South Carolina Headquarters

Sittonbull's Top Ranked Lens for April 2009 

Gird your Mind with the Power to Overcome Challenges

Time and again, over your and my lifetime,... we must come "face to face" with a conscious decision about how we will react to "great challenges" in our lives! The fact... that these "challenges" will occur and disrupt o...

MiMi's Top Ranked Lens for January 2009 

Be Positive - Like Joan Adams

Be Positive: Like Joan Adams

Joan Adams has inspired me, motivated me, and garnered my esteemed respect more than any other person I've met online — in my 12 years on the Internet. Let me introduce you to a very positive, wise, and inspiring lady... Image source:...

South Carolina Group's Lensographies 

"A" is for "Arrowsmith"

I began this journey as a lens master on June 21, 2008. I started with the story of how my parents began their first small business. That first lens reached a top rank of 188 overall and 14 in business, and then started back down, getting as low as...

Hello, I'm Joan

Hello, I'm Joan! Welcome to my Squidoo World. Squidoo is special because of the community - I have met great friends here, and every day I learn something new! Squidoo is home to over a million lenses and continues to grow quickly. Squidoo is one of...

Ohme - That's me!

I have been called lots of things during my 60 years. My dad would sometimes call me "third verse" and my mom would call me "Nancy Lee" and my sisters call me "Nan". In college I was called by my maiden name, "Tate&...

linkerjpatrick

Linkerjpatrick is the "personal brand" and internet handle for J. Patrick Greer

Lensography of ClassyGals

Hi! I'm ClassyGals, Welcome to my Squidoo lensography. I found Squidoo through a google search and have been hooked ever since. Let me share with you, a compilation of my online writings and promotions through my personal lensography. Kindly browse a...

South Carolina Group's Lensographies 

Lensography: Azareal

No, that picture is not me, though my cat 'helps' type most lenses so it seems fair that she should have a photo op. I just really liked the picture. A lensography tells you about a lensmaster's lenses, right? My lens topics are diverse, so just in c...

Curtis Hart

Have seat and a read and learn all about me, my lensmastering, and a little about my life. Don't forget to rate this lens, comment, sign the guestbook, visit the links, and maybe even buy a book, video game, movie, or cd from here if you like them.&n...

Lensography: Azareal

No, that picture is not me, though my cat 'helps' type most lenses so it seems fair that she should have a photo op. I just really liked the picture. A lensography tells you about a lensmaster's lenses, right? My lens topics are diverse, so just in c...

Daybreak Lensography

This lens seeks to define my role on Squidoo.

Wild and Majestic Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey or Raptors are birds that usually hunt on the wing. They use their keen sense of sight to spot prey, swoop down, and capture it. They usually have large, powerful beaks and talons for tearing and piercing the flesh of their prey. I lo...

South Carolina Group Lensographies 

JDNYC

Hi! Welcome to my Squidoo Lensography!  I have several different areas I have been focusing on, and am interested in feedback for all of my lenses!  Thanks for stopping by!

Thoughts & Things, Mine..... and Others!

The title, "Thoughts and Things ..... Mine & Others" comes from the name I gave my first Journal as I not only like to write down my own thoughts and ideas, but also those of others I like and admire; a paragraph in a book that 'speaks' to me, a favo...

mbgphoto's lensography

Welcome to my lensography. I am Mary Beth Granger, aka mbgphoto or Grandma MaryBeth to three special little girls. I have been married to my best friend, Ray, for 40 years and we have two wonderful children, Linda and John. I retired three years ago...

Lenses About The Great State of South Carolina 

South Carolina Towns and Cities

South Carolina is a small state in the southeastern part of the United States. Our population numbers over 4,321,249. From the mountains to the coast, South Carolina is dotted with small towns filled with friendly, happy people. Our weather is almos...

South Carolina State Symbols and More

South Carolina is my home and I am proud of it. I wanted to make this lens for several reasons. First.our grandson is in the third grade and this is the year that South Carolina children learn about their state. I was in the third grade at Pendleton...

South Carolina Lighthouses

Lighthouse Friends.com lists 10 lighthouses in South Carolina. On a recent visit I was able to photograph 4 of them. Each of the four was unique. There was the modern lighthouse in Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, an unusual square shaped light on...

Shaggin' in South Carolina

In 1984, The Shag became the official South Carolina State Dance. There is even a SC Shaggers Hall of Fame. The Shag originated on the coast of South Carolina and is still the most popular dance in the state. I remember learning to shag at home in t...

South Carolina: Come Visit

Welcome to a little slice of South Carolina! From our white, sandy beaches to our majestic mountains, there is something here for everybody. Visit some of our peaceful Bed&Breakfasts for an experience in down home cooking or head to the beach for...

Lenses about the great state of South Carolina and the USA 

Things to do in South Carolina

Don't get it confused with "North"

All 50 States Group Headquarters

If you were given a blank piece of paper and a pencil right now, could you name all 50 States? What about their capitals? Learning the 50 States and their capitals can be lots of fun. What follows are a wide variety of games, puzzles and activities...

Men in Kilts

It has long been a subject for speculation. What do men wear under their kilts? I will shed some light on this. It seems that they do not wear tidy whities or tightie whities as the case may be. There is no doubt that Scotland has charmed us. Univer...

How to Plan a US Road Trip

There's nothing like taking a road trip across the USA. Going by car gives you a greater appreciation for the vastness and wide array of parks, forests, cities, museums, beaches and cultures the United States has to offer. By taking a cross country r...

South Carolina State Flag - Beadwork Pattern

In the autumn of 1775, the Revolutionary Council of Safety asked Col. William Moultrie to design a flag for the South Carolina troops. Colonel Moultrie selected a blue background to match the uniforms of the troops and a crescent to signify the silve...

More Lenses About The Great State of South Carolina 

South Carolina On Squidoo!

South Carolina is my home and Squidoo is my passion! Joan4 and I realized that we were not the only South Carolinians on Squidoo so we decided to form a group in order to get all South Carolina Lensmasters and Lenses together. Our http://www.s...

Planning a US Road Trip: The Southern Route

If you love warmth and sunshine, this is the perfect US road trip for you where you'll get to see 8 different states. Some of the most unique areas of the country are all easily accessible from I-10, a highway that begins in Los Angeles and ends...

What Do You Know About South Carolina?

  What do you know about South Carolina?  Below you'll find information about South Carolina, including famous South Carolinians, important dates in South Carolina history, general information about the state, and more. There are also t...

South Carolina Group's Book Reviews or Book Related Lenses 

The Weekend Reader

I love to read, but my time is limited. There are so many great books out there. Narrowing down my choice of reading material is not always easy. I found that reading book reviews helps. I would like to share my opinion with you on some of the books...

Angels in the ER - Inspiring True Stories from Emergency Room Doctor

Robert Lesslie, MD has written a captivating book about his experience in the Emergency Room, the patients, the staff and the life lessons he has learned there! His stories will make you laugh a little, weep a little, and keep turning pages until you...

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Lily Owens is the daughter of a brutal father and a mysteriously deceased mother. Her only solace is the black woman, Rosaleen who acts as her mother stand in. Rosaleen was hired by Lily's father after her mother's death. The story takes place in Mo...

What is a Mystery?

In years past defining a mystery was easy. A mystery was a riddle or a puzzle. The reader and the protagonist had to determine the secret, solve the crime, usually a murder, and find the guilty party. The clues were buried within the story allowing t...

Black Elk - Wise Sioux Medicine Man

When I was taking a course at Winthrop University in the 1980's, we were asked to read Black Elk: The Sacred Ways of a Lakota. I started reading it only because it was a requirement. I was quickly fascinated with the wisdom and the experiences of thi...

South Carolina Group's Book Reviews or Book Related Lenses 

Toys and Books from Grandma

Our grandchildren enjoy toys and books at our house. I constantly search for the best, most creative toys I can find. The latest rage for our 5 and 6 year old grandchildren is a toy called PixO's. You can even download your own FREE Barack Obama Pix...

How To Make a Family Cook Book

A family recipe book is actually a collection of memories of our lives. Old family recipes will disappear with time if we do not make an effort to preserve them. Often our most powerful memories are those involving food - the comforting smell of cook...

Writing Book Reviews

I love to read and I'm a writer. It stands to reason that I should be able to write a good book review. At least that's what I assumed when I sat down to write my first one. It was harder than I thought it would be. Telling your audience how much you...

Banish the Blahs

All 3 of the Tate sisters enjoy writing. Sister Nancy aka Ohme and I both enjoy Squidoo. Sister Betty has been published in regional magazines and enjoys editing for Developmental Therapy/Developmental Teaching programs. As part of Pat O'Bryan's Por...

How to Write Your Personal History

A personal history is one of the nicest gifts we can leave our children and grandchildren. Telling your story allows your grandchildren and even your great-great-great grandchildren a glimpse into your life. Write your story! One of the items I trea...

South Carolina Group's Book Reviews or Book Related Lenses 

Dogs - Toys, Books and Movies

Children seem to love all animals naturally-- dogs, cats, horses, rabbits -- but especially dogs. Dogs and puppies! They love to read about them, play with them, chase and be chased by them, play with pretend models, sleep with soft fluffy ones or re...

The Elf on the Shelf

The Elf on the Shelf is a delightful Christmas tradition for young families.   Our grandchildren have totally enjoyed the Elf on the Shelf this year. They named their elf Gerald. It's been fun to hear the children, ages 5 and 6, talk ab...

Selecting a Birdwatching Field Guide

Watching the birds in your backyard is both fun and relaxing. You may have already put up a birdfeeder and even recognize some of the regular visitors. You've reached the point where "watching the birds" is not enough. You want to know...

A Christmas Tree in the White House by Gary Hines

This book for children is based on true facts about one Christmas in the White House with President Theodore Roosevelt and his children. The children wanted a cut tree for the White House but President Roosevelt insisted that they set an example for...

Ten Year Journal

The Ten Year Journal is a simple tool for daily journaling. You can write 5 lines every day in less than ten minutes. Take ten minutes a day and record your life. I know you are busy. We are all busy- maybe too busy. But give yourself this gift! And...

Book Reviews and Book Related Lenses 

FaeFever

Faefever is the third book in Karen Marie Moning's Fever series. In Darkfever MacKayla Lane is pulled from a world isolated from the harsh realities of life. Her sister died a brutal death in a foreign city 4,000 miles from home. Dublin's Gar...

My Mother's Shoes

My Mother's Shoes is an entertaining humorous mystery. It is set in a small town where the tradition of gossip reigns supreme. When her mother's purse and her shoes are unearthed up at the new construction site, Annie Natali knew her mother was...

Kate Salley Palmer

I remember the first time I met Kate Salley Palmer. It was in the early 70's and we had a mutual friend. Both of these women were way ahead of the times and my friend told me about Kate's talents. The early 70's were very much still a transitional t...

Ebook Downloads and How to Use Them

If your mailbox is like mine, it is filled with offers for free or not-so-free ebooks. Are you taking advantage of those? When you joined Squidoo, you were given a free ebook. Have you downloaded that? Printed it? Just in case you missed it, here it...

Book Reviews and Book Related Lenses 

A Modern Girl's Guide to Personal Finance

When the economy started heading south, my husband and I knew we had to take control of our finances. It has been a struggle and we have a ways to go yet, but I sorely regret not getting a handle on it years ago. When I got my first job at the age o...

Writng Fiction: Cooking Up a Story

I have never been one to ignore a challenge, but when Bonnie, the Rocket Moms illustrious leader, published our third week assignment, I took a hasty step back. A cooking lens? Did that mean I had to actually cook something? I gave up cooking for Lent...

Book Reviews and Book Related Lenses 

Deadlock by Iris Johansen

Emily Hudson is a UN artifacts expert. In times of conflict, warring factions rarely consider preserving and protecting the country's historical treasures. It's Emily's job to go in and rescue them. On a trip into war torn Afghanistan, Emi...

Lizzy's Bookshelf

My first clear memory of reading was when I was in first grade. My teacher, Mrs. Gold, had set up a chart and for each book we read, we would get a gold star. I read three books that day. I don't have a clear memory of reading again until I was in...

Spell Of The Highlander

Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning For the last eleven hundred years Cian MacKeltar looked out at the world through a plate of silvered glass. He was caught in the dark mirror through magic and trickery by a man he once called friend. The on...

South Carolina Small Towns 

York, SC - Small town America

York is the County Seat of York County, SC. Take a little walk in downtown York and you hear music. You really do! A charming old/new city, the town is filled with history ---and with family friendships that also go back for years and years. Beautif...

Pendleton, SC

Pendleton, SC is a small town in Anderson County, SC. The town was founded in 1790 and is the largest historic area in the entire United States. The town boasts lovely historic homes and plantations, a town square around a village green, and one of t...

Pendleton SC Happenings

This lens is intended to keep you informed of events and other news about Pendleton SC. We are a small historic town nestled in the foothills of upstate SC. Even though we are a small community, we have a lot going on as you can see by the listings....

Pendleton SC Businesses

Pendleton,South Carolina is an amazing small town and is home to wonderful shops and restaurants as well as great service oriented businesses. I hope you enjoy reading about them and will patronize our business community. THINK PENDLETON the next...

Pendleton - Old Photos

Most of these old photographs of Pendleton SC date to the early 1900's. How did I get these photos? Well, that is a good story. One day Frank Crenshaw showed me these photos and I asked him if I could get copies made. He told me that Mr. Norton...

South Carolina Small Towns 

Part 2

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Pendleton SC

I have written a lot about my hometown of Pendleton South Carolina and it is mainly because I want the whole world to know what a wonderful place it is. Now, I am not encouraging everyone to move here but would love to have you come for a visit. You...

Old Pendleton Photos Part 2

This lens is a continuation of Pendleton Old Photos. Pendleton Old Photos It was getting quite long with nearly 50 pictures and I thought it was about time to start a second part as I still have more photos to share. Pendleton folks of all ages have...

29670 in Pendleton SC

The beautiful historic town of Pendleton SC and the surrounding area is located in Anderson County and only 4 miles from Clemson University, 3 1/2 hours from the beach, 1 hour from the mountains, 2 hours from Atlanta, Ga, and only 45 minutes from Gre...

Wagener, South Carolina

Wagener, South Carolina, is a small town near the capital city of South Carolina - Columbia, SC. Wagener is in Aiken County. We lived in Wagener for 5 years in the 1970's. We had a delightful time and made wonderful friendships there. I attache...

Richburg, South Carolina -- 29729

The Greater Richburg Association is a group of concerned citizens whose membership consists of the industries, local businesses, and individuals from the surrounding community. As a private, non-profit organization, the major goal of the GRA is to im...

South Carolina Cities 

Columbia, SC Y'all!

Whether you live here, you're a student at USC, you're one of our proud soldiers at Ft. Jackson or you're just dropping by for a visit, Columbia, SC has something for everyone! Welcome to Cola town! Now get yourself a map, checkout some of our fine a...

Charleston - South Carolina's Most Beautiful City

Charleston, South Carolina, is a beautiful city to visit. There is much to see and do there. The first thing to do is a carriage tour. This will show you the most well-known historic sites. As a grandma, one of my favorite spots in Charleston is Th...

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Rock Hill is a great city for a family! There are so many opportunities and activities for children here. After high school, Winthrop University and York Technical College allow additional education at an affordable price. When I first visited here...

Greenville,SC

about Greenville,SC Greenville,SC is a progressive city located in northwestern South Carolina. Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

South Carolina's Historic Georgetown

Rich History & Culture - "Little Charleston" as it is sometimes called is the third oldest city in South Carolina. In fact, some historians claim that a Spanish colony was founded on the Waccamaw Neck in Georgetown County in 1...

South Carolina Resorts 

in Johns Island, SC

Johns Island, also spelled John's Island, is one of the many Sea Islands along the coast of South Carolina and is one of the six distinct areas in the city proper of Charleston, located to the west of James Island and to the east of Wadmalaw Island a...

Seabrook Island, South Carolina

Seabrook island is located about 25 miles from Charleston, South Carolina. There is an abundance of protected wildlife at Seabrook. Watch the deer and the alligators. How many deer can you spot at sundown? Admire the many bird species. See foxes dar...

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Murrells Inlet is an old fishing village now filled with great restaurants! When you are hungry at the beach, head to Murrells Inlet for the best seafood around! Murrells Inlet is a beautiful quiet area just south of Myrtle Beach. Visit Brookgreen G...

SouthernBelle on Fripp Island, SC

Discover Fripp Island... South Carolina's most charming barrier island and boasts 3 1/2 miles of uncrowded, unspoiled beaches. The wildlife on Fripp Island is incredible with more than 175 species of birds, deer and porpoise swimming in the inlet. Fr...

Family Myrtle Beach Vacation

Whether your seeking a weekend getaway or a fun filled vacation, planning a Myrtle Beach, SC vacation is a great choice. Myrtle Beach is located in a wide region known as the Grand Strand. It stretches from Georgetown, South Carolina to Calabash, Nor...

Resort Towns in South Carolina 

Pawleys Island, SC

Pawleys Island is located in Georgetown County, South Carolina. The island is on the southern side of Myrtle Beach and is one of the oldest resort areas of South Carolina. The first time I went to Pawley's Island, I was attending a cross-stitch show...

Charleston Ghosts

Charleston Ghosts  by Margaret Rhett Martin was published in 1963 by the University of South Carolina Press and is one of the most well read ghost story books in South Carolina. I recieved my copy from my mother one Halloween as her "Specia...

Carowinds Theme Park

Carowinds is an exciting theme park located on the North and South Carolina border - near Charlotte, North Carolina - in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Carowinds boasts 12 roller coasters, water rides, and cartoon characters. Come meet Dora the Explorer!...

More Resort Town Information 

North Myrtle Beach Flea Market in North Myrtle Beach, SC

The North Myrtle Beach Flea Market was built in 1984 and has been in business for 25 years (2008). The North Myrtle Beach Flea Market is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. year round. All spaces are under cover. The fle...

Other Places to Visit in South Carolina 

Swamp Rabbit Trail

The  Swamp Rabbit Trail is a new trail system between Greenville,SC and Travelers Rest, SC. The trail is on the site of a former rail line and will eventually be paved and allow hikers to walk between the two towns.

Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie is located on the North Carolina and South Carolina border near Charlotte. It is the oldest lake of the eleven on the Catawba River Chain. Originally named Catawba Lake, it was formed with the construction of the Wylie Dam in 1904. In 196...

Touring Fort Moultrie

Most people know South Carolina for its role in the Civil War. But this state has a treasure trove of colonial and Revolutionary sites open to the public. Many are free or nearly free. Fort Moultrie, named for General William Moultrie (see photo), i...

Francis Beidler Forest

One of my favorite birding spots is a little known corner of the Francis Beidler Forest. Francis Beidler Forest Bird Sanctuary encompasses over 15,000 acres of Four Holes Swamp, the heart of which is the 1,763 acre virgin stand of cypress and tupelo...

Senator Graham's New Regional Office

May 15, 2009 was a proud day for the town of Pendleton South Carolina. That was the day of the Grand Opening of the new Regional Office of United States Senator Lindsey O. Graham. The new Golden Corner Regional Office is located right on the town squ...

Other Places To Visit In South Carolina 

The Wagon Wheel in South Carolina

Down in the country in Chester County, South Carolina, the Wagon Wheel is everybody's favorite place to eat. Even though we live about 25 miles from there, we drive down quite often just to enjoy the good food and the happy family atmosphere. The Wag...

Places to visit outside South Carolina 

Scottsboro, AL

Scottsboro Alabama is located in northern Alabama near Huntsville and Chattanooga, TN. When I was a college student, in the early 1960's, my parents moved to Scottsboro, AL. When I went home on Christmas break that year, we had to stop and ask dir...

US National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is the World's largest artificial whitewater river and is a home to the United States Olympic Team Training Site. The U.S. National Whitewater Center is located in Charlotte, NC on the banks of the beautiful Cataw...

Monkey Joe's

Monkey Joe's is an indoor play center for kids aged 2-12, with inflatable slides, obstacle courses, jumps and party rooms for all occasions. Kids love it! It is basically a giant warehouse full of bouncy play toys. The typical Monkey Joe's location...

Ireland - Vacation in Terryglass

Kathie e-mailed: "We loved Terryglass...small village...on the shores of Lough Dorg. Lovely, friendly, peaceful, pastoral. Here we are strolling to the pub. Wallace and I avoid cities/traffic when we are traveling. We like to explore the countryside,...

Charlotte Family Challenge

This lense is for families that want to get out of the house and do things in the Charlotte area as a family. After many wasted days of sitting around doing nothing but getting older, I decided to do something about it. I said to my family, "Let's Go...

Places to visit outside of South Carolina Lenses 

Golf in Scotland

May 2009 - The Adams Family Tour for Golfers will depart South Carolina and go to Scotland for a marathon week of golf, golf and more golf. This lens features the courses they will play along with pre and post trip remarks from my husband, Whitey, o...

Ash Grove Resort Cabins and Camping - A Camper's Review

Ash Grove Resort Cabins and Camping is nestled deep in the woods in Brevard, NC. The fourteen acres that make up Ash Grove host shady and secluded walk-to tent sites, four furnished cabins, five combination drive-to tent sites/RV sites, and a whole...

You Can Ride an Elephant!

Just imagine - you - sitting on top of an elephant! What would that feel like? Have you ever wanted to ride an elephant? Or Is riding a camel on your list of things you want to do? If you are looking for unusual excursions, you will find one here!...

Stornoway Scotland - Our Sister City

My husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to join friends in being part of the 36 member Pendleton Delegation to go to Stornoway Scotland for the official signing of the twinning charter. On March 15, 2002 we joined the delegation of 36 Pend...

Visit the North Star State

I live in South Carolina and have for many years, but every summer I return to Minnesota to spend time with family and friends, and to let the peace and tranquility settle back around me. Minnesota is a rural state with lakes, streams, large forests a...

South Carolina Non Profits and other charities and Events 

Monkey Joe's

Monkey Joe's is an indoor play center for kids aged 2-12, with inflatable slides, obstacle courses, jumps and party rooms for all occasions. Kids love it! It is basically a giant warehouse full of bouncy play toys. The typical Monkey Joe's location...

Hungry In America

Bringing attention to the children who go hungry in America. Encouraging your support through the many choices available — such as making a donation, sponsorship of a child in the US, and volunteerism. Feed a hungry child today.

Pendleton's Friends of the Park (FOTP)

Are you interested in Pendleton SC's Veterans Park? If so, please join Friends of the Park. FRIENDS OF THE PARK (FOTP) Pendleton, South Carolina Friends of the Park meets every third Monday at 6 pm at Pendleton United Methodist Church in the social...

Spring Jubilee Arts & Crafts Festival - Pendleton SC

Just as the dogwoods begin to show their buds, the small historic town of Pendleton, South Carolina begins to get busy preparing for Spring Jubilee. It is as if the town has awakened from a long winter's nap. The Village Green is manicured and ferti...

Camp Old Indian

Camp Old Indian is the Boy Scout Camp operated by the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Camp Old Indian is located in Northern Greenville County near the NC/SC border. Camp Old Indian offers a range of activities for boys between the a...

More SC Non Profits and Events 

Flag Day In The USA

Our American Flag, the Stars and Stripes, was first designed and made by Betsy Ross. According to legend, she was asked to do this by George Washington. Our flag was officially adopted by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777 and the flag...

Free Advertising For Fundraising Events

Have you ever tried to advertise for a Fundraising Event without spending any money? It is possible but requires some creativity along with time and effort. I have been on a good many advertising committees and have learned quite a bit about how to...

Freedom Fest in Pendleton SC

Freedom Fest in Pendleton South Carolina is an old fashioned Patriotic community celebration that is fun for the whole family. We have Games For The Children with prizes, Great Food including watermelon wedges, Live Music, Bingo with the Mayor, Bake...

Our Annual Church Picnic

What a great day it was for our Annual Church Picnic! The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, the attendance was great and the fellowship time was wonderful. Children were seen playing in Barrett's Place Playground and on a vacant field....

Aiken County Farmers Market

The Aiken County Farmers Market has a long history of providing excellent locally grown produce to discriminating shoppers. It is open year round Monday through Saturday from 7:30 am until 4:30 pm. Come early though to get your pick of the best, beca...

Non Profits, Events and Volunteering Lenses 

Pendleton Fire Department

This Squidoo Lens is a Thank You to our Volunteer Fire Department These volunteers spend countless hours in training in order to protect our community. Not only do they have to work to keep the Fire Station and Fire Trucks in tip top shape, they a...

South Carolina Food 

Congo Squares - A Tate Family Bar Cookie Tradition

In 1954, the Tate family lived in Pendleton, SC. I can almost smell the congo sqares in the oven. We loved to gather round and "lick the bowl" while they baked! Mama always made congo squares for church picnics, long trips in the car to visit relativ...

Tailgating Recipes and Games

Are you searching for tailgate recipes? NCAA College Football season is here! And that means tailgate parties! It's the time of year to find new recipes and games for your friends and that special tailgating party! Food, friends, fun and football --...

Casserole Recipe- Broccoli-Rice-Sausage

We were invited to a "covered dish" tonight at a friend's home. She has re-done her old family home place which was built in 1790 and wanted to have her neighbors and friends over. I immediately thought about our family favorite - The...

Pig Roast Recipes

In the early 80's when we were much younger and much more energetic, we had an annual Pig Roast at our home. It was always after a big Clemson University Football Game. Our hometown of Pendleton SC is only 4 miles from Clemson so we are big Clemson T...

How to Scramble Eggs

Hello! Someone told me that you need to know how to scramble eggs! You are in the right place! Eggs-- one of the first things we learn to cook! Scrambling eggs is fast, it's easy and it's filling. On our own for the first time, we search for quick a...

More South Carolina Food Lenses 

Sausage Bean Chowder

This sausage bean chowder is wonderful on those cold winter nights! It's easy to make and serves a family of four easily. I always double the recipe and share with neighbors. Have a soup night drop in! Make 3-4 kinds of soups and chowders and invite...

Crepes Central!

Crepes are thin delicate pancakes that can be a wrap for anything from strawberries and chocolate, to cinnamon and apples, to grilled veggies, to spinach and cheese! Crepes can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary delight! Crepes can be filled and...

Papa Doc's Creamy Peach Ice Cream

When was the last time you churned ice cream? We used to make it on special occasions but haven't made it in so long that I am not even sure where our churn is. Back before the electric churns, we would all take turns turning the crank. It was hard...

Delicious Vegetarian Curry Recipes

This is a collection of vegetarian curry recipes, including Curried Fruit, Vegetable Curry, Curried Squash, and Curry Beans. Most of the recipes are vegan too, or can easily be adapted to be vegan. You can also find curry cookbooks and fine spices f...

Cinnamon Apple Baked Beans (And Other Baked Bean Recipes)!

Baked beans have long been a favorite for chilly winter dinners, summer picnics, and potluck dishes year round. This version adds the sweetness of honey and apples, along with the spiciness of cinnamon! It can be made in the crockpot or in your oven...

More Great Food Lenses 

Real Ice Cream

This recipe is for real ice cream. It has only 3 ingredients: cream, sugar and vanilla (also a dash of salt). Here you'll find the basic vanilla recipe and you can take it from there. Add fruit or other stuff if you like - I'll show you how. Why do...

Cooking in the Microwave

I love my microwave oven! I use it 5-10 times a day. Don't you?  Cooking in the microwave is fast and easy! I boil water for coffee, tea or hot chocolate. I warm soups. I reheat leftovers, steam vegetables or pop popcorn. How did we ever ge...

Great Recipe Using Leftover Roast

Who wants the same meal twice in a row? If your family is like mine, they frown at leftovers. But who has the time or the money to make something special every night of the week?! You do. Or at least, that's what your family will think when you use t...

Crock Pot Recipes from the South

Over the years, I have found some easy crock pot recipesI never have been a fancy cook. I do, however, know how to cook "country", especially Southern Country Cooking. I like foods that do not need a lot of attention -- time savers! As a n...

South Carolina Group's Lensmasters Write About People 

Annie Oakley

In an era when opportunities for women were limited, Annie Oakley's amazing ability with a gun proved that a woman could do just as well (or even better) than a man, even in traditionally "masculine fields" like shooting. Through talen...

John James Audubon (1785-1851)

Since his death in 1851 John James Audubon's name has become synonymous with wildlife conservation and natural history. Audubon had a talent for drawing and an interest in birds. He spent thirty-five years wandering around his adopted country cap...

Bonnie and Clyde

You've read the story of Jesse James- Of how he lived and died; If you're still in need Of something to read Here's the story of Bonnie and Clyde.

Amazing and Talented Children!

Children inspire us; they make us reflect on our own lives and challenge us to do more. We learn from them. We can be entertained by them. Some will make you laugh. Others will make you cry. And others will leave you awe-struck! "And a little child...

Legally Blind Golfer

When my husband was 42 years old, he was told he was legally blind. The doctors first thought the problem was retinitis pigmentosa. Later some doctors suggested macular degeneration. After many tests and many doctors, it is now determined that he ha...

Our Lensmasters Write About More Interesting People 

Charly Leetham

I am happy to introduce you to Charly Leetham. Charly is an expert in all things related to computers, the internet and internet marketing. She is also an excellent interviewer! Charly and I are in the same Master Mind group of 6 women. We meet via t...

Erma Bombeck, Columnist

Erma Bombeck was a delightfully funny writer, who identified with all of us who were trying to raise our families in the late 60's and early 70's. We were the wives and moms trying to figure out exactly what women's liberation meant. Liberated from w...

Charlie Rymer - Golf hits and giggles!

Charlie Rymer has been a golf announcer at ESPN since 1998. His wit and humor adds delight to each golf event. He was a member of the PGA Tour in 1995, 1996 and 1997. His best finish was at the Shell Houston Open in 1995 where he finished in third pl...

Barbara Stanwyck

The release of Robert Wagner's new autobiography brings Barbara Stanwyck back into the news. The internet and bookstores are buzzing with the story - Robert Wagner and his romantic relationship with Barbara Stanwyck, 23 years his senior and his co-st...

Pat O'Bryan

Pat O'Bryan is a very successful author and internet marketer. He also directs the Portable Empire University and from time to time he offers workshops he calls Unseminars. From the reports I have read, I know I simply must get to one of those Unsemi...

More Interesting People Lenses 

Lewis Grizzard

Some years before Lewis became famous, my sister, Betty, who lives in Georgia Bulldog country, used to send us copies of his newspaper column. We loved those little columns and continued to follow his career from the very beginning! Later, we bought...

Squidkin

My sister and I are having such fun Squidoo-ing! Her Squidoo name is Ohme. Every day we talk on the telephone and e-mail about all the excitement at Squidoo. We tell each other when we visit a great lens! We talk about new modules and new things we h...

Lindsey Graham

Our political culture and government processes have become dark places of partisanship and bickering. Those from each side of the aisle form groups and never allow their minds to meet. We desire good policy and clean politics, yet we vote for and enc...

Ms Betty Boop

It has been nearly 80 years since Betty Boop, America's first animated sex symbol, made her film debut. The Betty we know and love today started out as a curvy canine cabaret singer in Max Fleischer's short film Dizzy Dishes. It was released...

James Dillet Freeman

I was introduced to the work of James Dillet Freeman as a young wife and mother. I was reading Norman Vincent Peale's Positive Imaging - and in that book, Dr. Peale quoted "The Prayer for Protection", which I quickly memorized. Twenty years later, I...

More Interesting People 

Peter Oosterhuis

In September 2008, Peter Oosterhuis was the guest speaker at the Adams Cup Golf Tournament dinner. The Adams Cup is a 17 year old local golf event held annually. Using the Ryder Cup format, the tournament is played between Spring Lake Golf Club and R...

Benjamin Franklin's Virtues to Live By

At the age of 20, Benjamin Franklin developed a list of virtues to live by. The original list had 12 virtues but when a Quaker friend commented on his pride, Ben added the 13 virtue, humility. Benjamin Franklin strove to practice these virtues throug...

Sam, The Dot Man

Sam McMillan, from Winston-Salem, NC, started painting when he was 60 years old. Call his work folk art, outsider art, self-taught art, or vernacular art — I call it inspiring. You have probably heard Thomas Kinkade being referred to as The Pai...

Be Positive: Like Joan Adams

Joan Adams has inspired me, motivated me, and garnered my esteemed respect more than any other person I've met online — in my 12 years on the Internet. Let me introduce you to a very positive, wise, and inspiring lady... Image source:...

Daniel Pollera: Calming Art

Do you live where you see nothing all day but cars, sidewalks, strip malls and such? I do, and I get this urge deep inside telling me that I need boundless nature. It's a yearning that feels like sadness; my body and spirit grieve for a serene and pe...

More Interesting People 

Minnie Remembers

I was working at a nursing home back in the 1970s. Nursing Home Week arrived with a special movie for the staff called Minnie Remembers. A few years later, I memorized and presented the movie's poem in a speech class, and then our daughter also memo...

Young and Free South Carolina!

The 18-25 age group is one of the most financially diverse age groups in the U.S. It contains single people, married people, part time and full time workers, students, the unemployed, people with and without children, and they all have varying levels...

Eugene H. Robinson?

I became a news wonk this summer. It was hard not to with one of the most interesting presidential races in many years going on. I discovered MSNBC, a station that I like because while the evening commentators are opinionated and partisan they stick...

Benjamin Franklin

If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing. B. Franklin Benjamin Franklin lived by his edict. His writings and his work had a profound impact on people around t...

People Are Idiots

People Are Idiots. That is just a fact. You are an idiot, your cousin Bob is an idiot, the lady at the grocery store is an idiot. Even I am an idiot. The point is that EVERYONE acts and does idiotic things at one point or another. If you are not fam...

Interesting People Lenses 

Honored Volunteer - Jane Douglas

All over America this week (April 19-25, 2009), celebrations are happening to honor thousands upon thousands of volunteers. The theme this year is "Celebrating People in Action." Committed to service, these men and women, including college students a...

Life In My Grandmother's Time

This lens includes my own personal opinions. It is based on my memories and times shared with my grandmother, when I was a child, growing up in Pendleton, South Carolina. My grandmother, Mary Grace Martin Ledbetter, born September 11, 1896, lived wi...

Pearl Fryar... Art According to Him

Let me introduce you to a man named Pearl Fryar of Bishopville, South Carolina. Bishopville is located in Lee County known the 'The Garden Spot of the Carolinas'. Pearl is considered to be the finest topiarist in the USA. He is someone that carved o...

D. J. Gregory - Walk On!

Some days, the entire plan completely changes. This is one of those days. Early this morning our son sent me a link to a video that has inspired me so much that I had to make this lens immediately. I have twittered the video; I emailed it to my frien...

Growing Up In Pendleton SC - Jeanie Sims Hunt

Jeanie Sims was a name that I was familiar with but I really did not get to know Jeanie until recently. She is a couple of years younger than I am but I do remember her during our growing up years. How did we get back in touch? It all began right he...

Interesting People Lenses 

Child Of My Heart (Part One)

Neither bone of my bone, Nor flesh of my flesh, But mine, just the same. You did not grow beneath my heart, Instead, you grew within it. On a brisk, January evening, she entered my life, a tiny, little thing with hair of corn silk, still reeling...

Growing Up in Pendleton SC in 1950's and 60's

Pendleton SC Town Council woman Sandra Gantt was asked to speak to the Leadership Pendleton Class of 2009. She was asked to tell how it was to grow up Pendleton. I was so glad that I was able to hear Sandra's talk. She was so interesting and enlighte...

Pendleton Memories - A Series

This is a lensography of the Pendleton Memories Series. I hope you will visit each one because they are so different and offer much in learning about Days Gone By. I started this series as a way for certain folks to post their memories on the web an...

Pendleton Memories 3 - Nell Seawright Reeves

Nell Seawright Reeves shares her memories of growing up in Pendleton SC in the 1920's and 1930's. I had a delightful afternoon today visiting with Nell Reeves and her daughter. We sat on the porch and I thought about taking notes but was rea...

Child Of My Heart (Part Two)

I believe God led Audrey to me. Though she is not mine genetically, she has grown to become my child through experience, sacrifice, hard work and more love than I could have imagined. We have shared a lifetime in ten short years and now we are shar...

Interesting People Lenses 

Child Of My Heart (Part Three)

The night I first brought Audrey home, I promised, if she were still with me when she was grown, I would try to find her mother for her. I have kept every promise I have ever made to this little girl, save this one. And now she is grown. Where do...

Mystic Messenger

I had the pleasure of meeting a true mystic last week. My daughter and I were part of a small group of 15-20 who met with Maudy Fowler and Gail Hunt Violette for an encounter with the spiritual beings in our lives. Maudy's work is described in the bo...

Holiday Lenses by Our SC Group Lensmasters 

Halloween Songs

There is music for every holiday---and Halloween songs are no exception! Fall is a great time of year to spend some time learning new songs with your children! Sing on the way to school, activities, shopping. They may know more of these than you thin...

Set Your Table with Christmas Spode

Set a beautiful table with Christmas Spode dinnerware! It is fun to add a few pieces to your collection each year - and is a great gift for your favorite collector, too! The Christmas Tree Collection is my personal favorite. A Tradition since 1938,...

Best Christmas Directory

From Santa Claus stories to Christmas dinner, Christmas recipes, Christmas gifts for all ages, and decorating ideas -- everything you ever wanted to know about Christmas! Is this the year for a new holiday tradition at your house? Remember when we u...

Santa Claus Songs

Santa Claus songs - some are very familiar! Have fun with them. Teach them to your children! The lyrics are right here for you! Sing a song of Christmas fun! Santa always makes me smile! Ho!Ho!Ho! Laugh a little and sing a lot! Sing as if nobody...

Christmas Table Linens

You can set a beautiful table this holiday season. Christmas linens and Christmas china and a lovely centerpiece create a festive setting for your family and friends. Select a theme -- Holly, Christmas trees, Angels, Christmas stockings - whatever...

Holiday Lenses 

Thanksgiving Songs- Sing for Joy!

Thanksgiving songs are fun and meaningful. Music adds an air of festivity to our Thanksgiving celebrations and also to our anticipation of the holiday! Is there anything sweeter than a little pre-schooler singing Mr. Turkey, Mr. Turkey? So gather yo...

Johnny Mathis Christmas

Johnny Mathis' clear wonderful voice is perfect for Christmas tunes -- and there is plenty of Johnny Mathis Christmas music to choose from! Here's a quote about Johnny from his website, Johnny Mathis Official Website "The fourth of seven children,...

Halloween Costumes for Adults

Adults love Halloween costumes, too! We never outgrow our love for playing dress-up! Whether accompanying children on Halloween or presenting a skit at a family or church event, moms and dads need costumes, too! Thanks to the power of the internet,...

Greeting Cards and more For Fun And For Profit!

I enjoy making my own greeting cards and did it before the age of computers. Now I have lots of fun learning new ways to make them. One of my favorite things to do is to swap heads using clip art and a picture of the person I am making the card for....

Christmas Wish List

This Christmas gift ideas list includes all price ranges. As I begin my Christmas shopping, I look for items that are really special. I hope this list is helpful to you as you make your list and check it twice! All items are listed at Amazon. For mo...

More Holiday Lenses 

Halloween Trunk or Treating

Every Halloween our Church, Pendleton United Methodist Church, sponsors "Trunk or Treating" in Pendleton, SC. The volunteers ask community members to bring their cars on the square or at the church and to have their trunks decorated so the...

Holidays on Squidoo

This is a special lensography - my lenses that dance throughout the year. Of course, it will continue to update as I make more holiday lenses. Enjoy! I especially love music lenses for the holidays. Those are fun to create and always seem to attract...

Easter Baskets

Even I remember the fun of an Easter basket - and I am the grandma! Oh the joy of finding special candies and little surprises in those wonderful baskets. I especially remember those yellow marshmello rabbits! My children loved their Easter baskets...

Mother's Day Gifts

Mothers come in all shapes and sizes and ages. Choosing a gift for your mom is a challenge. You want your gift to be really really special this year, right? You can purchase something that she wants and will not purchase for herself. Moms are famous...

The Complete Thanksgiving Directory

Thanksgiving recipes, decorations, prayers, songs and original ideas! Everything you need to make a perfect Thanksgiving dinner! For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all t...

More Great Holiday Lenses 

Easter Songs and Springtime Songs

Sing a song of joy! Winter is past, spring is here. Springtime brings the Easter season - a time of renewal, a time of celebration. Easter is a wonderful time for new beginnings! Teach some of these songs to your children - do you remember any other...

Saint Patrick's Day Songs

Saint Patrick's Day celebrations and parades occur all over the world, it seems. In the United States, Savannah Georgia boasts the largest celebration. Will you wear green on Saint Patrick's Day? What does Saint Patrick's Day mean to you? Were your...

Extravagant Christmas Gifts

Do you value a gift by the cost? Love the lush and extravagant gifts? Do you measure friendships by how much someone spent on you this year or last? This is the place for you! This site is dedicated to those with unlimited credit cards, overflowing...

Valentine's Day Songs

February 14 is Valentine's Day! Have you bought that special valentine yet? Write a special love note. Or better yet, make a Happiness Book. Just use your computer or cut out pictures and create a little book with printer paper. Include some of the...

Valentines Day Directory

Whatever your age - in school trading penny valentines - or this is the year you will propose to your love on the 14th of February - Valentine's Day is a fun happy time for reflecting on our love for one another. Have fun with this super list of len...

More Great Holiday Lenses 

Flag Day In The USA

Our American Flag, the Stars and Stripes, was first designed and made by Betsy Ross. According to legend, she was asked to do this by George Washington. Our flag was officially adopted by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777 and the flag...

Gift Ideas For Graduation

I remember when I was graduating from high school and college, I wanted people to give me money. I wanted to pick out the things that I needed and wanted. Our children were the same way. They wanted money more than any other gift so they could do wha...

Halloween Directory on Squidoo

Happy Halloween! This is the place to find exactly what you are looking for! All of your Halloween Supplies, Specialty Items, Costumes, Food and Decorations are right here on Squidoo. You might even find a brand new idea for this year! Visit the len...

Mother's Day Gifts

Mothers come in all shapes and sizes and ages. Choosing a gift for your mom is a challenge. You want your gift to be really really special this year, right? You can purchase something that she wants and will not purchase for herself. Moms are famous...

Father's Day Tribute and Gift Ideas

I never heard my father raise his voice - not once! Can you imagine such a thing? On thisFather's Day, I join you in honoring your dad and I decided to tell my favorite story about my own father. When I was in college and visiting home for a holiday...

More Holiday Lenses 

Nut Filled Baskets and Gifts

When I was a little girl my Christmas stocking usually held nuts and candies, an apple and orange, a candy cane, and if I was really lucky, a bag of marbles or a pair of jacks. The apple and orange went back into the bowl on the table but the nuts an...

Christmas In Pendleton SC

Our little historic town of Pendleton SC is busy with many Christmas Events. Although I have a Squidoo Lens which includes the Pendleton Happenings, I felt that I needed to make a separate lens just for the Christmas Season.  Through the years,...

The Christmas Cactus

One of the joys of the Christmas season is seeing my Christmas Cactus burst into bloom days before the holiday arrives. It happens ... sometimes. There have been years when it has blossomed in time for Thanksgiving and other years Valentines has pass...

Green Tractors and Yellow Trucks

When I was a little girl there were two things we could always count on. First, one, if not all, of my brothers would receive a tractor or truck from Santa. Second, they were not about to let a girl play with their trucks. I love my brothers, but as...

Christmas Plants and Flowers

I love the Christmas Season. I have boxes full of ornaments, garland, and lights, and add more to the cache every year. I love the angels that sit on the mantel, and the one watching over us from the top of the Christmas tree. The nativity scenes are...

Hobbies, Recreation and Sports 

Dolphin Swim in the Florida Keys

We did it! We did swim with the dolphins! Actually I swam with the dolphins twice. My husband, daughter and I went for our first dolphin swim! It was as awesome as I expected. I talked about it so much that my friends and I decided to go back about 5...

Pier Fishing

The page introduces fishing piers. Pier fishing is an easy, fun and inexpensive way for families to enjoy saltwater fishing.

Hog Hunting and Barbecue

We hope you enjoy this lens about Hog Hunting and Barbecue. We also added some information and pictures about Game Cameras which I am sure all hunters will enjoy. My 8 year old grandson said that he wants to learn how to make a lens so we are doing...

Surf Fishing

This page covers the basics of surf fishing as well as information about regional surf fishing in the USA.

Hobbies, Recreation, Travel, Household Items and Sports 

Dolphin Encounter with Captain Chad

When we arrived at Seabrook Island, SC, for a family weekend, our son announced that we were all in for a big surprise the next day! We were all told to be up, awake, alert and dressed by 7:30 a.m. Imagine our surprise when we discovered we were goi...

Selecting the Right Kitchen Knives

Contrary to what some people believe, kitchen knives are not divided into two categories, sharp and dull. There are many different types of kitchen knives each with their own design and purpose. Most cooks have a drawer full of knives they rarely use...

Hobbies, Recreation, Travel, Crafts and Household 

Seed and Garden Supply Catalogs and Product Reviews

Time to order those seed catalogs, so you can start looking through them to order your seeds for your gardens! Or for faster , easier ordering, order right here from their websites! You can also look over the beautiful pictures of flowers and vegetab...

Handmade Soap Buying Guide

I hope this lens will be helpful information about why handmade soap is so good for your skin, and also help you learn about the properties of the most popular ingredients that soapmakers use. Yes, I make and sell soap, but here I am more interested...

My Favorite Mythbusters Myths

One of my favorite television shows is Mythbusters. I think one of the reasons I like it so much is that I have heard many of the Myth's that they test my whole life. Many times, I have taken for granted that the Myths were just facts. The Mythbuster...

Pasta Angels

This pasta angel is made from pasta shapes and a wooden ball. Add paint, facial features and a star and make a masterpiece. All instructions are included here. This was our family Christmas craft for 2008. We liked the idea and ran with it creating...

How to Set Up a Native Saltwater Aquarium

If you are fortunate enough to live near the beach, you can catch and keep your own sea creatures. This lens is about my own experience setting up a native tank. My native tank is my favorite aquarium, partly because it is always changing and partly...

Hobbies, Crafts, Recreation and Travel Lenses 

Handmade Fiber Arts on Etsy, Mine..... and Others!

This lens has brief descriptions of the many forms of Fiber Art, plus it will showcase the works of many of the creative and talented fiber artists you'll find on Etsy, whose work I greatly admire. The items featured here are all handmade with a...

Music Lenses 

1950's Rock and Roll Hits!

I was born in 1944--the most perfect time in history to be born, I think! Life was simple in those days, WWII was over, things were settling down. By 1958, when the "bubble gum" music hit the airwaves, I was in my early teens! And oh, what a wonderfu...

Crazy Funny Songs

Ok. I admit it! I love all kinds of music - from classical to country! But one of my favorite kinds of music is crazy, funny, off-the-wall songs! Sometimes I get one of these nutsy tunes running through my head and I seem to sing it all day long! ...

Mac Frampton - Amazing Pianist

Mac Frampton was a member of my class at Erskine College in Due West, SC, in 1962. In those days, we would sit in awe as he played piano for our chapel services. We all knew that one day he would be very famous for his amazing talent. And of course,...

Wedding Music - Videos and Lyrics

Choosing your wedding music is one of your most important tasks as a bride. Do find music that is meaningful for you and your groom. In this lens, I am using music from our daughter's wedding last summer. She spent a great deal of time choosing exact...

Little Anthony and the Imperials - A Virtual Concert

I don't know about you but "Little Anthony and The Imperials" bring back some fond memories of lying in my dorm with my Anatomy book open and dreaming of my future. My dreams mostly came true but I never would have imagined that I would be reflecting...

More Great Music Lenses and Television 

Virtual Musical Concerts

I love music - naturally, I have created a number of musical lenses. This is a directory of my music lenses interspersed with some of my favorite music. I hope you will visit these music lenses when you need a musical lift. Music does effect our moo...

Disco YouTube: KC And The Sunshine Band

In his youth, KC (Harry Wayne Casey), of KC and the Sunshine Band, had a happy, smiling face that always touched me when I saw him play and sing his music on TV — songs such as Get Down Tonight, That's the Way (I Like It), (Shake, Shake, Shake)...

Television Theme Songs

You can probably sing all of these television theme songs from memory without looking at the lyrics, but just in case you have forgotten a few words, I am including the lyrics to my favorites. Have fun! Sing along! And do let me know in the comment...

TV Commercials We Cannot Forget

Have you ever caught yourself singing television commercial jingles? What are your favorites? Do you remember learning "two all beef pattys, special sauce" ? These are a few of my favorites. The ones from the 1950's are real treasures. The world has...

A Lifetime of Favorite Music

Welcome to my 100th Squidoo Lens! I have thought for weeks about this 100th lens -- what do I want to say on such a momentous occasion? I finally decided just to share my life with you - my love for our precious family and my love for music. As you...

More Great Music Lenses 

Sunday School Songs

I grew up in the small historic town of Pendleton South Carolina going to the Pendleton Presbyterian Church back in the 50's and 60's. I loved going to Sunday School and especially enjoyed the songs we sang. Our teacher was Mrs. Frances Marti...

Top 10 Personal Growth Songs That Inspire!

Country and Pop aren't usually thought of as being music with a philosophical message. But, as you'll see here with these YouTube videos, both genres do have their little gems. Come on in. And enjoy.

Lower Your Stress With Music

Stress. For people constantly on the go, it's a fact of life. There is always something to do and never enough hours in the day. Some people work well under stress. They thrive on the "Life in the Pressure Cooker." For most of us, a lit...

July 4th - Independence Day Songs

July 4th is Independence Day in the United States. We celebrate with fireworks, picnics, and parades big and small. Our little neighborhood parade is great fun - our adult children remember riding their bicycles in the July 4th parade -- what great...

Engelbert Humperdinck

The romantic music of Engelbert Humperdinck constantly drifted through our little apartment in the late 1960's. I had two 8 track tapes of his songs and played them over and over as I cared for our new baby boy. That was over forty years ago and now...

More Music Lenses 

Morning Has Broken

Today, March 20, 2009, is the first day of Spring and as I was sitting on my porch listening to the birds sing, I thought about the hymn "Morning Has Broken". This hymn has been an important part of my family as it is sung at joyous occasions like we...

Songs About Dogs

Dog-lovers are an interesting lot! We not only feed and care for our dogs - we talk to them; we walk with them; we treat them as members of the family. And then we even sing about them! Have fun with these doggie songs and do tell me your favorite i...

Maypole Dance

At Pendleton Elementary School in the 50's, we danced the Maypole. I remember like it was yesterday. Here is the photo of my class! Is that fun or what? We practiced for hours and hours with cloth streamers, weaving them perfectly. When a particular...

All About Pets Lenses 

Pet Talk

We have a bulldog named Pitty Pat, a bird named Henrietta, a turtle named Billy, two calico cats named Mott and Fran, and lots of fish. I think that is plenty of pets so was not particularly thrilled when a stray kitten showed up about this time last...

A Dog Named Beau

Jimmy Stewart's poem about his precious dog, Beau, is one of my favorites ever. His total enjoyment of Beau's personality and habits will make you grin.I can still hear him reading this on the Johnny Carson show. His grief at Beau's death is palpable...

Doggie Birthday Party

Squidoo has lots and lots of lenses on just about any subject you can think of. Some are meant to educate, some are meant to entertain and some are just beautiful to look at. There are even lenses about interesting personal happenings. This is such a...

My Favorite Dogs

Living in the country most of our lives, many of our dogs have been "yard dogs". Nothing fancy. No special foods, no kennels, no grooming, no teeth brushing. Just plain, tough, long-living good 'ole loyal dogs. Wagging hello and barking when cars dri...

Dogs - Toys, Books and Movies

Children seem to love all animals naturally-- dogs, cats, horses, rabbits -- but especially dogs. Dogs and puppies! They love to read about them, play with them, chase and be chased by them, play with pretend models, sleep with soft fluffy ones or re...

Job Related and Money Related Lenses 

How to Dress for Work - 5 Quick Tips

Dress codes continually change. It's hard to know what is appropriate for work and what is not. Do check with your employer if you have any questions. This site will give you some new ideas and help you think about your reasons for dressing the way...

Keep Money and Valuables Safe

"I am going to buy a safe" or "I am pricing safes right now." I have always wanted a fireproof safe just for scrapbooks and family items. But I wondered, do many people really have a safe in their home? And if so, why? What is your reason for buying...

How To Master Mind for Success

A Master Mind group is formed whenever two or more people have a common goal and decide to work together on a regular basis on that goal. At the present time, I am delighted to be involved in two Mastermind groups. The first is a prayer based Maste...

From Mechanical Banks to Piggy Banks

Save five pennies and you have a nickel, five nickels and you have a quarter. Four quarters can be turned into a dollar. Every generation has stressed the importance of saving to the next. Times have changed, but the basics have remained the same. We...

Resume Writing Strategies Revealed

Laura Whitelaw has written the perfect guide for resume-writers! Laura is a certified resume strategist. She will teach you: How to select the resume format that's right for you How to sell yourself and your skills in a resume What sections need t...

Job Related Lenses or Money Related 

Best Rewards Programs

This is a list of my Top 10 Favorite Rewards Programs. I haven't listed them in any particular order. I like them all for different reasons. The idea of getting rewarded for something I do anyway intrigues me. That's exactly what a rewards program do...

Job Related and Money Related Lenses 

Wheat Pennies

The Lincoln Wheat Cent, commonly referred to as a Wheat Penny was the United States one-cent coin from 1909 to 1958. It was the first United States coin to bear a portrait rather than a version of the mythical Liberty. President Roosevelt ordered the...

Lifestyle Lenses 

The Way to Bliss Now

I met Laura Whitelaw as a member of Pat O'Bryan's Portable Empire University. I am so thankful for Laura. We have been members of the same wonderful Master Mind Group for over a year now. We are dear friends, co-workers in this internet world, learni...

Positive Thought in Daily Life

As a member of a small Unity study group for almost twenty years, I was very familiar with the power of keeping our thoughts positive and upbeat. Then, a few years ago, The Secret was published, and The Secret DVD seemed to be on everybody's televisi...

Nursing Pajamas

Nursing pajamas are such a convenience for a new mom and baby! Having a new baby in the home is a busy, happy time. I hope that shopping here will save you some precious minutes -- so that you have more time to focus on your new baby! Simply click on...

How to Set Goals with Pictures

Set your goals and dreams in a different way! Using pictures from magazines and cut-out words, you can create a picture of your goal/dream. It's fun, it's easy, it's effective! You certainly need to give this technique a try -- make at least one page...

Beat the Blues

How do you beat the blues? There are some simple techniques that will change your mood. Were you aware of that fact? Here's how to lift your spirits on those days when you would rather pull the covers over your head and go right back to bed. We...

More LifeStyle Lenses 

MiMi's Personal Growth and Motivational T-Shirts

Coming from an unfortunate childhood, I didn't know what life was all about. All I knew was that life sucked. Where is the order? What is my reason for being? Why don't I know it? Why am I so sad and angry? I began looking for answers at age twenty....

Inspirational Poetry

Poetry soothes our souls, feeds our minds, and clears our thoughts. These are a few of my favorites and I will continue to add to them. Memorizing poetry was part of our childhood. Most children are not required to memorize much in school anymore. B...

Alcoholics Anonymous And Recovery - Squidoo Stories

As I researched Alcoholics Anonymous for this lens, I was constantly reminded of the phrase "each one, teach one" phrase. Bill W and Dr. Bob Smith each followed their own Divine Guidance in creating Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935. In the years since th...

Senior Fitness: The Value of Exercise

I'm looking forward to retirement. After years of working, I will have the time to pursue my hobbies, and fill my time with things I want to do, rather than the things I have to do. I know my body will eventually wear out, but the affects of agin...

The Outhouse Remembered

People are nostalgic for outhouses — so much so that they are decorating their bathrooms in outhouse themes and even erecting fake outhouses in their yards for storage sheds. There are a few websites devoted entirely to outhouse photos and info...

More Life Styles and Self Improvement Lenses 

Become a Fairy Godmother!

Wouldn't it be fun to be a real Fairy Godmother? While the bride has her bridesmaids to assist her, the mother-of-the-bride is often alone with her lists of things to do and final details to be managed. Be there from the very first steps for planning...

10 Things I Want to Do in the Next Five Years

In just five years, I will be 70 years of age. It is time to make my dreams come true! As you scroll through this site, I hope you will be inspired to do some of the things you have always wanted to do!

MiMi's Personal Growth and Motivational T-Shirts

Coming from an unfortunate childhood, I didn't know what life was all about. All I knew was that life sucked. Where is the order? What is my reason for being? Why don't I know it? Why am I so sad and angry? I began looking for answers at age twenty....

What is Your Secret of Life?

Welcome! This lens, with your participation, answers the question: What is the Secret of Life? Submit your secret of life; vote on your own and other submissions.

Recycling Fabric

Recycling is a popular buzz-word in today's society, but recycling in one form or another has been around since the beginning of time. The driving force behind it was not an eco-friendly attitude but necessity. The old and the worn were not thrown ou...

More Lifestyle and Spiritual Lenses 

My Favorite Quotes....And More!

As I sat down at the computer, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite quotes with you. But really, this is way more than that. This is about my thoughts, feelings, and beliefs on topics that have special significance to me. Perhaps you ar...

Organize Your Purse

I simply must organize my purse! How about you? My house is filled with important sentimental possessions. From my mother's diary to all the baby pictures to my husband's wonderful scrapbooks, each one is important. In an emergency, I would not know...

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Officially Random Acts of Kindness Day is an unofficial Holiday. The banks don't close, picnics are rarely planned, and there's no flag commemorating the day, but it was mentioned by the radio talk show host I used to listen to on my way to...

Guardian Angels

Many of us grew up believing that every child born of this world has a guardian angel watching over them. As a child I believed it with all my heart. I would huddle under the blankets in my cold, dark bedroom secure in the knowledge that my Guardian...

Bed Risers

Got storage issues? Don't raise the roof, raise the bed. There is a tremendous amount of wasted storage space hidden beneath your bed. Unfortunately most beds are too low to make that hidden space useful. Garner Industries "Raise Its" b...

Pregnancy 

Have A Spiritual Pregnancy Story To Share?

Have you ever dreamed you were pregnant...and then found out you were? Have you experienced a spiritual sign or intuition about your pregnancy or unborn baby? Or maybe you've communicated with your unborn baby via your thoughts? Spiritual Pregnancy Ex...

Spiritual Pregnancy Experiences Survey

Did you first find out about your pregnancy from a dream? Did you learn anything about your baby or pregnancy from a spiritual sign or a dream? Do or did you simply KNOW things, from deep within you, about your pregnancy, delivery, or baby? Would you...

Spiritual Stories Of Pregnancy Intuition

"Even though I got a negative result on my first two pregnancy tests, I knew I was pregnant." "My grandmother knew I was pregnant before I did!" "At first I actually wanted a boy, but as the pregnancy went on, I just knew it was a girl." "I knew I wa...

Pregnancy Intuition And Inner Pre-Birth Communication

Did you KNOW you were pregnant, even before you were far enough along to do a pregnancy test? Perhaps you KNEW the gender of your unborn child, or that you were having twins? Or maybe you knew that you would be experiencing certain pregnancy complicat...

Experiencing Pre-Birth Communication

Have you ever been aware of your baby communicating with you... before his or her birth? Perhaps you had an experience with pre-birth communication during a dream. Or maybe you experienced another form of pre-birth communication while you were medit...

Pregnancy 

Spiritual Signs During Pregnancy

Did a spiritual sign let you know you were pregnant, or that you were having a boy, a girl, or even twins? Does it ever seem as if God, or Life, is trying to get a message through to you by the things you see, hear or experience in your daily life? Ma...

Dreams Of Being Pregnant: Spiritual Pregnancy Stories

"I dreamed I was pregnant last night What does that mean?" "I woke up knowing I was pregnant today. It came to me in a dream." "I dreamed about a positive pregnancy test last night. Could I be pregnant?" Dreams Of Being Pregnant Did you dream that y...

The Spiritual Pregnancy

Have you ever dreamed something about your unborn child, and later discovered that your dream wasn't just a dream? That it was somehow real? Have you ever experienced pregnancy-related signs, dreams, or moments of inner knowingness, which prepared you...

Spiritual Pregnancy Dreams

Meeting Your Unborn Baby In A Dream ...and more! Was a dream your first clue that you were pregnant? Have you ever dreamed about the appearance, health, personality, or gender of your unborn baby? Do you feel as if you've actually met your unborn bab...

Signs Of Divine Guidance During Pregnancy: Spiritual Pregnancy Stories

Did a spiritual sign let you know you were pregnant, the gender of your baby, or that you were having twins? Perhaps a spiritual sign warned you about complications within your pregnancy, or alerted you to what you could do to prevent them? Spiritu...

Pregnancy 

Dreaming About Your Baby's Gender: Spiritual Pregnancy Stories

  "What does it mean if you dream of having a baby boy?" "I dreamed about a baby with a pink bow in her hair. Does that mean I'm having a girl?" "Do baby gender dreams mean anything?" Dreaming About Your B...

Children and other Family Related Lenses 

I'm the Mom!

I am a Mom. And a Grandmother. And very proud and thankful for both roles. Perhaps when my life is done, no other work I do on this earth will matter as much! I am so proud of my children and my grandchildren - and oh, how well I remember those cra...

Family Reunion - A Tate Lesson by Example - have fun!

The Tate Family Reunion started in 2000. We did not know each other well at that time. We were scattered all over the USA, and some folks we had not seen since childhood. A small group of us decided it needed to happen -- and it did! We began to plan...

Dolphin Swim in the Florida Keys

We did it! We did swim with the dolphins! Actually I swam with the dolphins twice. My husband, daughter and I went for our first dolphin swim! It was as awesome as I expected. I talked about it so much that my friends and I decided to go back about 5...

Seniors On Line - The Tate Girls

If you have sisters, I hope you have as much fun as we do! Separated by miles, we are in touch via the internet, instant messaging, e-mail and the telephone! Enjoy our lens about us! Recently on another forum, Jaguar Julie asked to see a photo of th...

Yo-Yos and Hula Hoops - fun with the oldest toys on earth!

In the Phillippines, yo-yo translates as "come back". Some people believe that the yo-yo was created to be used as a weapon. That theory is not true. Pedro Flores, who was originally from the Phillippines, started selling the toy in the Uni...

Children and Other Family Related Lenses 

Giant Floor Puzzles for Super Fun!

Our grandchildren have always enjoyed puzzles. Recently their wonderful mom told me about floor puzzles, and I immediately bought one for our house and one for Zach's birthday. The children enjoy working a puzzle that covers a very large portion of t...

Positive Parenting with Thumbuddy

Remember when you were little? What did the grown-ups say to you? Do you remember any of those words? As a parent, I am sure you already know the value of positive sincere compliments and praise. Children thrive on those positive words. And we all w...

Lego Sets For All Ages

Legos have sure come a long way. My grandson played with them when he was younger and now that he is 9 years old, he is actually building and creating with them. They come in different shapes and sizes now and there are even specialized sets. They ar...

Trains, trains, trains! Fun for all!

Do you remember your first train set? I certainly do. Mine was a wind-up Mickey Mouse train. It was a gift from Santa. We moved that year to Clemson, SC, and somehow the train got lost. I can remember being so upset that my dad drove me back to Ware...

April Fool's Day Pranks

I married the world's # 1 practical joker about 50 years ago! And my birthday is April 1! April Fool's Day is a national holiday in my household! Always has been! You would think I would catch on, but every single year he catches me on some gag or t...

Children and Other Family Related Lenses 

WWE Action Figures

My 9 year old grandson has 36 WWE Action Figures and has become quite the expert on them. This will be his lens so after this introduction, the work will be his. We hope you enjoy visiting here! This is a scroll down web page so just read and scroll...

Birth Order - How Did It Affect Me?

Yes, I think that my place in the Birth Order did affect me. I am the third child in a family of four children. I am the youngest of three girls so I was the "baby girl" of the family with a younger brother. We were all four years apart and I often w...

Creative Toys

I admit it! I love my computer! I enjoy playing baseball or bowling with my grandson on the Wii. And I am thankful daily for the convenience of my mobile phone. But - children need a creative outlet, just as adults. Creative toys and craft projects...

10 Ways To Make Math Fun

Has math become a battle at your house? Are you searching for ways to make math be more fun, as well as educational? During my years of teaching in the public schools, as well as my more recent homeschooling years, I've come up with a variety o...

Educational Posters

Do you remember pictures that hung on the wall in your childhood home? I do! I especially remember a little black and white print that hung in our hallway. It said "Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry all by yourself." I think that l...

Children and Family Lenses 

Family Sculpture

The day was filled with electricity as we ascended the steps and entered the sanctuary of the beautiful, old stone church. Our lives were about to embark on an adventure that would change each of us forever. We entered those walls as individual liv...

Ever Wonder What It's Like To Homeschool?

A typical homeschool day? I don't think such a thing exists. There are probably almost as many ways to homeschool as their are homeschooling families! This is how it should be too, as are any two kids really the same? They not only have varying l...

Great Board Games To Play With Your Family!

Our family plays a lot of games. In fact, we own (and play) over 120 board games. To us, playing games beats watching a movie, as when you're playing games, you're actively interacting together. Besides, purchasing a new game usually costs ab...

About Squidoo Lenses 

The Squidoo Learning Curve

For some, the Squidoo Learning Curve has been a road with gentle inclines and peaceful valleys. They traverse it with ease, picking up new ideas along the way. For others following the Learning Curve is akin to scaling a mountain. There are sharp, ja...

My Favorite Squidoo Lenses

This is a selfish lens. I just want to create a place to put all the lenses that I seem to search for all the time. Thank you for joining me! I know I have some really super ones on my list! Note that I did not create these lenses. These are my favo...

Squidoo To-Do Lists

I am by nature a list-maker. I make lists of everything! As I started learning about Squidoo and making lenses, I started making lists. Return often. As I learn and grow in Squidoo land, I am sure my lists will change also. Join me on this fantastic...

Squidoo with Grandma!

Can senior citizens learn to use Squidoo? Of course! As a group I will admit that we are -generally speaking- a technically challenged group. I am still learning how to use my mobile telephone and have not even started to learn to text. But I love th...

Squidkin

My sister and I are having such fun Squidoo-ing! Her Squidoo name is Ohme. Every day we talk on the telephone and e-mail about all the excitement at Squidoo. We tell each other when we visit a great lens! We talk about new modules and new things we h...

More Lenses About Squidoo and your Computer 

Building Traffic on Squidoo

I love Squidoo and I spend a great deal of time building and improving my lenses. I love to write and to share my thoughts with the world. Some of my lenses are just for fun. Others are a means of sharing my passions and interests. People join Squidoo...

Squidoo Lens Reviews

Since July 2008, I have been blogging about and promoting creative, interesting and otherwise outstanding Squidoo lenses. This lens is all about the Squidoo Lens Reviews blog. The main goal is to show the world that Squidoo means quality. By promotin...

The Best Squidoo Lens NOT To Do

Oh, yippee yay! This is all about me and my Website and what I want you to buy. I am not going to add any of my personality or give you any information on the lens topic, because that would waste my time! In fact, I don't have a topic! After all, all...

Keep Your Muse Happy: Back up Your Data

In a house we have closets, basements, and attics to store the things we are no longer using, but unwilling to part with. To some degree we are all packrats. We hang onto things for their sentimental value or their monetary value. When we run out of...

Squidoo and computer related Lenses 

One Week Marketing - My Review

As you read every word of this report, you will become convinced that you can also make money on line. This e-book package is written for every man - normal people like me and you. Picture yourself five years from now, enjoying the benefits of your o...

LinkedIn - Why You Need to Be On It!

What is LinkedIn and why should I be on it? That is the question that I first asked myself when I got my first "invite to connect" a couple of years ago. My first thought was probably much like the first thought that you had - why should I waste my t...

Learning To Squidoo

*$#%Sh#*ucks-bleepity-bleep, Grrr :-(( Yeah... that's right...Does this not look like I am pulling my hair out??? An enthusiastic Squidoo start had ground to a tormenting, time consuming, frustrating halt! Wait a minute? Squid what? Squidoo???... It...

The Giant Squids Interviews

  I am so excited for the new Giant Squids that it just had to come out in this lens! I want to know who all of them are, how they got be Giant Squids -- to learn about the great (and the harrowing) moments in the process -- if they have any tips...

Blog Talk Radio - Moon, Moo and You

Moon Moo and You is a Blog Talk radio show dedicated to the wisdom of all of us. Kate Loving Shenk and I discuss a wide variety of subjects from journaling to meditation practices to Squidoo, angels, article writing and mysterious other things. Moon,...

More Squidoo and Computer Related Lenses 

Utilizing the Blackbox Module

I have been building lenses on Squidoo for over a year now and one of my favorite modules to use is the Blackbox. It's a small module, but it can pack a punch. Until recently I assumed that most people were using the blackbox in a similar manner....

Celebrating with Profile Pictures

My sister aka Ohme aka @hellams is a very talented lensmaster and artist. At Christmastime in 2008, she magically used clip art to create a wonderful Santa hat for me to wear in my bio and on Twitter. It was fun to hear people's reactions to grandma...

Joan's Jolly Judicious Jetsetters

Update: July 1, 2009 Congratulations to all of the super members of the Jolly Judicious Jetsetters! You created a total of 221 Prospective Giant lenses and 201 Prospective Giant 100's. I am amazed and thrilled! A total of 422 lenses between May 1 and...

Rocket Mom Lenses by Ohme

I had already decided that Squidoo would have to take a back seat during the months of May and June because I had so much to do to get ready for our Freedom Fest on June 27. Well, that all changed when I received an invitation to join Rocket Moms. E...

A Joyful Squid Angel

I was delighted to become a Squidoo angel in April of 2009. Delighted because -- I totally "in- joy" visiting lenses; I sincerely "in-joy" the Squidoo community; and I always "in-joy" any positive volunteer activity! This angel assignment is especial...

More Squidoo or computer Related Lenses 

Jolly Judicious Jetsetters-2

The Squidoo Greeters present the Giant Squid Challenge for September 2009! This is soooooooooo exciting. We all had a great time with the challenge in May and June. We produced over 400 lenses and found lots of great Squidoo friends! The newest Joll...

Health Related Lenses 

Legally Blind Blunders

Legally Blind is a scary diagnosis. But life can still be fun -- if you learn to laugh at yourself, situations, and with others. No, it's not funny. But you might as well laugh. This is a list of funny and not so funny things that have happened t...

Facial tic or Hemifacial spasm?

Our daughter struggled with hemifacial spasm for almost ten years. She eventually underwent a successful microvascular decompression at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Kathy is now spasm-free! Hooray! What joy to see that beautiful smil...

Legally Blind - Please Be Kind

Yes, it can be awkward. You suddenly realize that the person you have been introduced to cannot see you. How should you act? What should you say? My husband is legally blind. He does have a little vision. He is not "in the dark", but is unable to re...

Create a Kinder World

Compliments. It is a simple word and a simple concept, but one that many people have trouble with. They find it difficult to give a compliment and even harder to accept one. Compliments are powerful relationship building tools and that in of itself i...

The Way to Bliss Now

I met Laura Whitelaw as a member of Pat O'Bryan's Portable Empire University. I am so thankful for Laura. We have been members of the same wonderful Master Mind Group for over a year now. We are dear friends, co-workers in this internet world, learni...

Health Related Lenses 

Defining Stress

Stress is a fairly common term and if asked, most people can tell you what it means to them. For some it is the pressure or the everyday strain on the job. For others it's the constant worry over money. It's the worry over our children's...

Kids With Special Needs

Over thirty years ago, Mary M. Wood, Ed.D. established Developmental Therapy - Developmental Teaching for educators and parents of children with emotional and behavioral disabilities, autism, Asperger's Syndrome, or other sensory-integrative disa...

Top Ten Reasons to Add a Walk to Your Daily Routine

There is no fountain of youth, but as we approach midlife and the years beyond, most people realize that there is a secret to feeling better and living longer. It's called staying active. While many of us know this to be true, we still find excu...

Fitness: One Step at a Time

Exercise is important. It helps us maintain a healthy weight. With a good exercise regime, we are less likely to lose bone density and we maintain muscle strength. It promotes a physiological well-being and strengthens the immune system. Walk &...

The Omron HJ-112 Pocket Pedometer

Exercise is important. Most of us understand and accept that. It can help us maintain a healthy weight, maintain muscle strength, and reduce the loss of bone density. It promotes a healthy emotional well-being and strengthens the immune system. I'...

More Health Related Lenses 

How to Count Calories to Lose Weight?

I know you are probably saying how do you count calories to lose weight. Well I am about to show you. I have found the best way to lose weight and am dieing to share it with everyone. First let me give you a fact, 63% of Americans are overweight! Did...

TWITTER STORMS and Twitter Lists 

Best of The Three Wolf Moon T-Shirt on Twitter

It's a sales craze that could only happen on the internet! One young law student wrote a "tongue-in-cheek" review of his new Three Wolf Moon T-Shirt on Amazon. He implied that the new shirt had helped him to attract women in the local Wal-Mart. The...

What is your favorite romantic movie?

What movie would you like to watch with your sweetie on Valentines Day? Dirty Dancing? The Notebook? Titanic? Gone With the Wind? Ghost? Pretty Woman? Sleepless in Seattle? Share your favorite romantic movie. And please, let's keep it clean. No porn...

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

Do you have favorite quotes that you depend upon in a crisis, special quotes that motivate you to move forward, quotes that you are teaching your children? One of my favorite quotes is If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it,...

Twitter Storms 

Does Shopping and Selling Online Hurt The Local Economy?

Most of us online are here to make money but what does this do for the local economy? My situation may be different than most because I live in a small community that needs the local businesses to survive. This really concerns me because I love my to...

The Shack - Is it Fact or Fiction?

The Shack is an amazing, even shocking, picture of God - told by a man who has lost a child. Mackenzie Allen Phillips meets God in the shack where his child was murdered. The book is very thought-provoking. It is my personal belief that God is Love...

What Does Your Family Think Of Your Love For Squidoo?

If you are like me, you have become obsessed with Squidoo. I find myself talking more and more about my activities on Squidoo and my new Squidoo friends. I am afraid that my family and friends are getting quite bored with this. They don't understand...

South Carolina Nature Lenses 

Lenses about SC nature or written by South Carolinians

The Canada Goose

The Canada Goose with its black head and white chinstrap, is among the most familiar of all the North American waterfowl. In the summer they can be seen grazing in large flocks in parks and fields, and along rivers and streams. Canadian Geese are bes...

The Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common hawk in North America. This beautiful bird of prey soars over the open country in search of its prey or perches in a tree at the edge of a field or meadow. With its sharp eyes peeled, it watches for the slightes...

Peregrine Falcons

The Peregrine Falcon is an impressive bird of prey. It searches for prey from a high perch or while circling above. Once its prey is spotted, the Peregrine Falcon folds back its tail and wings, tucks its feet in, and dives. It is an incredibly fast b...

The Mallard Duck

The green head, yellow bill, and black rump of the Mallard Duck is a familiar sight for many people living in the Northern hemisphere. Nearly 10 million Mallards live in North America with millions more in Eurasia. It is thought to be the most abunda...

California Condor

The California Condor was on the brink of extinction with its numbers dropping to less than 25. They are still endangered, but conservation efforts have paid off. Last count there were 356 California Condors in existence with 180 of them flying free....

Bird Watching Lenses 

Selecting a Pair of Bird Watching Binoculars

When I look out my window and watch the birds flutter around the birdfeeder, I really don't need a pair of binoculars or a scope to enjoy the sight. I frequently stop by the window and watch the birds for a minute or two between household tasks. (Occ...

Bird Watching Excursions

Watching the birds in your own backyard can be both rewarding and satisfying, but as your expertise grows, you may want to join other birders on a bird watching excursion. There are several things to keep in mind as you troop along the birding trail....

Selecting a Birdbath

Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the world. It provides a relaxing and educational diversion from the stresses of life and work. While some people enjoy birding excursions and trekking through the wilds in search of a...

Selecting a Birdwatching Field Guide

Watching the birds in your backyard is both fun and relaxing. You may have already put up a birdfeeder and even recognize some of the regular visitors. You've reached the point where "watching the birds" is not enough. You want to know...

Identifying Birds

Spotting a bird is one thing, identifying it is another story. With over 10,000 species of birds in the world, no one is an expert right from the start. It takes time and practice. Follow the steps listed below and you will be on your way!

South Carolina Nature 

More lenses about SC nature or by SC lensmasters

Great Grey Owl

The Great Grey Owl is one of the world's largest owls. It is often referred to as the Great Grey Ghost or Phantom of the North as it is one of the most reclusive owls of North America. Add to that its secretive habits and you have a bird that is...

The Merlin Falcon

The Merlin Falcon is a small, but deadly bird of prey. They often prey on small to medium size birds, swooping down and grabbing the unsuspecting bird in flight. Once they've sunk their razor-sharp talons into their prey, the fight is over. The s...

The Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. They prefer the open country rather than forests and can be spotted in desert grasslands, and above the timberline.

The Common Barn Owl

The Common Barn Owl is sometimes called the "monkey-faced owl" because of its white, heart-shaped face and dark eyes. It is a nocturnal bird of prey with keen eyesight, but often locates its prey by sound alone. The Common Barn Owl's fl...

The Blue Jay

Blue Jays are beautiful birds and fun to watch. There are several that hang around our yard. Their cry is loud and when it's heard the other birds scatter. They have a reputation as backyard bullies and work hard to maintain that status. When the...

SC Nature Lenses 

More SC Nature Lenses or Lenses about nature by South Carolina Lensmasters

The Wood Duck

Wood Ducks are dabbling ducks and fun to watch. This colorful bird will search for food near the water’s edge. When they spot something tasty, their heads go down and their tails up. It’s quick and efficient but comical to watch.

The Snowy Owl

The Snowy Owl is often referred to as the Great White Owl. It is an apt description. It is a magnificent bird and quite a sight to see. It is a nocturnal bird of prey that inhabits the northern regions during mating season, but migrates to warme...

The Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is one of the most popular birds in the United States. It is one of the first birds a child learns to recognize and most adults, birders and non-birders alike recognize it on sight. Its bright red coloring is distinctive. The Car...

The Eastern Screech-Owl

The Eastern Screech Owl is an elusive nocturnal bird of prey. It is one of the smaller owls, but is every bit as fierce as its larger brethren. This horned owl is often referred to as the trilling or quavering owl due to its distinctive call, which v...

Cooper's Hawk

The Cooper's Hawk is often confused with the Sharp-shinned Hawk. They have similar markings but the Sharp-shinned Hawk is smaller and has a squared tail. The Cooper's Hawk's tail is rounded. The tail and the size are the only truly distin...

SC Nature Lenses 

More SC Nature Lenses or Nature Lenses by South Carolinians

The Ferruginous Hawk

The Ferruginous Hawk is one of the largest birds of prey in North America with a wingspan of close to five feet. As with all raptors it is a hunter. It preys on small mammals such as gophers, rabbits and squirrels. It is a formidable hunter swooping...

The House Finch

The House Finch is a pretty little song bird. Its cheery warble can be heard throughout the year. It is a regular visitor to backyard bird feeders, and makes its home in any man-made structure available. They will nest in garages, barns, under awning...

American Swallow-tailed Kite

Watching the American Swallow-tailed Kite soar through the sky is an impressive sight to see. It puts on an aerial ballet as it swoops and twists over the wetlands and marshes of the Southern United States. The Swallow-tailed Kite is listed as a bird...

The Osprey

The Osprey, often called the Sea Hawk, is a fish-eating bird of prey. Its eyesight is phenomenal. It can spot a fish lurking beneath the water even when it's hovering 130 feet above the water. Spotting its prey, it plunges into the water, feet fi...

Turkey Vultures

The Turkey Vulture is a scavenger, feeding off the remains of dead domestic and wild animals. Dependent on its sense of smell to locate the carcasses, a fresh kill will not always attract its attention. If the carcass has been left in the open for a...

SC Nature Lenses 

More Lenses about SC Nature or by South Carolinians

South Carolina Shorebirds

The South Carolina shores are home to a wide variety of birds. The sea gulls follow the shrimp boats as they troll the waters, and can be seen along the shores searching for crustaceans washed up with the tide. While the sea gulls are a common site a...

American White Pelican

The American White Pelican doesn't dive for its dinner as most pelicans do. They simply dip their heads underwater and come up with a pouch full of water. Using its beak as a strainer, the water is expelled leaving fish and other delectable treat...

The Purple Finch

The Purple Finch is a pretty little song bird, but distinguishing the Purple Finch from its cousins, the House Finch and the Cassin's Finch, can be tricky. All three are about the same size and shape, and all three are frequent visitors to the bi...

Wild and Majestic Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey or Raptors are birds that usually hunt on the wing. They use their keen sense of sight to spot prey, swoop down, and capture it. They usually have large, powerful beaks and talons for tearing and piercing the flesh of their prey. I lo...

The Swainson's Hawk

The Swainson’s Hawk is an impressive bird of prey, but unlike other hawks, it doesn’t prey on rodents and songbirds. They are predominantly insectivores eating an average of a hundred grasshoppers a day. During mating season when the need...

SC Nature Lenses 

More lenses about SC Nature of by South Carolinians

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is one of sixteen hummingbirds to inhabit North America. It is a tiny bird, weighing less than a penny. Hummingbirds are the only species that can fly in any direction including upside down and backwards.

The Northern Shoveler

The Northern Shoveler is an odd looking duck. Its shovel-shaped bill is distinctive and its feathers are a hodge-podge of colors. Its head it green its body white, and its chest is a mottled chestnut color. It is a fairly common duck in North America...

The Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron is the largest of the North American herons, dwarfing other herons as well as its closest relatives, the egrets and bitterns. It is a wader and is often seen standing in or around water.

Predators in the Wild

When we think of predators, frightening images come to mind. Our heart rate jumps and we glance around warily. In society predators have thrown off the balance of life and need to be stopped. It's another story in the wild. There is a check and balan...

The Black-capped Chickadee

This familiar little song bird seems to be in constant motion. It can be seen hopping from branch to branch and tree to tree. Named for its easily recognized song, chick-a-dee-dee-dee, the Chickadee is a regular visitor to backyard bird feeders.

SC Nature 

Lenses about SC Nature or by South Carolinians

The Red-shouldered Hawk

Unlike most hawks, the Red-shouldered Hawk hunts from a low-lying perch. They sit quietly, waiting and watching, until prey wanders into their line of sight. Once spotted, the prey doesn't have a prayer. The Red-shouldered Hawk swoops down and gr...

Herring Gulls

The Herring Gull is a familiar bird. It is often seen along the coast and in coastal urban settings. It has a gray mantle and black wing-tips and can be seen dining in garbage dumps and following the fishing vessels to shore.

The Snowy Egret

Snowy Egrets are the beautiful birds that inhabit marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, and shallow coastal areas and tidal flats. In the 19th and early 20th century, they were hunted to near extinction for their beautiful white feathers.

Red-winged Blackbirds

The Red-winged Blackbird is a beautiful songbird and easy to identify. Its red epaulets are easy to spot even when in flight. They are a fairly common bird and can be seen perched on telephone wires and sign posts throughout the United States and Can...

The Carolina Wren

Carolina Wrens are a southern bird and once they've established their territory, they usually remain there throughout their life. The male can be heard whistling any time of the day and any time of the year.

SC Nature Lenses 

The Ring-billed Gull

The Ring-billed Gull is a highly social bird. They occupy large colonies, especially during breeding season. They are a playful bird and can be seen dropping objects while flying just to swoop down and catch it again. They are also an opportunistic b...

The American Goldfinch

Offer thistle seed in your birdfeeder and the American Goldfinch just might stop by for a visit. It is beautiful songbird dressed in bright yellow feathers. Even a novice backyard birder can identify it. The finch is a song bird, and American Goldfin...

Bird Watching Excursions

Watching the birds in your own backyard can be both rewarding and satisfying, but as your expertise grows, you may want to join other birders on a bird watching excursion. There are several things to keep in mind as you troop along the birding trail....

The Northern Flicker

Unlike most woodpeckers, Flickers forage on the ground. They think grasshoppers and crickets are a tasty treat, but they will visit your birdfeeder if suet is available. The Northern Flicker is a beautiful bird with easily identifiable markings. They...

South Carolina Song Birds

There are over 4,000 species of birds that are considered song birds. They are capable of producing a variety of sounds commonly referred to as bird song. Evidence suggests that song birds evolved over 50 million years ago in the Australia, New Zeala...

SC Nature Lenses 

Hurricanes

Hurricane Hugo formed off the coast of Africa on Sept, 19, 1989, tore through Charleston, SC on Sept 22, and finally dissipated on Sept. 25th. It left 82 people dead, 56,000 homeless, and caused over 10,000 billion dollars worth of damage. While cat...

The Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl is a phenomenal hunter. When it recognizes the sound of prey, it will hop from tree to tree until it pinpoints the source. Then it silently swoops in with its talons wide and pounces on the unsuspecting prey.

The Rock Pigeon

The Rock Pigeon, commonly referred to as simply pigeons, are familiar birds. They can be seen scrounging around dumpsters, picking up French fries dropped near the door to a fast food restaurant, and begging from picnickers in the park.

The Spotted Owl

Spotted Owls are predators but rather than hunt for prey, they sit back and wait for the prey to come to them. They will watch from a perch, silent and unmoving until an unsuspecting squirrel or rat wanders into range. Once prey is spotted, the Spott...

The Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle in flight is an impressive sight to see. It is a powerful flier soaring on the thermal convection currents reaching speeds of 35 to 44 mph. The Bald Eagle is the only eagle unique to North America, and is a symbol of freedom in America...

SC Nature Lenses 

The Water Around Us

Although water is all about us, seen and unseen, we still find it mysterious and, in many ways, one of the least understood of all our natural resources. The Earth is a watery planet, with most of its surface covered with oceans and seas. The presen...

The European Starling

The European Starling is a beautiful songbird and is a fairly common sight in North America, but it not a native species. It was brought to New York in the 1890's. The man responsible was a fan of William Shakespeare and wanted all the birds ment...

The Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird is an incredible songbird, but it's nearly impossible to identify by its song. It is a mimic. It will mimic the songs and medleys of other birds as well as other sounds that it hears. It will sing the sweet song of the ca...

The Hairy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker is often confused with its smaller cousin, the Downy Woodpecker. They both are dark with a characteristic white stripe down their backs, but the Hairy Woodpecker is larger and has a longer bill. They are both beneficial birds, se...

The Cattle Egret

The Cattle Egret is classified as a wader, but are usually seen foraging in grassy fields rather than along waterways. They follow along behind cattle and horses, even tractors to catch the insects they stir up.

SC Nature Lenses 

The American Robin

As a child, I was told that spotting a robin in the yard heralded the arrival of spring. Living in northern Minnesota, that was usually the case, but while most robins migrate southward in the winter, not all of them do. Their breeding range is exten...

The Barred Owl

The Barred Owl's signature call, "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you" is easy to identify. Many people simply refer to them as "Hoot Owls." They are fairly common here in South Carolina, and on a quiet night I can usually hea...

Eskimo Curlew

Once an abundant bird, there hasn't been a reliable sighting of the Eskimo Curlew in over 40 years. There are occasional reports of sightings which allows for the possibility that a small population still exists, but most authorities believe it i...

The Purple Martin

If there was a ten most wanted list for birds, Purple Martins would be on it. Over a million people in North America put up Martin houses in hopes of attracting a colony. If only it were so easy. Purple Martins are picky house hunters. If the house i...

The Laughing Gull

Named for its well-known laughing call, the Laughing Gull is a common sight along the Atlantic Coast. They are a social bird and are often seen (and heard) in large flocks. More scavenger than hunter, they pick the beach clean of editable trash and f...

SC Nature Lenses 

Thunder and Lightning

A flash of lightning followed by a roll of thunder has instilled both fear and fascination in man since the beginning of time. For the Greeks, the lightning bolt was the weapon of the gods. Angered, Zeus would hurl his lightning bolts and roar. Thor...

Sandhill Cranes

Evidence suggests that the Sandhill Crane is the oldest known bird species in existence today. A fossil of a bird estimated to be10 million years old was found in Nebraska, a popular stop over point for migrating birds. Its structure was identical to...

Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse is a noisy song bird and can usually be heard before it's seen. It is a social bird and will frequently join with Chickadees and Nuthatches to form small flocks. It is quick to scold predator and will join other birds.

The Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-crested Cormorant is a seabird and can be seen along the coast and inland waterways. Its name is derived from the crests that appear during breeding season. The Crests are funky looking. They look like little wings growing out of either si...

The Passenger Pigeon

The Passenger Pigeon used to be the most common bird in North America. They lived in huge flocks, and during migration, they covered the sky, some flocks containing up to a million birds. According to some estimates there were as many as five billion...

SC Nature Lenses 

The Barn Swallow

The Barn Swallow is a beautiful bird, and can be found worldwide. They spend the summers in North America and winter in South America. For some, it's a round trip totaling 14,000 miles.

Trumpeter Swans

Similar in appearance to the Tundra Swan, listening to the Trumpeter Swan's call is usually the easiest way to identify it. It has a deep, resonant, trumpet-like voice whereas the voice of the Tundra Swan is soft and melodious.

The Northern Harrier

The Northern Harrier is one of the most widespread and easily recognized hawks of North America. It has an owl-like facial disc which allows it to hunt by sound as well as sight. Quiet in flight, its prey doesn't recognize the danger until it is...

The Wild Turkey

The Bald Eagle is the United State's National Symbol but according to Benjamin Franklin, it should have been the Wild Turkey. The Bald Eagle would rather steal from other birds than hunt for its own meal. In Franklin's eyes, that represented...

Carolina Parakeet

The once abundant Carolina Parakeet was a gregarious bird. They would form large, noisy flocks that fed on cultivated fruits and grains. They would tear apart an apple to get to the seeds, wreck havoc in the grain fields, and strip a corncob of its k...

SC Nature Lenses 

Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owls are aptly named. They live underground in burrows. Rather than dig their own, they let the ground squirrels and prairie dogs do the work, and then evict them.

Identifying Birds

Spotting a bird is one thing, identifying it is another story. With over 10,000 species of birds in the world, no one is an expert right from the start. It takes time and practice. Follow the steps listed below and you will be on your way!

Birds of Prey: Hawks

The term hawk is loosely used. It refers to a small to medium-size woodland bird with a long tail and keen eyesight. They watch their prey from a concealed perch. Once a hawk spots its prey, it swoops down and snatches it up. The prey doesn't rec...

The Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a beautiful bird and a common sight in my backyard. They feed of the ground cleaning up the mess the other songbirds have made. The Mourning Dove is considered a game bird in many states, but due to flight speeds of up to 55 mph,...

The Common Grackle

The Grackle is a fairly common songbird, but not a very popular one. Rather than the sweet notes of the songbird, its voice is harsh. It is still considered a songbird but its predatory instincts put it in a class of its own. It will forage for food...

SC Nature Lenses 

The Eastern Bluebird

Of all the songbirds of North America, the Eastern Bluebird is my favorite. They are a beautiful bird with a sweet song, but attracting them to my yard has not been easy. Bird feeders do not interest them, and they are particular when it comes to the...

Create a Backyard Bird Sanctuary

Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the world. It provides a relaxing and educational diversion from the stresses of life and work. It can be a meditative, solitary experience or a social activity. There are bird watchin...

Busy Lizzy's Aquatic Birds

Aquatic birds live on or near bodies of water. They acquire their food from the water, the shorelines, or animals within the same region. I grew up in Minnesota. It's a landlocked state but with 10,000 lakes it has its share of aquatic birds. When I...

The Whimbrel

The Whimbrel is one of the eight remaining species of curlew. It is a shy bird, but can be spotted along the shore of North America, Europe and Asia in the summer and in South America in the winter. They are waders and use their long curved beaks to...

The Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore Oriole is a cheerful bird. It can be spotted in wooded lots and whistling along city streets. The mainstay of their diet is beetles, bugs, and caterpillars, but they can be drawn to your yard with offerings of fruit (especially orange s...

SC Nature Lenses 

The Common Loon

The Common Loon or the Great Northern Diver is often called the "Symbol of the North." They are reported to be among the oldest groups of birds still living today, with a history stretching back close to 50 million years. The Loon is silent...

Songbirds: Nature’s Soloists

As we go through life, some sights and events have a profound impact on our lives, while others flutter past unnoticed. Some passions can be traced back to that single pivotal point while others grow seemingly unnoticed for years. I am a morning pers...

The Mute Swan

The Mute Swan was first introduced in the United States as an ornamental bird in the 19th century. Since then their population has exploded. The aggressive Mute Swan is crowding out native species and stripping rivers and lakes of its foliage disrupt...

The House Sparrow

The House Sparrow, formerly called the English Sparrow, is one of the best known and abundant song birds. Like the European Starling, it is not one of North America's native birds. With its expanding population and domination over nesting sites,...

SC Nature Lenses 

Red-headed Woodpecker

Due to the loss of habitat, the Red-headed Woodpecker is a bird rarely seen. Its breeding ground includes woodlands and grasslands throughout North America. When it comes to building a nest, the Red-headed Woodpecker is like a squatter. It would rath...

Sanderlings

Sanderlings are the most widespread of all the shorebirds. They are often seen on beaches scurrying after waves as they roll back to the sea. They are looking for crustaceans and mollusks exposed by the retreating water.

The American Black Vulture

The American Black Vulture is a scavenger, feeding off the remains of dead domestic and wild animals. Dependent on its sense of smell to locate the carcasses, a fresh kill will not always attract its attention. If the carcass has been left in the ope...

The American White Ibis

The White Ibis is a wader. It can be seen along the shore, up to its knees in water, sweeping its head from side-to-side in search of food. Its long, curved bill is handy for probing the mud while searching for crabs and crayfish. This efficient hunt...

Busy Lizzy's Lenses

Before I sat down to create this lensography, I took a look at my list of lenses. They are as varied as the students in my classroom. Can one be passionate about so many different things? I say yes. My passion is writing, but I am first and foremost...

SC Nature Lenses 

Fall Flowers - A Stroll In Our Yard - October 2008

Fall is in the air and we are enjoying the blossoms of our Confederate Rose, Angel Trumpets and Ageratum. Our yard has been neglected lately due to the drought and we did not have our usual beautiful bloomers through the summer but now that fall is h...

The Tundra Swan

The Tundra Swan was formerly called the "Whistling Swan" due to the sound made by the powerful beating of the wings in flight. It is a beautiful swan often confused with the Trumpeter Swan.

The Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican is a large, stocky bird with a twelve inch bill and trademark throat pouch. Although it is considered a large bird, it is the smallest of the eight species of pelicans found in the world today. It is a coastal bird with two subspeci...

The Black-crowned Night Heron

The Black-crowned Night Heron is one of the few nocturnal aquatic birds. Instead of heading for the roost at dusk, it starts foraging for its next meal. They are a noisy bird, but when in hunting mode, they stand quietly and wait for their prey to w...

The Northern Pintail

The Northern Pintails are diligent parents. The female will protect her brood by flying at an intruder, or by pretending to be injured and leading the predator away. I love to watch a family group in the pond close to our house. They spend the entire...

SC Nature Lenses 

Attracting Birds to Your Yard

Next to gardening, bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies around. It doesn't require a trip around the world or thousands of dollars worth of specialized equipment. All you need to do is step out your back door and wait. It's cold...

The Spotted Owl

Spotted Owls are predators but rather than hunt for prey, they sit back and wait for the prey to come to them. They will watch from a perch, silent and unmoving until an unsuspecting squirrel or rat wanders into range. Once prey is spotted, the Spott...

The Common Pheasant

The Common Pheasant is one of the world's most hunted birds. It is native to Asia but has been introduced in countless regions for the sole purpose of hunting. There are several subspecies and crossbreeds. Collectively they are called Ring-necked Phe...

Rainbows: A Spectrum of Light

Scientists claim that rainbows are due to the refraction of light with a drop of water acting as a prism ... an easily explained phenomena. While the scientist in me knows that's true, my creative spirit balks at the stark explanation. Rainbows a...

The American Flamingo

The American Flamingo is also known as the Caribbean Flamingo. It is one of the larger flamingos and is closely related to the Greater Flamingo. The Flamingo's pink to red color is due to a chemical carotinoid. Carotinoid is a chemical found in t...

Nature Lenses 

Eskimo Curlew

Once an abundant bird, there hasn't been a reliable sighting of the Eskimo Curlew in over 40 years. There are occasional reports of sightings which allows for the possibility that a small population still exists, but most authorities believe it i...

Trumpeter Swans

Similar in appearance to the Tundra Swan, listening to the Trumpeter Swan's call is usually the easiest way to identify it. It has a deep, resonant, trumpet-like voice whereas the voice of the Tundra Swan is soft and melodious.

The Northern Flicker

Unlike most woodpeckers, Flickers forage on the ground. They think grasshoppers and crickets are a tasty treat, but they will visit your birdfeeder if suet is available. The Northern Flicker is a beautiful bird with easily identifiable markings. They...

Herring Gulls

The Herring Gull is a familiar bird. It is often seen along the coast and in coastal urban settings. It has a gray mantle and black wing-tips and can be seen dining in garbage dumps and following the fishing vessels to shore.

Red-winged Blackbirds

The Red-winged Blackbird is a beautiful songbird and easy to identify. Its red epaulets are easy to spot even when in flight. They are a fairly common bird and can be seen perched on telephone wires and sign posts throughout the United States and Can...

More Nature Lenses 

The Ferruginous Hawk

The Ferruginous Hawk is one of the largest birds of prey in North America with a wingspan of close to five feet. As with all raptors it is a hunter. It preys on small mammals such as gophers, rabbits and squirrels. It is a formidable hunter swooping...

The American Black Vulture

The American Black Vulture is a scavenger, feeding off the remains of dead domestic and wild animals. Dependent on its sense of smell to locate the carcasses, a fresh kill will not always attract its attention. If the carcass has been left in the ope...

The Black-crowned Night Heron

The Black-crowned Night Heron is one of the few nocturnal aquatic birds. Instead of heading for the roost at dusk, it starts foraging for its next meal. They are a noisy bird, but when in hunting mode, they stand quietly and wait for their prey to w...

Sandhill Cranes

Evidence suggests that the Sandhill Crane is the oldest known bird species in existence today. A fossil of a bird estimated to be10 million years old was found in Nebraska, a popular stop over point for migrating birds. Its structure was identical to...

The House Finch

The House Finch is a pretty little song bird. Its cheery warble can be heard throughout the year. It is a regular visitor to backyard bird feeders, and makes its home in any man-made structure available. They will nest in garages, barns, under awning...

More Nature Lenses 

The Common Loon

The Common Loon or the Great Northern Diver is often called the "Symbol of the North." They are reported to be among the oldest groups of birds still living today, with a history stretching back close to 50 million years. The Loon is silent...

The Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-crested Cormorant is a seabird and can be seen along the coast and inland waterways. Its name is derived from the crests that appear during breeding season. The Crests are funky looking. They look like little wings growing out of either si...

Thunder and Lightning

A flash of lightning followed by a roll of thunder has instilled both fear and fascination in man since the beginning of time. For the Greeks, the lightning bolt was the weapon of the gods. Angered, Zeus would hurl his lightning bolts and roar. Thor...

The Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a beautiful bird and a common sight in my backyard. They feed of the ground cleaning up the mess the other songbirds have made. The Mourning Dove is considered a game bird in many states, but due to flight speeds of up to 55 mph,...

Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse is a noisy song bird and can usually be heard before it's seen. It is a social bird and will frequently join with Chickadees and Nuthatches to form small flocks. It is quick to scold predator and will join other birds.

More Nature Lenses 

Great Grey Owl

The Great Grey Owl is one of the world's largest owls. It is often referred to as the Great Grey Ghost or Phantom of the North as it is one of the most reclusive owls of North America. Add to that its secretive habits and you have a bird that is...

The World of Owls

Throughout history man has been fascinated by owls. In some cultures they represented death and destruction while in others they hold a place of honor as symbols of truth and wisdom. The Ancient Greeks saw the owl as a specter of death and early Euro...

The Eastern Bluebird

Of all the songbirds of North America, the Eastern Bluebird is my favorite. They are a beautiful bird with a sweet song, but attracting them to my yard has not been easy. Bird feeders do not interest them, and they are particular when it comes to the...

Most Wanted Songbirds

Life can be stressful. When I need a break, need to unwind, I slip outside and spend an hour listening to the birds sing. Listening to the birds and communing with nature relaxes me. I didn't start out as a bird watcher, but evolved into one. If mu...

The World's Most Dangerous Bugs

Bugs play a major roll in the world's ecosystem. They're food for other critters higher on the food chain, pollinate plants, and they help decompose dead plants and animals. There are over a million known species of insects on earth, and tha...

Nature Lenses 

Meerkats

Meerkats are adorable mammals in the mongoose family. The mongoose family consists of small, cat-like animals such as the Marsh Mongoose, the Flat-Headed Kusimanse, the Bushy-Tailed Mongoose, and many others. Yet, even though meerkats are cat-like an...

Painted Lady Butterflies

My son and I raised two Painted Lady Butterflies from caterpillars, to chrysalises, to beautiful orange, brown, black, and white Painted Lady Butterflies! In the process, we learned a great deal about butterflies! Did you know that butterflies ne...

Dogwoods and Azaleas

I do enjoy the Springtime! It is so beautiful in Pendleton SC with all the Dogwood Trees and Azaleas in bloom. We live toward the bottom of a hill and as you drive down the hill and get closer to our home, the site of Dogwoods and Azaleas come into...

North American Hummingbirds

I love to watch the hummingbirds flutter through my flower beds. Some are as tiny as a butterfly and their wings beat faster than the speed of light ... not really, but they can flap their wings up to 90 times a second (depending on the species) and...

More Nature Lenses 

Southern Magnolia Tree

All over the South you can see and smell the blooming Magnolias and what a site it is to behold! The fragrance is like none other and hard to describe but one whiff this time of year and you will know what I am talking about. The blossoms are beauti...

Japanese Dogwood

About 15 years ago, a friend of ours gave us a Kousa Tree because I had admired the one in their yard. They are very interesting trees and so much fun to watch. It blooms after our other dogwoods and looks a little different. In the summer it will f...

Everything Hummingbird!

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures! They get their name from the humming sound made by the rapid beating (60 to 80 beats per second) of their wings. Hummingbirds range in size from about 2.25 inches (the Bee Hummingbird, which isn't much b...

My Nature lensography

I enjoy writing about nature and using the photos I've taken. I am not sure when I began to appreciate Mother Nature but I think I was very young. We had a lot of exposure to the wonders of the out of doors through our little church in Pendleton...

Tadpoles To Frogs

My son and I have been watching the frog life cycle unfold before our eyes. Over the past few weeks, we've recorded in photos and text our discoveries as we observed frog eggs hatch into tadpoles, and then tadpoles grow, change shape and metamor...

Nature Lenses 

Pileated Woodpeckers

The Pileated Woodpecker is an impressive bird, and spotting one winging its way through the trees is a sight to see. It is one of the largest North American Woodpeckers, nearly the size of a crow with brilliant red crest and an annoyingly loud call....

The Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is a familiar sight throughout most of North America. It is a pretty little bird similar in appearance to the Hairy Woodpecker. They will readily visit backyard birdfeeders if suet or peanut butter is offered, and its drumming ro...

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker

It's odd that the Red-bellied Woodpecker is named for its red belly when in truth the faint blush on its belly is rarely seen, but it is an easy bird to identify. The reddish blush on the back of the head and its zebra strips are distinct. The Red...

Busy Lizzy's Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are impressive birds. They are rarely seen but often heard in forests and wooded areas throughout North America. The characteristic drumming occurs as they tap and drill into trunks of dead and dying trees in search of insects and larvae....

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker was once a common sight throughout the Southeastern United States. That is no longer the case. As with the Passenger Pigeon it was man's short-sightedness that brought them to the brink of extinction. Large tracts of...

COMMUNICATION AND LISTENING SKILLS 

Learn How to Listen

Most people assume they are good listeners. They hear what is being said and some can even repeat it back verbatim. Unfortunately hearing what was said does not make you a good listener. Listening means paying attention and making a conscious effort...

The Art of Small Talk

We have all been in situations that call for Small Talk. Your supervisor invites you to a little soiree. No one else in the office was invited. Did it mean you're slotted for the promotion? You know you need to go, you want to go, but your boss i...

Developing Effective Communication Skills

We learn to speak as toddlers and communicate with our world from there on out. Our ability to Communicate Effectively with the people around us has a profound impact on our lives. It sets the tone in interpersonal relationships. It affects how our s...

Nonverbal Communication: Reading the Signals

When we interpret the meaning of someone's statement, it is not just the words we need to tune into. The nonverbal factors such as gestures, tone, and facial expressions tell us so much more. Words can be manipulated but nonverbal cues are hard t...

Other Lenses 

These are unique and don't fit into any of the above categories

Colors and Their Meanings

When asked what is your favorite color, some people answer immediately while others hesitate. My favorite color is yellow, but there is little yellow in my home or in the clothes I wear. Green represents life to me, and red is both excitement and ca...

The Color Red

Red is the one color that evokes extreme emotions in everyone. It is a passionate color that can lead to violence and warfare, or the flush can signal a love that transcends time. It is power, the banner that leads the troops to war, and a warning o...

Friendship Lenses 

Long Walk Part of Gift

Norman Vincent Peale used to tell a story about a missionary in Africa who received a beautiful seashell as a gift from a student. He had walked a long way -- to the coast of Africa to get the special shell for his teacher. "You've traveled so far to...

What Is Friendship?

Friendship is a valued relationship between two or more people that fosters support. My friends make me a better person. I am so lucky to have so many friends and I appreciate and love each and every one of them. My friends are very important to me...

Television, Theatre, Newspaper and Radio Lenses 

Ding Dong School

In the 1950's, the best children's television show - and maybe the only one for a little while - was Ding Dong School. Remember Miss Frances? These were the days before color television -- before Romper Room and Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street. Long bef...

Popeye the Sailor Man

Popeye the Sailor Man was created by the cartoonist Elzie Segar. She wrote the comic strip Thimble Theatre in the late teens and early 1920's. Popeye was not a part of the original cast of characters. Thimble Theatre was in existence for ten year...

Looney Tunes

In the late 1920's and early 1930's motion pictures moved to the forefront on the entertainment spectrum, and before each feature film, a cartoon short was played. The shorts were as much a part of the evening's entertainment as the featu...

Woody Woodpecker

As with most animated cartoon characters, the life and times of Woody Woodpecker began as a simple drawing on a storyboard. Ben "Bugs" Hardaway, a storyboard artist and expert in creating animated screwballs such as Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunn...

Photo Caption Lenses 

Bathing Rituals Through the Ages

How often do you bathe? Once a day? Twice? Do you hop in the shower or bathtub on a whim? I know I do. I take the water and the bath for granted, but in my grandmother's day bathing was a part of the Saturday evening ritual. You bathed and washed you...

Family Photo Captions!

I love family photos and they are even more fun with captions to help tell the story-- or not! Here are some photos of family members -- these definitely need a caption! Won't you help us be creative here? Add your own caption to our photos! And yes,...

Decorating Lenses 

Be Happy!!! Stage Your Home to SELL.

There's no need to stress about putting your home on the market when you've enlisted the help of a professional home stager. You can relax and be HAPPY that your home will look great and sell for top dollar. With expert merchandising and an understa...

Red Alarm Clock

A red alarm clock implies high energy and action. Red stop lights, stop signs, fire hydrants, and fire trucks all in the color red to demand our attention! A red alarm clock, then, is a natural. It is a great reminder to wake up with attention and e...

Beachcomber Bathroom Decor

Love the beach? I know I do, and there is evidence of our beach combing days scattered throughout the house, none more so than in the bathroom. What better place to showcase your collection of sea shells or be reminded of sun filled days and sandy s...

Rustic Bathroom Decor

Love the great outdoors? I know I do. Some of my fondest childhood memories are from vacations spent in a cabin tucked into the woods of Northern Minnesota. Years later I still love the ambiance of a cozy cabin and wanted to bring a touch of the grea...

Lenses Added Summer 09 

How to Host an 80's Theme Party!

The most important part of your '80s party is your guest list! Invite the most fun folks you know! Have your guests dress in costume for this super party idea! What to wear to an 80s party? Just take a look at the photos for some super ideas! Is tha...

Vibrating Alarm Watches

A vibrating alarm watch is a very helpful product for people who are hearing impaired. But the hearing impaired are not the only ones who will find these quiet alarm watches helpful. A quiet vibrating alarm watch can wake you without waking others i...

Top 5 Low Vision Products for the Visually Impaired

Low Vision aids or Macular Degeneration aids are required in our home. My husband has been legally blind for over twenty years. He suffers from a combination of macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa and, the doctors say, a host of other disea...

Amtrak Train Travel

Wondering what to expect on your first train trip? We did too! My daughter and I recently traveled by Amtrak Train. We weren't sure what to expect or exactly how things would go so we kept a record of all that happened so we could share it here with...

Crochet a Hat Shaped Toilet Tissue Cover

My grandmother taught my sisters how to crochet when they were teenagers, but I was sent out to work in the garden or do laundry while they sat at the table and crocheted. I'm left-handed and my Grandmother saw no point in teaching me how to do s...

Fall Harvest Festival In Pendleton SC

Pendleton South Carolina's Eleventh Annual Fall Harvest Festival was held on the Village Green in historic Pendleton on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009. The Festival ran from 10 AM to 5 PM and featured quality crafts, entertainment, food vendors, old-fas...

Jane Wooster Scott Puzzles

My favorite jigsaw puzzles are the ones that have picture "clues" throughout, allowing you to work on different sections at a time. It's easy to scan the scattered puzzle pieces and quickly pick out the pieces that are part of your soon to be assembl...

What A Year! From Newbie to Giant Squid

It has been one year since I joined Squidoo. I have been reflecting about what has happened since that date and am amazed at how my life has changed in just one year. I can not look back without remembering those who are responsible for my getting t...

How to Peel Shrimp

There are many methods for peeling shrimp. The method I use today is not the method I was taught. Peeling thousands of pounds of shrimp in my life has forced me to develop well, a better way of doing it. I am my family's designated shrimp peeler. If...

Foster Teen Parenting

Nothing prepared me for fostering teens!! I was given nine weeks of training from the Children's Home Society before taking my first foster child. There was a great deal of information to digest in a short span of time. It left me with the innocent i...

Corn, Bean, and Avocado Salsa...& Vegan Nachos!

Corn, Bean, and Avocado Salsa combines the flavorful tastes of cilantro, lime, corn, and red onion, with black beans and tomatoes. This is a great dish to have at home, serve at a party, or take to a pot-luck dinner! Vegan Nachos use many of...

The Carpathian Male: The Ultimate Romantic Hero

The usual description of a leading man in a romance novel usually falls into one of two categories. They are either tall, dark, and handsome, or a blond haired, blue-eyed Adonis. There are variations to the theme. The hair color will change or he wil...

1826 On The Green In Pendleton SC

I think it was Pendleton SC's Mayor Carol Burdette who first referred to the Farmers Hall as Pendleton SC's Front Porch. I really like that term and think that it is so appropriate because, when you enter our beautiful town square, the Farmers Hall i...

Fruit Salad Recipe

The first time that I enjoyed this recipe was back in the 70's when I was teaching at Pendleton Elementary School. I found out that it was the standard favorite dish for the teachers during the Teacher Appreciation Celebration. Since that time I have...

Unusual Alarm Clocks

If you landed here, you are the person who loves the unusual -- i.e. shopping for an alarm clock, you want to see the most unique alarm clocks available. For you, a normal alarm clock will not suffice! You are probably the kind of person who picnics...

Recycle Buttons into Refrigerator Magnets

When I was a teenager, if I wanted more clothes I bought some material and pulled out the sewing machine. I had to buy the material and maybe thread but buttons... Nope. I didn't need to buy buttons. There was bound to be something in the button...

Aids for Low Vision

As you read this short article, you will discover ways you can assist friends and relatives with low vision and those who are partially sighted. Low vision aids provide independence and self-reliance to those with vision problems. After 25 years of...

Haunted Halloween Supplies

Are you planning a Halloween party? Shopping for scary Halloween yard decorations? Looking for pumpkin carving kits? Searching for just the right indoor Halloween decoration? Hoping to find a great Halloween How-To book? Come on in....we've b...

The Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird is a pretty little bird. I rarely see them in the summer, but I often see them at my bird feeder in September and October. I believe our backyard falls along their migratory route. It's a feisty little bird and the one time...

Alarm Clocks That Talk!

When my husband lost his vision in 1988, we quickly learned that a talking watch and/or talking alarm clocks would be a requirement, not a luxury! In those days, the internet was still a mystery to me. I got on the telephone and started making calls...

Panera Bread - A Restaurant Review

I was recently asked to write a review of a restaurant, and since Panera Bread is one of my favorites, that's the restaurant I chose! Panera Bread is a bakery and cafe rolled into one. They make their own bread every night so it will be fresh f...

Best NCAA Football Team Alarm Clocks

Football Season is almost here! Don't be late for the game! NCAA Football alarm clocks are fun gifts and great items for college student dorm rooms, too! You are invited to review these super alarm clocks and vote for the one that matches your team!...

Finding Time

I work full time, manage 200 lenses on Squidoo, an account on RedGage, two active blogs, post articles on Associated Content, have an assortment of affiliate accounts, read three to five books a week, and have a healthy, happy relationship with my fa...

Eugenia's Journal Of Short Stories

"The world is a looking-glass and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it in turn, will look sourly upon you. Laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly, kind companion." William Thackeray Thus, are the written m...

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup is one of my family's favorites! This recipe has evolved over the years as we've added new veggies to it and adjusted the seasonings. The recipe is flexible enough that if you are having someone over for dinner who doesn'...

The Painted Bunting

Since moving to South Carolina I have seen many birds that were not endemic to the Midwest. The Painted Bunting is one of them. The Painted Bunting has been described as one of the most beautiful birds in America. I thought that was an exaggeration u...

How to Make Envelopes

An envelope is only a folded up, glued piece of paper. That's it. If you can unfold an envelope (to use for a pattern), then you can make your own. But I'm taking it a step further by making really neat, interesting and one of a kind envelop...

The Three Stooges

When my sons were pre-teens, moving beyond cartoons to more adult humor, my husband pulled out his collection of Three Stooges videos for them to watch. Instead of transforming into mutant robots with unspeakable strength and power, they started runn...

Our Florida Vacation

My husband decided to take a whole week off of work and we enjoyed a week long Florida Vacation. This was something that we had not done in several years. We knew that we wanted to visit my husband's sister and her family in Englewood, Florida and t...

Splash Zone Waterpark

In the hot summer sun, especially in the south, water parks are a huge relief! The Splash Zone Water Park at James Island, SC is a family favorite. Put on your swim suits and enjoy. There are fun water activities for all ages -- even the toddlers wil...

Olde English Artisan Center

Artisans in the 7 counties of the Old English District near Chester, South Carolina have a new place to display their creations. The Old English Artisan Center on the hill in downtown Chester also provides arts and crafts lessons. The center is loca...

Recipe for Aging Happily and Creatively

My sister, Betty, sent a quote today. The quote was on the front of a memories book presented to Jane Douglas on her 80th birthday. "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." -- Proverb In my 65th year, I really...

5 Life Lessons I Want to Teach my Grandchildren

My precious grandchildren, There are so many things I want you to know. Your mom and dad will teach you, your Poppy will teach you, and your other grandparents, teachers and friends will teach you, too. But there are some things that I hope that you...

Restaurant Review: Dye's Gullah Fixin's

If you are lucky enough to find yourself on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina anytime soon, be sure to have one of your meals at a little restaurant called Dye's Gullah Fixin's! Dye's food is made with all fresh ingredients, all homemade, and as...

The Invitation

On July 28, 2009, Sharon Eden was our guest on the Moon Moo and You Blog Radio show. At one point, Sharon began to quote from one of her favorite books, The Invitation, by Oriah. I was immediately intrigued and I am looking forward to reading this bo...

Travel Alarm Clocks

Have you ever overslept and missed an important conference? Have you tossed and turned in a strange town, afraid the hotel wake up service would fail? We've all been there. I know I have! That's why I travel with my own alarm clock. I know it works....

Unusual Sights In South Carolina

Growing up in Pendleton, SC, I was constantly reminded of our history. I can still hear my mama telling us -- every time we passed the Episcopal Church - "that is where Colonel Bee is buried. He is the one who named Stonewall Jackson Stonewall." As...

Feeling Safe - An Autobiography

Peggie Shealy was one of the dearest friends I ever had. In my young adult years, she was my therapist during a terrible bout with depression, and what a brilliant, caring therapist she was! Time passed quickly. Suddenly I was in my fifties and she...

Make a Fashion Statement!

Years ago I managed a laboratory in a walk-in clinic. The dress code was strict. Nurses and lab techs wore white-white uniform and white shoes. I don't mind white, but wearing white day after day got to me. I wanted to wear some color. As a faith...

My Work Experience with March of Dimes

During the late 1970's I was pleased to become the Executive Director of our 5 county March of Dimes Chapter. We worked hard recruiting volunteers, providing health education projects throughout the five counties and organizing fund raising projects....

Jetsetter Giants and Giant 100's!

Welcome to our JJJ Celebration party! We are celebrating the accomplishments of our entire Jolly Jetsetters group in April and May of 2009! And we are excited! We all had a wonderful time during the first-ever Greeters Challenge! We had our own litt...

Father's Day 2009

This lens is in dedication of my father, Ed Sims, in the hopes that what I have to say may help some of you to understand the men of his time. Men of my father's day sometimes had trouble relating to their loved ones because they were brought up h...

Limelight Hydrangea Or Is It?

The Hydrangea Pictures on this page were taken in my yard. I really am not sure what variety we have. Let me tell you about it and maybe you can help me decide. It was over 30 years ago when my husband and I visited his aunt and uncle in Laurens Sou...

Ohme's Recipes

Recipes by Ohme? Anyone who knows me might think that this is a joke. You see, my hubby is the cook in the family and I gladly step aside and let him do his thing. He is an excellent cook! There are a few dishes that I do well so I have created thes...

Writing Spiders

The woven pattern of "silk" is easily seen as the Writing Spider busily works to spin its web but the larger portion of the web may not be that easy to see and you could even walk right into it. The Writing Spider is not aggressive and is not poison...

Spinning Toy Tops

Toddlers love to play with Toy Tops and have for a long, long time. I remember the top that my son played with and he is now 30. My grandson also enjoyed playing with a top. I remember playing with tops when I was young so I know Spinning Toy Tops ha...

Ohme's Zazzle

Looking for an unique South Carolina gift or maybe you are from Pendleton SC and want an event shirt or perhaps you enjoy products with nature scenes. All of this and more can be found at Ohme's Zazzle Shop. The purpose of this Squidoo lens (scr...

Ohme's Lensography

This is not my first lensography. My first lensography, Ohme, That's Me, was more of a detailed story of my first year Squidoo journey. It was getting rather long so I decided that I needed to stop it at the end of my first year and make this one...

Pendleton Farmers Market

Please support your Local Farmers Market! The Pendleton Farmers Market is located in historic Pendleton South Carolina. What a sight to see! The colors are everywhere as farmers display their produce of fresh vegetables and fruit all around our bea...

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

Pat Conroy has published a new novel, South of Broad. Pat Conroy is one of my favorite authors and Pat Conroy books are always a great read. I was very excited when I read in this month's Southern Living Magazine that he had published a new book, So...

Limelight Hydrangea Or Is It?

The Hydrangea Pictures on this page were taken in my yard. I really am not sure what variety we have. Let me tell you about it and maybe you can help me decide. It was over 30 years ago when my husband and I visited his aunt and uncle in Laurens Sou...

Spinning Toy Tops

Toddlers love to play with Toy Tops and have for a long, long time. I remember the top that my son played with and he is now 30. My grandson also enjoyed playing with a top. I remember playing with tops when I was young so I know Spinning Toy Tops ha...

Writing Spiders

The woven pattern of "silk" is easily seen as the Writing Spider busily works to spin its web but the larger portion of the web may not be that easy to see and you could even walk right into it. The Writing Spider is not aggressive and is not poison...

PEEPS PreSchool

PEEPS is an acronym for Pendleton Educational Enrichment Programs & Services. PEEPS is a ministry of the Pendleton United Methodist Church and provides a PreSchool Program as well as an AfterSchool program. PEEPS PreSchool serves children one to fou...

Electric Portable Space Heaters

Winter is right around the corner and the cost of heating our homes continues to climb. I no longer live in the frigid north-land, but I remember the cold. Twenty below zero is painfully cold and it takes a lot of energy to chase that kind of chill f...

Giraffe Toys

If you and your child are fascinated by giraffes, you will enjoy this site. Giraffe toys, giraffe coloring pages, giraffe books -- There is even a giraffe song to learn. The giraffe is the most popular animal in the zoo. And children love to play wi...

Roaring Gap, North Carolina 28668

Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the small town of Roaring Gap is the ideal spot for a vacation of scenic beauty. The easiest way to tell you about Roaring Gap is to show pictures. You are invited to scroll down and spend some time in...

Kids Silly Songs

Children love to sing silly songs. We sang silly songs when we were children and now our grandchildren enjoy singing funny silly songs! These are some of my favorite silly songs for children. If you are new to Squidoo, welcome! Do remember to scroll...

Jimmy Durante Songs

Jimmy Durante came into our homes via early television sets in the 1950's. His soft manner, his quirky comedy, and his sweet songs remain with us all today. He often made jokes about his big nose and became known as "Schnozzola". But it is his music...

Festivals, Fairs And Other Special Events

I have found Squidoo to be a very effective way to promote our small town's local events. Squidoo is free and fairly simple to execute and easy to keep updated. It has been the perfect platform and I have noticed a good many other Squidoo lensmasters...

Clemson Tiger Fans

Yes, Clemson Tiger Fans are proud, fun, creative, and very enthusiastic! Clemson Tiger Fans wear orange and their blood runneth orange. A Clemson Tiger Fan can be seen in orange overalls, orange sweater, orange t-shirt or even an orange hair. Clems...

90 Minutes In Heaven

Don Piper, author of 90 Minutes In Heaven, died instantly when an 18 wheeler crushed his car. He was killed and lived to tell about it! 90 Minutes In Heaven is his story of spending time in Heaven only to be returned to life to face a long and gr...

The Purple Martin

If there was a ten most wanted list for birds, Purple Martins would be on it. Over a million people in North America put up Martin houses in hopes of attracting a colony. If only it were so easy. Purple Martins are picky house hunters. If the house i...

The Eastern Screech-Owl

The Eastern Screech Owl is an elusive nocturnal bird of prey. It is one of the smaller owls, but is every bit as fierce as its larger brethren. This horned owl is often referred to as the trilling or quavering owl due to its distinctive call, which v...

Classic Slapstick Humor

As an avid watcher of Comedy Central, I can tell you comedy, or what is considered funny, has changed over the years. (Today words are said, even shouted, on TV and in movies that if I had dared to even whisper would have netted a mouth full of soap-...

The Canada Goose

The Canada Goose with its black head and white chinstrap, is among the most familiar of all the North American waterfowl. In the summer they can be seen grazing in large flocks in parks and fields, and along rivers and streams. Canadian Geese are bes...

Echoes Of Reminiscence

The next time you pass an old farm house with its blackened boards and paneless windows, stop for just a moment. Take time to reminisce about the people who once may have lived there. Consider the stories they could tell you of the memories filling...

Peregrine Falcons

The Peregrine Falcon is an impressive bird of prey. It searches for prey from a high perch or while circling above. Once its prey is spotted, the Peregrine Falcon folds back its tail and wings, tucks its feet in, and dives. It is an incredibly fast b...

The European Starling

The European Starling is a beautiful songbird and is a fairly common sight in North America, but it not a native species. It was brought to New York in the 1890's. The man responsible was a fan of William Shakespeare and wanted all the birds ment...

The Mute Swan

The Mute Swan was first introduced in the United States as an ornamental bird in the 19th century. Since then their population has exploded. The aggressive Mute Swan is crowding out native species and stripping rivers and lakes of its foliage disrupt...

The Swainson's Hawk

The Swainson’s Hawk is an impressive bird of prey, but unlike other hawks, it doesn’t prey on rodents and songbirds. They are predominantly insectivores eating an average of a hundred grasshoppers a day. During mating season when the need...

Tomato Pie Recipe

Yummy! I took the Tomato Pie Recipes from three friends and combined "this" from one and "that" from another. The Tomato Pie sure was good and easy to make! Thank you to my friends for sharing their recipes and helpful hints. I needed all the help I...

The Passenger Pigeon

The Passenger Pigeon used to be the most common bird in North America. They lived in huge flocks, and during migration, they covered the sky, some flocks containing up to a million birds. According to some estimates there were as many as five billion...

Nutcracker Christmas Ornaments

Nutcrackers woodcarvings came into being in the 1400's. Originally they were woodcarvings of a soldier, knight, or king. The figurine had a large mouth that could be opened by a lever in its back. The big toothed mouth was then used to crack a nu...

Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owls are aptly named. They live underground in burrows. Rather than dig their own, they let the ground squirrels and prairie dogs do the work, and then evict them.

The Water Around Us

Although water is all about us, seen and unseen, we still find it mysterious and, in many ways, one of the least understood of all our natural resources. The Earth is a watery planet, with most of its surface covered with oceans and seas. The presen...

Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?

Most people pick up and reflect the opinions around them rather than develop their own. Last week I was at a conference in Las Vegas called Professional Learning Communities. The keynote speaker asked a valid question. Are you a thermometer or a the...

2009 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments

My husband and I have been married for twenty-six wonderful years, and when I look back at our first Christmas together I can't help but smile. We were stationed in Charleston, SC, 1,500 miles from my family and a thousand from his. Our apartment...

Classic Humor

Can you imagine a world without laughter? I can't. We need to laugh at ourselves and with others. It lowers blood pressure and reduces stress (and if you don't have any stress in your life, you don't have a boss like mine.) Just kidding...

Spinach Pie

My husband works the PM shift now and I work days. More often than not I dine alone. After years of cooking for a family of ravenous males, it was a new experience for me. At first it was easier to make a bowl of soup or grab a quick sandwich, but th...

The Osprey

The Osprey, often called the Sea Hawk, is a fish-eating bird of prey. Its eyesight is phenomenal. It can spot a fish lurking beneath the water even when it's hovering 130 feet above the water. Spotting its prey, it plunges into the water, feet fi...

The Ultimate Crab Cake Recipe

Learn how to make the Ultimate Crab Cake in your own kitchen. Both the regular and minature crab cake recipes with either the Citrus Wasabi Mayonnaise or Spicy Tarter Sauce are worth the effort. I've also included a recipe for the Charleston-Style Cr...

The Hardy Boys

Like so many great things today, jazz, movies with soundtracks, the redefining of a woman's roll in society, art deco, and the Hardy Boys, all have their roots buried in the 1920's. I listen to jazz, refuse to wear a corset, love art deco, an...

Bingo Games for Kids

One of the first games children learn is Bingo. A variety of kids bingo games are available -- and wonderful for play and teaching. Of course, Bingo is a great game for groups of all sizes. Our grandchildren's school has a Bingo Night every year. We...

Pendleton Honors Squidoo and Ohme!

On September 8, 2009 the town of Pendleton honored Nancy Hellams aka Ohme with a proclamation -- the date was set aside to honor Nancy's promotion of the town of Pendleton via her Squidoo lenses! This was a huge surprise to Nancy and of course, she...

Snowflake Christmas Ornaments

Decorating a Christmas tree is a tradition that grew out of Germany in the 1800's. The first trees were decorated with apples and nuts, a symbol of the renewal of life. Although the ground was barren through the winter, spring would come and the...

Antique Shopping in Pendleton SC

Pendleton SC is a quaint historic town nestled in the foothills of Upstate South Carolina. Pendleton is located 4 miles from Clemson University, 45 minutes from Greenville, SC and 2 hrs from Atlanta, Ga. We think that Pendleton is a great destination...

Featured Lenses Added Fall 09 

Best Tin Can Recycling Craft

These four tin cans were plain metal cans in a former life. I've given them a tin can makeover in order to reuse them as "caddies" for all sorts of household and craft items. I can use them here at home or even give some as inexpensive Christmas gift...

Chocolate Pound Cake

This chocolate pound cake has a perfect melt-in-your-mouth quality. It has all the classic pound cake ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs etc. But it also has cocoa which turns it into a chocolatey masterpiece. A dusting of powdered sugar is all you'll...

Christmas Gifts for Seniors

Gift for grandmothers and grandfathers can be a challenge. We want to give the perfect gift, a gift that lets them know how much we love them, right? This year, give a gift they will enjoy year round!

Animals and Nature for Giant Squid Challenge

Attention: All Potential Giants and Giant 100's! Join the Giant Squid Challenge for December 2009! This is the spot for all your lenses about Animals and Nature. Create a lens about your pet or your favorite animal in the zoo. Add it here. Create a...

Decorative Walking Canes

A decorative walking cane is not only a help for your balance when walking, but a really pretty one or distinctive one can be a fashion statement! And why not? If you are going to carry a cane, why not carry one that makes you feel beautiful or disti...

Guy Harvey T-shirts and more

Guy Harvey has become the most popular marine wildlife artist of our time. His realistic paintings of saltwater sportfish (and lots of others) are highly recognizable and favorites of fisherman, conservationists and those who love the ocean. They ar...

Lighted Magnifier

A lighted magnifier is helpful for people with low vision, baby boomers, watch and jewelry repairmen, or craftspeople who must work with with tiny pieces. Small lighted magnifiers fit into your purse or pocket, while larger magnifier lights are free...

Jolly Judicious Jetsetters-2 Graduation

The Graduation of the Jolly Judicious Jetsetters-2 Class of July-September 2009 will now begin! We did it! For 3 months, we worked together as a team -- making lenses, learning more about Squidoo, and enjoying each other. Our forum is loaded with gr...

Emma And Mommy Talk To God

Emma and Mommy Talk to God is a wonderful way to share God's love with your child or grandchild. I enjoy reading it to my young grandchildren. The illustrations are colorful and beautiful! Marianne Williamson is one of my favorite spiritual authors...

Caffeine Molecule

Ahhhh. The Caffeine Molecule, the jolt behind that cup of coffee that gets us through the day. If you love coffee and are at least just a little geeky then you will probably appreciate these coffee inspired designs created by like minded individuals....

How To Make Shadow Puppets!

Our homeschool co-op recently put on a shadow puppet play for our end-of-the-school-year program. It was so much fun! First we selected a story to act out. The story we selected had birds and other animals in it. The birds and other animals were ha...

Venice! One of the Most Fascinating Cities In The World!

I've always held a special fascination for Venice, Italy. With it's gondolas and streets of water, carnival masks and beautiful and amazing architecture, Venice has long mesmerized and enchanted me. In June of 2008, my family had the adventu...

Introducing Granny Geek

How do your customers find you? In the yellow pages? That was probably true ten years ago. Today most people search for local businesses on the internet first! I can help your customers find you on the internet. Granny Geek is the trade name for Joan...

A Bushel And A Peck

Our parents sang this one often, and we sang it as children, too! So Bushel and a Peck was a family favorite. I also remember singing this one to my children, and now teaching it to the grands! What fun! Here are the rules: Watch all the videos. Si...

Make your own puzzles

Use these step-by-step instructions to make your own simple puzzles. Or take it a step further and make a magnetic puzzle which remains on your fridge all the time, tempting passersby. Choose a simple brightly colored picture for a child's puzz...

Connestee Falls: In the Land of Waterfalls!

Transylvania County, in North Carolina, has often been referred to as the "Land of Waterfalls." Brevard, North Carolina is the largest town in the county of Transylvania and is the home of many of these waterfalls, including Connestee Fall...

Board Games For Teenagers

My children love their video games and spend a great deal of their free time developing phenomenal hand-eye coordination while traversing worlds I can't even fathom. Unfortunately most video games are designed for one or two players. It's not...

Norman Rockwell Jigsaw Puzzles

An awesome picture - that's what makes a puzzle great. Norman Rockwell paintings with scenes full of details and always an interesting story make excellent subject matter for a jigsaw puzzle. His paintings have all the "puzzle clu...

Using Lists to Lower Your Holiday Stress

The holidays are meant to be a season of peace and joy, and sharing that joy with friends and family has always been a high priority. Christmas heralds the birth of the Christ Child and the New Year represents a new beginning and renewed hope. Can yo...

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

When I think of Christmas, I think of traditions. Some traditions such as Christmas trees, singing carols, and hanging Christmas stockings have passed from one generation to the next for centuries. They add a special touch to the season just as each...

The Charleston City Market

As a history buff, I love Charleston, South Carolina. There are incredible places to visit such as the Maritime Museum or Fort Sumpter. The gardener in me loves the plantations. They are an incredible site no matter the time of year. And we can't...

Tides and Nautical Tide Clocks

Time and tide wait for no man. A famous quote reminds us that time and ocean tides will never be interrupted. Beachgoers and boaters are sometimes caught off guard by the constant flowing of the oceans tides. I remember as a child vacationing at the...

Janiece's Lensography

Welcome to my site! I'm glad you're here! I am a member of Squidoo, an online group of people (called lensmasters) who make webpages (called lenses) for fun, business, charity, or just to share something with others. No matter the main focus of thei...

The Cosco Step Stool

I'm getting shorter. That's the only possible explanation I can come up with. It's getting harder and harder to reach the stuff stored in my upper cabinets. As my boys are not always around to help "shorty" out, I need a step st...

The Christmas Pickle

There is a great deal of information about Christmas traditions and legends floating on the web, and in dusty tomes in the library. Most traditions have logical roots and can be traced back to the origin. I understand why my family ate Lutefisk (boil...

Potholder Soup

If someone had suggested I write a recipe lens as a newlywed many years ago, you would have found my family & friends "rolling on the kitchen floor" unable to contain their hysterical laughter! My early cooking days were often a disaster! Hubby Bob'...

Board Games, Card Games, Jigsaw Puzzles

The word TOY means "a plaything for children". To me, it is much more than that - and this obsolete Dictionary definition fits perfectly in my opinion: "a playful or amusing act; diversion; pastime. "

Bathroom Humor

Do you read in the bathroom? Don't bother denying it. At one time or another most people read while sitting on the "throne." Without something to occupy your time, time slows to a crawl. Five minutes can feel like twenty, and if you'...

Surfside Beach, SC

Are you planning a vacation and looking for a great coastal location?  Perhaps you have a family and want to go somewhere that is fun and still family-friendly.  Look no further than Surfside Beach, South Carolina!  This small town is...

The Outhouse Birdhouse

I finally found it. The perfect all purpose gift. It’s a great gift for the difficult to buy for. You know who I’m talking about. The people that have everything, and the one thing you think to buy them, they go out and buy for themselves...

A Prayer Full Of Miracles

    "Be a life long or short, its completeness depends on what it was lived for."    David Starr Jordan It has been said that everyone will find, at least, one thing in their lives for which they have great pass...

Clocks Rock

Everyone needs to know the TIME, sometime or other, making CLOCKS a necessity.  So why not find a unique or unusual looking clock to give as a gift or buy for yourself when there are so many choices available.  Clocks can be found to suit...

Get to Know Surfie!

My name is Melissa and I'm from South Carolina.  I'm married, and have two beautiful Chihuahuas named Pixie and Gypsy.  I'm not a writer, but I am trying to spread my creative wings! I majored in Art in college and love to...

Removable Tattoos for Grown-Ups

These G-Rated removable tattoos are just plain fun!   Whether you are a babyboomer, a senior citizen, or an elderly person, adding a removable tattoo for a birthday party, a family celebration or a night on the town, can be a hoot! Removabl...

Acronyms, Rhymes and Songs To Learn Facts

Do you remember using certain phrases or jingles to help you learn important facts?  I do and I still recite many of them today.  This tool helps to make learning fun and easy. How many do you remember?  I am going to list some of th...

Who is Roy G. Biv?

Have you ever been asked to Name the Colors of the Rainbow or to Name the Colors of the Color Spectrum?  If so, then you may know of old Roy.  Roy G. Biv is a mnemonic device for learning the answer to those questions.  That's righ...

Pendleton Elementary School Memory Garden

In 2006, The Pendleton Elementary School's School Improvement Council (SIC) wanted a project that would honor the memory of faculty and students such as Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Peebles.  The Memory Garden was chosen as a project that would do t...

Our Tate Family Reunion

Our Tate Family gets together every other year for Our Tate Family Reunion.  This began in 2000 and each year we held the reunion in a different location and each year our family reunion has been very enjoyable.  We have met in Athens, Ga;...

Easy Line Dances

Party line dances are simple and fun to do!   The instructional videos on this page will teach you quickly! These are the simple line dances that folks enjoy at parties, weddings, and reunions.  They only take a few minutes to learn...

The Optimist Club of Rock Hill, South Carolina

The Optimist Club of Rock Hill is a small group of energized adults in our area striving to make a difference in the lives of our young people.   The focus of this group for the new year is membership and increasing the direct activity mem...

The Christmas Box

Richard Paul Evans wrote The Christmas Box as a loving gift to his daughters. It has quickly become a loving gift to all of us. The Christmas Box is a little book of love -- a delightful story of a young couple and a small child who move in to care f...

Talking Wrist Watch

My husband has worn a talking watch for over 20 years. You will find a full selection of talking watches here -- from the one that we use to some of the finest talking watches available. Choose your favorite! All products on this page are from our f...

Lighted Walking Cane

Let the walking cane help with your balance and the beam light the way! A lighted walking cane solves two problems at once! No more fumbling around dark stairways or poorly lighted hallways. Put safety first! And be sure to read the information abou...

Birthday Ceremony At Montessori

Happy Birthday!   The Montessori birthday celebrations enjoyed by our grandchildren are a treasure.  As you will see from the video clips on this page, every school celebrates birthdays differently, but the walk around the sun seems t...

Beautiful Wreaths for Christmas

Christmas is the season for family gatherings and get-togethers with friends and neighbors. We decorate our homes, inside and out. We hang lights from the roof, wrap garland around the posts, and hang a wreath on the door. The wreath says Welcome!

Local Lenses for the December 2009 Giant and Giant 100 Challenge

If you are officially in the December 09 Giant or Giant 100 Challenge, then this is the place for you. The Challenge begins October 1, 2009 and ends December 31, 2009. If you enjoy reading Local Lenses, then this is the place for you too! There are...

Thanksgiving Themes from Kitchen to Table

  Whether decorating for Thanksgiving Dinner, preparing the meal, or needing a special host/hostess gift, here are a few ideas with fun Thanksgiving Themes to save you time and tension while preparing for the holiday.

Twenty-First Century Thanksgiving

We must first reconnect with our childhood and the innocence of the world we find there. Research in Positive Psychology has shown that expressing gratitude and appreciation to the special people and relationships in your life can significantly incre...

Christian Ulbricht Nutcrackers

Nutcrackers make wonderful collections.  If you are serious about starting a Nutcracker Collection, the Christian Ulbricht Nutcrackers are very unique and collectible. Why not start a family tradition of collecting Christian Ulbricht Nutcrackers...

Murrells Inlet, SC

Murrells Inlet, SC is a quaint little fishing village on the shores of the Atlantic ocean.  This lovely town is just south of the Myrtle Beach area and makes a great vacation spot.  If you enjoy fishing and boating, fabulous seafood re...

Pass the Salt

Most people think of salt as simply that white granular seasoning found in a salt shaker on virtually every dinner table around the world. It is so much more than that. Salt has played an integral part in the history of mankind. It has started wars,...

Christmas Tree Toppers

Decorating a Christmas tree is a tradition that grew out of Germany in the 1800's. The first trees were decorated with apples and nuts, a symbol of the renewal of life. Although the ground was barren through the winter, spring would come and the...

Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

A few years ago, a gift to ourselves was the Bose QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones.  There are other brands out there, but we were sold on these made by Bose.  Many people are interested in using noise cancelling headphon...

Quiz: What Do You Know About Pendleton South Carolina?

Pendleton South Carolina has been written about in over 30 Squidoo Lenses and lensmasters from all over the world have been gracious enough to read what I have written.  Some have said that they know more about Pendleton SC than they do their ow...

Nikon Monarch Binoculars

Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the world. It provides a relaxing and educational diversion from the stresses of life and work. Unfortunately most novice bird watchers are ill equipped. They will buy a Field Guide in...

Our Lens About Our South Carolina Group 

South Carolina On Squidoo!

South Carolina is my home and Squidoo is my passion! Joan4 and I realized that we were not the only South Carolinians on Squidoo so we decided to form a group in order to get all South Carolina Lensmasters and Lenses together. Our http://www.s...