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Showing posts with label blogging stuff. Show all posts

Showing posts with label blogging stuff. Show all posts

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Doggone Coincidence!

Oh my gosh, I am totally shaking my head and cracking up laughing right now. Because I had about two minutes before my step-son and Hubs were ready for me to join in their card game, I just took this quiz that I saw at Tina's blog. The quiz is supposed to tell you what animal you were in your past life. All you do is put in your birthday (month, day, and year). Let me tell you, I could not believe my eyes when I saw the result........ OK, maybe the result was just a little TOO PERFECT! When I showed Hubs and my step-son, they both just started laughing, especially when they saw the picture which accompanies the animal I was in my past life ;-)

You tell me... What do you think???????

You Were a Dog

You are an excellent companion and a loyal friend.

A good protector, you smell trouble before it arrives.

What Animal Were You In a Past Life?

I'm still sitting here shaking my head. I mean, seriously, what are the odds that I would put in my birth date and get the results that I was a dog. And... in case you are wondering... I don't even likedogs at all!

As far as my birthday... It's right around the corner... next week, as a matter of fact ;-)
Wanna have a party? hehehe

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Blogoversary

One year ago today, in an attempt to make one of my very best friends ~~stop nagging~~ happy, I picked up my laptop, did a search for a thing called Blogger, and step-by-step started something called a blog. I had no idea what I would do with it, but this friend insisted it would become an outlet and a passion for me. Since she had never steered me wrong before, I gave it a shot. As always, she was right, and I quickly became a BA (Blogging Addict).

(c) Misty DawnS

One year ago today, I began throwing my emotions, thoughts, ideas, and creative creations out into this thing called "The Blogosphere". What in the heck was I thinking? I was certainly setting myself up for rejection. These people, all around the world, would certainly laugh at me and wonder exactly why I thought they would care to read my words, see my photos, or share in my life.

(c) Misty DawnS

It wasn't long before I started developing friendships. These friendships were with people whom I had never seen in person or even heard the sound of their voice, but people who reached out and touched my heart just as strong as any relationship I had ever encountered. The power of these friendships inspired me and would evoke such emotion that I would be overwhelmed by how much these people had come to mean to me in such a short period of time.

(c) Misty DawnS

I found myself thinking, "I can't wait to get home and tell them about this." Or, eagerly booting up my computer to post a new photo or a new story. I found myself adding a long list of friends to my daily prayers. I found myself crying for my friends' losses, cheering for their accomplishments, and giving thanks for their blessings. I would anxiously wait for news from a doctor, eagerly anticipate the birth of a baby, and laugh at the antics of stubborn pets. I found my desire to share in my friends' lives was just as strong as my desire to have them want to share in mine.

(c) Misty DawnS

Now, I find myself at an overwhelming and hectic part of life, which has actually caused me to consider leaving The Blogosphere. This is not because I do not love it here, but because I have an overwhelming sense of guilt for not managing to find the time to regularly 'visit' these friends and let them know what they mean to me. However, for as many times as I have considered giving it up, I have found twice as many reasons of why I couldn't possibly completely step away. It has become too much a part of me. All of you have become too much of a part of me.

One year ago today, I thought I would develop a blog...
Instead, I found myself developing some of the greatest friendships
with which I have ever been blessed.

(c) Misty DawnS

Monday, May 19, 2008

Heads or Tails Piece

Heads or Tails has its very own home now! If you click on the graphic above, it will take you to the awesome new HoT blog where you can sign up and start participating in this fun and popular meme!

This week's topic is: Peace or Piece. So, I would like to invite you to celebrate, have a piece of birthday cake, and help me send GREAT BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES to my DEAR FRIEND ANNA!!! Anna's blog is Beth & Cory's Mom, which, if you haven't read, you definitely should get over there and start reading!

ImageChef.com - Custom comment codes for MySpace, Hi5, Friendster and more

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNA!
I HOPE YOU HAVE THE MOST FANTASTIC DAY EVER!!!
(p.s. I got the numbered candles correct, didn't I? I couldn't remember if you were turning 28 or 29. Oh, when you're done partying, it's your turn at Scrabulous hehe)

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Want More Comments?

My Dear, Treasured, and Deeply Loved Blogging Friends,

It is due to the depth of my friendship with you that I make this post. Being a fellow blogger, I am certain that we share a common goal - comments. What blogger doesn't want comments?

Well, I am a member of several weekly memes. When Misty is a member of a meme, she takes is very seriously and visits each and every post for that meme each week. My friends, you could make this much, much easier on me... and, you'll receive more comments too. What blogger doesn't want comments?

You see - there's this dreaded thing called Word Verification. It's EVIL. It's a bunch of stupid, squished together and wiggly letters which are supposed to keep spam comments away. Seriously, in my opinion, the only thing it keeps away is people with good intentions who WANT to comment on your blog and, in fact, TRY to comment, but after wrongly deciphering those letters two or three times, finally give up and do NOT comment on your blog.

So - here's the funny thing... from what I've come to realize - some people don't even realize that they have word verification on their comments! You see - Blogger automatically enables the evil and dreaded word verification. As I said - it's supposedly to prevent spam comments - here's the deal, if I get a spam comment, there's this cute little trash can symbol next to the comment - I click the trash can - spammy comment All.Gone. Seriously - my blog is not that huge that I attract hundreds of spammers. If you STILL feel that you need protection, then enable comment moderation - then you can read and approve each comment before it is posted to your blog. But - Word Verification - It's EVIL!

Word Verification gives me a migraine - it makes me dizzy - it makes me scream obscenities out loud while my dogs tilt their heads to the side and try to figure out what is wrong - AND - if I try three times and still don't 'get' those blasted letters - I.Give.Up. I do NOT comment.

So, I'm not proclaiming to be the greatest thing in the world... Seriously, by all means don't turn off your word verification just because of me........ HOWEVER...... if you would LIKE to turn off Word Verification.... I'm more than happy to tell you how (because some of my friends didn't even realize they had it and didn't know how to turn it off - so I thought I'd post it)...

1. Go to your blog
2. Click "Customize"
3. Click the "Settings" Tab
4. Click "Comments"
5. Scroll down....... you'll see "Show Word Verification for Comments?"
6. Do the Blogorld (Blog+World) a favor and click "NO"
7. If you are worried about spam comments - you can enable Comment Moderation - it's directly above the Word Verification setting.

OK - I'm done....... I'll stop lecturing now. It's just that when I mentioned to a couple friends that they might get more comments if they disabled Word Verification and they said "Huh?" It occurred to me that many people do not even realize that their blog has Word Verification, because it is automatically enabled when you start a new blog. So, for the sake of those of us who feel like pulling out our hair because of Word Verification, I thought I'd make this post.

That's all. I'm done.
Thanks for listening.
Love forever,
Misty Dawn

Saturday, April 26, 2008

One Word Meme

(c) Misty DawnS

I just discovered I was tagged by the fabulous Queen Mimi! Honest - I just found out! I've been sick... and I haven't been blogging... and I didn't know... and certainly Mimi wouldn't throw my ill, naive, and scrawny self into the dungeon.... would she? I'm not takin' any chances - on with the meme...

Yourself: Worried
Your Partner: Hubs
Your Hair: So-So
Your Mother: Grandma
Your Father: Best-Friend
Your Favorite Item: Laptop
Your Dream Last Night: None
Your Favorite Drink: Beer
Your Dream Car: '69 Camaro
Your Dream Home: Cabin
The Room You Are In: Living
Your Fear: Failure
Where Do You Want To Be In 10 Years: Photo-Shoots
Who You Hung Out With Last: Dogs
What You're Not: Secure
Muffins: Chocolate
One of Your Wish List Items: Camera
Time: Flies
Last Thing You Did: Cough
What Are You Wearing: Clothes
Your Favorite Weather: Sunny
Your Favorite Book: Lots
Last Thing You Ate: Forget
Your Mood: Stressed
Your Best Friends: Online
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: Gyros
Your Car: SUV
Your Summer: Fishing
What's on your TV: INDIANS!!!
What is your weather like: Sunny
When Is the Last Time You Laughed: Tammy-Chat
Your Relationship Status: Married

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Patiently Waiting

So, I came to my blog this morning ready to write a post that I devised in my head last night. Nope, I didn't lose this post to dreamland. That would be because I didn't enter dreamland last night. My night consisted of lots of worrying and lots of praying, not just about everything from my previous post, but a couple new things I had added to my worries last night. I'll save the story for the post though. "Why is she not making that post?", you ask. Well, because to make it a proper post, I must include pictures (yeah, yeah, picture-crazy, I know), and Blogger will not allow me to upload a photo right now! I've tried several times, but I continue to get an error from Blogger. Maybe I should complain to their corporate performance management department. Nah, I'll just have to remain patient (which is not easy for me), and tell you all about last night when I am permitted to put pictures with my words. So, stay tuned...

Friday, April 11, 2008

Misty Meaning

I saw this over two of my great friends' blogs - Bubba's Sis and Jen/Gi. Anyway, I thought it looked like fun, so I tried it. I must admit that a lot of this is spot on, but the parts that aren't spot on are totally opposite of how I am.

Since y'all seem to know me quite well, I'll see if you can figure out which parts describe me and which parts are way off :-)

So, according to the PAK Dictionary of Names, here's what "Misty" means:

Misty

The first name of Misty gives you a dynamic and highly strung nature. You have a humanitarian and principled side to your character and will go out of your way to help someone if you feel there is injustice or unfairness. You often become involved in situations without any thought of the consequences. You are basically seeking truth in life and have a very analytical and questioning mind. Being perceptive and intuitive, you often respond to your hunches, which can lead you into bitter experiences. You love change, travel, and new opportunities and dislike monotonous detail. Though you show enthusiasm over a new-found interest, you seldom finish the things you start. If you are repressed or restricted in any way, you become frustrated, moody, and depressed. You often speak directly and can be cutting and sarcastic. You experience many disappointments with people, for you trust others and take them at their word, only to be let down. In time, you could become cynical and extremely critical towards people. Your driving, seeking nature and intensity of feelings could cause you to experience nervous breakdowns, nervous problems, fits, goitre, or a weak and sensitive solar plexus. An impulsiveness could cause you to be accident prone.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Celebrating 500 with a Tribute to YOU

It has to be good...
NO, it has to be excellent!
It must be significant.
It should be touching.
It needs to be just right.

This is what went through my mind ALL day yesterday. This is what went through my mind while I attempted to determine what was going to be worthy of being my 500th post. However, that worthy post eluded me yesterday, and I sat brain dead and just starting at the compose post screen.

Then, at midnight, while half asleep, my brain decided to go into high-gear and composed a most magnificent post. Unfortunately, I was too dang tired to get up and create the post. Therefore, of course, that post has now been lost out there in dreamland. Well, the post I devised in my sleep has been lost, but the idea of the post, the meaning of the post, the whole concept and reason for the post... Ahhhh, I still have that. So... here it is...

The number of posts which have appeared on this blog is completely insignificant when compared to the reasons for those posts. The reasons for those posts are you, my friends. I have gained so many friends throughout the world, and I am thankful beyond expression. When I began blogging, I never could have imagined what I would gain and find here in the Blogosphere. I never imagined that I would have friends, whom I had never met in person or, some of whom I don't even know their real names, yet, would do anything in my power to be there for them if they were in need.

So, my friends, this 500th post is a tribute to some of the greatest people I have ever had the chance to get to know.

The Lawn Mower Queen
One of my very dearest friends. I am so lucky that when I married my husband, I got the blessing of calling you, LMK, your mom, brother, and dad my family. Your friendship means more to me than I can possibly put into words, which is probably a good thing, because I know you aren't big on 'all the mushy stuff'. Thanks for convincing me to join the blogging world!
Bear
Ahhh, my fellow-nature-and-critter-loving friend, who is just as obsessed with nature photography as I. Who would have know that a simple question in my Flickr mailbox would evolve into such a very special friendship. I am thankful for that friendship, for your patient answers to my questions, for your explanations, and for the laughs you provide (not to mention the hundreds of critters you have identified for me hehe).
Stacey
Jen
D...
Bubba's Sis
I group the four of you together, because well, that's just the way it should be! You were four of the first friends I found in the Blogosphere, and I have come to know and love you and your families beyond words. Stacey always lifts me up with her faith and the love she so generously showers on everyone (and she always makes me giggle). Jen/Gi, your stories are amazing and your sense of humor is outstanding and refreshing. D and B/S, I love you both separately as individuals, but even more, I love and admire the friendship you share with each other. You are both fantastically talented and unbelievably fun!
You are four beautiful women, inside and out.
Skittles
a.k.a. Barb. Wow - where do I begin? When I first found your blog, I was inspired. Your blog had posts that provided everything - fun, humor, entertainment, insight, emotions. It's all there. The first time you ever commented on my blog, I felt like I had just shook hands with a celebrity ;-) I mean, Skittles, she's famous! Now, I find myself saying thanks in my prayers every night for having been given the opportunity to develop this friendship with you. You have become one of my best friends. I will always be there to offer my friendship and support to you (and to try to convince Mike to let me play with his R/C cars *grin*). You have given me support, encouragement, laughs, understanding, compassion, and love. I can't begin to say what you mean to me.
Autumn
Ahhhh, my emotional-twin. If I had a dime for each time we thought along similar lines, I'd have that camera for sure! At first, I was always surprised at how often we thought alike. Now, I just laugh and say "We're doing it again!"
And, your poetry... the words and feelings you write... You are amazingly talented, and your words always touch me and reach out and grab a hold of my emotions.
Tammy
Where do I begin? Never ever in a million years would I have guessed that I would consider someone whom I have never met in person to be one of the best friends I have ever had. Never would I have guessed that I would do anything within my power if I knew this person needed me. I can only believe that our friendship was intended. There is no other explanation for it. I love you with all my heart, and our friendship is one of the most special gifts I have ever been blessed with. Now that I have met you, I don't know what I would do without you. (Besides, you are the craziest, corniest, moronic cashew I have ever met hehe)
Jolene
She no longer blogs, but she is a great person. I had the opportunity to talk to her on the phone recently, and she is loads of fun to talk to, and I wish her the best in life.
Bridget
Where'd you go, my friend? I miss you and your blog! One of the most inspiring people I have ever met. I don't know how she gets everything done that she does. She is amazing, loving, and inspiring.
Janice
I am often grateful for your ability to put into words the hard-truth of the matter, and also throw some witty sarcasm in for good measure. You have made me laugh out loud, smile, nod my head in agreement, and cry. You are an absolutely fantastic person, and I thank you for your friendship.
Bradley
A wonderful friend and person, with one of the most special families ever! Bradley, the Beautiful Wife, Bradley's Mom, and Sammy (my sweet, precious, adorable, and famous Sammy)... I love this whole family. Besides, if I don't get at least a weekly fix of Sammy-adorableness, I start shaking and going into withdrawals! I'm serious - that boy's adorableness is totally addicting!
Sanni
Another one of my greatest and most special friends! I would have never guessed that one of the people I hold closest to my heart (and one of my most special doggy-friends) would reside in Germany! You are absolutely gorgeous, my friend, inside and outside *grin*. I thank you for all of your help, all of your kind words of support and encouragement, and, most importantly, this fabulous and fun friendship! You are an absolute doll. I love you.
David
One of my role models, and, always, an inspiration to me. Your talents are outstanding, and your blog and posts give me the inspiration and encouragement to keep reaching for my goals. You are also a fantastic friend, and I thank you.
Linda
Your relationship with your daughters is so very special. You have a wonderful talent for writing, and I thank you for your friendship and support.
Rachel
Inspirational, beautiful, and loving - those words describe you.
Holly
A great person and mother, with an absolutely adorable son.
Ann
Ahhh, another one of my role models and inspirations. You are an amazing friend and person, Ann. I thank you for everything.
Sandee
Your blog always brings a smile to my face (and often makes me choke on my beverage *grin*). You are a fabulous person and a great friend.
Christy
A great person and writer, with wonderful determination and spirit. Thank you for your friendship.
Smalltown RN
A fantastic, caring, and intelligent person, who is also a very special friend.
BeccA
Your faith is inspiring and heart-warming. I thank you for taking the time to help me when I've needed it, and for the encouragement and friendship you have given me.
Anna
An amazing person, with wonderful talent and skill. You are a great friend, and I am so thankful I met you!
Vic
Your posts always teach me something, touch my heart, and make me smile. You truly are a one-of-a-kind and very special friend.
Carrie
A great mom and special person who is energetic and puts 110% into everything.
Terri
I still think we should go on a photo shoot together, although we'd probably spend too much time talking and laughing and too little time taking photos. Hey, we'd have an absolute blast though!
Travis
A spectacular person, who puts up with my going on and on about my precious Cleveland Indians. You rock, Trav!
Akelamalu
A truly considerate person and friend with a giant, generous heart. You touch so many people with your loving spirit. We are all lucky to know you.
Mimi
Your blogiting (blog + writing) talent is beyond compare. Your post are fun, thought-provoking, and sincere. You are inspirational and amazing.
Dottie
A very special person, whom I am so thankful to have met. You're a sweetheart, and I love you, my friend.
Cathy
You have fantastic writing talent, and I'm always excited when I see a new post. Sometimes, the similarities in our lives are very uncanny, but it is also so encouraging to know that someone else has the same experiences and feelings and is able to relate. Your posts always bring out so many emotions for me, whether I'm laughing out loud or shedding tears.
Siani
A talented writer and photographer who isn't afraid to say what's on her mind. You're a great person, and I thank you for all your support.
Kasey
I SO want to grab my camera and come hang out at your place! I want to meet all your wildlife friends and sit with you in your office, chatting and watching the birds at your feeders.
Chica
You say you don't deserve the title "photographer", but your awesome talent proves otherwise. Not only are you a fantastic photographer, you have a spectacular spirit and personality. When I think of you, I think 'she's one awesome Chica' ;-)
CrazyCath
I just recently discovered your blog, and I am SO thankful I did. You are also fantastically talented, as both a writer and a photographer. Your "Losing Me" post is one of the greatest posts I have ever read. I look forward to a long friendship with you.
John-Michael
Knowing you has made me a better person. Your generous and loving spirit and heart are beyond compare. You are proof that there is still good and love in this world. What more can I say than - I love you John-Michael.
Colin
You help and are good to my Tammy, and that makes you A-OK in my book (besides, you have a fantastic sense of humor and always make me laugh).
Vi's Biggest Fan
We've had many similar experiences in our lives, and it helps to know that someone else understands. You are beautiful, refreshing, and fun. You also have an amazing drawing ability. I'm so glad I met you!
Stacey (Real World Mom)
You are an absolute sweetheart through and through. Thank you for all your kind and encouraging comments. Now - get over there and give Maddie lots of smooches and belly rubs for me!
Sandy
An amazing and inspirational person, whose blog always brings a smile to my face. You and I certainly need that giant ranch where all our animal friends could feel safe and loved and never be turned away. Thank you for sharing your friendship. Thank you also for sponsoring the fun contests and for treating me with such special prizes!
Robyn
An awesome mother and great person. Your family is beautiful, as so are you.
JD
An awesomely talented writer. You're a great person, and I am thankful to have met you, and grateful to you for sharing your writing and friendship with me.

More of my friends with fabulous blogs:
Pepper
Marcus
Stine
Bee
The Gal Herself
Maggie
Katherine
The Teach
Juliana
silverneurotic
Jen (This and That)
baldwinsgirl
Laurie

I am grateful for all of you. All I can say is "Thank you".

So, that, my friends, is my 500th post.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Just Askin' - Sticky Post

SO... we were wondering...

(c) Misty DawnS

Hypothetically...

Say a new weekly photography meme started...
Let's Say this photography meme was all about animals...
Let's pretend it would be a very easy meme to participate in... only a few rules...

Such as:
- Each week, you post a photo involving a pet/animal/insect/critter - it can be, but does not have to be your pet: It could be a funny photo of your guinea pig wearing wholesale fashion jewelry, a photo of a lion at the zoo, a deer in the woods, birds at a feeder, you uncle's horse, the butterflies on your flowers, and, if you really insist, dogs ;-) (This is just hypothetical, of course)
- It has to be a photo taken by you or someone in your household
- It's completely up to you whether you just post only the photo or decide to write something to go along with it.
- AND, of course, no photos of violence, abuse, or pornography.

So...
if someone were to start a weekly meme such as this...
would you want to join? (Hypothetically, of course)

OH - and if you were interested in joining a meme like this... then go over there to the sidebar and vote on which day you would hypothetically want to participate. When voting, don't forget to consider, which days of the week are busiest for you, which days you already participate in other memes, which days you don't blog (I can't imagine a day of no blogging), OK you get the idea :-)

LOOK INTO MY EYES... YOU REALLY WANT TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS...
NOW... GO VOTE...

(c) Misty DawnS

Saturday, March 29, 2008

If I Were... (a meme)

Tag is introducing this post, because I've been tagged for a meme.
Get it? My dog is Tag, and I've been tagged. Yes, I'm really good at being corny!

(c) Misty DawnS

I was tagged by Tammy to do the "If I Were" meme. It's really long. So, if you want to read my answers to the meme, grab a beverage, get comfy, and click the "Read More" link.

If I were a direction I’d be… Lost (I'm horrible with directions)

If I were furniture I’d be… either a Filing Cabinet (my husband says I never forget anything and always file stuff away in my brain for future use) or I'd be outdoor furniture (because I prefer to be outside).

If I were a liquid I’d be… caffeinated (coffee, pop, whichever - I don't care)

If I were a sin I’d be… doomed at having a chance at self-resurrection (Hey, that's what the Minister said last Sunday - I was paying attention!)

If I were a gem/stone I’d be… Flint (Yes, I know it sounds weird, but you can make tools and arrow heads out of it and you can start fires with it... so, it's very useful and handy to have! So there!)

If I were a metal I’d be… Steel (I should be - we surely spent enough money on it for the house roof, and the sides and roof of the equipment building!!!)

If I were a tree I’d be… A Buckeye (Go Ohio State!)

If I were a fruit I’d be… an Apple (Give me a break - we had an orchard and are considering starting an orchard here too. Besides, there are all sorts of varieties, and they keep the doctor away)

If I were a flower I’d be… A Snap Dragon (Love you Grandma!)

If I were weather I’d be… Misty (ahahahahahaha, sometimes I crack myself up)

If I were a music instrument I’d be… A guitar (strum me Baby hehehe)

If I were an element I’d be… Earth

If I were a color I’d be… Purple! (Duh!)

If I were an animal I’d be… oh, g, I dunno... hmmmm... this is a tough one... oh, maybe a DOG (DUH!)

If I were a sound I’d be… A sigh (is this meme ever gonna end?)

If I were a lyric I’d be… "I can forgive you, but I won't re-live you." (from I Want To Be Loved by Bon Jovi)

If I were a song I’d be… "Redneck Woman" by Gretchen Wilson (Hell yeah!)

If I were a music type I’d be… a mix of Country and Rock

If I were a perfume/cologne I’d be… Obsession (are y'all even still reading this???)

If I were a feeling I’d be… Sentimental (Yeah, I'm just a big mushy sap)

If I were a book I’d be… A Collection of Short (or not so short, since I tend to ramble) Stories

If I were food I’d be… Pizza (most people love pizza)

If I were a city I’d be… really upset, because I don't like the city

If I were a taste I’d be… Sweet (But, I already am *hehe*)

If I were a scent I’d be… the sent of Ben Gay or muscle cream (goes with the Fibro), but I'd prefer to be the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies ;-)

If I were a word I’d be… Friend

If I were a verb I’d be… Care

If I were an object I’d be… A Collar (Then I'd always be hugging my doggies)

If I were a piece of clothing I’d be… A Bra (That's the closest I'll ever get to having boobs, besides, I'm very supportive ahahahahaha... y'all still reading this?)

If I were a body part I’d be… An Eye (I'm a photographer - I SEE beauty everywhere) or A Left Hand (I'm left handed *grin*)

If I were an facial expression I’d be… A smile (Or, I'd be sticking my tongue out at the webcam)

If I were a cartoon character I’d be… tracking down Wile E. Coyote to break the news that he won't ever catch the Roadrunner

If I were a movie I’d be… "Dreamer" (that movies makes me cry every time, by the way, which refers us back to the "If I were a feeling" question)

If I were a geometrical figure I’d be… A Star (just to be different hehehehehe)

If I were one of the 4 seasons I’d be… Summer (DUH!)

If I were a sentence I’d be… grammatically correct and full of adjectives - OK, a sentence... hmmm... Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole. (OK, I ~~stole~~ borrowed that - it's a quote by Roger Caras)

If you ~~are bored outta your mind~~ ~~are a glutton for punishment~~ ~~need to waste lots of time~~ would like to do this meme, then be my guest :-)

Friday, March 21, 2008

From Skittles

I'm posting a note from someone we all know and love - one of my bestest friends - Skittles...
From Skittles -

Misty has been so kind as to let me do some explaining here on her blog. I thank her for that. She's such a good friend to all of us.

I have deleted my blog. The reasons for doing this are personal. (Aw man.. I can't write this without crying.) I will surely miss all of you .. and I mean this from the bottom of my heart.

I have also deleted my Heads Or Tails blog. I will try to reinstate HoT as soon as possible.. maybe in a week or so. I'll probably do a regular blog again, too. You know I can't stay away forever.

Until then.. take care and God bless each and every one of you.

Barb

From Misty Dawn -
We have all loved and enjoyed your blog. It has made us laugh; it has made us think; it has made us have fun; and has made us cry and feel emotion... Behind every great blog is a fantastic blogger - but, even more... a fantastic person... that's what you are - a fantastic person!
We love and support you, my friend. We'll miss you and welcome you back with open arms when you decide it is time. Until that time, you know how to reach me ;-)

Sunday, March 9, 2008

So Much to Say - Too Little Time

WOW - I've got so much to catch you up on! Seriously - there are so many things I want to talk about and tell you about.

I really want to tell you about the benefit auction we went to Saturday night. It was for a friend of ours who has cancer of the spine. He is a 39 year old chiropractor (that's not a 'rich doctor' business out here in farming country - trust me) with a wife and three children. It is unexpected (I guess it's never 'expected', is it???) and absolutely heartbreaking. He basically had a choice from the doctors... we try to remove all of the cancer, and you will be a paraplegic. Or, we'll take out as much as we can, and you'll be able to walk, but we can't guarantee it won't spread and you won't die from it. How do you make a decision like that? Seriously? I'm crying for him and his family right now just thinking about it. I just can't imagine. I wish I could take it away and make it better, but all I could do was donate a few photos for the auction, donate what money we could spare, and pray, and pray, and pray. He chose option two. He couldn't bear the burden he would have on his family if he spent his remaining time as a paraplegic. He came to the benefit. When he walked in the door, everyone cheered, everyone clapped, everyone rejoiced, and many of us, including me, cried. Even more, I want to talk about the people of this community that I am now a part of - the way they join together for a fellow person, the way they show their love, the way they will go completely out of their way just to see if they can help you - It's priceless - It's inspiring - It's a true gift for which I am grateful to be able to experience and be a part of.

I want to tell you about something really exciting that happened today... along with another 'Misty stupid moment'.

I want to tell you about my husband possibly going out to help my in-laws drive back from Arizona. This would make me feel really good, because I worry about them making the trip by themselves, especially with my father-in-law's Parkinson's Disease, and it would also give Hubs a chance to see where his parents stay all Winter, because once we have cattle, Hubs probably will not be able to go anywhere in the Winter. Then again, if my in-laws truck doesn't get repaired, including the bed liner and the hitch and light hook-ups for the camper, they may just be staying in Arizona. When I tease my father-in-law about this, he says "Oh no, it gets too hot here!" I then promptly tell him to be quiet and quit talking to me about being hot.

I want to tell you about a weekly meme I've been thinking about starting and ask if you would participate. (It's a weekly animal-photo meme)

I want to update you and tell you about many things. However, I have been extremely tired and unusually busy lately. So, I haven't been visiting my friends' blogs like I usually do. Therefore, everything I want to update you on will have to wait... I'm headed off to your blogs so I can catch up on YOUR lives!

I love ya, I miss ya, and I'll talk to ya soon!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Getting Back to the Purpose

Recently, many of my blogging friends have told me they are considering doing paid posts and want my advice about how to advertise on blogs. Smorty continues to be one of my favorite companies to work with for doing paid posts. Smorty has always paid me quickly and without fail. However, my favorite thing about Smorty is once you accept an opportunity, you have three days to complete your post. So, you are not rushing just to write a post for the sake of getting paid. With those three days, you have time to think about and create a post which will not take away from the quality of your blog. That has become very important to me. You may have noticed that I have backed off doing so many paid posts for another company, and that is because I realized that I was taking away from the quality of my blog, because I was rushing to get the post done before a very short deadline, and I was not having the opportunity to make it an interesting post. When I realized this, I decided to change my approach. I started this blog to write, to be creative, and to hopefully have people want to read what I have to say. Therefore, I was very upset with myself when I realized that I had gone astray from that purpose. Yes, I still do paid posts and love doing them. I'm just making sure that I have the opportunity to make those posts creative and interesting. Since Smorty gives me three days to create such a post, they remain as one of my favorite companies.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Slow Down

I need time to slooooooooooow down! I'm running behind again... way, way, way behind on reading and commenting on blogs (G, I wonder if it is because I am subscribed to over 80 blogs... I mean it takes half a day to read them all... I know, I know, I'm an addict).

But, but, but - Did you see that I got my own domain name? Yup - for both blogs :-) That was what kept me from blogging yesterday. Tammy and I got our own domain names for our blogs and got them all set up. How cool is that?

So, that was one of the goals for my blogs I had set for 2008 - to get my own domain names. I get to cross something off the list - wooohooo! I love crossing things off my list! I also have a goal to make this blog three-columns... but that's scary as *&^%! I'm SO afraid I will really mess everything up! So, for now, I'll keep procrastinating on that goal.

As far as the depression-monster - I'm beating it - oh yea, I am! My chat with Tammy yesterday did wonders for me (She's the best cashew I've ever met! Eh, don't ask!) And, I even got to talk to LMQ for a little bit - which was absolutely wonderful, because I hardly ever get to talk to her anymore, and I really miss her.

So, I've got a LOT of catching up to do... blogs to read, comments to make, awards to post and hand out, memes to fulfill. But, first...

I have to go on a walk and try to find the hawk that almost decapitated me yesterday. Yup, I was walking along, with the camera turned on so I wouldn't miss a good photo opportunity. What I wasn't expecting was a giant hawk to come flying out of some brush I was walking by and about take my head off! I just exclaimed "&%^*" and didn't even get a photo! So - I'm off to find that bird!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Normalcy Will Come

Won't it???

I expected everything to 'be back to normal' by now, but it's far from it.

I pictured today being my day to catch up on all my friends' blog posts which I missed while I was away. However, that catching up is going to have to wait yet another day. I was called in to work at the insurance company again today... I'm not saying that's a bad thing (my husband just purchased hay equipment, so, according to my checkbook - any money is a good thing), I'm just saying that I keep having these delusions of getting back into the routine (Misty thrives on routine). Yet, it just isn't happening yet. Plus, I haven't had the chance to really talk with my BBFF, and that is really making me down in the dumps.

So, tomorrow... yes, tomorrow, I'm planning on a day of blog-catching-up... I hope... keeping fingers crossed. Then, tomorrow we have to go to one more Christmas get together in the evening (Yes, I know, we schedule things awfully weird). After that, I'm hoping things will be back to the routine (ahhh, my precious routine).

I haven't even had a chance to catch y'all up on everything! Geesh!

I'll leave you with this wisdom which was shared with me by an elderly gentlemen I met at the post office yesterday... He told me...
"Some of the really old farmers around here say that the first six days of the year will tell you what the first six months' weather will be like."
I found this rather interesting, and I look forward, come June, to looking back and seeing is this statement holds true.
So far, according to our weather here... we are going to have one freaking cold January and February, a little colder-than-normal March... and, if we get the weather in the forecast, we'll end up with a decent April and a much warmer than usual May and June (I like the sounds of the May and June!).
Now, six months from now, I'll have to come back and see if this is true... but, right now, I've got to go to work!

Sunday, December 30, 2007

What the Heck???

What's going on???
I got home yesterday evening...
Tag has taken off down the road twice today;
My husband woke me up this morning telling me that the desktop computer was "dead - won't even boot up";
After several hours of working on the desktop to get it working again, I unpacked a ton of stuff we brought back with us, and thought I would start getting caught up on my blogs... (I only got through the 'A's)
I got a phone call at 9 p.m. asking me to go in and work tomorrow at the insurance company... so I'm scrambling to get stuff together and done for tomorrow since I won't be here!
Please tell me that this is NOT a sign of what the new year is going to be like!
Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm happy to be 'home' or not...