Smorgasbord Saturday: 4th Week of NaBloPoMo

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

Below is a review of my posts this past week which were a potpourri of topics - from blog titles to a social media challenge, to a different perspective on an inspired poem to my future blog, and TV and non-fiction bloggers: such a mishmash as usual! ;)

Monday's post, Favourite Headline/Blog Post Title? featured some of my favourite blog titles as I can't only choose one! Considering some of the comments I received, I think my readers and I were on the same page about that! ;) Check out some of these titles at http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/favourite-headlineblog-post-title.html

Tuesday's post, NaBloPoMo Social Media Challenge was an idea to revolve social media on the theme of kindness: http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/nablopomo-social-media-challenge.html

Wednesday's post was entitled A New Angle on 'You' or is that 'Me?' ;) Yes, a wink is a part of the title and I love how this blog site now can understand or rather take my wink and possibly - sometimes? - heart-shaped symbols! Woohoo! ;) This post was a different take, a reverse, a mirror image of my inspired poem that came to me a number of years ago: http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/a-new-angle-on-you-or-is-that-me.html

Thursday's post, Forecasting my Foggy Bloggy Future was an aim at predicting my future behaviour regarding blogging. I think I would need to look into a crystal ball to determine what fate lies ahead! ;) Read http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/forecasting-my-foggy-bloggy-future.html for some ideals that I have in mind. ;)

Friday's post TV and Non-fiction Bloggers is a take on being a cast member for a TV show, and possibly on bloggers who write non-fiction like I do! ;) OK, well I wanted to tie the latter in somehow! ;) See http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/tv-and-non-fiction-bloggers.html featuring some attractive men! ;)

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

What post would you most favour of mine this past week, and why?

P.S. Blogging friends, you may be interested in my post tomorrow ...

Smorgasbord Saturday: 3rd Week of NaBloPoMo

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

Below is a review of my posts this past week which were a potpourri of topics - from controversial kindness from strangers to being (naturally) funny - not! - to helping feed a child in India for one year and writing a book to favourite appliacnes.

Posts of the Controversial Kind! posted on Monday, November 17 answered the prompt question: "What is the most controversial thing you've ever written on your blog? What compelled you to write it?" - http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/posts-of-controversial-kind.html. Self-explanatory!

From the Kindness of Strangers on Tuesday, November 18th was a blog that began from, "Tell us about one time that you benefitted from the kindness of strangers." I loved this theme as I had three stories to share, though two were of me being a recipient of kindness. Can you get what the other one was? ;)

Wednesday, November 19th’s post was my idea of merging two blog prompts into one: I barely mentioned one only to go into another, thus the title: NaBloPoMo Prompt to Feed a Child: Universal Children's Day ;) - http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/nablopomo-prompt-to-feed-child.html

The original prompt was actually as follows: "Are you the funny one in most groups? What kinds of things do you find funniest?" In one line: No, I tend to be serious, quiet, and contemplative generally; however, I do love to tease and have fun (though I have to feel comfortable/safe in order to do that). ;)

Books inside Me? on Thursday, November 20th was in answer to, "Do you have a book in you? Fact or fiction? Related to your blog or totally different?" (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/books-inside-me.html)

Appliances: My Favourite?! http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/appliance-my-favourite.html was written from this prompt, "What is the one appliance you can't live without?" Otherwise, if I wasn’t so lazy/tired that day, I might have blogged about something else! ;)

What post would you most favour of mine this past week, and why?

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

Soulful Sunday: Favourite 2nd NaBloPoMo Weekly Posts - Mine and Yours

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

It seems that my post entitled the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month
was favoured this past week with some interesting dialogue initially fuelled by my question:
http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-11th-hour-of-11th-day-of-11th-month.html

Another post that brought up some interesting dialogue - forced kindness vs. spontaneous acts of kindness - that followed a few comments behind was my post on Thursday. Envy AND Kindness: What a Combo! was my attempt at writing on two prompts, one on something I admired about other bloggers, and also on the theme of World Kindness Day (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/envy-and-kindness-what-combo.html).

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

...now, it's my turn to salute some blog posts that I've particularly enjoyed this past week.

I enjoyed reading Mary Burris' post, Sir Duke on Stevie Wonder with some surprising facts about him that I didn't know about. Check out http://jinglejanglejungle.blogspot.ca/2014/11/nov-13-2014-sir-duke.html.

Similarly, Francene Stanley's post, The Cost of a King's Desire, http://511580395457358476.weebly.com/blog/the-cost-of-a-kings-desire had some rather startling news about King Henry VIII in how he changed the course of Christianity.

SanchLivingLife's tribute to her parents on 30 Letter Series: Dear Parents was endearing - http://www.livingmyimperfectlife.com/dear-parents/.

Speaking of parents, Meena Menon's post on A Father's Gift is a lovely tribute to her father and I think men who are like him as well. Read http://meenasspace.blogspot.in/2014/11/a-fathers-gift.html) to find out why.

Sanch again with A Fairy Tale about her real life story fictionalized that may give some women hope: http://www.livingmyimperfectlife.com/a-fairy-tale/.

Shailaja Vishwanath's post, Anything you want- #FridayFictioneers was an unusual twist on a gift of a dream destination (http://shailajav.wordpress.com/2014/11/13/anything-you-want-fridayfictioneers/).

On a more fun note, Whatta Blunderful Day by Rajlakshmi H Boruah on exercising was amusing and made me laugh. http://destinychildosheen.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/whatta-blunderful-day.html

Cat Graham's post on Mannequins was also a fun and unsuspecting read: http://cattitudeandgratitude.blogspot.ca/2014/11/mannequins.html

Did you get a chance to read any of these posts? And did you find them as enjoyable as I did? Have a great blogging and/or reading week!

Smorgasbord Saturday: 2nd Week of NaBloPoMo

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

Monday’s post on Knowledge and Skills was interesting due to the wording of the prompt that day: "What knowledge do you have that others don't? Write a "how to" post about anything you've got skills for, small or large." I actually had a challenge answering that question, even though responses to my post were overwhelmingly in favour of me having tons of experience; perspective is a funny thing. Read more about it at http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/knowledge-and-skills.html.

Tuesday’s post on The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month was my attempt at paying tribute, albeit a small one, to Remembrance Day. However, I actually think I answered the question incorrectly! - "If you could permanently get rid of one worry, what would it be?" What do you think: did I answer okay? - http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-11th-hour-of-11th-day-of-11th-month.html

Wednesday’s post on Writer’s Block: Not! was in answer to the prompt, "Have you ever had extended writer's block? How long did it last? What did you do to break out of it, and do you have tips for other bloggers?" which appeared as if I had it, but I hadn’t. Find out why at http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/writers-block-not.html and let me know what you think.

Thursday’s post on Envy AND Kindness: What a Combo! was my aim at combining two prompts in one! One writing prompt from NaBloPoMo on a skill I admired in bloggers, "What is the one skill you see in other bloggers that you wish you had?" and World Kindness Day from Write Tribe Bloggers -
http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/envy-and-kindness-what-combo.html

Friday’s post on Aging Gracefully or Not: That is the Question! was an interesting theme from "Do you enjoy growing old or do you fight against it?" Perhaps because of the way I was feeling that day, for some reason or other, I only (managed to) focus on the negatives, hmmm... (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/aging-gracefully-or-not-that-is-question.html)

What post would you most favour of mine this past week, and why?

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

Smorgasbord Saturday: 1st Week of NaBloPoMo

Photo: Roberto Kaplan

This past week I started NaBloPoMo (short for National Blog Posting Month) on the first day of this month which was a Saturday, with a post on my new 100% vegan runners. It was National Vegan Month after all! ;) Entitled My New Runners are 100% Vegan! (I Kid You Not!) it featured my bright fuschia running shoes: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/my-new-runners-are-vegan-i-kid-you-not.html.

Sunday brought Post Halloween Photos... with the purposeful marching dots in the title in the hopes of enticing readers - hahahaha (witch's cackle) - to read the post of one of my favourite days, at least in terms of "dressing up!" (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/post-halloween-photos.html)

Monday's post should technically have been or could have been Saturday's post, November is National Novel Writing Month which is challenge to write a first draft of a novel within 30 days: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/november-is-national-novel-writing-month.html

Tuesday's post, Writing when Emotional? Not! spoke about a few matters relating to writing when emotional or not, and writer's block (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/writing-when-emotional-not.html).

I actually didn't think I had a blogging voice per se on Wednesday's post, My Blogging Voice http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/my-blogging-voice.html with a 'cheeky' picture to boot! ;) You blessed readers assured that I indeed did have a voice and a unique one at that! Thanks for your feedback! :)

Thursday's post initially was untitled as I was struggling with it, http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/todays-post-is-nablopomo-prompt-with.html, contemplating what would be most appropriate; sometimes I get titles intuitively, but not that day! I ended up with Me? Professional Blogger? And You? - you can let me know of a better one along the same lines if you wish - which spoke about the difference between a professional blogger and a hobbyist one. Me: definitely the latter, though who knows, that could change one day...never say "never!" ;)

Friday brought forth Vacation Spot: Not with some countries I have no interest whatsoever to explore and others I do as I am curious about them for different reasons which I mention, http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/11/vacation-spot-not.html.

Thank you to all my wonderful robust readers, faithful followers, and courageous commenters! Love you all!

P.S. Blogging friends, you may be interested in my post tomorrow ...

I am linking this to NaBloPoMo and Write Tribe Bloggers.

Soulful Sunday: Fave Posts - Mine and Yours

Photo I took of smarties (candies): see the heart-shaped one? ;)

It seems that the top favourite post of 'mine' was....drum roll please...

"No, I do NOT Speak Indian!" by my guest blogger and friend, Vinodini Iyer! Woohoo! It's no wonder as her writing is brilliant. With replies from both myself and Vinodini to the people who commented, it added up to a lot of comments. And it seemed a bit heated. It made for an interesting post, just with the responses themselves! ;) So thank you Vinodini Iyer for provoking controversial discussion.

Here is a video entitled, "I M Indian" - thanks to Corinne Rodriges - that perfectly illustrates the point Vinodini was attempting to make in her guest post, though I do suggest you read that as well.

Post by Manisha Chaubal-Menon.

I have met quite a number of other brilliant Indian writers through my blogging challenges. They amaze me with their language and some of the words they use. Their writing is so captivating! I find quite a number of them who have twisted storylines. Please understand that this is a compliment. You all surprise me with your superb writing...yes, that includes some of you male bloggers too: Anmol Rawat, Shashank Tiwari or Shanx, etc. (I don't have your names memorized yet, though actually I have with a number of Indian bloggers which rather amazes me. Must be my chanting in Sanskrit! ;))

The second most favourite post was World Gratitude Day: Part 2 (#MicroblogMonday) inspired by the writing of another blogger, Nabanita Dhar - thanks again dear! The post featured remarks that were uplifting, positive, joyful, and well happy, just like the song! I highly recommend listening to the video at http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/world-gratitude-day-part-2.html. ;)

Though the In Honour of National Tree Day post didn't receive as many replies, it did however bring forth rather unusual and intriguing ones. For that in and of itself is worth a read! (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/in-honour-of-national-tree-day.html)

My own writing favourites were World Gratitude Day: Part 2 because I love that song: Read the post! (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/world-gratitude-day-part-2.html) ;) Also, though I loved receiving two awards that I wrote about last Friday, it was fun to figure out what I wanted to write about in terms of 17 points about myself.

And some of my favourite posts that I read this past week:

Shailaja Vishwanath wrote a brilliant piece that I just love as sometimes it can be a challenge to always be happy. It reminded me of a poem I "should" have written when upset about an incident that I experienced this past week. The phrase, "Plastic Voices, Plastic Faces" came to mind and I knew intuitively that that was the title of a poem (the one I should have written)! Maybe I will, later. ;) See http://shailajav.wordpress.com/2014/09/27/unreasonable-amwriting/.

I loved Nabanita Dhar's theory on gratitude which inspired my post early in the week (see above). Check our her blog at http://nabanita-blacknwhite.blogspot.in/2014/09/a-theory-and-some-gratitude.html#.VB-37ldGiQE.

Judy Yaron's posts usually make me laugh. These two are guaranteed to do the same for you: http://www.cutthecrapsolutions.com/#!Actually-I-wanted-to-write-about-SEX-/clxq/B71C3993-506C-40C7-949C-3DE4BAD7127B as well as http://www.cutthecrapsolutions.com/#!I-used-to-be-a-maleperson/clxq/D50DE852-4FDC-4505-8DDD-C1933E83AEF8.

What post would you most favour of mine this past week (other than Vinodini's which we know you all love)? And why? (The feedback is good for me to learn to improve my writing and/or blog!) ;)

World Gratitude Day (Part 1): Fave Posts of Mine and Others

It seems that the two favoured of my blog posts I wrote this past week were the video on Frolicking Fun Friday: Painting with Fire Part 2, though Talented Thursday: Walkie-talkie You! brought in a lot of "Oh no. That's me" type of remarks. I wasn't judging anyone, only sharing information, educating others if you will.

However, I also received some rather creative captions for my picture that I posted on Wordless Wednesday: Caption Wanted. I was rather surprised and somewhat disappointed that the Michael Jackson impersonator didn't garner more views and/or comments in Tantalizing Tuesday: Child MJ Impersonator. (By the way, if anyone finds the video from 'China's Got Talent' with Canadian subtitles, please DO let me know so I can post it!) One of my shortest posts this week, "100 Words: Write to Change the World" brought more comments than I expected.

What post(s) would you most favour of mine this past week (Monday to Friday)? And why?

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In terms of other blog posts I read this past week which were many, these are a few that I really liked:

Usha (as in Usha Menon) whose name I love as well as her nickname 'eccentricgrandmum' posted Haiku and Humour which I found quite amusing! :) (http://eccentricgrandmum.blogspot.ca/2014/09/carpe-diem-ghot-writer-27-haiku-and.html

Penny McDaniel again wrote a lovely post, Bee Here Now. I appreciated the creativity and colourfulness of the words and images: (http://pennymcdaniel.com/bee-here-now/#comment-1471)

Has there ever been a Mrs. B in Your Life? by Judy Yaron as she shares story with wit and humour: a delightful read (http://www.cutthecrapsolutions.com/#!Has-there-ever-been-a-Mrs-B-in-your-life/clxq/450AA109-FAC8-46DB-BED7-1419661EAA9B).

I could say this one is in a league of its own: The Creep by Vinodini Iyer as her posts are, well, read them and you'll find out! ;) (http://vinodinii.blogspot.in/2014/09/the-creep.html)

Other posts of a serious and courageous kind were Francene Stanley's - can't seem to find it - and Amy Bovaird's Climbing Mountains: My Passion - Pursuing a “Can Do” Mindset (http://amybovaird.com/pursuing-a-can-do-mindset/), the latter about her dogged determination to climb a mountain no matter what, that is, with a lack of night vision!

As today is World Gratitude Day, what are you most grateful for? For me today: blogging community of friends around the world! :)

Soulful Sunday: Favourite Weekly Posts - Mine and Others!

Photo by Roberto Kaplan

It seems that the two favoured of my blog posts I wrote this past week were the following: my Tuesday posting about the Supermoon (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/tantalizing-tuesday-supermoon-no-5-in.html) which garnered some interesting commentary as well as the last in a series on Robin William's death (http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/part-3-aftermath-of-brilliant-comics.html), the latter on the stigma of mental illness and how I overcome it.

Friday's post, "LOA: Suicide, Homicide, and Me," was somewhat unusual in that I reversed Thursday's and Friday's posts and also I had forgotten to ask a question on both days. I did so later. Thus, the remarks on Friday's post reflected around my courage for telling my tale online (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/part-3-suicide-prevention-week.html).

Was I justified initially in feeling upset and angry about not receiving comments hours after posting? This in response to my raw exposure of my soul and in observation that some fiction writers received lots of replies on their themes of suicide? That is, they didn't pour their heart out like me, leaving it raw, open, exposed, and vulnerable. However, I later realized that it was Friday night, the start of a weekend here and a Saturday on the side of the globe. Maybe that was the reason?!

All but one of my postings this past week ended up being on the topic of suicide. And I read some great posts too, though I didn't have as much time nor record them with an exceptionally busy week:

Vinodini Iyer’s scintillating writing on the theme of 'darkness' –
http://vinodinii.blogspot.ca/2014/09/the-power-of-black.html. Her blog post inspired me to want to write on that about the circles under my eyes - LOL - which could be a due to a lack of sleep and/or allergies. ;)

Penny McDaniel’s post on water which sounded so poetic. I wished she had written poetry instead to counter the photos she posted (http://pennymcdaniel.com/lessons-we-can-learn-from-water/#comment-1435).

What post would you most favour of mine this past week, Monday to Friday? And why?

Smorgasbord Saturday: 2nd Week of Ultra Blog Challenge

Photo I took of an artistically swirled latte

After this week, especially yesterday's post, I feel like I could use a break - a cup of coffee (espresso-type) drink or rather, a BIG cup of soothing Earl Grey Tea please!

This week was rather interesting with me discovering that it was World Suicide Prevention Day which I never heard of before. The following is a really great and simple, easy-to-read site with some startling facts and stats: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Suicide_Prevention_Day. This year the theme was "One World." Suicide Prevention Week was also this week.

My posts were as follows: Here’s a recap of my week’s posts starting with Monday, September 8th:

I had originally intended to title this post as "Mental Health Monday..." but it would have been too long a title and it was long enough already. I felt and wanted it to be part of this series that I had started after the death of Robin Williams, a beloved American actor and comedian.

Instead, the post became "Part 3: Aftermath of a Brilliant Comic’s Death: Funnyman AKA Robin Williams" which was about the stigma of mental illness. I know and have known a number of people with mental health issues, primarily depression, but also PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), bipolar disorder, etc. They are still people, still humans, just like you and I!

Me and my love of the moon and stars at night prompted my second(?) posting on the sensational Supermoon, "Tantalizing Tuesday: Supermoon No. 5 in 2014" where I – with that beautiful photo I wish I took – wrote about the relationship to the Law of Attraction (LOA) which was another theme of mine this week in part, as well as a phenomena known as the "observer effect" which thrilled me when I first read it a few years ago.

My original "Word-less" Wednesday was transformed to "World Suicide Prevention Day & Suicide Prevention Week" as I had just discovered that they were the themes for that day and the week. I was astounded by some of the mind-blowing stats, sad to hear.

This with a photo I took which I absolutely love – the same is hanging at my workplace for now - touched ever so slightly on the three main criteria for suicide, then onto a brief story about my life on one of the factors, followed by a brief mention of two potential lifesaving supports (though one may not be apparent generally under certain circumstances).

I changed Thursday’s post title to "Self-Love: Suicide Prevention". This post was actually meant to be part 3 with Friday’s post as Part 2; however, I switched them around for some reason though can't recall now. (I'm sure I had a good reason though.) I spoke about why I wanted to die most of my life, until a certain point.

Friday’s post and title was changed as well. Instead of Part 3, I changed it to LOA: - short for Law of Attraction - Suicide, Homicide, and Me. This posting was relatively easy to write physically, but I was surprised, shocked even, that I still had emotion come up at the end after I posted it. I thought I had forgiven, dealt with the situation, and moved on with a clean slate. After all, it happened years ago!

I realized I didn’t add questions to Thursday's and Friday's Part 2 and 3 so added those before I post this one!

Again, thank you to my robust readers, faithful followers, and courageous commenters! Love you all! :) <3 (There may be better words to describe my readers and commenters, but that's what came to my mind immediately and I can't seem to think of any others. If you have better descriptors, let me know and I may consider changing it!) ;)

Soulful Sunday: Favourite Weekly Posts

"Inspired Elly" photo taken by Roberto Kaplan

Again, as Kathy Hadley suggested in an email about the Ultra Blog Challenge, I am recapping with my favourite post and the posting that was most commented on this past week.

My post on "Frolicking Fun Friday: Painting with Fire" would have been my favourite if I was able to download (or upload?) the videos. Since that was unsuccessful, I would say my favourite post this past week is a tie:

"Word-less" Wednesday was not only easy to post as it was such a short posting, but it also can require some creative thinking on the part of the reader.

My tied favourite was "Talented Thursday: Blogging AND...?!" as it featured a fun and potential interactive video, and an animated photo that depicts me perfectly: LOL. ;)

However, my blog post that came with the most comments this past week (that was meant for Monday) was not surprising a commentary about mental health, featuring in part Robin Williams who committed suicide about a month ago. A touchy, sensitive yet important topic.

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

Smorgasbord Saturday: 1st Week of Ultra Blog Challenge

As per Kathy Hadley's email suggestion about Ultra Blog Challenge postings, I have come up with some of my own versions of themes for the day. They may change slightly per week and/or per per month; however, my intent is to post shorter blogs as much as possible:

(1) I understand how much time and effort it can take to read and/or comment on blogs (2) how much time and effort for me to read and/or research, write, download information/images/videos, and post blog postings (3) I prefer to be outside on especially nice days such as the bright sunny one today, and (4) have a life other than blogging, though don't get me wrong, I do enjoy it!

So here is a recap of my weeks posts (if I am interpreting this correctly):

Amusingly, I started the Ultra Blog Challenge on the wrong foot (though apparently not the only one), when I wrote about "Another Ultimate Blog Challenge" only to realize, though similar in name, it is slightly different. ;) I wrote about why I reconsidered another month of daily blogging and why perhaps you may choose to too!: http://www.xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/an-ultra-blog-challenge.html

I met five new people that day - thank you for your comments - two whom I had met prior via the Ultimate Blog Challenge! ;)

And Tuesday, thinking it was Monday after a long weekend, was originally going to be "Mental Health Monday" as a theme in lieu of somewhere where I read 'health' was the theme for this month. I entitled it, "Part 2: Aftermath of a Brilliant Comic’s Death: Funnyman Robin Williams": http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/part-2-aftermath-of-brilliant-comics.html. It is a slightly longer post (though not too long) with some facts about mental health and a fun-filled video featuring Bobby McFerrin and Robin Williams, the late beloved actor and comedian.

"Word-less" - a word I created (as I love inventing words) - Wednesday displays a photo I took last year with a very brief post, my shortest in fact: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/word-less-wednesday.htmlNo comments that day, thus far! ;)

On Thursday, the theme was "Talented Thursday" and I changed the title to end with, "Blogging AND...?!" which you will understand when you read it: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/talented-thursday-blogging-and.html. This was from my perspective as a blogger who is a singleton.

Last but not least, for "Frolicking Fun Friday: Painting with Fire," I wrote about something entertaining that I thought you might enjoy, albeit I couldn't seem to download the videos my friend took: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2014/09/frolicking-fun-friday-painting-with-fire.html

"Smorgasbord Saturday" is named as I am recapping my posts that span a variety of subjects.

Thank you to my robust readers, faithful followers, and courageous commenters! Love you all! :) <3 (There may be better words to describe my readers and commenters, but that's what came to my mind immediately and I can't seem to think of any others. If you have better descriptors, let me know and I may consider changing it!) ;)