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 |  WARNING...You Are About To Enter Into ~ MY Thoughts... |
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** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENTER INTO MY THOUGHTS ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** All I really care to be in life is 'contributing'. A special THANK YOU! to all who have contributed to mine here at WDC. ![Merit Badge in Supportive
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Thanks for your friendship and encouragement from the very beginning. You're terrific.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/general-Supportive-650.gif) Blessings! ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** C.L. Hanna ~ Lottie  REMINDER: Everyday that you can wake up free, it's going to be a great day! Find Me Here Also:http://www.clhanna.com ~ Visit My Website http://www.en.articlesgratuits.com/login/articles.php |
| I blah, blah, blah, blah. I also blah, blah, blah, blah. But what I really blah, blah, blah...is - blah, blah, blah. There is more to the average blog than meets the I...though most of us write about ourselves, our feelings, our preferences, our likes and our dislikes, our lives and possibly even our loves...there is something deeper than all of this going on. There is, it would seem, a little bit of therapy, a little counseling, a little hand-holding, a lot of prayer support, shoulders to cry on and listening ears offered, as well as suggestions and advice. You help me. You listen to me. You counsel me and offer advice. You support my dreams and support me in prayer. You provide a listening ear and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. You - are what meets the I. I come and read. I come and write. You come and read. You come and write. Together, we blog...day after day and week after week. I look forward to reading you. You look forward to reading me. You and I share this time. We share ideas. We share dreams. We share the love of writing. There is more to blogging than just putting down thoughts and journaling our day's activities. There is comraderie. There is association. There is growth and development, friendship and interaction. I am not what makes my blog special, interesting or deserving. YOU are what makes my blog those things...because without you - this would be just what it is when I finish typing. Merely, words typed on a screen, added to a 'page' on a web-site called Writing.Com. That is ALL it would be. It is an enjoyable blog because YOU meet me here, read me and leave me your gifts, your comments; a little piece of YOU. There's more to blogging than I blah, blah, blah.  |
| I am still grinning ear to ear - my head about to spin right off my neck! I'm not sure exactly what prompted jspinelli to give this blog an awardicon...but, I am simply overwhelmed by the act. I can't believe that the ribbon actually matches my sig created by vivacious   - that is so great! Since I have a background in interior decorating and design...I love the color coordination thing.  Look, I know my writing ability is what it is...on a really good day! And, I am just happy if someone bothers to even read this - stuff I write. But - I am truly honored...and will wear my lovely ribbon with pride. Thankyou, so much jspinelli - This dreamer appreciates it! |
| Dappled...I love that word. It describes the sunlight on my backyard this morning. Dappled...shade here and there...sunlight here and there...a wonderful, pleasing sight. I am thinking that this is how our lives are...or should be, perhaps. Dappled. A little soft shade here and there a little sparkling light here and there...tranquil and easy on the eye, serene and inviting...just as my backyard was this morning. This beautiful morning. This pleasantly dappled morning. Maybe people would feel more comfortable around me, if my life were as inviting as my backyard was this morning. Maybe I would feel more relaxed and laid back, as I did in my backyard this morning. Maybe I would notice all of the wonders and splendors, instead of all the little annoyances. Maybe I could hear the nuances of life, as I could in my backyard this morning...instead of the racket and clatter. A dappled backyard on a late summer morning is the perfect respite, sanctuary and classroom for life. |
| I know that NO ONE will probably believe me...but sometimes the strangest things happen to me. I have little "windows" that open up in my mind at times through which I "see" things...situations, etc. Because it has happened often enough, you would think that it would not surprise me anymore. It still does, however. It gives me goose-bumps sometimes...even tears. Last night, while pushing a vacuum sweeper and having NO REASON to be thinking about the subject - out of the blue - I saw in my mind, the face of JonBenet Ramsey (the little 6 year old beauty pagent winner from Colorado who was found dead in her home around Christmas many years ago). I was thinking...I wonder if they have ANY more ideas or leads about that poor little girl's murder. I could see that haunting photo that had been shown on every news program and in many tabloids, newspapers, and magazines. I thought about the things her parents had gone through - how they had faced accusations and trials and what it must have cost them to try to defend themselves. I thought about how, Patsy Ramsey had recently passed away - the result of cancer. I wondered, did she really take information with her to her grave? I wondered just how many years it had been since this tragedy. Then, just about a half hour ago...I sat down to my computer and UNBELIEVABLY - there was that same photo of JonBenet which I had recalled last evening, staring at me from the home page of my INTERNET carrier. The headlines read, "Arrest Made In JonBenet Ramsey Case". I trembled and tears flooded my eyes. (I don't know why it affected me this way...) It is something so odd, so profound, when this happens to me. I almost always TELL another person who is close to me when I experience this type of thing...just so there is a witness to it - because it sounds questionable (even to me) when I say, after the fact, Oh yeah...you won't believe this but... I believe that I actually do know where this comes from...and sometimes I even get to know why - at least in part. But, often, I just begin to pray for the person, persons, or situation. It's all I know to do, the BEST thing, really, that I can do. I don't recall praying for the Ramsey family last night. I just recall going over the facts (as I could remember them) and seeing her little face so clearly - and wondering. Wondering WHY I would be thinking of her and the situation...WHY someone would do that to her...and HOW anyone could hurt ANY child. Such things - my thoughts... ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| We all battle something. It could be our weight, smoking, lying, cheating, depression, or worse. We may even battle ourselves! Right now, that is where I seem to be - in a war with myself. On the one hand, I want to be content. On the other hand, to be content may keep me from reaching higher and going a little farther. My goals are just out of reach. If I become content with that - I probably won't reach them. But, if I allow my discontent to become frustration - I may not reach them, either. There I was, About to touch the sky. My hands outstretched, My head held high. I could not see, The stone amid my path. I stubbed my toe, And focused on my wrath. Lost to me, The goal I once had known. Hands once outstretched, Grabbed for that stone. Because of rage, The goal had now become, To hurt the stone. How could I be so dumb? It was I, Who thoughtlessly kicked it. Should be the stone, To throw an angry fit. Yet, it just rolled, To get out of my way. Not one rude word, Nor temper did display. There I was, About to touch the sky. Holding instead, A stone which felt like lead. Don't ask me where this came from...It just popped out of my fingers while typing this blog entry...and scared me half to death! I am crawling off to ponder this which has just occurred.  |
| I am not E.F. Hutton. I know this, because when I speak - very few people actually listen! Hubby says he has "Rock-N-Roll ears"...Son says, "I heard you, BUT...", Mother just talks over me as I am talking. Daughter hears me, she just says, "I'd give you my sympathy, Mom, but it's all used up."  Probably my biggest reason/excuse for blogging - is that I just feel like someone is listening. I don't get interrupted. I don't finish and then get, "What?" And silence here is different than silence filling a room after one has spoken their heart or mind. If no one responds to a blog entry...at least it's not accompanied by a 'blank stare'! partyof5dj mentioned a benefit of blogging...the fact that we don't (or can't) really know one another in Blogville, because we are not privy to the everyday stuff that goes on in a person's life which makes up a great portion of who they really are. At least, I see that as a benefit. Partyof5 did not call it that...but that is a benefit, as I see it. Since I don't really know you - I have no pre-conceived notions about you. Since you don't really know me...you don't have any formulated ideas about why I am saying what I am saying. In other words, we don't have a history with one another. You don't have to forget something I did or said two years ago, in order to 'hear' what I am saying now. I don't have to ignore the fact that you gave me the cold shoulder last week, in order for me to thoughtfully consider what you wrote an hour ago. I can pass by your gate here in Blogville and you don't know that I passed you by. You can take a peek through my window...and I don't know you have been peeping - without commenting. On the other hand, when I stop by for a visit - you tell me what's on your mind or you pour out your heart...and I can drink it in, like a good cup of coffee. You, in turn, can 'listen' to what I have to say and feel no need to agree. Yet, both of us have equal advantage and equal time...and no one has to be left out or talked over or rudely interrupted. If I don't approve of your language - I don't have to 'hear' it. If you don't agree with my philosophy, you don't have to 'hear' it. Blogging is good for those who need to get some things off their chest - and it's good for those who just want to express their feelings. Venting and Lamenting. Crying and Sighing. Dreaming and Scheming. Informing and Brain-storming. Wishing and Dishing. All of this can go on here in Blogville, and all of it can occur within the measure of mystery that we choose. We can be very private - or very open about ourselves. We can feel that we have spoken - and we can feel that we have been heard. It's just Blogville - It's what you want it to be. Just know that The Mayor won't put up with any hanky-panky! |
*Author's note: This is not well-written as I was attempting to write this while talking on the phone.  I was reading my pal, pensive's blog. Seems that there has been a measure of 'wonderment' as to just who or what my friend is. I take a measure of pride in just knowing pensive. I met this mysterious writer here on WDC, quite unexpectedly...and I must say it has been one of the BEST things that has ever happened to me. I was actually charmed by pensive at first. Words of encouragement were flattering to my sensitive, creative side. I was finding that though I was attempting to be the encourager...I was actually the benefactor. I was becoming a better blogger for the interaction which was taking place between us. Now, don't laugh...but I was actually trying to be a bit anonymous as to gender, myself, when first coming here. I think it was a combination of reasons...shyness - insecurity about my writing and my abilities - a little fearful of "putting myself out there" for the public to see and possibly 'hang me out to dry' - OR WORSE! But, then I realized that I had nothing to worry about...not really. I began to relax and enjoy myself a little more here in Blogville. I began to trust that those with whom I was sharing my heart and my ideas...would cause me no harm. I was free to begin to share the real me. The thing is...I don't even know the REAL me. Truth be told, I am a mystery to myself! Sound crazy? Well...it's true. I can be strong...I can be weak. I can be sure of myself and confident...I can be unsure of my abilities and full of self-doubt. I can tackle a major life change one day...and not make the simplest of decisions the next. I am often, even to myself, an enigma. I am probably not that different from the rest of the you. It's probably more common than I realize that people don't actually have themselves all figured out. partyof5dj wrote in a recent blog that we can't really know or be sure of that which we can not see. (paraphrased) None of us really know our fellow bloggers through this WDC blog site. We know what we are permitted to know - what the others will let us know of them...(unless of course we know them outside of Blogville). So, we know what we are permitted to know through our fellow blogger's writings...and even that (as PartyDude pointed out) may be FALSE - complete fabrication. Maybe that's why Nada  includes so many photos in her blog entries - I know that it is exactly WHY I DO NOT! I don't need to know what gender pensive is - though I was secretly hoping that I was the best thing that had ever happened to Pensive! The fact is, we are all a mystery in one way or another. We are all mysteriously and wonderously made - with depths that are yet to be explored - dark corners...as well as windows of light. Perplexities and Promises. We are what makes Blogville so interesting and we are what keeps it a worthwhile place to spend time. Blog On! |
| It was an uneventful day, though I must confess that I finally accomplished something. I can go for days without accomplishing anything - then, all of a sudden, I can not be stopped! I just git 'er done! Whenever I manage to accomplish a thing, I usually feel really good about myself, too. The two seem to go hand in hand - sort of like spaghetti and meatballs. Speaking of Spaghetti and Meatballs...I made some for our evening meal. Feeling so good about myself for having accomplished a necessary task - I felt like cooking. Feeling like cooking - I felt like inviting my mother over to eat with Hubby and me. My mother and I don't always see eye to eye. I can get very frustrated with some of Mom's ways - and I can be very up-front about it...then, regretful for having spoken my mind. There have been times when I have had to literally avoid being with my mother because I have been so hurt by (what seems to me) her lack of interest in my life. Now, I know that my mother cares, that she loves me, that she is interested...it's just that she is not very good at showing it (and believe me it is just WAY too involved to explain here). But, over the spaghetti an meatballs this evening, we had much easier conversation than usual. I did not expect too much and she did not ask too much. It was good. The spaghetti and meatballs were good. Sometimes, you have to accomplish a thing - before you can feel good. Sometimes, you have to feel good - before you can accomplish a thing. And sometimes, when it's ALL GOOD - it's just like Spaghetti and Meatballs! Goodnight, Dear Ones! |
| If you have been reading my blog, lately, you have probably noticed that I have been "out of sorts". I am normally an optimist, I don't get too ugly over little things and I can usually see the silver lining every cloud is reported to have. The past two weeks have been a little different for me...and I am ashamed of myself for being 'weak' and letting myself digress to the 'whining' and self-pity party stage. The COOL thing about my 'state-of-being', is that while I was working last evening, a friend called me aside and said, "I just wanted to tell you that (another acquaintance) has been praying for you, every single morning. He is specifically praying for your singing voice, that it would be completely restored, as he realizes how difficult that must be on you. He even weeps over your situation as he is praying for you." Now, even if you choose not to believe in God, or don't think prayer is a valid practice...I gotta tell you, there's nothing that gives you any bigger warm fuzzy than for someone to - unexpectedly - tell you that you are being prayed for every day! To know that someone is actually weeping over you...WOW! I mean, I have wept over some people, before...but, I didn't think of anyone actually being that concerned for me or anything I might be going through. I'm a fairly strong person. Maybe that is why it never dawned on me that someone would undertake praying fervently for me. I just come off as one who has everything 'together' - as I said earlier, I don't get too weird or flaky or come undone very often. I was so very encouraged and my spirit was uplifted by this news, but I could not help but reflect upon the past couple of weeks, in light of this revelation. So many little things have gone wrong this past week, especially. My kitchen sink drain became horribly plugged. Hubby attempted to fix it - leaving me with flooding in two of my base cabinets. Since it was not communicated to me that the problem was not resolved after the first evening's attempt...the next morning, I ran water in the sink for several minutes - not realizing that I was flooding the cabinets, AGAIN! Then, I was trying to clean my kitchen (with out a working sink) and unplugged the refrigerator to move it out and clean behind and underneath it. YEP! Twelve hours later - at almost 3AM this morning - my son discovered the 'turned-off' frig and freezer upon his usual 'after work raid'. I am thankful that only ONE item actually had begun to thaw enough to warrant concern in the freezer, and the frig was almost empty. Just little things - but annoying little things. Since I had been told that I was at the top of someone's daily prayer list just a couple of hours before the refrigerator near disaster...I was able to just roll over (after taking a quick inventory of the situation) and go back to sleep - completely at peace. Just knowing - having the confidence - that we are in the care of a loving God...brought before His thrown in prayer by faithful prayer warriors who are willing to remind God, daily, of another's needs - whew! it is more than enough to keep us safely above whatever disaster may threaten. Small ones like those which have annoyed me - or big threats, like those exploding all around this crazy world in the news today. |
| Why do weeds have such deep root systems? Why do 'bad' things seem to have such a much stronger hold? Why is it so hard to eliminate the things which take over, suffocate and choke out the good things which have the potential for beauty and fragrance? As I was weeding my flower bed this evening, it occurred to me that evil so quickly spreads and chokes out the good in this world - particularly if ignored and unchallenged. The sensitive, creative, artistic, souls are so often crowded out and overcome by hurtful attacks or harsh criticism that they are killed off before the beauty of their potential can ever be appreciated. Unfortunately, these are too often the ones who then turn to the poisons of drugs and alcohol, which root themselves so deeply, that survival may be impossible. Encouragement is like a good fertilizer. It goes deep into the artist's soul and feeds their creativity, causing them to be more prolific in their craft. Weeding out that which will cause harm if given the opportunity, is important to the survival of all mankind. Those things which, when left unchecked and unmonitored, can creep up on the unsuspecting - robbing them of their precious gifts - leaving them to whither up and die. |
| You know what I have been doing, lately? Blaming everyone else. Yep...I want this or I want to do that, but what AM I DOING to get this or make that happen?????? NOTHING - except blaming someone else! See, I somehow expect my husband (for instance) to be able to cause ME to get up off my fat butt. Now, it's my fat butt...so, why do I expect HIM to get me up off of it? I expect SOMEONE to answer all of the questions I have about what to do with MYSELF. I am waiting for DIRECTION, but not really taking any steps, either. I am hoping for answers - relying on other's experiences - and pretty much just sitting around watching each day pass me by. I am not stupid. Even I know that NO ONE can do for me what I must do for myself. What I must do is search out information...identify any possible resources and begin to move in specific directions. I need to prepare the ingredients, measure, weigh, combine and let it bake for the necessary amount of time - if I expect to have a product, or realize a goal. I am a dreamer. I am not asleep. I am not yet dead. I am still breathing and the brain works (slower, perhaps) but with a fair amount of consistency. It would appear that the only things lacking in my pitiful case are money and confidence. If I am to be totally honest with myself...it is the confidence (which has been knocked out of me within this past year) that is my biggest handicap. I know WHEN and HOW it occurred. I know that I can either TAKE IT BACK...or live out the rest of my days in misery - wishing for it to return. There is ONE other thing that inhibits me, though. I am in a partnership...it's called marriage. I have a marriage, which literally, was made in Heaven...because I am no angel, yet the relationship is strong and healthy and full of love. But, in this relationship, I am aware that MY DESIRES are not the only ones to be considered. What makes me happy is not all that is at stake, here. Hubby has things which he hopes for, which he has sacrificed, and which he is not demanding. If he is not willing to take a risk or dive into something uncomfortable...then, I just have to respect that. I can't just go off risking and diving all alone...knowing that he is not 100% onboard, can I? So...while Hubby rows along in his canoe, without the same measure of discontentment and without the same urgency to accomplish - or do...I can only float along in that rubber innertube being towed behind. Perhaps, he will want to get a 'motor' or get out of the canoe and begin some new journey. If he should give me his total support - encourage me to get my own canoe...then, I would feel completely comfortable with getting me a MOTOR - or even pulling ashore and putting out a shingle: LOTTIE'S LUNCHES ~ EAT YOUR HEART OUT! FYI - I did hear Hubby telling our friend the other night that he AND I were not sure what we were doing with our lives and that WE were considering some other things, praying about some other possibilities....  I think he just forgets to TELL ME! Hey! I guess that makes him the 'silent partner' - I MUST BE IN BUSINESS!!! |
Yep. It's true. Sundays follows Saturdays.  Yesterday turned out better than originally expected, after all. I just blogged too early! Around 3:30pm our friends phoned and within a couple of hours we were enjoying a meal at Applebees and then an evening sail. The moonlight on the water and the gentle breezes were a lovely end to an otherwise uninteresting day. I thank the Lord for surprises of that type. If you are willing to be spontaneous...the whole atmosphere surrounding you can change in a matter of minutes! I love change. I realize that not every one does. For some, change can be very stressful, 'impromptu' - a dirty word, and don't even think about trying 'risky'. I, on the other hand, love surprises and enjoy the unknown (with in reason). It's the same old same old that just about kills me! I can only repeat a thing so much and then...I come close to just exploding. I can't stand the furniture to be in the same position too long, let alone my life! I guess that is why every couple of weeks, lately, I seem to panic at the thought that THIS IS MY LIFE - AND MAY BE UNTIL I DIE...or Jesus returns. And that, my friends, is simply unacceptable to this writer. If I don't feel that I am making a difference, starting something, finishing something, accomplishing something or plain DOING MORE than waiting to die - I am miserable. We begin life, busy growing and learning and experiencing. We get to be a teenager and we are busy trying to be an adult. We become an adult and we are busy trying to earn a living or establish a career, raising a family. Usually we complain about being TOO busy along the way. Then, we get to that wonderful stage in our lives where we are able to afford our monthly bills and able to put food on the table and STILL have a couple of bucks left over for FUN stuff - and it seems that we find ourselves TOO TIRED to do anything about it! We end up going to bed earlier. We have waited for years to be FREE and our bodies and minds are worn out! I really am trying to find the humor in what I'm writing about...but the truth is it's scaring me. I have not quite hit the big 50...but you would think that Hubby and I are ready for the retirement home. I worry that at any moment the 'white coats' will show up at my front door to take us away because SOMEONE more ALIVE acting is in need of the house! We used to be needed, actually in demand in some venues. We used to be requested, paid to appear...but then, we got too old. We used to be in the know...but now we don't know what to do with ourselves. Sometimes, when I write down how I feel...I am TOO honest. It can sound as though I am in a worse state than I actually am...because just like last night, things can change at any given moment and I can be singing a different tune. My concern is that - one of these days - THE FAT LADY WILL HAVE SUNG! I want to go out dancin' like nobody's watchin'. Not sitting on my fat butt in the recliner. I just can't bear to imagine that the kids (or somebody) should have to shake me to see if I have just dozed off - or not. YIKES!!! I better go take my vitamins! |
| Another week has passed me by. It is Saturday, already! I did not accomplish much this week. I did not even try. But, the weather is much better today - lower temps, lower humidity, blue skies and sunshine. It is a BEAUTIFUL day outside...yet, here I sit typing. I had to help my daughter clean two office buildings and a bank this morning. It took us about four hours. Mornings are the time of my highest energy level. That is good, if you have to clean for four hours. But, hubby is at work and now it's just me in the empty house sitting at the computer. I know that some people are probably doing FUN things...but - oh well. Hubby will be too tired to do anything when he gets home from work after 3pm. So...it's either T.V. or computer or CLEANING!!!! After cleaning outside my home...I must confess that I don't really want to clean MY OWN PLACE. I get paid for the "outside" cleaning... As you can tell, I had absolutely nothing to blog about today. So, this is what you got. ((((sigh)))) Guess I will go see what trouble I can get into with those lousy chickens! ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| I know a little bit about a number of things. This is NOT to be admired. I have always lamented that I would rather know a LOT about one or two things. I would rather be an expert about something useful. Unfortunately, I don't have a very good (or dependable) memory. So, much of what I DO know, I even question most of the time. I remember a worthwhile quote that I had cause to learn in my junior high school days. It went something like this: "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing..." When we assume things, we all know that the consequences can be anywhere from embarrassing...to fatal. Everyday across this nation, people are called upon to make judgment calls based upon limited knowledge. We have jurors asked to decide another's fate, with only the information presented them in the court room, usually controlled and limited. Doctors and nurses must make crucial medical decisions - police officers and firemen must enter into and confront danger - pilots must adjust to sudden changes in weather conditions - parents must execute disciplinary measures - even children must decide to reject or respond to the instructions of an adult, who is also a stranger. Momentary decisions based upon limited information. A little knowledge. A dangerous thing. Weighing the information presented is not always a luxury, but when it is, it can save those involved a temporary discomfort, or even a lifetime of regret, guilt, pain or shame. It can save lives. If you find yourself to be one who tends to react to situations too quickly, one who acts first and asks questions later...you are not alone. Many people forget that there is ALWAYS a bigger picture than they are seeing at any given moment. If the cashier at your local WalMart is indifferent or the person taking your fast-food order at the drive-through is rude...take a deep breath and imagine that perhaps they have been treated unkindly by the customer just before you. If you read a scathing review of your work, or your co-worker sabotages your project...measure the true severity of the action against you, before responding. Is it a serious threat to your income potential as opposed to just a strong difference of opinion - or is it slander? Then, after measuring and weighing the options at your disposal, begin with the most lenient course of action. It will help you to further assess what has actually occurred, and whether or not it has the potential for being more than just a misunderstanding or one-time transgression. Sometimes, in life there may be only one chance to make a correct decision in a matter of seconds - or less. More often, there is time to evaluate our situation. Generally speaking, the parties involved will benefit from a measured response, rather than an emotionally charged reaction. There are MANY instances in life, when NO reaction and NO response is actually the best course of action. Turning and walking away, keeping the mouth shut, ignoring the invitation for a confrontation - in any way, is many times the better route to take. Contrary to what society may try to tell us, it shows strength of character and NOT weakness. Punks call each other names, push and shove and threaten...and all usually due to a lack of self-confidence and self-worth. Cowardly acts are committed by those who have no self-respect, thereby lacking respect for others, as well. It doesn't take an expert to know that it can be much easier to make a wrong decision when one feels personally threatened. It doesn't take an expert to know that most situations can be diffused by taking a moment to weigh the actual importance of what is going on. Don't confuse "life and death" with "sticks and stones". Don't sacrifice that which can never be redeemed for that which is unable to destroy. Don't cause more harm when you can do more good. |
| Two things that threaten to deter me from participating in this thing called blogging are what I call (1) Blog Hogging and (2) Hoggish Blogging. I will try to explain: Blog Hogging is when a blogger finds some article or humorous story in another blog, INTERNET site, web page, magazine, newspaper or any other medium and takes said piece and attaches it to their blog. They often have a photo (presumably of themselves) at the top of their blog, followed by a personal 'infomercial'. But, what follows their About Me stats is often plagiarism. If credit is given the origin of the work, it's amazing...if credit is given the original author, it's a downright miracle! These blog entries often end up coming across as the personal experiences of the blogger, but they also often end up in email boxes as Gospel True Stories - causing the recipients to then forward them to family and friends. Hoggish Blogging is when a blogger chooses to use language, expressions, and topics which are trashy attempts at journaling. These blogs attempt to be funny or creative, but are usually just arrogant displays of immaturity and disrespect. There is generally no benefit to the reader. Such entries are not examples of true freedom of speech, but rather true lack of education or intelligence. Lacking in vocabulary skills, writers of this type of blog generally opt for gutter talk. Sometimes creativity bursts forth and new words are created...oops...never mind, it was just the same old word, spelled incorrectly. Both of the above mentioned blog-types are written for the same purposes. Attention getting and/or self-promotion. Once in awhile, the writer is genuinely ignorant...but, for the most part it is simply an attempt to shock and irritate. I suppose that it is even possible that a few of these are actually mentally or emotionally ill. I really do pity those with such legitimate problems, but blogging is not the medicine or therapy they need. It is only an all too easy method of polluting the minds of others - or worse. Blogging can be a wonderful tool for expressing original ideas, or relating personal stories which may help or encourage others. Unfortunately, some see blogging as a means to steal stories, spew poison, and get their sick kicks. Blogging can be the best thing that has ever happened to a writer...or the worst thing. Be a REAL blogger and write from your heart and from your personal experiences. Don't cheat the reader...don't cheat yourself. Most of all, don't cheat the system. If blogging is ever deemed too great a risk by the honest writers who really know how to communicate their hearts and minds, they could very well put their treasures 'under lock and key'. Should blogs become devoid of original, entertaining, creative works, we all lose. |
| On a good hair day, you can conquer the world! At least, you feel more as though conquering the world could be possible For most women, it takes a lot of seeking (and a whole lot of nerve) before finding that 'hair person' with whom you can entrust your locks. Most women do not have the perfect hair, but we still want our hairdresser to be a magician. We pay good money - and we want our hair to look good - in fact, we want our hair to look better than good for the prices we pay! But, if we are truthful, it's not just the cut and style that leaves us satisfied or dissatisfied...it's also about the overall experience. I want to relax when I get my hair done. I don't want to gossip about everyone in town...I want the focus to be on ME! I want the person cutting and styling my hair to be concentrating on my hair. If I am being asked questions about myself which I feel are too personal - I won't be comfortable. If I am being talked to non-stop about things that are of no interest to me - I will not be able to relax...because I have had to actually suggest that the hairdresser STOP cutting my hair. My hair was getting shorter the more long-winded they became! I have been told the story of a hair-dresser who was being harrassed by her ex. As a result of leaving her client to talk on the phone and then returning, the hair-dresser cut one side of the customer's hair TWICE. The poor customer was left with one side of her hair over one inch shorter than the neglected side! Thankfully, today, was a GOOD hair day! The experience was just enough conversation, with no gossip, lots of communication between stylist and client (me!), and the finished product was what we had discussed. THAT IN ITSELF IS MIRACULOUS! So many times I have explained (to apparently deaf ears) what I wanted done - only to have SOMETHING ELSE! It was a GOOD hair day for me, therefore, I tipped my stylist, making it a GOOD hair day for her, too. I didn't even mind. I actually wished I could give her MORE. She seems to understand that giving the customer a relaxing, enjoyable, attentive, within the realm of the desired outcome, experience...is PROFITABLE to all concerned.  The moral of this story is: Never settle for a harried hair-stylist who may harry you and create a hairy situation for your hair! P.S. There are hairdressers in my family and I have NOTHING against GOOD hairdressers and their admirable work! |
| I can't decide which of the wonderful sigs, created for me by vivacious , I like the most. That is probably because I can't decide what I most want to do with my life. I am at the proverbial 'crossroads' in my life. I am too old to start all over again...but not old enough to settle for the boredom of being in a rut of non-productivity. I am not old enough to quit...and not young enough to keep up with the Big Dogs. I have too many years under my belt...and not enough education to show for it. Do you see my dilemma???????????????????? I have just enough energy to put in a good 12 hour day...but not enough energy to do any more than think about it, most of the time. I don't want to slave away for someone else...but I have become a slave to my constant day-dreaming of what COULD be or what might have been. Please......is there ANY one else in Blogville who has had these or similar feelings? I know it's probably MID-life...but WHAT (f anything) can I do about it? I am restless to the core - I am not finished 'experiencing' - I have BIG ideas and small resources - and I have a husband who LOVES his job...and friends who can't quite 'catch' my vision.  ****sigh****Lottie rolls over in her hammock and imagines what it would be like to have a lovely cafe where people would enjoy creative and tasty dishes in an appealing setting, filled with lively conversation and great music in the background.****sigh**** I have made my family and friends so crazy from listening to my 'ideas' that I am suspicious that they may be screening their calls these days.... "Oh no, it's Lottie...she's probably going to want to try to talk me into coming on board with her to do Wedding and Event Planning....DON'T ANSWER THE PHONE!" ***sigh***Lottie gets out her trusty notebook and pen and jots down all of the things which went wrong at the last 3 weddings she's attended - and solutions to such problems.***sigh*** It would be a blessing to be UN-creative. It would! No more waking in the middle of the night with ideas. No more searching for a notebook to jot down new ideas. No more sympathetic smiles from others who don't get me. No more reminders of how much it would COST to do any of the creative things that won't leave me alone. It would be a BLESSING! ***sigh*** - I know...I know...that would be no fun, either. I just hope I figure something out before too much longer. The creative being in me will not be stilled - and it's driving me to the brink of a MID-LIFE CRISIS! LOL!!!! Maybe I could combine all of my interests and be a BLOGGER! Now there's an idea! HEEHEE! |
| Today, (Saturday) Hubby and I went to watch a Soap Box Derby. I had never been to one of these events, and I did not know what to expect, really. All of this time, whenever I had heard about a Soap Box Derby I envisioned model cars being put together and then 'let go' to coast down a track to a finish line - I HAD NO IDEA THAT THESE WERE BIG ENOUGH VEHICLES FOR KIDS TO ACTUALLY GET IN AND STEER AND RACE EACH OTHER! I think it must have been the terminology used...I had heard about the 'kits' that were used by parents and their children to build the cars - kits...models. This particular event was sponsored by a group with which our son-in-law is involved. We knew none of the participants, but he was heading up this event and was the M.C., so we went to show our support of his efforts (he has dedicated a lot of time and energy to this cause which encourages relationships between Fathers and their children). Our son-in-law told us of one of the boys who has faithfully entered the contest each year for four years. He has built very creative cars - but he has never even placed in the years passed. Now, that is saying something for this kid's determination and dedication...because today, for example, there were a total of 100 heats run before the winners of the first, second and third place overall were determined. It was hot! It was in the 90's with that lovely high humidity and only an occasional hot breeze. These little troupers were on asphalt for several hours, sitting in cramped little 'cock-pits', wearing helmets and hoping to be just a little faster than the next guy without losing control and crashing into the bales of hay which lined the track. The boy who had never won...never lost his smile. In fact, I am told that in four years, he has never lost his smile and has even left his car to shake the hand of another who beat him in his heat. For two or three years he was awarded the "Most Sportsman-like Conduct" award because of that 'winning' attitude. But today, in a car built to look like a yellow tabby cat...the boy who had never won but never lost his winning attitude - placed THIRD OVERALL! I know that very few people will hear of this young person's story. But, too me...it speaks volumes. In a society where selfishness and lack of will-power are all too prevalent, where quitting and dropping out and blaming others for our problems is all too common...this youngster found it within himself to keep trying and be happy to have another opportunity. He was and is a winner! Gaining or NOT gaining a trophy today would not have changed the fact that this young man carries the attitude of a winner and displays the heart of one who is determined to be successful. I learned about Soap Box Derbies today...but this boy's story taught me something else which I hope that I will never forget...that the only way we truly lose, is by giving up. |
| As a believer, I am usually looking up - "...from whence cometh my help." Today, Hubby was released from the local hospital. He is being told that he will have to be on a 'low-residue' diet from now on. He just wishes that he had been on one all along But we have MUCH to be thankful for...and I want to thank ALL of you for your prayers.My uncle is a MIRACLE! He was awake today when we stopped in to see him (I had been there twice when he was soundly asleep and did not want to disturb him). Today, we had a nice little visit, cracking jokes and everything. His spirits are very good and we will wait and see what he is able to tell us about what happened to him...if indeed he can remember that. So far, it DOES appear that he remembers...he said today that he guessed he would have to "lay off" peanut butter sandwiches. Friends of Blogville - hear this humble voice when I say, "Miracles DO STILL happen!" Please, believe. Please, keep looking up...and expect good things in your life from the Giver of All Good Things. |
| Hubby may get to come home on Friday...he is getting a bit bored, but ever the entertainer. The hospital staff is getting their money's worth with him - he is definitely their comic relief. The story keeps unfolding as to my uncle's situation...he is off the ventilator and the pump which was to get any food out of his lungs. He was alert and breathing on his own and recognized his wife, etc. MIRACLE!!!! PTL! Now...I find myself with information that is not quite adding up. I am suspicious as to what the truth actually is about the series of events which led up to his being nearly dead from choking. So far...I have heard two rather conflicting accounts. I have also been told by a person, who at one time was employed at the nursing home in question, that other serious problems have existed there in the not too distant past - situations which resulted in the firing of personnel. I feel a need to get to the bottom of all of this...unfortunately, I am probably not supposed to know what I know and that information was given by an employee of the facility who is a close relative of my husband. On the other hand, if ANY one is lying or covering up - it must be revealed for the sake of all others in the care of that facility. If indeed this was negligence...I feel strongly that someone must defend the defenseless against any potential, future harm. My husband has concern for his family member and the risk to their job - we both have that concern, as well as the concern for justice for my uncle and his wife - as well as for those who may have made an error...it's a tough situation all around. Mistakes are one thing - but a cover-up and lying is just UNACCEPTABLE on any level. You have all been wonderful, residents of Blogville... |
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