The AC Menagerie Bulletin

Welcome to the January 27th addition of

 The AC Menagerie Bulletin

The AC Menagerie Bulletin is a digital newspaper highlighting brief accounts of happenings around the Zoo (our home) and on blogs by myself (Nita Davis). Sit back, relax and enjoy while you catch up with the Davis family.




Life News 
It is a good thing that my life motto is 'You can't change the wind, so adjust your sails!', because that is exactly what I have been trying to do for the last three months. My sea is still a bit on the turbulent side but my sails are in a better place, so I should be able to focus better. While I haven't been blogging, I have been tucking tid-bits into my blog folder so here's a bit of the fun stuff from the last few months.

Holiday News 

I decided to dress up as Cleopatra to go to a Halloween Party only to discover that I missed the party as it was on the Friday before Halloween and not on Halloween. ????? I was very disappointed as it took me a week to make all the accessories for the costume and was really looking forward to a fun night.

Sissy was certainly in the festive spirit and made these cute little reindeer ears and tail to wear to school.

We went to my oldest son's place for thanksgiving dinner. After dinner we put up their Christmas tree.


Sports News

On the last nice day of Fall I took Bubba to the soccer field at his school so he could have a bit of fun with one of his friends.

Educational News

At the beginning of the month Sissy's 7th Grade Social Studies Class was divided into groups of four and given a big assignment. Each group had to pick a country for which they were to put together a report and presentation. It was very similar to a science fair presentation, with a project board and if possible physical examples for various categories. Of course it covered all the typical topics; culture, government ... et cetera. The group divide the topic's up and Sissy, who LOVES anything Japanese, got her two favorite topics; culture and food.  At first she wanted to wear the Kimono I made her five years ago, but I convinced her that it was both too small and more an American version rather than a traditional Kimono. I suggested that since she was already planning on making a Gothic Steam-punk dress she just make it a Gothic Lolita Steam-punk dress and that is what we did. She planned the design and made the skirt. Because the top and vest were beyond her sewing skill level I helped her make them. She also took some Pocky and Ramune. All in all their project and presentation turned out very well.


Travel News

The only traveling I have done recently was my trip to La Mars Iowa to watch my oldest granddaughter's High School Marching band preform. Shortly afterward I did this post about it for Sunday In My City. Here is the last half of their performance which was entitled 'Moving to Mars'.

Portrait Photography News

Work has been slow but I have been keeping busy. I have been taking advantage of the slow season to continue my photography education by taking a few photography classes and by giving my Portrait Photography website a much needed revamp.  Here's what the homepage looks like, what do you think? I realize nearly every other professional portrait photographers website has a white background, but the artist in me insists I be original and remain true to myself.

Stop by and tell me what you think

Two of my favorite recent portrait session were the Fashion Make-over I posted about here, and one of this darling newborn.

Comics 

How do you like my new assistant?

Weekly Quote:

Success is not just for the chosen few but for the few who choose!

The Blog Review

On Artistic Composition this week:

- Wonders & Wishes:
Have you heard about the Taco Shop owner who is spreading warmth this winter? She is this weeks wonder.


- How to Stop Feeling Old: A Makeover Plus...? 
If you are a woman and over 40 it is highly possible you are starting to feel old. In this post I share the story of a woman in her mid 50's who was feeling very old and how a philosophy and fashion makeover changed all that.

 On Nita's Photography this week:

- Temptations: My contributions to Jame's Weekend Reflection and Sky watch Friday.

- WW: Late Start: Winter kindly provided me with a fun Wordless Wednesday montage.

- Fall Rewind: Showcasing the beauty of nature and joy of youth


Now that you have a tiny clue what I've been up to, what have you been up to? I would love to here about it so, drop me a note in the comment section.

Grasp Each Moment

Reach for the Moon

and don't forget to

Have a Fabulous Weekend!

Wonders N Wishes

There are so many wonderful things about Wednesday!

My short list:

• It is Hump Day! That wonderful middle of the week, half way to the weekend, let's celebrate making it over life's hump day!
• It is Wordless Wednesday! Whether you celebrate by seeking quiet solitude or by sharing image only posts, there's a sense of wonder in the wordless approach. Click here for my contributions to the sound of silence.
• It is 'not so' Wordless Wednesday over at Curious as a Cathy. Absolutely perfect for the chatter box in me. Of course I will be sharing this post there. :D
• It is Wish Day! That is right, the day designated by Claudya @ Unknown Mami's as the day to put a voice to our wishes. You will find my wish below. 
• It is Wonders N Wishes Day! The day I am designating to share a 'Wonder' as well as a wish.
• I was born on a Wednesday. Yep, I just threw that out there.  :)

 

This week's wonder

While looking for this weeks wonder I was doubly rewarded. Not only has Emilia Flores gone beyond the expected to fulfill a need in her community but the restaurant owner has brought a bit of warmth to this South Dakotan. Flores, the owner of The Taco Shop in Dallas put a coat rack out in front of her shop with a sign above it that says,

"Are you cold? Take one. Do you want to help? Leave one." 

While reading the news article I got a warm fuzzy feeling and all of a sudden I was transported back to the mid 1960's. All the way back to California and my Nana's kitchen. A place filled with warmth, love and the soothing smell of fresh homemade tortillas. Thank you Emilia Flores.

Today I'm calling on the universe to grant the following wishes.

- Today is one of those day's that I wish there were more of me. One to blog, one to clean, one to run errands ... blah, blah, blah....LOL

- I'm also wishing and hoping that the universe sends a bit of monetary help my way.

- My last wish for this day is that all of you have a fantastic week!

As Claudya at Unknown Mami's says go ahead and wish, be it simple or big, when we give a voice to our wishes it helps us realize those wishes. So what are you wishing for? I would love to know, just put your wish in the comment section and I will gladly lend my wishing powers to your wish. Please join me in visiting Unknown Mami's Wish Wednesday so that we can lend our wishing powers to her and those she is wishing for.

Wonders N Wishes

 I thought since I have been doing an awful lot of wishing and wondering, that today would be the perfect day to try and get back to one of my favorite activities, blogging.  

One of the biggest wonders of life is that it is as Shakespeare said both a tragedy and a comedy. My life is immune to neither, and I would have it no other way. Well actually I could do without the tragedies, although I reluctantly admit they do have their purpose. It is just very difficult during them to appreciate that purpose. As stupid as this may sound, I wish I could say that my recent absence was due to some tragedy, but thankfully it wasn't. At least not in the sense of a true tragedy. It has been more of a case of my train of thought being sidelined by the combined urgent need to earn a living and that needs effect on my cataplexy.

There are so many wonderful things about Wednesday!

My short list:

• It is Hump Day! That wonderful middle of the week, half way to the weekend, let's celebrate making it over life's hump day!
• It is Wordless Wednesday! Whether you celebrate by seeking quiet solitude or by sharing image only posts, there's a sense of wonder in the wordless approach. Click here for my contributions to the sound of silence.
• It is 'not so' Wordless Wednesday over at Curious as a Cathy. Absolutely perfect for the chatter box in me. Of course I will be sharing this post there. :D
• It is Wish Day! That is right, the day designated by Claudya @ Unknown Mami's as the day to put a voice to our wishes. You will find my wish below. 
• It is Wonders N Wishes Day! The day I am designating to share a 'Wonder' as well as a wish.
• I was born on a Wednesday. Yep, I just threw that out there.  :)

 

This week's wonder

I really do wonder how intelligent people can be so blinded by snake oil salesmen as to believe them even when their statements are proven false. Could it be that they allow their desperation for the promise of a cure to their one 'Problem' to overshadow their ability to reason and see the other very possible dangers they are trading for that one grandiose promise?

I will try for a positive wonder next week.

Today I'm calling on the universe to grant the following wishes.

- My first wish is that I can better balance my illness so that I can do both the things I enjoy and earn a living at the same time.

- Second, I am extending a wish that America and the world are not negatively affected by the new Presidency of the United States, and that it will be successful in a positive way. I have major doubts, but I must wish it well for to do otherwise would be to turn my back on my country.


- My last wish is that all have a safe, happy and prosperous 2017!

As Claudya at Unknown Mami's says go ahead and wish, be it simple or big, when we give a voice to our wishes it helps us realize those wishes. So what are you wishing for? I would love to know, just put your wish in the comment section and I will gladly lend my wishing powers to your wish. Please join me in visiting Unknown Mami's Wish Wednesday so that we can lend our wishing powers to her and those she is wishing for.

The AC Menagerie Bulletin

Welcome to the September 7th addition of

 The AC Menagerie Bulletin

The AC Menagerie Bulletin is a weekly digital newspaper highlighting brief accounts of the week's happenings around the Zoo (our home) and on blogs by myself (Nita Davis). Sit back, relax and enjoy while you catch up with the Davis family.

Blog News 
I do believe I jinxed myself two weeks ago when I wished for help keeping track of time. The wish came to mind late Wednesday as I was writing my Wednesday Wonders & Wishes post. Yes, a post that should have been written by Tuesday so it could be published early Wednesday, and thus the wish. Instead of giving a bit of help keeping track of time the Universe decided I needed a wee bit of a break and gave me a nasty cold instead. 
 
Exciting News 

This happy couple just celebrated their second anniversary. Well I am no dummy, so when they asked me if I wanted to go to brunch with them on their anniversary, I knew some exciting news was coming. I was right, they are expecting their first child in April. 

 
Educational News

We have all been anticipating Sissy's orchestra concert this year as we found out at the end of last year they will be preforming with a very special orchestra. It hasn't been announced publicly yet, so I won't spill the beans and say who it is. I will say though that the orchestra holds a very special place in our family's heart and especially in Sissy's heart. From the time she was two years old until my husband passed away four years ago when she was eight, she would sit in his lap every day and they would watch this orchestra's video of 'Carol of the Bells'. It became 'Their' song.  Last week when Sissy got home from school she was visibly upset and told me she was thinking of asking if she could preform in the chorus instead of the orchestra. I was so confused as she had been so excited all summer long to play with the orchestra. When I asked why, she said her teacher handed out the sheet music for this years concert, and of all the song that they could have been playing wouldn't you know it they are playing 'Carol of the Bells'. She said she doesn't think she can play that song without breaking into tears. I totally get it. Her mom and I get teary eyed every time we hear that song. But we have convinced her to put all that emotion into playing the song. Now we are just hoping that all the time and tears spent practicing and listening to her practice will be a healing experience for us all.

Critter News

Devil cat is at it again! The other day I bought two packages of these donuts. Yes, my biggest junk food weakness is donuts. I was in a hurry that morning and had opened one of the packages and ate two of the six little donuts, before running out of the house. Forgetting we have a kitten that thinks it is a dog, I left both the opened package and the unopened package on the table. When I got home that darn cat had not only eaten the opened package of donuts but had ripped open the sealed package and eaten half of them as well. I was so mad at the cat I threw the half eaten donuts away without taking a picture of them. It is a miracle the cat is still alive.... LOL

Comics 

The Blog Review

On Artistic Composition  & Nita's Photography this week:  Digital Silence due to the following.

The AC Menagerie Bulletin

Welcome to the September 16th addition of

 The AC Menagerie Bulletin

The AC Menagerie Bulletin is a weekly digital newspaper highlighting brief accounts of the week's happenings around the Zoo (our home) and on blogs by myself (Nita Davis). Sit back, relax and enjoy while you catch up with the Davis family.

Automotive News  Update

Well, the guy at the car parts store was wrong. The battery is perfectly fine. However, the alternator is shot! We had to order the part and it won't come in till this coming Tuesday. In the meantime my oldest boy has lent us his little beauty.  

Life News 
While I am very thankful for the use of my sons car, I am not so sure I like his car. Every time I get behind the wheel I feel like a little kid that needs a booster seat! Here is a photo of me in the driver seat. My shoulder doesn't even come up to the bottom of the driver side window! I have to sit very straight and tall to see over the steering wheel. LOL

Community News
On Monday we participated in a special event in which participants, found little ways to spread kindness. I am not sure one of our deeds qualified, but it was sure fun. While shopping in Walmart Lexi and I decided to re-arrange an almost empty bin of dinosaurs in the hope that it would bring a smile to other shoppers. To find out more about the event check out my Spread Kindness post.  

Creative News

Last minute preparations, that is what you get when you have a preteen in the house. Last Friday Sissy had a friend spend the night and of course neither girl woke up Saturday till almost 11am. When the got up they told me they were invited to attend another friends birthday party at 2 on the same day. When I asked if they had presents to take to their friend both girls started to panic because of course they did not. They also had no money to go buy anything. So I pointed to the crafting closet and said well you better get busy. They managed to make some fun and useful things for their friend and even made a card and special bag to put the gifts in.

Pet News
Lexi's named her new kitten Moments because as she says 'he has precious moments eyes'. Let me tell you, those eyes can be deceiving! I usually call him Devil cat. No one can do anything in the kitchen without Moments running into the kitchen to 'help'. He likes to sit on the little step stool and watch what is going on. When I started to open the dishwasher to unload it he jumped onto the stool and refused to move. Which I guess is better than jumping in the dishwasher, which by the way he does every time I try to load it. And what cat likes lettuce?!!! I droped a leaf of lettuce and before I could reach down to pick it up he was on it and munching away. By the way he hates raw eggs. As a matter of fact he is terrified of them. Maybe he is really a dog.

Comics 

The Blog Review

Here is a list of this weeks posts. To visit them just click on the blue linked title.
 

On Artistic Composition this week:

- SIMC:Upper Falls: This last Sunday I shared a portion of the gorgeous waterfalls in Sioux Falls, that I don't often share.

- Spread Kindness: After being reminded of the importance of spreading kindness I wrote this post with it's accompanying motivational quotography.

- Wonders N Wishes: This weeks wonder is not a person but an amazing wonder of nature. 

 On Nita's Photography this week:

- South Dakota Sunday: Palisades: A photo trip to the beautiful tranquil Palisades State park is South Dakota.

- Controlling Exposure with Shutter Speed: Examples of how changing the shutter speed controls the photos exposure.

- WW: Prehistoric Revolt: A fun photo taken at the same time as the dinosaur photo above.

- The Challenge: Texture and Silhouette: Photography challenges four and seven of a 30 challenge series.  

- What's Better Than a Full Moon?: Check it out too find out the answer.

Have a Fantastic Weekend!

Linking up with Willy Nilly Friday 

The AC Menagerie Bulletin

Welcome to the September 9th addition of

 The AC Menagerie Bulletin

The AC Menagerie Bulletin is a weekly digital newspaper highlighting brief accounts of the week's happenings around the Zoo (our home) and on blogs by myself (Nita Davis). Sit back, relax and enjoy while you catch up with the Davis family.

Life News 

Our week got off to a great start with a visit from my daughter Skippy's friend who is also one of my photography clients. She came all the way across the state for a weekend visit and to have me take her sweet boy's 1st year portraits.

Life News 

So I have the greatest friend. She helps me out a lot picking kids up from school when their mom is at work and I am unable to drive. She moved into a new place in April and I told her I would help her decorate her new apartment. Here it is already September and although I have helped her a little we still hadn't gotten and actual decorating done. She has been so very patient, I decided fatigue or not I was going to at least get a good start on her living room. So yesterday I went over and we rearranged the living room and got it how she wanted. 
She said she wanted to display some special items of her late parents and grandparents along with some other special family photos and keepsakes, all in one area. I replied "Awesome, we'll make a heritage wall."  We are both in love with the name of her new wall and how it turned out. She even had the perfect vinyl lettering for the wall. Although the lettering is a bit crooked and one set of hearts is too far over she says it is perfect. I am a bit more of a perfectionist so the crooked letters and offset hearts are driving me nuts. I can't do anything about the lettering now, but I will be going over soon to move the hearts. lol

Automotive News

It has not been as good a week for out vehicle, though. First the headlights brunt out. Then their was no power to the radio. Lexi, took it to the car parts place and told them what was going on and they tested first the battery then the alternator. Outcome, the battery is bad and the alternator may also be bad. :(

  

Educational News

We made it through the first week of school without anyone forgetting anything or missing the bus. Oh ya, the kids don't ride the bus. Well, not yet anyway. Sissy has said she wants to ride the bus, so she will start riding it next week. 

Source

Fashion News
Yes, I am a fashion freak. A fashion freak on a tight budget. So you won't see me wearing high end designer clothes, but I still like to keep it stylish. Here's what my favorite outfit this week looked like. The entire outfit, boots and jewelry included cost about $70.00. I seldom purchase entire outfits and this one is no exception. Each piece was purchased at different times, and while on sale.

 

Comics 
Today's dose of laughter comes compliments of the pet clinic near my home.

The Blog Review

On Artistic Composition this week:

- SIMC:Hot on the Trail: This week on Sunday in my City we take a photo trip along Sioux Falls bike trail.

- Wonders N Wishes: Have you ever wished you could do something really special to help others but had no idea what to do? Well if you have check out what this weeks Wonder Award recipient did, it is amazing and really not all that difficult a thing to do.

 On Nita's Photography this week:

- South Dakota Sunday: Roadside Chapel: Photo post of a quaint roadside chapel in rural South Dakota.

- Sneak Peek: CC & T: A sneak peek into a sweet young man's 1st Birthday portrait session.

- WW: Five Nights at Freddy's: A somewhat spooky wordless Wednesday photo.

- The Challenge: High Angle Low Angle: Photography challenges five and six of a 30 challenge series. 

- Two for One: A reflection photo of a beautiful afternoon sky

Thank you for stopping by to catch up on the Menagerie. 

Drop me a line in the comments and I will come visit you.

Have a Terrific Weekend!
Linking up with Willy Nilly Friday 
 

The AC menagerie Bulletin

Welcome to the September 2nd addition of

 The AC Menagerie Bulletin

The AC Menagerie Bulletin is a weekly digital newspaper highlighting brief accounts of the week's happenings around the Zoo (our home) and on blogs by myself (Nita Davis). Sit back, relax and enjoy while you catch up with the Davis family.

Tech News 

I don't consider myself much of a brain when it comes to setting up or designing web pages, but generally I am able to figure things out pretty quickly. Well not this week! You may have noticed I switched comment systems on my blogs. It was suppose to be an easy switch, well let me tell you, I managed to make it very difficult. Installing, uninstalling, manually installing, uninstalling, over and over again for three hours! All that time and work to finally realize it had actually worked the very first time. The saying 'I was only wrong once and that was when I thought I had been mistaken' comes to mind.

Would you like 12 Free Lightroom Presets just Click Here. 

Life News 
Spunky "Little M" turned an entire 8 years old this week! She is a bit of a football fan so this year her party had a football theme. Can you guess who her favorite team is?

Sports News
This weeks main sporting event was the keep up with "Little K" marathon. It was a short marathon, but boy did we get our exercise!

Linking this these photos with Shadow Shot Sunday

Entertainment News
Lexi and I decided it had been too long since we had a fun girls night, so we decided to host a Girls Night Party last Saturday evening. We invited the three female relatives who live in our area as well as a few female friends. A few were not able to make it but we still had a blast with the six of us that were there. It was a terrific night of music, snacks, drinks, games and best of all mega laughter with wonderful friends. At the end of the night we all agreed we should do this every month at least once.

This FB post is just one of the hilarious comments made while playing Apples to Apples.

Blogging News
I am currently in the process of revamping the look and functionality of my blogs. Artistic Composition should have its' new look by this next week, if I can stay awake that is. I would love to hear what you think of the changes. 




Comics 

This week I created this bit of political satire to turn into a note card so that I have an appropriate card for corresponding with state and federal politicians over the next four years. 

Visit the Gift Shop to get your copy

The Blog Review

On Artistic Composition this week:

-SIMC: A Legacy of Preserving the Prairie: Photos of the beautiful Arrowhead Park and information on how the park came to be.

- When Illness Strikes: Post and Quotography made in support of those who have a loved one suffering from a devastating illness.

- Wonders N Wishes: This weeks wonder is a musical duo who are using their music to encourage and empowering young and old to look for what connects us rather than how we are different.

 On Nita's Photography this week:

- South Dakota Sunday: Peaceful Turbulence: Peaceful scenic photos of the turbulent waterfalls on the Big Sioux River.

- Changing Focal Point: A post with examples that shows how changing the focus point of a photograph changes the overall feel of the photograph.

- Creative Processing: Using one photograph, processed three different ways I show how ones post processing choices determine the final look and feel of a photograph.

- Hello Jonathan: In this weeks Wordless Wednesday photo post I shared five images of a seagull in flight.

- The Challenge: Rule of Thirds and B&W: This is the second and third challenges of a 30 day photography challenge that I am participating in. For each challenge I share three photos and discuss what was done to create the photos and meet the challenges.

- On The Prairie: Do you enjoy scenic photography and images that include reflections? That is what I posted for here for Weekend Reflection and Skywatch Friday blog hops. 

Have a Terrific Weekend!
Linking up with Willy Nilly Friday 
and Shadow Shot Sunday