Okay, I just wanted to let everyone know that I did post my review on the Michael Jackson movie: This Is It.  A few days ago I was trying to get the draft ready and some photos lined up.  I accidentally hit publish instead of Save Draft and there was nothing but an apology from me on what I had done.  I went to see the movie yesterday and posted the review today.

This evening I went to see The Stepfather for Girls Night Out and afterward we were shopping and I bought the Souvenir Edition of the This Is It soundtrack.

I have a few theatrical movies still to review so hold tight and I will try to get Fame, Couples Retreat and The Stepfather posted.

I think I'm going to have another busy weekend.  Tomorrow I'm going to a Hallow-Him gathering at my church.  I had no plans of going but the preacher's wife asked me to come and hang out with her.  So, since I don't really have a life I guess I will do that ;+)

Don't forget tomorrow night is the start of Daylight Savings Time.  Remember we will gain an hour!  Yes!! "Fall back, spring forward."  Set those clocks back an hour!

After months of praying and planning and a lot of encouragement from my wonderful friend in Memphis, TN (@WOZScarecrow on Twitter) I finally took a 2 1/2 hour trip to Georgia yesterday and met our precious Krista Lynn and her mother.  I posted a picture in my photo gallery of Krista and me in front of the Cracker Barrel.

We had a grand and glorious time and once the introductions and hugs were exchanged we fell into a conversation and you would have thought we had been friends for years.  Thru the past year Krista and I were realizing just how much we had in common.  I was always picking with her and Patty Therre that we were cyber twins.  Well, we each decided it would be neat to actually meet some the people that we have befriended thru Viewpoints so we set the plan in motion.

We emailed a lot and the day before the trip we told each other what we would be wearing so that we would recognize each other.  I arrived at Cracker Barrel in Madison and immediately recognized Krista.  We were seated and I let the waitress (Virginia) know that we were from out of town and would be visiting for a while.  She was so kind to take our orders and just pop in on us occasionally to give Krista and her mother refills on their tea.

Some funny coincidences took place that 'bout threw us for a loop.  Both of us brought the other a gift bag with goodies and we exchanged some similar things.  Krista, her mother and I all ordered the same exact meal and Krista's mother and I had the same digital camera down to the exact model.  We were picking that we needed to be careful when taking pictures so that w would be sure to take the right camera home.  Finally, after eating we shopped around the store for a while.  While I was at checkout Krista appeared behind me and guess what?  We were both purchasing the same CD!  Maybe we are twins ;+)

I had a great time visiting with Krista and her mother.  They both have such beautiful spirits and very outgoing personalities.  We talked about our friends at Viewpoints and Twitter, our lives, and what have you.  I was blessed to meet her and look forward to many more visits.  I'm hoping that someday I might get to meet some others too.  

Here's an exerpt from the email that Shelton sent out early this morning.

Dear Family & Friends:

I am proud to announce that our twins arrived during the wee hours of this morning (Aug. 1st).  Anna Leigh and the babies are doing fine.  Her parents flew in from Dallas Thursday night so Anna Leigh was happy that they were able to be with us.  When she felt the babies were going to come early she was afraid they would miss the big day.  The babies and the other children are doing great!  Because they were born on the weekend the doctor said they will probably get to go home on Monday if there are no complications and it will be our prayer that there will not be any.

Names?  Oh, you want the names.  Many of you know that our previous 4 girls have Leigh on their name after Anna (Brantleigh, Ainsleigh, Paisleigh, and Avonleigh).  Well in keeping with that tradition we now have Kyleigh Ginger-Renae weighing in at 5 lbs. 13 oz and 18” long.  Our family and friends that have known us a very long time know that Anna Leigh lost a sister named Ginger-Renae when they were in college.  Ginger’s fiance’s name was Kyle and thus, where our Little Skittle’s name comes from.  Kyleigh has blue eyes and a hint of some blonde hair, I think.

Our little Peanut weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz and is almost 20” long.  He also shows some signs of blonde hair, I think.  Some know that all of the boys names have ending in the n sound because of my name.  We have Christian, Jansen, and Braeden.  So of course we wanted to keep in tradition with that but I didn’t really want anymore soap stars names (Jansen Buchannan and Eric Braeden).  So, I nixed the thought of Tristan (Roger Scorpio from GH) and then I also nixed Logan because it was becoming such a trendy unisex name in our area.  So, agreeing on Peanut’s first name was a chore for us.  Then we met our friend Gigi’s dance partner and our daughter Brantleigh asked why we couldn’t name the baby boy Brannigan so Brannigan Josiah it was.  Our apologies to Gigi for all the secrecy.  We wanted to surprise you.  Brannigan, our family and Anna Leigh’s parents already knew that we had this name picked out.  We told Brannigan at the ballet.

We ask for your prayers as we continue thru this journey.  That we always love and cherish the gifts that the Lord has bestowed upon us and that our children are raised in a Christian home and know the Lord at an early age.

This is Gigi again: I've already talked with Anna Leigh and Shelton on the phone and I will be going up to see the babies and family later today.

My friends and I have been viewing Michael Jackson videos all afternoon and talking about our favorite videos and songs.  It seems most of agreed that that cool ones were of cours, the Thriller and Billie Jean but for more sentimental reasons we are holding on to Will You Be There and You Are Not Alone.  I think the words to You Are Not Alone are very appropriate for a nation mourning this legendary entertainer and I hope that someone performs it at his memorial service so that his children and family can get a message from him one last time.  

"You Are Not Alone"

Another day has gone
I'm still all alone
How could this be
You're not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

But you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
But you are not alone

'Lone, 'lone
Why, 'lone

Just the other night
I thought I heard you cry
Asking me to come
And hold you in my arms
I can hear your prayers
Your burdens I will bear
But first I need your hand
Then forever can begin

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
For you are not alone

Whisper three words and I'll come runnin'
And girl you know that I'll be there
I'll be there

You are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay
For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

For you are not alone...

The man has died and will be buried on Tuesday but his music will live on in the hearts of millions.   Michael Jackson--gone but not forgotten!

Well, my 9 days with my best friend and her family have come to an end and today I will return home.  I had a blast working on the "farm" and taking care of the kittens.  Dizzy and Smoakie fell in love with me and now Debbie is trying to figure out how to get them to quit coming down to her house because they realized where I was and began coming down there.

I only have 2 more weeks of intense dance practices and the week of productions begin July 7th and ends on the 12th and then my life will go back to a more normal routine.  It's a lot of fun and very rewarding to know that what we do raises money for families who cannot afford to pay the higher dance/costume fees. 

I hope you are all doing well and after Wednesday I will tell all of my friends some wonderful news.  It may not seem that wonderful but you will be surprised and I believe, happy for me :+)

Take care and God bless and thanks for all the fun times!  Remember my motto: "Live, love, laugh and learn" and we can do a lot of that here!! 

I have been at my best friend's house (Debbie) since Saturday.  Both of her girls and their families went on vacation so she invited me to stay with her to help feed their pets and pick vegetables from 2 gardens.  I call it working on the "farm." 

I'm having a great time.  We are staying very busy and I feel as if I'm not slowing down until I take a bath in the evening. 

I'm not working late this week because of my dance schedule and then I head straight to Debbie's and we work in the gardens, water indoor plants, I play with kittens and feed them and she takes care of the dog.  I'm also in the process of converting her bedroom TV from analog to digital.

I'm only coming online during the day while at work because my evenings are VERY busy.  I will return home Monday AFTER work and then things will slow down a tad bit.

Good news just around the corner... 

I thought I would let everyone know what I'm up to lately so you wouldn't think I have totally abandoned everyone at Viewpoints.  I joined VP mid-August of last year AFTER my regular hectic summer was over.

Many of you know that I am a professional ballerina but I'm not sure if you know that I still dance.  My dance season is Feb. to July but due to the dialysis that I was undergoing I couldn't start this season until March.  After 30+ years I can catch up pretty easy.

I am dancing 3 nights a week, Tues & Thurs (4:30-7:30) and Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm.  We are getting ready for our big production the week after the 4th of July.  Our week will be jam packed with performances on Tues, Thurs, Friday, a Sat. matinee and evening show and then a special encore for patients from the Children's Hospital on Sunday.  So, I am keeping long days and coming home pooped.

We have also been given the go-ahead to work with overtime pay now instead of comp time; which I am loving because as many know; I want a new laptop!

Please be patient with me as I try to read/comment on reviews.  I can no longer read them all every day but I am still reading. 

I just returned home and took the day off from work to get some much needed rest.  Debbie and I kept a lot of late nights, well, actually early mornings.  We would watch a movie or two and then she would want to reminisce about her brother.  We wouldn't get in bed unitl 4 a.m.!  Her husband and family told me thanks because only I could have comforted her in that way.

Debbie is doing well but misses her brother.  The funeral was beautiful and there was much rejoicing.    And for the Christian we have the blessed assurance of being reunited with those who have gone on.

Thanks for all the prayers.  I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day.  We just chilled. 

I will try to get some reviews read and commented on and hope to get back into the swing of things soon!  See you here or on Twitter!  

My best friend's brother just passed away early this morning.  He was the one that they brought in hospice for several weeks ago.  I am going to meet with a client and then leave to go be with the family.

Debbie's family is like family to me.  Her parents are my "Memaw" and "Papa" and Debbie has been like a mother to me.  She was very close to this brother and I know this is really going to get the best of her.

Please keep her family in your prayers.  I think the funeral will be Sunday or Monday.  I'm not sure if I will be staying with her this weekend so if I am not online you will know why.

If I don't get to talk with you I hope and pray that you all have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.  If you party be responsible and if you travel be careful!

Many warm thoughts and a BIG hug to my Viewpoints family!  Love ya, Gigi

I'm baaaccck!  My vacation was wonderful as it is every year.  I missed everyone and tried to stay in touch with some at Twitter via my cell phone.  At least all my posts will be prompters of what I was doing so I'll know what to review.  I also looked thru my pics from last year and will have a lot of places to review.

Well, I have a lot of unpacking to do and some laundry to wash.  I'll try to come online later this evening after I have gotten all things done and taken a "real" nap.  I'm off until Thursday so maybe I'll catch some of my west coast friends later in the evening!

Thanks to all who prayed for us.  I only got one scraped up leg this year and we didn't have any vehicle or motorcycle problems.  I didn't even hear of fatalities this year.  I'm sure there were some but the number must have been down from previous years, praise God!

So glad to be back home and I can't wait to catch up with everyone!  Much love to you all!

~Gigi    

No dance session today because of so many being out of town for Mother's Day.

I leave for my vacation Monday morning and will be gone until next Sunday.  I won't have access to a PC unless I go to an Internet Cafe' and I don't think that's going to happen with my Harley loving brother ;+)  He loves me so much that he would probably take me to one if I really wanted to go but we stay so busy that I don't think I will.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful Mother's Day.  If you are traveling I shall be praying for safety on the road. 

To all my friends at Twitter: I am going to lock my acct. while I'm gone to keep from getting a lot of unwanted followers.  Don't worry though.  If I am already following you this will not affect you!  I can still get your msgs.  Someone needs to keep our twibe alive also so be sure to mention one of the following words in an update (writer, Viewpoints or VP) and that post will go to ViewpointsinTwitterville.  The big chief is putting aside her headdress for a week.  She's leaving the reservation and going to ride a wild hog!

Have a great time and I look forward to telling you all about my trip when I return!

Love and prayers to all my sweet friends here at Viewpoints!  ~Gigi

It's nearing the end of the month.  April is National Child Abuse Awareness month and believe me I have been doing my part to get the word out.  Well, I even work with that population.

Many will remember the song "Dear Mr. Jesus."  Copy and paste this link to watch the video and remember why we strive to protect them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT_xEye3b3M&feature=related

I remember when Sharon Batts and Power Source released this and it still makes me cry. 

Okay, it's time for some fun!  In the winter time many of us get hit with a snowball when the virtual snowball fight takes place.  Well, a friend on Twitter splashed me with the love wave earlier today and now I am showering all of you with love.  If you get splashed by several people consider yourself loved because someone thought enough to send it your way!  So put the sunscreen on, the swimsuits and everything else and prepare to get soaked!  April showers bring May flowers!  I hope you all get drenched!

I¸„øº°¨AM¨°ºø„¸¸„øº°¨RIDING¨°ºø„¸¸„øº°¨THE¨°ºø„¸¸„øº°¨ LOVE¨°ºø„¸¸„øº°¨WAVE ∞∞ R U? Join Me & spread the love!   

 The Picture of the Cross

I know of a story too dear to hear,
        It comes in the form of a Cross,
It's a tale that's lasted two thousand years,
        It can not be hidden or lost.

The sight of the Cross, all on its own,
        Requires no words to make clear,
Its image is old and very well known,
        Yet, each time it is seen, it brings tears.

 It's a picture of shame, of grief, and of pain,
A tale of the Blood of the Lamb,
There's no need for words; its vision explains
Quite plainly God's plan for man.

 The Cross speaks volumes without making a sound,
We need only to see where it's pierced,
And look on the ground for a dropped thorny crown,
To know of suff 'ring and anguish most fierce.

 I cringe from the sound of silent screams heard,
Some of them coming from me,
For that sight of the Cross without any words,
Is almost too deafening to see.

 Here's wishing everyone a bright and beautiful weekend and a wonderful Easter Sunday too!

Hey!  It seems there are a lot of people who think I am leaving Viewpoints when the official "separation" between sk-you and Viewpoints takes place in the next few weeks.  Thanks for all the thoughtful comments but have no fear--Gigi is staying at Viewpoints :+)

Remember several months back when I tried to establish a game board and no one could find it?  LilSquibb realized that I was posting thru the discussion boards at sk-you.  I was introduced to Viewpoints by completing an online survey off a K-Mart receipt.  That survey then rerouted me to a website that allowed me to joing sk-you; which also allowed me to connect with Viewpoints.  In time we realized that my main interest was Viewpoints and not those of the Sears/K-Mart employees so I crossed over.

Meredith contacted me and I was given the option of choosing which site I wanted to be my "official home" once the separation takes place.  I chose Viewpoints, of course, so she said that I will not lose my friends or the ability to follow your activity, reviews, comments, etc. 

Leave it to a little person like me to cause a BIG problem--that's Gigi's style ;+)  Jk!  I hope this helps to clarify anything that you may have heard.  I'm not going anywhere!  I'm doing the happy dance because I've been "adopted" by a great circle of friends.  ~Gigi  

P.S.  If you Twitter I am also there and just having fun.  You can find me at twitter.com/LittleGigiGirl