived of that beautiful voice. :)

Anywho.. enough Idol. On to me.

At this particular moment, I'm waiting for my wonderful fiance to get off work. He's on overtime yet again, but he can always use the money, with the car payment for his Caddy coming up in a couple weeks.

Yes, faithful reader. We got a Caddy. A 1992 Sedan DeVille. It's.. purple/silver/charcoal... Okay, I have no idea what color it is. Hopefully the registration will come back from the state soon, and we'll solve the great Car Color Mystery.

On the agenda for this weekend: laundry, and.. beyond that, I have no idea, but I'm sure we'll be able to come up with something.

And hopefully, I'll get down to blogging more often next week...

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend!

It's TUESDAY!

Yaaaaay.. okay, there's really nothing all that exciting about Tuesday..

But it is another American Idol performance night. I don't know that I'll be able to watch without having Constantine to look forward to, but as they say, life goes on.

The only way that American Idol can redeem itself, in my eyes, is to send Scott home this week.

And for all the scoffers, my relationship with Joe is back on an even keel. I think the time we spent apart did us a world of good, and we're getting along better than ever.

We managed to work out all our issues, and get everything straightened out, and I've never been happier.

Oh, Happy Day.... :)

Here lately, I've been working on getting a life... :)

Anyway, I still wanted to be friends with Joe, so we went to a party together last night. A wedding reception, actually..

We ended up getting back together, and we sat up and talked all night, and then spent all day today together.

We had lunch at a really good buffet restaurant, called Ty's. (If any of my readers are every in Olney, IL, I highly recommend it.)

Then we went to Wal-Mart, where I was presented with 8 lovely "Red Intuition" Roses:



As well as a lovely pink candle, which $0.50 of the cost went to benefit the Breast Cancer center at City of Hope.

We then went to Sam Goody, where he got me an Evanescence t-shirt. And then I was like.. okay, no more shopping.

But, I had a really good weekend, and I get to wear my ring again. :)

No more rain...

Some friends and I are supposed to go out tomorrow night.. we're going to an outdoor concert on the river. Unfortunately, it's raining. A lot.

Last time we tried to go see this band, it was at the same venue.. and the show was rained out. I really wish it would just stop raining.

I've been looking forward to this for the last few days, and if my plans get ruined, I'm going to throw such a fit...

And in other news, in the life of AuDz.. On Sunday afternoon, I'm supposed to go get my stuff from Joe's house, and take him his, and that'll be the end of that.

Worst day of my life...

Well.. today was, without a doubt, the worst day of my life. I broke up with Joe.

We've basically been making each other nothing but miserable for a long time. I want him to be happy, and if us splitting up is what it takes for him to be happy, then so be it.

He'll always have a piece of my heart, though.

I'm watching Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind right now... it seems like such a good idea.

But then again..

I submit, for your reading pleasure, "The Dance", written by Tony Arata, and performed by Garth Brooks.

Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared 'neath the stars above
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye?

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end,
The way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance

Holding you I held everything
For a moment wasn't I a king
But if I'd only known how the king would fall
Hey, who's to say? You know, I might have chanced it all

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end
The way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance

Yes, my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance

After a long pause...

I have returned.. for a short time.

My Gram will be 79 this year, and isn't in the greatest of health. She cannot live alone. My cousin was living with her, but basically, she fought the law, and the law won, so I've been staying there.

Over the last couple weeks, I've had a few interesting "firsts". I got manure under my nails for the first time. Gram went to Rural King, and came home with two new lilac bushes, and a 40-lb. bag of manure.

I planted a tree for the first time. My cousin and his wife just bought a new house, and they've been redoing the yard, and she brought Gram flowers (yes.. more manure), and an oak sapling.

I rode a riding lawn mower for the first time. My Gram lives on an acre, that's basically nothing but grass. It took a long time...

I got a sunburn for the first time ever.. courtesy of volunteering to cut the grass.

My cousin goes to court on Thursday, so I may or may not find out if I'm coming home, or moving in there officially.

But for the time being, thanks for reading, I'll try to blog more next weekend, if I come home.