Nothin' Virtual About These Friends

My friend, Sara, gave me a blog award for friendship that really got me thinking. Who knew that blogging would result in special relationships with people you can be real and honest with and who will speak the truth in love to you? People you can visit with any time of the day or night? Who can make you laugh and make you cry. Who keep you current as well as take you down memory lane? Who knew??

I talk about my friends from blogs like I would any of my other friends. Trying to explain who they (you!) are to people who don't blog is like to trying to explain the ocean to somebody who has never set foot out of the desert. They just don't get it.

In this technology age, I know there are "virtual assistants". But I don't think of my blog friends as "virtual friends". You are very real. I find it interesting how Dictionary.com handles this word:

The instructions on this award say to pass it on. The bloggers who make up the rules to these things get a little carried away with numbers in my opinion, so I am whittling the recommended 8 down to just 2 people. These 2 friends are fascinating and I love to visit with them:

1. Hats off and it's a pleasure to know you, ADHDme. Fascinating and fun, a fireman friend. (Do you say firewoman?!)

2. Let me introduce you to Ballerina Girl. She's an American living in Brazil and just back from the most fabulous trip you can imagine. I promise you need to see these photos.

The truth is, if you are reading this, I want to thank YOU for honoring me with your time. And I would love for you to recieve my extended hand of friendship and post this on your blog. So if you needed an award today, you got it!

I love having friends not only all over the country, but all over the world! I hear "Road Trip"! One day....

Get in, Get It Done, Get it Over With & Get Out

Last Thursday, I mentioned that I used to teach a seminar called “Discovering Your Personality IQ” and fished for interest in following up with some highlights on the basic 4 personality types.

A number of years ago, I attended a CLASS Seminar and Training (Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers) with Florence Littauer. She is a prolific author and wrote Personality Plus among other books.

The beauty of this system is in its simplicity. However, fitting humanity into just 4 categories is about as effective as putting all women into just 4 bra sizes; there will be a lot of “in between” situations!

Today, I introduce to you the “choleric” personality. This person is an extrovert and a leader. They are happiest when in control. They are very task oriented and if people's feelings get hurt on the way to the goal … oh well. They know how to get a job done. Typical jobs for this person would be lawyer, coach, career military or a business owner.

One of my co-workers has this personality. He is a trip, in my opinion. Very smart, very efficient and you can get along fine with him if you do what he says and let him be in charge. : )

My husband has a blending of this personality type in him as well, even though he is primarily a “melancholy”. (I prefer the name “analytical.”) That’s when it’s a really good thing that we’re opposites. It works!

I honestly can’t name one blogger that is primarily choleric. My theory is that they are too busy getting things done to do much social networking. There are probably a number of them with business-oriented blogs; they would have a mission and and be focused on accomplishing something specific.

A well-known public figure who is choleric is Hilary Clinton. If you want to name someone you know that fits the bill here, the forum is open!

Running to Jail

Cupcake (youngest daughter) has a history of providing entertainment for our family. She is a little comedian in her spare time. She also has a part-time job while at college as a runner for a law office. I got this email from her last week and it struck me that a big part of college is what you learn outside of the classroom!

Email Message from Cupcake:
Hello :)

Let me start off by saying off by saying that I am very thankful to have a job but I just thought I would tell you of my day so far..

Mr. Lawyer (P.A): I need you to go to the jail now!!!

Me: Yes sir.

The runner van was occupied by the other dude at the time of this "emergency" so I hopped in my car. (they re-embuirse for mileage) I was told that the woman I was picking up would look "rough" and that she was in her early thirties.

I had to call back and ask for the "clients" name.

Yes rough was an understatement. When I got there she was sitting on the sidewalk. And guess what?? She HAD BEEN IN JAIL AND SHE WAS IN MY CAR!!!!!! AH! She smelled like rotten garbage. All she had was a little brown paper sack with her belongings in it. I couldn't believe it. How are you supposed to make conversation? I said, "Are you okay?" Oh jeez wrong move...she sobbed almost the whole way back to the office and was asking me all these questions like"Are you taking me home? "Do you know where my fiance is?"and I kept telling her that I am only the runner. Oh my goodness. I didn't know what to do...I had on the radio but then I thought she may hate this music so I switched it to talk radio and then I thought oh we'll this is probably depressing her.

While riding along..I thought...hmm.. little things that go wrong here and there..and I thought my life had some problems in it...this woman is a wreck.

If you ever need a jail transport release service I'm your gal! ;)
There is more to being a runner than I thought!!

Entertainment on a Shoestring (Cheap Laughs)

I’d like to give a big SHOUT OUT to all who played along and voted in 2nd Cup of Coffee’s Ugly Mug contest. I feel like I am doing my part for the economy by being an example of how to find entertainment without spending much money. The .52 I spent at Goodwill last week provided me with hours of entertainment! You would have thought I'd scored a brand new designer dress for $5.00 with how delighted I was with my find. My Bony Nose mug won 1st runner up. Becky’s longhorn mug was photographed on her stove and captioned “Home on the Range”. She’s creative and clever. Becky’s blog is called “Adult Deprived” as she is home with 4 small children. I’m thinking that notwithstanding the fact that she is funny and owns an ugly mug, she deserves the boost of winning!

Now….EVERYONE has a chance to win something. As if you didn’t have enough to do this week, I’m going to inform you that there are more than a THOUSAND give-aways available at the quarterly bloggy give-away carnival. Sweet mercy that’s a time temptation if I ever saw one. So if you are timeless, don’t click here.

I’ve got more but I have to get to work. Have a great day.

My favorite things in "C"

My friend Sara introduced me to this meme and I thought it looked like fun. It was!

If you want to play, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and I’ll assign you a letter. You write about ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and post it at your place. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on...

Sara assigned me the letter "C", so here's my list:

1. Chocolate - a true comfort food. I’ll take it in brownies, Butterfingers, malted milk balls or mud pie for starters please.

2. Corn – as in popped corn! PopCorn is one of my favorite foods. When left to my own devices for dinner, a big bowl of popcorn is a top choice.

3. Clean sheets. I love to climb into my own freshly made bed. Now that’s happiness!

4. Coastal locations. I love the water. I have joked that my roots are those of a Sea Oat. I love to wiggle my toes in the sand. I even enjoying riding over bridges. I have lived in Florida all my life.

5. Communicating. I desire to encourage others and touch lives through communication. (Speaking, writing, building relationships!) I am rarely at a loss for words.

6. Comic Relief. I love to laugh. Smiling’s my favorite! I am easily entertained. Aat one point in my journey when I owned a business and was trying to carry too much, I lost my laughter and knew I was in serious trouble. I made some major changes in the next months and got my laugh back.
7. Children. Of course our 3 children are my heart walking around outside my body. They have grown into wonderful young adults but they are forever my children. I love being with them and I also love being around children of all ages. I desire to be childlike in faith and in wonder.

8. Christmas. Christmas is love and faith, family and friends (and chocolate). Wonderfulness!

9. Choruses. I had to get music into this list. Choruses are the main part of songs, whether sung or played on my piano. I breathe music.

10. Christ. My King. My Savior, Redeemer and Friend. He is my Peace, My Hope, My Strength. He is joy unspeakable and full of glory. It is amazing to know Him and to be known by Him.

Leave me a note if you want to do this- I promise I won't give you X or Z!

P.S. If you missed my post on the Ugly Mug Contest, please back up a step and then go on over to Linda's and put in a good word for me. Thanks!

Now THAT'S an Ugly Mug!

Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee is having the 1st ever “Ugly Mug Contest”. This 45 second video will show you why you should go to her site on Monday, January 26 and vote for me. I am shamelessly stumping for your vote. I was highly entertained by this project. Hope you are too.


If you’ll say “Remind Me” in your comment, I’ll drop by your site Monday with a nudge.

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tales

Here's the puppy update; I am going to wait on the Morky I showed you last week. At my husband’s request, I am going to study and research breeds and make a decision after I have carefully considered all the possibilities and the timing. Sigh. I’m sure that’s a smart course of action. However, if left to my own devices, I would get this puppy and I would be happy with it. This scenario reminds me of our personality differences.

As a Sanguine, my plan of action is
Ready, Fire, Aim.
Think about that, or not, as the case may be.

My husband is a Melancholy and his method is Ready, Aim, Doublecheck your Aim, Deep Breath while Aiming, Step Back and Check the Wind and How it Will Affect Your Aim, ReAim,
Fire.

I actually taught a Seminar for years called “Discovering Your Personality IQ”. It definitely helps in relationships to respect the personality differences rather than let them annoy you. I had retired that seminar but I am thinking I need to resurrect it. (For me! LOL) The lessons are still as applicable as they were 20 years ago. To think that Hippocrates came up with the basic 4 personality classifications in 370 BC does imply longevity. Below is a simple chart that I think is helpful. This is not an academic profile, but it's fun and this is not an academic blog!

I was thinking about doing a series for the next 4 Thursdays highlighting each personality type and giving some examples of well-known people (maybe even bloggers we all know) who define the particular perosnality types. Let me know if you think that sounds interesting. I am enjoying looking at this material again.

Squall Line Vol. 5 - Politically Correct (Not)

Since this day in history will be forever associated with politics, I decided to flow with the theme. This blog is not politically oriented for the main reason that there hasn’t been much positive news in politics for some time. (Ooops, was that politically incorrect?) For the sake of my health, I do try to look on the bright side and stay positive.

However, I haven't ever been accused of political correctness, which I consider to be a good thing, especially in light of this definition:

"Political Correctness is a doctrine fostered by a delusional illogical
liberal minority & rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous liberal press which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

--This definition has been attributed to students at Texas A&M University

In light of the study cited below, I am in the mood to keep it light.

Mayo Clinic researchers studied the results of a questionnaire
designed to rate respondents according to optimism or
pessimism.

Follow-up questionnaires showed that the pessimistic
participants tended to die earlier than the optimists, regardless
of age or sex.

Researchers say this shows the mind can influence the body,
but are unsure how it works.

Pessimism can be considered a risk factor for early death.
(Source: Discovery Health)

If you want to link up to the Squall Line, you'll be the first! LOL. Mr. Linky is ready for you if you have somethng on your mind.

Photo Tag - Good Memories

ADHD Me, my firefighter friend, tagged with the meme that goes like this: Go to your picture file. Go the the 4th folder, pick the 4th photo, post it and explain the photo. Here ya go: Happy memories! This provided a little "mind-vacation" in the middle of a busy Monday. A perfect break for me. This was taken at the beginning of a hike up Persevarance Trail in Juneau, Alaska. That was really the name of the trail - that should have been a clue. But we were rewarded at the end of the trail by a powerful and awesome waterfall.

We took a cruise in 2005 with the whole family and it was fantastic. When you travel with Builderman, adventure will be always on the agenda. We never take group tours but create our own and we definitely have great stories to tell. This was an extraordinary day in an amazing week

I read yesterday that the Alaskan cruise lines are slashing prices as much as 50% this summer because of the economy. If you’ve never done it, you should go on an Alaskan cruise. Fantastic is just a small word that begins to describe it.

I’m supposed to tag 4 more people… so I picked the top 4 from my Blog Roll. I know Rich Gifts has already been tagged, so that leaves Uncommon Blonde, Seven Chicks and Roller Coaster Ride. All of these have photographer credentials, so this should be interesting. See you tomorrow for the Squall Line.

A Call to PUSH

I read about baby Annette last week over at Rachel's blog. She heard about this young family and knew they were in New Orelans for medical treatment and got quite busy organizing food, help, prayer and encouragement. Annette is only 3 months old and has a tumor in her brain. Prayer can make the difference. We can all PUSH.

Pray
Until
Something
Happens

Prayer can move the mountain this family is facing. You can click on over to this site to leave a message of encouragement for the Maxeys.

How Much is That Doggie in the Window?

I think I'm in love. I wasn't looking for a puppy. My daughter-in-love sent me this picture this week of their new puppy. He's the second one in with the most black on him. The other 3 are available.

We have 2 dogs and a cat. Do we need another pet? Probably not. Do I want another pet? Yes I do.

I have never had a dog that is mine. Don't get me wrong, I love our Labradors. But their first loyalty is to my husband. I'll do if he's not around. They are also outside dogs. I have never had a little dog. Oh my, I think I'll have to call today and say, "How much is that doggie in the window."

You Can Call Me Gumby

I laughed when a co-worker called me Gumby this week. She said I’m Gumby, because I’m so flexible. I won’t go into the circumstances that have stressed our staff out, but somehow, I am able to put this situation in perspective and realize it’s just doesn’t have earth-shaking significance. I like to look at things from the perspective of, “Will this be a big deal 5 years from now?” Many things that get us in a stew won’t even be remembered down the road.

Wikipedia has this to say about Gumby: "Gumby" is a common nickname for someone who is very flexible in any sense of the word – either double-jointed (someone with very limber joints), or very adaptable in different situations.

I didn’t realize what a nice compliment she was paying me at the time. You can call me Gumby.

Details, details

I have a confession to make. The party that is planned for July (yesterday's post) is already feeling overwhelming to me. I have read with eagerness the great suggestions and comments you left.

I failed to mention one small detail that does play into all of this. Our first grandbaby is expected at exactly the same time as my Mom’s birthday. Hmmm. I started out thinking, “same city – no problem”. However it’s not my city. It’s 7 hours away. This could be a lot of events in one week.

With the party, I have the sense of a snowball gathering momentum and getting bigger and bigger.
I know that attention to detail is vital to a successful event. So I am pondering and considering before I go any farther.

I do love a party. I enjoy the planning, and I think I'm rather good at event planning. I even considered becoming a wedding planner after Uncommon Blonde’s wedding. The fact that it would mean working every weekend was a big deterrent. That, and dealing with kooky mothers of the brides. ; )

I’ll tell you, we pulled off an amazing, sacred event on a Southern Plantation and did it at a fraction of what you would think it cost us. Sigh. Now I’m in the mood for a party again. Oh fickle me.

Here’s a few photos from that awesome celebration 5 ½ years ago. Reminiscing about this special day is not the way to rein in my party plans!

Shhh- It’s a Surprise

My sister and I want to stage a surprise party for my mom this summer when she turns 80! The genetic factor leads to a high probability of us doing this again at 90 and 100. But “Seize the Day” is my motto - we’re not promised tomorrow. We’ve started planning and I thought I’d put it out there and see if you have any wonderful ideas that we should incorporate.

This is what we have so far:
Time: Sunday afternoon
Place: The lovely public area of my sister’s downtown Sarasota condo.
Food: Finger foods- my sister says “Call the caterer” and my budget says, “I’ll do the food”. I think beautiful presentation is key and my mom has tons of heirloom serving dishes, tablecloths, etc. Of course the surprise element could be tricky.
Drinks: Lemonade? I don’t like punch and it will be July.
Gifts: I want to ask people to bring a note about why my mom is special to them and give her a treasure box of love as the gift. I’m not sure of a clever way to ask for this in the invitation.
Theme: I don’t know if we need a theme, since it’s an 80th Birthday party, but “Legacy of Love” comes to mind.

Since I’m on old photo week, here’s a photo of my Mom holding me just a few years ago. LOL.
And one of her on the beach around 1950 . Wow, she’s glamorous!
I’ve never put on a surprise party and feel like it will be a miracle if I don’t have a slip of the tongue in the next 6 months. She doesn't read my blog so I'm safe here. Good thing I have an outlet.

Any suggestions for the party? I’m all ears.

The Wonder & The Wisdom

I've heard it said that each of us needs to spend a little time each week with someone under 5 and someone over 70. The little ones share the wonder of the world and the seniors can share the wisdom.

I must admit that one of the things I enjoy about my visits with LouLou, is I feel so young. 102 makes almost everybody young in comparison!

Today, we had our usual impromptu "Sing" in the living room. About 10 residents had gathered and we were having a grand time. I got them talking about their childhoods. Most of them remember the Great Depression. Most of them remember they were content, since they lived on farms and always had plenty to eat.

These dear old folks are not troubled by the current economy. Like children, most of them are not even really aware of the troubles facing our nation. Their basic needs are met. Their lives have come full circle. I felt encouraged by them. They have endured. They find joy in simple pleasures, like a smile. Or a serving of ice cream.

I'll leave you with this photo of my husband's grandmother. She is pictured on their farm in what is now Jacksonville, FL with her sister. Meet Elsie and Zena. I estimate this picture was taken around 1913. Zena lived to 101 years old and had seen the world change.

I am humbled and feel rich and young after my visit today! A healthy dose of perspective is good for the soul.

Hush that Fuss

The game is on. Hasn't all of America stopped to watch Tom Tebow lead the Florida Gators in the BCS Championship Game? No?

I don't love watching football on TV. The rivalry in it all has never interested me. In fact it's rather funny to me that I am actually a UF alumni. I moved to Tallahassee right after college and lived among the Seminoles for 21 years which pretty much made me one. Though we don't live there anymore, we've been sending mega money to FSU for the last number of years so I have a real investment in FSU now. I do really like Tebow and so I'm pulling for the Gators. However, the outcome won't determine my mood tomorrow.

I've been working on mood regulation. Though my nature is to be optimistic, I tend to be up, down and all around when it comes to my feelings. So my confession this week is a little song I heard a long time ago: "Don't be moved by what you see, don't be moved by what you feel, but call those things that be not as though they were."

I would go so far as to say that my primary resolution is to make my words be nuggets of encouragement and hope.

Guess who I talk the worst to? Myself. I find it much easier to kind and forgiving to others than toward myself.

I listened to a tele-seminar this week titled "Smart Women, Smart Solutions" with Joy Chudacoff. One tip she gave for staying motivated and encouraged is to read your "Rave Reviews" when you need a lift. I knew exactly what she was referring to, as years ago I started a file folder titled "Warm Fuzzy File". I put notes and cards in there that I've received that have been really encouraging. I still have it but I got out of the habit of using it.

I've been thinking that I need to start an online file of blog comments that have been especially meaningful. What a great resource! I'm pretty sure we all need to find ways to encourage ourselves. We can freely give away that which we have received ourselves. So if you overhear my thoughts and I'm ragging on myself, remind me to hush that fuss! I'll do the same for you. ; )

Squall Line - Volume 4 - I SAID Don't Mess with My Peep!

I posted in November and said “Don’t Mess With my Peep” and I meant it. Here’s the rest of the story... and thanks in advance for listening… I know this is a long post.

Our youngest daughter moved to a college apartment complex in August with great excitement and anticipation of new friends, fun pool parties and a great college experience.

She tried not to alarm us with too many details, but within two weeks, she had called the police one night when she was alone in her apartment and there was a major disturbance going on in the apartment above. There was fighting, profanity and offensive music playing so loudly she was truly frightened. When the police arrived, the offending neighbors wouldn’t answer the door and the police told her that was their 8th call to this particular apartment this year. Oh great.

Suffice it to say that this was only the beginning of what turned into a very scary scenario. It wasn’t just one problem – they were numerous and she was literally surrounded by low-lifes.

Naturally, we contacted the apartment management for help. Alas, we were always told “there is not a manager on the premises.” We knew the management had changed in July, right before Cupcake moved in, and wondered if there was literally no manager.

The problems actually escalated. My husband contacted the police in Tallahassee about our concerns over our daughter’s safety and we were told that University Heights apartment complex had at least one police call a day and had become such a problem there was a particular officer handling it. We were advised to file formal complaints with the apartment management.

After a particularly alarming night in November when our daughter and her roommates actually barricaded the door with furniture in fear as a near-riot took place in the parking lot, we decided to take matters into our hands and get her out of there.

We had signed a year long lease, so we consulted an attorney and were advised of the Florida statute that ensures the safety of residents. We sent a certified letter to the complex and asked for a response within 10 days or the lease would be breached and we would be moving our daughter out. We didn’t get a response and on Dec. 30th, we moved our daughter out of that situation.

I find it very interesting that on moving day, after dropping the key to the office with yet another letter explaining why she was moving, Cupcake got about 6 calls and 3 terse voice mails from the manager, who actually has a name, who said there would be consequences as she could not break the lease. When my husband tried to call her back to discuss this – guess what? She wouldn’t take his calls.

I am hoping that someone from University Height Apartments in Tallahassee monitors what is being said on the internet about them and contacts me. (beverlydru at gmail.com) I can assure you that if they take this to court, our documentation and story will not be good for them. I’m putting all that in God’s hands.

I am happy to report that God cares about the details of our lives. At Thanksgiving when Cupcake was home, we asked her where her ideal place would be to live. We believe in specific prayers! So she made a list. As of the end of school on Dec. 12th, we had no idea where she would be living. In the next week, God opened a door. Oh yes, He did! She is living exactly where her heart desired. She is safe. She knows we are her advocates.

When we know Jesus, you and I also always have an advocate. If God is for us, who can be against us? It’s not the final chapter that we doubt. We begin in faith and know the end of the story. It’s what transpires in the middle that often throws us off balance.

If there’s something on your mind that you’ve blogged about and you want to link up to the Squall Line, please enter your name and the exact link to the post below.

Estrogen Issues

Scary Poppins. Weeping Beauty. Atilla the Hungry. Lois Pain. Minnie Pause.

All of these women are experiencing the results of “estrogen issues.” Gertrude Grumpy showed up at my house the other day and I got out the calendar as I wondered “what are YOU doing here?!” Sure enough, her visit was predictable if not welcome. I read a lot these days about estrogen and progesterone imbalances. I know that when estrogen is high, B-Complex is low in the system so I try to eat better and take a B-Complex supplement. I haven’t met Minnie Pause yet but deal with her cousin Perri Meanie with an herbal formula called Natural Choice.


Laughter is always good medicine, and Saturday Night Live is offering free laughter here:

7 Ways to Know if You Have "Estrogen Issues"

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You're using your cell phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: "How's my driving-call 1-800-"
6. Everyone seems to have just landed here from "outer space."
7. Your brain went on a trip to outer space

I found one website that sold a PMS flag. A very unnecessary accesory if I've ever seen one!

Come to the Table

I attended an awesome meeting yesterday and have been pondering why the presence of God is almost always so real at Aglow get-togethers.

I have always had a particular interest in what are currently referred to as “parachurch” organizations. Groups such a Promise Keepers, Aglow, Stonecroft Ministries, Tres Dias, etc. One site defines these groups this way: “Within the context of the broader Christian church, a parachurch organization can be the means to allow Christians from different denominations to come together in pursuit of a common objective.”

Experience is a big part of my commitment to these groups.

I experienced a return to a personal relationship with Christ and my first Bible Studies as part of the ministry of Christian Women’s Clubs (Stonecroft Ministries). It’s been years since I‘ve been involved, but we used to carefully plan “parties for non-Christians”. A place where women would feel welcome and loved, not judged. It’s also where I embraced their very biblical motto: “In essentials unity, in non-essentials charity, in all things to glorify Christ.”

Another reason I have always loved these types of ministries is that I think that heaven will be full of Baptists and Catholics, Pentecostals and Episcopalians, every tongue, tribe and nation - all worshipping together in one accord. Thus it appeals to me on this side of heaven too.

I also know that when people participate in these get-togethers, they are there because they choose to be there. Whereas, church goers are often in attendance because of habit, obligation, religious tradition or any number of reasons. Which makes it harder for the worship team and harder on the pastor to break through the attitudes and barriers so that God can move.

The best comparison I can come up with is that it’s like the difference between a family meal at home and a special dinner occasion.

Church can be like a busy family mealtime. Some people are in a hurry, some are not; some are mature, some are not. There’s a little bickering and not everyone likes the meal. But we’re a family and it’s real. Love is the firm foundation.

The parachurch meetings can be more like the special dinner in a lovely setting to celebrate an occasion with loved ones. It’s special and wonderful but part of that comes from the fact that it’s not part of our routine.

I want both types of meals! If we keep coming to the table, we will indeed get fed. And I’m not talking about cookies today.

One year of Blogging!

I started blogging exactly one year ago and had no idea at the time what a grand adventure it would prove to be. I've learned alot and made a lot of new friends and for that I am grateful!

I started out today with my good buddy procrastination. We have been friends for a long time.
I had an admirable list of things to accomplish. A daunting list. Fortunately, at about 2:30, Cupcake came to my rescue with the words, "Mom, let's get this Christmas stuff put away." I acted quickly before she changed her mind and we accomplished much in the next 3 hours.

We spent Tuesday moving her into her new apartment in Tallahassee, so when she returns tomorrow, she's all set. It is a huge improvement. I'll be blogging about that on Tuesday when I launch the 2009 Squall Line. (First and Third Tuesdays) If you have a thought-provoking post about something that needs changing, you are welcome to link up.

Here's a description of Squall Line in the words of Dr. Suess:
" I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"

"I'm sorry to say so but, sadly it's true that bang-ups and hang-ups can happen to you."

I was so incredibly encouraged by the kind remarks in response to my video post this week. A big thanks to all of you!

Since I'm in a Suessy mood today, I leave you with this:
So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.-- Dr. Seuss