THANK YOU VETERANS - My Video Thank You!!!

Today is Veterans Day... which is a good thing!  Today is when Americans take the time to recognize and show their appreciation for our Veterans and those who are currently serving in the military.

As I sit at my computer, in my nice warm house, I contemplate this day and am somehow saddened that it takes a "day" for some people to recognize the sacrifices of our military and their families.

I love today because in my own little mind, I hope that maybe some people will feel in their hearts, minds and souls what I feel....
an intense pride in the USA and all that it means to be American and an overwhelming appreciation and deep sense of gratitude to those who have served and currently serve in our military. 

It is because of them that I sleep safely at night and don't have to worry about those things that other parts of the world do.  They are there because they believe in the USA and its freedoms; they do it voluntarily, with selfless sacrifice and deep determination.

I hope we, as Americans, can remember our Veterans everyday and never forget the sacrifices that have been, are, and will continue to be made.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

to our

VETERANS!!!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

Happy Birthday USMC!!

Happy Birthday USMC!!!

You're 235!

Thank You for All You Do!

Semper Fi!!

All Saints Day Concert - A Great Way to Spend a Friday Nite!

My family and I spent Friday night at one of the best Halloween Celebrations EVER!

The USNA Chapel at Night

Inside the Chapel

 

The Naval Academy Midshipmen put on a spectacular concert in the USNA Chapel each year.  It is loosely a story of darkness moving into light and each year it features the amazing talents of the USNA Mids and Director of Chapel Music the resident organist extraordinaire -  Monte Maxwell.

This year, I took my mom and my children so we had three generations enjoying the fun and festivities.  We decided to make a "party" of waiting and fixed a feast which we enjoyed picnic-style while waiting in line. 

 Each year the show gets more popular, so we actually went 1.5 hours early to get in line

 (and we weren't even first!)

Living Statues!

It was an amazing production and as always the Chapel was breath taking.  The most poignent moment each year is the portion of the show where the audience remembers and honors those who are no longer with us.  A single midshipmen lights a candle and the flame glistens and reminds us all to give thanks for our freedom and to those who fight and die for it each day.

I never forget..... and I will never forget....!

Hope Everyone Had A....

Go Navy!!!

More pictures at www.facebook.com/semperusa

When a football field is not just a football field!!!

I came across this blurb as I was reading the bagillion emails and articles in my inbox. 

It's about last weekend's game, but I thought it was so inidicative of how military folks see things.... even a football field. 

God Bless our Troops and

 Go Navy!  Go Army!!  Go Air Force!!! Go Marines!!!! and

 Go Coast Guard!!!!! 

 May you all be safe.

MEADOWLANDS CHRISTENING: Now we know why Navy played so well against Notre Dame on Saturday at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. On Friday following the pregame walk-through, the Midshipmen officially christened the field at the new National Football League stadium, which serves as home to the New York Giants and New York Jets.


Niumatalolo obtained some sand from Iwo Jima that had been given to Navy lacrosse coach Richie Meade by former All American midfielder Steve Looney.

Capt. Bryce McDonald, the military liaison officer to the football team, had some dirt from Afghanistan that was collected from a battlefield by Andy Thompson, defensive captain of the 1995 Navy football team.

Following practice on Friday, the players and coaches gathered in a circle to formally christen The Meadowlands as a Navy home field.

Col. John Kennedy, the Naval Academy Marine Corps representative, talked about Iwo Jima then sprinkled the sand from that Pacific island that was the site of the famous photograph of Marines raising the American flag following a fierce battle. McDonald, a Purple Heart recipient who was injured while fighting in the Middle East, discussed the current conflict in Afghanistan before sprinkling the dirt from that country.

"It was a very memorable moment for the entire team and really brought home what this place is all about," Niumatalolo said. "That was one of those times that reminded me how special it is to be the head coach at the Naval Academy."

It was particularly poignant considering that Navy was playing just outside New York City, which was so affected by the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center was destroyed.
 
"Last week was pretty special. I can remember looking out from my hotel room and seeing the skyline of New York City, but then you notice that void where the Twin Towers used to be" Niumatalolo said. "It just reminded me that these young men on our football team voluntarily came to the Naval Academy at a time when we are engaged in two wars."

Being Thankful [and a giveaway!]

Yesterday I listed my Top 10 Reasons for Giving Thanks!

Today I'm giving thanks to you!

With a GIVEAWAY

Tell me your reasons for being thankful and you'll be entered to win this

sterling silver charm complete with a pearl charm and beautiful swarovski crystal charms in autumn colors!  

These can be removed after the fall season (if you want) leaving just the classic pearl.

I'm wearing mine and being thankful!

These are listed on my Etsy Shop and for everyone sold,

Semper USA will donate $3.00 to Operation Baghdad Pups.

These will ship within 72 hours of ordering to ensure delivery by Thanksgiving!

Top 10 Reasons for Giving Thanks

It's been a week since my last post... how did that happen? 

I've been busy working and living and all of a sudden a week has flown by without even a blink of an eye...don't you just hate when that happens?

Oh well...

Today's post is entitled "Thankful" and that's the name of my newest creation.  I wanted to come up with something to celebrate the Thanksgiving season.  It seems to have gotten squished into almost non-existence between Halloween and Christmas, and after giving it some serious thought this year, I decided to spend more time on Thanksgiving than Halloween because really there are so many things I am thankful for... it seems wrong not to spend a moment to really appreciate all those things that make my life so bright .... so here goes... my....

Top 10 Reasons for Giving Thanks

1.  My husband who is also my very, very, VERY best friend and soulmate.  He is my better 3/4 and keeps me sane when all around me things seem to be terribly insane.  He is the one person who understands me, accepts me, and most importantly loves me - even when I am having a terrible hair day, have poison ivy all over my face (with blisters), and am totally PMS.  I love him with the very fiber of my being, and I am so, so, SO THANKFUL for his love!

2.  My parents.  My parents always accept, support and never judge (out loud :-)).  They are my safe port in any and every storm, and the older I get the more I love them and appreciate them.  I am so THANKFUL for them each and every day.

3.  My children.  My kids used to be the center of my existence.  I look back at the time (over 17 years ago) when I had three under 3, and I wonder just how I did it.  I had 3 in diapers and 2 on bottles - my evening routine consisted of preparing 13 bottles to make sure I could get through the following day with no bottle drama.  Never got more than 2 hours sleep at a time, had three car seats, 2 strollers (1 double and 1 single), 2 diaper bags, and a minivan.  We didn't have those cool car DVD players yet and the babes were too young to play with (and indeed these hadn't come out yet) gameboys.  Now the babes are men, and I am thrilled to have them spreading their wings.  I love that they are their own people now, and I enjoy them on such a different level.   They all have their distinct personalities, and I am THANKFUL to be able to call myself "mom" and them "friend."

4.  My health.  I've been relatively lucky in this arena.  With the exception of a stint with melanoma 9 years ago, I've been extremely healthy.  I've spent some time lately with wounded warriors and have marvelled at their resolve; I have absolutely no reason to complain and every day a reason to be THANKFUL.

5.  My husband's job.  Sad to say, we were a victim of the economic disaster.  Our manufacturing business totally failed, and we were forced to close the doors with a huge financial loss... we're the ones who you hear about who lost their savings, their retirement, blah, blah, blah.   We can both attest to the extreme difficulty in the job market - both "professionals" and both unemployed for over a year.  I knew it was bad, but the defining moment came when I wasn't able to get hired as a cleaning person and my hubby couldn't get a job as a mechanic (even though he's like the best mechanic ever and has over 30 years experience building, rebuilding, and working on cars).  We kept to our Faith and to each other and FINALLY he was able to obtain a job where he could use his 25+ years of engineering and management experience.  His new job keeps him travelling a good part of the time, but we're both so THANKFUL that God took care of us and for a regular pay check.

6.  My Faith.  It is me and keeps me going... nothing more to say.

7.  My dog.  My dog is a huge pain in the @$$, but he is absolutely the MOST loyal dog I've ever had.  He follows me relentlessly, is by my side constantly and loves me no matter what... I will ignore that one instance when he bit my face and keep him on my top 10 :-).  I'm THANKFUL to have my puppy love.

8.  The water.  I live for and love the open water.... bays, lakes, oceans, creeks, rivers... you name it, I love it.  I am THANKFUL that each day, I wake up and get to look out at the water as it ebbs and flows.  It is ever-changing and constant... like me :-).

9.  The seasons.  I love every season, but I think I love fall the most.  I love to see the changing colors of the trees, feel the breezes as they bring in cooler air and smell the scent of burning wood.  I think I love the fall because it brings closure to a year and with it new beginnings in Spring.  I am THANKFUL for new beginnings and the promises that they bring.

10.  Each new day.  I am THANKFUL for each new day because it gives me another opportunity to try to be a better person - to be a better wife, mother, daughter, friend and woman.  I love having new chances to say "I love you" and to smile and laugh...

These are the things I am THANKFUL for... how about you???

Figuring Me Out

This blogging thing is pretty interesting.

It used to be that people put their thoughts in diaries; now, it is in blogs.

Diaries were "private"; blogging - definitely NOT

Why is that?

I'm a private - No make that a VERY private - person.

Why then do I feel the need to blog?

Is it because everyone else is doing it?

I don't have very much in common with most of the bloggers I read...

I'm 46 29 (hello menopause)

I craft - but I'm NOT Martha Stewart

I DIY - but I'm NOT Sarah from A Beach Cottage (love her stuff BTW)

I'm an entrepreneur - but I'm NOT Oprah

I'm a mom - but my kids are grown

I'm a child  - but not from a huge family like CJane's

I'm spiritual - but I'm not Joel Osteen

I guess that's why I blog...

...because it's okay to not have it all figured out...

... because it's good to think about things and try to be better...

...because I'm older and I think I've lived through ALOT...

and

....because I'm still figuring out who I am one post at a time.

Do you know who YOU are?

Share YOU with me below!

Happy Birthday Navy!!

Happy 235th Birthday Navy!

and

Many Happy More!

Wonder how long this took to decorate?

This is hanging on West Point's Thayer Hall - courtesy of exchange Midshipmen no doubt!

Happy hump day!



Monday Night Chuckles

It's been a busy week at the studio.  

We've been putting the finishing touches on our newest creations and hope to have them on the site tomorrow.  We've also been working at updating our site and hope you like our changes!  Let me know what you think!!

 

In the meantime, it IS Monday...

Time for Monday Night Chuckles!

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. 

Can you believe there are only 75 days until Christmas!!!

In honor of our friends serving proudly in USAF....

Truth or Fiction?

USAF Maintenance Logs

Some (supposedly) actual maintenance complaints submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews...

(source unknown)

Problem: "Left inside main tire almost needs replacement."
Solution: "Almost replaced left inside main tire."


Problem: "Test flight OK, except autoland very rough."
Solution: "Autoland not installed on this aircraft."


Problem #1: "#2 Propeller seeping prop fluid."
Solution #1:"#2 Propeller seepage normal."
Problem #2: "#1, #3, and #4 propellers lack normal seepage."


Problem: "The autopilot doesn't t."
Signed off :"IT DOES NOW."


Problem: "Something loose in cockpit."
Solution: "Something tightened in cockpit."


Problem: "Evidence of hydraulic leak on right main landing gear."
Solution: "Evidence removed..."


Problem: "DME volume unbelievably loud."
Solution: "Volume set to more believable level."


Problem: "Dead bugs on windshield."
Solution: "Live bugs on order."


Problem: "Autopilot in altitude hold mode produces a 200 fpm descent."
Solution: "Cannot reproduce problem on ground."


Problem: "IFF inoperative."
Solution: "IFF inoperative in OFF mode."


Problem: "Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick."
Solution: "That's what they're there for."

Problem: "Number three engine missing."
Solution: "Engine found on right wing after brief search."




Semper USA!

Monday Night Chuckles and We Have a Winner

Thanks to everyone for leaving the kind words and comments!  Creating keepsakes and treasures for our service men and women and their families is a passion of mine, and I'm really happy to be able to share my visions with all of you. 

This is a brand new venture for me, and I am passionate about providing beautiful handmade jewelry that honor all of our sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandsons, grand daughters and any one else who is a special some one!

The winner of the beautiful Marine Mom Earrings is Cherri Welter Toler.  Contact us and we'll ship these to you right away!


After a long week, one day of which was spent at Walter Reed Hospital (more on that later), I'm ready for some chuckles...  God Bless our Troops!

At the Studio and a Give Away!!!

Today was one of those days when the weather started off clear, beautiful and warm and by the end of the day, it left you scrambling for umbrellas, sweatshirts and raincoats.


It was a perfect day to be in the studio! I love my studio... it inspires me!

This is Tuesday's beautiful sunset from my studio...

Red Sky at Night... Sailor's Delight

The geese are heading south

The sky was a perfect compliment to my newest addition to the earring collection!

Semper Fi Love

These earrings are made with beautiful swarovski crystals in the official colors of the USMC!

A cute sterling silver puffy heart is added!

Hung on hypoallergenic surgical steel french wires and with a drop of approximately 1/2".

Let's give one of these away!

Simply leave a comment and we will pick a winner on Friday.

Blog it and

Facebook it for extra entries!

Hope you had a great Wednesday!

Happy Hump Day!!

Semper USA!

Camille Anne

Tuesday Tidbits - What I love, love, love about the Military

For some of us, it is Navy / Air Force Week - the week when on Saturday, the football teams from each of these service academies face each other on the field and play for honor and bragging rights (and the Commander-in-Chief Cup).

For the men and women who serve in each of these branches, it is a time where they wear their service pride on their sleeve and defiantly rant about the short-comings of the "other" guys.

For the students attending each of these academies, it is a week of fun, shenanigans and unbelievable pranks that leave you scratching your head and wondering "how did they pull that off?"

Herndon Monument, USNA

O-Dark Hundred

Tecumseh, USNA

O-Dark Hundred in the pouring rain

What I love, love, love about the military is they go at it -

head-to-head, toe-to-toe, prank-to-prank -

with all the gusto and determination they display for opposing forces with one exception...

At the end of the week, they all remember they are one united force...

together, in one Nation under God, supporting each other.

And at the end of the week, they again are one team defending our Country and our freedoms!

Semper USA!!!

Go Navy and Air Force - May you all stay safe and enjoy your week!

Monday Night Chuckles

It's Monday night - which around here means football and Moe's for dinner! I just love Monday's!! Because Monday's are just so great (it's the football and Moe's I tell you), I've decided Monday night will also be Monday Night Chuckles Night too... aren't you just soo excited?

So, for our inaugural Monday Night Chuckles, I bring you ....

The US Navy today announced that it has released a senior Al Qaeda terrorist after questioning him extensively for 27 days while he was held prisoner aboard a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. In a humanitarian gesture the terrorist was given $50 US and a white Ford Fairlane automobile upon being released from custody.

Have a Happy Monday Night!

Semper USA!!

Camille Anne

Semper USA Style

Happy Weekend to Everyone... Hope you all are doing great and enjoying the first weekend of Fall!

With the recent change to fall-like temperatures (well, that was prior to the bizarre heat wave here in Maryland which has had the temperatures up into the '90's), I decided to venture out of the air conditioning and work on some much procrastinated outdoor projects. I had been putting off sweating and the displeasure of the buggies through the summer months, but it just seemed like the perfect time to get these little babies done and off the list.

Alot of these projects feature handbuilt, handpainted or handmade items that I've been creating throughout the recent months. Some of these will be available for purchase or I can supply instructions. Let me know what you think!!!

So without further ado, here goes - Semper USA goes outdoors

Office Entry Way

The entrance to my office. What do you think?

I love making wreaths... I mean I love, love, love making wreaths!!! I have a wreath for about every occasion and then some, but this one stays on my office door year-round. These will be available for purchase in the near future!

Hand painted banner!

Hand painted door bell... can't sneak up on me with this sucker! I have one on the inside too!!

Hand made and hand painted mini-planters. Perfect for the steps!

Window Planters

These are hand made and after seeing these pictures, I've decided they're not done!

They are getting white stripes tomorrow!

Garden Trellis

One of my most favorite projects in a loonnngg time! I bought this trellis at an auction for $1.00 - Yes, $1.00!!! It was a little worse-for-the-wear, but with a little TLC, white paint and new planter boxes crafted from scrap wood, I think this little baby is a beaut! I saw a trellis at Lowe's for $200 (not nearly as nice), so I'm REALLLLYYY lovin' it now!

Adirondack Chairs

These were all white (there are 4 of them, but I was having technical difficulties getting a good shot of them all) until one day, I decided they were going to become a flag... haven't decided if I want stars on the blue one... what do you think?

All of these little projects were done with extra materials and/or on an extremely low-budget!

Semper USA!!

Camille Anne