Join The Revolution

This past Sunday morning I continued my usual routine of sipping on cafe con leche and finding something steady to watch on the tube. After some channel surfing, I came across Pastor Troy Gramling from Flamingo Road Church. His preaching this Sunday was centered around the acts and kindness of giving, and within his preaching he presented a new idea that has been named The Gift Revolution. The way the revolution works is similar to the old concept of pay it forward - inspiring the world through the acts of giving in hopes that they too will pass it on. Although, this act of kindness is a little bit different than pay it forward. In the sense that when you do your good deed you give the individual a card that states infrormation about the gift revolution and they can pass it on. The card has information on where a person can document their experience via the web, through pictures, videos, or just documenting the experience.

This whole movement was launched by different churches, businesses, and individuals in hopes of motivating people through the acts of giving. They are even taking their acts of kindness on a roadtrip with several stops throughout S.F. and other states. Look out for a blue older model Volswagon Van handing out cards and info. You can also get the cards at participating locations, or order them on line. You can buy as many cards as you'd like but the cheapest are only $2.00 for 20 cards. You don't pay for the cards, rather the cost of S&H.

I plan on ordering some cards for myself and spreading the act of kindess especially during this rough Holiday Season that some are going through. If any of you receive a gift revolution card do not freak out, just take it. Remember, you get to chose whatever act of kindness you want to do, whether it is giving the cashier at Publix $5.00 to pay for someone elses groceries, pay for someone's gas or fee on the toll lane, or just help someone with their house chores. And always remember to pass along a card with your contribution and hopefully the person will be inspired to keep it going.

For more information on The Gift Revolution, you can visit thegiftrevolution.com

Hialeah - agua, factoria, y EFFCY.

Only in South Florida would anyone understand what this means.

Twilight

All across stores the Twilight Series books have taken over book shelves, as I'm sure you've seen plenty of copies stocked. At first glance, I had always wondered what these books were about and just by looking at the cover I could sense it was a book filled with mystery; however, I never bothered to buy it.

It wasn't until I recently saw an inerview with Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series, that I became intrigued in the books. It was then I was informed the book is a love story, not your ordinary love story, but one where a human girl, Bella, falls in love with a young man who is a vampire, Edward. Before I began reading, the plot completely through me off. You see, I've never been interested on plots about vampires. I read Judas Child and only finished it because I had started it. It's either a love or hate relationship with these kind of things, because I love the t.v. series, Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Of course, the whole thing got moved to UPN and we know the rest from there...

So I finally bought Twilight about 3 weeks ago and finished it on Wednesday. I was absolutely glued to the story! At the beginning of the book Meyers' uses a lot of mystery specifically surrounding Edward's character. It was the mystery surrounding the blood sucking character that kept me glued to the book. I wanted to know what would happen next? What is he going to do? What is he all about? And would Bella freak out when she found out? Nonetheless, the love story and chemistry between the two characters is filled with romance and lust. It is not the lust that causes for affairs and unhappy endings,rather the lust where a romance is forbidden due to Edwards's eating habbitts. The story is also filled with suspence, action, and thrill as there are plenty of cat and mouse games. I won't say anymore as to not spoil anything for those of you who are interested in reading.

For all of you blood sucking fans, you will be hooked, delighted, and craving more. And for those of you who aren't into fiction/fantasy books, I can tell you one thing...it's NOT Harry Potter (I'm not a fan). And its more than just the fantasy of vampires living amongst us but more of a love story and two people working hard to make it work. A love story that has no limits.

The Twilight series is composed of 4 books: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. I just got New Moon so I'm reading that now. For those of you who want to skip the reading, you can catch the flick in theatres, out TOMORROW (11/21). You betcha' I already have my ticket!

Your Hialeah Moment

Yes, his shirt does say, "Got Pussy?" Saw this Churro Man selling Churro's on the one and only W 49 street in Hialeah. This is my "Only in Hialeah moment." I was so taken back by the fact that this man had the balls to wear this shirt and sell Churro's on the street, like if no one would catch it?Then I thought, it's a strategy to sell more Churro's and for a few seconds I contemplated buying churro's from him, until i thought about where his hands could have been prior to this day. Maybe he was up all night at The Alley Cat, he got the free shirt, and had to get to work the next day so changed into this? I know, I thought about it too much, but you never know. And that was enough to gross me out.

Cauley Square

This afternoon was perfect S.F. weather to be outdoors- not a cloud in the sky, a nice cold front, but a sunny day; it only seemed like a perfect day for visting Cauley Sqaure. Had it not been for my friend who was hunting for gardens to marry in, I would not have come across this beautiful historic village. Soon after researching more on the net, bloggers started visiting and updating with pictures and information on the historic site. It seemed everyone knew about this place and I was anxious to go check it out. So today I gathered my folks and told them I'd take them for a visit to what is Cauley Sqaure and boy were we all in for a treat!

Here are some images of the shops and restaurants at Cauley Sqaure. I did not upload all, as to leave some curiosity and imagination to the mind.

O'Sew Crafty shop. Filled with all sorts of handmade craft items.

I love these wired glass candle holders. They were so rustic and orginally made.

Outside the Villate Florist shop. A man figuring made out of plant pots. Very original!

The Famous Tea Room. Although we did not have enough time to dine at the Tea Room, we were lucky enough to walk in and check out just how homy this restaurant is.

A look at the Tea Room from the outside in.

The gardens out front of The Tea Room.

Throughout the gardens you can find old rustic seating like this country swing.

The fountains found throughout the garden.

About 10 of these guys were hanging around an antique shop, along with 25 cats. The shop owner feeds them both everyday.

Lots of country antique's to be found at Roque's Curiosities, including some of these old jars. I loved the way they were lined up on the shelf, as well as the coloring.

Lot's of old records and comics to be found.

All of it was so lovely that in the midst of it all one would never imagine they were in South Florida. It is to unfortunate that not a lot of people know about this place because it truly is beautiful. As for us, we will be going back in 2 weeks for an arts & craft show being held Nov 29 & the 30th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The village is located at 22400 Old Dixie Hwy. For anyone who is not out of town for the Thanksgiving Holiday, I suggest you check it out! And this time you betcha' we're going to have some tea at the Famous Tea Room.