Twelve Favorite Photos And Instagram’s Best Nine

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Mama

Today I’m sharing another year-end wrap up (yes, I’m milking 2016 for all it’s worth), but this has to be one of my favorites because it’s all about photography (just a little hobby of mine). If you are an Instagram user, you probably have seen several collages running across your feed with the hashtag #2016bestnine. I immediately thought the concept was super cool, but the idea of calculating the number of visits to every Instagram photo sounded completely exhausting (and more than slightly insane). Luckily I discovered a simple website (this may be old news to most of you) that will calculate your top nine Instagram photos of 2016 and instantly create a collage that can be shared across social media. Here is the collage created for Small Talk Mama:

The concept is really fun, and super easy to produce, but there’s only one thing wrong with the product — many of my personal favorites don’t appear in the list and the latest photos posted are still receiving likes well into the new year. So instead of settling for some simple statistically created collage, I’ve decided to take matters into my hands and share my top twelve personal favorite photos from the past year (in no certain order). If you enjoy the show, you should follow Small Talk Mama on Instagram!

#kansascityzoo #lightinspired

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Mar 25, 2016 at 12:49pm PDT

A little fun at #unionstationkc

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on May 26, 2016 at 9:09pm PDT

Pure joy! His first time at the beach. #daytonabeach

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Jun 30, 2016 at 7:32pm PDT

Since the boat was hooked up, Rob went fishing again this morning… And he is glad he did! #mdc #missourifishing #iphone6

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Jul 17, 2016 at 6:21am PDT

My Naked Ladies finally bloomed #flowers

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Aug 10, 2016 at 7:38pm PDT

My cardinal pic won a #blueribbon at the #plattecountyfair

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Aug 20, 2016 at 7:18pm PDT

Jellyfish from our recent visit to the #omahazoo

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Sep 22, 2016 at 7:00pm PDT

Puddle Jumping at #westonredbarnfarm

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Oct 11, 2016 at 4:34am PDT

Visited the historic steam train during its stop at #unionstationkansascity #unionpacific844 Very cool!

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Oct 31, 2016 at 2:39pm PDT

Our #jackolantern 2016. Our son designed it and we cut it. Love that big grin.

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Nov 11, 2016 at 8:03pm PST

Our Lego advent snowplow saw some real action today, courtesy of my little man. #legoadvent

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Dec 7, 2016 at 3:58pm PST

On the outside looking in… #christmashome #christmasdecor

A photo posted by Small Talk Mama (@smalltalkmama) on Dec 17, 2016 at 7:13pm PST

Posted at Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop

Read the Bible or Bust: My Goal for the New Year

Posted on January 4, 2017January 4, 2017 by Mama

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As the new year begins in earnest and we slowly come out of our evergreen scented, tinsel induced, confetti colored comas, most of us face the days ahead with a renewed hope and rosy glasses. These are the days that lead us to dream big, reinvent our ways and desire to take the world by storm (to some a rain shower, to others a tornado. . . but a storm nonetheless). We set goals, refine wishes and claim more resolutions than an invisible jet and really cool cuffs could ever hope to deliver in a mere 365 days (make that 361 if you’re counting), but at least we aspire.

Since I’m part of this crazy collective of which I speak, I decided to set a few goals of my own. One being the huge task of reading through the entire Bible. I completed this undertaking once before several years ago, but I’m always so amazed at how often I can find something new, interesting and almost foreign in this enthralling book. . . and I’ve been reading this thing, well, since I could read.

So as the new year begins, so does my resolve to read the Bible. This time I’m going to attempt (and believe me, my success to failure ratio is not very impressive) to read it chronologically instead of the order in which it is printed. I currently use a New King James version of the Bible, so that’s what I’ll be reading and I’ve created a fun little chart to help me track my progress. I figure if I only make it halfway (or only into February), it’s still a worthwhile task that will enrich my life and lift my soul. If you would like to join me on this venture, please feel free to download and print the chart below. I would love to hear about your progress and insight along the way. Happy New Year and Happy New You!

Read The Bible in a Year – A Chronological Approach (pdf)

photo credit: Charlie.Wales A King’s Circle via photopin (license)

My Five Favorite Cards From 2016

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Mama

As is tradition at the turn of the year, I took a look through all my creative card posts from the past year and I sadly discovered one big thing. . . I wasn’t anywhere nearly crafty enough! Yowzers, I barely had enough cards to create a five favorite cards list so I’m guessing that will be added to my 2017 resolutions — “Be more crafty.” Okay, duly noted (and what a burden this goal will be), but in the meantime I hope you enjoy a quick review of 2016’s crafty little cards.

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