Jane Tells All. Or How Stealing Ideas From Other Blogs Makes For Excellent Material.

I’m totally stealing a blog post from a friend. It’s okay, since I’m being so upfront about it. Well, that and the fact that he encouraged people to steal it – but admitting this sort of takes all the danger out of it.

Yeah. I’m a bad-ass.

This is actually associated with an award. LLCoolJoe won the award first and passed it along to anyone who wanted it. Yep. He’s all generous like that. I’m sorry. I can’t even remember the name of the award. Mostly, because I’ve become ambivalent to awards that are handed out like gumdrops. I don’t even like gumdrops. And I hate to hurt anyone’s feelings that might not receive the award.

But, I enjoy learning about other bloggers.

So, I hope you enjoy learning a little bit about me.

1. Do you tend to hold grudges against people who have done you wrong? 

When you look up “doormat” in the dictionary you will find a picture of moi. Seriously. Go ahead. Look it up. We’ll wait. No? Well, okay. I exaggerate. But, I do have a condition called Argument Amnesia. My husband and I will argue about something and an hour later I’m all hugs and kisses and completely forgotten why he’s being so cool towards me. It drives him crazy. It’s my coping mechanism. It’s not always healthy but it keeps me in my glass-half-full state of mind and I like it that way.

 

2. If your blog had a theme song, what would it be? Why?

This question was so tough for me I actually answered it last after much contemplation. I can’t think of just one.  So, I’ll just share with you the top three played songs on my ipod.

1. Say Hey (I Love You) by Michael Franti & Spearhead

2. Be OK by Ingrid Michaelson

3. Psycho by Puddle of Mudd

Yep. That about sums it up.

 

3. What is the most daring thing you’ve done recently?

Eat a Dorito that fell on the floor after the 3 second rule. Don’t worry. I blew off all the germs.

 

4. Do you like your life right now?

Yes. I do. I’m finding the older I get the more content I become. I still have regret. I still want to accomplish more than is humanly possible. But I am very content with my life. Right. Now. Because now is all that matters.

 

5. What was the last lie you told?

I acted as if I was already in the parking lot of my destination even though I was still a few blocks away. Why I did this? I have no idea. I was speaking to my husband on the phone and I wasn’t even meeting him. I was meeting a friend. I just didn’t want him to know I was running late. (He has this hang-up about punctuality. Geez.) And, by the way. My friend was running a couple minutes late, too. God, I love her!

 

6. Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror?

Yes. My adorable daughter made me a necklace of a single crystal. I loved it and put it on the rear view  mirror with the intent of slipping it on the next day on our way to school. But it got twisted and stuck. And I didn’t want to cut the string so it is still there, to this day. Twelve years later. (Yes. I’m still driving my Volvo station wagon. Best. Car. Ever.) My mother-in-law asks me if it’s “Wiccan.” (She doesn’t approve of the fact that we’re not twice a week church goers.) And I tell her, no. But she’s asked so many times, I now say yes and offer to teach her a few spells when we get home. That usually shuts her up.

 

7. Do you consider yourself successful?

Yes. Very. But not in the things most people do. I gave up my singing and acting aspirations. I still haven’t written the great American novel. My high school class is chock full of over-achievers. 90% of us have graduated from college and over 50% have advanced degrees. I “only” have some post-graduate work. But that’s okay. Because I am an awesome mom. I made a conscious decision to be the best mom I could be, thus joining the ranks of the “Best Moms Ever.”And I am. Just ask my kids.

 

8. What was the first music album that you bought?

Deep Purple – Machine Head. Yep. I’m a head-banger.

 

9. Do you feel you express your “true self” on your blog?

I try. I try with every word. That is always my intent. It’s why I’ve gained a steady readership. It’s also why I’ve lost so many readers.

 

10. Would you ever give a hitch-hiker a ride somewhere? 

I want to. I do. But I watch way too much crime TV.

 

11. Have you ever acted like you understood something when you didn’t have a clue?

Every. Single. Day.

…………….

And now, it’s your turn. There are 11 questions posted below for you to answer on your blog. Trust me. If you’re experiencing writer’s block or you just you to keep the publish button warm this is an easy-peasy blog post.

Come on.

I know you want to.

1. What do you do when you cannot fall asleep?
2. Have you ever hidden a purchase for yourself from your partner? If so, what was it?
3. What was the last thing you ate?
4. Who has been the kindest to you in your life?
5. If you didn’t need the money, what would you do for work?
6. If your life had a motto, what would it be?
7. Would you sulk or would you confront?
8. If you could have any super power, what would it be?
9. What movie or television show have you seen so many times you can quote scenes line by line?
10. Who is someone from your past that you are sorry you lost track of?
11. If you had a million dollars to give away, how would you do it?

If you choose to take on the 11 Question Challenge, please link up in the comment section so we can visit your blog and learn more about you!

A Little Sunshine For This Dreary Winter Weekend

Some of you are suffering a cold and dreary winter. Where I live it certainly has been colder than most winters I can remember. But there have been rays of sunshine dancing on my blog and I have WackyMummy and Lisa at Peripheral Perceptions to thank.

I received this award last weekend. Please note it was received before my Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday posts were visible — not very sunshiny posts at all. Do you think they’ll take it back? Ha-ha! They can’t! I already posted here on my blog. And no take-backsies! I called it!

The only requirement is to pass it along to 12 other bloggers. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy. Gee, that’s so easy I keep looking for a catch. But there isn’t one. Yay! So here goes —

An Attitude Adjustment  – A new blog for me but one I look forward to visiting daily. My “attitude” gets shaken up a bit every time I visit and I like that about her!

Bad Mommy Moments – When I read ck, I feel heard. If I were to pick up the phone and say, “You’ll never guess what happened to me today!” she would totally get it. She’s wise. She’s fun. She cherishes the simple, precious moments that make up our lives as mothers. She reminds me of what is good inside all of us.

Diary Of A Virgin Novelist – A new find! A very “real” writer with real advice. She is generous with her wisdom, encouraging and supportive. I love peeking in on her blog.

Faemom – Ahhh, sweet Fae. She reminds me of a (way) younger version of me. Struggling through motherhood, she takes it all in stride. She doesn’t have to work to see the joy in a moment. And the antics of her children keep me giggling.

Ivy League Insecurities – Well crafted posts that make me crave more. I’ve described her blog before as “whimsically philosophical” and I just have to say it again. Because it’s true! She has the perfect mix to her posts: light/dark, funny/sad, simple/intricate. Beautifully illustrated with snippets from her life. She is a joy to read!

The Kitchen Witch – Many of you already know her, TKW for short. I’m pretty sure one of you introduced her to me. And I’m so glad you did! She’s funny. She has great stories. Yummy recipes. Clever and entertaining posts. And amazing taste in blog friends. Love you, Sweetie!

Momalon – one of my new favorite reads! Two sisters sharing a blog. And sharing wisdom and laughter and love.

Motherese – I love stopping by Motherese because she offers interesting vignettes that keep me wondering and pondering. She stirs my mind and my soul. Thank you, Kristen!

Naptime Writing – I’m beginning to see a theme here but this is another blog makes me think. And thinking is good, in my book. Thoughtful posts that make me pause. Absolutely LOVE her writing!

 Organic Motherhood With Cool Whip – With a blog title like that, how can you not check it out? I love the title because that’s exactly me! We live a life with organic veggies and milk, free range chickens and a trip to Starbucks and Mickey D’s every once in a while (ok, more than a while). This blog delivers – pure and simple (with a red dye no. 40 cherry on top, of course)

Square Peg In A Round Hole – And she ‘s not receiving this award because she just gave me one (Thanks Peg!). Honest! I started this post 2 days before she posted her awards. And I noticed that she’s already received this award. Well, tough. She’s getting it twice. She’s THAT good.

The Water Witch’s Daughter – This woman can craft a story. I get lost in her words. I can never skim her posts; I savor every word.

 There you have it! Twelve deserving sunshiny blogs. Enjoy your weekend – now get reading!

It’s Award Time – Lemon Scented And Sprinkled With Sugar!

It’s time for me to pass along a couple of awards. Ok, it’s long past time since I received the awards a little while ago – but during the holiday season I barely remember deodorant in the morning. Aren’t you glad we have this computer screen between us? Hmmmm, TMI? I’ll move on…..

The sweet Aidan at Ivy League Insecurites passed along the Sugar Doll Award to me just before she took time off for the holidays. Be sure and visit her now and when she comes back from vacation. Her posts are relevant and thought-provoking. A daily must for me! I’d like to honor two sugar dolls that I love to visit:

1. The Kitchen Witch – She laughing at me calling her a “sugar doll,” I know. I can hear her. Three states away. But she is. No matter how much she tries to convince you she’s really just a cranky, old witch; don’t believe her. She’s not. She’s entertaining. She’s fun. She’s reflective and wise. But don’t take my word for it. Visit her yourself.

2. Faemom – She finds joy in the moment. She laughs at herself. She shares the sweetest moments of her family with all of us through her posts. I feel like I’m peeking into my own life, somehow, and she’s helped me to see things in the purest form. Definitely a Sugar Doll!

The Lemonade Stand Award goes to those who show great attitude and gratitude. And the sweet Naomi at Organic Motherhood with Cool Whip shared this award with me. I’d like to pass it along to….

1. Kristen at Motherese. I love to read her reflections on motherhood, friends, life. She’s wise, creative and clever. I love her outlook on life, love and raising children. A must read for me!

2. Suzicate at The Water Witch’s Daughter – This is a new blog to me but one I’ve enjoyed exploring. Suzicate is thoughtful, interesting and real. The things she ponders are things I wonder about every day. And she recognizes outloud the people she is grateful for in her posts. I admire that. So many times we assume the people close to us know how we feel about them. Suzicate doesn’t assume. She makes sure they know.

Happy reading today! And thanks, again, for visiting me!

Increase Your Blog Traffic in Just 16 Key Strokes!

Want more traffic to your blog? I know how to get it. Shhhhh……lean in and I’ll whisper it in your ear. Closer…closer….there. The secret? Mention a celebrity name in your blog.

I auto-posted my post for Saturday – the one with the awards I received and passed along to other bloggers. And in that post I mentioned 7 random facts about myself. When I got  up the next morning I logged on to alert my recipients of their award and visits to my blog were nearly off the charts – for me, anyway.

I was honored. Touched. You DO like me! And then I started brainstorming – people must have loved what I said about the model industry or our perception of the world we live in. That must be it! I am the prolific writer I always strived to be (ok, for the last two months anyway.)

But after further investigation I realized most of my hits were from some celebrity siting website and they were currently discussing a Kiefer Sutherland siting. I mentioned Kiefer (yeah, we’re on a first name basis) in my last post.

Darn.

I thought I’d made it in Bloggy World. But I’m just a shameless name dropper. The kind you avoid at parties.

Hmmmmm….

Just think of the traffic I would have received had I mentioned Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson or Megan Fox?

(Oooooo…I’m shameless that way.)

There’s Plenty of Love to Go Around

A dear blogger over at Classroom Confessions was sweet enough to send some love my way. Cammy thinks I have “fantastic” blog. She awarded me “Kreativ Blogger.” Thanks, Cammy! And Maureen, of IslandRoar, sent me some “Lovely Blog Award” love. Thanks, Maureen! I’m going to share the love with the following…but first…..

Part of the Kreativ Blogger Award I need to share seven random facts about myself.
1. I was a competitive swimmer for 12 years.
2. I am addicted to Coke (a-Cola, that is.)
3. Twenty years ago I had a small part in a major motion picture. I won’t say which one but Kiefer Sutherland is an absolute angel and so was the director. The other main star and a sleazy producer? Not so much. It completely turned me off of show biz and I took another direction with my life and I’m glad I did.
4. My first words were sung to the tune of a Herman’s Hermits song.
5. The first time I sang the Hallelujah Chorus in rehearsal with the Symphony Chorale I was a part of, I cried and couldn’t stop.
6. I visited Disney World the first year it opened and it continues to be my favorite place to vacation, much to my husband’s chagrin.
7. When I was younger I wanted to be the next Judy Blume.

I’d like to share the Kreative Blog Award with…
Robin at Passions and Soapboxes – She give great post and has such a grounded, loving relationship with her family. I’m hoping she’ll adopt me!

The Absence of Alternatives – Is it weird I’m honoring her twice? No! She makes me think and thinking is good. Love her writing style. If you dare….check her out!

Maureen at IslandRoar – No, she’s not getting this because she just gave me one. I already had her in mind when Cammy sent me her award. Maureen just tagged me before I could tag her. I enjoy checking in with her every day! Wonderful writing. She tells a great story.

And now the Lovely Blog Award. It feels a bit odd giving this award out again since I just gave this award to 5 Lovely Bloggers a week ago. But since the purpose of this is to recognize bloggers and send new readers their way I’m going award it again. And I’m choosing some “new” blogs (new to me) that I have stumbled upon and recently bookmarked. So…..

Warm Chocolate Milk – Beautiful writing and beautiful pictures. Need I say more?

If Evolution Really Works – Another excellent writer. Are you seeing a trend here?

Is it 5 o’clock Yet? – Her writing cracks me up. She’s so popular I’m sure she’s rolling her eyes at yet another fan giving her an award but if you need a little pick me up, she’s your gal!

There you have it – some of my old favorites, some of my new. Enjoy! And thanks again to all of you who stop by to see what I have to say. I’m truly honored.

You Like Me! You Really Like Me!

I was popping in on one of my favorite blog’s (Passions and Soapboxes) and I saw that she received an award. The “Your Blog Is Bloody Brilliant!” Award. Go Robin! She was sharing the love with some of her favorite bloggers. I was reading her list and saw some of my favorites, too. Then she started talking about Jane. And I thought, wow! Cool! Another Jane. Let’s check it out. Imagine my surprise when my blog popped up when I clicked the link. (Yes, I really am that naive.) Thank you, Robin, for liking my blog. I am still such a newbie here – so I am extra honored.

Sharing the love, I’d like to point you in the direction of a few of my favorite blogs. Or should I say a few more, because Robin took some of my other favorites. Ok, who am I kidding? I have way too many favorites. I wish I could just spill my entire Blog Favorites folder but I have to narrow it to five choices so here goes….

And the award goes to (drum roll, spotlight scans the list, sparkles dazzle us from your shiny titles, love your dress – who is the designer? Oooooo and your date is so handsome!)….

The Absence of Alternatives  – She makes me think. She makes me laugh. She makes me ponder the universe. She loves a healthy debate. I like how she shakes up my complacency.

Burp and Slurp – An amazing young woman with amazing insight and encourages you to think out of the box. And then has a yummy recipe to accompany her post. The photos make me want to run to my kitchen and create.

Country-Fried Mama – I suppose I identify with her because she is from the north and transplanted in the south, like me. Although, I’ve lived in the south now for 25 years – her adventure is a bit more fresh. But it’s fun to see the world through her eyes. And I’ve really enjoyed her Mmmm, Mmmm Memories meme.

Tomatoes on the Vine – A food blog with great stories, pictures and recipes. I love seeing what she’s going to cook up next.

The Zen of Motherhood – Fun. Interesting. Sensitive. A wonderful, eclectic mix of mom interesting stuff.

So there you go. My list of 5. And look at that! We didn’t have to pre-empt the evening news. Now go visit them and see what you think. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!