Philippine Independence Day 2011

Three years ago, I left my home city to fly here in US. My flight was 6:45 p.m. and two hours after I was in Manila to take the international flight.

I came back to Philippines two years later to visit my mama. I had good time and is looking forward to visit again next year, if God is willing.

I love my country, Philippines, and I will never give up my citizenship. I could get dual citizenship if I have to.

We celebrate Independence Day on every 12th of June. It is always a great chance to remember how we gain our freedom and enjoying it up to the present time. We remember and acknowledgment, too, the heroes behind this event. We salute and appreciates the noble deed they rendered.

Happy Independent Day to us, Filipinos. May God continue to bless our country.

Happy Easter 2011

Happy Easter everybody! How was your day? Let me share to you on how mine was.
My husband and I had the chance to join the inter-church Easter Sunday Sunrise Service by the lagoon at Kelly Park this morning. This is my third Easter Sunday here in USA, but today was my first time celebrating it to the fullest.
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It was a wonderful service and good to see that it was full-packed, too. We had donuts and coffee afterwards. It gave us the chance to mingle with other believers, and we got the chance to had fellowship with my friend's mother which is also a Filipina. It was so nice having a chit-chat with them. After the park, we went to each of our "home church" and had pancakes and sausage (teens fund raising program) where we had another chit-chat with another wonderful couple that I really admire so much.
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At around 2:30 p.m., we had a family gathering at Aunt Kathy's house. It was after the kid's egg hunting. I heard the kids was having a blast. I missed to witnessed it, because I was cooking then. Well, I am hoping that next time I will be able to witness it. Easter dinner was great. Everybody in the family brought their food and had a good chat. We were all so full and the gathering was a success. It is always feels good to be with family on days like this. God's name be praised on this day of Jesus' resurrection... and for all the days of our lives.

Happy Valentines Day

As I was making the big sign for our store prior to the Valentine's Day few weeks ago, my boss asked me, "What is the Valentine's Day about?". I was stammering. I can give him answer but I am not sure of the right answer for that question. He then told me about the Valentine's Day 1929 Massacre in Chicago, that the mob were bathed in their own blood which was believed that was led by Al Capone; America's best known gangster and the single greatest symbol of the collapse of law and order in the United States during the 1920s Prohibition era. He lost me there. I was just listening, but I don't understand what it has to do with Valentine's day other than the fact that it happened on Valentine's Day.
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Anyhow, whatever is the story behind this Valentine's Day, I am happy that this was created because I believe that some people who were not naturally loving in a daily basis, are trying to show some love on this day just for the sake of it. Knowing that this is a worldwide event, it is a good thing to know that on this day, it is LOVE that prevail everywhere on this earth.
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However, sad to say that there are some people behind evil thoughts were trying to spread horrible things on this day, just like this one that I mentioned above. We also have similar stories in the Philippines.
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To those people who don't show their love in a regular basis, take this chance to say your love to somebody. Although it is true that action speaks louder than voice, but sometimes words are sweeter to our hearts. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

February - International Friendship Month

Many of us thought that February is solely the month for couples in love, but somewhere back in time, the "International Friendship Month" was founded. Though this was more about diplomacy among countries, but I want to view this in another perspective. Internet users from around the globe became friends through blogging. Isn't it awesome? It is through blogging that I earned tons of friends. In fact, I realized lately that I have more online friends now than the "reality" friends I had when I was still in the Philippines. My gratefulness for the art of blogging is beyond measure. Personally, I started blogging three months after I moved here in USA. What I thought was only a personal journal has turned into worldwide open book of my life. I earned a lot of good friends and sisters in Christ from different countries that I could probably have not met in other way. Some of my followers are really following my post and are looking forward to it regularly. It is through my blog that some of my friends and family members follows my whereabouts here in the foreign world. I could say, blogging kept me from being bored when we were still in Michigan and didn't have job yet. It is fun to see visitors on my blog with different language other than English and Filipino. But whatever they are saying, I believe, it is the common language of friendship. I feel like I traveled around the world. Cheers to the Cyber-Friendship!
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"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel." Proverbs 27:9 NIV

Happy New Year 2011

Happy New Year 2011 everyone. I had back-to-back New Year's party last night, slept at 3 a.m., and worked at 9 a.m. What a day to start my new year!
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2010 has been wonderful to me in many ways. With God's grace, all areas of my life improves. I am looking forward that this new year 2011 will bring better tidings than it has in 2010.
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I know some people don't believe in "new year's resolution" because it didn't work with them, but it always works on my case if I take it seriously, and at the end of the year, I still find myself doing it. Although not all of them has been fulfilled, but my rating is 75%, and it has not really being done everyday. I sure miss days sometimes. But the important thing is that I didn't quit sometime within the year. I ran the race slowly, but surely. That is why I am always inspired to do a "new year's resolution" and is successful with it because I don't quit if I miss days not doing them. Missing days of routine are just normal. We need to have the attitude of pushing through.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope that your Christmas day had been wonderful, as it was with mine. It has been three days that I haven't updated my post here in my blog. I have been extremely busy on these past few days, in my job, in preparing the gifts for the kids and in preparing for the family Christmas party which was yesterday afternoon. ( I will post about it soon.)
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I was not even able to call my family in the Philippines on the Christmas Eve because I had to work earlier than was scheduled, but I called them on Christmas day (Philippine time) and was able to talk to my mama, greeted her "Merry Christmas" and Gene (my husband) had the chance to talk to my mama, too. I am sure that it made my mama happy. It is really my full time concern, to make my mama happy in every possible way that I can, as God permits it.
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This year's Christmas was a whole lot different from our last year's Christmas. Although we still don't have a Christmas tree (because it was too late for us to get one and the Christmas will soon be over, and because money is still tight with us to get a tree), but somehow, we were able to put some Christmas decor inside our house. We are thankful to God that we were able to buy gifts to give away. I know, Christmas is not solely about decorating our house and giving gifts, but for the sake of our grandkids that will stay with us (for the first time) for a week, we believe that somehow, doing these things will make their Christmas day with us happier.
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Christmas day, I just got up from bed, a bicycle was in our living room as one of my Christmas presents from my husband. I am so happy with this. This is one of the things that are on my "wishlist", and in fact, this was on the top of them. Thank you very much, honey.
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As I said on my "wishlist post", I need this bicycle to help me build up my confidence on the road before starting to learn to drive, maybe later next year. I am now excited to go bicycling. Too bad, the weather is not being accommodating to me this day.
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My husband got his presents, too. A set of different kind of hot sauces and spicy cheese (He's very fond of them and this was on his "wishlist", too.); necklace, some personal stuff and some cash from Dad and Mom.
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Honestly, it is too hard to get something for my husband, because he hardly know what he likes. That is why I bought him things that I find online that I know he would need or he wants anytime of the year as an "off-occasion gifts". He is a great husband. I believe that he deserves gifts in season or out of season.

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These are all the gifts I got from Christmas, not counting the bicycle and cash from Dad and Mom. I got a whole set of make-up kit, a pedicure set, pouches, a body lotion and an oil warmer set. I love them.
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These gifts encourage me to take more care of myself. I know I needed this, but I don't know why I didn't get one for myself before. It can be probably because there are things that I need to prioritize and that I would feel guilty to buy these for myself. I am so thankful that I have these. It can be one of my "New Year's resolution" which I always have every start of the year.
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This is not for bragging purpose. This is more like a documentary post, that I can review again in the future, or a proof on how good God has been in my life.
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Again, Merry Christmas to everyone. I want to declare, to the glory of God's name, that I am so bless today. My wish is that you feel the same thing for today, and let us thank God for it.
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Above all, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas, which was a savior being sent to us, and set us free from eternal condemnation. Christmas is about showing how God loves us that He gave His only begotten Son, was born in a lonely manger, live a lowly life and was crucified for our sins, to give us eternal life. All glory and thanksgiving belongs to Jesus!

Family Thanksgiving Dinner 2010

Our family Thanksgiving Dinner here in Merritt Island (FL) this afternoon was a success. Everybody enjoyed the moment of just talking to each other, eating while bonding with family, relatives and friends. The children were having fun, too. There were about 30-40 people that were joining together. As usual, it was held at the basketball court, where the men set up a long tent and put up tables and chairs under it. The weather was wonderful today. Nobody was cold at all. (I remember that last year that I had to wear double tops because it was cold.) There were variety of foods and desserts on the 4 long tables.
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A special thanks to Orville, Mary, Michael and Terry for all the efforts that they put to make this event possible and for making everybody comfortable and satisfied. Thanks to all who came that made us merrier. Above all, a special thanks to Sharon and Mary from West Virginia; to Tomas, Keli and their 2 sons from Texas; and to Ed, Annette and Ricky from Michigan. It was their presence that made the events more special. They came down here all the way from other states to spend the Thanksgiving Day with us.

Thankful Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving day to all! I am glad that my employer gave me an off from work today. I need it so that I can spend time with my husband's relative that came from West Virginia and to those that are here around us, for today's Thanksgiving Day dinner that will be in the basketball court. It is my third Thanksgiving Day here in USA and as always, I am very happy to be a part of this very important holiday in America.
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Thanksgiving Day is being thankful for all the blessings we received throughout the year. Thanksgiving Day was originally the day set apart to show gratefulness for the crops harvested on the present year. Thanksgiving Day is for the entire family (and extended) to gather together in one house and just enjoy the bonding moment. Thanksgiving Day is to be thankful for the life we have and for the person that we are with.
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Happy Thanksgiving to all. May you spend the day with somebody you love and just talk about the things that you are so thankful for. Let us not forget to give God all the glory for He deserves it.

Happy Veterans Day!

"SEMPER FI" this is how my husband greeted a fellow veterans when they come across each other. The words has strength, pride and passion in it. I admire them a lot.

In sweet memory of my grandfather VICENTE VIDAL, was an American Veteran, I give him the honor to be remembered on this day for what he did for the star-spangled country, USA.

My husband is a veteran, too. He was in the army during 1976. Oh my goodness! I was still 4 years old then. He took advantage of today by doing what he wants, bragging to me that it is "Veteran's Day". It is his day! I asked him, "If you have a day, when will be my day?" "Immigration Day!", was his answer. (???) That is my husband, full of sense of humor.

To all Military Veterans who sacrifice their lives, including my husband, to have this country a better life, liberty and justice for all, please accept our deepest gratitude to all of you. God bless America!

Vote Wisely!

My husband was so excited to vote today. I was still sleeping when he woke me up and told me that he have to go to the school to vote. I forgot about that. If I didn’t, I would have woke up early and prepare myself to go with him. I wanted to be a part of this one of the important day here in America. But it was too late, I was still on bed and he was ready to go. I am not an American citizen yet. I am hoping that in 3 years to come I will be. Then, I will be legible to vote, too.
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To the American citizen: Did you vote yet? If not, go ahead and catch for it. Your vote is very important. The future of our nation is in your hands. Vote wisely. In less than 24 hours, the outcome of the election will be announce and will determine the path of nearly 28 million unemployed/underemployed American workers. We are all hoping for a great change that will bring millions of job opportunities to the nation.
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Let us all pray that God’s hand will be on this nationwide event and will bless the outcome of it.

Cocoa Beach (Florida) Air Show - October 31, 2010

Some of those that were in the costume party last night agreed that we met up at Cocoa Beach this afternoon for the Air Show. We arrived at the location at 1 o'clock, but looking for a spot to park was terrible. Special thanks to my employer for allowing us to park at their parking spot because they lived around that area. The rest of the party where there at the spot already.
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It was a hot afternoon, enough to put some tan on our skin. Americans like it, but not us, Filipino ladies. Thanks to the sunblock lotion, it did not burn my face. We got a nice spot. Faye brought a gazebo which was very helpful to keep us shaded, but was removed later because of the strong wind. There were a lot of foods that were left over from last night's party. Before the most exciting part of the show came, we were just relaxing, eating, drinking and chatting. It was some kind of a continuation for the bonding we had last night. This is some kind of a healthy couple's activities that I believe we should do regularly, as our availability permits.
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Then the best part of the show began. It was awesome! It reminded me of a book I loved when I was a little girl. It described the power of the plane where it can "make loops, zoom and dash... and come to land without a crash". One surprise very loud zoom from our back really made us scream. It was flying so low that we really had to duck down. There were a lot more that they did that I can't explain. I can't find the perfect word to describe them. But for over-all rating, it was excellent. We really had a blast. It was worth the time and effort we spent.
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And look at these birds (the last picture), they were doing their own air show, too. How cute! Well, I believe that if I can hear them talking, they would have said, "Hey, these planes are imitating us!" How true! Because after all, they are the original "air show performers".
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Click on each picture for better view. Thanks.

Costume Party 2010

We had our costume party last night at Dolly Huhta's house (Merritt Island, Florida) in celebration for Jane Schuler's birthday which was 29th of October. Seven Filipinas in costume were there with five husbands in costumes, too. It was fun and a successful party. We were all so happy that it turned out very smooth and fine.
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We had bunch of Filipino foods that while we were eating we felt like we were just in the Philippines. We had longaniza, leche flan, chop suey, carbonara, lumpia shanghai, cassava cake and caldereta. It was Jane, the birthday celebrant who prepared all of them, except for the lumpia shanghai which I prepared, and for the caldereta which Dolly prepared.
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I will name these beautiful ladies I was with, in case you are familiar with any of them and might want to know their names. I will start from the left to the right:
Luzalee Amos, Michelle Gowen, Grace Elliott, Jane Schuler, Dolly Huhta (with her son Joshua), Faye Dietz, and Riza Valmonte.
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Aside from us who are in the pictures, there are few more people who come for the birthday party but were not wearing costume and did not join us in our pictorial. They are the birthday celebrant's friends. There were few kids, too, that were on the party that were on costumes, but somehow, we forgot to organized them to have their pictorial, which I regretted and considered as a shame, that we were just so indulged on our own activities, but it was also because they were playing in one room and we can't put them on one spot all the same time.
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But anyhow, in over-all rating, it was a very wonderful night. And we are all looking forward to it on next year around with the hope that there will be more people that will be added to us. My husband said that we were a groupie who loves the camera. Wherever there is a picture taking, we all flocked together. In fact, we had over a hundred of pictures taken on that night. Thanks to the digital cameras because we don't have to spend too much on films.

October- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This symbol of a pink ribbon has become very popular all around the country. Some may have seen this and didn’t understand what the symbol all about is; and to those who knows, I hope that you can share that knowledge to someone who needs it, and so that everybody will be aware of this. This is what NBCAM (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) is all about; being celebrate every month of October to make everybody be aware of the breast cancer that is so common among women, and part of this is to remind the women to have a regular check, including self-breast exam to prevent from having breast cancer in the future.
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The NBCAM organization is a partnership of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services.
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Although the NBCAM officially falls every October, yet their campaign runs throughout the year. They are giving away valuable information and resources to the breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and to the public. Therefore, every time that you see a pink ribbon symbol, and you happened to be with someone who you thought is not aware of its meaning, you might as well explain to the person about the symbol, and who knows, that maybe you are saving somebody.

A Child Is Born

Two Christmas ago, I was making my own Christmas cards to give away to our friends and relatives. It was made of pressed grass, sugar-fined eggshells and some glitters. It was very beautiful that I got a lot of compliment on it. I was not able to do that last Christmas because we just moved in here and I didn’t have too much time on my hand to do it. This coming Christmas would probably be worse; especially if I will get the job, the one that I just had the interview this afternoon. If that will happen, it will leave me with no choices but to purchase Christmas Cards online.
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No matter what, I will send out our Christmas Cards this year. This is something that my husband and I did since we were together, and we don’t want to break it. Yes, it is only October now, but if you are a busy person, this month is the right time to start planning the purchase, counting the names to figure out how many Christmas Cards you need to buy. This Christmas Card I am showing is from 123Print.com. I love it. Go to their and I’m sure you will find your choice of Christmas Cards, too.

Two Years... And Still Going!

This month of September is my second blogsversary. Yes. I started this blog two years ago and I am very happy to announce to everybody that it is still going... not maybe as strong as it was several months ago because of my work, but my friend (thanks to her) and I still have manage to make it stay where it is. I thank God above all for this awesome accomplishment.
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I want to take this chance to express my gratitude to all the bloggers who regularly, occasionally or casually come by to read my posts. I really appreciate it very much. You are what keeps me going even in those times that I can't hardly find a time to do this. I also want to express my deep gratitude for all the paid writing opportunities that advertisers were throwing on me through various websites. You have helped me in thousands way here. It is was so great to be a part of your business and all the pleasures were mine.
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To myself and to my blog, I wish more years, more blogger friends, more readers and more writing opportunities to come. I love you all.

Shark Week 2010 (August 1-7)

Right now, I am here in front of my computer while at the same time, watching television which is a yard away on the right side of the computer, showing the "Shark Week" episode at Discovery Channel. I am interested on this show because most of the incidents happened in Florida and I live here in Florida... plus, we occasionally spent some time on the ocean.
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The Discovery Channel's Shark Week, which first aired on July 27, 1987 is a week-long series of feature television programs dedicated to sharks. Shark Week is held annually, normally running in July and/or August.
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The current show that I am watching is "Shark Bite Summer". It is about the true tragic stories of the previous victims of shark attacks. The story are very scary to the point that I have to hold my breath, as if feeling their pain and loss, but at the same time, very informative, too. I am praying and hoping that this "Shark Week" annual event will give awareness to the beach-goers and will minimize shark attack victims now and in the future.

Happy 4th Of July!

Happy 4th Of July everyone! I am so happy today because my job gave me Sunday off once again. This is the 3rd Sunday in a row that they give me a day off. I so like it this way because it enables me and my husband to go to church together. The message was great and we were blessed.
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After the church service, we had a cook out in our place with the family and neighbors. The food was great. We were so full. My husband and some other guys were talking about their life in the military when they were still serving for the country. I enjoyed a lot while listening to them, especially when the other one was talking about his service in Subic Bay, Philippines.
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We were supposed to watch the fireworks at Cocoa Beach later that afternoon, but we changed our mind because it was raining, and they postpond the time, too. But we still had seen some from outside our house, and that completed the event. How was yours?

Happy Mother's Day

Mothers are the sweetest gift from Gods to us. There is no way we can ever really thank our mother for all she does for us nevertheless we must make it a habit to keep reminding ourselves of the various sacrifices she made while raising us. Mothers' Day is the best time to say in words how much you love and care for your mother.

The picture on the left is my Mama which live in the Philippines and the picture on the right is my Mom-in-law which live in Michigan.
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Both are great mothers. I am so happy and blessed that God gave me these two wonderful mothers.
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Happy Mother's Day, Mama and Mom.

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Motherhood is tough 24 hour job,no pay,no day off, sometimes it is unappreciated, but yet resignation is impossible. A mother is a woman who created by God to bring love, joy, happiness and caring into his world. I am so glad God has created a woman to be a mother, even though motherhood is a full time job, a mother's work is never done. Happy Mother's Day to all mothers in the whole world.

International Women's Day

March 8th is declared as the International Women's Day. This day is meant to appreciate those who have the biggest but quietest influence in our lives. ) It is an annual global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. This tradition is suppose to see men honouring their mothers, wives, aunts, sisters, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday. The first IWD was run in 1911. Next year will be a celebration of IWD Global Centenary 1911-2011.

At some point in our lives, we meet women who inspire us by their courage, strength, talent. Sometimes, all we have to do is look around us to find women who are balancing work, home and caring for children. The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that 'all the battles have been won for women' while many feminists from the 1970's know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality.

However, great improvements have been made. We do have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices. And so the tone and nature of IWD has, for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.

I am proud the way God made me. I am proud that I am a woman.

Florida Renaissance Festival

Spring is the season where Florida is full-packed with people from all over the world. I was told that people from north come down here in Florida to escape the brutality of the winter. I can’t blame them. I lived in Michigan for almost two years and I really pleaded to my husband that we moved down here in the sunshine city. Deerfield Beach, Florida is celebrating its 18 years of Florida Renaissance Festival during the weekends of February 13th through March 14th and that is one of the big events that tourist are looking forward to witness.

Talking about Renaissance Festival, you may want to join this festival and is wondering where you can get the best and renaissance clothing , armor, swords and weapons replicas . Here is the help that I can share to you, visit the site of HistoricalClothingRealm.com, where you can find the stuff that you need for this Renaissance Festival. They guarantee to bring your fantasy to life with their complete line of renaissance costumes and authentic replicas that are historically accurate.

It would be so nice to be a part of this festival and to wear historical clothing. If I could, I would like to wear this one that is in the picture. This full courtly black velvet gown with a rich brocade front and sleeves is what is popularly called the Queen Anne’s gown. The slashed half sleeves and borders are accented with a silver trim. Queen Anne became the queen of England, Scotland and Ireland on March 8, 1702. During her reign, her life was marked by many crisis both personally and relating to succession of the Crown and religious polarization. Her image displayed as one of the most beautiful faces both in art and in history. She has always been my favorite picture.