A new addition to my long list of hobbies: the traveling notebook/journal. I have two of my own started on the postcrossing forum ( http://forum.postcrossing.com ) and one on the 1001Journals project (http://www.1001journals.com).

My current notebooks:

1. A small spiral-bound  purple notebook from the Dollar Tree, being sent around via the postcrossing forum. This notebook is for my mom, in celebration of her finally finishing her master's degree. (I had to proofread all of her papers multiple times, so you can imagine my joy when we finally mailed her thesis in. :) ) The theme on my mom's surprise notebook is a bunch of things that she likes, like tigers and Ancient Rome.
2. Another spiral, this one I made out of an old wide-ruled notebook cut in half. It's going to be for my brother if I can ever get it started on its journey. He's going to Europe this summer, so I wanted to make him a notebook with entries from and about the countries he's visiting. Also on the postcrossing forum.
3. This is another notebook from the Dollar Tree, although it's a softcover book-bound thing. I'm doing this one on 1001Journals, and the theme is "The Great Forest".

I think I'm going to be posting my scans of my journals here as something is actually put in them. If anyone reading this would like to help with my traveling notebooks, #3 is journal 2845, and you can find the other two from my profile on the postcrossing forum (look for Silverwings_NCC1701)

One of the most wonderful things about living in this particular part of Texas (my exact location cannot be disclosed for security reasons... but it's somewhere in the north-western portion of the state) is that on most days we have nothing but sunshine as far as the eye can see.

Most days, that is. Today it's trying to either snow or rain, so there are clouds stretching across the horizon. And then, of course, there's the wind... which is making it impossible for me to work on the roses today. Oh well, I have other things to do. My list of roses I want to plant someday is almost complete, although I would greatly welcome suggestions as to good varieties to grow.

I don't really mind days like this, but it is a trifle unnerving to look out my window and see the trees swaying back and forth as if they were dancing to the tune of the wind's mournful song and becoming one with it in the music. (I need to work on my book today... it's nice when words flow freely like this.)

To the reader, if there is a reader, I offer a simple quote today:

"There is something about words. In expert hands, manipulated deftly, they take you prisoner. Wind themselves around your limbs like spider silk, and when you are so enthralled you cannot move, they pierce your skin, enter your blood, numb your thoughts. Inside you they work their magic." 
--Diane Setterfield (The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel)

Yes, on this day in 1836 the then-republic of Texas declared independence from Mexico. Texas being my home state, I see this as a holiday. So to start the festivities I give you a list of "State Things", starting with the full text of our state song, which sums it all up nicely.

Texas, Our Texas
(text from http://www.50states.com/songs/texas.htm, which also has sheet music for the song)
Written by William J. Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright
Composed by William J. Marsh

Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev'ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.

Texas, O Texas! your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far,
Emblem of Freedom! it set our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.

Texas, dear Texas! from tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor, your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes, we come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.

God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.

State Bird: Mockingbird

State Tree: Pecan (and most of us pronounce it PUH-cahn, not Pea-can, by the way. :)

State Flower: Bluebonnet

Capital: Austin

And what am I doing to celebrate, besides posting this? Quite simple, really. Today I'm going through some of the random-mail websites I'm on and picking out addresses to send Texas postcards to, with a note added about the occasion. (I'll mail them tomorrow, as today is a Sunday...) It's not much, but it's a start. :)

So, happy Texas Independence Day to everyone!

I'm new to making ATCs, so I don't know how good my work is...
This is the best of my celtic knotwork ATCs. Any opinions?