eReaders and Magnetic Cover Closures...the truth....

Questions have come up regarding "magnets" or magnetic closures and eReaders.  Will they harm your device?  Simple answer is....no.

Technology has come a L-O-N-G way in the last 10 years when people were warned about keeping their electronic devices, floppy discs and the like away from magnets. You can certainly form your own opinions but by all I have read regarding the matter magnetic closures on a eReader cover will do NO harm.  In fact when the first Kindle came out it actually had a MAGNET that helped "hold" it to the leather cover that was an accessory item.

Here are some of the comments I found while doing research on the issue, some more "scientific" than others, others more "humorous".

Quotes taken from Kindle Boards

"There are no magnetic drives in the Kindle that would be affected by anything that is somewhat magnetic."

"Kindle exposure to magnets waves in non-commercial usages are absolutely no problem."

"The electromagnet pulse from a nuclear bomb will destroy unshielded electronics. Therefore, I would avoid exploding a nuclear bomb within, say, a five-mile radius of your Kindle. The actual radius will vary with the strength of the bomb."

From Yahoo "Answers":

"My Amazon Kindle cover uses magnets to snap closed. I have a small room with numerous electronic devices (LCD monitors, a laptop, an external hard drive, a cell phone, a watch); also, I like to carry both my Kindle and my laptop in my bookbag. What I'm wondering is, are these magnets in the Kindle cover strong enough to damage anything, or should I quit worrying about being careful? (Obviously, they do no harm to the Kindle itself....)"

Answer:

"Your question is valid although I believe your concern is not. It's true magnets can effect digital storage and many other electronic devices. The strength of the magnet you describe is not enough to do any damage."

Google has literally pages of questions and answers regarding magnetic closures and eReaders....none of them "warn" or say they will harm an eReader.  As always, you must form your own opinions on the matter, but I am convinced that they do no harm.

Giving Thanks by Indie Artisans Handmade

Indie Artisans is an ever-changing collection of the best handmade has to offer, presented on one timely page that makes shopping for gifts or yourself easy and fun.

The collection changes with the seasons or on a whim, so check back often for the finest artisan goods hand selected from the most creative, experienced group of online artisans ever assembled.

Click on anything you are interested in on the blog page and it will take you directly to that Artisans shop page.  You will purchase directly from the Artisan.

Holiday Gifts for the Teacher....

Apple for the Teacher?  Sometimes picking up a nice gift for a Teacher is difficult...they get plenty of candy and other things and many of those end up being "regifted".  How about something that they will really be able to use?  This eyeglass case would be perfect!  A double case that can hold their readers and their sunglasses!  Visit my ArtFire store and see ALL the different cases for women AND men.  

One Year Today...

One year ago today we were blessed with grandchild #10, Zeke Landon Olson.  He came into this world with a basket full of problems and a Mother and family that loved him with a love that no one could imagine.  We prayed then and we continue to pray for him and his health concerns.

Today is Zeke's birthday, "Zeker" as we so lovingly call him.  The past year has been fraught with scares, tears, prayers and often thanks and smiles.  Zeke has come a long, long way......every day we are reminded of his fragile condition but over time we have been able to see beyond that and have dared to dream of Zeke and his future happiness and health.

Zeke has finally gotten to some fabulous Doctors that have taken incredible care of him and have been able to keep him going and allow him to progress, to grow, to smile and to be a happy 1 year old baby.  We also pray for them each night!

I have watched as his Mother has gained the strength she needs to take care of him 24/7.  She has gone from a frightened Mother to a woman that has more inner strength, belief and confidence than I ever thought she would have.  Not because I thought she didn't have those qualities but because of the depth of his problems and the sleep deprivation she has endured the last year.  She is the strongest woman I know...to have been through so much and still smile at some things that many of us take for granted.....a baby's first smile, first time they sit up, first tooth, first time crawling and first word.  She never gave up on Zeke...EVER!!  I so admire her.

Happy Birthday baby Zeke, you are the bright penny in our lives, our sunshine, our happiness and our love... you'll have many, many more.

I Love You,
Your Nana

My New Sun Visor!

Well, Mom said I could use the computer and blog about the newest addition to my wardrobe.  I got a brand spanking new HOT PINK Visor and bandanna set!  It is just to stinking cute!  Mom was wandering around Etsy the other night and happened to come across this Etsy shop called  HAPPY HOUNDS  and I gotta be honest here and say that at this very moment I am one "Happy Hound".

You see, I go out on the Pontoon boat and Jet Ski a lot and the sun is always in my eyes...I mean the sun shining off the water is so bright.  Mom tried those stupid doggy sun goggles (boy, were those things lame) and nothing really worked.  It would be to tight, to loose, choked me, flew off into the water or just looked like (well, I'm sticking my paw down my throat right now).  I am SO happy Mom found  HAPPY HOUNDS!

My visor set came in today's mail and I thought "well, here we go again".  Mom put my visor on and it fit just perfect!  Nothing "grabbed" me anywhere and I love the color.  It even came with this hot pink rose on the front...LOVE that part!  Mom thought for sure that I'd have it off and ripped up in a heartbeat...but you know, I really love this visor!  I mean, look at my picture, it really looks good on me doesn't it?

Anyway, Mom wanted me to add that the lady that made my set, Tammy, was just as sweet as can be.  She emailed Mom right away to make sure of the size and let her pick out the material she liked.  She even emailed and let Mom know when it was mailed for gosh sakes!  When it came Mom was really impressed with the quality and workmanship (and Mom doesn't get impressed easily since she sews too)!

We just had to try it out so I wore it out on the lake on the Jet Ski.  It worked just PERFECT, the sun stayed out of my beautiful brown eyes and Mom didn't have to drive back and pick it up out of the water because it stayed on really good....and she drove REALLY FAST to make sure (I love it when she drives fast).

So if you are having trouble with the sun in your eyes when your out walking or swimming or chasing the neighbors cat...ask your Mom to shop over at HAPPY HOUNDS and pick you up some great gear!  Mom said she was going to go over there and buy some more....and some things are on sale right now too!

I give my new Visor set a "paws up"!

Each Friday the Etsy Angels will be featuring some great gift ideas. Many are brand new listings, some are on sale and others, well, they're just fabulous! Visit the Angels blog each Friday for gift ideas....you KNOW the holidays are just around the corner!

MamaJody 

Cute as a button crocheted hats.

Ozarknana

Ballerina Babies, darling little friends for your little girl!

Serenity Sac

This thoughtful and meaningful gift will be treasured by the receiver!

Handjstarcreations.

Darling small drawstring bags in Halloween colors.

BeadedTail

Beautiful new earrings.

SewingGranny

Sweet new bib and burp cloth set for baby girls.

Wildlifer

Love this new lavender and aqua color scheme.

Maranda

Beautifully hand crafted card, let them know how special you think they are.

JewelryBargainBoutique

"Spicy" new Cinnamon earrings!

MountainEagleCrafter

You'll love these cotton facial scrubbies!

ArrivingAngels

A beautiful layette for that very special new Angel.

~♥ Etsy Angel's Show Support to Helping Hands Homeless Shelter♥~

Helping Hands Mascot created by ByNanasHands

Have you ever been homeless? Not many of us have to answer that with a "yes". But, in the current economy and with jobs being eliminated almost daily a lot more people WILL answer "yes" to that question.

In a small town in rural Missouri there is a homeless shelter named "Helping Hands". It actually ran on a total budget last year of only $35,000. The shelter "averaged" 20 people per day for a total of 6,807 bed nights. Think about your own family, could you care for 20 people each day for an entire year on $35,000? I imagine it would be very difficult.

Helping Hands shelters men/women and children as well as families. Ron Estep, Treasurer and member of Helping Hands Board of Directors...

“People seem to have this notion that homelessness is self-inflicted,” said Ron. “Sometimes it is. Once in a great while we see someone who, through conscious decisions about drugs or alcohol or gainful employment, you would have to say is homeless by choice. But by far, most of the clients we serve are homeless because of circumstances beyond their control. They are members of the Lake community, not strangers passing through, who need a hand up. Helping Hands is there to temporarily fill that void, providing a roof over their head, sustenance, and a bed to sleep in.” "The goal for each resident is independence. We help them achieve independence, but we’re not a dumping ground. I compare it with road signs like you see along the highway. We help them understand what they need to do and we help them do it, but the final goal is the exit sign when you’ve reached your destination.”

Helping Hands does what it can to help people get back on track. If a person has a drug or alcohol problem they must attend classes for their addictions. They must work and they must save 75% of their income while staying at the shelter. This savings helps them move on to independence and a place of their own.

The Etsy Angels have chosen Helping Hands Homeless Shelter as their August charity fundraiser. Each member pledges a percentage of their sales for the entire month. The money raised will go directly to Helping Hands. Please visit the stores listed below and make a purchase today and help the Angels lend a "helping hand" to this very worthwhile charity.

Ozarknana - 75% of every Helping Hands "EXIT" mascot (see picture above) and 20% of everything else in the shop sold.

BeadedTail - 20% of all sales in my shop

SewingGranny - 20% of all sales in my shop.

MamaJody54 - 20% of all sales

CBLandCompany - 20% of Jewelery sales designated by Lisa

Handjstarcreations - 20% of all sales in Helping Hands section

CraftsbyChris - 10% of all sales

Maranda - 10% of all sales

Wildlifer78- 15% of all August Sales

MountainEagleCrafter - 10% of all August Sales

SerenitySac - 10% of all August Sales

*********************************************************
Angel Helpers for August
Starwaves - 10% of all sales

Just An Innocent Walk....

Seems with the Spring season we also get the rain here on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Since we're right on the lake and at the base of the surrounding hills we have lots of that good old "mid-western" red clay. Couple that clay with the rain and you get a slippery, sticky red muck which I realized was NOT a good mix with a white dog!

Our walk started out quite innocent...I was huffing and puffing my way along our road, uphill, and not paying any attention to the little white dog trotting along at my side...until we got to the top of the hill! I slowed to look down and praise her for not pulling her usual "sit in" because she didn't want to walk up the hill...and what I saw was shocking! There was my "white" Maltese and from the feet up to past her belly she was red with wet clay that she must of kicked up while prancing up that hill! She had her ears down, head hung and you could just tell she was really upset. Little white dog does NOT like to be dirty...she is the first one to run into the bathroom when it's her bath time! She looked at me with that "can you please carry me" look, she looked so sad! Instead of going our usual route I turned around and we went home. I had to have her wait out on the porch until I had her bath water run and then went out to get her. She all but leaped out of my arms into the sink!

I could tell that she was so grateful to be in the tub! Her "after" picture showed a little dog that was not at all please with "the Mama" (that's me)....every time I open the door now she looks at me with that "you don't expect me to go out there again do you" look!

Today I think she's forgiven me.....and it was raining again so no walk today! I'm sure she's hoping things will dry up soon and we can take a walk on dry ground!

When we arrived back in Tucson, after being gone the entire summer, our roses had taken a turn for the worst. An irrigation system quit working and we didn't have anyone watching them. These roses were SO important to my husband as his Sister gave them to him the year before she passed away.

He was devastated, I could see it in his eyes. He looked at them and then at me, "honey, is there something you can do for them?". Now, I don't have the greenest thumb in the world, but I have read quite a bit on their care. Now it was time to put that knowledge to work!

I cut them back as much as I thought I should. I watered them carefully never letting them dry out. I fed them a good diet of special Rose food. I added bone meal to help feed and strengthen their roots. Then we waited....and waited....and waited.

About 2 weeks later I was out turning over the soil to make sure it was loose enough to accept and hold the water.....and I thought I saw something, just a little shoot of green! There were 10 roses in all and 5 of them had new shoots coming off the brown dried out stems! 5 of them crawled back from their dormant stage and were now growing.

The weeks turned into months and today those roses are beautiful, the brightest, strongest and most vibrant I ever remember them being.......and you know what? We're all like those roses.....

We thrived when we took care of ourselves, but when we quit doing so we all withered...we grew frail...and we gave up. Then we found SparkPeople. Let's just consider SP as our "fertilizer". We educated ourselves by reading, every day, some of the wonderful articles we found here. We "pruned" ourselves back by cutting our calories, fats and carbs. We added exercise, (our bone meal) to help strengthen ourselves and we carefully drank our water (at least 8 glasses a day) and we waited.

Some of us only had to wait a week or so to start to see a change, some of us had to wait longer. But while we waited our Teammates, the new friends we made and all the wonderful SparkPeople Team stood by us. They turned over that soil to make sure we "accepted" what had been so lovingly given..... and they believed in us.

I wanted to thank you all for all your care. Because of SparkPeople, because of my Teammates and my new friends I have started to "bloom" and so have so many others.....

The roses today......and we can all be just like them.....

Time? Who has time......

"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein."

- H. Jackson Brown


We seem to "make time" for something when we want to. But when things aren't exactly fun we say we "don't have time". There are 24 hours in each day. Obviously there are things we HAVE to do each day. But, how many things do we do that are unnecessary or that take lots of "time" that we could be doing some of those things we really don't want to do.

Take exercise, we know we should and we know the health benefits we get from it....how much "time" do you devote to exercising? Don't have time? Think again...exercise is a gift you give yourself AND your family. A healthy YOU is the best thing you can give!

So today make some "time" to get in a nice long walk or 10-30 minutes in front of the Wii getting some movement in...how about breaking it up into 10 minute sections? 30 minutes a day would be so beneficial to you. Can you find the "time" to do 30 minutes a day? I think you can....be happy, be healthy and above all MAKE THE TIME!

...and I thought Leslie was my FRIEND!!

WATP=Walking Away The Pounds by Leslie Sansone. Seemed like a great idea. I picked up a DVD that had 4 of her workouts on it for a steal! Her beginning 1 mile walk, 2 mile brisk walk, 3 mile and 4 mile walks. I LOVE the way I always seem to think I can just jump into something because I think I can do it....C25K comes to mind (who do I think I am).

I plugged good old Leslie into my computer and there she was! Skinny little thing, so tight you could bounce a quarter off her thighs, smiling, acting like she was talking just to me. So positive, so motivating...she talked through the warm up (did you hear me, she was able to TALK while "warming up")...heck, I could hardly catch my breath! She went on to encourage me to do "just 4 more"...I felt as if I had been hit by a wrecking ball....and that's when the "friendship" ended..."Let's increase the pace"....yeah, RIGHT Leslie...and all the while her little band of merry men and women bounced, kicked and smiled behind her...it's a conspiracy you know, they are moles, put in the background to infiltrate your living room, suck you in and get you to believe in your "good old friend, Leslie". HA!

It's one thing to "think" you can do something and an entirely different one when you try it (I've always had a vivid imagination). It's also kind of a let down to realize that even at a "beginning" level your struggling. But if it was easy it wouldn't be worth it would it? No, it wouldn't (I keep telling myself that).

That was last week, I have since made friends with the "beginning Leslie" and her lying bunch of paid assassins.....and moved on to another one of Leslie's "multiple personalities"...this morning I met the "it's a brisk walk" Leslie....BS, "brisk"?...it was 2 miles of hell! I sweat, I could hardly catch my breath, my muscles hurt and yes, for the first time in my life I could "feel the burn"...so much so that I was wondering why this DVD came with a "stretchie band" instead of a fire extinguisher! But, I'll keep up with Leslie, and I'm hoping that by the time I work my way up to the "4 mile Fat will jump off your thighs" part of the DVD that her and I will have REALLY become friends.....right now....well, not so much....