The Hubble Telescope is celebrating it’s seventeenth birthday!!

I’d say it was a well-spent 1.5 billion dollars.

This cosmic gas was photographed in the Eagle Nebula. They’re called “Pillars of Creation”.
Isn’t this stunning?!

I’m blogging at the Chicas today about ‘fast-food’ reading.
Join us!
(And grab an order of fries on the way…)

Received an advance copy of this book this weekend.
It was written by somebody named…lessee…Amie Stuart?

Fabulous.

The cover is one of the best I’ve ever seen in this genre. The picture doesn’t do it justice. Not only do I love the forms, but the skin tones are positively glowing gold.

A hot story about three women making it in a man’s world who still manage to enjoy their own sexuality. What’s not to like?

Release date May 29, 2007, and yes, I’ll make a note of it then too—but I was so doggone proud of her I couldn’t wait.
Check it out!

IT’S HERE! IT’S HERE, AT LAST! AT LAST!!

It’s SPRING! Finally!
The winters here seem to get later and later, but this is it—my favorite season of the year.
I can tell it’s here. I can smell it. There’s a rich, fertile scent that emanates from the ground, from the growing things slowly coming back to life.

We’ve just had two days of perfect weather (a rarity here), and the air was thick and heady with it just after dusk, with a cut-out crescent moon.
In the warmer months to come, we’ll take it for granted. But right now I can’t believe how much it meant to me just to feel the touch of a warm breeze and soak up the sun through my pores.

It’s Spring!!

We’re due for a warm-up later this weekend—but right now it’s still quite cool. Small mounds of dirty, pocked snow still linger in the persistent shadows, reluctant to give an inch.

But in just a bit over two months, we’ll be greeting the Summer Solstice!!

And then???

The days get shorter again.

ARRRRRGGHHHHH!!!!!!

I’m blogging at the Chicas’ site today.
If you’re not busy, swing by for one of Auntie Raine’s little fairy tales.

First, must offer my thanks again for all who stopped by for the B-day party.
THANK YOU!!!!
It meant more than you’ll ever know.

I could not let this week pass without expressing my horror about the massacre at Virginia Tech. Even now it’s hard to believe. I found myself recoiling at the sound of each gunshot as I watched the tape on the news.
I think I can understand the kind of despair that might lead to suicide, having known more than one person who’s traveled that path.
What I CANNOT relate to is the desire to take other people, blameless souls, WITH you when you go.
My sympathies and prayers to everyone touched by this tragedy.

Ahoy Maties! It’s your friendly neighborhood Blog Admin aka Cece interrupting your regularly scheduled blog visit for a special announcement!

*taps the mike* Is this thing on? Oh GOOD!

TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY….DA DA DA DA DA DAAAAAAAA…..TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY….DA DA DA DA DA DAAAAAAAAA

And in honor of your birthday I’ve invited some friends to stop by and say a few words.

First Bernita:
My respects to Raine’s mother - for producing such a talented, unique, and lovely child.
I benefit from her thoughts, humour and insights. The “glad grace” of her.
I am so glad I found her blog.

Bailey, no pushing! I said you could go next!

Raine,

Bailey

Jordan thank you for being so patient *gives Bailey a pointed look*

Raine,

Jordan

Jaq, Jaq get in here! You’re late! Here’s the mic, GO!

R - Reliable friend
A - Articulate (and how.) Lady, you have ‘mad skilz’.
I - Indomitable Spirit. I know you’ve been going through a lot, but you never let on
N - Nice. Seriously. All capitals.
E - Extraordinarily funny as all hell.

And that was my lame-ass attempt to wish you all the best on this very special day. Happy Birthday, Raine. May all your (puritan) dreams come true, hon. ;-)

And last but not least from me. Happy birthday to one of the most important people in my life. You mean the absolute world to me and I treasure your friendship. Thank you for being you (and putting up with me). Now blow out the candles on this virtual birthday cake which CAN be eaten at 7 in the morning and know we’re all there with you in spirit.

Cece

(painting by R. Weaver)

I keep hearing that, officially, it’s spring.

Last week we had two feet of snow.
I just looked outside. It’s snowing again.

And I know I need to do housework, write, balance the checkblood, etc.

But right now, this is all I feel like doing.

So I think I will.