Imagine a boy whose mother was purchased for seven-hundred-dollars. The whereabouts of the boy’s father are uncertain. When the boy is but a baby he, his sister, and mother are kidnapped by night raiders and sold in a neighboring state. Mr. Carver, the original slave owner, sends out a search party, only to find the boy the lone survivor – and barely at that. He will be the only one of eleven siblings to live past childhood.

As slavery ends, Moses and Susan Carver take the boy in as their own. While they encourage reading, writing, and intellectual pursuits the attainment of such will prove difficult. He travels from family to family, city to city, school to school in the pursuit of an education. He witnesses a black man beaten to death at the hands of white men, but he does not despair. He continues to seek a place where the color of one's skin will not dictate success or failure. 

Letter after letter he submits to colleges, all in hope one will accept him. After five years, it seems persistence has finally paid off. But when school officials realize he is black the acceptance turns to rejection. So instead of professional schooling, he begins a homestead. In addition to plowing 17 acres by hand, planting rice, keeping myriad trees and gardens, he works odd jobs for others. He eventually attends college to study Botany. He is the first black student; he will go on to earn a Master’s degree, receive an honorary Doctorate, and become the first black faculty member.

Oh what a man can do with intelligence and science on his side!  Just look at this fellow - he overcame overwhelming odds though his own might and power.  This fellow - George Washington Carver - would disagree …

In his life Dr. Carver would withstand racism, criticism, and resentment. He would help poor Southern farmers yield better crops and establish a foundation. He would research natural cures, alternative forms of fuel, and find some 300 uses for peanuts, and hundreds more for sweet potatoes, soybeans, and pecans. Business leaders would seek his advice – and he would freely provide it. He would garner the respect of presidents and royalty alike. And he credited it all on his faith in Jesus Christ. Not a very PC thing to say, even in the 1920’s. But that did not sway Dr. Carver. He stayed true to his convictions. He believed God and science went hand-in-hand; and he wasn’t afraid to admit the fact.

You see, George Washington Carver understood the key to true success: "When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world." His life proved it. Chances are if we follow his blueprint, our lives will prove the same.

Those of you who faithfully visit Magpie and Muttonfly no doubt noticed Photo Fridays was MIA.  Alas, I was facing technical difficulties.  I upgraded my high-speed internet, with the intent to go wireless [squeal!].  But when I attempted to get my new service up and running I received an error [whimper] - called tech support - and was informed that, basically, my computer doesn't exist [SOB!!!].  Naturally, this news came as a bit of a shock, seeing how I have been sitting here typing away at this computer for the last seven years or so.  And there lies the rub.  The poor fellow has seen better days.

Still, I refuse to give up...

My next venture will be turning on wireless.  Do wish me luck - and anyone who happens to be around as well.  I tend to get a dreadful case of turrets in such instances.  

Until then I will continue squeezing my large monitor and laptop on a desk the size of a mushroom and performing amazing bodily contortions in a vain attempt to keep from knocking my knee on the pesky shelf - and saying things I shouldn't. 

This could quite possibly be the cutest thing I've ever seen. And who doesn't want cute on a Thursday afternoon?  Yeah, I can't think of anyone either ...

YouTube - Lets see the Dog Whisperer do this!!
  

Nothing like good old fashioned fun to bring out your competitive side … or draw you closer together … or simply make you laugh!

Scrabble...

Sea Monkeys ...

Your own personal planetarium...

A very difficult, but oh-so-impressive puzzle...

Bocce ball...

And seriously, can you even stand it ...

Click here to visit the This n’ that main page.

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Or click on one of the pictures, above, to learn more about that particular item.

*and my disclaimer: in case you are new to this site and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into, rest assured, I do not usually sell things. Actually, I never sell things. Magpie and Muttonfly’s Fantastical Finds is an Amazon “store” that I’ve put together just for fun. Basically, I recommend items on Amazon.com. Since the start, several have requested a way to see what’s out there without having to peruse every dadgum page. So here it is – and will be – every Tuesday…

The games of the XXIX Olympiad have come to a close.  The torch has passed from Beijing to London, the spectators and athletes will return home, the faithful viewers from home will finally get some sleep, and life will resume as usual. 

But the greatness of the games will remain with us forever...

• The Lopez siblings, who not only competed in the games together, but kicked their way to victory, winning 2 bronze (Steven and Mark) and a silver (Diana) in taekwondo.
• The Hungarians, who honored former teammate Gyorgy Kolonics - who died while training for The Games - by winning gold in the men's 1,000-meter canoe singles, silver in the women's 500 kayak four, and bronze in the men's 1,000 canoe double. 
• The American volleyball team, who honored Todd Bachman - their coach's father-in-law who was stabbed to death while site seeing in Beijing - by winning gold.  The first in twenty years.
• Natalie du Toit of South Africa, who didn't let the loss of a leg ruin her dreams to swim in the Olympic open water marathon. 
• Matthias Steiner of Germany, who won gold in honor of his late wife Susann, killed in a car accident little over a year ago. 
• Maarten van der Weijden of the Netherlands, who won his battle over leukemia, then went on to win gold in the men's 10k open water swim.

There are countless other names, faces, and stories.  They didn't necessarily win medals, but they won victory all the same.  They beat insurmountable odds, detours, and disappointments with grace and dignity.  For some, this was their last chance - others will once again give their all in London.  But together these athletes prove it's not the countries or the medals that make the Olympics great; it's the people.  And their individual spirit of greatness inspires us to be great as well. 

Blooms that fade with the passing of the hours are a hint of magic in your own backyard ...

Well, it's that time of year again ... time for the Western Idaho Fair.  We opted for last night simply because the headliner was CHICAGO!  I know.  I was excited too. 

We went early so we could take in the sights - peruse my friend's booth in the Ag Pavilion, meander through the art and photography submissions, say hello to the handsome steeds, be depressed at the thought of the World's Largest Pig or the World's Tiniest Horse ... you know, the usual.  We ate our share of greasy goodness, took in a competition for the Splash Dogs, sipped a thick chocolate shake.  We also became a rock star.  Oh yes, it's true.  And can I just say - the the guy who assisted us at the Qwest booth deserves a bonus ... maybe even a raise.  He actually asked if I was 18.  I love him.  Sigh. 

And the hour and a half before the show gave us PLENTY of time for people watching.  Holy Moses ... the characters that materialize for such events.  Seriously.  You could not make them up!  We had the woman putting on makeup and fluffing her hair.  Yeah.  Um.  You're at the fair.  As so often happens, we were chuckling as we watched her gaze intently upon her image in the mirror when her husband spotted us.  Oops.  He gave us a steady stink eye for about 15 minutes.   True story.    

Then there was the rather large woman with immense boobage, wearing a not-so-immense tank top.  She had a few years on her, so the perk in her boobs had drooped a bit.  But apparently it made for a perfect shelf, for that's where she kept her pack of cigis.  I wish I was making this up. 

While we're on the topic of boobs - across the isle from us there was a whole group of women.  They each boasted an impressive rock on their wedding finger, each had bleach-blond hair, wore large designer sunglasses, a tight white shirt of one sort or another - and here's the amazing part - they had matching sets of massive, perfectly-proportioned boobs.  I was in awe.  They flagged the beer guy every time he came around and flirted with the beer guy (one even asked him if he was ever interested in making a little extra money ... then she turned and I couldn't make out the rest ... wretched luck!).  And they flirted with the guy sitting behind them.  I guess their wedding rings were all about the bling.  Oh - and they kindly offered service announcements during the concert, including such valuable information as what songs they lost their virginity to.  Good to know.  Thank you for that ...

So all in all it was a splendid evening - filled with adventures of all sorts and varieties.  The only downside was it ended up costing a pretty penny:

Fair entry: $7.00

Roy burger with caramelized onions: $5.50

Fries: $3.50

Bottled water: $2.00

Coke: $3.50

Chocolate shake: $3.50

After-hours-lock-and-key-service: $45.00

That's right.  We locked ourselves out of the house and had to call in the calvary.  I guess we'll just chalk that up as yet another fair memory ...

Really, us girls don’t ask for much – a bit of time to ourselves, a nice long bubble bath now and then, a cup of tea or a glass of wine, and some deep, dark chocolat. Add jewels to the mix and we melt like butta …

Click here to visit the This n’ that main page.

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Click here to visit Jewels.

Or click on one of the pictures, above, to learn more about that particular item.

*and my disclaimer: in case you are new to this site and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into, rest assured, I do not usually sell things. Actually, I never sell things. Magpie and Muttonfly’s Fantastical Finds is an Amazon “store” that I’ve put together just for fun. Basically, I recommend items on Amazon.com. Since the start, several have requested a way to see what’s out there without having to peruse every dadgum page. So here it is – and will be – every Tuesday…

A big ol' shout out to Michael Phelps who, in case you've been under a rock for the past week, won eight gold medals in swimming at the Beijing Olympics.  That's eight events, eight gold medals, and seven world records.  

Twenty-three years old and hailed the greatest Olympian of all time, Phelps is sweet revenge for all of us who never quite fit in when we were younger.  For those who were picked on, laughed at, and otherwise harangued, Phelps is living proof that with hard work and dedication your dreams can come true, no matter what others may say. 

But Phelps can story may also serve as a warning.  To those who talk trash, watch what you say, you may have to eat your words.  To those bullies who pick on others on a whim, you may want to rethink your approach - after all, you just never know when someone under your foot will rise straight to the top.

"I cannot live without books." Thomas Jefferson

The true measure of a man's faith will be evident in the darkest of times.  It won't be in saying the right words - or the flashy deeds performed before man.  Rather, it's what happens when no one is looking.  It's being honest.  It's putting one foot in front of the other, even when you can't see where those steps lead.  It's being okay with not having all the answers. 

I've said it before, and no doubt I'll say it again: being a Christian boils down to one thing - walking in the footsteps of Jesus.  Jesus lived the life of a man - he laughed, he cried, he enjoyed time with friends, and he faced the agony of personal temptation.  We have a hard time with that one.  We have a hard time seeing him as human.  But he was.  He didn't skip to the cross.  He dreaded it. He prayed to his Father in heaven, if there was any other way, take the cup from him.  And then walked the path that was set before him ...

I dare say it was his human qualities that drew people to him. 

The video, below, is a good example of walking in His footsteps.  If you have yet to witness a true Christian in action, now's your chance; if you think being a Christian is all about show, you'd better take notes.  And one more thing, grab some tissues ...        

YouTube - Steven Curtis Chapman Family on Good Morning America 8/6/08
  

Bubble bath … candles … what could possibly make it any better? Why chocolate of course!

Click here to visit the This n’ that main page.

Click here to visit the What a girl needs main page.

Click here to visit CHOCOLATE.

Or click on one of the pictures, above, to learn more about that particular item.

*and my disclaimer: in case you are new to this site and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into, rest assured, I do not usually sell things. Actually, I never sell things. Magpie and Muttonfly’s Fantastical Finds is an Amazon “store” that I’ve put together just for fun. Basically, I recommend items on Amazon.com. Since the start, several have requested a way to see what’s out there without having to peruse every dadgum page. So here it is – and will be – every Tuesday…

I love books.  I love to read them, I'm working on writing them, but most of all, it's the books themselves that I love.  And I love antique books most of all.  The beauty of today's hardback lies upon the dust jacket - take it off, line the book up with hundreds of others, and you won't be able to tell the difference.  But such is not the case with books of old...   

Leather boards, embossed boards, gilt lettering, gilt edges, raised bands, gold endpapers and color illustrations painted by hand, guarded by tissue ... the value placed upon the written word was displayed in the details.   

Then there's the feel of the books.  There's something great in their weightiness.  You have only to hold one in your hands to see it's true.  

And oh, the stories they could tell - and not simply those printed upon the page.  The people they've come in contact with, the places they've been, the continents traveled would tell all sorts of tales and adventures.  My copy of The Antiquary, for instance, was given as a gift, Christmas 1897, Ben-Hur was given the following year.

Granted I may not own any that will garnish a high price, but they are valuable to me. And I've only begun my library.  Still, large collection or no, I find myself sitting there, gazing at my books with a silly smile on my face.  True, people may say I'm a throw back; they may say I need to get a life.  Perhaps.  Or perhaps I simply know how to appreciate a thing of magic when I see it ...

That's the beauty of summer ... you can gather a bit of sunshine and bring it inside

There are an estimated 27 million slaves alive today. They include male, female, young, old, domestic, and sex slaves. They have been tricked, kidnapped, and sold by members of their own family. While most reside in India or Africa, you may find them anywhere. They may be in your own backyard – even if you reside in a magnificent home in the United States. That’s right. The United States of America is far from immune; each year at least 14,500 slaves are trafficked into the U.S. Each year …

We like to think slavery has been abolished. In reality, it’s merely changed.

Due to economic and social trends, there has been a resurgence of human trafficking throughout the world. Thankfully, Free the Slaves – a 501(c) 3 organization – is determined to fight it. Working with businesses, fellow organizations, and concerned individuals, they work the front lines – working to free those currently enslaved. They seek to inform all people of the slave trade. They research. They take action to add, change, and enforce policies that will ultimately eradicate the slave trade. But they cannot do it alone.

Partner with them today. For everyone deserves the right to live free.

Interested in this charity?

Free the Slaves received four (4) stars on Charity Navigator. To check out the full report, click here.

To learn more about modern-day-slavery and what you can do to end it, visit Free the Slaves website at http://www.freetheslaves.net

Or click here to purchase the book that started it all.

So. We have our bath treats. Now we just need to set the mood – and nothing does it quite like the gentle glow of candle light...

Click here to visit the This n’ that main page.

Click here to visit the What a girl needs main page.

Click here to visit candles.

Or click on one of the pictures, above, to learn more about that particular item.

*and my disclaimer: in case you are new to this site and wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into, rest assured, I do not usually sell things. Actually, I never sell things. Magpie and Muttonfly’s Fantastical Finds is an Amazon “store” that I’ve put together just for fun. Basically, I recommend items on Amazon.com. Since the start, several have requested a way to see what’s out there without having to peruse every dadgum page. So here it is – and will be – every Tuesday…