Frustration

I'm having all sorts of trouble with this blog and I'm not sure if this will even get posted. I understand some of you have had trouble commenting here as well. I'm not sure what to do but I'm considering transferring everything to WordPress. My links to all my blogging friends are here at this site and I've had difficulty getting to them when I'm bumped off this blog without warning. There have been so many issues here and I don't know if it is Blogger or something I've done with or added to my site. Maybe a little of both.

Having these issues with my blog has had a bright side in that it forced me to step away after getting frustrated enough and I think I needed that down time. I've known for some time but have finally admitted to myself that I must cut back a bit, participate in only a few memes, not be so obsessed with everything to do with this blog. It has become unhealthy and I've spent too much time at all these different blogs I've started. A Touch of Inspiration has become so special to me because I have met so many beautiful people through it. I will keep this blog (here at Blogger or transferred somewhere else) but I'm going to close up some of the newer blogs I've started. I think two blogs should be enough in addition to participating in my group blog, Texty Ladies. I've I'm going to write that novel or book of poetry (or any of the many projects I'd like to work on) I've got to make the time for it.

Hopefully, these words will post. If I decide to transfer this blog elsewhere, I'll definitely let you know where.

I hope everyone has had a fantastic Memorial Day and weekend! See you tomorrow or Wednesday for more wishcasting!

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

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!

Wishcasting & Wordful Wednesday

I'm so glad I started participating in Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesdays. Her prompts are so thought provoking. I always find discover a new perspective while contemplating my answer. Today's prompt is:

What do you wish to say yes to?

I wish to say yes to the promises of Spring: beginnings, growth, fresh starts, wondrous discoveries and life! Not only do I welcome warmth after a brutal winter, the beauty of green grass and budding leaves, petal blossoms and sweetly singing birds, but also the excitement of new projects at work and home.

The protective shield I've surrounded myself with is melting from the fire that's been ignited inside me. I'm ready to take risks and refuse to miss another opportunity to follow my dreams. I say yes to doing all the things I've always wanted to do but was too fearful to try. Perfectionism is overrated. I will enjoy the journey and not worry about the end result.

I say yes to the friendships I am building both in the blog world and physical world. I am hesitant to say "real" world because my blog friendships are real to me.

Oh, I could go on and on... Thank you, Jamie, for a prompt filled with so much promise!



You'll find more wishes at Starshyne Productions and Worldful Wednesday photos at Angie's 7 Clown Circus.

Texty Ladies News

We're amping things up over at Texty Ladies, my group blog. We'll be posting more artist and author interviews, writing exercises, book reviews and more. We're creating a newsletter that will be distributed periodically by subscription and we're also working on an ezine!

I'm starting a new meme called Poetry Play Thursday which will feature, you guessed it....poetry! April is National Poetry Month so, hopefully, this meme will help us prepare for it. You can click on the badge in the sidebar of this blog and it will take you to the website. I hope you'll give it a try!

Awards!!

I'm SO excited! Gypsy from Creative Soul Explosion has just awarded me my first individual award! I am so honored to receive it and want to thank Gypsy from the bottom of my heart. I have been having so much fun at this blog and am meeting so many wonderful people. I realize that I don't know all of you very well but I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.

It's funny how we can feel an almost immediate connection with people we meet online. We read their words and they make us laugh, cry, thrill and commiserate. From Gypsy's comments, reading her profile and her blogs, I feel a certain kinship with her as we seem like sisters of the heart. Thank you, Gypsy, for your gift and encouragement!

I would like to tag and nominate the following incredibly creative and talented people for this award. I wish I could tag you all as I have received gifts of beauty and inspiration from so many!

1. Mel at Melsdream

2. Genie Sea at Realty-Insanity

3. Molly at Her Speak

4. Jamie Ridler at Jamie Ridler Studios and Starshyne Productions

5. Mary-LUE at Life, the Universe and Everything

6. Jennlui at A Trinket Treasury

Now, to name 7 Things I Love:

1. My God. I've had an up and down relationship with my God over the years and I pray that will mature with time. I've never blamed Him for anything or turned my back completely but I haven't always felt close. This is my doing, of course, and I'm grateful His arms are always open for this prodigal daughter.

2. My husband. He is the most supportive husband in the world and I am oh, so lucky he's mine! We get each other. He took a chance, moved many miles and away from his family just to be with my son and me. He's handsome, intelligent and creative, gives the best hand, foot and back rubs in the universe and even thinks I'm sexy in my mismatched jammies with mismatched socks, medusa hair and no make-up! Thank you, honey, for sharing your life with me.

3. My son. For many years, it was just the two of us and I know it was difficult for him when my husband entered the picture, but he's developed a good relationship with my husband and for that I am thankful. My son's imagination blows me away and he'll sneak a funny line in now and again that will double me over. :D I am humbled by his bravery and love him beyond measure. I look forward to watching you continue to grow in your adult years, punkin'. I guess you'll want me to stop calling you that, eh?

4. My family. My brothers, sister and I, along with our spouses, kids and their kids experienced the loss of both of my parents in the last year and a half. We've always been fairly close and made sure we got together for holidays and such and I wondered if that would change once my parents were no longer here. It was difficult doing all the things you have to do when someone passes but we got through it okay and still get together on occasion. If it's at all possible, I feel even more love for them now than before and I pray we will always make time for each other.

5. My friends. I love that feeling when you're with your friends and gabbing about something and you start to laugh, then get on a roll and just can't stop! Tears are streaming down your face and your gut starts to hurt. I'm so thankful I have friends who can share those times with me and who have also stayed with me through the not so laughable times.

6. My kitties. Devi and Kali are so much fun and I just love them like crazy! They have such different personalities: Devi is our little catdog as she likes to play fetch and have her tummy rubbed. She also loves to snuggle. Kali is the wild one and her antics, while often naughty, are quite funny and are good for a story at the watercooler. She's also very sweet and will sleep on your face if you'll let her.

7. My writing and art. For many years, I pushed them aside and I'm still getting used to exploring that side of me again. It's a wonderful feeling, although sometimes frustrating, and with the help of many of you and your wonderful blogs, I'm excited about the endless ideas there are to explore and projects to try out. Thank you.

Please stop over at my group blog, Texty Ladies, as we were awarded there as well! :D

Thankful

I want to thank the many of you who commented on my blogs this past week. Your words have been so warm and encouraging and I've felt inspired after visiting your blogs.

We hear so much about the negative aspects of the Internet and the people who pray on the vulnerability of others, it is refreshing to read about and be a part of a gathering of people who are striving to be their best. People who follow their dreams and encourage others to do the same. I'm excited to get to know all of you better and hope that I can give you in return the kindness and support that you have shown me.

Blessings to you all!

Welcome to A Touch of Inspiration!

Welcome world! As you can see from my blog title, this space will focus on items, words, visuals and events that inspire me. Some days I'll focus on what others have done to bring inspiration to my life, others I might post photos I've taken that have brought me joy. Whatever the day might bring, I hope you'll find in it a touch of inspiration.