The Contest Final Update

Well, everyone...all I can say is WOW!  The quality of writing I've seen so far, has simply blown my mind.  In addition, my own personal cheer leading squad emerged last week with @MichaelOffutt (also known as the Supra Genius!), @whyIhatepeople (Briane Pagel: Thinking the Lions), and @pdilloway (Patrick Dilloway, also known as the Grumpy Bulldog) blowing my contest up on Twitter!  Thank you guys for being excited about this and spreading the word, you are truly awesome - even if Briane dragged you other two kicking and screaming ;)  I Totally Appreciate YOU and think YOU are FANTABULOUS!

Everyone else: CLICK ON THOSE LINKS! You will find yourselves on each lovely man's blog reading their fantastic entry into this contest!

Also, shout outs to Christine Rains, who helped even out the testosterone overload with a sweet romance-with-a-twist story; and the latest entry I've received from Aaron at The Blogger Girlz.  I've got to say, the entries make me rethink whether I have ANY "write" to think I can write!  UGH!  (I know, I shouldn't have gone there; but I haven't had a good night sleep in over a week and I'm a bit punchy).

SO, PLEASE REMEMBER...DEADLINE TO ENTER IS 11:59 P.M. PST DECEMBER 31, 2011.  I'd love to get some more entries, please continue to pass the word along...

Stay tuned for my own dark story...I'll be posting it on Friday (and no, I'm not entering my own contest!)

Cheers to you all!

The Contest Update

Well, the inevitable is upon us; Santa will be here soon and our pocketbooks will be empty!  As 2011 winds down, we have time to visit with loved ones and reflect on our past year.  My past year included the start of this blog, "for real"; and a desperate move to down-size for the sanity of my husband and family.  I'm sure 2012 will be just as momentous; it seems I don't have any years that aren't so anymore.

As the year closes, please remember: You have a fantastic opportunity to win some great prizes with my Spreading Holiday Cheer Story Contest (click that link for all the glorious details!).

As of right now, Briane Pagel over at his blog Thinking the Lion, is the major frontrunner (he's also the ONLY entry) buy you HAVE got to check out his story!  The link takes you to the FIRST installment, READ THEM ALL!  He is funny and quirky and has me LMAO with every new part he posts.

Thank you Mr. Pagel for not only participating, but for the gusto with which you have taken the gauntlet and created some HI-larious story telling, as well as the shout-outs to me!  You truly ROCK! :)

I am currently in the midst of my baking extravaganza; cookies, liquor balls, cakes, and pot luck dishes galore!  So this will be my final post before the 26th of December.

To all of you this holiday season, I wish you a joyful, peaceful time to reflect and enjoy those that matter the most to you - whoever they may be; hold them close and tight.

Peace out! ;)

Deja Vu Blogfest: A repost of one of my first blog entries...

In honor of the Deja Vu Blogfest being hosted by Creepy Query Girl, Nicole Ducleroir, and Lydia K, I am reposting from my EXTREMELY early days.  The story is completely true, and one that still makes me stop and think every now and then.  Enjoy!

I am blogging again. After only a wee bit of encouragement from my dear sis-in-law, Liz; I have decided to share what I hope you will agree was a very interesting experience.


Last Monday (November 22, 2010), I stopped to fill up my gas tank on the way to pick up my son from Preschool. I was approached by a man, who was obviously homeless; and he asked "can you help me get some food?"


I always help. If it is within my means, and it usually is possible even in a small way, I help those that ask for it. I am a strong believer in the story of the Good Samaritan, and I believe that angels/spirits/others walk amongst us and test us to see if we are being the best people that we can be. I also believe that most people fail these tests.


So when this dirty, pathetically thin man asked for help getting food; I was happy to oblige. There was a McDonald's next door and I told him I'd be right back with some food. I bought an Angus 1/3 Pounder meal - large size because it looked hearty, a fruit parfait - because McDonald's does not offer much in the choice of fruit, a side salad - he needs greens to ward off scurvy, and some chocolate chip cookies. I figured I had the money, and he needed it more than I.


I drove back next door and presented him with my offerings. What happened next took me quite a while to process and come to terms with.


He took the bags of food, looked at me with unrestrained hostility, threw the food on the ground and started jumping up and down on the food; all the while cursing me and screaming at me. I was dumbstruck. I just stood there, frozen.


This is the part that I am convinced was a Higher Power showing me a better world.


A very large, African American man (think Refrigerator Perry) was drying off his car outside the car wash. He immediately strode over to where I was standing and positioned himself between the homeless man and myself. In the quietest, most serious voice you have ever heard, he began to chastise this crazy fool. I cannot tell you word for word what he said, but I do remember clearly that he never cursed, never raised his voice. With his first utterance, the homeless man froze - like he was under a spell. The hairs on my arms and the back of my neck rose and I was covered in goosebumps; but I was not afraid.


When he finished telling this man how shameful his behavior appeared; he turned to me and said "You have done good, go in peace, you are blessed" - it was little more than a whisper in my mind.


I swear, I am not delusional and I am not fanatical; but this experience reaffirmed my long held beliefs. Angels/Spirits/Others walk amongst us, they are watching and testing; will you pass?