This Pretty Lady is from Illusions Art Gallery; thank you, Joyce.

Hi there! Boy, I'm so glad you
showed up to visit. I've got some of the most beautiful music; poetry, and
peaceful links that will let you just relax, and enjoy
yourself.

I made up a CLASSICAL AND
SERENE play-list of 100 songs; for that Sunday morning when you wake up early -
the birds are at the feeder, and you bring in the cool air along with the
smell of Carnations or Lilacs.

If you'll
just click
here, you'll enjoy 100 songs (or pick your own from the play-list). I
like
to just 'let them play' in order; it lasts for about 4 to 5 hours - we have
breakfast late; and by the time the sun is setting a bit, we've enjoyed
music
the entire day.

.

That link is: http://www.playlist.com/node/26835345.

There's a little surprise
waiting for you when you open this link. Not only will you get to select your
own music, but there's an adorable little lady waiting for you. She was born on
9/11/07 - she watches over the music.

When you click the link,
you'll meet: "Bella". With her tiny hands folded, she'll be asking:..."and
how
may I help you"? I think she knows the names of all the songs - at least
she
certainly looks as if she could answer any question you might
have.

I
think her favorite song is Malaguena - it's the last one on
the list.
She's partial to Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring and Ave
Maria.

Bella definitely is a music
lover - she's the appointed 'care-taker' of all things
'lovely'.

I really had fun today; printing out my FREE SHEET MUSIC! My link is on the left; Sheet Music Fox.com.
Also, I have another great lady to
introduce; she sings as beautifully as that demure lady with the Carnation
looks! Yes - that painting makes me think of Sarah Brightman, so here's one of
my favorite melodies - you can open it up; put it in your computer 'tray', and
enjoy it throughout the day. To get the song, just....

Click http://maidensheart.tripod.com/scarfair.mp3. - then diminish the
window so you can come back, and gaze on this painting a bit
longer.

Thanks to the kindness of
Joyce at Illusions Gallery, I've been allowed to put the prettiest
picture of a gracious and lovely woman at the very top of the page. This lady
reminds me of Sarah Brightman. I've seen Ms. Brightman in concert - she always
is surrounded by fragrant flowers as well.

You'll find Joyce's link and
gallery on the left - under the title Illusions!

All the links are
alphabetical to make it easy to find. I hope you'll take a minute to select some you like.

For the delightful sounds of
the forest: http://www.lime.com/files/meditation_room/forest_loader.html.

For the cool, calming sounds of the
water: http://www.lime.com/files/meditation_room/water_loader.html.

For the
peaceful piano music of winter: http://www.lime.com/files/meditation_room/winter_loader.html.

For the ethereal sounds of space, and
the beauty of the various planets and moon: http://www.lime.com/files/meditation_room/room/space_loader.html.

Now: While that plays, go to http://wonderofitall.com. Are you enjoying all of this like I am? I hope so.........

Let me WELCOME YOU - to a beautiful art-piece & music!

By permission of the owner (Joyce), who is also listed on the left-hand side of my 'blog-home', under ILLUSIONS, I think you'll 'gasp' when you see the beauty of this angel!

Joyce has thousands of prints; from the old masters to
the current. I was able to get her approval for uploading this particular
painting, for all of you to enjoy!

Joyce's address is: Illusions Gallery, 122 Lee Street, Carrollton, GA 30117.

You can enjoy her beautiful collection through this link - I spend hours looking at her latest additions to the enormous collection she already has. Speaking of looking, how about listening and looking! This seems to go so well with 'any angel' you might encounter during your day. Try: http://www.bettertobless.com/movie2.html.

I don't publish her prices because I don't represent her; just appreciate all that she's done, to bring nominally-priced prints of some of the most beautiful original pieces of art, to the homes of those who could never afford an 'original' (including me). The Illusions Gallery, and Joyce - thank you so much. http://illusionsgallery.com/.

Diane

Envision: Computer, Mouse, and slightly over-weight tired Lady....

I'm sorry I forgot to save that cartoon so you could see it.

So - envision that over-weight woman; staring at her computer - she's got her

hand on her wire-less mouse; the caption reads:

Lose five pounds - just click your mouse 6,000,000 times! Aha - well I guess I've kept slender for 65 years because I've either been chasing a mouse - or clicking my wire-less mouse at least 6,000,000,000,000 times. The downside? I've killed a lot of AA batteries (Duracell loves me).

Anyway......

I'm so glad you came to visit.

In fact, if you'd like to read the card I've left for you, click one - and then again after the picture loads, and turn up your sound. Here it is:
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1447327202722&source=jl999
Diane

"I woke up this morning"...who remembers Boston? Who remembers the Who!

When you visit here, I hope you'll feel as at home as I do. I just love music; all kinds. I've created a 'place' where there's nothing but music, art, poetry, links to recipes - family living/ideas on how to help your children in this somewhat disrupting world (at times).

I've brought a few friends along; their links - the kind of friends who'll make you smile, as they make me happy also. Young people in some cases; the future leaders and inspirational spirits that I remember trying to be myself.

I've included a picture of a
new great grand child (down this page) - my how the years have passed. Being
sixty five - feeling so alive; that's how I picked my 'moniker' and the name of
my web-site.

A friend of mine reminded me
how it had 'sparked' her memor of the movie Short Circuit. Johnny-five-alive; so
I ordered the DVD of both Short Circuit, and Short Circuit II. I'd seen it
several times years ago - this week, we watched it 3 times - it's as charming
now, as before.

So many of the scenes have you
laughing; some have you crying as dear Johnny-five tries to avoid being
'disassembled' (made dead). In Short Circuit II, Johnny has another 'adventure'
- and nearly dies in this movie...but, of course, is
saved.

My favorite
movies similar to this, are ET - loving something that isn't as loveable to look
at, as you might think at first. Yet, both Johnny Five and ET have such
exceptional personalities; such kindness - it reminds me we all love the SPIRIT
of the person - what they look like has little to do with anything in life,
really.

My favorite character in Star
Wars is Yoda - his wisdom; his understanding - his patience, but he is not any
George Clooney or Clark Gable, now is he!

When you go back in time, to
the old movies - The Hunchback of Notre Dame - do we all feel love and
compassion for this 'character'? Of course we do - again, we see his plight, and
our hearts go out to him.

Do we see the heart-break of
the 'monster' created by Dr. Frankenstein? We can even feel like that 'monster'
on those days we're looking into the mirror - we simply don't feel as if we 'fit
in'. We view our 'scars' as ugly - they're not. We think we're not 'perfect' -
no one is.

We seek cosmetic surgery if
we have the funds for it - and why? We're trying to capture a 'youth' - yet, it
is how we ACT that will be 'youthful' as well as
useful.

Haven't we rejoiced at such
characters as 'Granny' on the 'Beverly Hillbillies'?? Wasn't it her spunk; her
zest, and her wit that charmed us?

How about the Golden Girls - all 3 were special,
yet 'Ma' seemed to catch my eye and heart more often than
any.

Carol Burnett made us laugh
at the character she created - the woman that wielded the mop in those late
hours! How fun we had as we could 'relate' to her; and think of all those who
are willing to work those late, long hours to make our hotels and office
buildings so clean and bright when we come to work the next
day!

Vicki Lawrence - 'MaMa' - now
that's a show (and a character) I go bonkers for! Again, she 'steals' the show
with her wit; her tenacity, and for speaking the truth - no matter how it might
sting.

~~~OH YES, AND WHAT I LIKE
MOST IS WHEN I'M HERE~~~

This place won't have those 'pop-ups' driving
you buggy. This place won't have any bad or shocking news. This place
won't make you feel anything but 'empowered' by the wisdom of the quotes; the needed information that makes you more confident
to handle your day - just as it does me.

This place will let you link to some science; some people who are providing good services and information in the business world - ideas that you can utilize if you're in the work-place.

For me, being retired, I thought about that saying: Twice Tired - tired once from working; tired twice from not working! So, I had to make a REAL 'home-page' no more 'bad-news' bears for me. And speaking of bears, my story of my bear (THIGS) will talk 'happy talk', as he takes the both of us back to the time when he was as active as I was.

This site isn't going to be broken into 'pages' - archived entries that make you have to click here and there. It's going to be just one 'long' list of memories for me; one nice place to skip from link-to-link finding all the beautiful things one needs to relax; unwind - or even 'wind up' for the day.

How do I wind up? Well, I link
to http://search.playlist.com/ - type in Boston; get their
song:

"More Than
A Feeling", and they start singing......yup - "I woke up this
morning"..............

And speaking of morning: If you like religious and spiritual music, start your day with Ave Maria or Amazing Grace.

All the music is at your finger-tips; just know the name of the song. If you want to select by an artist, or musical group, do it that way.

For my dearest
friend, Shirley - well LeAnn Rimes does have 62 beautiful songs (including
Amazing Grace), and although you had trouble with the connection, do remember
that you need to have other computer activities shut down, to insure the best
transmission.

When you
e-mailed me about the problem, I checked this out tonight; my goodness, how she
can sing! I had the most wonderful time going through 20 of her 62 songs, and
with your voice, my dear, I can hear you across the miles as you sing with her.
I do hope Jim is doing better; that the music will calm you through those late
nights after you come home from the hospital. Give it another 'go' - and send my
love to him; as my love goes to you right now!

Are you older than me? Hooray - that's good; more gray hairs to enjoy. Well then you might enjoy the music of Mantovani - Blue Spanish Eyes; Fascination, or Beautiful Dreamer.

Whoops, did you get this far,
and Sarah Brightman ended her song? Did you click her music when you started
reading?

Do you have
the meditation room's sounds of water or the forest playing for you now?
Boy, music and the sounds of nature sure go together great, don't
they!

Okay, then here's that link to
Sarah again: http://maidensheart.tripod.com/scarfair.mp3.

DO YOU WANT CLASSICAL TO START YOUR DAY? Sometimes I just want to 'be soothed' - okay, this is a 24/7 on-line broadcast - all you do is 'click', and then select your preferred way of listening on line.

To the left of their page, notice the ON-LINE LISTENING TAB. Click, and choose either the high-speed (I have cable, so this is what I use), or dial-up (for those who use their telephone to get their I-net service). Enjoy - as I am now: http://wguc.org/listen/streams.asp.

If you're seventyone&still fun, enjoy that trip down memory lane that's longer than mine; shorter than our kids who just haven't gotten that far yet.

Hey, make it a game of NAME THAT TUNE - as the
song starts up, have your hubby or kids try to guess the name of the song since
they can't see what you typed in! Get away from that television set, and have
some good old time family fun!

Just remember Boston's words...I
woke up this morning - be ever so glad you did!

You have
another day - the 'rest of your life', as they say. Enjoy it with good health;
proper eating - music, and feel calm before you head out into the 'real world'.

Someone asked once: "Is my life over with?"
Answer back was: "Not if you're still breathing...."

Breathe - relax, and welcome to 'this place'.
Diane

From Monroe, to Bella, and not left to Chance.....

Can you imagine what it feels like to get this in your e-mail?

This is the drawing by Imaginee....

Between Bella on the Beach - (my daughter's e-mail to me),

and another one received - Imaginee...what did I see!

Eyes soft and serene; hair - white and fair -

truly, this woman has been reincarnated -

an angel for the whole world to see!

The soul of Miss Marilyn - captured on canvas; a lady who had such fame,

and I know the world will always cherish

'Norma Jean'...

...her real name.

Thank you, Linda. With much love, Diane Oh my goodness, I almost forgot - Imaginee has her videos for all you artists, who want to see how this extraordinary lady creates the eye; the mouth, etc. You can watch this talented lady construct her final art-work; the meticulous 'touch', and beauty of her hand as it moves to bring to life, each and every piece of art she does. I do hope you'll go to Imaginee's link - and take the time to see a gifted artist in action.

Art & Music - Leaving the Scene & Eyeconart.net!

New friend! New Links! The group Leaving the Scene lets me listen to 25 minutes
from their latest performances; a little like hearing Heart with some Led
Zeppelin mixed in (and not too loud either).

I was so impressed by Rayn; lead singer, and author of the
many songs they perform. All that talent; up in Portland, Oregon - right where
my dear friend (Robin) also lives. I do wish I could zip up to Portland right
now; what a great time I'd be having as I'd visit both of them!

Enjoy the music of LEAVING THE SCENE - you can choose from a
variety of their songs; I ordered my CD of their latest release through LIFO
records - pretty darned reasonable in cost, for such a great group!

http://www.myspace.com/leavingthescene.

Robin's Eyeconart is soothing and dreamy. http://www.eyeconart.net/. My links start my day great;
keep me going until I hit the sack - sometimes exhausted, but never wanting for
music; art, poetry, some funny quotes - some inspiring quotes, and a few
suggestions for good family living. I like to look at Robin's art, and listen to
the beautiful music at http://wguc.org/listen/streams.asp. Classical music and
beautiful art just 'go together'.

One of the most beautiful paintings I've
ever seen is by Robin Urton - her BUDDHA BEING (copyright protected) welcomes me
each morning; I have them on blank greeting cards - love sending them to my
friends. If the magic of my computer will allow an 'upload', it just might
appear here as well. I'd love to see them on pendants - maybe Robin already has
done that...hmmm - better link up to her site, and see if she has.

Okay, the magic computer has performed!
It's nice to have my simple words flanked by Robin's art, and a beautiful
picture painted by Mom-Nature.

Oh yes, and why did I also enjoy my visit to Robin's site? Dear Robin; she's created one of
the best ART HISTORY 'tab's, I've found.

I can view by the Art Period; suddenly
I'm in a gallery - 'back in time', and thanks to the dialog she's
provided, I can learn about those pieces of art; the well-known artists, without
having to struggle finding it elsewhere.

Thank you, Robin - what a great day I had some months ago,
when I also 'came to visit' you! http://eyeconart.net/.

Okay, so you're not done 'gazing' at fine art? There's
more up on the left-hand side of this 'blog' home of mine.

If you'd like to read and look a bit more, then try: http://www.artic.edu/.

By the time you're done with this, I'm sure your tea
will be cold; it's time go get away from the computer - or get those e-mails
cleared that have backed up while you were 'browsing'.

Whoops - my timer has gone off;
the sheets are tangled again - the roast is done, and it's time for dinner!
Gotta run.............

KatydidDID&DOES!

The joy of Katy; and all her artist friends - they take you through a wonderland of delight and fantasy! Peek at the Katy Wiggins blogspot...you won't want to come back soon - it's just too fun! http://www.katedwiggins.blogspot.com/. Because Katy and her friend's art is so fun, I usually get that lively and fun music; maybe even a little 'rock and roll' going. There I go, finding something that keeps me smiling. Think of a song that makes you smile; one that gets that 'child spirit' going; pick it yourself from http://search.playlist.com/.

Heather sent a real angel I think!

The paintings of a young girl; all self-taught - her views of Heaven & God .. never having gone to Church! Age 6 - a brush; by 9, the most beautiful illustrations of her beliefs on canvas. Akiane - now playing the piano (composing and also self-taught). http://www.artakiane.com/ Today was a miracle for me.

And for Heather, well she's the most amazing child photographer - if she comes to visit, I think she'd like to listen to http://wguc.org/listen/streams.asp.

Heater is a lovely mom of two beautiful children; active in her church - community; doing the things good mothers and wives do.

She elects to stay at home; however, she's not idle in any way. Her photography business does so well; she's ever-giving, and kind. I love it when she visits me - and now I've given her her 'own' link as well.

Crafts, Food, Recipes, Health, Parenting, Holidays...

Another one of Katy-Did's adorable illustrations! This art-work (like all art-work by Katy Wiggins) is copyright protected. Be sure you visit her web-site, and tell her what a great job she's doing; I hope to see her work in children's books in the coming years!

Now, because this link is all about family crafts; foods and how to even deal with parent-child situations, I hope you'll visit this site as well.

My newest link I just love is http://www.kaboose.com/. Enjoy! Diane

Crafts/Food/Health/Parenting/Recipes/Holidays

A plethora of fun - my newest link - http://www.kaboose.com/. Enjoy! Diane

Bernstein, Rubenstein, Tea, and Me!

Everyday I hit this link for great classical piano; this is what I listen to if I've only got a few minutes to spare, and it's too nice of a day to be inside - on a computer!http://youtube.com/watch?v=w7ODJHUX_EM. When the music starts, I enjoy my tea - and decide where we're going to spend our time. We often take a walk at the Colorado River, or take a 3-hour drive to the Grand Canyon (a favorite place).

I usually find a play-list that I want; one of my favorites I call MEDITATION. Why don't you pour your favorite tea, and join me - here's the music! Diane http://www.playlist.com/standalone/27747167

How do I love thee
"Happy Birthday, Mom"
83 years, and 83 more to go!

Dear Mom:

I'm not certain if you know the story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Robert Browning (both poets). Elizabeth was unable to walk after a riding accident. She, and her husband (Robert) wrote beautiful poetry!

They both had such a love;
Elizabeth often wrote she couldn't imagine why Robert loved her since she was
disabled.

Anyway, the love story is legend; and long.

Tonight, I was thinking: How
do I love my mother.........and my father:

As Elizabeth said in her
Poem: "Let me count the ways"

My mother who would sort her canned goods - wash them; line them up in the basement - noting the colors, so they were 'beautiful' when one came down to pick out a canned jar of:

Tomatoes (red)
Peaches (peach-colored)
Pears - pale white
Green
Beans - (green)
Corn - a lovely yellow
The stored vegetables were some
type of artistic display as well as a collection of good foods for the winter.

How do I love the way my mother stuffed the toes of the shoes so she and I could BOTH wear them - we were so poor, but her feet were bigger........

How do I love the yellow dress my mother wore at her wedding, and years later,
made into an 8th grade graduation dress for me....
How do I love the way my
mother pulled 3 old coats together; stripped off the better parts to make 'trim'
for the worn parts, so I could stay warm.
How do I love the days and nights
My mother and dad would tie a chain to an old tree or
Lilac bush to
uproot it so we could cut it up for
wood to fuel the fire
to keep us
warm.

How do I love the way my parents would stack the baled straw against the house that was so drafty to shield us from the cold winter weather.
How do I love the old rags that were shoved against the doors and windows - keeping the drafts out.

How do I love the way dad made the popped corn for a treat
How do I love the
way mom froze Kool-aid in ice-cube trays (complete with tooth-picks) to give us
a treat that wasn't expensive (and our favorite flavor was Grape).

How do I love the old detergent boxes that were cut open; the 'plain side' made into Valentine hearts for our gifts - we each got
A pack of gum
A bar of chocolate
...pasted to the heart forms with home-made paste made with flour and water..........

Why do I admire the long nights of mother and dad stacking the wood gleaned from
the fence-rows...cut by dad; stacked and stored
by mom.....
The soil
tested by dad; vials of colors for us all to give our opinions as to the color
and how much
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Pot-ash

that should be spread on the new crops to increase the yield.

Why do I remember being the holder of the flash-light
So dad could see to
fix the car...
The single light-bulb that was placed under the hood of the
car
.....so it would start in the morning.
The flower garden flourished
because mom made it happen.................
The crops grew because dad
tilled and fertilized the soil.
We picked the edge-rows of the field for
pop-corn
From Mr. Nidy's plantings.

We scoured the dump for 'treasures'.
In the Spring, we gathered the wild violets to re--plant around the well pit and house.
We stacked the pumpkins around the power-pole so it would look pretty for Halloween.

We learned how to take a Willow twig; sprout it in water,
And stake it to
make a sturdy tree.
We divided the strawberry plants to make new babies;
We saved seeds from the harvest
To make a bigger one the next year......
We watched dad turn a salvaged furnace into a
Working fire-house
That kept us warm.

We saw my father make a 'water-heater' from bits of steel and ingenuity.
My mother has never gone to a hair-dresser; my dad never played golf.
My mother doesn't know what an LBO is....
My father wouldn't have cared.

My mother washes her car by herself; my dad polished the ones he adored.
My mother will shop at Good-will; she'll give it as well.
My dad would save old inner-tubes; a myriad of 'things' he'd make from these rubber scraps. My dad
would laugh at Red Skelton while my mother would be so tired, and fall asleep.........
My mother tried to learn more words; thanks to READERS'
DIGEST...my father would gather financial information from US NEWS & WORLD
REPORT.
My parents played softball; bowled, and enjoyed a 35 cent movie.

My mother sang; my father played trumpet - both could dance beautifully.

My dad painted all of the toy furniture he made for us the same green he painted his tractor....
My mother wrote the letters from Santa Claus
My dad made tiny blocks with his wood lathe - then he built a fort from those tiny blocks - glued them all together, and made us
Cry when we couldn't' build anything else
From the blocks he made for "US".
But, not to 'fear'....
Mother soaked all the blocks so the glue would 'yield', and we had
Blocks to build with again....
And these blocks
That we built with
Didn't build the House that Jack Built, but what lived in the house
That my parent's built
Were young kids; pretty poor - pretty scared,
Yet pretty inspired
By the parents who lived in the house;
Who made do with what they had
Who showed us the way
Without "showing us the way'...
Because they took life in stride, and never said
"Shit Happens" - they just said:
"Life happens"...so
We learned to deal with it
As mom and dad did
For so very many years.
Thank you mom - poor turned out to be the best child-hood we could have had.
With love to my mom and dad
Diane

A poem I wrote on January 29, 1986 - probably the most brief I've ever done.

Just how do I see
my God...

...how tall do I have to
be?

I'm only as tall as my recent
prayer

When I see God most
clearly

on bended knee.

Diane
Stirling-Stevens

1/29/86

(c) 3/30/89 - from my
book:

"In the Spirit of
Self"

Photo with permission
from

Joyce - private
collection.

1/29/08

Bella on the Beach & Family Education...

"Hi, I'm Bella on the beach"!

This is our newest member born 9/11/07

Now isn't this just a gift from heaven!!

My daughter sent this picture of the proud mom and dad

..our family grows even greater,

and we're so very glad!

Speaking of families..............

WHAT DID I LIKE ABOUT THE FAMILY EDUCATION LINK?

I liked everything!

With the new babies recently born into our family, I particularly liked the section they have on 'names and their meanings'.

They have THOUSANDS of names for boys and girls; you type in the name, and then it gives you the origin; the MEANING, and the spelling variations!

I learned that my name (Diane) and its meaning was something I'd probably never live up to. But - that's my middle name, and I'm definitely not sharing my first name because dad said to mother: "Okay, we can name her after your mother because she died a few months ago, but we are NEVER going to call Diane by that."

Dad loved two songs back then - My Diane and Nancy with the Laughing Face.

I was born first, so I was Diane

Nancy was born second; does have a laughing face.

Then dad ran out of songs he liked (other than Nature Boy, and he sure wasn't going to stick my brother with that moniker)!

There is so much more to enjoy; crafts - health; even discussions of how to manage your child's needs at varying ages. I think it's a wonderful web-site!

Diane

http://www.familyeducation.com/.