Wednesday, January 30, 2013

"Once I decide to do something, I can't have people telling me I can't. If there is a roadblock, you jump over it, walk around it, crawl under it."

~ Kitty Kelly

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

"A life of reaction is a life of slavery, intellectually and spiritually. One must fight for a life of action, not reaction."

~ Rita Mae Brown

Monday, January 28, 2013

"The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind."

~ Maya Angelou

Sunday, January 27, 2013

"If you are not living on the edge, you're taking up too much room."

~ Lorraine Teel

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

"You must do the thing that you think you cannot do."

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Monday, January 21, 2013

"I don't waste time thinking, "Am I doing it right?" I ask, "Am I doing it?""

~ Georgette Mosbacher

Sunday, January 20, 2013

15 Day Blogger Challenge ~ Getting to Know the Blogger ~ Day 15

15 Day blogger Challenge

15 Day Blogger Challenge - Getting to Know the Blogger

This challenge is open to any and everyone who wants to get to know each other a little better in the blogosphere. I encourage you all to make this challenge your own. There is no special format to follow or rules on posting. Do your challenge in 1 day by answering all the questions at once or do it in 90 days. Just have fun!

Challenge Questions:

Closing and any upcoming posts or raffles you would like to share with us.


Closing/Upcoming Events

I could tell you a thousand a million times how much I appreciate all of you who visit my blog on a regular basis, but words cannot really show the extent of how much I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for the kind comments and even those which are not so kind. Thank you for the likes and spreading the word about my quirky, geeky world. Thank you for it all.

Upcoming, you will find even more book reviews, views on spirituality, views on autism, views on art and photography, and my many stories, poems, art, and photography. I have no raffles coming up, for I do not have anything to raffle. Enjoy reading and viewing my blog as I continue to explore and make sense of my life and my creative nature.

"It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees."

~ Delores Ibarruri

Saturday, January 19, 2013

"If it is your time, love will track you down like a cruise missile. If you say, "I don't want it right now," that's when you will get it for sure."

~ Linda Barry

Friday, January 18, 2013

15 Day Blogger Challenge ~ Getting to Know the Blogger ~ Day 14

15 Day blogger Challenge
15 Day Blogger Challenge - Getting to Know the Blogger
This challenge is open to any and everyone who wants to get to know each other a little better in the blogosphere. I encourage you all to make this challenge your own. There is no special format to follow or rules on posting. Do your challenge in 1 day by answering all the questions at once or do it in 90 days. Just have fun!
Challenge Questions:
14. Social Networks/Blog Communities you want others to know you're a part of.

Where I Can Be Found

I  can be found at any of the following sites:

An Alien In Our World & Autism Support Network

My ASD journal is my journey through life as being a quirky, geeky, eccentric teen through adulthood. I have recently learned that I was never so odd as I thought; I have tested to have Asperger’s Syndrome. Of course, that doesn’t change anything. I am still quirky, geeky, and eccentric. I also share stories of what life was like being raised with an uncle with autism and cerebral palsy, and I share stories about being the mother of a child with autism. Because I graduated from university with a degree in special education with an emphasis in autism, this blog also includes papers and research about autism. I have included, from time to time, other mental disabilities, neurobiological disorders, and mental health issues. This is for several reasons, I do have other family members with these.

Cafe Mom

My mommy adventures.

deviantArt & Life Is Not What You Think

My artwork and literature blog is where I post my creative writing exercises, poetry, short stories, and artwork. I dabble in inks, pastels, oil pastels, oil paints, acrylics, graphite, charcoals, Conte crayons, water colors (Chinese and regular), Sharpies, and colored pencils. I sketch, paint, and stipple. A lot of times, I also do digital artwork.

Exploring the World Around Me & Photobucket

My photography/travel journal is just that. I post pictures that I have taken of people, places, and things. There is usually a description of where I was, what I was doing, and what kinds of filters were used. I photograph everything from nature, to people, to industrial parks, to animals. I enjoy photographing what I see and sharing it with my blog followers. I wish to some day have a gallery of my own where I can display both my photography and my art. Photobucket also contains some artwork.

Facebook & Myspace

These are  places that I just hang out with my family and friends. I don't post much on here like I used to. I do post quotes daily, though.

Nethkâdasch Schmach

(translation ~ May Your Light Be Experienced in My Utmost Holiest) My faith based blog is my exploration of my faith. I have learned throughout the years to have great faith and spirituality, you must question your faith and spirituality. This is my personal journey through my beliefs and faith. My goal is not to offend anyone; and if one takes offense to what I say or write on this blog, then they should check their own faith. This is just a journal where I try to make sense of what I have studied and learned since I was a small child.

Pandora & Goodreads & Pinterest & 
Stumbleupon

On these sites, you can find my interests and likes.

Spore

Love the game ~ enough said.

Tumbler & Twitter & WordPress

On WordPress, Twitter, and Tumbler, all of my blogs are combined.

YouTube

My original videos. They're not spectacular, but every now and again I make a really cool one that I like to show off.

"Love is not enough. It must be the foundation, the cornerstone, but not the complete structure."

~ Bette Davis

Thursday, January 17, 2013

15 Day Blogger Challenge ~ Getting to Know the Blogger ~ Day 13

15 Day blogger Challenge

15 Day Blogger Challenge - Getting to Know the Blogger

This challenge is open to any and everyone who wants to get to know each other a little better in the blogosphere. I encourage you all to make this challenge your own. There is no special format to follow or rules on posting. Do your challenge in 1 day by answering all the questions at once or do it in 90 days. Just have fun!

Challenge Questions:

13. Blogs you visit and read enthusiastically.


Who Do I Read?

I read a lot, and by a lot, I really mean A  L O T  of blogs, and I enjoy reading most of them. If I don't enjoy a blog, I normally will not return to it. However, I return to more than I have time to keep up with. If I had to chose my top 10, they would be as follows:

10. Bizarre Stuff

The writer's description is:

This blog is about bizarre stuff, including people, events, activities, strange occurrences, cataclysmic upheavals,men jumping on cops's backs and demanding free public transport to Cuba, penis and vagina festivals in Japan, abandoned and barbecued grandmothers, men having sex with their patio tables, severed arms being thrown out with the trash, feces falling from the sky, and banana ripening machines that explode in the night. No warranties, express or implied, are made as to the originality, truthfulness, or authenticity of these materials. Not suitable for young children, unless accompanied by a very open-minded parent or guardian, not under a restraining order issued by any competent court of law.

I came across this blog by accident. I was just looking for more information on a ranch that I found, and the writer had a blog posted on the ranch. After I read about the ranch, I continued reading the posts; and I have become hooked. The most bizarre thing about the entire situation, is that I would never know the crazy stuff that goes on in the world had I never come across this blog.

9. Mama's Losin' It

The writer's description is:

I’m Kathy. A sarcastic mother of three with a busy home daycare that clashes with my desire to do nothing all day. I’m a has-been English teacher who secretly enjoys fragmented sentences. My rebellious side. I’m an attention craving poodle and I have an affinity for aprons. In blog land I go by Mama Kat. Because I’m a mama and I’m Kat and it just felt right putting the two together. I started blogging privately in August of 2007 as a way to share pictures and stories with family. When I didn’t get enough attention from them I made my blog public and officially became addicted to this world. I love that it gives me purpose. I love that it gives me friends. And I love that it gives my kids an account of their childhoods so they can look back and see just how and when Mama lost it all. If they ever learn to read.

I found this blog while looking for creative writing prompts. I enjoy Mama Kat's posts, which take you through the life of a young American mom. Reading her posts always brings back memories of when my boys were younger and all of the fun/crazy times we always have had.

8. Joy Harjo's Poetic Adventures in the Last World Blog

The writer's description is:

This is Joy Harjo's ongoing journal of dreams, stories, poems,music, photographs, and assorted reports from her inner and outer travels about Indian country and the rest of the world.

I found this blog while researching my heritage. Joy is a Creek Indian, which is also my grandmother's ethnicity. I have found through my years in college and since that learning about the history and culture of people, it is far easier to gain understanding through the literature of the people than looking in history books. I enjoy reading Joy's adventures; and through reading her blog, I am getting a better sense of my own identity.

7. Jesse Petersen ~ Urban Fantasy Author and Proud Geek

The writer's description is:

Jesse’s life as a writer began when her husband made the brilliant observation that she was much happier writing than doing anything else. So she took the plunge and decided to do that full-time. After many years and many books in different sub-genres, she was bitten by the zombie bug (not a zombie, but the bug) and took off on a zany adventure into the world of Urban Fantasy. Soon zombies were not enough and now she is poised to take over the world with her not-so-normal paranormal stories which inject dark humor into uncommon circumstances.

When not coming up with stories about the weird and wonderful she lives in Tucson, AZ, with her high school sweetheart husband and two cats. She plays video games, hangs out with her favorite nephews, hikes in the beautiful mountains, watches wayyyyy too much reality TV (and some really good scripted TV), ponders all things geekish and madly scribbles notes on her next idea while she laughs at people who still have to shovel snow.

Oh and from time to time she even writes, which is still what she likes to do best. She loves chatting with fans of her stories and lovers of geeky things. She encourages you to contact her at the various places listed on this fabulous website (keep scrolling, you’ll see it).

I found this blog after reading Married With Zombies by Jesse Petersen. I enjoy reading her blog because she provides her fans with challenges and writing prompts, also because I can keep up with the release dates for new books that Jesse has published.

6. Mental Notes

The writer's description is:

I am a sucker for love and a sob story, I am definitely for the under dog. I am a little weird but very loving, I am perfectly imperfect but shhhh don’t tell anyone (: I am also a recovering heroin addict my clean date is September 24 2010, although I don’t like labels, I understand I can not use drugs in moderation under any circumstances. I stay clean no matter how bad or good I feel that’s it that’s all no compromise! I wrote a poetry book called mental notes about addiction and all the insanity associated with it, I have randomly been posting pieces of the book to my blog. Here is the kindle link. I am so grateful for the road I am traveling!

There is way too much I can say about me but I won’t bore u with my way to boring bio. We all have one common bond, we love to write.

I am still trying to figure all this out (life) in the mean time I will do what the universe has called me to do…write.

I found this blog via a comment on one of my posts. Latoya is such a talented poet. I have respect for people like Latoya, who use their writing as a way to reach out to people who have been in similar situations as she has. She evokes emotion from the deepest recesses of the soul.

5. DUDE, I'M AN ASPIE.

The writer's description is:

This blog promotes a greater understanding of people on the autism spectrum. All deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion. My goal is to give you a window into my everyday life, its highs and lows, with both honesty and humor.

I found this blog while looking for blogs on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Matt Friedman is a talented cartoonists, whose cartoons provide the reader with a vision of what the world is like to someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am interested in the blog for two reasons. First and foremost, my son, Damien, is a child with autism. He was diagnosed at 16 months of age. Every since, I have been researching Autism Spectrum disorders. Damien is now 17 years of age. Second, my uncle, who is only 11 years older than me, is a person with autism. Finding blogs like these often gives me an insight into both my son and uncle that I may not otherwise have.

4. Red Willow Voices/ in assn. with mirabal.com

The writer's description is:

My world-writing is an art; it is simple if you open your heart yet in all the simplicity is the complexity...tell me your thoughts; however don't hurt others on my time. Life is too short to be disguised in demise. So be a member, thank you and enjoy.

Like with Joy Harjo's blog, I found this blog researching my ancestry. Robert Mirabal is a talented writer, recording artist, and visual artist. He, too, is Creek Indian, but lives on a Navajo reservation. I enjoy reading Mirabal's blog for the same reason as Harjo's. Also, I have learned from his blog that the stories my grandmother told me as a child, which were stories her mother told her, are actually Creek Indian Folklore. I am glad to know that what I thought was missing has been with me all along, my heritage.

3. A spiritual journey through illness and autism

The writer's description is:

A path through life's difficulties exploring beliefs, signs, nature, synchronicities and dreams ~ Walking the spiritual path through life's trials hoping I can learn, share and support along the way!

I enjoy reading this blog because I can feel a connection to the author. The blog covers the difficulties in dealing with illness as well as autism. The author is the mother of a child with autism.

2. seyisandradavid ~ A Writer With A Difference

The writer's description is:

Born in Nigeria on October 14, 1975, Seyi Sandra began dabbling into writing from an early age. Her first novel at the age of 13 was consider too ‘grown up’ by publishers but instead of that to dampen her spirit, she shrugged it off and completed her secondary school and she was promptly admitted to the University of Ilorin where she studied English Language.

At the completion of her degree, she got a job with the state’s local newspaper, ”People’s Advocate” where she quickly rose through the ranks to the post of a senior correspondent attached to the state house of assembly.

She is the bestselling author of ”The Impossible President” the novel gripped readers like storm in 2002 and it was released by Regency publishers.

The novel explores the possibility of a woman becoming the first female president in a country like Nigeria where men have failed woefully and politicians cannot be trusted due to their corruption and greed, a country where women are relegated to the background when it comes to governance. It’s a novel which celebrates womanhood and the ability to dream big and work hard towards achieving it.

She has established herself as a literary force with the publication of ”The Feet Of Darkness,” the novel sheds light on the struggles of a British scientist who finds himself embroiled in a plot that will not only change his life forever but the world as a whole, it was published in UK in 2007.

However, the second edition will be out shortly.

The Paperback and Kindle Edition of her new book, a short story, ”Tales Of Five Lies” is out now and can be purchased on Amazon websites.

However this link can take you directly to buy the book.

She is a columnist for ”Black Heritage Today,” a london based magazine and a Reviewer for Bookpleasures.

I found this blog via a comment on one of my posts left by Seyi Sandra. I enjoy reading this blog because of the uplifting message in just about every post: PRIDE. This blog touches the spiritual blogger in me.

1. Cherie Priest

The writer's description is:

I was born in Tampa, Florida, down the street from the stadium in 1975 — the same year that gave us Saturday Night Live and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, so I consider myself in good company. I have a B.A. in English from Southern Adventist University, here noted because it embarrasses them to share a paragraph with Tim Curry in drag; and I have an M.A. in Rhetoric (composition/critical theory) from the University of Tennessee, which couldn’t care less.

I write novels. To date, I’ve had thirteen published, and another one’s in the queue. My most recent books are The Inexplicables and Hellbent. My best-known book is probably Boneshaker (2009) – which was nominated for a Nebula Award and a Hugo Award. Boneshaker also won the PNBA Award, as well as the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, so yes, my resume is starting to look a little lop-sided. (Not that I’m complaining.)

[Edited to add: Speaking of Boneshaker ... ]

You can find a mostly proper bibliography over here.

In March of 2006 I married my long-time significant other, Aric; and together with our fat black cat named Spain (as in, “I claim this land for–”), we moved from Chattanooga to Seattle shortly after the wedding.

In January of 2012, we bought a lovely old house. In Tennessee.

In May, we moved back.

[Edited yet further to add: And now our family has grown by one fluffy black dog! Amazing Greyson, oversized puppy monster and neighborhood welcome wagon.]

Cherie Priest is my favorite author. I enjoy reading her posts, which help me keep up with her new work. I love how Cherie blends historical events with her imagination. Furthermore, Cherie's books often have women of strength and character throughout. My favorite of her books are her Clockwork Series, which are a series of Steampunk books. I do, however, enjoy reading her other work as well.

"Loving, like prayer, is a power as well as a process. It is curative. It is creative."

~ Zona Gale

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

"Sometimes it is worse to win a fight than lose."

~ Billie Holiday

Monday, January 14, 2013

Today 3

Today, I saw an elderly gentleman with his walker sauntering through Hasting's without a care in the world. He approached an elderly woman sitting at one of the tables playing on her iPad. He said, "Hey there, Good lookin'. You ready to go?"

"Yes, handsome," she replied. She closed her iPad case, grabbed her cane, and rose from her seat. After she steadied herself with the cane, she walked to her beau, and placed her hand on his. Hand in hand, they made their way out the door.

The sight of the two warmed my heart, and I thought to myself that I hope my DJ and I are like that when we reach their ages. I hope that the fire from our passion never dies. I hope that the love holds strong, and I pray that each day will continue to be better than the last, as it has always been. I love my DJ so.

"A mutual and satisfied sexual act is of great benefit to the average woman; the magnetism of it is health-giving."

~ Margaret Sanger

Saturday, January 12, 2013

"When one is pretending, the entire body revolts."

~ Anais Nin

Friday, January 11, 2013

Today 2


Today, I saw a man at least half of DJ's age with a sign stating, "Hungry! Need money." He was there when I dropped the kids off for school and was still there when I picked them up from school. I purposely went to the outside lane to speak with the boy. I told him of several places in town hiring, most of which are restaurants, and I offered to feed him at McDonald's or Taco Bueno, both were very close. He said he refuses to work a minimum wage job.

I asked if he would rather sit on the side of the road longer than a shift of work only to be bypassed time and time again by people who bust their asses every day, and many of which work for minimum wage. (I should tell you this is not the first time I have seen him out on the street all day.) He said, "Minimum wage jobs are for losers, and I'm not a loser. Just give me the money and leave."

I told him if he was not willing to go eat, then he must not be too hungry. I would give him food but no money. He replied, "Fine, go, b*tch!"

I wish I could have helped him, but he had all the signs of meth use. Yes, I have been thoroughly trained in recognizing the signs of meth use. I will never support anyone's drug habits.

Furthermore, it is difficult to give money to someone perfectly capable of working. The boy looks to be in his early twenties, at least half of our age. He looks to have no disability, which can be proven just at a glance of the bag he carries on his back.

All the while, DJ is fairly disabled and still insists on going to work everyday to support his family. At times, he walks with a limp because of the pain, but he still crawls under cars, in and out of cars, and works on cars. There are times that DJ cannot walk because his back is so twisted, but he seldom misses work. DJ's doctor never says, if you become paralyzed. Instead, he says, "When you are paralyzed, you'll be a candidate for surgery."

And this poor misguided child would rather beg for money than support himself. My heart is conflicted when I think of a boy that young getting mixed up in drugs.

Today, I felt the sting of higher taxes. DJ's check was $15 shorter than usual. That's $30/month and $390/year. I know that may not seem as much to many of you; but when you only have about $20/paycheck for in-between paychecks necessities (milk, medicine for Dyl, and bread) left after paying bills, gassing up the vehicles, paying medical cost, and groceries, then that is a lot. It's the difference of not having enough to sustain good health of the children and having enough to sustain their health. On top of all else, the cost of living is going up, rent will be higher, and DJ hasn't had a raise in over three years. Oh well, that just means more cutbacks at home. I don't know where to cut though. Suggestions?

Missing Child


"The requirements of romantic love are difficult to satisfy in the back seat of a Dodge Dart."

~ Lisa Alther

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Today 1


Today, I was parked across the street and a block away from two young men in their car while I waited for the boys to get out of school. Their bass was pumping so loud that I couldn't hear my own music on my stereo. I was kind of glad they gave me a reason to shut down the car. They really saved me some gas. Unfortunately, they didn't save any of their own because their engine had to stay running to keep a charge on their battery. Their car died when they tried to take off. I offered some help but was quickly turned away by the passenger, who said, "Shut up old lady. We don't need no help from you." I felt for the driver as he blushed and apologized. I told him, "Don't worry about it, honey. You gave me something to talk about."

Today, I saw a grown man holding a baby girl with his ass hanging out of the top of his britches covered only by thin, worn, and almost translucent boxers. Can you imagine how embarrassed his baby girl will be if he still dresses like that when she starts school? To all grown men, cover your asses. The world don't need to see that; and if you have children, they don't want to and should not see your underwear. Develop some self-respect. I'm glad DJ has enough sense to know I'm the only one (other than his doctor) who should see what should be kept private.

Today, a man carrying a satchel full of car stereos tried to sell one to me in front of my apartment. I thought this man has a lot of nerve considering my stereo had been stolen from my car parked in front of my apartment. I told him to leave or I was going to call the police. He hot-footed it out of there PDQ. I wonder if this means I met my thief today?

"All great lovers are articulate and verbal seduction is the surest road to actual seduction."

~ Marya Mannes

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

15 Day Blogger Challenge ~ Getting to Know the Blogger ~ Day 12

15 Day blogger Challenge
15 Day Blogger Challenge - Getting to Know the Blogger

This challenge is open to any and everyone who wants to get to know each other a little better in the blogosphere. I encourage you all to make this challenge your own. There is no special format to follow or rules on posting. Do your challenge in 1 day by answering all the questions at once or do it in 90 days. Just have fun!

Challenge Questions:

12. Your top 5 posts and why you think they were successful.


Top 5 Posts


Tied for 1st/2nd:

Neon Star
The Neon Star is one of my favorite digital pieces. I believe that it is a favorite to my followers because of the composition and the bright colorfulness of the symmetrical curving lines.

Mother’s Day Rose
The Mother's Day Rose is a photograph that I took in the home with an Olympus FE-170 digital camera using the macro and stabilization options. I believe this piece is a favorite for my followers because of the pure perfection of the rose and the brilliant pink and white colors.

Tied for 3rd/4th:

Clouds
Why wouldn't one of Mother Natures paintings be a favorite? I cannot take full credit for this photo, as all I did was point and shoot with my Canon EOS Rebel. I used auto mode for this photo. The atmosphere, sun, and clouds did the rest. It is also one of my favorites because of the brilliant white of the clouds and azure sky framed by the darker ominous clouds looming around the edges.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
I have loved this church since I was a child. The Sacred Hearth Catholic Church in Abilene, Texas is one of the few buildings in town with an authentic Mexican/Spanish style. The brilliant Spanish tiles on the building are, by far, my favorite. I took this photo with my Canon EOS Rebel using a zoom lens.

Tied for 5th:

Deep Shit Cattle Company
I love this photo as well as the story behind the photo. The picture was taken during a bright summer day, July 5, 2012 to be precise. I shot the sign using my Canon EOS Rebel and utilizing an ultraviolet filter. I believe this is a favorite for followers because of the story behind the sign. The cattle company is located outside of Gustine, Texas on Highway 36.

Feeling Musical
Feeling musical is a series of photos I took with various macro lenses and a zoom lens attached to my Canon EOS Rebel. I dimmed the lighting to take the photos. I have always had music in my life and played the clarinet from elementary school through my senior year in high school. I also have dabbled in playing the piano. Although I know where all of the notes are, I do not know how to play very well. I still like to play from time to time though. The rose is a very strong symbol for me and my relationship with my husband, as was the music piece seen in the photos. The music piece is Sleeping Beauty, which is one of my fairy tales. I love the romance in the story and how the prince saves beauty from her long standing nightmare. The rose means so much more. When my husband and I first got together, he bought me a rose at one of the truckstops we visited while I traveled with him across the Midwest in his truck. When I was unable to go on the truck with him, he would always bring me a single rose when he returned home. For our four year anniversary, my husband had a single rose tattoo designed to wrap around my ankle. He told me, "I wanted to give you a rose that would never die."

Different Leaf, Same Tree
"Different Leaf, Same Tree" is a photo and poem combination. I took a photo of the beautiful golden leaves in Abilene. The one golden leaf was so perfect that I wanted it featured in my photo. In order to do that, I had manipulated the photo in Pixelmator on my Mac. The photo inspired the poem. It made me think of what it is like to always be standing in the shadows of a mentally ill sibling. Although we come from the same parents, the same womb, and the same home, we are nothing alike.

Flamingo and Flamingo at Zoo
Both of these photos were taken at the Abilene Zoo at different times. Flamingo was taken on the summer with the zoom on my Canon EOS Rebel. Flamingo at Zoo was taken with my Olympus FE-170. I believe that these two pictures are favorites because of the pure beauty of the two flamingos.

Killer in Black & White
Killer in Black & White was taken at home in the dim hallway of my home using the black and white option on my Canon EOS Rebel. Killer should be a favorite, as he is one of my favorite subjects to shoot. This particular picture shows his pure innocent and sweet personality.

"The brother that gets me is going to get one hell of a woman."

~ Aretha Franklin

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

"You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake."

~ Jeannette Rankin

Monday, January 7, 2013

Sunday, January 6, 2013

"Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind."

~ Helen Keller

Saturday, January 5, 2013

"Old age is like flying through a storm. Once you're aboard, there is nothing you can do."

~ Golda Meir

Friday, January 4, 2013

Thursday, January 3, 2013

“Don’t go through life looking for miracles. Instead, look at life as if everyday is a miracle.”

~ Pamela N. Brown

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

15 Day Blogger Challenge ~ Getting to Know the Blogger ~ Day 11

15 Day blogger Challenge

15 Day Blogger Challenge - Getting to Know the Blogger

This challenge is open to any and everyone who wants to get to know each other a little better in the blogosphere. I encourage you all to make this challenge your own. There is no special format to follow or rules on posting. Do your challenge in 1 day by answering all the questions at once or do it in 90 days. Just have fun!

Challenge Questions:

11. What are a couple of your favorite blog tools that you use?


Blog Tools?

This is kind of funny, but I have been blogging for so long, 13 years, that I did not realize there are blog tools out there now. Before, there were not, and my ability to learn HTML and CSS so quickly helped me make my blogs the way that I wanted them without any outside assistance. Hmmm....  I am going to have to check some of these blog tools out.

"No matter how cynical you get it is impossible to keep it up."

~ Lily Tomlin

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

15 Day Blogger Challenge ~ Getting to Know the Blogger ~ Day 10

15 Day blogger Challenge

15 Day Blogger Challenge - Getting to Know the Blogger

This challenge is open to any and everyone who wants to get to know each other a little better in the blogosphere. I encourage you all to make this challenge your own. There is no special format to follow or rules on posting. Do your challenge in 1 day by answering all the questions at once or do it in 90 days. Just have fun!

Challenge Questions:

10. Why did you start blogging and what is your blog about?


Blogging

I have always been a journal keeper. From the time that I was a child, I have had a journal with my thoughts, poetry, artwork, stories, dreams, and diary. I currently have several blogs. One is for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), one is for my artwork/literature, one is for my photography/travel, and one is faith based. On Wordpress and Tumbler, all of my blogs are combined, and on Blogger, I keep them separate.

My ASD journal is my journey through life as being a quirky, geeky, eccentric teen through adulthood. I have recently learned that I was never so odd as I thought; I have tested to have Asperger's Syndrome. Of course, that doesn't change anything. I am still quirky, geeky, and eccentric. I also share stories of what life was like being raised with an uncle with autism and cerebral palsy, and I share stories about being the mother of a child with autism. Because I graduated from university with a degree in special education with an emphasis in autism, this blog also includes papers and research about autism. I have included, from time to time, other mental disabilities, neurobiological disorders, and mental health issues. This is for several reasons, I do have other family members with these.

My artwork and literature blog is where I post my creative writing exercises, poetry, short stories, and artwork. I dabble in inks, pastels, oil pastels, oil paints, acrylics, graphite, charcoals, Conte crayons, water colors (Chinese and regular), Sharpies, and colored pencils. I sketch, paint, and stipple. A lot of times, I also do digital artwork.

My photography/travel journal is just that. I post pictures that I have taken of people, places, and things. There is usually a description of where I was, what I was doing, and what kinds of filters were used. I photograph everything from nature, to people, to industrial parks, to animals. I enjoy photographing what I see and sharing it with my blog followers. I wish to some day have a gallery of my own where I can display both my photography and my art.

My faith based blog is my exploration of my faith. I have learned throughout the years to have great faith and spirituality, you must question your faith and spirituality. This is my personal journey through my beliefs and faith. My goal is not to offend anyone; and if one takes offense to what I say or write on this blog, then they should check their own faith. This is just a journal where I try to make sense of what I have studied and learned since I was a small child.

I have been blogging since 2000, and I have had blogs up for that long. I have spent years meeting new people through my blogs; and through my blogs, I have learned that many people all over the world are no different from one another. I believe this is a good thing, for it will help us learn to come to peace with one another. We all love our friends and families and would do anything for them. We all want to live free from poverty and illness, and we all want to live in peace.

I can be found on Autism Support Network; Blogger: Art, Faith, Photography/Travel, & Autism; CafeMom; DeviantArt; Facebook; Flickr; Goodreads; iWitness Weather; LBPLinkedIn; Myspace; Pandora; Photobucket; Pinterest; Spore; StumbleUpon; Tumblr; Twitter; WordPress; Xanga; and Youtube.

"When I am alone I am not aware of my race or my sex, both in need of social context for definition."

~ Maxine Hong Kingston