Six Word Saturday - Usher it out

Good Riddance to a Bad Year!

or

Let's Hope next year is better!

or

I'm going to enjoy my weekend!

  

Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, go to Show My Face. and Cate explains it all....feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing.

Friday Four Fill In - last Friday for 2011

Four Fill-In Fun Blog Hop

 This is the deal: Hilary at Feeling Beachie is the host of this Hop.

Each week, she lists four statements with a blank for us to fill in on our own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own check out her site. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop!This week’s co-host is Irene from Me, Myself and I (she came up with the last two statements)

This week's statements:

1. Lately, I have been feeling  a little___________

2. I am usually a ­­­­______

3. ________________________is always the best feeling at the end of the day

4. _________________________is the first thing I do in the morning

My answers:

1. Lately, I have been feeling  a little_sad because this is really this is the first time I have been alone at the holidays__________

2. I am usually an optimist and can find the silver lining in EVERY situation ­­­­______

3. _Crawling into bed is always the best feeling at the end of the day

4. I say good morning to Muttley_is the first thing I do in the morning


I am not adding the linky to this hop...but I am adding this:

I do NOT have any idea when I joined this hop but I have met some amazing people along the way --- and I would not have been able to do that without the assistance of Hilary. . . . so Ms. Beachie.... this is for you... MUAH!!!!!

Pondering with a Purpose - Superstitions

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose -

 This is my weekly hop where I post a prompt and you get to write to it on your blog - come back here and add it to my linky and then we all get to go read what you wrote!

I started Pondering with a Purpose because -- simply put -- I am a writer - - that is what I do (I just can't help myself)! And although I love following all the hops, I wanted to see if I could bring out some creativity in not only myself, but some of my blogger friends as well.

The rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in my sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Come back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list below.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

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As the whole world gets ready to leave 2011 behind and begin 2012 and I hop around to all of my friends' blogs I can't help but notice that a lot of people are reflecting on the past year while many others are debating the merits of resolutions - to make, break or simply forsake. So I've decided that this weeks pondering prompt is going to be:

Superstitions

Now all of us have heard the superstition that 2012 is the end. But where did that one come from? I've heard it came from the Mayan calendar and that is because that is the Mayan calendar ends in 2012. There just is no more calendar after that - so who says that means it's over?
I've also heard that Nostradamus predicted that 2012 will be the end of the world as we know it. Well --- AMEN to that brother - because I for one can certainly do with a new world --- how about you?  anyone out there having a great time in the world the way it is today?  Bring on a new one in 2012 ----

My grandmother would not sit at a table where 13 people were seated - She refused. She would either demand that there be two separate tables - or that someone not eat - or another person be invited. That might prove to be a bit difficult at the last minute if you only have 13 people over don't you think? She swore that that if you sat at a table with 13 people there would be a death in the family.  - - - Personally I've done it numerous times - nothing's ever happened.

Here's another quirky one - same grandmother - - - if you pass the salt - you MUST put it down on the table before the other person can use it. Don't remember the reasoning behind that one - anyone ever heard of it before? But whatever you do, don't just hand it to someone!

And then of course - never name your child after someone who died a horrible death --- SO you realize that leaves out virtually EVERY single name on the face of the name book - no wonder people are making us such strange names these days!

PLEASE either add your superstitions to the comments or --- better yet --- write a post and add it to the linky!

Whatever you do - - I hope you all have a Happy New Year! And thanks for pondering along. . . . .

Tuesday's Spotlight - Tuesday's Spotlight

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I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of my guests from this past year. They have all touched me in one way or another.... and hopefully .... you have all gained new insight into a new blogger. If for some reason you missed a spotlight or two throughout the year (and I only started this segment late in May...) please feel free to browse though...

I am taking suggestions if you would like to see anyone spotlighted in the coming weeks/months - simply send me an email and I'd be happy to consider anyone!

Again....here are the list of the spotlighted guests from the Tuesday's adventures:
Gale at Such Fun to Give

Marsha at Marsha's Spot
Ruthi aka abitosunshine
Scather at Scathing Weekly
Alison at Alison can Read
Cathy at I'm a Reader not a Writer
Nat at Reading Romances
Elizabeth at Silvers Reviews
Mary Ann at Tribute Books Mama
McGuffy Ann at McGuffy's Reader
Hilary at Feeling Beachie
Jade at Sort of Beautiful
Alexis at Reflections of a Bookaholic
Patty at Books, Thoughts and a Few Adventures
Donna at House on the Corner
Yvonne at Socrates Book Review
Elizabeth at Vampyre Kisses
Linda at The Laughing Housewife
Rory/Les at Time Out For Mom
Ticklebear

Cate at Show My Face
Cathy Kennedy
Vivienne at Vin In France
Betty at A Corgi In So Cal
Fi at Inspiration to Dream
Joseph at Josephs Real World
Cynthia at Wytching World
Tami at Empty Nest in Il
Jennifer at Just Another Day
Carole at Half over Just Begun

Happy New Year's all.......

Monday's Musings - After Christmas

SOOO..... How was your holiday?
Mine?  I cannot complain... (well everyone can complain) - - -
I had Friday off of work and decided that I would start my weekend early.... I took Mutlley for a very long, much needed walk - (I needed the walk too!) and that was after Michelle and I spoke on the phone for quite a while.
Saturday morning I awoke to record breaking cold and headed downtown to feed my friends. Unfortunately we ran out of food - again - That seems to be happening on a more regular basis. . . but we will get through this - just have to make more sandwiches I guess. As it is we make 900 - guess we have to kick it up a notch! But my favorite part has to be the smiles on the faces of the regulars when we come by. I know that I have said this before, but this is such a large part of my life - - OH - I had a conversation with two people in a gas station on Friday as I was filling with gas - they were both asking for spare change - which of course I didn't have. And as we were talking about how bitterly cold it was and how hard the times were I happened to mention - "Now how many people pretend you don't even exist?" And do you know what this woman said to me?  "The worst part is when people pretend we are invisible!"  If you have nothing to give - give a smile... at least they deserve the respect of being human.
When I returned home I decided to descend into the world of baking! I was going to make the gingerbread house found on Rory's Coffee Chat from last Tuesday, but decided that I would rather make gingerbread men instead. BUT then I realized that I no longer had a rolling pin - or the cookie cutters and had to brave a shopping trip - on Christmas Eve day - (are you serious?) I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought a set of Holiday cookie cutters.
The cookies are great and I even sent messages to Michelle.... via the cookie express:

and then on Christmas Day.... I sent her another one!

because she is right where she is supposed to be..... next to her man... even if he is a gingerbread man!






So now that all of the cookies are done and the celebrating is over....
How was your weekend?

Six Word Saturday - Twas the Night Before Christmas

I am making Gingerbread Men Cookies

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Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, go to Show My Face. and Cate explains it all....feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing.

Friday Four Fill In - Twas the night before the night before

Four Fill-In Fun Blog Hop

 This is the deal: Hilary at Feeling Beachie is the host of this Hop.

Each week, she lists four statements with a blank for us to fill in on our own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own check out her site. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop!This week’s co-host is ME! (I came up with the last two statements)


This week’s statements:

1. I have a love hate relationship with_____

2. I have been buying a lot of ___ lately

3. If I hear _____________ anymore I swear I will _________________

4. Whenever I see_____ makes me ____________ and then I ____________

My Answers:

1. I have a love hate relationship with chocolate... I love it...then I hate it... then I love it... then I hate it

2. I have been buying a lot of _sweaters__ lately. I noticed that all the ones I had were stretched out and I wanted to get new ones!

3. If I hear anyone else tell me that Michelle knew what she was getting into anymore I swear I will haul off and deck them....I don't care anymore.... I didn't marry the army. I miss my daughter!

4. Whenever I see babies laugh and carry on it makes me _wish my kids were young again and then I feel guilty for all the times I could have been nicer to them.


Here is the linky in case you would like to join along!

Pondering with a Purpose - The Winter Solstice - 2011

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose -

 This is my weekly hop where I post a prompt and you get to write to it on your blog - come back here and add it to my linky and then we all get to go read what you wrote!

I started Pondering with a Purpose because -- simply put -- I am a writer - - that is what I do (I just can't help myself)! And although I love following all the hops, I wanted to see if I could bring out some creativity in not only myself, but some of my blogger friends as well.

The rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in my sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Come back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list below.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

This week's prompt:   Winter Solstice
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 I can't help but recall so many stories of nights that were long and days that were short; especially considering that the Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year. I love this time of the year. I don't know why, perhaps it's because it was the time when I got to spend more time with my kids - they had vacations from school and I knew that they would be home more. Or maybe it is because it is colder outside and because of that I always know that the kitchen is the place that people tend to congregate. I suppose if I lived somewhere that snowed, or where there were blizzards or floods I wouldn't be so inclined to love this time of year, but being a native of Southern California and the most inconvenient thing we have to deal with is rain I have learned to leave extra time for traffic and put on a hood. I like wearing boots and sweaters and don't think I'd be too inclined to shoveling a driveway.

As I sit here and type this post up I do have to admit that I am somewhat of a wimp... the fireplace is lit, I'm wrapped up under a blanket and my laptop is on my lap... and it's only 45 degrees outside... and then I read RoryBore's post and it is minus degrees where she lives!

Now.... one of my favorite stories of the short days has to be when my kids were little and they did not know how to tell time.... you see it gets dark right around 5:00 .... so bedtime ended up being 6:30.... They didn't catch on until they were about 9 or 10.  Being a single mom was pretty tough and I used any trick I could come up with! Looking back on it now I wonder what tricks they're going to use on their kids? Or worse.... what tricks they're going to come back and use on me when I can't even remember?

So... how about you? Any stories of winter's gone by you'd like to share?
Write a post and link on up.... We'd love to read all about it!

Wordless Wednesday - Family Portrait?

See any resemblance . . .

Tuesday's Spotlight - Half Over Just Begun

It's Tuesday and I have happy feet - - (I have to get one of those pictures of Snoopy!)
I have SO much fun getting to know new people and then getting to introduce new people to other people...
BUT this week.... well.... just wait until you read all about Carole . . . or is she really Carole???
Anyway.... I met Carole when I joined Leah for her month of giving Thanks and I really (and I mean really!) Liked everything Carole had to say on her blog - maybe it's because she vented and I thought she was real . . . or maybe it's because she commented on my blogs and I felt like she 'got' it.  .  .   .
... or maybe it's just because there are just certain people out there that are meant to be friends and you hit it off with right at the beginning . . . BUT then after reading the spotlight . . . who knows?

Well you read it and judge for yourself. . . either way it is my pleasure to introduce you to Carole from Half Over Just Begun


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How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging on and off for the past five years. 

How did you come up with the name of your blog?

I started this blog just before my 45th birthday.  I figure if I live to be 90, my life is half over and yet just beginning the second half.

What do you normally blog about?

This is my 'secret' blog.  It's where I can be myself without having to worry about who reads it.  I have even changed my name to keep my anonymity.  But even though my name has been changed to protect the innocent, I am very real.  So if I'm venting... I'm venting without worrying about who is going to read the blog.  If I want to post about an activity, I can do so without discrimination.  If I want to be silly... I can be silly.  I do have a public blog, but the two are not connected.

How often do you post?

I post whenever I feel led to write something down.  Sometimes it might be daily... other times weekly.   

What do you like the most about blogging?

The community of bloggers  is what I like most about blogging.  It's been fun to connect with some new 'virtual' friends.  I also like the freedom to be myself without having to maintain certain standards that people expect from me.  I also enjoy writing and so this gives me a venue to express my opinions.

The least?

This comment pertains more to my public blog... but I HATE stalkers.  I hate it when I run into people who never comment on my blog but they feel free to comment in person about all the things I've posted.  I feel so..... transparent... almost naked... when that happens.  I don't feel that way with my private blog because I don't run into any of my 'virtual' friends in public places. 

What attracts you to other bloggers?

Comments.  You gotta comment, people!  Commenting is what builds the 'virtual community'.  If you don't comment on my blog, it's not likely I will be back to visit your blog.

What made you want to start a blog?

I wanted a place where I could write whatever was on my heart without certain people reading it.  My cousin convinced me to start a private 'secret' blog to which only she is privy.  

Do you have any advice for anyone just starting out?

Keep it simple.  Keep it real.  Keep it short.  Blogs with lots of pictures slow down my computer which tends to  irritate me.  I only tolerate it for a few special people.  Long blog posts bore me.  I check out after a few paragraphs if the author doesn't get to the point quickly.  I'm a busy person and I want to get through my blogroll quickly.  I don't care to spend too much time on any one blog.  Write something to capture my attention... and then keep my attention. 

 Anything you would like to add?

Yes.  I'd like to thank Brenda for the opportunity to be a guest on her Tuesday's Spotlight.  I feel very honored to have been selected.  Thanks, Brenda!

Monday's Musings - Let it Rain

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Two weeks ago a new person appeared around the corner from the Staples Center. That is not really that unusual. He was standing in the middle of the road, wearing a nice blazer and had a red solo cup in his hand asking for money from the cars as they stopped at the red light. We asked him if he wanted food and he gladly accepted. Last week he was there again and recognized us. Gone was the blazer and in its' place was a sweatshirt. His beard had grown and he looked a bit scruffier. His solo cup had been replaced and gone was a bit of his swagger. Last week it was bitter cold and I asked this person his name. He was Jack. I also offered him a tarp - he took two. I offered him a blanket he thanked me - "darlin'". I also had some shirts, socks and and extra sweatshirt for him.  I got an extra 'darlin' for that one. Now Jack could not have been more than thirty - probably not past twenty seven. I asked him how long he'd been out there and he said three months - but I doubted it. When we went out Saturday - No Jack. That is the way of the street - sometimes they make it and sometimes they don't --- but - there are always those random few that manage to wriggle their way into my psyche and make me want to put an end to this madness... and then of course I realize there are thousands of Jacks... and Ricos (see the post from October 3) and that is why I do this! The oddest part about Saturday morning was that on my way downtown I stopped at the library and dropped off my books and right by the drop box were 3 men sleeping. All the way along the drive I was trying to figure out how I could provide food for these men on a regular basis on my way to work each morning. I asked Brother Ben what was wrong with me and he said - "You want to save the world."

Sunday I Skyped with Michelle for well over an hour as her husband ended up working 'extra' duty and she finds herself with lots of extra time on her hands. She is trying to make the best of a not great situation. As we talked I realize what a phenomenal woman my daughter has turned out to be and how extremely lucky I am to know her. 

So on a stranger note --- I found out that a family member has terminal brain cancer and rather than hearing -- "I'm sorry" - I want you to hold those near and dear to you close and realize that this is really a chance to get to tell someone how you feel about them before it is too late. It is a rare opportunity - something many people do not get. I never had the opportunity to say good-bye to my father - there are many things left unsaid.  Hold those you love close and let them know how you feel!

I hope your week is filled with everything you hope for!

How was your weekend?

Six Word Saturday - Winter's Here!

I Love this cold rainy weather!

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The dog's not loving it too much...but it is my favorite time of year!

Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, go to Show My Face. and Cate explains it all....feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing.

Friday Four Fill In - 3rd Friday in December

Four Fill-In Fun Blog Hop

 This is the deal: Hilary at Feeling Beachie is the host of this Hop.

Each week, she lists four statements with a blank for us to fill in on our own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own check out her site. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop!This week’s co-host is Jen from What would Jen Do (she came up with the last two statements)

This Weeks Statements:

1.       ____ is my ideal winter night.

2.       I don’t remember the last time I ___ but, I really want to.

3.       I will never turn down __________

4.      To save money I like to ____________

My Answers:

1.       Rainy, windy, stormy wet nights  are my ideal winter night. as long as everyone I love is safe and sound!

2.       I don’t remember the last time I went on a pleasure vacation___ but, I really want to.

3.       I will never turn down sushi! (or a free massage!)

4.      To save money I like to shop at the 99 cent store and eat at home____________

Pondering with a Purpose - Close Calls

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose -

 This is my weekly hop where I post a prompt and you get to write to it on your blog - come back here and add it to my linky and then we all get to go read what you wrote!

I started Pondering with a Purpose because -- simply put -- I am a writer - - that is what I do (I just can't help myself)! And although I love following all the hops, I wanted to see if I could bring out some creativity in not only myself, but some of my blogger friends as well.

The rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in my sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Come back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list below.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

Today a tanker truck exploded on one of the busiest freeways in Los Angeles. To see the news report you can go Here.
I decided after this happened that this week's prompt was going to be:


Close Calls

I want you to write a post and then link on up telling about a close call you or someone you know might have had.

When I was eighteen years old I was a camp counselor in the Sequoia mountains and for my weekend off I took a bunch of my friends and we went into Fresno for the night. I was driving a Dodge Colt. We we driving a mountain road and we were following behind a truck. Of course I was eighteen and thought absolutely nothing would ever happen to any of us. All a sudden the truck lost his tire and it came flying right at us - or should I say - ME! 
I am sure the whole thing took less than ten seconds to occur but it felt like an eternity and when it was over I was shaking. No one else really knew what happened as I was the driver and they were not really paying attention. All they knew was that the truck broke down, I swerved and they were inconvenienced.
One minute we're driving along.... happy as can be... and the next minute a tire is flying right at us.  Luckily it missed us. 
To this day I cannot drive on a mountain road without freaking out. And I rarely drive behind trucks. NOW - think about that when you drive next time... I live in Los Angeles! Trucks are everywhere! One instant on a  mountain road in the summer of 1978 has changed the way I drive... interesting --- hmmmm. I hadn't really thought about that in a very long time... Guess pondering really does work!


I think I would like to take this moment to say: Stop, look around and be thankful for everything you have, because in one moment it could be gone - just like that - close calls are all around us. We just never know what is around that next corner!

Write a post and add it to the linky below!
Happy pondering..... 

Tuesday's Spotlight - Just another Day

Buy This at Allposters.comI feel like I should be doing the Snoopy dance here now that it is Tuesday and I get to turn the spotlight on someone - one of my favorite things to do: Introduce one of my favorite people to others of my favorite people (can you picture my feet moving?) So this week we're going to South Carolina to visit with Jen from Just Another Day.  She and I crossed paths several months ago and seemed to continue the correspondence game up, unlike other bloggers that come and go. Then she has the audacity to bestow this funky inspiration award on me ... lol! Well.... turn about is fair play.... and now it is her time to shine in the light! Please welcome to Tuesday's Spotlight . . my friend Jennifer:

How long have you been blogging?

I just celebrated my one year blogiversary!

How did you come up with the name of your blog?

Because my blog is "just another day" in the life of me!

What do you  normally write about?

I've noticed that many of my posts are about movies, I watch too much TV.  Mostly it is about things I like, things I do, and things I'd like to do.

How many hours a day/week do you spend blogging?

I would say that under normal circumstances I probably spend about 3-5 hours a week blogging.  I have been slacking a bit lately though because work and school have been hectic lately.

What is your favorite part about blogging?

I love that my blog is an outlet.  I can just ramble endlessly about my days and random things.  I also love that I have met some really neat people! When I started blogging I didn't anticipate making friends, and I have, so that's a huge bonus!

Your least favorite part?

Negative comments.  Fortunately I have not had any negative comments, but I have seen some on other blogs and it's just unfortunate.  I know that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that is what the blog world is all about, I get that, but sometimes people can be very hurtful and it's sad.

Have you ever really wished you could do something on your blog and just not been able to do it?

I would love to be able to reply directly to comments.  I've seen a few different platforms for this but haven't had the opportunity to test any out or get feedback from users.

What makes you keep going back to some blogs and not others?

The content and the people behind them.  Those are the two things that attract me in the first place.

Do you think having a lot of followers is important?

I appreciate all 34 of my known followers.  I feel like I write better, or at least try to, because they are there.  And I feel like I owe them a good post every now and then at the very least.  But, I would probably still be rambling even if I didn't have followers because I like to talk.  :)  To really answer the question, I think followers are important, but whether you have 5 or 5000 isn't as relevant.

Have you ever written something and then regretted it?

Not really.  I try to put a lot of thought in my posts.  Sometimes I go back to edit to correct grammar or spelling if I catch it, but I don't think I've regretted anything I've posted.  If my post is a real long ramble, I try to read it over and over again to make sure I'm not being offensive, not because I don't feel I can express myself freely, but rather because I care about my readers.

Anything you would like to add?

I want to thank Brenda for featuring me here! I also want to say hello to anyone who is reading, and welcome and thank you to anyone who chooses to stop by Just Another Day and follow!

Monday's Musings - A Pair of twelves

Happy middle of December --- Are you ready for the holidays?
I've been watching all the postings on Facebook about Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas and I have to say that I am just reading and chuckling... I find it rather amusing . . . considering the fact that I always found the entire season a bit too commercial for my taste and especially now... considering how bad off most of the world is the fact that there are huge displays of debauchery - anywhere - to me is completely ridiculous - I don't care what religious order you belong to .... OOPS --- sorry - off my soap box... that is not at all what I was going to muse about today!

I had such a great day on Saturday as a troop of Girl scouts joined us . . how much fun was that ??? And a group of kids from a Jesuit high school was there - they are required to put in community service hours -
SO to say the least it was a state of controlled pandemonium trying to accomplish the tasks at hand and allow these children to soak the breadth of the severity of the situation (for those of you new to this blog . . . I feed the homeless on Saturdays)..... so it just added a bit more hecticness to an already hectic week...



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Sunday I caught up on a lot of household chores that needed tending to and spent a bit of time talking to my daughter, who unfortunately will not be coming home for the holidays even though they have already bought their tickets and have been planning the trip for weeks. To say she is disappointed is an understatement. The pain of parenting never seems to get any easier as I have absolutely NO words of comfort for her . . . and now I am scrounging around trying to figure out how to help her make a holiday for herself in a foreign land. I get so tired of people telling me she chose this life... honestly --- I don't care... she's 19 and I miss her! OOPS - sorry - (not really :)


SOOO ---- that was my weekend.... how was yours?

Six Word Saturday - Sad News

They Won't Be Here as Planned

Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, go to Show My Face. and Cate explains it all....feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing.

Follow Four Fill In - Holy Cow it's the second week in December!

Four Fill-In Fun Blog Hop

 This is the deal: Hilary at Feeling Beachie is the host of this Hop.

Each week, she lists four statements with a blank for us to fill in on our own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own check out her site. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop!This week’s co-host is Tami from Empty Nest in Illinois (she came up with the last two statements)

This week’s statements:

1. When I ___ I feel that ___ paid off

2. I just realized that____

3. My _______ come from _______.

4. If I had _____, I would ______.

My answers:

1. When I write I feel that all those hours and hours and hours of loneliness paid off

2. I just realized that I talk to myself a LOT!

3. My independence come from knowing that everyone else doesn't really care!_______.

4. If I had a kazillion bucks I would _quit working and volunteer full time (when I wasn't writing). I would also try to figure out how to end this homeless problem we seem to have in this country!___.

Pondering with a Purpose - Pondering

Welcome to Pondering with a Purpose -

 This is my weekly hop where I post a prompt and you get to write to it on your blog - come back here and add it to my linky and then we all get to go read what you wrote!

I started Pondering with a Purpose because -- simply put -- I am a writer - - that is what I do (I just can't help myself)! And although I love following all the hops, I wanted to see if I could bring out some creativity in not only myself, but some of my blogger friends as well.

The rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in my sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Come back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list below.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

This week's Prompt:  Pondering

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So, I have been doing a LOT of thinking for the past week... and I was wondering - well actually pondering ... if that is okay.
You see, I have now been at a new job for 7 days and I am having such a great time 
- It is Challenging
- I am meeting new people - albeit after this project I will never see them again
- It is Challenging
- I am Really busy
- I am learning new things
- It is Challenging
BUT it is a LOT of driving
and I am really tired - but I think that has to do with adjusting to a new schedule....
And then I get home at the end of the day and I really don't feel like turning on a computer - forget writing - - - and I wonder what the heck I just did to myself...Here I had the perfect set up - a job that allowed me to do the things I love to do -- but I was miserable all day long. 
So as I pondered I realized that sometimes it is okay to shake things up a bit - because after all I am really and truly a firm believer in all things happen for a reason and this too happened for a reason.


So - please write a post and let me know what you are pondering.

Wordless Wednesday - Hello!

Tuesday's Spotlight - Time out for Mom - Take 2

This is actually a repost - I posted this interview with my friend Leslie back in September - but today she has done me a great honor and has asked me to be her guest blogger on her Coffee Chat.  
December she is using the theme of Giving and asked me to talk about my work with the homeless.

I think I feel in love with Leslie the first time I saw her blog and she commented on mine....and I'm not even sure how long ago that was. It took me a really long time to get up the nerve to ask her to be a guest on the Tuesday's Spotlight.  You know how some bloggers just seem to have their stuff together? Leslie is one of those bloggers! When I grow up I want to be Leslie! You really need to check out Time Out For Mom. The site is beautiful...her posts are amazing...and I don't think I've ever left her site without a smile on my face!

Since this interview first posted she and I have actually gotten to know each other better and she is an AWESOME writer! She helped me create my new button that matches my new header! And the more I get to know her the more I really do want to be just like her. (Isn't it funny how we admire people from afar?)

To top things off....this interview will just make you like her more.

I have one question: Leslie --- were you voted most likely to succeed????

It is with a great deal of pleasure that I turn the spotlight on my friend RoryBore aka Leslie from Time out for Mom:

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How long have you been blogging?

My first post was March 2009.   I had no clue what I was doing.  Absolutely  everything I did was based on learning as I go.   Except, I could write.  That  was all I knew.   I just recently passed 300 posts!   There’ll be no living with  those that say I have the gift for gab now.

How did you come up with the name of your blog?

After my second child, I decided to take an extended absence from work and  be a Stay at Home Mom.   I didn’t necessarily think it would be easy, but I also  wasn’t quite prepared for exactly how hard it could be some days.   The  isolation and loneliness:  just wanting to have 10 minutes of adult  conversation; 10 minutes of time to yourself:  it was overwhelming.   I  discovered mommy blogs through social networking sites and suddenly didn’t feel  so alone!  I soon discovered the most difficult aspect of staying at home (with  #3 now on the way), was that I was losing ME.   And I needed to  rediscover that lost person Fast!   I longed to be a whole person.  And  the best way I could think to do that, was to start taking some time for me.  To  have something – just for me.   And I had always loved to write.   Of course, my  kids didn’t like losing me to something else and my frustrated daughter declared  with a stamped foot one day; “Bad mommy! You go to your room!”  Really?   Let’s  see...I base time outs on 1 minute per age of the child, so let’s   see.....”Right....see you in 37 minutes!”   And thus, Time Out for Mom  was born.

Do you have more than one blog?

Not currently.  I would love to have a gardening blog,  however:  a) I live  in Canada, thus for half the year the posts would be about inches of snow  received and the number of times I had shovelled my driveway, and b) maintaining  a 2nd blog about gardening would probably take away the time I actually have to  spend in my real garden.   It’s my Zen.

What do you normally write about on your blog?

I consider it a “peek into our lives”: warts and all.   My children  obviously provide much blog fodder.   Often my poor husband, my “Left Brain”  will be an unwilling guest.   Mostly, I loved the image of women chatting over  coffee; just random topics, thoughts, and tips that would arise from such  fellowship.   I very much believe in women raising one another up with  encouragement and love, rather than tearing down our relationships with  judgement, criticisms, or mean spiritedness.   I so appreciate many who have  been so helpful and supportive to me in the blogging community.   I enjoy  participating in some of the hops too – like Hilary at Feeling Beachie’s Friday  fill in, and Mama’s Lounge Tuesday Night Poets.   Hops are great ways to  discover new blogs, and discover more about the current blog authors in your  Reader.

As a Christian, I will also talk openly about my faith.   However, I am  more interested in discussing relationship with God, rather than  Religion.   My blog’s purpose is not to convert anyone, or to judge another’s  faith, but simply share my own spiritual experiences.  If it helps someone,  great! 

How much time do you spend writing?

I am always doing some kind of writing, whether it is blogging, poetry, or  a journal where I record everything from random thoughts, to the strange dreams  eating cheese nachos before bed seems to invite.   My degree is English  Literature, so I spent a good deal of my life either reading, or writing.   When  home, husband and children came along and life got busy – something had to  give.  Unfortunately it was my writing, and I am sure that is why I felt so  disconnected and disgruntled for a spell.   My body was busy creating 3 lives  over those years, but my brain was a soggy, foggy mass of trapped creativity!   It wanted OUT!   Now, I have to write at least a little bit every day.  Even if  it just a couple of lines for a poem in progress, or a spontaneous bedtime story  for my kids.   You will find me posting almost daily. 

What is your favorite part about being a blogger?

Exploring my own potential is definitely a major motivation.  Remember the  blog title?   I also love that I am learning to use a completely different part  of my brain since I knew nothing about blog design, or HTML codes, or how to  even choose a background.   I am quite pleased that I have been able to learn  how to do my entire blog design myself.  (Left Brain is quite happy that the  there is no requirement for a “blog budget”.)   I feel that all the technical  jimbo-jambo, coupled with the creative writing and prose, brings me a good  balance.   I am doing something I love, but also branching out into new  territory.   

Secondly, of course, it’s not just all about Me.  I am so impressed with  all the talented bloggers out there!!   There are so many excellent writers.  On  any given day of blog reading, I can be laughing hysterically one minute, and  sitting with silent tears charting a course down my face the next.   I love  that!    So many of them are very helpful – my blog would be a plain white page  on the internet if many of them didn’t share their wisdom via tutorials.

You’d still totally read it though, right?

What is your least favorite part about it?

The flip side to discovering so many other wonderfully witty and wise  writers (wow, unintentional alliteration) is that there is never enough time to  read them all!   It’s hard when you want to be a part of that community, but the  3 loads of forgotten laundry are heckling your futile attempt to catch up on  your blog reading.   And you still haven’t done your own post.   Or made the  kids lunches.   Oh, and the husband has offered a foot rub, or back massage.   *wink, wink*

What draws you to other blogs?

The writing style is almost always what I notice first.  Even if the blog  is the prettiest little piece of bloggyland that I have ever seen, if the first  paragraph doesn’t draw me in, I am usually clicking away.  It is not necessarily  that the technical aspects of writing are perfect, but more the tone.   Can I sense the author’s personality in the posts?   Being a fan of prose, I am  naturally often drawn to some of the more poetic blogs, but more important is  feeling a sense of authenticity.   Some bloggers might not adhere to all the  “rules of writing”, but their writing grabs you nonetheless.  You are drawn into  their world.  Some bloggers that I am thinking of have an amazing ability to  paint you a picture with their words.  You are there, in the moment, with them. 

But yes, I also do have rare moments of locking covetous eyes upon some  beautifully designed blog.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting a new  blog?

Just keep at it.  Don’t give up because you may not have a lot of  followers, or comments.  I didn’t have any for the longest time.  I almost gave  up – what was the point if no one was reading?  Then I had a forced time out  from my blog when I was put on bed rest, then hospitalized for 6 weeks during my  3rd pregnancy.   When the baby arrived, I tried to blog again, but my mojo had  fled.   I did give up for awhile, but mostly because there were more pressing  issues on the home-front; but I knew once things settled, I’d be back.  I still  had the fever to write.   When I returned, I did a search for all the blog tips  and tutorials I could find.   I read articles that told you what you should be  doing as a blogger, and articles that listed the top 10 things a blogger does to  drive away traffic.  I think I had 6 of the 10.    I joined Twitter, blog hops,  I commented, commented, commented.   And lo and behold, one day.....I got a  comment back.  And then a follow.  Then some more.  You have to get out there  and show yourself to some extent.  The most important thing is that I stayed  with it because of the original reason:  it was something for me.   That’s where  the true value lay.  And when I started writing for me – not to attract  followers -  my true voice started to emerge, and people noticed.   I think they  responded to that authentic voice.  

Do you think having a lot of followers is important?

If your goal is to make money and become somewhat famous, then yeah,  probably.   If, like me, you just want to explore and provide an outlet for your  own creativity, and share some fellowship with other bloggers, then no.  I see  blogs that have thousands of followers, and I think, how on earth did they  attract so many readers?   Their homepage only has 2 reviews and a contest on  it.   A contestwhich rules state to enter said contest.....you must follow the blog.  Hmm.    Now there is nothing wrong with those kinds of blogs, they offer valuable  information and I often do check out the reviews before purchasing an item.  And  who doesn’t want to win an iPad?    For myself, I am more interested in ongoing  dialogue and some meaningful exchange.   Sometimes that means you may only have  a small band of loyal followers.   And that is okay by me.

Anything you like to add?

When I tell people I have a Blog, I often get a mixed reaction.   On one  hand, people are naturally curious.  A blogger?  Sounds so mysterious.  What do  you write about?  Why, I wouldn’t have the faintest notion of what to say. But  on the other hand, there might be this other attitude – “dontcha have a real  life/friends?”   I don’t like this negative assumption that I blog to escape the  real world.   To avoid meaningful real life relationships.   Your virtual  interactions can have as much meaning as you desire them to.  It can just be a  fun, few hours to pass an evening, or you can reach deeper.   With all the  online social media networking, this world is growing ever smaller.   It may  seem that you are blogging in a bubble, with no lasting impact.   But digital is  forever baby.  Whatever you put out there – remains.   And reaches.  Far.   You  never know when the words you struggled to get onto the page, might be a  life-line to someone else.   How can I be hiding or avoiding when writing is  such a personal thing, which leaves one exposed and vulnerable?  Words can have  such power as to draw us together, or pull us apart.   The pen is truly mightier  than the sword.   When you wield it wisely and truthfully,  readers will leave  your blog feeling all the better for having lingered.  

That’s a well played time out.

  

Monday's Musings - Changes

Baby It's Cold Outside!

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It is Sunday night and I am writing the Monday's Musings because I am getting up at 3AM to be at work at 5 AM! (No... it doesn't take me that long to get ready to go! I have a 60 minute drive tomorrow!) Things are in a whirlwind! And that is putting it mildly.
Friday saw the beginning of a new project and that is how my life is going to be now - and that is really exciting! And scary! And overwhelming! and you know what keeps running through my head? I won't have as much time for my blog anymore :( And that saddens me. So that just means that it will have to be more meaningful :)
So the new project is an hour away from home - without traffic - so I opted for really bizarre hours - 5AM start time to start with - it will change in a couple of weeks to a 10 AM start time - now won't that be fun?
Saturday was really cold in the morning and when we took to the streets to find our regulars a lot of them were not around. It appears as if they have found new 'winter' homes. BUT we did find some other people we have never seen before. I did see something I have NEVER seen before though - and I thought I would share it. There was a guy - a really happy dude - sitting on a bench. I offered him some lunch and when I got out of the van and took a closer look - he was wearing a bullet proof vest! - honest truth! No wonder he was so happy!
Sunday I spent the morning with family and had a great time! and the afternoon doing things that really needed to get done - so not a whole lot of down time this weekend. Somehow I have a feeling I am going to be feeling that come Friday....

How was your weekend?..

Six Word Saturday - Yuck

Made Eggplant Lasagna - Won't repeat that!

So now that I cook for one - on a regular basis I get ambitious - most of the time it works.

This time it definitely did not!

I love eggplant Parmesan and decided that had to be something else out there   ..... right?

Guess not... the ricotta just completely takes over the taste of the eggplant - now what's the point of that?

OOOPP..... way more than 6 words...

Have a great weekend!

Want to play along? All that's necessary to participate is to describe your life (or something) in a phrase using just six words. For more information, go to Show My Face. and Cate explains it all....feel free to explain or not explain. Add an image, a video, a song, nothing.

Friday Four Fill-in - First Friday in December

Four Fill-In Fun Blog Hop

 This is the deal: Hilary at Feeling Beachie is the host of this Hop.

Each week, she lists four statements with a blank for us to fill in on our own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own check out her site. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop!This week’s co-host is Susi from Boca Frau (she came up with the last two statements)

This week’s statements:

1. I can’t believe_____
2. ___is my favorite Christmas song
3. If I don’t have my ___________ in the morning, I cannot make it through the day.
4. I love my __________ dearly but wish ______ .

My answers:

1. I can’t believe_it's already December!____
2. Rudolph___is my favorite Christmas song
3. If I don’t have my _coffee__________ in the morning, I cannot make it through the day.
4. I love my _house_________ dearly but wish _it was closer to my kids!_____ .

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