9/27/07

Bloggers Unite To Stop Abuse


Aeschylus

"And even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God."

I 've teamed up with a group of bloggers on blog catalog today who are blogging to stop abuse.

Everyday we read the horrifying details of some form of abuse in the newspaper. Whether the article is about the victim or the perpetrator it's origin is always the same, the plot always familiar, and the results life altering. By blogging together in an effort to stop abuse, we're in fact saying no more abuse, no way, not on our watch!


It's horrifying to read that some 40 million children are subject to abuse this year alone, and that many of that number, will never speak of it. Their perpetrators will move on and the world will keep turning in much the same way, except in the eyes of the child involved. For them, their nightmarish existence will continue somewhere in the back of their mind, for the rest of their lives. The victim of abuse retreats into a secret silent world of introspection, often developing an inappropriate inner dialogue of distorted ideas about themselves and the world around them.


Anyone whose experienced abuse has endured an unbreathable pain, that most of us can't begin to understand.
The child abuse victims today are our future tomorrow, and will join a society of bankers, lawyers, doctors, mothers, fathers, etc...

The heartbreaking number of combined abuse statistics has the semblance of a battleground lost to a powerful enemy. That is to say, the combined statistics are emotionally disturbing, to overwhelming a concept to comprehend. Nevertheless, if we work together educating ourselves and others on what we can do as a society to prevent abuse, then we have the framework for a battle won.

When I think of the wasted years and lives of just the few people I know who have suffered from abuse it's horrifying. We must be careful not desensitize ourselves or worse yet, develop an attitude of indifference to the way we think about abuse.

Indifference, to me, is the most intolerable of emotions, the likes of which will rear its ugly head and devour us if we're not careful. What I mean is, what we're indifferent about will often come back to haunt us in the most poetic sense of the word.

When we see signs of abuse or something wrong, we must trust our instincts and do something about what we're feeling or thinking. When we accept a more popular view rather than follow our own instincts, we lose the capacity to be honest with ourselves and others. This attitude breeds tolerance for certain behaviors that at one time, we might have deemed unacceptable.

Here is the link to a post I wrote on an incident I witnessed involving child abuse. I feel I was guilty of the very thing I'm protesting here.

Because, the event happened in a public area, I questioned my ability to judge whether it was considered abuse. Then to my astonishment I saw there wasn't anyone else reacting either to a three year old child being slapped across the face! (Not even the security guard in the waiting area.)

In addition, others in the waiting room, including the perpetrator, looked at me as if they wished to say, " Mind your own business." I felt like saying, "Forgive me, but your child is screaming and you're more worried about me staring at you!"

Well there you have it, my contribution to and public support of a social community obviously dedicated to the "power of the pen." A virtue I admire and am honored to have been a part.

Please feel free to check out the link to my post "Spanking Where Do You Draw The Line?" and please understand this post is not against parents spanking their children. What the post is meant to suggest is the lack of this Mother's ability to draw the line, between what is spanking and what is abuse.

9/26/07

Who Was Your Favorite Teen Idol? Ricky Nelson Was Sandee's From Comedy Plus! What A Dreamboat!

Who Was Your Favorite Teen Idol? My Readers Response


Yesterday's Tuesday Question asked, "Who Was Your Favorite Teen Idol?" and I was lucky enough to receive comments from the most entertaining bloggers on the net ! The following bloggers are all super talented people with a fantastic sense of humor, that I'm sure were spectacular teenagers! So pull up a chair or couch, but be sure to get a coke, coffee, or whatever you need, and come walk with us down memory lane!

And be sure and check out these bloggers sites before you leave, they all have great blogs! Thanks to all of you reading and those who generously contributed to a another fun day and another fun Tuesday's Question! You've made me feel mighty groovy!

My friend indeed and first commenter yesterday was the unforgettable Sandee, from Comedy Plus! I bet Sandee was fun to have a class with! For one thing, she doesn't follow rules, and that means I would've definitely been her sidekick. I always hung around people like Sandee, because of their dry wit, kindness and appetite for adventure.

Because Sandee was my first commenter I posted her favorite teen idol (or one of them)
Ricky Nelson. Thanks Sandee!

Here's Sandee's comment and the link to Comedy Plus:

That would be Fabian. Wow, when he did the movie Ride The Wild Surf I was instantly in love. That hard body and big smile did me in. What a hunk he was.

I never follow the rules so I have a second hunk that really did it for me. Ricky Nelson. I loved the The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet television show, but Ricky made it a real hit when he would sing.

I dreamed about both of these hunks through my teenage years. What a wonderful question and thanks for a walk down memory lane.



My next blogger is Winston from Eat Your Maths:

Winston is one of my most cherished visitors. He faithfully tries to remember to play Tuesday's Question. When I began posting the weekly question, I received several messages from Winston saying he was sorry he forgot, again. When finally a few weeks ago he remembered, and rushed over to answer; only to find a postponement due to the memory of September 11th. He understood, but was disappointed to say the least , bless his heart. Pay close attention to his comment. Thank you again Winston for your undying loyalty and friendship.


Here's Winston's comment and link to Eat Your Maths


Hello Ann, I came here thrice and I was thinking, 'Why isn't there Tuesday's Question?' and it is here! Haha...

OK to tell you the truth, my 'years' were about 2-3 years ago only, so it shall be Britney :P

How are you, Ann?

My next Blogger, is the hilarious Whimsy girl, with whom I share a secret; Whimsy girl is the only blogger who knows where I got the nickname Slugger!
Don't get nay idea's about trying to bribe her either , because us woman stick together! Thanks Whimsy Girl! Here's Whimsy girls comment and the

MyWhimsyWorldLink


Hi Ann,

I love your question and even though I don't have an answer, I just had to play anyway! LOL I was the absolute nuttiest child on the planet - books and old movies and even old timey radio shows thrilled me when I was a kid and I had the biggest crush on "The Shadow" from the radio story show! We lived in Iceland at the time and after it was bedtime, I would turn on this radio and they played these old radio shows and he was SO suave. I would pretend I was in the radio show! It's where I first developed a love of acting LOL! So, no teen hunks for me - I mean, after all, who could compete with my hero . . . only the Shadow knows!

My next commenter I think is really a long lost sister we are so spiritually in tune with each other. One day when I was feeling lower than low not knowing what to do with my life as a empty nester, I decided to read the front page of a writers site I'd been having fun with. That site turned out to be Helium! (Which I think Christy is writing an ongoing post about right now, that you ought to check out.) Anyway, I read one of her articles on the front page and was blown away by how good a writer she is. That article lead me to Christy's Coffee Break, which inspired me to blog, and the rest is history. I thought I had been blessed with the knowledge of my place in the world and had, however the biggest gift that day was one of friendship. Plus, she doesn't follow the rules either!

Thanks Christy for your contribution to my life as well as to Tuesday's Question. Here's the link to Christy's Coffee Break

Christy's comment:

I just found out that you are exactly 11 years older than me because I was born in 1972! My husband was born in 1965, but I'm sure if I asked him he'd say he was too cool for the Partridge Family, lol.

So I guess I'm representing the eighties when I tell you I was in love with Michael Jackson. I'm talking about the days when he had a face. He was so cool, I even had the Micheal Jackson sparkly glove and learned how to do the moonwalk. I had pictures of him all over the wall, and I still remember his red "Beat It" jacket. hahaha...who new?

Also I was seriously in love with Morten Harket of A-ha and you can still see him posted over at my hangout - I mean bat cave. My love for Morten is eternal...lol.

Oh and one more...superman!! When I was eleven I went out and rented the whole line of superman movies and watched them about 20 times each, lol, I was so in love with Chrisopher Reeves...

How many hunks is that anyway?

Another fun question Ann!! Have a great night:)


My next visitor is new friend, talented blogger Marja from Dutchcorner. Marja and I have recently become friends, but I know this much about her. She's a great storyteller who writes of her family and life experiences all the way from New Zealand! She also posts uplifting inspirational poems and quotes that just make you feel good! Thanks Marja for your support and comment on Tuesday's Question:

Here's Marja comment and the link to Dutchcorner


That is definitely Julien Clerc
A French chanson singer with dark curly hair.


And last but certainly not least, another new friend and prolific writer, Patois from Whee! All The Way Home! A really talented and funny writer Patois has a Tuesday fun day herself, called Jump One, Jump Two, Tuesday, where you have a choice of two questions to answer! I said to myself when I saw her post, "Oh I see, I'm not the only genius around here!" Thanks for your comment Patois!


Here's Patois comment and the link to Whee! All The Way Home

All right, let's date myself. (Not like I could get a real date, right?) At the age of 8, it was Bobby Sherman. At the age of 10, it was Michael Jackson. Our "gangs" were divided down the Jackson 5 line or the Osmonds. My first concert? 10 years old seeing the Jackson 5.

I went back after writing this post and found sweet Polliwog's comment from Polliwog's pond. Polli is one of my first participants on Tuesday's Question. I chose her site, Polliwog's Pond when I was still choosing the top three best answers instead of linking to all participants on my first Tuesday's Question. Polliwog's Pond is a fun read and Polli is a blogger who always has something nice to say, thanks Polli for commenting!


Here's Polli's comment and link to Polliwog's Pond

Great question Ann! Tell Christy that she is the same age as my baby brother who was born in '72. I am just a few years older than her ('69') but I also had a big crush on MJ. I had the sparkly glove too. I also loved John Travolta, Six Million Dollar Man and Superman too! Are Christy and I the same person? LOL!




Thanks again, to everyone who contributed to Tuesday's Question and to those of you reading. The world without all of you would be "a little colder" as The Beatles would say, and in The Rolling Stones words? "Tell The Next Time We Say Goodbye!"


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9/25/07

Tuesday's Question! Who Was Your Favorite Teen Idol ? See Post Below!

Who Was Your Favorite Teen Idol?



Thank You for coming to Tuesdays Question! Who was your favorite teen idol? I'm referring to the pre-teen years before or at the age of fifteen, not your favorite band when you were an older teenager, I mean a popular pre-teen idol. Well, I guess if you didn't have a favorite teen idol it will be o.k. to tell us your favorite band or singer when you were a teenager, but I was thinking in terms of bubble gum. If I were asking the question who is your favorite rock star, I would have used a different video as an example, like The Beatles or someone. So, if you answer with the name of a rock star it will make me look uncool and we wouldn't want that, now would we?

The video above is my favorite pre-teen idol, who doubled as my make believe husband, and father to our slew of children! We lived in my writing cottage on the beach, when the kids weren't in school, and I spent the summers writing while he... well, he sang of course!


I sang, I Woke Up In Love This Morning every night in addition to tuning in to the show The Partridge Family every week, when I was fourteen years old. I meant every word of it too, and feel the same way all over again every time I hear it, because of the way music brings us back.

Oh, these lyrics,

“Last night, I turn out the lights, lay down, and thought about you,

Refrain “ I woke in love this morning, I woke up in love this morning, went to sleep with you on my mind,”

“Do dreams come true, well if they do, I have you!”

(And a writer's cottage too)

Oh, I loved him so and I still love the song, but in 1972, just about every red-blooded female in existence loved David Cassidy, not just me. In fact, every generation has it’s favorite teen idol I have to admit as I got older I dumped him for Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Donovan, etc…

However, in 1972 there were David Cassidy fans and there were Donny Osmond fans, and most eleven year old girls in my town's hearts had to belong to one or the other. We could tell the difference between the "David" girls, and the "Donny" girls because few pre-teens have their own identity. David and Donny girls dressed differently and so forth, ... It's funny to look back, except that now I realize what weird adolescents we were.

How weird were you and your friends, and more importantly who did you wake up "in love" with when you were eleven? I'm speaking of whoever was popular in your generation with your group of friends. Who was on your mind when your head hit the pillow?


I’m trying to bring up feelings of nostalgia with Tuesday’s Question, and really in writing this blog because it makes people feel good, and it's groovy to feel good. We all need a nice place in the sun in which to remember, laugh, and reflect on the good times, in addition to enjoying each moment, even this one right now...

Which starts with answering this Tuesday's Question,

"Who Was Your Favorite Teen Idol? " Or who did you wake up "in love" with every morning?



9/24/07

Imaginary Friends


Did you have an imaginary friend when you were a child? I did. His name was Bobby and he was nice all the time, even after I made him drink four glasses of milk one week-end.

I think we've all had some experience with an imaginary friend; in fact, I think some of us still hang out with ours from time to time. In fact I feel bad because recently I watched a woman in the front seat of her car work hard at driving her point home to a make believe buddy. She flailed her arms around in the air, and along with her animated expressions left the words “You- just- don’t- understand!” dangling in the air! When she turned in my direction to reiterate her point, her eyes met mine! After which, we stared at each other like a couple of deer caught in headlights! It's freaky to watch people talk to themselves, but I try to remember they’re only speaking to imaginary friends, so that's o.k. isn’t it? Besides, we think we’re invisible in our cars, so it seems like the perfect place to foster any imaginary bond.

Our vehicles host the same private rituals as private bathrooms, such as putting on make-up, shaving, washing our hands with wash wipes, and in some cases even brushing our teeth. I 've never understood why we feel this way in our car. We wouldn’t take part in most of the rituals afore mentioned in a public bathroom, so why we're willing to bath ourselves at a stop sign is beyond me. I’ve seen people do some gross things in their car when they believe no one is looking…

It’s weird, and I think we forget that the cars next to us waiting for the light to change are only a few yards away.

I always look in the car next to mine at a stoplight, but most of the time the passengers look through me as if I weren't there, as they go about shaving, eating, make-up layering, and talking to themselves. When my son was a baby, I used to make him laugh by holding his plastic toy phone to my ear at stoplights, as if enthralled in intense conversation. A few people would laugh, but the rest quickly looked away and pretended I didn’t exist. Although most folks did lose their composure at the sight of my golden retriever in a hat and coat in the front seat. People just like to think they have more of a level of privacy in their cars than they actually do, so they pretend, just like in the case of an imaginary friend.

This is what I was thinking about before I went to Home Depot Saturday to get a sheet of wood to go under my mattress. After that introduction, maybe now you will understand my frame of reference.

You’re not going to believe what I ran into at the store where Christmas music is already playing. I’m not kidding about the music either, I started to wonder if I woke up in the wrong month! Anyway, when I reached the piles of wood, there was a man standing beside me shouting into thin air, “No, now, I took him last week, now it’s your turn!”

I could not believe it! What in the world was happening that I keep running into people doing this? Did I have “pretend you are talking to yourself when Ann walks up because we’re trying to make her think she is crazy” written on my forehead?

Then he said, “Fine. Fine with me…”

I’m not kidding, the man said this into thin air, Zippo, nothing there, zero, as in no one around, with the exception of me …he spoke these words into thin air!

I freaked out, and thank goodness I hesitated before leaving, because I would’ve began to wonder about myself … Consequently, I was relieved seconds later, when a woman approached the man, and said, “What did they say?”

The man turned his head sideways and pulled a tiny little ear phone out of his ear! I haven’t the slightest idea where the mouth piece was, and I don’t know to this day! I slowly exhaled and returned to my car, where I could privately have a word with Bobby, my imaginary friend.


End of story-

9/21/07

Let's Have Lunch!

Do you remember what day it is? Yep, it's Friday, and I almost forgot, so I'm sure most of you have. Last week you may remember I started what I titled "What's happening in the picture?" The picture was of a grocery shopper, her child, and their little dog leaving a grocery store.


(Actually the lady in this picture looks like last week's grocery shopper.)

Anyway, I've decided to make this a weekly post, just like my Tuesday's Question, where the participants posts are posted in an entry the next day; it's fun. And when my readers read my post tomorrow, they will also read what you wrote. It's a good way to meet new friends too, because I will also include a link to your blog, just like in the Tuesday Question post.

In other words, instead of writing a review of your site you are basically giving my readers a taste of what you have to offer, because if my readers like what they read here, they'll click on your link!

I'm only trying to motivate you to participate, because if you don't I won't have anyone to play with and that would make me sad.

I will make up a title each week with the picture, then write a small story or post about the picture. Here's today's " Let's Do Lunch"

This middle-aged woman’s mother is trying to cheer her up because she’s complaining about whatever fresh ---- is in her life now, but Mom isn’t buying. Before the food particle takes flight, I think the following was happening:

Daughter: “And then he said, wouldn’t you run if you were married to that gossip? Can you believe he said that? Mom, you’re not listening to me, are you?”

Mom: “Honey have you ever seen the movie My Fair Lady? Now, that man is an illegible bachelor it’s too bad you married so quickly. I told you not to marry the-"

“Mom! That has nothing to do with anything” the daughter shouts. Exasperated, she then decides to eat in silence…

A few moments pass until Mom can't take the silence anymore:

"Oh No! Honey look, a bug's in here! "



I think the picture nicely finishes it. Although, feel free to write what happens after the picture, too if you like. Maybe I ought to title the weekly post something like "Tell Us The Rest Of Story". Hey, I like it!

I'm going to use that title, so Tell us the rest of the story, we can't wait to hear it!


9/20/07

Priscilla Palmer Personal Development List

Christy from Totally Fabulous was thoughtful enough to add me to Priscilla Palmer's Personal Development List.

Immediately following this kindness I had a visit from Priscilla also inviting me to join! Thank you ladies you've made me feel loved! Priscilla decided to write the Personal Development List after joining a list for outstanding woman bloggers, and it's turning out to be quite successful. If you know who might benefit from this list add them, and let's keep this one going!

Here are the rules:

Once you have added the list let Priscilla Palmer know.

Add the list to your blog (here's an easy way to transfer the list to your site click here)

Here are my tags:

Sandee at Comedy Plus

Dawn and Ann at Twisted Sister Totally Pissed Off

Corey at Cooking with Corey

Marja at Dutchcorner

Walks Far Woman at Kissing The Dogwood


If you want to join don't forget to add yourself to the list when you post.

Ann at A Nice Place In The Sun

Aaron Potts at Today is That Day

Adam Alexander at Adam’s Peace

Adam Kayce at Monk at Work

Adam Khoo at Adam Khoo’s Philosophies and Investing Insights

AgentSully at Life Learning Today

Al at 7pproductions.com

Alan Torres at Made to Be Great

Alex Shalman at AlexShalman.com

Alexander Kjerulf at The Chief Happiness Officer

Alexys Fairfield at Unraveling The Spiritual Mystique

Albert Foong at urbanmonk.net

Alvaro at Sharp Brains Blog

Amber at Amber Waves

Amber at Random Mangus

Amie Ragan at Psychology of Clutter

Amit Sodha at The Power of Choice

Amy Hedin at There is no Maximum to Human Potential

Andrea Learned at Learned on Women

Andrea J. Lee at Money, Meaning, and Beyond

Andrew Brunelle at Andrew Brunelle.com

Andy Wibbels at AndyWibbels.com

Anita Pathik Law at Power of Our Way

Anmol Mehta at AnmolMetha.com

Anna Farmery at The Engaging Brand

Antonio Thornton at AntonioThornton.com

April Groves at Making Life Work For You

Argancel at C’eclair (for those who speak french)

Ariane Benefit at Neat & Simple Living

Ash aka Mr. Biggs at One Powerful Word

Ashley Cecil at The Painting Activist

Ask Lucid at Ask Lucid Spiritual Development

Barb Melloh at The Law of Attraction Info

Barbara Curtis at Mommy Life

Barbara Sliter at Creatorship

Belle Wong at Abundance Journal

Ben Yoskovitz at Instigator Blog

Beth at Butterfly Thoughts

Bill Perry at Lucid Blog

Billy Smith at The Organic Leadership Blog

Blogfuse at LifeDev

Brad Isaac at Achieve It

Brian Clark at Copyblogger

Brian Kim at briankim.net

Brian Lee at geniustypes.com

Brightfeathers at this time-this space

Brooke at Plain Advice

Bob at everyeveryminute

Bolly at Motivational Corner

Byron Katie at Byron Katie.com

Cam Beck at ChaosScenario

Cara Lumen at The Success Magnets With Cara Luman and Your Second Wind Blog

Carlon Haas at Possess Less Exist More

Carol Skolnick at Soul Surgery

Catherine Carter at Continuum Wellness

Cheif Family Officer at Cheif Family Officer

Chris Brogan at Chris Brogan.com

Chris Cree at SuccessCREEations

Chris Marshall at Martial Development

Chris Melton at Soupornuts.com

Chris Owen at Pink Apple

Christine Kane at ChristineKane.com

Christine Valters Painter at Abbey of the Arts

Christy at Totally Fabulous

Clyde at Feeling Good

Colin Beavan at No Impact Man

Colleen Wainwright of Communicatrix

Conceive, Believe, Achieve at Conceive, Believe, Achieve

Confessing at 7Confessions

Cooper at Wonderland or Not

Crabby McSlacker at Cranky Fitness

Craig Harper at Motivational Speaker

Craze at Crazedreamer’s Thoughts

Curt Rosengren at Occupational Adventure

Cyres at Cyres Matters

Damian Carr at Soul Terminal

Daniel Sitter at Idea Sellers

Danny Kohn at Be Inspired Everyday

Darlene Siddons at Spirited Boutique

Darren Rowse at Problogger.net

Dave Pollard at How to Save the World

Dave Schawbel at The Personal Branding Blog

Dave Schoof at Engaging the Disquiet

Davers at Language Trainers Blog

David Allen at The David Allen Company

David Bohl at Reflections on Balance

David Finch at David Finch.com

David Richeson at 360 Degree Success

David Rogers at How to Have Great Self Confidence

David Seah at David Seah.com

David Zinger at Slacker Manager

Dawn Vinson at Daydreaming on Paper

Dawud Miracle at dmiracle.com

Daylle Deanna Schwartz at Lessons from a Recovering Doormat

Dean Lacono at Law of Attraction for Beginners

Deb at Mind Body and Solar

Deb2012 at Fibromaylgia and Wellness

Debbie Call at Spirit In Gear

Debbie LaChusa at 10 Step Marketing Collection

Deborah aka Zephry1 at Climate of Our Future

Debra Moorhead at Debra Moorhead.com

Denise Mosawi at Destineering.com

Devlyn Steele at Tools To Life Guide

Dick Richards at Come Gather Round

Dominic Tay at Personal Development for Winners

Don Simkovich at Hey Don

Donald Latumahina at Life Optimizer

Donna Karlin at Perspectives

Donna Steinhorn at Rethinking

Douglas Eby at Talent Development Resources

Dr. Charles Parker at The Core Psych Blog

Dr. Hal at Northstar Mental fitness blog

Dr. Michael Shea at From Pain to Personal Gain

Dr. Tim Sharp at The Happiness Institute

Drew Rozell at Drew Rozell.com

Dwayne Melancon at Genuine Curiosity

E Murphy at The Active Life

Edward Mills at Evolving Times

Edith Yeung at Dream Think Act

Elizabeth Badurina at Modern Gypsy

Elle Mgee at Ever Hopeful, Ever Thankful

Ellen Weber at Brain Based Business

Ellesse at Goal Setting College

Elly Jolly at Jolly Life Coaching

Emily G. W. Lilly at The Science of Waldorf Education

Emmanuel Lopez at The Adventures of Motivatorman

Enoch Tan at Mind Reality

Eric Napier at Quotation Collection

Erin Pavlina at Erin Pavlina.com

Evelyn Lim at Attraction Mind Map

Evelyn Rodriguez at Crossroads Dispatches

Evolving Excellence at Evolving Excellence

Farouk Radwan at 2KnowMySelf

Frank Kanu at Frank Uncovers Excellence in Leadership

Frank Roche at KnowHR Blog

Galba Bright at Tune Up Your EQ

Garr Reynolds at Presentation Zen

Gary at Personal Strategic Plan

Gerri at Absolutely True

Gilad Buchman at Sigsug

Gleb Reys at Personal Development Ideas

Grayson at Modern Worker Blog

Greg Butler at holistic-personal-development.com

Greg Frost at ChargedAudio.com

Geoff R at Gearfire.net

George Vasu at 360

Golbguru at Money, Matter, and More Musings

Gretchen Rubin at Happiness Project

Gustav at Success-is-in-you.com

Guy Kawasaki at How to Change the World

Gyanish at Diethack

Halina Goldstein at The Inner Travel Journal

Hilda Carroll at Living Out Loud

Heather Goldsmith at A Creative Journal

Helgi Pall Einarsson at Everyday Wonderland

Henrik Edberg at The Positivity Blog

Honman at Open Your Mind to Prosperity

Hueina Su at Intensive Care for the Nurturer’s Soul

Ilyria at Finding Norway

Inkedmn at The Cranking Widgets Blog

Isabella Mori at MoriTherapy

Itzy Sabo at Email Overloaded

JC at Job Life Upgrade

Jacin Steele at Jacin Steele.com

Jack Vinson at Knowledge Jolt with Jack

Jackie at The Painted Veil

Jackie Ford at The Vegan Diet

Jacklyn Ker at Inspiring and Empowing Lives

Jarle Husefest at The Personal Development Blog

Jason and Michael at Black Belt Productivity

Jason Ivers at A Miracle a Day

Jason Womack at Fit and Effective

Jay White at dumb little man tips for life

Jean Browman at Transforming Stress Into Power and Cheerful Monk

Jeane Michelle Culp at Binding Ink

Jeanne May at Aspirations Plus

Jeannette Maw at Good Vibe Coaching

Jeanie Marshall at Empowerment and Meditation Blog and DailyAffirm: Positive Affirmations Day by Day

Jeff Davidson at Breathing Space Blog

Jeff Lilly at Druid Journal

Jeffrey Phillips at Think Faster

Jennifer at Goodness Graciousness

Jennifer Mannion at Heal Pain Naturally

Jenny Ryan at Using My Powers For Good

Jenny and Erin at Jenny and Erin

Jeremiah Owyang at Web Strategy by Jeremiah

Jerry Hart at Blue Print to emarketing

Jerry Lopper at Personal Growth

Jessa at clairvoyantGuidance.net

Jessica Hagy at Indexed

Jim stroup at Managing Leadership

Jim Walton at Black In Business

JoLynn Braley at The Fit Shack

Joan Schramm at Accelerating Momentum

Joanna Young at Coaching Wizardry

Joanne at I’m Happy Fish

JodeeB at You Already Know This Stuff

Joe Vitale at Dr. Joe Vitale at Zero

John Chow at John Chow Dot Com

John Pratt at John Pratt International

John Place at John Place Online

John W. McKenna at The Leadership Epidemic

John Wesley at Pick The Brain

Jon at Join The Secret

Jon King at The Effective Life

Jon Willis at Self Happiness

Jonathan at Smart Wealthy Rich and Freelance Folder

Jordan at The Abe Blog

Jory Des Jardin at Pause: Meaningful Work

Josh Bickford at Reach For Magnificence and Reach for Magnificence

Josh Kaufman at The Personal MBA

Judy Martin at The Work/Life Monitor

Julia Rogers Hamrick at Julia’s Blog: Journal of the Journey Home to Eden

Julie Bonner at Declutter It

Kailani at An Island Review

Kammie Kobyleski at Passion Meets Purpose

Kara-Leah Masina at Be Conscious Now

Karen at Journey with Water Learner

Karen Lynch at Live The Power

Karen Wallace at The Clearing Space

Karl Moore at Karl Blog.com

Karl Staib at Karl Staib.com

Kathy Mallary at Coaching Biz Tips

Keith Ferrazzi at Never Eat Alone

Kelly at Kellymentology

Ken Dow and Martin Cooper at Creativity Happens

Kenton Whitman at kentonwhitman.com

Kevin Kinchen at Creative Power of Thought

Killeris at Attitude, The Ultimate Power

Kim and Jason at Escape Adulthood

Kim George at Doing What You Can Do

Kimber Chin at Client K

Kirk Nugent at Kirk Nugent.com

Kirsten Harrell at Ipopin

Krishna De at Biz Growth News and Todays Women in Business

Kristen King at Lively Women

K.L. Masina at Be Conscious Now

LJW at Heavenly Inclinations

Lauchlan Mackinnon at Think Differently

Laura at Orgjunkie

Lawrence Cheok at A Long, Long Road

Laura Young at The Dragon Slayer’s Guide to Life

Leah Maclean at Working Solo

Leigh at The Lab

Lee Nutter at bmindful

Leo Babauta at Zen Habits

Liara Covert at Dream Builders

Life Reflection at Universe in a Single Atom

Lilifixt at Feel Happy

Linda Salazar at Awaken The Genie Within

Lisa Braithwaite at Speak Schmeak

Lisa Gates at Design Your Writing Life

Lisa McGlaun at LifePrints - Good News for a More Compassionate World

Lisa Q at 40s Singleness-Dating in Your 40s

Lisa Van Allen at Finish Strong

Liz at Internet Marketing Strategies

Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

Lodewijkvdb at How to be an Original

Lola Fayemi at Real World Spiritual and Personal Development

Lorie Marrero at The Clutter Diet Blog

Lorraine Cohen at Powerfull Living

Luciano Passuello at Litemind.com

Lucid at Spiritual Suggestions

Lumosity at Brain Health Blog

Lyman Reed at Creating a Better Life

Lyndon Antcliff at LyndonAntcliff.com and Cornwallseo.com

Lynn McTaggert at Living The Field

Lynne Morrell at Lynn Morrell.com and Musings From The Edge

MT at MindTWEAKS

Maddy at Illuminated Minds Want to Know

Malathy Badri at Laws of Universe

Malcolm Campbell at The Round Table

Manny at Success Books

Maria Gajewski at Never The Same River Twice

Maria Garcia at Get Organized Now

Maria Palma at The Good Life

Marianne Williamson at Journal

Marion at Herbal Connection

Mark at The Naked Soul

Mark Forster at Get Everything Done

Mark LaPierre at The Winding Path

Mark McManus at Build Your Life To Order

Mark W Shead at Productivity 501

Martin Avis at Kickstart Daily

Mary K at Becoming Your StellarSelf

Matthew Cornell at Matt’s Idea Blog

Meg Haworth at Life Lessons From Your Soul

Melanie Benson Strick at The Success Blog

Merlin Mann at 43 Folders

Michelle at aMusing My Genius

Michelle Moore at Happiness Blog

Michael Port at The Think Big Revolution

Michael Vanderdonk at TOACH Performance

Mike Janssen at Opgestroopte Mouwen

Mike Kemski at BANABU

Mike St. Pierre at The Daily Saint

Millionaire Mommy Next Door at Millionaire Mommy Next Door

Mimi Lennox at Mimi Writes

Mizzy Bohemia at Miz BoheMia’s Rhapsody

Mona Grayson at Question The Mind

Monte Ladner at Fitness Rocks

Mr.Wang at Mr Wang Says So

My Everyday Planner at My Everyday Planner

My Mind on Books at My Mind on Books

NCN at No Credit Needed

Nancy Mills at The Spirited Woman

Nancy Tierney at Unconditional Confidence

Neal Donald Walsh at Conversations With God

Neil Patel at Quick Sprout

Nic Askew at Monday 9AM Blog

Nick Smith at Life 2.0

Nneka at Balanced Life Center

Organize-It at Organize-It

Pamala Slim at Escape From Cubicle Nation

Pamm Larry at My Secret Spiritual Dance

Patricia Klingler at Remarkable Women Speak

Patricia Singleton at Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker

Patti Digh at 37 Days

Paul at Paul’s Tips

Paul Piotrowski at Self Help Wisdom

Paula Kawal at Paula Kawal.com

Peggy Payne at Peggy Payne’s Boldness Blog

Peter at I Will Change Your Life

Peter Aldin at Great Circle

Peter Haslem at Necessary Skills

Phil Gerbyshak at Make It Great

Philip J Eby at Dirt Simple.org

Philippe Matthews at Shockwealth

Pia at Courting Destiny

Priscilla Palmer at Personal Development Demands Success

Priya Florence Shah at Soul Kadee

Quint Jensen at Win Your Mind

Raymond Salas at Zenchill Powertools

Real Modern Man at Real Modern Man

Reg Adkins at ElementalTruths

Ricardo at Wake Up Tiger

Rich Schefren at Strategic Profits

Rick Cockrum at Shards of Consciousness

Rick Cooper at The PDA Pro

Ririan at Ririanproject

Rob at 7Breaths

Rob Cooke at Leave the Office

Robert at Compassionate Council

Robert at Myselfdev

Robert Ashcroft at PDSS Online

Robin Skeen at Robin’s Reflections

Robin Yapp at Yapp 3.0

Robyn McMaster at Brain Based Biz

Roger Von Oech at Creative Think

Rolf F. Katzenberger at Evomend

Rosemary at Parkinson’s Disease and Peripheral Neuropathy

Rosa Say at Managing With Aloha Coaching

Ryan Marle at The Alpha Project

S.J. Yee at Personal Development for the Book Smart

Sam at Aquire Wisdom and Live with Passion

Scott Adams at The Dilbert Blog

Scott Berkun at Berkun Blog

Scott Bernadot at Keeping The Secret

Scott Ginsberg at Hello, My Name Is Blog

Scott H Young at Scott H Young

Scott McArthur at McArthur’s Rant

Secret Simon at The Secret of Life

Self Pursuit at Self Pursuit

Senia at Senia.com Positive Psychology Coaching

Seth Godin at Seth’s Blog

2 Know My Self at 2KnowMySelf

Shane Navratil at Zoomstart

Shaun Boyd at LifeReboot.com

Shauna Arthurs at Breathing Prosperity and Follow Your Path

Shaheen Lakhan at GNIF Brain Blogger

Simone at Dynamic Living

Simone and Mandy at Outfit Inspirations

Single Ma at Single Ma’s Fabulous Financials

Slade Roberson at Shift Your Spirits and Spiritual Blogging

Sleeping Dude at How to Wake Up Early

Sonora Jayne Case at Positive Realities Coaching

Sophiagurl at Life is Just Around the Corner

Spike at Organize It

Start Up Coach at Take Charge of Your Life

Stephanie and Jeffrey at Brains on Purpose

Steve Beisheim at Jumping Ship Happens

Steve King at The Green Geek

Steve Moore at Personal Development Blog

Steve Olson at Steve-Olson.com

Steve Pavlina at stevepavlina.com

Steve Roesler at All Things Workplace

Stephen at HD bizblog

Stephen Hopson at Adversity University

Steven Aitchison at Change Your Thoughts

Success Current at SuccessCurrent.com

Sue Ann Edwards at Always Embraces All Ways

Surjit at Gurushabad

Susan at Got2BeGreen

Susan Sabo at Productivity Cafe

Susie at The Accidental Environmentalist

Suzanne Bird-Harris at Learning Curve Coaching

Takuin Minamoto at Takuin.com

Taylor at Mom’s Out There

Ted Demopoulos at Blogging For Business

Teesha Moore at TeeshaMorre.com

Terry Starbucker at Ramblings From a Glass Half Full

Therapy Doc at Everyone Needs Therapy

Thom Quinn at Qlog

Tiffany at Little Red Suit

Tim Ferris at 4-Hour Workweek and Lifestyle Design Blog

Tim Taylor at My Agapic Life

Tim Warren at Personal Development4U

Tom LeDree at Tom LeDree.com

Tom Peters at Tom Peters.com

Tom Spanton at TRCoach

Tom Van Brunscot of Transformation Economy

Tony Chimento at Living Forward

Tony D Clark at Success From The Nest

Torlink at You Create Reality

Travis A. Sinquefield at Disorganizational Behavior

Travis Wright at Cultivate Greatness

Tricia at Blogging Away Debt

Tricia at Loving Farewells

Trizoko at Trizoko.com

Trent Hamm at The Simple Dollar

Trevor Gay at Simplicity is the Key

Troy Worman at Orbit Now!

Tuck Self at Rebel Belle Blog

Tupelo Kenyon at Tupelokenyon.com

Ubertech at Geeks Guide To GTD

Vanessa Vinos at Musings from a Life Coach

Vera Nadine at Vera Nadine.com

Vickie at Contemplate This

Wade Millican at The Middle Way

Wally Bock at Three Star Leadership

Wan Qi at Meditation Forum Mantras

Wild Bill at Passionate Blogger

Winsome at Winsome Gunning Art Walk

and these collaborated sites:

Blogher’s Religion and Spirituality “department”

Burst Blog

Change This

Change Your Thinking

Daily PlanIt

Did I Get Things Done

GTD Wannabe

Jobman2

Joyful Jubilant Learning

Life Coaches Blog Stratagies for a Greater Life

Lifehack.org

Lifehacker.com

Phattitudes.com

TED Blog

Transformational Girlfriends

Transfoundation

Unclutterer

And these for those of you who speak Russian:

Anatoly Tikhomirov at Personal Efficacy
Armen Petrosyan at Thought Storage #428

Irina Chelnokova at Women Path
Michael Subach at LifeIdea.org
Sergey Biryukov at Personal Development in Russian
Vitaly Kolesnik at Kolesnik.ru
Vladimir Rundan at Living is Great!


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Today's Popular Children's Picture Books

Today's Popular Children's Picture Books
Click on the titles below for the link to Publishers Weekly.com

The Boogeyman From Planet-Lackawanna-

You will lose yourself in the imaginative dreams of eleven year old Theodore Wilson's. Don't miss this review coming soon.

More reviews and available for purchase on Amazon .com. Just click on image of book and the link will take you there.

Thank you!

Upcoming Book Review

Upcoming Book Review
Gretchen Zufall (Author) Mike Paar (Illustrator)

Motherhood- Courage


Motherhood is an art impossible to explain, one which requires a vast sea of love, devotion, compassion, and understanding, unmatched by any affection we will ever know again.- Ann Clemmons

Courage-

Courage



Humor-

Humor


Words-

Words are the core of our souls, without written, vocal or lyrical expression we lose sight of one another or worse, ourselves. Words bring forth the essence of the human spirit; so express yourself without abandon.

Ann Clemmons

Favorite Phrase

I remember I used to half believe and wholly play with fairies when I was a child. What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood, tempered and balanced by knowledge and common-sense...

Beatrix Potter’s Journal, 17 November 1896, from the National Trust collection.

Jacket Flap-

Powered by JacketFlap.com
The Storyteller, by Dawn Drover

Alone in her world
of make believe
weaving her stories
of magic and light

She brings joy
to the eyes
of innocent minds
less jaded and free

For only they know
what's in her heart
holding the secrets
she guards so well

Life's hidden mysteries
belong to those
whose wisdom and truth
shine on in imagination


Written for Ann
~Dawn Drover~

Of The Horoscope Junkie




Let"s talk!

Let"s talk!

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Catch your dreams

Catch your dreams

Imagine

Imagine
Most of the worlds' great things were born of adversity and hardship; because these roadblocks encourage us to dream, imagine and believe.- Ann Clemmons

Favorite quotes-

In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.

Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”'


F. Scott Fitzgerald. (Lines from The Great Gatsby)
"A Southerner Talks Music"

Mark Twain

"A book must be the ax for the frozen sea inside us."

Franz Kafka

An author values a compliment even when it comes from a source of doubtful competency.

- Mark Twain in Eruption

"I like a good story well told. That is the reason I am sometimes forced to tell them myself"

Mark Twain

Animal Rescue Site

The Animal Rescue Site

Friendship