The Versatile Blogger's Award!

A kind thanks to dear Usha Menon for nominating my blog for the Versatile Blogger's Award - oops! on July 1st! (I am definitely running behind, my apologies.)

Versatile means "to adapt" or "able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities" according to a google search. I hope that describes me and my blog! ;)

If you are as curious as I am to know what it is about, here are some facts about this award (copying from Usha'a post as she was recently awarded):

"The Versatile Blogger's Award is given in recognition for great commitment, diverse talents, and generosity shown by bloggers. It is a great motivation and celebration of their work in the blogosphere."

The award comes with rules as follows:

1. Display the award on your blog.
2. Thank the person who has nominated you.
3. Share seven facts about yourself.
4. Nominate up to 15 bloggers.
5. Link your nominees' blogs and let them know.

Ok, here then are seven facts about me. I decided to do some silly ones 'cause after all it's summer and we are supposed to have fun, at least then, right? ;) And besides, since I have been nominated for several awards already, I would likely repeat myself having done this exercise prior.

1. When given a choice between two things, I will usually choose both!
2. I sit on a ball at work and currently on a heart-shaped cushion on top of four big fat phone books (ouch!) at home in front of my (current) desktop computer!
3. I often push elevator buttons with my pinkie, open doors with a scarf or sweater or bottom of my hand, or the side of my hand in a closed fist for other things (and I didn't think I was a germophobic!)
4. I love to do lip trills! It's a fun exercise, especially when tired/bored/frustrated/angry or the like or when waiting in line or at the bus stop, and sometimes just for fun! ;) (It is a great vocal warm-up, especially for choir.)
5. I like to invent words, sometimes with a definition and sometimes not! ;)
6. When I remember I do my body anchor and/or happy dance when really excited about something! The equivalent of "Cowabunga" perhaps?!
7. I used to doodle like crazy when on the phone and/or bored - often - in past. Now, I um, don't have anything exciting to do whilst bored and such. Anyone have any ideas, especially one where I can burn some calories easily? ;)

Ok, now your turn to those whom I nominate (in no particular order, and only five as it could get out of hand being forwarded!):

* Carol Graham whose blog http://batteredhope.blogspot.ca/ provides hope and inspiration to those who are survivors of tragedy
* Parul Kashyap Thakur whose posts seem to advocate for social issues and justice, in particular for women https://happinessandfood.wordpress.com/
* Sanch Vee who blogs at http://www.livingmyimperfectlife.com/ who, at times, questions ethical and moral principles
* Nabanita Dhar who questions life's dilemmas at http://www.nabanitadhar.in/
* Debbie D. Doglady blogs in her amusing tone on dogs, travels, and music http://thedogladysden.com/

NaBloPoMo: Make...In-person Connections?

I had to go back to my old Facebook messages to see how Carol and I initially connected as I really couldn't recall. This is how ...

I had connected with Carol via her blog posts of course. It was after I nominated her for a blogging award last July that our interactions started to increase, though slowly at first. I didn't connect with her till a few months later when I asked her about voice activation in response to a comment she had made on another blogger's post.

A month later, I asked her a question about a writing challenge we were both involved in. And then due to a remark she made on one of her blog posts, I asked her if she could do a health assessment over the phone. Early December last year, I nominated her blog for another award.

It was then that we connected a bit deeper. Carol responded saying that she had already been nominated for that award several times, and twice within the past week. However, she informed me that she follows me religiously (meaning reading my blog posts). Her comment blew me away and tickled me pink 'cause if anything I have more reason to follow her blog!

Then she gave me a virtual hug saying that sometimes she feels my pain. I was curious about her remark so questioned her about it. She was referring to my emotional pain. I figured she was probably an empath which didn't surprise me at all. (I have only met one other person other than my mother who is a true blue empath, 100%! Carol is my third.)

In early January, Carol messaged me, "If you are in Vancouver - I could meet with you in person" in follow-up to to the health questionnaire which I had completed and sent to her. I was surprised yet delighted: where did she live? How close was she?

I later learned while reading her book that she used to live in North Vancouver where I live - it IS a small world! - and lived only about an hour give or take away from where she lives now.

I had hoped we could meet on my birthday which was on a Saturday in January; however, that didn't suit her schedule. She was to meet with another online blogger, Diane Bjorling, a "social media guru" according to Carol (and perhaps to herself as well) and would meet me after visiting with her.

However late the night prior, Carol discovered that she was to pick up her dogs and it had to be that weekend. So I thought, "Great, I have another weekend to clean and tidy up before she comes over."

So instead, we met the following Saturday later afternoon, not late morning as originally planned. Though excited, I was also nervous about meeting her. I can't recall why. However, as soon as I heard her voice when she called to tell me she was on her way, I felt a sense of relief. I think she laughed and it put me at ease.

Though I thought she looked a bit different from her photo online, she didn't sound anything at all like I imagined her too.

I noticed two other things about her: (1) she looked young, younger than me as I could see - I swear - NO wrinkles! and (2) she laughs a lot and I realized that it is her humour that helps to keep her going.

We were to meet for one or two hours, though I think we ended up meeting for longer, 2-1/2 to 3 hours I believe. Regardless, time just whizzed by.

I remember wanting to ask questions about her, putting the ball in her court despite knowing that she was here to see me.

Right before she left, she signed a copy of her book (which I had asked and kept reminding her to bring with her...I didn't want her to forget!)

On Amazon online, the description for her book reads as follows,

"Carol is a determined resilient woman who endured traumatic events that would cause most others to roll over and quit. The challenges of cancer, rape, marital abuse, jail, loss of child and financial ruin coupled with a determination to succeed compels the reader to root for her to triumph. You will identify with Carol on many emotional terrains of love, loss, suffering, pain, heartbreak and ultimately renewal. This is her gripping story."

I'm not sure if I could have said it any better than that. And also if I could have, I would have read her book straight through. I was enthralled by it.

Carol says this about herself on her blog post, "If I Can Overcome Tragedies, So Can You." However, I think that statement requires - qualified actually - an exclamation remark at the end of it! (Hint, hint Carol!)

And by the way, we did meet this past weekend again, this time in Horseshoe Bay. (See photo on yesterday's post.)

Carol does love to share her inspirational life story and offer hope to others, and I am so glad she has with me and others. I highly recommend you read her book and her blog, the latter has some amusing stories and anecdotes as well.

NaBloPoMo: Make...Online Connections!

Carol Graham and I at Horseshoe Bay

Today and tomorrow being a weekend, I can post about anything as part of the NaBloPoMo challenge, though I assume related to or preferably on 'make' as this month's theme. Thus, I will write about making connections online, in terms of the blogging world at least!

I have met a few bloggers online early on through a few blogging challenges and communities. Some have become dear online friends and I truly hope to see them one day, in person. And even though some of them live in India!

One blogging female I connected with online had the most amazing stories - unbelievable! in fact, unbelievably true and of course inspiring, many tragic - along with a number of humorous posts.

I believe (going from memory here) that I initially felt an emotional connection due to her writing style. What I appreciated is that she didn't mince words. She spoke as she saw life or rather, experienced it. Truly remarkable if you read her stories.

You will find that Carol Graham often writes about the loves of her life on her blog, including her husband, children, and her 'babies' or 'other children' known as dogs - she adopts a number of rescue dogs.

Clip art image

However, I think my first read of her blog post and one that I admired was actually about do's and don'ts about blogging, of all things. I liked what she had to say and how she wrote honestly and matter-of-factly about the topic.

Similar with her post a few days later. And I also appreciated the similar themed blog post. Another of hers that I read was about speaking in public.

However, there was one blog post of hers I believe (as I can't find it tonight) that I could relate to in particular, in terms of past abuse. My sense though was that there was something else, something more regarding feeling a connection to Carol. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

On one of her posts where I commented, adding a relevant or somewhat related blog post in terms of a theme or thread of a theme, Carol responded, "Elly - you are such a brave woman. I am so glad I have connected with you. As you have said, we have a lot in common. Thank you so much for sharing this incredible story."

And now, upon re-reading this tonight - I combed through her blog since last July when I first discovered her online through a blogging community - I find it amusing that I actually said that. That is, that I have a lot in common with Carol.

I'm not sure what made me post such a remark. I do have a couple or a few things in common with her, being abused by a man, being a premie as her daughter was, and being busy, though I'm not sure what else! ;)

I feel somewhat embarrassed by my comment as I think my comment was rather arrogant. In fact, I should be humbled in what Carol overcame!

I certainly do have courage though, albeit a limited amount it seems in comparison. Carol seems to carry this trait to the 'nth degree. I say that because I actually don't know if I could have put up with what she endured. I don't believe I would have had the strength or desire to overcome the things she has experienced in her life time and time (and time and time...) again! Literally!

And yet, I think that that might possibly be the connection that I sense. [Carol if and when you read this, you can let me know your take, your version on this! ;)]

More tomorrow about this amazing miracle-of-a-woman! ;)

How do you make and/or how have you made connections online with bloggers?

NaBloPoMo on Make - a Blog, a List

As the badge implies, the theme for NaBloPoMo for the month of February is make. Interesting prompt, interesting choice of word.

Let me start by defining the word "make": As a verb, according to Google, "make" means to "form (something) by putting parts together or combining substances: construct; create.: Synonyms include the following: construct, build, assemble, put together, manufacture, produce, fabricate, create, form, fashion, model." Now, that's quite a choice of words! ;) It also means (as a verb), "cause (something) to exist or come about; bring about."

Keeping that in mind, my word of choice today and most likely for this month is create," a synonym for make, as that is the word that came to me immediately upon reading the challenge word for this month. So let's see what creative endeavours, what creations my blog posts will take, hmmm.... ;)

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The following excerpt is inspired by two posts I read recently on the same day. The first one I read was by Laurel Regan, a daily blogger: How has blogging changed your Life?. The second from another blogging friend, Carol Graham, How Can Your Blog Make an Impact? Thus, my brief inspirational post was borne! Thanks ladies! ;)

Why would anyone wish to create (or make) a blog? There are so many reasons; however, I suppose the list below would be some of the most (or more) common ones. In no particular order, any of these items can be included:

* To market a product and/or a business
* To share a trip, recipes, books, information, wisdom ...
* To write because you love to and wish to hone your writing skills
* To express yourself and your imagination through writing
* To write for enjoyment in the hopes of spreading joy to others in doing so
* To meet others worldwide (For sure! That is one reason I absolutely cherish!)
* To receive support and friendship from others, and likewise to do the same
* To be inspired by others writings and/or stories, life stories that is! (I have!)
* To learn lessons from others, so you don’t have to repeat ‘mistakes’ they made
* To learn from others, especially blogging and/or writing tips/techniques/skills
* To keep (or “make”) yourself busy if bored (Ha! That’ll be the day!)

Are there any other reasons you can think of why someone would blog? Tell me, are there reasons other than the above why you blog? I would love to hear!

P.S. I accidentally deleted someone's link to their blog post...I am truly sorry! I had wanted to read your post!

2nd Time Round: Liebster Award! Woohoo! ;)

Read this previous post about this award for details as to its origins and meaning: http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/another-award-wow-woohoo.html

Carrie Tripp, from her blog, Daily Musings nominated me for the Liebster Award yesterday, known in the western world as Giving Tuesday. Thank you Carrie! :)

You can read about her and her post yesterday at http://www.dailymusingsbycarrie.blogspot.ca/2014/12/ich-liebe-dich-and-award-too.html?showComment=1417586330904#c4140079930676445635.

There are some rules or guidelines to follow should you accept this award, but from what I have read, they vary:

*Link back to the blog from which you were nominated.
*Answer ten questions about yourself.
*Give ten new questions to your nominees.
*Nominate between five and ten new bloggers (some say 5, some say 10, your choice) [On an aside, 10 seems perhaps a bit too much, maybe get 'out of hand'.]
*Let the nominees know that they have been nominated by notifying them.
*Comment on this post when you are finished, so we can follow the trail.

My answers to Carrie's questions are italicized.

1. What inspired the first blog post you ever posted? Thanks for this question. My first blog post was inspired with the thought that if anyone googled my name, they would find out nothing about me as I was attempting to start an alternative children's/youth choir. A 'Call to Action' was acknowledgement to myself that I needed to take action and blogging in part was that first step as indicated by the picture I used. (Since I was new to blogging, my first two posts in particular were rather lengthy...ahem....oops!) ;)

2. If your life was a reality show, what would the theme song be? I can think of fairytales but no songs come to mind at the moment. Let me ponder this one as I do like this question...

3. Name your blogging hero. Why do they get that position? Though I could name other bloggers whose 'work' (writing) I admire - some whom I nominated the first time I won this award, including Penny McDaniel (whom you chose Carrie Tripp: wise choices!) - and particularly two based on their inspirational life story, I will instead nominate them as my first two nominees at the end.

Amy Bovaird, diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa while still travelling, teaching, and later writing a book is a major inspirational hero in my eyes. And Carol Graham too whom has overcome such major adversities in life - seven (I believe) that would leave most people flat or dead. These women are 'fighters!' ;)

I also feel a bit of a hero, actually more of a survivor perhaps, in that I have been working hard at blogging as of late, especially the three months of daily blogging (in July, September, and November of this year) that I have undertaken thus far. Not only writing, reading/researching for my own posts, but also reading and commenting on other bloggers' posts, and those who comment on mine. It takes dedication AND time! ;)

4. If you could live anywhere other than where you currently reside, where would it be? This is an interesting question 'cause where I live feels most like 'home' for me and reminds me of Europe. I think down the road I would like to move to the interior of BC in Nelson, a town that is known for 'hippies' like myself at heart and art - hey that rhymes! ;) I think that I would feel most at home there. :)

5. What food best describes your personality? Two answers come to mind: pizza 'cause I love it and it's a mix of anything you want to put/throw onto it just like I am: a potpourri of ingredients or qualities... LOL ...and cookies...hard on the outside at times, but soft on the inside ...hmmm..or is that the other way around?! ;)

6. It makes me uncomfortable when __________ reads the articles I post. I'm not sure if my Dad reads them anymore, but I think he did at one time! ;)

7. What was the last news report you read/heard that gave you hope and inspired you about? A young boy who wanted to help the homeless due to something he witnessed, and also two young children - two girls(?) who protested against the potential pipeline on Burnaby Mountain in Burnaby, BC. I love these younger 'evolutionary' children who are being born of late: they are so sweet and generous and kind...wanting to help others whether people, animals, and/or the planet! :)

8. If you could do anything and KNEW you couldn’t fail, what would you do? ONLY one (1) thing?! SO many things come to mind, in no particular order: author, public speaker, choir director, conductor of an orchestra - ok, that last one is pure fantasy! ;)

9. Have you ever been a recipient of “pay it forward” ? Have you ever paid it forward? Which is better? Yes, I believe I have though have to think about the first question - these awards that I have won on my blog where you are encouraged to 'pay it foward' comes to mind. There may be other instances, but I cannot think of any other at the moment! I have paid it forward and I wrote a blog post, actually two, about that in fact: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/from-kindness-of-strangers.html AND http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2012/02/pay-it-forwardwith-umbrella.html

Though receiving is always a pleasure, it is a great feeling to give as well, when it is sincere and comes from the heart. There is no lesser or better than...read my post today about that! ;) (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/12/december-2nd-givingtuesday-national-day.html)

10. Christmas or Thanksgiving?This is a tough one for me as I sometimes have a challenge with Christmas having no partner and/or children; however, I do see my folks. I think Christmas is for kids and though there are wonderful qualities about Christmas, I do not like the consumerism. Other than that, I would say Christmas for the season of giving and love that is felt in the air generally-speaking...sometimes, I admit I can be a bit of a humbug due to loneliness I think. Though Thanksgiving is a wonderful tradition as well (which I also blogged about in October), in terms of a meal and giving thanks, I so long to donate my time to serve meals to those who are homeless.

10 Questions for My Nominees:
1. What inspired you to write a blog?
2. What inspires you in your writing?
3. Are there bloggers who inspire you or have inspired you? (3 names and/or blog sites)
4. How did these bloggers inspire you?
5. How would you describe your writing style?
6. Who is your ideal audience, i.e., reader of your blog?
7. What are your favourite types of books to read?
8. Do these books (#6) influence your writing/blog and if so, how?
9. Do you write about family/friends/pets? Directly or indrectly or both?
10.Who do you most admire and why?

I would like to nominate the following bloggers for the Liebster Award:

1. Amy Bovaird (for her humourous, poke-fun-at-self anecdotes with her limited vision)
2. Carol Graham (for her warm and compassionate stories based on her inspirational life)
3. Francene Stanley (for her true-to-life posts with such fascinating tidbits of info)
4. Lynn Ward (for her delicious, healthy organic recipes)
5. Amy Young Miller (for her fun amusing stories about farm-living with her two daughters)
6. Aathira Jim (for her wonderful poetic writing)

Nominees, remember to link back to this post in your post. Answer the 10 questions I gave you, nominate 5 to 10 bloggers, give them 10 new questions, and come back and comment on this post when you’re done. Congratulations and have fun!

Please take this as the compliment it is. You aren’t required to complete this process. However, when you do you are gaining readers for your blog and for everyone attached to this one. :)

Soulful Sunday: 4th NaBloPoMo Favourite Blog Posts: Mine and Yours

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

It seems that Forecasting my Foggy Bloggy Future was my favoured post this past week which surprised me, and yet I suppose it makes sense. Followers of my blog may especially be curious as to where I am going with my blog(ging) for various reasons.

I had hoped that my inspired poem and its reverse mirror image - A New Angle on 'You' or is that 'Me?' ;) - would achieve first position. However, that post http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/a-new-angle-on-you-or-is-that-me.html tied with NaBloPoMo Social Media Challenge at http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/nablopomo-social-media-challenge.html.

Now, onto a number of blog posts I enjoyed this past week, in no particular order (except possibly date wise going backwards) are as follows:

Laurel Reagan's very short post but with a long title, Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 56 + 100 Happy Days – Day 72 at http://www.alphabetsalad.com/todays-gratitude-list-linkup-no-56-100-happy-days-day-72/ on enjoying life: forget everything else, just zentangle! At least for her! ;)

Shailaja Vishwanath's Pushed to the brink- #Five sentence #Fiction with a witty mother-in-law! http://www.shailajav.wordpress.com/2014/11/23/pushed-to-the-brink-five-sentence-fiction/

Shilpa Garg's post on Toilet for Babli, though a sad read, is important to help those in an important and basic need for sanitation, women and girls particularly: http://www.shilpaagarg.com/2014/11/toilet-babli.html

Carol Grahama's post, Were You Born With It? was an interesting take on selling: http://www.batteredhope.blogspot.ca/2014/11/were-you-born-with-it.html was a delightful read on how to sell and how not to, a post within that post! ;)

Pixie wrote Peter's Treasure, a short nonfiction story which was a suspenseful read, at least for me: http://www.mytakeoneverything9.wordpress.com/2014/11/23/peters-treasure/

Roshan Radhakrishnan's post, Year 10 - Happiness is the Path at http://www.godyears.net/2014/11/year-10-happiness-is-path.html was inspiring as a blogger. I was SO excited by his post and felt inspired by it; however, I hope I do not have to wait 10 years to be recognized for my writing aptitude! ;)

SanchLivingLife's post had a different viewpoint on this important topic: Eliminate Violence Against Women #WhiteRibbonDay at http://www.livingmyimperfectlife.com/eliminate-violence-against-women-white-ribbon-day/.

Rajlakshmi H Boruah's post Sunrise at Huskisson, featured a lovely sunrise that I would have loved to see perhaps as a video as well: http://www.shutterbug-rajlakshmi.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/sunrise-at-huskisson.html

Nisha Sanjeev's post on I am too precious! was a refreshing read; http://www.nishasanjeev.blogspot.ae/2014/11/i-am-too-precious.html. I absolutely loved what she had to say including her powerful statement at the end.

Inderpreet Kaur Uppal's post Nurturing My Child’s Explosive Potential For Change at http://www.womensweb.in/2014/11/happy-india-childrens-ideas/ I found an inspiring post for children and mothers alike.

Aditi Kaushiva's post, Each Morning Beckons, her gratitude poem at http://www.makeitbeayoutiful.blogspot.in/2014/11/each-morning-beckons.html

Tulika Singh's endearing post, Pigeon mums don't quite make the cut was an amusing post on motherhood: http://www.obsessivemom.blogspot.in/2014/11/pigeon-mums-dont-quite-make-cut.html

Shailaja Vishwanath's important post on Would you write about your pain? http://www.shailajav.wordpress.com/2014/11/28/would-you-write-about-your-pain/ rendered views between fiction and non-fiction writers: no surprise there at least for me! ;)

Rajlakshmi H Boruah's first attempt on a short piece of fiction, Drabble - Oh No !! at http://www.destinychildosheen.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/drabble-oh-no.html was a delight to read.

Nabanita Dhar's post on To Do or Not To Do... at http://www.nabanita-blacknwhite.blogspot.in/2014/11/to-do-or-not-to-do.html#.VHmNa2eVZac probably because I can SO relate! ;)

Carol Graham's post The Best Gift ..... Ever was a tender touching story about an unusual gift that made her day and her Christmas! ;) Read http://www.batteredhope.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-best-gift-ever.html for details.

Nabanita Dhar's post on I've Spoken..It's Your Turn Now! on a clean India offered some practical ideas and solutions to an environmental issue: street litter! http://nabanita-blacknwhite.blogspot.in/2014/11/ive-spokenits-your-turn-now.html#.VHnXmTGUdtg. Something about the following lines that she wrote in particular that I bolded appealed to me: "...this campaign for a cleaner India. I quite like it you know and it's about time we do something about it. After all cleanliness is next to Godliness, isn't it?"

I sure do hope you get a moment to enjoy these posts! Or rather, did you get a chance to read any of these them? ;) And did you find them as enjoyable as I did?

Soulful Sunday: 3rd NaBloPoMo Favourite Blog Posts: Mine and Yours

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

Wow! There were A LOT of wonderful posts this past week; however, I think I may have read more than the usual number of posts - I think! - so quite a challenge to name only a few.

I will categorize them so you can pick and choose if you prefer; however, I will start with mine: My favoured post this past week was Books Inside Me? not surprisingly as those who responded are all writers! ;) http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/books-inside-me.html ... with From the Kindness of Strangers following second (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/from-kindness-of-strangers.html).

On the topic of realism including posts for a good cause are the following (in date order from oldest to most recent chronologically):

I had read Vinodini Iyer's post first, A plateful of compassion to help feed starving children in India (http://vinodinii.blogspot.ca/2014/11/a-plateful-of-compassion.html?showComment=1416201120196#c7058932907373383942) before I read a few others on the same theme.

Adita Kaushiva's Food Over Education, or Both? #BlogToFeedAChild at
http://www.makeitbeayoutiful.blogspot.in/2014/11/food-over-education-or-both.html was also contributing to this noteworthy cause (as stated above).

Inderpreet Kaur Uppal's brilliant idea to feed children in India in #DonateYourParty & #BlogToFeedAChild can be applied anywhere else in the world, I think!: http://inderpreetkaur.blogspot.in/2014/11/donateyourparty-blogtofeedachild.html

Another important issue effecting many people in India is noted by Nabanita Dhar on her post from nothingness to I've Got Something Important to Say... (http://nabanita-blacknwhite.blogspot.in/2014/11/ive-got-something-important-to-say.html#.VGxAd2eVZac). And with the click of your computer mouse, you can make a big impact on the lives of others, similar to the two posts above.

Vidya Sury's witty titled post, Do you #giveashit @worldtoiletday #ToiletForBabli @DomexIndia @UN_Water was an eye-opener for me as I wasn't aware of this. It makes perfect sense though and I hope her blogging will contribute to spreading awareness, hope, and money and the means to build toilets for those in need, especially women, children and the like: http://vidyasury.com/2014/11/world-toilet-day-2014.html

Contrast Nabanita and Vidya's posts above to Francene Stanley's theme. France wrote a very important, must-read post, How clean are you really? http://511580395457358476.weebly.com/blog/how-clean-are-you-really. If you wish to keep healthy, this is one way to do it! ;)

On a much lighter note and with a great sense of fun and joy, I particularly enjoyed the second video in Shilpa Garg's post to make a case on Staying Healthy Can Be Fun, http://shilpaagarg.com/2014/11/staying-healthy-can-fun.html Do watch: it's a riot!

Carol Graham's post, 6 Ways to Turn a Blogger Off is a practical post with important tips essential as a must-read for all current or potential bloggers: http://batteredhope.blogspot.ca/2014/11/6-ways-to-turn-this-blogger-off.html.
(I know I used to be guilty of two or three of these blogging 'sins' as I was still learning...wished I had known way back then, right at the beginning!)

Usha Menon penned a lovely poem on the way of being a parent, i.e., mother in My Home, http://eccentricgrandmum.blogspot.in/2014/11/my-home.html.

Never say never at http://www.livingmyimperfectlife.com/never-say-never/#comment-110247 was SanchLivingLife's post on the amusing power of this word. Like Sanch, I too came to learn the true meaning of saying "never!" That is I should say "never" IF I want something to come true! ;)

Now, onto some fiction (though some could be non-fiction...sometimes I can't tell!) - and rather short posts:

Kathy Combs, Destiny within the Jaws of Death, a powerful read (which I don't want to give away): http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.ca/2014/11/destiny-within-jaws-of-death.html

Cold Haiku was another powerful post by Kathy, this one of lost love, http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.ca/2014/11/cold-haiku.html

And yet another by Kathy Combs, The Money Pit - realistic and what a predicament: http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-money-pit.html

Cat Graham's post, Ten things you would tell your 16 year old self if you could was 'motherly advice,' ahem 'wisdom' to a growing teen - yourself - at that age: http://cattitudeandgratitude.blogspot.ca/2013/01/ten-things-you-would-tell-your-16-year.html Who could resist that!?

And Cat's unusual take on a prompt, Dinner Invitation: http://cattitudeandgratitude.blogspot.ca/2014/11/dinner-invitation.html?showComment=1416532434745#c1894527543306388884

Usha Menon's delightful and amusing post of photos, smile a while of sleeping animals and babies at http://eccentricgrandmum.blogspot.in/2012/12/smile-while.html

A longer, though extremely amusing, even hilarious and witty post, this one by Nabanita Dhar on When Writers chat on WeChat brought a huge upward curve to my lips: http://nabanita-blacknwhite.blogspot.in/2013/05/when-writers-chat-on-wechat.html#.VG1CScno430. A brilliant post! Don't you think she's a writer? I keep telling her, "Nabanita, you ARE a writer!" :)

Nabanita Dhar's more serious and true-to-life version of A Missed Touch http://nabanita-blacknwhite.blogspot.in/2014/11/a-missed-touch.html#.VG6Tz8no430 was extremely sweet and tender. I was definitely moved! (Even though it featured an appropriate commercial, I wish that video was in English or had English subtitles!)

A category on its own is a hand-drawn picture entitled Wanderlust - Zentangle from Rajlakshmi at http://destinychildosheen.blogspot.ca/2014/11/wanderlust-zentangle.html?showComment=1416621827406#c1606822430409268189.

I'm stopping there, only Monday to Friday as there are a ton of favourable blog posts. Except for the first few posts, most are quick or relatively quick reads.

I sure do hope you get a moment to enjoy these posts! Or rather, did you get a chance to read any of these them? ;) And did you find them as enjoyable as I did?

Have a great blogging and/or reading week!

Soulful Sunday: Favourite Weekly Posts - Mine and Yours

Photo of me by Roberto Kaplan


Hello Readers,

I am leaving off where I continued this weekend series at my last blog post challenge, i.e., Ultra Blog Challenge in September.

It seems that the two favoured of my blog posts I wrote this past week were the following: November is National Novel Writing Month (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/november-is-national-novel-writing-month.html), followed by my Thursday' post, Me? Professional Blogger? And You? - not a surprise there (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/todays-post-is-nablopomo-prompt-with.html) and My Blogging Voice (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/my-blogging-voice.html).

Speaking of surprise, I was rather taken aback about the lack of enthusiasm for my Post-Halloween Photos... post (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/post-halloween-photos.html). And I'm glad I was able to empower/inspire someone by this posting, Writing when Emotional? Not! - still wonder about the title! - http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/writing-when-emotional-not.html.

What post would you most favour of mine this past week, and why? The feedback is good for me to learn to improve my writing and/or blog!

And my favourite posts that I read this past week, in no particular order:

Carol Graham's post, My Dog Can Talk, http://batteredhope.blogspot.ca/2014/11/my-dog-can-talk.html though sad is one you dog lovers in particular will appreciate!

Rajlakshmi wrote an amusing post, The curious case of Terrifying Typos, http://destinychildosheen.blogspot.ca/. It is a must read in my opinion, especially if you want a good chuckle!

Another fun read and great perspective, one posted by Nabanita, Dear Central Incisors, http://nabanita-blacknwhite.blogspot.ca/2014/11/dear-central-incisors.html#.VF9HbmeVZac.

Meena Menon - you aren't related to Usha Menon are you? ;) - wrote a fun post at Bingo Reading Challenge - An Update!: Take a look as I think you blogger/readers will enjoy it! ;) (http://meenasspace.blogspot.ca/2014/11/bingo-reading-challenge-update.html)

I appreciated Usha Menon's blog about pens, Where is my pen! - http://eccentricgrandmum.blogspot.ca/2014/11/where-is-my-pen.html

Suzy Que's creative post, Playing with Six Words and a Pot of Pretty Flowers: http://suzyspics.blogspot.ca/2014/11/playing-with-six-words-and-pot-of.html.

Eli Z's post - not because of her name! ;) - The World through Expat Eyes has a very interesting take on travelling to another country with a number of really great questions: http://expatliv.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-world-through-expat-eyes.html.

It seems that the two favoured of my blog posts I wrote this past week were the following: November is National Novel Writing Month with a hit of 11 comments, followed by my Thursday' post, Me? Professional Blogger? And You? - not a surprise there with 10 comments and My Blogging Voice followed as a close second. Speaking of surprise, I was about the lack of enthusiasm for my Post-Halloween Photos... post which garnered only nine responses.

What post would you most favour of mine this past week, and why? The feedback is good for me to learn to improve my writing and/or blog!

Thank you again to all of you who read my posts and especially those who commented on my posts this past week.