T-13 #35 - Random Thoughts on Blogging ...

Make Room for Small Reflections

13 Random Thoughts on blogging
... as I sit on my patio with my laptop this morning

1. I'm a lucky woman to have the leisure time to do this 'blogging' thing as I choose ... on my own terms. I realize that if I didn't leave such lengthy comments, I could visit more blogs and stay more current ... but methinks it wouldn't be as satisfying for me.

2. I'm relieved that my Google Reader no longer has 1000+ unread messages when I log in. Currently it averages 200-250 most days, only occasionally reaching more than 300. I've learned to conserve time & energy and keep 'in touch' by reading multiple posts and commenting on several all at once ... and I'm most appreciative of those who make their entire posts available in 'readers' rather than simply a title and/or teaser. I recognize that most believe this wouldn't help their 'stats,' but (for my part), I'm much more likely to click onto a blog when I have something to contribute than simply to see what might be there ... especially when time is crunched.

3. Writing responses to everyone here on my blog takes time, thought, and energy ... and perhaps go unseen for the most part since I never really know who sees (and actually checks) Blogger's box to receive follow up comments in email.

4. I apologize to my readers (who actually read my responses here) for falling behind on them (especially those who commented on Fun Monday of July 21st addressing Irish Coffeehouse's questions on 'the pursuit of dreams' ... I've resisted taking the 'easier route' of leaving a single response to all ... am working on those a bit at a time & will publish them soon), however I'm doing my best to stay current and fully intend to respond eventually for my own reasons, whether or not anyone else sees them.

5. If I didn't opt to check the little box myself when I leave comments on the blogs of others (and/or use co.mments.com to follow conversations) my email box wouldn't have 500+ unread messages in it each day to go through, however I'm not yet ready to give up the practice.

6. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my new laptop that allows me to sit on my patio like this ... musing while enjoying the cool morning temperatures and the lovely view. I'm grateful for the handy outside electrical outlet nearby that permits me to plug in when the screen dims to conserve battery life. Actually, that's the only annoying thing about my new Dell 1720 Inspiron and I'm hoping they'll come up with a 'fix' sometime soon. I did learn recently that pressing the up arrow while holding the Fn key down brightens the screen when it dims ... but as the battery runs down, that becomes less effective.

7. As I indicated in yesterday's posts here at Small Reflections and the one I left at Sacred Ruminations ... I'm surprised by all I've accomplished since becoming a blogger about 9 months ago. Today's post is #296 on this blog (502 overall) ... more than one a day (since I started 283 days ago) ... although these posts are spread over 3 blogs. I'm looking forward to celebrating my Blogoversary in 83 days (366 days after I started due to Leap Year).

8. I've enjoyed the Weekly Activities like T-13, Wordless Wednesday (though mine are sometimes not so wordless), HoTs, Fun Monday, Unconscious Mutterings, Camera Critters, Smiley Saturday, Haiku Fridays, One Single Impression, Slice of Life, Pensieve's poetic challenges, and others (see links in sidebar) for the people I've met and the way they've STRETCHED me to try new things & tackle topics I might not have thought of.

9. The various 'memes' ... Blogthings & Quizzes ... photo related activities ... spontaneous poetic posts ... gratitude & 'really good things' pieces ... and challenges from Mimi Lennox provided opportunity for personal exploration and sharing, and I'm grateful for them all.

10. Striving for balance (in real life & this virtual world) remains an on-going challenge ... as does maintaining some focus as I clarify & redefine why I blog. I value my relationships in both worlds ... and remain open to whatever comes next for me as I consider various options. I'm grateful for the 'hiatus' from my Photoshop Elements classes ... surprised at how busy this week has been even without them ... am tackling tasks one at a time ... re-prioritizing as needed each day ... doing the best I can ... telling myself it's enough.

11. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy knowing others enjoy what I share? Readership wasn't really on my mind when I started and doesn't take up much of my thinking even today. I'd never looked at a blog before Kara showed me hers and explained how to set one up on Blogger. My purpose was (and remains) getting comfortable with sharing what I write with others rather than simply writing for myself. Although I have Sitemeter installed on the first two blogs, I almost never look at it and I have no clue how to check Feedburner stats. I am, however, always surprised & delighted to discover people have dropped by and left me comments. I enjoy reading & responding to them ... and endeavor to see what 'they see' when I look at my blogs.

12. Visiting the blogs of others enriches my 'virtual life' ... expands my view of what's possible in this 'online world' ... introduces me to new ways of seeing & being and a host of resources available on the Internet. I enjoy the wide variety of blogs and the many perspectives represented among bloggers I've encountered. Narrowing down the number of blogs I look at in Google Reader remains an on-going challenge, though as I mentioned above ... I'm learning how to manage my time a bit better as I strive to remain current.

13. Hmmm ... I started writing this about 2 hours ago (about 7:15 this morning) after sleeping in later than usual (most likely catching up from being overly tired) ... because I could. I apologize for publishing much later than usual, but it's been pleasant interacting with Molly and passersby and it's good to feel 'relaxed' rather than rushed today. I look forward to seeing what others have shared as I make my rounds ... and I wish you all a delightful day.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

For easy access, I’ve listed more T-13 links along with the Thursday Thirteen Blogroll at My Blog Rolls.

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today

"Smile, breathe, and go slowly." Thich Nhat Hanh
thursday thirteen

WW#41 Lest you think I'm sleeping on the job ...

Make Time for Small Reflections
AlmostThis is, of course, NOT me!

I've been busy with other things today ... seriously!
Photo from Cute Overload Press
Click for others participating in Wordless Wednesday today.
~ ~ ~

Upon realizing that yesterday was my 200th post at Sacred Ruminations, I took it upon myself this morning to do some reflecting there on my 201st post ... and (in doing so), I realized (by checking all three blogs numbers) the piece I created there this morning was actually my 500th post since becoming a blogger 9 months ago. Who knew???

That means this one is #501 overall ... #295 here ... so In 5 day's I'll reach my 300th post on this blog! The frustrating thing is that each time I try to create a post here today ... the phone rings ... so I'm not sure when (or if) I'll find time to add more, but I'm hoping to ... eventually.

Thought for Today
"Time is making fools of us again." J.K. Rowling

Heads or Tails #17 - Doctor

Take Time for Small Reflections
If you're looking for Fun Monday, it's just below this one.Hosted by Skittles at Head or Tails

Click for info about how to play

This week's theme/prompt is:

HEADS - Doctor

How many of these television doctors
do you remember and/or recognize?

Click for others participating in HoTs this week.

Next week's theme/prompt is:
HEADS - Manner
Small Reflections, Smile Back

Thought for Today
"If it weren't for the fact that the TV set and the refrigerator are so far apart, some of us wouldn't get any exercise at all."
Joey Adams

Fun Monday #16 - If I was in charge of the world ...

Make Time for Small Reflections
Fun Monday

Mommy Wizdom is hostess this week and asks the following:
If you were ruler for a day/week/month/year (your choice on the time) you would...(for example)...make coffee free to all citizens. Or you'd abolish the penny. You may also specify if you're ruler of the world or just your country. Have fun with it; be creative. If you like to dress up, you may also choose to take pictures of yourself in your "ruler" outfit(s) and post them up with your entry.

If I was ...

... of the WORLD for a year, I'd make (and enforce) the following proclamations:

1. Everyone shall have enough to eat and a safe place to live, learn, work, and sleep.

2. All shall take personal responsibility for their words & deeds and display self-discipline & generosity of spirit with themselves and others.

3. Foul language and violence are banned ... in music, television, films, toys, etc. and replaced with words & images of peace, kindness, and creativity.

4. Personal priorities shall be re-examined and aligned with the highest good for all concerned. Revisions & decisions in our lives shall be made accordingly as changes are embraced and implemented.

5. Thoughts and language of limitation shall be replaced with thoughts and language of limitless possibilities.

6. Resentment, guilt, criticism, and fear shall be replaced with a willingness to perceive events and experiences from a wider collective perspective rather than from a personal egocentric view.

7. Differences shall be embraced & valued rather than shunned and/or feared. Engaging in conversation with others regularly is to be encouraged & facilitated ... with more emphasis given to listening than speaking ... and asking questions rather than making assumptions.

8. The word 'should' shall be replaced with the word 'could' ... reminding us that (while we don't necessarily control events themselves), we always have a choice about how to respond in every situation ... and the point of power is in the present moment (rather than past or future).

9. All shall S L O W D O W N ... remembering to breathe, relax, access 'inner wisdom' and think things through ... considering ramifications ... before taking action.

10. When 'errors' become apparent, all shall apologize genuinely ... using this as a model for our communication: "I made a mistake, I'm sorry, how do I fix this?" ... while remaining open to input from others we may have harmed & making appropriate 'amends' as needed.

Click for others participating in Fun Monday today.
Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thoughts for Today
"Life is really very simple. What we give out, we get back."
Louise Hay
"Things are only impossible until they're not." Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation
"What you choose not to look at rules your life." Lynn Andrews

After publishing this post, I shared
a meditation from Louise Hay at Sacred Ruminations
that I've found useful and you might too.

OSI Week 22: Faces and UM #16

Make Time for Small Reflections
Scroll down for my Unconscious Mutterings
Camera Critters is in Saturday's post, below this one.
I'm still working on catching up
on Weeks 18, 19, and 20 ... seriously.
The prompt for Week 22 is Faces
Has anyone seen
this musical production
starring large women?

Apparently it's
dubbed 'size XXL Chorus
Line' ... Imagine that!
My 2nd Week 22 OSI post is at Sacred Ruminations.
One Single Impression Week 21: one's here and the other here.
Click for others participating in OSI this week.
~ ~ ~

I'm participating for the 16th time today.
How about you?

What comes to YOUR mind?
If you'd like to play here, copy and paste the clues in comments along with your responses ... or post on your blog and let me know so I can visit ;--)


Here are MY responses: I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Memory :: Sigh ... mine doesn't seem to be as good as it once was. (Thank goodness for my PDA's audible reminders and a bit of help from friends too!)
   
2. Original :: Unique or new (as in ideas)
   
3. Exclusively :: Inclusively would be my preference
   
4. Listings :: Best Sellers
   
5. Bucket :: Pail (as in Jack and Jill went up the hill ...)
   
6. Knight :: Chess piece
   
7. Dusty :: Sigh ... what my house is right now
8. Choice :: Selection
   
9. Sunlight :: ... makes me happy ;--)
   
10. Change of plans :: Spontaneous
    

Your turn: I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Memory ::
2. Original ::
3. Exclusively ::
4. Listings ::
5. Bucket ::
6. Knight ::
7. Dusty ::
8. Choice ::
9. Sunlight ::
10. Change of plans ::

Click for others 'muttering' this week.

I've shared this previously, but would like to pass this award on again to all who've visited & commented here at Small Reflections during the month of July ... and encourage you to pass this award on to others to 'share the love' as well. I received it some time ago from Chuck at Foster Me Up, but it was created by Memoirs of a Mommy in honor of the donor who saved her son Noah's life with a heart transplant. Her hopes are that we can create more awareness of the importance of organ donation by passing this award on to others.

The rules of this award are: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. **All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same**

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it." Thomas Jefferson

Camera Critters#18 & Smiley Saturday #13

Make Time for Small Reflections

Scroll down for Smiley Saturday
Photo Hunt is at Sacred Ruminations

This is my 18thMisty Dawn started the meme and explains the rules here:

Introductory Information

Front Yard Doggie Playdate

Seemingly inexhaustible
youngsters Molly & Lucy run
while Sassy watches and catches her breath.
Click for others participating in Camera Critters this week.
~ ~ ~
I'm smiling today because ...

1. It's a beautiful morning here at the beach and promises to be a gorgeous day! I'm planning to take Molly for a walk once I finish creating and publishing this post ... then I'll tackle some of the tasks on my 'to do' list.

2. My 2nd PSE6 class ended on Thursday and the Advanced Class doesn't begin for 4 weeks ... so maybe I'll actually 'catch-up' between now and then as I practice & apply the skills I've learned and complete a few projects I've begun.

3. I have a fresh perm and cut ... Hooray!!!
No more 'frumpy, limp hair' in this warmer summer weather for another 3 months. I love 'wash & wear' hair ;--)

4. I've viewed this cute video clip of Twin Baby Moose playing in a sprinkler (shared at UR Olive) a couple of times and will probably do so again. It could bring YOU a smile too.

5. I shared two versions of a 'lion love story' last week at Sacred Ruminations ... one on Tuesday and the other on Thursday. If you're not aware of this incredible story, you might enjoy checking either (or both) out when time permits.

6. In doing some 'catch up' with Google Reader yesterday, I happened upon this Hump Day Humor shared a couple of week's ago by Jan at the Prytz Family. It made me laugh aloud and might tickle your funny bone too.

7. Be sure to check out the 'new name generator' shared by Lightening this morning to see what YOURS is ... and share laughter with others too.

Click for others participating in Smiley Saturday this week.

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"Today give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day." Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

HF#59 - Still trying to catch up ...

... making minimal progress.
Make Room for Small ReflectionsLate to post because

I've been listening again
to the last lecture

Randy Pausch made back
in 2007 at
Carnegie Mellon.

I've watched it before
sev'ral times, and no doubt will
turn to it again

for inspiration
and clarity as I choose
how to use my time.

Randy died today
but his legacy lives on.
If you haven't viewed

these seventy-six
minutes ... I urge you to make
time to do so soon.
1960-2008
"Experience is what you get when you
didn't get what you wanted."

Click for Haiku Friday #58 & Sky Watch #4

For others participating in Haiku Friday this week, go to A Mommy Story or Playgroups are no Place for Children. Click to see my previous Haikus here at Small Reflections and at Sacred Ruminations, or click the Haiku Friday link in the About Me section of my sidebar for a Directory to all my Haiku Friday posts with clickable links by topic.

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today

"You've got a lot of choices. If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice." Steven D. Woodhull

(Wordless#39) T-13 #34 - Nature Photos

Make Room for Small Reflections
Wordless Wednesday on Wednesday is the next post
13 Nature Photos
from Flickzzz

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wordless Wednesday on Thursday participants

For easy access, I’ve listed more T-13 links along with the Thursday Thirteen Blogroll at My Blog Rolls.
Thought for Today
"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour. if we will only tune in." George Washington Carver

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

WW#38 Molly really does watch television

Take Time for Small Reflections
AlmostShe enjoys the Ellen Show

especially when Ellen has guests with animals

but sometimes she's bored enough to view

whatever's on ...

Click for others participating in Wordless Wednesday today.

Thought for Today
"Do you realize if it weren't for Edison we'd be watching TV by candlelight?" Al Boliska

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

WW#38 & Heads or Tails #16 - Sit or Stand

Take Time for Small Reflections
If you're looking for Fun Monday, it's just below this one.Hosted by Skittles at Head or Tails

Click for info about how to play

This week's theme/prompt is:
HEADS *OR* TAILS - Sit *OR* Stand
Indecision led me to choose BOTH!
Click for others participating in HoTs and/or WW this week.
Next week's theme/prompt is:
HEADS - Doctor

Thought for Today
"If cats could talk, they wouldn't." Nan Porter
"Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job." Franklin P. Jones

Small Reflections, Smile Back

Fun Monday #15 On the pursuit of dreams ...

Take time for Small Reflections

At last! I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to sign into Blogger since EARLY this morning (like around 4:30am) ... but miraculously I'm suddenly 'in' ... though I'm not sure which (if any) of the things I've tried 'worked' or whether Blogger 'straightened itself' out on its own. No matter how ... I'm relieved to have 'access' again I'm creating (a bit later than expected) my Fun Monday post and hope to visit others soon.

Scroll down for Manic Monday

Irish Coffeehouse is hosting Fun Monday and asks three questions: "As a child day dreaming of what your future would hold for you, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you ever pursue or achieve it? If you could be trained and placed in any career beginning tomorrow, what would it be?"

I've given considerable thought to these questions all week and shared my process at Sacred Ruminations yesterday. I intended to have today's post ready to go earlier than usual, but somehow it didn't quite come together as planned. As a child, I don't recall having specific ideas about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I lived in my imagination most of the time ... riding a 'pony' my dad made for me out of a long pole ... creating indoor 'environments' with blocks in which I 'traveled' in my mind ... and vanishing into books as I read avidly. Perhaps that's why my parents tried to teach me to be 'practical' and apply myself to my studies ... something I learned to do early and excelled at throughout life.

If someone had suggested I might become a writer of stories (and/or ideas running through my mind), I suspect I would have pursued that creative path earlier in life and be a 'published' author by now. Instead ... good student and compliant soul that I am ... I allowed myself to accept the invitation that DID present itself and became a teacher ... a career I practiced for 34 years before retiring happily in 2001. The best parts of teaching revolved around helping others acquire skills and pursue their dreams while being a lifelong learner myself. Those were good years and I'm grateful for them.

I'm equally grateful for the years that came after, and that brings me to the 3rd question for the day. At 63 I'm no longer seeking 'training' or a 'new career' ... instead I'm allowing myself to remember and dream again ... trusting that Dreams are Whispers from the Soul ... and that's why I'm delighted to share this little 3 minute video-clip (from Simple Truths, discovered yesterday as I cleared a backlog of email messages) with any and all who pass this way. It speaks to me ... and may resonate with you as well ...(or not).

Click for others participating in Fun Monday this week.
This is my 4th ...

Here are the answers I left in 'comments' earlier at the Manic Monday site. I'm glad to have access to my blog finally so I can share ... just because.

What's your favorite beach in the world?
The beaches in Hawaii and the Caribbean are lovely, but nothing beats Southern California beaches since they’re close to home ;--)
What's the next country you want to visit?
At this point in my life I’m not sure how much traveling I’m likely to do … but Australia, Africa, and the Mediterranean countries beckon when I dream.
What one thing are you craving today?
Access to my blogs!!! Blogger won’t let me sign in, so I can’t publish anything (though that doesn’t keep me from creating posts to publish when/if access is restored) and I’ve only been able to successfully comment on one blog thus far (though I’ve tried many & keep getting the same Blogger error repeatedly). I have access to Gmail, Google Reader, and can SEE my blogs (and the blogs of others) … I find myself wondering if anyone else is affected? Sigh!

I'm relieved to have access (as I've indicated above), but I'm wondering if anyone can shed light on what happened to me earlier. Did others have 'issues' with Blogger too, or was my inability to 'sign in' using Mozilla unique to me ... indicating an issue with my new laptop and/or Vista configurations? Inquiring minds want to understand if at all possible.

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"Dreams are answers to questions we haven't yet figures out how to ask." X-Files

OSI - Week 21 : Rest ... CC#17 and UM#15

Make Room for Small Reflections
The prompt for Week 21 is Rest
Returning from two

weeks at Camp Ilene, Molly
RESTed sev'ral dayz ...

and I lounged on my
patio reflecting on
the Taos Retreat

I've also shared a second OSI Week:21 post at Sacred Ruminations
This is my 17thMisty Dawn started the meme and explains the rules here:

Introductory Information
Click for others participating in
One Single Impression and/or Camera Critters this week.

Camera Critters #15 is in yesterday's post.

~ ~ ~

I'm participating for the 15th time today.
How about you?

What comes to YOUR mind?
If you'd like to play here, copy and paste the clues in comments along with your responses ... or post on your blog and let me know so I can visit ;--)

Here are MY responses: I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Flicker :: candles ... (though I also thought of the folks who share their photos with Flickr)
   
2. Styling :: hair is something I wouldn't like to do for a living, though I'm glad others enjoy the profession
   
3. Episode :: segment in a serial program on television
   
4. Sexier :: attractive or appealing
   
5. Studious :: what I was most of my life (and perhaps still am?)
   
6. Mushroom :: Shitake (my favorite kind)
   
7. 8 minutes :: Meditation: Quiet Your Mind. Change Your Life by Victor Davich
   
8. Bald :: what Molly's tennis balls are within minutes of leaving them with her after we've played fetch (and minutes after that, they're in pieces)
   
9. Immunity :: from disease and/or prosecution
   
10. Sectioned :: partitioned (as with hard drives and/or 'chapters' in books)
    

Your turn: I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Flicker ::
2. Styling ::
3. Episode ::
4. Sexier ::
5. Studious ::
6. Mushroom ::
7. 8 minutes ::
8. Bald ::
9. Immunity ::
10. Sectioned ::

Click for others muttering this week.
Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"The real problem with leisure time is how to keep others from using yours." Arthur Lacey