Moody Monday's : Back For More Fun

tlpoague

It's me again! Back from a long summer of craziness. I am still working on my book. What started out as a bit of a face-lift has turned into a major re-write. But...I just couldn't stay away any longer from my online family and friends.
To begin, I want to thank everyone for their support. A writer wouldn't be much of a writer if it wasn't for their readers and fans.
I would also like to state that I'm not sure how many posts I can post in a week, but I plan on continuing with Moody Monday's. It seem to be the one day a week I could set a goal and make it.
This summer has been a crazy one between the writing, crafting, and time spent with family.
I have been doing research to improve my stories and found some really interesting literature and videos that I plan on sharing at a later date. I guess you could say that it was one of the benefits of taking a sabbatical because I don't think I would have bothered looking a few of these topics up.
As for the family...we have had a few ups and downs. We have come to rely on our faith in God, and sense of humor, when we were given the news that our dad is dealing with congestive heart failure and our mother was diagnosed with cancer.
The humor part kicked in when my oldest brother mentioned that he didn't trust doctors. He wanted a second opinion and then fell off his horse, breaking his collar bone and fracturing a few ribs. (The rumor was he was going to teach his son the proper way to ride. It became a "what not to do" moment.) By no means were we laughing at the accident. It was his attitude towards doctors and the timing of the accident. He had hung up with mom only minutes before.
I think the highlight of this last week was the time I spent teaching my sister-in-law how to sew her first quilt. We now know just enough to get ourselves in trouble.
In closing, I would like to say that I am thankful for the time I have spent with my family. I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given to develop my skills. I feel bless to have such a wonderful group of family, friends, and online writers.
I wish you all the best as you enjoy your Monday.

Moody Monday's: Having Faith

tlpoague

It's Monday again! That day of the week that is often dreaded. A time to shake of the weekend slumber/fun and head back to the work place.

It is a day that often starts out on the wrong foot. A day where nothing seems to go right. A day that finds most in a slump of negativity. 

So, how does one get past that slump?

I could list a series of ideas but I can't speak for anyone but myself. Each of us deal with life differently. For myself, I seek the Lord. 

It may not be the answer for everyone..but it works for me.

I have been in a slump these last few weeks. I feel the clutches of negativity and stress digging its claws in.  I have tried to face it with humor. I have tried to overcome it with projects. I have tried writing about it. I have been tempted a time or two to post about it. But in the end, none of these methods have worked...until I prayed about it.

God has helped me along the way.

With God:

I have been able to face my fears of success/failure. 

I have set goals and felt the exhilaration of making them. 

I have learned that procrastinating only gets you so far before you have to do something.  

I have learned the path is much easier when trusting God to guide the way.

I have been flipping a coin as to continuing my writing online. I have many irons in the fire that make it difficult to find the time to mingle with everyone I have meet. I love the writing family that has surrounded me and supported me. I am grateful to be a part of it. I don't want to give it up...but, in the same sense...I'm not sure this is the direction I should go. I will continue to pray about. For now, this will be my last post.

I will continue to keep in contact as time allows. 

I will think of you all often. 

I will cherish the time we had together swapping stories, laughs, and support. 

I will always be grateful for the friendships.

I feel blessed with the opportunity to meet and correspond with all of you. 

If in the future you want to chat, just drop me a line on FB or email.

I thank you all for everything you have done to help me to grow as a writer. I wish you all well in your adventures.

Hugs,

tlpoague    

Welcome to Moody Monday

tlpoague

Welcome to the first Moody Monday Blog.
Are you having one of those days where you want to crawl back in bed and start the day over? Would you like to share your thoughts and feelings about it? Drift on over. You have come to the right place. I welcome you to Moody Monday.
Moody Monday was created as a way to express joys or vent the heart out. You can share any emotion that pulls your strings. (I will try to have the tissues ready if you need one. Laughs are life's best prescriptions.)
Just to give a brief description for those that would like to join the fun...there are no rules or commitments. Time is precious for a writer. Sometimes it is hard to commit to a new project. The only thing that I ask is to leave a comment to let others know you are here and a link to your Moody Monday. (Feel free to use the photo of Moody Monday. Just add the caption tlpoague) That way we can spread the love.
Grab yourself a cup and let's get this party started!

photo by momster

My mood today that I would like to share is CHAOS! I know, I know, chaos really isn't a mood but I feel like my mind is spinning enough to give myself whiplash. My emotions are like a roller coaster stuck in overdrive.
Organized chaos can only begin to skim the surface of what I am feeling, as I try to prep to get this blog ready. Excitement bubbled over starting something new. That quickly drifted to fear of screwing up. I was plagued with doubt. I did screw up trying to figure out the codes for my links. (I am by no means computer tech savvy.) My chest hurt as a panic attack threatened to freeze me in concern. (What made me think I was capable of pulling this off?)
"Take a deep breath..." I told myself as I saw spots form before my eyes.
What is the worst thing that can happen?
Focus. Focus again. There...that wasn't so bad. I made it. I have wrote my first blog on this step to an amazing adventure.
No worries that it will fail. If anything it is one more step to freedom as a writer. No more doubt. No more anguish. Only the outcome of something good.
I am a person. Flaws happen. I know I can get over my Fear of Failure...if only I try.

tlpoague 2014

Hello Silly Sunday! March 30, 2014

Photo by tlpoague

Good morning blogging world! Welcome back ! Drag up a chair, fill your cup, and welcome to my box of craziness. It is a fabulous day here with the sun shining and a whopping 70 degrees. I think we finally found Spring. 

Just a quick note, this will be my last Silly Sunday I will be posting. My writing schedule is looking to change this next month. Please bare with me as I sort out the details.

I will be starting a Moody Monday for anyone whom may be interested. Just send me a shout out if you would like to join. There are no rules and no commitment. I am working on getting a link inserted into my blog so you can link yours. I'll be beginning tomorrow. I think it will be a great way to share some joy or just vent your heart out.

I had an interesting phone call the other day. I called my mom for a change to check in and pick her brain for ideas. (I have had a crazy week of mixing up my days and nights that I feel fried my last brain cell. Of course, in my case, that doesn't take much.)

We started our little chat playing catch up with the family. She told me about the weather where she is, while I shared with her Pie's and Bean's latest adventures. (My week was pretty dull next to theirs.) Pie was at work one day when a cockroach decided to pay her a visit. He made his dramatic announcement by landing on her head as she was sorting statements. (I would have loved to been a fly on the wall to see that one.) Bean had to do some Redneck repairs to her kitchen sink. She had to conduct a massive blow out to a clogged drain. (I'm glad I wasn't there for that one. I hear the smell was awful!)

This conversation somehow led to April Fool's Day coming up. (Do you have your list of April Fool's gags ready?) I couldn't help but share about my famous Road Kill Jerky prank I wrote about. Mom said the best one she pulled was convincing one of my siblings to check their blinker fluid. (You know you are out of blinker fluid when the blinker doesn't turn on.)

Soon we were laughing as we discussed how this younger generation hasn't a clue about old fashion terms or items...such as...

What is a mothball?

Moth balls are toxic white balls that deter certain bugs from haunting your house. (My mother had asked a clerk this one day while shopping. When the clerk asked what a moth ball was...mom's reply simply was...if you don't know what one is, chances are you don't carry them.)

What is oleo?

Oleo is an old fashion term used back in the grandparent's day for butter. (One of my siblings thought this was a type of cookie.)

What is lard?

Lard is animal fat that has been rendered down to a solid substance similar to shortening. (My sister had fun trying to explain this one to a store clerk.)

The most priceless one that had me roaring was...

What is elbow grease?

I have lost count how many children have fallen for this one. (Myself included!) I was cackling with laughter watching a cousin search under every sink in the house and household product for elbow grease. When she finally exhausted herself, she stated, “I think we are out of elbow grease. I can't find any anywhere. (Her poor mother could hardly keep a straight face as she explained that elbow grease came from how hard you used your arm to scrub a spot. I thought my cousin was going to have a fit.)

As our conversation wound to an end, I told mom that Bean had pulled a good one on her boys. She told them to be careful how they acted, otherwise they would reap what they sow with their actions. One of them told her, he couldn't reap anything because he didn't know how to sew.

Ahh, look at the time. Well, I suppose I should pretend to get some work done. I thought about getting a pass to the gym, then I realized. Free exercise...clean house!

So, in closing, I would like to mention again that if you are interested in joining the Moody Monday, just let me know. (gabbyone72@hotmail.com) I will do my best to get you linked in. (Unless I can get that nasty button to work for me, then you can just add your link.)

Y'all have a good one and see ya Monday.

tlpoague 2014

Everything Susan

If you would like to read other Silly on Sundays, check out Everything Susan and RealHousewife.

What Are You Thankful For This Week?

Photo by tlpoague

It is time again to reflect on this weeks things of thankfulness. What are you thankful for this week? For myself, it was a week of dropping the ball again. I have been late meeting my writing goals but I am thankful that I didn't give up. It guess in this case it was “better late than never”. Why would I be so grateful?

  In the past, when I became discouraged because I couldn't complete a project, I would give up. That one inch of giving up would turn to two, and two to three, until before I knew it weeks had passed before I gave it a shot again. This week I told myself I couldn't give up. Not yet. Not before I found my limits.

I also did something that in the past I wouldn't dream of doing. I began to connect with a group of writers that I have been following for years on HubPages. I am thankful for a chance to get to know them better. I am also thankful for the encouragement I received on my own writing.

  I am thankful that I was bless by God with a sense of humor and a gift to tell a story. For when the time came, I was thankful that I could help a friend with a dose of laughter. It didn't seem like much for me but I know it made a difference to them. (Anytime you need another laugh...look me up. I had a blast.)

My newest grandson
Photo by tlpoague

I am thankful that my grandson was given a clean bill of health on his checkup. It is amazing to see how fast these little tykes grow. I am still questioning where the time went. It doesn't seem possible that he is three weeks old now.

  I am thankful for the patient and loving husband I have. He has done a lot to keep me grounded this week. He gave me encouragement when I needed it. He reminded me why I had chosen a path I did, when I began to revert to my old ways. I may have made his life miserable this week, so I am extremely grateful he loves me and all my flaws.

  Most of all I am grateful for my faith. I know I mention it quite often. It is something that fills my heart to share. I realize not everyone may want to hear it, or believe the same as I do, and that is okay. To be true to myself is to acknowledge that God has worked wonders in my life. I have received many answered prayers again this week. One of them came in the form of a friend that feels the same as myself. If it hadn't of been for that conversation, I may never had taken the time to read my first writings on sharing that faith. I am thankful for that chat.

  If you have something your are thankful for and want to share. Please feel free to do so. Come and join the group TToT sponsored by Considerings. I will see you all again, hopefully before Silly Sunday. If not, come join in the fun with Everything Susan's Silly On Sunday and RealHousewife.

Considerings

Take care and be well my friends and readers.  

tlpoague 2014

Silly Sunday-March 2, 2014

Can you see that doggy in the snow drift...arf, arf,
photo by tlpoague

Good morning! Welcome, welcome, come on in and have a spot of tea, or a cup of your favorite java. I even have hot chocolate to give ya a shot of sugar to warm your veins. It's a cold one out there!

How's the weather in your area? It is so cold here, I fear my rear has become permanently attached to this chair. My poor bundle of fluff could barely made it to the edge of the porch to do her business. She was back in a flash before I could shut the door.

Please forgive my stumbling of words. My brain is still trying to thaw. Who knows what may fumble out before I've had a chance to process it.

Did you see that picture of the Smurf baby touring the net? Ya know...the one that looked like he had poo'd a cake? I thought the poor kid was on a rampage cuz someone was going to steal his baby crack. That's a lot of sugar for a small fry. Goodness, that reminds me of when we celebrated my grandson's 1^st birthday. He wouldn't touch his cake. I guess he thought it might bite him back.

That cavity search on the toilet my nephew performed went well. They were able to extract out the plastic culprit with minor difficulties. I'm still wrapping my noggin around how Zee thought it would fit down the pipe. Kids these days...

Y'all remember Big Nam? Well, he informed me, the other day, that he doesn't like his online name. He was even less happier when he found out how his grandson came up with it. Goodness, he was fuming so bad he wouldn't talk to me for a bit. I don't know why...it wasn't like I was talking bad about him or something. I was making him a legend for the youngsters in our clan. Anyway, I decided to use his ol' nickname from back in the day...Slim. We'll see how mad he gets this go around. Quirks and all, I think he's priceless. I sure love my dad. He will always be a legend in my eyes.

I finally figured out why some people think writers are a bit strange. Maybe even a wee bit crazy. It's cuz of all them voices beggin to get out for their turn on the paper. I was told it's called imagination, but I guess some don't see it the same way. Maybe we aren't suppose to talk to ourselves while writin 'em down.

Not too long ago, I had me a character flaunting before my eyes that I couldn't of dreamed up if I tried. I watched as he cautiously removed himself from his Lincoln. He was stooped over with a cane so crooked I pondered how it kept him erect. The ol' chap was wearin a pair of white sneakers, tube socks—I only know this cuz his cream colored, corduroy, pants was riding up clean past his belly-button—a cream colored, stripped, button-up shirt, and glasses so thick...you'd thought they'd been borrowed from a pop bottle. At least he'd matched. But, it was his hair that caught my attention in the first place. Looked like a comb-over copy of Donald Trump...only this gent's hair was cloud white. I'm tellin ya, I could hear them voices chatterin up a storm, beggin to be this character in a story.

Oh my, this calls for more coffee. Y'all need a refill?

I gave myself a nice surprise the other night. So busy writing, I wasn't paying no mind to what I was doin. I wadded up the open of my empty bag of chips. Gave it a nice slap on the bottom...for some crazed reason only my mind could fathom...and poof. Guess that bag of chips wasn't empty after all. Once them crumbs settled, I had blanketed my keyboard. So, I did the first thing that came to mind. I flipped that keyboard over and gave it a good shakin. Them boys must have multiplied cuz I had me a pile that covered my lap, chair, and the floor. Even my innocent dog, snoozing at my feet, was victimized. She ran to the other room, pausin long enough to glare at me. In all my years of being married, I have never heard such a snort come from Mr. P.. He was laughing so hard he choked on his coffee. My mess wasn't nearly as bad as his. At least mine was dry.

Well, I suppose I better quit flappin my jaws and pretend to get somethin done. I'll see y'all on the next go around.

Take care!

I have recently joined the SOS group, (Silly on Sunday's) with Everything Susan and RealHousewife. If you are interested in sharing your silly stories, you can link up here... Silly on Sunday's with Everything Susan.

Everything Susan

tlpoague 2014