tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43196113569802395232024-03-13T01:59:02.781-07:00The Holiday LetterFind out what the next holiday has to offer by planning parties, giving gifts, shopping, eating fine food, and entertainment. Activate your party plans to move you through the sometimes difficult task of preparing for and executing a holiday party any time of year.Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-51309184091230051532018-07-31T11:03:00.000-07:002018-07-31T11:15:07.007-07:00What Holidays are Left in 2018? | The Remaining Holidays are Seasonal<h3>The 2018 Holiday Event Season is Over Booked</h3>
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<h4>Turning a Down Year Around | Use the Seasons to Brighten the Mood</h4>
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<p>2018 has been a tumultuous year at best and a down right dog fight at worst. Now that we’re through with half of summer, it’s time to begin looking at how you can brighten the end of your year with a happy, holiday event. This time of year is also the time where we look back at the time that has already been spent and if you’re like many folks planning to celebrate an upcoming holiday, you’ll want to make it something people can remember over whatever bad things got us to this point. It sounds a little political, but it’s true; the 2018 holiday season will be one where people will want to wash away the bad and welcome in the good of 2019. With that said, it will be important to follow a <a href=”https://planningaholidayparty.blogspot.com/2018/07/easy-10-step-planning-guide-to-planning.html “>plan</a>. If you do, your success rate goes up dramatically and you can be assured that your party will be one to be remembered. Once the balls starts rolling, it cannot be stopped so look below to see what’s left of the 2018 holiday schedule of observed holidays in America.</p>
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<p>Aug 7, Tuesday, Purple Heart Day</p>
<p>Aug 21, Tuesday, Senior Citizens Day</p>
<p>Aug 26, Sunday, Women's Equality Day</p>
<p>Sep 3, Monday, Labor Day, Federal Holiday</p>
<p>Sep 9, Sunday, National Grandparents Day</p>
<p>Sep 11, Tuesday, Patriot Day</p>
<p>Sep 15, Saturday, National Clean-Up Day</p>
<p>Sep 17, Monday, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day</p>
<p>Sep 18, Tuesday, Air Force Birthday</p>
<p>Sep 21, Friday, National POW/MIA Recognition Day</p>
<p>Sep 23, Sunday, September equinox</p>
<p>Sep 24, Monday, First Day of Sukkot</p>
<p>Sep 28, Friday, Native Americans' Day, CA</p>
<p>Sep 30, Sunday, Last Day of Sukkot</p>
<p>Sep 30, Sunday, Gold Star Mother's Day</p>
<p>Oct 1, Monday, Child Health Day</p>
<p>Oct 4, Thursday, Feast of St Francis of Assisi</p>
<p>Oct 13, Saturday, Navy Birthday</p>
<p>Oct 16, Tuesday , Boss's Day</p>
<p>Oct 31, Wednesday, Halloween</p>
<p>Nov 1, Thursday, All Saints' Day</p>
<p>Nov 2, Friday, All Souls' Day</p>
<p>Nov 4, Sunday, Daylight Saving Time ends</p>
<p>Nov 6, Tuesday, Election Day</p>
<p>Nov 10, Saturday, Marine Corps Birthday</p>
<p>Nov 11, Sunday, Veterans Day</p>
<p>Nov 12, Monday, Veterans Day observed</p>
<p>Nov 22, Thursday, Thanksgiving Day</p>
<p>Dec 2, Sunday, First Sunday of Advent</p>
<p>Dec 3, Monday, Chanukah/Hanukkah (first day)</p>
<p>Dec 7, Friday, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day</p>
<p>Dec 8, Saturday, Feast of the Immaculate Conception</p>
<p>Dec 10, Monday, Last Day of Chanukah</p>
<p>Dec 12, Wednesday, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe</p>
<p>Dec 13, Thursday, National Guard Birthday</p>
<p>Dec 21, Friday, December Solstice</p>
<p>Dec 24, Monday, Christmas Eve Observance</p>
<p>Dec 25, Tuesday, Christmas Day</p>
<p>Dec 31, Monday, New Year's Eve Observance</p>
Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-66588397714351089152018-07-25T08:48:00.000-07:002018-07-25T11:47:21.769-07:00The Next Holiday is Labor DayMonday September 28, 2018 is Labor Day in the United States<br />
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Labor day is held on the First Monday of September every year. It was originally organized to celebrate the union's which has millions of workers on their rolls. Labor Day represents our economic strength and the power of the American worker that backs the power of our economy. Of course their should be a holiday to celebrate American workers and Labor Day is that day. If you plan on throwing a Labor Day party, here's what you need to know about Labor Day so you can plan for the perfect party.<br />
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Celebrating a Day Off of Work<br />
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The federal government recognizes the first Monday of September as Labor Day; a federal holiday. Many people plan end of summer trips around the extra day workers receive to enjoy their personal time. Many celebrations of Labor Day include celebrating the United States. Some parties use fireworks as a way to celebrate. No matter how you choose to celebrate Labor Day, you can be sure that most of the country is celebrating along with you.<br />
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The First Day Off for Labor Day<br />
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The first Labor Day celebration was held in 1182. At that time, the Central Labor Union wanted to create a federal holiday celebrating the American worker. Parades were scheduled and held in various cities around the country, The reason for the September date of Labor Day was mainly imposed to break up the long period of time between Memorial Day and Halloween. Labor Day was the perfect cause and September was the perfect month.<br />
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May Day is Labor Day Around the World<br />
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Many countries celebrate May Day as their Labor Day. Even Hawaii has, Lei Day, to celebrate the island's culture. All the world's workers who put in an effort to produce the products and services we all require requires a committed workforce to handle the demand of a hungry global economy. Luckily for American workers, the government stepped in to give us the next great holiday on our list of holidays, Labor Day.</br>
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<img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-3150619-12686506" width="400" height="55" alt="Rent and Save" border="0"/></a>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-34015540600495381012010-12-21T09:36:00.000-08:002010-12-21T09:53:56.302-08:00Holiday Dining "Out"The days and weeks that surround the most special holidays of the year give us all an opportunity to take some time to enjoy the blessings received in the days and weeks before and after the beginning of a new year. Now is that time. <br /><br />A perfect retreat from all the hustle and bustle of Christmas is a quiet alcove table inside a warmly lit restaurant. Most anyplace will do if you are so inclined. If you expect a little more you can expect to pay a little more too. The holidays bring out the revelers and the holidays bring out the hawks too.<br /><br />My experience inside the hallowed halls of dining establishments big and small, east and west gave me some insight into what you can expect once you mosey up to the bar to wait for a table. No matter how well prepared for some peace and quiet relaxation during a busy holiday season, you can be sure that this trip out to eat will probably cost more now than it would in January. The laws of supply and demand get skewed and for good reason.<br /><br />Almost 60% of a restaurants revenue pours in During November and December. The reason for this influx of cash is because of the reasons I spoke of earlier. We all need to get out and enjoy our blessings. The establishment knows exactly what you want and how much you don't care about paying some more. The only thing you should be aware of is that as the bill gets bigger the flaws become bigger too.<br /><br />A perfect example of good food gone bad is the establishment that is privately owned, high priced and hard to get into. Here is where the most common errors are created to benefit the house. I know you didn't expect to be entering a casino to enjoy a great holiday meal but be aware that may be the case. Some may win but many will lose too.<br /><br />A common error is to run out of that $95 bottle of wine after four bottles. Some how they continue to pour; like Jesus and the fishes. Think what you like but the industry is rife with possible errors. I just tell you about what I might have or might not have seen before.<br /><br />Another error is portions. Look at the portions before the event and during the event. Many event planners have associates who have only one responsibility; to make sure the food and beverage is what it is supposed to be. The prices you're paying will be higher by 4 or 5%, make sure you get what you pay for.<br /><br />Back to the alcohol. So much money is lost by corporate and private diners during the holiday season due to mislabeled or over-reported bar tabs that a small countries could live for a year. Make sure, have spies and don't get drunk.<br /><br />So the place you could lose is obvious. You lose by not paying attention or by not caring. I know a few restaurateurs who can recognize both easily.<br /><br />The better qualities of eating out during the holidays are as advertised. You can sit back and relax and enjoy the ambience around you while the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers scurry around the warmed brick, Oak or Stucco walls of the restaurant you're in tonight.<br /><br />Sit and relax with friends. When you do you can get more than you paid for too!<br /><br />Call ahead and then come to the restaurant in person. Find someone who will be working that evening and inform them that your party will be present and anything they could do to make you meal memorable would be appreciated.<br /><br />I tip even before the meal sometimes to get the best services wherever I eat.<br /><br />Call back again before the gathering and prompt the restaurant to give more. Most places will accommodate the squeaky wheel because so few wheels squeak these days. Know what you would get regularly and then reward the workers and the establishment whenever effort is given to make your meal special.<br /><br />Tomorrow I will continue with my remembrances of busy holiday schedules where the staff made thousands of dollars a night. The reason why was obvious; the people like to party during the holidays.Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-35229230006473608282010-12-20T13:27:00.000-08:002018-07-25T08:33:25.454-07:00If Christmas is your Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0FaYgEUezOvHfXuKhFEgfQMhdrHBGRc5aK0giIFgKN0LokavZnYgM-czQRMCgvFBxxvraXiXIg1RWkgGMTgVdcex0a4QD_dlwOrmXjZmm9okVqCdvtj3B6DBwRmU4mr4D_H5QgOG3BU/s1600/DSCN1627.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552881710434783138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0FaYgEUezOvHfXuKhFEgfQMhdrHBGRc5aK0giIFgKN0LokavZnYgM-czQRMCgvFBxxvraXiXIg1RWkgGMTgVdcex0a4QD_dlwOrmXjZmm9okVqCdvtj3B6DBwRmU4mr4D_H5QgOG3BU/s400/DSCN1627.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I joke with my wife every time the conversation comes up. "Do you remember when the doctor told us Sean was going to be born on Christmas?"<br />
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I don't have to think for long because it is something that poises on my consciousness all the time; all year long. If the conversation or thought comes up I know where the file is and I retrieve it quite fast. The memory that my son was born on Christmas is something I would never had thought of before the moment I found out.<br />
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There's some self indulgent comedy or self-praise in the telling of the story. You see, when we were with the Obstetrician for our visit to confirm our pregnancy a question was posed to Mrs. Walsh. <br />
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"When was your last cycle Mrs. Walsh?"<br />
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I cringed at the question as I usually do when confronted with obviously private questions of innards. But as the pause stretched into an obvious faux paux I found the courage to compete to the answer.<br />
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"March 21st." I blurted out and cupped my mouth as soon as the date escaped my mouth.<br />
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"I mean.." "right, honey?"<br />
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"It was somewhere in there.." "The 21st."<br />
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I don't remember how long it took for our Dr. to tell us but I remember it wasn't long. Like the time it takes to look down at what your writing as you write a date and then look up to spill the beans.<br />
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"You're going to have a Christmas baby." and we're now officially doomed... Poor Sean.<br />
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Tomorrow I'm going to finish this tale, tell you about his birthdays and then think up a plan once and for all for the Birthday boy or girl born on Christmas.<br />
<br />
Francis Walsh<br />
Houston Banquet Planner.comFrancis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-10170549613780712392010-12-17T09:12:00.001-08:002010-12-17T10:19:30.559-08:00Decorating for the HolidaysThis year we have something special to be thankful for; our first home. This year our blessings were many and as the holidays arrive we are sharing more of ourselves with others inside and out of our new home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrLtV7xT1ZjWILgZkofvG9VI0FLEwBh2-IGxv1YVOpHh6tGlJeUi5JG0JcIx4vxWWJ3JubJ0ld5vEVlBI8GnK7LSUry8SpRW7d51MSFmC-9ikNIp_1idI7YXCLkUZZyUGpdgfIZg3j38/s1600/DSCN1517.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrLtV7xT1ZjWILgZkofvG9VI0FLEwBh2-IGxv1YVOpHh6tGlJeUi5JG0JcIx4vxWWJ3JubJ0ld5vEVlBI8GnK7LSUry8SpRW7d51MSFmC-9ikNIp_1idI7YXCLkUZZyUGpdgfIZg3j38/s400/DSCN1517.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551705741618356610" /></a>Decorating for the holidays is up to you and your family traditions. Ours has always included warm highlights made inside and out; even when our house was much smaller. Now that our space has grown our ideas about decorating have changed as well. Our favorite decorating ideas come from tradition and knowing how to bring it all together is key to making spirits bright this Christmas season.<br /><br />Christmas decorating was once not so much about decorating a space as it was a time of reverence to those who had come before and those who would come after. Before the celebration was holy is was holy. The observers of Christmas past decorated with reverence to the environment and some of those traditions still hold true today. <br /><br />Our holiday presents, spirits and bows are spread among the green boughs of fir and pine. Garland hangs around the corner of our warm fire. The banisters that children will look through to catch a glimpse of ole St. Nick have them too. <br /><br />We share in these traditions and in our home our decorations show the appreciation we have in the past and the future.<br /><br />Our hallways have garlands strung over the doorways and more leading guests through the foyer and into the great room. Garlands can be freshly picked in the North East. Look for light green vines that run in great distances over the ground and under the fallen leaves of New England. <br /><br />Imitation garlands can be purchased for reasonable prices at JC Penny and of course our favorite dollar stores. Getting to the stores first is sometimes key to getting as much of the green stuff as you need. Buy the garland in bulk and decorate later with Holly and berries of crimson.<br /><br />Windows are great places to hang wreaths made of garland or fir. The choice for us was to hang them inside of the house instead of outside. The fresh pine aroma leaves our house smelling of the forest long after the cherry pie has cooled on the rack. Ribbons of red and bows and balls can be hung from a great window wreath and the theme can move from one window to the next; making the design complete.<br /><br />Fireplace decorations can include wicker boxes filled with pine boughs and pine cones dusted with glitter. Silver glitter and glue dabbed on the tips of each cones arms make them shimmer against a fire of warm lighting.<br /><br />Decorate with lights for the holidays. Christmas lights come in every color of the rainbow and then some. White lighting inside the home brightens up corners when the main lighting is dim. White lights around picture frames and mirrors give each design element a new feel. Holiday decorating yourself is easy when you combine a few elements into a cohesive design.<br /><br />Fill a fresh tree with hanging decorations and lights that match the rest of the traditional fresh-cut design. Tip your hat to your neighbors and invite them over for some friendship this year. Be inspired enough to inspire others.<br /><br />Let your inspiration come from your tradition and revere the season with your decorating effort. Enjoy the rewards of gathering friends and family together during the best season of the year. Use these tips throughout the house and make your spirit bright this year.<br /><br />Thank you to 1800flowers on YouTube for this video:<br /><object width="400" height="325"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ANq3K2V1MsU?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ANq3K2V1MsU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="325"></embed></object>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-11367498050461811732010-12-16T09:54:00.001-08:002010-12-16T10:21:56.555-08:00The Best Holiday of the YearEveryone has their favorite piece of pie or person. Those things that make us feel warm and fuzzy inside are things we gravitate toward; feelings of comfort. This month we get to enjoy the best holidays of the year. According to research, Christmas is the most loved holiday of the world. More people celebrate a Christmas celebration than any other. Having the spirit of Christmas takes on a whole new meaning when spirituality must share space with a celebration of the season. Christmas is loved by all because it is a holiday of giving. He who gives shall receive and that's what makes Christmas so great.<br /><br />Don't Forget about Giving<br /><br />The Salvation Army will be there for you to give to if you choose. The worthy cause of salvation and the army that produces it can surely be the recipient of your offerings but then there are those who may need you more than you know. Family and friends who struggle could be recognized and rewarded for their good deeds. Taking care of those around you is just as good a place to take your donation of time, love or money. Don't forget about giving to those who you really love and could use your offer.<br /><br />Don't forget about God<br /><br />I cannot say that my God is your God but if I know you then I probably know who you look to as God. So, with that said I should recommend that this time of year be spread with plenty of reverence and gratitude to those who made it all happen. In my case my God listens to me on a regular basis. When times are good he hears from me less often but the problems I bring are pretty much the same. If you believe Jesus was born on Christmas and was resurrected from the dead or if you believe another religion which I know less of than my own Roman Catholic teachings, then I should wish that you find time to grow closer to your God. It only reaffirms who you are to yourself and from a solid foundation great things can be accomplished with the help of spiritual hope. I hope that you get a chance to spend some time with your God this time of year.<br /><br />Forget About Yourself for One Moment<br /><br />I must say that at times it is hard to think about anything else but me. Now would be a good time to think about that struggle. The struggle of self and success. The struggle of making worth from an otherwise worthless situation. I came into the world free and I'll be going out free. Everything else in the middle costs.<br /><br />From the moment I looked away from myself I began to see the world like I had never seen it before.<br /><br />I wish you would request a connection on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/fuzzywashere">facebook</a> so you can read more even after the holiday.<br /><br />Thanks to FreddeTI on YouTube for this Tom Lehrer classic video:<br /><object width="400" height="325"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DtZR3lJobjw?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DtZR3lJobjw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="325"></embed></object>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-9791602028164262242010-02-08T09:05:00.001-08:002010-02-08T09:05:58.070-08:00Read CARNE VALE (Mardi Gras, Carnival season is here) Rick Waters Carny Fiction<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>The upcoming holidays are fast approaching.<br /><br />Chinese New Year: Geng Yin (Year of the White Tiger) February 14th, 2010<br /><br />Fat Tuesday February 16th (Mardi Gras)<br /><br />Our favorite time of year is here. Not only do we have a new fiction titled CARNE VALE - Flesh Farewell, we also are fans of Geng Yin AND Mardi Gras. Next week will be spent celebrating just enough to be sure that we are really celebrating this year of prosperity and determination. "This year is the best year in a long time for an Aquarian born in the age of Aquarius. This year we say Farewell to the Flesh in the most symbolic and important festivals and celebrations of the year.<br /><br />We welcome you to begin reading "CARNE VALE" and subscribing to the author of this and other great blogs online. The streaming information comes refreshed and uploaded daily via internet feeds, micro blogs, social networks, personal brands, and domains.<br /><br />"Who Dat" <br /><br />With the New Orleans Saints winning the Super Bowl, expect Fat Tuesday to extraordinary indeed. We will report from Bourbon Street all next week. Subscribers to CARNE VALE get special content directly from the author upon request.<br /><br />FD Walsh<br /><br />SUBSCRIBE TO <a href='http://www.fleshfarewell.com'>"CARNE VALE"</a><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=d1d67554-b416-8fe0-8dad-347d45f9061f' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-74938855341223230422010-01-28T06:52:00.001-08:002010-01-28T06:54:07.248-08:00Wedding Trends from Houston Banquet Planner<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Weddings change with the times. While important events of life will remain as long as there are loves and lives to follow, how we celebrate and share these perfect moments with our family and friends. The twenty first century has not only given us more people to share our lives with, it has given us new trends in planning and celebrating special moments. There is no special moment more important than our weddings, and this year the trend is for a wedding with sleek lines and geometric synergy. <br /><br />As a wedding and event planner in Houston, the <a href='http://www.houstonbanquetplanner.com'>Houston Banquet Planner</a> team of professional producers has been setting the trends, not just following behind the crowd. As more brides to be in Houston are becoming more tuned in to their own needs, they are twice as knowledgeable about the process and the demand for more amenities for their money. When a bride wants the best for herself and her husband, she means she wants the best and already knows what that means.<br /><br />Top Ten Houston Wedding Requests<br /><br />#1 Houston Wedding Venue<br />#2 Houston Fine Dining Caterer<br />#3 Houston Quality Entertainment<br />#4 Houston Couture Wedding Dress<br />#5 Houston Private Entertainment<br />#6 Houston Party Rentals<br />#7 Houston Fondant<br />#8 Houston Wine and Liqour<br />#9 Houston Food Service Employee<br />#10 Houston Event Planner<br /><br />Top Ten Houston Wedding Upgrades<br /><br />#1 Houston Limousine<br />#2 Houston Groom Cake<br />#3 Houston Dance Lessons<br />#4 Houston Decorations<br />#5 Houston Flowers<br />#6 Houston Hotel<br />#7 Houston Travel Agency<br />#8 Houston Family Restaurant<br />#9 Houston Jewelry<br />#10 Houston Airport<br /><br />The Houston wedding planner that can manage all these request BEFORE even laying out the best way the accomplish the bride's goals can take advantage of the new trends in Houston weddings. Leading the way will be Houston Banquet Planner, with new social tools for bride's who want to connect with their Houston Wedding Coordinator on an entirely new level through digital presentations, electronic conferencing, and social media.<br /><br />Houston Banquet Planner can step into any role that supports Houston events and productions that involve participants and attendees from micro parties to national and world-wide events. Experienced vendors, planners, venues, and experience come together at the right time, every time.<br /><br />Feel free to contact Houston Banquet Planner right now, the task is at hand, and you need to be sure that you did all you could to make it the very best. - Francis D. Walsh<br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=ff8238d6-4213-8c01-b170-2bd69f5be373' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-85404389244719948172010-01-26T10:02:00.001-08:002010-01-26T10:07:52.083-08:00My Birthday 2010<a href="http://www.houstonbanquetplanner.com">"My Birthday 2010 will be grand."</a><br /><br />I don't know if you've noticed it yet, but everywhere you look there are happy people milling about. I can tell you that because we live in a nice little part of town where everyone is about the same. Happy to have kept our jobs and have more than others, especially those rich people who lost everything.<br /><br />We seem to have a little more than we ever did, and if this year pans out like it should, then next year we might be able to move away from here for good. "But that's less about my party and more about life, so back to the party."<br /><br />This year it will be hosted at our in-laws home. The headquarters for <a href='http://www.powerfitz.com/teamnitrousfitzwon.htm'>Team Nitrousfitz</a> will be an excellent backdrop to the friends and family we have invited. "They all wait each year for an invitation and if we miss one, then all hell breaks loose so we just send out more than we really can expect to come." "That's how it goes anyways for us. "But <a href="http://www.houstonbanquetplanner.com">we know how to throw parties already.'</a><br /><br />"So where do we go for help on our own parties?" "We go to our friends in the business who are happy to give us what we need for each year's annual celebration of my birth." "Thank you to everyone who comes and lends a hand."<br /><br />So we have the equipment and the linens ordered, the machines and music, the stage and the dance floor, the cups and plates and flatware, the host and the hostess, and all that... "But wait."<br /><br /><a href='http://www.houstonbanquetplanner.com'>Who's got the food?"</a><br /><br />What we usually do for our clients is to use the best regular vendors we have. That way we know what to expect and we expect a lot. What we don't do for the annual birthday of all birthdays is use any of our regular vendors. "Imagine that."<br /><br />"Now is the time to find a reason to go over your list of vendors and find out who is really on top of their game. Who wants your business more than the other vendor and who will give you more for your money. "It's the principle that kept our business growing even during a down turn in the economy."<br /><br />Our service is hot. Our parties are hot. Our vendors are hot. And it takes me, to make sure we are all hot together. "This is one reason why I invite all my regular vendors to the party so that they can see that our team is serious about event planning and we even go so far as to test the services we receive to be sure that our clients are not tested when it comes time to promote and produce an event for them. "Our clients come first, we come second, and our vendors have to be the best to keep our business.<br /><br />The day of the event will be grand. All our friends will have a beverage and a bite to eat prior to the main meal. Our new list of vendors will be pre-screened and then menus and lists of equipment will be reviewed. Our guests will enjoy the party only half as much as me, and not just because it's my birthday but because I know that the whole day I get a chance to negotiate contracts and make new deals with my vendors during the event. "They wouldn't have known about my tactics if I didn't just write it all out here for you.<br /><br />Check Out:<br /><br /><a href='http://www.powerfitz.com'>Powerfitz Publishing</a><br /><a href='http://www.fleshfarewell.com'>Flesh Farewell Trilogy</a><br /><a href='http://www.houstonbanquetplanner.com='>Houston Banquet Planner</a>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-38429673288685260192010-01-20T11:46:00.001-08:002010-01-20T11:54:35.285-08:00The Newest Domain from Powerfitz Publishing<a href="http://www.fleshfarewell.com"><img src="http://www.fleshfarewell.com/temple1d.jpg" border="0" alt="Flesh Farewell" width="400" height="200"/></a>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-37200766983415255132010-01-11T06:02:00.001-08:002010-01-13T06:49:19.537-08:00Geng Yin<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='http://www.chinapage.com/newyear.html'>Gen Yin</a><br/><br/>I sometimes find myself researching myself. If anyone should know me as well as the internet does, then I decided I would like to know what the internet knew. The internet knows that I was born in January, 1968. The internet knows my address and my telephone number ("well it thinks it does anyways."), and its advertisers know what my preferences are better than me.<br/><br/>If I was an alarmist, I would be scared about how much those nasty advertisers know about me. If I were "average", I wouldn't have to really worry, would I? The average person spends 4 hours a week online, while I toil years away trying to figure out how to turn this keyboard into an ATM. If I'm not worried about those damn advertisers than really, why all the hoopla about who knows what?<br/><br/>This whining is brought to you by the government, who at this very moment is planning on inking the next set of advertising regulations that can place your private information in more danger than it is <a href='http://www.powerfitz.com'>right now.</a> The truth of the matter is, than when you have to sort through information to decide what is "right" or "wrong", you are analyzing that information more than any algorithym that produces your advertising results today. The idea is "progressive", and you should know that the government could be planning to overwhelm the internet so that they can "fundeamentally" change it. "It's what progressives do when they are hard at work doing what they do".<br/><br/>So who knows me the best? Me? You? The government? I can safely say "nobody" knows me better than my own natural profile of dates and times and the freekin stars, I say this because this year is Gen Yin, "The year of the White Tiger" and this year is the perfect year to get what I want the most, productivity that pays.<br/><br/>The Year of the Tiger begins on February 14th 2010. It is a <a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_%28classical_element%29'>metal year.</a> and as the stars will have it, if you want to accomplish something big, then this is the perfect year to get it done. I know more about myself than I did before I started this morning, so here is my Chinese New Year Resolution for Geng Yin 2010, the Year of the White Tiger. I will create enough of my own content ot begin my personal library of fiction and non fiction books and articles that will continue to produce revenues long after they are written.<br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=ebd10754-67fa-8111-aa0f-a8a373a646c0' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-83384936702187818812010-01-08T22:08:00.001-08:002010-01-13T06:49:58.199-08:0001/08/10 "Publishing will never be the same."<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><h2>"When the Shit Hits the Fan Which Way Will Your Fan be Pointed?" <a href='http://www.powerfitz.com/Carnevale-Flesh-Farewell-chapter1.htm'>Private, On-demand content available now.</a></h2> <p>Powerfitz.com will host all the chapters of "Carne Vale - Flesh Farewell" plus the subsequent volumes produced by authors writing for Powerfitz.com. Our servers are designed for content <a href='http://www.powerfitz.com/Carnevale-Flesh-Farewell-chapter1.htm'>produced for the web</a> that is owned by the authors and copyright under the rules governing publicly branded orginal content. "The Flesh Farewell" trilogy will be available from the Powerfitz servers upon request, and will soon be ready for uploading onto any digital reader, <yoono-highlight class='yoono-link-hover yoono-link-active-link' keywords='Google' onclick='___yoonoLink.onYoonoClick(this)' onmouseover='___yoonoLink.onYoonoOver(event,this)' onmouseout='___yoonoLink.onYoonoOut(this)'>Google</yoono-highlight> document, or directly in your browser in website format.</p> <p>"We welcome you to ask for the latest chapters emailed directly to your inbox. Subscribe to the original content posted here by sending an email to <a href='mailto:powerfitz@powerfitz.com'>Powerfitz</a> with <a href='mailto:powerfitz@powerfitz.com'>"NEXT CHAPTER"</a> as the subject so we know what to do with the request."</p><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=22eb13a4-4a69-8bb0-8d53-e8c984b72b9b' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-58947035229651379712009-12-29T05:02:00.001-08:002009-12-29T05:18:04.092-08:00A Flesh Farewell Trilogy<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>The author extends an invitation to read the first in a trilogy of Flesh Farewell fictional works from the new breakthrough writer Damian Walsh. <br/><br/>The virgin release of "Carne Vale" has been released on facebook to fans of fictional suspense and thrills. The first book comes out of the heart of New England, in the spring of life Rick Waters is heading for a fate much like his oldest brother Paul.<br/><br/>Rick Waters left town with a carnival to escape the sentence handed down on his twenty first birthday by a judge in Palmer. He was going to be free, but at what cost.<br/><br/>The district courthouse in Three Rivers, <yoono-highlight class='yoono-link-hover yoono-link-active-link' keywords='Massachusetts' onclick='___yoonoLink.onYoonoClick(this)' onmouseover='___yoonoLink.onYoonoOver(event,this)' onmouseout='___yoonoLink.onYoonoOut(this)'>Massachusetts</yoono-highlight> could be mistaken for a small Quaker church by anyone not familiar with its use. The courtroom is part of a single floor building with an entrance at each end and one entering the middle of the building off of Main St. When it was empty of defendants and police, judges and jurors, the courtroom looked like a sanctuary.<br/><br/>The presiding judge sits in a raised, legal pulpit, straddled by two lower tiers. On his right sat the prosecutor and on the left a witness chair. Below them, spanning the width of this legal alter, sat the clerk of courts. The defendants for the day sit in pews. Before the start of the day the clerk does a roll call of people in attendance to organize the cases and after each defendant had been ordered to comply, the clerk would call out another name until the list was finished. Halfway through the day they called out his name.<br/><br/>"Rick Waters"<br/><br/>He slid out of the pew. There was a mark on the floor where all the defendants would stand when their case was called. As he passed through the swinging door of the wooden railing that separated the courtroom from the gallery, it creaked its announcement at the arrival of the next offender. The courtroom would become quiet as each case was heard.<br/><br/>The judge continued flipping through his record as Rick stood in front of the altar. They were plenty of records to look through. The prosecutor's point of view was that it was time to send Rick Waters in for some real consequences. Her recommendation was that because Mr. Waters had not completed any of his probationary duties, there was nothing keeping the court from confining him to complete the two year suspended sentence handed down ten months ago by a visiting judge.<br/><br/>"Your honor, Mr. Waters has been in and out of this courtroom on misdemeanor charges involving alcohol since he was approximately sixteen." "His non compliance with the terms of his probation gives us no other option but to confine him for the remainder of his sentence up to and until he completes the terms of his confinement or he completes a program of alcohol and <yoono-highlight class='yoono-link-hover yoono-link-active-link' keywords='life skills' onclick='___yoonoLink.onYoonoClick(this)' onmouseover='___yoonoLink.onYoonoOver(event,this)' onmouseout='___yoonoLink.onYoonoOut(this)'>life skills</yoono-highlight> while incarcerated."<br/><br/>After the prosecutor finished with her recommendation the judge spoke. He looked up from the files in front of him and into the eyes of the defendant to make sure that he understood what was happening and why he was here.<br/><br/>"I am revoking your probation Mr. Waters." "Due to your inability to meet the demands of your probationary sentence, you must now submit yourself to confinement in the Hampden county jail for no less than six months and no more than twenty four months." "That period of confinement begins the thirtieth of January and will continue at the jail on York St. until you complete your sentence in full or are released after successfully finishing the program of life skills and <yoono-highlight class='yoono-link-hover yoono-link-active-link' keywords='alcohol abuse' onclick='___yoonoLink.onYoonoClick(this)' onmouseover='___yoonoLink.onYoonoOver(event,this)' onmouseout='___yoonoLink.onYoonoOut(this)'>alcohol abuse</yoono-highlight> counseling inside of York St."<br/><br/>"Mr. Waters I recommend that you get your things in order." "You have five days until your sentence begins, don't do anything stupid before then." The gavel sounded and it was then that suddenly, magically, his public defender appear, if only to usher him toward the probation office.<br/><br/>"You're lucky, usually they just remand people right off to jail." "Make sure to check with the probation office and pay your fee before you go." "And I don't have to tell you what will happen if you don't show up in five days kid..."<br/><br/>As soon as he walked out of the courthou<a href='http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carne-Vale-Flesh-Farewell/170839683978' target='_top'> </a>se Rick knew it was time to get out of town or he'd spend his twenty first birthday in jail and his twenty second too. <p>"As the arrival of a new year is approaching fast, I have been working hard to include you into everything that is important." "Get ready to have special access to the content that <a href='http://www.powerfitz.com/'>Powerfitz</a> will be producing in 2010, and for anyone who subscribes to our content, you will get VIP treatment from all of the <a href='http://www.powerfitz.com/'>Powerfitz Publishing brands."</a></p><p><br/></p><p><a href='http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carne-Vale-Flesh-Farewell/170839683978'>Carne Vale Fan Page on Facebook</a></p><p><a href='http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carne-Vale-Flesh-Farewell/170839683978' target='_top'> <img height='350' width='243' border='0' alt='Carne Vale by FD Walsh' src='http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs056.snc3/14350_214576278978_170839683978_2978210_2725172_n.jpg'/></a></p><a href='http://www.facebook.com/fuzzywashere'>http://www.facebook.com/fuzzywashere</a><br/><a href='http://www.powerfitz.com'>http://www.powerfitz.com</a><br/><a href='http://netterreport.blogspot.com'>http://netterreport.blogspot.com</a><br/><a href='http://www.houstonbanquetplanner.com'>http://www.houstonbanquetplanner.com</a><br/><a href='http://www.thesalescorner.us/blog/'>http://www.thesalescorner.us/blog/</a><br/><a href='http://holidayreports.blogspot.com'>http://holidayreports.blogspot.com</a><br/><a href='http://plantabulous.blogspot.com'>http://plantabulous.blogspot.com</a><br/><a href='http://awewriter.blogspot.com'>http://awewriter.blogspot.com</a><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=086aa39f-7ae6-895d-9d64-856e42f63c5b' alt='' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-88557791981491997622009-12-11T17:12:00.001-08:002010-01-13T06:50:34.149-08:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bHQ9MTI2MDU4MDMxMTE1NiZwdD*xMjYwNTgwMzU5NzUwJnA9bTRrM2IzdHQzciZkPSZuPWJsb2dnZXImZz*yJm89NjExNTVhZmY5ZjlhNDk1NWE1ODdmMDcxMDU*ZTFkNDgmb2Y9MA==.gif" /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" width="400" height="328" id="MyFaceMail" align="middle"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false" /><param name="movie" value="http://els.assets.myfacelol.com/MyFaceMail.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff" /><param name="flashVars" value="b=http://els.assets.myfacelol.com/assets/&p=http://www.myfacelol.com/flash.aspx&m=movies/holiday/rap.swf&n=Crunk Christmas&df1=userimg/40/49883bd0-f74c-3a5c-f8ad-1650b1bcbe35-2405949.png&df2=heads/famous/32_Rihanna.png&df3=heads/famous/10_AngelinaJolie.png" ><embed src="http://els.assets.myfacelol.com/MyFaceMail.swf" flashvars="b=http://els.assets.myfacelol.com/assets/&p=http://www.myfacelol.com/flash.aspx&m=movies/holiday/rap.swf&n=Crunk Christmas&df1=userimg/40/49883bd0-f74c-3a5c-f8ad-1650b1bcbe35-2405949.png&df2=heads/famous/32_Rihanna.png&df3=heads/famous/10_AngelinaJolie.png" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="400" height="328" name="MyFaceMail" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" > </embed>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-34572525527320619272009-10-07T11:28:00.001-07:002010-01-13T06:50:52.594-08:00How to Plan a Halloween Party<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Halloween is the first test of your holiday event planning prowess. As more families use Halloween as their 'family friendly' gathering, most Halloween gatherings have the fun, the food, and the guests, but many do not have the 'wow factor' a party like this deserves. If you want to learn how to plan a Halloween party like the pros, you need to think like a pro, and get the help of those local businesses that supply the best parties with equipment, services, and designs for any occasion, holiday or not.<br/><br/>Step 1<br/><br/>Get your guest list in order. The most wasteful thing you could do is plan for more guests than will actually arrive. imagine the bride and groom who pay for a reception of two hundred and only 75 guests arrive. Think of how much money goes to waste from such a little detail like guest count. Do not let your expectations get away with reasonable results. Know how many guests to expect and begin to plan a great Halloween party around that number to spend the right amount on a great event, but not too much.<br/><br/>Step 2<br/><br/>Plan a menu. Food and drink is what your guests rely on to get them in the mood. Great menu items, snacks, and drinks will keep your guests happy as they mingle through your other guests. Food and drink is what most parties are centered around. Whether its a full menu, a snack or two, or Halloween candy. The easiest way to let your party guests know you care is to provide them with high quality goodies and foods. Plan per head. Know your guest count. Move on to designing a visually exciting room or gathering space next.<br/><br/>Step 3<br/><br/>Design is in the eye of the beholder. Well, most of the time. If you are planning to host a party during the Holiday season this year, your guests will love you for it. Be ready, be smart, and be creative in getting the right decorations for the room, the tables, the chairs, the walkways, and the venue. Because the holidays are designed to party around, realize that your decorations can make the difference in having a good time and an absolutely fabulous time for your friends, guests, and family.<br/><br/>Step 4<br/><br/>Rent party equipment that enhances your menu, your design, or your guests. Drink machines, popcorn machines, table linens, and flatwear are things you will want to have. Can you afford to have them? Are you needing to design and decorate for a few or a few hundred? Think like a guest and you will be able to understand what your guests really want when they attend this season's holiday parties.<br/><br/>Step 5<br/><br/>Make a schedule of important dates on the way to the event. Mark each one off as they are crossed. Keep track of the budget and adjust where needed. Meet with party services that you do not control. Make your vendors give you the best rate or find another vendor. If you plan on planning your own party then you are the one in control. Take charge, plan well, design fun holiday parties this year and then leave next year to someone else if that's what you want to do.<br/><br/>Tips<br/><br/>Contact event planners in your area. Get them to divulge the best deals in town. get them to help you even if you are not planning onhiring an event planner for your Halloween or holiday party. The resources are there for you to use, use them.<br/><br/>Warnings<br/><br/>Event planners have no set fee for services. Many event planners hide extra harges and fees in their equipment and third party services. Go over each fee and how the cost was figured into the over-all budget. find out where your party planner is taking more than they should and then keep them going in the right direction.<br/><br/></div>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-45000916845517980382009-10-01T13:37:00.001-07:002010-01-13T06:51:08.791-08:00Halloween is Coming.. Can you say 'Trick or Treat?'<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>That's right ladies and gents, Halloween is almost upon us. You can go right now to our <a href='http://www.powerfitz.com/halloween.htm'>Halloween Store</a> to connect with some great costume deals. Our party and event planning would not be nearly as extra special if we did not throw our creatives into the mix. Costumes, party tricks, ideas, and skits are what make gatherings special. Create the perfect Halloween atmosphere with a few of our event and party ideas.<br/><br/>Contact an event planner even if you don't plan on hiring one.<br/><br/>Let's say you want to throw your own special Halloween event but you are not a very good organizer or have ever thrown together a themed event before. Learn from the experts where they go for the best deals, what their idea of a perfect Halloween party is and so much more. I know because I'm an event planner. I get at least five calls a week from consumers who never plan to hire me as an event planner. They don;t hire me because they never planned on hiring an event planner, just wanted some good ideas from an expert. It works if you find someone like me, someone who is willing to talk to the public and let go of some of their best ideas for free. I have had clients come back to me years later to hire me because a conversation we had earlier. I help becasue I like to help. I get hired because I know what I'm talking about, and in Houston, I'm one of the best.<br/><br/>Always consider who's coming before you set your plan into motion. Why would you do a 'Devil may Care' party when the guest list is filled with arriving nuns? "You wouldn't" Know your crowd, jump into their skin, find out what makes them happy, excited, scared, and hungry, becasue for the perfect Halloween event, you need a blend of all these. And you need to know how to have a frightfully good time too. Take your task seriously before the big day so that you can enjoy what you have planned for your guests as if you were a guest to your own party.<br/><br/></div>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-15608186510113835452009-09-11T06:49:00.003-07:002010-01-13T06:51:32.725-08:00Halloween is Upon Us - Where's you Spirit?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='http://www.supercoolstuff.com' target='_self'><img height='264' width='400' alt='halloween' src='http://www.supercoolstuff.com/images/halloween_09-07-07.jpg'/></a><br/><br/>It's true, Halloween is almost here and now with the kids back in school, you can begin to start making plans to get the most out of the season when it arrives. The 4Seasons Holiday Letter has always had a great selection of Halloween Costumes available to our visitors. This year we hope to do give you the same service as the past three years have been a great success for the team here at A.W.E.<br/><br/>How to Buy a Halloween Costume <br/><br/>Halloween costumes are more than just some fabric and disguise. For the true believers of the season, now is a perfect time to get ready to take over the personality of your Halloween Spirit. Costumes let you forget about the old perceptions people may have on you. Now is the time to expand your horizons and just let loose during the Halloween parties you're sure to get invited to. Finding the perfect Halloween Costume takes more than just a smart shopping style. You want to find the perfect persona for a wonderfully eventful evening.<br/><br/><br/><br/></div>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-7628308757047091962009-06-12T11:32:00.000-07:002009-06-12T21:30:32.165-07:00Send a Letter to MomThought this time of year does not evoke thoughts of holiday cheer, this is the perfect time to write home to mom to tell her how much she means to you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3153777-2340011" target="_blank">Kalyx.com Gourmet Traditional & Herbal Teas</a><br /><img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-3153777-2340011" width="1" height="1" border="0"/><br /><br />There was a story about one mom who received a regular letter from her don every month. She knew that when letters would not come that something was wrong. Sure enough, the times that would cause her to call out to her child would prove to be the times he or she needed their mom the most. Why so many of us forget to write our mothers is something that cannot be explained. They are, after all, our moms.<br /><br />My mother raised the four of us kids the hard way...she lost her husband to an untimely death and had to learn about life the hard way. She did everything she could to give us what we needed, even of that meant we had to go without some of the little things. Her time was better spent working and surviving and we missed out on some of the special times between children and mom that cannot be given back.<br /><br />So here's to my mom. The one I love, the only mom I have. Now how about you> is your mom ready for a nice letter from you? Even if things are going great. Even if times are hard. We need to surround ourselves with love. It works.<br /><br />So the holiday of the season this time of year is the holiday of mom. Give her something she'll love. A little time with you.Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-75388232944556527682008-10-31T07:37:00.000-07:002008-10-31T07:56:02.457-07:002008 Traditional NewsThanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a traditional North American holiday, which is a form of harvest festival. The date and whereabouts of the first Thanksgiving celebration is a topic of modest contention, though the earliest attested Thanksgiving celebration was on September 8, 1565 in what is now Saint Augustine, Florida.[1] Despite scholarly research to the contrary, the traditional "first Thanksgiving" is venerated as having occurred at the site of Plymouth Plantation, in 1621.<br /><br />Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving">Wikipedia</a><br /><br /><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/109/301741496_ae76a14a88.jpg?v=0" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/109/301741496_ae76a14a88.jpg" border="0" alt="Ferris First Thanksgiving" width="400" border="0"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jojo71/301741496/sizes/m/">Flickr JojoDee</a>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-62847300218035422682008-10-22T18:12:00.000-07:002008-10-22T21:04:50.418-07:00Growing Up Halloween Pt. 7Ms. Nightingale The Medic<br /><br />"Keith..", "Keith.." Francis was kneeling over his friend. The sickness he felt inside his head had subsided for now, and his nose was tinged with the sulphur and smoke that hung even lower than the fog. After a moment, Keith moved his hand toward his head and attempted to sit up even though his friend was on top of him. "Get up Francis, get off!" "Where were you two anyways?" "I remember falling down, but that's it." At that moment, the ground exploded just a few feet away. Then the sound. It was the weirdest thing at that moment, but once again, everything was turned upside down. KABOOOOM! BaBOOB! BaBaBOOM! One ofter another the sound of faraway shots were announced first by the shake of the ground, and the crater of earth that was showered all around. "What is GOING ON!?" Keith seemed like he hadn't heard any of the original fighting. Maybe he had been out longer than any of them thought. Now that their small troupe wasmtogether once again, there wasn't enought time to ask those questions. Now was the perfect time to get the heck out of Dodge, and the next thing that happened was Francis pulling Keith to his feet, grabbing Eric's jacket sleeve, and bolting toward where he thought was the way out. Out of this fight, out of this walk, out of this Autumn morning fog that had strapped them all into what seemed to be an endless collection of fear and panic that any boy should bear.<a onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BuyCostumes.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2560921-9495071" target="_blank"><img height="60" alt="Halloween Decorations" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2560921-9495071" width="400" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3150619-10495232" target="_top"><img height="60" alt="" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-3150619-10495232" width="400" border="0" /></a><br />"Leave us ALONE!" We didn't do Anything!, stop shooting at US!. The shouting he was doing was about all he could do not to just sit right down and give up. The three of them were a short human chain. The last link Eric, half ran, half faltered the entire run from where there were to where they were. Inside the same fog, in the same grass, and land that they were before they started. Like the forst step on a slippery pond frozen over by the cold, this grass was frosted and stiff and steaming back into the sky. What could have happened to cause these things to happen could not be imagined, all that could be considered was escape. As the three boys humched over in rapid breathes from running like they did, a sound came from aways. "FFFFFFFFFFFFRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNCIS!""FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNCIS!" As familiar as your own skin, that sound signified home and safety. For that sound was not from the field. Not from the cannons and guns. Not from anywhere but from home. The sound of his ma calling from the back step of his house which seemed so close now that she was here.<br /><br /><a onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BuyCostumes.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2560921-10527889" target="_blank"><img height="60" alt="Free Shipping" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2560921-10527889" width="400" border="0" /></a>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-57695764952698388682008-10-16T22:24:00.000-07:002008-10-16T22:30:55.971-07:00The Ultimate Halloween Party<p align="justify">by <a href="http://www.parentdish.com/bloggers/bethany-sanders/">Bethany Sanders</a> Oct 15th 2008 8:00AM<br /><br />As my daughter reminded me this morning, there are only 15 days left until Halloween. Halloween falls on a Friday this year, perfect for trick-or-treating that runs past bedtime, but also a great opportunity to throw a Halloween party.Before you start thinking, A Halloween party? Now I have to entertain in addition to making costumes, baking cupcakes, and buying candy?, consider this. A Halloween party is a great way to enjoy time as a family, spend time with busy friends, or avoid going door-to-door, if trick-or-treating just isn't your thing.A Family PartyA party need not include guests. Instead, send invitations to your kids inviting them to a family Halloween bash, right in your kitchen. Here are some ideas for making this night of family fun more memorable:</p><p align="justify">Come in costume ... the young and the young at heart. Your kids will appreciate your enthusiasm. <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3150624-10550385" target="_top"><br /><img height="60" alt="Costume Craze: HUGE SALE - 60% OFF!" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-3150624-10550385" width="400" border="0" /></a><br />Start with dinner, appropriately gruesome for the holiday -- try <a href="http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/halloween/spaghetti-eyeballs.htm">spaghetti and eyeballs</a>, <a href="http://www.teachervision.fen.com/foods/activity/3314.html">bat wings</a>, and a cauldron full of <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/wormy-ice-cubes-for-witchs-brew-recipe/index.html">witches brew</a>. </p><p align="justify">Now it's time to have fun! Carve a pumpkin and have a seed spitting contest; load the wagon with hay and go on a "hayride"; or have a candy scavenger hunt in your backyard. </p><p align="justify">End the night with an easy craft (<a href="http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/halloween/">try one of these</a>), then curl up in bed with some popcorn to watch a Halloween movie together, like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, or It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!. Or finish of the night with a not-too-scary book for little ones like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Go-Away-Big-Green-Monster/dp/0316236535/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223752627&sr=8-1">Go Away Big Green Monster!</a>.A Bigger BashFeeling up to a bigger party that includes family, friends and/or neighbors? </p><p align="justify">Try some of these ideas:<br /></p><p align="justify">Consider a theme: Think pumpkin carving, monster mash, haunted house, or even fall/harvest.<br />Hold a Best Costume contest, with plenty of categories so that everyone can receive a prize.<br />Keep everyone busy with a game or two. Try <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/games/indoor-outdoor-games/game/famfgam_zombie/famfgam_zombie.html">Zombie Tag</a> or <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/games/indoor-outdoor-games/game/famfgam_spidrelay/famfgam_spidrelay.html">Spider Relays</a>, get them giggling with <a href="http://www.birthdayinabox.com/party-ideas/guidesdetails.asp-aseq-743-bgs-71-dept_id--lk-11851-id-1851">Mummy Wrap</a>, or set up a <a href="http://www.pumpkinnook.com/hween/games.htm#bowl">pumpkin bowling alley</a>. </p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3150624-10590013" target="_top"><img height="60" alt="SpiritHalloween.com" src="http://www.tqlkg.com/image-3150624-10590013" width="400" border="0" /></a><br />Don't forget the creepy cuisine! Kaboose has an excellent list of <a href="http://party.kaboose.com/holidays/halloween/halloween-party.html#Food">simple spooky recipes</a>, while those with a little more experience in the kitchen (and time on their hands) might want to try some of Family Fun's <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/family/feature/dony108creepy/dony108creepy.html">more involved recipes.</a> Remember -- the little touches mean a lot. Freeze water inside plastic gloves, then peel and float these "hands" in your punch bowl. You can also freeze gummy worms in ice cubes for a slimy surprise! </p><p align="justify">Time to wrap it up? Settle everyone down with a craft. Buy mini-pumpkin gourds and supply paints, glitter, and craft supplies for decorating. Older kids might like making <a href="http://jas.familyfun.go.com/crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=12052">a candle-"eye"-bra</a>. Or send everyone home with their own <a href="http://crafts.kaboose.com/yummy-mummy-treat-cups.html">yummy-mummy treat cups.</a> The most important part of your Halloween party should be your child's participation in the process. They can make invitations, plan and put up decorations, gather materials for crafts and games, and help out in the kitchen, all the while building excitement for this spooky night of memory making.</p>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-43332117826871361002008-10-15T17:18:00.001-07:002008-10-15T18:09:05.334-07:00Halloween Online Shopping Guide 2008<span style="color:#cc9933;">Welcome to the Holiday Netter's Halloween Shopping Guide for the weeks leading up to October 31st. Halloween falls on a Friday this year, and now that the time to shop for your spooky goodies is here, you can find what the goody dealer's are saying about online shopping and the Halloween Season right hear at 4Seasons Holiday Reports.<br /><br />For costume dealers, the next two weeks is "Christmas". Ask what they want now that the time is here to shop, the Halloween industry is rolling out the best deals right now because they want you to get what you need for less. <p><span style="color:#ffcc33;">Spirit Halloween Offers a BOGO 1/2 OFF sale now!</span></p><p><span style="color:#cc9933;"></p><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3150619-10495232" target="_top"><img height="60" alt="" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-3150619-10495232" width="400" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We all know that the economy sucks. Hopefully you've been able to say that in time everything will be better. The holidays give us something to celebrate when we can't find much to celebrate over. People will always enjoy a great time even when times are tough, so this year's holdiays may just be the pick-up we all need right now.<br /><br />What we list here is the lastest deals from one of our partners in holiday spirit. Use these coupons and discounts right now to make the most of your holiday budget by using the recommended links pages. <em>The Holiday Netter<br /></em><br />As sales continue to ramp upwards...remember the following Tips and Dates. Tips: - 10% off plus FREE SHIPPING We are Guaranteeing Halloween Delivery! Recommended shipping options: Standard, Express and Premium - Stay tuned to shipping<br /></span><br /><a onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BuyCostumes.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2560921-10527889" target="_blank"><img height="60" alt="Free Shipping" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2560921-10527889" width="400" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#996633;">EXTENDED Free Shipping on orders over $65 - thru October 20, 2008 *Merchandise total of $65 must be after any coupons have been applied and does not include shipping, handling, taxes or duty charges. No coupon code needed. Offer is good through October 20, 2008 11:59pm CST. </span><br /><br /><a onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BuyCostumes.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2560921-9495071" target="_blank"><img height="60" alt="Halloween Decorations" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2560921-9495071" width="400" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onmouseover="window.status='http://www.BuyCostumes.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;" href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2560921-10577086" target="_blank"><img height="60" alt="Animal Planet Costumes" src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2560921-10577086" width="400" border="0" /></a><br /></span>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-38673694959935880822008-10-12T22:49:00.000-07:002008-10-12T23:36:51.269-07:00Growing Up Halloween Pt. 6<span style="color:#ffcc33;">Lt. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lafleur</span>, French Captain of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Guard</span></span><br /><span style="color:#ffcc33;"></span><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Before the next explosion came, Eric and Francis stood frozen in space. When you become so scared in an instant, the body revolts. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Francis's</span> insides were suddenly outside as if every inch of him were feeling a touch at the same moment. his blood rushed quickly to the surface of any surface, the hair stood up stiff from the root. Terror is something that is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">prolonged</span>, but what <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">occurred</span> right after the first report was instantaneous fear, which <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">gripped</span> each friend for an instant in time making them unable to respond physically. The explosion was more than just a sound. A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">violent</span> shake of the ground seemed to happen as the shock wave that was created caused the boys to fall to the ground. The fog that contained everything pushed and fell back into place as the shock pulsed through it. The fog which was so nice to look through just minutes...or hours before, had become solid and thick with the smell of sulphur. </span></div><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#ffcc33;"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">KA</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">BOOOOM</span>..BA-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">BOOOM</span>, two more extremely loud reports went off from the opposite side of the field, and now in between, there were men yelling. Yelling at each other in anger. From the small theater that was the fog, these voices made the fog huge. from over a distance now could be heard more explosions and yelling a sound of what neither b<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">oy</span> could relate to, but it was here, all around them. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3150624-10366865" target="_top"><br /><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-3150624-10366865" width="400" height="60" alt="Your House Haunting Headquarters" border="0"/></a><br /><br />"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTHHHHH</span>!!!!!!" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">KEEEEEEEEEEEEEITH</span>!!" Eric began to call for his brother now in earnest. This boy had had enough, and his "scared" turned to terror. As if a realization had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">occurred</span>, and the youngest friend had concluded on his own that it was his time to get things back to normal. Normal as far as he could make it, and the next best thing was to have his older brother around to take charge of the situation. For Eric trusted Keith to get them both out of any situation. Blood is thicker than water we always said.. Francis agreed inside with Eric too. It would be better to have three instead of two. When Eric stopped calling, Francis would start. They picked themselves up off the ground and made way toward what they thought was the far side of the field. If Keith had kept walking before everything went crazy, he could have made it to the sand pit and be waiting there for them. </span></span><br /><span style="color:#ffcc33;"><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#ffcc33;"><span style="color:#ff6600;">What they wanted to do was walk, but now a regular beat of explosions had begun, and they were left to crawling on all fours as each explosion shook the Earth and air around them. They had gone about half-way to the pits when Eric found Keith. "Francis!!" "KEITH'S HURT!! Just because Eric found Keith first and was only a couple of feet ahead, was proof that the fog was still around. More smoke than fog maybe, the scent remained to burn the nostrils with each breathe, you could see the smoke when you exhaled, and as Francis got closer to Keith's face, he could see that his friend was blowing the same smoke out his mouth and nose. He could have been asleep. He could be faking. He could have fainted. But no, Francis could see that there was a patch of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">blond</span> hair above his temple that was wet and red. What could have been a great way to end this whole event had become an even worse <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">occurrence</span>. More and more Francis felt like inside his head was been spun like a machine. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Inside</span> moving so fast while outside so slow. He felt like this on long car rides and tall building, but he felt like that now. Once again an instant scared feeling secured him to the spot. When the moment passed scared turned to fright, and then to determination because that's what you do when you have nothing else to</span> </span><span style="color:#ff6600;">do but cry.<br /></span><span style="color:#ffcc33;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcc33;"></span>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-2848974630784272102008-10-07T07:08:00.000-07:002008-10-07T07:22:59.269-07:00If you buy a costume online in 2008...Many Americans are looking forwards to a little celebrating this Halloween. With all the turmoil we face in these times of new presidential candidates, and financial downturn, this Halloween is going to be one of the best ways to shake off the bad JuJu we are facing in the "real world".<br /><br />If you are looking at buying a <a href="http://www.powerfitz.com/fall.htm">Halloween Costume Online</a> you should know when you have run out of time for getting that perfect Halloween Costume shipped to your home from the online retailers and shops.<br /><br />As of October 7th, 2008 9:12AM, this was reported from <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2560921-10590890">Spirit Halloween</a><br /><br />Halloween is fast approaching! For guaranteed delivery by Halloween (10/31) orders need to be placed by 12PM (noon) EST on these dates:<br /><br />10/20 via Ground Shipping<br />10/27 via 3 Day shipping<br />10/29 via Overnight Shipping<br /><br />Halloween is less than a month away so now's the time to get the best Halloween Costume to enjoy the festive spirit of the season!<br /><br />AND.... Remember that Halloween falls on a Friday this year. The chance to get some fun in before returning to the "real world" is fast approaching. Don't let another minute go by without knowing you are getting a great costume to share the best part of Halloween. Fun and Fright can be had all around the Country, but it comes and goes fast. Get in on the fun and get a costume to enhance your fun this Halloween.Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4319611356980239523.post-81260068789448394302008-10-07T05:41:00.001-07:002008-10-07T05:44:59.068-07:00Great Halloween Sales for 2008 "October 7th"<p>Thanks for asking. We have received a very large amount of replies to our ad posted just a while ago.. I will be creating something for anyone who asks, but right now I am putting the requests in order and dealing with each one individually. Look for our email, and reply quickly once received.I am unable to guarantee that the 15 costumes will not go fast. If you do not get a chance to buy one, I have put some clearance links below for you to look through while I get your list together. Thanks..</p><p><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3150619-10550385%22%20target=%22_top">Costume Craze 60% Off clearance</a></p><p><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-3150619-10437026">Shindigz Clearance (click on the clearance tab)</a></p><p><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3150619-10591269%22%20target=%22_top">Spirit Halloween Clearances</a></p><p><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3150619-10485381%22%20target=%22_top">Halloween Costumes 4 U</a></p><p><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3150619-10496313%22%20target=%22_top">Extreme Halloween Network</a></p><p> </p>Francis Damian Walshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202285789678563178noreply@blogger.com0