It's That Time Again...

Leaves are turning to vibrant and almost magical-like colors. Hues of orange, yellow and red are all popping up around on the hill and mountainsides of the Appalachians. I love Autumn here in Virginia.

It's also time to break out hand-me-down costumes, or purchase new ones for the kids that have outgrown them all. And not to mention, buying the goodies that you will be passing out to the little fairies, ghosts, superheros and goblins.

And for me personally, it will be my 2-year-anniversary post-transplant for my eye. It's strange to know that already two years has just flown right past me. I still wonder about my donor and their life. And I often think about the donor's family, that I will seemingly never have the pleasure of meeting. I even throw around the idea of maybe even writing them an update letter.

Also, it will mark 22 years since my mother passed away, on the same day that I celebrate my anniversary date. Wow!! 22 years. How is even possible? It certainly to me, does NOT feel like that much time has gone by. But it has.

As you can see, I haven't even posted on to ANY of my three blogs in well over a month. I pretty much have given up writing on them. For various reasons. And honestly, for the most part, I do NOT miss this. I felt freed up, truthfully. I don't feel mentally pressured to crank out posts. I have never been in to blogging as to be popular or get mega numbers in followers/readers. I did it/do it as a release for my mind and to just talk about things that interest me, and maybe bring awareness to topics (like Pregnancy & Infant Loss month, which coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness month...but is overshadowed by BCA).

So, consider this my update, but don't be too surprised if I don't jot in this area again for another good while. I really don't feel the "love" for blogging like I had once had. And I'm okay with that. If I lose followers/readers, I'm not going to cry over it, or lose any sleep. But it's nice to know that there are a FEW people that follow/read me that genuinely care about what I have to say on here. To them, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And I thank you for still sticking with me, though you know it may be like forever before I write again.

Later taters!!

Thought I'd Update

Hello, Readers! Thought I'd pop in for a few moments and let you all know that I am always thinking of you guys and I hope that the Summertime is treating you and your family all well.

Any plans this year? Or have you already taken trips that you decided on?

Well, so far, so good here in my world. Summer days are bit muggy lately, so it makes for awful hot days. My son is enjoying his Day Treatment Camp time (goes Monday through Thursday, during the day, only).

My oldest who is going in to Middle School this Fall has made ALL Advanced courses, and was accepted/invited to attend a "gifted program" school for her grade range, where they have science labs such as a Lazerarium, Terrariums with different exotic pets (including an iguana and a couple of bearded dragons) and a "hands on" petting fish tank.

My youngest is starting first grade and is pretty apprehensive. But I know she will adjust quickly once she really gets to know her teacher (who is a LOVELY lady who LOVES her job and her students).

Here's a few pictures of some recent past adventures of Summer... And of how big our Bearded Dragon, Gobi is getting since I last posted about him.

Well, soon, we will have LOTS more pictures coming, thanks to our annual trek to King's Dominion coming up. Talk to you all again soon. I can't wait to be back on here more regularly. I'm still on my "hiatus", but wanted to let you all know that I'm still alive and am enjoying myself. Have a great rest of the Summer and I'll "read" you all again very soon.

Monday Mingle...Twitter Thoughts

True, Tough Cookie Mommy has yet to place her MM post up, but I need to get in gear with my post, as to get on with my busy day that is staring me down.

If you want to participate in her Monday Mingle, click on the MM button below and check out her page and learn how to jump in and join in.



Twitter. I haz one.

My Twitter Account Page Link

As do many people all over the world. Some of us only follow a few people. Some of us follow over what should be obtained (seemingly) by the imagination. Just like on here at Blogger, I don't do a "follow back for a follow". I go with the flow and if I like ya, I follow. Sure, I do the Friday Follow stuff (#FF) on Twitter. But I don't follow everyone else that others post up on their #FF posts.

I think that Twitter can tell a lot about an individual. Their likes, their beliefs, a piece about their life and how they live it.

All in who they follow on their page.

Take for instance, I follow a number of Science pages. And being I have a Bearded Dragon, well, I follow many other owners/breeders/enthusiasts of Beardies also.

Then add in the fact that I love the ABC Daytime Soap Opera, "One Life To Live", which the Exec of ABC, Brian Frons underhandedly canceled and said will last air in January of 2012. So I follow many of the people that are a part of the cast, or are fellow fans of the show.

Also, being that I am a Corneal Transplant Recipient, I follow some of the Donate Life pages, and other pages that promote and educate about Organ/Eye/Tissue Donation.

I'm a Paranormal enthusiast by night after being a wife and mom by day, so I enjoy shows like Ghost Hunters and follow a few of them from TAPS. Plus some other people that are in to the paranormal as well.

All in all, I'm a pretty well-rounded individual with many interests, tastes and experiences of various sorts. As you can probably tell with my "Following" list. And if you stop by to check me out on Twitter, then also be sure to look in to who I am following as well.

What does YOUR Twitter page say about you? That is, if you have one.

Sunday is...

..Comment Love Day!!




The main rule is that you MUST leave a GENUINE comment on posts. None of that copy/paste schpeel or "I'm a new follower, follow me back!" crap. REAL comments.

I'm participating through For The Love Of Blogs and this is how it goes, per THEIR rules of playing along...

Link up below and then leave a comment.

After commenting, please visit the blog who commented before you and leave them some comment love. Remember, no cut and paste!

Then visit 2-3 other blogs from the hop and make some new friends!

Have a "Hoppy" Friday, Friends!!

Well, after today, I will have some "quality" time with my kids. I can't wait! The fights. The arguments, the not wanting to get off the DS. The wanting to DAILY go to McDonald's (after swooning to me and pleading cases as to why they HAVE TO go to my personal hell).

Yes, friends, it is looming upon me and all of the city schools (but one, which an all-year-around school). SPRING BREAK!!!!

But today, it's volunteering day at school. I get to "hide" the eggs for the PC named "Spring Egg Hunt" and prep everything for the "Spring Break Party" later in the afternoon. Otherwise, it's an easy-peasy kinda day. Which usually is not an easy day, filled with reading groups, copying papers, and other fun things.

I enjoy it though. All of it. It makes me feel "hoppy". Get it? "Hoppy"??...Yeah okay. I may have lost you there.

Anywho, speaking of "hoppy", why don't you, my dear reader, join in on my Blog Hop/Link Up and add yourself to the linky tool list (BELOW)..Just follow the directions and have a wonderful day, my friends!

Fab Friends Will Understand When I Say "FAWK YOU".

Yes, indeedy. I am once again jumping on two wagons at one time. Who knew I could do the splits? This week, I am joining in with Angel and Boobies in "FAWK YOU FRIDAY", and also joining Vic and For The Love Of Blogs in Fab Friends Friday.

For one, we ALL need FRIENDS that we can bitch and whine to here and there. And of course lend a reciprocating ear.

Also there are times that you just want to tell someone or something happening within your world.. FAWK YOU!

Want to join in the fun, then join in with us!





1. FAWK YOU!!..To the dreaded tummy bug. Your ass hasn't been to my home ALL Winter long. Now you wait until TODAY to smack my son with yourself? And on a Friday for one. And on a BEAUTIFUL and very Spring-like day where I could have gone for a walk and volunteered for once, seeing as I have missed almost a month.

2. FAWK YOU!!.. School system. You have screwed my kid over for long enough. Now I'm bringing out the big guns. Disability Rights Advocates. Told ya I'm not one to trifle with.

3. FAWK YOU!... To a certain family member who thinks that people will just drop what they are doing as to do something for them at the very last second. It's called work around your schedule better. Last time I checked you were an adult.

4. FAWK YOU!.. To debilitating disorders. You really played with my kid last Thursday. He didn't know if he was coming or going because of his extremely risen anxiety level and not knowing how to "act accordingly" (when to cry, mainly) during the experience of attending his first funeral.

5. FAWK YOU!! To family and/or friends alike who decide to "shy away" from my kid who is different. If only you really TOOK TIME to "know" your cousin or nephew. Yes, he is jittery and talks fast. Or stumbles on words and sentences. Or hugs himself constantly. But damn.. He IS still a human being who needs ALL the family SUPPORT that he can get. And above all, UNDERSTANDING.

6. FAWK YOU!..To myself for not writing this over on The "Mental-ist" Mom now that I realize the patter of this post. LMAO!

I *HAD* A 'Fab Friend' a few Friday's Ago

It's that time again over at For The Love Of Blogs for Fab Friends Friday.



While I relish in participating normally, I had contemplated for most of this week as to whether I should even write this post or not, seeing as so much in my family's life is going on. But here it goes..

There's a friend of mine from a good while back that has seemed to have distanced themselves from me and a few of our mutual friends. We met about three years ago via an internet website. From there, we were practically inseparable, going and joining other sites together as we found them and figured the other would enjoy being there as well.

But in the recent weeks of past, if not about a month or even longer, seeing as I'm really not keeping count this person has strayed and basically "dropped" our friendship off on the wayside.

Yes, both of us have a lot going on. But I have tried to get "something" from the person to acknowledge that I indeed exist in their world. We both are on FaceBook together. But alas, my words fell on "deaf eyes".

I'd noticed the change after this person started writing in their blog of things that NORMALLY, I'd never see from this person, seeing as in all honesty, was very highly out of context for the blog's "theme of writing" that I had come to know and even respect.

But now, this person does nothing but writing prompts and blog carnivals at least 95% of the time. No longer do I see REAL substance in the writing. So I had decided after somethings that were written of a "personal" nature and more than my eye's fair share of writing prompts, to un-follow their blog.

And then I finally stopped following the person on Twitter as well, thanks to never being "spoken" to anymore over there in any way, shape or form. Between both places, this "friend" has yet to even acknowledge that I am no longer on either of their lists as a follower. Or realized we are no longer even "speaking" with one another.

This past week has apparently been REALLY hard on both of us. But unlike them, I made it no "secret" as to what has happened within my family. Not on here, Twitter or FaceBook.

The ONE person that I thought that I could count on, the one I was SURE would be there for me, my husband and our children was nowhere. Not to say sorry to my kids for their loss or to my husband who lost his beloved grandfather.

Yes, I did write something on their wall. But to no avail. And because I didn't know until after the fact of what they are going through, what I had written in some ways I wish I didn't. But then again...

Needless to say, even that post I made on their wall went unnoticed and/or just ignored of acknowledgment.

This person KNOWS I don't do the "one-sided, one-way-street, all give-and-no get" type of friendship.

This person talks with a certain other friend on all these sites ALL of the time. Acknowledging their posts on their page, and converses on their own page when said friend posts there.

If that's how it's going to be, then I think that this person just needs to tell me that our friendship is over. Because obviously I'm not running with the right "clique" or the "cool crowd" of bloggers. Or on Twitter for that matter.

I'm honestly DONE trying.

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.

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!

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!

Mix & Mingle With Me At The Magical Monday Blog Hop!

It's Monday! And what better way to start off the week than with For The Love Of Blogs and their Magical Monday Blog Hop!?




FTLOB is a great community for blog writers and blog readers can collide in harmony and find new and exciting bloggers to follow.

If you join, tell them Proudmom sent you on over. I won't get anything for it. But at least they will know where the masses are coming from.

First, before you place your link in to their Blog Hop tool, feel free to also place yourself here on MY linky tool below.

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. I hope you understand. Thanks...**