Tag Archives: appreciation

Group Hug

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Whenever something senseless and tragic happens like the recent Newtown school shooting, I cannot help but think; when did life become so complicated and ugly? Although I did not know any of the victims, their families or the shooter, like many of us, I felt as if a loved one had perished during this terrible ordeal.

I have to tell you, it has been difficult these last couple of days to find the inspiration to post while you know someone across the way is going through the ordeal of grieving and trying to understand exactly why this all had to happen.

With that thought in mind, I was happy when I found these words by Thornton Wilder that read:

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”

If there is anything from the Newtown ordeal that stood out for me, it was learning not to take anyone for granted. After reading how many parents rushed to get their own children safely home to hug and cherish their treasures, I realized my own treasures not only with personal family and friends but also you guys, my companions on-line.

Today, I want to give a {{group hug}} to all of you, especially those who never fail to comment and those who generously awarded me recently with blog awards. You all make my days awfully sweet!!

My Top 6 Commenters:

I hope you read this post Tears and Tragedy Days Before Christmas because not only does Island T. share his heart thoughts on Newtown, but the “merciless typhoon Bopha [that] hit Davao Oriental, New Bataan and surrounding communities in the Philippines“ several days ago.

My Recent Awards

Group Hug - II

Group Hug– Photo credit: pushthisbutton

I would like to honor each of these award gifts separately but my talents only go so far and it would take me too long to attempt such a feat. Please visit and give some {{hugs}} to these wonderful friends. Life is too short to wait so let us encourage one another in appreciation.

Thank YOU for all these awards! I am so grateful and honored. I apologize for breaking all the rules for each award. *eep*

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Curtain Call: Featured Blog…

Munchow’s Creative Photo Blog: If you ever desire to learn more about creativity and photography, you need Otto. His passions are to ”teach photography and particularly workshops dealing with creativity and expansion of one’s creative approach.”

Currently he is featuring until the end of 2012, a special offer. If you submit your favorite photo blog links to his page: Best Photo Blogs and there are no limits to the number of links, you could if your entry wins, receive a cool screen saver! Yay!

Finally, do not leave without checking the latest from Otto: Instagram My Backyard! Maybe we should ask if we can have a BBQ soon…just kidding, Otto. :)

Next up, Blogger of the Year 2012 wrap up.

{{GROUP HUG}}

Travel theme: White

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On this life journey, there are times when you need to slow down, look around and find a few things you are truly grateful that they exist in your life. In this week’s Travel theme: White, I found two white items that for one, makes my life so much neater and the other, nicely subdues my hunger pains.

toilet paper, appreciation, grateful, white, travel theme,2012

White Appreciation #1: Toilet paper

White Appreciation #1: Toilet paper.

If you are wondering what-the-heck, well, I truly appreciate and thank the Universe for both toilet paper and white rice!

We all know how vitally important toilet paper is…without it, life would be uh, one big smelly mess!

So, let us give a great shout, HOORAY, for toilet paper, and according to Joseph Gayetty, toilet paper is “the greatest necessity of the age.” Wikipedia states, in America alone, we spend on average about 2.4 billion a year!

white rice, travel theme, appreciation, 2012, photograph, food

White Appreciation #2: White rice.

White Appreciation #2: White rice.

As much as I like to eat white potatoes, (not white bread–*ick*) a meal is never complete unless there is a scoop or two of white-hot rice! Short or long grain makes no difference; just make sure the scoops are white and not brown or wild rice.

Finally, part of this “white” theme was to honor International Peace day on September 21, 2012.

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” ~Jimi Hendrix

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Have you a “white” item you are truly grateful for and is part of your life journey?

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Visit Ailsa every week for her Travel theme and if you like, join in the fun. Below are a few creative contributors…enjoy!

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Chuckles on Blogging Awards: Short, Sweet and Always Gentle on My Mind…

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Hey, it is I, Chuckles, aka fabulous, handsome and talented, blog farm dog. It has come to my attention that a few awards have arrived and as most of you know, I am the Special Event staff writer around here.

Chuckles, blog dog, writing, farm dog, summer,heat wave, relaxing

Dang, it’s hot…I wonder when my chilled drink is coming…hello? anyone??

Listen, it has been triple digit hot around here and this is me just chilling at my, ahem, pool deck. Do you like my swimming hole pool in the background?

Well, let me make this short and sweet because my big fat furry body is dying to get back to swimming, so let us get on down to business!

1.   “Generosity seems to come so naturally to some people.”

Here are the generous souls who honored us with the Lovely Blogging Award. Thank you!!

7 Legged Express Journey: Home to the cute Panda Smith, dazzling Drizzle Deer and two ?? unknown thingies …

All Things Girl Related: A very delicious place…totally ‘eye-candy’ and very informative…check it out!!

Angelswhisper: Her little kitty is an awesome blogger…sometimes her kitty’s granny helps with blogging chores.

3TeensMom: Her words…”frustrated writer attempting to be set free!” Do not worry, Chuckles is sending you help, 3TeensMom!!

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Because I have slacked with my writing, I almost missed telling you about this little, “Thanks for Writing” award: Thank you, Thelma!

Thelma Cunningham, an author, member of the Maryland Writer’s Association and has written two poetry books. Of course, there’s more about her and her writing so please head over there and enjoy some of writing selections.

2. “Friends are kisses blown to us by angels.” ~Unknown

Here are some new friends, blown in by some angels, you will simply have to meet, that is, if you have not yet…

Clowie’s Corner : This is my Great Pyrenees friend…she’s awfully cute…hehe.

The Literary Heart: A book lover is always hot!

REAKSMEY Yean- GEORGE: A new friend who says, “not anyone can be artist, but artist can be anyone!” You go, George!

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Okay, I am so outta here…I have to go and chill out in my pool, but just one small thing before I go…

3. “Curiosity is lying in wait for every secret.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Some secrets common knowledge of Chuckles (and…… all right, I will include Sunshine!)

  • We both prefer spring and fall weather…
  • Our favorite geographical spot is anyplace that has a body of ocean nearby…
  • Our current classic country song we find just dandy is, Glen Campbell’s, Always Gentle On My Mind. **Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as Mr. Campbell bravely deals with his Alzheimer’s disease.**
  • We think we maybe Bohemians in disguise and our favorite movie to keep us in the moment is:  Moulin Rouge.
  • Our famous hot topic ‘man-crush’ presently is, Robert Downey Jr. — sizzle!!
  • We love Krispy Kreme donuts.
  • We love blogging, meeting up with blogger friends and simply love what Oscar Wilde said so long ago: “I we have the simplest tastes. I am We are always satisfied with the best!” Y’all R-O-C-K!!!

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Well, how do you like my pool and what chilled, tasty, super-sized drink did you bring over for me?? 

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Single Working Moms (and Dads): You’re Solid!

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Sunday Post, solid, single parent, single moms, parenting,family,single working mom,intention, sacrifice

Working on a ‘solid‘ prayer…
–photo source: Wikimedia common

On a prayer their morning starts,
Seeking wisdom, guidance and Divine light
–dedicated single working moms (and dads)
Silently and solidly running their households far from the rich and famous,
No nannies, chauffeurs or personal assistants,
just children, and a few of the neighborhood ones too, fishes in a bowl and the family dog whose name gets mixed in the lot when a frantic parent names out every child’s (and dog’s) name simply because they momentarily forgot the one child they were trying to address
–dedicated single working moms (and dads)
For the sacrifices in both time and effort, here is an appreciation ‘hug’

Found in a few simple words, given to honor you and to let you know how valuable you are:

“Single working moms (and dads) are teaching their kids a solid work ethic;
You’re teaching them that we don’t just have things handed to us, and we have to work for the things we want.” –Unknown

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Everyday find something new to pray for…
… All single parents living a life of sacrifice and with the intention to raise their children with a solid work ethic by being the role model for their children.

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Has your community been affected with many ‘solid’ single working parents and how are they reaching out to support these parents?

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If you are new to WordPress and are looking for ‘solid’ inspiration, Jakesprinter offers a weekly theme for you to participate. It’s easy, fun and a great way to kick off your week so do it with the SUNDAY POST : (this week) Solid.

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