I'm Gonna Cry. And I'm Not Ashamed!

Today is D-Day for millions of us. For years we have had been stereotyped as "lazy", "bon-bon eaters", "ass sitters".

When in reality, we were only escaping reality for an hour Monday through Friday. To join families that were, while imaginary, still like us in so many ways. And they tackled some of the very same problems that happen in everyday life.

After today, they will no longer be joining us in fantasy-land. Some of us have been watching since we were children. And some of our parents were still "kids" themselves when it first aired.

Today, we will say our final good-byes to the Mannings, the Buchanans, the Evans clan and to One Life To Live.

For 43 years, Viki, Asa, Dorian, the Woleks and a host of other characters in it's over-four-decades run came on to our TV screens. They made us laugh. They made us cry. Sometimes, they made us angry, too. But for an hour, their world was my world, and vice versa.

One Life To Live, as well as All My Children were what I used to escape my everyday life. Be it at it's regular time, or from my recording it on VHS tape to watch during the weekend.

It gave me a "normalcy" in a world that for me, was completely turned upside down due to the passing of my mother in 1989. During the summer, with exception to an episode here and there due to trips and whatnot, I watched religiously every single day. From 2-3 PM, Monday through Friday. Even my Nana got in to them. Mainly AMC. But it was something BOTH of us could relate to and talk about.

Since day one, I have always been a Bo Buchanan fan. Not so much a Bo and Nora fan, per say. And in all honesty, I liked the pairing of him and Paige the best (the second Paige of the three actresses that portrayed the character). Poor Bo. He's been through SO very much. And SO many loves and marriages. But all in all, he had ALWAYS remained true to himself and to those around him. Especially his "Pa", Asa Buchanan.

I wasn't around for the beginning of OLTL. But I am here for it's end. But like many other fans, it will ALWAYS be in my heart, in my memory and a topic I'll talk about from time to time.

For it may be a show to some people. But for myself, and oh so many others, it was an escape, and a place in time of Television where you could INDEED relate to someone, no matter who the character was.

Art imitates life. OLTL Creator, Agnes Nixon speaking of fake Soap, "Fraternity Row", while in reality, speaking of her baby, "One Life To Live"...




The embedding is disabled for the next one that I wanted to show you, but you can view it by clicking on THIS LINK (Viki's Voice-Over: "Soap Opera's Are About Families"). Again, in reality, Viki's portrayer, Erika Slezak, is speaking about OLTL and how us soap fans view our shows.

Clint Buchanan's revelation about "family" always being there, no matter what, can be seen under THIS LINK. As is watching Rex, Gigi, and Shane Balsam leave for England so that Shane can attend a prestigious Art School.

In 2007, Asa Buchanan's portrayer, Phil Carey had passed away. With the news of his death in real life, the show killed off Asa as well. He took no crap. Not on the show, and not in real life. A tribute video...




Also, the first "Clint Buchanan", actor Clint Richie had passed away after a "routine" surgical procedure. His tribute..




One Life To Live opening credits throughout the years of the show's run...




Thank you, Agnes Nixon, for creating a place for us that needed a helping hand in addressing problems of the world, and bringing awareness to them, and even a means to find how to help.

Thank you for giving me a place to call "home" in a world of fantasy, that in many ways over the years, mirrored my reality of the world around me. You had given me a place to venture out of my life of sadness, grief and depression, to smile a little bit, and even cry with the characters.

To the wonderful actors past and present, thank you, to EVERY single one of you, for your heart, dedication and LONG hours on sets to bring your fans a quality show and bringing out your characters in such a way, that they were true extensions of yourselves. And for making them BELIEVABLE, as well as relate-able.

To my fellow fans, I want to say thank you to you all as well. We have been able to give one another some WONDERFUL conversations. And even some civil arguments (LOL!).

But all in all, I will truly miss talking with some of my friends about what just happened to Clint, or Jessica. Or talk about how goofy David Vickers is being. Or how Todd Manning again has pulled a fast one and gotten away with something that in the real world, would have him locked up so fast, that your head would spin.

Thank you One Life To Live, because you have given SO much to us in your 43 years. I can't wait to see you all in future acting endeavors. But I will truly and honestly miss you all coming on to my Television screen from 2:00 til 3.

I don't think that I have been THIS busy in... forever. All this week I have had one thing or another going on. From wrapping gifts, to decorating and to card writing (which as of this point, has yet to begin).

But honestly, I wouldn't trade any of my busy-ness. I'm having fun (for the most part), getting out of the house more as of late, and am enjoying seeing smiles and knowing that we are creating some, too.

We have already bought, wrapped and returned the gifts to the Angel Tree program kids that my children, husband and I had picked. I now have all of the kids' gifts wrapped, with exception to one, being that I had to get reimbursed for an item that never came in on shipment because the order site didn't catch that it was out of stock. So we bought something else, and my husband has it, so it will be getting wrapped later this evening.

I also have all of the gifts ready to be boxed and sent to my father across to the western side of the states. And his Christmas card, which will also have a "bonus" in it, along with some friends' cards will help to complete the package.

Now, it's wrap things that are left for all of my husband's side. Including the nieces and a couple of nephews. And a butt load of Christmas cards to fill out and ready.

My husband and oldest may go out this evening after he gets off of work to shop for yours truly. My oldest said that she wants to be able to ensure that my husband doesn't buy me anything "stupid" or "dumb looking". Smart girl!

Well I think that I shall now leave you, as to prepare my hand for falling off. This card writing stuff is going to take me a while.

Here's a cool song to share. One from my childhood, and from a tradition that I miss having with my mom, but am now carrying on with my children...





Here's a BRAND NEW Country Christmas classic!

Musical Monday...That isn't musical at all.

It isn't really "musical" this morning. I'm doing comedy this morning? Why? Because I will be at the school bright (and way too) early this morning, helping to "cook" (more like set fire to) breakfast for the teachers as a part of Teacher Appreciation Month. Believe me when I say that I relate more to the Swedish Chef than most realize.

Here's me making eggs.



Now this would be me with the pancakes.



Doughnut, anyone?

300th Post Celebration..Though I Know No One Really Cares. (Link-Up Provided!)

Seeing as of late, my posts are a bit of a dud. Even ones that I let people USE me to link up and hope to gain more readers themselves. I'm just a glutton for punishment I guess.

It's been a ride thus far, to say the least. And with the 300th post I think I am going to post some links to my personal all-time favorite posts, maybe add a couple of videos, and place up a few pictures.

Thanks to all of you that have been loyal readers during all 300 pieces, that date back to November of 2009 here on Blogger. And welcome to all my new friends/readers.

And just because I am feeling ultra-generous, I think I'll let you all LINK UP with this post (below) as a way to show my appreciation.

Let's see, I think I will list a few of my all-time fave posts first. Sound like a plan? And feel free (especially my new friends) to click on them and read them. Don't be shy!

The One That Started It All

A Poem To A Baby Never Held

For Me, April Is More That Just About Easter

Followers, Carnivals And My Being Myself

100 Posts Ago

A Big Loss

Did you have fun reading all these? I hope so.

Now, on to the Video portion of the party. Here's a few songs that I just LOVE and love to sing or dance to. In no particular "love it!" order..













Now that you are all pumped up and raring to go, feel like seeing a few pictures? Yeah, I'm gonna be random. And the first three should tell you the kind of guys I like to see on the boob-tube. (=

Well, that's it (for now). Thanks for coming on over and celebrating with me. I hope you had fun reading, watching, looking and listening. Come on by my pace anytime. I love having friends over.

Now, just scroll a bit further down here and ADD YOUR BLOG link to my post here and let's see if I can get ya hooked up. Consider it my "Thank You!" present from me to you, for your generosity and support. Have a great day!

I'm not a huge fan of Christian music, but..

There are a few singers that I LOVE to listen to. I'm in to Contemporary Christian music. I like a few hymns that are traditional. But I'm really not a "traditional" kind of gal. With that said, here are my favorites (with a fave song video included).

First of all, gotta give kudos to Nicole C. Mullen. The girl can SING!



As for the guys, I have to give it up to Al Denson. The following song brings me to tears EVERY single time.



I've had the awesome pleasure to see Cece Winans perform one year at an Extraordinary Women's concert here in town. She is even more so beautiful in person and gives a WONDERFUL, praise-filled performance. Music for MY generation, and even my kids'. This was one of the songs she sang..



Another tear jerker for me. I love it though! He is my Comfort and my Strength. Darlene Zschech had done a wonderful job with this song.



Delirious has some good P&W tunes also.



I think that personally, I really needed to hear some of these and just give it all to God. It's honestly been a very emotionally charged (almost) two weeks for me and my family. Between after-school activities, the home invasion and my son's problems escalating due to the break-in, I have been stressed beyond limits. It was refreshing and calming to listen and even sing to these this morning.

True, I'm not a church-going, drop-to-my-knees-every-ten-minutes, constant-Bible-reading Christian, but I know HE loves me, He sacrificed EVERYTHING for me and that He is there even in the midst of every storm to help carry and weather me through.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 12)

Tomorrow, I will start doing the actual "12 Days Of Christmas" where each day, right up to Christmas Day, I will focus on lines from the Carol. "Lords a leaping"?? What is that? Why FIVE golden rings? Don't worry, because as the days go on, you WILL find out the meaning behind them all.

But today, I think that I will give you these to watch and maybe have a few memories come back of watching these as children yourselves.

I'm only posting PART ONE of each. If you wish to see the entire episode, please go to YouTube and place in the show in the search bar and it will give you more options.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 4)

Ready to get in to the holiday spirit? How about some of my favorite Christmas tunes to get you in to the mood?


I'm sending this one out to Angel over at Angel Believes (blog)...




For my little girl who LOVES this song...




For my son...For the reason being his nose has been reminding me of Rudolph...




Gotta love Achmed!!




You can't do Christmas without the Chipmunks!




A classic by Brenda Lee...




The Mormon Tabernacle...




Nat & Natalie...




For us Redneck Hillbilly types, Larry can't go wrong for the holidays! (The *ONLY* one I don't care for is 'Donny The Retard' for obvious reasons and don't find it funny.)




This is one of my FAVORITE TV specials and one of my favorite Christmas time songs...




Beautiful song..




Whomever she is, this woman has a BEAUTIFUL voice!...




Amy Grant's version is pretty...

Saturday Slapschtick

I have NO idea as to what I want to write about. And let's face it, the last couple of posts have been kind of a "Debbie Downer" so to speak.

So, instead, I feel like not saying a whole lot, and let the pictures and/or videos do all the talking for me.

WARNING!! Some of the materials below may not be suitable for little kids. So it's on you if you are still having them on your lap and you get asked some really off the hook questions.

Video Music Weekend

The following videos are just for fun, or for expressing what I am feeling or thinking this weekend.

First up... Telephone (Lady Gaga). Maybe if I had a dance floor, I could tell my ex-husband to stop calling me. This morning makes the third time in two days. And I still have another 36 hours to go!




It's true, I do majorly stress from time to time. This song ('Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing', SheDaisy) reminds me to take it all in stride, and all will be right again in your world.




AMEN, SISTAH FRIEND!!! ("Just A Girl", No Doubt)




Men!!! Take note what happens when you can't keep it in your pants. Tried and true. ("Third Rock From The Sun", Joe Diffie)

9/11/2001...We remember. In songs and pictures.

Like Pearl Harbor, September 11, 2001, also known as 9/11, has gone down in infamy.

Feel free to watch the following videos. I have no words, really for today, being that I had said all that I could the other day ABOUT 9-11.

I'm asking you, my readers, that if you wish to comment on this post, that you DO NOT make comments or start debates in regards to *politics*, *conspiracy theories*, or make any *anti-religion* (namely Islam/Muslim) remarks.

Thank you for respecting my blog, this post, and this day's meaning by refraining from the above.

"Where Were You On That September Day?"

If you recognize that line that I used for the title of this post, then you know which song it is from and what it symbolizes. September 11, 2001 will remain in many a heart and memory for generations to come.

Not for it's year in music or the Emmy that Television shows had won. Or the hot Summer Flicks that Hollywood spun out that year.

It will be remembered as one of the most prolific tragedies of our time. Of our generation, and of the Twentieth Century. September 11th is forever known as '9-11'.

That was the day that it did indeed seem that the world had stopped turning. Millions in America, and billions around the world had frozen in place as they had witnessed first hand, or had seen the first taped images of the root cause of the first Trade Center Tower being on fire, seeing as the second plane crashed in to the other tower as the first was being filmed on live TV, as it was on fire and had people JUMPING OFF the building, as to escape being burned alive.

Do you remember what you were doing at that moment in time? Be it in pieces, or in minute detail. I certainly do. All the way down to calling my husband at work, and listening to his description of how the customers and his co-workers reacted to the news.

When the news started breaking, they had said in past-tense that a plane hit the WTC Tower. As Diane Sawyer and Charlie Gibson from Good Morning America (back in those days) were trying to get more on the story, thinking a bomb (not a plane) had gone off, right behind them, on the back screen, in a live shot, the other plane came in at what seemed to be an odd angle.

Suddenly, as I sat there, engrossed and waiting for a more defined answer to what happened, the answer became horrifically known to me and millions of others in the nation as to what REALLY happened.

Sitting there, holding Bryce in my arms (he was three months old then, and Hayley was at school for her (then) developmental delays), I watched as the other plane hit and just blew up before my very eyes.

Suddenly, I began to cry and I notably held Bryce a little tighter as he sat upon my lap, oblivious to what was unfolding before him. Then the thought swept in to my mind, and I could hear myself say "What kind of world have I truly brought my children in to? Is this what they have to look forward to in their future? What did we as a nation do, to deserve this kind of terroristic-type act (not knowing yet that it INDEED WAS a terrorist attack upon out nation)?".

I'd sat there, frozen and silent. It wasn't until I came out of the 'trance' that I realized that I just witnessed a plane full of people, and people within that tower being murdered. The shock to see what I had, left me dazed.

After I got myself together, I called my husband at work (then, we didn't have cells, so I had to call the store) and I asked if they had heard. He'd said yes, as did all of the customers and fellow employees, being that they announced it, and then had a moment of silence...Customers left in droves to get home, or were on frantic calls right in the aisles, Scott said, making sure their loved ones in NY and that were to be on flights that morning were okay.

Just think, one week prior, I was flying home from Reno, Nevada, after a week's stay due to my grandmother (Nana, who's ashes I wrote about finally getting) had passed away. Even then, on the flight home, something seemed...'off'. But I could never place what it was. I just felt very uneasy. And I had never felt that way before when it came to flying.

Maybe I was sensing the tragedy that was about to unfold. But I just didn't "get it". The entire trip home felt 'weird'. Who knows.

Maybe there were a couple of those terrorists on board with me, getting "practice flights" or going to their final destination via my route to go home. This I will never, ever know for sure. All I know is that I knew that there was something big coming. I could feel it. But I couldn't pinpoint what it was. That feeling stayed with me...

All the way home on my flight upon American Airlines.

*The following has real footage from news tapes included in to this song's video.*

May we never forget.

I'm in a Musical Way,today!Join me & hear what I want to say to certain peeps!!

This first one is for my husband Scott. Let's just say that I'm sure we are BOTH in withdrawal thanks to my UTI problem. And for me, this following song states exactly how I'm feeling about him.




This next one is to my kids. They have been *almost* the death of me during Summer Vacation. Sadly, I can vouch that I have said EVERY SINGLE thing in this "mom song" at least a hundred times, plus another million...




The eating song goes out to my PMS and knowing that I have gained two pounds from water-weight gain. And another two will be added from stuffing my face for the next week or so...




Every once in a while, including very recently, I have thought about the old days of my youth. And I swear, Tim got this right!




There is a way out! You just need to find the courage to pick yourself up and leave. It WILL be difficult and extremely scary to do so, at first. But to escape and taste the freedom of what life REALLY has to offer is more than worth it..I should know.




Last but not least, this one goes to all my gal-pal readers! No matter if you are 9 or 99. We really ARE the same inside...

My thoughts, feelings and life in song. Video maven day!

Whenever I listen/sing this one, it makes me think (and even hear) my mom and her BEAUTIFUL voice that has been silenced for almost 21 years. Larry Gatlin was one of her faves...




Apparently, since day one, I have lived in this way...Nope. I won't back down. I have stood at the gates of personal hell on several occasions. I know more fires are coming. Still, I'll stand my ground and not back down.





I`m gonna follow my heart
Wherever it leads oooh
I`m not afraid of my destiny - oooh
...There`s another point of view
It takes me back to you
I wanna dream my dreams
And live them too - oooh
Do a million things before I`m though - oooh
There`s another side of me
That only you can see





Us girls gotta stick together, ya know! This one IS for the girls...of ALL ages! WE ROCK, LADIES!





I so miss the country life! I was born a City Slicker, but never felt like I fit in. This is ME all the way!!





Once was pretty bad. Twice, I was a sucker. There has NEVER been a third time, and will NEVER be! I'm forever free to dream.





I think we are STILL in a Land Of Confusion. Just look at our world today. Not a whole lot has changed since this video.





Our marriage/relationship is far from perfect. But it's perfect enough for me and for us...





For my children...

May the good lord be with you down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you're far from home
And may you grow to be proud, dignified, and true
And do unto others as you'd have done to you

Be courageous and be brave

And when you finally fly away, I'll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime, no one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose
I'm right behind you
Win or lose

ParanorMel...Can you DIG it?

What in the world does a girl have to do to get her blog noticed these days? Sheesh!

I've got a secondary blog around here that talks of shadows, voices, mists, things seen from the corner of your eye, and MUCH more.

If you KNOW me, you will know that I am in to the Paranormal. Primarily hauntings and ghosts/spirits/apparitions.

Over at ParanorMel, I talk (from time to time) of my own PERSONAL experiences with the Supernatural and the Unexplained. Plus, I find cool videos, post about different definitions in regards to hauntings, spirits, and the like.

If you are in to that sort of subject, or you have had your own experiences, feel free to hop on over and follow me. You can...

Ask questions.

Tell YOUR story.

Request subjects to be covered/featured.

Know that you are NOT alone.

Sounds good enough to try, you said? Then click on over to ParanorMel and jump right on in to the thick of things.

As an added bonus, ParanorMel also has a FACEBOOK Fan/Like Page of the same name. Feel free to join us there, too.

It's interactive and I LOVE hearing from you, my readers, and those that are interested in hauntings and ghosts. On BOTH pages.

I'm LONELY! Wanna join me and have some fun (and maybe a spook or two)?

What in the world does a girl have to do to get her blog noticed these days? Sheesh!

I've got a secondary blog around here that talks of shadows, voices, mists, things seen from the corner of your eye, and MUCH more.

If you KNOW me, you will know that I am in to the Paranormal. Primarily hauntings and ghosts/spirits/apparitions.

Over at ParanorMel, I talk (from time to time) of my own PERSONAL experiences with the Supernatural and the Unexplained. Plus, I find cool videos, post about different definitions in regards to hauntings, spirits, and the like.

If you are in to that sort of subject, or you have had your own experiences, feel free to hop on over and follow me. You can...

Ask questions.

Tell YOUR story.

Request subjects to be covered/featured.

Know that you are NOT alone.

Sounds good enough to try, you said? Then click on over to ParanorMel and jump right on in to the thick of things.

As an added bonus, ParanorMel also has a FACEBOOK Fan/Like Page of the same name. Feel free to join us there, too. It's interactive and I LOVE hearing from you, my readers, and those that are interested in hauntings and ghosts.

Funny Video Thursdays (my new Thursday MeMe)

I have decided that I am going to deem *THURSDAYS* to be Funny Video Thursday. Why? Just because and it's *my* blog. That's why! Don't like it? Oh well. At least not all my friends are poo-poo heads.

Plus especially today, I need some laughs. I'm severely lacking sleep. We had a REALLY nasty storm come through yesterday evening, and it blew out the Transformer two poles down from my house. The streak hit the box so bad, it sent sparks just-a-flyin'! And you could hear this awful ZAAAAAP.

After about an hour (of our 8-hour wait to get the damn thing fixed) I called Angel from over at Angel Believes (http://singedwingangel.blogspot.com/)and told her all that happened. Including the part about having not enough bread for sammiches, so the hubs, Scott (love my man..even after all the HELL he put ME through last night) got pizza. Wouldn't y'all know that NOT EVEN 2 minutes later, Miss Angel had one of the finest blond moments I have ever known? She asks me..."Are you watching 'America's Got Talent?". After re-iterating I have NO POWER, it dawns that she asked the wrong question.

Anywho...Here are some videos that I think would bring you a chuckle. Let me know if you want me to keep this Thursday highlight going. PUHLEEZ?

100th Blog Post Bash!....Come celebrate with me. Something for EVERYONE!!!!

Welcome to this post and to the celebration of this wonderful milestone. Today, I am writing my 100'th post for the blog page.

I've written about all kinds of things. From being (at times) an unhappy housewife, caring for my kids (mainly my son who is disabled), to my experiences of being a Transplant Recipient, and so many other things in between. And honestly, it's hard to choose just a few things to post links for where those writings come in to play on here.

First and foremost though, I wish to thank every single one of my readers. Here on Blogger, on Facebook, Networked Blogs, my Followers in all the above forums, as well as my "casual" readers. You each have endowed me with your wisdom, your sage advice, your support, your love, and most importantly, your friendship. Thank you to each and every one of you.

Here are some links to my favorite PAST posts...

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2009/11/he-who-hath-not-commited-sin-shall-cast.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2009/12/since-you-left.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2010/01/lil-miss-independent.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2010/02/smile.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2010/03/friendship-101-right-way-and-wrong-way.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2010/04/mean-girlsthe-realities-from-someone.html

http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/2010/05/tween-scene-per-my-exdperiences.html

Have fun reading some of (what I think is) my greatest works of writing! I think that from each of those, you will take something with you to carry and ponder on for a while. Now, to the picture section of the post. Here are some of my favorite pictures.

So....How about those, huh? I gave you all a little bit of everything on that selection. Shall we now move on to our next section of this 100th Post Blog Bash? Alright, then! Here we go!!

Would you care to see who's blogs I totally go gaga for? Sure, I love to read all my blog selections. But a few stand out from the crowd.

http://singedwingangel.blogspot.com/  (life through my eyes of love..laughter..christianity)

http://chasingawaysaltwater.blogspot.com/ (A MEMOIR)

http://davebuttoned.blogspot.com/ (The World According To Dave)

http://fisherofstories.blogspot.com/ (I Like To Fish)

The links above I HIGHLY recommend that you CLICK THEM! You have a wide range of thought, emotion, seriousness, as well as comedy and drama within those four choices. And lookie! I made it even without even trying. Two guys and two gals. Cool!

Now, I think that we pretty much covered everything for this festive occasion.. Oh! I almost forgot! We shall have a MUSIC VIDEO. Just because. No reason. Maybe even two of them. Why not! It's my party and I'll post what I want too, that's why.

Well ladies and gents, this ends the 100th Blog Post Bash! Thanks for attending. And thanks for all of your support, as well as your friendships. You all mean the world to me in unique ways. Here is to ANOTHER 100 POSTS!