9/25/07

Facing the Giants

*Spoilers included*

I've been sick for the last several days which means lots of time on the couch watching movies. Today I chose to watch Facing the Giants. I've been ignoring it for quite some time. It sounded ultra-cheesy, like pretty much every Christian movie I've seen. Despite the bad acting, there were parts that I found to be great. I liked the way the coach sought the scriptures and chose to trust God, even when he could not see God's plan. There were some great Biblical truths spoken and demonstrated. Before you go on thinking that I really liked the movie, though, I should probably tell you that it infuriated me.
I think this movie says that if you're a really good Christian, you'll get everything you ask for. Come, rub the magic Jesus lamp and get everything you want! Okay, probably the point is that God is capable of great things in your life if you trust Him, but the way the tell this story makes me so MAD! What about when God says "no." I would have liked the movie better if they didn't win the state championship, and if the wife never got pregnant, if he never got a raise or a truck. Maybe this is coming from a bitter heart, a heart that's heard the word no a lot lately. Maybe I got the wrong impression about the movie.
Tell me what you think.

9/21/07

The Basses are Open for Business

It's that time of year again. Time to break out the bird feeders, that is. Alright, I know it's a little early. They still have plenty of mother nature's provision, but I just couldn't wait anymore! Within five minutes of putting out the black oil sunflower seeds, we had 6 house finches, 3 cardinals, 2 chickadees, and 1 nuthatch. It was a bird extravaganza! I tried to take some pictures, but they're too pitiful to post. There's no good way to take a picture through a window.

On this day in history...
Benedict Arnold committed high treason for what would, today, be about 3.5 million dollars.
The Hobbit was published.
NFL Monday Night Football debuted on TV.
The New York Sun published its famous editorial, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."
The People's Republic of China was proclaimed.
Whoever said it was just another day?

My pick of the day from engrish.com.


Have a good weekend!

9/11/07

A Hobbit at Heart

Today was the most unspeakably beautiful day. Sunny, 76, and no humidity... When I opened the door this morning, the refreshing air literally took my breath away. I immediately called for Kyle to open all the windows and let it in!

If you know me, you probably know that I love to watch things grow. If you don't know that, you should. This year was my first shot at my own yard. It's small and modest, but I did get to plant a few things. Some things failed, like my clematis, my grass, and my petunias. They simply did not get enough sunlight. Other things flourished, like my hanging basket of torenia, my mums, my impatiens, and my coleus.

These are some mums I've had the pleasure of caring for. I wasn't sure if they were actually going to bloom, and sure enough, here they are. They greet me at the door each morning. My other mums are not this far along. I am still uncertain if they will bloom.


This is one of my very large pots of impatiens. I wish I had taken before and after photos of these things. I am so proud...


This is my hanging basket of torenia. It had some rough patches, and some times when it was solid purple with blooms. I wish I had a picture of that!


These are two different coleus plants. They might be my favorite thing I planted this year. Again, they were very tiny before, but did very well in the shade of my backyard.


I've been trying all summer to catch a snapshot of our hummingbird friends. The little buggers move so fast! It's very difficult to get them to come while I'm sitting on the patio, and even more difficult to ready my camera before they fly away. I didn't take this, but I felt the need to pay tribute to our dear little birds. They'll be flying south soon :(


On the up side, we'll be putting our sunflower seed out again soon which is sure to attract a very wide variety of other birds who we haven't seen much this summer. I am looking forward to that.

My love for flowers and birds goes back a very long way. My grandparents on both sides are gardeners. My mom's father is well known in the town where they lived for 40 years as having the most beautiful yard in town. He teaches me a lot about flowers and birds too. He passed it on to my mom, and she to me. My mom could open a business with her landscaping skills. My dad's parents are also outstanding gardeners. They have a beautiful yard, but they're really known for their vegetable garden. It is massive! They grow everything from watermelon to green beans. My grandpa on that side came up with his own blend of sweet corn that is delicious. In the last ten years, my dad started experimenting with different flowers and vegetables. He has turned out to have quite the green thumb.

I had no chance but to love all things green. It brings so much joy to my life! I hope to get a pair of my own binoculars soon. I would really love to join the local Audubon society and go birding with them.

Well, the hummingbird is back, perhaps I shall try to capture it again...

9/8/07

Simple Things

I've been inspired. I came across a blog written by a woman who shares favorite things from her home and her life. So, as an intro to my new blog in a new place, I've decided to share with you a few things from my life right now.

Fall is my favorite season. The weather is turning. Football is in play. School is in full-swing. All of these things make for a happy Chelsea.

These are some delicious Autumn-themed cupcakes. I like the way they taste, and I love the way they look inside my cake platter. Next time I will try to making orange flavored icing instead of just orange colored icing.


This is a little knick-knack my dad got me last year. Everyone in my family knows I love Halloween almost as much as I love Christmas. I get Halloween gifts from them. That makes me makes me smile.


I am beginning a new craft inspired by some clearance books from Barnes & Noble (my new favorite date spot). I am no seamstress, but I believe I can similarly recreate these eclectic creatures.


If all goes well, I may even make some for Christmas gifts. Although, many in my family would not fully appreciate the awesomness that exudes from these beloved friends.


Well, dear friends, I do hope you enjoy the new blog in the new space. I will continue to paste to Xanga for those who read there. Arrivederci.