Cliff Beaman, artist
The cartoon is right! I have been blogging nigh onto nine years. Also right: My hair is often a mess when I blog. (I don’t see myself at the computer, so I have to trust the artist’s rendering here.)
Blogging is fun for me.
I don’t hate blogging, as the cartoon may suggest; in fact, it’s usually an escape from housework or longer writing projects. So, while I may look intent, I’m not pulling out my hair. Or feeling mad. At least, not often.
What I Like about Blogging: Some Secrets
- Provides a link to the world outside the four blue walls of my writing studio.
- Offers me space to explore interests: family heritage, current events, recipes I’ve tried, books I’ve read, or authors’ books I want to promote. It also feels like a safe place to vent emotion (hassles and hilarities) or report on travels.
- Builds community: I cherish connection to readers and bloggers in both hemispheres: South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Spain, Canada, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States. There are more! * You are my friends and I try to reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blogs too.
- Hones my writing skills – I aim to compress my thoughts into fewer words.
- Provides a short break from a longer project. Blogging is a sprint; writing a book, a marathon
- Feeds into a longer project – Some of my previous blog posts could be modified into book chapters for my memoir. The same will probably be true for Book #2.
- Secures a permanent record of my thoughts in a particular time and place, as I did in my fifth year blogging.
When I get tired of blogging or want a break, I may go on hiatus for a week or two. Some bloggers pause for months, but when they return, their audience is still there. Thanks for your loyalty here.
Ambience: My writing studio is north facing. In the wintertime, I see slices of sunlight from the east, but light rays do not flood my writing space most of the time. I sometimes spice up the room with a string of party lights and light a candle.
Or, I steal space from the artist-in-residence whose south-facing work space has a two-window view. When he’s out and about, of course.
Doing so, I would mimic the writing process of visual artist and writer Audrey Niffenegger, author of The TIme Traveler’s Wife. According to my son, one of her former students, the author moves her computer from room to room during the day, following the light, infusing her with energy and inspiration.
* If I missed naming your country as a commenter, tell me here! If you are a blogger, what benefits can you add to my list? Or what pitfalls to avoid?
How do you create ambience where you work—writing, cooking, reading?
If you are a reader here, what blog topics especially grab your attention?
Good morning, Marian! Congratulations on your 9 years of blogging! I like the fun cartoon by Cliff.
I enjoy the friendships I’ve made through blogging with people all over the world, too.
I also enjoy looking out the window when I sit at the computer, whatever writing I’m doing, and Ricky the Cat nearby. 😊
I’m allergic to cat dander, but otherwise we have a similar M.O. Thanks for being “first up” again today and for complimenting Cliff. He’ll see this and smile. 😀
You’re welcome! 😊
For a writer in this day, one has to have a platform. Period. You have a wonderful platform and it faces north, south, and around the world. 🙂 I look south and think of Florida from my office window.
We started blogging about the same time but didn’t discover each other until a few months in. I follow a number of blogs but I’ll confess I envy how many loyal followers you have. Treasure the trails and connections.
You are right: writers create in solitude, but they must have a window on the world through cyberspace. I’m excited about your upcoming book and the connection we have here . . . and through a similar path of faith, beginning with our shared Mennonite heritage. Thanks, Melodie! 😀
Lovely post Marian! Wise words about why you love blogging, I relate to all of them. Getting a glimpse of the outside world and really creative and great people, well, what’s there not to like/love? I mostly ‘work’ upstairs in my study which has a wonderful view out to the lagoon and sea and mountains. I love the idea of Audrey Niffenegger’s i.e. to move around her home to different rooms.
Thank YOU for being such a fabulous supporter over the years. One of the many treasures of blogging is making friends from afar. Great cartoon by Cliff – his space looks light and lovely.
Susan, I’ll include a vision of a lagoon and sea and mountains when I think of your study in South Africa now. Thanks for being a steady supported in this space over the years, so appreciated. ((( )))
Hi,
I like the fact that you use your blog as a sort of journal about your feelings. I maintain a journal and since I don’t blog often, that would not be a good platform for me. However, I enjoy blogging once a month with IWSG.
Wishing you the very best.
Shalom aleichem
You are a star with IWSG. (Readers: IWSG=Insecure Writers Support Group). I’d quibble with the “insecure” part as you are very bold and vocal in another writers’ group, RRBC, where I met you almost two years ago. Thank you for the good wishes here. . . and for your friendship, Pat! 😀
Happy anniversary, Marian! Blogging has been a part of my life for over 10 years. Although I’ve changed platforms to consolidate, I treasure the friendships I’ve made on WP over the years.
You have a platform (and bandwidth) that many writers would envy. Writing fiction would be hard for me, as memoir/non-fiction is my thing. Thanks for making time in your busy schedule to visit me on Wednesdays. I treasure your friendship, and I’m glad you are sending inspiring books into the world. 😀
Thanks for these inspiring thoughts! I’ve fallen far behind with my blogging – in a kind of ON – OFF -ON – OFF – way. I’ve been stuck in ruts of my own making, as well as in situations beyond my control. Now I’m in my seventh week in hospital after a complicated fracture. I hope I can use some of your inspiration to get back to my blog again soon. I’m writing from Finland.
I’m thrilled that you found inspiration during a tough time. Seven weeks in hospital sound like a very long and painful time. I keep a prayer card, and I’ll put your name there. Praying you can find healing from the Great Physician. Hugs to you, Lisa. 😀
Thanking for your blogs, Marian!
You’re welcome Jack. I know you have followed me for many years now, beginning with a connection way back in high school. Don’t be surprised if you find me posting a photo of us as EAHS sophomores, which I found on the Growing Up in Elizabethtown FB page in a few week.. Huge thanks! 😀
Congratulations and good evening Marian, my blogging space is generally quite sunny although at the moment it is our colder time of the year and some mornings are quite dull but they are welcome as a respite from the heat…it also means I can spend more time in the kitchen as its not quite so hot 🙂
It’s warm, close to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in Florida even though it’s technically still winter. Cool will blow in this weekend, but spring is just around the corner. As a chef/blogger, you obviously spend lots of time over the stove top and oven, so having a respite from heat must be a balm these days. Thanks, Carol! 😀
Indeed it is, Marian a welcome respite from the heat… Spring.. A season I miss with the first of the spring flowers… I hope you are havind a lovely, productive week, Marian 😊
I am, Carol. Thank you!
Congratulations on your blogging birthday! Well done, Marian. I like your writing space, it looks comfortable which might be the key to all blogging– both physically and emotionally. If you like writing a blog, it shows in what you post.
Ditto to you, Ally!. I like your recent post celebrating other writers–some even blogging 19 years, which blows my mind. Here you go, readers, a taste of Miz Bean’s style: https://thespectacledbean.com/2022/02/22/this-is-what-happens-when-you-crowdsource-a-blogroll/
Thanks for the nod here, my gentle reader. 😀
Thanks for the shout-out. So many people have had blogs forever. I didn’t realize how long in some cases. 🤔
😀
Happy blogoversary, Marian!!! Congratulations! Mine is coming up soon too.
You have a wonderful, warm, giving personality. Your blog reflects that. 😄
I look forward to your milestone, L. Marie. Marking signposts along the way thinks us going because blogging takes energy, time, and commitment. I admire how you keep your blog going while you lead a busy business writing, editing, and more. Thanks so very much! 😀
Enjoyed it! 😊
Thank you, dear friend. We have known each other for much longer than this blog. I treasure your friendship over the years and appreciate your commenting here, Colleen. 😀
“…..Well done, thou good and faithful servant:……..” Matthew 25:21
Jean
Remember when our minister Martin Kraybill would raise his hand with a benediction. That’s the feeling I get with this verse. Thanks heaps, sister Jean. 😀
Marian, you are an inspiration!
Thanks you for posting here today and on regularly on LinkedIn. You and Susan both are an inspiration too with your own ministry, Faithful and True. 😀
Marian, I love this list! You have made blogging into a sorority party, a ministry, a spiritual spa, and a smorgasbord! I’m sure there are other good comparisons, but you have to put all of them together, and that’s something that only YOU can do!
You inspired me to go back to ask the question “when did I start blogging?” The answer? August 23, 2008! Almost 14 years ago. But the most amazing thing is that the subject of the post was an article written by Marilyn McEntyre in the journal Weavings. I was her fan girl before I met her.
Blogging indeed is a wonderful way to stay connected, reach wider audiences, explore new ideas, and give recognition to the people and ideas we love.
I agree with Jean. “Well done!”
Thank you, Wordsmith Shirley, for the various complimentary tags for this blog (sorority party, a ministry, a spiritual spa, and a smorgasbord!). As I’ve mentioned more than once, seeing your blog on a presentation in 2012 at UNF, my alma mater, captured my curiosity. . . and then my imagination. In early March, I have been asked to present my blogging journey to a greater Jacksonville writers’ group. It’ll be PowerPoint, and your welcome page will be one of the first images on the screen.
As you mentioned, blogging makes possible a web of connections. Your collaboration with author Marilyn McEntire is definitely a case in point: https://shirleyshowalter.com/my-dear-god-how-i-feel-about-writing-another-book/ 😀
Congratulations on your blogiversary, Marian! I love the cartoon, particularly the red fingernails. Aside from the people I’ve met, blogging has sparked my own creativity in ways I never could have imagined. I write in my study. It’s a corner room with two large windows and a fancy desk chair that reclines.
Liz, your study sounds wonderful. Have you posted photos of your writing space? I’d love to see the windows illuminating the fancy desk. Since it reclines, you could take a nap and then catch your second wind.
P.S. You don’t have to clean off your desk either. Ha! 😀
I just posted a photo on Instagram. Thanks for the suggestion! (Yes, I’ve been known to doze off in that chair.)
I’ll check it out–thanks, Liz!
Congrats on nine years! Love your studio space. I definitely need to get some twinkle lights for my studio too.
Twinkle lights may do the trick, Janet. Or maybe a candle. Thanks for reading and commenting here today, friend. 😀
Congratulations on 9 years of blogging! I too love it for many of the same reasons as you. The best part is making friends all over the world. It´s amazing the things we all have in common. I also find my blogging friends to be very encouraging and motivating. I have learned so much from everyone.
Yes, blogging has expanded my world indeed. When I retired, I missed interaction with my colleagues and students. I had no idea blogging could be just as rewarding. Thanks for expressing my sentiments exactly, Darlene! 😀
Congratulations on your anniversary! I hope a BIG chocolate cake was part of the celebration 🤓 You bring up an intriguing thought: does blogging answer a need that has always existed, at least for some?
Your mention of chocolate reminds me that I need a pick-me-up, a couple of bites here in mid-afternoon. No, I don’t have a chocolate cake on hand, but a bar of Moser-Roth 70% cocoa in the cupboard would hit the spot.
Yes, I do think blogging help writers isolated at their own desks to connect, to be inspired, and to support each other, as you are doing right now. Thank you! 😀
Happy Anniversary, Marian! Thanks for sharing your secrets… xo
You are welcome, Bette. Blogger/author/poet yourself, these secrets are not foreign to you and you know the value of community. Thanks for joining the fun here. 😀
When I began blogging in March, 2012, at the urging of my writer friend, Dora Dueck, I came across Shirley Showalter’s blog posts, and then yours. I thought, “I need to go to other sources, not just all these “Mennonite” writers, but you, Marian, hooked me immediately, and I’ve been a devoted reader ever since. I only blog once a month and have always met my deadline (so far). During the time between writing, ideas come into my head and I jot them down in my “notes” file on my phone. I like writing short pieces-essays, poems, sermons. I’m working on a drama now, will see where that takes me. I just realize I have a 10th blogging anniversary coming up. How to celebrate? Hmmmm… Blog about it??
Thank you, Elfrieda. I am enjoying your memoir now and am learning so much of your family history. I could label it: Ukraine: The Origin of Elfrieda’s Story. God’s guidance and a strong family bond brought you through many struggles and sorrows.
My grandmother and all the ladies in the Bossler Mennonite Church sewing circle sent many garments to the needy through MCC. I especially remember the baby sacques, which were always finished off with a shiny ribbon at the neck.
You are faithful posting for your blog followers–and as well for those dear grandchildren in the next generation. If we tell & write our stories, they won’t be lost. Yes, of course you must celebrate your 10th anniversary blogging. A decade is quite a milestone! 🙂
Congratulations on a wonderful 9 years of blogging. I am delighted that we connected and look forward to the adventures waiting for our arrival.
Thank you, Rebecca, for appearing here today. I too love connections and am happy to get acquainted with you quite recently. Yes, here’s to more adventures! 😀
Congrats on 9 years of blogging!
I enjoyed reading some of your positive thoughts on what blogging brings to your life.
Thanks for the nod here, Trisha Faye. Just now I visited your blog, with the captivating tag, Cherishing the past, celebrating the present, a great sentiment. I left a comment too. 😀
We’ve been blogging about the same amount of time. I like short pieces and choosing photos to go with them. This is a pleasure for me almost every time and it’s been better since I went to every other week for a new blog with blogs from years ago on off weeks. This gives me time to focus on a larger project which I find much harder. Did I already say that in a previous section or chapter? The answer is often yes. Did I mention that important issue? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Do I have the energy to promote another book. I often feel I don’t, but if the book is timely, it will take care of itself. Congratulations, Marian. You’re an inspiration. I loved your book and I’m sure I’ll love what comes next. I hope you bought yourself flowers or a delicious dessert.
Every other week is a good routine. I find I take a break more and more often, so perhaps I’ll graduate to a twice monthly post too. You struck a nerve: Energy. As you say, I often ask myself, “Do I have the energy to promote another book? I often feel I don’t, but if the book is timely, it will take care of itself.” My focus has changed, and I’m not even sure if my next book will be titled “My Checkered Life,” I’ll walk my muse and find out, at least get more clarity.
I know you wonder about your book on monarchs. To me it’s clear that your book is timely. It deserves publication however long it takes. Even if you aren’t a lepidopterist, you know Monarchs firsthand and will add your own special reflections, which your readers and I always enjoy. Thanks for noting this milestone.
About flowers. Often I don’t get Valentine flowers, but this year they appeared in abundance: my son, my son in law, my husband, and a houseguest gave me bouquets. February, though filled with dire political news, has been a bright spot on the calendar this year. I don’t need more.
You are kind to comment. Thank you, Elaine! 😀
Marian — Congratulations on nine years of blogging. I BELIEVE I’ve been along for the entire ride, and I KNOW I’ve enjoyed your positive, uplifting, constructive, and healing influence. THANK YOU!
You HAVE been along for the entire ride, and I so appreciate your support. And even though are busy, busy publishing series of books, you take time for a visit here. Thanks, Laurie! ;-D
I love the way you put blogs together from a variety of places, especially from literature. Thank you for the looks at your supportive blogging spaces.
Thanks for the nod here, Dolores. I appreciate you too–your love of literature and of memoir. We go way back, probably to 2015 or 2016, when we took Linda Joy Myers’ memoir course. I hope you are happily settled now in your new home. 😀
Yes, I like to remember being in that class with you. It takes a year of experiencing all the seasons to begin to feel fully at home, but I/we enjoy being here.
First, even though it’s a sin, I’m jealous of your cartoon. Your guy is so talented, and he shows off your blogging love in a humorous way. I really love it
Congrats on 9 years. i like how we’re both – as well as many others – listed in Ally Bean’s blog post that shows how long bloggers have been, well, blogging. It’s such a commitment, we must get a lot of benefit from blogging, and you list those benefits perfectly. I’ll add on to the one you mention about honing our writing skills. Yes, yes and yes. Blogging a story makes us edit ourselves, use less words, and create an interesting vignette or story with a limited amount of words (I try to stick to about 400). You get an A+ for that, as well as introducing me to your life, your wonderful memoir, and your friendship.
Pam, thanks for peeking in today. I thought you were on hiatus, but maybe you’re BACK! I admire you clever stories, your wordsmithy-ness, and your commitment. I will be sure Cliff sees your comment, which will goad him on with other artistic projects on his design table now.
You are one of a kind–kind too and very supportive, so very appreciated, my friend. 😀
I’ve been blogging for 18 years and the writing, exploring of feelings, talking about daily happenings and some ranting have become part of my routine. It’s cheap therapy!
Margaret, thanks for joining in the conversation. I want to visit your blog but only your email shows up on my dashboard. Will you send a link? (Perhaps you are on Ally Bean’s blogroll of long-running blogs.)
I agree that blogging is “cheap therapy,” and I also agree that chapters in books (like in my memoir) can grow out of blog posts. Again, thanks for the visit. The porch light is always on here. 😀
The reasons you blog are many of the same ones I do, Marian. I’m coming up on three years next month. I had no idea what I was doing when I started, but I consider many of the people I’ve met through the blogs my friends. I’m hoping to meet up with a couple of folks in May. The main thing I see in the blogging circles I travel in is polite conversation, unlike many other forms of social media where comments can be downright mean. Blogging reminds me that respectful interaction from people all over the globe is still prevalent. I love meeting folks from other parts of the world.
I too hear about rants and raves online, but like you I stay far away from the negative. “Polite conversation” is invaluable, and that doesn’t mean we are spineless and wimpy. We just don’t attack and make a fuss.
How wonderful you can meet up with blog friends soon. I too met a few before my book was published. Just after Christmas, a blogger friend and her husband even visited us as did Liesbet and her husband a year before that.
Here’s to more connections–all over the world, Pete! 😀
Congratulations, Marian. I have been following your blog for a number of years now and always look forward to reading your entries as they are so varied and fun. I hope you will continue blogging for many years to come. I love your writing space and the way you light it up; it must feel like Christmas everyday. 👍❤
You have been a faithful commenter, and I have followed you too from the caravan to a house–from crocheting to other creative forms. Thank you so very much. I hope you and Peter are doing well! 😀
I am always intrigued by people who have a writing studio. Like Audrey Niffenegger, I move around, and I never, ever sit at a desk. In the summer I have my laptop on my swing in the backyard, or down by the lake at my cottage. In winter I sit in a big armchair by the sunny window. Sometimes I just move to get away from people! I was happy to hear that there are other writers who are always on the move.
Arlene, I did not know that you “move” as you write to find daylight. It makes a lot of sense as light is known to stimulate creativity. Yes, I too move to get away from people: I close the double doors to drown out noise! 😀
At this time of year in Canada we need to chase the light! Right now the February sun is reflecting off the snow into my window. Fabulous
Congrats Marian. You’re a fabulous writer and I’m so glad our love of red shoes brought us together! Looking forward to another 9 years!
I’ll last that long. . . maybe. I know you will. Yes, red shoes and green boots were the ticket, Jenn! 😀
HI Marian, this is a most enjoyable post. I love blogging for the same reasons as you and have also developed some lovely friendships. I take the odd break, usually when I’m away and know I won’t have much time to blog. Your comments about your writing room and pinching your husband’s chair, so to speak, when he’s not there are very funny. My husband also has a better view but his room is cold in the winter. I have the fireplace.
You have a great set-up. I’ve seen some of it in your audios. You are another friendship to treasure, Robbie. Thank you! 😀
Mariam, when I sit down to write, the only thing I require from me is a clean space, clean of dust and clutter. I create a cozy ambiance with shadows and light produced by all the table lamps I have in the room and slip into my thinking mode.
Your description makes me think of cozy and clean. I need to get rid of a few bits of clutter. Thank you for replying from Italy, one reason your country was mentioned here. 😀
Thank you Marian, I like to give my thoughts a clear path to develop.
Valentina, “clear path to develop” sounds like a line I’d like to steal. Excellent! 😀
Thank you Marian. Happy Friday.
😀
Happy 9th blogging anniversary, Marian. That is a long time! And your trusted followers are still here and engaging. 🙂
I love all your blogging secrets and can relate to many of them. I think you can add Belgium to the country list of blog followers. Or, is that cheating since I rarely am in my home country anymore? If that’s the case, then you can add Mexico as that’s where I am now for a few months.
Lovely cartoon by your artist husband. You two are a fabulous team! I’m happy to read you are penning away on a second book.
Liesbet, I could easily add Belgium and Mexico because you are a woman of the world. Land and Sea, even.
Over the sweep of time, I’ve lost some followers, usually because they themselves stopped blogging and turned to other interests, like art. Of course, I’ve gained quite a few too.
Right now, I’m not penning away on my new book. Although that was true when Cliff created the cartoon, for the past week I’ve lacked energy and since yesterday am recovering from a debilitating eye treatment. Also, a friend who has served children and families in Ukraine for nearly 30 years, made it from Kiev into Poland, and we are waiting to hear she has tickets for Florida.
I like to think of you in Mexico. . . all warm with a contented “daughter” by your side, a tail wag every now and then. Tell Mark “Hi” from us. 😀
What a lovely reply, Marian!
Mexico is treating us well at the moment. Our attire is similar to yours, probably. Or not quite yet, maybe? Shorts, T-shirts, and flip flops. The water and air temps are too cold to swim, even in the southern tip of Baja.
I hope your friend arrives soon and in okay spirits. I gave Mark a hug as well. He can use it right now.
Good to hear it. My friend, who has been in Kiev for 29 years, had to walk 11 kilometres from Lviv to the border of Poland. An NBC correspondent snagged her for a brief interview. She is safe now and on her way to the States. She was loathe to leave Kiev because she has beloved friends there and a devoted staff: https://www.today.com/video/ukrainians-seek-safety-in-poland-while-others-return-to-fight-134026309807?cid=sm_npd_td_fb_ma&fbclid=IwAR324pdPHxoHOv65RLbglEGmbt7kS0l45C-Er9NHvglu0sC3iRoaX0RtIiM
It sounds as though Mark need another hug. ((( )))
Happy anniversary! Ally Bean sent me 🙂 This looks like a fun blog!
Hi, Nicole. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. The light is always on here, so do stop by when you can. 😀
Congrats on your continuing writing and blog posting. I haven’t quite left writing and blogging behind, but my continuing interest in making visual art has kept me amidst Paint and crayons and visual journaling.
Joan, I can think of two blogging friends who left their blogs permanently to pursue visual arts. Nothing wrong with that! One of them sells her paintings. That’s not me; I’ll let visual arts to my husband.
If art floats your boat more than writing does at the moment, go with it. Life has its seasons, and you should do what calls to right now. Thanks, friend, for checking in today. 😀
“Ally Bean sent me”. I am looking forward to perusing your blog. I was raised in The Church of the Brethern which has some Mennonite roots. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary.
Well, Maggie, welcome. Your visit is right on time. Many of my classmates at Elizabethtown High School in Pennsylvania were members of The Church of the Brethren. My memoir discusses the plain people in more detail–and why I became fancy. Again, welcome and thanks for the nod here.
Now I need to check out your blog. 😀
I look forwardd learning more.
Hi Marian. My eye caught your story of your friend in Ukraine and my heart goes out to her and to you at this time. I’ve been following this news story a lot in the last couple of days. When it is appropriate to do so, I would love to read a “conversation/interview” between you two about her experience. And in regards to your blog – congratulations!! I love that you shared your space with us – thank you for being so open. I also LOVE the story of Audrey Niffenegger moving with the light. I move with my laptop all the time (both inside and outside) BUT never because of the light. I may start that practice. 🙂
I gather from what you’ve mentioned here that you have the gist of what’s going on with Kathy. Here is the link to the NBC clip: https://www.today.com/video/ukrainians-seek-safety-in-poland-while-others-return-to-fight-134026309807?cid=sm_npd_td_fb_ma&fbclid=IwAR324pdPHxoHOv65RLbglEGmbt7kS0l45C-Er9NHvglu0sC3iRoaX0RtIiM
Kathy is due home this evening. I think she will need a lot of time to rest. For the time being, I will regard her as a victim of trauma. She will need a long time to recover because she has invested so much time, energy, and love to the Ukrainian people. If I receive anything else of note, I would post it on Facebook or, later, on future blog posts.
Thank you, Melanie, for the nod here. I too like to adopt “best practices” of experienced authors like Audrey N. . :=D
I appreciate the update Marian. Thank you. Kathy and Ukraine are on my mind and I send endless support their way.
Hi Marian and Happy 9th Year of Blogging – building a community and having a record of thoughts are two great reasons to run a blog, as well as serving as a break to your bigger writing projects. Looking forward to more of your creative posts!
I couldn’t have said it better, Barbara. I appreciate your showing up here as librarian, book reviewer, and friend. 😀
Congrats on your 9 year Marian. I just got kudos from WP for my 10 year. I can’t believe we’ve been here this long. M3
Debby, you’re BACK! I hope refreshed and renewed. 😀
What a wild you have endured. But you are HERE. Lucky to have you as friend and promoter on our blogs and with our books. Hugs! ((( )))
Oh, Debby–congrats on your 10-year blogiversary. A whole decade of connection. WOW!
Blogging truly is awesome in that it allows us to explore ourselves all the more deeply. 🙂
Yes, Jaya, thanks for a return visit here. And thanks too for your own brand of “making a difference in the world with ink and spices.” 😀
Happy anniversary, Marian! Tell your resident artist I enjoyed his cartoon, but find it hard to believe you didn’t get the room with the better light exposure. Something tells me that Cliff sat his boxes down in that space first! 🙂 Thanks for being a solid and ever-present support to so many bloggers. You are a favorite of mine with all your stories of family and friends.
What a joy to see you here. And thanks for the compliments too. You favorite resident artist and I agreed on the arrangement. I get a front-row seat to the comings and goings in the neighborhood. Since there are just trees and a sidewalk in my view, I have few distractions.
Hugs, Sherrey! 😀