Top 10 Blog Quotes (From Women)
Posted: January 20, 2012 Filed under: Blogging, Humor, wisdom, Writing | Tags: Andra Watkins, August McLaughlin, Blog, Humor, Leanne Shirtliffe, Little Women, Maineiac, NYC, Vegan 94 CommentsThe best part about blogging is reading great posts by so many excellent writers. I’ve been jotting down some of my favorites over the last few months and wanted to share them in a dedicated post.
My Top 10 is in no particular order, nor is it a complete list of the blogs I love to read (my RSS reader has over 250 blogs and counting). These ten women are some of the finest writers, bloggers, humorists, or foodies that I’ve read recently.
Give them a click, if you haven’t already:
10. She’s a Maineiac
Darla, or D-Woww, as she’s known in NYC nightclubs (I actually made up the NYC nightclub part :)), is one of the funniest, sweetest bloggers out there. Penning humorous observations about raising kids. Great stories.
Quote: “Time Management Able to flip pancakes, clean ketchup off ceiling, figure out an algebraic equation, unclog toilet filled with Polly Pockets, do 10 loads of laundry, drive kids to various practices, classes and play dates all at the same time.”
9. Leanne Shirtliffe – ironicmom
Another, very funny writer who chronicles her twins, Thing 1 and Thing 2, as well as her observations about life in general. Great humorist.
Quote: “DON’T use duct tape to fix the hem on your pants. Duct tape was invented to make ammo cases waterproof in World War 2. If you’re going to use it on your wardrobe, you’d better be packing heat.”
Yes, she has a month named after her! August writes on nutrition and making good lifestyle choices. This quote is taken from a recent post on her eating disorder; a must read!
Quote: “I awoke later, lying in the grassy cradle, the taste of blood and dirt in my mouth. Rather than wonder how long I’d been there or if I’d been hurt, one thought filled me with terror: Does dirt have calories?”
Cara has one of the best blogs on food, even if it is Vegan! So much fun to see what great treat she has whipped up, and the words to go with the amazing photos are like poetry!
Quote: “But once I arrived at Anthropologie (which by the way, if God is a woman and wears clothes, She so would shop here, I’m convinced) …”
6. The Accidental Cootchie Mama
I’m always amazed at Andra’s use of words to so aptly describe anything she’s writing about. From a poignant tribute to her husband to writing PG-rated posts with old porn movie titles – yep, you heard that right! – she is a marvel with the English language.
Quote: “Every day with you is another package to be unwrapped. Savored. You are my favorite person, the one who takes the raw edges and colors them, untangles them, unites them in a way I could never envision on my own.”
I recently discovered Patricia’s blog. What a talented writer who brings her memories, good and bad, into her posts. Well worth a visit.
Quote: “The 1960′s – my 1960′s – were coloured in lime-green paisleys and denim-blue. I didn’t grow up in an episode of Leave It To Beaver but more like Little Women directed by Alfred Hitchcock and I am always Jo.”
If you haven’t read anything by Tori, you might want to stumble over there in your Snuggie, with cup of Joe in hand, and spend some time laughing through your nose! Flat-out-funny!
Quote: “As the old adage goes, “Don’t stop ’til you get enough”, and pretty soon my tapping toes and hair-flipping ruckus could not be caged. Energy aimed for a brilliant blog entry recalculated, took a left to Funky Town, and weaved willy-nilly across lanes and through red lights until I forgot that my sole purpose in waking this morning was not, in fact, to bring sexy back.”
3. The Heartbreak of Invention
A writer’s writer, Patrice crafts word and emotion – seamlessly. You walk away from one of her posts sweating with discomfort on the one hand, and feeling like you just witnessed the release of a heart-heavy burden. Cathartic!
Quote: “I sometimes wonder, outside of transcending oneself, where exactly does an earthbound creature find her peace? Where does she encounter the courage to continue with this beautiful yet doubt-filled contraption of a life, this only life she truly knows, this only life that is truly hers? Where will she be kindly escorted, time and time again, back to the battered entrance of herself?”
Full of interesting observations – on life, a pet, or maybe a child, Terri has a knack for taking you on her journey with an ease of familiarity. I Love reading her stories.
Quote: “I wanted to run after her, grab her by the curls and throw her down on the pavement. I wanted to poke the heel of my boot into her chest as she lay on the ground and ask her who she thought she was. I wanted to ask her who writes a check for five dollars worth of potato chips anyway? I wanted to ask her if it had occurred to her that all she had accomplished was humiliating a poor high-school girl.”
1. Me 2.0
Not sure where to begin with Mikalee. Such a talented, funny writer. Insightful, interesting, but never irreverent or sarcastic! 🙂 I could have pulled any random sentence(s), but settled on her “About …” for this post.
Quote: “About Mikalee Byerman How can a sometimes bitter, definitely jaded, no longer trusting, blindsided ex-wife still believe in happy endings? (not that kind of happy endings…sheesh, people…) By channeling her scary internal dialogue through a controversial blog/future book, swearing like a drunken sailor and spending all her spare time focused on helping other people heal.”
Have you read any of the blogs above? Any comments you’d like to share about these talented writers?
I changed the title by adding (from Women) because the men were feeling left out. Future post from Men coming in the near future. No slight intended, guys!
Surprise! The Good and The Bad
Posted: January 4, 2012 Filed under: Family, wisdom, Writing | Tags: accident, Blog, family, lottery, Lucy, pregnancy, surprise, things that go bump 50 CommentsEver had that unexpected event – something that was good, or bad, that took you off guard? We all have. It could be that turn around the corner where you smack straight into your office-mate carrying a cup of coffee (woops!) to scraping off the last bit of that lotto scratcher and winning $100. On a larger scale, maybe it’s seeing the result of the pregnancy test, or learning that your cancer went into remission.
Here are a few interesting surprises I’ve had:
– Getting a call from my wife that someone slammed into our mini-van … that was PARKED in our driveway, and then our mini-van, in turn, was propelled into our house!
Yep, that was our mini-van!
– A rattlesnake when I came up to the front gate of our house. Can you say hoe-down??
– Tire blowout, going 80 mph – fortunately, I was able to control the vehicle with no damage to the car.
– My Lovely Bride (MLB) wrote a short piece recognizing me as a father, and the piece was read out loud in front of about 800 people (much to my surprise) at church!
– All of our kids graduating from high school – it can be harder for some than others (some of you know what I’m talking about)! Wait, I know what I’m talking about. I’m lucky I made it through HS!
– Getting a check in the mail from a relative when I was unemployed that covered the cost of that month’s mortgage payment.
– Blogging has been a very pleasant surprise – have loved writing and meeting so many interesting people.
And my list of surprises I would like to see:
– MLB and I live to be at least 100 years old, AND have our mental and physical abilities still in tact!
– No, or greatly reduced, fear of flying (I have a pretty severe flying anxiety due to hereditary brain chemistry issues).
– Reconciliation among members of my immediate family. We all have our issues, like any family.
– Actual retirement to enjoy time with MLB and our hobbies. Not sure if this will happen given the economy, and our financial situation at this time.
– Our children and grandchildren doing whatever gives them purpose in life.
– One of my family members, or I, hit a multi-million dollar lottery (we will have to play to actually win though, right??).
– If we can’t make it to 100 yrs of age, at least to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.
These are just some of the things that quickly came to mind for me.
Now, it’s your turn:
1) What unexpected events have you experienced?, and
2) What surprises would you like to see?
You all must have some great stories! 🙂
“New” is Not the OLD “New”
Posted: December 30, 2011 Filed under: Blogging, Family, Humor, wisdom, Writing | Tags: abs, Blog, Eminem, family, home, is the new, proverb, writing 47 CommentsNostalgia,
Sentimentality,
Romantic notions,
Thoughtful recollection.
Another year. And time for reflection.
Stream-of-consciousness-style.
From the time I was a wee lad, I’ve always loved a profound word, or the wisdom of a proverb. When I was a child, my dad would bring home these calendars that had sayings on the top of each page. You know, “Early to bed, early to rise …” – that kind of thing. I would read all of them in a couple of hours and pore over their meaning for days.
I remember thinking how old my grandparents were, years ago, when they were the age I am today. I wondered what it would be like to be THAT old.
“Old age is fifteen years older than I am.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
This is one of the things I love about blogging with this great community. There is no age – really. Young and old – let’s just say “older” – alike, share their experiences; their hopes, dreams, failures, and yes, their successes.
And their boundless creativity.
ethericwarriors.com
It’s like being around one of those electric-y gizmos that has all those tiny lightning bolt things in a clear globe and when you touch it your hair stands up straight. That’s the kind of excitement I get reading about everything so many of you do. The writing, drawing, photography, graphic design, etc. – along with your thoughts and emotions.
I’ve felt younger than I was, since I entered my 20’s. So I’ve been a proponent of the “30 is the new 20,” and then, “40 is the new 30,” and lately “50 is the new 30 40.” 🙂
Yes, the once-tight pecs are now soft-ish-man-breasts; the eight-pack abs have been relegated to a single-pack; the hair drizzled mostly grey; and legs that used to run 20 miles at a time, are now struggling to make it up a few flights of stairs!
But I don’t envy youth; I admire them. Still relating to their enthusiasm and zest for life. I AM 20, 30, 40, and 50! Really! I am all of those ages. The thrill of bench-pressing 280 lbs several times, running six-minute-miles ad nauseum, flexing 15 inch guns in the mirror, wooing my lovely bride at 26 years old, slapping gel on my newly cut “fade,” and flooring the accelerator on my Camaro, are all vivid memories.
But I also look back at the smiles on my kids’ faces, their sports and arts done well (mostly), and the successes and mistakes I made as a husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
So, I don’t get bummed out as another year ends, and a new one begins. It’s just the next chapter in the book.
As I hit play on my iPod, Eminem rings out:
“Till the roof comes off, till the lights go out
Till my legs give out, can’t shut my mouth …”
I can’t help but think, “‘New’ is the new ‘new’!”
And Down the Stretch They Come …
Posted: December 6, 2011 Filed under: Family, Humor, wisdom | Tags: christmas, family, holiday, home, horse, Humor, personal, random, Snow, travel, writing 20 Comments
aka, How I Ran Away from Home
The first cold night of the year, my mind jumps back to an old memory. One that makes me lol … a LOT!
When I was a child, grocery stores used promotions to bring customers in the door. One of those was called “Let’s Go To The Races.” When you bought groceries, you were given a ticket that had the race number and your horse’s number on it. On a particular night each week, during a commercial break, the races ran (from a taped race) and if your horse won, you won a prize or small amount of cash.
For a large, fairly low-income family like ours, this was pretty exciting for my brothers and sisters – there were seven of us – and me. To be fair, dad had us rotate the honor of holding the ticket.
On this particularly cold, blustery winter night, it was my turn to be the ticket holder – or so I thought. At eight or so years of age, I spoke up when the ticket was passed to one of my siblings instead of me.
The age old discussion ensued:
“Hey, it’s my turn!!”
“Nun-uh!”
“Yes-huh!”
And finally ended, as all disputes did in those days, with dad making the Solomon-like final judgement. There was no changing the ruling. In this particular case, in the Monaghan People’s Court, I was the loser.
I was, and have usually been, an optimist. But for some reason, I decided that this was the final straw. I’m not even sure that there were other straws to begin with! But, in my haste, my only choice seemed to be finding another home. One where I could hold the ticket on my rightful turn. So there Mr. Solomon, in all your wisdom! I’ll show you.
Wisely, I felt that clothes were a must. But how to carry them? We had no backpacks then. Suitcases were the parents domain. Ah!, I had a brilliant idea: Just pull the drawers out of the chest of drawers. As I began pulling them out one-by-one, fuming as the rest of the clan watched the “races,” I realized that they were pretty heavy and there were four of them.
It was snowing hard outside. In fact there was a blizzard. There were already six inches of snow on the ground. Again, another light bulb went off: We had this great seven-seater toboggan. So, off I went, drawer-by-drawer placing them on the toboggan.
I used one just like this. (sledwarehouse.com)
And drawers something like this. (donation2decor.com)
This was gonna be perfect. I had clothes, AND transportation, and I was on my way. Ready to venture into the world – at eight years old! I was free! I threw on my sneakers, grabbed the rope on the toboggan and began my journey out the garage door. As I looked back, I heard the click of the lock turning from inside on the door handle. Dad must have locked me out. Didn’t matter to me. Good riddance, family. Enjoy the “races.” Be as unjust as you want; all by yourselves.
Only one problem: As I trudged into the snow, the moisture penetrated the canvas on my shoes and the snow dampened my long sleeved shirt, I realized I had made a major miscalculation – I didn’t think about bringing a coat! Apparently dad did not overlook this error before he locked the door. Tail between my legs, I slowly made my way back into the garage. I was FREEZING cold.
When I knocked on the inside door, Solomon dad responded with a “Who is it?” As if someone coming to the inside garage door was a normal occurrence; in a blizzard, no less.
I never attempted to run away again ;). And looking back, maybe this is why I always look at what the contingencies are in every situation; to the point of sometimes over-thinking things.
My dad probably doesn’t even remember this happening. With a family as large as ours, a lot of crazy things occurred (and still do). But I certainly remember it well, and it still makes me laugh.
Wow! 35 years – Really?!?!
Posted: November 18, 2011 Filed under: Lifestyle, wisdom | Tags: Graduation, High school, Jimmy Carter, reunion 6 Comments
To my high school classmates:
I recently received an invitation to join a facebook group regarding a reunion, in June 2012, for our high school class – the 35th. Okay … whose cruel joke was this??
At first I thought, is it possible that I graduated from high school so long ago. In 1977?? For God’s sake, Jimmy Carter was the president, Elvis died, disco was king, and Rocky won best picture. How can that be?
It’s so hard to believe that so many years have passed. SO quickly. When it seems like yesterday that we graduated, I reflect on everything that has happened in my life: marriage, children, grandchildren, the Air Force, places we have lived and visited, various jobs, and the people who have passed on from this life. And that’s summing it up in the briefest terms possible.
High school may have been a fantastic time for you, or it may have been very difficult. Were you the artistic type? Or more on the athletic side? Into science or math – full of smarts? Or like me, very average in the academic arena? Maybe you led the cheers, or cheered with the crowd. Did you attend parties, or were you more of a homebody? Like all large high schools, we had our share of all kinds, and mixtures of all of the above.
However you felt about high school, at Burke, one of the the things I most enjoyed was the level of excellence in the various programs. As a yearbook photographer I was able to enjoy a myriad of events. And nearly all programs were successful.
While I was not a participant in most of those events, I was a huge supporter and enjoyed watching so many talented people in action. I spectated at gymnastics events, football, basketball, cross country, and tennis events. Our drama department put on some the best entertainment as well. I saw choirs perform, the band, and numerous club activities. Some of you I knew personally. Others, I observed from the outside or through the lens of my camera.
Our journeys to this point may be very different. Some of you may have suffered through difficulties like a rough divorce, struggling with addiction, or being involved in an accident. And at the same time, we have all experienced similar situations: Having loved ones die, growing older, developing relationships with family and friends, and getting wiser (hopefully).
In your work life, you found success, and failure may have come your way from time-to-time. Maybe you love what you do, hate what you do, or you’re unemployed or retired. As life goes on, I realize how much more important the relationships are than what we do. It is “who we know” – not in the old way of networking and scratching someone else’s back – but in that “who we know” makes us who we are. Those we love, and the ones who love us. The family and friends we have been able to keep in touch with over the years, and the ones we have rekindled relationships with after many years (a very positive aspect of social media sites like facebook). Or, perhaps there are those new friendships that we just recently struck up in our new job, new location, or new place of worship.
The sad part of the reunion will be the empty seats of those who have passed from this life. Our thoughts will honor them during this event. Perhaps an empty table and chairs, and a moment of silence, to honor them would be appropriate.
Classmates, as we move into our 35th anniversary of our graduation, I wish all of you the very best in life, in relationships, and most importantly, in growing old gracefully!
“Tomorrow! Tomorrow! …”
Posted: October 10, 2011 Filed under: Lifestyle, wisdom | Tags: Annie, Blog, Glee, procrastination, Wall Street 6 CommentsI’m sitting on the couch with my laptop – actually using it as a “laptop,” for a change – typing this post. For some reason, I prefer to use it on a tabletop. It just seems easier to type that way.
With the discernment of a high school guidance counselor from Glee, I have officially confirmed what I do well outside of the working world:
1) Run errands.
2) Work on half-finished home projects.
3) Catch up on gmail and facebook.
4) Read other blogs.
5) Make lists of things to do.
6) Watch the occasional tv show.
7) Do laundry – I find it relaxing believe it or not.
8) Fix a cup of coffee with my k-cup machine – several times a day.
So you’re all laughing, thinking to yourself: “I wouldn’t do some of those things, I’m more self-motivated!” Seriously?? Really??
First of all, who doesn’t HAVE to have coffee, and B) unless you’re “she-who-shall-not-be-named,” – c&c – woops, did I say that out loud?? – you have to check your gmail and fb from your phone all the time, and 3. a day without tv, is like … a day without tv!, and D) one must have clean clothes, and thusly, everyone must make lists -and keep them in safe places where they can be lost.
I know, you’d be writing another novel – seemingly half of my fellow bloggers on https://www.facebook.com/groups/240976049268613/ are, building another Happiness Wall – http://crittersandcrayons.com/, fixing to get a wedding shindig going – http://torinelson.wordpress.com/, designing costumes – http://theobservationalistnyc.com/about/, marching against Wall Street – http://megandagata.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/a-few-thoughts-on-occupy/ etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.
You know what, there’s another thing I’m very good at, unfortunately – procrastination. I’m working my way to achievement, one day at a time, though, trying to conquer it! ; ). Like Annie sang, there’s always
Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You’re always
A day
A way!
“Bartender, I’ll Have a ‘Remarkable’, Please”
Posted: September 25, 2011 Filed under: Leadership, Lifestyle, wisdom | Tags: Bartender, Billy Beane, Brad Pitt, Cocktail, Drink, Harvard, Harvard University, Heidi Chronicles, Moneyball, Oakland, Oakland Athletics, Pulitzer Prize, Shopping, Tony Award, Wendy Wasserstein, World Series 2 Comments
“Remarkable” Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 part preparation and practice
- 2 parts inspiration
- 1 part dedication and desire
- 2 parts God-given ability
- A dash of encouragement
- A pinch of sacrifice
Mixing instructions:
Pour first four ingredients into a tall glass and stir. Float the dash of encouragement and pinch of sacrifice on top.
“Don’t live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable.” (Tony Award– and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Wendy Wasserstein.)
I’ve always wanted to be remarkable at everything. Not your garden-variety, everyday good, or very good; but remarkable.
From the time I was little, when they called names for awards, I daydreamed that my name would be called. “Ladies and gentlemen, our only 4.0 gpa …” – me. “Scholarship to Harvard, congratulations …” – me! Run the mile in gym class and set a new school record – me! Swim a sub-one minute, 100 meter breaststroke – no problem; accomplished by me.
Something I would draw!
Pick up a spanish book, and in only four short steps, fluent – me. Piano and guitar prodigy – me. Read art books, learn about every artist in history, put brush to paint – BAM!!, Picasso junior – me.
I’ve had the desire and dedication. That’s never been an issue. Read, study, practice. Read, study, practice. Still not remarkable. I played years and years of basketball; very good player. Great? Not really. Remarkable, certainly not. I’ve read hundreds of books, and taken dozens of classes and seminars on management and leadership. Again, very good, but “no cigar,” as the saying goes.
Moneyball with Brad Pitt as Billy Beane
This weekend, my wife and I saw the movie Moneyball about Billy Beane, the GM of MLB‘s Oakland A’s baseball team. He has accomplished great things, in my mind; but in his, he only considers his career remarkable if they win the World Series (which they haven’t under his leadership). His motto is that it doesn’t matter how many games you win, if you lose the last game of the season (ie, the championship).
I ask myself all the time, is “very good,” good enough? Where’s the remarkable? You know, maybe it’s not so much in being remarkable, as it is in trying to be remarkable.
Oh the Places You’ll Go … Part 1
Posted: August 11, 2011 Filed under: wisdom | Tags: chocolate, Dr. Seuss, ice cream, Oh the places, sleepless in seattle, slump, wisdom Leave a comment
When you’re looking for wisdom, where should you turn? Why Dr. Seuss of course, at every turn.
“I’m sorry to say so
but, sadly, it’s true,
that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump. And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.”
We’ve seen it in sports, and it happens to us as we go through the different “seasons” of life. One day you’re up, and the next – well, let’s just say, “break out the donuts, ice cream, chocolate, etc.” (insert favorite comfort food, here). For the guys, you turn on TV to something escapist like “Fast and Furious”, and for some women it might be “Sleepless in Seattle,” or perhaps a TV-movie on Lifetime.
So the question of the day is: “What do you do to ‘un-slump’ yourself?”
mj monaghan 
