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Dear Visitor,

After several months of using blogger I am still getting more hits on my Wordpress site, so from now on I will only be posting there. I'm sorry for any confusion this causes. Please come and visit me at http://eclecticemily.wordpress.com/. Also be sure to check out my other posts on Scribbles & Scrawlings and The Cozy Little Book Nook.

Happy Blogging :D

-Eclectic Emily

Believe Impossible Things!

I also try to practice this as much as I can ;D

Music From A Tree

Diego Stocco - Music From A Tree from Diego Stocco on Vimeo.

I saw this and thought it was pretty darn cool!

Garlicky Baked Fries

I found this recipe at purplefoodie.com and thought it was great!

Garlicky Oven Fries
Adapted from: Lottie + Doof

8 garlic cloves, minced
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 russet potatoes (about 8oz each), each cut into 12 wedges
3 tbsp cornstarch/cornflour
1 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
1 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1. Preheat oven to 225°C/475° F.
2. Combine the garlic and oil in a large bowl, warming it until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Transfer 5 tablespoons of the oil (leaving the garlic in the bowl) to the baking dish, coating it well.
4. Add the potatoes to the bowl with the garlic mixture and toss to coat. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and microwave on high power until the potatoes are translucent around the edges, 3 to 6 minutes, shaking the bowl to redistribute the potatoes halfway through cooking.
5. Combine the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the hot potatoes and toss well to coat.
6. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake, turning once, until deep golden brown and crisp, 30 to 40 minutes.
7. Serve with ketchup, mayo or sour cream.

Behind A Smile

Beautiful People

WingSuit Jumping

wingsuit base jumping from Ali on Vimeo.

Very Cool!

You Are Beautiful

"O, Divine Redeemer" Elder Neal A. Maxwell

I saw this and had to post it! I love Elder Maxwell He was such an eloquent speaker, and an enlightened one. Enjoy!

In Memory Of Grandma Eyre

My Grandma Eyre passed away on Wednesday May 13, 2009. She was 85 years old. I wanted to do a tribute post in her memory. My grandma was one of my dearest friends and and an amazing and lovely lady.

Cleo Doreen Scholtz Eyre

Things I Love About Grandma Eyre:

• Her Twinkly Eyes
• Her Kind Smile
• Her Wonderful Sense Of Humor
• Her Testimony and example of Faith
  
• Her Hugs & Kisses
• Her Favorite Candy Chocolate Kisses
• Her Complete Acceptance & Love For Others
• Her Love Of Books & Learning
• Her Love Of Music
• The Way She Loved Me Absolutely 100%
• The Way She Served Others
  
• The Way She Put Family First
• The Way She Was In Love With My Grandpa
  
• The Love She Put into Making Special Things For Her Family: Afgans, Tablecloths etc.
• That She Gave Me My Mom, and My Life; I wouldn't be here without her
• Her Strength and Determinitation
• Her Love of Life
• The Way She Enjoyed and Took Notice Of Wonderful Simple Everyday Joys and Experiences
• Her Garden and Her Love of Nature
• Her ability to be herself and be confident in who she was
  
• Everything about her and who she was

I Love You Grandma!!

Holes In The Floor Of Heaven ~ Steve Warner

Let Every Sunset Take You Nearer

I love this quote and was reminded of it by some spectacular sunsets lately :D

Brain vs Body Challenge

Spiced Apple Cider

6 cups apple juice or apple cider
1 juice orange, washed and sliced
2 sticks cinnamon, broken
6-7 cloves, whole

Bring apple juice, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve hot.

(I know that we are coming into Summer, and this is usually a Fall Thing, but I say tasty drinks shouldn't have seasonal limitations!)

Rain In My Head

Failure Leads To Success ~ Michael Jordan

General Conference - Your Walk And Talk

I have been thinking about this a lot. In church today, the talks were all geared toward General Conference which is coming up next weekend. Growing up I had a Young Women's Leader who always gave us a lesson on the Sunday before Conference. The Lesson was always about making the messages we heard our "Walk and Talk for the next 6 months". I will never forget that, and I think about that lesson every time conference comes around. I always feel recharged and ready to take on the world after listening to General Conference, and it is important to try to keep those feelings and messages with us in the months that follow. So as we get ready for another wonderful weekend of General Conference, It's my goal to make the messages stick.

I've included the conference article addressing this below:

“Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

Ezra Taft Benson, “‘Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him’,” Ensign, May 1988, 84

(Read by President Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency)

President Hinckley:

We heard President Benson’s strong voice yesterday morning and again last evening, and we were all encouraged by what he said. I am happy to respond to his request that I read the message which he prepared as the closing benediction of this conference.

My dear brethren and sisters, this has been a wonderful general conference of the Church. We have felt a marvelous spirit in all of our meetings.

I commend my Brethren of the General Authorities for the excellent addresses they have given. My humble prayer is that all of us will follow the counsel and instruction we have received.

As we have felt the Spirit and made new and sacred resolves, may we now have the courage and fortitude to carry out those resolves.

For the next six months, your conference edition of the Ensign should stand next to your standard works and be referred to frequently. As my dear friend and brother Harold B. Lee said, we should let these conference addresses “be the guide to [our] walk and talk during the next six months. These are the important matters the Lord sees fit to reveal to this people in this day” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1946, p. 68).

May we all go to our homes rededicated to the sacred mission of the Church as so beautifully set forth in these conference sessions—to “invite all to come unto Christ” (D&C 20:59), “yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moro. 10:32).

This grand mission of the Church is accomplished by proclaiming the gospel, perfecting the Saints, and redeeming the dead.

In the next few days, in each of our homes, may we prayerfully consider specific ways we as families and individuals can accomplish this mission. While we still feel the spirit of this great conference and while the words still ring in our ears, let us determine how each of us can be doers of the word and not hearers only (see James 1:22).

In proclaiming the gospel, would you prayerfully consider and ponder the following as it applies to you:

As a young man, are you earnestly preparing to serve a full-time mission? The Lord needs every young man between the ages of nineteen and twenty-six worthy, prepared, and excited about serving in the mission field.

As a mature couple, having reared your children, have you prayerfully considered serving a full-time mission? The Lord needs many more couples in the mission field who can love and fellowship and lead people to Christ.

As a single sister, where marriage is not in your immediate future, have you prayed about serving a full-time mission and sought counsel from your parents and your bishop? Our single sisters are serving marvelous missions throughout the world.

Finally, as a member of the Church, do you realize that, as a member-missionary, you have a sacred responsibility to share the gospel with friends and family? The Lord needs every member of the Church having the faith and the courage to set a date to have someone prepared to be taught by the missionaries. Would each member of the Church prayerfully consider this sacred challenge?

Another way we come unto Christ is by perfecting the Saints. How do we accomplish this? One way to help perfect ourselves and our families is by daily reading from the scriptures.

Are we as families and individuals reading daily from the Book of Mormon and using its teachings to bless and perfect our lives and those of our children? I rejoice in the thousands of members who are responding to this invitation and who testify of the blessings they are receiving.

Communicating with our Father in Heaven through prayer also brings a spiritual power and strength found in no other way. Are we praying both morning and night as a family and as individuals?

Again, are we holding family home evenings each week? Your immediate results may seem far from ideal at times, but by holding weekly family home evenings, as we have been counseled, we help to perfect that eternal family unit.

And what about family preparedness? Family preparedness has always been an essential welfare principle in perfecting the Saints. Are each of us and our families following, where permitted, the long-standing counsel to have sufficient food, clothing, and, where possible, fuel on hand to last at least one year?

Finally, let us consider the divine charge to redeem the dead. As you ponder this responsibility, would you give serious consideration to the following:

Have we prepared ourselves to receive our own endowments, and have sealings for our families been performed in the holy temple? By precept and example, our posterity should understand the transcendent importance of marrying the right person in the right place and sealing families for time and eternity.

Also, have we identified and received the ordinances for at least one of our ancestors? All members of the Church should be actively engaged in working on their family histories and receiving the help they need from trained stake and ward temple and family history consultants.

Do we periodically participate in all of the temple ordinances and thus receive the full blessings of vicarious work for our ancestors?

Do we return to the temple often to receive the personal blessings that come from regular temple worship? Prayers are answered, revelation occurs, and instruction by the Spirit takes place in the holy temples of the Lord.

Yes, brothers and sisters, the mission of the Church is glorious—to invite all of us to come unto Christ through proclaiming the gospel, perfecting our lives, and redeeming our dead. As we come unto Christ, we bless our own lives, those of our families, and our Father in Heaven’s children, both living and dead.

Now, as we conclude this general conference of the Church, I feel to say to you what Alma said to the members of the Church in his day:

“I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

“And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

“And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless, that ye may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the holy prophets who have been ever since the world began. …

“And now my beloved brethren, I have spoken these words unto you according to the Spirit which testifieth in me; and my soul doth exceedingly rejoice, because of the exceeding diligence and heed which ye have given unto my word.

“And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever” (Alma 7:23–27).

Now, may I express my love for the Latter-day Saints everywhere. There are no better people in all the world.

I pray that we will be obedient to God, learn His will and do it, and, above all, that we will keep the first and great commandment—to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

I testify to you that this is His work, that the kingdom of God has been restored, that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of the living God, and that the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God.

As your humble servant, I desire with all my heart to do God’s will and to faithfully serve you and Him to the end.

Let us all come unto Christ and be perfected in Him, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

President Hinckley:

To which I add my testimony that these are the words of the Lord’s anointed, the prophet of the living God, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Ezra Taft Benson

Did You Miss Me?

Wow! I can't believe it has been so long since I've posted on here. My Internet was down for a week and a half or so because my virus protection expired. I finally got it going again, and now can freely access the Internet, Yay!

In a way, It was really good for me though. Even though I was fine without my computer, I really missed it for the first few days. I didn't realize how much I am on this thing. I like to blog, but I also am on all the time using google to look something up, or paying bills online etc. It was good for me to take a step back and remember to simplify my life a little bit. I was outside more, and definetely enjoyed soaking up the spring sunshine. There was never a big ah ha moment, but during the last week or so I just enjoyed having a little less technology in my life. The key word being that I enjoyed it. (I did however know the problem was temporary, and that probably helped)

So, If you are like me and find you self looking at a screen a little too often. Take a little break. You might like it :)

Whatever You Are, Be A Good One

Bloom Into You!

One Of My Absolute Favorite Places

I really liked this picture. One of my favorite place in the world is in a cozy chair with a good book!

Down In The Ditch Again With a New Job

I recently just started a new job doing tech support for Verizon. There are 6 weeks of training! I am almost at the end of week two, and I am bored out of my mind. There is just so much information to take in, and honestly you really learn what you need to do on the job. I am really glad to be working again though. I like to listen to this song whenever I am feeling like work is overtaking me. Enjoy!

Joe Diffie~Down In A Ditch

Don't Put Off Your Happy Life

The Trouble Tree

The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and then his old pickup truck refused to start.

While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward, he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing is for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning I pick them up again."

"The funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

Everybody needs a trouble tree..

The Maze Of Life

There are so many days when I feel like this, and I wish I could go back to the care free days of childhood. Sigh . . .

Life's Little Instructions

Please click on the picture to enlarge

Slow Motion Karate Chop Video

Slow motion karate chop

I thought this was funny and interesting.

Keep A Secret Spot

Show Your True Colors!

True Colors ~ Phil Collins

Enjoy The Little Things

What My Birthday Means

I had a birthday at the end of January, and that always makes me feel reflective about myself. I found out people with my birthday are supposed to have the characteristics below. I think this is a scarily accurate summary. :)

You Are a Romantic

You have the mind of an artist, even if you haven't developed the talent yet. Expressive and aware, you enjoy finding new ways to share your feelings. You often feel like you don't fit in - especially in traditional environments. You have big dreams. The problem is putting those dreams into action. Your strength: Your vivid imagination Your weakness: Fear of failure Your power color: Coral Your power symbol: Oval Your power month: November

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Would You Crush A Kiss ~ Nichita Stanescue

Charlie Chaplin ~ The Best Speech Ever

This is simply wonderful

I Thank You ~ E. E. Cummings

Looking At The Sky ~ Vimrod

Joy Is In Us

The Greatest Love Of All ~ Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston is truly one of the greatest singers of all time. This video is amazing.

My Chinese Animal Sign

I thought this was interesting. I think the description of me is fairly accurate.

The Most Beautful People

You Get What You Give

Norah Jones ~ Don't Know Why "Y" Didn't Come

I saw this and thought it was pretty great. I'm a big Norah Jones Fan, and Sesame Street is classic!

Consider The Lilies. . .

This is one of my favorite scriptures, and one of my best loved songs. It is also a message I needed reminding of today. Enjoy. :)

When I Listen To People Tell Stories

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword

This is so true. When I think of how words and the books people read have influenced the world for good and bad, I am awe struck. The written word can make a difference generations after the author is gone.

A Spy Among Us

The Lighthouse By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The Lighthouse
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The rocky ledge runs far into the sea,
and on its outer point, some miles away,
the lighthouse lifts its massive masonry,
A pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day.

Even at this distance I can see the tides,
Upheaving, break unheard along its base,
A speechless wrath, that rises and subsides
in the white tip and tremor of the face.


And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright,
through the deep purple of the twilight air,
Beams forth the sudden radiance of its light,
with strange, unearhly splendor in the glare!


No one alone: from each projecting cape
And perilous reef along the ocean's verge,
Starts into life a dim, gigantic shape,
Holding its lantern o'er the restless surge.


Like the great giant Christopher it stands
Upon the brink of the tempestuous wave,
Wading far out among the rocks and sands,
The night o'er taken mariner to save.


And the great ships sail outward and return
Bending and bowing o'er the billowy swells,
And ever joyful, as they see it burn
They wave their silent welcome and farewells.


They come forth from the darkness, and their sails
Gleam for a moment only in the blaze,
And eager faces, as the light unveils
Gaze at the tower, and vanish while they gaze.


The mariner remembers when a child,
on his first voyage, he saw it fade and sink
And when returning from adventures wild,
He saw it rise again o'er ocean's brink.


Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same,
Year after year, through all the silent night
Burns on forevermore that quenchless flame,
Shines on that inextinguishable light!


It sees the ocean to its bosum clasp
The rocks and sea-sand with the kiss of peace:
It sees the wild winds lift it in their grasp,
And hold it up, and shake it like a fleece.


The startled waves leap over it; the storm
Smites it with all the scourges of the rain,
And steadily against its solid form
press the great shoulders of the hurricane.


The sea-bird wheeling round it, with the din
of wings and winds and solitary cries,
Blinded and maddened by the light within,
Dashes himself against the glare, and dies.


A new Prometheus, chained upon the rock,
Still grasping in his hand the fire of love,
it does not hear the cry, nor heed the shock,
but hails the mariner with words of love.


"Sail on!" it says: "sail on, ye stately ships!
And with your floating bridge the ocean span;
Be mine to guard this light from all eclipse.
Be yours to bring man neared unto man.

Create The Light Of Your Life

Signed, Sealed, And Self Delivered

I thought this was very interesting!

Posted in Oddities by Greg Ross on December 31st, 2008

When 5-year-old May Pierstorff asked to visit her grandmother, her parents had no money to buy a rail ticket.

So they mailed her.

On Feb. 19, 1914, May's parents presented her at the post office in Grangeville, Idaho, and proposed mailing her parcel post to Lewiston, some 75 miles away. The postmaster found that the "package" was just under the 50-pound weight limit, so he winked at their plan, classed May as a baby chick, and attached 53 cents in stamps to her coat. May passed the entire trip in the train's mail compartment and was duly delivered to her grandparents in Lewiston by mail clerk Leonard Mochel.

Other living parcels: Henry Box Brown, Charles McKinley, Owney the dog.

Looking For A Sign

I thought this was great. So often we don't recognize the answers that are all around us.

An Artist's Heart

Be Yourself ~ Vimrod

It's Not The Mountain We Conquer, But Ourselves ~ Edmund Hillary

THE BEST Chocolate Cake EVER

THE BEST Chocolate Cake EVER
(I Found This Recipe Here. It looked pretty good so I plan on Trying It Out.)

1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 package Jello instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a VERY large bowl (4 qt), mix together everything except chocolate chips. Batter will be thick. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into cake pan of choice (I normally use two 9-inch pie pans). For cooking time, I use the cooking times on the back of the devil’s food cake box as a guide and usually add 10 mins to whatever it says. Then I do the toothpick check, and if it’s not done, I check on it every 5 mins after that. :) It usually takes around 45 mins for two, 9-inch pie pans.

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup shortening (crisco)
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening until fluffy. Add sugar and continue creaming until well blended. Add salt, vanilla, and whipping cream. Blend on low speed until moistened. Beat at high speed until frosting is fluffy.