Foster Me Up

Feb 12, 2008

Wordless Wednesday #17 (Tuesday Edition)

Technorati Tags: Wordless Wednesday, Humor,

Feb 11, 2008

Meme Monday and Awards Too #3

Melanie came up with the idea of posting all memes on Monday so we could keep track of them all. So glad I decided to do this, 'cause as you can see, I got a few last week! If I didn't get them all in today (this is possible), I'll do it next week. Feel free to ping me if there's a deadline *ahem* 'cause I might miss it.

I recently received a Blog Blessing from Claudia, @ On a Limb who started Everyday Kindness as a way to invite and inspire fellow bloggers to be mindful of small ways to encourage and support one another in the real and virtual worlds.

The idea… it’s a game of tag with a difference, rather than looking inwardly, we look outside ourselves and bless, praise and pray for one blog friend. By participating in this endeavour we not only make the recipient of the blessing feel valued and appreciated, but we are having some fun too. We’re going to see how far the bloggin’ blessings can travel around the world and how many people can be blessed! Recipients of a bloggin’ blessing may upload the above image to their sidebar if they choose to. If you receive a bloggin’ blessin’ please leave a comment on this thread here so that we can rejoice in just how many blessings have been sent around the world!

Tag 5 (yeah, well, I have 6): I’d like to give this blessing to RennyBA @ RennyBA's Terella and his wife, DianeCA @ DianeCA's Metamorphoses -- two blogging activists whose goal is to make the world a better place. Their dedication and commitment amazes me. Also, to Colin whose just a flat-out giver and lover. He too is a blogging activist and currently puts a lot of focus on missing kids (esp Madeleine McCann). Mel @ Attitude, The Ultimate Power who's all about surpporting and providing ways to uplift the human spirit. Sandee @ Comedy Plus. I've said it before but want to pound it into the ground -- you're a friend to the end, you provide humor and a giving/loving nature like no other. And, finally Julie who is a hilariously, clever environmentalist -- making this world a better place to live. Need I say more? You've all inspired me to join in your efforts. You are blessings to the world, and to me.

Colin and Hanna -- they really like me, they really like me! (((((huge pooh-tigger hugs)))) Here's the linky lov'n they've passed my way:

—- START HERE —–

Anger is only one letter short of danger
If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.
Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.
He, who loses money, loses much;
He, who loses a friend, loses much more;
He, who loses faith, loses all.
Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of others
You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.
Friends, you and me…
You brought another friend…
And then there were 3…
We started our group…
Our circle of friends…
And like that circle…
There is no beginning or end…
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
So now, let’s see how many circle’s of friends we can make by simply adding your link on this Friendship Meme!

1-Catsy Carpe Diem, 2- Catsy Downloads, 3-Out of the Blue, 4- A Day to Savor and Relish 5- A Piece of Idea 6- Write Shy 7- Stupid Wise 8- onlinememorylane 9- See Me For What You Will 10- Michelle’s Small World 11. Chez Francine 12. La Place de Cherie 13. Le bric à brac de Cherie 14- Life 15- Foster Me Up 16-ADD YOURSELF HERE!!

–>END HERE<–

Today, I'm tagging the following new friends ~~who don't want anything to do with me now 'cause I'm making them play a silly game~~ chomping at the bit to join in: Julie, Jenn, Joy Is My Goal, Talk to Grams, Mary, and Bluedreamer Paradise.

Pooch, previously tagged me to play the 4 Things About Meme, so I did (really, here's proof: You Make Me Smile. Then, lovely Melanie @ Livin' With Me and adorable Jenn had the same idea. But, who cares. I feel the warm and fuzzies and am gonna come up with new answers, because I'm such a giver and really had not a thing planned for the day *kissies*

4 Things About MEME

4 Jobs I've Had
Mowing lawns
Legal secretary
Property manager
Data entry
4 Movies Watched Over and Over
You've Got Mail
There's Something About Mary
Must Love Dogs
Notting Hill
4 Places I Have Lived
Florida
Kansas
Colorado
Missouri
4 Shows I Watch
The King of Queens
Lifetime anything
Sex & The City
Desparate Housewives
4 Places I Have Been
Purgatory
Saskatchewan
Tulsa
Dana Point
4 People Who E-mail Me
M&M
Sandee
Tanya
Emily
4 Favorite Things To Eat
Catfish
Ravioli
Pudding
Olives
4 Places I Would Rather Be
Near the ocean
On a lake
Amongst the trees
Anywhere there are flowers
4 Things I Look Forward To This year
Meditteranean cruise
Boating
Fishing
Writing

4 People To Tag: Roger (of course), MamaGeek (I let you off the hook long enough), Paula (c'mon now -- this one's easy!), Colin and yeah, I'm tagging 5, so what, Bluedreamer Paradise.

My first meme from Mad Tomato -- seriously now. All these honors are making me feel all cuddly.

On February 4, 2008, at 00:00 GMT (7:00 p.m. New York /EST), NASA beamed the Beatles’ “Across The Universe” to the star Polaris, 431 light years away (that’s 431 years travel at the speed of light before our all-time favorite Beatles song reaches the 2.5 quadrillion miles away star). This is being done to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the song, the 45th anniversary of NASA’s Deep Space Network, an international network of antennas that supports missions to explore the universe, and the 50th anniversary of NASA.

Across the Universe
NASA has invited people around the world to play “Across the Universe” on their audio systems at the same time NASA beams its mp3 version into outer space. The idea was hatched by Beatles’ historian Martin Lewis, who encourages all Beatles fans to play the track as it is being beamed to the distant star. Additionally, this date will be known as “Across the Universe Day”. The event marks the first time a radio song has been beamed into deep space.

Did You Join the celebration! ('Cause I didn't - Ooops! Sorry Mr. Tomato - dang.)
I'm a failure. I screwed up. There's nothing more to say and nobody to tag 'cause there was a time limit. So sorry. Next time I'll pay closer attention -- by that time, the "L" will be removed from the middle of my forehead.

Award and Meme from Sandee - what a gal *huggies*

I've done this one before, but for my buddy, Sandee, I shall bend over backwards to be supportive *wink* plus, my name changed since then, so it only makes sense!

Rule #1: Copy all the links below and replace a single link under the appropriate letter of the alphabet. If your domain name, or even the title of your blog, starts with an "A," you'd replace the link under that letter and put the replaced link at the bottom. Also, don't forget to credit the tagger, or where you got the list from, at the end of the list with a full URL of the post so that a pingback gets generated.

A. acowboyswife.com
B. bloggingcents.com
C. comedyplus.blogspot.com
D. delusionsofgrandeur.com
E. enjoyingtheride-jenn.blogspot.com
F. Foster Me Up
G. gotic-peach.net
H. happykeg.com
I. ipentimento.com
J. julianarw.blogspot.com
K. kabalyero.com
L. ladyjava.javaura.com
M. mariuca.blogspot.com
N. notjustmama.net
O. originalmx5.net
P. patrickdevivo.com
Q. qweddings.com
R. ratusyura.blogspot.com
S. shirleysdelight.com
T. The Painted Veil
U. utada-online.net
V. valmg.com
W. wickedbabylon.com
X. xaviermedia.com
Y. yimto.com
Z. zbudapest.com

Replaced Link: forumfinder.net; Previous Tagger: Sandee

Rule #2: You now have to "tag" at least five people and encourage them to participate so that this thing spreads like a virus. Remember, though, that not everyone's into these kinds of things, so don't be upset if they don't participate. Just simply replace your tag. Remember to tag blogs only and no pornographic ones as we do want to keep the integrity as a blogging community.

I tag: I'm tagging anybody who wants to be tagged. You visit, you want linky-love, you play.

Here's the award she gave me -- look!! *jumping for joy* She says I make her smile - yippee! Thanks, Sandee. You do the same for me. Love ya.

If you're in my blogroll, please take this. You're there for a reason, ya know! And, to you, Bluedreamer Paradise, you're in the "gotta add to my blogroll" list, so please take all of these awards!

More awards:

Lookie, lookie lou (sp?)! From Jenn @ Enjoying The Ride, I say thanks!

And, again, I give these to you in my blogroll, if you haven't yet rec'd. Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Tag You’re It,

Feb 8, 2008

Excerpt. Epilogue?

My friend Sandee said, "Write!" My new friend Claudia said, "You need to get writing girl! Go, go, go! We are dying to read it."

So here's just a piece. Maybe the epilogue.

After my short stint with university volleyball, I transitioned smoothly into running. I was an expert. I ran from myself and my past. I ran using my feet on the pavement and my car on the concrete. I went from state to state just to get away from whatever it was I thought might resurface if I stayed in one place too long. Maybe dad’s tattoo was going to creep up from under my skin and materialize when I wasn't looking. Is it possible? Probably. I’m positive I inherited it from him right along with a dash of low self esteem, a large chunk of anxiety, overdose levels of depression and a serious nervous stomach. I can see it now in my mind – the letters appear, one by one, before my very eyes: B – o – r – n – T – o – L – o – s – e etched into the muscle of his upper arm revealing the vivid, dark, blue ink that will taint him forever. With this mark, he is forced to continually make bad choices & allow trouble to lurk in his midst. He (and I) were branded for life. I’m sure the tattoo was chasing me, so I had to run.

Honesty is my only policy. Go ahead. Lay it on Me.

Technorati Tags: Memoir in the Works,

Feb 6, 2008

Thursday Thirteen #10

Thirteen Memoirs I've Read, Will Be Reading and You Should Read
1. A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer
2. The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family by Dave Pelzer
3. The Privilege of Youth: A Teenager's Story of Longing for Acceptance and Friendship by Dave Pelzer
4. The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir by Victoria Rowell (when she died on Young & the Restless, I about died myself - favorite soap chicka. Then I figured out why. She wrote her memoir and she's already published) *sigh*
5. An Unlit Path by Deborah Hannah
6. The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls
7. Angela's Ashes: A Memoir by Frank McCourt
8. Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses by Paula McLain
9. Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's by Jerry Robison
10. Once In A House On Fire: A Memoir by Andrea Ashworth
11. A Phoenix Rising: Defining the Moments by Bryan Nash
12. Blackbird, A Childhood Lost and Found by Jennifer Lauck
13. Foster Me Up: Entering the System Doesn't Have to Mean The End by Chuck -- when it's published. I'll let you know. I've heard it will be a great read.

I would add my thoughts on each, but you can do that w/out my help. I would love to hear how you guys feel about reading memoirs. A lot of people don't care to even give it a go. Feedback much welcomed.

Technorati Tags:Thursday Thirteen, Memoir in the Works,

Oh. My. Gosh.

Colin, you d'man! (What, I say, have I done to deserve such goodness *blushing*) He says I'm Toadally Awesome! See. Look ---> And, Teach! Woah *fell on the floor with mouth dropped open* A new friend yesterday and today an award. She says I'm a Cool Cat - Yippee! See. Look ---> So, there's rules to one and not the other; hence, I shall hoppily meow my own way. If your name is below, you have won a special place in my heart. Take both. Hang them on your walls. Think of me when you see.

Amori, Poesie, Arte, Chat

Attitude, The Ultimate Power

Bark N Knit

Basset Knitter

Beloved-Eleanor

Comedy Plus

Enjoying the Ride

Gratitude Journal

Happy Wonderer

Idaho Daily Photo

Livin' With Me

Nap Warden

Not a DIY Life

On a Limb with Claudia

Red Sox Mommy

RennyBA's Terella

Secret Agent Mama

Single Parents Unite

Talk to Grams

Thoughts from Miller Manor

Top Five

What Works for Us

Writing in Faith

Technorati Tags:Paying it Forward,

Feb 5, 2008

Wordless Wednesday #16 (Tuesday Edition)

Technorati Tags:Wordless Wednesday,

Paying It Forward...Continued

Colin, my new friend. You've truly outdone yourself this time. Good grief, Charlie Brown...but, I'm not complaining, and neither are any of you below, to whom I've passed these along. I hope you feel as good as I do about getting such honorable treats. Thank you, dearly, Colin. Seriously. Enjoy all.

Something to Say about life in the Netherlands, Thoughts from Miller Manor, Gratitude Journal, Writing in Faith, On a Limb, The Happy Wonderer, Talk to Grams, Gratitude Journal, Monday Morning Power, MamaPJ, The Teach, Livin' With Me, Creation in Progress

To Kim, Scrungy & Friends, Nap, Comedy Plus, Rhonda, Polly.

To Eleanor, Hanna, Something to Say about life in the Netherlands, Idaho Daily Photo, Polly, Monday Morning Power, Causes Rats in Lab Cancer, RennyBA, Writing in Faith

To Hanna, Writing in Faith, Thoughts From Miller Manor, On a Limb, The Happy Wonderer, Talk to Grams, Gratitude Journal, OneLuv Gurl, Mishi, Creation in Progress

If you're on my blogroll, take it, hold it, love it, treasure it.

If you're on my blogroll, take it, hold it, love it, treasure it.

To Writing in Faith, Thoughts From Miller Manor, On a Limb, The Happy Wonderer, Talk to Grams, Gratitude Journal, Hanna, Nap, Creation in Progress

To Scrungy & Friends, Comedy Plus, Idaho Daily Photo, Renny BA, Sarcastic Mom, Thoughts from Miller Manor, MamaGeek, The Teach, Gnat, Something to Say about life in the Netherlands, Rhonda, Gratitude Journal, Talk to Grams, Mishi

If you have bling on your blog, then you should have this one too.

If you had a blog in 2007, take this, hold it, love it, treasure it.

To Comedy Plus -- the Queen of Wisdom and support (this is the award I attempted to create, but I had the opportunity to get it and give it; hence, no need to make it). You've taught me with patience and have been there to help no matter what the occassion; and, to Kim who got me started. Now, I'm here. Where are you? *scratching my head*

If you're on my blogroll, take it, hold it, love it, treasure it.

To Gratitude Journal, Writing in Faith, On a Limb, Scrungy & Friends, RennyBA, Comedy Plus, Monday Morning Power, Livin' With Me, Creation in Progress

To RennyBA, Monday Morning Power

Technorati Tags:Paying It Forward,

Paying it Forward

Sadly sidetracked, but getting it together so as to say thanks. Here are a few neighbors who have ~~assisted me in my addiction~~ made my stay in bloggyville a pleasant one.

Comedy Plus gave me these two awards. I'm speechless, really. I've never met you, Sandee, but your ability to give is tremendous. You visit my site every day and give me support by educating me in techy-land as well as give me awards and advice to.

From Comedy Plus too -- This sweet tater means even more to me, 'cause of its roots provided by The Painted Veil. To partake in such goodness takes me right to the dinner table where I slather on the butter and dive in.

Nap Warden - superwoman, more like it. I've said it before. I'll say it again, "She's the cape girl we all know and love. She's a mommy of 2, wife, homemaker, blogger, pimp and friend." Look what I got from her!

Natalie, a Red Sox Mommy said I make her day. Ahhhh. What a Killer Kool thing to say. Right back atcha babe!

Pooch @ Yarn Knit Read Lit said I make her smile. Now, if this isn't something to get out of bed and blog for, I don't know what is. Thank you so much, Pooch!

Livin With Me gave me this beaut. I had been eye-ball'n this baby and when you passed it on to me, Melanie, I was super-psyched - thank you! It means a lot that you thought of me.

I wish to adorn those of you who have shown me the same kindness with the above love. Please take them and humbly place them in your homes. I wouldn't want to keep them all to myself.