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Through the eyes of a writer and traveler π! Life and some spiritual musings. |
Welcome Y'all π€ . I'm into animal rescue and rights. Positive vibes and activism! π»π This will be my last year here. It's been interesting for the past 20 years. It's time for moving on with my writing and growing as a person. What you don't like Don't do to another. Rabbi Hillel Do unto others as you would have someone Do unto you. Jesus π |
Hi y'all π€ . I didn't expect to write another post here, to be honest. A few people knew I was leaving but many didn't. Some dear hearts included me( anyway !) and my nature has always been caring. This year instead of participating in the birthday π π festival ( I pulled out of the BD Bastion and didn't even try to do another contest that sounded really far out. It was about writing a blog about 10 live concerts I've ( we've) been to and memories about being on Writing. Com. Not fluff but real experiences with others during our time here. Things we've learned or connections forged. I wrote an outline couple of weeks ago and that's all. For now, I'm going to keep my focus on the good things here and most of all the real and true folks. Some known for years and others more recent. I'm working on a book π of my poems, Haiku's and maybe song's. I need to streamline my portfolio here and keep the best on it π! There's a lot of clutter after 20 years and a name change LoL! I want to use this blog for positive change and to keep connected to a few special folks ππΈπ―οΈπͺ¬πΆπΉππΉπ₯³. Over the past week have done much praying and rethinking my life. Heading towards the big Seven oh yeah π! Last week a Nurse asked me how old I was, and when I replied lol, she was shocked and said " No Way! You look like your in your late 50's! Considering I didn't have my usual makeup π on , that was a real upper to me. Even with the pain and everything else. They adjusted my thyroid medication and should feel better ( with that stuff) in 7 to 10 days! Hurray! I will share a few other blogs and other good stuff from good writers here on WDC! I also had some great links for the Twilight Zone forum. I used to share this on the news feed but for now, I'll let y'all few know via email. Have a blessed week π· π πΉ From my heart to yours. π»πΆππΈ |
Hi to the few people who were decent to me and real here. I've given a lot of thought about leaving WDC for the past few months. There was an incident with another member that also played into my decision. I never talked about it to anyone but saw that the person, told me personal things about others. It seems like a pattern of gossip and the friendship ended 2 months ago but I didn't feel comfortable here since things they said in the end to me. There's too much drama going on here and honestly a lot of ego as well. I came here 20 years ago to learn how to write better. For the past 2 years had more time here because I wasn't raising the grandkids anymore. I joined groups to find friends and find support and to encourage others. Most of the groups fell apart. And couldn't find any more to join here. Which was fine. One I left had been awesome yet to be honest, was trying to avoid that person. I don't like conflicts, but try to resolve or at least reason with others but some people don't. If you don't agree with them your sub human. Like some people are about politics or religion. They don't like to be confused with the facts. They don't like you for being honest. A few folks here have been supportive and it mattered how I was. They wanted me to stay. Bless those good souls. Others are just about how many badges they have or how many reviews they gave. That's their thing it's their right. I'm about quality not quantity. I've been on other sites and have written for quite a few. This used to be more like my home page - until it wasn't. It's not the site It's the way people are mistreated if they don't " fit in" or they judge you. That's not a healthy climate for anyone (in my opinion and experience) I never gossiped, instead prayed for people going through it and gave support. I looked at the news feed and gave caring from my heart to those who were in pain or were struggling in life. I commented in blogs and many times never heard back. Few did that for me, when I was going through it. So my time here is almost done. I'm putting most of my port into my Docs. To be recycled in time. There's a saying If you want games Go to Toys R us. Personally I only like games like Mahjong, not head games . Have a blessed life π Interesting thing π€ I'm a preferred writer but can't find myself in a search or as a blogger. |
Hi, y'all π! Today it would be easier if I didn't write βοΈ. If I wait to feel better then who knows when I will again π! So that subject will stay on the back burner. Yesterday I did 3 random reviews and I enjoyed doing them. I even heard back from one of the authors who was nice to send me GPS for doing it. It was a short piece but well done ( it had a short word count). Last night our Air conditioner ( central air) went out and have been waiting for maintenance to get here and fix it. It's supposed to be 110 with the heat index, so hanging out under the living room fan! MoJo and Maxy our kitties are napping as is my sister. Redoing my portfolio has been going slow. I was hoping I'd been able to have a primary care person by now and feeling better. At least know what's wrong with me feeling lousy every morning and beyond. I pray π that gets resolved soon. I've been thinking about sharing more of the Greater Good site and finding others that care about animals and might " Click Free everyday" to provide food and medicine for shelter pets. It's been hard to commit to anything, because I feel so drained. I'm hoping my life isn't over and feeling this way won't ever change. It's hard to keep optimistic when my body won't let me forget it. We were going to do laundry today but the AC dying,changed that until tomorrow. Trying to gear up for the BD Bastion and being part of WDC birthday celebration π₯³. Last year I missed it trying to find pain management for my spine issues. It sucks to get older! It could be worse but why not better God G-d? Well I have to whoopi clean my bathroom. Stay cool π wherever you are π» |
Been up since the sun rose. Had important appointment to help a friend. I'm doing preparation for being in the Blog Week Birthday Bastion. I've never been part of the Birthday celebration for WDC before. Usually, I didn't know or have time but this year will be different! ( I haven't been feeling well for a couple of months and had to wait for a primary care person to be available next week. ) Didn't want to commit unless I thought I could finish. So will be Blogging and have been researching groups on WDC. Making progress. Hi y'all I just copied the above from my weekly goals. I've been pretty drained past few days ( probably more than that!) Been praying every day to thank God G-d for returning my soul to me and to give me the strength to make another day! I posted 6 days ago but no one ( saw it) or said hey. People are busy with summer , other projects and I get it! I'm looking forward to the above Writing dot Com BD bash. Maybe will feel better by then. I'm usually more social but, well many get what I mean π. I appreciated the inspiration to write more Haiku and other things from the folks, posted on my wall! I did write a new one to add! Hopefully more soon π€. Have a great week folks π. |
Hi y'all and hope you're doing ok with all the hot weather, fires, hurricane season and whatever is going on.π We sure live in complicated times and it's important to do " whatever you need to do to take care of yourself" That was the words of Leanne M. a very talented Ballerina/teacher,I studied with in Eugene OR. In that context she meant, drinking water and staying hydrated. While doing dance positions for example, we could choose to stand on our toes (as far as able) or on the balls of our feet. In the context of the book, the lesson is so far ( as I'm still reading it!) that those of us that are 50 years old have worked and put so much effort into the material side of life. Raising families and such. Now the focus on life ( 50 and above!) should be more spiritual and sharing our experiences in life to benefit others. In life, we get to those ages and see our limitations as we get older. It's not hard to feel as if " we aren't needed as much and wonder where our place in life is". Trying to recreate ourselves for this new stage in life. Yes, we are all getting older! In society and media, youth is pushed because it sells! Yet many people are older and it seems like over the past few years, Elders are starting to get more respect and it's about time! Being more spiritual can mean many things to different people. It doesn't necessarily mean more religious. Spirituality can be a moment enjoying a beautiful colorful sunset or being thankful for a majestic tree and the shade it provides. It is a personal reality. Over the years I've experienced many faiths. In each, I've learned how the core beliefs are similar. It is something that could bring people together and to me that's a good thing! In the case of being an elder, it's a good thing. There's so much division in the world today, there always has been. I believe in bringing people together and looking for how alike we are and what we can learn from each other to make a better world. Any thoughts π€ π? I always appreciate your feedback π€ πΈ! Until we meet again Stay safe Be well and happy! πβ―οΈβ‘οΈππΉβ³β |
Hi, y'all ππ€ ! And hoping the weekend will be great for everyone! I'm doing better and thankful for each one of you who cared enough to be there for me over the past month. It was a tricky time but gave me pause to think about a lot of things. Sometimes our feelings get overwhelmed and it's harder to think clearly about what's really important in life. For one thing doing what makes us happy. Writing is on my list but for a while, I couldn't see it that way. Until this week when some cool folks gave me some valuable reviews and refreshed my vision on a couple of things I wrote years ago. Wind water and the giving heart. A poem in hindsight about my philosophy on life. And The VortexX, my first try writing a story about a place where even the horses and animals avoided long ago in Oregon. Not quite horror but spooky! I thought about trying to finish it ( most of my notes were ruined in a flood years ago) I will check my digital collection, which is old emails I saved parts to. I was doing research from different sites ( few there were back then!) So it's possible! I posted and shared from our Twilight Zone forum. I had a problem but someone jumped in to lend a hand. One of the reasons I love WDC- people care! I'm worried about all the fires in Oregon right now. It's very very bad there. We lived there for most of 30 years. I know so many of the areas... Please pray for the folks in Oregon, who are losing their homes, cattle and more. I've lived through weeks of smoke in the air, where you can hardly see the sun through the brown smoke covering the sky. Thanks for prayers, or good vibes. Next week we are getting a ride to Mobile Al, so my sister can be seen at a low vision clinic. We are hoping they will be able to help her, with reading and doing puzzles again. I talked with my daughter yesterday and explained how I have to read things like temperatures for cooking and so forth. Set the air conditioner, read prices in the store and so on. Glad I'm able to. So it's been nice to have a normal post this week! See you soon π! |
Hi, y'all once again! I hope your feeling ok these days. Sending prayers for Intuey and her family for healing.β€οΈ In my last post I titled it ( maybe my last post) When I wrote it was pretty serious it might be. One kind soul reached out to me and encouraged me not to give up what I love, because of anothers treatment of me. I spent the next week or so thinking about if I should reduce my portfolio to 10 and become a free member when my membership runs out. A month ago my attitude was so positive and looking forward to adding more and being even more connected to the community. So I guess this is what you call a rock πͺ¨ in a very hard place. I was hoping by now things would be more clear about things but it's not. Someone liked my Haiku and gave me some valuable information on the types and background of them. I've been trying to write some but my creativity isn't working at this point yet. The person who was talking behind others backs is probably doing the same about me for all I know. And that's creepy. I never felt like that being here before. I thought about reaching out but didn't know who to. I used to feel connected here and except for a few, don't know how I should feel or what to think. I'm usually the one who gives good advice to others in different situations but I'm at a loss truly. I hoped to have some cool stuff to write βοΈ about instead of whatever this turned into. I'll at least continue the twilight zone group and add other stuff like the WF? ( Why files) As I know some people like it too! I may post again in weekly goals ( haven't in a couple weeks). I'm going to be taking a class on maimonides at the end of the month. I need to be part of some spirituality even if only online. The world and this country is so messed up. I try to look for the good, it's not easy some days. Politics are something I'm not into anymore. It doesn't have much to do with my day to day life. Talking about it is a sure way to find arguments and not into that either! So wishing everyone the best! Be kind to each other π |
I was going to finish my post about John and Judy Belushi today but instead of that or doing the Post for the Twilight Zone ( I may over the weekend...) I'm very upset right now I'm not going to mention names but someone here hurt me very badly. I thought this person was a good soul and honest. A " God-fearing" person wanting to do good for the sake of doing good. Instead I feel like I was slapped in the face. I was told how much better they are than me because they have more money and on and on. On WDC a lot of folks don't but no one judges them or makes them feel like less of a person because of their bank account. Many folks blog about their daily lives, some have very little, others have more and are able to travel Etc. I've never seen anyone ever over the past 20 years belittle anyone like I was just now. Put down because they are more involved on WDC, doing more reviews Etc. If this had been posted publicly SM and SM would have banned this person. Because this behavior is not tolerated here. This person has told me personal things they learned about others here and joking about it. This was unacceptable to me and made me question who this person really was. All I can say is be careful who you confide in in word or calls... Self righteous people can be toxic at the drop of a hat and it would blow people away if they knew the who... So I'm thinking of leaving WDC. It's not most people I know who are like that, we support each other and not in a phony way. Many need help with upgrades and no one makes them feel less than human. WDC is supportive of all its members from Newbies ( with free accounts even) to premium. It was a non judgemental place to write, support others, review, learn and grow πͺ΄. Now that has been taken away from me. I don't know what to believe anymore and don't feel safe.πΏπ I don't like being intimidated for who I am. Who would? |
Hi, my readers, and thanks for stopping by! Hearing about Judy's passing π―οΈπ this weekend has touched my heart on many levels. Though it's been decades since I've seen her and John, it's brought back memories that seem like yesterday to me. As many as you know here, I've written about that time and wondered out loud if there was interest in it. And some have encouraged me to share them! For a while, I've been thinking more than writing about it in my notebook π. I recently started to put pen to paper and seeing the all the comments on Facebook ( John Belushi's official page) instead of leaving mine, I decided to tell it here and perhaps share later. Brooklyn Days and New York Nights By (Drummer) Diane Fertig A saga of life during the 1970s In Greenwich Village and beyond! In January 1973 I had turned 18 the previous Christmas. I was living in a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, along with my foster mom and her 2 daughters. One being younger than me but she didn't look it. For a while I believed she was my best friend. Only time would tell the truth of that matter. We were sitting at the kitchen table, when her mother,a short woman with red hair and green eyes stood looking displeased with both of us. " You both need to get a job!" Her voice boomed in our ears. I can't afford to keep food in this house with the little I make and food stamps don't cover it either." "Um ok " I stumbled " I want to help out too". Ginger stood up saying " it's ok mom ! I bought the Village Voice and we'll look at the help wanted for something." Lana opened the door and looked back at us. Good! Try to find something before I get back from work. Good bye girls! And then she was gone. Ginger laughed " Oh s*** she's always on a trip! Don't look so worried D, she always says that. " I think she meant it and I do want to help her " as I bit my Pinky nail. Ginger pointed to an ad " hey look at this one, it's in the Village! It should be easy to get and we could be working in New York and get the hell out of Brooklyn!" Wanted Hat Check Girls! Apply at 56 1st Ave NY At The Top of the Gate Later that day we took the Subway to the West 4th Street station and soon were taking to George the manager. He Hired us on the spot! He showed us around and took us to where we'd be checking people's hats and coats. There was a bar and entertainment section. He also showed us the club in the basement. It was the bottom of the Gate and there was a show called Lemmings being done there. It was off off Broadway and he didn't say much about it and we didn't care because we were excited about getting the job! We met his wife Maggie who also worked there and she welcomed us! Life was looking great for us! The next night we stood behind the counter waiting for our first customers. We had been told to be professional and polite. We were representing a nightclub that had opened in 1958 by Art D'Lugoff. Many famous people had played there over the years from Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin ( who made her first NY appearance there) to Jimi Hendrix. So when the people started to arrive with coats and hats to be checked and a receipt given, even though I was a little nervous,it seemed to be an easy job. Most of the people were nice ( I could tell by their clothes they were very rich.) A lot smiled at first and I was starting to feel comfortable with everyone. Then I had my first rude response. The woman had a long fur coat ( probably mink) she looked at me like I was dirt. I was trying my hardest to be professional and polite, but she yelled at me " Be careful with my Coat it's very expensive and more than you make in a year." I assured her as best I could" I'll be very careful ma'am.my hands are clean. I'll make sure it's safe." She grudgingly handed it to me as I gently held it and handed her a receipt. She grabbed it and shot me another dirty look and left. By the end of our shift I wanted to quit. My feelings were hurt and I felt like I wasn't good enough to be there or maybe anywhere. My mother had told me many times as a young girl" those people don't care about us ". We had been sitting by Rockefeller center and well to do people were walking by. I never forgot it. Even though I didn't believe what she said or completely understand it-- until that night. Everyone including George and Maggie told me to stay and give it a chance. Though I didn't explain why I said " I don't think I'm right for the job" After all people didn't talk about those things in the time I was living. They hid them. To cheer me up, George took my arm and said why don't Ginger and me come down and watch the show downstairs? It was a comedy and was very funny. We walked down to the basement and found seats. The rest would become History! It was National Lampoons Lemmings and the first time I ever saw John Belushi on stage or anywhere. In a word he was Magic! He was funny and charming and soon had me laughing along with the audience. I thought Wow that's what I want to do, just like that! Later I will tell more about the show and some of the lyrics. And what life was like in the real world. For now I will share " How it all came to be" As far as being a hat check girl, I didn't want to continue. And fate created an escape! People had to wait on the steps to be let down to the Lemmings show. The hall was narrow so there was a metal pole with a chain covered in old red velvet that hooked to a clip on the wall. That night someone stole the pole and I was asked by someone who worked for Lemmings,to keep the people waiting on the landing! I said " sure I can do that!" As the people waiting were getting impatient,I took my blue suede belt and hooked it to myself and the wall! a voice said " You have an easy job!" And I just bantered back " well someone stole our pole so I'm just standing in!" Pretty soon people were laughing instead of complaining! When everyone was let down to the show, a man with a clip board came up to me" that was pretty brilliant coming up with all of that on your own! Would you like to work for me?" End of chapter for now! I didn't expect to write all of this on my phone! I thought I lost it at one point ( gasp) I copied it ( Whew!) I'll have to continue in my next post. How I met John and Judy (Both were awesome people and very kind to me and others.) I thank you for being on this journey and appreciate your feedback. If this is going to make a decent book! Thanks π π» |
I spend too much time on my phone, as many others do! It's nice to be in touch yet too much of anything isn't a good idea. I noticed that when I wrote on paper, I got a lot more writing done. I kept journals and wrote poems or story ideas, whatever it was I had a hard copy of it! I didn't have to go online to find it. Then the Internet came and it was like magic! I found WDC and other sites and it's still a good thing. Yet I'm finding that I need a balance of both. As for most of us, I have my good days and not very good ones. Sometimes we just need someone to listen and hear us. I used to belong to a group that was supportive of that kind of reality. It was nice to give and receive good input for whoever needed it. Then as most things it wasn't cultivated and people moved on. The most input was a like in my notifications. I appreciated it and at the same time realized it wasn't the same thing. It wasn't a place to share with anyone. So I left and it didn't matter! No one asked why or noticed. This whole world is going through chaos and changes. As one lady singer put it " The whole world is having mental health issues" and that's so true. We hear about mass and minor shootings. The poverty and weather caused floods and fires. We have our own personal problems from money or health issues. Conflict with family or others. It's just a human condition. We can minimize it or look at it honestly. Last post I mentioned making a place for Bloggers to share their blogs. No one saw or commented. That's cool there's plenty of places here to share it! So now I'm thinking of other ways to use my skills in writing. I'm sort of a loner here, I try to find where I fit in and right now, besides the twilight zone forum, there's no place! I'm not a super reviewer or most of the type of writing here. A few folks are nice and we touch base in blogs and such. I'm More interested in sharing good links on the Greater good folks, who have been helping people, pet's and the planet since 1999! I came to find out about them in 2004 ( the year I joined here.) I'm going to work on part 2 of Help is just a click away. It's been in my portfolio for years and not too many reviewed it. I don't go out of my way to promote things in my port. Maybe that needs to change... I'm going back to paper for awhile ( I'll still check in here and not be a total stranger!) I'm going through some personal stuff in my life and don't have a personal place to share it! Most folks like to have support for their tough days but don't know how to give it. The post I was writing ( that didn't get saved and I mentioned it last time) Was I was being really honest about how some people say they care and love you, yet their actions show different. I've seen this pattern in different people over the years and when you try to have a conversation about it, it usually ends up badly. I've lost contact with people ( friend and family) because they can't be honest with themselves let alone others. It's sad that ego is more important than love. So on a happier note π΅ I'm sharing a link that shows much good in the world. Of course if anyone has interest in any of what I was talking about let me know! Email is ok or comment π if not oh well! At least I know where I stand! What July 4th means to me! (I'll fix it if it doesn't work! I need to post to see! Hope your week goes well!) https://people.com/soldiers-adopt-stray-animals-they-fell-in-love-with-during-de... |