Bethany Hamilton and Heart of Soul ...

Bethany Hamilton is phenomenol. Not only did she survive a shark attack -- but she went back into the water!!! She is a true inspiration and so wise beyond her years. I saw this story and had to post it because the photo is beautiful and her courage and determination are just undeniable!

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 22 January, 2008 : - - Promising Surfer, Shark-Attack Victim and Bestselling Christian Author Details Her Return to the Water in New Documentary From Walking On Water Films. Bethany Hamilton, a 13-year-old girl poised to have a successful surfing career, lost her arm to a 14-foot tiger shark on Oct. 31, 2003. Yet the attack didn’t cause this determined Soul Surfer to give up and turn her back on surfing.

Instead, the attack compelled her to discover her purpose in life as she overcame the loss of her arm and began riding waves just three weeks later. The documentary "Heart of a Soul Surfer" - which is being released by the San Diego-based Christian surf film company Walking On Water - features exclusive footage of Hamilton surfing and with her family both before and after the attack, including Hamilton's first attempts at surfing with one arm and winning the 2005 NSSA National Surfing Championship just 19 months after the attack.

The documentary is a powerful story told from the heart of a young woman with great passion and dedication to God, said Mike Doyle, Walking On Water's director of outreach. The documentary, he said, digs deep into the heart of Hamilton's abiding faith in God, and tackles difficult questions such as, "Why does God allow bad things to happen in our lives?"

Since her attack, Hamilton has become an international celebrity and appeared on national news shows such as Oprah and The Today Show. She has also authored a bestselling book, "Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board." "Bethany is really an inspiration to anyone who's facing adversity or questioning the power of faith in their lives," Doyle said. "She's basically taken an event that could've easily ruined someone and used her faith and strong spirit to grow from it and help others."

Heart of a Soul Surfer is now available on DVD. For premiere dates and to view a Trailer of the film, go to heartofasoulsurfer.com Bethany will be at the free showing of 'Heart of a Soul Surfers' on January 27th at Phillip Island Adventure Resort 1775 Phillip Island Road Cowes 3922 7.30pm

http://www.heartofasoulsurfer.com

(photo by: Bethany Hamilton : photo courtesy Heart of a Soul Surfer (source: http://www.surfersvillage.com/surfing/32421/news.htm)

‘Baywatch’ Star Gena Lee Nolin On Winning Her Body Image Battle

Baywatch’s” Gena Lee Nolin seemed to be the picture of California perfection while starring on the show, but little did we know she was fighting a daily body image battle.

Gena is now finally ready to admit she went through extreme measures to stay swimsuit slim. Gena Lee is speaking out, looking to help others so they don’t fall into the same body image trap she did.

“It’s insane pressure in Hollywood,” Gena Lee told Access Hollywood. “I mean it’s so unhealthy. I lived it, I know. I have had the salad a day for a month so I could look almost just — sick, I was so thin.

“And I would even still think ‘Gosh, I think I had too much lettuce in that salad,‘ you know? I was worried about how thin I had to be,” she added.

In a looks-obsessed world, especially as a “Baywatch Babe,” Gena Lee Nolin really struggled to maintain an unhealthy weight.

“I’m 5’9 and I think then I weighed about 120 pounds which is – tiny,” Gena Lee admitted.
After having her first son, Spencer, 10 years ago, Nolin was back in that famous red swimsuit six weeks later.

“I had a private trainer, it was the whole Hollywood world I was living in,” Gena Lee said.
But now, living in Scottsdale, Arizona with husband Cale, after having second son Hudson, Gena Lee (at about 160 pounds) refuses to cave to the old Hollywood pressure.

“It is kind of sick world to sort of live in. And now my life, its, it is so different,” she said. “The whole family, my husband Cale, Spencer who is 10 and Hudson who is 18 months — thank you!” (source: Access Hollywood)

Hula Hoops Making a Comeback!

It must be official... I read it in the Post! Hula hoops once the playthings of children, are making a comeback in the adult fitness arena!

New, larger hoops are now made just for adults; their added weight and circumference makes it easier to keep the hoop spinning around the body. This means that even if you think you won't be able to hoop, chances are good that you'll catch on quickly. A growing group of people all over the world are using the hula hoop as a tool of artistic expression, meditation, fitness and unadulterated fun. They call themselves hoopers or hoop dancers, and have an online bible at Hooping.org. They can be found swirling their hips lazily in the sun at summer festivals, dancing with passion and precision in ightclubs and parties, and working up a sweat in fitness classes.

Also, game innovator of yesteryear, Wham-O, plans to bring some of its classic products -- including FRISBEES, HACKY SACKS, HULA HOOPS and others -- to the video gaming world. The company is working with FOG studios on multi-platform games, although the Wii system is obviously best for this project.

Want to give hooping a whirl? Check online for a hooping group near you at hooping.tribe.net, order an instructional DVD and premade hoop from Hoopnotica.com, or gather a few basic materials and make your own hoop (see instructions). Hooping is low impact and irresistibly enjoyable, so set your inhibitions aside and step into the spiral.

By the way, check out our hula swimsuit... just the style to wear if hoopin' at the beach : ) (Available at GetGoRetro.com)

World's First Surfing Mice - Radical Rodents!

This is really cheesy ... "get it?" : ) Sufing mice. Gotta see it to belive it!

Soda Pop Top Fashion....

Here's one way to recycle..... soda pop tops. Wish I had the patience to make my own or to have even thought of doing this, but due to time.... carpal tunnel and lack of patience, I'll leave it to others. Soda Pop Top fashions are pretty cool.....

Soda pop-top belt, 'Agnes in Gold'
Sleek and stylish, this belt by Neide Ambrosio celebrates eco-chic. Elegant in golden tones, the belt features pop-top panels held together by fine crochet work.

Soda pop-top backpack, 'Pink Dazzle'
Combining shining threads with gleaming aluminum, Neide Ambrosio
presents a delightful backpack-style purse. She crochets the innovative, modern piece by hand. By recycling pop-tops, she affirms environmental
responsibility.

Soda pop-top cell phone pouch, 'Three Colors True'
This versatile bag by Neide Ambrosio keeps a mobile phone handy. Carried on a shoulder strap, the cell phone pouch is crocheted by hand. She
incorporates pop-tops into the design, recycling them into fashionable works of art.

Reese Witherspoon's Spiced Tea Recipe - Makes a great gift!

"My grandmother had this spiced tea recipe — it's very southern. You take instant powdered tea, a can of Tang, a can of powdered lemonade, and you mix them all together with some nutmeg and cinnamon. I'm telling you, southern people will know this recipe. And you shake it all up, then you put it in a Mason jar, and put a piece of fabric on top and a piece of ribbon around it. Then, whenever you want, just put two scoops in hot water. It's the most delicious thing in the world."

I made it as an extra gift for the sisters.... it is quite good if I say so myself : )

(Source: Good Housekeeping)

Snowball the Dancing Cockatoo.... Loves the Backstreet Boys!

This is truly an adorable "feel good" video. And, this birds got more dance moves and rhythm than I have ever had in my life! Rock on Snowball!



This is a video of a medium sulphur crested Eleanora cockatoo named Snowball living at the Bird Lovers Only Rescue in Schererville, Indiana.

Snowball loves the Back Street boys and has taught himself to dance to their song "Everybody."

Esther Williams... Swimmingly Beautiful Suits

Watching the Turner Network channel and I love Esther Williams. Love her swimsuit line as well. Classy, Classic. Waterproof : )

Polka Dots One Piece Classic Sheath Swimdress Swimsuit by Esther Williams

Soft Cup Bra Tummy Control Lining Tie Halter Top Scoop Back 80% Nylon/20% Spandex Soft Cup Bra Provides Support and Coverage Tummy Control Lining Flattens Your Stomach to Give You a Smooth, Streamlined Shape

Morocco One Piece Swimsuit by Beach Native - $ 34.99
Soft Cup Bra Provides Comfortable Support Vivid Pattern Camouflages Flaws and Creates the Illusion of an Hourglass Figure Keyhole Back Prevents Slipping Straps Tummy Control Slims Waist 82% Nylon/18% Spandex

Keira Knightley Looks Gorgeous in her 1930s Inspired Swimsuit

The 1930's when less was more. And, there was a little more to the swimsuit. As you can see, a one piece full coverage IS sexy!

The beautiful Keira Knightley is taking a leap in her new film Atonement. Pirates of the Carribean. Keira is going retro for her new movie Atonement. It’s being hailed as the big British period drama of the year in Joe Wright's adaptation of Ian McEwan's best selling novel..

Knightley plays Cecilia Tallis, a young woman spending the summer on her family’s country estate. Also starring in the film is James McAvoy (Becoming Jane, The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe).

Oscar hopeful buzz is already in the air and Keira will bring an authenticity to the role that only she can pull off. She looks the part and executes the scenes flawlessly, according to an insider.

P.S. Who says swim caps aren't sexy? It sure looks sexy on Keira! And, if you are looking for a retro flair swimsuit, visit Get Go Retro!
(Sources: John How and GetGoRetro.com

Animated Singing Flamingo ... He's cute!

Anyone that knows me -- knows I love Flamingos -- and although this one is goofy looking he is still cute... cute enough to buy for Christmas... so without further adieu:

Animated Singing Santa Flamingo

It's A Wonderful Life (1946) - Feature Film Online FREE

My favorite movie all year 'round. It's a Wonderful Life! And, now with technology you can watch it on your laptop, or computer at work, play or home all for free. So whoever put this up on Google for all to see... You are my friend : ) and no man is a failure who has a friend! (via Cathy)

Hula Kitty Heads to the Beach .... She's so cute!

This is really cute ... the Hello Kitty Beach Pendant. Anyone seen the Tan Sanrio's Hula Kitty??? She is called the Hula Kitty and she is one hot chick who's not at all worried about her waistline. The huggable doll flaunts her round tan tummy in a hot pink hula skirt or bikini. At 10 inches tall, she's the right size for a child to take on a family trip to the beach. And she is cute, cute, cute. I can't find her anywhere, so I am watching for her on Ebay ....

Now, for big girls who have a little extra cash... there is the Beach Girl Hello Kitty Pendant which is cute too .... My wallet has to decide which one I get : )

This Hello Kitty pendant in sterling silver and multi-color enamel from the Hello Kitty Collection has pavé-set round diamonds totaling 1/10 ctw. and features Hello Kitty wearing sunglasses and a bikini and carrying a diamond beach bag with 18K rose gold accents. It has a bead chain.

Evolution of Dance ... IT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE!

As seen on Oprah ... I enjoyed this so much I had to post it. Supposedly it is the most watched You Tube video on record. I can see why . . . it will make you smile!

See You Later Alligator ... This bride is not a croc!

Well, isn't that just precious. A dried-out, long-dead alligator, all dressed up like a bridesmaid or bride. She's all set to offer her hand in marriage to a dashing suitor. That is, if she had hands, and not just stumps.

I hope there's an afterlife, so that this alligator can have a long discussion with whoever did this to her mortal remains. (Found on Disturbing Auctions Daily)

Advice from a Carny Worker on Beating Those Dang Games!

Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall ... we have all done the carny or midway games. Moreso in the summer at the boardwalk (at least for me), so when I read this article "Get Right Up" in the Baltimore Sun in August, I set it aside to put on my blog later. The article is on how to boost the odds of winning those dang games at the carnival. I thought it was quite fascinating. Of course I lost the paper, but did find the site from whence it came : ) With great excitement, I am posting the article here which can be found by it's original authoer Chris Ashz a 37 year old ex-carny worker in Morgan Hills, CA who traveld with Butler Amusements, Inc. a major carnival operator on the west coat; Ashz puclished a two part series "Carnival Midaway Games Revealed on his website Philaahzophy.com. It's a great read -- AND you should check out his web site. Very interesting stuff there!

Carnival Midway Game Secrets Revealed (Part One)
Posted on July 21, 2007

Men spend countless dollars every summer in (usually) vain attempts to prove their manhood by winning a prize for their girlfriend, wife or child(ren) at the local amusement park, county fair or traveling carnival. Balls are thrown, guns are shot, and rings are tossed all in an attempt to be ‘the hero’. Well, as a former carny who spent years on the road with the Butler Brothers, I’m here to give you a few tips, save you a little cash, and maybe even help you look like the ‘man’ you want your loved ones to believe you are.

First, the basics:

Few, if any, carnivals still “rig” their games. There simply is no need. The odds are already stacked in the operator’s favor, just as they are in the casinos. The prizes are so cheap when purchased wholesale and the games so challenging, that cheating simply isn’t necessary.
The ’smaller’ the business behind the carnival the more difficult the games will be to win. In other words, amusement parks (backed by multi-billion dollar conglomerates) have no need to ‘con’ you out of a few more bucks, the games on the midway at your county or state fair are run by legitimate businesses as the fair is a repeat booking with nearly guaranteed attendance, and the mini-carnivals that spring up in abandoned parking lots are the most likely to be focused exclusively on your wallet.

Befriending a carny can increase your odds of walking away with a prize, but not at the amusement parks or ‘corporate’ carnivals. Almost all carnies (those who travel from town to town) work on a commission basis. Winners bring players, so fill their needs and they may well fill yours. This doesn’t work on the high school kids working at the local theme park, as the eyes of their corporate bosses are usually keeping careful watch through nearby surveillance cameras.

Jay White, of DumbLittleMan.com recently shared his tips on “How To Beat [4] Popular Carnival Games“. He covered The Ladder, Machine Gun Star, Basketball, and Dart games, with fine advice for all, but I’ve got a few more tips for each of them as well:

The Ladder: Definitely the most entertaining carnival game for the spectators. These ladders are connected at only a single point on either end. But it’s unlike any ladder you’ve ever climbed. First off, never grab the rungs of the ladder. Your hands should remain on the outer ropes while your feet either sit above the rungs on the ropes themselves or are tucked into the corner of the rung and rope. Move like an animal - a slow, steady animal. When you remove your right foot from the ladder, your left hand should be moving and vice versa. This allows you to keep your weight more evenly distributed.

Machine Gun Star / Target: You get 100 rounds to shoot out that little star? No problem! Or so you think. This is the most difficult game on the midway, so take any edge you can get! Forget about trying to use the sites to aim, these guns receive zero maintenance. However, keep an eye on the people playing before you. Don’t worry about the ‘accuracy’ of the weapon. Instead, choose the one with the tightest shot grouping. You’ll be tempted to work your way out from the center of the target, but this is a waste of your ammunition. Instead work your way around the outside edge of the colored area. A lot of carnies will leave loading tubes sitting on the counter. These are also poorly maintained and many have their ends crimped higher up than others. Look for the tubes with the shortest amount of space below the crimp as they’ll hold more pellets. Remember that tip about befriending the game operator? They have almost total discretion to determine winners at this game, so bring ‘em a beer if you really want to win.
Basketball: Yes, the balls are overinflated, neither the ball nor the hoop is regulation size, and the backboard has more action than a Ft. Lauderdale bar during Spring Break. The key here, as in most ‘ball through hoop/opening’ games is to drop straight down. Forget the backboard and avoid the rim at all costs. In fact, remember when you used to shoot hoops by swinging the ball between your legs and ‘alley-ooping’ it up at the basket? That’s probably your best bet here as well.

Dart Balloons: How hard could it be to pop a balloon with a dart? Well, it gets more difficult when the darts are duller than the corn dog you just ate and the balloons are so limp they’re barely holding their shape. Dumb Little Man suggests bringing your own darts, but are you really interested in carrying darts around all day just for a trinket? Go ahead and use their dull darts. But don’t worry about using the ’sharp’ point to try to pop the woefully under inflated balloon. Instead, arc the dart so that it hits the board on a steep downward trajectory, thus using the weight of the dart to do the damage.

Test Of Strength: Probably the definitive midway challenge is the ‘test of strength’. Unfortunately it’s not seen much anymore. As mentioned above, even here, it’s not as much about brawn as you might think. Accuracy is the true key to taking hope the Kewpie doll. You need to land the mallet perfectly flat in the dead center of the target. Anything else just wastes energy. Grip the very end of the hammer with both hands so as to get the most centrifugal force and swing it completely over your head, using your arcing back to add power.

Speed Throw: A modern version of the Test of Strength, which measures the speed or power in a thrown baseball or football. Much like its predecessor, accuracy is far more important here than strength. Watch a few players before stepping up yourself in order to judge where the ’sweet spot’ is on the target. Hint: if you’re looking at an over sized picture of a catcher, it’s most likely not in the dead center of his glove.

Chicken/Frog/Witch Catapult: These were first introduced in the late ’80s and consist of a small catapult with a mallet attatched; a rotating table with 4 to 6 cooking pots, lily pads or cauldrons; and a stuffed or rubber critter. You place the critter on one end of the catapult, whack the other end with the mallet, and try to make the critter land in the pot. The good news is you usually get three critters and only need to get one ‘in’ to be a winner. Make sure to tuck all of the extremities (arms, legs, wings, etc.) under the body of the critter, leaving yourself with a tight little projectile. On your first shot, aim for the cauldron farthest from you and hit the catapult as hard as you can. This will give you an idea of how much force is necessary and how much is too much. Landing a prize shouldn’t be too difficult at that point.

There are many more games out there that I’ve worked over the years. In part two I share the insider secrets to another 7 midway games: Cat Rack, Water Gun / Balloon Races, Dime/Quarter Toss, Bushel Baskets, Skee Ball, Crane Games, and the infamous Milk Bottles.
Hopefully these tips will come in handy the next time the carnival rolls through your town.

The Hello Kitty Exhaust Pipe..... A cat with more than 9 lives!

Okay gotta say it. A normal cat has nine lives ... if this is (which I am sure it is) made out of stainless....this cat's got forever! The Hello Ktty exhaust pipe . . . someone's making money on this really cool idea : ) And boy does she purr.... (especially if you have a mustang (sorry -- one of my fav cars)) and roar she does at times.

(Source BoingBoing) (photos from fickr)

"In Time" by Mark Collie - The Punisher : ) -- Great Singer!

Anybody been watching "The Punisher" this week. One of the best parts of the movie is Mark Collie singing "In Time" I kind of actually went nuts over the song which prompted me to look on You Tube to see if it was just a little blurb of a song or a full song. And to my surprise (and happiness) it's a full gon..... so, of course I have to share ... : ) And, I like this guy. I had never heard of him before :) Nice talent : ) Guess I'll be buying some records this weekend.

Underwater Sculpture Garden... Beautiful and Quiet.

The Underwater Sculpture Gallery Someplace off Grenada, a ring of steel and concrete women stand rooted in the ocean floor. Eyes closed, holding hands, facing outwards from the circle, these immobile figures have stood guard for about a year. If their sculptor has his way, they will stay there for as long as they endure the effects of sea water, algae, and other aquatic agents. Jason Taylor planted the submerged women—and other figures in their concrete family—as a project in coordination with the island's ministry of culture. This "artificial reef of sculptures" represents the people of Grenada and "highlights the environmental processes" forever at work in its waters. The generous supplementary site not only shows off the sculptures in their marine home, but walks viewers through the process of creating the pieces, shares two slideshows of what happens to the work over time, and finishes with a video that indicates how eerie—and amazing—it must be to dive among the deep sea bodies. (in Visual Arts) (From Yahoo Picks)

Sand Sculptures.... Nothing but sand, water and talent.

Nothing but sand and water..... (Pray for low tide : ) ) (Source)

Fascinating Art Work: Driftwood Horses by Heather Jansch

There is nothing I can write more eloquently, than what the artist herself has written. Someone emailed me with these pictures and the links -- they are gorgeous and fascinating. Visit her site to read how and why she started doing this; it's amazing (plus she does other animals too). Here is a small snippett from HEATHER JANSCH's interview:

Q Where did you get the idea to work with driftwood?

A Entirely by chance and from seeking to find a unique form of creative expression that felt like my own. I was tired of following in other peoples footsteps. I had been working with copper wire and the sculptures were like Da Vinci’s line drawings but lacked the power I wanted. One day I while I was out my son could not find any kindling wood to light the wood-burner and had chopped up a piece of ivy that had grown round a fencing stake, he had left behind a short section that I immediately saw as a horses torso of the right size to fit straight into the copper wire piece I was working on. The next question was where could I find more or similar shapes and the answer was of course driftwood.

From more pic's visit here:

• BRONZE AND DRIFTWOOD SCULPTURE
• Rense.com