THE TAG GAME

There's this absolutely insane and funny lady, she goes by the name LILY and if you are not in her reader's list, then you're damned for life,(I swear!) who TAGGED me.  And here I am, stepping up to the challenge and making a go for it! Why not?  It makes Blog Whoring completely legit.

The aim of this is:

To unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavor to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again.

The rules are:

•  The blogger is nominated to take part.
• The blogger publishes his/her 7 links on their blog, 1 link for each category. 

1.  Your most beautiful post.

2. Your most popular post. 

3. Your most controversial post.

4. Your most helpful post.

5. A post whose success surprised you.

6. A post you feel didn't get the attention it deserved

7  The post you are most proud of.

• The blogger then nominates up to 5 more blogs to take part.
• These bloggers publish their 7 links and nominate 5 more bloggers and on it goes...

Of course I would prefer to say, read 'em all!  However, that is violating the mechanics. So I guess in the spirit of conformity, I will go with the following:


My most beautiful post because I said so: Life and What Ifs  Because I wrote it at a time when my heart was doing the talking.


My most popular post (and whose success surprised me!): Black Swan: Dark and Disturbingly Beautiful I thought I would try make a movie critique and it turned out to have the highest readership!  I probably can look at an alternative career.  


My most controversial post: When Is Nudity Art or Porn Mainly because I created a stir in some of the comments I received and the number of views I received from far flung countries assuming I have posted kinky, nude portraits.  Shame on you!


My most helpful post: Understanding Men Simply because this Post is totally spot on!


My surprisingly successful post: Bloated Self-Image: Generation ME I was technically bitching, but got good feedback.  Maybe I should be bitching more often.


My "I wish You Read It" (Didn't Get The Attention It Deserved) post: Choosing The Path of Least Resistance I wrote and captured an intimate moment with my Dad and I have somehow also touched a soul from several air-miles away.

And instead of a Post, I have a TAB I am most proud of: My Art Gallery these are my paintings and my handiwork.  If I am not proud of it, who would, so I am!


And in turn, I tag the following Blog Whore nominees:


A fellow Blog Whore: DRONE
This guy's gift of poetry rocks: RIVERCAT
This lady's life story and Blog posts will keep you as a constant stalker: KIMBERLY MARIE
Versatile and very interesting young lady: STEPHANIE
A great friend, an awesome writer and soon to be a published author.  If you have not discovered her yet, it's about time you did: JUST ME

Once again, my many thanks to the proud mother of the Li'l Man, Lily, you totally rock!

A TAG AND AN AWARD

Just when I was beginning to think that perhaps Blogging is not worth doing but a reckless time waster, here I am again.  
I have been given another award, albeit I am a tad late in terms of extending my gratitude, I reckon it is never, ever too late to say two of the most gracious words in the English dictionary:  THANK YOU. My sincerest gratitude to Marie of The Colour of Our Skin for having included my Blog amongst those she has found inspiring.

The Award is aptly designed as a butterfly; symbolizing change, transformation, metamorphosis.  When given to you, you must NOT return it to me, it is intended to fly away and touch another Blogger.
I will be listing my own selection of BUTTERFLY Inspirational Blog Awards.
There are a couple of TAG questions that you may or may not decide to use, but it would totally delightful if you will.


EIGHT EASY TAG QUESTIONS:

1. What makes you laugh, smile or giggle? My kids laughing and playing.
2. What are your dreams for your future? Travel around Europe and Africa
3. If you are to go to a cruise, where would it be and why? I've done a couple of cruises, so I will pass on this one.  I used to work for a Cruise Liner.
4. How would you spend your vacation time and with whom? I would love to go to Greece with my daughter.
5. If given a chance, what life would you choose? Your life now or your past? I will always choose my life now.  I believe that today is called a "present" because it is.
6. Is there something that you wished before when you were young but you didn’t get it? I wanted to be a surgeon.  I thought then, that it would take a lifetime of studying.  But guess what, I am a lifetime student of human behaviour and life.
7. Have you been in a situation where you might have given up but still you chose to move on? Yes, pretty much the story of my life.  But since this would require a series of chapters, I will leave my answer to a YES.
8. Is their someone in your life who has been your source of strength and inspiration? My father.  He is my first love.

And now to my List of Inspirational Blog Awards.  I am proud to be able to become part of their Followers:

1. Andrea: Life is a Science Experiment
2. Amber: Chronicles of Amber
3. Dirty Cow Girl: Left Alone with A Full Moon
4. Jamie: It's a Gay Life
5. Lily: The Incoherent Ramblings of A Single Parent
6. Violet: Gratuitous Violet's Blob

In so many different ways, these Bloggers' hearts, words, wit and own uniqueness have touched me.  They have given my Blog Life in the internet-verse a totally different meaning.  

And for my Inspirational Blog List: You have all shared and bared your souls in your respective Blogs and you have become one of my habits I refuse to give up on. I hope you can chance upon this Post and know how much your Blogs are appreciated.

I am also sharing a song that I find of great inspiration for people faced with the challenge of change and moving on.  

Here's Ross Copperman's HOLDING ON, LETTING GO:

International Blog Day 2011

I have decided to participate in the International Blog Day for 2011 Celebration.
This event is sponsored by NuffNang, a Blog Advertising community viewed by 8 million people around the world daily.
The mechanics are simple enough to participate in. International Blog Day 2011

"On Blog Day, bloggers will post a recommendation of 6 new blogs, and this way, everyone will find themselves discovering new, previously unknown blogs thanks to the viral effect of social media."

As a token of my appreciation to my fellow Bloggers, I have taken the liberty of recommending six (6) Blogs that I follow and enjoy reading, constantly for different reasons. Each Blog I chose is distinctly different and unique. 
There are other great Blogs that I follow that I have grown most fond of, mainly for the intimacy of what is shared and the candour of the Blog author. Albeit some of them maybe a bit too personal and private that I would rather not dare cross the boundaries of what their preferences are, without seeking their permission to be subject to global scrutiny.
So I chose carefully, and safe, with what can be classified as Rated GP. General Patronage.


First, The Colour of Our Skin, Marie Harmony.  A great woman from Dublin, Ireland.  Her heart reaches out through her words as she shares her life's journey in varying roles that we, as women take on.  She is awesome and inspiring and never fails to grip your soul. Marie also has a Photo-Journal Blog and a Poetry Blog.


Second, My Inner Chick, Kim.  Kim is a woman Blogger with clear sense of purpose.  She breathes and lives for a Cause. Paramount among her causes is a personal experience when her entire family suffered the loss of her sister, murdered by her husband.  Classic victim of wife battery and abuse.  She is also a mother, a cook, a daughter and owns a lot of funny bones in her body.  Perhaps she will strike you as a Fashion Blogger.  But she is way beyond that.


Third, My Milk Toof, Inhae Renee Lee is young lady artist of Korean descent who studied in California Institute of the Arts and Ecole' Nationale Superiuere des Beaux-Arts in Paris whose talent and gift just blows me away.  She is a resident of Berkeley, and has also authored several children's books. If you check out her site, I promise, you will be in love with the two teef.


Fourth, The Book of Drachma, Tim.  Well if you have not chanced upon this writer/Blogger, then you are missing a lot!  He is a medical physician from Oklahoma and is a couple of moons away from publishing his novel, The Book of Drachma. You will be completely immersed in this medical fantasy and I dare you resist the urge of buying his book once it hits the book stores.  I am in an enviable position to have read the original manuscripts!  He hosts two Blogs, one of which is a Photography Journal.


Fifth, Hyperthetically, Leroy, is from Denver and contrary to his belief, is a real-life genius!  He is a computer artist, a scientist, a creative thinker, among others, but above all, a very great writer and poet.  He hosts three (3) Blogs, the other two are called Amorphous Trapezoid and Games Conceived.  I may have failed to mention, he also dabbles in inventing games. He would have made the perfect partner to Einstein had they been born on the same period.


Sixth, Hill Blocks View, Flip.  He may sound completely demented but he is absolutely hilarious! He writes with a punch and guarantees to give you a belly ache or gas when you read his posts. In real life, Flip would probably blow up your water pipes if you intend to tap his services and you live somewhere in New Mexico.


I could go on and on, but I was asked to choose only six.  I would have loved to include several more but since most of them have an Adult Warning, I decided to follow the popular rules, rather than my customary non-conformist and deviant behaviour.
I sincerely hope you guys get the international accolade you all deserve!  Cheers!

Things That Make You Go ... Aww ... Award

I welcomed this week in a most contemplative mood.  Perhaps my meeting up with a friend from some years back that I have not seen for aeons affected me in a rather deep way I didn't know it would.  She has MS, or better known as a brain lesion that causes Multiple Sclerosis.  Whilst she has oral medications, they always rule out any other form of treatment, after all, it is still unclear where this disease comes from or whether it can be reversed.  She is not easy to look at, even a little painful for me. I prefer to remember her robust figure, the flushed pink cheeks always with a ready smile and the crackling laughter. I can't help think why these things happen to very good and decent people.  Albeit, when you hear her talk about her disease, she sounds more grateful than most of my healthy friends about her life and where she is at the moment.  Her eyes however uneven now and half blind, still twinkles.
Just when every single colour that I see seem to fade and my melancholia was seeping into my bones, I get a soul-touching and heart-warming surprise from Marie, The Colour of our Skin. (I have seen a lot of posts at The Coffee Shop on Blogs that are must-read, Marie's Blog is one of them.)  Marie gave me this award and I just feel so loved and blessed.  Thank you so much Marie!

I don't think there are any attendant rules, but her Post indicated I say 7 Things About Me and pass this award to other Bloggers of Note (based on my own standards this time, booyah!)
I don't really have a lot to say considering that I have done those Questionnaire Type of Getting To Know Me thingy, perhaps I should give this a little tweak. 

What are the Seven (7) things That Make Me Go Aww ....:

1. A baby's breath (both the infant and the flowers)
2. A surprise love note or gesture
3. A still night full of stars they look like the crowded subway
4. A lovely bottle of Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon shared with a great friend
5. A beautiful sunrise and a romantic sunset
6. My cat purring as we nozzle together
7. Soft kisses and warm hugs

And now for my own Bloggers of Note who deserve this

STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD:

(most of these are the new ones since all of my friends on here are in the Hall of Fame)

Stella Collector of My Humble Collections

Adult Student of Adult Student Travails

Pixie of Life thoughts!

TheSingleMom of the Single Mom Chronicles

Violet of the Gratuitous Violet's Blob

Note to my Awardees:  

No obligations.  I just want you to breathe in and take this award as my appreciation for the multitude of emotions your Blog brings to my experience as a Follower and Reader. And for that please accept my token of gratitude.

Butterfly Award

I would like to say upfront, this is a NO OBLIGATIONS award.
But I got this affirmation from Marie and it would be a bloody shame if I would not acknowledge it and publicly express my gratitude. 
Marie's Blog is here. Colour of Our Skin
If you still have not subscribed to Follow Her, you are missing a lot, IMHO.
Thank you Marie.  There is no substitute for being publicly recognized for something that you love to do.  Besides, I truly love Butterflies for what it is known for, metaphorically.
Something About Me:
Whilst I am in the business of understanding people, sometimes I think I fail miserably in avoiding the trap of wearing my heart on my sleeves.  I am too transparent.  I am unable to successfully, at all times, keep my emotions in check.  Even if I do try to look unaffected, my eyes and facial expressions are a tell-all.  So in the middle of some heavy disclosure, I work really, really hard at keeping myself from tearing up.  I am such a cry-baby.  My father's army teaching on this never really worked.  Well not with me.  He says "tears" are waste of energy.  I rationalize by saying, tears clean my eyes.
I would like to give a shout-out to all other Butterflies out there, with the hope they will find this recognition as meaningful as I did.
My Butterfly Award List:

Andrea Healing Journey

Jamie It's a Gay's Life

Just Me Just My Stories

LifeLyrics28 Life, Love and the Pusrusit of ...

Stephanie Pandora

TwoBeansOrNotTwoBeans French Bean

I always read these Blogs.  They are of different types.  But they are all too human and all caring writers.  Simple thoughts and words.  Nothing fanciful or over the top.  Just great individuals and writing their thoughts down in different ways.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.  I consider finding their Blogs one of life's little blessings.

I wish you peace and love, in all your days.

Because I Can (Awards Galore)

So I got me another sweet surprise from my friend Kimberly Marie.  You will find her here, and if you haven't followed her, that's such a damn shame.

http://timoslt.blogspot.com/

It is another award which I have diligently included in my Awards Gallery that you can find here:

http://coffeeandsmokeschat.blogspot.com/p/awards-gallery-battlescars-and-stripes.html

And for my "What's With?" Blog, you can find my Badges on the Sidebar that I also diligently update.

I reckon I would love to give a couple of my own, dovetailing from Kim's lead albeit I thought of giving some other type of awards to my own list of Blogs of Note.  There are no obligations to this, I just want to, so I will.

First off, the Blogs I read that provide a consummate source of insight and encouragement, I am honoured to give the INSPIRATIONAL BLOGGER AWARD to:

• MARIE, The Colour of our Skin at http://thecolorofourskin-ourjourney.blogspot.com/
• KIM, MY INNER CHICK at http://myinnerchick.com/
• NADYA, The Journey Keeper at http://www.journey-keeper.com/

Marie, Kim and Nadya:  you should keep writing.  Your Blogs illuminate and elevates people souls.

Secondly, for people whose Poetry touches even the most cynical and jaded of hearts, I am honoured to give the PROUDLY POETIC AWARD to:

• RIVERCAT, Crying With A Sense of Human at http://fellowshipofbirds.blogspot.com/
• DIABLESSE, Hi How Can I help Me? at http://letmehelpme.blogspot.com/

They have the gift of weaving words that touches your core.

Third, for a unique collection of arts, photographs and layout that are all well thought of and appealing, I am honoured to give the BEST VISUAL BLOG AWARD to:

• KRISTEN, Confessions of a Graphic Design Student at http://graphicdesignconfessions.blogspot.com/

Fourth, for the Blog fearless writers who don't give a rodent's ass what anybody thinks of what they want to write about and they will, and are very good at it, I am honoured to give the BRAVE BLOGGER AWARD to:

• DIRTYCOWGIRL, Left Alone with A Full Moon at http://dirtycowgirl.blogspot.com/
• The DEMENTED DUCHESS, The Demented Duchess at http://thedementedduchess.blogspot.com/
• BETTER INDIVIDUAL, Ramblings of a Better Individual at http://betterindividual.blogspot.com/
• TRICKIE, Stories You Can't Resist at http://patricia-abrazosybesos.blogspot.com/
• SMandL, The Absurd Hamlet at http://theabsurdhamlet.blogspot.com/

Fifth, for writing a merry mix of survival stories for women, generously sharing their wit, insights and experiences to fit all sizes and needs. I am honoured to give the LADY'S CHOICE BLOG AWARD to:

• AMBER, Chronicles of Amber at http://scrappinamber.blogspot.com/
• KIMBERLY MARIE, This Is Me or something Like That, plus at http://timoslt.blogspot.com/

And just because they are totally awesome women I met in this Blog-land, I am honoured to give the GIRLFRIEND BLOGGER AWARD to:

• Just Me, because I truly believe our spirits have met in previous lifetimes. @http://justmylittlestory.blogspot.com/
• Dirty Cow Girl, because she is the evil twin sister I wished for and never got; http://dirtycowgirl.blogspot.com/

I want to dedicate this Post to all these wonderful people whose talents and personal life stories they chose to generously share in the Internet universe; and for the lives they have touched, albeit unknowingly.  Cheers!  

I will consider your acceptance of these awards as a lovely birthday treat to myself.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT, A FRIENDSHIP AWARD

6 March 2011

It is the season of Awards.  The Grammy, the Golden Globe, the Oscars and if you haven't been online for a week, you still wouldn't miss the proliferation of awards moving around the Blogger's virtual community.

Above the din, however, I received something that is way different (this is not to discount all the other awards).  Jezebel gave me a Friendship Award.  A friendship award requires very simple terms, give it out to a Blog friend that has been helpful to you in some way.  It could have been a word of encouragement, a virtual hug, inspiration on totally "blah"  days, a technical help when you get your cables and wires mixed up, or anything that may have stood out and is seen as an act done by true friends.

Albeit similarly there are rules to abide and a pass-around Award Poster, I have decided to do this my own way (since I think this is a little bit of a personal choice), but I will follow certain steps that I think are attendant to recognizing a friend.

First off, I would like to thank my giver:  

Dear Jezebel - My heartfelt thanks and whilst we may be miles apart, I am absolutely thrilled that our paths have crossed.  Thank you immensely.

Secondly, let me tell you three (3) things about Jezebel.

• Besides being able to play a variety of musical instruments, this lady loves to sing.  Proof is, she is in a band.
• She loves green veggies - broccoli, spinach, peas and can practically survive her entire lifetime feeding only on beef jerky (not bad!) and Taco Bell.
• And she is bisexual.  Now this one is pretty intimate so if you want deets, go talk to her yourself, okay?

Third, pass this off to people you believe touched your life in the Blog Kingdom, and you consider as a true friend.  Give them a poster to show off that you chose them.  

Note:  The original rule says Pass to 7 people, and if you get an award 7 times from 7 people, you have to contact 7ladybugz@gmail.com because you get something special.  So I guess I am not getting that.

I chose to design my own Friendship Award poster and personalize it.  To begin with, since this is my Friendship Award, I want to give them something that will remind them of me.  Now as the rule goes, you may choose to adopt my mechanics or re-invent the whole thing.  This is a free world.  But I would suggest you keep the spirit of friendship moving around.  It  is worth your time.  And if I chose you, may I request my friends to post this poster on your Blog or your Awards Page.

1. Just Me 99 - Just My Stories.  JM99 and I are old souls.  And I truly believe even in previous lifetimes, we have been good friends.
2. Legacy 2000 - I have only been Blogging actively for a little more than a month.  "Legs", I owe you big time for your vote of support for newbies like me.  You helped me through my first week of grappling at edges of strings in the Coffee Shop.  And whilst it may be strange to you, your work inspires me.
3. Capricious Retch - it took me awhile to put together Anthony Geist and you.  Thank you for being one of my first followers.  Thank you for being a friend.
4. Kimberly Marie - You have helped me and a lot more.  You're an angel.  Thank you for always lending out a hand.
5. Biohazard - You suggested I go back to painting and even post my work.  I did. I tuned this passion out of my life for awhile, but now that I am starting again, I have never felt better.  Thank you.
6. DirtyCowGirl - Because you rock.  And had it been another lifetime, you would have been the sister I never had.

Please accept this award because it means a lot to me and I hope it does to you too.

If you feel like passing on the original 7ladybugz Friendship Award design, here it is:

A Stylish Blogger Award? Awww Shucks!

5 March 2011
A Stylish Blogger Award --- woot woot for me!!!

I received two awards from my awesome fellow Bloggers:


Capricious Retch - the same guy who rants and rambles about his past loves, his music and his passion somewhere from the Midwest (Omaha to be specific), but you'll find him here nonetheless:  http://getcurrent.blogspot.com/

And from Jezebel, a true artist, musician, graphic designer, writer among others.  Somewhere in the Boonies of North Carolina, this lady shoots and writes from the hip.  WIth some wee bit of quirkiness that makes all artists endearing, you must check her out:  http://jezebelmoon.blogspot.com/

Not that I want to be short changing you guys, but since I got these Awards for both Blogs I maintain, you will actually see this post twice.  (naughty grin), here where we have some fresh brewed coffee, chit chat and all,  plus here:  http://psychobabblingbasher2.blogspot.com/;  where I rant about things that give me a pain in the arse.


I am extremely grateful for the recognition. 
Here's what needs to be done to keep the award:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award, and link to them.

2. List 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass the award on to 15 newly discovered bloggers that you think deserve it.

4. Contact them, and tell them about the award.


And in keeping up with the tradition of the Academy (snicker, snicker), here are 7 more things about me:

1. I am a very hyperactive kid, having said this, I have broken my left and right elbows, dislocated my left patella (knee cap), fractured both my left and right ankles, fractured my right middle finger and ring finger (volleyball) and all these because I played soccer, volleyball and basketball; and when I am not playing, I was in the Pep Squad (cheer leading).
2. I am an "extravert", (said so in my Myers Briggs Profile) so I tend to talk whilst I think.  Gets me in trouble more often than not.  But I made a career out of listening.
3. Growing up, my parents thought, it would be worthwhile to keep me interested as well in quiet activities, which worked.  I love to read, write and paint and dabble in photography.  I actually took a Certificate Course for this to quiet me down.
4. I do watercolour painting, but have only had one exhibit.  I only have 3 pieces of the 24 original pieces I made.  Unfortunately, I gave it to friends and did not earn a single cent.
5. I am a hybrid, born from a Filipina mother, and an American-Spanish father.
6. I thought I would like to be a Doctor, so I studied B.S. in Biology for my undergraduate.  Thinking that it just takes too long for payback time (and I wanted to be independent), I shifted to Psychology and pursued a Master's Degree in Clinical Counselling Psychology.
7. Despite my education, I spent only 3 years in the actual practice dealing with children with autism.  My heart was too weak for this, so I went to the corporate world to practice Industrial Psychology only to find out, there are more cuckoos in the private multi-national companies and they make good money in spite of their insanity and dysfunction.

I am asked to award 15.  I think otherwise.   (I also love to deviate and non-conform), so I will list the Blogs that I believe deserve this affirmation and recognition:

• Alicia.  My lovely wingman.  A beautiful person who will soon be a novelist.  Yay! You will know her more when you check out her life, her experiences @ http://aliciatoday-alicia.blogspot.com/
• The name is Dean, and he is adorably spooky.  You will love his art @ http://weespookeezdesign.blogspot.com/
• Dead-Girl : rocker, poet and digital artist.  Rock on! Dead Wrong Blog @.http://dead-wrong.blogspot.com/
• You want Style, this lady has it.  Xia-xia @ http://girlfriendsarelikeshoes.blogspot.com/
• Rachel.  She's just looking for the "happily ever after" just like the rest of us. @ http://lets-run-away-together.blogspot.com/
• Jessica.  A success story, (weight loss) and who is the author of Forever Miss Vanity; it's all good and it's a little bit of fashion and style @ http://forevermissvanity.blogspot.com/

Alicia, Dean, Dead-Girl, Xia-Xia, Rachel and Jessica, you totally rock and I am honored to give you the Stylish Blogger award.