Kreativ Blogger Award

You know, this blogging community rocks! Isn’t it incredible that we can find and become part of such a supportive and nurturing community when we haven’t actually met its residents? One of those awesome residents, Alpha B., has awarded me with this Kreativ Blogger Award! Thank you so much, Alpha B.!! I do so enjoy your visits here and am happy you received this award because your blogs are fantastic!

With this award, I'm asked to tell you about seven of my favorite things.

With a previous award, I spoke of seven things I love and listed my husband, son, family, pets, etc., so I'll create a different type of favorites list here.

1. I enjoy early mornings when everyone is sleeping and I can write, read and surf online to my heart's content, usually with coffee nearby.

2. I enjoy staring into a fire, especially outdoors, while new age type music plays in the background. Visions and ideas come so easily then.

3. Autumn is my favorite time of year. Cool brisk air...sweaters...school...turning leaves...apple orchards...baking...anticipation...Halloween!

4. Being accepted by a kitten or cat...or at least tolerated.

5. Chocolate. Wait, why isn't this number one? I must be slipping.

6. I love lilacs. Not only do I love their scent and pretty little petals, but they always bring me back to lighter, more innocent times, my parents' home, and gathering bunches and bunches to bring as gifts for my school teachers.

7. Studying other cultures. I don't know if or when we'll be able to take a big trip but until that day happens, I can soak up as much knowledge as I can about the world around us.

I'd like to send this Kreativ Blogger award to the following seven creative blogger friends:

1. Tabitha at http://knittingjourneymanredux.blogspot.com/

2. Sara at http://mama-craft.blogspot.com/

3. Lors at http://threepupperonis.blogspot.com/

4. Sema at http://affirmart.blogspot.com/

5. Roxanne at http://never-shower-in-high-heels.blogspot.com/

6. Brandi at http://brandireynolds.blogspot.com/

7. Melba at http://www.melbamcmullin.com/

Thank you again, Alpha B.!

Poetry Ideas

The contest winners for the Texty Ladies National Poetry Month poetry contest have been announced today. It was difficult to choose the winning entries, as you can imagine, but a contest generally requires a winner so there you go. It was fun reading the entries and we received quite an eclectic mix. They were all winners in my book!

We learn as we go and I think to make our next contest easier for the participants and judges, we will post a blurb about what the judges will be looking for in that particular contest. My personal preference and belief about poetry is that the meaning should not be a complete mystery to the reader; they should not have to work overtime to discover its purpose. Not that it has to be simple and spelled out for you. Like other forms of art, a poem can be subjective just not a complete mystery. Those are my thoughts on the subject anyway. I should clarify that the meaning or message was fairly clear in the poems submitted to the contest.

I'm still tinkering with Poetry Play Thursday. I'm not sure if I should switch up the format each month or just pick a different form of poetry to explore each week. For May, I'd like to give a structured prompt for people to use, not just one word but something like the following:

What if _____________?
I might _____________
What if _____________?
I could _____________
What if _____________?
I would _____________
(Ask a Question)______________?

Would anyone be interested in trying something that structured?

What if there was no daylight?
I might run with wolves and howl at the moon
What if the moon spoke in whispers?
I could learn the secrets of the universe
What if words brought life to dreams?
I would write of the pack, intuition and truth
What if we listened to the Wild Woman within us?




Wild Woman by Pamela Sweet is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Wishcasting Wednesdays - Read

How do you do it, Jamie? Each week, I read on several participants' blogs that you asked a question pertinent to what was in their hearts at that moment. Once again, you've hit the nail on the head, so to speak. Jamie's question this week is:

What do you wish to read?

Reading has been one of my greatest joys my entire life. Escaping to new lands, caring for new characters, and resolving new conflicts not only takes us out of ourselves, it provides us new perspective on our own lives.

For quite a while now, I've tried to cram in some reading while riding the bus or immediately before falling asleep which leaves me with a fractured reading experience. It gives me bits and pieces and not a good overall picture.

I've been telling myself I must write, write, write; put what little free time I have toward that. However, my writing has been sporadic and my enjoyment of books has been the same.

In order to write, we must read. We must lose ourselves in fantastical journeys, gain insight from the sage advice of others, and be inspired by those who have overcome. Isn't time spent reading time well spent?

I wish to spend more time reading without worrying about other things I "should" be doing instead. I wish to take my coffee, tea or hot cocoa and curl up on the sofa or a chair on our Juliet balcony and enjoy a light, warm breeze as I lose myself in another world. I wish to read without guilt.

A few books I'm looking forward to reading:

Happy Reading!!

More wishcasters have cast their wishes here.

Simple Woman's Daybook - April 27, 2009

For Today...April 27, 2009

Outside my window...The clouds are light gray, promising a time of waiting and then rain. A lone bird's insistent call disturbs the calm.

I am thinking...that there are days when I enjoy the gray, the rain, and quiet.

I am thankful for...the weekend I had with my husband. We had originally planned to stay at a swank hotel and have a fancy dinner to celebrate our anniversary. Instead, we looked at books, books and more books, ate lunch and dinner out, spent quiet time alone, and just enjoyed the silence.

From the kitchen...Dinner will be spaghetti and meatballs courtesy of my husband. I am so thankful that he cooks dinner during the work week!

I am wearing...my burgandy sleep shorts and a soft peach long-sleeved shirt. As I've said before, I sleep in some of the weirdest ensembles.

I am going...to learn to let go.

I am reading...I finished Poltergeist by Kat Richardson and am deciding whether or not to move straight on to the third book in the series, Undergound, or slip a book in between them. For some reason, I like to torture myself that way. ;) I'll be starting The Tao of Writing - Imagine. Create. Flow by Ralph L. Wahlstrom soon.

I am hoping...for a stress-free, productive day.

I am creating...another collage for Full Moon Dreamers that will be posted May 9th or before. I just knew once I started to collage, there'd be no holding me back!

I am praying...that the reawakening I feel in my spirit continues to grow and flourish. I also pray that the endeavors of my blog friends do the same.

Around the house...Goodness! There is so much to be done around the house this week. Catching up on laundry is a must and I'd love to dig out the hostas in the backyard. The previous owner planted in them in too sunny a spot. They also house the bunnies that I'm fond of watching but am not fond of their eating habits!

One of my favorite things...Looking through the windows and out over the balcony to what appears to be stillness but is actually a haven of life, critters stirring preparing for their day... It makes me think of the Wind and the Willows or some other children's story.

A few plans for the rest of the week...I'd love to get some reading and writing time in. I'll also be judging the Texty Ladies poetry contest and gathering prizes together for shipping.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Just because.

You'll find more Simple Woman's Daybook entries here.

enCouraging Bliss: My Happy Place

Christine (BlissChick) encouraged us to create a collage that represents our Happy Place. Collaging is new to me but I've been wanting to try it for a while and Christine's prompt made it fun! I could create dozens of Happy Place collages!

I apologize that the photos are so small. I used Mosaic Maker and Flickr to create this so if anyone knows how to save the collage so it appears larger, please let me know. :)

It's interesting to look at the choices people make when collaging. As I look at my choices, beauty is apparent. Beauty has always given me a high, as I'm sure it does most people, but digging deeper I find comfort, warmth, solitude, spirit, celebration, culture and knowledge. What do you see?

For more Happy Places, please check out Christine's Blisschick blog on enCouraging Bliss.

What we do for each other.

To Sarah at Cottage Garden Studio

Sarah,

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving such warm comments that make me smile. I want you to know that I am having difficulty leaving comments at your blog for some strange reason but it is not for lack of trying! My computer has been a bit temperamental lately so it is probably on my end.

Your story about the purchase of "Heart of Darkness" by Tabitha's husband as a gift for her is so touching! I'm happy for you that everything turned out the way it did. To everyone else, please go to Sarah's blog to read about this. I don't want to give away too much here.

With regard to Wishcasting Wednesday and the steps you wish to take with your art, I must say that you are very talented and I have every confidence that those steps will be successful. May you be blessed with courage and joy during the journey! Thank you for sharing your bliss with us!

Let's hope this computer issue disappears and I can comment at your blog again soon. I am still in the process of catching up with everyone's blogs and hopefully this won't happen elsewhere.

Love to all,

Pamela

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary, Honey!

My husband and I married three years ago yesterday; been together for over seven years. We were busy running around yesterday so this comes a day late.

I had planned to tell the story of our somewhat unconventional relationship and courtship but I think I'll save that for another time and maybe another format.

I want the world to know that I love my husband beyond measure and am happy and content in our relationship.

Here are a few things I love:

YOU

Quick Wit
Gentle manner
Acceptance
Caresses
Forgiving nature
Talent
Comfort
Desire
Commanding touch
Patience
Intelligence
Empathy
Support
Persistence
Love

US

Silliness
Acceptance
Similar interests
Faith
Mutual respect
Desire
Forgiveness
Challenges
Imagination
Support
Growth
Love

For those of you who are not currently in a romantic relationship and would like to be, I must share that I met my husband when I was 37 years old. I had not given up on a lifelong partner but did not expect to find one either.

You may find your partner anywhere, any place, any time and at any age. I would say do not ever lose hope but find joy in your life where it's at right now. You never know where your journey will lead you!

Wishcasting Wednesday - April 22, 2009

"Be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes."

Jamie's wish prompt today is:

What step do you wish to take?

Hmmm....I guess wishes aren't enough. We've got to take action? Jamie's right. As my sister and I were saying just the other day, "It's time to stop waiting for that big thing around the corner and start living in the here and now." Many of us believe from an early age that our lives are destined for greatness. We just know that at some point, big things will happen and everyone will see our true worth.

I always thought I'd be a great writer and artist by this time, traveling the globe and thinking lofty thoughts. Maybe I'd come up with the solution to world hunger or find a way to bring peace to the stricken.

In my head, I always knew my destiny wasn't going to play out without some involvement from me, and yet I kept looking ahead, waiting for it to fall into my lap.

How can we be content when we think something better is just ahead of us? I'll be happy when such and such finally happens, we think. Why not be happy now?

What step do I wish to take?

I wish to make a concerted effort to live in the moment and enjoy not only the end result but the process of what I'm doing at any given moment. Hear the clickety-clack of my keyboard as my fingers fly over its keys, smell the tempting orange sitting in a bowl on the dining room table, enjoy the jumble of words tumbling about my brain as they jockey into position and form sentences, forget about whether or not these words bring me riches and glory but only care about whether or not they'll have meaning for me or someone else.

It is wise to set goals and reach for the sky; it is also wise to find value in the steps you take to reach those goals. Should I not become a famous writer and artist, but stay exactly where I am, a sometime writer/artist, daytime legal assistant with a fabulous family, a few extra pounds, and a generous heart...that's okay, too. I will take steps to find the beauty in each act and moment.

What steps do you wish to take now? To find out what others are wishing, visit Wishcasting Wednesdays hosted by Jamie Ridler at Starshyne Productions.

Photo by ClickyPenPixieofDoom.

Computer Issues

My laptop will not turn on and I'm hoping to get the problem solved tonight. Wish me luck! (currently at work)

The Simple Woman's Daybook - April 20, 2009

We had family staying with us over the weekend and the entire family came over Saturday night for food and fun. The weather was beautiful, sunny and 70's, and it was good to be together again. With my parents gone, it is important that we continue to make memories.

I'm terribly behind in reading and commenting on my favorite blogs and because there are so many, it will take me some time to catch up. I look forward to reading about what you've been up to! Here are my thoughts:

For Today...April 20, 2009

I am thinking...I will be gentle with myself today.

Outside my window...the birds are throwing a wild party.

I am thankful for... my family, my job, and my relative good health. None can be taken for granted.

From the kitchen...We still have a few leftovers of fajitas and spanish rice from the weekend. Not much but enough to provide my husband with a good lunch today, his day off.

I am wearing...grey dress slacks and a black knit top. I tend to dress in grey or black on Mondays, not necessarily because of my mood or that I'm unhappy it is Monday. I think it's because I feel confident in those colors, and they help me ease gently into the week. I suppose I should wear brighter, cheerier colors on Monday but it just doesn't happen that way.

Iam reading...John Lithgow's "The Poet's Corner", trying to finish it before Saturday, when it needs to be returned to the library.

I am hoping...for a gentle day, no stress, all smiles.

I am creating...a simpler life. I'm far from there but am heading in that direction.

I am praying...for the continued good health of my family and me and that my son's recent application for some assistance is granted.

Around the house...Yikes! There is more laundry than I care to think about. Other than that, the house is in pretty good shape since we cleaned for the weekend. Just need to get the electric situation figured out so we can use the vacuum again without it blowing out the lights.

One of my favorite things...Having quiet time to myself to sip coffee and read my favorite blogs.

A few plans for the rest of the week...I'll catch up on laundry and reading blogs, finish reading a few books, clean up a logo I created for Texty Ladies and spend some quality time with family.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

From Macy's 2009 Flower Show. The photo is a bit dark and I haven't cropped out the people sitting at the end of the flower bed yet. I just thought the field of tulips was lovely.

Please join Patty and the other participants

of The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Zen Habits according to Big Bowl

By Bella Dos Santos

Slurp Freely

Breathe Deeply

Speak Frankly

Simplify

Take Chances

Dress Casually

Think Fast

See Clearly

(Found on the walls of Big Bowl Restaurant.

Who knew dining could be so enlightening?)

Wishcasting Wednesdays - Clear it out!

"Be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes."

Wishtress Jamie always knows just what to ask. Her prompt today is:

What do you wish to clear out?

I could go in a number of directions with this one. There's always the household clutter and storage (junk) room downstairs or last year's leaves still mucking up the yard but I think something more important needs clearing.

Fear.

My mind seems to be riddled with fear. It's not that I'm constantly quaking in my boots but I see a theme running through the past several years of my life and its time to look for a new template.

I want to make a living as an artist and writer. I want it so much I can taste it but the fear of failing chokes me and has held me back from even trying. Less than two years ago, I decided to try blogging, dip my toes in, if you will, and I found the waters quite warm. Since then, I've written a few pieces of flash fiction, some short poems, and started writing more than one novel.

Dreams became reality when I started drawing again after the group decided to create another logo for Texty Ladies. Not only am I excited about the finished project but I'm enjoying the process as well.

You say, "Well, where's this fear you speak of?" The fear prohibits me from getting really messy, making mistakes and discovering a host of incredible lessons in creativity. It cripples me and begs me to play it safe.

This fear isn't satisfied ruling one area of my life...no, its tentacles have latched onto others as well but I'm putting a stop to it now.

My wish is to clear out the fear faction so I may explore, discover, command, produce, release and yes, even fail at whatever I choose to do.

I'll be participating in Jamie Ridler's "The Next Chapter - Wreck This Journal" to help break free from fear and give myself permission to play and get messy. Maybe you'd like to join us!

For more wishes, go to this week's Wishcasting Wednesday at Starshyne Productions.

Simply Kind Tuesdays - Organizations

For this week's Simply Kind Tuesday, I'm listing some pretty cool sites that help promote kindness. If you have a look at any, please let me know what you think and if they've helped you in any way.

1. HelpOthers.org - Kindness is contagious. This is a portal dedicated to small acts of kindness. The site has a game of pay-it-forward: anonymously make someone smile with an act of kindness, leave behind a card asking them to keep the ripple going.

2. ActsofKindness.org - Geared toward high school kids and college age adults. A resource for people committed to spreading kindness. Freely provides a wide variety of materials, including activity ideas, lesson plans, project plans, ...

3. HumanKindness.org - Non-profit organization which stresses simple living, a dedication to service, and a commitment to personal spiritual practice.

4. KindnessRanch.org - Kindness Ranch is a place for animals who are in need of a safe place to call home. They are initially focusing on lab tested dogs, cats, and horses.

5. ATraditionofKindness.org - Stories of men and women who have shown extraordinary kindness in difficult circumstances.

6. The Kindness Cure - An online community whose purpose is to bring together the nicest people on the planet to help perform one million acts of kindness in one year!

7. TheKindnessRevolution.net - A members-only business initiative of companies who are committed to raising the awareness of the importance of kindness in leadership and customer service.

Who would have thought there would be so many organizations focusing on kindness! I'm sure these are just the tip of the iceberg! Makes the heart swell, doesn't it?! :D

Take a look here for more participants in Simply Kind Tuesdays.

Sleeping with Bread - Twilight Zone

Sleeping with Bread is about finding that one thing that will get you through, carry you over, and hold you tight. It's about having something to hold on to when times are rough and even when they're not. It's also about being the one to provide that lifeline when it's called upon.

The last few weeks have been strange, like I've been in limbo, almost like a Twilight Zone episode where I'm riding a bus that goes nowhere. It just keeps on going.

Negative moments during the ride:

1. Being unsure of whether or not I should continue my involvement in a particular group effort. Am I still receiving benefit from it? What is my motivation for continuing to be involved? Could my time be put to better use? Is it still fun? Is that enough? I don't want to let anyone down but I often feel like my voice and involvement are not truly respected.

2 Like many others, I'm still concerned about how the economy is affecting my employment.

3. Not being sure of what to do in certain situations with my son. Sometimes, I feel like I've exhausted all efforts and ideas and just don't know where to turn. For the most part, I think we live with his Aspergers Syndrome pretty well. He's grown and learned so much but every once in a while, there are days of feeling stuck. All of us, caught in thought and behavior patterns that get us nowhere. Thank God for the few and far between moments of "Aha! We could try this!" I just wish they'd happen more often...hint..hint...to the One upstairs! :)

Positive moments during the ride:

1. Completing a fun design and form creation project at work.

2. Starting after-dinner family walks a few times each week.

3. Receiving two blog awards from women I respect and admire.

4. Being an ear and shoulder when a friend really needed it.

5. Witnessing my son's growing maturity and more clear and flexible thinking.

6. Knowing my husband is by my side no matter what crazy thing I decide to do.

What do we hold on to in times of doubt and indecision? What do we do when we don't know what to do, when no one path looks more promising than the next?

We hold on to what has proven true in the past. We may not always know where we're going but we can trust the One who will take us there. Whether you believe in God, your Inner-Goddess or someone else, know that these times of uncertainty will pass and He, and you, can be trusted to get you through. These times bring growth, build character and strengthen faith.

I'm holding on to Him, my family, friends and me. Doing so will not only benefit me, but help me to be that lifeline when I receive the call.

Stop by Sleeping with Bread to find out what other participants have to say.

Queen of the Blogs! Me?

Talk about fantastic blog friends, the ever warm and wonderful Gypsy, from Confessions of a Kitchen Witch, has awarded me my second award this week: the Queen of Blogs Award! While it's unlikely I could live up to that title, I do appreciate Gypsy's thoughtfulness. :)

At Confessions of a Kitchen Witch, Gypsy shares some excellent recipes and home and hearth information, including Old Thyme Rituals and Tradition. Go check it out; you'll be glad you stopped by!

Now, I would like to pass this Queen of the Blogs award on to some fantastic bloggers:

1. Mel @ melsdream - Thoughts For The Day, plenty of wisdom and humor;

2. Tracy @ Seaside Enchantment - Stories of home and family, wonder and gratitude;

3. Kazari @ On The End Of My Rope - Writings on life, adventure and wishcrafting; and

4. Joanna @ Little Faerie Tales - Artistic endeavors and inspiration & Celtic Mythcraft - Spiritual artifacts and alchemy.

I strongly suggest you visit their blogs as I know you're in for a treat! :) Thank you again, Gypsy!

We Need You - Poetry Play Thursday

I'm trying something different at Texty Ladies today for Poetry Play Thursday and I hope you'll stop by and help us out. The poetry form I've chosen for the week is Renga and it requires pairs or small groups to write.

I think it will be fun if people participate. You don't have to be a seasoned poet, just be willing to write a few lines to continue the poem.

I can't wait to find out what direction this poem will take! See you over there! :)

Wishcasting Wednesdays - Transformation

[NOTE: My following wish is a true wish but I'm going to claim another one and explore the topic of transformation in another post. - 4/9/09]

Jamie's question today for Wishcasting Wednesdays has me perplexed.

What do you wish to transform?


Hmmm. What WOULDN'T I like to transform right now? My figure, my yard, a certain relationship... Wait, I DO know what I'd like to transform! My kitchen!!

Let me give you the picture (I'd post one but then I'd have to do the dishes):

Our stove/microwave combo is I'm sure one of the first models ever made. The fan is basically a whole in the kitchen ceiling rimmed in silver. There's a pretty cool cut-out oval shape in the ceiling but it's trimmed in a faded border of peaches, leaves and butterflies (not the pretty you're imagining). The maple cabinets show an awesome grain but the hardware is dated and the overall look is tired and 1950s.

I don't know what the original owners were thinking but they put in a white tiled floor. White! Besides being incredibly cold on the feet, it shows every little speck of dirt and I end up getting on my hands and knees to wipe it down more often than I'd like. I'm not EVEN going to get into the curtain situation!

It might not sound too terrible but it drives me crazy and if we ever have the funds to do a remodel, that is where I'd start.

I wish to transform our oft used and outdated kitchen!


Find out what other participants are wishing at Wishcasting Wednesdays.

Lemons to Lemonade

I was having a difficult few days and didn't have any words to share when I sat down to get caught up on a few bloggy things and what did I find? A beautiful gift from a beautiful person!

I'd like to give thanks to Sema for gifting me with the Lemonade Award!

A Lemonade Award is given to bloggers that show a positive attitude, gratitude,and a willingness to share their ideas, support and online friendship. In other words, people who make lemonade when they get lemons!

Sema shares her amazing mantra cards and beautiful thoughts at her blog AffirmArt. Isn't that a fantastic name? She's also a fellow participant in Wishcasting Wednesdays and her wishes are always an inspiration to me. Thank you so much for this award, Sema!

Here are the rules for the award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 7 blogs that show great Gratitude and/or Attitude.
3. Be sure to list and link your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.

The following 7 blogs have blessed me and helped me in my journey and I would love to thank them for it.

1. Tabitha @ ♥I Choose Bliss♥

2. Tara @ Uphill Idealist

3. Genie Sea @ Reality Insanity

4. Rachelle @ Magpie Girl

5. Claudia @ On a Limb with Claudia

6. Sarah @ Cottage Garden Studio

7. Tabitha @ The Knitting Journeyman Redux

I'm considering this my article for Simply Kind Tuesdays because I want to celebrate the generosity and support I've found here in this blogging community. The building of spirit and kindness shown is a beautiful thing to witness and experience. Thank you all for your warmth and wisdom.

Find other Simply Kind Tuesdays participants here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - April 6, 2009

I started participating in The Simple Woman's Daybook because I enjoy the questions, the quiet time in the morning to reflect and look ahead, and it is fun to read how other participants are doing. It is also a reminder to me that I do indeed want to live a simpler life although it seems I keep adding more and more to my schedule and am doing anything but!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Outside my window...it is dark and the bunnies in the backyard are sleeping peacefully, dreaming of the yummy flowers they'll be eating from the flowerbeds.

I am thinking...about the coming weeks: a very welcome visit from my sister and her family, and my husband's and my anniversary.

I am thankful for...this day and another opportunity to get things right.

From the kitchen...I must remember to pick up some A-1 sauce after work as my husband is making steaks tonight!

I am wearing...my violet sleep shorts and the thin red shirt I wore yesterday. I was too tired to change last night. lol! My poor husband has the privilege of seeing me in all sorts of weird sleep ensembles when I'm that darn tired.

I am creating...some new graphics for my group blog, Texty Ladies.

I am going...start doing some yoga again this week. I do not practice the spiritual meditation sometimes associated with this but the asanas (positions) definitely strengthen me and make me feel better all around.

I am reading...Poltergeist by Kat Richardson (still) and Poet's Corner by John Lithgow (National Poetry Month).

I am hoping...for a calm and productive week.

I am hearing...some birds chirping outside and my kittens' ears are perking up.

Around the house...Dishes and laundry must get done and I need to sew up a small hole in my son's shirt. If it's warm later this week, I'd like to rake up the remaining leaves in the yard.

One of my favorite things...When the kittens look up with sleepy eyes, just waiting for me to pick them up and cuddle.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Help my son organize his room since we didn't do it last week, sew some more decorative patches on his jacket, and take a few walks since the sun is supposed to shine.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

This WILL NOT be me this week!

Please join Peggy and the other participants
at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

POETRY CONTEST & Poetry Play Thursday

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Texty Ladies are holding a Poetry Contest! For more details, please go to the Texty Ladies site. Good luck to those who enter! (Even those who don't.) :)

Still trying to catch up on visiting and commenting at all the blogs I love to read...

Wishcasting Wednesdays - Trust

Wishtress Jamie asks this week:

What do you wish to trust in?

Learning to trust can be an issue. With the exception of my husband, most of my romantic relationships were doomed by me from the start simply because I'd always choose someone I could never trust: men who could not commit, were semi-committed, musicians with groupies... you get it.

Even though I know in my heart that I can trust my husband, I still play games in my head on occasion worrying about what-ifs. Instead of getting freaked out because I'm conditioned to expect the worst, I now talk myself down, reason it out, and talk to him if I'm still concerned about something. It's amazing how our minds can convince us of something that is not true.

My wish this week is to trust:

1. My loved ones;

2. My abilities;

3. My intuition and instinct; and

4. My heart.

Visit Jamie's Starshyne Productions for more participants' wishes.

Wordful Wednesday - Critters

I will take our yard back from this furry beast and his family this summer!

They run around like they own the place!

Oh yes, Mr./Mrs. Cute Bunny Creature, you are SO mine!

For more Wordful Wednesday photos and fun,

please click this button: