TO ALL MY READERS! (Be sure to indeed read this post)

I have decided to take a Blogging Hiatus for the Summer.

Due to different factors, including, but not limited to the fact that my readership is apparently down, and the time I take to piece some of these together (mainly on one of my other blogs), I think this is the best option for me at this time.

There's chance that I will post once in a while while on this hiatus. But I am looking for this to be once in a blue moon, of sorts. I have a lot on my plate. And I feel that I must remove some of my "activities", with Blogging being one of them. And quite possibly, using Twitter, as well.

I'm hopeful that you all will understand. But it's time to put my family, Summer activities (if any) and above all things, MYSELF first, above the Blogosphere.

Thanks for understanding. And I'll see ya around, my friends.

P.S. ~ I plan on posting this in all four of my pages.

Not In the Mood

Sorry folks. No "Tuesdays From The Terrarium" today due to something that came up. Best to not say more in fear of chastisement. I'll try to post today's tomorrow. But I'm headed for roud two of what I had to do today. So don't hold your breath.

I'm so tired and actually compared to yesterday in a pretty foul mood. Both from the tiredness and soreness I feel from sitting in a chair for almost six hours straight staring at numbers, and from a lovely note I received about a person's "concern".

Let's just say that it was NOT the best day to scold me like I am a 10 year old playing on the computer. So to see the note I received, yes, it ticked me off pretty much.

Have a good night, everyone. I hope to maybe post sometime tomorrow instead. I should have known that my Tuesday was going to end up being a Monday, seeing as my Monday was so freaking awesome!

The Mom Pledge..Take A Stand!

I'm a mother, a daughter, a friend, a "sister", a sister-in-law, a daughter-in-law, niece and an aunt.

I'm also compassionate, passionate, sympathetic and empathetic.

What I am NOT is hateful, demeaning, cruel or mean-spirited.

Over the years I have been within the internet world, I have seen some pretty wild, nasty, hate-filled and prejudiced words thrown at others. Complete strangers mind you.

Especially among fellow MOTHERS. And primarily between one "mothers-friendly" site and within the blogosphere.

Am I 100% innocent of not saying something out of haste or anger that was hurtful to someone on the internet? Nope. I'm no angel and will never claim to be.

But I also won't stalk someone and leave such hateful things like what I have seen and even at times (literally) got sick over.

Blogging in particular is an outlet for many different people, for many different reasons. Mothers are of the Blogosphere's top contributors.

As a mother myself, between this blog and my other blog, The "Mental"-ist Mom, I talk about my kids in one way or another. The secondary blog mainly revolves around my son who is disabled due to several mental health issues and what my life is like in raising him to be as normal as he can be. And to show that outward appearances CAN be and at most times, ARE deceiving.

If you are a mother, a blogger and a mom who is AGAINST other mommy-bloggers that can have "verbal diarrhea", leaving hate-filled comments on other's posts or "stalk" other mommy-bloggers (or any blogger really), as a means to TEAR DOWN others, instead of wanting to BUILD THEM UP and offer *support* or encouragement, then I *HIGHLY* recommend that you take the MOM BLOGGER PLEDGE today.

The Mom Pledge Blog features every weekday a fellow Pledge within the community who is standing up against negative mom bloggers.



The Pledge (via The Mom Pledge Founder, Elizabeth Flora Ross)...

I am a proud Mommy Blogger. I will conduct myself with integrity in all my blogging activities. I can lead by example.

I pledge to treat my fellow moms with respect. I will acknowledge that there is no one, "right" way to be a good Mom. Each woman makes the choices best for her family.

I believe a healthy dialogue on important issues is a good thing. I will welcome differing opinions when offered in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. And will treat those who do so in kind.

I stand up against online bullying. My blog is my space. I will not tolerate comments that are rude, condescending or disrespectful.

I refuse to give those who attack a platform. I will remove their remarks from my blog with no mention or response. I can take control.

I want to see moms work together to build one another up, not tear each other down. Words can be used as weapons. I will not engage in that behavior.

I affirm that we are a community. As a member, I will strive to foster goodwill among moms. Together, we can make a difference.

...Now, if only more of us women (mothers or not) can be like this. Women are known to be catty and cut-throat. But to be so to someone you don't even know is just despicable and disheartening.

There are REAL feelings being felt behind those screens, reading the words of hate and disrespect. Real tears fall EVERY single day because a fellow mother had the gall to spew vile from her fingertips.

What if it was being said to you (aimed at the guilty who may read this)?? How would YOU feel if those harsh, demeaning, hurtful, hateful words were "spoken" to you? You don't REALLY know the blogger's life. How much she is TRULY hiding away from the world, only letting out certain pieces.

So now, I beg you, choose your words carefully. You never really know how deep another's pain may be already. To add "insult to injury" can potentially end with disastrous results. Bullying should have been left behind in the school-age years. And stalking should NEVER happen.

Take the pledge with me today. MOMMY-BLOGGERS UNITE!

On The Verge Of Letting It Go

It's with a heavy heart that I say that. Because I have put MUCH time and energy in to that blog. I have never made it a "secret" of my belief in the Paranormal or of the things I have personally witnessed and/or experienced.

I've done pieces on various *reportedly and infamously* haunted places. Done writings on various Paranormal topics, and have openly discussed my own experiences or those of my husband and children.

ParanorMel is primarily centered around the topics of ghosts and hauntings. But I have been known to speak of other things such as UFOs and aliens.

Personally, I feel that I have done pretty much everything that I can to "attract" readers and readership. But alas obviously, to no avail.

So, I'm at a point now that if my efforts of piecing together posts on that blog (which CAN and HAVE been tedious to do, depending on need of information or media availability such as videos) are in so-called "vain" then I'm wondering why I'm doing it? It's most certainly not to hear myself talk (so to speak). But to educate others, let others think for themselves and have the opportunity to voice THEIR views and opinions without ridicule or being called nuts or crazy for their beliefs and what they themselves may have experienced within the Paranormal realm.

Honestly, I don't care if you (generally speaking) have a difference of opinion or view. As long as you state your difference in a manner of civility and respectfulness, then I say POST IT and be HEARD. I'm a big girl and I know that I will NEVER always "be right" or will always have people agree with what I see, think and feel about the subject. That's not how life works.

ParanorMel was started as a way to let others see that they are NOT alone in their quest for answers in the world of the "unknown" and as a way for me to document personal experiences of (primarily) myself and of my kids, whom have had experiences of one kind or another since toddler-hood.

I enjoy sharing the stories of experiences with my readers. But when you don't hear from anyone about 99% of the time about what you have written, it's (I feel) time to let it go and move on. And it saddens me that I have come to this point with that blog, seeing as I LOVE journaling there about the Paranormal.

But at what "price" to myself and MY TIME? I take time out of MY day to write posts, some of which CAN and have taken as much as 45 minutes to write, depending on the subject and what media content I wish to place in the piece. And to have my work subsequently 'ignored' 99% out of 100% of the time, to me is obscene and a proverbial "slap in the face" to me and my work.

My time could be better well spent, in all honesty. But I write for various reasons. And in ParanorMel, I write as to give others hope, reassurance, and to see what my "paranormal life" is like.

With that said, I feel that it may be time to "close up shop" over on that blog and call it a day. Thoughts?

***SIDE NOTE... This post will be *duplicated* in to ParanorMel as well.***

Blogging vs. "Too Personal" Writing (Also known As "When To Keep It To Yourself")

I'm all for airing out things if need be on your blog. And yeah, I do believe in "your blog, your decisions on what to write about".

But I feel that even in the world of blogging, there is and NEEDS TO BE a line of how much of your PERSONAL life should be divulged to the masses.

For one thing, I really do NOT wish to know about the hanky-panky you and your partner have in your bedroom (or anywhere else in the home). Your personal sex life should be left where it belongs..in YOUR home, behind CLOSED doors. Be it with your hubby/partner or with another man/woman. I really don't want to know in explicit detail of your "hot and wild night" between the sheets (or hanging from the rafters).

If you are losing followers/readers, then it may be for good reason. I don't like going to someone's blog I have gone to for quite some time, knowing that while they can get a bit crazy (in a good way), they won't go ALL out there. Plus showing ANY kind of "private" body part is a HUGE turnoff for many readers, including myself. I'll go to Playboy/girl to see some skin and raunchiness, thanks.

Though I must say, that MOST of those bloggers that DO write about way more than I and many others care to know about the writer's real (and private) life do have their pages set to "Adult Content Warning"...But when it is up for EVERY single page, be it "adult-like" or not, it's hard to avoid what you wish to NOT read about, and instead, you are too late and are "suckered" in to it. For me personally, I REFUSE to comment on such "open" posts and just hit the back button.

This past week, I had also taken the liberty of "un-following" some blogs. Mainly because of this very problem and because some just no longer held my interest or the content just wasn't up my alley. Like I had said, if I want to see skin, read about sexual innuendo and what someone did in their own home and life, I'll seek out Playboy/girl or rent me a porn movie.

I'm sorry if this angers anyone. But you are honestly hurting yourself and your readership, as well as your comment rating as a writer/blogger by posting things that I don't even tell my own father. And we tell one another everything. I just don't go in to THAT part of my life. I don't want anyone to know about my sex life. And I sure as hell don't wish to know about yours.

Monday Mingling w/Tough Cookie Mommy

Yeah, I thought I would try this Blog Hop out. My Bloggy pal, Tough Cookie Mommy is the glitterific chica that came up with the idea. If you want to check out her blog, TOUGH COOKIE MOMMY, click on the name there in highlight and it will take you right to her.

Below is her direct linkup button for Monday Mingle. You can get to her page through it as well.



For my new followers, I guess I'll do a bit of info about me and mine.

1) I'm an "old lady" (as in married around these parts of the South).

2) I've got three chitlins (that's kids around these parts, mind you).

3) I'm constantly driven crazy by my four...erm..I mean, three kids (being my husband can be just as big a kid as the real ones) as a Stay At Home Mama (Mom or Mommy to everyone else around the country).

4) Chocolate (of pretty much all kinds but German (blech!)) and I have had an ongoing love affair for YEARS. And yes, my hubby is a-okay with it. BONUS!

5) Where my kiddos go to school, I volunteer at least one day a week. More as needed, depending on upcoming activities and planning schedules.

6) You would never think that I was REALLY born and raised in the San Fransisco's East Bay Area of California, seeing as I have more of a Southern nature (and twang in the voice) since I have now lived here for over twelve years.

7) I also Tweet on Twitter, Face up on FaceBook and Pog on Pogo.

8) We have three cats and a (new) Bearded Dragon Lizard. Hopefully soon, we can also add back the almost 40-gallon tank of fish. Between them and the kids (and the hubby) it truly is a ZOO around here!

Now, go have a hoppin' good time over at Cookie's page and LINK UP! I may just do this again next Monday. But with something more than just stupid tidbits about yours truly.

Have a wonderful week, my fellow Bloggers and readers alike!

EDITED..Why I THINK *my* blog's readership sucks..

**ETA** that yes, I did read the blog that now people are starting to Tweet about why people are not reading your blog (WHY NO ONE READS YOUR BLOG). Personally, I do not see where I fit really, within ANY of that posts "criteria".

Now onward with my original post...

True, I know I'm not always the "best" follower/commenter on the blogs that I follow. As a matter of fact, after this is posted, I plan on down sizing the list.

I Tweet and I link my posts to my FaceBook "Like" pages for each of my blogs (most of the time).

Due to personal matters, a busy schedule and stress issues, I'd taken a "blogging hiatus" for about a week. Come back and finally posted, with something POSITIVE. Got a couple comments and a good number of page views. Cool.

Then I posted something that I normally do NOT post. Christian-based posting with Contemporary Christian music videos, seeing as I wanted to share the "pick me up" kind of day that I was having..which for once was REALLY a "good" day.

Then I had posted in my other blog, The "Mental"-ist Mom blog about the effects that the robbery from a week and a half ago had left on my son primarily.

Wait a minute! I think I found what went wrong (or is that "right"?) as to why THAT blog (the latter) got attention... I was complaining or venting. Why? Because I am still LIVID as to what the robber(s) had done psychologically to my children. But my son has taken it the hardest, thanks to his Anxiety Disorder's problems being escalated.

Does this mean that I should always write about negative stuff? Nope. I look at it this way..SOMEONE will want to read POSITIVE things. And I am doing what I can to STAY positive. But I have to be honest..I'm tired of putting forth "commenting efforts" as I can, with no return results. Even by those that have been known to be "regulars" in the past.

Lately, I have commented on a few blog pages of those that I read regularly, but those "regulars" (to me) are being self absorbed within their own pages to not return ANY KIND (seemingly) of comment "love".

Maybe it's me. I don't know. But I can assure you, today, I'm Pre-Spring Cleaning my blog list. And possibly my Twitter list as well. I have even thought of deleting my "Like" pages, seeing as they are a waste of my time to post in and no one really "talks" in there either.

If this post causes me to lose readers, I'm okay with this. If it upsets people, I'm down with that too. If you are extremely upset with what I have said here, then MAYBE you are one of those bloggers/followers/readers/commentators that I'm speaking of.

I don't claim to be Perfect Patty (sorry SLIDE CUTTER! LOL) but I DO try to comment here and there. Even if to just say "I'm sorry this happened" or "What a cute story."... I don't expect long-winded comments, especially since for the most part, I don't give long-winded comments myself.

Heck! I can't even get ONE single Twitter Follower to RE-TWEET something for me, even after practically begging for the RT being that THIS blog has a new URL. That too tells me something.

Oh well. That's life I guess in the Blogosphere...

(Also note that ALL "LIKE" pages on FaceBook have been removed and I have cleaned out my Reader List on Blogger, as well as have down sized my Twitter list as of this writing.)

My blog page...NOTE TO ALL.

I have decided to not blog for a while. Could be a few days, a week or longer. I have my reasons. If you wish to drop/no longer follow me on Blogger, on Twitter, or on FaceBook I'll understand.

Would you care to be a *FEATURED* Blogger?

I'd love to have a new little "getting to know you" adventure. How would you like to be a feature guest? Gain a little exposure, and get possibly some new followers as well.

Thanks to Vic, who runs a WONDERFUL blogging community, For The Love Of Blogs, I've thought about doing this for some time, but just never got the "balls" to try it out. But now, why the heck not?

So, if you feel like this may be of interest, feel free to leave me a comment and I will get back to you. I'd like to model it after FTLOB and Vic's way of running it. From there, I will contact you via your private email address with the instructions and my return email addy, as to send me the finished product.

Basically, you will write a blog post about yourself, your life, and your blog. And it would be great to have some pictures included, and of course a link to your blog, as to let the readers find your direct page.

Each weekend, the featured blogger will change over. Each Sunday, a new Blogger will have the page to themselves.

**Entries must be in no later than the next Saturday.**

*VIEW OUR FIRST EVER FEATURED BLOGGER HERE*

*FEATURED* Blogger of the Week (Week 1)

"Featured" Blogger; for a newbie that stirs-up little chills that scoot up, and down, the spine. Suddenly, after sharing your thoughts, experiences, recipes and more, people take notice of you and little doors pop open with smiling faces on the other side. It's very exciting!

My door is wide open in return; you are so very welcome to come inside for a visit. By the way, my name is Patty.

Coffee is ready, served in one of my favorite Robinson Ransbottom mugs and, right over there, on a table, is the rough draft of a book I'm writing called "Another cookie, please!"

What's the book about?

This collection of memories is a bittersweet journey through my late mother's difficult life and later battle with dementia. Ironically, I became the caregiver for that parent who, for years, turned her back on the abuse of her only child. Somehow, I've grown to become an old married lady of 40 years, mother of 3, grandmother of 4 and a fairly productive woman. Then, a few months ago, I entered the world of blogging.

My humble creation can be found here.

http://anothercookieplease.blogspot.com/

What do I do?

Well, as a licensed hairstylist, I have the privilege of being a support specialist to women suffering from cancer, helping them maintain a positive outlook and appearance as they go through treatment and look ahead to recovery. My nickname "Slidecutter" pertains to a style of hair cutting/texturing done with shears specific to that procedure. Just thought that needed explaining..



Where am I from?

Upstate New Yawk...New York for anyone else. We have our own little accent here, in The Empire State and it's true about that "New York minute"; everything we do is at warp speed and 24 hours in a day is never enough!



Why do I blog?

Through the eventual publishing of my little book, and blogging, my hope is to reach out to other caregivers who might be struggling, who are angry and overwhelmed with the consuming task of caring for a loved one afflicted by dementia, other illness or disorder. I don't pretend to be an expert and I'm very candid, even sarcastic, in my opinions at times, especially now that I've gotten past the fear of being judged as I share several personal experiences in my postings; things like dealing with my own ADD, and my son's ADHD. For years, I've managed to deal with the ups & downs of this disorder, focusing on the creative things I love doing most while always fighting that battle to stay organized in other areas.

As I read over blogs from so many kindred spirits, I've been learning to step beyond my own sadness while finding there are so many positive things I can share with others. There is such a wonderful menu of creativity and meaningful posts to choose from; each day brings a refreshing new delight.

You're invited to visit me at http://anothercookieplease.blogspot.com/ , leave a comment and follow if you really would like to do so; if not, thanks so much for stopping here today!

**Message from Missy.. If you wish to be the next "*FEATURED* Blogger of the Week", then please be sure to go and read up on how I'm doing it, and where I obtained the inspiration to do my own Blogger's Feature by CLICKING HERE. Each Sunday, a new Blogger will have the page to themselves (minus this message to coincide lol). Entries must be in no later than the next Saturday.**

TGIF!! Join me & my FAB FRIENDS.

As a child, I had to struggle with being "different". Never mind the buck teeth or the (boy like) short hair cut (thanks MOM!). My kind of "different" was well..different.

My outward, physical appearance made me "look" different. I was at the time (legally) deemed handicapped, due to the nature of the medical problems I had as a kid, and the fact that I had to carry specialized medical equipment with me for emergency basis.

What was my "difference"? I had a tracheostomy from the time of my birth, up until almost the age of thirteen. It looked like the following graphic (or at least pretty close to this one)..

Now I'm sure as you can tell, with the way elementary school children CAN be, that I wasn't the most "popular" kid on the playground. I took it all in stride. But what friends I did in fact have, they were REAL as well as TRUE friends.

They looked beyond the trache and had seen just another kid. Just another girl. Just another tom-boy. I liked to do many of the same things as they did. Imaginative play. Riding bikes. Coloring, swinging, and all the other cool, crazy, fun things that all the other kids liked to do.

While I have ALWAYS valued my childhood friends and their friendships, one always has, and most certainly always will stand out in my mind.

Danielle. Though we all called her "Dolly". She and I were like peas and carrots (thanks "Forest Gump"!). Pretty much, we were inseparable. We did EVERYTHING together. At home, at school.

But she too was "disabled". But unlike me, her disability was hidden. Dolly had a Congenital Heart Defect, and a hole in her heart at birth, that they did patch. But in later years, her heart began to go in to Congestive Heart Failure. We were about six and seven years old at the time.

Eventually, Dolly had to be placed on the National Transplant List. And like now, of course, children's organs, especially hearts and lungs were hard to come by. But finally, her waiting was over and she was able to receive a new heart.

The transplant its self was a success. And yes, I knew, even at the tender age of six, that my BFF was really sick and had to get a new heart. My parents didn't hide it from me.

But, within a few hours of the transplant, her heart was starting to be rejected by her body. And the doctors did EVERYTHING in their power to get her heart to settle and stabilize, even going as far as getting her right back on the list.

Sadly within the first twenty-four hours post-op, Dolly's body couldn't take anymore of the beating that the rejection was placing on her and her heart. She died at the tender and innocent age of seven years old.

For three years, we were like peas and carrots. Side by side. But this is one thing I could not do with her. I couldn't walk her to the Gates. When my mom told me she passed, at first I didn't believe it. I ran out of the house, next door to Dolly's house. As soon as I walked in and had seen all the sad faces and the crying, I knew then that really my friend was gone.

To this day, I still think of her from time to time, and the friendship we had shared. And all the crazy things we would do. And tucked away, up in a box within my attic, I have the last picture that we had taken together, not too long before her death.

So, take my advice...VALUE your friends and your friendships every single day. Don't take for granted what there is in your life. Because one day, they could suddenly be snatched from your life. You never, EVER know what life is going to throw at you or at them at any given moment.

Now, first of all, add your link to my Linky Tool down below and share your blogs with us. And then, head on over to meet some more of my Fab Friends over at For The Love Of Blogs by clicking on the "Fab Friends Friday" button.

Come click, comment, and link up!

Good Sunday to everyone! I'm participating in For The Love Of Blog's "Comment Love Day", where you go and click on other blogs and leave GENUINE comments. Not just copy/pastes of "Nice blog." or "I'm following you, please follow me back.". It is a chance to REALLY know the writers and get a good chance to REALLY read what is on their mind or important to them.



But before you go over there, be sure to also leave your link here as well. And feel free to also check out the links to my other two blogs.

If you wish to be a *FEATURED* Blogger, CLICK HERE.

If you want to see my (former) *haunted* home, where I grew up, CLICK HERE.

If you wish to see about the new group and chat area for parents of Special Needs children, CLICK HERE.

Would you like to be a *FEATURED* Blogger?

I'd love to have a new little "getting to know you" adventure. How would you like to be a feature guest? Gain a little exposure, and get possibly some new followers as well.

Thanks to Vic, who runs a WONDERFUL blogging community, For The Love Of Blogs, I've thought about doing this for some time, but just never got the "balls" to try it out. But now, why the heck not?

So, if you feel like this may be of interest, feel free to leave me a comment and I will get back to you. I'd like to model it after FTLOB and Vic's way of running it. From there, I will contact you via your private email address with the instructions and my return email addy, as to send me the finished product.

Basically, you will write a blog post about yourself, your life, and your blog. And it would be great to have some pictures included, and of course a link to your blog, as to let the readers find your direct page.

Each weekend, the featured blogger will change over.

Magical Monday With 'For The Love Of Blogs'

It's yet again another beautiful Monday here in bloggy land. Not so much around where I live. It's cloudy and cold. And it looks like more of the white stuff is in my future. No! Not THAT white stuff. Flakes on the ground, not in my hair, silly.

I highly suggest that if you have yet to do so, to join a wonderful, friendly, and well organized blogging community. It's For The Love Of Blogs. Best thing (besides getting your blog out there)? You do *not* have to be a blogger yourself to join. It's also meant to be a wonderful tool for readers to find new blogs to read that are of their interests.

Stop on by today, and tell them that Proudmom (Missy) sent you over. No, I won't get a prize, but I'm sure that they love hearing where others and newbies are coming over from as to scope them out. Just click on the blog button (below) to hop on over to their site.

BUT!! Before you do, if you have a blog or two (or more) that you wish to promote, feel free to also do so here in my linky tool area (also below, at the very bottom of the post).

Have a great Monday, everyone!

Get A-Hoppin'! It's Magical Monday. (blog hop)

Hello and Happy Monday. I've got a lot going on around here so I'm not really writing much. But as soon as the "storm" passes, all will be well again.

But I had to at least get up the Magical Monday post for the blog hop from For The Love Of Blogs. The link to their hop is down below in their Magical Monday Button.

Before jet setting over there, feel free to also link up your blog here as well on the linky tool provided at the bottom of the post.

Happy Monday to all, and to all a good week!

It's Another Magical Monday! (blog hop)

Another week has started. What better way to kick it off on a Monday that to participate in the Magical Monday blog hop, courtesy of For The Love Of Blogs!

But before you run over there and see who all is participating, feel free to also ADD YOUR LINK HERE!

But, before you do...

please LEAVE A *GENUINE* COMMENT here on my page to show that you have read it. Not a copy/paste thing or a "I followed you/follow me back" comment... I am okay with people stating if they came from another blog hop and found me. But I don't play the "followed you/follow me back" game.

**If you cannot abide by that one simple rule for linking on my page, I wish for you to NOT link it at all, nor even leave a COMMENT on my page.**

Now, be sure that BEFORE you head over to..



...to add your link (below) in my link-up tool area! Have a great Monday, everyone.

I got the "Versatile Blogger Award"!

Rules
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
2. Answer 10 questions
3. Pass it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy
4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award

First of all, I really MUST thank AubrieAnne over at Who's Your Editor? for the award. For her to say that I'm 'versatile' may be an underscore of the truer word for my blogging (lol). Seeing as I'm known to be "all over the place" in my thoughts, feelings and life experiences when it comes to my writings and ramblings.

AubrieAnne, in some ways, I find us to have become kindred spirits of sorts. Books, being strong in our convictions and our views of what's "right" when it comes to civility and tact in the art of Blogging. Thank you also for your new-found friendship, not just this lovely award.

My 10 Questions...

1. Why did you create this blog?

My main objective with this particular blog was just to talk about my everyday life as a Stay-At-Home Mom of my three children. Also as an outlet to let off steam about things in the home or my thoughts and views on top headlines. It was a connection for me to the outside world, really.

2. What kind of blogs do you follow?

I mainly follow "Mommy Blogs", seeing as I can relate to them and even bounce ideas off of them or get advice. But I'm also in to parents who blog about having Special Needs children, being my son is disabled by many different mental disorders. I love AubrieAnne's blog being she writes about books and poetry. And I am myself an avid reader, mainly of sci-fi, comical romance and the Paranormal. Plus I also follow a few Paranormal blogs as well.

3.  Favorite makeup brand?

This is simple lol.. I can't wear makeup. At least not on my eyes, due to having a Corneal Transplant until otherwise told I can. With chronic dry eye it would be hard to wear it on my bad eye. So I just forgo the makeup altogether.


4. Favorite clothing brand?

Honestly, I don't have one. I'm an easy going gal that just wears whatever is comfortable.

5. Your indispensable makeup product?

Read answer to question # 3. (=

6. Favorite color?

Purple!! Because to me is signifies passion. Not as in love type passion. But that you are a passionate person and are strong in your convictions and are bold enough to take a stand for yourself or the proverbial underdog when you feel injustice has been rendered.

7. Favorite Perfume?

I'm in to the Dove Body Mists. Mainly peach, rain and berry scented.


8.  Favorite film?

If you REALLY know me well enough, then you know for a FACT that I cannot for the life of me, keep to just one movie. I'm an avid fan(atic) of Nicolas Cage's work. I have most of his movies in my DVD collection. So my answer will be "Nic Cage movies".

9.  What country would you like to visit and why?

Ireland! Most of both sides of my family are Irish. Primarily my father's side, who's grandparents immigrated from the country at the turn of the century. They went on to have seven children. My grandmother was the baby of the family who was born in 1915. One of my Great-Uncles was even being born DURING the 1908 San Fransisco earthquake that devastated the city. So, there is certainly a lot of rich heritage and history there in Ireland for me.

10.  Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?

Again, refer to question # 3's answers. (=

Now to pass on this esteemed award...


Narragansett No. 7

Just Hide the Dishes in the Dryer...

Dave's Buttoned-Up Mind

Adoption of Jane UG-Lbc

Carrie with Children

Letters For Lucas

Randomness with Rachel

Follow Me... I DARE YOU!

I love having followers, just like any other writer/blogger. But I want not just "followers", but READERS who are not only willing to read or even (with luck) glance at my pages, but are willing to say something constructive about the piece.

If you notice on the left of my page, you will see that my FOLLOWERS/Google Reader list's numbers have dropped DRAMATICALLY.

Why?

Because I went on and removed all those "followers" that were using me as a "look at how many I follow" tool, and those that spammed my pages with "I followed, now follow me back" BS.

If you are going to REALLY read my stuff and at least make an EFFORT to comment here and there, then by all means join my page! But if I'm just a tool or "numbers game" to you, then really, I do NOT want you to click the "Follow" button.

On ANY of my three blogs...

Here.

ParanorMel.

Or on my newest creation, The "Mental"-ist Mom.

If you know me well, then you know me well enough to get it that I am not in to FAKE people, users or SPAMMERS.

So, if you are one of those three kinds, then please, don't bother my page, get my hopes up or waste my precious time.

I have This New Bloggy Friend...

...Over at For The Love Of Blogs!

She is so very sweet! And loves books and poetry (which is a plus for me!). Also her writings are so eloquent and at times, even mesmerizing. And knowing myself that I am not a poll-kind-of-gal, I surprisingly LOVE taking polls on her page.

AubrieAnne over at Who's Your Editor? is a lovely blogger who VALUES her readers!

Last night as some of us were conversing in her comments section, it came to light (not by me at first) as to her color schemes, fonts and sizes of her blog text. After taking note that some of us (yes, including myself) were suggesting changing some things, seeing as it is hard to read what is written on the page, AubrieAnne entered the GIVEAWAY for a completely new blog design.

She'd even let us see a copy of her entry letter. And then stated that no matter what, she would shut down and have an easier page to read.

THAT my friends is a REAL writer, blogger and TRUE friend in the blogging world.

To listen to what your readers are saying (constructively). To fix a problem that your readers bring attention to, in any way that can possibly do so. To be willing (if you each follow one another) to comment on EACH OTHER'S writings here and there. (Not every day or even weekly..I can make do with once a month!)

Please feel free to stop by and see AubrieAnne over at Who's Your Editor?, especially if you are a lover of books, poetry and have a love for (very) good writing.

Come Hop With Me On New Years!

It's a new year and a new weekend. First of all...

Do you make resolutions? What are they??

Personally, I don't. Because I don't need to lose weight, I live a pretty peaceful life, generally we are financially stable (excluding medical bills). And I know that I won't keep any resolutions that I make.

Now, as usual, it's Weekend Wandering with For The Love Blogs. So be sure to get with them and join the community if you have yet to do so and add your button to their hop.



BUT!! Before you do so, be sure to also ADD YOUR LINK to my link up tool (below).

Just please remember if you participate in MY hop...The *ONLY* stipulation I have is to please LEAVE A *GENUINE* COMMENT here on my page to show that you have read it. Not a copy/paste thing or a "I followed you/follow me back" comment... I am okay with people stating if they came from another blog hop and found me. But I don't play the "followed you/follow me back" game.

**If you cannot abide by that one simple rule for linking on my page, I wish for you to NOT link it at all, nor even leave a COMMENT on my page.

If *anyone* is caught breaking the rules for MY BLOG PAGE and the way I wish to run MY blog hop/link up, then the comment and/or blog link and button will be DELETED.

Now leave your link here, and then get hopping over to FTLOB (via their button) and join in the community and the fun!