Dove Real Beauty Sketches and the AHA Moments

Yes, the YouTube video is a commercial, but it’s much more than JUST a commercial.  It deserves 3 minutes to enjoy the beautiful aha moments and to enjoy the heartwarming experience.

 

AHA – Visual Artists Are Artists of All the Senses and Language

I never cease to be amazed how artists can translate words, feelings, and emotions into amazing images.  One sketch…one visual (well, two in this example) conveys all the descriptions and emotions perceived and projected by both the subject (who the artist never “saw”) and the third party.

It’s just amazing to watch the artist create such a meaningful and powerful visual image with no visual reference or stimulus.

AHA – Why Do We Mute Our Self Image?

Listen to the descriptions from the subject.  They are very muted, unsure, and at times, almost derogatory.  It makes me wonder if the internal self-image is accurately conveyed through the descriptions or if we innately diminish our self-image when communicating to others. 

Are we taught to brag or be humble?  Does humility mean that we can’t describe our physical features in a more positive light?  …not bragging, but in “nicer” terms like a distinguished solid chin rather than just a big chin as my mother told me?  Wouldn’t a petite button nose be the same thing (but sound nicer) than a stubby little piggy nose?

AHA – People Wear Rose Colored Glasses More Than Expected

It also warms my heart that descriptions from a third party were consistently more pleasant.  We all worry so much about how others see us that it’s kind of nice to see this demonstration of how they often see us in a much better light than we see ourselves.

How We See

I’m sure I could write multiple blog posts about facial features, expressions, emotions, and how we and others perceive shapes and symmetry.  Fortunately, there are already amazing teachers and volumes available for the intricate details of all those factors. 

For now, I think I’ll just enjoy sharing this video with you.  In fact, I think I’ll watch it again…just because it makes me smile.  J

 

Jodie Foster Coming Out at the Golden Globes?

So, was Jodi Foster's acceptance of the Cecil B. Demille Award a "coming out" speech or was it just a normal acceptance speech that happened to include references to people and events that were semi-public/private?

Thoughts from Belly Acres, Alabama:

Dunno, folks.  Down here in 'bama, we don't really think about a person's lifestyle preferences until the subject comes up in conversation.

'bama Example

For example, at the company Christmas party... "Oh, hi.  Meet my coworker Bob and his partner, Dale."  Even then, the subject may not go any further since "partner" could mean a few different things.  Usually, we just absorb the statement and realize that it could mean an alternative lifestyle.  Ok.  Good to know.

Now, if the person(s) involved in the conversation happen to want to talk about their alternative lifestyle... well, that's okay, too.  Conversations can go many ways.  :-)

Overall, though, unless the subject is brought up specifically to let people know and/or to encourage discussing, 'round here, we pretty much assume your lifestyle is similar to our own and don't nose into your business any further.

If the subject never comes up, most folks around here just don't think about it too much.  A person is a person regardless of what he or she does with adult consent in his or her own home.  Does anyone really think folks should know the preferences of every person encountered in life?  ...doctor, lawyer, school teacher, police officer, waiter, cook, actor, athlete, author, artist?  Does it matter?

Jodie Foster's Speech at the Golden Globe Awards:

We're not bellyachin' 'bout this in Belly Acres, Alabama

Not that it mattered at all to me, but I didn't know that Jodi Foster lived a "nontraditional" lifestyle.  It's still okay, and it still doesn't matter.  I can't say that I ever really wondered or cared.

Don't get me wrong.  I love Jodi Foster's work.  This latest media noise just prompted me to check my video cabinet to find (horror of horrors) that I did not currently own a copy of Candleshoe  one of my favorite Jodi Foster movies.

Thank you, Amazon.  Candleshoe can be in my DVD player within a couple of days or streaming online in a matter of minutes.  Cool.

I do love Jodi Foster's work.  I can't really say whether or not I like Jodi Foster, the person or not.  I don't know her.  I know her work and her characters.  I also know some trivial facts about her career, but I've never met her.

As a fan, I would like to meet her someday, but whether I meet her or not, I'm still going to enjoy watching Candleshoe, Freaky Friday, Silence of the Lambs, Maverick, Contact, Ana and the King, Panic Room, and Nim's Island.

Because her work is so stellar, I believe she must have a pretty awesome personality to do so much and bring her roles to life so well.  Yeah.  I'd like to meet her, but though this latest speech is currently trending in the media, I have to say, any questions I might have about this speech are so far down the totem pole of interesting aspects of Jodie Foster, I doubt I'd even bring the subject up in conversation.  Which means, in 'bama understanding, that it'll pretty much be ignored in favor of other topics.  :-)

Cool Christmas Math

Yep.  That's the sum of it on Belly Acres...

...one gift for you...

...one gift for me...

..... a LIGHTSABER!!!!

Book Review: Trusting God When Bad Things Happen

From the Author, Shelley Hitz

Trusting God When Bad Things Happen
Guest post by the author, Shelley Hitz

My heart continues to be heavy for all those grieving today across our country. I don’t believe it was a coincidence that I published a book this past week called, “Trusting God When Bad Things Happen.” And even before the tragedy in Connecticut, I felt led to offer it free on Smashwords this month.

Trusting God In The Midst of the "Storms" of Life

When bad things happen, what is your reaction? Do you trust God even when you don't understand?

There was a dark season in my life when it literally felt like an earthquake had occurred. Everything in my life seemed to be falling apart...my family, my finances, our church. And I asked God the simple question, "Why?" This book is the result of my own search for answers. In the end, God gave me illustrations that I will share with you and brought healing to my heart and my distorted view of Him. I was able to trust Him again, even though my circumstances had not changed.

I pray that God uses this short eBook to deeply impact you as well. I have included questions for reflection for you to go through individually or as a group.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world!" - John 16:33

One Reader’s Response:

"This book has Biblical answers to the 'Why?' we are hearing so much today after the shooting tragedy in Connecticut. Thank you, Shelley, for the timeliness and wisdom." ~Barbara

Download This Book for Free
For anyone interested, you can download the book "Trusting God When Bad Things Happen" FREE this month.

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/263666
100% Off Coupon Code: HB95F
Expires: January 1, 2013

This book is also available for $0.99 on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ALLQW5A

Please feel free to share this book and coupon code with anyone you think could benefit from the topic.

The Belly Acres Review

Hitz is a highly experienced mentor and guide for those of us who struggle to find answers to all the "whys" in the world.  Hitz uses examples and questions from her own struggles and the struggles of others with whom she extendeds a physical or virtual shoulder or hand during those times when we most need a point in the right direction.

One of the main reasons I related well to Trusting God When Bad Things Happen is that it is a rather brief, conversational style with gentle references and "points" to Biblical and scholarly references.  Since the "why" answers vary as widely as the individuals who pose the questions, I'm quite happy that there was no attempt to define a single concrete answer.  Many times, there is no concrete answer, and even if an answer exists, God may not plan for us to know those answers just yet.

Hitz uses stories and analogies to help the reader truly identify the "bad things," then points the reader in the right direction to explore grace, healing, and even understanding through God's gentle Word.

Yes, I do recommend Trusting God When Bad Things Happen, especially now, during this recent period of stunned grief and loss, and while Hitz is generously offerring a free ebook copy from Smashwords.  (See the author's guest post above for the coupon code and details.  Smashwords provides multiple formats for ebooks, so you can download your preferred file, ePub/Nook, mobi/Kindle, etc.)

The author encourages sharing the coupon code for the free ebook, so feel free to share this blog post/information with friends, family, and your church librarian.  Even after the coupon code expires, most of Hitz's inspirational/guidance ebooks are priced very reasonably, so churches and mentors can affordably use them to help guide us to God through our struggles.

Trusting God When Bad Things Happen is also available for purchase on Amazon.



Dogwoods in Bloom

Spring has sprung, and the dogwoods are in bloom on Belly Acres. 

I’ve always loved dogwoods in the spring, but the symbolism isn’t always at the forefront of my memory.  Since I had to google it to remember all the pieces, I thought I’d share and save y’all a search. 

For those who don’t know the Christian symbolism and story of the dogwood, here’s the gist.

• A dogwood tree was used to construct the cross on which Christ was crucified.
• The dogwood represents life.
• The blooms on a dogwood grow in the shape of a cross.
• The holes in the tips of the petals represent the nails that were driven into the cross.
• The holes have a red tint around them representing the blood of Christ.
• The green bloom in the center symbolizes the crown of thorns placed on Christ’s head.

Honestly, I'm not sure which I enjoy more...the spring blossoms or the stories behind each living thing.  Either way, the inspiration puts a spring in my step every year.

Squirrel Proof Birdfeeder?

Squirrel Proof Birdfeeder?  Yeah, right.

...not in Belly Acres, Alabama.

I Love My Congressman

Well, specifically, I love Mike Rogers.  I can't say the say for all our elected officials, but this man has earned my respect over and over.  With SOPA and PIPA looming, he has earned my respect again.


Anytime a truly controversial bill is introduced, specifically if it will affect me or mine, I actually DO look it up and read it.  For those that deserve the attention, I DO, as I've been taught, contact my representatives, House, Senate, or other applicable elected official.  


The very few times that I've actually needed to contact my representatives, Mike Rogers and his team have listened.  I know they've listened because they've always responded with a response directly addressing my concerns.  

Even when my opinions and requests have contradicted others, the response from Mike Rogers has always been intelligent, well-informed, and personally helpful.  


IF I've received responses at all from senators and the like, they've been meaningless form letters.  I can't emphasize enough how much I respect Mike Rogers for his consistently insightful responses.

I contacted my representatives about SOPA/PIPA yesterday via email and twitter.  Thus far, Mike Rogers is the only one to respond...with the following:

Dear MyNameHere:

 

Thank you for contacting me with regard to H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). It is good to hear from you.

 

As you may know, H.R. 3261, would authorize the Attorney General to seek court orders against a U.S. directed foreign website committing or facilitating online piracy.  A very similar bill, S.968 the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) was introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (VT) in the Senate. Both pieces of legislation are intended to protect consumers but the potential for overreach by the U.S. Department of Justice is a very real concern.  Although this legislation is well-meaning I am very concerned with the language as introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition the free speech afforded to American citizens by the U.S. Constitution should never be compromised and the imprecise bill language could threaten that.  H.R. 3261 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, of which I am a not member. If this matter comes to the House floor I will remember your thoughts on the matter. 

 

Thank you again for contacting me.  If you would like to receive further information on issues of importance to you, please log on to my website at http://mike-rogers.house.gov. I hope to hear from you again soon.

                                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                                    Mike Rogers                                                                                                Member of Congress

Just as I've been taught to contact my representatives regarding important bills and other relevant matters, I've also been taught to look at voting records just before election time.  I think many of us will be watching to see how our representatives vote on these bills.  It will be a factor in voting decisions.


For now, I'm just a very proud Alabamian to have a congressman who actually listens.

Number, Pound, Hash, Huh?

Language is simply amazing. 

Syntax, grammar, phonology, morphology, body language... Even in one language, there are SO many aspects to communication, it's actually pretty amazing that we all generally understand each other. 

...and whether it's visual or verbal, it's all symbolic...even the literal stuff.  :-)

Seriously, though... what do you think when you see the following symbol?  #

• Honestly, my first memory of this symbol was the game, tic-tac-toe.  ...and that's just a background... a board for Xs and Os. 
• Since I was raised by a math teacher and voracious readers, my next interpretation was a number symbol.  #1.
• No teenager, or semi-communicative American could misunderstand the "pound" sign.  Phone systems STILL use the term.
• Now, however, the symbol is commonly recognized as the first part of a hash tag. 

It's all symbolic.  It's all communicative.  Mostly, it's just really danged impressive that one itty-bitty symbol can mean SO many things to native English speakers, and we still, generally, understand the meaning from the context in which it is used. 

Without context, though... if you just see the symbol, # ...  what do you think?  What comes to mind first?  I think the answer might actually say a lot about us.  :-)

Pumpkey or Turkin?

What do you think?  Is it a pumpkey or a turkin?  :-)

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Webcam 101 for Seniors....

Posted (with permission) by the granddaughter, this accidental first attempt to use a webcam has gone viral.  ...and I see why, but I really like the grandmother's comment:

"Perhaps, Esther said, people were attracted to its joy. We're under such a negative news barrage daily, she said. War, crime, natural disasters – wouldn't people rather watch an 86-year-old man singing Looney Tunes?"

The video is on YouTube under "Webcam 101 for Seniors."  Among other media outlests,  Huffington Post and CBS have also posted articles about the couple and the video.

Going and Growing

Between moving, a new job (well, an old job, but with new clients), and class homework, there's been little time to blog around Belly Acres.  There are certain perks to all the changes, though.  Spring time brings out the cuddly critters.  :-)

Joshilyn Jackson and the Fox Visit Belly Acres, Alabama

Well, okay.  Not really, but I'm workin' on it.

Y’all know I’m not much for entering contests, but THIS one is special.  Joshilyn Jackson, author of Gods in Alabama is running a contest for the remaining fox figurines she had her brother create, originally, as gifts for people at her publishing house and the booksellers who had been hand-selling her work.

LOOK at this foxy lady figurine!

Now, y’all know from my Facebook updates every time Joshilyn Jackson publishes a new book.  …usually in the form of the Audible.com notice “Sherry just purchased The Latest Title” or some link to a signing or book talk she’s doing in the area.  You all know I’m a fan of her work because I’ve recommended her books and audiobooks (especially the ones she reads herself) to pretty much all of you at some time or another.

You also know how much I love sculpting, though my own skills are pretty amateur. 

Doesn’t that precious fox figurine just BELONG near my front door, welcoming guests into our home in Belly Acres, Alabama?

SO.  Here’s the deal.  The contest says that we must email Joshilyn Jackson and let her know HOW we “evangelize” her work, particularly, the new paperback of Backseat Saints.  (Ok.  That’s daunting enough because I’m a fan.  …not a stalker, but a fan.  It was hard enough to muster the courage to have a photo taken with her at a book signing years ago.)  I will, however, email her shortly after publishing this blog post.   

If you haven’t bought all her books already, I’ll provide links at the end of this post.  Heck, even if you have them all, you can always purchase extra copies as gifts.  (The author does live in the South.  Chances are pretty good you could get them autographed, too.  She lists book tour dates on her web site at http://www.joshilynjackson.com/tour.html.  In fact, check with Alabama Booksmith in Birmingham if you can’t catch her live.  The owner is really good at stocking and obtaining autographed copies of books by southern authors.)

Here’s what I need y’all to do (other than buy all her books).  Let Joshilyn Jackson know that I am a long-time fan who always recommends her books to anyone who has an interest in southern lit, sassy southern chick lit, southern gothic, or just a dang good read.  Comment here on the Belly Acres, Alabama blog.  Tell your story.  How did you first encounter Joshilyn Jackson?  What do you like best about her work?

Comment here on the blog post, or email Joshilyn Jackson to campaign on my behalf.  Ask Joshilyn Jackson to send a fox to Belly Acres, Alabama! 

You can order each of her books from Amazon.com, or, if you like the audiobooks as much as the written copies, you can purchase them through audible.com.

Gods in Alabama

Between, Georgia

The Girl Who Stopped Swimming

Backseat Saints

Donate and Drive 'Dega - Driving the Talladega Superspeedway for a Good Cause

The Donate and Drive 'Dega fundraiser Mother's Day weekend raised a lot of adrenaline while raising a lot of money for the Red Cross / Alabama Tornado Victims.

The weekend event allowed folks to donate and drive the track, or be driven around the track by Jeffrey Earnhardt in the Camaro SS pace care OR in your own vehicle. 

General donations were:

$50 to drive your own car 5 laps

$50 to ride with Jeffrey Earnhardt in the pace car for 5 laps

$100 for Jeffrey Earnhardt to drive you and YOUR car around the track

$10 for printed photo

Talladega Superspeedway has an article posted about the event and promises to announce future Donate and Drive fundraing events via Facebook and Twitter.

Some of my favorite comments regarding the event...

• During the first lap..."Oh, I don't know if I like this.  I don't know if I like this."

• "The banking is so steep, you're driving sideways!"

• "So cool!  We're going around 155/160 and he's (Jeffrey Earnhardt) just driving along like normal."

• "Now that I've done it and know what it's like, I want to do it again!"

• "That first turn, I thought I'd poop my pants!  It was awesome!"

Sweet Easter Supper Through Cyberspace

I love the internet.  All the connections are simply amazing. 

For example, this Easter, I have a friend from high school who is making an italian cream cake (one of my hubby's family recipies).  She's using a cake plate my mom gave her as a wedding present years ago, and the recipe is online in a friend's cooking column (see page 5).

And how do I know all this? ...Facebook.  I love the internet.  As for me, I'm making my Aunt Susan's Sweet Potato Casserole, which, yes, I have in an electronic format on my desktop and email.  It's certainly shaping up to be a sweet Easter thanks to cyber connections.  :-)  Happy Easter y'all! 

PS - If you're looking for more good eats online, another friend of mine maintains a cooking column on Examiner.com.  ...good stuff.

Deep Fried Boiled Easter Eggs

We at Belly Acres have become quite fascinated by shopdogsam's YouTube videos, especially his cooking videos.  With Easter fast approaching, we HAD to try these deep fried boiled eggs.



So, the verdict?  We LOVE shopdogsam's videos.  ...battered, deep fried, hard boiled eggs?  ...not so much.  Give 'em a shot if you want.  It was certainly a fun project, but I think they may be an acquired taste.  :-)

You can see all of shopdogsam's YouTube videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/shopdogsam.

Kindle eBooks at the Public Library

Sweet!  Most public libraries have been offering downloadable ebooks and audiobooks for several years now.  The main problems have been device compatibility and interface/format.  Now, it looks like Amazon is bringing Kindle into the equation.  

Again, sweet!  See the article on Mashable, here -->Amazon to Bring Ebook Lending to Local Libraries.

We'll have to wait and see if the interface to check out and download ebooks improves or not, but the fact that Kindle will be involved bodes well for the possibilities.

I've always thought that public libraries were one of the most undervalued resources in our country.  Hopefully, this continued spread into the digital world will increase the public's awareness and use. 

I say, Get Caught Reading!  ...whether it's on paper, digital, or audio.  Kudos to the libraries and Amazon!  :-)

The Apple i Is Watching You

So, a lot of folks are responding differently to the iPhone tracking feature.  It seems that the iPhone logs locations (without telling it to) either through GPS or passively through cell tower triangulation.  The data is also stored in iPhone backups when you sync it to your computer. 

See iSpy Conspiracy: Your iPhone Is Secretly Tracking Everywhere You’ve Been, All The Time for the full story.

Many are concerned about privacy...the step-by-step daily route available to anyone who gets hold of your phone...and the fact that it seems to be logging locations by default...not offering the option to turn it off. 

I understand the fears.  I'm pretty darned careful to keep my phone IN my possession.  With that in mind, though, I actually kind of like the tracking feature.  At least, I like the idea that if I get lost or in trouble, my family and law enforcement could use my virtual map to help find me! 

I do think owners should have the option to turn tracking off, so I expect that as the public responds, the option may be offerred in future updates. 

What say you?  Do you like the tracking feature or not? 

Peeling a Hard Boiled Easter Egg the FUN Way!

Oh, this just HAS to go to the top of the Easter activities list!  Fun!!!

Can Favorite Childhood Books Define Us?

Well, maybe not "define," but I do think our favorite childhood books influence us throughout life.  Apparently, FlavorWire does, too.  Read the article, here.

Of course, FlavorWire's is not a comprehensive list.  (That could be a book by itself.)  I did find a couple of things interesting, though.

1.  My Favorite on the List.

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander - According to FlavorWire, "Sure, your job sucks now, but you’re not about to sweat it. As soon as you pay your dues, you’re going to shoot right to the top of the company."

THAT is hysterical!  ...kind of eerie, too, but hysterical!

2.  FlavorWire's List Mostly Teen/Tween Books
I personally found it a little odd that the list was mostly of teen/tween/ juvenile fiction books...not what I'd call "childhood" favorites. 

I probably shouldn't find this too odd.  I started to enjoy reading in late elementary school, but I didn't really start to LOVE it until I was a 'tween, hence, The Book of Three. 

Shortly thereafter, my dad introduced me to the works of David Eddings, Christopher Stasheff, and Robert Asprin. Oh, it was ON, then.  Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain books were probably the last juvenile fiction I read from that point on (until Harry Potter).  Sci-Fi/Fantasy was the bomb!  (Yes, it was the 80's.)

When I think about CHILDHOOD books and stories, though, I remember the hundreds of stories I loved (and I KNOW influenced me) from the pre-reading days.  Either my mom read the stories to me, or I used these wonderful Read-along-books (the one's with the 45s).  I shudder to imagine what FlavorWire might surmise from those actual "childhood" influences.

Let's see...

* I think much of life can be celebrated in verse (Nursery Rhymes).

* Pretty much ANYTHING can happen (Mother Goose and Arabian Nights).

* Not all stories have happy endings (The Brothers, Grimm), but much of life is beautiful (Hans Christian Andersen).

* We should learn from stories (Aesop's Fables).

* There's just not much better than being a southerner (Uncle Remus).

* I LOVE it when someone reads to me or tells me a story  (explains my addiction to audiobooks/audible.com).

What about the rest of you on the porch?  What were your favorite childhood and young adult stories/books?  How have they influenced you?  ...you can admit it.  You know they have.  :-)

No ShutDown Posters and Images

No Shutdown images are flying all over Facebook, but this one is my absolute favorite.